Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Essential Oils from Different Species of Piper from Panama.

The chemical composition of leaf essential oils from 11 species of Piper from Panama was analyzed by a combination GC-FID and GC-MS procedures. Six of them had sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as major constituents, three were characterized by monoterpene hydrocarbons, one by a diterpene, and one by a phenylpropanoid, dillapiole. The main components identified in each species were: cembratrienol (25.4 %) in Piper augustum; ß-pinene (26.6 %) in Piper corrugatum; α-pinene (19.4 %) in Piper curtispicum; trans-ß-farnesene (63.7 %) in Piper darienense; p-cymene (43.9 %) in Piper grande; dillapiole (57.7 %) in Piper hispidum; linalool (14.5 %), α-phellandrene (13.8 %), and limonene (12.2 %) in Piper jacquemontianum; ß-caryophyllene (45.2 %) in Piper longispicum; linalool (16.5 %), α-phellandrene (11.8 %), limonene (11.4 %), and p-cymene (9.0 %) in Piper multiplinervium; ß-selinene (19.0 %), ß-elemene (16.1 %), and α-selinene (15.5 %) in Piper reticulatum; and germacrene D (19.7 %) in Piper trigonum. The essential oils of P. hispidum and P. longispicum at a concentration of 250 µg/mL showed larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, while the oils from P. curtispicum, P. multiplinervium, P. reticulatum, and P. trigonum were inactive (LC100 ≥ 500 µg/mL). The essential oils of P. grande, P. jacquemontianum, and P. multiplinervium showed no significant antifungal activity (MIC > 250 µg/mL) against several yeasts and filamentous fungal strains.

Antifungal compounds from the rhizome and roots of Ferula hermonis.

The antifungal activity of hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts from the rhizome and root of Ferula hermonis was assayed in vitro by the agar disk diffusion method against a panel of human opportunistic and pathogenic fungi. Among them, the hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed the highest activity particularly against the dermatophytes Microsporum gypseum and Tricophyton mentagrophytes as well as the yeast Candida lactis-condensi. Activity-guided fractionation of both extracts using an agar overlay bioautographic method led to the isolation of two antifungal compounds which were identified as the daucane aryl esters jaeschkeanadiol p-hydroxybenzoate (ferutinin) and jaeschkeanadiol benzoate (teferidin). Determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of both compounds evidenced a stronger antifungal activity for ferutinin than for teferidin. Particularly, T. mentagrophytes was the most sensitive strain with MIC and MFC values ranging from 8 to 256 µg/mL.

Comprehensive HPTLC fingerprinting as a tool for a simplified analysis of purity of ginkgo products.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Herbal medicinal products based on ginkgo leaf refined dry extract (GBE) are an European development from the Eastern Asia traditionally used species Ginkgo biloba L. Nowadays, ginkgo products have increased the presence in the market, mainly as dietary supplements. Its adulteration with rutin and quercetin or herbal extracts rich in these compounds is a common practice. Tests featuring assays and detection of adulterants need to be performed on top of other existent methods (e.g. identification test). This may increase the costs of evaluating the quality of ginkgo products. AIM OF THE STUDY: To prove that comprehensive HPTLC fingerprinting can provide information beyond identification of ginkgo products, avoiding additional chromatographic tests for detection of adulterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information contained in the fingerprint obtained by HPTLC analysis of flavonoids was used for identification and for detection of adulterants, as well as to verify the limits of rutin and quercetin, which are normally determined by HPLC and used for detection of adulterants. For this purpose, peak profiles were generated from HPTLC chromatogram images. USP-HPLC methods were used for quantification of total flavonoids and testing the limits of rutin and quercetin. HPLC data were used to support the validity of the HPTLC method. An additional reversed phase HPTLC method was developed as a possible confirmatory method for the quercetin limit test. RESULTS: The proposed HPTLC method uses a particular sequence of detections, resulting in a number of images, which are later interpreted in a certain order. It is able to identify ginkgo products, to detect adulterants (rutin, quercetin, sophora fruit and flower bud, and buckwheat), and, using peak profiles generated from the chromatogram images prior to and after derivatisation, to evaluate the limits of rutin and quercetin. Forty-eight out of fifty-nine ginkgo dietary supplements analysed contained one or more adulterants. Furthermore, results of the HPTLC and HPLC limit tests for rutin and quercetin were in agreement in 98% of the cases. Finally, a decision tree showing the sequence of interpretation of the fingerprints obtained with the different detections after a single HPTLC analysis is included to help the analyst to evaluate whether samples have the correct identity and whether they contain or not adulterants. CONCLUSION: A single HPTLC analysis is able to provide information on identity and purity of the products. This simplifies the analytical workflow and reduces the number of analyses prescribed in the USP powdered ginkgo extract monograph.

Trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities of sesquiterpene lactones from Ambrosia tenuifolia Sprengel (Asteraceae).

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the organic extract of Ambrosia tenuifolia Sprengel (Asteraceae) led to the isolation of two bioactive sesquiterpene lactones with significant trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities. By spectroscopic methods ((1)H- and (13)C-nuclear magnetic resonance, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer, correlated spectroscopy, heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence, electron impact-mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy), these compounds were identified as psilostachyin and peruvin. Both compounds showed a marked in vitro trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values of less than 2 microg/ml. Psilostachyin exerted a significant in vitro activity against the trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi (IC(50), 0.76 microg/ml) and was selected for in vivo testing. Psilostachyin-treated mice had a survival of 100% and lower parasitemia values than control mice. Both compounds were also tested on Leishmania sp. promastigotes: psilostachyin (IC(50), 0.12 microg/ml) and peruvin (IC(50), 0.39 microg/ml) exerted significant leishmanicidal activities. This is the first time that the trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities of these compounds have been reported. The selectivity index (SI) was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of lactones on T lymphocytes. Although the SIs of both compounds were high for T. cruzi epimastigotes, psilostachyin was more selective against trypomastigotes (SI, 33.8) while peruvin showed no specificity for this parasite. Both compounds presented high selectivity for Leishmania spp. The results shown herein suggest that psilostachyin and peruvin could be considered potential candidates for the development of new antiprotozoal agents against Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis.

Ethnopharmacological and Chemical Characterization of Salvia Species Used in Valencian Traditional Herbal Preparations.

In Valencia Region (Spain), some wild and cultivated sages are used for medicinal purposes. Among them, Salvia officinalis subsp. lavandulifolia (SL) is widely employed and known for production of Spanish sage oil and herbal products. Nevertheless, it shares the market with S. blancoana subsp. mariolensis (SB) and, to a lesser extent, with their hybrid S. x hegelmaieri (SH). The knowledge on these two species is far low and confusion between them is possible. The aim of the present paper is to improve the ethnopharmacological, morphological and chemical knowledge of these sages, and to contribute to setting up quality specifications for improving identification and distinction from other Salvia species, such as, S. officinalis subsp. officinalis, S. x auriculata and S. microphylla var. microphylla. Samples were collected in Valencia Region and surrounding mountain areas during the ethnopharmacological field work. Twenty-nine medicinal uses were reported for SL, 13 of them being also recorded for SB. Of particular interest is a homemade liquor, used as digestive and known as "salvieta," which is mainly prepared with SB. The macro- and microscopic characters are insufficient for identification of cut, crushed or powdered material. The study of the essential oil and a HPTLC (High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography) fingerprint of their extracts could help to distinguish SB from the other sages. The essential oil from dried aerial parts of SB (content: 1.8-4.5%) was characterized by GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector) and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry) showing a composition close to that currently accepted for Spanish sage essential oil in the European Pharmacopoeia, ISO (International Standard Organization) and UNE (Una Norma Española) standards, with 1,8-cineole (13.7-45.7%) and camphor (12.1-28.6%) as major constituents. HPTLC methods, based on the analysis of hydroalcoholic and dichloromethane extracts, allowed to distinguish SB from other Salvia taxa currently found in Valencia region, except from its hybrid SH. This interdisciplinary study, that combines popular knowledge with botany and chemistry, allows to identify the raw herbal material from SB and to distinguish it from other Salvia species, ensuring a proper commercialization as herbal teas or for the preparation of spirits.

Biological and Nonbiological Antioxidant Activity of Some Essential Oils.

