Kaempferitrin modulates AMPK phosphorylation and PEPCK expression in the liver after a short-term high-fat, high-sucrose diet intervention in mice Ingrid Candido Garofolo, Paloma Freire Santos, Milena Ferreira Silva, Viviane de Mello Veneza, Thiago André Moura Veiga, Vera Lucia Flor Silveira, Maria Isabel Cardoso Alonso-Vale, Luciana Chagas Caperuto Nutrition and Health, 2026 Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, closely linked to obesity. According to the International Diabetes Federation, in 2021, almost 6.7 million adults aged 20–79 died due to complications from diabetes. In light of this concerning statistic, novel alternatives, including bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, are undergoing clinical and scientific evaluation to hinder the advancement of metabolic disorders or maybe avert their onset. Aim: We postulate that kaempferitrin may act on glycemic homeostasis in mice challenged with high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFHS) for 24 h. Methods: Kaempferitrin at a 100 mg/kg dose was administered to two-month-old male C57BL/6 mice challenged with a HFHS diet for 3, 6, or 24 h. Glucose intolerance was assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT). In the liver, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was measured via western blotting, and gene expression of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) enzyme was assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results: At 6 h, kaempferitrin reduced the PEPCK gene expression compared to the group receiving only the HFHS diet. For the 24 h challenge with the HFHS diet, kaempferitrin did not prevent glucose intolerance (oGTT). However, kaempferitrin reduced the pAMPK/AMPK ratio and the PEPCK gene expression compared to the HFHS group. Conclusions: Kaempferitrin, when administered alongside a hypercaloric and hyperlipidic diet, even for short periods, did not prevent glucose intolerance. Nevertheless, it did lead to significant modulations in AMPK phosphorylation and PEPCK gene expression.
Rotenoids from the Roots of Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae): Structural Characterization, Cytotoxic Effects, and Molecular Docking Victor Menezes Sipoloni, João Victor Silva‐Silva, Elthon G. Ferreira, Eric Yoshitaka Lee, João Marcos Batista Junior, Miriam Uemi, Lívia Soman de Medeiros, Paula C. Jimenez, Thiago A. M. Veiga Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2025 The chemical study of the ethanolic extract from the roots of Vicia faba led to the isolation of two isoflavonoids, alfalone and 8‐O‐methylretusine, as well as a mixture of rotenoids, including clitoriacetal and clitoriacetal B, the latter of which is reported for the first time. These compounds were characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance and vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopies, and density functional theory calculations. The rotenoid mixture exhibited cytotoxic activity against HCT‐116, MCF‐7, and 501Mel cell lines, while showing no significant toxicity to NIH/3T3 cells. The predictive analysis identified several shared therapeutic targets across colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. Key sites, including hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF1A), estrogen receptor, heat shock protein HSP 90‐beta, and heat shock protein HSP 90‐alpha, were highlighted for their critical roles in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Notably, clitoriacetal demonstrated an affinity for HIF1A, suggesting its involvement in the observed antitumor effects, likely through modulation of the HIF1A pathway. These findings underscore the potential of V. faba root‐derived compounds as promising candidates for targeted cancer therapies.
Nonconventional Techniques in Plant Alkaloid Extraction: A Decade of Progress (2014–2023) Victor Menezes Sipoloni, Milena Costa Bassicheto, Maria Vitória de Oliveira, Ana Beatriz dos Santos de Souza, Gabriella Melo Alves, Thiago André Moura Veiga Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2025 Plant metabolism encompasses primary and secondary pathways, with secondary metabolism yielding diverse natural products crucial for plant adaptation and ecosystem interactions. Among these products, plant‐derived alkaloids are bioactive compounds of significant pharmacological interest, traditionally extracted using conventional solvents known for their environmental and health hazards. Historically, alkaloid extraction relied on acid–base methods, which separate these compounds based on their solubility under different pH conditions. Since the 19th century, extraction techniques have evolved from traditional methods to modern approaches such as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), and the use of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs). These advanced methods optimize yield, reduce extraction times, and enhance sustainability by minimizing solvent use and environmental impact. This review explores the evolution of alkaloid extraction methodologies from 2014 to 2023, emphasizing eco‐friendly techniques. It discusses the principles and applications of SFE, MAE, UAE, ILs, and DESs in extracting alkaloids from plants, highlighting their pivotal role in modern natural product chemistry. These advancements underscore ongoing efforts to develop efficient and sustainable practices in alkaloid extraction, which is essential for pharmaceutical and medicinal applications.
