The HIV-1 pandemic affects millions of people worldwide with approximately 70% of those affected residing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) relying on traditional medicines for treatment. The key aim of the study was to isolate and characterise an active phyto-pharmaceutical ingredient (API) from L. trigonus for use as a vaginal microbicide. The aerial parts of L. trigonus were oven-dried at 80°C, ground and then extracted with boiling water for 30 minutes. Aqueous extracts were screened using an HIV-1 neutralization assay in TZM bl cells. Chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were used to purify, isolate and identify the API. The API (BP36-117-26464C) was identified as a polymeric macromolecule with IC50 = 0.04 μg/ml against HIV-1 HXB 2 subtype B. This activity is comparable to the ARV drug, enfuvirtide (IC50 = 0.02 μg/ml). The API consists of galacturonic acid polymer and a mixture of seven compounds. Its mode of action may involve inhibiting virus attachment. The activity of this precipitate (BP36-117-26464C) tested against HIV-1 subtype C pseudovirions and shown to compare favorably with that of enfuvirtide (T20). The water-soluble nature of this API and its mode of action identified it as a potential microbicide. In the current form, the precipitate (API) would be difficult to develop as an oral treatment for HIV, as high-molecular weight agents often have poor bioavailability following oral administration. However, large molecules with potent anti-HIV activity are ideal for topical use and potent development as a microbicide. / Life & Consumer Sciences / M.Sc (Life Sciences)

Traditionally, Sceletium tortuosum has been used as a medicine and for social and spiritual purposes. The genus is distributed in the south-western parts of South Africa. This project phytochemically analysed and characterised Sceletium plant extracts and determined if any extract showed anti-malarial properties. Extracts were prepared in ethanol and methanol and various compounds were purified using column chromatography with hexane and ethyl acetate as mobile phase. The structure of isolated compounds, including mesembrine, pinitol, sucrose, mesembrenone and obtusalin, was confirmed using NMR. The Plasmodium Lactate dehydrogenase assay was used to screen all extracts and mesembrine to show that four extracts showed antimalarial activity with activity values ranging between 1.47 μg/ml and 7.32 μg/ml, well below the 10 μg/ml cut off value. The study recommends extracting compounds from fresh plant material and further research as to anti-malarial activity of compounds isolated from Sceletium tortuosum / Life and Consumer Sciences / M. Sc. (Life Sciences)

Foram isoladas de Piper scutifolium e P. corcovadensis seis amidas, incluindo a piperovatina, piperlonguminina, isopiperlonguminina e corcovadina, duas inéditas (scutifoliamida A e scutifoliamida B), além de duas aristolactamas (piperolactama C e stigmalactama). A partir de P. tuberculatum foram isoladas as amidas piplartina e pelitorina e os ésteres (E)-3,4,5-trimetoxicinamato de etila (11) e 3,4,5- trimetoxidiidrocinamato de etila (12), esse último obtido pela primeira vez de origem natural. Em função da atividade biológica apresentada pelas amidas isoladas, foram sintetizadas 5-fenil-pentadienamidas e 3-cinamamidas com diferentes substituintes nos anéis aromáticos e na porção amídica. Os extratos, produtos naturais isolados e sintéticos foram submetidos a ensaios de atividade antifúngica frente Cladosporium cladosporioides e C. sphaerospermum, antimicrobiana frente à Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis e Cryptococcus neoformans, inibidora de acetilcolinesterase, carrapaticida frente à Boophilus microplus e citotóxica frente a linhagens tumorais humanas. Para a atividade antifúngica contra C. cladosporioides e C. sphaerospermum foi constatada maior atividade para as N-isobutil e N-pentilamidas sem substituintes no anel aromático. As N-isobutilamidas foram mais ativas como inibidores de acetilcolinesterase; contra B. microplus grande atividade foi apresentada por piperovatina, e os ensaios de citotoxicidade indicaram que o grupo 5,6-dihidropiridin- 2(1H)-ona é fundamental para a atividade. As plântulas de P. corcovadensis apresentaram em sua composição predominantemente piperovatina e assim foram utilizadas para estudos com incorporação de acetato de sódio-[1-14C] e L-fenilalanina - [U-14C] na mesma. As plântulas e calos obtidos para P. scutifolium não apresentaram produção significativa de metabólitos secundários. O estudo do metabolismo fenilpropanoídico de P. regnellii resultou no isolamento parcial da enzima responsável pela conversão de conocarpano em eupomatenóide-6. / Six amides were isolated from Piper scutifolium and P. corcovadensis