Carbohydrate-Binding Mechanism of the Coagulant Lectin from Seeds (cMoL) Is Related to the Dimeric Protein Structure.

This study characterized the binding mechanisms of the lectin cMoL (from Moringa oleifera seeds) to carbohydrates using spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD). The interaction with carbohydrates was studied by evaluating lectin fluorescence emission after titration with glucose or galactose (2.0-11 mM).

The water extract and the lectin WSMoL from the seeds of Moringa oleifera prevent the hypertension onset by decreasing renal oxidative stress.

Maternal endotoxemia disturbs the intrauterine environment, impairs nephrogenesis, and increases the risk of hypertension and kidney disease in adulthood. Here, it was investigated whether maternal treatment with the water extract of Moringa oleifera seeds (WEMoS) or the water-soluble M. oleifera seed lectin (WSMoL) prevents the oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in pregnant rats, and the renal injury and hypertension in the adult offspring.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Acute Oral Toxicity of Saline Extract and Protein-Rich Fraction from Lam. Leaves.

Lam. (horseradish tree) leaves demonstrate high nutritional value, are rich in proteins, and are widely used in folk medicine and food. This study investigated the presence of secondary metabolites and antinutritional proteins in leaf extract (LE) and the protein-rich fraction (PRF) derived from leaves, as well as the cytotoxicity to human cells, hemolytic activity, and in vivo acute toxicity and genotoxicity in mice.

Hydrogels based on galactomannan and κ-carrageenan containing immobilized biomolecules for in vivo thermal-burn wound treatment.

Hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides have demonstrated efficacy in epithelial recovery from cutaneous burn wounds. Here, we prepared a double-network hydrogel consisting of galactomannan (from Cassia grandis seeds) and κ-carrageenan (commercially sourced), cross-linked with CaCl, as a matrix for immobilizing lactoferrin and/or Cramoll, aiming at its applicability as dressings for second-degree burn wounds. The formulations obtained [H - hydrogel, HL - hydrogel + lactoferrin, HC - hydrogel + Cramoll and HLC - hydrogel + lactoferrin + Cramoll] were analyzed rheologically as well as in terms of their stability (pH, color, microbial contamination) for 90 days.

Toxicity and antitumor activity of the water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera Lam. Seeds (WSMoL) in sarcoma 180-bearing mice.

WSMoL, a water-soluble lectin from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, present several biological activities. This work aimed to evaluated the toxicity and antitumor activity of WSMoL. To analyze toxicity, it was determined hematological, biochemical and histological parameters; consumption of water and feed as well as the weight of the animals.

Pomegranate sarcotesta lectin (PgTeL) inhibits planktonic growth and disrupts biofilm formed by Cryptococcus neoformans.

Aims: We investigated the putative fungistatic and fungicidal activities of pomegranate sarcotesta lectin (PgTeL) against Cryptococcus neoformans B3501 (serotype D), specifically the ability of PgTeL to inhibit yeast capsule and biofilm formation in this strain.

Methods And Results: PgTeL showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 172.0 μg ml-1, at which it did not exhibit a fungicidal effect.

Electrochemical Characterization Using Biosensors with the Coagulant Seed Lectin (cMoL).

Triturated seeds have components that adsorb recalcitrant indigo carmine dye. Coagulating proteins known as lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins) have already been purified from the powder of these seeds, in milligram amounts. The coagulant lectin from seeds (cMoL) was characterized by potentiometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using MOFs, or metal-organic frameworks, of [Cu(BTC)(HO)] to immobilize cMoL and construct biosensors.

Fluorescent nanoprobes based on quantum dots conjugated to Cramoll to assess surface carbohydrates of Aeromonas spp.

The association of quantum dots (QDs) to carbohydrate-binding proteins - lectins - has revealed novel biotechnological strategies for glycobiology studies. Herein, carboxyl-coated QDs were conjugated by adsorption to Cramoll, a glucose/mannose lectin obtained from Cratylia mollis seeds. Then, the conjugates were optically characterized and used to evaluate the surface carbohydrate profiles of four Aeromonas species isolated from the tambaqui fish (Colossoma macropomum).

