Pachira aquatica: biological activity and chemical composition of leaves, flowers, and seeds.

The chemical composition of Pachira aquatica crude extracts flowers, leaves, and seeds was obtained by UHPLC-ESI/qTOF and GC/MS. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated against the human tumour cell lines AGS (gastric), CaCo-2 (colorectal), MCF-7 (breast), and NCI-H460 (lung). The anti-inflammatory and cellular antioxidant activities were also studied. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and saturated fatty acids were identified in the samples. The concentration of extracts responsible for inhibiting 50% of nitric oxide production ranged from (149 to > 400 µg mL-1). Antiproliferative activity against the tumour cell lines was: AGS (GI50 175 to > 400 µg mL-1), Caco-2 (GI50 215 to > 400 µg mL-1), MCF7 (GI50 232 to > 400 µg mL-1) and NCI-H460 (GI50 208 to > 400 µg mL-1). Cellular antioxidant activity remained between 73% to > 2000%. The selectivity index (SI) ranged from 1.00 to 2.78, indicating low antiproliferative activity.

Lentinus crinitus: Traditional use, phytochemical and pharmacological activities, and industrial and biotechnological applications.

The saprophytic basidiomycete Lentinus crinitus (L.) Fr is a Brazilian native fungus with pantropical occurrence. L. crinitus produces edible fruiting bodies with medicinal, nutritional, and biotechnological applications. The compounds from fungal fruiting bodies can be applied to the preparation of products in the food, cosmetic, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries. Our aim was to review the literature on L. crinitus concerning its botanical description, geographical distribution, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, nutritional value, and biotechnology potential (in vitro cultivation and enzyme production). Scientific search engines, including ScienceDirect, CAPES Journals Portal, Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciFinder, were consulted to gather data on L. crinitus. The present review is an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical compounds, phytopharmacological activities, and biotechnological value of L. crinitus. Extracts from L. crinitus have been reported to exhibit numerous in vitro pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer. The substances in these extracts belong to different classes of chemical compounds such as polysaccharides, fatty acids, terpenes, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Reviews on Brazilian native fungi are of great importance for scientific knowledge, with great applicability as a mirror for species of the same family. The ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, ethnomedicinal, and biotechnological properties of L. crinitus highlighted in this review provide information for future studies and commercial exploitation, and reveal that this fungus has enormous potential for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, biotechnological, and ecological applications.

Resveratrol-Loaded Attalea funifera Oil Organogel Nanoparticles: A Potential Nanocarrier against A375 Human Melanoma Cells.

This study aimed to evaluate Attalea funifera seed oil with or without resveratrol entrapped in organogel nanoparticles in vitro against A375 human melanoma tumor cells. Organogel nanoparticles with seed oil (SON) or with resveratrol entrapped in the seed oil (RSON) formed functional organogel nanoparticles that showed a particle size <100 nm, polydispersity index <0.3, negative zeta potential, and maintenance of electrical conductivity. The resveratrol entrapment efficiency in RSON was 99 ± 1%. The seed oil and SON showed no cytotoxicity against human non-tumor cells or tumor cells. Resveratrol at 50 µg/mL was cytotoxic for non-tumor cells, and was cytotoxic for tumor cells at 25 µg/mL. Resveratrol entrapped in RSON showed a decrease in cytotoxicity against non-tumor cells and cytotoxic against tumor cells at 50 µg/mL. Thus, SON is a potential new platform for the delivery of resveratrol with selective cytotoxic activity in the treatment of melanoma.

Lithium bioaccumulation in Lentinus crinitus mycelia grown in media with different lithium sources and pH values.

Lentinus crinitus bioaccumulates lithium in mycelia, but bioaccumulation may be affected by pH of the culture medium. Lithium is used in clinical practice as a mood stabilizer and antidepressant. This study aimed to assess the effect of culture medium pH and lithium source (LiCl or Li2CO3) on lithium bioaccumulation in vegetative mycelia of L. crinitus grown in malt extract broth. Lentinus crinitus U9-1 was cultured in malt extract broth supplemented with Li2CO3 or LiCl (50 mg L-1 lithium) in the pH range of 3.0 to 6.0. The pH was adjusted using HCl solution. The results showed that medium pH affected mycelial biomass production, lithium bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass, and lithium transfer from the culture medium to mycelial biomass. The effect of lithium source on the bioaccumulation capacity of mycelial biomass varied according to pH. At pH 4.0, both lithium sources stimulated mycelial biomass production compared to the control without the addition of lithium. At pH 5.5, Li2CO3 provided the highest lithium bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass. Lithium transfer from the culture medium to mycelia was highest in Li2CO3-supplemented cultures at pH 4.5. LiCl reduced hyphal width compared with Li2CO3 and the control. However, pH and lithium sources did not affect the formation of clamp connections in hyphae. For the first time, the influence of the pH of the culture medium on lithium bioaccumulation by Lentinus crinitus is reported. Finally, we conclude that the culture medium pH affected lithium transfer and bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass differently depending on the lithium source. Additionally, we report the presence of clamp connections in the hyphae of L. crinitus as an indicator of even growth.

