Fruit-In-Sight: A deep learning-based framework for secondary metabolite class prediction using fruit and leaf images.

Fruits produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites of great economic value. Analytical measurement of the metabolites is tedious, time-consuming, and expensive. Additionally, metabolite concentrations vary greatly from tree to tree, making it difficult to choose trees for fruit collection. The current study tested whether deep learning-based models can be developed using fruit and leaf images alone to predict a metabolite's concentration class (high or low). We collected fruits and leaves (n = 1045) from neem trees grown in the wild across 0.6 million sq km, imaged them, and measured concentration of five metabolites (azadirachtin, deacetyl-salannin, salannin, nimbin and nimbolide) using high-performance liquid chromatography. We used the data to train deep learning models for metabolite class prediction. The best model out of the seven tested (YOLOv5, GoogLeNet, InceptionNet, EfficientNet_B0, Resnext_50, Resnet18, and SqueezeNet) provided a validation F1 score of 0.93 and a test F1 score of 0.88. The sensitivity and specificity of the fruit model alone in the test set were 83.52 ± 6.19 and 82.35 ± 5.96, and 79.40 ± 8.50 and 85.64 ± 6.21, for the low and the high classes, respectively. The sensitivity was further boosted to 92.67± 5.25 for the low class and 88.11 ± 9.17 for the high class, and the specificity to 100% for both classes, using a multi-analyte framework. We incorporated the multi-analyte model in an Android mobile App Fruit-In-Sight that uses fruit and leaf images to decide whether to 'pick' or 'not pick' the fruits from a specific tree based on the metabolite concentration class. Our study provides evidence that images of fruits and leaves alone can predict the concentration class of a secondary metabolite without using expensive laboratory equipment and cumbersome analytical procedures, thus simplifying the process of choosing the right tree for fruit collection.

Repellency, Toxicity, and Chemical Composition of Plant Essential Oils from Myrtaceae against Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera Liviidae).

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (D. citri) is one of the major pests in the citrus industry, which spreads Citrus Huanglongbing disease. It has developed resistance to chemical insecticides. Therefore, searching for greener solutions for pest management is critically important. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the repellent and insecticidal efficacy of essential oils (EOs) from four species of Myrtaceae plants: Psidium guajava (PG), Eucalyptus robusta (ER), Eucalyptus tereticornis (ET), and Baeckea frutescens (BF) against D. citri and to analyze their chemical compositions. GC-MS analysis was performed, and the results indicated that the EOs of PG, ER, ET, and BF were rich in terpenoids, ketones, esters, and alcohol compounds. The repellent rate of all four EOs showed that it decreased with exposure time but increased with the concentration of EOs from 80.50% to 100.00% after treating D. citri for 6 h with four EOs at 100% concentration and decreased to 67.71% to 85.49% after 24 h of exposure. Among the compounds from the EOs tested, eucalyptol had the strongest repellent activity, with a 24 h repellency rate of 100%. The contact toxicity bioassay results showed that all EOs have insecticidal toxicity to D. citri; the LC50 for nymphs was 36.47-93.15 mL/L, and for adults, it was 60.72-111.00 mL/L. These results show that when PG is used as the reference material, the ER, ET, and BF EOs have strong biological activity against D. citri, which provides a scientific basis for the further development of plant-derived agrochemicals.

Jaboticaba berry (Myrciaria jaboticaba) supplementation protects against micro- and macrovascular dysfunction induced by eccentric exercise: a randomized clinical trial.

Physical activities that are unaccustomed and involve eccentric muscle contractions have been demonstrated to temporarily impair macrovascular and microvascular functions, which may be caused by exercise-induced oxidative stress. Jaboticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) is a famous Brazilian berry that has been described to exhibit high antioxidant activity. However, no human study has investigated the protective effects of jaboticaba consumption against the vascular damage induced by eccentric exercise. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess whether supplementation with jaboticaba berry juice could positively affect macro- and microvascular functions within 48 hours after eccentric exercise. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial enrolled 24 healthy participants consuming 250 mL per day of jaboticaba berry juice (containing ∼1,300 mg of total polyphenols) or placebo for 6 days. At the baseline, pre-exercise, and 24 h and 48 h postexercise stages, blood samples were taken for analysis of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Also, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), blood flow, and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) responses to 5-minute cuff occlusion were assessed using Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Our findings revealed significant decreases in blood GSH (P < 0.001, ES = 0.76), FMD (P = 0.005, ES = 0.48), reperfusion slope of StO2 (P = 0.018, ES = 0.42) at 24 h and blood flow (P = 0.012, ES = 0.42) at 48 h following eccentric exercise in the control group as compared to the jaboticaba berry juice group. Our results demonstrated that jaboticaba berry juice prevented the exercise-induced increase in reactive oxygen species production and protected macro- and microvascular functions against the damage caused by eccentric exercise, suggesting that jaboticaba berry consumption could protect the vascular function under conditions of imbalance in redox homeostasis.

