Estudo farmacognóstico de folhas e raízes da Spiranthera odoratissima A. St. -Hil. (Rutaceae) / Pharmacognostic study of the leaves and roots of Spiranthera odoratissima A. St. -Hil. (Rutaceae)

A Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. (manacá) é um arbusto cujas raízes são utilizadas popularmente contra dores musculares, de estômago e de cabeça, disfunções hepáticas, reumatismo, e como estimulante do apetite. As folhas são empregadas como depurativo do sangue, nas afecções renais e hepáticas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar o estudo morfo-anatômico de S. odoratissima, bem como a triagem fitoquímica, a determinação dos teores de água, cinzas totais e insolúveis em ácido. O material vegetal foi coletado em Leopoldo de Bulhões/ Goiás e os estudos morfo-anatômicos e a triagem fitoquímica foram realizados utilizando as técnicas convencionais. Verificou-se que a folha é hipoestomática, com estômatos anomocíticos e a epiderme apresenta papilas na face abaxial. O mesofilo é dorsiventral e a nervura principal possui drusas de oxalato de cálcio e cavidades secretoras. O pecíolo apresenta sistema vascular em forma circular. Na raiz, em crescimento primário, observou-se cilindro vascular com organização diarca. Na prospecção fitoquímica detectaram-se fenóis, taninos, cumarinas, flavonoides, triterpernos/esteróis, antraquinonas e antocianinas nas folhas e alcaloides, cumarinas, amido e saponinas nas raízes. Esses resultados são parâmetros importantes para o controle de qualidade dessa matéria-prima vegetal.

Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. (manacá) is a shrub whose roots are popularly used against stomach pains, headache, muscle pain, liver disorders, rheumatism and as an appetite stimulant. The leaves are used as a blood depurative and for liver and kidney disease. The purpose of this work was to perform the morphological and anatomical study, the phytochemical screening and determine the water content and the levels of total and acid of S. odoratissima. The plant material was collected in Leopoldo de Bulhões/ Goiás and the morpho-anatomical studies and the phytochemical screening were performed using conventional techniques. It was verified that the leaf is hypostomatic, with anomocytic stomata and the epidermis has papillae on the abaxial surface. The mesophyll is dorsiventral and the midrib presents druses of calcium oxalate and secretory cavities. The petiole has a circular vascular system. The root in primary growth presents vascular cylinder with diarchic organization. Phenols, tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, triterpenes/sterols, anthraquinones and anthocyanins were detected in the phytochemical screening of the leaves, and alkaloids, coumarins, saponins and starch were detected in the roots. These results are important parameters for the quality control of the vegetal raw material.

Estudo botânico, fitoquímico e fisico-químico de Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) / Botanical, phytochemical and physicochemical study of Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae)

Euphorbia hirta L., popularmente conhecida por erva andorinha, tem sido utilizada no tratamento de distúrbios respiratórios e como antiespasmódico. Esse trabalho foi realizado com a finalidade de determinar as características macroscópicas e microscópicas das folhas, caule e raiz dessa planta, uma vez que estas são as partes usadas popularmente. Algumas características de valor na sua diagnose foram apontadas e ilustradas por fotomicrografias. Reações de fitoquímica e a determinação do conteúdo de água e de cinzas foram realizadas no pó obtido da planta inteira, parte essa utilizada na fitoterapia Ayuverda. Na prospecção fitoquímica foram encontrados flavonóides, mucilagem, resinas e cumarinas. Na determinação do teor de água, de cinzas totais e de cinzas insolúveis em ácido, os valores encontrados foram 8,99%, 9,35%, 0,75%, respectivamente. Com o desenvolvimento deste trabalho foi possível obter parâmetros para o controle de qualidade das folhas, caule e raízes de E. hirta.

The Euphorbia hirta L. has been used in the treatment of respiratory disorders and as an antispasmodic. This work was carried out to determine the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the leaves, stems and roots of this plant, as these parts are commonly used. Some features of value in their diagnosis were identified and illustrated by photomicrographs. Phytochemical reactions and determination of water and ash contents were carried out in the powder obtained from the whole plant, the part used in Ayurveda phytomedicine. In phytochemical screening, we found flavonoids, mucilage, resins and coumarins. The values of water content, total ashes and acid insoluble ashes were 8.99%, 9.35%, 0.75%, respectively. The data obtained are important for the quality control of the leaves, stems and roots of E. hirta.

Preparo e caracterização de tinturas das folhas de chá verde [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] Theaceae / Preparation and characterization of Theaceae green tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] leaf tinctures

Tinturas preparadas com as folhas de Camellia sinensis (chá verde), foram caracterizadas visando a obtenção de extratos enriquecidos em polifenóis. As tinturas foram obtidas por meio de maceração estática da droga pulverizada, com diferentes misturas de 60, 70, 80 e 94,5% de etanol em água. Em seguida foram filtradas e, após 8 dias de extração, realizaram-se as analises: organoléptica, pH, densidade, determinação do resíduo seco, perfil cromatográfico por camada delgada, e teor de polifenóis. Os resultados demonstraram que o solvente (mistura hidroalcoólica a 60 ou 70%) extraiu a maior quantidade de constituintes químicos do chá verde; também foi o mais seletivo ao extrair, especificamente os polifenóis. Estes dados sugerem que a utilização de álcool etílico a 60 ou 70% conduz à obtenção de tinturas mais ricas em polifenóis, a partir das folhas do chá verde (C. sinensis).

