In Vitro Antiglycation Potential of Erva-Baleeira (Varronia curassavica Jacq.)

Simple Summary Natural products are interesting therapeutic options for the complementary treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and its complications. In this study, the extract of Erva-Baleeira (Varronia curassavica Jacq.) and two substances isolated from its leaves were submitted to assays that simulated possible aggressions caused to proteins due to high amounts of glucose in the blood, typical of diabetes. Our findings suggest that all samples evaluated decreased the generation of reactive species and their damages to proteins, information that is useful to the understanding of the therapeutic properties of this plant species. Background: Varronia curassavica Jacq. (Boraginaceae) is traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory processes. The ethanolic extract of its leaves (EEVc) showed anti-inflammatory properties and low toxicity. Medicinal plants have aroused interest for their antiglycation activities. The formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are associated with several chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antiglycation potential of EEVc and two isolated compounds. Methods: The compounds brickellin and cordialin A were obtained by chromatographic methods and identified by spectrometric techniques. Analysis of fluorescent AGEs, biomarkers of amino acid residue oxidation, protein carbonyl groups and crosslink formation were performed in samples obtained from an in vitro model system of protein glycation with methylglyoxal. Results: EEVc, brickellin and cordialin A significantly reduced the in vitro formation of AGEs, and reduced the damage caused by oxidative damage to the protein. Conclusions: According to the results, EEVc, brickellin and cordialin A are potential candidates against AGEs formation, which opens the way to expand the therapeutic arsenal for many pathologies resulting from glycoxidative stress.

Automated summary

The extract of Erva-Baleeira and two substances isolated from its leaves showed potential therapeutic properties for the complementary treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, by reducing protein damage caused by high blood glucose levels.