In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of some synthetic riparin-derived compounds

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules19044595

This study aimed to study the in vitro antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity on tumor cells lines of six synthetic substances derived from riparins. All the substances showed antioxidant activity and riparins C, D, E, F presented cell growth inhibition rates greater than 70%, suggesting that these molecules have antitumor properties. These substances also caused greater than 80% releases of cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (LDH). Although the antioxidant and antitumor properties presented herein require further assessment, the outcomes indicate that these novel riparins are promising biologically active compounds.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules19044595

Molecules 2014, 19, 4595-4607; doi:10.3390/molecules19044595
OPEN ACCESS
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Article
In Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity of Some Synthetic
Riparin-Derived Compounds
Geandra B. L. Nunes 1, Paola R. Policarpo 1, Luciana M. Costa 1, Teresinha G. da Silva 2,
Gardenia Carmen G. Militão 2, Celso A. Câmara 3, José Maria Barbosa Filho 4,
Stanley Juan C. Gutierrez 5, Mohammed T. Islam 6 and Rivelilson M. de Freitas 1,*
1
Laboratory for Research in Experimental Neurochemistry, Campus Ministro Petrônio Portella,
Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI 64049550, Brazil;
E-Mails: geandraenf@hotmail.com (G.B.L.N.); paolla_dallet@hotmail.com (P.R.P.);
luciana.muratori@hotmail.com (L.M.C.)
2
Laboratory of Bioassays for Drug Research, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE 50670-901,
Brazil; E-Mails: teresinha.goncalves@ufpe.br (T.G.S.); gcgadelha@yahoo.com.br (G.C.G.M.)
3
Department of Chemistry, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE 52171900, Brazil;
E-Mail: ccelso@dcm.ufrpe.br
4
Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa,
PB 58051-900, Brazil; E-Mail: jbarbosa@ltf.ufpb.br
5
Laboratory Chemistry of Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Piauí,
Teresina, PI 64049550, Brazil; E-Mail: stanleychavez@yahoo.com.br
6
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern University Bangladesh,
Mededibag, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh; E-Mail: mti031124@gmail.com
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: rivmendes@hotmail.com;
Tel.: +1-55-86-3237-1240.
Received: 16 October 2013; in revised form: 17 January 2014 / Accepted: 23 January 2014 /
Published: 11 April 2014
Abstract: This study aimed to study the in vitro antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity on
tumor cells lines of six synthetic substances derived from riparins. All the substances
showed antioxidant activity and riparins C, D, E, F presented cell growth inhibition rates
greater than 70%, suggesting that these molecules have antitumor properties. These
substances also caused greater than 80% releases of cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase
enzyme (LDH). Although the antioxidant and antitumor properties presented herein require
further assessment, the outcomes indicate that these novel riparins are promising
biologically active compounds.

Molecules 2014, 19
Keywords: antioxidant activity; cytotoxicity; riparins
4596
1. Introduction
The synthesis of new substances with pharmacological activity a great challenge frequently
approached by the conversion of medicinal plant products into medicines. Historical experience with
natural products as therapeutic agents has evolved into sophisticated isolation of active chemical
entities from ethnopharmacological plants, and in modern medicine, natural products are still
increasingly the primary sources in early drug discovery [1]. The Lauraceae family contains an
expressive number of species with great diversity of medicinal and industrial uses and a high
commercial value, which has led to its increasing exploitation, making this family vulnerable to
extinction [2]. Some alkaloids of the alkamide group were isolated from the green fruit of Aniba
riparia (Nees) Mez, a typical Lauraceae plant of the Amazon Region. Its alkaloids demonstrated
pharmacological activity in preclinical trials and less side effects than the classical medicines with the
same therapeutic use [3].
In using natural bioactive products as the basis to the development of new drugs, the industry
usually faces the challenge of the low concentrations of selected substances present in natural sources,
which generally makes their commercial exploitation unfeasible. However, the synthesis of these
substances and their derivatives frequently allows the pharmacophore to be established and modulation
of biological profiles, representing an excellent opportunity to explore the biological actions of these
synthetic and semi-synthetic organic compounds [4].
The response to this increasing demand for structurally innovative substances for pharmacological
evaluation has established a new paradigm in the search for prototype compounds and in the
optimization/development of pre-existing ones, recognizing sustainable use of the Brazilian biodiversity
and development of a national industry and ensuring access and appropriate usage of medicinal plants,
phytotherapics and their analogues by the population [5].
