Comparative anatomy, histochemistry and phytochemistry of three species of the genus Tarenaya Raf.

This study addresses the morphological similarities and taxonomic complexity of the genus Tarenaya Raf. of the family Cleomaceae Bercht. & J. Presl as well as the medicinal use of their species. The research compares potential anatomical diagnostic characters of the vegetative organs of species Tarenaya aculeata, Tarenaya diffusa, and Tarenaya spinosa to determine authenticity parameters. The study also carried out histochemical and phytochemical analyses of leaf blades to explore the medicinal use of these species. Semipermanent slides containing cross sections of the stems, petioles, and leaf blades, as well as paradermal sections of leaf blades, were prepared. The analyses were carried out in light and polarized optical microscopy. The histochemical analysis included different reagents depending on the target metabolite, which were analyzed by optical and fluorescence microscopy. Phytochemical tests of the methanolic extracts of the leaves were performed using thin layer chromatography. Anatomical characterization showed the characters of general occurrence in the family Cleomaceae and those that allow the differentiation of T. aculeata, T. diffusa, and T. spinosa. Histochemistry revealed the synthesis and/or storage sites of the metabolites and phytochemical tests; it was possible to observe the presence of different metabolites. The results bring comparative data on the anatomical and histochemical characterization of the species, thus increasing the taxonomic knowledge of the genus Tarenaya. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The comparative anatomy of three Tarenaya from Brazil was studied. Anatomical differences in different vegetative organs differ species. Differences in histochemistry and phytochemistry.

Morphoanatomy, Histochemistry, and Phytochemistry of Stem and Leaves of Crateva tapia L.

Crateva tapia L. occurs only in Brazil and belongs to the family Capparaceae. This study aimed to characterize the morphoanatomy and histochemistry of stem and leaves, and phytochemical tests of the leaf of C. tapia. Macroscopic characterization was performed with the aid of a pachymeter and a stereomicroscope. Cross-sections of the stem, petiole, petiolule, and leaf blade, as well as paradermal sections of the leaf blade were mounted on microscope slides. Analyzes were carried out with optical microscopy. For histochemical analysis, different reagents were useda ccording to the targeted metabolite. Phytochemical tests of the methanolic extracts of the leaves were performed using thin layer chromatography. Crateva tapia has a stem with a circular cross-section and smooth bark. The leaves are alternate spirally, compound 3-foliolate. The leaf blade is elliptical and has a reticulate dictiodromous nerve. Through anatomical characterization, it was possible to identify a hypostomatic leaf blade with anisocytic, tetracytic, and anomocytic stomata and the presence of secretory canals. Through histochemistry and phytochemical tests, it was possible to observe the presence of different metabolites. Thus, the results obtained in this study contribute to the quality control of C. tapia, a species only found in Brazil, increasing the taxonomic knowledge of the family Capparaceae.

Microscopic Analysis Applied to the Quality Control of Hancornia speciosa Gomes.

Hancornia speciosa Gomes is popularly known as mangabeira and occurs throughout Brazil. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is very important for its food and medicinal uses. The objective of this study was to perform the anatomical and histochemical characterization of the leaves of H. speciosa. Microscope slides were made containing cross sections of petiole and leaf blade, as well as paradermic sections of the leaf blade. The analyses were performed under light and polarized microscopy. For the histochemical analysis, different reagents were used, according to the targeted metabolite. Through microscopic analysis, it was possible to identify the anatomical structures that provide the detailed diagnosis of the studied species. Through histochemistry, the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, triterpenes and steroids, lipophilic compounds, lignin, starch, and calcium oxalate crystals was evidenced in the leaf blade. Thus, the results presented contribute to the quality control of H. speciosa, as well as to bring unpublished data about the species and to increase knowledge about the Apocynaceae family.

Validation of Questionnaire on Violence in Affective Relationships.

