Undescribed Triterpenes from the Leaves of Syzygium myrsinifolium with Their α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibition Activity.

Two undescribed triterpenes, syzyfolium A (1) and syzyfolium B (2), together with twelve known compounds, terminolic acid (3), actinidic acid (4), piscidinol A (5), threo-dihydroxydehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (6), lariciresinol-4-O-ß-D-glucoside (7), icariol A2 (8), 14ß,15ß-dihydroxyklaineanone (9), garcimangosone D (10), (+)-catechin (11), myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (12), quercitrin (13), and 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl-(6'-O-galloyl)-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (14) were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium myrsinifolium. Their chemical structures were determined by IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Compounds 3 and 4 inhibited significantly α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 23.99 and 36.84, respectively, and compounds 1 and 2 inhibited significantly α-amylase with IC50 values of 35.48 and 43.65 µM, respectively.

NMR and multivariate methods: Identification of chemical markers in extracts of pedra-ume-caá and their antiglycation, antioxidant, and enzymatic inhibition activities.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, the plant group popularly known as "pedra-ume-caá" is used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes, and its raw material is commonly sold. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to apply a method for chemical identification of extracts of dry pedra-ume-caá leaves using HPLC-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and NMR and develop a multivariate model with NMR data to authenticate commercial samples. In addition, to evaluate the biological activities of the extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dry extracts of Myrcia multiflora, Myrcia amazonica, Myrcia guianensis, Myrcia sylvatica, Eugenia punicifolia leaves, and 15 commercial samples (sold in Manaus and Belém, Brazil) were prepared by infusion. All the extracts were analysed using HPLC-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), NMR, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The antidiabetic effect of extracts was evaluated according to enzymatic inhibition. Their content of total phenols, cell viability, and antioxidant and antiglycation activities were also determined. RESULTS: HPLC-HRMS and NMR analysis of these extracts permitted the identification of 17 compounds. 1H NMR data combined with multivariate analyses allowed us to conclude that catechin, myricitrin, quercitrin, and gallic and quinic acids are the main chemical markers of pedra-ume-caá species. These markers were identified in 15 commercial samples of pedra-ume-caá. Additionally, only the extracts of M. multiflora and E. punicifolia inhibited α-glucosidase. All the extracts inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and showed free-radical-scavenging activity. These extracts did not present cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the chemical markers of matrices, and it was possible to differentiate the materials marketed as pedra-ume-caá. Moreover, this study corroborates the potential of these species for treating diabetes.

Insecticidal activity of essential oil from leaves of Eugenia stipitata McVaugh against Aedes aegypti.

Aedes aegypti, a mosquito, is responsible for the spread of many diseases, including dengue, zika, and chikungunya. However, due to this mosquito's developed resistance to conventional pesticides, effectively controlling it has proven to be challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal potential of the essential oil from the leaves of Eugenia stipitata against Ae. aegypti, offering a natural and sustainable alternative for mosquito control. Tests were conducted using third-stage larvae to evaluate larvicidal activity and pupae collected up to 14 h after transformation to investigate pupicidal activity. Throughout the bioassays, the organisms were exposed to various essential oil concentrations. The findings demonstrated that the essential oil of E. stipitata exhibited larvicidal action, resulting in 100% larval mortality after 24 h and an LC50 value of 0.34 mg/mL. The effectiveness of essential oil as a pupicidal agent was also demonstrated by its LC50 value of 2.33 mg/mL and 100% larval mortality in 24 h. It can be concluded that the essential oil of E. stipitata holds promise as a natural pest control agent. Its use may reduce the reliance on conventional chemical pesticides, providing a more sustainable and effective strategy to combat diseases spread by mosquitoes.

Review of Phytochemicals Present in Psidium guajava Plant and Its Mechanism of Action on Medicinal Activities.

