Composição nutricional de frutos do Cerrado mato grossense: cajuzinho do cerrado (Anacardium humile A. St. -Hil), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart) Radlk) e inharé (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul) / Nutritional composition of the fruits from Midwestern Cerrado: cajuzinho do cerrado(Anacardium humile A. St. -Hil), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart) Radlk)and inharé (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização nutricional (umidade, proteínas, lipídeos, cinzas e açúcares totais), quantificação do Valor Energético Total (VET) e determinação do teor de carotenoides totais dos frutos de cajuzinho do cerrado (Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil.), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk) e inharé (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul), do Cerrado mato grossense. No intuito de oferecer uma alternativa de dieta nutritiva e incentivar o reaproveitamento de alimentos, foram analisadas polpas e cascas destes frutos. O cajuzinho do cerrado apresentou expressiva quantidade de carotenoides totais nas polpas (5,95 mg/100g) e cascas (6,55 mg/100g). Já a curriola apresentou um valor considerável de cinzas (0,66%) nas polpas e mostraram quantidade significativa de Valor Energético Total (80,96 Kcal/100g). O inharé destacou-se por apresentar elevado teor de proteínas nas cascas (3,76%) e polpas (3,19%). Estes resultados mostraram que polpas e cascas dos frutos analisados, podem ser utilizadas como fonte de nutrientes ou como ingredientes na elaboração de novos alimentos com potencial funcional. Este é o primeiro estudo que avalia o potencial nutricional e carotenoides totais nas cascas destes frutos do Cerrado mato grossense.

This study aimed at performing the nutritional characterization (moisture, protein, lipid, ashes and total sugar), quantification of the Total Energy Value (TEV) and determination of carotenoid content of cajuzinho do cerrado (Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil.), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk) and inharé (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul), of the Midwestern Cerrado. Aiming at offering a nutritious alternative of diet and motivating the reuse of foods, the pulps and peels of fruits were analyzed. Cajuzinho do cerrado showed expressive amount of total carotenoids in the pulps (5.95 mg/100g) and peels (6.55 mg/100g). The curriola presented a considerable amount of ash (0.66%) in the pulps and a significant amount of Total Energy Value (80.96 Kcal/100g). On the other hand, the inharé had a high amount of protein in the peels (3.76%) and pulps (3.19%). These results showed that pulps and peels of the analyzed fruits can be used as source of nutrients or as ingredients in the manufacture of new functional foods. This is the first report which evaluates the nutritional potential and total carotenoids in peels of fruits from Midwestern Cerrado.

Phytochemical Constituents of the Root Bark from Morus alba and Their Il-6 Inhibitory Activity

Morus alba L., known as white mulberry, is a medicinal plant belongs to family Moraceae. It has long been used commonly in Ayurvedic for the treatment of lung-heat, cough, asthma, hematemesis, dropsy and hypertension. In the present study, seven prenylated flavonoids, along with four benzofuran compounds were isolated by means of repeated column chromatography. The structures of the known compounds were identified as kuwanon G (1), kuwanon E (2), kuwanon T (3), morusin (4), sanggenon A (5), sanggenon M (6), sanggenol A (7), moracin R (8), mulberofuran G (9), mulberofuran A (10) and mulberofuran B (11), by comparing their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. For these isolates, containing trace compounds, the inhibitory activity against IL-6 production in TNF-α stimulated MG-63 cells was examined. All isolated compounds (1

Five New Stilbenes from the Stem Bark of Artocarpus communis

Five new prenylated stilbenes (1 – 5), along with the known compounds cudraflavone C, trans-4-isopentenyl-3,5,2′,4′-terahydroxystilbene, trans-4-(3-methyl-E-but-1-enyl)-3,5,2′,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene, pannokin G, cycloartobiloxanthone, artonin P, morusin, artocarpin, artonin E, kuwanon C, artobiloxanthone, and artoindonesianin C (6 – 17) were isolated from the stem bark of the tropical tree Artocarpus communis. The structures were established by NMR spectroscopic analysis, MS studies, and comparison with spectral data reported in the literature.

