Effects of natural antimicrobial compounds propolis and copaiba on periodontal ligament fibroblasts, molecular docking, and in vivo study in Galleria mellonella.

Root canal treatment addresses infectious processes that require control. Occasionally, the radicular pulp is vital and inflamed, presenting a superficial infection. To preserve pulpal remnants, conservative procedures have gained favor, employing anti-inflammatory medications. This study investigated the effects of propolis (PRO), and copaiba oil-resin (COR) associated with hydrocortisone (H) and compared their impact to that of Otosporin® concerning cytotoxic and genotoxic activity, cytokine detection, and toxicity in the Galleria mellonella model. Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) were exposed to drug concentrations and evaluated by the MTT assay. Associations were tested from concentrations that did not compromise cell density. Genotoxicity was evaluated through micronucleus counting, while cytokines IL-6 and TGF-ß1 were detected in the cell supernatant using ELISA. Molecular docking simulations were conducted, considering the major compounds identified in PRO, COR, and H. Increasing concentrations of PRO and COR were assessed for acute toxicity in Galleria mellonella model. Cellular assays were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey tests, while larval survivals were evaluated using the Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test (α = 0.05). PRO and COR promoted PDLFs proliferation, even in conjunction with H. No changes in cell metabolism were observed concerning cytokine levels. The tested materials induce the release of AT1R, proliferating the PDFLs through interactions. PRO and COR had low toxicity in larvae, suggesting safety at tested levels. These findings endorse the potential of PRO and COR in endodontics and present promising applications across medical domains, such as preventive strategies in inflammation, shedding light on their potential development into commercially available drugs.

Inhibition of α-Glycosidase by Lippia dulcis Trevir. (Verbenaceae) Preparations, Quantification of Verbascoside, and Study of Its Molecular Docking.

This study aimed to quantify verbascoside (VEB), perform molecular docking studies of VEB with the α-glucosidase (GL) of Bacillus stearothermophilus, and evaluate the inhibition of the enzyme by L. dulcis preparations. The substrate concentration and presence of reduced glutathione were evaluated for their effect on the in vitro inhibition of the GL enzyme. Assays were also performed in the presence and absence of simulated gastric fluid. The antidiabetic fractions 2 and 3 were the most inhibited GL, but their activity were significantly decreased in the presence of gastric fluid. Chromatographic analyses confirmed the predominant presence of VEB in the samples. The samples had VEB concentrations between 49.9 and 243.5 mg/g. Simulation of the molecular docking of VEB were consistent with its GL-inhibitory activity. It can conclude that the crude ethanol extract and fractions show inhibitory activity against the GL enzyme.

Biological Activity of Copaiba in Damage to the Alveolar Bone in a Model of Periodontitis Induced in Rats.

Several studies have investigated the effects of natural products in the treatment of diseases. Traditional Amazonian populations commonly use copaiba due to its well-known anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of systemic administration of copaiba oleoresin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. To do so, 21 adult rats were divided into three groups (n = 7 each): a control group, ligature-induced periodontitis group, and ligature-induced periodontitis group treated with copaiba oleoresin (200 mg/kg/day). The ligature remained from day 0 to 14, and the copaiba oleoresin was administered via oral gavage during the last seven days. On day 14, the animals were euthanized, and mandibles were collected for histopathological evaluation and microcomputed tomography analysis. Our data showed that the administration of copaiba considerably reduced the inflammatory profile. Moreover, copaiba oleoresin limited alveolar bone loss, increased trabecular thickness and bone-to-tissue volume ratio, and decreased the number of trabeculae compared with those of the untreated experimental periodontitis group. Our findings provide pioneering evidence that supports the potential of copaiba oleoresin in reducing periodontitis-induced alveolar bone damage in rats.