For centuries, herbal remedies have been employed to address a variety of human ailments, and Psidium guajava Linn (Myrtaceae), commonly known as guava, stands out as a noteworthy medicinal plant with significant pharmacological potential. In India, particularly in rural areas where access to conventional medicines can be limited, the various parts of the Psidium guajava plant, including its leaves, bark, roots, and fruit, have been harnessed for their therapeutic properties to tackle various health issues. Psidium guajava Linn proves to be a valuable repository of essential nutrients along with bioactive compounds such as α-terpineol, ß-caryophyllene (trans-caryophyllene), rutin, α-humulene, oleanolic acid, flavonoids, and quercetin. These components exhibit diverse medicinal activities, encompassing anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-bronchitis, anti-proliferative, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic effects. Every facet of the guava plant holds economic significance and is cultivated on a large scale. Taxonomically, Psidium guajava can be classified within the Plantae kingdom, Magnoliophyta division, Magnoliopsida class, Rosidae subclass, Myrtales order, Myrtaceae family, Myrtoideae subfamily, Myrteae tribe, Psidium genus, Guajava species. This adaptability of guava to various soils and environmental conditions facilitates relatively easy cultivation, yielding rapid fruit production. Its widespread cultivation across India is attributed to its manifold commercial applications. To comprehensively comprehend how this plant can effectively address the array of health challenges encountered by the Indian populace, this review delves into its multifaceted therapeutic properties, highlighting its significance in healthcare practices. Ongoing research endeavors by investigators continue to uncover novel medicinal attributes associated with Psidium guajava, enriching our understanding of its potential benefits.

The Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Bioactivities of the Corymbia Genus (Myrtaceae).

Plants have been vital to human survival for aeons, especially for their unique medicinal properties. Trees of the Eucalyptus genus are well known for their medicinal properties; however, little is known of the ethnopharmacology and bioactivities of their close relatives in the Corymbia genus. Given the current lack of widespread knowledge of the Corymbia genus, this review aims to provide the first summary of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and bioactivities of this genus. The Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify research articles on the biological activities, phytochemistry and ethnomedical uses of Corymbia species. Of the 115 Corymbia species known, 14 species were found to have ethnomedical uses for the leaves, kino and/or bark. Analysis of the references obtained for these 14 Corymbia spp. revealed that the essential oils, crude extracts and compounds isolated from these species possess an array of biological activities including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-protozoal, anti-viral, larvicidal, insecticidal, acaricidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic activities, highlighting the potential for this under-studied genus to provide lead compounds and treatments for a host of medical conditions.

Potential anti-inflammatory biomarkers from Myrtaceae essential oils revealed by untargeted metabolomics.

Many species from Myrtaceae have traditionally been used in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antioxidant and antirheumatic, besides in blood cholesterol reduction. In the present work, the anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils from eighteen Myrtaceae spp. were evaluated according to their ex-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in human blood, and the corresponding biomarkers were determined using untargeted metabolomics data and multivariate data analysis. From these studied species, six displayed anti-inflammatory activity with percentage rates of inhibition of PGE2 release above 70%. Caryophyllene oxide (1), humulene epoxide II (2), ß-selinene (3), α-amorphene (4), α-selinene (5), germacrene A (6), ß-bisabolene (7), α-muurolene (8), α-humulene (9), ß-gurjunene (10), myrcene (11), ß-elemene (12), α-cadinol (13), α-copaene (14), E-nerolidol (15) and ledol (16) were annotated as potential anti-inflammatory biomarkers. The results obtained in this study point to essential oils from species of the Myrtaceae family as a rich source of anti-inflammatory agents.

Genus Pimenta: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Botany, Distribution, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Biological Approaches.

Pimenta is a genus of flowering plants belonging to family Myrtaceae, native to the West Indies, Mexico, and South America. Numerous traditional uses were reported as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, sedative, diuretic, and sexual stimulant. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemical profile, and biological activities of genus Pimenta for future exploration of plant-based drugs and therapeutic approaches. The data were collected (up to date as of October 1, 2023) from several databases such as Web of Science, google scholar, science direct, Pubmed and Proquest. Pimenta species were reported to include various classes of phytochemicals like tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and essential oils. Quercetin glycosides and eugenol derivatives were the predominant compounds of this genus. Several biological activities have been reported such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, histidine decarboxylase inhibition, hypoglycemic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, acaricidal, anxiolytic, anti-depressant and anti-estrogenic. Several scientific reports have been published on various isolated phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of Pimenta species that confirm its ethnobotanical and traditional history. However, in vivo studies on different extracts and their phytoconstituents, alongside mechanistic analysis deserve more attention for drug researchers to provide better guidance to utilize Pimenta plants as medicinal resources for herbal formulations in different approaches.

A terpene synthase supergene locus determines chemotype in Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree).

