Baccharis anomala DC. extract reduces inflammation and attenuates hepatic fibrosis in vivo by decreasing NF-kB and extracellular matrix compounds.

Baccharis anomala DC. (BA) is a plant species found in the tropical regions of South America and is widely used for its hepatoprotective effects, as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Studies have recently reported its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. BA extract can reverse the activated phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which plays a central role in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the development of liver fibrosis. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the treatment with BA extract on liver fibrosis in a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model in BALB/c mice. Methanolic extract was obtained from BA leaves, a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to detect the compounds present was performed, and then administered by intraperitoneal injection in Balb/C mice at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg/kg together with the administration of CCl4 for inducing liver fibrosis. After 10 weeks, blood analysis, histopathology, oxidative stress, as well as protein and gene expression in the hepatic tissue were performed. Treatment with BA extract was able to reduce profibrotic markers by reducing the expression of α-SMA and Col-1 proteins, as well as reducing the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. (BA extract showed anti-inflammatory effects in the liver by suppressing NF-kB activation and reducing gene expression of signaling targets (IL-6 and iNOS). The data obtained showed that BA extract has antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Diversity and antimicrobial potential of the culturable rhizobacteria from medicinal plant Baccharis trimera Less D.C.

Plant microbiota is usually enriched with bacteria producers of secondary metabolites and represents a valuable source of novel species and compounds. Here, we analyzed the diversity of culturable root-associated bacteria of the medicinal native plant Baccharis trimera (Carqueja) and screened promising isolates for their antimicrobial properties. The rhizobacteria were isolated from the endosphere and rhizosphere of B. trimera from Ponta Grossa and Ortigueira localities and identified by sequencing and restriction analysis of the 16S rDNA. The most promising isolates were screened for antifungal activities and the production of siderophores and biosurfactants. B. trimera presented a diverse community of rhizobacteria, constituted of 26 families and 41 genera, with a predominance of Streptomyces and Bacillus genera, followed by Paenibacillus, Staphylococcus, Methylobacterium, Rhizobium, Tardiphaga, Paraburkholderia, Burkholderia, and Pseudomonas. The more abundant genera were represented by different species, showing a high diversity of the microbiota associated to B. trimera. Some of these isolates potentially represent novel species and deserve further examination. The communities were influenced by both the edaphic properties of the sampling locations and the plant niches. Approximately one-third of the rhizobacteria exhibited antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and a high proportion of isolates produced siderophores (25%) and biosurfactants (42%). The most promising isolates were members of the Streptomyces genus. The survey of B. trimera returned a diverse community of culturable rhizobacteria and identified potential candidates for the development of plant growth-promoting and protection products, reinforcing the need for more comprehensive investigations of the microbiota of Brazilian native plants and habitats.

Insecticidal and oviposition deterrent effects of essential oils of Baccharis spp. and histological assessment against Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

The diverse flora of the Atlantic Forest is fertile ground for discovering new chemical structures with insecticidal activity. The presence of species belonging to the genus Baccharis is of particular interest, as these species have shown promise in pest management applications. The objective of this study is to chemically identify the constituents expressed in the leaves of seven species of Baccharis (B. anomala DC., B. calvescens DC., B. mesoneura DC., B. milleflora DC., B. oblongifolia Pers., B. trimera (Less) DC. and B. uncinella DC.) and to evaluate the toxicological and morphological effects caused by essential oils (EOs) on the larvae and adults of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Chemical analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) indicated that limonene was the main common constituent in all Baccharis species. This constituent in isolation, as well as the EOs of B. calvescens, B. mesoneura, and B. oblongifolia, caused mortality in over 80% of adults of D. suzukii at a discriminatory concentration of 80 mg L-1 in bioassays of ingestion and topical application. These results are similar to the effect of spinosyn-based synthetic insecticides (spinetoram 75 mg L-1) 120 h after exposure. Limonene and EOs from all species had the lowest LC50 and LC90 values relative to spinosyn and azadirachtin (12 g L-1) in both bioassays. However, they showed the same time toxicity over time as spinetoram when applied to adults of D. suzukii (LT50 ranging from 4.6 to 8.7 h) in a topical application bioassay. In olfactometry tests, 92% of D. suzukii females showed repellent behavior when exposed to the EOs and limonene. Likewise, the EOs of B. calvescens, B. mesoneura, and B. oblongifolia significantly reduced the number of eggs in artificial fruits (≅ 7.6 eggs fruit-1), differing from the control treatment with water (17.2 eggs fruit-1) and acetone (17.6 eggs fruit-1). According to histological analyses, the L3 larvae of D. suzukii had morphological and physiological alterations and deformations after exposure to treatments containing EOs and limonene, which resulted in high larval, pupal, and adult mortality. In view of the results, Baccharis EOs and their isolated constituent, limonene, proved to be promising alternatives for developing bioinsecticides to manage of D. suzukii.