The aim was to describe the criteria for construction, validation of content, and appearance of a questionnaire for the identification of violence in affective relationships in adolescence. Transverse methodological study, with a quantitative approach, conducted in the period between June and November 2017, with the construction of a questionnaire and validation of the content and appearance, by means of a Delphi survey with 20 experts on the area of violence and adolescence. To evaluate the clarity and pertinence of the items of the questionnaire, a pilot test was conducted with 76 adolescents, and analysis of the validity of content and reliability of the items by means of Content Validity Index (CVI), the Interrater Agreement (IRA), and the Cronbach alpha. The data were analyzed and processed by means of the Excel and Stata, version 14.0, programs. The indexes calculated in the first round of Delphi provided the following results: CVI = 0.93 and IRA = 0.93, showing evidence of the validity and reliability of the construct content, and in the second round, the questionnaire yielded a percentage of 100% agreement among the professionals and researchers. Verification of the internal consistency presented a mean value of 0.803, calculated by means of the Cronbach alpha. The questionnaire has validity of content and appearance in accordance with the proposed objective, bearing in mind that the indexes of faithfulness and agreement and the Cronbach alpha attained values above those of the established pattern of 80%.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of aqueous extracts of Cucurbita pepo L / Atividades antimicrobiana e antibiofilme de extratos aquosos de Cucurbita pepo L

Introduction: Cucurbita pepo L. is an herbaceous plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The species is popularly used in different countries for the treatment of diabetes and parasitic diseases. Objective: This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of aqueous extracts of leaves and seeds of C. pepo. Methodology: the extracts were tested in vitro against strains of Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans and Candida krusei. The antimicrobial activity was performed by the microtiter method and the antibiofilm activity by the violet crystal method. Results: the results demonstrated that the extracts tested showed antibacterial and antibiofilm actions against S. pyogenes, but it was not possible to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The extracts inhibited the growth of C. albicans and C. krusei with MIC of 0.03 mg/mL. The antibiofilm activity of these species did not present either a dose dependence relationship or a synergistic effect when associated with the antifungal Fluconazole®. Conclusion: although there are indications of antimicrobial and inhibitory action in the formation of biofilm, additional studies are necessary to characterize the possible pharmacological effects of the analyzed specie.

Introdução: Cucurbita pepo L. é uma planta herbácea pertencente à família Cucurbitaceae. A espécie é usada popularmente em diferentes países para tratamento de diabetes e parasitoses. Objetivo: esse trabalho objetivou avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano e antibiofilme de extratos aquosos de folhas e sementes de C. pepo. Metodologia: os extratos foram testados in vitro contra cepas de Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans e Candida krusei. A atividade antimicrobiana foi realizada pelo método de microtitulação e a atividade antibiofilme pelo método de cristal de violeta. Resultados: os resultados demonstraram que os extratos testados apresentaram ação contra S. pyogenes, tanto em relação ao controle do crescimento bacteriano como inibição de formação de biofilme, mas não foi possível determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). Os extratos inibiram o crescimento C. albicans e C. krusei com CIM de 0.03 mg/mL. A atividade antibiofilme dessas espécies não apresentou relação de dose dependência nem de efeito sinérgico quando associado ao antifúngico Fluconazol®. Conclusão: Embora haja indicativos de ação antimicrobiana e inibitória na formação de biofilme, são necessários estudos adicionais para a caracterização dos possíveis efeitos farmacológicos da espécie analisada.