Long-term cryopreservation of Lentinus crinitus strains by wheat grain technique.

Lentinus crinitus (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) is a saprophytic fungus with biotechnological importance described more than 20 years ago. However, there are few studies on the long-term preservation of this basidiomycete. Cryopreservation is a long-term storage technique that reduces the metabolic activity of microorganisms, but its success depends on the adjustment of the freezing process, the cryoprotectants, and the protective substrates for each species. This study aimed to assess the mycelial viability and genetic stability of L. crinitus strains cryopreserved at -86 °C for two years by the wheat grain technique using different cryoprotectants and freezing methods. Three strains of L. crinitus (U9-1, U13-5, and U15-12) were subjected to different concentrations and types of cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, glucose, and sucrose), freezing methods such as immediate freezing from 25 to -86 °C and progressing freezing from 25 to -86 °C in a freezing container with isopropyl alcohol to control the rate of cell freezing at -1 °C min-1, protective substrate (wheat grain and 2% malt extract agar), and cryopreservation period (1, 6, 12, and 24 months). After thawing, samples were evaluated for mycelial viability, time to mycelial recovery, mycelial stability, and genetic stability of the fungus. All techniques achieved effective cryopreservation at -86 °C, mainly with the wheat grain technique. All cryoprotectants (3.5% glycerol, 1.5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 25% sucrose, and 5% glucose), freezing methods (immediate and gradual), and protective substrate (wheat grain and malt extract agar) were effective for cryopreservation of the three L.crinitus strains in an ultra-low temperature freezer for two years. Mycelial viability, mycelial stability, and genetic stability of the fungus were not affected after two-year cryopreservation, evidencing the robustness of the long-term cryopreservation technique and the fungus.

Basidiocarp structures of Lentinus crinitus: an antimicrobial source against foodborne pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms.

Lentinus crinitus basidiocarps are an alternative to antimicrobials, but the stipe (24% basidiocarp) is discarded even with potential antimicrobial activity. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of L. crinitus basidiocarp pileus and stipe extracts against foodborne pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms. Basidiocarps of L. crinitus were grown in sugarcane bagasse and rice husks and the pileus and stipe methanolic extract was analyzed by broth microdilution method for antimicrobial activity against eight bacteria and eight fungi. The minimum bactericidal concentration values for pileus and stipe ranged from 0.40 to 0.50 mg mL- 1, for streptomycin from 0.10 to 0.50 mg mL- 1, and for ampicillin from 0.40 to 1.20 mg mL- 1. The minimum fungicidal concentration values for pileus and stipe ranged from 0.06 to 0.60 mg mL- 1, for bifonazole from 0.20 to 0.25 mg mL- 1, and for ketoconazole from 0.30 to 3.50 mg mL- 1. Extracts had bacteriostatic, bactericidal, fungistatic and fungicidal activity against all microorganisms, but with greater efficiency and specificity for some microorganisms. Both pileus and stipe are promising and sustainable alternatives for use in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries.

Bacopa monnieri: historical aspects to promising pharmacological actions for the treatment on central nervous system diseases / Bacopa monnieri: aspectos históricos de las acciones farmacológicas prometedoras para el tratamiento de enfermedades del sistema nervioso central

Bacopa monnieri(L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae), also known as Brahmi, has been used to improve cognitive processes and intellectual functions that are related to the preservation of memory. The objective of this research is to review the ethnobotanical applications, phytochemical composition, toxicity and activity of B. monnieri in the central nervous system. It reviewed articles on B. monnieri using Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilacs, Medline, and PubMed. Saponins are the main compounds in extracts of B. monnieri. Pharmacological studies showed that B. monnieri improves learning and memory and presents biological effects against Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. No preclinical acute toxicity was reported. However, gastrointestinal side effects were reported in some healthy elderly individuals. Most studies with B. monnieri have been preclinical evaluations of cellular mechanisms in the central nervous system and further translational clinical research needs to be performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the plant.