Tratamento de ferida cirúrgica cutânea em ratos com óleo-resina de copaíba (copaíba reticulata) / Treatment of surgical wounds in rats with copaiba oil-resin (copaiba reticulata)

Foi avaliada a atividade cicatrizante do óleo-resina de copaíba "in natura" em feridas cirúrgicas cutâneas induzidas em ratos. Setenta e dois ratos foram distribuídos em três grupos: Grupo Controle Negativo (GCN), Grupo Controle Positivo (GCP) e Grupo Óleo-resina de Copaíba (GOC). A avaliação da hiperemia por escore na macroscopia mostrou que a chance de um animal apresentar um grau de hiperemia baixo quando tratado com o óleo-resina de copaíba é 1,46 vezes maior que um animal tratado com ácidos graxos essenciais e 2,14 vezes maiores que a chance de um animal tratado com óleo mineral. Com relação ao infiltrado inflamatório na microscopia a probabilidade de ser menor ocorre no GOC em comparação com os GCN e GCP. Em relação ao tempo de reepitelização, a chance de um animal apresentar uma reepitelização mais lenta tratado com ácidos graxos essenciais é de 1,2 vezes a chance de um animal tratado com óleo-resina de copaíba. A análise histológica mostrou que o tecido cicatricial após o tratamento com óleo-resina de copaíba apresentou maior contração da ferida e consequentemente redução do tamanho da ferida visto pela aproximação de anexos da pele no corte histológico. Concluiu-se que o tratamento com óleo-resina de copaíba proporciona maior contração da ferida e aproximação dos anexos da pele.

The healing activity of "in natura" oil-resin of copaíba resin was evaluated in cutaneous surgical wounds induced in rats. Seventy-two rats were divided into three groups: Negative Control Group (GCN), Positive Control Group (GCP) and Copaíba Oil-Resin Group (GOC). Evaluation of hyperemia by macroscopic score showed that the chance of an animal presenting a low degree of hyperemia when treated with copaiba oil-resin is 1.46 times higher than an animal treated with essential fatty acids and 2.14 times greater than the chance of an animal treated with mineral oil. With regard to inflammatory infiltrate under microscopy the probability of being smaller occurs in GOC compared to GCN and GCP. Regarding the time of re-epithelialization, the chance of an animal having a slower reepithelization treated with essential fatty acids is 1.2 times the chance of an animal treated with copaiba oil-resin. Histological analysis showed that cicatricial tissue after treatment with copaiba oil-resin presented greater contraction of the wound due to the approximation of skin attachments. It was concluded that the treatment with copaiba oil-resin provides greater contraction of the wound and approximation of the skin attachments.

Safety and Effectiveness of Copaiba Oleoresin (C. reticulata Ducke) on Inflammation and Tissue Repair of Oral Wounds in Rats.

In traditional communities of the Brazilian Amazon, the copaiba oleoresin (C. reticulata Ducke) is widely known for its therapeutic activity, especially its wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions. Our study aimed to evaluate these effects in oral lesions and the safety of the dosage proposed. A punch biopsy wound was induced on the ventral surface of the tongue of forty-five male Wistar rats under anesthesia. Animals were randomly allocated to one of three groups based on the treatment: control, corticoid and copaiba. A daily dose of each treatment and vehicle was administrated by oral gavage for three consecutive days. Sample collections took place on the third, seventh and 15th days post-wounding for clinical and histopathological analyses. Blood was collected on the third and seventh days for kidneys and liver function tests. Semi-quantitative analyses were performed based on scores of inflammation and reepithelization. Tissue collagen deposition was detected by PicroSirius red staining. Copaiba-treated wounds revealed a smaller wound area, decreased of acute inflammatory reaction and enhanced reepithelization. The levels of kidney and liver function tests did not reveal presence of damage post-treatments. Our findings suggest that copaiba oleoresin is a safe and effective alternative therapy for inflammation and tissue repair of oral wounds in this animal model.