Natural alkamides constitute a special class of alkaloids containing amide functions that is restricted
in Nature to a few representatives [6]. The biological activities mentioned in the literature and attributed to
extracts of fruit and the calyx of A. riparia [2], awakened interest in verifying the pharmacological
potential of these amides, which were isolated and synthetized by the first time at the Laboratory of
Pharmaceutical Technology of Federal University of Paraiba [6,7]. These amides were named riparins
as a tribute to the species studied [8].
Using the Schotten Bauman reaction, some riparin derivatives were prepared and named riparins A
and B, and by the condensation of the corresponding metallated esters with substituted phenethylamines,
riparins C, D, E and F were obtained (Scheme 1). These analogues were obtained using a simple and
reliable method that makes feasible the commercial exploitation of these molecules by the
pharmaceutical industry in face of the low availability of the selected substance in natural sources [9].
Free radicals and reactive oxygen species are involved in several pathological and physiological
processes, such as epileptic seizures, inflammation, and cancer [10]. Many products have antioxidant
activity, which can be important in the establishing their therapeutic properties.

Molecules 2014, 19
Scheme 1. General reaction of synthetic riparins A, B, C, D, E and F.
4597
Rip-A: R1 = Cl; R2 = R3 = R4 = R5= H; Rip-B: R1 = Cl; R2 = R3 =H; R4 = R5= OCH3; Rip-C: R1 = OCH3;
R2 = OH; R3 = R4 = R5= H; Rip-D: R1 = OCH3; R2 = OH; R3 = H; R4 = R5= OCH3; Rip-E: R1 = OCH3;
R2 = R3 = OH; R4 = R5= H; Rip-F: R1 = OCH3; R2 = R3 =OH; R4 = R5= OCH3
Oxidative stress processes occur due to the existence of an imbalance between oxidant and
antioxidant compounds, favoring the excessive generation of free radicals or due to their reduced rate
of removal. These processes lead to biomolecule oxidation that in humans causes a series of cell
disorders such as lipid peroxidation, protein and enzymatic damage, as well as DNA alterations, which
can be related to many deleterious processes such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus,
rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy, cataract, neurological disorders, respiratory diseases and
premature aging [11,12], manifested by potential the oxidative damage of cells and tissues [13].
The balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses
determines the degree of oxidative stress [14]. There is significant evidence that generation of reactive
oxygen species and the corresponding responses to oxidative stress are fundamental factors that
determine, or at least influence the longevity process [15]. Antioxidants, besides their traditional use as
food additives to protect from deterioration and as stabilizers in fuels and lubricants to avoid oxidation,
have been proposed as therapeutic tools to combat health damages caused by oxidative stress [16].
This research evaluated the antioxidant potential of several synthetized riparins, by measuring
TBARS content, hydroxyl radical levels and nitrite ion formation. In a second step, the effective
inhibitory concentration (EC50) values of the riparins against the formation of free radicals were also
calculated in order to compare them with known antioxidants. The cytotoxic effects of the riparins on
the viability of three tumor cells lines were also evaluated by MTT colorimetric assays and cytoplasmic
enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level measurements in order to screening their antitumor potential.
2. Results and Discussion
After their synthesis, the riparins Rip A-F were identified and their structures elucidated by
information acquired by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR, respectively, (Tables 1 and 2).

Molecules 2014, 19
Table 1. 1H-NMR data of riparin derivatives (Rip-A, -B, -C, -D, -E and -F) in DMSO-d6.
