Inter and intra population phenotypic variability of Lippia integrifolia (Verbenaceae) and its natural situation in the west-center of Argentina / Variabilidad fenotípica inter e intra poblacional de Lippia integrifolia (Verbenaceae) y su situación natural en el centro-oeste de Argentina

The species Lippia integrifolia is an aromatic, sub-woody shrub, distributed from Northwest and Central Argentina to Bolivia. It is among the most important native aromatic species. It presents medicinal properties, some of which have been scientifically proven. As an alternative to harvesting, the process of domestication of the species was initiated. The objective of this work was to assess the phenotypic variability based on botanical-taxonomic and morpho-agronomic descriptors and the use of indicators to evaluate its natural situation in the west-center of Argentina. We worked in five wild populations, registering morphological variables, phenology, natural regeneration, herbivory and presence of diseases. L. integrifoliapresents a wide morphological variability, which can be explained with three morphological descriptors. Natural regeneration ́s rate is very low to zero, in four of the sites. The results obtained are of importance to make decisions related to the sustainable use in situ, and to begin a program of domestication of the species.

La especie Lippia integrifolia es un arbusto aromático, sub-leñoso, distribuido desde el noroeste y centro de Argentina hasta Bolivia. Es una de las especies aromáticas nativas más importantes. Presenta propiedades medicinales, algunas de las cuales han sido científicamente probadas. Como alternativa a la cosecha, se inició el proceso de domesticación de la especie. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la variabilidad fenotípica basada en descriptores botánico-taxonómicos y morfo-agronómicos y el uso de indicadores para evaluar su situación natural en el centro-oeste de Argentina. Trabajamos en cinco poblaciones silvestres, registrando variables morfológicas, fenología, regeneración natural, herviboría y presencia de enfermedades. L. integrifolia presenta una amplia variabilidad morfológica, que puede explicarse con tres descriptores morfológicos. La tasa de regeneración natural es muy baja a cero, en cuatro de los sitios. Los resultados obtenidos son importantes para tomar decisiones relacionadas con el uso sostenible in situ y para comenzar un programa de domesticación de la especie.

The chemical composition and antibacterial activity of a methanolic extract of Satureja khuzistanica

Abstract In the present study, the metabolite profiling of methanolic extract from aerial parts of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad, as an endemic medicinal plant from Iran, was evaluated using HPLC-PDA-ESI. Then, the main compound from the extract was isolated and purified by using extensive chromatographic techniques. In addition, the structure of the isolated compounds was elucidated using 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectrometry, upon which 22 compounds were identified. The antibacterial activity of diosmetin 7-rutinoside (6) and linarin (13) in combination with carvacrol as a major compound of the essential oil was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus through disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. The results indicated that the linarin, when mixed with carvacrol as the main compounds in the essential oil of the plant, has a satisfactory activity against both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 0.16 and 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. Further, the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index indicated that this compound had synergism with carvacrol.

Antidiabetic activities of alkaloids isolated from medicinal plants

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder affecting a great part of population around the world. It is the fifth leading death causing disease in the world and its cases are increasing day by day. Traditional medicine is thought to have promising future in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In contrast to synthetic drugs phytochemicals are considered to be free from side effects. As one of the main class of natural products, alkaloids and their derivatives have been widely used as sources of pharmacological agents against a variety of medical problems. Many studies confirmed the role of alkaloids in the management of diabetes and numerous alkaloids isolated from different medicinal plants were found active against diabetes. Like other natural products, alkaloids regulate glucose metabolism either by inhibiting or inducing multiple candidate proteins including AMP-activated protein kinase, glucose transporters, glycogen synthase kinase-3, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins 1, glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase among the others. A comprehensive review of alkaloids reported in the literature with anti-diabetic activities and their target enzymes is conducted, with the aim to help in exploring the use of alkaloids as anti-diabetic agents. Future work should focus on rigorous clinical studies of the alkaloids, their development and relevant drug targets.