The Role of Baccharis dracunculifolia and its Chemical Profile on Green Propolis Production by Apis mellifera.

The botanical source of Brazilian green propolis (BGP) is Baccharis dracunculifolia DC, which interacts not only with Apis mellifera, but also with galling insects. In the last decade, because of green propolis´ important biologic activities, the international demand for BGP overcame the production capacity, consequently, new approaches are required to increase this production. Hence, the understanding of the chemical ecology interactions of B. dracunculifolia with galls and bees in field conditions may provide insights to increase BGP's production. A "bee pasture" experiment aiming to better understand this plant-insect interaction was therefore performed. For that, 48 B. dracunculifolia individuals, being 24 females and 24 males, were cultivated and investigated for the following parameters: (1) phenolic and volatile compounds in both B. dracunculifolia leaves and green propolis, (2) environmental variables, (3) visiting rate by bees, (4) time of resin collection, and (5) number of galls. Regression analyses by independent linear mixed-effect models were run to correlate phenolic and volatile compounds concentration with the environmental and field variables. Significant differences in chemical profile and field variables were observed between male and female plants. Male plants showed higher infestation by galling insects while female plants showed higher number of visiting bees, time of resin collection and terpenes concentration, contributing to the differences observed in the field. The obtained results suggest that increasing the percentage of female B. dracunculifolia plants in the field may attract more bees and therefore enhance propolis production.

Sexual and genotypic variation in terpene quantitative and qualitative profiles in the dioecious shrub Baccharis salicifolia.

Terpenoids are secondary metabolites produced in most plant tissues and are often considered toxic or repellent to plant enemies. Previous work has typically reported on intra-specific variation in terpene profiles, but the effects of plant sex, an important axis of genetic variation, have been less studied for chemical defences in general, and terpenes in particular. In a prior study, we found strong genetic variation (but not sexual dimorphism) in terpene amounts in leaves of the dioecious shrub Baccharis salicifolia. Here we build on these findings and provide a more in-depth analysis of terpene chemistry on these same plants from an experiment consisting of a common garden with male (N = 19) and female (N = 20) genotypes sourced from a single population. Our goal in the present study was to investigate quantitative and qualitative differences in terpene profiles associated with plant sex and genotypic variation. For this, we quantified leaf mono- and sesquiterpene amount, richness, and diversity (quantitative profile), as well as the composition of compounds (qualitative profile). We found no evidence of sexual dimorphism in monoterpene or sesquiterpene profiles. We did, however, find significant genotypic variation in amount, diversity, and composition of monoterpenes, but no effects on sesquiterpenes. These findings indicated that genotypic variation in terpene profiles largely surpassed variation due to sexual dimorphism for the studied population of this species.

In vivo photoinduced [4 + 2] dimerization of a neo-clerodane diterpene in Baccharis flabellata. ROS and RNS scavenging abilities.

Secondary metabolites play a major role in the adaptation of plants to the environment. Furan neo-clerodane diterpenes are characteristic secondary metabolites in Baccharis flabellata Hook. & Arn. var. flabellata. One of the main compounds is the diene ent-15,16-epoxy-19-hydroxy-1,3,13(16),14-clerodatetraen-18-oic acid (DAC). In this work a new dimeric compound (DACD) has been isolated and identified by NMR and MS techniques. The presence of other minor dimers was also observed in the same plant methanolic extracts. Assuming that they may be the products of [4 + 2] condensation of two monomeric moieties, the formation of adducts by photochemical dimerization was checked by inducing the in vitro [4 + 2] cycloaddition of DAC. Moreover, the DAC and DACD accumulation rates in aerial parts of B. flabellata specimens were analyzed monthly during a complete phenological cycle. The accumulation of monomer depends on the plant phonological stage; meanwhile the dimer proportion arises in detriment of the monomer as the solar UV radiation increases. Since plants exposed to strong UV intensities produce radical species, the scavenger properties of these compounds toward reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), were analyzed. Albeit DAC and DACD show significant superoxide radical scavenger activities, the monomer proved to be more effective than the dimer toward ROS, while DACD was an excellent RNS scavenger.