4598
H
Rip-A
-
Rip-B
-
Rip-C
Rip-D
Rip-E
Rip-F
1
-
-
-
-
7.81
7.82
2
-
-
-
-
(dd 2.0;8.0)
7.45(m)
7.45(m)
7.45(m)
7.81
(dd 1.8;7.8)
7.45(m)
7.45(m)
7.45(m)
7.82
3
4
5
7.28(m)
7.28(m)
7.28(m)
7.66 (dd
1.4;8.1)
-
6.86(t 7.6)
6.86(t 7.6)
7.38(t 7.0)
7.24(m)
7.24(m)
7.24(m)
6.33(d 8.4)
7.13(t 8.2)
6.33(d 8.4)
6
7.83 (d 7.6)
-
-
(dd 2.0;8.0)
-
(dd 1.8;7.8)
-
1'
2'
-
-
-
7.24(m)
7.24(m)
7.24(m)
7.24(m)
7.24(m)
2.83(t 7.8)
3.47(q 6.8)
8.57(sl)
-
6.81 (s)
-
7.28(m)
7.28(m)
6.872 (t7.8)
7.28(m)
7.28(m)
2.86(t 7.8)
3.52(q 6.8)
8.93(t 5.4)
12.628 (s)
-
6.8(s)
6.35(d 8.0)
7.24(m)
7.24(m)
7.24(m)
6.81 (s)
-
3'
-
-
4'
-
-
5'
6.84(d8.4)
6.73(dd2;8.0)
2.77(t 7.6)
3.46(q 7.6)
8.552(s)
-
6.8(d)
6.75(d 8.0)
6.86(d 8.0)
2.77(t 7.2)
3.56(q 7.4)
8.9(sl)
6'
6.73(dd1.8;8.2) 6.35(d 8.0)
7'
2.78(t 7.40)
3.50( q 6.8)
8.87(t 5.6)
12.59(s)
-
2.84(t7.4)
3.58(q 6.8)
8.99(t 4.8)
12.6(s)
12.6(s)
-
8'
N-H
2-OH
6-OH
3'-OMe
4'-OMe
12.58(s)
12.58(s)
3.7(s)
-
-
-
3.69 (s)
3.69 (s)
-
3.69(s)
-
-
3.69(s)
-
3.7(s)
Table 2. 13C-NMR data of riparin derivatives (Rip-A, -B, -C, -D, -E and -F) in DMSO-d6.
Rip-A
134.64
127.11
128.65
131.04
128.65
127.11
139.54
128.24
128.32
126.07
128.32
128.24
35.13
40.90
-
Rip-B
134.67
127.06
128.19
132.02
128.19
127.06
130.99
112.61
148.62
147.25
111.97
120.48
34.60
41.01
-
Rip-C
115.26
160.03
117.37
133.60
118.54
127.67
139.24
128.63
128.36
126.17
128.36
128.63
34.85
40.54
-
Rip-D
115.33
159.99
117.37
133.60
118.55
127.71
131.70
112.55
148.64
147.31
111.94
120.50
34.37
40.69
-
Rip-E
102.50
160.23
107.17
133.32
107.17
160.23
139.14
128.44
128.66
126.28
128.66
128.44
34.77
40.19
-
Rip-F
102.50
160.23
107.18
133.34
107.18
160.23
131.52
112.48
148.70
147.34
111.92
120.49
34.33
40.29
-
1
2
3
4
5
6
1'
2'
3'
4'
5'
6'
7'
8'
N-H
2-OH
6-OH
3'-OMe
4'-OMe
C=O
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
55.51
55.33
166.15
-
55.49
55.32
168.79
-
55.48
55.33
169.95
-
-
-
166.18
168.87
170.00

Molecules 2014, 19
4599
The analogues, like the natural riparins, were subjected to pharmacological screening in order to
determine their pharmacological actions and the structure-activity relationship of this class of compounds.
Initially, the tests performed were the screening of in vitro antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity
against selected tumor cells lines. Table 3 presents the in vitro antioxidant potential of riparins A-F
measured in TBARS production, hydroxyl radical content and nitric oxide formation assays.
The results also permitted the calculation of the inhibitory concentration (IC50) in μg/mL for each
riparin evaluated (Rip A–F), in each of the different tests, confirming in vitro antioxidant potential of
these substances (Table 4).
Table 3. Antioxidant potential in vitro of riparins A-F in TBARS production, hydroxyl
radical content and nitric oxide formation.