In this work, we prepared and characterized Camellia sinensis leaf tinctures aiming to obtain a polyphenol-enriched extract. The tinctures were prepared through the static maceration process of the powdered drug, at different mixtures 60, 70, 80 and 94.5% of ethanol in water. The tinctures were filtered, and after 8 days of extraction, submitted to organoleptic analysis, determination of pH, density analysis, dry residue analysis, thin layer chromatographic profile and polyphenol percentage analysis. The results showed that the 60 or 70% alcohol-water mixture has the best extraction of the constituents of green tea and it was more selective to extract, specifically, the polyphenols of the plant. These data suggest the use of 60 or 70% ethanol to carry out polyphenol-enriched tinctures from green tea leaves (C. sinensis).

Composição química do óleo essencial e avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial, extrato etanólico bruto e frações das folhas de Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil / Chemical composition of the essential oil and evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of essential oil, crude ethanol extract and fractions of Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. leaves

A Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil (manacá) é utilizada popularmente como depurativo do sangue, nas afecções renais e hepáticas (chá das folhas) para dores musculares, de estômago, de cabeça, e disfunções hepáticas (chá das raízes). O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a composição química do óleo essencial e a atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial, do extrato etanólico bruto e frações obtidos das folhas de S. odoratissima contra bactérias Gram positivas e negativas, e Candida albicans. O extrato bruto das folhas foi obtido por maceração seguido de concentração em rotaevaporador e as frações por partição em coluna filtrante. O pó das folhas foi submetido à hidrodestilação em aparelho de Clevenger e o óleo essencial obtido foi analisado por CG/EM. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada pelo método da diluição em ágar para determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). Os constituintes majoritários do óleo essencial foram ß-cariofileno (20,64%), γ-muuroleno (17,70%), biciclogermacreno (14,73%), e δ-cadineno (13,40%). No estudo da atividade antimicrobiana de S. odoratissima, os principais resultados foram obtidos contra Staphylococus epidermidis (extrato etanólico bruto, CIM de 0,098 mg/mL), C. albicans (fração hexano, CIM de 0,049 mg/mL), Bacillus cereus (diclorometano, CIM de 0,098 mg/mL), Micrococcus roseus (fração acetato de etila, CIM 0,049 mg/mL), e M. roseus, Micrococus luteus, B. cereus e C. albicans (fração metanol, CIM de 0,391 mg/mL).

Spiranthera odoratissima ("manacá") has been popularly used as a blood cleanser, for liver and kidney diseases (tea from the leaves), as well as for muscle and stomach pains, headache and liver disorders (tea from the roots). The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil and the antimicrobial activity of essential oil, crude ethanol extract and fractions of S. odoratissima leaves against Gram-positive and negative bacteria and Candida albicans. The crude extract of the leaves was obtained by maceration and was concentrated in a rotavapor, while the fractions were obtained by partition on column filter. The powdered leaves underwent hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus and the obtained essential oil was analyzed by GC/MS. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by using the agar dilution method for determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The major constituents of the essential oil were ß-caryophyllene (20.64%), γ-muurolene (17.70%), bicyclogermacrene (14.73%) and δ-cadinene (13.40%). The main results for S. odoratissima antimicrobial activity were found against Staphylococcus epidermidis (crude ethanol extract, MIC of 0.098 mg/mL), C. albicans (hexane fraction, MIC of 0.049 mg/mL), Bacillus cereus (dichloromethane fraction, MIC of 0.098 mg/mL), Micrococcus roseus (ethyl acetate fraction, MIC of 0.049 mg/mL) and M. roseus, Micrococcus luteus, B. cereus and C. albicans (methanol fraction, MIC of 0.391 mg/mL).

Quantificação de fenóis totais presentes nas cascas de Trichillia catigua A. Juss (Meliaceae) / Quantification of total phenols present in the bark of Trichilia catigua A. Juss (Meliaceae)

Trichillia catigua A. Juss. é uma planta medicinal utilizada principalmente como estimulante, possivelmente devido à presença de fenóis. Entre os métodos utilizados para a determinação de polifenóis em matérias-primas vegetais destaca-se a análise por meio de ensaios espectrofotométricos por apresentarem boa sensibilidade, simplicidade, e ter custos mais acessíveis. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de validar a metodologia analítica para determinação de polifenóis na casca de catuaba em pó. Utilizou-se o método de Hagerman & Butler para a quantificação dos polifenóis totais encontrando-se 7,96%. O método validado mostrou-se simples, rápido, seletivo, linear, exato, preciso, e robusto para ser executado na rotina de laboratório de controle de qualidade, constituindo uma possibilidade de análise desta planta medicinal.

Trichilia catigua A. Juss. is a medicinal plant used especially as a stimulant, possibly due to the presence of phenols. Among the methods used for the determination of polyphenols in raw plant materials is analysis through spectrophotometric assays since they have good sensitivity, are simple and more affordable. This study aimed to validate the analytical methodology for the determination of polyphenols in the bark of powder "catuaba". The method of Hagerman & Butler was employed in the quantification of total polyphenols, yielding 7.96%. The validated method has proven to be simple, rapid, selective, linear, accurate, precise and robust to be performed in the routine of a laboratory of quality control, constituting a possibility for the analysis of this medicinal plant.

