Lentinus crinitus: Traditional use, phytochemical and pharmacological activities, and industrial and biotechnological applications.

The saprophytic basidiomycete Lentinus crinitus (L.) Fr is a Brazilian native fungus with pantropical occurrence. L. crinitus produces edible fruiting bodies with medicinal, nutritional, and biotechnological applications. The compounds from fungal fruiting bodies can be applied to the preparation of products in the food, cosmetic, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries. Our aim was to review the literature on L. crinitus concerning its botanical description, geographical distribution, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, nutritional value, and biotechnology potential (in vitro cultivation and enzyme production). Scientific search engines, including ScienceDirect, CAPES Journals Portal, Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciFinder, were consulted to gather data on L. crinitus. The present review is an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical compounds, phytopharmacological activities, and biotechnological value of L. crinitus. Extracts from L. crinitus have been reported to exhibit numerous in vitro pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer. The substances in these extracts belong to different classes of chemical compounds such as polysaccharides, fatty acids, terpenes, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Reviews on Brazilian native fungi are of great importance for scientific knowledge, with great applicability as a mirror for species of the same family. The ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, ethnomedicinal, and biotechnological properties of L. crinitus highlighted in this review provide information for future studies and commercial exploitation, and reveal that this fungus has enormous potential for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, biotechnological, and ecological applications.

Utilization of Agro-Industrial Residues in the Rearing and Nutritional Enrichment of Zophobas atratus Larvae: New Food Raw Materials.

Edible insects are a potential alternative food source of high feed conversion efficiency and protein content. Zophobas atratus is an edible insect that adapts to different diets, enabling sustainable rearing by adding value to by-products and agro-industrial residues. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and nutritional characterization of Zophobas atratus larvae fed with different proportions of grape residue. Physicochemical analysis of the diets and larvae (AOAC procedures), fatty acid profile (chromatographic techniques), metals and non-metals (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry), larval mass gain, feed conversion efficiency, and mortality rate were assessed. The replacement of 25% of the conventional diet with grape residue increased lipid, ash, and fiber contents and reduced protein, carbohydrates, and energy. It promoted greater mass gain, lower mortality rate, and reduced larval growth time by 51%. Among the replacements, 25% resulted in the second-highest content of calcium, sodium, magnesium, and zinc, and the lowest content of potassium and phosphorus in the larvae. The 100% replacement resulted in the highest amounts of C18:2n6 (27.8%), C18:3n3 (2.2%), and PUFA (30.0%). Replacing 25% of the conventional diet with grape residue is equivalent to the conventional diet in many aspects and improves several larvae performance indices and nutritional values.

Lithium bioaccumulation in Lentinus crinitus mycelia grown in media with different lithium sources and pH values.

Lentinus crinitus bioaccumulates lithium in mycelia, but bioaccumulation may be affected by pH of the culture medium. Lithium is used in clinical practice as a mood stabilizer and antidepressant. This study aimed to assess the effect of culture medium pH and lithium source (LiCl or Li2CO3) on lithium bioaccumulation in vegetative mycelia of L. crinitus grown in malt extract broth. Lentinus crinitus U9-1 was cultured in malt extract broth supplemented with Li2CO3 or LiCl (50 mg L-1 lithium) in the pH range of 3.0 to 6.0. The pH was adjusted using HCl solution. The results showed that medium pH affected mycelial biomass production, lithium bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass, and lithium transfer from the culture medium to mycelial biomass. The effect of lithium source on the bioaccumulation capacity of mycelial biomass varied according to pH. At pH 4.0, both lithium sources stimulated mycelial biomass production compared to the control without the addition of lithium. At pH 5.5, Li2CO3 provided the highest lithium bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass. Lithium transfer from the culture medium to mycelia was highest in Li2CO3-supplemented cultures at pH 4.5. LiCl reduced hyphal width compared with Li2CO3 and the control. However, pH and lithium sources did not affect the formation of clamp connections in hyphae. For the first time, the influence of the pH of the culture medium on lithium bioaccumulation by Lentinus crinitus is reported. Finally, we conclude that the culture medium pH affected lithium transfer and bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass differently depending on the lithium source. Additionally, we report the presence of clamp connections in the hyphae of L. crinitus as an indicator of even growth.

Long-term cryopreservation of Lentinus crinitus strains by wheat grain technique.

