Antiproliferative potential and phenolic compounds of infusions and essential oil of chamomile cultivated with homeopathy.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chamomilla recutita (Asteraceae) is used worldwide as a soothing, anti-inflammatory and aromatherapy. In Brazil, it is one of the most cultivated medicinal species. However, the cultivation form may alter the production of compounds in the secondary metabolism and compromise the therapeutic purpose of this species. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of antiproliferative and genotoxic effects of infusions and essential oil of chamomile, cultivated with homeopathy, on the cell cycle of Allium cepa, as well as the determination of the phenolic compounds present in the infusions of the chamomile inflorescences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the Allium cepa test, two concentrations of 10 and 40 g L-1 of inflorescences of chamomile were used for the preparation of the infusions and essential oil diluted to 0.10%, referring to the six treatments obtained in field cultivation, in which were carried out the applications of homeopathy from the emergence to the harvest of the plants. Distilled water and ethanol were used as negative control and glyphosate 2% as a positive control. The determination of phenolic compounds present in the infusions was carried by liquid chromatography in a UHPLC apparatus. RESULTS: Chamomile infusions at concentrations of 10 and 40 g L-1 of inflorescence reduced mitotic index and emphasized antiproliferative activity on the cell cycle of Allium cepa. However, the treatments related to essential oil diluted to 0.10% showed a response variation dependent on the dynamization used, as well as for apigenin concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, cultivation with homeopathy does not induce a genotoxic effect in the use of infusions and essential oil of chamomile and it emphasize antiproliferative activity on the cell cycle of Allium cepa, favoring the sustainable cultivation and the safe use of this medicinal species when cultivated with homeopathy.

Sample size for estimation of the Pearson correlation coefficient in cherry tomato tests / Tamanho de amostra para estimar o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson em ensaios com tomate cereja

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine the required sample size for estimation of the Pearson coefficient of correlation between cherry tomato variables. Two uniformity tests were set up in a protected environment in the spring/summer of 2014. The observed variables in each plant were mean fruit length, mean fruit width, mean fruit weight, number of bunches, number of fruits per bunch, number of fruits, and total weight of fruits, with calculation of the Pearson correlation matrix between them. Sixty eight sample sizes were planned for one greenhouse and 48 for another, with the initial sample size of 10 plants, and the others were obtained by adding five plants. For each planned sample size, 3000 estimates of the Pearson correlation coefficient were obtained through bootstrap re-samplings with replacement. The sample size for each correlation coefficient was determined when the 95% confidence interval amplitude value was less than or equal to 0.4. Obtaining estimates of the Pearson correlation coefficient with high precision is difficult for parameters with a weak linear relation. Accordingly, a larger sample size is necessary to estimate them. Linear relations involving variables dealing with size and number of fruits per plant have less precision. To estimate the coefficient of correlation between productivity variables of cherry tomato, with a confidence interval of 95% equal to 0.4, it is necessary to sample 275 plants in a 250m² greenhouse, and 200 plants in a 200m² greenhouse.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o tamanho de amostra necessário para estimar o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson entre variáveis do tomate cereja. Foram instalados dois ensaios de uniformidade em ambiente protegido na primavera/verão de 2014. As variáveis observadas em cada planta foram comprimento médio de fruto, largura média de fruto, peso médio de fruto, número de cachos, número de frutos por cacho, número de frutos e peso total de frutos, sendo calculada a matriz de correlação de Pearson entre elas. Foram planejados 68 tamanhos de amostra em uma estufa e 48 em outra, com tamanho inicial composto de 10 plantas e os demais obtidos acrescentando cinco plantas. Para cada tamanho de amostra planejado foram obtidas 3000 estimativas do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson através de reamostragens "bootstrap" com reposição. O tamanho de amostra de cada coeficiente de correlação foi determinado quando o valor da amplitude do intervalo de confiança de 95% foi menor ou igual a 0,4. A obtenção das estimativas do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson com elevada precisão é difícil para caracteres com relação linear fraca e, consequentemente, maior é o tamanho amostra necessário para estima-los. As relações lineares envolvendo as variáveis relacionadas com o tamanho e o número de frutos por planta tem menor precisão. Para estimar o coeficiente de correlação entre variáveis produtivas do tomate cereja, com intervalo de confiança de 95% igual a 0,4, é necessário amostrar 275 plantas na estufa de 250m², e 200 plantas na estufa de 200m².