Antioxidant tests
Nitrite Production
(% induced by SNP)
μg/mL
Rip-A
Rip-B
Rip-C
Rip-D
Rip-E
Rip-F
1
5
75.1 ± 1.31 a
29.1 ± 0.61 a
75.8 ± 1.02 a
34.1 ± 1.85 a
69.3 ± 1.07 a
34.9 ± 0.23 a
72.6 ± 1.81 a
32.2 ± 1.45 a
65.9 ± 1.30 a
37.7 ± 0.95 a
74.9 ± 2.27 a
35.3 ± 0.96 a
Trolox
Vehicle 1
System
10
29.2 ± 2.05 a
29.1 ± 2.00 a
22.9 ± 1.31 a
28.9 ± 1.74 a
25.1 ± 1.37 a
21.5 ± 0.98 a
(140 μg/mL)
40.2 ± 2.80 a
34.88 ± 0.96
100.4 ± 2.01 *
25
100
1
24.3 ± 0.62 a
20.4 ± 1.20 a
97.1 ± 0.78 a
76.9 ± 1.10 a
23.1 ± 0.97 a
20.6 ± 0.98 a
98.4 ± 0.39 a
79.8 ± 1.34 a
19.8 ± 0.83 a
16.5 ± 1.44 a
95.5 ± 1.30 a
80.9 ± 1.29 a
24.7 ± 1.77 a
17.3 ± 2.38 a
93.5 ± 1.17 a
67.9 ± 1.74 a
20.1 ± 0.71 a
15.4 ± 1.11 a
79.9 ± 0.64 a
62.2 ± 2.14 a
19.9 ± 0.71 a
17.3 ± 0.22 a
83.3 ± 2.13 a
61.5 ± 0.98 a
2-Deoxyribose degradation (%)
System
5
Trolox
Vehicle1
10
54.5 ± 0.85 a
58.5 ± 0.85 a
58.7 ± 1.37 a
56.9 ± 0.82 a
53.4 ± 1.79 a
57.6 ± 1.47 a
(140 μg/mL)
13.96 ± 0.96
100.2 ± 1.35 *
21.4 ± 0.95 a
25
100
1
49.6 ± 0.89 a
44.8 ± 0.30 a
40.9 ± 1.77 a
38.1 ± 0.49 a
47.7 ± 0.44 a
47.2 ± 0.43 a
44.5 ± 1.31 a
40.4 ± 0.85 a
52.1 ± 0.13 a
46.7 ± 0.35 a
39.3 ± 0.60 a
38.8 ± 1.07 a
51.9 ± 1.27 a
47.3 ± 0.88 a
41.2 ± 0.96 a
39.4 ± 0.71 a
51.4 ± 1.47 a
49.4 ± 0.85 a
41.4 ± 0.69 a
38.6 ± 0.63 a
55.1 ± 1.78 a
50.9 ± 2.33 a
38.8 ± 0.99 a
35.9 ± 0.41 a
TBARS levels (% AAPH)
5
Trolox
Vehicle1
System
10
36.7 ± 0.66 a
38.3 ± 1.05 a
34.3 ± 0.92 a
37.3 ± 0.68 a
34.4 ± 0.76 a
35.5 ± 0.37 a
35.2 ± 0.44 a
(140 μg/mL)
55.3 ± 6.48 a
18.38 ± 1.84
99.90 ± 1.32 *
25
35.1 ± 0.88 a
25.8 ± 0.48 a
36.5 ± 1.21 a
29.7 ± 1.31 a
29.5 ± 1.91 a
25.7 ± 2.62 a
31.3 ± 0.76 a
28.2 ± 0.39 a
34.6 ± 0.49 a
30.3 ± 0.47 a
100
25.6 ± 0.66 a
a
* p < 0.05, compared to system (ANOVA and t -Student-Newman-Kewls as post hoc test); p < 0.05, compared to
vehicle (ANOVA and t-Student-Newman-Kewls as post hoc test); 1 Vehicle: 0.05% Tween 80 dissolved in 0.9% saline.
Table 4. IC50 of in vitro antioxidant potential of riparins A, B, C, D, E and F in TBARS
production, (OH) hydroxyl radical content and nitrite formation.
Riparins
Parameters
IC50 (μg/mL)
CI
Riparin A
Nitrite
0.8404
Riparin B
Nitrite
Riparin C
Nitrite
OH radical
1.501
TBARS
1.147
OH radical
1.639
TBARS
1.032
OH radical
0.9516
TBARS
0.8971
0.7948
0.7240
0.81–2.77
0.84
0.41–1.69
0.80
0.59–2.20
0.83
0.82–3.24
0.80
0.40–1.57
0.81
0.57–1.86
0.85
0.47–1.89
0.81
0.37–1.40
0.81
0.49–1.63
0.85
r2
Riparins
Parameters
IC50 (μg/mL)
CI
Riparin D
Nitrite
1.270
Riparin E
Nitrite
Riparin F
Nitrite
OH radical
1.358
TBARS
0.9958
OH radical
1.054
TBARS
0.7821
OH radical
1.016
TBARS
0.6231
0.5224
0.5817
0.68–2.71
0.81
0.69–2.31
0.85
0.55–1.80
0.85
0.55–1.99
0.83
0.28–0.94
0.83
0.45–1.33
0.87
0.56–1.81
0.86
0.32–1.03
0.84
0.37–1.04
0.87
r2
IC50: inhibitory concentration 50% in μg/mL; CI: Confidence Interval in μg/mL; r2: coefficient of determination.