Avaliação da toxicidade aguda e da atividade cicatrizante dos extratos etanólicos das folhas e raízes da Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers (Bignoniaceae) / Evaluation of acute and healing activity of ethanol extracts of Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers (Bignoniaceae) leaves and roots

Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers é uma espécie da flora do Cerrado cujas folhas e caules são utilizados popularmente no tratamento de feridas e úlceras externas, enquanto as raízes são empregadas para dores abdominais e no tratamento da sarna. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a toxicidade aguda dos extratos etanólicos das folhas e raízes nas doses de 2000 e 5000 mg kg-1 em ratos e camundongos e a atividade cicatrizante das soluções aquosas contendo 2% desses extratos em feridas cutâneas em ratos. A contração das bordas das feridas foi avaliada por análises histológicas e morfométricas após 4, 7 e 14 dias de tratamento e por reação imunohistoquímica após 7 dias de tratamento. Os extratos etanólicos das folhas e raízes não apresentaram toxicidade na dose de 2000 mg kg-1 para ratos e camundongos e na dose de 5000 mg kg-1 para ratos. Nos camundongos, a dose de 5000 mg kg-1 dos extratos das folhas e raízes provocou alterações histológicas no fígado. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na contração das feridas entre os grupos tratados com os extratos das folhas e das raízes e o controle após 4 e 7 dias de tratamento. Após 14 dias de tratamento, 50% dos animais tratados com o extrato das raízes apresentaram reepitelização total das feridas e reconstrução parcial dos anexos. A alantoína, isolada do extrato etanólico da raiz, pode ser considerada como um dos metabólitos secundários responsáveis pela aceleração da reepitelização.

Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers is a Brazilian Cerrado species whose leaves and stems are commonly used to treat external wounds and ulcers and the roots are used for abdominal pain and to treat scabies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of ethanol extracts from the leaves and roots of M. nodosa at 2000 and 5000 mg kg-1 doses in rats and mice and to evaluate the healing activity of aqueous solutions containing 2% of these extracts on skin wounds in rats. The contraction of the wounds was evaluated by histological and morphometric analysis after 4, 7 and 14 days of treatment and by immunohistochemistry analysis after 7 days of treatment. The ethanol extracts of leaves and roots presented no toxicity at a 2000 mg kg-1 dose for rats and mice, and at a 5000 mg kg-1 dose for rats. Histological changes in the liver of mice were verified with a 5000 mg kg-1 dose of the leaf and root extracts. Macroscopic and histological differences were not observed in the contraction of wounds between the groups treated with leaf and root extracts and the control group after 4 and 7 days of treatment. After 14 days of treatment, 50% of the animals treated with the root extract presented total re-epithelialization of wounds and partial reconstruction of the annexes. Allantoin, isolated from the root ethanol extract, can be considered one of the secondary metabolites responsible for accelerating re-epithelialization.

Ação do óleo essencial de Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry sobre as hifas de alguns fungos fitopatogênicos / Action of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry essential oil on the hyphae of some phytopathogenic fungi

Atualmente o uso de métodos alternativos para o controle de doenças e pragas na agricultura, visando minimizar os danos ao meio ambiente e à saúde pública é uma prática reconhecida e necessária. Este trabalho objetivou investigar a ação do óleo essencial de Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry sobre o crescimento micelial in vitro dos fungos fitopatogênicos Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum e Macrophomina phaseolina. A análise por cromatografia gasosa acoplada com espectrometria de massa possibilitou a identificação de eugenol (83,6 por cento), acetato de eugenila (11,6 por cento) e cariofileno (4,2 por cento). A avaliação microscópica dos micélios dos fungos evidenciou diversas alterações morfológicas, como a presença de vacúolos, desorganização dos conteúdos celulares, diminuição na nitidez da parede celular, intensa fragmentação e menor turgência das hifas. O óleo essencial de cravo apresentou atividade fungicida na concentração de 0,15 por cento sobre o crescimento de R. solani, F. oxysporum e F. solani, entretanto não demonstrou essa atividade sobre M. phaseolina. Esses resultados indicam perspectivas favoráveis para posterior uso do óleo de cravo no controle desses fitopatógenos na agricultura.

Currently, the use of alternative methods to control diseases and pests in agriculture has been a recognized and necessary practice to minimize damages to the environment and public health. This study aimed to investigate the action of clove [Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry] essential oil on the in vitro mycelial growth of the phytopathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry allowed the identification of eugenol (83.6 percent), eugenyl acetate (11.6 percent) and caryophyllene (4.2 percent). Microscopic evaluation of mycelia showed several morphological changes such as presence of vacuoles, cell content disorganization, decreased cell wall clearness, intense fragmentation and lower turgescence of hyphae. Clove essential oil showed fungicidal activity at 0.15 percent on the growth of R. solani, F. oxysporum and F. solani, but not for M. phaseolina. These results indicate favorable perspectives for future use of clove essential oil to control these phytopathogens in agriculture.

Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana do extrato etanólico bruto da casca da sucupira branca (Pterodon emarginatus Vogel) - Fabaceae / Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of crude ethanol extract from the bark of "sucupira branca" (Pterodon emarginatus Vogel) - Fabaceae

Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (Fabaceae) é uma árvore do Cerrado conhecida popularmente como "sucupira branca, faveiro, fava de sucupira e sucupira lisa" e utilizada na medicina popular em preparações anti-reumáticas, antiinflamatórias, analgésicas e antiinfecciosas. Esse trabalho teve por objetivo fazer a triagem fitoquímica do pó e avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato etanólico bruto das cascas da P. emarginatus contra bactérias Gram-positivas, Gram-negativas e o fungo Candida albicans. O extrato etanólico bruto foi obtido a partir das cascas dessecadas e pulverizadas. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) do extrato bruto foi determinada utilizando-se o inoculador de Steers. Os testes fitoquímicos detectaram a presença de flavonóides, heterosídeos saponínicos, resinas e traços de esteróides e triterpenóides. As CIM do extrato etanólico foram de 0,18 mg mL-1 para as bactérias Gram-positivas Rhodococcus equi ATCC 25923, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341, Micrococcus roseus IPTSP/UFG e para as bactérias Gram-negativas Serratia marcescens ATCC 14756 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027; de 0,37 mg mL-1 para a Enterobacter cloacae FT 505 LEMC/EPM/UFG e de 0,74 mg mL-1 para as demais bactérias testadas e para o fungo C. albicans. O presente estudo abre perspectivas para o uso da cascas da P. emarginatus como antimicrobiano.

Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (Fabaceae) is a Cerrado tree popularly known as "sucupira branca", "faveiro", "fava de sucupira" and "sucupira lisa" and has been used in folk medicine as antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-infective. The aim of this work was to perform the phytochemical screening of the powder and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of crude ethanol extract from P. emarginatus barks against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and the fungus Candida albicans. The crude ethanol extract was obtained from desiccated and pulverized barks. Its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by using Steers inoculator. The phytochemical tests detected the presence of flavonoids, saponin heterosides, resins and traces of steroids and triterpenoids. Ethanol extract MICs were 0.18 mg mL-1 for the Gram-positive bacteria Rhodococcus equi ATCC 25923, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 and Micrococcus roseus IPTSP/UFG, and for the Gram-negative bacteria Serratia marcescens ATCC 14756 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027; 0.37 mg mL-1 for Enterobacter cloacae FT 505 LEMC/EPM/UFG; and 0.74 mg mL-1 for the remaining tested bacteria and for the fungus C. albicans. This study opens perspectives for the use of P. emarginatus barks as an antimicrobial drug.

Análise da atividade antimicrobiana das folhas de Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. (Dilleniaceae) / Investigation of antimicrobial activity of Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. leaves (Dilleniaceae)

Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. (Dilleniaceae) é um arbusto,usado popularmente como adstringente, tônico, sedativo, diurético, no tratamento de hemorróidas, hérnia e em aplicações tópicas como anti-séptico na limpeza de ferimentos. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliara atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos etanólicos brutos das folhas de D. elliptica coletadas em Alexânia e Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Os extratos etanólicos brutos foram obtidos, por maceração a frio, a partir das folhas dessecadas e pulverizadas. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada utilizando 25 cepas de microrganismos (Gram-negativos, Gram-positivos e levedura) através da determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) utilizando-se o inoculador de Steers. Os extratos obtidos de plantas coletados nas duas localidades inibiram o crescimento de todas as cepas avaliadas. O extrato da amostra coletada em Alexânia apresentou atividade antimicrobiana com CIM variando de 0,371 mg/mL a 0,743 mg/mL. O extrato da amostra coletada em Goiânia apresentou CIM variando de < 0,023 mg/mL a 11,9 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólicos brutos das folhas de D. elliptica foram mais ativos contra as bactérias Gram-positivas do que para as bactérias Gram-negativas.

Davilla elliptica St.-Hil.(Dilleniaceae) is a shrub, whose leaves are traditionally used in Brazilian popular medicine as an astringent, tonic, sedative and diuretic and to treat hemorrhoids and hernia and it is applied a topical antiseptic to clean wounds. The aim in this study was to assess the antimicrobial activity of crude ethanol extracts of D. elliptica leaves collected in the towns of Alexânia and Goiânia, state of Goiás, Brazil. The crude extracts were obtained by cold maceration, of the dried and pulverized leaves in ethanol. Antimicrobial activities against 25 strains of microorganisms (Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and a yeast) were tested determining by the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) in agar plates inoculated with using a Steers replicator. Extracts of from inhibited the growth of all strains evaluated. The extract of the sample collected in Alexânia showed antimicrobial activity with MICs ranging from 0.371 mg/mL to 0.743 mg/mL, while that collected in Goiânia showed MICs ranging from <0.023 mg/mL to 11.9 mg/mL. The D. elliptica crude leaf ethanol extracts evaluated were more active against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria.

Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana das partes aéreas (folhas e caules) e raízes de Richardia brasiliensis Gomez (Rubiaceae) / Assessment of antimicrobial activity of aerial parts (leaves and stems) and roots of Richardia brasiliensis Gomez (Rubiaceae)

Richardia brasiliensis é uma planta utilizada popularmente como expectorante, emética, diaforética, vermífuga e para o tratamento de hemorróidas. O presente estudo objetivou realizar a prospecção fitoquímica e avaliar a ação antimicrobiana do extrato bruto das partes aéreas e raízes de R. brasiliensis. O extrato etanólico bruto foi obtido a partir do material botânico dessecado e pulverizado. O pó das partes aéreas e raízes foram submetidos à triagem fitoquímica. A atividade antimicrobiana foi realizada contra bactérias Gram-positivas esporuladas e não esporuladas, Gram negativas e a levedura Candida albicans através da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima por diluição em ágar empregando-se o inoculador de Steers. A triagem fitoquímica evidenciou a presença de esteróides, triterpenóides, cumarinas, resinas, alcaloides e flavonóides. A CIM do extrato das partes aéreas variou de 0,37 a 0,74 mg/mL e das raízes de 0,74 a 11,9 mg/mL. Concluiu-se que tanto o extrato etanólico bruto das partes aéreas quanto das raízes apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana.