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae), también conocida como Brahmi, se ha utilizado para mejorar los procesos cognitivos y las funciones intelectuales que están relacionadas con la preservación de la memoria. El objetivo de esta investigación es revisar las aplicaciones etnobotánicas, composición fitoquímica, toxicidad y actividad de B. monnieri en el sistema nervioso central. Se revisaron artículos sobre B. monnieri utilizando Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilacs, Medline y PubMed. Las saponinas son los principales compuestos de los extractos de B. monnieri. Los estudios farmacológicos mostraron que B. monnieri mejora el aprendizaje y la memoria y presenta efectos biológicos contra la enfermedad de Alzheimer, la enfermedad de Parkinson, la epilepsia y la esquizofrenia. No se informó toxicidad aguda preclínica. Sin embargo, se informaron efectos secundarios gastrointestinales en algunos ancianos sanos. La mayoría de los estudios con B. monnieri han sido evaluaciones preclínicas de los mecanismos celulares en el sistema nervioso central y es necesario realizar más investigaciones clínicas traslacionales para evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la planta.

Iron-enriched mycelia of edible and medicinal basidiomycetes.

Iron bioaccumulation in basidiomycetes is an alternative to recover ferrous sulphate from titanium dioxide pigment production and to produce an iron-enriched mycelial biomass. This study aimed to evaluate iron bioaccumulation capacity in vegetative mycelium of edible and medicinal fungi grown in malt extract liquid medium with different ferrous sulphate contents. Five basidiomycetes were grown in malt extract liquid medium with different iron contents from 0.116 to 100 mg L-1 iron. The iron content of dried mycelial biomass bioaccumulated with iron was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All fungi grew on the iron culture media and the mycelial biomass growth ranged from 3.24 ± 0.65a mg mL-1 to 12.46 ± 0.29 mg mL-1. Iron addition to culture media increased the iron content in the mycelial biomass from 4000-13,000-fold compared with control. Pleurotus ostreatus (2181 ± 218 mg kg-1) presented the greatest iron content in the mycelial biomass, followed by Schizophyllum commune (1769 ± 131 mg kg-1), Agaricus subrufescens (1272 ± 8.84 mg kg-1), and Ganoderma lucidum (840 ± 75 mg kg-1). P. ostreatus, followed by S. commune, and G. lucidum at 90 and 100 mg L-1 iron in the culture medium are the best choices to produce iron-enriched mycelial biomass. This extensive study of several edible and medicinal basidiomycetes grown in different iron contents was effective in recovering ferrous sulphate byproduct and transferring it to mycelium to produce a new nutraceutical food of iron-enriched mycelial biomass.

Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities of Gallesia integrifolia (Phytolaccaceae) fruit essential oil.

The chemical composition of Gallesia integrifolia fruits essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using a modified Clevenger apparatus was investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In addition, the cytotoxicity activity against human tumor cell lines MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), NCI-H460 (large cell lung carcinoma), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), and non-tumor PLP2 (porcine liver primary cells) as well as the anti-inflammatory action was proposal. The compounds were predominantly organosulfates (2,8-dithianonane, dimethyl trisulfide, and lenthionine). Anti-inflammatory activity that provides 50% inhibition of nitric oxide production (55 µg/mL) of essential oil of the fruits. It also presents cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (GI50 = 66 µg/mL), NCI-H-460 (GI50 = 147 µg/mL), HeLa (GI50 = 182 µg/mL) and HepG2 (GI50 = 240 µg/mL). The essential oil is more active in tumor cells than in non-tumor cells and the GI50 values for essential oil reported in our work support future studies.

Antimicrobial activity of Annona muricata leaf oleoresin.

Bioactive compounds extracted from plants such as antimicrobials have attracted the attention of consumers and the food industry. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of Annona muricata leaf oleoresin obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction. The oleoresin was obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction and the chemical identification by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution method against 14 foodborne fungi and bacteria. The oleoresin major chemical class was phytosterols (22.7%) and the major compounds were γ-sitosterol (15.7%), α-tocopherol (13.7%), phytol (13.1%), and hexadecanoic acid (11.5%). Minimum inhibitory concentration against bacteria ranged from 0.0025 to 0.010 mg mL-1. The oleoresin had high bactericidal activity against all bacteria, mainly Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 0.005 mg mL-1 minimum bactericidal concentration. However, it had low fungicidal activity. The leaf oleoresin of A. muricata has promising applications in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Antimicrobial activity, chemical composition and cytotoxicity of Lentinus crinitus basidiocarp.

