Guarana (Paullinia cupana) increases mesenchymal stromal cells polarity, viability and antioxidant properties

Abstract

Background: Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is known for its antioxidant, cicatricial effects having caffeine as the main component of the extract. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have therapeutic potential for their ability to differentiate, immunomodulate and migrate to injured tissues, and such effects are potentiated when cells are activated. The objective was to evaluate the effects of guarana and caffeine on MSCs. Methods: After the initial characterization, MSCs were treated with P. cupana (10, 100 and 1000 μg/mL) or caffeine (0.4, 4 and 40 μg/mL) for 24 h and cell morphology, cell cycle, autophagy, viability, antioxidant potential, nuclear regularity, mitochondrial membrane potential and proliferation were evaluated. Results: MSCs treatment with guarana 1000 μg/mL promoted an increase in cell polarity (p<0.0001), viability (p<0.001) and antioxidant potential (p<0.05), while reduced the levels of autophagy (p<0.05). MSCs treated with guarana 100 and 1000 μg/mL showed decrease of cell proliferation (p<0.0001), and guarana 100 μg/mL promoted a lower cell area (p<0.05). None of the treatments affects the cell cycle of MSCs. Discussion: The present study shows in vitro evidence that guarana could be a promising alternative for activating mesenchymal stromal cells in order to promote better cellular products for future clinical therapies.