Congenital Syphilis as a Measure of Maternal and Child Healthcare, Brazil.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that has direct adverse effects on maternal and infant health through vertical Treponema pallidum transmission during early pregnancy. We evaluated congenital syphilis as a predictor of the quality of basic maternal and child healthcare in Brazil during 2010-2015. We investigated case rates and correlations with epidemiologic and socioeconomic indicators. We observed rising congenital syphilis incidence rates and increasing syphilis-associated perinatal and infant mortality rates in all regions. Case rates were highest in the Northeast, Southeast, and South, and congenital syphilis infant mortality rates were highest in the Northeast and Southeast. We observed correlations between congenital syphilis rates and infant death, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), and stillbirth rates. We also noted correlations between rates of stillbirth caused by syphilis and inadequate prenatal care. Our study suggests gaps in basic healthcare for pregnant women and indicates the urgent need for measures to increase early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Anatomy, histochemistry and oxalic acid content of the leaflets of Averrhoa bilimbi and Averrhoa carambola

Abstract Averrhoa bilimbi L. and A. carambola L., Oxalidaceae, are the only two species of the genus Averrhoa L. Their leaves are widely used in folk medicine as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes. Some species may contain, for example, calcium oxalate crystals, which may lead to risk in its use when there is predisposition of individuals with reduced renal activity. Therefore, there are still few studies on the content of oxalic acid present in them, highlighting the importance of this investigation. The objective of this work was to conduct a comparative anatomical and histochemical study between the species and determining its content of oxalic acid. Semipermanent histological slides were prepared, following common plant anatomy procedures, for analysis of the leaflets in optical microscopy, polarization and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. To determine the total, soluble and insoluble oxalate content was used titration with potassium permanganate. The anatomical characterization allowed identifying the characters useful in the differentiation of the species. The histochemistry revealed the location of the metabolites. Chemical microanalyses demonstrated that the crystals are of calcium oxalate. A. carambola presented the highest levels of total oxalate and soluble oxalate. The study assists in the identification and quality control of A. bilimbi and A. carambola and brings new data on its oxalic acid content, which are important, in view of the medicinal use of the species.

Pharmacobotanical study of Manilkara zapota (L. ) P. Royen (Sapotaceae)

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen, popularly known as sapoti or sapota (sapodilla), is a tree bearing an important fruit, in addition to different parts of the plant being widely used in folk medicine in the management of inflammation, pain, fevers, coughs, diarrhea, dysentery, among other ailments. This study aimed to conduct a pharmacobotany standardization study of M. zapota. Semi-permanent slides, containing transversal sections of stem, petiole, leaf blade and fruit; and paradermic sections of leaf blade were prepared, and analyzed by light microscopy. Histochemical tests were also performed in cross-sections of the leaf blade. Microscopic analysis allowed the identification of important elements in the diagnosis of the species; while the use of histochemical techniques on the leaf blade showed evidence of the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, triterpenes and steroids, lipophilic compounds, starch, lignin and calcium oxalate crystals. The results presented contributed to characterization of the species.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and topical antiinflammatory activities of Croton cordiifolius Baill. (Euphorbiaceae)

Croton cordiifolius is widely used in Brazilian Caatinga folk medicine to treat general inflammation, pain, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Currently, its medicinal properties are not well understood, owing to the absence of chemical and pharmacological studies. The aims of this work were to analyze the chemical composition of C. cordiifolius stem bark and evaluate its in vitro antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. C. cordiifolius ethanolic extract (CcEE) was obtained by maceration, while essential oil (CcEO) was extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition was evaluated by thin-layer chromatography and GCMS. Total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were quantitated by spectrophotometry. Topical anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by different ear edema models in mice. The major compounds in CcEO were α-pinene (51.76%) and ß-pinene (19.08%). CcEE analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, mono- and sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, triterpenes, steroids, and coumarins. CcEE showed antioxidant activity in vitro. In a topical anti-inflammatory assay, CcEO showed no activity. On the contrary, CcEE inhibited ear edema induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), arachidonic acid (AA), ethyl phenylpropriolate (EPP), and phenol. Probable mechanisms include inhibition of AA metabolite biosynthesis, vasoactive amine activity, and cytokine release/activity. These results corroborate the popular reputation of C. cordiifolius as an anti-inflammatory remedy.(AU)

