Cistudinella inanis (Boheman, 1854), a new country record from Paraguay (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Ischyrosonychini) / Cistudinella inanis (Boheman, 1854), un registro nuevo de país para Paraguay (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Ischyrosonychini)

Abstract This note reports Paraguay as a new country record for Cistudinella inanis (Boheman, 1854) based on one adult specimen, that is currently deposited in the Larry Bezark collection which eventually reside in the Bohart Museum of Entomology, University of California, Davis, USA.

Resumen Esta nota reporta un nuevo registro de Cistudinella inanis (Boheman, 1854) para Paraguay. El registro está basado en un espécimen adulto, que actualmente se encuentra depositado en la colección Larry Bezark que eventualmente reside en el Bohart Museum of Entomology, University of California, Davis, EUA.

Seasonal variation in the essential oil from Varronia curassavica jacq. accessions / Variación estacional en el aceite esencial de accesiones de Varronia curassavica Jacq

Varronia curassavica has anti-inflammatory properties because of the terpenes, α-humulene and ß-caryophyllene, present in the essential oil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of seasonality on the essential oil of V. curassavica accessions. Leaves from six accessions were collected from the Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Minas Gerais over 12 months. Correlations between the essential oil content and meteorological factors were determined. Gas chromatography analysis coupled with mass spectrometry was conducted to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil. The content and chemical composition of the oil varied throughout the year. Relative humidity was correlated with accessions ICA-VC2 (-0.64) and ICA-VC4 (0.68). ß-bourbonene, ß-elemene, spathulenol, germacrene, caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and ß-caryophyllene occurred in all accessions. Accession ICA-VC3 exhibited lower variation (22.17%), higher average (0.97%) essential oil, and maintained an average abundance of α-humulene greater than 2.6%, which is the amount necessary for phytotherapeutics.

Varronia curassavica tiene propiedades antiinflamatorias debido a los terpenos, α-humuleno y ß-cariofileno, presentes en el aceite esencial. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de la estacionalidad en el aceite esencial de las accesiones de V. curassavica. Se recolectaron hojas de seis accesiones del Banco de Germoplasma de la Universidad Federal de Minas Gerais durante 12 meses. Se determinaron las correlaciones entre el contenido de aceite esencial y los factores meteorológicos. Se realizó un análisis de cromatografía de gases junto con espectrometría de masas para determinar la composición química del aceite esencial. El contenido y la composición química del aceite varió a lo largo del año. La humedad relativa se correlacionó con las accesiones ICA-VC2 (-0,64) e ICA-VC4 (0,68). En todas las accesiones aparecieron ß-bourboneno, ß-elemeno, espatulenol, germacreno, óxido de cariofileno, α-humuleno y ß-cariofileno. La accesión ICA-VC3 mostró una menor variación (22,17%), un promedio más alto (0,97%) de aceite esencial y mantuvo una abundancia media de α-humuleno superior al 2,6%, que es la cantidad necesaria para los fitoterápicos.

Comparison of the Chemical Compositions of Two Different Non-polar Extracts of Heliotropium sudanicum Aerial Parts from Sudan

Aim: Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) is a widely spread genus of plants found in the Central and Northern parts in the Sudan and used for the treatment of inflammations, and rheumatism from ancient times. The aim of this work is to provide answers to impending research questions on compounds present in petroleum ether and n-hexane extracts of the aerial parts of H. sudanicum. Methodology: Phytochemical analysis of plant extracts was performed by using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer. Various constituents were identified after matching their mass fragmentation pattern with data available in Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer library of National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST). Results: Petroleum ether extract of H. sudanicum was characterized by abundance of 1,6,10,14,18,22- Tetracosahexaen-3-ol, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)- (33.99%), Squalene (20.94%) , Phytol (7.62%) and Hexatriacontane (7.49%). The constituents of the extract were fatty acid derivatives (15.24%), hydrocarbons (8.41%) and terpenoids (28.56%). H. sudanicum n-hexane extract was characterized by abundance of 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-,methyl ester (15.14%), 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (14.67%), Cholesterol (11.12%), Fucosterol (10.30%), gamma.-Sitosterol (9.59%) and1,6,10,14,18,22- Tetracosahexaen-3-ol, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)- (7.73%). Conclusion: The resulted compounds in this study provide evidence for the utilization of the plant as alternative natural resource of medicinal and industrial interest. To best of our knowledge this is the first report that directly compares the two extraction solvents for active compounds from Heliotropium sudanicum aerial parts shows that petroleum ether should be the solvent of choice.