Genus Streptomyces: Recent advances for biotechnological purposes.

Actinomycetes are a distinct group of filamentous bacteria. The Streptomyces genus within this group has been extensively studied over the years, with substantial contributions to society and science. This genus is known for its antimicrobial production, as well as antitumor, biopesticide, and immunomodulatory properties.

The Use of Proteins, Lipids, and Carbohydrates in the Management of Wounds.

Despite the fact that skin has a stronger potential to regenerate than other tissues, wounds have become a serious healthcare issue. Much effort has been focused on developing efficient therapeutical approaches, especially biological ones. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the wound healing process, the classification of wounds, and the particular characteristics of each phase of the repair process.

Evaluation of β-lapachone-methyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex prepared by spray drying and its application against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni in murine model.

Background: β-lapachone (β-lap) is a naphthoquinone widely found in species of vegetables. However, its poor aqueous solubility limits its systemic administration and clinical applications in vivo. To overcome this limitation, several studies have been carried out in order to investigate techniques that can enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of β-lap, such as the use of inclusion complexes with cyclodextrin.

Toxic, cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of plumbagin in the developmental stages of Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818-intermediate host) and cercaricidal activity against the infectious agent of schistosomiasis mansoni.

Background: Snails of the genus Biomphalaria are intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni, the main etiological agent of schistosomiasis mansoni, which affects about 236.6 million people in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The World Health Organization recommends the population control of vector snails as one of the strategies to reduce the prevalence and incidence of schistosomiasis.

Anthelmintic effect of a water soluble Moringa oleifera lectin in rodents experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus.

Allied to the problem of gastrointestinal parasites, especially Haemochus contortus, the use of lectins of plant origin has contributed to the research of alternative anthelmintics. The nematicidal effect of a water soluble Moringa oleifera lectin (WSMoL) was investigated in an experimental model with H. contortus infected Wistar rodents.

Effect of Kurz Leaf Preparations on Embryonic Stages and Adult Snails of (Say, 1818), Cercariae and Toxicity in .

snails constitute the main vector of schistosomiasis in Brazil, and Kurz, the leaves of which contain BmoLL lectin with biocidal action, is a plant widely found on continents in which the disease is endemic. This work describes the composition of preparations and the effect on embryos and adult snails, their reproduction parameters and hemocytes. We also describe the results of a comet assay after exposure to sublethal concentrations of the preparations.

Evaluation of acute toxicity, 28-day repeated dose toxicity, and genotoxicity of Moringa oleifera leaves infusion and powder.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves infusion and powder are widely used by population due the nutritional and medicinal potentials, however data regarding safety of use are still inconclusive, leading to prohibition of this plant in some countries.

Aim Of The Study: The present work investigated the nutritional and phytochemical composition, acute and 28-day repeated dose toxicity, and genotoxicity of M.

and Human Health Disorders: Clinical Approaches.

The genus comprises more than 30 Gram-negative bacterial species and naturally inhabitants from aquatic environments. These microorganisms, commonly regarded as pathogens of fish and several other animals, have been gaining prominence on medical trial due to its ability to colonize and infect human beings. Besides water, are widely spreaded on most varied sources like soil, vegetables, and food; Although its opportunistic nature, they are able to cause infections on immunocompromised or immunocompetent patients.

Toxic, cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of saline extract and fraction of Parkia pendula seeds in the developmental stages of Biomphalaria glabrata (Say 1818 - intermediate host) and cercaricide activity against the infectious agent of schistosomiasis.

This study describes for the first time the effect of saline extract and Parkia pendula seed fraction on Biomphalaria glabrata adult embryos and molluscs well as the reproductive parameters (fecundity and fertility) and survival, in addition to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity through the profile of blood cells after exposure to sublethal concentrations. Furthermore, we analyzed the action of both preparations against the cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni and their environmental safety using the bioindicator Artemia salina. The saline extract and fraction showed toxic effects for embryos (CL of 464.