Prática popular de saúde: a concepção dos usuários da unidade de saúde Engenho do Meio sobre o uso de plantas medicinais / Popular health practice: users' conception about the use of medicinal plants at the Engenho do Meio health care unit

A pesquisa caracterizou-se por estudar o uso da fitoterapiapelos comunitários atendidos na Unidade de Saúdeda Família Engenho do Meio, Recife, PE, e traçar o perfilsocioeconômico. Foi realizado um estudo observacional,transversal e descritivo de natureza quanti-qualitativa, noqual os dados foram obtidos através de entrevistas com369 usuários, conduzidas por estudantes do Programa deEducação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde (PET-Saúde) pormeio de questionário semiestruturado. Foram abordadosdados socioeconômicos e etnofarmacológicos, os quaisforam analisados por distribuição de frequência simples.Dos usuários entrevistados, 85% foram mulheres, 36%possuíam ensino médio completo e 83% tinham renda familiarde até dois salários mínimos. Verificou-se que 77%utilizam alguma planta medicinal, sendo os distúrbios gastrintestinaisa principal indicação clínica. Vizinhos e familiaresforam responsáveis por 93% das indicações. Ochá foi a forma de preparo predominante (94%) e a folha,a parte da planta mais usada (83%). Quando abordadossobre as contraindicações das plantas, 99% dos usuáriosinformaram desconhecê-las. Pode-se perceber com os resultadosa valorização da cultura popular, em função daelevada taxa de uso das plantas medicinais. No entanto,é preciso investir na perspectiva do uso racional e segurodas plantas medicinais pelo elevado índice de desconhecimentoacerca das contraindicações.

The research was characterized by studying the useof phytotherapy in the community served by theEngenho do Meio Family Health Care Unit, Recife,PE, as well as determining the socioeconomic profile.An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study,qualitative and quantitative in nature, in which the datawere obtained through interviews with 369 users, wascarried out by students of the Education Programfor Work in Health Care (EPW-Health) through asemi-structured questionnaire. Socioeconomic andethnopharmacological data, which were analyzed bysimple frequency distribution, were discussed. Among thesurveyed users, 85% were women, 36% had completedhigh school, and 83% had a family income of up to twominimum wages. It was found that 77% use a medicinalplant, with gastrointestinal disorders being the mainclinical indication. Neighbors and family members wereresponsible for 93% of the recommendations. Tea wasthe predominant form of preparation (94%) and the leafwas the most commonly used part of the plant (83%).When asked about the contraindications of plants, 99%of the users reported being unaware of them. The resultsshow the importance of popular culture, given the highrate of use of medicinal plants. However, investment inthe perspective of the rational and safe use of medicinalplants is needed due to the high rate of ignorance aboutthe contraindications.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ethanolic extract of Euphorbia hyssopifolia L. on HepG2 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Euphorbia hyssopifolia L. is a weed with recognized antimicrobial potential employed in Indian, Asian and Latin-American popular medicine. However, little is known with regard to its toxic potential. The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ethanolic extract of E. hyssopifolia in HepG2 cell culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract was carried out to determine the presence of active secondary plant metabolites. Six concentrations (0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0mg/mL) of ethanolic extract were tested by the MTT assay to verify cytotoxicity. Then, genotoxic evaluations (alkaline comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay - CBMN) were carried out in HepG2 cells with extract concentrations of 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0mg/mL. RESULTS: Mono and sesquiterpenes, triterpenes and steroids, and flavonoids were the main classes found in the phytochemical screening. Extract concentrations used in the MTT assay showed no cytotoxic activity. On the other hand, genotoxic activity was verified at 0.1 and 1.0mg/mL in the alkaline comet assay. Additionally, the 1.0mg/mL concentration induced severe cell damage leading to death in the CBMN assay, indicating a cytotoxic effect for this concentration in the latter method. CONCLUSION: The use of E. hyssopifolia extract for medicinal purposes should be avoided, because concentrations above 0.01mg/mL may pose risk to human health due to cytotoxic and/or genotoxic effects.