Occurrence of Amblycerus species in Cordia trichotoma seeds and their influence on germination

ABSTRACT Forest species can have their seeds damaged by granivorous insects, especially by those in their larval stage. In this context, this study aims to report the occurrence of Amblycerus species in Cordia trichotoma seeds, to describe their main damage to seeds and effects on germination, as well as their associated hymenopteran parasitoids. Therefore, seven trees were selected in the municipality of Taquaruçu do Sul, RS, Brazil. Fruits were collected weekly from the medium third of the tree crown, from the beginning of their formation until total dehiscence. To examine the damage caused by granivorous insects within the fruits, 15 fruits from each tree were sectioned with a scalpel. Furthermore, 10 fruits from each tree were stored individually in clear plates to verify the occurrence and identification of granivorous insect species. Evidence of the damage caused to seeds was verified through the germination test by comparing preserved and damaged seeds, with four repetitions of 25 seeds each. The species Amblycerus longesuturalis and Amblycerus profaupar (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) were found associated with fruits of C. trichotoma. Female insects predominantly laid eggs on the superior part between the marcescent calyx and the fruit, and larvae perforated the fruit tegument to start consuming seed embryos and reserves. Bruquine larvae are parasitized by Hymenoptera of Bracon, Mirax, Omeganastatus and Triapsis genera. In conclusion, the germination of C. trichotoma seeds is significantly affected by emergence orifices caused by granivorous species.

Taxonomy of the Golovinomyces cynoglossi Complex (Erysiphales, Ascomycota) Disentangled by Phylogenetic Analyses and Reassessments of Morphological Traits

The name Golovinomyces cynoglossi s. lat. is traditionally applied to a complex of morphologically similar powdery mildews on hosts of the plant family Boraginaceae. The current species-level taxonomy within this complex is ambiguous due to the lack of phylogenetic examinations. The present study applied phylogenetic methods to clarify the taxonomy of G. cynoglossi s. lat. Phylogenetic analysis of rDNA ITS sequences retrieved from Asian, European and North American specimens revealed that G. cynoglossi s. lat. collections from different hosts involved several species in five clearly separated lineages. Clade I consists primarily of Golovinomyces cynoglossi s. str. on Cynoglossum. Clade III consists of Golovinomyces sequences retrieved from the host genera Symphytum and Pulmonaria. The taxa within clade III are now assigned to G. asperifoliorum comb. nov. Clade V encompasses G. cynoglossi s. lat. on the host genera Bothriospermum, Buglossoides, Echium, Myosotis, and Trigonotis. The taxa within clade V are now assigned to G. asperifolii comb. nov. The species concerned in this study were lecto- and epitypified to stabilize their nomenclature.

Anchusa italica extract: phytochemical and neuroprotective evaluation on global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Abstract Stroke is the third leading cause of mortality and disability in industrial countries. Treatment with herbs with antioxidant properties has been reported to be an alternative to the conventional treatments. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Anchusa italica extract on hippocampal injury induced by transient global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in the rat. To do so, 50 rats were randomly assigned to five groups; control, sham, ischemia, and 50 or 100 mg/kg of Anchusa italica treated animals. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of carotid artery for 30 minutes. Afterward, behavioral tests and biochemical analyses were conducted. Induction of ischemia/reperfusion caused a decline in learning and passive avoidance memory in rats. Moreover, Anchusa italica caused an increase in learning and improved the passive avoidance memory. Induction of ischemia/reperfusion caused a decrease in the antioxidant capacity of the brain and serum as well as an increase in the malondialdehyde of the brain and serum. Anchusa italica led to an increase in the antioxidant capacity of the brain and serum and decrease in the malondialdehyde of the brain and serum. Overall, because of its protective effects on spatial memory, passive avoidance learning, antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation during ischemia/reperfusion, Anchusa italica might be beneficial in ischemic patients.

Protective effect of Cordia boissieri A. DC. (Boraginaceae) on metabolic syndrome.