Micropropagation of Baccharis antioquensis (Asteraceae) and photoinduction of polyphenols by UV radiation / Micropropagación de Baccharis antioquensis (Asteraceae) y fotoinducción de polifenoles mediante radiación UV

Abstract Polyphenols are a large diversity of chemical types and interactions that can be responsible for a multiplicity of protective functions ranging from toxicity and light/UV shielding to signal transduction. Bacharis antioquensis has been described as a potential source of new photoprotective compounds with antioxidant capacity associated to polyphenols compounds. The aim of the present work was to develop a micropropagation protocol of B. antioquensis and evaluate the production of polyphenols by in vitro plants exposure to UVB radiation. Branches in juvenile stage of B. antioquensis were collected, desinfected and cultured on half strength Murashige and Skoog medium, supplemented or not with growth regulators (TDZ, BA or GA3) on light/darkness conditions and liquid/solid media. After UV treatments, the absorption coefficient in the UVA-UVB range, the antioxidant capacity and the total phenol content (TPC) from all tissue cultures and the wild tissue were evaluated. Growth regulators, light conditions and type of culture medium (solid or liquid) had a favorable effect on the response of explants. Treatments containing BA + GA3 regulators (2 and 0.5 mg/L respectively) and TDZ (0.5 mg/L) showed positive results in bud growth in liquid medium and darkness. Results showed that UVR exhibited promoting effects on the accumulation of polyphenols, enhancing the absorption coefficient in the UVA-UVB range, the antiradical capacity and the TPC of B. antioquensis in vitro plants. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 754-764. Epub 2018 June 01.

Resumen Los polifenoles son compuestos químicos con una diversidad de interacciones que pueden ser responsables de muchas funciones, que van desde la toxicidad hasta la protección y blindaje contra la luz/UV. Baccharis antioquensis es una fuente potencial de compuestos fotoprotectores con capacidad antioxidante. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue desarrollar un protocolo de micropropagación para B. antioquensis y evaluar la producción de polifenoles in vitro por exposición a la radiación UVB. Ramas juveniles fueron colectadas y cultivadas en medio de Murashige y Skoog (MS) y suplementadas o no con reguladores de crecimiento (TDZ, BA o GA3) en diferentes condiciones de luz/oscuridad y medios líquidos/sólidos. Después de los tratamientos UVR, se midió el espectro de absorción UV y se evaluó el coeficiente de absorción en la región UVA-UVB, la capacidad antioxidante y TPC tanto en las plantas in vitro como en las plantas silvestres. Los tratamientos que contenían reguladores BA + GA3 (2 y 0.5 mg / L respectivamente) y TDZ (0.5 mg / L) mostraron resultados positivos en el crecimiento del brote en medio líquido y en condiciones de oscuridad. Los resultados mostraron que la UVR tiene efectos promotores sobre la acumulación de metabolitos secundarios, aumentando el coeficiente de absorción en la región UVA-UVB, la capacidad antiradicalaria y TPC en las plantas in vitro.

Carqueja (Baccharis trimera) Protects against Oxidative Stress and ß-Amyloid-Induced Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Carqueja (Baccharis trimera) is a native plant found throughout South America. Several studies have shown that Carqueja has antioxidant activity in vitro, as well as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, analgesic, antihepatotoxic, and antimutagenic properties. However, studies regarding its antioxidant potential in vivo are limited. In this study, we used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to examine the antioxidant effects of a Carqueja hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) on stress resistance and lifespan and to investigate whether CHE has a protective effect in a C. elegans model for Alzheimer's disease. Here, we show for the first time, using in vivo assays, that CHE treatment improved oxidative stress resistance by increasing survival rate and by reducing ROS levels under oxidative stress conditions independently of the stress-related signaling pathways (p38, JNK, and ERK) and transcription factors (SKN-1/Nrf and DAF-16/Foxo) tested here. CHE treatment also increased the defenses against ß-amyloid toxicity in C. elegans, in part by increasing proteasome activity and the expression of two heat shock protein genes. Our findings suggest a potential neuroprotective use for Carqueja, supporting the idea that dietary antioxidants are a promising approach to boost the defensive systems against stress and neurodegeneration.

Gastroprotective activity of ent-beyerene derivatives in mice: Effects on gastric secretion, endogenous prostaglandins and non-protein sulfhydryls.

Seventeen compounds (2-18) synthetized from the diterpenoid ent-beyer-15-en-18-ol (1) isolated from aerial part of Baccharis tola were tested for their gastroprotective activity on the model of HCl/EtOH-induced gastric lesions in mice. Furthermore cytotoxicity test toward fibroblasts and AGS cells were performed. The results showed that compound 1 (ED50=50 mg/kg), 2, 6 and 13 were the most active regarding gastroprotective activity. Compounds 8-10 and 17-18 showed the lowest cytotoxicity toward fibroblasts and AGS cells. Regarding to mode of gastroprotective action, the effect elicited by 6 (50 mg/kg) was reversed by Indomethacin but not by N-ethylmaleimide, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or ruthenium red, which suggests that prostaglandins are involved in the mode of gastroprotective action of 6.

Variation in the degree of pectin methylesterification during the development of Baccharis dracunculifolia kidney-shaped gall.