Richardia brasiliensis is a neotropical perennial her bused in Brazilian popular medicine as an expectorant, emetic, diaphoretic, vermifuge and to treat hemorrhoids. This paper reports the phytochemical screening and the antimicrobial activity of crude ethanol extracts of the aerial parts and roots of this plant. The crude ethanol extracts were prepared from dried, pulverized botanical material. The aerial parts and roots powder was screened for classes of phytochemicals. The antimicrobial activity was tested against spore-forming and non-sporing Gram-positive bacteria, Gramnegative bacteria and Candida albicans by the agardilution method, inoculating the series of plates at multiple points with a Steers replicator to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each organism. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, triterpenes, coumarins, resins, alkaloids and flavonoids. The MIC of the extract of aerial parts varied from 0.37 to 0.74 mg/mL and that of the roots from 0.74 to 11.9 mg/mL. It was concluded that the crude ethanolic extracts of both the aerial parts and the roots showed antimicrobial activity.

Caracterização farmacognóstica de folhas de Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. (Dilleniaceae) / Pharmacognostic characterization of the leaves of Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. (Dilleniaceae)

Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. é empregada popularmente no tratamento de hemorróidas, diarréias e ferimentos. O propósito deste trabalho foi realizar o estudo farmacognóstico de folhas de D. elliptica de dois locais do Estado de Goiás. Cortes paradérmicos e transversais foram submetidos a técnicas usuais de microscopia óptica. As folhas de D. elliptica são hipoestomáticas, sendo os estômatos predominantemente paracíticos. Na epiderme observam-se tricomas unicelulares em ambas faces. O mesofilo é isobilateral e apresenta idioblastos cristalíferos. O sistema vascular na nervura principal é constituído por três feixes vasculares, formando uma estrutura circular. No pecíolo o sistema vascular apresenta uma estrutura circular formada, provavelmente, pela união de vários feixes vasculares. O material pulverizado foi submetido a testes de prospecção fitoquímica, de pureza e quantitativo. Foi constatada a presença de taninos, cumarinas, resinas, flavonóides, saponinas, esteróides e triterpenóides. Os teores de cinzas totais foram de 10,32 por cento e 12,26 por cento; os de cinzas insolúveis em ácido, 7,46 por cento e 9,68 por cento; e os de umidade, 9,92 por cento e 9,50 por cento. Os teores de flavonóides totais foram de 1,20 por cento e 1,48 por cento, e os de taninos 9,89 por cento e 13,96 por cento. Devido ao número reduzido de amostras, não é possível afirmar, através deste estudo, que o perfil farmacognóstico de D. elliptica seja influenciado por fatores abióticos.

Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. is popularly used in the treatment of hemorrhoid, diarrhea and wounds. The aim of this work was to characterize pharmacognosticaly two leaves samples of D. elliptica. Paradermal and transversal sections had been submitted the usual techniques of optical microscopy. The leaves of D. elliptica are hypostomatics, and the stomata predominantly paracytic. In both epidermis were observed unicellular non-glandular trichomes. The mesophyll is isolateral and shows idioblasts with crystals in raphide. The vascular system in the midrib is constituted by three vascular bundles, forming a circular structure. The petiole shows a circular structure probably formed by union of many vascular bundles localized in the central region. The powdered plant material was submitted to tests of phytochemical prospection, of purity and quantitative. There had been evidenced the presence of tannins, coumarins, resins, flavonoids, saponins and steroids. The content of total ashes was of 10,32 percent and 12,26 percent, insoluble in acid of 7,46 percent and 9,68 percent; the humidity of 9,92 percent and 9,50 percent. The flavonoids contents was of 1,20 percent and 1,48 percent; the tannins contents was of 9,89 percent and 13,96 percent. Because of the reduced number of samples, it was not possible to affirm through this study that the pharmacognostic profile de D. elliptica is influenced by abiotics factors.

Magnesium depletion with hypo- or hyper- function of the biological clock may be involved in chronopathological forms of asthma.