Ocotea daphnifolia: phytochemical investigation, in vitro dual cholinesterase inhibition, and molecular docking studies

This study aimed to evaluate the anticholinesterase activities of extracts and fractions of Ocotea daphnifolia in vitro and characterize its constituents. The effects of hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanolic extracts on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity were determined with a spectrophotometry assay. All extracts inhibited cholinesterase activity, and the ethanolic extract (2 mg/mL) exhibited the highest inhibition of both enzymes (99.7% for BuChE and 82.4% for AChE). The ethanolic extract was fractionated by column chromatography resulting in 14 fractions that were also screened for their anticholinesterase effects. Fraction 9 (2 mg/mL) showed the highest activity, inhibiting AChE and BuChE by 71.8% and 90.2%, respectively. This fraction was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry which allowed the characterization of seven glycosylated flavonoids (containing kaempferol and quercetin nucleus) and one alkaloid (reticuline). In order to better understand the enzyme-inhibitor interaction of the reticuline toward cholinesterase, molecular modeling studies were performed. Reticuline targeted the catalytic activity site of the enzymes. Ocotea daphnifolia exhibits a dual cholinesterase inhibitory activity and displays the same pattern of intermolecular interactions as described in the literature. The alkaloid reticuline can be considered as an important bioactive constituent of this plant.

Extract of Solidago chilensis Meyen inflorescences: cytotoxicity and inhibitory activity on nitric oxide synthesis in activated macrophage cell line J774A. 1

Solidago chilensis Meyen (= Solidago microglossa) popularly known as "Brazilian arnica" is used to treat of inflammatory disorders. S. chilensis is constant in the Therapeutic Memento of the Rio de Janeiro city and belongs to the medicinal species of Brazilian National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest of the Unified National Health System (SUS). There are no studies in the literature showing the direct activity of this plant species on immune system cells. The present study evaluated the chemical composition as well as the cytotoxic and pharmacological activity of the ether-ethanol extract from S. chilensis inflorescences (SCIE) in murine macrophage cell line J774A.1. The results showed that higher concentrations (50 to 200 µg/mL) of SCIE had significant cytotoxicity on J774A.1 cells, however, lower concentrations (from 10 to 0.1 µg/mL) did not produce significant cytotoxic effects and exhibited an inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cell line. The chemical analysis by HPLC-UV-PDA indicated that the SCIE contains flavonoid derived from quercetin and kaempferol; and diterpenes, probably labdanes. These findings complement data in the literature regarding the activity of this plant species on an important cell from the immune system involved in the innate and acquired immune response, the macrophages.

High-Throughput Immunological Analysis of Dictamni Cortex: Implication in the Quality Control of Herbal Medicine.

Quality inconsistency of herbal medicine is an obstacle that limits the extensive use and study of traditional Chinese medicine. Differences in environmental conditions and processing methods of herbal medicine often result in varying clinical outcomes in patients. Standard chemical markers used for the quality control (QC) of herbal medicine are usually the most abundant and characteristic components, which may not be therapeutically relevant or cannot comprehensively reflect the biological quality of the herbs. In view of this, a novel QC method for better assessment of herbal medicine has been developed via bioactivities analysis. Immunological activities of Dictamni Cortex, a typical herbal medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, from different geographical locations in China, were evaluated. Upon in vitro treatment of their water and ethanol extracts, distinct patterns of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-1ß, and chemokine CXCL8 were released from the lipopolysaccharides- and/or phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Thus, in addition to the commonly used morphological, chemical, or DNA markers, the novel high-throughput profiling of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines of PBMC upon treatment with herbal extracts could be an important reference to help for the quality control of herbal medicine in the future.

A substitute variety for agronomically and medicinally important Serenoa repens (saw palmetto).

Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) berries are one of the most consumed medicinal herbs in the United States and the wild green variety is used in the initial therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), globally. Use of saw palmetto is approved by the German Commission E, and several clinical trials are underway for evaluation of its efficacy. Exploitation of its habitats and over foraging imperil this plant, which only grows in the wild. This is the first study, to propose the use of the S. repens forma glauca (silver variety) as a qualitative substitute for the wild variety, to support its conservation. We compared tissue microstructures and lipid and water distribution through spatial imaging and examined metabolite distribution of three tissue domains and whole berries. This combined approach of 3D imaging and metabolomics provides a new strategy for studying phenotypic traits and metabolite synthesis of closely related plant varieties.

