Papers by Gabriela Feresin

Microorganisms
Background: Hippeastrum species have a wide range of biological properties. In Argentina, this ge... more Background: Hippeastrum species have a wide range of biological properties. In Argentina, this genus comprises ten widely distributed species. Purpose: To evaluate the antiparasitic and anticholinesterase activities and chemical profiles of seven Argentinean Hippeastrum species and determine the synergism between the major isolated alkaloid—montanine—and benznidazole in anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity. Methods: The antiparasitic activity was evaluated through antiproliferative and viability assays against T. cruzi epimastigotes. Synergism assays were performed using the Chou–Talalay method. AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities were also assessed. The alkaloid composition was obtained using GC-MS analysis. Results: All extracts showed strong growth inhibition of T. cruzi epimastigote proliferation. The extracts from H. aglaiae, H. aulicum, and H. hybrid stand out for their potent and total growth inhibition, which was comparable to benznidazole. The H. reticulatum extract showed stro...

Metabolites, 2021
Chronic high-fat diet consumption induces hypercholesterolemia. The effect of Tessaria absinthioi... more Chronic high-fat diet consumption induces hypercholesterolemia. The effect of Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae) was studied on the levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and triglycerides, and on the expression of liver X receptors (LXRs) in a hypercholesterolemic model. Adult male rats received a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD; normal diet + bovine fat + cholesterol). After 14 days, rats received water (W) or a decoction of the aerial parts of T. absinthioides (Ta; 10% w/v) for 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Four and six weeks of Ta improved the levels of TC and HDL-c in HFD. After 6 weeks of Ta, the expression of LXRs in HFD was the same as that in ND in both tissues. The Ta chemical profile was studied with an ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography Orbitrap MS analysis (UHPLC–PDA–OT-MS/MS). Fifty-one compounds were identified, of which twelve are reported for the first time. Among these compounds, caffeoylquinic acid ...

Nanomaterials, 2020
Pathogenic bacteria have the ability to develop antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Their action co... more Pathogenic bacteria have the ability to develop antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Their action consists mainly in the production of bacterial enzymes that inactivate antibiotics or the appearance of modifications that prevent the arrival of the drug at the target point or the alteration of the target point itself, becoming a growing problem for health systems. Chitosan–gold nanoparticles (Cs-AuNPs) have been shown as effective bactericidal materials avoiding damage to human cells. In this work, Cs-AuNPs were synthesized using chitosan as the reducing agent, and a systematic analysis of the influence of the synthesis parameters on the size and zeta potential of the Cs-AuNPs and their UV-vis spectra was carried out. We used a simulation model to characterize the interaction of chitosan with bacterial membranes, using a symmetric charged bilayer and two different chitosan models with different degrees of the chitosan amine protonation as a function of pH, with the aim to elucidate the ...

Molecules, 2021
Plants in the Amaryllidaceae family synthesize a diversity of bioactive alkaloids. Some of these ... more Plants in the Amaryllidaceae family synthesize a diversity of bioactive alkaloids. Some of these plant species are not abundant and have a low natural multiplication rate. The aims of this work were the alkaloids analysis of a Habranthus cardenasianus bulbs extract, the evaluation of its inhibitory activity against cholinesterases, and to test several propagation strategies for biomass production. Eleven compounds were characterized by GC-MS in the alkaloid extract, which showed a relatively high proportion of tazettine. The known alkaloids tazettine, haemanthamine, and the epimer mixture haemanthidine/6-epi-haemanthidine were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods. Inhibitory cholinesterases activity was not detected. Three forms of propagation were performed: bulb propagation from seed, cut-induced bulb division, and micropropagated bulbs. Finally, different imbibition and post-collection times were evaluated in seed germination assays. The best propagation method was cu...