Determination of phenolic and triterpenic compounds in Jatropha gossypiifolia L by Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (UHPLC-MS/MS)

This work describes the chemical characterization of extracts of Jatropha gossypiifolia (from Amazonia region) concerning the presence of phenolic and triterpenic compounds using Ultra High Perfomance Liquid chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry in Tandem (UHPLC-MS/MS) methods. The studied compounds belong to the most frequently found classes in medicinal plants (triterpenes, flavonoids, flavones, hydroxycinnamic acids, coumarins, catechins and stilbenes), which have been analyzed as chemical and bioactive markers in hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts. Several polyphenolic compounds identified herein are unprecedented in the scientific literature for this species. The chemical markers identified and quantified in the studied extracts of J. gossypiifolia were gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferullic acid, rutin, quercitrin, 3-acetylcoumarin, trans-cinnamic acid, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, kaempferol, chrysin. α-amyrin, β-amyrin and lupeol. As the majority compounds, (+)-catechin, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, luteolin, α-amyrin and β-amyrin were found to be present at mg kg-1 levels. J. gossypiifolia extracts presented a high in vitro activity against different reactive oxygen species (hydroxyl, peroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals). Several polyphenolic compound data presented herein are unprecedented in the scientific literature for this plant species. As a result, this plant can be a new source of bioactive molecules for therapeutic purposes.

Copaiba Oil Decreases Oxidative Stress and Inflammation But not Colon Damage in Rats with TNBS-Induced Colitis.

BACKGROUND: TNBS-induced colitis is an experimental immunopathology in rats that shares many features with human inflammatory bowel diseases. Copaiba oleoresin is extracted from plants of the genus Copaifera and is shown to reduce inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the action of copaiba oil (C. reticulata Ducke) on inflammation and oxidative status in the distal colon of colitic rats. METHODS: Acute and subchronic colitis were induced in Wistar rats by an intracolonic enema with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The colonic morphology was assessed by histological analysis and the oxidative stress parameters were measured in the intestinal homogenate. The liver damage markers were measured in the plasma. Control and colitic rats were orally treated either with one single dose (acute colitis) of copaiba oil (1.15 g Kg-1) or once a day during seven days (subchronic colitis). RESULTS: The intestinal morphology was severely modified by acute and subchronic colitis, as indicated by the intramural infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells and the increased thickness of all colon layers. The levels of TBARS, protein carbonyl groups and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased in the intestine of colitic rats. Copaiba oil did not attenuate the inflammatory damage in acute and subchronic colitis, but it decreased the activity of myeloperoxidase, leukocyte infiltration and oxidative stress in the colon. The level of plasma bilirubin and the activity of alkaline phosphatase were both increased in treated healthy and colitic rats. CONCLUSION: Copaiba oil decreased oxidative stress and inflammation but did not prevent intestinal damage in the colon of colitic rats. The alterations of plasma markers of hepatic damage caused by the oil seem to be associated to its harmful action on the liver.

Some triterpenic compounds in extracts of Cecropia and Bauhinia species for different sampling years

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to provide an overview on the chemical composition of triterpenes in widespread used folk medicine species, through the development and validation of eleven compounds using HPLC-UV detection. The compounds were separated using isocratic elution, on a reverse phase column (Kinetex C18, 250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile:tetrahydrofuran (90:10, v/v), flow-rate of 0.5 ml/min and detection in 210 nm. Diverse validation parameters were successfully evaluated. The samples of Bauhinia variegata L., B. variegata var. candida Voigt, Fabaceae, Cecropia palmata Willd. and C. obtusa Trécul, Urticaceae, collected in 2012, 2013 and 2014 from Amazon were treated with two different solvents (ethyl acetate and chloroform) and analyzed by the proposed method. Stigmasterol, lupeol, β-sitosterol, β-amirin and α-amirin were found in all the studied plants. Highlighting the presence of oleanolic acid, maslinic acid in C. obtusa and C. palmata extracts, erythrodiol only in C. palmata, stigmasteol in B. variegata and α-amirin in B. variegata var. candida. Overall, ethyl acetate showed better performance as the extractor solvent than chloroform. Moreover, it could be used for the quality control of medicinal plants and to assess potential marker compounds.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phenolic content of Connarus var. angustifolius, Cecropia obtusa, Cecropia palmata and Mansoa alliacea based on HPLC-DAD and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS

ABSTRACT The phenolic content of the medicinal species Connarus perrottetti var. angustifolius Radlk., Connaraceae, Cecropia obtuse Trécul, Cecropia palmata Willd., Urticaceae; and Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) A.H.Gentry, Bignoniaceae, collected in three different years was evaluated. Plant infusions and hydroalcoholic, butanol and ethyl acetate extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. In order to endorse these results, analysis by electrospray mass spectrometry was also performed. Were identified: gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, quercitrin and resveratrol. C. perrottetti showed greater diversity of polyphenols. M. alliacea had the higher concentration of caffeic acid even though it was found in all species. Catechin was the major antioxidant, but was not detected in M. alliacea. However, we discuss the popular use of these species, as well as their phenolic constitution and the interannual distribution of phenolic compounds.