Insect galls may be study models to test the distribution of pectins and arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) and their related functions during plant cell cycles. These molecules are herein histochemically and immunocitochemically investigated in the kidney-shaped gall induced by Baccharopelma dracunculifoliae (Psyllidae) on leaves of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. (Asteraceae) on developmental basis. The homogalacturonans (HGAs) (labeled by JIM5) and the arabinans (labeled by LM6) were detected either in non-galled leaves or in young galls, and indicated stiffening of epidermal cell walls, which is an important step for cell redifferentiation. The labeling of HGAs by JIM7 changed from young to senescent stage, with an increase in the rigidity of cell walls, which is important for the acquaintance of the final gall shape and for the mechanical opening of the gall. The variation on the degree of HGAs during gall development indicated differential PMEs activity during gall development. The epitopes recognized by LM2 (AGP glycan) and LM5 (1-4-ß-D-galactans) had poor alterations from non-galled leaves towards gall maturation and senescence. Moreover, the dynamics of pectin and AGPs on two comparable mature kidney-shaped galls on B. dracunculifolia and on B. reticularia revealed specific peculiarities. Our results indicate that similar gall morphotypes in cogeneric host species may present distinct cell responses in the subcelular level, and also corroborate the functions proposed in literature for HGAs.

Physiological and transcriptional responses of Baccharis halimifolia to the explosive "composition B" (RDX/TNT) in amended soil.

Unexploded explosives that include royal demolition explosive (RDX) and trinitrotoluene (TNT) cause environmental concerns for surrounding ecosystems. Baccharis halimifolia is a plant species in the sunflower family that grows naturally near munitions sites on contaminated soils, indicating that it might have tolerance to explosives. B. halimifolia plants were grown on 100, 300, and 750 mg kg(-1) of soil amended with composition B (Comp B) explosive, a mixture of royal demolition explosive and trinitrotoluene. These concentrations are environmentally relevant to such munitions sites. The purpose of the experiment was to mimic contaminated sites to assess the plant's physiological response and uptake of explosives and to identify upregulated genes in response to explosives in order to better understand how this species copes with explosives. Stomatal conductance was not significantly reduced in any treatments. However, net photosynthesis, absorbed photons, and chlorophyll were significantly reduced in all treatments relative to the control plants. The dark-adapted parameter of photosynthesis was reduced only in the 750 mg kg(-1) Comp B treatment. Thus, we observed partial physiological tolerance to Comp B in B. halimifolia plants. We identified and cloned 11 B. halimifolia gene candidates that were orthologous to explosive-responsive genes previously identified in Arabidopsis and poplar. Nine of those genes showed more than 90% similarity to Conyza canadensis (horseweed), which is the closest relative with significant available genomics resources. The expression patterns of these genes were studied using quantitative real-time PCR. Three genes were transcriptionally upregulated in Comp B treatments, and the Cytb6f gene was found to be highly active in all the tested concentrations of Comp B. These three newly identified candidate genes of this explosives-tolerant plant species can be potentially exploited for uses in phytoremediation by overexpressing these genes in transgenic plants and, similarly, by using promoters or variants of promoters from these genes fused to reporter genes in transgenic plants for making phytosensors to report the localized presence of explosives in contaminated soils.

Patterns of cell elongation in the determination of the final shape in galls of Baccharopelma dracunculifoliae (Psyllidae) on Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae).

Cell redifferentiation, division, and elongation are recurrent processes, which occur during gall development, and are dependent on the cellulose microfibrils reorientation. We hypothesized that changes in the microfibrils orientation from non-galled tissues to galled ones occur and determine the final gall shape. This determination is caused by a new tissue zonation, its hyperplasia, and relative cell hypertrophy. The impact of the insect's activity on these patterns of cell development was herein tested in Baccharopelma dracunculifoliae-Baccharis dracunculifolia system. In this system, the microfibrils are oriented perpendicularly to the longest cell axis in elongated cells and randomly in isodiametric ones, either in non-galled or in galled tissues. The isodiametric cells of the abaxial epidermis in non-galled tissues divided and elongated periclinally, forming the outer gall epidermis. The anticlinally elongated cells of the abaxial palisade layer and the isodiametric cells of the spongy parenchyma originated the gall outer cortex with hypertrophied and periclinally elongated cells. The anticlinally elongated cells of the adaxial palisade layer originated the inner cortex with hypertrophied and periclinally elongated cells in young and mature galls and isodiametric cells in senescent galls. The isodiametric cells of the adaxial epidermis elongated periclinally in the inner gall epidermis. The current investigation demonstrates the role of cellulose microfibril reorientation for gall development. Once many factors other than this reorientation act on gall development, it should be interesting to check the possible relationship of the new cell elongation patterns with the pectic composition of the cell walls.