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the airways leading to airflow limitation. Its worldwide rise, mainly in developed countries, is a matter of concern. Nocturnal asthma (NA) frequently occurs and concerns two thirds of asthmatics. But, it remains controversial whether NA is a distinct entity or is a manifestation of more severe asthma. Generally, it is considered as an exacerbation of the underlying pathology. The pathological mechanisms most likely involve endogenous circadian rhythms with pathological consequences on both respiratory inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. A decrease in blood and tissue magnesium levels is frequently reported in asthma and often testifies to a true magnesium depletion. The link with magnesium status and chronobiology are well established. The quality of magnesium status directly influences the Biological Clock (BC) function, represented by the suprachiasmatic nuclei and the pineal gland. Conversely, BC dysrythmias influence the magnesium status. Two types of magnesium deficits must be clearly distinguished: deficiency corresponding to an insufficient intake which can be corrected through mere nutritional Mg supplementation and depletion due to a dysregulation of the magnesium status which cannot be corrected through nutritional supplementation only, but requires the more or less specific correction of the dysregulation mechanisms. Both in clinical and in animal experiments, the dysregulation mechanisms of magnesium depletion associate a reduced magnesium intake with various types of stress including biological clock dysrhythmias. The differenciation between Mg depletion forms with hyperfunction of BC (HBC) and forms with hypofunction of BC (hBC) is seminal and the main biological marker is melatonin (MT) production alteration. We hypothesize that magnesium depletion with HBC or hBC may be involved in chronopathological forms of asthma. Nocturnal asthma would be linked to HBC, represented by an increase in MT levels. The corresponding clinical forms associate diverse expressions of nervous hypoexcitability such as depression, cluster headaches, dyssomnia, mainly advanced sleep phase syndrome, some clinical forms of chronic fatigue syndrome and of fibromyalgia. The main comorbidities are depression and/or asthenia. They take place during the night or the "bad" seasons (autumn and winter) when sunshine is at a minimum. The corresponding chronopathological therapy relies on bright light phototherapy sometimes with additional psychoanaleptics. Conversely, asthma forms linked to hBC are less frequently studied as a whole and present a decrease in MT levels. They associate various signs of nervous hyperexcitability such as anxiety, diurnal cephalalgia (mainly migraine), dyssomnia, mainly delayed sleep phase syndrome, and some clinical forms of chronic fatigue syndrome and of fibromyalgia. The treatment relies on diverse forms of "darkness therapy", possibly with the help of some psycholeptics. Finally, the treatment of asthma involves the maintenance of a standard dosing schedule of anti-asthma drugs, a balanced magnesium intake and the appropriate treatment of the chronopathological disorders.

Importance of magnesium depletion with hypofunction of the biological clock in the pathophysiology of headhaches with photophobia, sudden infant death and some clinical forms of multiple sclerosis.

Mg depletion is a type of Mg deficit due to a dysregulation of the Mg status. It cannot be corrected through nutritional supplementation only, but requires the most specific correction of the dysregulating mechanism. Among those, Biological Clock (BC) dysrhythmias are to be considered. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical forms of Mg depletion with hypofunction of the Biological Clock (hBC). hBC may be due to either Primary disorders of BC [Suprachiasmatic Nuclei (SCN) and pineal gland (PG)] or Secondary with homeostatic response [reactive Photophobia (Pphi] to light neurostimulating effects [Nervous Hyper Excitability (NHE)]. The symptomatology is mainly diurnal and observed during fair weather (Spring,Summer). The elective marker of hBC is represented by a decrease in melatonin and in its metabolites in various fluids. The clinical forms of NHE due to Mg depletion with hBC are central and peripheral. The central forms associate anxiety, headaches and dyssomnia. The peripheral manifestations are neuromuscular: photosensitive epilepsia mainly. Three chronopathological forms of Mg depletion with hBC have been highlighted: 1. Headaches with Pphi: mainly migraine; 2. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); 3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS).- Headaches with Pphi, migraine particularly. These cephalalgias are diurnal with Pphi and are aggravated during the fair seasons (particularly during midnight sun-summer). Migraine is their typical form with its dishabituation to visual stimuli and its occipital cortex hyperexcitability. Comorbidity with anxiety is frequent. In 2/3 of the cases, it appears first.- SIDS might be linked to an impaired maturation of both photoendocrine system and brown adipose tissue. MS may be associated with primary disorders of BC Clinical forms of Mg depletion with hBC in MS present diurnal exacerbations and relapses during fair seasons. They have been underestimated because they disagree with the dogma of the << latitude gradient >>, presently questioned. Comorbidities with anxiety and migraine are frequent.hBC may be treated by using darkness therapy with a balanced Mg status. Absolute light deprivation should only be used only in acute indications and is time-limited. Partial substitutive therapy and chromatotherapy have not been validated yet and are still uncertain.

Chronopathological forms of magnesium depletion with hypofunction or with hyperfunction of the biological clock.

The main mechanisms of the chronopathological forms of magnesium depletion associate a low Mg intake with various dysregulating biorhythms. The differentiation between forms with hyperfunction and forms with hypofunction of the biological clock is seminal and the main marker is the production of melatonin (MT). The clinical forms of the various patterns of the chronopathological forms of Mg depletion may be central or peripheral. The clinical forms with hyperfunction of the biological clock (marker: increase in MT) may associate diverse expressions of nervous hypoexcitability: depression (i.e. Seasonal affective disease); cephalalgias nocturnal, without photophobia (i.e. cluster headaches); dyssomnia LASPS (advanced sleep phase syndrome) particularly]; asthenia and myalgias (i.e. fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome). The main comorbidity is found with depressive states. The therapy relies on classical bright light phototherapy, sometimes associated with psychoanaleptics. The clinical forms with hypofunction of biological clock (marker: decrease in MT) may associate various signs of nervous hyperexcitability (HEN): anxiety (from generalized anxiety to panic attacks); cephalalgias diurnal with photophobia (mainly migraine); dyssomnia [DSPS (delayed sleep phase syndrome) particularly, jet lag, night work disorders, age related insomnia, sometimes with inappropriate behaviour; photogenic epilepsia, generalized or focal; some clinical forms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. The main comorbidity is between migraine and epilepsia. The treatment relies on the diverse forms of darkness therapy, possibly with the help of some psycholeptics: anxiolytics and anticonvulsants. The indications of chromatotherapy remain to be validated.

