Mineral Content, Antioxidant Activity and Essential Oil of Allophylus edulis (A. St.-Hil., A. Juss. & Cambess.) Radlk. Leaves: Plant from South American Biodiversity.

Allophylus edulis (A. St.-Hil., A. Juss. & Cambess.) Radlk. (Sapindaceae) is an edible plant from the South American biodiversity that is a potential source of bioactive compounds. The mineral content and antioxidant activity of Allophylus edulis leaves were investigated, as well as the composition and the antioxidant activity of the essential oil. The mineral content was determined by ICP - OES and the antioxidant assays were assessed by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, and magnesium were the main minerals found in A. edulis leaves. Of the toxic metals that were present, a low level of aluminum was detected. The essential oil of A. edulis has (E)-nerolidol as major compound and both, the leaves, and the essential oil isolated from the leaves have antioxidant potential. These findings could provide a framework for developing new food and non-food products with A. edulis leaves.

Effect of watercress extract supplementation on lipid profile and oxidative stress markers in overweight people with physical disability: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial.

Studies have demonstrated that diet rich in cruciferous vegetables of the Brassicaceae family can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and oxidative stress levels. Nasturtium officinale (Brassicaceae), commonly known as watercress is a perennial dicotyledonous plant usually found close to water. Although previous investigations have demonstrated the beneficial effects of watercress on hypercholesterolemia in animal studies, until now no such studies have been conducted with humans, up to this time. This study aimed to investigate whether overweight individuals were able to improve or maintain their serum lipid and oxidative stress markers when given standardized extract of Nasturtium officinale (SENO) as a supplement. This was a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial conducted over 5 weeks. Thirty-four overweight people with physical disabilities were selected randomly to participate in this study and then they were assigned randomly to two groups, one treated with 750 mg//kg/d of SENO and the other treated with 750 mg/kg/d of placebo. The results indicated that SENO caused a significant improvement in the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, and lipid peroxidation. However, SENO did not cause a significant statistical change in total serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and high-density lipoprotein levels; catalase, superoxide dismutase, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and urea parameters. The present data might provide supportive evidence that SENO did not cause any harm and positively affected low-density lipoprotein cholesterol profile and creatinine as well as lipid peroxidation levels in the participants. Nevertheless, further studies are suggested to clarify the results presented in this clinical trial.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in people witha physical disability treated with a standardized extract of Nasturtium officinale: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial.

It is well established that plants from the Brassicaceae family, particularly watercress, have been associated to reduce oxidative DNA damage. Nasturtium officinale R. Br (watercress) contains glucosinolates, with anti-inflammatory action and protective effect on human health against oxidative stress. We aimed to evaluate whether the standardized extract of Nasturtium officinale (SENO) is capable of changing biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in people with physical disabilities. 65 people enrolled this study: as a control group composed by; 15 people with no physical disability assessed once, 25 people with physical disabilities using 750 mg/kg/day of SENO, and 25 people with physical disabilities using 750 mg/kg/day of placebo-control for 5 weeks. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were analyzed on day 0 and 36. The results indicated that SENO was associated with decreasing levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and C-reactive protein. Furthermore, the cytokine kit demonstrated below and out of invertible range, which was impossible to detect the inflammatory process. Despite the cytokine kit was not able to detect the inflammation; these data might provide supportive evidence that SENO, have affected positively people with physical disabilities decreasing their biomarkers of oxidative stress and C-reactive protein. Further studies are required.

Brazilian panorama about the registration and use of herbal medicines / Panorama brasileño en cuanto al registro y el uso de las hierbas medicinales

It was evaluated the Brazilian panorama regarding the registration and use of phytotherapics. A descriptive study about herbal medicines was carried out using the Pubmed and Portal Capes databases, and online data from the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Of the 114-plant species described in the list of Brazilian Common Denomination (CBD), 67 have at least one formulation registered by ANVISA, with emphasis on Ginkgo biloba L. Fifteen different pharmaceutical forms were observed, the most common being tablets. There are 22 different indications, laxative was the most cited. Publications in the field of herbal medicine have increased significantly in the last 2 decades.

Se evaluó el panorama brasileño sobre el registro y uso de fitoterápicos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de las hierbas medicinales utilizando las bases de datos Pubmed y Portal Capes, así como datos en línea de la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA). De las 114 especies de plantas descritas en la lista de Denominación Común Brasileña (CBD), 67 tienen al menos una formulación registrada por ANVISA, con énfasis en Ginkgo biloba L. Se observaron 15 formas farmacéuticas diferentes, siendo las más comunes las tabletas. Hay 22 indicaciones diferentes, laxante fue el más citado. Las publicaciones en el campo de la medicina herbal han aumentado significativamente en las últimas 2 décadas.

Evaluation of larvicidal activity and ecotoxicity of linalool, methyl cinnamate and methyl cinnamate/linalool in combination against Aedes aegypti.