Características Fenológicas de Baccharis trimera (Less. ) DC. (1836) - Asteraceae - no município de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Phenology of populations of "carqueja" [Baccharis trimera (Less. ) DC. - Asteraceae] in the municipal district of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Quatro populações de Baccharis trimera (Asteraceae) foram analisadas no município de Viçosa-MG quanto ao ciclo fenológico. As observações foram realizadas mensalmente de março de 2010 a março de 2011 acompanhando a fenofase vegetativa e reprodutiva em espécimes ocorrentes em diferentes ambientes - barranco, mata de eucaliptos, mata secundária e pastagem. Os indivíduos do barranco e da pastagem floresceram durante maio, junho e julho e frutificaram entre agosto e setembro. As plantas em sub-bosque de mata secundária não apresentaram a fenofase reprodutiva. A floração e a frutificação das plantas na mata de eucalipto ocorreram após um mês em relação às outras populações. O conhecimento preliminar do ciclo fenológico da espécie contribui para a estratégia de seu manejo sustentável e emprego medicinal.

Four populations of Baccharistrimera (Asteraceae) were analyzedin Viçosa-MG in relation to thephenological cycle. The observations were taken monthly from March 2010 to March 2011 following the vegetative and reproductive phenology inspecimens occurringin different environments-ravine, forest of eucalyptus trees, secondary forest and pasture. Individuals from the ravine and pasture bloomed during May, June and July and bore fruitin August and September. The plants of the secondary forestunder story showed no reproductive phenology. Flowering and fruiting of plants in the forest of eucalyptus trees occurred after one month compared to other populations. Preliminary knowledge of the phenological cycle of the species contributes toits sustainable management strategy and medicinal uses.

Preparados homeopáticos e ambiente de cultivo na produção e rendimento de quercetina em carqueja [Baccharis trimera (Less) DC. ] / Homeopathic preparations and crop environments through production and yield of quercetin on carqueja plants [Baccharis trimera (Less) DC. ]

A carqueja (Baccharis trimera) é uma espécie da família Asteraceae muito utilizada na medicina popular por apresentar várias atividades biológicas relacionadas à seus metabólitos secundários, entre eles os flavonoides. Este experimento teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de preparados homeopáticos e do ambiente de cultivo na produção e rendimento de flavonoides totais expressos em quercetina por plantas de carqueja. Foi adotado o esquema fatorial 6 x 2 no delineamento inteiramente casualisado, sendo 5 tratamentos homeopáticos: Silicea CH6, CH12, CH30, D7 e Equisetum D7 e controle (etanol 70%) x 2 ambientes de cultivo: estufa e tela de sombreamento 50%, com 4 repetições, totalizando 48 unidades experimentais. Os tratamentos homeopáticos foram aplicados na concentração de 25 gotas/500 mL de água destilada usando borrifadores manuais. Cada planta recebeu 10 mL da solução por aplicação, via foliar. As aplicações foram realizadas sempre pela manha, três vezes por semana, em dias alternados, durante dois meses (27/07/2010 a 27/09/2010). A interação entre os fatores, assim como os fatores independentes foram comparados pelo teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. O efeito dos preparados homeopáticos e dos dois ambientes de cultivo em plantas de carqueja foi avaliado pelas variáveis: massa fresca (MFPA), massa seca (MSPA) e teor de quercetina (QCT) na parte aérea das plantas. As variáveis MFPA e QCT foram influenciadas pelos ambientes de cultivo, pelos preparados homeopáticos e pela interação entre os dois fatores. A variável MSPA foi influenciada apenas pela interação dos fatores. Plantas cultivadas em ambiente com 50% de sombreamento associadas à aplicação dos preparados homeopáti-cos Silicea CH6 e D7, apresentaram maior rendimento em querceti-na. Plantas cultivadas na estufa associadas à aplicação do Equisetum D7 apresentaram menor rendimento em quercetina.

The carqueja plant (Baccharis trimera) is a specie of the family Asteraceae widely used in folk medicine for presenting various biological activities, due to the high content of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of homeopathic preparations and crop environments through production and yield of quercetina on carqueja plants. The experiment was a factorial scheme (6X2) on completely randomized design with 5 homeopathic treatments: Silicea CH6, CH12, CH30, D7 and Equisetum D7 e control (70% ethanol) x 2 crop environments: greenhouse and shade 50% and 4 replicates, totaling 48 experimental units. The treatments were applied at concentration of 25 drops/500 mL of distilled water using hand sprayers. Each plant received 10 mL via leaves. The prepara-tions were sprayed always on mornings, three times a week on alternate days during two months (27/09/2010 to 27/11/2010). The interaction between the factors as well as the independents factors were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. The effect of homeopathic preparations and the two crop environments on carqueja plants were evaluated through the variables: fresh matter of aerial part (FMAP), dry matter of aerial part (DMAP) and flavonoids content (QCT). The variables FMAP and QCT were significantly influenced by the crop environments, the preparations and interaction between the two factors. The DMAP was only influenced by the interaction of the two factors. The 50% shade environment associated with Silicea CH6 or D7 increased yield of quercetin. The greenhouse environment associated with Equisetum D7 decreased yield of quercetin.