Lentinus crinitus (L.) Fr. (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) is a wild mushroom with several biotechnological applications; however, there are few studies on its chemical composition and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the chemical composition, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity of L. crinitus basidiocarp. For that, its nutritional value (AOAC procedures) and its composition in some hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds (chromatographic techniques) were assessed. Moreover, the potential hepatotoxic effects were evaluated using a primary cell culture obtained from porcine liver, and its growth inhibitory capacity was also evaluated against four human tumour cell lines (spectrophotometric assays). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by microdilution against eight bacteria and fungi. The basidiocarp has a high content of carbohydrates and, therefore, a relatively high energetic value. It is also rich in soluble sugars, ß-tocopherol, phenolic acids, mainly p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and organic acids, mainly malic acid. L. crinitus did not show cytotoxicity in non-tumour cells, but it did not inhibit the growth of human tumour cell lines either. The basidiocarp has a wide antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of different species of bacteria and fungi. It showed minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentration values similar to or lower than those verified by commercial antibiotics or food additives used as preservatives. The antimicrobial activity was more evident against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Penicillium ochrochloron, followed by Aspergillus ochraceus and Trichoderma viride, when compared to the controls. The results obtained in this study showed that L. crinitus basidiocarp has great potential to be used by the industry without toxicity risks.

Actividad antioxidante y antibacteriana del aceite esencial de hoja de Myrcianthes pungens / Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Myrcianthes pungens leaf essential oil

Myrcianthes pungens (Myrtaceae) es un árbol nativo de Brasil conocido como guabijú. En nuestro estudio, describimos la composición química del aceite esencial de las hojas secas de M. pungens, la actividad antioxidante por diferentes métodos y la actividad antibacteriana contra Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa. La identificación química se realizó mediante un cromatógrafo de gases acoplado a un espectrómetro de masas y la actividad antibacteriana se evaluó mediante un método de microdilución en caldo. El aceite esencial de la hoja presentó sesquiterpenos de hidrocarburos (42,6%) como su principal clase química cuyos compuestos principales fueron ß-cariofileno (11,7%) y 1,8-cineol (10,1%). La mayor protección antioxidante fue de 57.5 a 63.3% de ß-caroteno. La mayor actividad antibacteriana fue contra S. aureus (MIC de 78.12 µg/mL). Este valor fue 2,56 veces menor que el control positivo de estreptomicina. M. pungens es una fuente prometedora de moléculas naturales con potencial estudio para el desarrollo de productos farmacológicos, cosméticos y alimenticios.

Myrcianthes pungens (Myrtaceae) is a native tree to Brazil known as guabijú. In our study, we described the chemical composition of the essential oil from M. pungens dried leaves, the antioxidant activity by different methods and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The chemical identification was done by gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer and antibacterial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution method. The leaf essential oil presented hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (42.6%) as its main chemical class whose major compounds were ß-caryophyllene (11.7%) and 1,8-cineole (10.1%). The best antioxidant protection was from 57.5 to 63.3% of ß-carotene. The highest antibacterial activity was against S. aureus (MIC of 78.12 µg/mL). This value was 2.56-fold lower than the positive streptomycin control. M. pungens is a promising source of natural molecules with potential study for the development of pharmacological, cosmetic and food products.

Mycelial biomass cultivation of Lentinus crinitus / Crescimento micelial de Lentinus crinitus

Lentinus crinitus is a medicinal basidiomycete, little studied regarding the basic cultivation conditions, which is used in bioremediation and consumed by native Indians from the Brazilian Amazon. Also, it produces a fungal secondary metabolite panepoxydone that has been described as an essential regulator of the inflammatory and immune response. This study aimed to evaluate basic conditions of temperature, pH, and nitrogen concentration and source in the cultivation of L. crinitus mycelial biomass. In order to evaluate fungal growth temperature, 2% malt extract agar (MEA) medium, pH 5.5, was utilized from 19 to 40 °C. For pH, MEA had pH adjusted from 2 to 11 and cultivated at 28 °C. Urea or soybean meal was added to MEA to obtain final concentration from 0.5 and 16 g/L of nitrogen, pH of 5.5, cultivated at 28 °C. The best temperature growth varies from 31 to 34 ºC and the optimal one is 32.7º C, and the best pH ranges from 4.5 to 6.5 and the optimal one is 6.1. Protein or non-protein nitrogen concentration is inversely proportional to the mycelial biomass growth. Nitrogen concentrations of 2.0 g/L soybean meal and urea inhibit mycelial biomass growth in 11% and 12%, respectively, but high concentrations of 16.0 g/L nitrogen inhibit the growth in 46% and 95%, respectively. The fungus is robust and grows under extreme conditions of temperature and pH, but smaller adaptation with increasing nitrogen concentrations in the cultivation medium, mainly non-protein nitrogen.