[Identification of Rostellularia procumbens (L.) Nees].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the commonly used Chinese traditional herb Rostellularia procumbens (L.) Nees. METHODS: The appearance, morphological features and microscopic characteristics were adopted to identify Rostellularia procumbens (L.) Nees. RESULTS: Rostellularia procumbens (L.) Nees is an annual herb with typical spike, but without involucre bracts under inflorescence. The corolla appears 2 labiate lips and 2 stamens. The capsularfruit consists of 4 seeds. The stems of the herbs are six-ribbed and cylindrical with the lavender node.The oblong leaves with full margin are wrinkled and bent.The herbs are tasteless. The pollen grains is long-oval shaped with 2-colposate, and the pollen exine presents with concentrated echinate sculpture. Stomata is diacytic type with non-glandular hairs, and mostly consists of 3-5 cells. Glandular scales are more common and composed of 4 cells with intumescent and oblate head. There are numerous long-elliptical or clavate calcium carbonate crystals (cystolith) in the stems and leaves, with papillary protruding. CONCLUSIONS: The appearance, morphological features and microscopic characteristics can be used for the quality identification of Rostellularia procumbens (L.) Nees.

Virus-Induced Silencing of Key Genes Leads to Differential Impact on Withanolide Biosynthesis in the Medicinal Plant, Withania somnifera.

Withanolides are a collection of naturally occurring, pharmacologically active, secondary metabolites synthesized in the medicinally important plant, Withania somnifera. These bioactive molecules are C28-steroidal lactone triterpenoids and their synthesis is proposed to take place via the mevalonate (MVA) and 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathways through the sterol pathway using 24-methylene cholesterol as substrate flux. Although the phytochemical profiles as well as pharmaceutical activities of Withania extracts have been well studied, limited genomic information and difficult genetic transformation have been a major bottleneck towards understanding the participation of specific genes in withanolide biosynthesis. In this study, we used the Tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) approach to study the participation of key genes from MVA, MEP and triterpenoid biosynthesis for their involvement in withanolide biosynthesis. TRV-infected W. somnifera plants displayed unique phenotypic characteristics and differential accumulation of total Chl as well as carotenoid content for each silenced gene suggesting a reduction in overall isoprenoid synthesis. Comprehensive expression analysis of putative genes of withanolide biosynthesis revealed transcriptional modulations conferring the presence of complex regulatory mechanisms leading to withanolide biosynthesis. In addition, silencing of genes exhibited modulated total and specific withanolide accumulation at different levels as compared with control plants. Comparative analysis also suggests a major role for the MVA pathway as compared with the MEP pathway in providing substrate flux for withanolide biosynthesis. These results demonstrate that transcriptional regulation of selected Withania genes of the triterpenoid biosynthetic pathway critically affects withanolide biosynthesis, providing new horizons to explore this process further, in planta.

Preliminary in vitro assessment of the potential toxicity and antioxidant activity of Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hill) Ravenna (Paineira)

ABSTRACT The bark tea of Ceiba speciosa, a tropical tree of the Malvaceae family, is used in the Northwestern Region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, to reduce blood cholesterol levels. However, there are no scientific data on the efficacy and safety of this plant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and toxic potential of bark extracts of C. speciosa. We performed a preliminary phytochemical analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and evaluated the oxidative damage to proteins and lipids, the radical scavenging effect, and genotoxicity of the lyophilized aqueous extract (LAECs) and the precipitate obtained from the raw ethanol extract (Cs1). The phytochemical profile demonstrated the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The LAECs and Cs1 prevented damage to lipids and proteins at concentrations of 50 and 10 µg/mL. They also showed a scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-1-pricril-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, no genotoxic effect was observed at concentrations of 10, 5 and 2 µg/mL in the Comet assay. The present study is the first evaluation regarding the characterization of C. speciosa and its safety, and the results demonstrate its antioxidant potential and suggest that its therapeutic use may be relatively safe.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and biological activity of Ocotea bicolor Vattimo-Gil (LAURACEAE) essential oil

ABSTRACT The essential oil composition of the Ocotea bicolor, native plant of Brazil, was studied for the first time. The essential oil of the leaf was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The analytical procedure revealed a predominance of sesquiterpenes, δ-cadinene (7.39%), ß-sesquiphellandrene (6.67%), ß-elemene (5.41%) and α-cadinol (5,23%). The essential oil was submitted to brine shrimp toxicity evaluation, antioxidant and antibacterial tests. The antioxidant activity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex method presented positive results. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were higher than 1000 µg/mL for the microorganisms tested. Toxicity activity revealed LC50 results of 40.10 (µg/mL), being toxic to the organisms in this study

Comparative study on morpho-anatomy of leaf, stem and root of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) and its adulterant plants