The role of pectic composition of cell walls in the determination of the new shape-functional design in galls of Baccharis reticularia (Asteraceae).

The pectic composition of cell wall is altered during the processes of cell differentiation, plant growth, and development. These alterations may be time-dependent, and fluctuate in distinct regions of the same cell or tissue layer, due to the biotic stress caused by the activity of the gall inducer. Among the roles of the pectins in cell wall, elasticity, rigidity, porosity, and control of cell death may be crucial during gall development. Galls on Baccharis reticularia present species-specific patterns of development leading to related morphotypes where pectins were widely detected by Ruthenium red, and the pectic epitopes were labeled with specific monoclonal antibodies (LM1, LM2, LM5, LM6, JIM5, and JIM7) in distinct sites of the non-galled and the galled tissues. In the studied system B. reticularia, the epitopes for extensins were not labeled in the non-galled tissues, as well as in those of the rolling and kidney-shaped galls. The high methyl-esterified homogalacturonans (HGA) were labeled all over the tissues either of non-galled leaves or of the three gall morphotypes, while the intense labeling for arabinogalactans was obtained just in the rolling galls. The pectic composition of non-galled leaves denotes their maturity. The kidney-shaped gall was the most similar to the non-galled leaves. The pectic dynamics in the gall tissues was particularly altered in relation to low methyl-esterified HGA, which confers elasticity and expansion, as well as porosity and adhesion to cell walls, and are related to the homogenization and hypertrophy of gall cortex, and to translocation of solutes to the larval chamber. Herein, the importance of the pectic dynamics of cell walls to the new functional design established during gall development is discussed for the first time. The repetitive developmental patterns in galls are elegant models for studies on cell differentiation.

Extrato de plantas medicinais como carrapaticida de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus / Herbal extract against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks

O uso de plantas medicinais tem sido uma prática antiga da humanidade, contribuindo para a divulgação das virtudes terapêuticas de extratos de diferentes vegetais. Na busca de alternativas naturais eficazes para males que prejudicam indiretamente o homem, as plantas medicinais têm sido utilizadas na veterinária na tentativa de eliminar ou reduzir a ação dos carrapatos B. microplus, que podem trazer prejuízos a bovinos. Durante anos têm sido utilizado produtos químicos nesse controle, no entanto, os carrapatos adquirem resistência aos fármacos em decorrência do uso contínuo. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de hidrolato e extratos aquosos de carqueja [Baccharis trimera (Less). D.C.], alfavaca (Ocimum gratissimum L.), necroton [Vernonia condensata (Backer) H. Rob.] camomila [Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert], além do óleo essencial de alfavaca (Ocimum gratissimum L.). Os ensaios para larvas de B. microplus foram realizados com impregnação das substâncias em papel filtro. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que todos os extratos aquosos foram ineficazes; o hidrolato de carqueja e de necroton apresentaram eficiência em torno de 30%, necessitando novos testes para comprovação. Dentre os resultados obtidos, destaca-se o hidrolato de alfavaca que apresentou eficiência de 76,7% na concentração de 100% e o óleo essencial puro de alfavaca que apresentou ação larvicidade 100% indicando o potencial carrapaticida dessa planta, especificamente no combate de B.microplus.

The use of medicinal plants has been a longstanding practice of mankind, helping to spread the therapeutic virtues of different plant extracts, due to their medicinal effects. In the search for effective natural alternatives for ailments that indirectly affect man, medicinal plants have been used in veterinary medicine, in an attempt to eliminate or reduce the action of B. microplus ticks, which can cause damage to cattle. For many years, chemical products have been used in this control. However, after some time ticks acquire drug resistance, as a result of continuous use. Thus, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of hydrolates and aqueous extracts of carqueja [Baccharis trimera (Less). DC], alfavaca (Ocimum gratissimum L.), necroton [Vernonia condensata (Baker) H. Rob.], chamomile [Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert] and also the essential oil of alfavaca (Ocimum gratissimum L.). The assays for larvae of B. microplus were carried out by impregnating the paper filter with the substances. The results showed that all the aqueous extracts were ineffective; the hydrolate of carqueja and necroton presented efficiencies around 30%, requiring further tests to prove. Among the results, we observed that the alfavaca hydrolate showed an efficiency of 76.7% at a concentration of 100% and the pure alfavaca oil showed a larvicidal action of 100%, indicating this plant's potential to reduce ticks, specifically in the control of B. microplus.

