RESUMEN
The total phenolic content (TP) and antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract and fractions that were obtained from the leaves of Nectandra hihua were assessed using different methods. The ethanolic extract (EE) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) had the best antioxidant capacity, which was comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene and quercetin (ABTS+ 2.55⯱â¯0.06, 3.54⯱â¯0.03â¯mmol TE/g; DPPH IC50 10.27⯱â¯0.05, 9.88⯱â¯0.02⯵g/mL; FRAP 2.17⯱â¯0.08, 2.38⯱â¯0.04â¯mmol TE/g; ORAC 5.16⯱â¯0.08, 5.35⯱â¯0.07â¯mmol TE/g; TP 568.05⯱â¯18.15, 397.20⯱â¯17.88â¯mg GAE/g, respectively). The cytoprotective effect, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation inhibitions on L929 fibroblasts irradiated with UVB (600â¯mJ/cm2) in pre- and post-treatments with EE and EAF were determined. These plant materials demonstrated high ROS scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition on L929 fibroblasts in both treatments, especially with pre-treatment (EE 38.47⯱â¯1.95% and EAF 40.20⯱â¯4.5% inhibition of ROS production, and EE 39.03⯱â¯3.33% and EAF 41.67⯱â¯7.6% of lipid peroxidation inhibition), indicating the best cytoprotection with pre-treatment (13.52⯱â¯1.66% and 13.34⯱â¯2.61% increases in cell viability). The antioxidant flavonoids quercitrin, avicularin, juglalin, afzelin and astragalin were isolated from EAF. The results obtained indicate that EE and EAF present photodamage attenuating potential against UVB-induced oxidative stress and can be useful as a starting point for developing dermatological products to prevent oxidative skin damage.
Asunto(s)
Lauraceae/química , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de la radiación , Rayos Ultravioleta , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/aislamiento & purificación , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de la radiación , Fibroblastos/citología , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fibroblastos/efectos de la radiación , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/aislamiento & purificación , Flavonoides/farmacología , Humanos , Lauraceae/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Fenoles/química , Fenoles/aislamiento & purificación , Fenoles/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/química , Hojas de la Planta/química , Hojas de la Planta/metabolismo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/química , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismoRESUMEN
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one of the most important ectoparasites in cattle breeding worldwide, causing direct and indirect losses to animals and producers. Chemical acaricides are utilized in the control of cattle tick and the increase in the development of resistance by ectoparasites makes new alternative necessary. Therefore, research studies have been carried out using bioactive molecules that are quickly degraded and that reduce poisoning to appliers and non-target organisms, environmental contamination and development of resistance. Thus, this study aimed to isolate piperovatine from the roots of Piper corcovadensis, a native species to Brazil, and to evaluate the larvicidal activity against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus by larval packet test and in ex situ in an open environment. Piperovatine was isolated by classical column chromatography, and identified by 1H and 13C NMR. The lethal concentration (LC) of piperovatine that killed 50% (LC50) and 99% (LC99) of the larvae was determined by Probit analysis. The results indicated LC50 5.17 and LC99 25.41 µg/mL. LC99 was tested in ex situ in an open environment, and an efficiency of 96.63% was found, indicating that piperovatine kept the larvicidal action determined in in vitro test and in open environment. Therefore, this study shows new perspectives to develop products that can be applied in natural conditions to control this ectoparasite.
Asunto(s)
Acaricidas/administración & dosificación , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/veterinaria , Larva/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido Sórbico/análogos & derivados , Acaricidas/química , Acaricidas/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Productos Biológicos/administración & dosificación , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Descubrimiento de Drogas , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/tratamiento farmacológico , Infestaciones Ectoparasitarias/epidemiología , Femenino , Piper/anatomía & histología , Piper/química , Ácido Sórbico/administración & dosificación , Ácido Sórbico/química , Ácido Sórbico/aislamiento & purificación , Control de Ácaros y Garrapatas/métodos , Infestaciones por Garrapatas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infestaciones por Garrapatas/veterinaria , Garrapatas/efectos de los fármacos , Garrapatas/fisiologíaRESUMEN
The effects on the viability of promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and citotoxicity in J774.A1 macrophages of ethanolic extract, fractions and isolated compounds that were obtained from the leaves of Nectandra cuspidata were determined. The total phenolics content (TP) and antioxidant activity were assessed using different assays. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) had the best antiproliferative activity (amastigote IC50: 4.42 ± 0.60 µg/mL, promastigote IC50: 33.33 ± 0.78) and presented no cytotoxicity at the highest concentration tested (1000 µg/mL). The EAF also had the greatest antioxidant capacity, which was comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene and quercetin (DPPH IC50 6.54 ± 0.10 µg/mL, ABTS 4.75 ± 0.11 mmol ET/g; FRAP 2.37 ± 0.03 mmol ET/g; ORAC = 33.52 ± 1.99 mmol ET/g; TP 387.11 ± 0.25 mg GAE/g). Vitexin, epicatechin and isovitexin isolated from EAF contribute to both activities.
Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes/aislamiento & purificación , Antiprotozoarios/aislamiento & purificación , Lauraceae/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Animales , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Antiprotozoarios/química , Antiprotozoarios/farmacología , Línea Celular , Leishmania/efectos de los fármacos , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Fenoles/análisis , Extractos Vegetales/químicaRESUMEN
Aiming to compare morphofunctional features related to dispersion and establishment of plants, this study evaluated seed biometry and biomass, as well as germination and emergence potential in eight plant species native to the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. Biometric measurements and biomass of seeds were obtained with a caliper and a precision scale.Afterwards, they were subjected to a germination test in BOD chambers under constanttemperature and 12hoursphotoperiod, and sown in styrofoam trays containing organic substrate and sand, kept in full sunlight.Data from germination and emergence was subjected to cluster analysis, according to the functional morphotype of the seedling.Most species presented seeds with a rounded shape, uniform staining at the mature stage, varied coat consistency, two types of dispersal syndromes (anemochory and zoochory) and four morphofunctional patterns in developing seedlings (crypto-hypogeal-storers, crypto-epigeal-storers, phanero-epigeal-storers and phanero-epigeal-foliaceous). The species belonging to group I (Albizia niopoides, Cedrela fissilis, Pterogyne nitensand Randia ferox) have foliaceous photosynthetic cotyledons and group II (Cabralea canjerana, Eugenia pyriformis, Inga laurinaand Poecilantheparviflora) have a reserve cotyledon. Species of group I had higher means in the percentage and rate of germination, less variability and amplitude of days for seedlings emergence. On the other hand, species of group II showed higher mean values in seed biometry and biomass. Thus, seeds with foliaceous cotyledons have an optimized development because of luminosity, whereas seeds with reserve tend to have slower development, remaining at the seedling stage for a longer time.
Asunto(s)
Biomasa , Germinación , Plantones/crecimiento & desarrollo , Plantones/químicaRESUMEN
The research of new substances capable of controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito is urgent due to the increase in the transmission of the diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus by the vector. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal activity of crude extract of Piper corcovadensis roots, a native plant from Brazil, and of the isolated compound piperovatine against larvae of A. aegypti by the larval immersion test. The lethal concentration that killed 50% (LC50) and 99% (LC99) of larvae was determined by Probit analysis. The results indicated high larvicidal activity on A. aegypti larvae for crude extract of Piper corcovadensis roots with LC50 of 4.86 µg/mL and LC99 of 15.50 µg/mL and piperovatine with LC50 of 17.78 µg/mL and LC99 of 48.55 µg/mL. This work opens new perspectives to the development of future products with crude extract of Piper corcovadensis roots and piperovatine that can be applied to mosquito control.
La investigación de nuevas sustancias capaces de controlar el mosquito Aedes aegypti es urgente debido al aumento en la transmisión de enfermedades como el dengue, el chikungunya y el virus Zika por el vector. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad larvicida del extracto crudo de las raíces de Piper corcovadensis, una planta nativa de Brasil, y del compuesto aislado piperovatine contra larvas de A. aegypti mediante la prueba de inmersión larvaria. La concentración letal que mató al 50% (LC50) y al 99% (LC99) de larvas se determinó mediante análisis Probit. Los resultados indicaron una alta actividad larvicida en larvas de A. aegypti para extracto crudo de las raíces de Piper corcovadensis con LC50 de 4.86 µg/mL y LC99 de 15.50 µg/mL y piperovatine con LC50 de 17.78 µg/mL y LC99 de 48.55 µg/mL. Este trabajo abre nuevas perspectivas para el desarrollo de futuros productos con extracto crudo de las raíces de Piper corcovadensis y piperovatine que pueden aplicarse al control de mosquitos.