Increased fructose ingestion has been linked to obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension associated with metabolic syndrome. Cordia boissieri A. DC. (Boraginaceae) is a slow growing beautiful plant, used traditionally as herbal remedy by diabetic Hispanic women in the Southwestern USA. The present study aimed to elucidate the toxicity and the possible protective effect of ethyl acetate extract of C. boissieri leaves on metabolic syndrome. Three groups of rats were fed on fructose-enriched diet for 14 weeks. One group served as fructose-enriched diet control, while the remaining groups were treated with metformin (10 mg/kg/day) and ethyl acetate extract (200 mg/kg/day) during the last 4 weeks. A fourth group was fed on normal laboratory diet. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn for the estimation of metabolic syndrome-related markers and liver samples were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Induction of metabolic syndrome using fructose enriched diet was associated with increased weight gain coupled with elevated levels of blood glucose, insulin, uric acid, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor in addition to, decreased level of glutathione (GSH). Four-weeks oral administration of ethyl acetate extract attenuated most of the changes associated with metabolic syndrome as marked by improved insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, kidney function, lipid profiles and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study provides evidence of the potential protective effect of C. boissieri against metabolic syndrome.

Chemical Constituents of Cordia dichotoma G. Forst.

Chemical investigation of the dichloromethane extracts of Cordia dichotoma G. Forst led to the isolation of β- sitosteryl-3β-glucopyranoside-6'-O-palmitate (1), nervonyl 4-hydroxy-trans-cinnamate ester (2), β-sitosterol (3), and chlorophyll a (4) from the leaves; and 4 and 1,2-dilinoleoyl-3-linolenoylglycerol (5) from the twigs. The structures of 1-5 were identified by comparison of their NMR data with those reported in the literature. The fatty acids in 1, 2 and 5 were deduced from ESI-MS data.

Biologia floral e sistema reprodutivo da erva-baleeira (Varronia curassavica Jacq. ) / Flowering phenology and reproductive system of the Cordia (Varronia curassavica Jacq. )

RESUMOO conhecimento do sistema reprodutivo é fundamental para a conservação e manejo de uma espécie. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a fenologia da floração, a antese, registrar os insetos visitantes no período de floração, determinar as características morfométricas das flores e o sistema reprodutivo da erva-baleeira, em um ambiente de Cerrado do Norte de Minas Gerais. Entre maio a dezembro de 2012 foi caracterizado o comportamento fenológico da floração. Na análise da fenologia floral foi determinado: o crescimento da inflorescência, o número de flores e frutos por inflorescências. Utilizou-se seis acessos que tiveram dez inflorescências marcadas em cada acesso, totalizando 60 inflorescências. A antese foi determinada utilizando quatro inflorescências em duas plantas. Os visitantes florais foram observados in loco e capturados em três dias consecutivos de coleta. As características morfométricas foram determinadas com paquímetro utilizando 20 flores, sendo cinco flores de quatro acessos. Para determinar o sistema reprodutivo utilizou-se a razão pólen:óvulo (P:O), utilizando 50 flores, sendo 10 flores de cinco acessos em pré-antese. Nas condições de Montes Claros, o crescimento das inflorescências de erva-baleeira ocorreu entre meados de agosto e início de outubro, totalizando 45 dias. O florescimento foi observado entre meados de setembro e final de outubro, enquanto a frutificação ocorreu de meados de outubro a início de dezembro, sendo que ambos ocorreram de forma irregular. A antese floral de erva-baleeira, neste estudo, ocorre entre 7:00 e 11:00 horas. Os insetos visitantes pertencem as ordens Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera e Hymenoptera. As flores apresentaram o diâmetro de 2,13 ± 0,05 (mm), o comprimento de 3,29 ± 0,08 (mm), diâmetro do ovário de 0,70 ± 0,02 (mm), o comprimento do ovário de 2,48 ± 0,12 (mm), o diâmetro da antera de 0,67 ± 0,01(mm) e o comprimento da antera de 0,93 ±0,02 (mm), quatro óvulos e cinco anteras por flor. A razão P:O foi de 576,542, indicando que a espécie é alógama facultativa.