including piperovatine, piperlonguminine, isopiperlonguminine and corcovadine, the new scutifoliamide A and scutifoliamide B and also two aristolactams (piperolactam C and stigmalactam). From P. tuberculatum the amides piplartine and pellitorine and two esters, ethyl (E)-3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate (11) and ethyl 3,4,5- trimethoxydihydrocinnamate (12) were isolated, this last one obtained for the first time from natural sources. Due to the biological activity observed for the natural amides, 5- phenyl-pentadienamides and 3-cinnamamides having different substituents in the aromatic ring and amide moietis were synthesized. Extracts, isolated and synthetic compounds were assayed against Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. sphaerospermum, Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and Cryptococcus neoformans, inhibitory of acetylcholinesterase, against the tick Boophilus microplus and citotoxic against human cell lines. A higher activity was observed against C. cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum for N-isobutylamides and N-pentylamides having no substituents in the aromatic ring. N-isobutylamides were very active inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase; piperovatin was the most active against B. microplus and 5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one moiety was essential as the citotoxicity is concerned. Plantlets of P. corcovadensis contained piperovatine as major compound and thus were used as model for incorporation of sodium acetate-[1-14C] and L-phenylalanine-[U-14C]. The production of secondary metabolites in plantlets and callus of P. scutifolium was not significant. The studies of phenylpropanoid metabolism in P. regnellii was addressed to partial purification and characterization of the enzyme involved in the conversion of conocarpan to eupomatenoid-6.

Extratos vegetais glicólicos são amplamente utilizados em formulações cosméticas devido às várias atividades clínicas atribuídas aos mesmos. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo selecionar os seis extratos comerciais glicólicos não padronizados com maiores teores de polifenóis e flavonoides totais e com maior atividade antioxidante dentre doze extratos [açaí (Euterpe oleracea), acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), castanha da Índia (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), chá verde (Camellia sinensis), erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil), framboesa (Rubus idaeus L.), ginco (Ginkgo biloba L.), menta (Mentha piperita L.), morango (Fragaria vesca L.), própolis, romã (Punica granatum L.) e uva (Vitis vinifera L.)] para realização de Estudo da Estabilidade e avaliação in vitro da eficácia fotoprotetora dos mesmos. A dissertação foi dividida em três capítulos. No primeiro capítulo, os doze extratos glicólicos foram avaliados quanto à presença e teor de flavonoides e polifenóis totais, bem como, quanto à atividade antioxidante determinada por DPPH e ORAC. Os extratos de romã, erva-mate, menta, própolis, ginco e chá verde apresentaram os maiores teores de polifenóis e flavonoides totais. Assim, os mesmos foram selecionados para as etapas seguintes do estudo. O capítulo 2 apresentou o estudo da estabilidade, ao longo de 90 dias, dos seis extratos selecionados. Avaliaram-se as características organolépticas, o valor do pH, da viscosidade dinâmica e da densidade absoluta, o teor de polifenóis e flavonoides totais e a atividade antioxidante nas condições geladeira, estufa e temperatura ambiente com proteção da incidência de luz solar e exposta à luz solar indireta. Variações superiores ao intervalo de ± 10,0 % foram observadas em todos os extratos, em pelo menos um parâmetro estudado. O extrato de chá verde apresentou variações no valor de pH, no teor de polifenóis e flavonoides totais e na atividade antioxidante. O extrato de ginco apresentou variações nos mesmos parâmetros que o extrato de chá verde, exceto no valor de pH. Teor de polifenóis totais e atividade antioxidante foram os parâmetros alterados no extrato de menta. Esses três extratos devem ser armazenados em geladeira (5 °C), ao abrigo da luz solar. Teor de flavonoides totais e valor da atividade antioxidante foram os parâmetros alterados no extrato de erva-mate. O extrato de própolis apresentou variações no teor de polifenóis e flavonoides totais. Observou-se que esses dois extratos podem ser armazenados à temperatura ambiente ou em geladeira. O extrato de romã demonstrou alterações no valor da atividade antioxidante e sua estabilidade não foi afetada em temperatura elevada (45 °C). No capítulo 3, avaliou-se a eficácia fotoprotetora in vitro (FPS estimado), por espectrofotometria de reflectância difusa e análise espectrofotométrica