Determination of phytoconstituents of n-hexane extract of leaves of Morus nigra and evaluation of their effects on biochemical and histopathological parameters in paracetamol intoxicated mice liver

In-vitro investigation of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) has demonstrated the evidence of several antioxidant compounds. Current study was aimed to determine the phytoconstituents and hepatoprotective potential of n-hexane extract of Morus nigra. Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups: normal control, paracetamol control, silymarin control, 250 mg/kg p.o. extract for 7 days plus paracetamol 3 h later, 500 mg/kg p.o. extract for 7 days plus paracetamol 3 h later. Serum levels of liver enzymes and total bilirubin were assessed and compared between the groups by using one-way ANOVA to confirm hepatoprotective activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence quercetin, oleanolic acid, luteolin, apigenin, vitamin C and kuwanon C. n-hexane extract of Morus nigra at dose of 250 mg/kg reduced elevated ALT by 54.3% (p<0.001), AST by 55.1% (p<0.01), ALP by 28.5% (p<0.01) and TBR by 56.4% (p<0.01) as compared to paracetamol control. The dose of 500 mg/kg of the extract reduced the ALT levels by 62.9% (p<0.001), AST by 56.7% (p<0.01), ALP by 33.6% (p<0.01) and TBR by 54.5% (p<0.01), as compared to paracetamol group. However, the reduction of liver enzymes and total bilirubin after administration of extract was comparable to the silymarin. Current study demonstrated potential hepatoprotective activity of n-hexane extract of Morus nigra

Invasion impact of Artocarpus heterophyllus LAM. (Moraceae) at the edge of an atlantic forest fragment in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Impacto da invasão de Artocarpus heterophyllus LAM. (moraceae) na borda de um fragmento de mata atlântica na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The Atlantic Forest is reduced to less than 20 % of its original area, but it still protects an important biological heritage. Forest fragmentation makes the environment more susceptible to invasive species occupation. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) was introduced into Brazil in the seventeenth century; and in the second half of the twentieth century, its natural regeneration increased the density of individuals, compromising the recruitment of many native species. This study investigated the impact of A. heterophyllus invasion on the diversity and tree structure component at the edge of an Atlantic Forest fragment, in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Two transect-type plots were set up with 10 m x 100 m (1,000 m2), being divided into 10 subplots of 10 m x 10 m, with a total sampling area of 2,000 m2. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) equals to or greater than 5 cm were tagged and DBH and total height measured. The following phytosociological parameters were estimated: Frequency (F), Density (D), Dominance (Do), Importance (IV) and Coverage (CV) Values. In total, 191 tree individuals were sampled. Invasive species made up more than 35% of the entire vegetation structure in the studied environment, ending in first place in terms of Importance Value (IV = 35.62%). Low floristic wealth seems to have favored the A. heterophyllus invasion process in the community, showing the need for an effective control of the species for the native genetic heritage protection.

A Mata Atlântica encontra-se reduzida a menos de 20% de sua cobertura original, mas ainda protege um importante patrimônio biológico. A fragmentação da floresta torna o ambiente mais favorável para a ocupação de espécies invasoras. A jaqueira (Artocarpus heterophyllus) foi introduzida no Brasil no século XVII e na segunda metade do século XX houve uma rápida densificação de sua regeneração natural, comprometendo o recrutamento de muitas espécies nativas. Este estudo investigou o impacto da invasão de A. heterophyllus na diversidade e na estrutura do componente arbóreo da borda de um remanescente de Mata Atlântica, no Rio de Janeiro. Duas parcelas do tipo transecto foram alocadas, com 10 m x 100 m (1.000 m2), divididas em 10 subparcelas de 10 m x 10 m, com uma amostra total de 2.000 m2. Árvores com diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) igual ou superior a 5 cm foram marcadas e o DAP e a altura total foram medidos. Foram obtidos os seguintes parâmetros fitossociológicos: Freqüência, Densidade, Dominância, Valor de Importância (VI) e de Cobertura (VC). No total, 200 espécies de árvores foram amostradas. A invasão foi responsável por mais de 35% de toda a estrutura do ambiente estudado, obtendo o primeiro lugar em termos de Valor de Importância (VI = 35,62%). A baixa riqueza florística parece ter favorecido o processo de invasão de A. heterophyllus na comunidade, mostrando a necessidade de um controle eficaz das espécies para proteção da herança genética nativa.