ABSTRACTThe knowledge of the reproductive system is essential for the conservation and management of the species. This study aimed on several procedures, as follows: to describe the phenology of flowering, the anthesis; to record the visiting insects during flowering and to determine the morphometric characteristics of the flowers and the reproductive system of the "erva-baleeira", in an environment of Northern Cerrado in the State of Minas Gerais. From May to December 2012, the flowering phenology of six access was characterized. In the analyzes of floral phenology it were determined the growth of the inflorescence and the number of flowers and fruits per inflorescence by using six access which had ten inflorescences marked in each access l, totalizing sixty inflorescences. The anthensis was assessed using four inflorescences in two plants. The flower`s visitors were observed live and captured in three consecutive days of sampling. The morphometric characteristics were determined with a caliper using 20 flowers, with five flowers from four access. In order to determine the reproductive system it was employed a ratiopollen: ovule (P: O) with 50 flowers and 10 of them belonging to five accesses in the pre-anthesis. Under the conditions of Montes Claros, the growth of inflorescences from Cordia occurred between mid-August and early October, totalizing 45 days. The flowering was observed between mid-September and late October, and the fruiting occurred from mid-October to early December. Both phases happened irregularly. The anthesis of the Cordia, in this study, occurred between 7:00 and 11:00 o`clock.. The visiting insects identified were from the orders of Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera. The flowers exhibited a diameter of 2.13 ± 0.05 (mm), length of 3.29 ± 0.08 (mm), diameter of 0.70 ± 0.02 Ovarian (mm), the length of the ovary was 2.48 ± 0.12 (mm), the diameter of the anther 0.67 ± 0.01 (mm) and the length anther was 0.93 ± 0.02 (mm), with five anthers and four ovules per flower. The reason P: O was 576.542, indicating that the species is facultative allogamous.

Temporal variation of chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Cordia curassavica (Jacq) Roemer and Schultes: Boraginaceae / Variación temporal de la composición química y la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de Cordia curassavica (Jacq) Roemer y Schultes: Boraginaceae

The people of San Rafael Coxcatlán use Cordia curassavica to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. The aim of this work was to investigate the temporal variation of chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of C. curassavica in two seasons of the year (dry and rainy). The essential oil of aerial parts was obtained by steam distillation, 12 and 17 compounds were identified for dry and rainy seasons respectively by GC-MS. The major component was for the dry season 1,7,7-trimethyl tricyclo (2.2.1.0(2,6)) heptane (20.3 percent), and for the rainy season was germacrene (24.41 percent). The antibacterial activity of essential oils varies temporarily because was active in nine strains in the dry season and four in the wet. The more sensitive strains were Stapahylococcus epidermidis and Vibrio cholera. The essential oil obtained in dry season presented a MIC of 0.75 and 0.125 mg/mL, and for the rainy season a MIC of 1.00 and 0.375 mg/mL respectively. Rhizoctonia solani was the more sensitive fungi strain (IC25 0.1300 mg/mL) in the rainy season. These results show that the chemical composition and biological properties of essential oil of the C. curassavica have temporal variation.

La población de San Rafael para tratar padecimientos gastrointestinales y respiratorios emplean Cordia curassavica. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue investigar la variación temporal de la composición química y la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de C. curassavica colectada en dos épocas del año (sequía y lluvias). El aceite esencial se obtuvo mediante la técnica de arrastre de vapor y los componentes se identificaron por CG-MS. En la época de secas se detectaron 12 compuestos y 17 en la de lluvias. El principal componente para la época de secas fue el 1,7,7 trimetil triciclo (2.2.1.0(2,6)) heptano (20.3 por ciento) y para la temporada de lluvias fue el germacrano (24.41 por ciento). La actividad antibacteriana del aceite esencial varía temporalmente porque fue activo sobre nueve cepas en la época seca y sobre cuatro cepas en la época lluviosa. Las cepas más sensibles para ambas estaciones fueron Stapahylococcus epidermidis y Vibrio cholerae. En la época de seca, el aceite esencial presentó la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) de 0.75 y 0.125mg/mL, mientras que en la época de lluvias fueron de 1.00 y 0.375 mg/mL respectivamente. La cepa fúngica más sensible fue Rhizoctonia solani (IC25 0.130 mg/mL) en la época de lluvia. Estos resultados muestran que la composición química y las propiedades biológicas de los aceites esenciales de Cordia curassavica varian de acuerdo a la época del año.

Isolation of wound healing compounds from Heliotropium indicum.

Heliotropium indicum (Boraginaceae) is used in the traditional Ivory Coast pharmacopeia to treat asthma. In the present study, wound healing effect of n- butanol fractions was evaluated in H292- cells. Fractions which possessed better wound healing activity were fractionated on Sephadex LH20 column chromatography. Two compounds have been isolated which were responsible for this wound healing effect. Their structures were established as Pestalamide B (1) and Glycinamide,N-(1-oxooctadecyl)glycyl-L-alanylglycyl-L-histidyl (2) on the basis of spectral analysis. Both compound 1 and 2 presented wound healing effect compared with the control (P<0.05).