Molecules 2014, 19
4600
The TBARS level quantification showed that riparins A-F exert a significant antioxidant action against
peroxyl radicals at all concentrations tested, protecting lipids from oxidation (Table 3). A similar result
was obtained with Trolox (140 μg/mL), a synthetic hydrophilic analogue of α-tocopherol, which is widely
used as a standard antioxidant. The substances also sequestered nitric oxide (NO), since there was a
significant decrease in the production of that compound caused by the riparins at all concentrations
tested (Table 3). The antioxidant activities in vitro demonstrated in the riparin tests can be exploited in
a possible in vivo protection of biomolecules, against damage caused by free radicals [17].
The mechanism of action to the antioxidant activity can be theoretically suggested from the
chemical structures of the substances. Riparins A and B have, structurally, a greater free radical
capture potential and, consequently, a greater potential for antioxidant activity, which is related to the
presence of hydrogen with little stabilization in their molecules, enabling the capture by free radicals
and turning them inactive. There was no difference of antioxidant activity among the riparins tested,
suggesting that the hydrogens bonded to the nitrogen of riparins C, D, E and F, despite being stabilized
through hydrogen bonds with hydroxyl radicals, still retain their antioxidant capacity.
The search for antioxidant molecules reflects the interest of researchers in detecting compounds
isolated from medicinal plants that present that property and it reinforces the importance of identification
of natural and/or synthetic compounds with this potential. Previously, the ethanol extracts of medicinal
plants from the semiarid Piauí region (Terminalia brasiliensis Camb., Terminalia fagifolia Mart. et
Zucc., Cenostigma macrophyllum Tul. var. acuminata Teles Freire, Qualea grandiflora Mart.), did not
show differences in their potential to scavenge free radicals [18], while the riparins, besides their low
availability, have demonstrated promising bioactivities in in vitro antioxidant tests and to bioprospect
pharmacological products that promote protection against cell disorders caused by oxidative stress.
Table 5 shows the cytotoxicity of riparins (IC50) upon three cancer cells lines: HL-60 (pro-myelocytic
leukemia), NCIH-292 (lung carcinoma), and HEP-2 (laryngeal carcinoma).
Table 5. IC50 values and confidence intervals in µg/mL for riparins A, B, C, D and F on
tumor cell lines.
Riparins
Rip-A
Rip-B
Rip-C
Rip-D
Rip-E
Rip-F
NCIH-292
HEP-2
>25
HL-60
>25
>25
>25
>25
>25
>25
7.3 (5.2–10.1)
7.3 (5.4–9.9)
nt
3.3 (2.0–5.6)
9.0 (6.8–11.9)
1.9 (1.5–2.4)
11.4 (9.1–14.3)
>25
>25
10.3 (7.6–13.8)
7.8 (4.5–13.5)
nt: not tested.
Riparins C, D, E and F revealed cytotoxic action on neoplastic cells (leukemia and lung and
laryngeal carcinoma), with IC50 values ranging from 1.9 to 11.4 µg/mL. This activity was more evident
on HL-60 cells. To analyze the cytotoxic potential of riparins A-F they were also tested (at 25 µg/mL)
to determine the percentage of the release of LDH. This measurement is used as a parameter to
evaluate cellular or tissue damage (Table 6).

Molecules 2014, 19
Table 6. Percentage of cytoplasmatic enzyme LDH releasing induced by riparins at
4601
concentration of 25 µg/mL on murine peritoneal macrophages RAW 264.7.
LDH
Riparins
% Release
3.13
Deviation
0.68
Negative Control
Rip-A
28.13
17.31
87.35
83.12
96.91
91.01
99.96
3.02 a
1.71 a
2.37 a
1.04 a
0.15 a
0.19 a
1.21 a
Rip-B
Rip-C
Rip-D
Rip-E
Rip-F
Triton X-100 1%
a p < 0.05, when compared with negative control (ANOVA and Tukey as post hoc test).
Studies evaluating the cytotoxicity and antitumor activity of substances derived from natural
products are numerous. Tabernaemontana catharinensis A. is a medicinal plant that, like A. riparia,
produces alkaloids, among them heyneanine, coronaridine and voacangine, which have had their
cytotoxic activity tested on human tumor cell lines, including the HEP-2 line. Coronaridine was
the one which exhibited the greatest cytotoxic activity on the larynx carcinoma cell line HEP-2
(IC50 = 54.47 µg/mL) compared to the other alkaloids tested (voacangine IC50 = 159.33 µg/mL and
heyneanine IC50 = 689.45 µg/mL) [19]. The study mentioned reinforces the merit and the necessity of
the investigation of coronaridine as a possible antitumor agent, in this context, the riparins present
more promising bioactivity, presenting IC50 for same strain of tumor cells (HEP-2) up to 7.3 µg/mL.