Effects of Copaiba Oil Topical Administration on Oral Wound Healing.

The effects of topical copaiba oil extract and topical corticosteroid were assessed on oral wound healing in an in vivo model using 96 male Wistar rats. Traumatic ulcers were caused in the dorsum of the tongue using a 3-mm punch tool. The animals were divided into: Control; Corticosteroid; Placebo and Copaiba oil Group. The animals received two daily applications of the products. The control group received only daily handling. Six rats in each group were euthanized at days 3, 5, 10 and 14. The animals were monitored daily to determine wound status. The weigh was assessed at day 0 and euthanasia day. The percentage of repair was calculated, and histopathological aspects were analyzed. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the results between groups and times of evaluation. Closing time was assessed through the log-rank test. The corticosteroid group lost more weight at days 10 and 14 than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the healing time of corticosteroid group was longer than the control group (p = 0.007). No differences were observed between the copaiba oil group and the control group. We concluded that topical copaiba oil, in spite of being safe, did not accelerate the process of oral wound healing. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Copaiba oil-resin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) modulates the inflammation in a model of injury to rats' tongues.

BACKGROUND: The regeneration of integrity and tissue homeostasis after injury is a fundamental property and involves complex biological processes fully dynamic and interconnected. Although there are medications prescribed to accelerate the process of wound healing by reducing the exaggerated inflammatory response, comes the need to search for different compounds of Amazonian biodiversity that can contribute to the acceleration of the healing process. Among these products, the copaiba oil-resin is one of the most prominent feature in this scenario, as they have been reported its medicinal properties. METHODS: Aiming to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and healing effect of copaiba oil-resin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) in transfixing injury of rats' tongues first proceeded up the copaiba oil-resin oral toxicity test in 5 male mice to stipulate the therapeutic dose which was established at 200 mg/kg/day. Then it was induced transfixing injury in a total of 15 Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into three groups based on the treatment: control group, dexamethasone group and copaiba oil-resin group. After 7 days of treatment, histological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin was prepared. Immunohistochemistry for CD68 (macrophage marker) was performed and analyzed by the cell counter Image J. RESULTS: The acute toxicity test showed that the oil-resin copal has low toxicity. Furthermore, copaiba oil-resin therapy modulates the inflammatory response by decreasing the chronic inflammatory infiltrate, edema and specifically the number of macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the potential of the Amazon region and showed up relevant because therapy with this extract modulates the inflammatory process.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions of Copaiba Oil Are Related to Liver Cell Modifications in Arthritic Rats.

The present study investigated the action of copaiba oil (Copaifera reticulata) on the systemic inflammation, oxidative status, and liver cell metabolism of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. The later is an experimental autoimmune pathology that shares many features with the human rheumatoid arthritis. Holtzman rats were distributed into the following groups: control (healthy) rats; control rats treated with copaiba oil at the doses of 0.58 and 1.15 g · kg-1 , arthritic rats, and arthritic rats treated with copaiba oil (0.58 and 1.15 g · kg-1 ). The oil was administrated orally once a day during 18 days after arthritis induction. Both doses of copaiba oil improved the paw edema and the dose of 0.58 mg · kg-1 improved the swollen adrenals and lymph nodes besides decreasing the plasmatic myeloperoxidase activity (-30%) of arthritic rats. Copaiba oil (1.15 g · kg-1 ) abolished the increases of protein carbonyl groups and reactive oxygen species in the liver and both doses increased the liver GSH content and the catalase activity in arthritic rats. Copaiba oil (1.15 g · kg-1 ) decreased glycolysis (-65%), glycogenolysis (-58%), and gluconeogenesis (-30%) in the liver of arthritic animals. However, gluconeogenesis was also diminished by the treatment of control rats, which presented lower body weight gain (-45%) and diminished number of hepatocytes per liver area (-20%) associated to higher liver weight (+29%) and increased hepatocyte area (+13%). The results reveal that copaiba oil presented systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in arthritic rats. These beneficial effects, however, were counterbalanced by harmful modifications in the liver cell metabolism and morphology of healthy control rats. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3409-3423, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Caracterização e avaliação morfológica da parte aérea de acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot. ) Stokes (IPECA) / Caracterización y evaluación morfológica de partes aéreas de accesiones de Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot. ) Stokes (IPECA) / Characterization and morphological evaluation of aerial parts of accessions of Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot. ) Stokes (IPECA)