Asunto(s)
Animales , Ácido Sórbico/análogos & derivados , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Aedes/efectos de los fármacos , Piper/química , Insecticidas/farmacología , Ácido Sórbico/aislamiento & purificación , Ácido Sórbico/farmacología , Fiebre Amarilla/prevención & control , Brasil , Raíces de Plantas , Dengue/prevención & control , Larvicidas , Infección por el Virus Zika/prevención & control , Larva/efectos de los fármacos , Cloruro de MetilenoRESUMEN
Albizia niopoides (Bentham) Burkart, known as farinha seca, is an arboreal, deciduous and pioneer plant that can be found in the semi-deciduous forest in the Paraná basin. The study on the germination and growth of the plant is fundamental for better knowledge about the establishment and regeneration of the species. Aiming to verify the germination of A. niopoides and subsequent growth, green seeds and brown seeds were germinated in a germination chamber and growth parameters were evaluated at 60, 90, and 180 days after transplanting (DAT) in a greenhouse. There was no significant difference in germination percentage between green and brown seeds. However, lower levels of mean germination times and higher levels of germination speed index were observed for brown seeds. At 180 DAT, plants showed higher shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass, number leaves and height, with no significant difference between 60 and 90 DAT for total dry mass, root dry mass and root length. The values of stem height/diameter and Dickson quality index, associated to the other growth parameters, indicate quality of the seedlings for field planting at 180 DAT.
Albizia niopoides (Bentham) Burkart, conhecida como farinha-seca, é uma planta arbórea, decídua, pioneira e ocorre em floresta semidecídua da bacia do Paraná. O estudo sobre a germinação e crescimento das plantas é fundamental para o maior conhecimento acerca do estabelecimento e regeneração das espécies. Com o objetivo de verificar a germinação de A. niopoides e seu posterior crescimento, sementes verdes e castanhas foram germinadas em câmara de germinação e foram avaliados os parâmetros de crescimento aos 60, 90 e 180 dias após o transplante (DAT) em casa de vegetação. Não houve diferença significativa em relação à porcentagem de germinação entre sementes verdes e castanhas; no entanto, foi observado menor tempo médio de germinação e maior índice de velocidade de germinação para sementes castanhas. Aos 180 DAT as plantas apresentaram maior massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca da raiz, massa seca total, número de folhas e altura, não ocorrendo diferença significativa entre os 60 e 90 DAT, em relação aos parâmetros massa seca total, massa seca da raiz e comprimento da raiz. Os valores da razão altura/diâmetro do coleto e índice de qualidade de Dickson, associados aos demais parâmetros de crescimento, indicam qualidade das mudas para o plantio a campo aos 180 DAT.
RESUMEN
Germination of diaspores and the seedling structure of Ruprechtia laxiflora Meissn. (Polygonaceae) which is a secondary species frequent in forest remnants are described. Seedlings were embedded in hydroxymethacrylate and sectioned in a rotary microtome according to usual techniques in plant anatomy. For bioassays of germination, the experimental design was completely randomized in a 3x2 bifactorial arrangement, corresponding to three temperatures (20, 25 and 30°C) and two light conditions (photoperiod and continuous darkness) for the diaspores newly harvested and in a 4x2 bifactorial arrangement, corresponding to four temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30°C) and two light conditions (photoperiod and continuous darkness) for diaspores analyzed after storage. There was no interaction between the factors light condition and temperature for germination parameters analyzed. However, the temperature affected the germination and diaspores maintained at 25°C showed a shorter mean time and higher germination speed index. Seedlings are phanerocotylar and epigeal with tetrarch root, intermediate-low type of root-stem transition and trilacunar cotyledonary node.