Lupine-induced anaphylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Legumes are one of the most common foods causing allergic reactions in children and adults. Cross-reacting antibodies are frequently demonstrated in this family but the real clinical cross-reactivity is uncommon. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of lupine-induced anaphylaxis and to elucidate in vivo and in vitro cross-reactivity with some legumes. METHODS: Skin prick test (SPT) with some legumes were performed. Cap-IgE, ELISA-IgE, and immunoblotting were carried out. Open oral challenges with some legumes were performed. Cross-reactivity was studied by ELISA and immunoblotting inhibition. RESULTS: The results demonstrated type-I hypersensitivity reactions with lupine and some other legumes. Cap-IgE with peanut was positive but the SPT and ELISA-IgE were negative and the patient tolerated a peanut challenge. ELISA inhibition revealed a partial inhibition (62%) using lupine as the solid phase. Partial inhibition was demonstrated by immunoblotting inhibition. Open oral challenge with peanut and green bean were negative but positive with pea. CONCLUSION: We present a lupine sensitized patient with positive SPT and in vitro cross-reactivity with other legumes. Clinical cross-reactivity progressively developed over a 5-year period. Discrepancies were found between the clinical aspect and in vitro study of peanut allergy. Factors determining the wide variability in cross-reactivity among individuals are still obscure.

Cardiovasoprotective foods and nutrients: possible importance of magnesium intake.

Various highly efficient cardiovasoprotective diets associate reduced intake of total and saturated fats, reasonable supply of monounsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids, moderate consumption of alcohol, increased intake of cereals, fruits, vegetables, fish and low fat dairy products. Among several protective nutrients magnesium should be given particular consideration because of the very frequent occurrence of chronic primary magnesium deficiency which appears to act as a cardiovascular risk factor and also reversely, because of the noticeable high level of the magnesium content in cardiovasoprotective diets.

Magnesium status and ageing: an update.

Ageing constitutes a risk factor for magnesium deficit. Primary magnesium deficit originates from two etiological mechanisms: deficiency and depletion. Primary magnesium deficiency is due to insufficient magnesium intake. Dietary amounts of magnesium are marginal in the whole population whatever the age. Nutritional deficiencies are more pronounced in institutionalized than in free-living ageing groups. Primary magnesium depletion is due to dysregulation of factors controlling magnesium status: intestinal magnesium hypoabsorption, reduced magnesium bone uptake and mobilisation, sometimes urinary leakage, hyperadrenoglucocorticism by decreased adaptability to stress, insulin-resistance and adrenergic hyporeceptivity. Secondary magnesium deficit in ageing largely results from various pathologies and treatments common to elderly persons: i.e. non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and use of hypermagnesuric diuretics. Magnesium deficit may participate in the clinical pattern of ageing: mainly neuromuscular, cardiovascular and renal symptomatologies. The consequences of hyperadrenoglucocorticism--whose non response to dexamethasone suppression test appears the simplest marker--may concern immunosuppression, muscle atrophy, centralization of fat mass, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, disturbances in mood and mental performances through accelerated hippocampal ageing particularly. Treatment of magnesium deficiency requires simple oral physiological magnesium supplementation. Treatment of the different types of magnesium depletion leads to a more or less specific control of pathophysiological disturbances of the required magnesium substrate. Open and double blind studies on the effects of the treatments of magnesium deficiency and of magnesium depletions in geriatic populations are too scarce. Further study is necessary to assess the accurate place of magnesium deficit in the physiopathology of ageing.

Neurotic, neuromuscular and autonomic nervous form of magnesium imbalance.

The nervous form of magnesium imbalance represents the best documented experimental and clinical aspects of magnesium disorders. The nervous form of primary magnesium deficit (MD) in the adult appears as the best descriptive model for analysis of the symptomatology, aetiology, physiopathology, diagnosis and therapy of the most frequent form of MD. Nervous hyperexcitability due to chronic MD in the adult results in a non-specific clinical pattern with associated central and peripheral neuromuscular symptoms, analogous to the symptomatology previously described in medical literature as latent tetany, hyperventilation syndrome, spasmophilia, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurocirculatory asthenia and idiopathic Barlow's disease. On encountering this non-specific pattern, the signs of neuromuscular hyperexcitability are of much greater importance. Trousseau's sign is less sensitive than Chvostek's sign, but their sensitivities are increased by hyperventilation (Von Bondsdorff's test). Examination of the precordial area will be conducted in order to search clinical stigmata of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) which is a frequent dyskinesia due to chronic MD (about a quarter to one-third of cases). The electromyogram (EMG) shows one (or several) trains of autorhythmic activities beating for more than 2 min of one of the three tetanic activities (uniplets, multiplets or 'complex tonicoclonic tracings') during one of the three facilitation procedures: tourniquet-induced ischaemia lasting 10 min. post-ischaemia lasting 10 min after the removal of the tourniquet and hyperventilation over 5 min. A repetitive EMG constitutes the principal mark of nervous hyperexcitability (NHE) due to MD. The echocardiogram (ECC) is the best tool for detecting MVP, the 2-dimensional ECC with pulsed Doppler being more accurate than time-motion ECC. The routine ionic investigations comprise five static tests: plasma and erythrocyte magnesium, plasma calcium and daily magnesiuria and calciuria. An evaluation of magnesium intake is desirable. Normal concentrations of magnesium in blood do not rule out the diagnosis of the nervous form of primary chronic MD. The histograms of MD group reveal Gaussian type magnesaemias with significantly lower means and the constituent elements can be individually hypo- (one-third of cases), normo- (about two-thirds of cases) and even, exceptionally, hyper-magnesaemic. The diagnosis of MD requires an oral magnesium load test. At physiological dose (5 mg of Mg/kg/day), oral magnesium is totally devoid of the pharmacological effects of parenteral magnesium. Corrections of symptomatology by this oral physiological magnesium load is the best proof that it was due to magnesium deficiency. In particular clinical forms, more sophisticated studies may be useful: standard and quantitative electroencephalograms, electropolygraphic studies of afternoon sleep, electronystagmography, optokinetic test, skin conductance reflex, psychometric inventories, standard or monitoring electrocardiogram, treadmill test, other static and dynamic investigations: e.g. ionized free Mg2+, lymphocyte Mg, brain Mg, cerebrospinal Mg, Mg balance, Mg parenteral load test, glucose load, and even radio-isotope study, the only one able to reveal intestinal magnesium hypersecretion. Nervous primary chronic MD progresses by phases of decompensation against a background of latency. Marginal magnesium deficiency, that is to say an insufficient magnesium intake which merely requires simple oral physiological supplementation, is fundamental in the aetiology of primary magnesium deficit. However a constitutional homeostatic lability of the nervous system or of magnesium metabolism such as belonging to the B35 type of HLA group must be involved. Part of the aetiology of this magnesium deficit is a magnesium depletion, where the disorder which induces magnesium deficit is related to a dysregulation of the control mechanisms of magnesium status which requires a more or less difficult