The Deposition of a Lectin from on the Surface of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Improved the Cell Adhesion, Proliferation, and Osteogenic Activity of Osteoblast-like Cells.

Titanium and its alloys are used as biomaterials for medical and dental applications, due to their mechanical and physical properties. Surface modifications of titanium with bioactive molecules can increase the osseointegration by improving the interface between the bone and implant. In this work, titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiONTs) were functionalized with a lectin from the plasma of the fish aiming to favor the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells, improving its biocompatibility.

Skincare application of medicinal plant polysaccharides - A review.

Polysaccharides are macromolecules with important inherent properties and potential biotechnological applications. These complex carbohydrates exist throughout nature, especially in plants, from which they can be obtained with high yields. Different extraction and purification methods may affect the structure of polysaccharides and, due to the close relationship between structure and function, modify their biological activities.

The Natural Compound Hydrophobic Usnic Acid and Hydrophilic Potassium Usnate Derivative: Applications and Comparisons.

Usnic acid is the best-studied lichen metabolite, presenting several biological activities, such as antibacterial, immunostimulating, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic agents; despite these relevant properties, it is a hydrophobic and toxic molecule. In this context, scientific research has driven the development of innovative alternatives, considering usnic acid as a source of raw material in obtaining new molecules, allowing structural modifications (syntheses) from it. The purpose is to optimize biological activities and toxicity, with less concentration and/or response time.

Free Radicals and Actinobacteria as a Misexplored Goldmine of Antioxidant Compounds.

Free radicals are highly reactive unstable molecules, which can be synthesized in different ways, considered harmful and threatening to humans; these chemical species have free traffic throughout the human body, interacting with biological molecules and human body organ tissues. The interaction between free radicals and biological molecules is the main factor for disease development or pre-existing disease symptoms aggravation. Antioxidants are chemical compounds able to donate electric charge to stabilize molecules such as free radicals.

Sublethal concentrations of usnic acid potassium salt impairs physiological parameters of Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) (Pulmonata: Planorbidae) infected and not infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in many developing countries. The mollusc Biomphalaria glabrata is the most important vector of Schistosoma mansoni in South America. The population control of this vector to prevent the spread of schistosomiasis is currently done with the application of highly toxic molluscicide to the environment.

Water-soluble lectin (WSMoL) from Moringa oleifera seeds treatment recovers glycemic levels and improves left ventricular ejection fraction on Type-2 Diabetes mice model.

Moringa oleifera, a plant widely used in traditional medicine as well as for water purification, contains a lectin on its seeds named WSMoL which modulates several immune characteristics and has shown cardiac safe properties. Here, we tested the hypothesis that WSMoL is able to recover fasting glucose levels and to improve the cardiac left ventricular (LV) function in a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice model. T2DM was induced in adult C57BL/6 mice by combining a high fat diet and low doses of Streptozotocin.

Effects of a solid formulation containing lectin-rich fraction of Moringa oleifera seeds on egg hatching and development of Aedes aegypti larvae.

The measures currently used to minimize the spread of arboviruses, comprising dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus, involve controlling the size of population of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. However, the search for formulations containing new insecticides is gaining pace due to reports of mosquito populations showing resistance to commonly used compounds. In this study, tablets containing a protein fraction of Moringa oleifera seeds enriched in the WSMoL lectin, known to show larvicidal and ovicidal activities against A.

In vitro effects of Moringa oleifera seed lectins on Haemonchus contortus in larval and adult stages.

Haemonchus contortus is a hematophagous parasite causing damage to the production of ruminant animals throughout the world. This study evaluated the in vitro effect of proteins from Moringa oleifera (WSMoL - Water Soluble M. oleifera Lectin and cMoL - coagulant M.