Tillandsia recurvata L. (Bromeliaceae): aspectos farmacognósticos / Tillandsia recurvata L. (Bromeliaceae): a pharmacognostic study

A cobertura superior das florestas tropicais, formada pelas copas das árvores, constitui um ambiente de extrema diversidade vegetal. Contribuindo com a grande riqueza dessas florestas encontram-se as espécies botânicas epífitas, cuja importância pode ser observada do ponto de vista ecológico, faunístico, etnobotânico e até mesmo farmacológico. Dentre as espécies adaptadas à vida epifítica podemos citar as bromeliáceas, que compõem uma das famílias mais representativas dessa flora com elevada variabilidade genética. Tillandsia recurvata é uma espécie epífita cosmopolita, nativa, adaptada a habitats áridos, utilizada para o tratamento de diversas doenças, mas pouco se tem publicado a respeito das comprovações científicas de suas propriedades. O presente trabalho revisa os aspectos etnofarmacológicos, atividades biológicas e compostos químicos relacionados à espécie em questão, pertencente à Bromeliaceae. A partir do levantamento de dados realizado, observa-se que esta se trata de uma espécie de conhecido uso popular no tratamento de diferentes distúrbios, com alguns estudos farmacológicos que comprovam suas propriedades terapêuticas. Do ponto de vista químico observa-se a presença de terpenos, flavonoides e derivados cinâmicos em sua constituição, em que alguns compostos isolados ilustram a potencialidade desta espécie como fonte de biomoléculas de interesse. Todos estes aspectos considerados nesta revisão contribuem para o conhecimento a respeito da importância biológica e o potencial terapêutico acerca dos metabólitos desta promissora espécie.

The canopy of tropical forests, formed by the crowns of trees, constitutes a habitat of extreme plant diversity. Contributing to the great richness of these forests are epiphytes, which are of outstanding importance from the ecological, faunal, ethnobotanical and even pharmacological standpoints. Among the species adapted to the epiphytic life (growing on other plants) are the bromeliads, one of the most representative families of that flora, possessing high genetic variability. Tillandsia recurvate is a cosmopolitan epiphyte adapted to arid habitats, traditionally used to treat various diseases, though little has been published on scientific evidence for its properties. This paper reviews its ethnopharmacology and the biological activities and chemical compounds related to this member of the Bromeliaceae. According to the data collected, this species is known for its popular use in the treatment of various disorders, with some pharmacological studies that demonstrate its therapeutic properties. From the chemical point of view, terpenes, flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives are found in its constitution and some of the compounds isolated illustrate the potential of this species as a source of interesting biomolecules. All these features reviewed here contribute to what is known about the biological importance and therapeutic potential of metabolites from this promising species.

Chrysobalanaceae: traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Chrysobalanaceae is a family composed of seventeen genera and about 525 species. In Africa and South America some species have popular indications for various diseases such as malaria, epilepsy, diarrhea, inflammations and diabetes. Despite presenting several indications of popular use, there are few studies confirming the activities of these species. In the course of evaluating the potential for future studies, the present work is a literature survey on databases of the botanical, chemical, biological and ethnopharmacological data on Chrysobalanaceae species published since the first studies that occurred in the 60's until the present day.

Total flavonoids content in the raw material and aqueous extractives from Bauhinia monandra Kurz (Caesalpiniaceae).