Similar to the cell viability outcomes with MTT, In LDH assays the riparins C, D, E and F
presented cytotoxicity on RAW 264.7 macrophages and showed LDH release levels similar to those
obtained with the positive control (Triton X-100 1%) (Table 6). Taken together, these discoveries
(cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity) support the antitumor of the compounds.
3. Experimental
3.1. General Information
The reagents and solvents used in preparation of riparins and tests were obtained as follows: hexane,
methanol, 2-phenylethylamine, 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine, methyl salicylate, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid,
dichloromethane, phosphoric acid 4%, trichloroacetic acid, AAPH, RPMI 1640 medium (Sigma-Aldrich,
St. Louis, MO, USA.); triethylamine, benzoyl chloride, dichloromethane, thiobarbituric acid, NaOH,
HCL, ethyl acetate, sodium nitroprusside, Griess reagent, glutamine (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany).
Compounds were purified by column chromatography using a vertical glass column (silica gel 60
(SiO2) 70~230 Mesh; SysCroma, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil) and a mixture of organic solvents in increasing
order of polarity (hexane-hexane/dichloromethane (1:1)-dichloromethane and dichloromethane/methanol
90:10). Melting points were determined on a MQAPF-302 digital apparatus model manufactured by
Microquímica (Palhoça, SC, Brazil). Hydrogen (1H-NMR) and carbon (13C-NMR) nuclear magnetic
resonance spectra were obtained on Bruker spectrometers (Avance DPX-300 and Avance DRX-500),
operating at 300 or 500 MHz for 1H and 75 or 125 MHz for 13C, respectively.

Molecules 2014, 19
4602
3.2. Compound Synthesis
Rip A-F were prepared using the Schotten-Bauman reaction methodology described previously in
the literature [9,20].
3.2.1. N-Phenethylbenzamide (Rip-A)
Benzoyl chloride (3.5 mmol) and 2-phenylethylamine (7.0 mmol) were mixed. The reaction
mixture without solvent was left shaking for 30 min at room temperature. After purification by column
chromatography N-phenethylbenzamide (Rip-A, 0.68 g, 84% yield) was obtained. Melting point:
115 °C [21]. 1H and 13C-NMR date: see Tables 1 and 2.
3.2.2. N-[2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]benzamide (Rip-B)
Benzoyl chloride (3.5 mmol) and 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine (7.0 mmol) were reacted for 30 min
to afford N-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]benzamide (Rip-B, 0.82 g, 80% yield). Melting point:
90 °C [22]. 1H and 13C-NMR date: see Tables 1 and 2.
3.2.3. 2-Hydroxy-N-phenethylbenzamide (Rip-C)
Methyl salicylate (3.3 mmol) and phenylethylamine (6.5 mmol) were shaken for 8 h at room
temperature to give 2-hydroxy-N-phenethylbenzamide (Rip-C, 0.52 g, 65% yield). Melting point:
95 °C [23]. 1H and 13C-NMR date: see Tables 1 and 2.
3.2.4. 2-Hydroxy-N-[2-(3,4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]benzamide (Rip-D)
Methyl salicylate (3.3 mmol) and 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine (6.6 mmol) were mixed at room
temperature under magnetic stirring for 6 hours to give 2-hydroxy-N-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-
benzamide (Rip-B, 34% yield). Melting point: 96 °C [23]. 1H and 13C-NMR date: see Tables 1 and 2.
3.2.5. 2,6-Dihydroxy-N-phenethylbenzamide (Rip-E)
Phenylethylamine (5.9 mmol) was added to a solution of 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid ester (2.9 mmol)
in dichloromethane (30 mL) containing triethylamine (7.0 mmol) and shaken for 5 h. The mixture then
was neutralized with 2% HCl. Next, three portions of 20 mL each were extracted with ethyl acetate (100
mL). The organic phases were combined, dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated
under vacuum to afford 6-didyhroxy-N-phenethylbenzamide (Rip-E, 0.58 g, 75% yield). Melting point:
155 °C [24]. 1H and 13C-NMR date: see Tables 1 and 2.