Leaf oil terpenes vary categorically in many plant populations, leading to discrete phenotypes of adaptive and economic significance, but for most species, a genetic explanation for the concerted fluctuation in terpene chemistry remains unresolved. To uncover the genetic architecture underlying multi-component terpene chemotypes in Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), a genome-wide association study was undertaken for 148 individuals representing all six recognised chemotypes. A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms in a genomic region of c. 400 kb explained large proportions of the variation in key monoterpenes of tea tree oil. The region contained a cluster of 10 monoterpene synthase genes, including four genes predicted to encode synthases for 1,8-cineole, terpinolene, and the terpinen-4-ol precursor, sabinene hydrate. Chemotype-dependent null alleles at some sites suggested structural variants within this gene cluster, providing a possible basis for linkage disequilibrium in this region. Genotyping in a separate domesticated population revealed that all alleles surrounding this gene cluster were fixed after artificial selection for a single chemotype. These observations indicate that a supergene accounts for chemotypes in M. alternifolia. A genetic model with three haplotypes, encompassing the four characterised monoterpene synthase genes, explained the six terpene chemotypes, and was consistent with available biparental cross-segregation data.

Acaricidal activity of a 2-methoxy-clovan-9-ol rich fraction from Eugenia copacabanensis (Myrtaceae) extract on Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

Rhipicephalus microplus (Ixodidae, canestrini, 1888) is an invasive ectoparasite of cattle which causes high economic losses in emerging countries such as Brazil. Phytochemical compounds have been tested as an alternative to synthetic acaricides due to potentially lower mammalian toxicity. This study evaluated the acaricidal activity against R. microplus of the 2-methoxy-clovan-9-ol rich fraction obtained from Eugenia copacabanensis Kiaersk.leaves, a little known Myrtaceae species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This fraction was obtained by maceration with methanol, partition with n-hexane and purification by normal-phase column chromatography. GC-MS, 1H and 13C NMR and IR analysis contributed to the identification of a major compound as the sesquiterpene 2-methoxy-clovan-9-ol, reported for the first time for the Myrtaceae family. The fraction was tested against R. microplus unfed larvae and engorged females and a 93% larval mortality was observed at the concentration of 50 mg mL-1. Lower concentrations of the solution tested demonstrated a significant difference in egg mass weight, hatching and control percentage. Experiments with 50.0 mg mL-1 showed significative results, with lower concentration and maximum efficacy for both assays. The IC50 values for unfed larvae and engorged females were 21.76 and 11.13 mg mL-1, respectively. These results were similar to those obtained in other studies with isolated botanical compounds and essential oils. The lower IC50 for engorged females than for unfed R. microplus larvae had also been described for other plant materials, including plants from the same Myrtaceae family. The present result suggested different mechanisms of action of the compound on the reproductive biology of engorged females, improving its effect against egg viability. These results are important for tick control, suggesting that 2-methoxy-clovan-9-ol could be a potential natural acaricidal product against both R. microplus unfed larvae and engorged females.

Essential oil from leaves of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential.

Myrciaria floribunda is a plant that is distributed across different Brazilian biomes such as the Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest, and it possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the essential oil from M. floribunda leaves (MfEO) were examined in this study using mouse models. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to describe the oil, and the results revealed that δ-cadinene, bicyclogermacrene, α-cadinol, and epi-α-muurolol predominated in the chemical profile. The oil stimulated a decrease in nociception in the chemical and thermal models used to evaluate acute antinociceptive activity. Findings from the use of pain pathway blockers to study the presumed underlying mechanism indicated opioid pathway activity. The anti-edematogenic effect, decreased cell migration, and generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines provided evidence of the anti-inflammatory potential of the essential oil from M. floribunda. According to this research, the essential oil from M. floribunda can effectively alleviate acute pain and inflammation.