Plantas medicinais como alternativa terapêutica para aumento da resistência imunológica / Medicinal plants as an alternative therapy to increase immune resistance

The immune system modulation in disease prevention and treatment has been the subject of interest for many years, so that many studies have emphasized the immunomodulatory drugs research, especially from natural origin. So, in order to provide a current information source, this paper presents a review of the medicinal plants with immunostimulatory activity evidenced in recent studies. It was found in these studies that a wide variety of families presents species with immunostimulating activity, however the Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae Moraceae, Rubiaceae and Zingiberaceae families were more reported.(AU)

A modulação do sistema imune na prevenção e tratamento de doenças têm sido um assunto de interesse há muitos anos, de modo que muitas pesquisas tem dado ênfase à investigação de novas drogas imunomodularoras, sobretudo de origem natural. Portanto, a fim de proporcionar uma fonte de informação atualizada, o presente artigo apresenta uma revisão de plantas medicinais com atividade imunoestimulante evidenciadas em estudos recentes. Verificou-se nestes estudos que uma grande variedade de famílias apresentam espécies com atividade imunoestimulante, contudo, as famílias Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae Moraceae, Rubiaceae and Zingiberaceae foram as mais relatadas.(AU)

Identification and characterization of two new xanthones from Cudrania fruticosa / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to investigate the chemical constituents of the roots of Cudrania fruticosa Wight. Compounds were isolated by various column chromatographic methods including silica gel, polyamide, sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques, mass spectrometry, and chemical methods. Two new xanthones, Cudraxanthone T and U (1-2), along with four known compounds (3-6) were isolated from the roots of Cudrania fruticosa Wight.

Macro- and micromorphology of the leaves, inflorescences and fruits of ficus sycomorus L. cultivated in Egypt. Part 1

Ficus sycomorus L. [gimmeiz] belongs to family Moraceae. The leaves and fruits have been used in the treatment of tuberculosis, inflammations, dysentery, diarrhea, cough and chest diseases. No detailed information could be traced concerning the macro- and micromorphology of the leaves, inflorescences and fruits of the plant, so this study is performed with the aim of finding their characters by which they could be identified and differentiated, in both the entire and powdered forms

Cultivo in vitro de Brosimum gaudichaudii Tréc. (Moraceae) / In vitro cultivation of Brosimum gaudichaudii Tréc. (Moraceae)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o potencial organogenético de entrenós, discos foliares, e raízes de Brosimum gaudichaudii utilizando 12 diferentes combinações dos fitorreguladores 6-benzilaminopurina e ácido naftaleno acético, em meio MS (diluído à metade), sólido (6,5 g de ágar), e com 20 g.L-1 de sacarose. Independentemente das combinações hormonais testadas verificou-se a formação de calos friáveis (2 a 20 mm de diâmetro) em 90% dos entrenós usados como explantes. No entanto, os tratamentos testados não foram capazes induzir calos ou gemas em raízes e em discos foliares. O estudo anatômico revelou a formação de meristemóides nas regiões mais externa e mais interna dos calos. Os resultados obtidos poderão servir de base para novos testes de indução de calos na espécie.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the organogenic potential of internodes, leaf discs and roots of Brosimum gaudichaudii using 12 different combinations of the plant growth regulators 6-benzylaminopurine and naphthalene acetic acid in MS medium (half strength), solid medium (6.5 g agar) and sucrose medium (20 g.L-1). Regardless the hormonal combination tested, we observed the formation of friable calluses (2 - 20 mm wide) in 90% of the internode explants. However, the treatments were not able to induce callus or buds on roots and leaf discs. The anatomical analysis revealed meristemoid formation in the outer and inner regions of the calluses. The results may serve as the basis for further testing of callus induction in this species.