3.2.6. N-[2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2,6-dihydroxybenzamide (Rip-F)
3,4-Dimethoxyphenethylamine (5.9 mmol) was added to a solution of methyl 2,6-dihydroxy-
benzoate (2.9 mmol) in dichloromethane (30 mL) containing triethylamine (7,0 mmol) and shaken for
5 h. The mixture was neutralized with 2% HCl and extracted with three portions of ethyl acetate. The
organic phases were combined, dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated on a

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rotary evaporator, to give N-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2,6-dihydroxybenzamide (Rip-F; 0.66 g;
69.0% yield). Melting point: 167 °C. 1H and 13C-NMR date: see Tables 1 and 2.
3.3. In Vitro Antioxidant Potential Tests
For the in vitro antioxidant tests the samples were emulsified in 0.05% Tween 80 dissolved in
saline 0.9% (used as the vehicle) and tested at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 100 µg/mL. The
samples for the cytotoxicity tests were diluted in pure and sterile DMSO and tested at concentrations
of 25 µg/mL.
3.3.1. Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity
The formation of OH radicals from Fenton reagents was quantified using the condensation product
of the 2-deoxyribose oxidative degradation product, malonaldehyde, with 2-thiobarbituric acid
(TBA) [25]. Briefly, typical reactions were started by the addition of Fe2+ (FeSO4 6 mM final
concentration) to solutions containing 5 mM 2-deoxyribose, 100 mM H2O2 and 20 mM phosphate
buffer (pH 7.2). In order to determine the antioxidant activity of the riparins against the hydroxyl
radical, individual tests were performed on each one of the six substances, in which different
concentrations of the riparins were added to the system before Fe2+ addition (Rip-A; Rip-B; Rip-C;
Rip-D; Rip-E and Rip-F). Reactions were carried out for 15 min at room temperature and were
quenched by the addition of phosphoric acid 4% (v/v), followed by TBA 1% (thiobarbituric acid, v/v in
50 μL NaOH). The solutions were boiled for 15 min to 95 °C and then cooled at room temperature.
The absorbance was measured at 532 nm and the results were expressed as MDA equivalents formed
by Fe2+ and H2O2 [25].
3.3.2. Evaluation of the Antioxidant Potential of Riparins against the Formation of TBARS
The TBARS assay was employed to quantify lipid peroxidation and an adapted TBARS method
was used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the riparins (Rip-A, -B, -C, -D, -E and -F) using egg
yolk homogenate as lipid rich substrate [26]. Egg yolk was homogenized (1% w/v) in 20 mM
phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), 1 mL of homogenate was sonicated and then homogenized with 0.1 mL of
the samples at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 100 µg/mL. Lipid peroxidation was induced by the
addition of 0.1 mL of 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride solution (AAPH; 0.12 M).
Control was evaluated with only the vehicle. Reactions were carried out for 15 minutes at 37 °C. After
cooling, samples (0.5 mL) were centrifuged with 0.5 mL of trichloroacetic acid (15%) at 1,200 ×g for
10 min. An aliquot of 0.5 mL from supernatant was mixed with 0.5 mL TBA (0.67%) and heated at
95 °C for 30 min. After cooling, sample absorbance was measured using a spectrophotometer at 532 nm.
The results were expressed as percentage of TBARS formed by AAPH alone (induced control).
3.3.3. Scavenging Activity of Nitric Oxide (NO)
Nitric oxide was generated from spontaneous decomposition of sodium nitroprusside in 20 mM
phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Once generated, NO interacts with oxygen to produce nitrite ions, which
are measured by the Griess reaction [27]. The reaction mixture (1 mL) containing 10 mM sodium

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nitroprusside (SNP) in phosphate buffer and the riparins at various concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and
100 µg/mL were incubated at 37 °C for 1 h. A 0.5 mL aliquot was taken and homogenized with 0.5 mL
Griess reagent. The absorbance of chromophore was measured at 540 nm. Percent inhibition of generated
nitric oxide was measured by comparing the absorbance values of negative controls (only 10 mM
sodium nitroprusside and vehicle) to assay preparations. Results were expressed as percentage of nitrite
formed by SNP alone.
3.4. Cytotoxicity against Tumor Cell Lines
Cells were maintained at 37 °C with 5% CO2 in RPMI 1640 (HimediaTM, Mumbai, India) or
DMEM medium (GibcoTM, Grand Island, NY, USA) supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 100 U/mL
penicillin, 100 μg/mL streptomycin. The antiproliferative activities of riparins were evaluated in the
following human cancer cells lineage: HL-60 (pro-myelocytic leukemia), NCIH-292 (lung carcinoma),
and HEP-2 (laryngeal carcinoma) obtained from the Rio de Janeiro Cell Bank (RJ-Brazil). For all
experiments, 100 µL of tumor cells were plated in 96-well plates (6 × 104 cells/cm2 for adherent cells
or 9 × 104 cells/cm2 for leukemia). Tested compounds (0.1–25 μg/mL) dissolved in 1% DMSO (100 µL)
were added to each well and incubated for 72 h. Control groups received the same amount of DMSO.