Lentinus crinitus (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) is a saprophytic fungus with biotechnological importance described more than 20 years ago. However, there are few studies on the long-term preservation of this basidiomycete. Cryopreservation is a long-term storage technique that reduces the metabolic activity of microorganisms, but its success depends on the adjustment of the freezing process, the cryoprotectants, and the protective substrates for each species. This study aimed to assess the mycelial viability and genetic stability of L. crinitus strains cryopreserved at -86 °C for two years by the wheat grain technique using different cryoprotectants and freezing methods. Three strains of L. crinitus (U9-1, U13-5, and U15-12) were subjected to different concentrations and types of cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, glucose, and sucrose), freezing methods such as immediate freezing from 25 to -86 °C and progressing freezing from 25 to -86 °C in a freezing container with isopropyl alcohol to control the rate of cell freezing at -1 °C min-1, protective substrate (wheat grain and 2% malt extract agar), and cryopreservation period (1, 6, 12, and 24 months). After thawing, samples were evaluated for mycelial viability, time to mycelial recovery, mycelial stability, and genetic stability of the fungus. All techniques achieved effective cryopreservation at -86 °C, mainly with the wheat grain technique. All cryoprotectants (3.5% glycerol, 1.5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 25% sucrose, and 5% glucose), freezing methods (immediate and gradual), and protective substrate (wheat grain and malt extract agar) were effective for cryopreservation of the three L.crinitus strains in an ultra-low temperature freezer for two years. Mycelial viability, mycelial stability, and genetic stability of the fungus were not affected after two-year cryopreservation, evidencing the robustness of the long-term cryopreservation technique and the fungus.

Endophytic fungi of Brunfelsia uniflora: isolation, cryopreservation, and determination of enzymatic and antioxidant activity.

Brunfelsia uniflora (Pohl.) D. Don (Solanaceae), commonly known as manacá-de-cheiro, is widely distributed in Brazil and used by local indigenous peoples as an antirheumatic, antisyphilitic, depurative, emetic, vermifuge, and purgative agent. Several studies have examined the biological activities and phytochemical profile of Brunfelsia; however, few have focused on the diversity of endophytic microorganisms that colonize members of the genus. This study aimed to isolate and cryopreserve endophytic fungi from B. uniflora and determine their cellulase, laccase, and antioxidant activities. Endophytic fungi were isolated from B. uniflora stems, cultured on wheat grains, immersed in a 150 g L-1 aqueous sucrose solution, and cryopreserved at - 80 °C for 1 and 6 months. Cellulase activity was determined by a qualitative test using carboxymethylcellulose medium and laccase activity by a quantitative test based on the oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate). Prior to antioxidant activity assays, fungi were grown in malt extract broth for production of mycelial biomass. A methanolic extract was prepared for evaluation of DPPH· scavenging activity, FRAP activity, and total phenolic content. A total of 46 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from B. uniflora stems and classified into 24 groups according to morphological similarities. B. uniflora was shown to harbor different genera of ascomycete fungi as endophytic organisms. Mycelial viability was observed after 1 and 6 months of cryopreservation at - 80 °C. Fungi exhibited cellulase and laccase activities. Isolate CE23 had the highest laccase activity after 7 days of cultivation. Twelve isolates were found to have low total phenolic contents and DPPH· and FRAP activities.

Bacopa monnieri: historical aspects to promising pharmacological actions for the treatment on central nervous system diseases / Bacopa monnieri: aspectos históricos de las acciones farmacológicas prometedoras para el tratamiento de enfermedades del sistema nervioso central

Bacopa monnieri(L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae), also known as Brahmi, has been used to improve cognitive processes and intellectual functions that are related to the preservation of memory. The objective of this research is to review the ethnobotanical applications, phytochemical composition, toxicity and activity of B. monnieri in the central nervous system. It reviewed articles on B. monnieri using Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilacs, Medline, and PubMed. Saponins are the main compounds in extracts of B. monnieri. Pharmacological studies showed that B. monnieri improves learning and memory and presents biological effects against Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. No preclinical acute toxicity was reported. However, gastrointestinal side effects were reported in some healthy elderly individuals. Most studies with B. monnieri have been preclinical evaluations of cellular mechanisms in the central nervous system and further translational clinical research needs to be performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the plant.