Adverse drug reactions after taking the extract of Cudrania tricuspidata

Cudrania tricuspidata is a deciduous tree belonging to the Moraceae plant, which has been widely used as a folk remedy or health supplements in the Asian countries including Korea. As far as we know, side effects from taking the extract of C. tricuspidata has not yet been reported. We reviewed the electronic medical records of 2 patients who had adverse drug reactions to C. tricuspidata. The first case was a 30-year-old woman without a specific medical history. She was admitted with a 2-week history of jaundice and dyspepsia after taking extract of C. tricuspidata for 3 days. Initial laboratory findings were as follows: aspartate aminotransferase, 364 IU/L; alanine aminotransferase, 574 IU/L; total bilirubin, 36.3 mg/dL; and direct bilirubin, 18.3 mg/dL. She was conservatively treated for liver and renal failure while awaiting liver transplantation. However, she was expired due to combined pneumonia and progressed hepatic and renal failure. The second case was a 42-year-old woman who has chronic urticaria without other medical history. She was admitted with a 3-month history of whole body rash with small pustular vesicle after taking extract of C. tricuspidata. She was treated with intravenous steroids and antihistamines. Skin lesions were improved after 1 week. Here, we report 2 cases of adverse drug reaction to C. tricuspidata. It should be considered that C. tricuspidata ingestion could cause severe adverse drug reactions such as liver failure and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.

Simultaneous determination of four flavones in root and stem of Cudrania tricuspidata and C. cochinchinensis by HPLC-DAD / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a HPLC-DAD method for the determination of axifolin, naringenin, quercetin and kaempferol in Cudrania tricuspidata and C. cochinchinensis in order to provide a scientific reference for species identification and quality evaluation, by establishing.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The determination was performed by HPLC-DAD on an Agilent C18 column (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 microm) by gradient elution (0-15 min, 35%-50% A; 15-30 min, 50% - 65% A) using methanol (A) and 0.1% phosphoric acid (B) as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 290 nm for taxifolin and naringenin, 365 nm for quercetin and kaempferol with column temperature at 30 degrees C.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The content of axifolin and quercetin in the root of C. tricuspidata were remarkably higher than that in the root of C. cochinchinensis, and the content in stem of C. tricuspidata was also higher than that in the stem of C. cochinchinensis, the content of axifolin and quercetin was variable in different species. The content of naringenin and kaempferol in the root of C. cochinchinensis was visibly higher than that in the root of C. tricuspidata, and the content in the stems of the two herbs was similar, the content of naringenin and kaempferol was visibly variable in different medicinal parts of the herb, but similar between the two herbs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There's some difference of the content of the four ingredients in different medicinal parts and different herbs, so clinical use should not be confused.</p>

Atividade Antimicrobiana e Citotoxicidade do extrato bruto obtido de Morus Alba L. (Moraceae) / Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity of crude extract obtained of Morus Alba L. (Moraceae)