Foram descritas a germinação de diásporos e a estrutura de plântulas de Ruprechtia laxiflora Meissn. (Polygonaceae), espécie secundária frequente em remanescentes florestais. As plântulas foram emblocadas em historresina e secionadas em micrótomo de rotação, de acordo com técnicas usuais em anatomia vegetal. Para os bioensaios de germinação, o delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado em um esquema fatorial 3x2, correspondendo a três temperaturas (20, 25 e 30°C) e duas condições de luz (fotoperíodo e escuro contínuo) para os diásporos recém coletados e em esquema fatorial 4x2, correspondendo a quatro temperaturas (15, 20, 25 e 30°C) e duas condições de luz (fotoperíodo e escuro contínuo) para os diásporos analisados após armazenamento. Não houve interação entre os fatores condição de luz e temperatura para os parâmetros de germinação analisados. No entanto, o fator temperatura afetou a germinação e os diásporos mantidos sob 25°C apresentaram menor tempo médio e maior índice de velocidade de germinação. As plântulas são fanerocotiledonares e epigeias, com raiz tetrarca, tipo intermediário-baixo de zona de transição raiz-caule e nó cotiledonar trilacunar.
Asunto(s)
Germinación , Polygonaceae , PlantonesRESUMEN
O extrato alcoólico (EUFO) das folhas da espécie nativa Eugenia pyriformis Cambess (Myrtaceae), popularmente conhecida como uvaia, uvalha ou uvaieira, foi avaliado no presente trabalho quanto às atividades citotóxicas, antioxidantes, antibacterianas e anticolinesterásicas, e quanto à constituição fitoquímica. O extrato EUFO mostrou baixa toxicidade pelo bioensaio de letalidade frente à náuplios de Artemia salina Leach (CL50 > 1000 µg mL-1), não sendo considerado citotóxico. As propriedades antioxidantes foram investigadas in vitro pelo método de DPPH e foram consideradas bastante significativas (IC50 = 2,8 µg mL-1), com valor bem próximo ao obtido para o controle positivo quercetina (IC50 = 1,1 µg mL-1). EUFO não mostrou atividade anticolinesterásica pelo ensaio enzimático de inibição de acetilcolinesterase, nem atividade antimicrobiana frente às bactérias Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus. Estes resultados sugerem que as folhas E. pyriformis apresentam baixa toxicidade e possuem componentes com elevado potencial antioxidante, especialmente taninos e flavonoides, podendo ser indicadas em terapias de doenças relacionadas com a presença de radicais livres.
The alcoholic extract (EUFO) of leaves from the native species Eugenia uvalha Cambess (Myrtaceae), popularly known in Brazil as uvaia, uvalha or uvaieira, were evaluated in this study for the cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticholinesterase activities and phytochemical characterization. Its EUFO extract showed low toxicity by the lethality bioassay using Artemia salina Leach (LC50> 1000µg mL-1) and it did not show cytotoxicity. The antioxidant properties were investigated by in-vitro DPPH method and found to be very significant (CI50 = 2.8 µg mL-1), very close to the value obtained for the positive control quercetin (CI50 = 1.1 µg mL-1). The EUFO did not show anticholinesterase activity by enzyme assay of acetylcholinesterase inhibition, or antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These results suggest that E. uvalha leaves present low toxicity and have presence of high potential antioxidant components, particularly tannins and flavonoids, which may be indicated in disease therapies associated with the presence of free radicals. This is the first report for the antioxidant activity of E. uvalha.
Asunto(s)
Myrtaceae , Eugenia , AntioxidantesRESUMEN
The Alchornea triplinervia specie belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, one of the main families of the Brazilian flora. In order to contribute to a better understanding of the specie, a counting of chromosome number and the microsporogenesis analysis of A. triplinervia were done. The inflorescences were collected in the municipalities of Paranavaí and Diamante do Norte, State of Paraná, Brazil, and the slides were prepared by squashing technique and staining with 1% acetic carmine. The analysis were performed using an optical microscope and showed a chromosome number for the specie equal to 2n=8x=72. Irregularities in the chromosome segregation process were the main meiotic abnormalities, presenting typical polyploid behavior. Other irregularities were observed; however, at low frequency without compromising the pollen grain formation of the analyzed plants.