Produção de fitomassa, teor e produtividade do óleo essencial de Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. em função da adubação orgânica / Phytomass production, content, and productivity of essential oil of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. as affected by organic compound

Objetivou-se avaliar a produção de fitomassa, teor e produtividade do óleo essencial de Baccharis dracuculifolia DC., em função de doses de adubo orgânico, e foram utilizadas mudas produzidas por semente, e mantidas sob sombrite pelo período de 84 dias até serem transplantadas para o campo, no espaçamento de 1,0 x 1,0 m, com irrigação por gotejamento. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, e as doses de composto orgânico foram: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50 t ha-1. Foi realizada uma colheita, aos 150 dias após o transplante das mudas. O óleo essencial foi extraído por hidrodestilação e analisado em cromatógrafo a gás acoplado a espectrômetro de massas (Shimadzu, QP-5000). Todos os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F seguido da análise de regressão e o teste Tukey para os dados: massa seca útil da parte aérea, teor e produtividade do óleo essencial. Para as variáveis massa seca total e massa seca útil da parte aérea, as dosagens estudadas influenciaram as plantas, que apresentaram os melhores resultados na dose 50 t ha-1. Para teor de óleo não houve influência significativa para as dosagens estudadas, porém a dose 30 t ha-1 apresentou o melhor resultado. Entretanto para a produtividade do óleo essencial, as dosagens estudadas influenciaram as plantas, que na dosagem 30 t ha-1 obtiveram os melhores resultados.

The objective was to evaluate the characteristics of the Baccharis dracunculifolia DC., depending on levels of organic fertilizer, and seedlings were used B. dracunculifolia produced by seed, and kept under shade for a period of 84 days before being transplanted to the field, spaced 1.0 x 1.0 m, with drip irrigation. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications, and doses of organic compost, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 t ha-1. We performed a harvest, 150 days after transplanting. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (Shimadzu, QP-5000). All results were submitted to analysis of variance F test followed by regression analysis and Tukey test for the data: useful dry mass of shoots, content of essential and productivity of essential oil. For the variables total dry mass and dry mass of shoots useful, the doses studied influenced the plants, which showed the best results at a dose 50 t ha-1. For content of essential oil no significant influence was verified on the doses studied, but the dose 30 t ha -1 showed the best result. However the productivity of the essential oil, the doses studied influenced the plants, which in dose 30 t ha-1 obtained the best results.

Composição química do óleo essencial de duas amostras de carqueja (Baccharis sp. ) coletadas em Paty do Alferes - Rio de Janeiro / Chemical composition of essential oil from two samples of carqueja (Baccharis sp. ) collected in Paty do Alferes - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

O Brasil possui em sua flora a maior diversidade genética do mundo, apresentando varias espécies nativas. Dentre as plantas nativas do Brasil encontra-se o gênero Baccharis (família Asteraceae) que possui algumas espécies popularmente conhecidas como carqueja, carqueja amarga ou vassoura. Estas espécies são utilizadas na medicina popular como protetora e estimulante do fígado, para o controle da obesidade, diabetes, hepatite, gastroenterite, digestiva, diurética, depurativa, tônica, antianêmica e anti-reumática. Este trabalho teve por objetivo investigar a composição química do óleo essencial de duas populações do gênero Baccharis coletadas em Paty do Alferes, visando encontrar novas fontes de carquejol e acetato de carquejila. Amostras de duas populações diferentes de carqueja foram coletadas em propriedades particulares Paty do Alferes - Rio de Janeiro em novembro de 2010. Estas foram secas a temperatura ambiente (28ºC +- 2) e à sombra. O óleo essencial das duas amostras de Baccharis sp. foi extraído por hidrodestilação em aparelho tipo Clevenger modificado durante 4 horas. O mesmo foi analisado por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrômetro de massas (CG-EM Shimadzu, QP 5050, coluna capilar DB-5 - 30 m x 0.25µm x 0.25mm). Utilizou-se o Helio como gás carreador (1.7mL/min); temperatura do injetor: 240ºC e detector: 230ºC, Split: 1:20, no seguinte programa de temperatura: 60º C - 240º C (3ºC/ min). A identificação da composição química dos óleos essenciais foi realizada pela comparação de seus espectros de massa e valores de índice de Kovats (IK) com compostos conhecidos descritos na literatura. Foram identificados 19 compostos nestes óleos essenciais. Os principais compostos encontrados foram trans-cariofileno (22,0 por cento e 18,1 por cento), seguido por germacreno-D (7,0 por cento), biciclogermacreno (8,5 por cento), ledol (13,7 por cento), espatulenol (13,8 por cento e 20,7 por cento) e óxido de cariofileno (8,3 por cento e 12,0 por cento). Carquejol e acetato de carquejila não foram observados nestas amostras de óleo essencial, o que pode ser um indicativo que esta espécie não é B. trimera. Os resultados apresentados apontaram que as amostras coletadas em Paty do Alferes apresentam composição química similar e podem ser a mesma espécie vegetal, com grande indicativo de ser B. crispa (B cylindrica).