O presente trabalho avaliou a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro do extrato hidroetanólico e frações hexânica, clorofórmica, acetato de etila e butanólica das folhas de Morus alba L. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi determinada frente à Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus e Prothoteca zophii. As frações que apresentaram melhores respostas para a atividade antimicrobiana foram acetato de etila e clorofórmica com CIM de 256 ?g/mL. Não foi possível detectar atividade antimicrobiana para Aspergillus fumigatus em nenhuma das concentrações testadas. A citotoxidade do extrato hidroetanólico foi avaliada através de culturas de células de ovário de hamster chinês (CHO) e células do tecido conectivo de camundongo (NCTC) clone 929, determinando o índice de citotoxidade (IC50). O IC50 foi de 0,34 mg/mL para as células CHO e 3,24 mg/mL para as células NCTC 929. De modo geral, as frações acetato de etila e clorofórmica das folhas de M. alba L. apresentaram moderada atividade antimicrobiana e o extrato bruto demonstrou ação citotóxica in vitro frente as células CHO e NCTC 929.

This study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of hydroethanolic extract and hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions from Morus alba L. leaves. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Prothoteca zophii. The fractions that better responded the antimicrobial activity were ethyl acetate and chloroform with CIM of 256 ?g/mL. It was unable to detect antimicrobial activity for Aspergillus fumigatus in the tested concentrations. The cytotoxicity of the hydroethanolic extract was evaluated by cell cultures of chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and connective tissue of mouse clone 929 (NCTC), determining the level of cytotoxicity (IC50). The IC50 obtained was 0.34 mg/mL for CHO and 3.24 mg/ml for NCTC 929 cells. In general, ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions from M. alba L. leaves showed moderate antimicrobial activity and its extract presented in vitro cytotoxicity against CHO and NCTC 929 cells.

Chemical constituents from cell suspension cultures of Cudrania tricuspidata / 中国中药杂志

Ten compounds were isolated and purified from cell suspension cultures of Cudrania tricuspidata with silica-gel column chromatography, semi-preparative HPLC and Sephadex LH-20. On the base of their physicochemical properties and spectral data, their structures were identified as 1, 3, 5-trihydroxy4-(3, 3-dimethylallyl) xanthone (1), wighteone (2), 6-prenylapigenin (3), licoflavone C(4), cudraflavanone C(5), erythrivarone A (6), derrone (7), carthamidin (8), genistein (9) and aromadendrin (10). Among them, compounds 2-10 were flavonoids, and compound 1 was a xanthone which was isolated from the plant for the first time.

Feeding behavior of two exotic aphid species on their original hosts in a new invaded area

Greenidea ficicola Takahashi and Greenidea psidii van der Goot (Aphididae: Greenideinae) are Asian aphid species newly introduced in Brazil associated with Moraceae and Myrtaceae. The feeding behavior of G. ficicola and G. psidii was investigated on their respective host plants, Ficus benjamina (Moraceae) and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae), using the Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG). Fifteen females of each aphid species were monitored during 24h using a DC-EPG GIGA-4 monitor. The time spent in phloem phase (waveforms E1 and E2) was 13.6 percent of the total recording time for G. ficicola and 0.8 percent for G. psidii. The average time in the pathway phase (waveforms C and pd) represented 50 percent of the total time for both species. Aphids spent more time in non-penetration and stylet pathway activities than in the phloem phase or actual feeding. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the two species formed different groups in relation to EPG parameters, despite some overlapping. The probing patterns with multiple penetrations of short duration in the sieve elements for both species may indicate apparent unsuitability for sustained feeding on their respective host plants. These results suggest that these two exotic species are in the process of adaptation to their host plants in their new environment and/or the plants may present either chemical or physical barriers against these insects.

Morfoanatomia comparativa de genipa americana l. (rubiaceae) y sorocea bonplandii ( baill. ) w. c. burger, lanj. & wess. boer (moraceae) comercializadas en el mercado de San Lorenzo / Comparative morphoanatomy of Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae) and Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) W .C. Burger , Lanj. & Wess. Boer (Moraceae) marketed in San Lorenzo's market