Lentinus crinitus é um basidiomiceto medicinal consumido por índios nativos da Amazônia brasileira. Este fungo tem sido estudado quanto ao potencial de biorremediação de metais, mas ainda carece de estudos sobre às condições básicas de crescimento. L. crinitus produz panepoxidona - um metabólito secundário fúngico - descrito como regulador da resposta inflamatória e imune em células animais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as condições básicas de temperatura, pH e concentração e fonte de nitrogênio para o crescimento micelial de L. crinitus. O fungo foi crescido em meio agar extrato de malte a 2% (MEA), pH 5,5 e mantido entre 19 e 40 °C. Para a avaliação de pH o MEA teve o pH ajustado de 2 a 11 e o crescimento foi realizado a 28 °C. As fontes de nitrogênio estudadas foram a uréia e o farelo de soja adicionado ao MEA para obter entre 0,5 a 16 g/L de nitrogênio, pH de 5,5, cultivado a 28 ° C. A melhor faixa temperatura para o crescimento micelial foi de 31 a 34 ºC com ótimo a 32,7 º C; a melhor faixa de pH de 4,5 a 6,5 e com ótimo de 6,1. A concentração de nitrogênio proteico ou não proteico é inversamente proporcional ao crescimento do fungo. Concentrações de nitrogênio de 2,0 g/L reduzem o crescimento da biomassa micelial em 11% e 12%, respectivamente e meios com nitrogênio de 16,0 g/L reduzem o crescimento em 46% e 95%, respectivamente. O fungo é robusto e cresce sob condições extremas de temperatura e pH, mas menor adaptação em meios com alta concentração de nitrogênio, principalmente não proteico.

Iron biofortification and availability in the mycelial biomass of edible and medicinal basidiomycetes cultivated in sugarcane molasses.

Basidiomycetes can bioaccumulate high iron contents, but there are few studies on iron availability from the mycelial biomass in order to support their use as an iron-enriched fungal food. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro iron bioaccumulation and availability in the mycelial biomass of edible and medicinal basidiomycetes grown in two distinct culture media. Lentinus crinitus, Ganoderma lucidum, Schizophyllum commune, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, Lentinula edodes, and Agaricus subrufescens were grown in liquid culture medium of malt extract or sugarcane molasses to obtain iron-bioaccumulated mycelial biomass. P. ostreatus was the fungus that most bioaccumulated iron, followed by S. commune, and P. eryngii; they also had the highest mycelial biomass growth and iron transfer from the culture medium to the mycelial biomass. Mycelial iron availability is species-specific, regardless of the culture medium and the iron bioaccumulation capacity of the fungus in the mycelial biomass. Mycelial biomass of S. commune, followed by G. lucidum, P. ostreatus, and P. eryngii, associated with molasses culture medium, are the best choice for the production of iron-enriched mycelial biomass.

Lentinus crinitus response to blue light on carbohydrate-active enzymes / Resposta de Lentinus crinitus à luz azul em enzimas ativas por carboidratos

Fungi are capable of sensing light from ultraviolet to far-red and they use light as a source of information about the environment anticipating stress and adverse conditions. Lentinus crinitus is a lignin-degrading fungus which produces laccase and other enzymes of biotechnological interest. The effect of blue light on fungal enzymatic activity has been studied; however, it has not been found studies on the effect of the blue light on carbohydrate-active enzymes and on mycelial biomass production of L. crinitus. We aimed to investigate carbohydrate-active enzymes activity and mycelial biomass production of L. crinitus cultivated under continuous illumination with blue light. L. crinitus was cultivated in malt extract medium in the dark, without agitation, and under continuous illumination with blue light-emitting diodes. The blue light reduced the total cellulase, pectinase and xylanase activities but increased the endoglucanase activity. Blue light reduced the mycelial growth of L. crinitus in 26% and the enzymatic activity-to-mycelial biomass ratio (U mg-1 dry basis) increased in 10% total cellulase, 33% endoglucanase, and 16% pectinase activities. Also, it is suggested that L. crinitus has a photosensory system and it could lead to new process of obtaining enzymes of biotechnological interest.

Fungos são capazes de sentir a luz com comprimentos de onda que variam do ultravioleta ao infravermelho e usam a luz como fonte de informação sobre o ambiente, antecipando condições adversas e de estresse. Lentinus crinitus é um fungo ligninolítico que produz lacase e outras enzimas de interesse biotecnológico. O efeito da luz azul na atividade enzimática de fungos já foi estudado, contudo, ainda não há estudos sobre o efeito da luz azul na produção de enzimas ativas sobre carboidratos (CAZymes, carbohydrate-active enzymes) e de biomassa micelial de L. crinitus. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a avitivade de CAZymes e a produção de biomassa micelial de L. crinitus cultivado sob iluminação continua com luz azul. L. crinitus foi cultivado em meio extrato de malte, sem agitação, na ausência de luz e sob luz continua fornecida por diodos emissores de luz azul. A luz azul reduziu a atividade de cellulase total, pectinase e xilanase, mas aumentou a atividade de endoglucanase. A luz azul reduziu o crescimento micelial de L. crinitus em 26% e aumentou a razão atividade enzimática/biomassa micelial (U mg-1 em base seca) de cellulase total em 10%, endoglucanase em 33% e pectinase em 16%. Além disso, sugere-se que L. crinitus possua um sistema fotossensorial que poderia ser explorado para a otimização de bioprocessos que visam a obtenção de enzimas de interesse biotecnológico.