Are age-related neurodegenerative diseases linked with various types of magnesium depletion?

Age-related human neurodegenerative diseases are a major social and medical problem. It is therefore logical to take into consideration every theory with an overall approach to neurodegenerative diseases. This environmental proposal relies mainly on data concerning the Western Pacific amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Parkinsonism-dementia complex (WP ALS-PD) considered as 'a prototypal human neurodegenerative disease' and on extrapolation from it to the bulk of neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). NDD would be due to an accelerated ageing process in certain populations of neurons due to the noxious synergy of (1) increased environmental slow deleterious factors (such as slow toxins) and of (2) decreased environmental protective factors (Mg deficient intake particularly). First, it was observed that three apparently dissimilar conditions occurred at extraordinary high rates in the Guam area: motoneuron disease (ALS), Parkinson's disease (P) and Alzheimer's-like dementia (D). Next, several other foci of endemic ALS-PD were found in Asia and Oceania in three Western Pacific population groups. These included the Chamorro people in Mariana Islands (Guam and Rota), the Auyu and Jakai people of West New Guinea and the Japanese residents of the Kii peninsula (Honshu island). The post-Second World War decline of the occurrence of WP ALS-PD in all three high incidence disease foci coupled with the absence of demonstrable heritable or transmissible factors had led to focus the search for the cause of this degenerative disease on nontransmissible environmental factors that are disappearing as the susceptible population groups acculturate to modern way. Epidemiologic study has shown that preference for traditional Chamorro food is the only one of 23 tested variables significantly associated with an increased risk for PD. An early suggestion incriminated the toxic seed of the false sago palm (Cycas circinalis L) which was used in traditional food and medicine. Laboratory investigation of cycad seed revealed the presence of various toxins and particularly of an 'unusual' non protein aminoacid: L-BMAA (beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine), an excitotoxic aminoacid. This slow toxin presents some structural similarity to another 'unusual' excitotoxic aminoacid: L-BOAA (beta-N-oxalyl-amino-L-alanine), an exogenous neurotoxin present in the grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) whose excessive consumption may cause lathyrism. The excitotoxicity of both L-BMAA and L-BOAA mainly concerns non-NMDA receptors. The neurotoxicity of these aminoacids varies with experimental models failing to induce an experimental model akin to WP ALS-PD or displaying many of the motor-system and behavioral changes of WP ALS-PD. It may be due to the presence of physiological levels of bicarbonate or of various toxic cofactors: bio-organic such as cycasin or inorganic such as pollutant metals e.g. aluminum or manganese, together with the lack of protective factors (e.g. calcium and magnesium deficiencies). Combined Al intoxication with Ca-Mg deficiencies is a reasonable model to investigate the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and eventually to screen their treatments. It may also be considered as a model of magnesium deficit, but it does not concern simple magnesium deficiency reversible with mere oral physiological magnesium supplementation. Magnesium deficiency cannot result in neurodegenerative disease. Combined Al intoxication with Ca-Mg deficiencies is not reversible through physiological oral magnesium supplementation. It therefore constitutes a type of experimental magnesium depletion model, instrumental in the investigation of the pathogenesis of magnesium depletion and in the screening of its still unknown possible treatments. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Comparative studies of Ca N-acetylhomotaurinate and Ca N-acetyltaurinate. I. Effects on the ionic transfer through the isolated human amnion.

The effects of two taurine and homotaurine derivatives (Ca N-acetyltaurinate: ATACa and Ca N-acetylhomotaurinate: AOTACa) were studied on the ionic transfer through a membranous model: the human isolated amniotic membrane. The ionic transfer was evaluated by measurements of the various components (cellular and paracellular) of the total conductance across the membrane. AOTACa influenced all the components of the total ionic conductance without flux ratio modifications and the general action scheme was a biphasic effect: decrease conductance with low concentrations and increase conductance with high concentrations. This effect might be important in the case of lower or higher supplementation. ATACa only interfered with some conductance components and this action was predominantly monophasic (decreased or increased conductance). This study indicates differential actions between two closely related molecules on a membranous model.