PHOTOSYSTHEM II INHIBITORS: AN ALLELOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVE Anthony da Silva, Jéssica de Souza, Geilly de Pádua, Arielly Santos, Leonardo de Vasconcelos, Evandro Dall’Óglio, Barbara Bellete, Thiago Veiga, Lucas Vieira, Olívia Sampaio Quimica Nova, 2024 PHOTOSYSTHEM II INHIBITORS: AN ALLELOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVE. The process of photosynthesis involves the absorption of light energy by photosynthetic pigments found in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts in order to produce chemical energy. In the presence of photosynthetic inhibitors, plant development is affected mainly by the reduction of the electron chain, which leads to growth inhibition. In this context, chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence is an important technique used to identify the effects of inhibitors on the photosynthetic apparatus employing the JIP-test, which correlates the Chl a fluorescence transient to biophysical parameters, providing valuable information about the efficiency of photosystems I and II. Natural products have been highlighted as photosynthesis inhibitors due to the continued use of synthetic herbicides, which leads to the development of invasive plants resistant to these pesticides, in addition to the toxicity caused to humans and the environment. Thus, this review describes the main applications of extracts and isolated secondary metabolites obtained from plants and microorganisms in the investigation of electron transport inhibition on photosystem II.
Synthesis and Characterization of Eugenia uniflora L. Silver Nanoparticles and L-Cysteine Sensor Application Isabela Santos Lopes, Fernando Cassas, Thiago André Moura Veiga, Flavia Rodrigues de Oliveira Silva, Lilia Coronato Courrol Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2023 L‐Cysteine (Cys) is a non‐essential sulfur‐containing amino acid, crucial for protein synthesis, detoxification, and several metabolic functions. Cys is widely used in the agricultural, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. So, a suitable sensitive and selective sensing approach is of great interest, and a low‐cost sensor would be necessary. This article presents silver nanoparticles (EuAgNPs) synthesized by a green synthesis method using Eugenia uniflora L. extracts and photoreduction. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV/VIS, transmission electron microscopy, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), FTIR, and Zeta potential. With the addition of Cys in the EuAgNPs solution, the terminal thiol part of L‐cysteine binds on the surface of nanoparticles through Ag−S bond. The EuAgNPs and CysAgNPs coexist until flavonoids bound the amino group of Cys, enhancing the red color of solutions. The EuAgNPs provided selectivity to detect Cys among other amino acids, and its detection limit was found to be 3.8 nM. The sensor has the advantages of low‐cost synthesis, fast response, high selectivity, and sensitivity.
Bauhinia forficata link extract attenuates insulin resistance by preserving glucose uptake in gastrocnemius muscle Patricia Gasparini, Ingrid Candido Garofolo, Monica Marques Telles, Lila Missae Oyama, Viviane de Mello Veneza, Thiago André Moura Veiga, Vera Lucia Flor Silveira, Luciana Chagas Caperuto Natural Product Research, 2023 Bioactive metabolites from Bauhinia forficata Link (Bf extract) hold therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) but the mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to test the extract from Bf leaves obtained by decoction on the prevention of T2DM in vivo. The Bf extract was tested on a streptozotocin-induced T2DM mouse model fed on a high-fat diet. The insulin resistance was attenuated in T2DM animals supplemented with Bf extract, which indicates glucose intolerance reduction and p-AKT/AKT ratio preservation in the gastrocnemius muscle. These observations suggested that Bf extract enhanced glucose uptake. Nevertheless, there was no preservation in β-cell insulin secretion in Bf extract-treated T2DM mice. Interestingly, the Bf extract reduced body weight gain without affecting total energy intake. Hence, Bf extract has a hypoglycemic effect which could attenuate the development of insulin resistance.