Exploring the Potential of Myrcia Genus Essential Oils: A Review of Biological Activities and Recent Advances.

The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of essential oils from species of the Myrcia genus and their applications. The compiled results highlight the chemical diversity and biological activities of these oils, emphasizing their potential importance for various therapeutic and industrial applications. The findings reveal that Myrcia essential oils present a variety of bioactive compounds, such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which demonstrate antimicrobial activities against a range of microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeasts. Furthermore, this study highlights the phytotoxic activity of these oils, indicating their potential for weed control. The results also point to the insecticidal potential of Myrcia essential oils against a range of pests, showing their viability as an alternative to synthetic pesticides. Additionally, species of the genus Myrcia have demonstrated promising hypoglycemic effects, suggesting their potential in diabetes treatment. This comprehensive synthesis represents a significant advancement in understanding Myrcia essential oils, highlighting their chemical diversity and wide range of biological activities. However, the need for further research is emphasized to fully explore the therapeutic and industrial potential of these oils, including the identification of new compounds, understanding of their mechanisms of action, and evaluation of safety and efficacy in different contexts.

Incorporation of microencapsulated polyphenols from jabuticaba peel (Plinia spp.) into a dairy drink: stability, in vitro bioaccessibility, and glycemic response.

This work incorporated bioactives extracted from jabuticaba peel in the form of concentrated extract (JBE) and microencapsulated powders with maltodextrin (MDP) and gum arabic (GAP) in a dairy drink, evaluating its stability, in vitro bioaccessibility, and glycemic response. We evaluated the pH, acidity, colorimetry, total phenolics and anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, degradation kinetics and half-life of anthocyanins, bioaccessibility, and postprandial glycemic physicochemical characteristics response in healthy individuals. The drinks incorporated with polyphenols (JBE, GAP, and MDP) and the control dairy drink (CDD) maintained stable pH and acidity over 28 days. In color, the parameter a*, the most relevant to the study, was reduced for all formulations due to degradation of anthocyanins. Phenolic and antioxidant content remained constant. In bioaccessibility, we found that after the gastrointestinal simulation, there was a decrease in phenolics and anthocyanins in all formulations. In the glycemic response, we observed that the smallest incremental areas of glucose were obtained for GAP and JBE compared to CDD, demonstrating that polyphenols reduced glucose absorption. Then, the bioactives from jabuticaba peel, incorporated into a dairy drink, showed good storage stability and improved the product's functional aspects.

Antibacterial, antibiofilm, and chemical profiles of Ammi visnaga L. and Foeniculum vulgare mill. Essential oils, and ADMET, molecular docking investigation of essential oils major components.

This study determined chemical profiles, antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the essential oils (EOs) obtained by A. visnaga aerial parts and F. vulgare fruits. Butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 3-methylbutyl ester (38.8%), linalyl propionate (34.7%) and limonene (8.5%) resulted as main constituents of A. visnaga EO. In F. vulgare EO trans-anethole (76.9%) and fenchone (14.1%) resulted as main components. The two EOs were active against five bacterial strains (Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) at different degrees. The MIC values ranged from 5 ± 2 to 10 ± 2 µL/mL except for S. aureus (MIC >20 µL/mL). EOs exhibited inhibitory effect on the formation of biofilm up to 53.56 and 48.04% against E. coli and A. baumannii, respectively and activity against bacterial metabolism against A. baumannii and E. coli, with biofilm-inhibition ranging from 61.73 to 73.55%. The binding affinity of the identified components was estimated by docking them into the binding site of S. aureus gyrase (PDB code 2XCT) and S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (PDB code 1JIJ). trans-Anethole and butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 3-methylbutyl ester showed relatively moderate binding interactions with the amino acid residues of S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. In addition, almost all predicted compounds possess good pharmacokinetic properties with no toxicity, being inactive for cytotoxicity, carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, mutagenicity and immunotoxicity parameters. The results encourage the use of these EOs as natural antibacterial agents in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Emerging berries from the Brazilian Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes: new sources of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.