RESUMEN: Se ha observado la morfoanatomía de Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae) y Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) W.C. Burger, Lanj. & Wess. Boer (Moraceae) comercializadas en el Mercado de San Lorenzo de la ciudad de San Lorenzo, Paraguay . Se realizaron cortes transversales a mano alzada de las hojas de ambas especies y para la observación de la epidermis se realizó el rasgado o “peeling”. Como resultado se han obtenido parámetros morfoanatómicos diferenciales para ambas especies: Genipa americana L. hojas de forma espatulada, margen entero-sinuoso, ápice acuminado, drusas, tricomas eglandulares pluricelulares, estoma de tipo anisocítico en epidermis inferior; Sorocea bonplandii hojas de forma oblonga, ápice apiculado y borde espinoso, cristales prismáticos y rómbicos, tricomas eglandulares unicelulares Palabras claves: Morfoanatomía, Genipa americana, Sorocea bonplandii.

Resíduos madeireiros do alburno de pau-rainha (Brosimum rubescens): investigação de metabólitos secundários e alguns aspectos tecnológicos / Residues of sapwood of "pau-rainha" (Brosimum rubescens): investigation of secondary metabolites and some technological aspects

Estudos fitoquímicos prévios com resíduos do cerne de pau-rainha (Brosimum rubescens), identificaram um alto teor de xantiletina, uma cumarina com potencial biológico. Dando prosseguimento aos estudos com serragens desta espécie, este estudo relata a densidade básica bem como o isolamento e identificação do triterpeno 3ß-acetoxi-olean-12-eno-28-al e do ß- sitosterol nos extratos hexânico e metanólico do alburno da planta. A estrutura do triterpeno foi determinada com base nos espectros de RMN em 1D (¹H e 13C) e 2D (HSQC e HMBC) além de comparação com dados da literatura. A densidade básica encontrada para o alburno foi de 0,58 g cm-3 que, embora seja inferior a do cerne, poderá ser utilizada na confecção de vários produtos, inclusive em técnicas de marchetaria.

Previous phytochemical studies on residues of pau-rainha's heartwood (Brosimum rubescens) showed a high content of xanthyletin, a coumarin with biological potential. Continuing our studies with sawdust of this species, this work relates the basic density, isolation and identification of the triterpene 3ß-acetoxy-olean-12-ene-28-al and ß-sitosterol in n-hexane and MeOH extracts of the plant´s sapwood. The structure of the triterpene was determined on the basis of NMR spectra in 1D (¹H and 13C) and 2D (HSQC and HMBC) and comparison with literature data. The basic density found for sapwood was 0.58 g cm-3, that even so is inferior the one of heartwood, could be used in the confection of some products, also in marquetry techniques.

Chemical constituents from the stem of Brosimum potabile (Moraceae) / Constituintes químicos do cerne de Brosimum potabile (Moraceae)

Three coumarins, 5-methoxypsoralene, xanthyletin, and (-)-marmesin, have been isolated from the ethanolic extract of the stem of the Amazonian plant Brosimum potabile. The structures were determined on the basis of NMR analyses and by comparison with spectroscopic data in the literature. The analysis of the hexane fractions by GC-MS in EIMS mode suggested the presence of (1-methylpentyl)-benzene; α,α-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-benzenemethanol; 1-methyl-3,5-bis(1-methylethyl)-benzene; urs-12-ene; chola-5,22-dien-3ß-ol; cholesta-4,6-dien-3ß-ol; sitosteryl 9(Z)-octadecenoate; cholesta-5,22-dien-3ß-ol; cholesta-4,6,22-trien-3-one; and cholesta-4,22-dien-3-one. NMR data of other hexane fractions indicated the presence of 3ß-acetoxy-lup-12,20(29)-diene; 3ß-acetoxy-olean-12-ene; 3ß-acetoxy-urs-12-ene; and adian-5-ene. All these compounds are first described in B. potabile.