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae), también conocida como Brahmi, se ha utilizado para mejorar los procesos cognitivos y las funciones intelectuales que están relacionadas con la preservación de la memoria. El objetivo de esta investigación es revisar las aplicaciones etnobotánicas, composición fitoquímica, toxicidad y actividad de B. monnieri en el sistema nervioso central. Se revisaron artículos sobre B. monnieri utilizando Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilacs, Medline y PubMed. Las saponinas son los principales compuestos de los extractos de B. monnieri. Los estudios farmacológicos mostraron que B. monnieri mejora el aprendizaje y la memoria y presenta efectos biológicos contra la enfermedad de Alzheimer, la enfermedad de Parkinson, la epilepsia y la esquizofrenia. No se informó toxicidad aguda preclínica. Sin embargo, se informaron efectos secundarios gastrointestinales en algunos ancianos sanos. La mayoría de los estudios con B. monnieri han sido evaluaciones preclínicas de los mecanismos celulares en el sistema nervioso central y es necesario realizar más investigaciones clínicas traslacionales para evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la planta.

Antimicrobial activity of Annona muricata leaf oleoresin.

Bioactive compounds extracted from plants such as antimicrobials have attracted the attention of consumers and the food industry. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of Annona muricata leaf oleoresin obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction. The oleoresin was obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction and the chemical identification by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution method against 14 foodborne fungi and bacteria. The oleoresin major chemical class was phytosterols (22.7%) and the major compounds were γ-sitosterol (15.7%), α-tocopherol (13.7%), phytol (13.1%), and hexadecanoic acid (11.5%). Minimum inhibitory concentration against bacteria ranged from 0.0025 to 0.010 mg mL-1. The oleoresin had high bactericidal activity against all bacteria, mainly Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 0.005 mg mL-1 minimum bactericidal concentration. However, it had low fungicidal activity. The leaf oleoresin of A. muricata has promising applications in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Larvicidal activity of Brunfelsia uniflora extracts on Aedes aegypti larvae.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and the larvicidal activity of Brunfelsia uniflora leaf and flower extracts against Aedes aegypti larvae. Twenty-four compounds were found in the leaf extract, and the major compounds were phytol (23.1%), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester (21.3%), and hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (12.8%). In the flower extract, twenty-four compounds were also identified and the major compounds were α-amyrin (35.7%), ß-amyrin (16.4%), and (EE)-geranyl linalool (9.6%) by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The larvicidal activity was evaluated by larval immersion test. The lethal concentrations (LC) obtained from leaf extract were LC50 = 4.89 and LC99.9 = 11.14 mg/mL and from flower extract were LC50 = 3.82 and LC99.9 = 11.03 mg/mL, and the positive control presented LC50 = 0.40 and LC99.9 = 1.14 mg/mL. Thus, B. uniflora extracts are promising alternatives to control A. aegypti larvae.

Actividad antioxidante y antibacteriana del aceite esencial de hoja de Myrcianthes pungens / Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Myrcianthes pungens leaf essential oil

Myrcianthes pungens (Myrtaceae) es un árbol nativo de Brasil conocido como guabijú. En nuestro estudio, describimos la composición química del aceite esencial de las hojas secas de M. pungens, la actividad antioxidante por diferentes métodos y la actividad antibacteriana contra Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa. La identificación química se realizó mediante un cromatógrafo de gases acoplado a un espectrómetro de masas y la actividad antibacteriana se evaluó mediante un método de microdilución en caldo. El aceite esencial de la hoja presentó sesquiterpenos de hidrocarburos (42,6%) como su principal clase química cuyos compuestos principales fueron ß-cariofileno (11,7%) y 1,8-cineol (10,1%). La mayor protección antioxidante fue de 57.5 a 63.3% de ß-caroteno. La mayor actividad antibacteriana fue contra S. aureus (MIC de 78.12 µg/mL). Este valor fue 2,56 veces menor que el control positivo de estreptomicina. M. pungens es una fuente prometedora de moléculas naturales con potencial estudio para el desarrollo de productos farmacológicos, cosméticos y alimenticios.

Myrcianthes pungens (Myrtaceae) is a native tree to Brazil known as guabijú. In our study, we described the chemical composition of the essential oil from M. pungens dried leaves, the antioxidant activity by different methods and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The chemical identification was done by gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer and antibacterial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution method. The leaf essential oil presented hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (42.6%) as its main chemical class whose major compounds were ß-caryophyllene (11.7%) and 1,8-cineole (10.1%). The best antioxidant protection was from 57.5 to 63.3% of ß-carotene. The highest antibacterial activity was against S. aureus (MIC of 78.12 µg/mL). This value was 2.56-fold lower than the positive streptomycin control. M. pungens is a promising source of natural molecules with potential study for the development of pharmacological, cosmetic and food products.