Brazil has a broad geographic biodiversity spread across its six different biomes. However, it has been suffering from the abusive exploitation of its resources, which poses a threat to the local fauna and flora. The Amazon and Atlantic Forest, for example, are birthplaces to rare and edible native species, such as bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba, Arecaceae) and camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia, Myrtaceae), and cereja-do-Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata, Myrtaceae) and grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis, Myrtaceae), respectively. These plants produce fruits which are sources of macro and micronutrients, including sugars, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and/or lipids. Nutritionally, their consumption have the ability to reach partially or totally the daily recommendations for adults of some nutrients. More recently, these fruits have also been exposed as interesting sources of minor bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, terpenes, and/or polyphenols, the latter which include anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and tannins. Particularly, bacaba stands out for being a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (around 22%, dry weight) and dietary fibers (6.5-21%, dry weight); camu-camu has very high contents of vitamin C (up to 5000 mg per 100 g of pulp, dry basis); and cereja-do-Rio-Grande and grumixama are abundant sources of anthocyanins. Although they are still underexplored, several in vitro and in vivo studies with different parts of the fruits, including the peel, seed, and pulp, indicate their health potential through anti-oxidative, anti-obesity, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, antimicrobial, and/or anticancer effects. All things considered, the focus of this research was to highlight the bioactive potential and health impact of native fruits from the Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes.

Volatile Profiles and DNA Barcodes of Myrtaceae Species with Occurrence in the Brazilian Amazon.

Myrtaceae family includes many species with taxonomic challenges, making it one of the most complex families to identify. This study used DNA barcoding to find molecular markers for species authentication based on the Myrtaceae family's chemical composition and genetic diversity. Essential oils and genetic material were extracted from the leaves of six different species: Eugenia uniflora, E. patrisii, Myrcia splendens, Psidium guajava, P. guineense, and Psidium sp. The samples were analyzed based on compound classes and grouped into two categories. Group I included samples with high amounts of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (3.69-76.05 %) and fatty acid derivatives (0.04-43.59 %), such as E. uniflora, Myrcia splendens, and E. patrisii. Group II included samples P. guajava, P. guineense, and Psidium sp., which had a significant content of monoterpene hydrocarbons (0.69-72.35 %), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (8.06-68.1 %), phenylpropanoids (0.45-22.59 %), and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (0.27-21.84 %). The PsbA-trnH gene sequences had a high genetic variability, allowing the species to be distinguished. A phylogenetic analysis showed two main clusters with high Bootstrap values corresponding to the subtribes Eugeniineae, Myrciinae, and Pimentinae. The results suggest a weak correlation between genetic and chemical data in these Myrtaceae species.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Identification and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Leaves of Australian Myrtles and Their Antioxidant Activities.

Phenolic compounds, present in plants, provide substantial health advantages, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which enhance cardiovascular and cognitive well-being. Australia is enriched with a wide range of plants with phytopharmacological potential, which needs to be fully elucidated. In this context, we analyzed leaves of aniseed myrtle (Syzygium anisatum), lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), and cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) for their complex phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential. LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was applied for screening and characterizing these Australian myrtles' phenolic compounds and the structure-function relation of phenolic compounds. This study identified 145 and quantified/semi-quantified 27 phenolic compounds in these Australian myrtles. Furthermore, phenolic contents (total phenolic content (TPC), total condensed tannins (TCT), and total flavonoids (TFC)) and antioxidant potential of phenolic extracts from the leaves of Australian myrtles were quantified. Aniseed myrtle was quantified with the highest TPC (52.49 ± 3.55 mg GAE/g) and total antioxidant potential than other selected myrtles. Catechin, epicatechin, isovitexin, cinnamic acid, and quercetin were quantified as Australian myrtles' most abundant phenolic compounds. Moreover, chemometric analysis further validated the results. This study provides a new insight into the novel potent bioactive phenolic compounds from Australian myrtles that could be potentially useful for functional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic applications.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and concentration of phenolic compounds from jabuticaba sabará (Plinia peruviana (Poir.) Govaerts) peel by nanofiltration membrane.