Chemical composition, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the curzerene type essential oil of Eugenia uniflora from Brazil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Eugenia uniflora leaf infusion is widely used in folk medicine to treat gastroenteritis, fever, hypertension, inflammatory and diuretic diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work evaluated the acute oral toxic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of the curzerene chemotype of Eugenia uniflora essential oil (EuEO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: EuEO was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The antinociceptive action in mice was evaluated for the peripheral and central analgesic activity using abdominal contortion and hot plate tests (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg); xylene-induced ear swelling was carried out for the nociception test, and carrageenan-induced cell migration test. Spontaneous locomotor activity was assessed in the open field test to rule out any nonspecific sedative or muscle relaxant effects of EuEO. RESULTS: The EuEO displayed a yield of 2.6 ± 0.7%. The major compounds classes were oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (57.3 ± 0.2%), followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (16.4 ± 2.6). The chemical constituents with the highest concentrations were curzerene (33.4 ± 8.5%), caryophyllene oxide (7.6 ± 2.8%), ß-elemene (6.5 ± 1.8%), and E-caryophyllene (4.1 ± 0.3%). Oral treatment with EuEO, at doses of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg, did not change the behavior patterns or mortality of the animals. EuEO (300 mg/kg) did not cause a reduction in the number of crossings in the open field compared to the vehicle group. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was higher in EuEO-treated groups (50 and 2000 mg/kg) when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). EuEO, at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, reduced the number of abdominal writhings by 61.66%, 38.33%, and 33.33%. EuEO did not show increased hot plate test time latency in any of the intervals analyzed. At 200 mg/kg, EuEO decreased paw licking time, with inhibition of 63.43%. In formalin-induced acute pain, EuEO decreased paw licking time at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg in the first phase, with inhibition of 30.54%, 55.02%, and 80.87%. The groups treated with EuEO at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg showed ear edema reduction of 50.26%, 55.17%, and 51.31%, respectively. Moreover, EuEO inhibited leukocyte recruitment only at a dose of 200 mg/kg. The inhibitory values of leukocyte recruitment after 4 h of carrageenan application were 4.86%, 4.93%, and 47.25% for 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of essential oil, respectively. CONCLUSION: The EuEO, curzerene chemotype, has significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and low acute oral toxicity. This work confirms the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory of this species as the traditional use.

New nitric oxide production inhibitors from Syzygium bullockii.

Three undescribed triterpene glycosides syzybullosides A-C (1-3) along with fourteen known compounds were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium bullockii (Hance) Merr.& L.M. Perry, including six triterpene glycosides (1-6), four phenolics (7-9, 17), four megastigmanes (10-13), and three flavonoids (14-16). The structures of 1-17 were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Compounds 1-10 and 12-17 inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 1.30 to 13.70 µM, lower than that of the positive control compound, L-NMMA (IC50 = 33.8 µM).

Chemical composition, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice of the essential oil of Psidium cattleyanum Sabine leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: One of the native species of the genus most often mentioned by traditional people is Psidium cattleyanum Sabine, which is used mostly to treat disorders of the respiratory, genitourinary, and digestive systems. These symptoms are mainly treated by the decoction of the leaves. Additionally, there are gaps in the in vivo and toxicity investigations of this species. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was evaluate antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of essential oil from P. cattleyanum leaves in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to examine the essential oil of P. cattleyanum. The acute toxicity test was then done with a 2000 mg/kg dosage. The oil at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg orally, as well as the reference medications Morphine 10.0 mg/kg IP and/or Indomethacin 20.0 mg/kg IP, were tested using nociception (abdominal writhing, formalin, and tail immersion) and inflammatory models (paw edema and peritonitis). RESULTS: The phytochemical assay showed a high concentration of ß-caryophyllene (46.68%) and α-caryophyllene (10.81%). In the in vivo assays, P. cattleyanum essential oil proved to be an important antinociceptive agent, reaching 76.96% inhibition of abdominal writhing with acetic acid and 67.12% in the formalin assay. An increase in latency time in the tail test was also reported. In the test with carrageenan, the oil showed significant inhibition compared to the control. A decrease in the migration of leukocytes was also reported in the group treated with P. cattleyanum, reaching 60.49% at the dose of 200 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: The essential oil from the leaves of P. cattleyanum has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive action and has potential for application in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

Campomanesia lineatifolia Ruiz & Pavón (Myrtaceae): Isolation of major and minor compounds of phenolic-rich extract by high-speed countercurrent chromatography and anti-inflammatory evaluation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Campomanesia lineatifolia Ruiz & Pavón (Myrtaceae), an edible species found in Brazilian Forest, possesses leaves that are traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Brazil. Extracts of C. lineatifolia are rich in phenolics and exhibit antioxidant, and gastric antiulcer properties. Furthermore, Campomanesia spp. have been described to possess anti-inflammatory properties, but studies related to chemical constituents of C. lineatifolia are scarce in the literature. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work aims to identify the chemical composition of the phenolic-rich ethanol extract (PEE) from C. lineatifolia leaves and evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity that could be related to its ethnopharmacological use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC), using an isocratic and a step gradient elution method, and NMR, HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS were used to isolate and identify the chemicals of PEE, respectively. Lipopolysaccharide-(LPS)-stimulated THP-1 cells were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities from PEE and the two majority flavonoids isolated by measure TNF-α and NF-κB inhibition assays. RESULTS: Fourteen compounds were isolated from the PEE, further identified by NMR and HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, twelve of them are new compounds, and two others are already known for the species. The PEE, quercitrin and myricitrin promoted a concentration-dependent inhibition of TNF-α, and PEE promoted an inhibition of NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS: PEE from C. lineatifolia leaves demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity that may be related to the traditional use to treat gastrointestinal disorders.

