Exploring Gunnera tinctoria: From Nutritional and Anti-Tumoral Properties to Phytosome Development Following Structural Arrangement Based on Molecular Docking

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Fathi, F (Author) Other; Ebrahimi, SN (Author) Other; Valadao, AIG (Author) Other; Andrade, N (Author) Other; Costa, ASG (Author) Other; Silva, C (Author) Other; Fathi, A (Author) Other; Salehi, P (Author) Other; Martel, F (Author) FMUP; Alves, RC (Author) Other; Beatriz B P P Oliveira (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Molecules

Vol. 21 No. 7

Final page: 5935

ISSN: 1420-3049

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-H92

DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195935

Abstract (EN): Gunnera tinctoria, an underexplored invasive plant found in Azores, Portugal, was studied regarding its nutritional, antioxidant, and antitumoral properties. Higher antioxidant activity was found in baby leaves, followed by adult leaves and inflorescences. A phenolic fraction of the plant was enriched using adsorbent resin column chromatography (Diaion(TM) HP20LX, and Relite EXA90). Antitumoral effects were observed with the enriched fractions in breast (MCF-7) and pancreatic (AsPC-1) cancer cell lines, being more pronounced in the latter. To improve protection and membrane absorption rates of phenolic compounds, nano-phytosomes and cholesterol-conjugated phytosomes coated with natural polymers were loaded with the enriched fraction. The particles were characterized, and their physiochemical properties were evaluated and compared. All samples presented anionic charge and nanometer size in relation to the inner layer and micrometer size regarding the external layers. In addition, the molecular arrangement of phenolics within both types of phytosomes were studied for the first time by molecular docking. Polarity and molecular size were key factors on the molecular arrangement of the lipid bilayer. In conclusion, G. tinctoria showed to be an interesting source of nutrients and phenolic compounds with anti-tumoral potential. Moreover, phytosome loading with these compounds can increase their stability and bioavailability having in view future applications.</p>

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 27