Flavanones from aerial parts of Cordia globosa (Jacq.) Kunth, Boraginaceae / Flavanonas isoladas das partes aéreas de Cordia globosa (Jacq.) Kunth (Boraginaceae)

The phytochemical analysis of aerial parts of Cordia globosa, collected in the Municipality of Picuí, State of Paraíba, Brazil, resulted in the isolation and structural identification of narigenin-4',7-dimethyl ether (0.025 g) and eriodictyol (0.015 g). These compounds are the first flavanones aglycones isolated from the genus Cordia.

A análise fitoquímica das partes aéreas de Cordia globosa, coletadas no município de Picuí, PB, Brasil, resultou no isolamento e identificação estrutural da 7,4'-dimetilnarigenina (0,025 g) e eriodictiol (0,015 g). Estas duas flavanonas são as primeiras agliconas, desta classe, isoladas no gênero Cordia.

Immunomodulatory activity of extracts from Cordia superba Cham. and Cordia rufescens A. DC. (Boraginaceae), plant species native from Brazilian Semi-arid / Atividade imunomoduladora de extratos de Cordia superba Cham. and Cordia rufescens A. DC. (Boraginaceae), espécies de plantas nativas do semi-árido brasileiro

The family Boraginaceae is widely distributed in Brazil and in the Northeastern region some species are popularly used to treat symptoms of rheumatism, painful menstruation and dyspepsia. In this work we studied Cordia superba Cham. and C. rufescens A. DC., native from Brazilian Semi-arid region, in order to investigate their immunomodulatory activity. Six extracts were prepared from aerial parts of C. superba and C. rufescens. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using splenocytes from BALB/c mice. The immunomodulatory activity was determined by in vitro assays using activated mouse macrophages and lymphocytes. Peritoneal macrophages obtained from BALB/c mice were stimulated with IFN-gamma and LPS in the presence/absence of the samples. The NO production was measured indirectly through Griess method. Three samples inhibited the production of nitric oxide in values near 50 percent at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. To evaluate the effects of the extracts on lymphocytes, splenocytes from BALB/c mice were incubated with the samples and concanavalin A. Proliferation inhibition was determined by analysis of ³H-thymidine uptake. Samples from the two species had a strong inhibitory activity on lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production. Two chloroform extracts prepared from aerial parts of C. rufescens had the lowest IC50 values (7.6 and 11.0 µg/mL).

A família Boraginaceae é amplamente distribuída no Brasil e na região nordeste algumas espécies são usadas popularmente no tratamento de reumatismo, dores menstruais e dispepsias. Neste trabalho foram estudadas as espécies Cordia superba Cham. and C. rufescens A. DC., nativas da região semi-árida brasileira, objetivando investigar a atividade imunomoduladora. Seis extratos foram preparados a partir de partes aéreas das espécies. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada usando culturas de esplenócitos de camundongos BALB/c. A atividade imunomoduladora foi determinada por ensaios in vitro usando macrófagos e linfócitos murinos ativados. Macrófagos peritoneais obtidos de camundongos BALB/c foram estimulados com IFN-gama and LPS na presença/ausência das amostras. A produção de NO foi medida indiretamente através do método de Griess. Três amostras inibiram a produção de NO em valores próximos a 50 por cento (100 µg/mL). Os efeitos das amostras sobre os linfócitos foram avaliados cultivando esplenócitos de camundongos BALB/c em presença destas amostras e de concanavalina A. A proliferação foi determinada pela análise da incorporação de ³H-tritiada. Amostras de duas espécies apresentaram uma forte atividade inibidora sobre a proliferação de linfócitos e sobre a produção de IL-2. Dois extratos clorofórmicos (partes aéreas de C. rufescens) tiveram os menores valores de IC50 (7,6 and 11,0 µg/mL).

Boraginaceae endémicas del Perú

La familia Boraginaceae es reconocida en el Perú por presentar 16 géneros y 136 especies (Brako & Zarucchi, 1993), mayormente arbustos y hierbas. En este trabajo reconocemos 33 especies endémicas en nueve géneros, siendo Heliotropium el género más rico en especies endémicas. Estas especies endémicas ocupan principalmente las regiones Matorral Desértico, Desierto Semicálido Tropical y Mesoandina, entre los 300 y 4000 m de altitud. Se aplicaron las categorías y criterios de la UICN a nueve taxones. Ninguna de estas especies está representada en el Sistema Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado.