ABSTRACT Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa L.- Nyctaginaceae) is a promising drug to rejuvenate new cells in the body. It is well known in Ayurvedic medicine and locally called Tambadivasu. Superficially it is similar to other species of Boerhaavia and species of Trianthema and Sesuvium. Due to the minute morphological differences, the above plants are erroneously used in medicine as Punarnava, and at times on purpose as an adulterant. Therefore, it is necessary to highlight the anatomical features of Punarnava for proper identification of the medicinal plant species for local people and for scientific research. Due to the ambiguity in local names and similar apparent appearance, market samples of Punarnava are often adulterated with various species of Trianthema and Sesuvium. These adulterated samples contain neither the Punarnavine alkaloid, nor does it possess anisocytic stomata but possess paracytic stomata. Comparative study of stem anatomy showed two main characteristic differences. First, plenty of starch grains can be seen in both the ground parenchymatous tissues present in between successive cambia and xylem parenchyma of Punarnava which is not observed in species of Trianthema, and second, the phloem around the xylem of Punarnava root has semi-circular or eccentric patches, while that of Trianthema only has narrow strips. This study is focused on comparative SEM study of leaf morphologies and anatomy of leaf, stem, and root of Boerhaavia diffusa L., Trianthema portulacastrum L. and Sesuvium portulacastrum L.

Anatomia e histoquímica da lâmina foliar de espécies conhecidas por quebra-pedra (Euphorbia prostrata Aiton, Euphorbia hyssopifolia L., Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn e Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb.) / Leaf anatomy and histochemistry of species known as stonebreaker (Euphorbia prostrata Aiton, Euphorbia hyssopifolia L., Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn, and Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb.)

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve por objetivo realizar estudo anatômico comparativo entre duas espécies de Euphorbia L. e duas de Phyllanthus L. conhecidas popularmente por quebra-pedra, a fim de contribuir com a identificação das espécies, visando o controle de qualidade e testes histoquímicos para conhecimento e localização de substâncias, com intuito de fornecer subsídios para futuros estudos. As quatro espécies estudadas foram coletadas na cidade de São Mateus-ES. Foram realizadas análises anatômicas e histoquímicas da lâmina foliar. Em vista frontal, E. prostrata apresenta paredes celulares poligonais, enquanto em E. hyssopifolia as paredes são sinuosas. As espécies de Euphorbia se diferenciam pela presença de canais laticíferos e estrutura Kranz. Somente nas espécies de Phyllanthus foram observados cristais de oxalato de cálcio. P. tenellus difere de P. amarus pela presença de cristais romboédricos e P. amarus por exibir cristais prismáticos no mesofilo. O estudo anatômico foliar foi de grande relevância para a diferenciação das espécies conhecidas por quebra-pedra, revelando ser um parâmetro eficaz e que pode auxiliar no controle de qualidade de plantas medicinais, bem como os testes histoquímicos podem fornecer informações para futuros estudos com quebra-pedra.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the anatomical and histochemical perspective between two species of Euphorbia L. and two of Phyllanthus L., to contribute to their identification, aiming the quality control of medicinal plans. The four studied species were collected in the city of São Mateus, ES, Brazil. We performed anatomical and histochemical analyses of leaves, and all parameters were effective for species differentiation. In the anatomical analyses, we observed crystals only in the Phyllanthus species. Euphorbia species differed by the presence of laticifer channels and Kranz structure. In frontal and cross-sectional view, P. tenellus differs from P. amarus by the presence of rhombohedral crystals. In front view, E. prostate presents polygonal cell walls, while in E. hyssopifolia the walls are winding. In the histochemical tests conducted on the leaf blade, P. amarus stands out by presenting negative reaction to ferric chloride. The anatomical and histochemical studies of leaves are really important to the knowledge and differentiation of species known as stonebreaker. However, phytochemical studies are needed for more detailed knowledge of substances from the secondary metabolism of the plant.

Chemical constituents of Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis leaves(Spreng. ) R.M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae) / Constituintes químicos das folhas de Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis (Spreng. ) R.M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae).