Essential oil and fractions isolated of Laurel to control adults and larvae of cattle ticks.

This study, was to evaluate the acaricidal effect of the essential oil (EO) and fractions (FR) obtained from Laurus nobilis leaves on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Eight fractions were obtained, however FR1: sabinene (37.83%), ß-pinene (13.50%), 1,8-cineole (12.66%), α-pinene (12.56%) and FR8: α-terpineol (79.19%) were highlighted as to the larvicidal potential when submitted by Larval Packet Test. The EO was tested by the Adult Immersion Test, at concentrations of 200.00; 100.00 and 50.00 µL/mL caused mortality of engorged females, egg mass reduction and hatching inhibition. Two fractions are shown to be efficient in controlling larvae FR8 (LC50 = 0.13 µL/mL, LC99 = 0.51 µL/mL) and FR1 (LC50 = 0.20 µL/mL, LC99 = 0.56 µL/mL). The fractionation of EO was determinant to elucidate which compounds were responsible for the larvicidal potential. This study opens new perspectives to direct new bioassays with the compounds obtained in the fractionation, since they present high potential on cattle tick larvae.

Actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de hojas de Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine / Antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine leaves

La búsqueda de fuentes naturales para controlar los microorganismos es de interés en la producción de alimentos. Este estudio evaluó la composición química y la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de las hojas de Psidium cattleianum. El aceite esencial se extrajo por hidrodestilación y se identificó por GC-MS. La clase predominante de compuestos fueron los sesquiterpenos (47,6%) y los principales fueron trans-ß-cariofileno (14,7%), 1,8-cineol (11,7%) y É£-muuroleno (5,6%). Actividad antimicrobiana se realizó mediante la técnica de microdilución contra ocho hongos y ocho bacterias. Concentración inhibitoria mínima varió de 0,17 a 11,25 mg mL-1 para hongos y de 1,40 a 16,87 mg mL-1 para bacterias. Principales actividades fueron contra hongos Aspergillus fumigatus (ATCC 1022), Aspergillus ochraceus (ATCC 12066), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730) y Trichoderma viride (IAM 5061), y bacterias Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus cereus (clinical isolate) y Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) con potencial para prevenir enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos.

The search for natural sources to control microorganisms is of interest in food production. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Psidium cattleianum leaves. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and identified by GC-MS. The predominant class of compounds was sesquiterpenes (47.6%) and the major compounds were trans-ß-caryophyllene (14.7%), 1,8-cineole (11.7%) and É£-muurolene (5.6%). The antimicrobial activity was carried out by microdillution technique against eight fungi and eight bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.17 to 11.25 mg mL-1 for fungi, and from 1.40 to 16.87 mg mL-1 for bacteria. The highest activities were against fungi Aspergillus fumigatus (ATCC 1022), Aspergillus ochraceus (ATCC 12066), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730), and Trichoderma viride (IAM 5061), and bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus cereus (clinical isolate), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) with potential to prevent foodborne diseases.

Potencial terapéutico de Zingiberaceae en la enfermedad de Alzheimer / Therapeutic potential of Zingiberaceae in Alzheimer's disease

El Alzheimer es la forma más común de demencia y es altamente prevalente en la vejez. A diferencia de los medicamentos actuales, las plantas medicinales pueden tener efectos preventivos y protectores con menos efectos secundarios. Dada la gran cantidad de sustancias bioactivas, las plantas de la familia Zingiberaceae tienen potencial medicinal y actualmente se estudian ampliamente los efectos de la enfermedad anti-Alzheimer. El objetivo de este estudio fue proporcionar una visión general de los avances en los estudios de composición fitoquímica, estudios farmacológicos in vitro e in vivo, y los efectos toxicológicos de la familia Zingiberaceae sobre la enfermedad de Alzheimer. La información se obtuvo de documentos relevantes en bases de datos electrónicas. La mayoría de los estudios sobre los efectos de Zingiberaceae en la teoría de la patogénesis de la enfermedad de Alzheimer están relacionados con la hipótesis colinérgica, la cascada ß amiloide, la tau, la inflamación y el estrés oxidativo. Además, los estudios preclínicos in vitro e in vivo sobre el efecto de los géneros Alpinia, Curcuma y Zingiber se han informado como inofensivos y seguros, con potencial para el tratamiento contra el Alzheimer.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is highly prevalent in old age. Unlike current drugs, medicinal plants can have preventive and protective effects with less side effects. Given the great number of bioactive substances, plants from the Zingiberaceae Family have medicinal potential and currently are widely studied regarding its anti-Alzheimer's disease effects. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of advances in phytochemical composition studies, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies, and toxicological effects of the Zingiberaceae Family on Alzheimer's disease. Information was obtained from relevant papers in electronic databases. Most of the studies of Zingiberaceae effects on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis theory are related to cholinergic, ß amyloid cascade, tau, inflammation, and oxidative stress hypothesis. Also, in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies on the effect of Alpinia, Curcuma, and Zingiber genera have been reported as harmless and safe, with potential for anti-Alzheimer treatment.