de soluções diluídas (método de Mansur), desses seis extratos, incorporados em formulações contendo ou não o filtro solar químico de amplo espectro bisetilexiloxifenol metoxifenil triazina (Escalol® S). Observou-se que o valor de FPS foi proporcional à quantidade de filtro utilizado nos resultados do método de Mansur. Formulações com ou sem adição dos extratos glicólicos e com 2,5% p/p do filtro solar apresentaram FPS variando no intervalo de 3,57 a 4,07; enquanto que, aquelas que continham 5,0% p/p do filtro aditivadas ou não de extrato glicólico apresentaram valores de FPS variando na faixa de 6,13 a 7,57. Os resultados gerados pelo espectrofotômetro de reflectância difusa indicaram FPS variando no intervalo de 6,0 a 7,0 para as formulações com 5,0% p/p de filtro aditivadas ou não de extrato glicólico e 3,0 a 4,5 para aquelas que continham 2,5% p/p do filtro solar com ou sem adição dos extratos. As duas metodologias empregadas revelaram ausência de sinergismo entre os extratos glicólicos e o filtro solar nas proporções utilizadas. / Glycolic botanical extracts have been widely used in cosmetic formulas due to their clinical activities. The objective of this study was to select six glycolic commercial extracts with higher polyphenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in a group with twelve extracts [açaí (Euterpe oleracea), acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), horse chesnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), green tea (Camellia sinensis), mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil), raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.), mint (Mentha piperita L.), strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.), propolis, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and grape (Vitis vinifera L.)] to do their stability study and their in vitro evaluation of photoprotection efficacy. The dissertation was divided in three chapters. In the first chapter, it was developed the polyphenolic and flavonoid content assays and the DPPH and ORAC antioxidant activity assays involving all the twelve extracts. The higher values of polyphenolic and flavonoid content were obtained in the extracts of pomegranate, mate tea, mint, propolis, ginkgo and green tea. Thus, they were selected to undergo the other studies. In chapter 2, it was presented the stability study of this six extracts during 90 days. Organoleptic characteristics, pH value, dynamic viscosity and absolute density values, polyphenolic and flavonoid content and the antioxidant activity in the conditions refrigerator, stove and room temperature with and without sun light exposition were evaluated. Variations higher than a range of 10,0 % were observed in all extracts in at least one studied parameter. The green tea extract presented significant variations in the pH value, polyphenolic and flavonoid content and in the antioxidant activity. The ginkgo extract presented variations in the same parameters, except for the pH value. Polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were altered parameters in the mint extract. The extracts of ginkgo, green tea and mint must be stored in refrigerator (5 °C), protected from the sun light. The flavonoid content and antioxidant activity values were altered parameters in the mate tea extract. The propolis extract presented variations in the polyphenolic and flavonoids content. It was observed that this two extracts can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The pomegranate extract demonstrated alteration in the antioxidant activity, however the high temperature (45 °C) did not affect its stability. In chapter 3, it was evaluated the in vitro photoprotection efficacy (SPF estimated), by diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry and spectrophotometric analyses of diluted solutions (Mansur methods), of these six extracts, incorporated in formulas containing or not the broad spectrum filter bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Escalol® S). It was observed that the SPF value was proportional to the amount of filter used in the Mansur method. Formulas with and without the glycolic extracts and with 2,5% w/w of the sun filter presented SPF ranging from 3,57 to 4,07; the formulas with 5,0% w/w of sun filter containing or not extracts presented SPF values in the interval between 6,13 and 7,57. The results of diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry indicated SPF values in the interval of 6,0 to 7,0 for formulas with 5,0% w/w of sun filter with or without extracts and values in the interval of 3,0 to 4,5 for formulas with 2,5 w/w of sun filter containing or not extracts. Both methodologies used indicated lack of synergism between the glycolic extracts and sun filter in the proportions used.