Antioxidants, 2021
This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics and flavonoids cont... more This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics and flavonoids content and the potential antioxidant, antibacterial and nematicidal activities of “yellow-brown resins” from Larrea divaricata Cav (LdRe) and L. nitida Cav (LnRe). Metabolite profiling was obtained using an ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography orbitrap MS analysis (UHPLC-ESI-OT-MS). The antioxidant properties were screened by four methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant activity assay (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (LP). The antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. In addition, the potential combinatory effect was analyzed with the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values using the checkerboard design. The nematicidal activity was carried out according to a standardized protocol. LdRe and Ln...
Molecules, 2020
A library of embelin derivatives has been synthesized through a multicomponent reaction from embe... more A library of embelin derivatives has been synthesized through a multicomponent reaction from embelin (1), aldehydes and privileged structures such as 4-hydroxycoumarin, 4-hydroxy-2H-pyran-2-one and 2-naphthol, in the presence of InCl3 as catalyst. This multicomponent reaction implies Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, intramolecular cyclization and dehydration. Many of the synthesized compounds were active and selective against Gram-positive bacteria, including one important multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolate. It was found how the conjugation of diverse privileged substructure with embelin led to adducts having enhanced antibacterial activities.

Antioxidants, 2020
This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics, and flavonoids con... more This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics, and flavonoids content as well as the potential antioxidant and antibacterial, properties of orange-yellow resin from Zuccagnia punctata Cav (ZpRe). Metabolite profiling was obtained by a ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography orbitrap MS analysis (UHPLC-ESI-OT-MS-MS). The antioxidant properties were screened by four methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant activity assay (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (LP)). The antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) rules. The resin displayed a strong DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 25.72 µg/mL) and showed a percentage of inhibition of LP close to that of the reference compound catechin (70% at 100 µg ZpRe/mL), while a moderated effect was observed in the FRAP and TEAC assays. The resin showed a ...

Antioxidants, 2019
The decoction of Tessaria absinthioides is used in traditional medicine of South America as hypoc... more The decoction of Tessaria absinthioides is used in traditional medicine of South America as hypocholesterolemic, balsamic, and expectorant; but it is also useful for the prevention of hepatitis, renal insufficiency, and diabetes, and is used as digestive. A lyophilized decoction from the aerial parts of this plant (TLD) collected in San Juan (TLDSJ) and Mendoza (TLDM) provinces (Argentina) and one collection from Antofagasta, Chile (TLDCH) were characterized regarding antioxidant and antibacterial activities, phenolics and flavonoids content, and ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography Orbitrap MS analysis UHPLC–PDA–OT-MS/MS metabolite profiling. The antioxidant properties were carried out "in vitro" using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) methods, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and lipoperoxidation in erythrocytes (LP). The antibacterial activity was evaluated following the Clinical and Laboratory Standard...
RSC Advances, 2019
New antifungal agrochemicals, derived from 2-(benzylsulfonyl)benzothiazole were synthesized by an... more New antifungal agrochemicals, derived from 2-(benzylsulfonyl)benzothiazole were synthesized by an environmentally friendly method, using water as reaction medium.

Molecules, 2019
The decoction of the local plant Baccharis grisebachii is used as a digestive, gastroprotective, ... more The decoction of the local plant Baccharis grisebachii is used as a digestive, gastroprotective, external cicatrizing agent and antiseptic in Argentine. A lyophilized decoction (BLD) from the aerial parts of this plant was evaluated regarding its anti-ulcer, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities and the bioactivities were supported by UHPLC-MS metabolome fingerprinting which revealed the presence of several small bioactive compounds. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by DPPH, TEAC, FRAP and lipoperoxidation inhibition in erythrocytes methods, and the antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The BLD showed a moderate free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH (EC50 = 106 µg/mL) and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes assays (67%, at 250 µg/mL). However, the BLD had the highest gastroprotective effect at a dose of 750 mg/kg with a ninety-three percent inhibition of damage through a mechanism that invol...