Jabuticaba peel, rich in antioxidants, offering health benefits. In this study, the extraction of phenolic compounds from jabuticaba peel using ultrasound-assisted (UA) and their subsequent concentration by nanofiltration (NF) employing a polyamide 200 Da membrane was evaluated. The UA extractions were conducted using the Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) 22 methodology, with independent variables extraction time (11.55 to 138 min) and temperature (16.87 to 53.3 °C), and fixed variables mass to ethanol solution concentration at pH 1.0 (1:25 g/mL), granulometry (1 mm), and ultrasonic power (52.8 W). The maximum concentrations obtained were 700.94 mg CE/100 g for anthocyanins, 945.21 mg QE/100 g for flavonoids, 133.19 mg GAE/g for phenols, and an antioxidant activity IC50 of 24.36 µg/mL. Key phenolic compounds identified included cyanidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, and various acids like syringic and gallic. NF successfully concentrated these compounds, enhancing their yield by up to 45%. UA and NF integrate for sustainable extraction.

Evaluation of the Antiproliferative Potential of Yellow Jaboticaba (Myrciaria glazioviana) Extracts Against Human Cervical Cancer (HeLa cells line) and the Analysis of Their Chemical Composition by HPLC-HRESIMS.

Cervical cancer is a specific type of cancer that affects women around the world, with an incidence of 604 thousand new cases per year and 341 thousand deaths. There is a high demand for new effective antineoplastic drugs with few side effects. In this sense, recent research highlights the potential of compounds of natural origin in treating and preventing different types of cancer. Myrciaria glazioviana is a Brazilian native species belonging to the Myrtaceae family, which has previously described biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of the dichloromethane extract (MGD) and ethyl acetate extract (MGA) of M. glazioviana leaves against human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), as well as to identify their bioactive compounds. Using HPLC-HRESIMS technique, ten compounds were characterized in both samples: quinic acid, ellagic acid, Tri-O-methyl ellagic acid, two derivatives of Tetra-O-methyl flavellagic acid, quercetrin, Di-O-methyl ellagic acid, and three derivatives of pentamethyl coruleoellagic acid. Through MTT assays using HeLa cells and NIH/3T3 cells, it was observed that MGD and MGA were selective against tumor cells, with IC50 values of 24.31 and 12.62 µg/mL, respectively. The samples induced the tumor cell death by apoptosis, as evidenced by the activation of caspases 3/7, cell shrinkage, and pyknotic nuclei. Both samples were also able to inhibit the migration of HeLa cells after 24 hours of treatment, indicating a potential antimetastatic effect. Therefore, the present research highlights the antiproliferative and antimigratory potential of this species against HeLa cells.

Jaboticaba peel improves postprandial glucose and inflammation: A randomized controlled trial in adults with metabolic syndrome.

The modulation of glucose metabolism through dietary sources has been recognized as 1 of the most sustainable approaches for preventing of cardiometabolic diseases. Although fibers and phenolic compounds derived from jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba) peel have demonstrated improvements in metabolic pathways in preclinical models, their beneficial effects in clinical trials remain to be fully determined. This study aimed to assess the impact of jaboticaba peel (JP) powder supplementation on glucose metabolism compared with a placebo in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A single-blind, parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 49 individuals with MetS was conducted. Participants were assigned to receive either a JP supplement (15 g/day) or a matched placebo. Anthropometry measurements, body composition, blood pressure, metabolic and inflammatory parameters, and a mixed-meal tolerance test were assessed at weeks 0 and 5. Daily intake of JP improved the area under the curve of glucose (P = .025) and the interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P = .045). No significant time × treatment effects were observed for blood pressure, body weight, body composition, lipid metabolism, glucagon-like peptide-1, inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1ß), C-reactive protein, and insulin sensitivity and resistance indexes. JP supplementation may be a promising approach for managing MetS disorders, potentially by reducing the area under the curve for glucose and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. This research is registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8wwq9t).