Discovering New Natural Products Using Metabolomics-Based Approaches Lívia Soman de Medeiros, Moysés B. de Araújo Júnior, Eldrinei G. Peres, José Carlos Ipuchima da Silva, Milena Costa Bassicheto, Giordanno Di Gioia, Thiago André Moura Veiga, Hector Henrique Ferreira Koolen Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2023
Chemodiversity and Anti-Leukemia Effect of Metabolites from Penicillium setosum CMLD 18 Ana Calheiros de Carvalho, Cauê Santos Lima, Heron Fernandes Vieira Torquato, André Tarsis Domiciano, Sebastião da Cruz Silva, Lucas Magalhães de Abreu, Miriam Uemi, Edgar Julian Paredes-Gamero, Paulo Cezar Vieira, Thiago André Moura Veiga, Lívia Soman de Medeiros Metabolites, 2023
Anacardic Acid Derivatives Affect the in Vitro Reactions of Photosynthesis Ana Calheiros Carvalho, Richele Priscila Severino, Mustapha Ngaski Abubakar, Fernando Cassas Salles Machado, Milena Costa Bassicheto, Giordanno Di Gioia Silva, Paulo Cezar Vieira, Thiago A. M. Veiga Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2022
4-Deoxyraputindole C induces cell death and cell cycle arrest in tumor cell lines Wagner D. Vital, Heron F. V. Torquato, Larissa de Oliveira Passos Jesus, Wagner Alves de Souza Judice, Maria Fátima das G. F. da Silva, Tiago Rodrigues, Giselle Zenker Justo, Thiago A. M. Veiga, Edgar J. Paredes‐Gamero Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2019
Evaluation of antidesmone alkaloid as a photosynthesis inhibitor Olívia Moreira Sampaio, Murilo Marinho de Castro Lima, Thiago André Moura Veiga, Beatriz King-Díaz, Maria Fátima das Graças Fernandes da Silva, Blas Lotina-Hennsen Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 2016
Phytotoxic constituents from Nimbya alternantherae Antônio J. Demuner, Luiz C.A. Barbosa, Thiago A.M. Veiga, Robert W. Barreto, Beatriz King-Diaz, Blas Lotina-Hennsen Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2006
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Kaempferitrin modulates AMPK phosphorylation and PEPCK expression in the liver after a short-term high-fat, high-sucrose diet intervention in mice IC Garofolo, PF Santos, MF Silva, VM Veneza, TAM Veiga, VLF Silveira, ... Nutrition and Health 32 (3), 925-935 , 2026 2026
Community Curation of Microbial Metabolites Enables Biological Insights of Metabolomics Data H Mannochio-Russo, WDG Nunes, S Xing, F de Oliveira, ... bioRxiv , 2026 2026
Rotenoids from the Roots of Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae): Structural Characterization, Cytotoxic Effects, and Molecular Docking VM Sipoloni, JV Silva‐Silva, EG Ferreira, EY Lee, JMB Junior, M Uemi, ... Chemistry & Biodiversity 22 (10), e01091 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Nonconventional Techniques in Plant Alkaloid Extraction: A Decade of Progress (2014–2023) VM Sipoloni, MC Bassicheto, MV de Oliveira, ABS de Souza, GM Alves, ... Chemistry & Biodiversity 22 (8), e202403225 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Interaction of Myrsinoic acid a with biomembrane models: Differential effects on DPPC and DPPS properties revealed by surface rheology and vibrational spectroscopy AGA Dos Santos, F Cassas, KF Dos Santos, LS de Medeiros, TAM Veiga, ... Biophysical Chemistry 322, 107439 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Long-term ayahuasca use is associated with preserved global cognitive function and improved memory: a cross-sectional study with ritual users AM Fonseca, RG Dos Santos, LS de Medeiros, TAM Veiga, F Cassas, ... European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience 275 (2), 519-531 , 2025 2025 Citations: 13
O PAPEL DA NEUROINFLAMAÇÃO NA PATOGÊNESE DOS TRANSTORNOS NEUROPSIQUIÁTRICOS: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA FF HAMMERSCHMIDT, CR SALES, SOP EGRI, M SOUZA, A SILVA, ... CONTRIBUCIONES A LAS CIENCIAS SOCIALES 18 (1), e14889 , 2025 2025