The aim of this work was to evaluate the spectrophotometric methodology for determining the total flavonoid content (TFC) in herbal drug and derived products from Bauhinia monandra Kurz. Several analytical parameters from this method grounded on the complex formed between flavonoids and AlCl3 were evaluated such as herbal amount (0.25 to 1.25 g); solvent composition (ethanol 40 to 80%, v/v); as well as the reaction time and AlCl3 concentration (2 to 9%, w/v). The method was adjusted to aqueous extractives and its performance studied through precision, linearity and preliminary robustness. The results showed an important dependence of the method response from reaction time, AlCl3 concentration, sample amount, and solvent mixture. After choosing the optimized condition, the method was applied for the matrixes (herbal material and extractives), showing precision lower than 5% (for both parameters repeatability and intermediate precision), coefficient of determination higher than 0.99, and no important influence could be observed for slight variations from wavelength or AlCl3 concentration. Thus, it could be concluded that the evaluated analytical procedure was suitable to quantify the total flavonoid content in raw material and aqueous extractives from leaves of B. monandra.

In vitro synergistic effect of Psidium guineense (Swartz) in combination with antimicrobial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of Psidium guineense Swartz (Araçá-do-campo) and five antimicrobials (ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem) against twelve strains of Staphylococcus aureus with a resistant phenotype previously determined by the disk diffusion method. Four S. aureus strains showed resistance to all antimicrobial agents tested and were selected for the study of the interaction between aqueous extract of P. guineense and antimicrobial agents, by the checkerboard method. The criteria used to evaluate the synergistic activity were defined by the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). All S. aureus strains were susceptible to P. guineense as determined by the microdilution method. The combination of the P. guineense extract with the antimicrobial agents resulted in an eight-fold reduction in the MIC of these agents, which showed a FICI ranging from 0.125 to 0.5, suggesting a synergistic interaction against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The combination of the aqueous extract of P. guineense with cefoxitin showed the lowest FICI values. This study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of P. guineense combined with beta lactamics antimicrobials, fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems, acts synergistically by inhibiting MRSA strains.

Morfoanatomia, histoquímica e perfil fitoquímico de Priva lappulacea (L. ) Pers. (Verbenaceae) / Morphoanatomy, histochemistry and phytochemical screening of Priva lappulacea (L. ) Pers. (Verbenaceae)

Este estudo descreve a anatomia e analisa a histoquímica dos órgãos vegetativos de Priva lappulacea (L.) Pers. Secções transversais e paradérmicas, à mão livre, de material fresco e fixado foram utilizadas para as análises anatômicas e histoquímicas, usando microscopia óptica. Os caracteres anatômicos são comuns àqueles descritos para a família, podendo ser utilizados como diagnóstico na sua identificação. Destacam-se, nas folhas, os tricomas, glandular e não-glandular, estômatos anomocíticos, em ambas as faces da epiderme, e mesofilo dorsiventral. As expansões no pecíolo são acrescentadas à diagnose da espécie. Estudo fitoquímico realizado com as partes aéreas mostrou a presença de triterpeno (ácido ursólico) e esteróide (β-sitosterol), iridóides (ipolamida e catalpol), açúcar redutor (glucose), flavonóide (luteolina) e fenilpropanóide (verbascosídeo). Nas raízes foi encontrada apenas glucose e dois iridóides estiveram presentes no caule e folhas. Alcalóides, saponinas, cumarinas, derivados cinâmicos, proantocianidinas condensadas e leucoantocianidinas não foram constatados nas partes analisadas. A descrição anatômica e os testes histoquímicos são inéditos para P. lappulacea.

This study describes the anatomy and analyzes the histochemistry of the vegetative organs of Priva lappulacea (L.) Pers. Freehanded transversal and paradermal sections of fresh and fixed material were used for the anatomical and histochemical analyses, using optical microscopy. The anatomical characters are common to those described for the family, being able to be used to diagnosis in its identification. The leaves are highlighted by the presence of glandular and non-glandular trichomes, anomocytic stomata on both faces of the epidermis and dorsiventral mesophyll. The expansions in the petiole are added to the diagnosis of this species. The phytochemical study carried out with aerial organs showed the presence of triterpene (ursolic acid) and steroid (β-sitosterol), iridoids (ipolamide and catalpol), reducing sugar (glucose), flavonoid (luteolin) and fenilpropanoid (verbascosides). In the roots only glucose was found and two iridoids are present in stem and leaves. Alkaloids, saponins, cumarines, cinamic acid derivates, condensed proantocianidines and leucoantocianidines were not checked in the analyzed parts. The anatomical description and the histochemical tests are unpublished for P. lappulacea.