A espécie Alchornea triplinervia pertence à família Euphorbiaceae, uma das principais famílias da flora brasileira. Visando a contribuir para um melhor entendimento da espécie, foi realizada a contagem do número de cromossomos e a análise da microsporogênese de A. triplinervia. As Inflorescências foram coletadas nos Municípios de Paranavaí e Diamante do Norte, no Estado do Paraná, Brasil, sendo as lâminas preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento e coradas com carmim acético 1%. As análises foram realizadas ao microscópio óptico, revelando um número cromossômico para a espécie igual a 2n=8x=72. Irregularidades no processo de segregação dos cromossomos foram as principais anormalidades meióticas, mostrando comportamento típico de poliploides. Outras irregularidades foram observadas, porém, em baixa frequência, não comprometendo a formação dos grãos de pólen das plantas analisadas.
RESUMEN
O extrato alcoólico dos frutos da espécie nativa Allophylus edulis (A.St.-Hil., Cambess. & A. Juss.) Radlk. (Sapindaceae), popularmente conhecida como ?vacum?, ?fruto-de-pombo?, ?vacunzeiro?, ?chal-chal?, ?murta vermelha?, foi avaliado no presente trabalho quanto às atividades citotóxicas, antioxidantes e anticolinesterásicas. O extrato dos frutos mostrou baixa toxicidade pelo bioensaio de letalidade frente à náuplios de Artemia salina Leach (CL50 > 1000 µg mL-1), não sendo considerado citotóxico. As propriedades antioxidantes foram investigadas in vitro pelo método de DPPH e foram consideradas bastante significativas (CI50 = 46,4 µg mL-1). Apenas um componente do extrato mostrou atividade anticolinesterásica pelo ensaio enzimático de inibição de acetilcolinesterase. Estes resultados sugerem que os frutos de Allophylus edulis apresentem baixa toxicidade e sejam considerados uma fonte de metabólitos bioativos, podendo ser indicados em terapias de doenças relacionadas com a presença de radicais livres. Tanto a atividade antioxidante quanto a atividade anticolinesterásica estão sendo relatadas pela primeira vez para esta espécie.
The alcoholic fruit extract of native species Allophylus edulis (A.St.-Hil., Cambess. & A. Juss.) Radlk. (Sapindaceae), commonly known as ?vacum?, ?fruto-de-pombo?, ?vacunzeiro?, ?chal-chal?, ?murta vermelha?, was evaluated in this study regarding its cytotoxic, antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities. The fruit extract showed low toxicity to bioassay lethality for Artemia salina Leach (LC50> 1000 µg mL-1) and not considered cytotoxic. The antioxidant properties were investigated in vitro by DPPH method and were considered highly significant (IC50 = 46.4 µg mL-1). Only one component of this extract showed anticholinesterase activity by enzymatic assay of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. These results suggest that Allophylus edulis fruits have low toxicity and are considered a source of bioactive metabolites, may be prescribed in the therapy of diseases related to the presence of free radicals. Both the antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities for this species have been reported for the first in this study.
Asunto(s)
Sapindaceae , Citotoxinas , AntioxidantesRESUMEN
A família Meliaceae inclui espécies de grande interesse agronômico, ecológico, econômico e ornamental de alto potencial madeireiro no mundo. No Brasil ocorrem cerca de seis gêneros e 100 espécies. Considerando a falta de estudos citológicos para esse grupo, este trabalho descreve o comportamento meiótico durante a microsporogênese de seis espécies (Trichilia pallida, Trichilia elegans, Trichilia catigua, Cedrela fissilis, Cabralea canjerana, Guarea guidonea) da família Meliaceae, representando quatro dos seis gêneros que estão presentes no Brasil. Inflorescências foram coletadas e fixadas em etanol/ácido acético (3:1 v/v) por 24 horas, transferidos para álcool a 70%, e acondicionadas sob refrigeração. As lâminas foram preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento, coradas com carmim acético a 1%. A análise citogenética revelou poucas irregularidades meióticas, sendo estas relacionadas a segregação dos cromossomos, fusos irregulares e conexão citoplasmática. Como consequência da segregação irregular dos cromossomos na meiose I e II e da organização irregular dos fusos na meiose II, o padrão de citocinese também foi irregular originando tétrades com micrócitos e tríades, resultando em micrósporos desbalanceados e de núcleo restituído (2n).