Différents extraits ont été préparés à partir de racines de H. johannis et différents tests biologiques ont été appliqués en vue de rechercher différentes activités. L'extrait aqueux s'est montré particulièrement actif sur Enterococcus fecalis, Staphylococcus aureus et Bacillus. Les extraits aqueux dépourvus de tanins et les tanins isolés ne présentent pas d'activité antibactérienne. L'effet synergétique des composés serait donc responsable de l'activité antibactérienne de la plante. Une activité antifongique sur Microsporum canis, une propriété antiradicalaire et une activité antiglycation ont été constatées avec les deux extraits. Une étude toxicologique de la poudre de plante et de l'extrait éthanolique sur des rats révèle une toxicité au niveau du foie et de la rate. Cinq composés ont été isolés puis identifiés. Il s'agit de 3',4',5-Trihydroxy-6,7-diméthoxyflavone ; 3,5-Dihydroxy-4,7-diméthoxy dihydroflavonol, Catéchine, Vanilline et l'acide Protocatechuic. Du stigmastérol, de l'acide oléique, de l'acide myristique et de l'acide palmitique ont été également identifiés. Le travail sur C. lanatus var. citroides a montré que l'extrait méthanolique (70%) des pulpes de fruits possède une activité contre B. subtilis, S. aureus et E. coli. Les extraits butanolique et à l'acétate d'éthyle ne sont pas toxiques contre les larves de crevettes. L'extrait butanolique possède une propriété significative antiradicalaire. Deux composés ont été isolés et identifiés. Ce sont la Cucurbitacine E 2-O-[bêta]-glucopyranoside et la Cucurbitacine L 2-O-[bêta]-glucopyranoside. Ces composés montrent une activité antibacterienne contre E. coli. La Cucurbitacine L 2-O-[bêta]-glucopyranoside possède une activité antibactérienne contre P. aeruginosa et une propriété modérée anti-radicaux libres / Different extracts were prepared from the roots of H. johannis and different biological tests were performed. Water extract exhibited significant activity against Enterococcus fecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus. Water extract devoid from tannin or the tannin fraction did not show any antibacterial activity reflecting the synergistic property of active compounds. Both extracts showed antifungal, antiradical capacity as well as antiglycation activity. Toxicological study of the powder and ethanol extract on rats showed toxicity to the liver and kidney tissues. Five compounds were isolated namely; 3,4,5- Trihydroxy- 6,7-dimethoxy flavone ; 3,5-Dihydroxy- 4,7- dimethoxy dihydroflavonol, Catechin, Vanillin and Protocatechuic acid. Stigmasterol, Oleic acid, Myristic acid and Palmitic acid were also identified. A study on the fruit pulps of C. lanatus var. citroides revealed that the methanolic extract displayed an antibacterial activity against B. subtilis, S. aureus and E. coli. The butanolic extract showed antiradical capacity and was not toxic to brine shrimps larvae. Two compounds were isolated namely; Cucurbitacine E 2-O-[bêta]-glucopyranoside and Cucurbitacine L 2-O- [bêta] -glucopyranoside. Both compounds showed antibacterial activity against E.coli whereas, Cucurbitacine L 2-O-[bêta]-glucopyranoside showed antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa as well as antiradical activity