The frequent use of synthetic pesticides to control Aedes aegypti population can lead to environmental and/or human contamination and the emergence of resistant insects. Linalool and methyl cinnamate are presented as an alternative to the synthetic pesticides, since they can exhibit larvicidal, repellent and/or insecticidal activity and are considered safe for use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal activity of methyl cinnamate, linalool and methyl cinnamate/linalool in combination (MC-L) (1:4 ratio, respectively) against Aedes aegypti. The in vitro preliminary toxicity through brine shrimp lethality assay and hemolytic activity, and the phytotoxic potential were also investigated to assess the safety of their use as larvicide. Methyl cinnamate showed significant larvicidal activity when compared to linalool (LC50 values of 35.4µg/mL and 275.2µg/mL, respectively) and to MC-L (LC50 138.0µg/mL). Larvae morphological changes subjected to the specified treatments were observed, as the flooding of tracheal system and midgut damage, hindering the larval development and survival. Preliminary in vitro toxicity through brine shrimp showed the high bioactivity of the substances (methyl cinnamate LC50 35.5µg/mL; linalool LC50 96.1µg/mL) and the mixture (MC-L LC50 57.7µg/mL). The results showed that, despite the higher larvicidal activity of methyl cinnamate, the use of MC-L as a larvicide seems to be more appropriate due to its significant larvicidal activity and low toxicity.

Investigation of local anesthetic and antimycobacterial activity of Ottonia martiana Miq. (Piperaceae).

Ottonia martiana is a plant popularly known in Brazil by the use for toothache. Ethanolic extract (EE), hexane fraction (HF), dichloromethane fraction (DF) and piperovatine obtained from O. martiana were assayed in vitro and in vivo. The acute toxicity of EE was determined, and LD50 values of 164.5 and 65.0 mg/kg by the oral and intraperitoneal routes, respectively, indicated a high toxicity for EE in vivo, explaining its popular use by topical administration only. A local anesthetic-like effect of EE and its fractions was observed in experimental models using pain induction, and such effect involved an analgesic action. The antimycobacterial activity of EE, HF, DF and piperovatine was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv ATCC 27924. EE, HF, DF, and piperovatine showed a potential antimycobacterial effect with MICs of 16.0, 62.0, 62.0 and 8.0 µg/mL, respectively. Piperovatine was more effective than the EE or the other fractions. The selectivity index (SI=IC50/MIC) values calculated for EE, HF, DF and piperovatine based on the MICs and the cytotoxicity against J774 macrophages (IC50 by MTT assay) revealed values of 6.43, 2.34, 1.5 and 9.66, respectively.

Croton argenteus preparation inhibits initial growth, mitochondrial respiration and increase the oxidative stress from Senna occidentalis seedlings.

Senna ocidentalis is a weed, native to Brazil, considered to infest crops and plantations, and is responsible for yield losses of several crops, particularly soybean. The aim of this work was to evaluate if the Croton argenteus extract and fractions possess phytotoxic activity on S. ocidentalis. The crude ethanolic extract (CEE) and its hexanic (HF), chloroformic (CLF) and ethyl acetate (EAF) fractions were tested in germination, growth, oxidative stress increase, Adenosine triphosphate, L-malate and succinate synthesis. The crude extract and its fractions slowed down the germination of S. ocidentalis and decreased the final percentage of germination. Oxidative stress was also increased in the seedlings, by an increase of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and lipid peroxidation; and it became clear that the ethyl acetate fraction was more phytotoxic. The results indicate that the crude extract and fractions of C. argenteus compromise the mitochondrial energy metabolism, by the inhibition of mitochondrial ATP production, with a decrease in the production of L-malate and succinate. The ethyl acetate fraction of C. argenteus showed high activity on germination and growth, and these effects take place by means of mitochondrial metabolism alterations and increase the oxidative stress, leading the seedling death.

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of a monofloral honey of Mimosa scabrella provided by Melipona marginata during winter in southern Brazil.

Melipona marginata is an endangered species of stingless bee from Brazil that produces honey with particular physicochemical features and a remarkable exotic flavor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report devoted to exploring the medicinal potential of this honey. Thus, the aim of this paper was to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory activity of honey extract from M. marginata on skin inflammation. The honey sample was classified as a monofloral honey of Mimosa scabrella. The presence of 11 phenolic compounds as kaempferol and caffeic acid was detected using the high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-UV-ESI-MS) method. The anti-inflammatory activity was measured using a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ear edema model of inflammation in mice. The topical application of the M. marginata honey extract (1.0 mg/ear) was able to reduce ear edema with an inhibitory effect of 54 ± 5%. This extract decreased the myeloperoxidase activity in 75 ± 3%, which suggests a lower leucocyte infiltration that was confirmed by histological analysis. This extract also provided a reduction of 55 ± 14% in the production of reactive oxygen species. This anti-inflammatory activity could be due to a synergic effect of the phenolic compounds identified in the honey sample. Taken together, these results open up new possibilities for the use of M. marginata honey extract in skin disorders.