Unveiling new myrsinoic acids and AChE ligands from Myrsine guianensis (Aubl.) Kuntze F Cassas, VEN Dos Reis, CL Cardoso, T de Assis Lopes, QB Cass, ... Fitoterapia 175, 105972 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Inibidores do fotossistema II: uma perspectiva aleloquímica A Silva, JM Souza, GMS Pádua, ACR Santos, LG Vasconcelos, ... Quimica Nova 47 (2), e-20230097 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Co-culture of Penicillium setosum and Cryptococcus neoformans reveals the production of antifungal diketopirerazine. CMSC de OLIVEIRA, MC BASSICHETO, RS BARBOSA, RC PASCON, ... 2024
PHOTOSYSTHEM II INHIBITORS: AN ALLELOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVE A da Silva, JM Souza, GMS de Padua, ACR Santos, LG Vasconcelos, ... Chemical Engineering and Processing Process Intensification 205 , 2024 2024
Discovering new natural products using metabolomics-based approaches LS de Medeiros, MB de Araújo Júnior, EG Peres, JCI da Silva, ... Microbial natural products chemistry: A metabolomics approach, 185-224 , 2023 2023 Citations: 7
Bauhinia forficata link extract attenuates insulin resistance by preserving glucose uptake in gastrocnemius muscle P Gasparini, IC Garofolo, MM Telles, LM Oyama, VM Veneza, ... Natural Product Research 37 (12), 2031-2036 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Molecular dereplication and cytotoxic evaluation of isoflavonoids from Vicia faba (FABACEAE) VM Sipoloni, CS Lima, HFV Torquato, EJ Paredes-Gamero, LS Medeiros, ... Proceedings of the 46. annual meeting of the Brazilian society of chemistry … , 2023 2023
Bioprospecting diketopiperazines produced by the endophytic fungus Penicillium setosum CMLD 18 CM Oliveira, MPS Rivero, TAM Veiga, LS Medeiros, MC Bassicheto, ... Proceedings of the 46. annual meeting of the Brazilian society of chemistry … , 2023 2023
Studies of biosynthetic induction from the microbial co-culture between Penicillium sp. CML-3020 and Penicillium setosum MPS Rivero, C Costa, MC Bassicheto, TAM Veiga, LS Medeiros Proceedings of the 46. annual meeting of the Brazilian society of chemistry … , 2023 2023
Detection of antileukemia metabolites from P. limosum integrating genome mining, metabolomic analysis and cytotoxicity assays. M BASSICHETO, C OLIVEIRA, M RIVERO, V SIPOLONI, JKC SOARES, ... 2023
Synthesis and Characterization of Eugenia uniflora L. Silver Nanoparticles and L‐Cysteine Sensor Application IS Lopes, F Cassas, TAM Veiga, FR de Oliveira Silva, LC Courrol Chemistry & Biodiversity 20 (1), e202200787 , 2023 2023 Citations: 9
Chemodiversity and Anti-Leukemia Effect of Metabolites from Penicillium setosum CMLD 18 AC de Carvalho, CS Lima, HFV Torquato, AT Domiciano, SC Silva, ... Metabolites 13 (1), 23 , 2022 2022 Citations: 5
Molecular Dereplication and In Vitro and In Silico Pharmacological Evaluation of Coriandrum sativum against Neuroblastoma Cells MC Marcucci, CR Oliveira, D Spindola, AA Antunes, LYK Santana, ... Molecules 27 (17), 5389 , 2022 2022 Citations: 5
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Reconfigured Cyanogenic Glucoside Biosynthesis in Eucalyptus cladocalyx Involves a Cytochrome P450 CYP706C55 CC Hansen, M Sørensen, TAM Veiga, JFS Zibrandtsen, AM Heskes, ... Plant physiology 178 (3), 1081-1095 , 2018 2018.0 Citations: 76
Evaluation of herbicidal potential of depsides from Cladosporium uredinicola, an endophytic fungus found in Guava fruit LS Medeiros, OM Sampaio, MFGF da Silva, E Rodrigues Filho, ... Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society 23, 1551-1557 , 2012 2012.0 Citations: 62
Evaluation of Alkaloids Isolated from Ruta graveolens as Photosynthesis Inhibitors OM Sampaio, LCC Vieira, BS Bellete, B King-Diaz, B Lotina-Hennsen, ... Molecules 23 (10), 2693 , 2018 2018.0 Citations: 42
Phytotoxic constituents from Nimbya alternantherae AJ Demuner, LCA Barbosa, TAM Veiga, RW Barreto, B King-Diaz, ... Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 34 (11), 790-795 , 2006 2006.0 Citations: 39