Fifteen essential oils, four essential oil fractions, and three pure compounds (thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol), characterized by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, were investigated for biological and nonbiological antioxidant activity. Clove oil and eugenol showed strong DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 13.2 µg/mL and 11.7 µg/mL, respectively) and powerfully inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human neutrophils stimulated by PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) (IC50 = 7.5 µg/mL and 1.6 µg/mL) or H2O2 (IC50 = 22.6 µg/mL and 27.1 µg/mL). Nutmeg, ginger, and palmarosa oils were also highly active on this test. Essential oils from clove and ginger, as well as eugenol, carvacrol, and bornyl acetate inhibited NO (nitric oxide) production (IC50 < 50.0 µg/mL). The oils of clove, red thyme, and Spanish oregano, together with eugenol, thymol, and carvacrol showed the highest myeloperoxidase inhibitory activity. Isomers carvacrol and thymol displayed a disparate behavior in some tests. All in all, clove oil and eugenol offered the best antioxidant profile.

Aceite esencial de clavo en las consultas de urgencias por odontalgia aguda / Óleo essencial de cravo em consultas de emergência para dor dentária aguda / Clove essential oil in emergency consultations for acute dental pain

La odontalgia aguda es un motivo frecuente de consultas en urgencias de atención primaria, especialmente fuera del horario de trabajo de los odontólogos. Ante la aparición cada vez más frecuente de efectos secundarios asociados a la medicación utilizada habitualmente en los cuadros de odontalgia aguda, se planteó como objetivo comprobar si la aplicación tópica de aceite esencial de clavo (Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merill et L.M. Perry) resultaba al menos tan eficaz como el tratamiento habitual con analgésicos y/o antiinflamatorios. Participaron 96 pacientes, de los cuales 52 fueron tratados tópicamente con aceite esencial de clavo y 44 (grupo control) con metamizol o diclofenaco intramuscular. La intensidad del dolor fue evaluada por los pacientes a través de la escala analógica visual antes y después del tratamiento. Los resultados no mostraron diferencias entre ambos tratamientos en cuanto a la reducción del dolor, si bien con el aceite esencial se consiguió el efecto en menos de 5 minutos, en comparación con los 45-60 minutos necesarios con metamizol o diclofenaco. (AU)

A odontalgia aguda é motivo frequente de visitas às urgências, principalmente fora do horário de trabalho do dentista. Perante o aparecimento cada vez mais frequente de efeitos colaterais associados aos medicamentos comumente utilizados na situação de odontologia aguda, o objetivo foi verificar se a aplicação tópica do óleo essencial de cravinho (Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merill et LM Perry) foi pelo menos tão eficaz quanto o tratamento usual com analgésicos e/ou antiinflamatórios. Participaram 96 pacientes, dos quais 52 foram tratados topicamente com óleo essencial de cravinho e 44 (grupo controle) com metamizol ou diclofenac intramusculares. A intensidade da dor foi avaliada pelos pacientes por meio da escala visual analógica antes e após o tratamento. Os resultados não mostraram diferenças entre os dois tratamentos em termos de redução da dor, embora o óleo essencial tenha alcançado o efeito em menos de 5 minutos, em comparação com os 45-60 minutos necessários com metamizol ou diclofenac. (AU)

Acute dental pain is a frequent reason for consultations in primary care emergencies, especially outside the dentists’ working hours. Given the increasingly frequent appearance of side effects associated with the medication commonly used in acute toothache, the objective was to check whether the topical application of the essential oil of clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merill et LM Perry) was at least as effective as the usual treatment with analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. Ninety-six patients participated: 52 were treated topically with clove essential oil and 44 (control group) with intramuscular metamizole or diclofenac. The intensity of pain was evaluated by the patients through the visual analog scale, before and after the treatment. The results did not show differences between the two treatments in terms of pain reduction, although the essential oil achieved the effect in less than 5 minutes, compared to the 45-60 minutes required with metamizole or diclofenac. (AU)

Antifungal sesquiterpene from the root of Vernonanthura tweedieana.

The bioassay-guided fractionation of the antifungal dichloromethane extract from the roots of Vernonanthura tweedieana (Baker) H. Rob. (Asteraceae), using an agar overlay bioautographic method, allowed the isolation of one active sesquiterpene (1), identified as 6-cinnamoyloxy-1-hydroxyeudesm-4-en-3-one. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFC) of 1 showed Trichophyton mentagrophytes as the most sensitive strain, with the same MIC and MFC values (4 microg/ml).