ABSTRACT Pseudobrickelliabrasiliensisis aspecies endemic toBrazil, popularlyknown as “arnica”/ “arnica-do-campo”/ “arnica-do-mato” and used for itsanalgesicand anti-inflammatoryproperties. The objective of this research was thephytochemical studyof the essential oilandhexaneandethyl acetateextracts of the leaves of this species. The essential oilwasextracted byhydrodistillation using a Clevengerapparatusand was analyzed byGC/MS, 25components were identified, with a predominance ofmonoterpenes. The extractswere subjected toclassicalchromatographyand the fractionswere analyzed byGC/MS, 1D 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and 13C-NMR-DEPT 135.α-amyrin, α-amyrin acetate, β-amyrin, β-amyrin acetate, lupeol, lupeolacetate, pseudotaraxasterol andtaraxasterol (triterpenes), andkaurenoicacid (diterpene) were identified.Theseterpenesarechemo-taxonomicallyrelated to theEupatorieaetribe(Asteraceae) and may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity attributed to the plant.

RESUMO Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis é uma espécie endêmica do Brasil, popularmente conhecida como “arnica”/ “arnica-do-campo”/ “arnica-do-mato” e usada por suas propriedades analgésica e antiinflamatória. O objetivo do trabalho foi o estudo fitoquímico do óleo essencial e dos extratos hexânico e em acetato de etila das folhas dessa espécie. O óleo essencial foi extraído por hidrodestilação em aparato de Clevenger e foi analisado por CG/EM, sendo identificados 25 componentes, com predomínio de monoterpenos. Os extratos foram submetidos a cromatografia clássica, e as frações foram analisadas por CG/EM, 1D 1H-RMN, 13C-RMN e 13C-RMN-DEPT 135. Foram identificados α-amirina, acetato de α-amirina, β-amirina, acetato de β-amirina, lupeol, acetato de lupeol, pseudotaraxasterol e taraxasterol (triterpenos) e o ácido caurenóico (diterpeno). Estes terpenos estão quimiotaxonomicamente relacionados a tribo Eupatorieae (Asteraceae) e podem ser responsáveis pela atividade antiinflamatória atribuída a planta.

Salvia officinalis L. coverage on plants development / Cobertura de Salvia officinalis L. no desenvolvimento de plantas

ABSTRACT Medicinal plants with essential oils in their composition havetypicallybeen shown to be promising in plant control. Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is cited for its allelopathic effects. This study evaluated the allelopathic potential of dried sage leaves in vegetation, soil and the development of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (tomato), Panicum maximum Jacq. (guinea grass) and Salvia hispanica L. (chia) plants. Three seedlings were transplanted seven days after germination in 1 kg plastic containers with soil, in a greenhouse. The grinded dry mass of sage was placed at rates of 3.75; 7.5 15 t ha-1, and a control (no mass). After 30 days, the chlorophyll index of tomato and guinea grass plants were inhibited with 7.5 and 15 t ha-1 sage cover crops. Tomato shoot length was inhibited in all tested rates, and guinea grass plants showed some reduction in growth when using the highest rate of sage mass (15 t ha-1). The dry mass of tomato and guinea grass plants was reduced when using the15 t ha-1, and 7.5 and 15 t ha-1 of sage cover crops, respectively. It can be concluded that there was some effect of sage coverage on the soil in tomato and guinea grass, but no effect was observed on chia plants.

RESUMO As plantas medicinais que apresentam óleos essenciais em sua composição normalmente têm se mostrado promissoras no controle de plantas. A sálvia (Salvia officinalis L.) é citada por seus efeitos alelopáticos. Assim, esse estudo avaliou o potencial alelopático das folhas secas de sálvia na cobertura vegetal, no solo, sobre o desenvolvimento das plantas de Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (tomate), Panicum maximum Jacq. (capim mombaça) e Salvia hispanica L. (chia). Três plântulas foram transplantadas, sete dias após germinação, em vasos plásticos de 1 kg, com terra, em casa de vegetação. Sobre elas foi disposta a massa seca triturada de sálvia nas proporções 3,75; 7,5 e 15 t ha-1, além da testemunha (sem massa). Após 30 dias, o teor de clorofila das plantas de tomate e capim mombaça foi inibido com 7,5 e 15 t ha-1 de sálvia em cobertura. O comprimento da parte aérea do tomate foi inibido em todas as proporções testadas e as plantas de capim mombaça apresentaram redução do crescimento quando se utilizou 15 t ha-1 de sálvia como cobertura. A massa seca das plantas de tomate e capim mombaça reduziu com o uso de 15 t ha-1 e, 7,5 e 15 t ha-1 de sálvia como cobertura, respectivamente. Finalmente, pode-se concluir que houve efeito da sálvia em cobertura sobre o solo em tomate e capim mombaça, mas não houve efeito da mesma sobre as plantas de chia.