Furoquinoline alkaloids isolated from Balfourodendron riedelianum as photosynthetic inhibitors in spinach chloroplasts TAM Veiga, B King-Díaz, ASF Marques, OM Sampaio, PC Vieira, ... Journal of photochemistry and photobiology B: Biology 120, 36-43 , 2013 2013.0 Citations: 37
Inhibition of Photophosphorylation and Electron Transport Chain in Thylakoids by Lasiodiplodin, a Natural Product from Botryosphaeria rhodina TAM Veiga, SC Silva, AC Francisco, ER Filho, PC Vieira, JB Fernandes, ... Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 55 (10), 4217-4221 , 2007 2007.0 Citations: 33
Siderin from Toona ciliata (Meliaceae) as photosystem II inhibitor on spinach thylakoids TAM Veiga, R González-Vázquez, JO Neto, MFGF Silva, B King-Díaz, ... Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 465 (1), 38-43 , 2007 2007.0 Citations: 25
Evaluation of antidesmone alkaloid as a photosynthesis inhibitor OM Sampaio, MM de Castro Lima, TAM Veiga, B King-Díaz, ... Pesticide biochemistry and physiology 134, 55-62 , 2016 2016.0 Citations: 24
Atividade alelopática de substâncias químicas isoladas do capim-marandu e suas variações em função do pH LS Santos, JCL Santos, APS Souza Filho, MJC Corrêa, TAM Veiga, ... Planta Daninha 26, 531-538 , 2008 2008.0 Citations: 20
Penicillium genus as a source for anti-leukemia compounds: an overview from 1984 to 2020 AC de Carvalho, CY Ogawa, L De Camillis Rodrigues, LS de Medeiros, ... Leukemia & Lymphoma 62 (9), 2079-2093 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 17
Acridone Alkaloids from Swinglea glutinosa (Rutaceae) and Their Effects on Photosynthesis PH Arato Ferreira, DAP Dos Santos, MFGF da Silva, PC Vieira, ... Chemistry & Biodiversity 13 (1), 100-106 , 2016 2016.0 Citations: 17
Prenylindole alkaloids from Raputia praetermissa (Rutaceae) and their chemosystematic significance LV Rosas, TAM Veiga, JB Fernandes, PC Vieira, M Silva Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society 22, 1346-1353 , 2011 2011.0 Citations: 16
Long-term ayahuasca use is associated with preserved global cognitive function and improved memory: a cross-sectional study with ritual users AM Fonseca, RG Dos Santos, LS de Medeiros, TAM Veiga, F Cassas, ... European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience 275 (2), 519-531 , 2025 2025.0 Citations: 13
Taraxerol 4‐Methoxybenzoate, an in vitro Inhibitor of Photosynthesis Isolated from Pavonia multiflora A. St ‐ Hil . (Malvaceae) LG Lopes, GL Tavares, LD Thomaz, JR Sabino, KB Borges, PC Vieira, ... Chemistry & Biodiversity 13 (3), 284-292 , 2016 2016.0 Citations: 13
Avaliação de furanocumarinas como inibidores da fotossíntese através de ensaios de fluorescência da clorofila a OM Sampaio, MFGF Silva, TAM Veiga, B King-Díaz, B Lotina-Hennsen Química Nova 35 (11), 2115-2118 , 2012 2012.0 Citations: 12
Filho TAM Veiga, SC Silva, AC Francisco ER , 0 Citations: 12
Synthesis and Characterization of Eugenia uniflora L. Silver Nanoparticles and L‐Cysteine Sensor Application IS Lopes, F Cassas, TAM Veiga, FR de Oliveira Silva, LC Courrol Chemistry & Biodiversity 20 (1), e202200787 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 9
4‐Deoxyraputindole C induces cell death and cell cycle arrest in tumor cell lines WD Vital, HFV Torquato, LOP Jesus, WAS Judice, MFGF Silva, ... Journal of Cellular Biochemistry 120 (6), 9608-9623 , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 9
Integrated Analytical Tools for Accessing Acridones and Unrelated Phenylacrylamides from Swinglea glutinosa A Calheiros de Carvalho, L De Camillis Rodrigues, AI Ribeiro, ... Molecules 25 (1), 153 , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 8
Understanding the cytotoxic effects of new isovanillin derivatives through phospholipid Langmuir monolayers AC de Carvalho, N Girola, CR de Figueiredo, AC Machado, ... Bioorganic Chemistry 83, 205-213 , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 8