Schinus terebinthifolius essential oil and fractions in the control of Aedes aegypti / Schinus terebinthifolius óleo essencial e frações no controle do Aedes aegypti

Several technologies have been developed to controlAedes aegypti, mainly studies on isolated plant molecules. The Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi) (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as pink pepper is a plant widely used in reforestation of degraded areas and its fruits are used as condiments. The objective of this work was to investigate the potential of essential oils (EOs) and fractions (FRs) obtained from fresh fruits and leaves of S. terebinthifolius. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation (2 hours), fractionated on a chromatographic column using as the stationary phase silica gel 60 (0.063-0.2mm), mobile phases: n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol and chemically evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC/MS). EOs and FRs were tested against larvae of the third stage and pupae of Ae. aegypti by Immersion Test at concentrations ranging from 500.00 to 0.003 mg mL-1 (v/v). The hexane FRs obtained from fruits and leaves were the ones that showed the greatest activity on the larvae (LC99.9= 0.60 mg mL-1 and LC99.9 0.64 mg mL-1, respectively) and pupae (LC99,9 = 2.51 mg mL-1 and 2.61 mg mL-1, respectively). These results were confirmed by the anticholinesterase activity where the hexane (fruit and leaf) FRs presented the highest inhibitory potential on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (0.156 mg mL-1 and 0.312 mg mL-1, respectively), suggesting the likely mechanism of action. The larvicidal potential can be explained by the presence of the major compounds bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D in the hexane FRs, indicating in this way that they may replace or even act in synergisms with conventional chemical larvicides. In this way the present study opens the field for new researches, aiming the development of products with the compounds bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D, as an alternative in the control of this culicide.

Diversas tecnologias têm sido desenvolvidas para o controle do Aedes aegypti, destacando pesquisas com moléculas isoladas de plantas. A Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi) (Anacardiaceae), conhecida popularmente como pimenta rosa é uma planta muito utilizada no reflorestamento de áreas degradadas e seus frutos são utilizados como condimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o potencial dos óleosessenciais (OEs) e frações (FRs) obtidos dos frutos e folhas frescos de S. terebinthifolius. Os OEs foram obtidos por hidrodestilação (2 horas), fracionados em coluna cromatográfica utilizando como fase estacionária sílica gel 60 (0,063-0,2mm), fases móveis: n-hexano, diclorometano, acetato de etila e metanol e avaliados quimicamente por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG/EM). Os OEs e FRs foram testados frente a larvas do terceiro estádio e pupas do Ae. aegypti pelo Teste de Imersão em concentrações que variaram de 500,00 à 0,003 mg/mL (v/v). As FRs hexano obtidas dos frutos e folhas, foram as que apresentaram maior atividade sobre as larvas (CL99,9= 0,60 mg mL-1 e CL99,9 0,64 mg mL-1, respectivamente) e pupas (CL99,9= 2,51mg mL-1 e 2,61 mg mL-1, respectivamente). Estes resultados foram confirmados pela atividade anticolinesterase onde as FRs hexano (fruto e folha), foram as que apresentaram maior potencial inibitório sobre a enzima acetilcolinesterase (0,156 mg mL-1 e 0,312 mg mL-1, respectivamente), sugerindo desta forma o provável mecanismo de ação. O potencial larvicida encontrado pode ser explicado pela presença dos compostos majoritários biciclogermacreno e germacreno D nas FRs hexano, indicando desta forma, queestes possam vir a substituir, ou até mesmo agir em sinergismos com os larvicidas químicos convencionais. Desta forma o presente estudo abre campo para novas pesquisas, visando o desenvolvimento de produtos com os compostos bicyclogermacrene e germacrene D, como alternativa no controle deste culicídeo.

