Growth and Phytochemistry of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf Inoculated with Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria under Different Lead Levels.

This study aimed to investigate the phytochemistry of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and grown in lead (Pb)-contaminated soil to assess its responses to inoculation under different Pb levels. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme: two levels of A. brasilense (absence or presence) and five Pb levels. After four months of treatment, the following were analyzed: total and reducing sugars, total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, antioxidant enzymes, proline, and essential oil (EO) content and composition. Soil Pb levels and A. brasilense inoculation affected phytochemicals in lemongrass plants. Azospirillum inoculation reduced total sugars in the roots at all soil Pb levels, while increasing Pb levels favored a rise in sugar contents. There was an increase in flavonoid content in treatments associated with Pb and inoculated with A. brasilense. Antioxidant capacity was lower at lower Pb levels, regardless of bacterial inoculation. Enzymatic response was mainly affected by Pb concentrations between 50 and 100 mg kg-1 soil. EO content was influenced by soil Pb levels, with higher EO production at 500 mg Pb kg-1 soil and without A. brasilense inoculation. Overall, lemongrass cultivation in Pb-contaminated areas can be an alternative to phytoremediation and EO production for the industry.

Bioprospecting a Film-Forming System Loaded with Eugenia uniflora L. and Tropaeolum majus L. Leaf Extracts for Topical Application in Treating Skin Lesions.

Natural products can be used as complements or as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Eugenia uniflora and Tropaeolum majus are natives of Brazil and have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to develop a film-forming system (FFS) loaded with plant extracts with the potential for treating microbial infections. E. uniflora and T. majus leaf extracts were prepared and characterized, and the individual and combined antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The FFS was developed with different concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The combination of extracts showed a superior antioxidant effect compared to the individual extracts, justifying the use of the blend. FFS prepared with 4.5% PVA, 4.5% PVP, 7.81% E. uniflora extract, and 3.90% T. majus extract was adhesive, lacked scale formation, presented good malleability, and had a suitable pH for topical application. In addition, the viscosity at rest was satisfactory for maintaining stability; water solubility was adequate; skin permeation was low; and the antimicrobial effect was superior to that of the individual extracts. Therefore, the developed FFS is promising for the differentiated treatment of skin lesions through topical application.

Extraction Methods, Chemical Characterization, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel Peels.

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, popularly known as jabuticaba, possesses bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, known for their antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing, and cardioprotective effects. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize the P. cauliflora fruit peel extraction method, maximize phenolic constituents, and evaluate their antioxidative and antimicrobial effects. Various extraction methods, including vortex extraction with and without precipitation at 25, 40, and 80 °C, and infusion extraction with and without precipitation, were performed using a completely randomized design. Extraction without precipitation (E - P) showed the highest yield (57.9%). However, the precipitated extraction (E + P) method displayed a yield of 45.9%, higher levels of phenolic derivatives, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Major compounds, such as D-psicose, D-glucose, and citric acid, were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis identified citric acid, hexose, flavonoids, tannins, and quercetin as the major compounds in the extracts. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited inhibitory effects against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli bacteria. In conclusion, the E + P method efficiently obtained extracts with high content of bioactive compounds showing antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities with potential application as a dietary supplement.

Safety Investigations of Two Formulations for Vaginal Use Obtained from Eugenia uniflora L. Leaves in Female Rats.

Medicinal plants have great prominence in research into the development of new medicines. Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) is an edible and medicinal plant with economic value in the northeast region of Brazil. Several preparations from E. uniflora leaves and its fruits are employed as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this study we evaluated the preclinical toxicology of crude extract and vaginal gel obtained from the leaves of E. uniflora (5%, 10%, and 15%) aiming to provide safety for its use in the treatment of vulvovaginitis. Both formulations were applied to the vaginal cavity for 14 days. Detailed observations of the vaginal region, including pruritus, swelling, irritation, burning, pain, and vaginal secretion, as well as the estrous cycle were evaluated. On the fifth day, blood samples were obtained from the supraorbital plexus for biochemical and hematological analyses. The animals were subsequently euthanized. All animals underwent necropsy and macroscopic examination of the vaginal mucosa and reproductive system. A histological examination was also performed. No clinically significant changes were detected during the entire experimental period. All biochemical, hematological, or histopathological parameters were within the normal range for the species. The data obtained allow us to suggest that the E. uniflora vaginal formulations are safe in this experimental model.