The Boraginaceae are represented in Peru by 16 genera and 136 species (Brako & Zarucchi, 1993), mostly shrubs and herbs. Here we recognize 33 endemic species in nine genera, Heliotropium being the most important. Endemic Boraginaceae grow mainly in the Desert Shrubland, Subtropical Costal Desert and Mesoandean regions, between 300 and 4000 m elevation. We applied IUCN categories and criteria to nine endemic species. None of the species have been collected within Peru's protected area system.

Caracterização morfoanatômica de raiz e rizoma de Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) / Morpho-anatomical characterization of the root and rhizome of Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae)

Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) é uma erva perene conhecida como confrei, consólida-maior e erva-do-cardeal, empregada na fitoterapia como antiinflamatório, emoliente e anestésico suave de uso tópico, devido à ação da alantoína encontrada nos órgãos subterrâneos e na folha. Com a finalidade de contribuir com a identificação da planta medicinal e da droga vegetal, foram realizados estudos morfoanatômicos de raiz e rizoma, em estrutura secundária. O material botânico foi fixado e preparado de acordo com microtécnicas usuais. Os órgãos subterrâneos são semelhantes, fusiformes e mostram-se de cor amarela clara a negra. A raiz e o rizoma apresentam periderme e tecidos vasculares secundários semelhantes, mas diferem pela presença de xilema primário exarco na raiz e xilema primário endarco e medula parenquimática no rizoma. Numerosas células parenquimáticas contendo mucilagem e amiloplastos são observadas na raiz e no rizoma.

Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) is a perennial herb known as comfrey, gum plant or boneset, and it is employed topically as anti-inflammatory, emollient and mild anesthetic in phytotherapy, due to allantoin found in the underground organs and leaf. In order to contribute to the medicinal plant and vegetal drug identification, morpho-anatomical investigations of the root and rhizome, in secondary growth, were carried out. The botanical material was fixed and prepared according to usual microtechniques. The underground organs are alike, slender and yellow to black coloured. The root and the rhizome show similar periderm and secondary vascular tissues, yet they differ in that the root shows exarch primary xylem, while the rhizome presents endarch primary xylem and parenchymatous pith. Numerous parenchymatic cells which contain mucilage and amyloplasts are observed in the root and rhizome.

Estudo dos componentes lipídicos das sementes de três espécies do gênero Cordia L. (Boraginaceae) / Lipids compounds study from seeds of three Cordia L. species (Boraginaceae)

Sementes de três espécies de Cordia L., da família Boraginaceae, coletadas em diferentes cidades do Estado de São Paulo foram analisadas quanto ao teor de lipídeos e composição de ácidos graxos, com ênfase na presença do ácido gama-linolênico, um ácido graxo de grande interesse terapêutico. Os lipídeos totais foram fracionados em classes (lipídeos neutros, fosfolipídeos e glicolipídeos) através de cromatografia em coluna aberta de gel de sílica e a composição de ácidos graxos foi determinada por cromatografia a gás. As concentrações de lipídeos totais apresentaram grande variação entre as amostras (25,84 a 62,81 por cento), sendo que a classe lipídica dominante foi de lipídeos neutros (média de 88,9 por cento dos lipídeos totais). Os ácidos insaturados representaram 75 por cento da composição total dos ácidos graxos, sendo o principal representante o ácido oléico. Verificou-se a presença do ácido gama-linolênico em todas as amostras analisadas, em concentrações que variaram de 0,63 a 2,54 por cento, valores superiores àqueles relatados pela literatura para outras espécies do gênero Cordia L.

Seeds of three Cordia L. species (Boraginaceae), collected in different cities of the State of São Paulo were analysed in relation to the lipid content and fatty acid composition, with emphasis on the presence of gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid with therapeutical interest. The total lipids were separated into classes (neutral lipids, phospholipids and glucolipids) by open column chromatography with silica gel and the fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Although the levels of total lipids varied considerably between samples (25.84 to 62.81 percent), the dominant class was that of neutral lipids (88.9 percent of the total lipids). The insaturated acids represented 75 percent of the total composition of fatty acids, with oleic acid being the main representative. The presence of gamma-linolenic acid was ascertained in all the samples analysed, in concentrations from 0.63 to 2.54 percent, higher values than those related in literature for other Cordia.