Atividade de nucleação de gelo e densidade populacional do patógeno podem ser fatores que contribuem para o progresso da doença mancha branca do milho / Ice nucleation activity and density of the pathogen population may be factors that contribute to the progression of maize white spot disease / La actividad de nucleación de hielo y la densidad de población del patógeno pueden ser factores que contribuyen al progreso de la enfermedad mancha blanca del maíz

A Mancha Branca do Milho (MBM) é uma doença foliar que tem causado perdas apreciáveis, tanto qualitativas como quantitativas para a produção de milho. Seu agente etiológico, a Pantoea ananatis, é uma bactéria epifítica, Gram-negativa formadora de colônia amarela, capaz de formar gelo, mesmo em ambiente tropical (ice nucleation activity - INA). Este estudo teve por objetivo caracterizar isolados de P. ananatis quanto à atividade INA e avaliar o efeito da densidade bacteriana na expressão do fenótipo INA e no processo de desenvolvimento da doença. O agente patogênico foi isolado de lesões iniciais da doença, as anasarcas, e avaliado quanto à expressão do fenótipo INA em diferentes concentrações bacterianas. O mesmo foi feito com isolados epifíticos obtidos da superfície foliar de plantas de milho sadias. Dos 24 isolados bacterianos estudados, apenas 13 apresentaram o fenótipo INA+. A expressão deste fenótipo foi dependente da densidade celular. Isolados INA+ e INA­ foram inoculados em folhas destacadas e em plantas da cultivar HS200 a campo, em diferentes concentrações do inóculo. Nenhum isolado INA­ reproduziu sintomas em laboratório. Dos cinco isolados INA+ somente um deles reproduziu sintomas em laboratório. Em campo o isolado INA+ foi capaz de promover lesões em todas as concentrações avaliadas. Conclui-se que a atividade de nucleação de gelo pela bactéria P. ananatis é dependente da linhagem e da densidade bacteriana e este fenômeno pode estar envolvido no desenvolvimento dos sintomas da MBM.(AU)

Maize White Spot Disease is a leaf disease that has caused considerable losses, both qualitative and quantitative for corn production. Its etiologic agent, Pantoea ananatis, is an epiphytic, Gram-negative, yellow colony-forming bacterium, capable of forming ice, even in tropical environments at temperatures where this normally does not occur (Ice Nucleation Activity - INA). This study aimed at characterizing P. ananatis isolates in terms of INA activity and evaluating the effect of bacterial density on the expression of the INA phenotype and on the disease development process. The pathogen was isolated from the initial lesions of the disease, the anasarcas, and were evaluated for the expression of the INA phenotype in different bacterial concentrations. The same procedure was performed on epiphytic isolates obtained from the leaf surface of healthy maize plants. From the 24 bacterial isolates studied, only 13 presented the INA+ phenotype. The expression of this phenotype is dependent on cell density. INA+ and INA­ isolates were inoculated on detached leaves and on plants of cultivar HS200 in the field, in different concentrations of the inoculum. No INA­ isolates reproduced symptoms in the laboratory. From the five INA+ isolates, only one of them reproduced symptoms in the laboratory. In the field, the INA+ isolate was able to promote lesions in all concentrations evaluated. It can be concluded that the ice nucleation activity by P. ananatis is dependent on the strain and bacterial density and this phenomenon may be involved in the development of Maize White Spot Disease symptoms.(AU)

La mancha blanca del maíz es una enfermedad de la hoja que ha causado pérdidas considerables, tanto cualitativas como cuantitativas para la producción de maíz. Su agente etiológico, Pantoea ananatis, es una bacteria epífita, Gram-negativa, formadora de colonias amarillas, capaz de causar hielo, incluso en ambientes tropicales a temperaturas donde esto normalmente no ocurre (actividad de nucleación de hielo - INA). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar los aislados de P. ananatis en términos de actividad de INA y evaluar el efecto de la densidad bacteriana en la expresión del fenotipo de INA y en el proceso de desarrollo de la enfermedad. El patógeno se aisló de las lesiones iniciales de la enfermedad, las anasarcas, y se evaluó la expresión del fenotipo INA en diferentes concentraciones bacterianas. Lo mismo se hizo con aislamientos epifitos obtenidos de la superficie de la hoja de plantas de maíz sanas. De los 24 aislados bacterianos estudiados, solo 13 presentaron el fenotipo INA+. La expresión de este fenotipo depende de la densidad celular. Se inocularon aislamientos INA+ e INA- en hojas desprendidas y en plantas del cultivar HS200 en el campo, en diferentes concentraciones del inóculo. Ninguno aislado INA- reprodujo síntomas en el laboratorio. De los cinco aislamientos de INA+, solo uno de ellos reprodujo síntomas en el laboratorio. En el campo, el aislado INA+ pudo promover lesiones en todas las concentraciones evaluadas. Se concluye que la nucleación de hielo por P. ananatis depende de la cepa y la densidad bacteriana, y este fenómeno puede estar involucrado en el desarrollo de los síntomas de la enfermedad de la mancha blanca del maíz.(AU)