Extratos vegetais glicólicos são amplamente utilizados em formulações cosméticas devido às várias atividades clínicas atribuídas aos mesmos. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo selecionar os seis extratos comerciais glicólicos não padronizados com maiores teores de polifenóis e flavonoides totais e com maior atividade antioxidante dentre doze extratos [açaí (Euterpe oleracea), acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), castanha da Índia (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), chá verde (Camellia sinensis), erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil), framboesa (Rubus idaeus L.), ginco (Ginkgo biloba L.), menta (Mentha piperita L.), morango (Fragaria vesca L.), própolis, romã (Punica granatum L.) e uva (Vitis vinifera L.)] para realização de Estudo da Estabilidade e avaliação in vitro da eficácia fotoprotetora dos mesmos. A dissertação foi dividida em três capítulos. No primeiro capítulo, os doze extratos glicólicos foram avaliados quanto à presença e teor de flavonoides e polifenóis totais, bem como, quanto à atividade antioxidante determinada por DPPH e ORAC. Os extratos de romã, erva-mate, menta, própolis, ginco e chá verde apresentaram os maiores teores de polifenóis e flavonoides totais. Assim, os mesmos foram selecionados para as etapas seguintes do estudo. O capítulo 2 apresentou o estudo da estabilidade, ao longo de 90 dias, dos seis extratos selecionados. Avaliaram-se as características organolépticas, o valor do pH, da viscosidade dinâmica e da densidade absoluta, o teor de polifenóis e flavonoides totais e a atividade antioxidante nas condições geladeira, estufa e temperatura ambiente com proteção da incidência de luz solar e exposta à luz solar indireta. Variações superiores ao intervalo de ± 10,0 % foram observadas em todos os extratos, em pelo menos um parâmetro estudado. O extrato de chá verde apresentou variações no valor de pH, no teor de polifenóis e flavonoides totais e na atividade antioxidante. O extrato de ginco apresentou variações nos mesmos parâmetros que o extrato de chá verde, exceto no valor de pH. Teor de polifenóis totais e atividade antioxidante foram os parâmetros alterados no extrato de menta. Esses três extratos devem ser armazenados em geladeira (5 °C), ao abrigo da luz solar. Teor de flavonoides totais e valor da atividade antioxidante foram os parâmetros alterados no extrato de erva-mate. O extrato de própolis apresentou variações no teor de polifenóis e flavonoides totais. Observou-se que esses dois extratos podem ser armazenados à temperatura ambiente ou em geladeira. O extrato de romã demonstrou alterações no valor da atividade antioxidante e sua estabilidade não foi afetada em temperatura elevada (45 °C). No capítulo 3, avaliou-se a eficácia fotoprotetora in vitro (FPS estimado), por espectrofotometria de reflectância difusa e análise espectrofotométrica de soluções diluídas (método de Mansur), desses seis extratos, incorporados em formulações contendo ou não o filtro solar químico de amplo espectro bisetilexiloxifenol metoxifenil triazina (Escalol® S). Observou-se que o valor de FPS foi proporcional à quantidade de filtro utilizado nos resultados do método de Mansur. Formulações com ou sem adição dos extratos glicólicos e com 2,5% p/p do filtro solar apresentaram FPS variando no intervalo de 3,57 a 4,07; enquanto que, aquelas que continham 5,0% p/p do filtro aditivadas ou não de extrato glicólico apresentaram valores de FPS variando na faixa de 6,13 a 7,57. Os resultados gerados pelo espectrofotômetro de reflectância difusa indicaram FPS variando no intervalo de 6,0 a 7,0 para as formulações com 5,0% p/p de filtro aditivadas ou não de extrato glicólico e 3,0 a 4,5 para aquelas que continham 2,5% p/p do filtro solar com ou sem adição dos extratos. As duas metodologias empregadas revelaram ausência de sinergismo entre os extratos glicólicos e o filtro solar nas proporções utilizadas. / Glycolic botanical extracts have been widely used in cosmetic formulas due to their clinical activities. The