Hydroalcoholic extract of Haematoxylum brasiletto protects Caenorhabditis elegans from cadmium-induced toxicity

Abstract

Background H. brasiletto is used in popular culture due to its therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties, although little is known about its role as a protector against metal toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract from H. brasiletto (HAE-Hbrasiletto) collected in northern Colombia to defend against cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity. Methods Phytochemical characterization was performed using HPLC-ESI-QTOF. Caenorhabditis elegans was employed to assess the shielding effect of HAE-Hbrasiletto against Cd toxicity in vivo, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was utilized to measure radical scavenging activity. Results The main secondary metabolites identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF in the extracts were hematoxylins (brazilein and hematein) and protosappanins (protosappanin A, B and C, 10-O-methylprotosappanin B, and protosappanin A dimethyl acetal). The HAE-Hbrasiletto elicited low lethality in N2 worms and significantly reduced the Cd-induced death of the nematodes. It also improved Cd-induced motility inhibition, as well as body length and reproduction reduction provoked by the heavy metal. The extract displayed a good capacity to halt Cd-induced DAF-16 translocation. As this last process was associated with lethality (r = 0.962, p < 0.01), the antioxidant properties of the extract may contribute to ameliorating tissue damage induced by oxidative stress from Cd exposure. Conclusion HAE-Hbrasiletto has remarkable properties to protect against Cd-induced toxicity.

Toxicity of Three Optical Brighteners: Potential Pharmacological Targets and Effects on Caenorhabditis elegans

“…After 24 h of exposure to different OB concentrations at 20 °C, the nematodes in stage L4 (10 ± 2 for treatment) were transferred to a plate with agar and scored for the number of body bends in 20 s, considering the individual number of forward sinusoidal movements. All experiments detailed above were carried out three times, with three replicates per treatment [ 47 ].…”

“…Age-synchronized N2 (L4 stage) were exposed to the different treatment concentrations for 24 h. Subsequently, five worms from each treatment were placed in a Petri dish containing only food and allowed to deposit embryos. Egg counting was carried out once laying started every day for 72 h at 20 °C [ 47 ].…”

Mapping Protein Targets of Carnosol, a Molecule Identified in Rosmarinus officinalis: In Silico Docking Studies and Network Pharmacology

“…The leaves of R. officinallis were purchased at the local market in Cartagena, Colombia. The leaves extract was obtained according to a previously reported methodology [19]. Leaves of R. officinallis were freeze-dried, crushed, and the powder (50 g) was mixed (1:10, w/v) with 70% ethanol in water for 24 h at room temperature under The antitumor activity of this molecule has been attributed to its ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell cycle division, and other molecular mechanisms that modulate biochemical processes associated with proliferation [16].…”

“…The leaves of R. officinallis were purchased at the local market in Cartagena, Colombia. The leaves extract was obtained according to a previously reported methodology [19]. Leaves of R. officinallis were freeze-dried, crushed, and the powder (50 g) was mixed (1:10, w/v) with 70% ethanol in water for 24 h at room temperature under darkness.…”

“…Peak annotations were performed using the METLIN (metlin.scripps.edu, accessed on 15 January 2021) metabolite databases with a mass error of less than 5 ppm and manual dereplication. Compound identification was based on the exact masses and MS/MS spectra comparisons of the target compounds [19].…”