NMR and multivariate methods: Identification of chemical markers in extracts of pedra-ume-caá and their antiglycation, antioxidant, and enzymatic inhibition activities.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, the plant group popularly known as "pedra-ume-caá" is used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes, and its raw material is commonly sold. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to apply a method for chemical identification of extracts of dry pedra-ume-caá leaves using HPLC-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and NMR and develop a multivariate model with NMR data to authenticate commercial samples. In addition, to evaluate the biological activities of the extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dry extracts of Myrcia multiflora, Myrcia amazonica, Myrcia guianensis, Myrcia sylvatica, Eugenia punicifolia leaves, and 15 commercial samples (sold in Manaus and Belém, Brazil) were prepared by infusion. All the extracts were analysed using HPLC-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), NMR, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The antidiabetic effect of extracts was evaluated according to enzymatic inhibition. Their content of total phenols, cell viability, and antioxidant and antiglycation activities were also determined. RESULTS: HPLC-HRMS and NMR analysis of these extracts permitted the identification of 17 compounds. 1H NMR data combined with multivariate analyses allowed us to conclude that catechin, myricitrin, quercitrin, and gallic and quinic acids are the main chemical markers of pedra-ume-caá species. These markers were identified in 15 commercial samples of pedra-ume-caá. Additionally, only the extracts of M. multiflora and E. punicifolia inhibited α-glucosidase. All the extracts inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and showed free-radical-scavenging activity. These extracts did not present cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the chemical markers of matrices, and it was possible to differentiate the materials marketed as pedra-ume-caá. Moreover, this study corroborates the potential of these species for treating diabetes.

Neotropical Flora's Contribution to the Development of Biorational Products for Drosophila suzukii Control.

Essential oils (EOs) produced by aromatic plants belonging to different families, such as Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, and Piperaceae, are generally suggested as potential sources of new molecules with insecticidal activity. The EOs are constituted bioactive molecules that may have to control Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), a serious economic invasive pest of small fruits worldwide. Currently, the control strategy against D. suzukii depends especially on treatment with synthetic insecticides. Due to impacts to human health and the environment, efforts have been made to seek efficient insecticides in chemical pest control. Thus, sixty-five oils extracted from plants were selected to find new alternative types of insecticides active against D. suzukii. The monoterpenes, such as limonene, α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, menthol, geranial, and neral, were the most representative, which stand out for their insecticidal efficiency. The OEs demonstrated to be used in the management of D. suzukii, thus being an effective strategy to control this pest, ensuring crop protection and agricultural sustainability. Therefore, the substitution by natural products or eco-friendly pesticides instead of synthetic pesticides represents a notable option to mitigate harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Characterization and bioaccessibility assessment of bioactive compounds from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) powders and their food applications.

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a tropical fruit known for its content of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate physicochemically, morphologically, andsensorialpowders from camu-camu obtained by spray-drying at two inlet temperatures (150 °C and 180 °C) with three encapsulating agents (maltodextrin, whey protein and a 50:50 mixture of both) and by freeze-drying of whole fruit. The use of maltodextrin protected bet anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G)), but whey protein showed a better protective effect on ascorbic and malic acids. These facts were confirmed during the storage stability test, finding that relative humidity is a critical variable in preserving the bioactive compounds of camu-camu powders. The powders with the highest content of bioactive compounds were added to a yogurt and a white grape juice, and then sensory evaluated. The bioaccessibility studies in gastric and intestinal phases showed better recovery percentages of bioactive compounds in camu-camu powders (up to 60.8 %) and beverages (up to 90 %) for C3G, D3G, ascorbic acid, and malic acid than in the fruit juice. Dehydration of camu-camu (M. dubia) is a strategy to increase the bioactive compounds stability, modulate the fruit sensory properties, and improve their bioavailability after incorporation in food matrices.

Cyrtocarpa edulis fruit and its immunostimulant effect on Almaco Jack Seriola rivoliana: in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies.