objective of this study was to select six glycolic commercial extracts with higher polyphenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in a group with twelve extracts [açaí (Euterpe oleracea), acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), horse chesnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), green tea (Camellia sinensis), mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil), raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.), mint (Mentha piperita L.), strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.), propolis, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and grape (Vitis vinifera L.)] to do their stability study and their in vitro evaluation of photoprotection efficacy. The dissertation was divided in three chapters. In the first chapter, it was developed the polyphenolic and flavonoid content assays and the DPPH and ORAC antioxidant activity assays involving all the twelve extracts. The higher values of polyphenolic and flavonoid content were obtained in the extracts of pomegranate, mate tea, mint, propolis, ginkgo and green tea. Thus, they were selected to undergo the other studies. In chapter 2, it was presented the stability study of this six extracts during 90 days. Organoleptic characteristics, pH value, dynamic viscosity and absolute density values, polyphenolic and flavonoid content and the antioxidant activity in the conditions refrigerator, stove and room temperature with and without sun light exposition were evaluated. Variations higher than a range of 10,0 % were observed in all extracts in at least one studied parameter. The green tea extract presented significant variations in the pH value, polyphenolic and flavonoid content and in the antioxidant activity. The ginkgo extract presented variations in the same parameters, except for the pH value. Polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were altered parameters in the mint extract. The extracts of ginkgo, green tea and mint must be stored in refrigerator (5 °C), protected from the sun light. The flavonoid content and antioxidant activity values were altered parameters in the mate tea extract. The propolis extract presented variations in the polyphenolic and flavonoids content. It was observed that this two extracts can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The pomegranate extract demonstrated alteration in the antioxidant activity, however the high temperature (45 °C) did not affect its stability. In chapter 3, it was evaluated the in vitro photoprotection efficacy (SPF estimated), by diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry and spectrophotometric analyses of diluted solutions (Mansur methods), of these six extracts, incorporated in formulas containing or not the broad spectrum filter bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Escalol® S). It was observed that the SPF value was proportional to the amount of filter used in the Mansur method. Formulas with and without the glycolic extracts and with 2,5% w/w of the sun filter presented SPF ranging from 3,57 to 4,07; the formulas with 5,0% w/w of sun filter containing or not extracts presented SPF values in the interval between 6,13 and 7,57. The results of diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry indicated SPF values in the interval of 6,0 to 7,0 for formulas with 5,0% w/w of sun filter with or without extracts and values in the interval of 3,0 to 4,5 for formulas with 2,5 w/w of sun filter containing or not extracts. Both methodologies used indicated lack of synergism between the glycolic extracts and sun filter in the proportions used.