Atividade antibacteriana de Cereus jamacaru DC, Cactaceae / Screening antimicrobial activity of Cereus jamacaru DC, Cactaceae

A procura por novos agentes antimicrobianos a partir de plantas vem sendo intensificada e não existem estudos direcionados à avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana de C. jamacaru frente a microrganismos prejudiciais ao homem. Em vista disso, avaliou-se o efeito antimicrobiano do extrato bruto etanólico do lenho (EBLE) e do córtex (EBCO) desta espécie frente a colônias puras de oito microrganismos patogênicos. Neste estudo foram utilizados os métodos difusão em ágar (meio sólido) e CIM (concentração inibitória mínima). Os resultados obtidos neste ensaio preliminar mostraram que EBCO apresentou atividade antimicrobiana mais pronunciada que EBCE e que os microrganismos cujo crescimento foi mais influenciado por EBCO foram Streptococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Escherichia coli.

The search for new antibiotic agents from plants is growing, and no study regarding the activity of C. jamacaru pathological microorganisms has been carried out. This research evaluates the antibiotic effect of crude ethanolic extracts of the cortex (EBCO) and wood (EBLE) of the species over eight microorganisms. Two methods were used: agar diffusion and MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration). EBCO showed better inhibition results than EBLE. Streptococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli are the microorganisms that were better inhibited by EBCO.

Contribuição ao estudo alelopático de Erythrina velutina Willd., Fabaceae / Contribution to the allelopatic study of Erythrina velutina Willd., Fabaceae

Este trabalho utilizou extrato etanólico e respectivas frações de Erythrina velutina em ensaio alelopático com sementes de Lactuca sativa. Observou-se que, com exceção da fração acetato de etila, o extrato etanólico e frações foram capazes de influenciar a germinação e crescimento das sementes de L. sativa.

This work has used ethanol extract and respective fractions from Erythrina velutina in allelophatic rehearsal with seeds from Lactuca sativa. It was observed that, except for the ethyl acetate fraction, the ethanol extract and fractions has been capable to influence the germination and growth of the seeds from L. sativa.

Atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica de extratos etanólicos de Aster lanceolatus Willd., Asteraceae / Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ethanolics extracts from Aster lanceolatus Willd., Asteraceae

Conhecida popularmente como áster-arbustiva, margarida-de-são-miguel e monte-cassino, Aster lanceolatus é uma planta ornamental de corte. Sabendo-se que não existem estudos que atestem a atividade biológica desta espécie, procurou-se neste trabalho atividades antibacteriana e antifúngica. Para tanto se utilizaram extratos brutos etanólicos de duas porções distintas, das flores e dos caules com folhas. Para a atividade antibacteriana, oito bactérias patogênicas foram submetidas a ensaio de difusão em gel e concentração inibitória mínima. Demonstrou-se atividade do extrato bruto etanólico de flores contra Streptococcus pyogenes, em difusão em gel e atividade de extrato bruto etanólico de caules e folhas contra Salmonella typhimurium e Streptococcus pyogenes em concentração inibitória mínima. Para a atividade antifúngica, utilizaram-se três fungos patogênicos em ensaios de crescimento micelial em placas e bioautografia direta. No ensaio de crescimento micelial em placas verificou-se a inibição de Fusarium oxysporum e na bioautografia direta, inibição do Cylindrocladium spathulatum. Os resultados delinearam uma nova fonte de pesquisa, as plantas ornamentais. Estas podem ser fonte de constituintes químicos capazes de servirem como protótipos para novos agentes terapêuticos e para tratamento sanitário de plantas medicinais.

Popularly known as aster-arbustiva, margarida-de-são-miguel and monte-cassino, Aster lanceolatus is an ornamental plant. Having the knowledge that there is no studies on the biological activity of this species, this work aimed to check the antibacterial and antifungal activities. The ethanol extracts of the flowers and of the stems with leaves were used. For the antibacterial activity eight pathogenic bacteria were submitted to the diffusion test in gel and minimal inhibitory concentration. The activity of the ethanolic extract of the flowers has been demonstrated against Streptococcus pyogenes in diffusion in gel and the activity of the ethanol extract of the stems and leaves against Salmonella typhimurium and Streptococcus pyogenes in minimal inhibitory concentration. For the antifungal activity, three pathogenic yeasts have been used in the micelial growth tests in plates and direct bioautography. In the micelial growth tests in plates the inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum has been verified and in the direct bioautography, inhibition of the Cylindrocladium spathulatum. The results indicated a new research source, the ornamental plants. These can be the source of chemicals capable of serving as prototypes for new therapeutic agents and for sanitary treatment of medicinal plants.