Três cumarinas, 5-metoxipsoraleno, xantiletina e (-)-marmesina, foram isoladas no extrato etanólico do cerne da planta amazônica Brosimum potabile. Suas estruturas foram determinadas a partir das análises por RMN e por comparação com dados espectroscópicos da literatura. As análises das frações hexânicas por CG/EM sugeriram a presença de (1-metilpentil)-benzeno; α,α-dimetil-4-(1-metiletil)-benzenometanol; 1-metil-3,5-bis(1-metiletil)-benzeno; urs-12-eno; cola-5,22-dien-3ß-ol; colesta-4,6-dien-3ß-ol; (9Z)-octadecenoato de sitosterila; colesta-5,22-dien-3ß-ol; colesta-4,6,22-trien-3-ona e colesta-4,22-dien-3-ona. Dados de RMN de outras frações hexânicas indicaram a presença de 3ß-acetóxi-lup-12,20(29)-dieno; 3ß-acetóxi-olean-12-eno; 3ß-acetóxi-urs-12-eno e adian-5-eno. Todos esses compostos foram identificados pela primeira vez em B. potabile.

Paleoparasitologic, paleogenetic and paleobotanic analysis of XVIII century coprolites from the church La Concepción in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

We present the results of a paleoparasitologic, paleogenetic and paleobotanic analysis of coprolites recovered during the excavation of the church La Concepción in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Coprolites (n = 4) were rehydrated and a multidisciplinary analysis was conducted. The paleobotanic analysis showed numerous silicates, seeds and fruits of the family Moraceae. In the paleoparasitologic study, Ascaris sp. eggs (n = 344) were identified. The paleogenetic results confirmed the Ascaris sp. infection as well as the European origin of human remains. These findings contribute to our knowledge of ancient helminthes infections and are the first paleoparasitological record of Ascaris sp. infection in Spain.

Ethyl acetate fraction from Cudrania tricuspidata inhibts IL-1β-induced rheumatoid synovial fibroblast proliferation and MMPs, COX-2 and PGE2 production

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the effects of Ethyl acetate fraction from Cudrania tricuspidata (EACT) on the interleukin-1b (IL-1b)-induced proliferation of rheumatoid synovial fbroblasts (RASFs) and production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cyclooxygenase (COX) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by RASFs. Materials and Methods: The proliferation of RASFs was evaluated with CCK-8 reagent in the presence of IL-1b with/without EACT. The expression of MMPs, TIMP-1, COXs, PGE2 and intracellular MAPK signalings, including p-ERK, p-p38, p-JNK and NF-kB were examined by immunoblotting or semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and ELISA in conditions as described above. Results: EACT inhibits IL-1β-induced proliferation of RASFs and MMP-1, 3, COX-2 mRNA and protein expression, PGE2 production induced with IL-1b. EACT also inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK-1/2, p38, JNK and activation of NF-kB by IL-1b. Conclusions: These results suggest that EACT might be involved in synovial fbroblast proliferation and MMPs, COX-2, and PGE2 production, which are involved in joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), indicating that this might be a new therapeutic modality for management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Cudrania Tricuspidata Inhibits IL-1beta-Stimulated Osteoclast Differentiation through Downregulation of MAPKs, c-Fos and NFATc1

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The present study was performed to determine the effects of the ethyl acetate extract of Cudrania tricuspidata (EACT) on interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast differentiation. METHODS: Bone marrow cells were harvested from 6-week-old male imprinting control region mice, and the differentiation of osteoclasts from these cells was evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and resorption pit formation assay. Phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated p38, phosphorylated c-Jun amino-terminal kinase, NF-kappaB (p65), IkappaBalpha, c-Fos, and nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1 (NFATc1) expression was examined by immunoblotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: EACT inhibits IL-1beta-stimulated RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation. EACT also inhibits IL-1beta-stimulated RANKL-mediated phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, p38 mitogen activated protein kinase, and expression of c-Fos and NFATc1. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EACT may be involved in the inhibition of bone loss by preventing osteoclast formation and may be used to manage bone destruction in inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.