Brazil presents the highest vegetable genetic diversity of the world. Among the native plants of Brazil is some species of genus Baccharis (Asteraceae family) and popularly known as "carqueja". This medicinal specie has been used as diuretic, tonic, digestive, protective and stimulate of the liver, antianemic, anti-rheumatic, obesity control, diabetes, hepatitis and gastroenteritis. Samples of two different populations of plants were collected in a privet property in Paty do Alferes district (Rio de Janeiro State) in 11/2010, and dried at room temperature (28ºC +- 2) at shade conditions. Essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation (Clevenger-type apparatus) for 4h and analyzed by GC-MS (Shimadzu, QP 5050-DB-5 capillary column - 30mx0.25µmx0.25mm). Carrier gas was Helium (1.7mL/min); split ratio: 1:30. Temperature program: 60º C - 240º C (3ºC/ min), rising to 240ºC at 3ºC/min. Injector temperature: 240ºC and detector temperature: 230ºC. Identifications of chemical compounds were made by matching their mass spectra and Kovat's indices (IK) values with known compounds reported in the literature. Were found 19 compounds in these essential oils. The major compound founded was trans-caryophyllene (22.0 percent and 18.1 percent), followed by germacrene-D (7.0 percent), bicyclogermacrene (8.5 percent), ledol (13.7 percent), spathulenol (13.8 percent and 20.7 percent) and caryophyllene oxide (8.3 percent and 12.0 percent). Carquejol and carquejyl acetate were not observed in these essential oil. These results showed that these samples present similar chemical composition and they can be the same vegetal specie (B. crispa/ B cylindrica).

The role of seasonality on the inhibitory effect of Brazilian green propolis on the oxidative metabolism of neutrophils.

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by neutrophils are involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, for which the intake of antioxidants could benefit patients either as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment. Propolis is among the known antioxidants, and its chemical composition may vary under the influence of seasonality, which may interfere in its biological properties. This work evaluates the role of seasonality on the production of some important compounds of propolis samples produced monthly from November 2001 through October 2002 as well as the effect of these samples on the oxidative metabolism of stimulated neutrophils, by using both luminol and lucigenin to produce chemiluminescence (CLlum and CLluc, respectively). The cytotoxicity of the most active extracts to neutrophils was also investigated. The inhibitory effect of the propolis samples varied significantly during the studied period for both assays (3.4 ± 1.1 to 16.0 ± 1.1 µg/mL for CLlum and 6.2 ± 2.0 to 30.0 ± 5.0 µg/mL for CLluc), which was also observed in the quantitative profile of the main analyzed compounds (aromadendrin-4'-methyl ether, artepillin C, and baccharin). This effect started to become more prominent during the fall and, among all the studied extracts, the one obtained in May displayed the highest inhibitory effect on CL production (3.4 ± 1.1 µg/mL for CLlum and 6.2 ± 2.0 µg/mL for CLluc). The HPLC qualitative profiles of the extracts of propolis samples were quite similar, but there was a huge variation in terms of quantitative profile. It seems that aromadendrin-4'-methyl ether and baccharin play an essential role in the antioxidant activity, while artepillin C is not very important for this effect. The extracts presenting the highest antioxidant activity were produced in May, June, and August, and they did not display cytotoxicity at 25 µg/mL; quercetin, used as control, was not toxic to neutrophils at 8.5 µg/mL.

Screening the phytoremediation potential of desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides Gray) growing on mine tailings in Arizona, USA.

The metal concentrations in a copper mine tailings and desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides Gray) plants were investigated. The metal concentrations in plants, soil cover, and tailings were determined using ICP-OES. The concentration of copper, lead, molybdenum, chromium, zinc, arsenic, nickel, and cobalt in tailings was 526.4, 207.4, 89.1, 84.5, 51.7, 49.6, 39.7, and 35.6mgkg(-1), respectively. The concentration of all elements in soil cover was 10-15% higher than that of the tailings, except for molybdenum. The concentration of copper, lead, molybdenum, chromium, zinc, arsenic, nickel, and cobalt in roots was 818.3, 151.9, 73.9, 57.1, 40.1, 44.6, 96.8, and 26.7mgkg(-1) and 1214.1, 107.3, 105.8, 105.5, 55.2, 36.9, 30.9, and 10.9mgkg(-1) for shoots, respectively. Considering the translocation factor, enrichment coefficient, and the accumulation factor, desert broom could be a potential hyperaccumulator of Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn, As, and Ni.