New Isopropyl Chromone and Flavanone Glucoside Compounds from the Leaves of Syzygium cerasiforme (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry and Their Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production.

A new isopropyl chromone (1) and a new flavanone glucoside (2) together with eleven known compounds (3-13) were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium cerasiforme (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry. Their structures were elucidated as 5,7-dihydroxy-2-isopropyl-6,8-dimethyl-4H-chromen-4-one (1), 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone 7-O-ß-D-(6''-O-galloylglucopyranoside) (2), strobopinin (3), demethoxymatteucinol (4), pinocembrin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (5), (2S)-hydroxynaringenin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (6), afzelin (7), quercetin (8), kaplanin (9), endoperoxide G3 (10), grasshopper (11), vomifoliol (12), litseagermacrane (13) by the analysis of HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and CD spectral data. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6 and 10 inhibited NO production on LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 12.28±1.15, 8.52±1.62, 7.68±0.87, 9.67±0.57, and 6.69±0.34 µM, respectively, while the IC50 values of the other compounds ranging from 33.38±0.78 to 86.51±2.98 µM, compared to that of the positive control, NG -monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA) with an IC50 value of 32.50±1.00 µM.

Hypoglycemic effect of the dry leaf extract of Myrcia multiflora in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Myrcia multiflora (Lam) DC. is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine for diabetes control, mainly in the Brazilian Amazon. The leaves of this species has already demonstrated antidiabetic properties; however, in mice with type 2 diabetes (DM2), the cumulative effect of the consumption of the dry extract of M. multiflora leaves (Mm) has not yet been reported. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effect of the dry extract obtained from the infusion of the dried leaves of M. multiflora on the blood glucose levels of diabetic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DM2 was induced in Swiss male mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin [150 mg/kg body weight (bw)]. The animals were divided into two control groups (healthy and diabetic without treatment) and three sample groups that received Mm (25 and 50 mg/kg bw) and acarbose (200 mg/kg bw) by gavage once daily for 28 days (D28). Additionally, biochemical parameters, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels in the liver, and histopathological analyses of the kidneys and liver were performed. RESULTS: On the seventh day of treatment, a 74.7% reduction in glucose levels were observed in the group of diabetic animals treated with Mm (50 mg/kg bw) when compared to the beginning of the treatment. At D28, the hypoglycemic effect was maintained. The results of the biochemical and histopathological parameters and the TBARS levels suggest that this dry extract exerts nephro- and hepatoprotective effects. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate the potential that this extract has to inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme, and it acts similarly to the positive control acarbose. Furthermore, this extract is nephro- and hepatoprotective. Therefore, this dry extract has the potential to be an adjuvant for DM2, which corroborates its use in folk medicine.

Family Myrtaceae: The treasure hidden in the complex/diverse composition.

Myrtaceae is one of the most important plants families, being regarded as the eighth largest flowering plant family. It includes many genera of utmost ecological and economical importance distributed all over the world. This review aimed to report the latest studies on this family focusing on certain widely used plants including Eucalyptus sp., Eugenia sp. (Eugenia uniflora, Eugenia sulcata), Syzygium sp. (Syzygium aromaticum and Syzygium cumini), Psidium sp., Pimenta dioica, Myrtus sp. (Myrtus communis), Myrciaria sp. and Melaleuca alternifolia. The extraction of bioactive compounds has been evolving through the optimization of conventional methods and the use of emerging technologies. Supercritical CO2 was applied for essential oils and ultrasound for polyphenols leading to extracts and essential oils rich in bioactive compounds. Advances in the field of encapsulation and delivery systems showed promising results in the production of stable essential oils nanoemulsions and liposomes and the production of plant extracts in the form of nanoparticles. Moreover, a significant increase in the number of patents was noticed especially the application of Myrtaceae extracts in the pharrmacuetucal field. The applications of ceratin plants (Pimenta dioica, Melaleuca alternifolia, Syzygium aromaticum essential oils or Myrciaria cauliflora peel extract) in food area (either as a free or encapsulated form) also showed interesting results in limiting microbial spoilage of fresh meat and fish, slowing oxidative degradation in meat products, and inhibiting aflatoxin production in maize. Despite the massive literature on Myrtaceae plants, advances are still necessary to optimize the extraction with environmentally friendly technologies and carry out risk assessment studies should be accomplished to harness the full potential in food, industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

Isolation of secondary metabolites from Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry. (cloves), and evaluation of their biological activities.