Essential oil and fractions isolated of Laurel to control adults and larvae of cattle ticks.

This study, was to evaluate the acaricidal effect of the essential oil (EO) and fractions (FR) obtained from Laurus nobilis leaves on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Eight fractions were obtained, however FR1: sabinene (37.83%), ß-pinene (13.50%), 1,8-cineole (12.66%), α-pinene (12.56%) and FR8: α-terpineol (79.19%) were highlighted as to the larvicidal potential when submitted by Larval Packet Test. The EO was tested by the Adult Immersion Test, at concentrations of 200.00; 100.00 and 50.00 µL/mL caused mortality of engorged females, egg mass reduction and hatching inhibition. Two fractions are shown to be efficient in controlling larvae FR8 (LC50 = 0.13 µL/mL, LC99 = 0.51 µL/mL) and FR1 (LC50 = 0.20 µL/mL, LC99 = 0.56 µL/mL). The fractionation of EO was determinant to elucidate which compounds were responsible for the larvicidal potential. This study opens new perspectives to direct new bioassays with the compounds obtained in the fractionation, since they present high potential on cattle tick larvae.

Actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de hojas de Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine / Antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine leaves

La búsqueda de fuentes naturales para controlar los microorganismos es de interés en la producción de alimentos. Este estudio evaluó la composición química y la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de las hojas de Psidium cattleianum. El aceite esencial se extrajo por hidrodestilación y se identificó por GC-MS. La clase predominante de compuestos fueron los sesquiterpenos (47,6%) y los principales fueron trans-ß-cariofileno (14,7%), 1,8-cineol (11,7%) y É£-muuroleno (5,6%). Actividad antimicrobiana se realizó mediante la técnica de microdilución contra ocho hongos y ocho bacterias. Concentración inhibitoria mínima varió de 0,17 a 11,25 mg mL-1 para hongos y de 1,40 a 16,87 mg mL-1 para bacterias. Principales actividades fueron contra hongos Aspergillus fumigatus (ATCC 1022), Aspergillus ochraceus (ATCC 12066), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730) y Trichoderma viride (IAM 5061), y bacterias Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus cereus (clinical isolate) y Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) con potencial para prevenir enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos.

The search for natural sources to control microorganisms is of interest in food production. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Psidium cattleianum leaves. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and identified by GC-MS. The predominant class of compounds was sesquiterpenes (47.6%) and the major compounds were trans-ß-caryophyllene (14.7%), 1,8-cineole (11.7%) and É£-muurolene (5.6%). The antimicrobial activity was carried out by microdillution technique against eight fungi and eight bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.17 to 11.25 mg mL-1 for fungi, and from 1.40 to 16.87 mg mL-1 for bacteria. The highest activities were against fungi Aspergillus fumigatus (ATCC 1022), Aspergillus ochraceus (ATCC 12066), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730), and Trichoderma viride (IAM 5061), and bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus cereus (clinical isolate), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) with potential to prevent foodborne diseases.

In vitro antioxidant potential and in vivo effects of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi leaf extract in diabetic rats and determination of chemical composition by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

The present study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition of Schinus terebinthifolia, which is widely used in folk medicine for various therapeutic purposes. The in vitro analyses indicated that the hydroethanolic extract (HE) had 312.50 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g of total phenols. It also presented anti-DPPH• and anti-ABTS•+ activity, reduced phosphomolybden and metal ions and blocked the bleaching of ß-carotene. The HE at concentrations of 3.0 and 2.0 µg/mL had TRAP values of 2.223 ± 0.018 and 1.894 ± 0.026 µM Trolox, respectively. The HE increased the availability of antioxidants in plasma in treated animals in vivo. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS indicated the presence of 11 phenols: cumaric acid, (+)-catechin, myricetin-3-O-glicuronide, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, myricetin, myricitrin, quercetin, gallic acid, methyl galate, pentagalloyl glucose and ethyl galate. Thus, S. terebinthifolia has potential for the prevention or treatment of diseases that are related to oxidative stress, such as diabetes mellitus.

Bioaccumulation of Lithium (Li2CO3) in Mycelia of the Culinary-Medicinal Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes).