Isolation and identification of toxigenic and non-toxigenic fungi in samples of medicinal plants from the market / Isolamento e identificação de fungos toxigênicos e não toxigênicos em amostras plantas medicinais do comércio

ABSTRACT: The consumption of preparations of medicinal plants has been increasing during the last decades in occidental societies. The presence of toxigenic fungi in a plant product may represent a potential risk of contamination, because of aflatoxins and ochratoxins. In this study, 12 samples of medicinal plants were analyzed in relation to the level of fungal contamination, and the presence of producers of ochratoxin A and aflatoxins was assessed by visualization of fungi using a cromatovisor in coconut milk. Most of the species found belong to the genus Cladosporium, Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Species producing ochratoxin A were present in 2 samples (16.7%), Melissa and Hibiscus. Species producing aflatoxin were found in samples of Jacaranda decurrens (8.33%). This study suggests that herbs, if stored improperly, can provide the growth of fungi and should be examined before consumption.

RESUMO: O consumo das plantas medicinais vem aumentando nas últimas décadas nas sociedades ocidentais, porém, a presença de fungos toxigênicos nestas plantas pode representar um risco em potencial de contaminação devido à produção de aflatoxinas e ocratoxinas. Neste trabalho, 12 amostras de plantas medicinais foram analisadas em relação ao nível de contaminação por fungos, enquanto a presença de produtores de ocratoxina A e aflatoxinas foi avaliada pela visualização em cromatovisor dos fungos em meio de leite de coco. A maioria das espécies encontradas pertence aos gêneros Cladosporium, Fusarium, Aspergillus e Penicillium. Espécies produtoras de ocratoxina A estavam presentes em 2 amostras (16,7%), Melissa e Hibisco. Espécies produtoras de aflatoxina foram encontradas na amostra de Carobinha (8,33%). Este trabalho sugere que as ervas, sendo armazenadas inadequadamente, proporcionam o crescimento de fungos e, por isso, estes devem ser examinados antes do consumo.

Uso popular de plantas medicinais e perfil socioeconômico dos usuários: um estudo em área urbana em Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil / Popular use of medicinal plants and the socioeconomic profile of the users: a study in the urban area of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar as plantas medicinais de uso popular e o perfil socioeconômico de seus usuários em área urbana de Ouro Preto, MG. O levantamento utilizou entrevistas semiestruturadas e amostragem aleatória, perfazendo 10% das residências. O grau de conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais foi medido pelo número de espécies citadas. Analisou-se a relação entre o saber popular sobre as plantas medicinais e características socioeconômicas dos entrevistados (renda, escolaridade, sexo, idade e forma de aquisição do conhecimento). Foram questionadas 6.713 pessoas, onde mais de 90% usam plantas medicinais para se tratarem. Identificou-se 342 espécies, reunidas em 94 famílias. Para cada espécie foram referidos os nomes populares, hábito, procedência, uso medicinal, parte usada, e forma de preparo. As principais moléstias tratadas com plantas foram: diarreia, insônia, gripe, hidropisia, distúrbios hepáticos, renais e do trato respiratório. Há um grande número de espécies nativas utilizadas. Dentre as exóticas, a maioria é de origem europeia. O uso místico de espécies, embora presente na cultura popular do município, foi pouco citado. Algumas espécies identificadas figuram na lista das espécies ameaçadas de extinção. O grau de conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais pela população de Ouro Preto independe, tanto do nível econômico, como da escolaridade ou do sexo. A idade e a forma de aquisição do conhecimento influenciam no saber popular das ervas medicinais. As pessoas com maior saber popular sobre as plantas adquiriram esses conhecimentos principalmente pelo costume familiar, por livros, ou por outras pessoas. Pessoas mais jovens conhecem menos espécies medicinais que as mais idosas, sugerindo risco de perda desse conhecimento tradicional. A grande riqueza de plantas citadas neste trabalho denota a importância de estudos etnobotânicos no resgate do conhecimento tradicional em áreas urbanas, tanto pelo seu valor histórico-cultural, como pela importância científica.