Introduction: The species Psychotria ipecacuana (Brotero) Stokes, Rubiaceae, commonly known as ipeca, ipecacuanha or poaia, is under threat of genetic erosion and in danger of extinction. Objectives: Identify and evaluate the morphological characters of accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana and identify their descriptors. Methods: A study was conducted of 17 accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana preserved in vivo at EMBRAPA Eastern Amazonia for 19 morphological characters of the aerial parts of the plant, thirteen qualitative and six quantitative. Of this total, twelve were subjected to multivariant analysis. Principal component analysis was used to select the descriptors. Results: Accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana fluctuated for most characters, and seven were qualitative and nonvariable. Two characters were considered redundant and ten were selected as descriptors. Genetic dissimilarity ranged from 0.19 to 0.77 with a mean value of 0.55, and could be separated into two groups with various subgroups and six different groups by the UPGMA and Tocher methods, respectively. The characters plant height and first branch height were the main contributors to the discrepancy between the accessions. Conclusions: Accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana display great morphological variation in the aerial part of the plant, with ten characters selected as descriptors for the species. These data about the species had never been published before, and they constitute the basis for management at the germplasm bank when selecting characters of interest for improvement programs as well as to provide key information facilitating the identification of specimens from natural or planted ecosystems(AU)

Introducción: la especie Psychotria ipecacuana (Brotero) Stokes, Rubiaceae, popularmente conocida como ipeca, ipecacuanha o poaia, se ve amenazada por la erosión genética y en peligro de extinción. Objetivos: identificar y evaluar accesos del Banco Activo de Germoplasma de Psychotria ipecacuana por caracteres morfológicos, e identificar los descriptores. Métodos: se estudiaron 17 accesiones de Psychotria ipecacuana, conservado in vivo en Embrapa Amazonia Oriental, para 19 caracteres morfológicos de la parte aérea de la planta, siendo trece cualitativo y seis cuantitativo. De este total doce fueron sometidos a análisis multivariante. La selección de descriptores se llevó a cabo mediante el análisis de componentes principales. Resultados: los accesos de Psychotria ipecacuana fluctuaron para la mayoría de los caracteres, sendo siete variables cualitativas y no variables. Dos caracteres se consideraron redundante y diez seleccionados como descriptores. La disimilitud genética varió desde 0,19 hasta 0,77 con una media de 0,55 y se dejó separar en dos grupos con diversos subgrupos y seis grupos diferentes por métodos UPGMA y Tocher, respectivamente. Los caracteres altura de las plantas y altura de la primera rama fueron los principales contribuyentes a la discrepancia entre los accesos. Conclusiones: los accesos de Psychotria ipecacuana tienen una amplia variación morfológica de la parte aérea de la planta con diez caracteres fueran considerados descriptores para esta especie. Estos datos son inéditos para la especie y forman la base para la gestión de banco de germoplasma, en la selección de caracteres de interés para los programas de mejoramiento y para proporcionar información clave que facilitará la identificación de especímenes en los ecosistemas naturales o plantados(AU)