The Meliaceae family includes the most important species with great agronomic, ecological, economic and ornamental value and high timber potential in the world. In Brazil, approximately six genera and 100 species are found. Considering the lack of cytological studies for its genera, the present study describes the meiotic behavior during microsporogenesis of six species of the Meliaceae family, representing four of the six genera that are present in Brazil; these species are: Trichilia pallida, Trichilia elegans, Trichilia catigua, Cedrela fissilis, Cabralea canjerana, Guarea guidonea. Inflorescences were collected and fixed in ethanol/acetic acid (3:1 v/v) for 24 hours, transferred to alcohol at 70%, and stored under refrigeration. The slides were prepared by squashing, and stained with acetic carmine 1% and observed under optical microscopy. Cytogenetic analysis revealed few meiotic irregularities, which are related to segregation of chromosome spindles and irregular cytoplasmic connection. As a result of irregular segregation of chromosomes during meiosis I and II and the irregular organization of the spindles in meiosis II, the pattern of cytokinesis was also irregular resulting in microcytic tetrads and triads, unbalanced microspores and restored nuclei (2n).
La familia Meliaceae incluye especies de gran interés agronómico, ecológico, económico y ornamental de alto potencial maderero en el mundo. En Brasil ocurren cerca de seis géneros y 100 especies. Considerando la falta de estudios citológicos para ese grupo, este trabajo describe el comportamiento meiótica durante la microsporogénesis de seis especies (Trichilia pallida, Trichilia elegans, Trichilia catigua, Cedrela fissilis, Cabralea canjerana, Guarea guidonea) de la familia Meliaceae, representando cuatro de los seis géneros que están presentes en Brasil. Inflorescencias fueran colectadas y fijadas en etanol/ácido acético (3:1 v/v) por 24 horas, transferidos para alcohol a 70%, y acondicionadas bajo refrigeración. Las láminas fueron preparadas por la técnica de aplastamiento, coloradas con carmín acético a 1%. El análisis citogenética reveló pocas irregularidades meióticas, siendo éstas relacionadas a la segregación de los cromosomas, fusos irregulares y conexión citoplasmática. Como consecuencia de segregación irregular de cromosomas en la meiosis I y II y de la organización irregular de los fusos en la meiosis II, el estándar de citocinesis también fue irregular originando tétradas con micrófitos y tríades, resultando en micros poros desbalanceados y de núcleo restituido (2n).
Asunto(s)
Esporas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Gametogénesis en la Planta/genética , Meiosis/genética , Meliaceae/crecimiento & desarrollo , Cromosomas de las PlantasRESUMEN
Os inibidores da enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE) são uma das principais classes de medicamentos utilizadas no tratamento de sintomas de doenças neurodegenerativas como a doença de Alzheimer (DA), pois são capazes de elevar os níveis de acetilcolina no cérebro. Plantas têm sido uma excelente alternativa na busca de novas moléculas bioativas. No presente trabalho, extratos alcoólicos dos frutos de Myrcianthes pungens (O.Berg) D.Legrand (Myrtaceae), também conhecidos como guabijú ou guabiroba-açú, foram investigados quanto à capacidade de inibição de AChE in vitro por ensaio bioautográfico, utilizando o reagente Fast Blue Salt B. Foi observada a presença de pelo menos quatro diferentes substâncias com capacidade inibitória de AChE nos frutos verdes e maduros desta espécie. Duas das substâncias ativas foram caracterizadas como terpenos por meio de ensaios com reagentes específicos em cromatografia de camada delgada. Estes resultados correspondem ao primeiro relato da atividade de inibição de AChE em espécies do gênero Myrcianthes (Myrtaceae).
Inhibitors of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) are one of the major classes of drugs used in the treatment of symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer?s disease (AD), because they can increase the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Plants have been an excellent alternative source of bioactive molecules. In the present study, alcoholic extracts of fruits of Myrcianthes pungens (O.Berg) D.Legrand (Myrtaceae), also known as ?guabijú? or ?guabiroba-açú?, were investigated for their ability to inhibit AChE in vitro in a bioautographic assay using Fast Blue Salt B reagent. The presence of at least four different substances capable of inhibiting AChE in unripe and ripe fruits of this species was observed. Two active substances were characterized as terpenes in assays using specific reagents with thin layer chromatography. These results are the first report of the AchE inhibition activity for species of Myrcianthes genus (Myrtaceae).