This work aimed to identify the medicinal plants of popular use and the socioeconomic profile of the users in the urban area of Ouro Preto, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The survey was carried out with random sampling and semi-structured interviews, amounting to 10% of households. The degree of knowledge about medicinal plants was measured by the number of species mentioned. The relationship between the popular knowledge about medicinal plants and the socioeconomic characteristics of the users (income, education, gender, age and type of knowledge acquisition) was also studied. In this survey, 6,713 inhabitants were questioned, of whom more than 90% use medicinal plants. A total of 342 species grouped in 94 families were identified. The popular names, growth habit, habitat, medicinal uses, part used and method of preparation are listed for each identified species. The main ailments treated with plants were diarrhea, insomnia, flu, dropsy and liver, renal and respiratory tract disorders. There is a large number of native species. Among the exotic ones, most are of European origin. The spiritual use of species, although present in the popular culture of the city, was negligible. Some species figure on the Brazilian red lists. It was noted that knowledge of medicinal plants by the population of Ouro Preto, in species richness, is not related to income, class, educational level and gender. The age and manner of acquisition of empirical knowledge about medicinal plants are associated with the number of species listed. Persons with greater popular knowledge about medicinal plants acquired information through family tradition, books and from other persons. Younger persons know fewer medicinal plants than the older ones, what suggests a loss of this traditional knowledge. The richness of the plants mentioned in this paper demonstrates the importance of ethnobotanical studies in the rescue of traditional knowledge in urban areas, for its scientific, historical and cultural values.

O extrato bruto hidroalcoólico das folhas de Piper caldense C. DC. na redução do consumo de álcool em ratos / The hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Piper caldense C. DC. decreases alcohol consumption in rats

A investigação de plantas medicinais como recurso terapêutico para combater o alcoolismo ainda é muito insipiente com poucas espécies investigadas. No presente trabalho avaliamos o efeito do extrato hidroalcoólico das folhas da planta Piper caldense C. DC. com relação ao consumo de álcool e também a sua potencialidade ansiolítica. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos, os quais foram divididos em grupos controle (solução fisiológica) e tratado (extrato da planta nas doses de 25, 50 e 150 mg/kg, e diazepam 2 mg/kg). Os animais foram tratados através da via intraperitoneal 1 h antes dos experimentos. Os modelos animais utilizados foram: Labirinto em Cruz Elevado (LCE) e auto-administração de álcool (AA). No LCE o extrato não apresentou efeito ansiolítico do tipo benzodiazepínico. Por outro lado, no comportamento relacionado a auto-administração de solução de álcool, o extrato apresentou efeito significativo reduzindo o consumo de álcool em relação ao grupo controle. Apesar do extrato não ter apresentado efeito ansiolítico, o mesmo parece apresentar potencialidades para combater o abuso e a dependência de álcool.

The investigation of medicinal plants as therapeutic resources in the combat of alcoholism is still very incipient with few species being investigated. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Piper caldense C. DC. in relation to alcohol consumption and also its anxiolytic potentiality. Male Wistar rats, which had been separated into control group (saline) and treated group (Plant extract doses of 25, 50 and 150 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg of diazepam), were used. Animals were injected intraperitoneally 1 h before the tests. The following models were used: Elevated plus maze (EPM) and alcohol self-administration (ASA). In the EPM, the extract did not show benzodiazepine anxiolytic effect. On the other hand, in the behavior related to alcohol self-administration, the extract showed a significant effect, reducing alcohol consumption compared to the control group. Although the extract has not shown any anxiolytic effect, the results suggest that the plant has potential to combat alcohol abuse and addiction.

Efeito de solo previamente cultivado com plantas aromáticas na germinação e no desenvolvimento inicial de alface / Outcomes of soil previously treated with aromatic plants in the germination and early growth of lettuce

RESUMOO objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar o efeito do solo pré-cultivado com plantas aromáticas na germinação e no desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de alface cv. Simpson. A pesquisa foi realizada na Embrapa Hortaliças, Brasília, em bandejas mantidas em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições e onze tratamentos: solo pré-cultivado com hortelã-comum (Mentha x villosa), hortelã-brava (Mentha arvensis), hortelã-pimenta (Mentha piperita), Mentha spp., capim-citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus), capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus), manjericão de folha larga (Ocimum basilicum), manjericão de folha roxa (Ocimum gratissimun), tomilho (Thymus vulgaris), sálvia (Salvia officinalis) e solo da mesma área sem cultivo prévio de planta aromática (controle). Aos 30 dias após o semeio, foram avaliadas: índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE), taxa de sobrevivência (TS), número de folhas (NF), comprimento da raiz principal (CRP) e da parte aérea (CPA), massa fresca da raiz (MFR) e da parte aérea (MFPA) e massa seca da raiz (MSR) e da parte aérea (MSPA). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Houve diferença significativa em relação ao IVE, sendo que o tratamento com C. citratus afetou negativamente a emergência das plântulas. O tratamento com M. arvensis apresentou uma TS de apenas 16% das plantas aos 30 dias após a semeadura. O NF foi menor no tratamento com M. arvensis, diferentemente de todos os demais, exceto S. officinalis. A MRF e MFF foram estimuladas pelo tratamento com T. vulgaris sendo superior a todos os outros tratamentos. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que houve efeito negativo de M. arvensis e positivo de T. vulgaris no desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de alface.