Introdução: a espécie Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brotero) Stokes, Rubiaceae, conhecida popularmente como ipeca, ipecacuanha ou poaia, encontra-se ameaçada de erosão genética e em vias de extinção. Objetivos: caracterizar e avaliar acessos do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Psychotria ipecacuanha por caracteres morfológicos, e identificar descritores. Métodos: foram estudados 17 acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha, conservados in vivo na Embrapa Amazônia Oriental para 19 caracteres morfológicos da parte aérea da planta, sendo treze qualitativos e seis quantitativos. Desse total doze foram submetidos às análises multivariadas. A seleção dos descritores foi realizada pela análise de componentes principais. Resultados: os acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha apresentaram variações para boa parte dos caracteres, sendo sete qualitativos não variáveis. Dois caracteres foram considerados redundantes e dez selecionados como descritores. As dissimilaridades genéticas variaram de 0,19 a 0,77 com média de 0,55 e permitiram separar os acessos em dois com vários subgrupos e seis grupos divergentes pelos métodos UPGMA e de Tocher, respectivamente. Os caracteres Altura da planta e Altura da primeira ramificação foram os que mais contribuíram para a divergência entre os acessos. Conclusões: os acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha possuem ampla variação morfológica para a parte aérea da planta com dez caracteres sendo considerados descritores para essa espécie. Estas informações são inéditas para a espécie e servirão de base para o manejo do banco de germoplasma, na seleção de indivíduos de interesse dos programas de melhoramento e para fornecer informações fundamentais que facilitarão a identificação de espécimes em ecossistemas nativos ou plantados(AU)

A liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometric (LC-APPI-MS/MS) method for the determination of triterpenoids in medicinal plant extracts.

An analytical method using liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry with toluene as a dopant was developed for the determination of triterpenes in medicinal plant extracts. The 12 compounds determined have been shown to exhibit biological activity, such as gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-tumor effects. The parameters of the atmospheric pressure photoionization interface were optimized to obtain the highest possible sensitivity for all of the compounds. The limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.4 to 157.9 µg l-1 and 1.3 to 526.4 µg l-1 , respectively. The method was validated and applied to extracts of five medicinal plants species (Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) A.H.Gentry, Bauhinia variegata var variegata, Bauhinia variegata var alboflava, Cecropia obtuse Trécul and Cecropia palmate Willd) from the Amazonian region. The concentrations of the six triterpenes quantified in the samples ranged from 0.424 mg kg-1 for ursolic acid to 371.96 mg kg-1 for ß-amyrin, which were quantified by using the standard addition method (n = 3). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Atividade antimicrobiana do oleorresina de copaíba (Copaifera reticulata) frente a Staphylococcus coagulase positiva isolados de casos de otite em cães / Antimicrobial activity of copaiba oil (Copaifera reticulata) against coagulase positive Staphylococcus of canine otitis

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the oleoresin Copaifera reticulata Ducke against Staphylococcus coagulase positive (SCP) isolated from otitis externa in dogs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the oleoresin were determined by broth microdilution method. In addition, we verified the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates of SCP by agar diffusion method. Eight classes of antimicrobial were used to calculate the multidrug resistance. The chemical composition of the oleoresin was performed by gas chromatography coupled to the mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and β-caryophyllene, β-bisabolene, and (E)-α-bergamotene were the main compounds found. The copaiba oleoresin showed a MIC90 of 0.164mg/mL and a CBM90 of 1.3mg/mL. The multidrug resistance was found in 27% of the strains tested. The results suggest that copaiba oleoresin has bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity even in multidrug-resistant coagulase-positive strains.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar o potencial antimicrobiano do oleorresina de Copaifera reticulata Ducke em isolados de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva (SCP) provenientes de casos de otite externa em cães. O método de microdiluição em caldo foi utilizado para determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) de oleorresina de copaíba. Em adição, foi determinado o perfil de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos dos isolados de SCP pelo método de difusão em ágar. Oito classes de antimicrobianos foram usadas para o cálculo de multirresistência antimicrobiana. A determinação da composição química do oleorresina de copaíba foi realizada por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (GC/MS), sendo que β-cariofileno, β-bisaboleno e (E)-α-bergamoteno foram os compostos majoritários. O oleorresina de copaíba demonstrou CIM90 de 0,164mg/mL e CBM90 de 1,31mg/mL. A multirresistência foi verificada em 27% das cepas testadas. Os resultados sugerem que o oleorresina de copaíba exerceu atividade bacteriostática e bactericida mesmo em cepas multirresistentes de Staphylococcus coagulase-positiva.