Phytochemical investigation of dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry. (clove) led to the isolation and identification of fourteen known compounds, oleanolic acid (1), betulinic acid (2), para methyl benzoic acid (3), sabrinic acid (4) eucalyptolic acid (5), nigricin (6), 3-O-trans-para-coumaroylmaslinic acid (7), methyl maslinate (8), maslinic acid (9), 3, 4, 5-trimethoxy-3',4'-O,O-methylideneflavellagic acid (10), lantanone (11) 3,4,3'-trimethoxyellagic acid (12), 11-oxo-oleanolic acid (13), and ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (14). Their structures were identified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Mass spectroscopic techniques, and comparison with the literature data. Compounds 3, and 7-9 showed a strong mortality against root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita at 0.125% concentration after 72 hours (88-92% inhibition). Compound 4 showed a good anti-glycation activity with IC50 = 142.0 ± 1.8 µM when compared with standard, i.e. rutin (IC50 = 54.59 ± 2.20 µM). Compound 10 showed a comparable urease inhibitory activity (IC50 = 26.1 ± 0.19 µM) with the positive control thiourea (IC50 = 24.5 ± 0.34 µM).

Phytochemical profiling, antidiabetic, antitumoral and cytotoxic potential of Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine leaves of red variety.

In this study, phytochemical profiling, and antidiabetic, antitumoral and cytotoxic potential of aqueous extracts of leaves of red variety of Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine were investigated. The extracts were obtained using a cellulase complex. The total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined, and the individual phenolic compounds were quantified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. For the TPC, the amounts varied from 85.91 to 106.33 mg EAG g-1. Eighteen compounds have been identified. The compounds with the highest concentrations were gallic acid, quercetin and protocatechuic acid. Antidiabetic activity was obtained through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition tests. The extract inhibited 17.94% of α-amylase activity and 73.34% of α-glucosidase activity. The antitumoral activity in cells of cutaneous melanoma (SK-MEL-28) and the cytotoxic activity was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The cellular migration was determined for cells SK-MEL-28. Antitumoral effects on cells SK-MEL-28 were observed and the absence of cytotoxicity on the PBMCs.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and phytochemical prospection of Eugenia involucrata DC leaf extracts / Atividade antimicrobiana, antioxidante e prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos das folhas de Eugenia involucrata DC

The species Eugenia involucrata DC. is a plant native to Brazil and is traditionally used for intestinal problems, however, little research has documented about its biological potential and phytochemical profile. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical prospecting, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of E. involucrata extracts. Using the E. involucrata leaves, aqueous and organic extracts were obtained using the following solvents (ethanol, methanol, hexane, acetone, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The phytochemical prospecting detected the presence of saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts presented antimicrobial activity for most of the bacterial strains tested, as well as for yeast Candida albicans, with concentrations between 3.12 and 50 mg/mL. The ethanolic and metanolic extract presented high free radical sequestration potential (>90%). The methanol extract showed an IC50 value statistically equal to that found for the commercial antioxidant BHT (p <0.05). The crude extracts obtained with ethanol and methanol were the most promising. These results suggest that methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are a promising source of natural bioactive.

A espécie Eugenia involucrata DC. é uma planta nativa do Brasil e tradicionalmente utilizada para problemas intestinais, porém, poucas pesquisas documentam sobre seu potencial biológico e perfil fitoquímico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma prospecção fitoquímica preliminar, o potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante dos extratos de E. involucrata. A partir das folhas de E. involucrata, foram obtidos extratos aquosos e orgânicos com os seguintes solventes (etanol, metanol, hexano, acetona, diclorometano e acetato de etila). A prospecção fitoquímica detectou a presença de saponinas, esteroides, flavonóides e taninos nos extratos. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana para a maioria das cepas bacterianas testadas, assim como para a levedura Candida albicans, com concentrações entre 3,12 e 50 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram alto potencial de sequestro de radicais livres (> 90%). O extrato metanólico apresentou IC50 estatisticamente igual ao encontrado para o antioxidante comercial BHT (p <0,05). Os extratos brutos obtidos com etanol e metanol foram os mais promissores. Esses resultados sugerem que os extratos metanólico, etanólico e aquoso são uma fonte promissora de bioativos naturais.