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to verify the outcomesof the soil previously treated with aromatic plants in the germination and early seedling growth of lettuce var. Simpson under greenhouse conditions. The trial was developed at Embrapa Vegetables, in Brasília, Brazil in a completely randomized design with three replications and composed by eleven treatments as follow: soil cultivated with apple-mint (Mentha x villosa), wild mint (Mentha arvensis), peppermint (Mentha piperita), Mentha spp., citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), lemon grass (Cymbopogoncitratus), basil (Ocimum basilicum), african basil (Ocimum gratissimun), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), sage (Salvia officinalis) and soil from the same area without prior cultivation of aromatic plant (control). The emergence velocity index (IVE), the survival rate (SR), the number of leaves (NL), the length of the main root (CRP) and the shoot (CPA), the fresh mass of the root (MFR) and the shoot (MFPA) and the dry mass of the root (MSR) and the shoot (MSPA), were evaluated 30 days after the sowing. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% probability. There was a significant difference regarding the IVE, in which the treatment with C.citratus negatively affected seedlingappearance. The treatment with M. arvensis showeda TS of only 16%at 30 days after the sowing. The NF was lower in the treatment with M. arvensis, differently from all the others, excepting the cultivation withS. officinalis. The MFR and the MFPA were stimulated by the treatment with T. vulgaris, which was higher than all the other cultivations. The obtained results showed that M. arvensis had a negative influence,while T.vulgaris presented a positive outcome in the early development of lettuce seedlings.

Estresse osmótico na germinação de sementes de Petiveria alliacea L / Osmotic stress on seed germination of Petiveria alliacea L

RESUMOO trabalho teve como objetivo verificar os efeitos dos estresses hídrico e salino na germinação de sementes de Petiveria alliacea , bem como definir os limites máximos de tolerância da espécie a esses estresses. As sementes foram submetidas aos agentes osmóticos NaCl, CaCl2 e PEG nos potenciais à 0; -0,1; -0,2; -0,3; -0,4; -0,5; -0,6; -0,7; -0,8; -0,9 e -1,0 MPa sob temperatura constante de 25˚C e fotoperíodo de 12 horas, com avaliações diárias durante 30 dias. As variáveis analisadas foram porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, tempo médio de germinação, índice de sincronização e frequência relativa da germinação. As sementes de P. alliacea sob estresse osmótico apresentam menor porcentagem e velocidade de germinação com a redução dos potencias osmóticos, principalmente com CaCl2. Em potenciais osmóticos mais negativos que -0,4; -0,5 e -0,7 MPa, respectivamente nos agentes CaCl2, NaCl, e PEG, não ocorre germinação. O padrão de distribuição da frequência relativa aumentou a polimodalidade, o tempo médio de germinação e o índice de sincronização da germinação com a redução dos potencias osmóticos.

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to investigate the effects of water and salt stress on seed germination of Petiveria alliacea, as well as to define the limits of tolerance of the species to these stresses. The seeds were subjected to osmotic agents NaCl, CaCl2 and PEG in the potential 0; -0.1; -0.2; -0.3; -0.4; -0.5; -0.6; -0.7; -0.8; -0.9 and -1.0 MPa at a constant temperature of 25˚C and a photoperiod of 12 hours, with daily assessments for 30 days. The variables studied were germination percentage, germination velocity index, middle fear germination, synchronization index and relative frequency of germination. The seeds of P. alliacea under osmotic stress had lower percentage and speed of germination with the reduction of the the osmotic potential, especially with CaCl2. At more negative osmotic potentials than -0.4; -0.5 and -0.7 MPa, respectively in the CaCl2, NaCl, and PEG agents, the germination does not occur. The distribution pattern of the relative frequency increased the several modalities, , the average time of germination and the germination index of synchronization with the reduction of osmotic potential.