Copaiba oil-resin treatment is neuroprotective and reduces neutrophil recruitment and microglia activation after motor cortex excitotoxic injury.

The oil-resin of Copaifera reticulata Ducke is used in the Brazilian folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and healing agent. However, there are no investigations on the possible anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective roles of copaiba oil-resin (COR) after neural disorders. We have investigated the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of COR following an acute damage to the motor cortex of adult rats. Animals were injected with the neurotoxin N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) (n = 10) and treated with a single dose of COR (400 mg/kg, i.p.) soon after surgery (Group 1) or with two daily doses (200 mg/kg, i.p.) during 3 days (Group 2) alter injury. Control animals were treated with vehicle only. COR treatment induced tissue preservation and decreased the recruitment of neutrophils and microglial activation in the injury site compared to vehicle animals. The results suggest that COR treatment induces neuroprotection by modulating inflammatory response following an acute damage to the central nervous system.

Developmental toxicity of copaiba tree (Copaifera reticulata Ducke, Fabaceae) oleoresin in rat.

The oleoresin of the copaiba tree (Copaifera sp., Fabaceae) is traditionally used in Brazilian herbal medicine to treat a variety of illnesses and symptoms. This study, conducted according to the OECD Guideline 414, provides data on the developmental toxicity of oleoresin from C. reticulata (COPA-R) in rats. Pregnant Wistar rats (25 per dose group) were treated by gavage with COPA-R (0, 500, 1000 and 1250 mg/kg bw/day) on gestation days (GD) 6-19 and Caesarean sections performed on GD20. Implantations, living and dead fetuses and resorptions were recorded. Half of the fetuses from each litter were examined for visceral abnormalities and the remaining were cleared and stained for skeleton evaluation. COPA-R was maternally toxic (reduced food intake and weight gain) and embryotoxic (lower fetal body weight and increased occurrence of fetal skeleton variations) at the two highest doses, but did not cause embryo deaths or fetal malformations at any dose level. The study derived an oral no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for maternal and developmental toxicity induced by COPA-R of 500 mg/kg bw/day. The results suggest that copaiba oleoresin does not pose a health risk to pregnant women when used according to the recommended doses (up to five drops, three times a day).

Ethnoveterinary knowledge of the inhabitants of Marajó Island, Eastern Amazonia, Brazil / Conhecimento etnoveterinário dos habitantes da Ilha de Marajó, Amazônia Oriental, Brasil

There have been ethnoveterinary reports from around the world investigating plant usage in therapeutic protocols; however, there is no information regarding the ethnoveterinary practices in Brazilian Amazonia. The objective of this work was to register and document the ethnoveterinary knowledge of the inhabitants of the Island of Marajó, eastern Amazonia, Brazil. In the study, interviews were conducted with 50 individuals, with the application of semi-structured questionnaires that were quantitatively analyzed using descriptive statistic methods of frequency distribution. Use-value was calculated to determine the most important species. Samples of plants that were reported to have medicinal value were collected and identified by botanical classification. Fifty plants, distributed among 48 genera and 34 families, were indicated for 21 different medicinal uses. The family Asteraceae had the largest number of reported species; Carapa guianensis Aubl., Copaifera martii Hayne, Crescentia cujete L., Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Jatropha curcas L. and Momordica charantia L. were species with highest use- value. The plant parts that were more commonly utilized for the preparation of ethnoveterinary medicines were the leaves (56 percent), bark (18 percent), roots (14 percent), seeds (14 percent) and fruit (8 percent). With regard to usage, tea was reported as a usage method by 56 percent of the informants; most preparations (90.9 percent) utilized only a single plant. In addition to medicinal plants, informants reported using products of animal and mineral origin. The present study contributed to the construction of an inventory of Marajó Island's ethnoveterinary plants, which might be the basis for future scientific validation studies.