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), Jan 16, 2018
(Schltdl.) H. Rainer, commonly known as "arachichú&a... more (Schltdl.) H. Rainer, commonly known as "arachichú", "araticú", "aratigú", and "yerba mora", is a plant that grows in Argentina. Infusions and decoctions are used in folk medicine as a gargle against throat pain and for calming toothache; another way to use the plant for these purposes is chewing its leaves. Extracts from bark, flowers, leaves, and fruits from were subjected to antibacterial assays against a panel of Gram (+) and Gram (-) pathogenic bacteria according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols. Extracts from the stem bark and leaves showed moderate activity against the bacteria tested with values between 250⁻1000 µg/mL. Regarding flower extracts, less polar extracts (hexane, dichloromethane) showed very strong antibacterial activity against methicillin-sensitive ATCC 25923 and methicillin-resistant ATCC 43300 with values between 16⁻125 µg/mL. Additionally, hexane extract showed activity against (MIC = 250 µg/mL). The global methanolic extract of the fruits (MeOHGEF) was also active against the three strains mentioned above, with MICs values 250⁻500 µg/mL. Bioassay-guided fractionation of MeOHGEF led to the isolation of a new main compound-()-2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)propan-2-yl ()-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acrylate (). The structure and relative configurations have been determined by means of 1D and 2D NMR techniques, including COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY correlations. Compound 1 showed strong antimicrobial activity against all Gram (+) species tested (MICs = 3.12⁻6.25 µg/mL). In addition, the synthesis and antibacterial activity of some compounds structurally related to compound (including four new compounds) are reported. A SAR study for these compounds was performed based on the results obtained by using molecular calculations.

Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, Jan 15, 2018
In Argentina, the Amaryllidaceae family (59 species) comprises a wide variety of genera, only a f... more In Argentina, the Amaryllidaceae family (59 species) comprises a wide variety of genera, only a few species have been investigated as a potential source of cholinesterases inhibitors to treat Alzheimer disease (AD). To study the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities of the basic dichloromethane extracts (E) from Hieronymiella aurea, H. caletensis, H. clidanthoides, H. marginata, and H. speciosa species, as well as the isolated compounds from these plant extracts. AChE and BChE inhibitory activities were evaluated with the Ellman's spectrophotometric method. The alkaloids composition from the E was obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The E were successively chromatographed on a silica gel column and permeated on Sephadex LH-20 column to afford the main alkaloids identified by means of spectroscopic data. Additionally, an in silico study was carried out. Nine known alkaloids were isolated from the E of five Hierony...

Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, Jan 9, 2017
A series of benzyl-substituted thiobenzoazoles were synthesized by an environmentally friendly ap... more A series of benzyl-substituted thiobenzoazoles were synthesized by an environmentally friendly approach, to search for new antifungal agrochemicals. Compounds were prepared starting from 2-mercaptobenzoazoles, using KOH, benzyl halides, and water, resulting in a simple and ecological method. New antifungals were tested against a group of phytopathogenic fungi. Two compounds showed an interesting activity against Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Aspergillus spp.: 2-((4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)thio)benzo[d]thiazole, 3ac, and 2-((4-methylbenzyl)thio)benzo[d]thiazole, 3al. Thus, 3ac and 3al can be considered as broad spectrum antifungal agents. Furthermore, two new compounds, 2-((4-iodobenzyl)thio)benzo[d]thiazole, 3aj, and 2-(benzylthio)benzo[d]oxazole, 3ba, showed better inhibitory effect against Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum when compared to the commercial fungicide Captan. Thus, 3aj and 3ba can be considered reduced-spectrum antifungals.
The Journal of organic chemistry, Oct 28, 2016
A highly efficient and regioselective approach to new polycyclic embelin derivatives through a do... more A highly efficient and regioselective approach to new polycyclic embelin derivatives through a domino Knoevenagel condensation /intramolecular hetero Diels-Alder reaction using O-(arylpropynyloxy)-salicylaldehydes in the presence of ethylenediamine diacetate (EDDA) is reported. This organocatalyzed protocol is compatible toward a wide range of aryl-substituted alkynyl ethers with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. When other active methylene compounds were subjected to this domino reaction the corresponding adducts were obtained in high yield.

Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2016
In order to searching a potential novel approach to pistachio utilization, the chemical and nutri... more In order to searching a potential novel approach to pistachio utilization, the chemical and nutritional quality of oil and flour from natural, roasted, and salted roasted pistachios from Argentinian cultivars were evaluated. The pistachio oil has high contents of oleic and linoleic acid (53.5-55.3, 29-31.4 relative abundance, respectively), tocopherols (896-916 μg/g oil), carotenoids (48-56 μg/g oil) and chlorophylls (41-70 μg/g oil), being a good source for commercial edible oil production. The processing conditions did not affect significantly the fatty acid and minor composition of pistachio oil samples. The content of total phenolic (TP) and flavonoids (FL) was not significantly modified by the roasting process, whereas free radical scavenging (DPPH radical) and antioxidant power decreased in a 20% approximately. Furthermore, salted roasted pistachio flour (SRPF) showed a significant decrease in TP and FL content in comparison to others samples. The phenolic profile of pistachio flours evaluated by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. The major compounds identified were (+)-catechin (38-65.6 μg/g PF d.w.), gallic acid (23-36 μg/g PF d.w.) and cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (21-23 μg/g PF d.w.). The treatments effects on the phenolics constituents of pistachio flour. Roasting caused a significant reduction of some phenolics, gallic acid and (+)-catechin, and increased others, naringenin and luteolin. Salting and roasting of pistachio increased garlic acid and naringenin content.

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2016
Objectives Many natural antioxidants have poor pharmacokinetic properties that impair their thera... more Objectives Many natural antioxidants have poor pharmacokinetic properties that impair their therapeutic use. For hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) and other phenolic antioxidants, their major drawback is their low lipophilicity and a rapid metabolism. The difluoromethyl group may be considered as a ‘lipophilic hydroxyl' due to its hydrogen bond donor and acceptor properties; this prompted us to assess it as a bioisosteric replacement of a phenolic hydroxyl for increasing the lipophilicity of HCAs. Methods Six difluoromethyl-substituted methyl cinnamates (4a-c, 5a-c) related to caffeic acid were synthesized and their antioxidant activity evaluated by chemical (FRAP, DPPH scavenging, inhibition of β-carotene bleaching, at 1–200 μm), electrochemical (differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry) and cell-based (inhibition of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes, at 1 and 50 μm) assays. Key fndings Analogues 4a-c and 5a-c were inactive in FRAP and DPPH assays and only those containin...
Phytomedicine, 2015
Synergistic mutual potentiation of antifungal activity of Zuccagnia punctata Cav. and Larrea niti... more Synergistic mutual potentiation of antifungal activity of Zuccagnia punctata Cav. and Larrea nitida Cav. extracts in clinical isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 2018
This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service... more This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Chemical composition, antibacterial and repellent activities of Azorella trifurcata, Senecio pogonias, and Senecio oreophyton essential oils.
Molecules, 2010
The effect of psilostachyin, a natural sesquiterpene lactone, on the growth and viability of cult... more The effect of psilostachyin, a natural sesquiterpene lactone, on the growth and viability of cultured epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi (Tulahuen) is reported. The antiproliferative effect was evaluated by counting the parasites in a Neubauer chamber and measuring their viability by using the dye exclusion technique. The effect on parasite growth was irreversible at concentrations higher than 1.0 µg/mL and the addition of glutathione only partially blocked the effect of the compound. Moreover, we have studied the effects of this natural compound on parasite ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, psilostachyin induced ultrastructural alterations on the parasites at a concentration of 0.5 µg/mL, with important mitochondrial swelling and deformity of the kinetoplast.
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Papers by Gabriela Feresin