Antioxidant activity of Tween-20 and Tween-80 evaluated through different in-vitro tests.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the possible antioxidant activity of Tween-20 and Tween-80, two amphipathic nonionic surfactants commonly used as solubilizers and stabilizers, whose pharmacological effects have been ignored to a large degree. METHODS: Antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro measuring the scavenging activity on the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(●) ), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in activated human neutrophils using flow cytometry and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitory activity. KEY FINDINGS: Tween-20 and Tween-80 did not show scavenging activity on DPPH(●) , while produced a decrease of the ROS production in human neutrophils, being Tween-20 more active than Tween-80. Moreover, Tween-80 and Tween-20 were found to significantly stimulate MPO enzymatic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings raise concerns with regard to the indiscriminate use of Tween-20 and Tween-80 in clinical and laboratory testing, since they could influence the results that are assigned to the tested substance.

Effect of some essential oils on phagocytosis and complement system activity.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro activity of 15 essential oils, 4 essential oil fractions, and 3 pure compounds (thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol) on phagocytosis by human neutrophils and on complement system. Samples were characterized by GC and GC-MS. Most of the oils (nutmeg, clove, niaouli, tea tree, bay laurel, lemon, red thyme, ginger), nutmeg terpenes, eugenol, and carvacrol showed mild to moderate inhibition of phagocytosis (25-40% inhibition at doses ranging from 40 to 60 µg/mL); highest inhibitory activity was found for thymol (72% at 56 µg/mL), whereas the mixture of bornyl and isobornyl acetates showed a mild stimulating activity (21% at 56 µg/mL). All samples were inactive in the alternative pathway of complement system, whereas on classical pathway, clove oil, eugenol, palmarosa oil, red thyme oil, tarragon oil, and carvacrol showed the highest activity, with IC50 values ranging from 65 to 78 µg/mL.

Evidencia clínica de STW 5 (Iberogast(R)) en patología digestiva / Evidência clínica de STW 5 (Iberogast(R)) em patologia digestiva / Clinical evidence of STW 5 (Iberogast(R)) in digestive pathology

La dispepsia funcional (DF) y el síndrome del intestino irritable (SII) son las alteraciones gastrointestinales funcionales más frecuentes. Requieren un tratamiento multifactorial ya que su aparición se relaciona con diversas afecciones funcionales, como alteraciones de la motilidad, hipersensibilidad gastrointestinal, inflamación, alteración de la microbiota intestinal, estrés y trastornos psicológicos, entre otros. SWT 5 es una combinación de 9 extractos vegetales con actividades sinérgicas y complementarias que es capaz de modular la motilidad gástrica e intestinal, inhibe la secreción ácida gástrica, tiene actividad antiinflamatoria y protectora de la mucosa, y reduce la hipersensibilidad intestinal.Desde 1990, se ha demostrado una eficacia estadísticamente significativa en 6 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, a doble ciego y controlados: cinco en DF (4 frente a placebo y uno frende a cisaprida) y uno en SII (frente a placebo). La eficacia en DF y SII también se ha mostrado en estudios observacionales que involucran más de 5000 adultos y 44000 niños tratados con STW 5. La combinación de extractos presenta una excelente tolerabilidad y un buen perfil de seguridad, con una incidencia de efectos adversos muy baja

A dispepsia funcional (DF) e a síndrome do cólon irritável (SCI) são as alterações gastrointestinais funcionais mais frequentes. Requerem um tratamento multifactorial, porque o seu aparecimento está relacionado com vários distúrbios funcionais, tais como alterações de motilidade, hipersensibilidade gastrointestinal, inflamação, microbioma intestinal alterado, stress e distúrbios psicológicos, entre outros. SWT 5 é uma combinação de 9 extractos vegetais com actividades sinérgicas e complementares que podem modular a motilidade gástrica e intestinal, têm actividade inibidora da secreção ácida gástrica, anti-inflamatória e protectora da mucosa, e reduzem a sensibilidade intestinal. Desde 1990, demonstrou-se uma eficácia estatisticamente significativa em seis ensaios clínicos randomizados, duplocego, e controlados: cinco em DF (4 versus placebo e um versus cisaprida) e um em SCI (versus placebo). A eficácia no tratamento de DF e SCI também foi demonstrada atra-vés de estudos observacionais envolvendo mais de 5000 adultos e 44000 crianças tratadas com STW 5. A combinação dos extractos mostra uma excelente tolerabilidade e um bom perfil de segurança, com uma incidência muito baixa de efeitos adversos

Functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are the most frequent functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. They require a multifactorial treatment since they appear to be related to several functional conditions, such as alterations of motility, hypersensitivity, inflammation, alteration of the gut microbiota, stress and psychological disorders, among others. SWT 5 is a combination of 9 herbal extracts with synergistic and complementary activities that is able to modulate gastric and intestinal motility, inhibits gastric acid secretion, shows mucosal anti-inflammatory and protective activities, and reduces intestinal hypersensitivity.Since 1990, statistically significant efficacy has been shown in 6 randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials: five in DF (4 versus placebo and one in front of cisapride) and one in IBS (versus placebo). The efficacy in DF and IBS has also been shown in observational studies involving more than 5000 adults and 44000 children treated with STW 5. The combination of extracts presents an excellent tolerability and a good safety profile, with a very low incidence of adverse effects

Composition and antifungal activity of the essential oil from the rhizome and roots of Ferula hermonis.

The analysis of the essential oil from rhizome and roots of Ferula hermonis Boiss. (Apiaceae) by GC-FID, GC-MS and ¹³C NMR allowed the identification of 79 constituents, more than 90% of the oil, the major one being α-pinene (43.3%), followed by α-bisabolol (11.1%) and the unusual acetylenic compound 3,5-nonadiyne (4.4%). The antifungal activity of the essential oil before and after fractionation was assayed against several yeasts and filamentous fungi. Purification of the active fractions afforded 3,5-nonadiyne, α-bisabolol, jaeschkeanadiol angelate, α-bisabolol oxide B and trans-verbenol, as well as two purified fractions, one of them (JB73) with 73% of jaeschkeanadiol benzoate and the other with 50% of spathulenol. Determination of MIC and MFC values of all these products evidenced strong antifungal activities for JB73 and 3,5-nonadiyne. Particularly, against the dermatophyte Tricophyton mentagrophytes, MIC and MFC values were 0.25 µg/ml for JB73, and 8 µg/ml for 3,5-nonadiyne, the former being more active than amphotericin B and nystatin.

Psilostachyin C: a natural compound with trypanocidal activity.

In this study, the antiprotozoal activity of the sesquiterpene lactone psilostachyin C was investigated. This natural compound was isolated from Ambrosia scabra by bioassay-guided fractionation and was identified by spectroscopic techniques. Psilostachyin C exerted in vitro trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes, trypomastigotes and amastigotes, with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values of 0.6, 3.5 and 0.9 µg/mL, respectively, and displayed less cytotoxicity against mammalian cells, with a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC(50)) of 87.5 µg/mL. Interestingly, this compound induced ultrastructural alterations, as seen by transmission electron microscopy, in which vacuolisation and a structural appearance resembling multivesicular bodies were observed even at a concentration as low as 0.2 µg/mL. In an in vivo assay, a significant reduction in the number of circulating parasites was found in T. cruzi-infected mice treated with psilostachyin C for 5 days compared with untreated mice (7.4 ± 1.2 × 10(5)parasites/mL vs. 12.8 ± 2.0 × 10(5)parasites/mL) at the peak of parasitaemia. According to these results, psilostachyin C may be considered a promising template for the design of novel trypanocidal agents. In addition, psilostachyin C inhibited the growth of Leishmania mexicana and Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes (IC(50)=1.2 µg/mL and 1.5 µg/mL, respectively).

Composition and biological activity of the essential oil from leaves of Plinia cerrocampanensis, a new source of alpha-bisabolol.

The essential oil from fresh leaves of Plinia cerrocampanensis Barrie (Myrtaceae), obtained by hydrodistillation, was analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Forty components, representing more than 91% of the oil, were identified. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes represented the main fraction with alpha-bisabolol (42.8%) as the major constituent, making this plant a new and good source of this substance. Biological activity of the essential oil was evaluated against several bacterial and fungal strains as well as larvae from Aedes aegypti. The highest activity was found against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum with MIC values from 32 to 125 microg/ml. The essential oil also showed potent inhibitory and bactericidal activities against three H. pylori strains, with MIC and MBC values of 62.5 microg/ml, and caused 100% mortality of A. aegypti larvae at a concentration of 500 microg/ml.

Composition and biological activity of essential oils from Protium confusum.