Activation of mammalian stress responsive pathways by plant secondary metabolites may contribute to the protection against certain chronic diseases afforded by fruit and vegetable consumption. This work focuses on the identification of plant compounds that activate the stress-responsive enzyme quinone reductase (QR) by stabilizing the transcription factor NF-E2 related factor-2 (Nrf2). Screening methanolic extracts of plants from Western Canada for QR induction in a mouse hepatoma cell line (Hepa-1c1c7) led to the identification of twenty-one extracts capable of doubling the activity of QR. Bioassay-guided fractionation of six extracts led to the identification of novel classes of compounds with QR-inducing activity including fatty-acid derived polyacetylenes, phthalides, and cannabinoids. Studies using low molecular weight thiols and the recombinantly expressed protein Keap1, the principal negative regulator of Nrf2, supported a mechanism of QR activation involving covalent modification of Keap1 cysteines for the polyacetylenes and phthalides. Analysis of transcriptional changes in response to treatment with a panel of QR-inducing compounds provided strong support for Nrf2 activation by the polyacetylene (3S,8S)-falcarindiol and the isothiocyanate (R)-sulforaphane and weaker support for the compounds (3R,8S)-falcarindiol, 6-isovaleryl-umbelliferone (6-IVU) and (Z)-ligustilide. Additionally, transcript level analyses supported a role for the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor in QR-activation by (3R,8S)-falcarindiol, (Z)-ligustilide, (R)-sulforaphane, 6-IVU and cannabidiol and suggested that treatment with polyacetylenes with a (3R)-configuration, (Z)-ligustilide and 6-IVU causes substantial changes in the expression of genes associated with lipid homeostasis and energy metabolism. As a whole, this work provides evidence that compounds that activate QR (and Nrf2) are widely distributed in the Canadian flora. However, of these QR activators, few are active at concentrations that are expected to be achieved through dietary consumption. Nevertheless, the most exceptional compounds isolated in this work, the compounds (3S,8S)-falcarindiol and epoxyfalcarindiol are highly potent and appear to be or are expected to be specific for activating Nrf2 and thus warrant attention with respect to dietary implications and as drug candidate leads.

Il est plus que nécessaire aujourd'hui d'apporter de nouvelles avancées dans le domaine des traitements anti-cancéreux. Il est également bien établi que dans la famille des produits bioactifs d'origine naturelle, les composés azotés sont largement représentés et ce dans la plupart des classes thérapeutiques. Aussi, ces travaux se sont concentrés sur l'obtention de composés azotés bioactifs d'origine naturelle en ciblant des produits cytotoxiques. Ce travail est divisé en trois parties. Tout d'abord, nous avons choisi d'étudier les souches bactériennes associées aux lichens. En effet, le réseau symbiotique complexe que représente le lichen est d'un grand intérêt pour l'identification de nouvelles souches bactériennes avec des potentiels de production de composés d'intérêt et notamment d'un point de vue biotechnologique. Dans un premier temps, un travail d'optimisation des conditions de culture d'une souche d'Actinobactérie, Nocardia sp, isolée à partir d'un lichen, Collema auriforme, a été réalisé dans le but de favoriser la production de composés cytotoxiques. Dans un second temps, l'étude bactériochimique de cette souche a permis l'isolement de 13 composés azotés, dont deux dicétopipérazines bromées qui sont nouvellement décrites ainsi que des dérivés puriques et pyrimidiques. Enfin, un travail de ciblage des composés actifs, par réseaux moléculaires et analyses multivariées de données de spectrométrie de masse, a mis en évidence des molécules potentiellement responsables de l'activité. La seconde partie de ce travail apporte des éléments de réponse sur la nature de la relation bactérie-lichen en observant les effets de certains composés lichéniques sur la croissance et le métabolisme bactériens ainsi qu'en étudiant le potentiel de biotransformation de trois bactéries associées aux lichens (une Firmicutes, une beta-protéobactérie et une Actinobactérie). Les souches sélectionnées ont toutes montré des capacités de biotransformation des composés lichéniques testés (notamment acide usnique et méthyl-beta-orcinolcarboxylate). Enfin, la troisième partie de ce travail décrit une nouvelle méthode d'obtention de composés azotés bioactifs d'origine naturelle par la voie synthétique. Ainsi, une nouvelle méthode de synthèse de la bgugaine, la coniine et la tylophorine a été étudiée et a permis d'obtenir la N-Boc-2-heptylpyrrolidine, démontrant la possibilité de synthétiser des alcaloïdes de type pyrrolidine et d'envisager la synthèse des cibles sélectionnées. / New advances in anti-cancer therapeutic