The present study investigates for the first time chemical, proximate analyses and immunostimulant effect of Cyrtocarpa edulis fruit (CeF). Three design experiments were carried out to evaluate immunostimulant effect of C. edulis fruit: in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies in juveniles Almaco jack Seriola rivoliana. In general, nutraceutical studies performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in CeF revealed a major quantity of the carbohydrate groups and phytosterols such as ß-sitosterol. Their phytochemical and antioxidant values exposed a significant content of total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, showing an antioxidant capacity against hydroxyl and superoxide radical. The in vitro results confirm that CeF is edible and enhanced the innate immune response in head-kidney leukocytes after 24 h of immunostimulation. The in vivo results showed that myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide production, as well as antioxidant enzymes were enhanced in skin mucus of those fish fed with CeF. Interestingly in the intestine, IL-ß, TNF-α, MARCO and Piscidin gene expression were up-regulated in fish fed with C. edulis after 4 weeks. Finally, ex vivo experiments showed an important enhancement on cellular parameters (phagocytosis, respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase, and nitric oxide production) in head-kidney leukocytes of fish fed CeF and intraperitoneally infected with A. hydrophila. The results demonstrate that C. edulis fruit (0.5%) represents an available phytochemical and antioxidant rich alternative with great potential as fish immunostimulant additive.

Biotechnological and socio-environmental potential of Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae): an interdisciplinary review.

Guavira (Campomanesia adamantium, Myrtaceae) is a native fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado savanna and is socio-economically important for the indigenous and traditional people living in the Central-West. This is a bibliographic review of the biological properties of guavira and its derivatives, and, after discussing experimental studies, an interdisciplinary approach is conducted highlighting the im-portance of Agroforestry Systems as an ecological restoration tool to leverage the production chain of guavira while providing ecosystem services. Many research groups studied effects of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds and biological properties of this fruit and other plant parts such as antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diarrheic and antitumoral activities, cardiovascular and hepatic protection and action against neuropathic pain. Besides, guavira by-products benefit poultry intestinal health, similarly to antibiotics added to their feed. Furthermore, several biotechnological products were found, like pulp flour, seasoning from the peel, sunscreen, and seed oil similar to olive oil with pharmaceutical and industrial potential. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of guavira for restoration and preservation of the threatened Brazilian Cerrado, and for the socio-environmental development of family agriculture. The same approach and study are welcome and necessary in other regions and domains worldwide having their native flora as means for a restorative end.

Valorization of Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaves: chemical composition and antioxidant activity of crude extract and fractions / Valorización de hojas de Campomanesia xanthocarpa: composición química y actividad antioxidante de extracto crudo y fracciones

Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaves are a byproduct of fruit production without studies on antioxidant activity. Thus, this study aimed to identify the antioxidant compounds of C. xanthocarpaleaves by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI/qTOF) and by different in vitro antioxidant methods. The crude extract of C. xanthocarpa leaves had a yield of 15.2% and only five out of 37 fractions of the crude extract had antioxidant activity. The crude extract presented greater antioxidant activity than the isolated fractions. The identified antioxidant compounds were phenolic acids (gallic acid and chlorogenic acid), flavonoids (quercetin and naringenin 7,4'-dimethoxy) and an organic acid (quinic acid). Leaves of C. xanthocarpa have high concentration of antioxidant compounds and it is a promising plant for the development of applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical fields. The extraction of antioxidant compounds can add value to the productive chain of this plant.

Las hojas de Campomanesia xanthocarpa son un subproducto de la producción de frutos sin estudios sobre la actividad antioxidante. Así, este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar los compuestos antioxidantes de las hojas de C. xanthocarpa mediante cromatografía líquida de ultra alta resolución acoplada con espectrometría de ionización-cuadrupolo-tiempo de vuelo-masa por electropulverización (UHPLC-ESI / qTOF) y mediante diferentes métodos antioxidantes in vitro. El extracto crudo de hojas de C. xanthocarpa tuvo un rendimiento del 15,2% y solo cinco de las 37 fracciones del extracto crudo tuvieron actividad antioxidante. El extracto crudo presentó mayor actividad antioxidante que las fracciones aisladas. Los compuestos antioxidantes identificados fueron ácidos fenólicos (ácido gálico y ácido clorogénico), flavonoides (quercetina y naringenina 7,4'-dimetoxi) y un ácido orgánico (ácido quínico). Las hojas de C. xanthocarpa tienen una alta concentración de compuestos antioxidantes y es una planta prometedora para el desarrollo de aplicaciones en los campos alimentario, cosmético y farmacéutico. La extracción de compuestos antioxidantes puede agregar valor a la cadena productiva de esta planta.

Antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of essential oil and plant extracts of Myrcia oblongata DC in pathogenic bacteria and Alphitobius diaperinus / Aplicação de óleo e extratos de Myrcia oblongata DC em bactérias patogênicas e controle biológico de Alphitobius diaperinus

The secondary metabolism products of plants have influenced great economic interest, given their chemical diversity and biological activities. Because of this, this study evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity of plant extracts and oil of Myrcia oblongata. Saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were detected. The extracts showed antimicrobial capacity on the tested microorganisms, except for the methanolic extract, which showed no activity for P. mirabilis and S. enteritidis. Regarding the analysis of antioxidant compounds, the hexanic, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities and also higher insecticidal performance on Alphitobius diaperinus larvae, resulting in 80% adult mortality. The results reported here show that there may be a relationship between antioxidant potential and the insecticidal effect of Myrcia oblongata DC. The components present in both the extract and the oil can be used as natural alternative to synthetic compounds in the biological control of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms.

Os produtos do metabolismo secundário das plantas têm despertado grande interesse econômico, dada sua diversidade química e atividades biológicas. Neste sentido, o estudo objetivou avaliar a composição fitoquímica, atividade antimicrobiana, inseticida e antioxidante dos extratos vegetais e óleo de Myrcia oblongata. Foram detectados a presença de saponinas, esteróides, triterpenóides, taninos e flavonóides. Os extratos apresentaram capacidade antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos testados, exceto o extrato metanólico que não demonstrou atividade para P. mirabilis e S. Enteritidis. Quanto a análise de compostos antioxidantes observou-se que os extratos hexânico, acetato de etila e acetona apresentaram maiores atividades antioxidantes e também maior performance inseticida sobre a larva Alphitobius diaperinus e exibindo mortalidade de 80% na fase adulta. Os resultados aqui reportados mostram que pode haver uma relação entre potencial antioxidante e efeito inseticida do óleo de Myrcia oblongata; os componentes presentes tanto no extrato como o oléo podem ser utilizados como alternativa natural aos compostos sintéticos no controle biológico de parasitas e microrganismos patogênicos.

Inhibition of α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, and antioxidant property of Myrcia hatschbachii D. Legrand containing gallic and ellagic acids / Inhibición de la α-glucosidasa, la lipasa pancreática y la propiedad antioxidante de Myrcia hatschbachii D. Legrand que contiene ácidos gálico y elágico

Several species of the Myrcia genus have been used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase in the crude extract (EBF) and in the ethyl acetate fraction (FFA) of Myrcia hatschbachii, as well as to identify isolated phenolic compounds and to evaluate the antioxidant property and preliminary in vitro toxicity against Artemia salina. EBF (IC50: 3.21 µg/mL) and FFA (IC50: 1.14 µg/mL) showed inhibitory activity superior to acarbose (IC50: 193.65 µg/mL). In addition, they showed inhibitory effects of pancreatic lipase (IC50: 556.58 µg/mL for EBF and 532.68 µg/mL for FFA), antioxidant potential, absence of preliminary toxicity and presence of gallic andellagic acids in FFA. The relevant results in the inhibition of α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase motivate new studies for the development of herbal medicines that assist in the treatment of diabetic patients.

Varias especies del género Myrcia se han utilizado en la medicina popular para tratar la diabetes. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar la actividad inhibitoria de la α-glucosidasa y la lipasa pancreática en el extracto crudo (EBF) y en la fracción de acetato de etilo (FFA) de Myrcia hatschbachii, así como identificar compuestos fenólicos aislados y evaluar la propiedad antioxidante y toxicidad in vitro preliminar contra Artemia salina. EBF (IC50: 3.21 µg/mL) y FFA (IC50: 1.14 µg/mL) mostraron una actividad inhibitoria superior a la acarbosa (IC50: 193.65 µg/mL). Además, mostraron efectos inhibitorios de la lipasa pancreática (IC50: 556.58 µg/mL para EBF y 532.68 µg/mL para FFA), potencial antioxidante, ausencia de toxicidad preliminar y presencia de ácidos gálico y elágico en FFA. Los resultados relevantes en la inhibición de la α-glucosidasa y la lipasa pancreática motivan nuevos estudios para el desarrollo de medicamentos a base de hierbas que ayudan en el tratamiento de pacientes diabéticos.