After 69 h of treatment, 25 μL of MTT (5 mg/mL) were added. Three hours later, the MTT formazan
product was dissolved in 100 μL of DMSO, and absorbance was measured at 595 nm using a multiplate
reader (Thermo Plate®, TP Reader, São Paulo, SP, Brasil) [28].
3.5. Cytotoxicity Assay on RAW 264.7
Murine peritoneal macrophages of the cell line RAW 264.7 were obtained from the American Type
Culture Collection (ATCC, Rockville, MD, USA), and cultured at 37 °C with CO2 at 5% in DMEM-F12
supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; HycloneTM, Logan, UT, USA) and gentamicin
(50 μg/mL). RAW 264.7 cells (5 × 105 cells/mL) were cultured and incubated for 24 h with the
riparins A, B, C, D, E and F at the final concentration of 25 µg/mL for 48 h [29]. The cytotoxicity
assay was performed by LDH assay. The release of LDH (cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase enzyme)
was determined using 50 μL of culture supernatant with 100 μL of LDH substrate plus and 5 μL ferric
alum (5 mg/mL), at 37 °C for 3 min. Then, 100 μL of the NAD solution and phenazine methosulphate
were added to the mixture, maintaining the temperature at 37 °C for 5 min (Labrax Commercial Kit,
Clontech, Palo Alto, CA, USA). LDH is an oxidoreductase which catalyzes the interconversion of
lactate and pyruvate and, for being a stable cytosolic enzyme, after damage to cell membrane it is
released in the cellular environment and because of this LDH is an indirect indicator of cytotoxicity.
LDH concentration was determined by colorimetry at 492 nm. The specific release of LDH was
calculated as percentage of the controls (not treated cells as negative control and cells treated with
1%Triton X-100 as positive control) [30].
3.6. Statistical Analysis
The obtained data were evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a
Student Newman Keuls post hoc test. The data concerning release percentage of cytoplasmatic enzyme
lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were reported by mean ± standard deviation and evaluated by one-way

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analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Tukey post hoc test. In all cases differences were
considered significant if p < 0.05, the means and respective standard errors were analyzed in the
Graph Pad Prism version 5.0 for Windows software (GraphPad Software Incorporated, San Diego,
CA, USA). The IC50 values and their 95% confidence intervals for two different experiments were
obtained by nonlinear regression using GraphPad Prism version 5.0.
4. Conclusions
The results of in vitro tests suggest that because of the removal capacity of hydroxyl free radical
and nitric oxide, as well as by avoiding TBARS formation, the tested substances are promising
biologically active compounds with antioxidant properties. Additional chemical, pharmacological and
biotechnological studies must be performed in order to elucidate the viability of using these substances in
the production of possible medicines, destined to combat free radicals, particularly in cancer. In
cytotoxicity tests the samples of riparins C, D, E and F were active, which suggests a need for further
investigation, as a significant cell growth inhibition potential for these substances is indicated. The
mechanism of that process still needs to be elucidated in future tests.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported in part by grants from the Brazilian National Research Council (CNPq),
Brazil. R.M.F. and L.M.C. are fellows from CNPq. We would like to thank Paulo Michel Pinheiro
Ferreira (UFPI, Picos) for his help with English editing of the manuscript.
Author Contributions
The work presented here was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Geandra B. L. Nunes,
Rivelilson M. de Freitas and Stanley Juan C. Gutierrez defined the research theme. Celso A. Câmara,
José Maria Barbosa Filho and Stanley Juan C. Gutierrez synthesized and characterized the riparins.
Teresinha G. da Silva, Gardenia Carmen G. Militão and Mohammed T. Islam the methodology outlined,
Geandra B. L. Nunes, Paola R. Policarpo and Luciana M. Costa designed methods and experiments,
carried out the laboratory experiments, analyzed the data, interpreted the results and wrote the paper,
Teresinha G. da Silva, Gardenia Carmen G. Militão and Mohammed T. Islam co-worked on associated
data collection and their interpretation. Rivelilson M. de Freitas co-designed experiments, oriented,
results analyses, discussed analyses, interpretation and presentation. All authors have contributed to, seen
and approved the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).