are today more than necessary. It is also well establish that amongst bioactive natural compounds, nitrogen compounds are widely represented and that, in all therapeutic classes. Thus, these works are focused on obtaining bioactive nitrogen compounds from natural sources targeting cytotoxic products. This work is divided in three parts. First of all, we chose to study bacterial strains associated with lichen. Indeed, lichens are a complex symbiotic network of great interest for the discovery of new bacterial strains. Especially for strains with a great biotechnological potential particularly in the production of compounds of interest. At first, culture conditions of an Actinobacteria, Nocardia sp, isolated from a lichen, Collema auriforme, were optimised in order to produce cytotoxic compounds. Secondly, the study of the secondary metabolites patterns of this strain allows the isolation of 13 nitrogen compounds, including 2 brominated diketopiperazines which are newly described, along with purine and pyrimidine derivatives. Finally, a targeting work of bioactive compounds was realised by establishing molecular networking and multivariate analysis of mass spectrometry data, highlighting molecules potentially responsible for activity. The second part of this work bring some answers about the nature of the relationship between bacteria and lichen, by observing effect of some lichen compounds on bacterial growth and metabolism as well as studying the biotransformation potential of three lichen-associated bacteria (a Firmicutes, an beta-proteobacteria and an Actinobacteria). All selected strains showed ability for the biotransformation of tested lichen compounds (usnic acid and methyl-beta-orcinolcarboxylate). Finally, the third part of this work describes a new method for obtaining bioactive nitrogen compounds by a synthetic way. Thus, a novel synthesis method of bgugaine, coniine and tylophorine was studied and led to N-Boc-2-heptylpyrrolidine, showing the possibility to synthesize pyrrolidine alkaloids and to consider the synthesis of selected targets.

Since ancient times, indigenous plants have been used by traditional healers for treating various ailments. Sutherlandia frutescens is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants of southern Africa. This widely distributed plant has been traditionally used to treat cancer and HIV patients; however scientific validation is still in high demand. This research aimed to phytochemically characterise the various extracts prepared and to determine if any chemotypes were present. Subsequent biological characterisation was carried out to preliminary ascertain whether this medicinal plant could have anti-cancer and/or immunemodulating properties and which compounds might be responsible for these actions. Various traditional and organic extracts were prepared. Extracts, fractions and compounds generated were analysed and chemical profiles obtained. Column chromatographic techniques were used to isolate and purify compounds and structure elucidation was carried out using various analytical techniques. Sulforhodamine B and cytometric bead array assays were performed to determine the biological activities of samples generated. / Life and Consumer Sciences / (M. Sc. (Life Sciences)

The HIV-1 pandemic affects millions of people worldwide with approximately 70% of those affected residing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) relying on traditional medicines for treatment. The key aim of the study was to isolate and characterise an active phyto-pharmaceutical ingredient (API) from L. trigonus for use as a vaginal microbicide. The aerial parts of L. trigonus were oven-dried at 80°C, ground and then extracted with boiling water for 30 minutes. Aqueous extracts were screened using an HIV-1 neutralization assay in TZM bl cells. Chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were used to purify, isolate and identify the API. The API (BP36-117-26464C) was identified as a polymeric macromolecule with IC50 = 0.04 μg/ml against HIV-1 HXB 2 subtype B. This activity is comparable to the ARV drug, enfuvirtide (IC50 = 0.02 μg/ml). The API consists of galacturonic acid polymer and a mixture of seven compounds. Its mode of action may involve inhibiting virus attachment. The activity of this precipitate (BP36-117-26464C) tested against HIV-1 subtype C pseudovirions and shown to compare favorably with that of enfuvirtide (T20). The water-soluble nature of this API and its mode of action identified it as a potential microbicide. In the current form, the precipitate (API) would be difficult to develop as an oral treatment for HIV, as high-molecular weight agents often have poor bioavailability following oral administration. However, large molecules with potent anti-HIV activity are ideal for topical use and potent development as a microbicide. / Life and Consumer Sciences / M.Sc (Life Sciences)