The composition and biological activity of the essential oils from leaves, fruits, stems and bark of Protium confusum are reported for the first time. Forty-six to sixty-three constituents were identified ranging from 73.8% to 98.5% of the samples. Limonene (60.2%) was the main component in the fruit oil, whereas spathulenol (19.3%), beta-caryophyllene oxide (14.1%) and beta-caryophyllene (8.0%) reached the highest percentages in the oil from leaves. The volatile oils from bark and stems showed the same major constituents: p-cymen-8-ol (14.4% and 6.1%, respectively), spathulenol (9.5% and 9.0% respectively), and hexadecanoic acid (8.4% and 7.8%, respectively). The composition of the essential oils differed significantly from those of previously investigated Protium species. Three out of the four samples exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium smegmatis, the one from leaves being the most active, with MIC values of 62.5 microg/mL in both cases. No activity against Candida albicans was detected. The bark oil showed the highest larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti (LC100 = 125 microg/mL).

Application of multidimensional gas chromatography to the enantioselective characterisation of the essential oil of Eupatorium buniifolium Hooker et Arnott.

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Eupatorium buniifolium Hooker et Arnott (Asteraceae) has been investigated for the first time. The essential oils were obtained by steam distillation of leaves and analysed by GC-MS; 44 components were identified. Monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, especially alpha-pinene (14.7%), beta-elemene (12.2%), germacrene D (11.5%), trans-beta-guaiene (6.5%) and (E)-caryophyllene (4.3%), were the major constituents found in the oils. The characterisation of E. buniifolium by enantioselective GC was performed by evaluation of the enantiomeric ratios of alpha-pinene, sabinene, beta-pinene, limonene, terpinen-4-ol and germacrene D.

Immunomodulatory activity and chemical characterisation of sangre de drago (dragon's blood) from Croton lechleri.

The immunomodulatory activity of the latex from Croton lechleri (sangre de drago) was determined by in vitro assays. Classical (CP) and alternative (AP) complement pathways activities were determined in human serum. Intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes, and phagocytosis of opsonised fluorescent microspheres were measured by flow cytometry. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Activity on proliferation of murine lymphocytes was also investigated. In addition, anti-inflammatory activity was assayed in vivo by carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test. Some of the activities were compared with those of the isolated alkaloid taspine. Sangre de drago from Croton lechleri showed immunomodulatory activity. It exhibited a potent inhibitory activity on CP and AP of complement system and inhibited the proliferation of activated T-cells. The latex showed free radical scavenging capacity. Depending on the concentration, it showed antioxidant or prooxidant properties, and stimulated or inhibited the phagocytosis. Moreover, the latex has strong anti-inflammatory activity when administered i. p. Taspine cannot be considered the main responsible for these activities, and other constituents, probably proanthocyanidins, should be also involved.

Composition and antifungal activity of the essential oil of Solidago chilensis.

Volatile constituents of the essential oils from leaves and inflorescences of Solidago chilensis Meyen were analyzed by GC-FID, GC-MS and 13C-NMR and thirty-six different compounds were identified. Pumiloxide, an unusual labdane diterpene, was found to be one of the major components in both oils (15.3 % and 12.3 %, respectively). Other important constituents were limonene and several sesquiterpenes, mainly gamma-cadinene. The antifungal activity of the leaf oil was assayed against five different strains of filamentous fungi and one yeast. Paper disk agar diffusion test showed human pathogenic dermatophytes to be the most sensitive.

Characterization of a fucoarabinogalactan, the main polysaccharide from the gum exudate of Croton urucurana.

A fucoarabinogalactan (CU-1), the main component of the gum exudate of the medicinal plant Croton urucurana, has been isolated by precipitation and subsequent dialysis and finally purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The estimated average molecular weight of CU-1 by gel permeation chromatography was approximately 2.48 x 10(6) Da. CU-1 was found to contain 1.0% proteins and 93.7% total sugars, mainly fucose, arabinose, and galactose (molar ratio: 7.8, 8.1, 19.0), and minor quantities of mannose, xylose, glucose, and uronic acids (molar ratio: 2.2, 1.0, 0.3, 3.0). Among the uronic acids, glucuronic acid was identified and the presence of mannuronic acid could be also presumed. Methylation analysis of this polysaccharide revealed high proportions of 1,3-linked, 1,2,3-linked, and 1,2,3,6-linked galactose, 1-linked fucose, and 1-linked arabinose. This suggests that CU-1 is constituted by a principal skeleton of (1-->3)-linked galactopyranose units, with some of these galactose units branched at the 2-position or at both the 2- and 6-positions, and with mainly terminal fucopyranosyl and arabinofuranosyl residues in the side chains. This is the first report on the polysaccharide constitution of a gum exudate from a Croton species.