Variabilidade sazonal dos constituintes da própolis vermelha e bioatividade em Artermia salina / Seasonal variability of red propolis constituents and brine shrimp bioassay

A própolis é uma substância resinosa coletada pelas abelhas de diversas partes das plantas. Sua composição depende da época, vegetação e local de coleta. Apresenta diversas atividades biológicas como antimicrobiana, antioxidante, antitumoral, dentre outras. Foi realizado estudo da variabilidade sazonal, nos meses de fevereiro, junho e outubro de 2006, dos constituintes voláteis da própolis vermelha de Pernambuco através da extração por headspace dinâmico e identificação por cromatografia gasosa acoplada com espectrometria de massas (CG-EM). Foram identificados 34 constituintes voláteis, sendo monoterpenos e monoterpenóides, sesquiterpenos e sesquiterpenóides, fenilpropanóides, aldeídos, cetonas e η-alcanos. Os constituintes majoritários foram o trans-anetol, α-copaeno e o metil cis-isoeugenol. Também foi realizado o perfil fitoquímico por cromatografia em camada delgada (CCD), através da qual os constituintes fenólicos foram identificados como majoritários. Com o extrato bruto metanólico da própolis, realizou-se o ensaio de letalidade em Artemia salina, que demonstrou DL50 de 18,9 µg/mL, sugerindo uma possível atividade antitumoral.

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from plant sources. The composition of the propolis depends on the season, the vegetation, and the area of collection. It presents a diverse biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant and antitumoral. The seasonal variability of the red propolis constituents from Pernambuco State were accomplished in the months of February, June and October of 2006. The volatile red propolis constituients were captured by the dynamic headspace technique and analyzed by GC-MS. In the analysis of the samples, 34 constituents were identified as the mono and sesquiterpens, phenylpropanoids, aldehydes, cetons and n-alcanes, presenting as majority constituents the trans-anethol, α-copaene and methyl cis-isoeugenol. The phytochemistry profile was performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Through this technique the majority constituents were identified as phenols. The Brine shrimp bioassay was used to evaluate of the red propolis methanolic extract, which demonstrated a DL50 of 18.9 µg/mL and an activity antitumoral was possibly suggested.

Avaliação preliminar da atividade farmacológica (antiespasmódica e antiulcerogênica) do extrato aquoso bruto de Croton rbamnifolius H. B. K. e Croton rbamnifolioides PAX & Hoffm. (Euphorbiaceae) / Preliminary evaluation of pharmacological activity (antispasmodic and antiulcerogenic) of raw aqueous extract of Croton rbamnifolius H. B. K and Croton rbamnifolioides Pax & Hoffm (euphorbiaceae

O estudo farmacológico de Croton rhamnifolius e Croton rhamnifolioides foi baseado no uso popular.Os extratos brutos aquosos a 20 por cento (0,5 a 2,0g/kg das cascas foram administrados por via oral para avaliação da possível atividade tóxica, a qual não foi observada em rato. Os extratos de C.rhmnifolius e C.rhamnifolioides (0,5 e 1,0g/kg) administrados por via oral em ratos não protegeram a mucosa estomacal da lesão induzida por etanol a 70 por cento. O extrato de C. rhamnifolioides (0,5 e 1,0g/kg) não reduziu as contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético em camundongos. Uma possível atividade relaxante da musculatura lisa em ducto deferente e jejuno de rato foi obtida com ambos os extratos (2 a 20mg/mL),através da inibição das contrações induzidas respectivamente por acetilcolina e cloreto de potássio.