Em várias partes do mundo existem relatos etnoveterinários sobre a utilização de plantas em protocolos terapêuticos, entretanto não existem informações disponíveis sobre a etnoveterinária praticada na Amazônia brasileira. Desta forma, objetivou-se documentar o conhecimento etnoveterinário de habitantes da Ilha do Marajó, Amazônia Oriental. Foram realizadas 50 entrevistas individuais com aplicação de questionários semi-estruturados que foram analisados quantitativamente através de estatística descritiva utilizando freqüência de distribuição. O valor de uso foi calculado para determinar as espécies mais importantes. Amostras de plantas com relatos de uso medicinal foram coletadas e identificadas botanicamente. Cinqüenta plantas, distribuídas em 48 gêneros e 34 famílias, foram indicadas para 21 diferentes usos medicinais. A família Asteraceae foi a que teve maior número de espécies citadas e Carapa guianensis Aubl, Crescentia cujete L., Copaifera martii Hayne, Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Jatropha curcas L. e Momordica charantia L. foram as espécies com maiores valor de uso. As partes das plantas mais utilizadas para preparo dos medicamentos etnoveterinários foram folhas (56 por cento), cascas (18 por cento), raizes (14 por cento), sementes (14 por cento) e frutos (8 por cento). Quanto à forma de uso o chá foi citado por 56 por cento dos entrevistados e a maioria das preparações (90,9 por cento) utiliza uma só planta. Além das plantas medicinais, os entrevistados relataram o uso de produtos de origem animal e mineral. Esse trabalho contribui para realização de um inventário das plantas utilizadas na etnoveterinária marajoara que pode servir de base de dados para futuros estudos de validação científica.

Avaliação da toxicidade aguda e potencial neurotóxico do óleo-resina de copaíba (Copaifera reticulata Ducke, Fabaceae) / Assessment of the neurotoxic potential and acute toxicity of copaiba

O óleo-resina de copaíba obtido do gênero Copaifera L., Fabaceae, é largamente utilizado na medicina popular como antiinflamatório, antimicrobiano e antitumoral. Porém, informações sobre seu potencial tóxico são escassos na literatura. O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer a toxicidade oral aguda e os possíveis efeitos neurotóxicos relacionados à ingestão do óleo-resina de Copaifera reticulata Ducke, Fabaceae, em ratas Wistar. O estudo foi conduzido com quinze ratas nulíparas distribuídas nos grupos de doses 300 e 2000 mg/kg pc de óleo-resina administrado por gavagem. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que nestas doses não houve sinais clínicos de toxicidade ou neurotoxicidade, alteração no consumo de ração ou alteração no peso corpóreo. A dose letal aguda foi estimada como maior que 2000 mg/kg pc e classificada como categoria 5, segundo o Guia OECD 423. Estes resultados indicam que existe uma relativa margem de segurança para o uso do óleo-resina de copaíba como agente terapêutico, embora estudos toxicológicos adicionais sejam ainda necessários, principalmente com a administração repetida de baixas doses.

Copaiba oil-resin obtained from Copaifera L. genus, Fabaceae, is largely used in popular medicine as antinflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumoral. Information concerning the potential toxicity of this oil is limited in the literature. The goal of this study was to investigate the acute toxicity and the possible neurotoxic effects related to the ingestion of Copaifera reticulata Ducke, Fabaceae, oil-resin using female Wistar rats. Fifteen nulliparous rats were used and distributed in the experimental groups orally exposed to doses of 300 e 2000 mg/kg bw of oil-resin (gavage). No overt clinical signs of toxicity or neurotoxicity, alteration of food consumption or body weight were observed in the animals at the tested doses. The lethal oral toxicity was estimated to be higher than 2000 mg/kg bw, classified as category 5 according to OECD Guide 423. These results indicate that there is a certain safety margin associated with the use of copaiba as therapeutic agent, although additional toxicological studies are still necessary, mainly using repeated low doses.