Pleurotus ostreatus is a white-rot mushroom that bioaccumulates metals in basidiocarps and vegetative mycelia. This fungus has been used in soil and water bioremediation of several heavy metals; however, there are few studies of lithium mycelial bioaccumulation for pharmacological use. The aim of this study was to evaluate lithium bioaccumulation in P. ostreatus mycelia grown in a liquid malt extract cultivation medium with Li2CO3 or LiCl. Each lithium source was added to the medium to obtain a concentration of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 100, or 200 mg · L-1 lithium. The highest bioaccumulation of lithium in mycelia was 1575.29 µg · g-1 upon treatment with 40 mg · L-1 Li2CO3. P. ostreatus mycelia produce biomass and bioaccumulate both lithium sources, but more lithium bioaccumulates when in the form of Li2CO3. This study provides a prospective for the development of biotechnological products with high aggregate values and alternative ways to deliver lithium and eventually other salts for pharmacological use.

Antifungal activity of Gallesia integrifolia fruit essential oil.

Gallesia integrifolia (Phytolaccaceae) is native to Brazil and has a strong alliaceous odor. The objective of this study was to identify the chemical composition of G. integrifolia fruit essential oil and evaluate fungicidal activity against the main food-borne diseases and food spoilage fungi. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and identified by GC-MS. From 35 identified compounds, 68% belonged to the organosulfur class. The major compounds were dimethyl trisulfide (15.49%), 2,8-dithianonane (52.63%) and lenthionine (14.69%). The utilized fungi were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium ochrochloron, Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium, and Trichoderma viride. Minimal fungicidal concentration for the essential oil varied from 0.02 to 0.18mg/mL and bifonazole and ketoconazole controls ranged from 0.20 to 3.50mg/mL. The lower concentration of the essential oil was able to control P. ochrochloron, A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, A. ochraceus and T. viride. This study shows a high fungicidal activity of G. integrifolia fruit essential oil and can support future applications by reducing the use of synthetic fungicides.

Antifungal activity of Gallesia integrifolia fruit essential oil

ABSTRACT Gallesia integrifolia (Phytolaccaceae) is native to Brazil and has a strong alliaceous odor. The objective of this study was to identify the chemical composition of G. integrifolia fruit essential oil and evaluate fungicidal activity against the main food-borne diseases and food spoilage fungi. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and identified by GC-MS. From 35 identified compounds, 68% belonged to the organosulfur class. The major compounds were dimethyl trisulfide (15.49%), 2,8-dithianonane (52.63%) and lenthionine (14.69%). The utilized fungi were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium ochrochloron, Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium, and Trichoderma viride. Minimal fungicidal concentration for the essential oil varied from 0.02 to 0.18 mg/mL and bifonazole and ketoconazole controls ranged from 0.20 to 3.50 mg/mL. The lower concentration of the essential oil was able to control P. ochrochloron, A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, A. ochraceus and T. viride. This study shows a high fungicidal activity of G. integrifolia fruit essential oil and can support future applications by reducing the use of synthetic fungicides.

Mycelial antineoplastic activity of Agaricus blazei.

Basidiocarp of Agaricus blazei (=Agaricus brasiliensis; =Agaricus subrufescens) is used as teas or capsules due to its antineoplastic effect but there are few reports of using mycelium for this purpose. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antineoplastic activity on sarcoma 180 cells implanted in mice of two forms of preparation of the mycelium from two A. blazei strains grown in culture medium with different concentrations of isolated soy protein. Mycelia were grown in Pontecorvo medium with different concentrations of isolated soybean protein (ISP). Mycelial hot water extract, moistened mycelial powder, hot water extract of green tea, Ifosfamida(®) (ifosfamide drug), and saline solution were administered daily by gavage in mice with sarcoma 180 cells to evaluate antineoplastic activity. It was concluded that antineoplastic activity was the same for both strains, except when used as moistened mycelial powder, which rules out the use of mycelial powder in capsules. Mycelial hot water extract had high antineoplastic activity with lower metabolic demand on the spleen and maintenance of normal blood parameters. Mycelial growth in different ISP concentrations had the same antineoplastic activity. Also the vegetative mycelium was as effective as the basidiocarp for sarcoma 180 tumor inhibition. Green tea was as effective as mycelial hot water extract.

New natural diterpene-type abietane from Tetradenia riparia essential oil with cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.

Tetradenia riparia (Hochstetter) Codd belongs to the Lamiaceae family and it was introduced in Brazil as an exotic ornamental plant. A previous study showed its antimicrobial, acaricidal and analgesic activities. Two compounds were isolated from essential oil of T. riparia leaves and identified as 9ß,13ß-epoxy-7-abietene (1), a new one, and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone (2), already reported for another plant. The structure of these compounds was determined by spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with literature data. The cytotoxic activities of the essential oil and compounds 1 and 2 were determined by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and by tumor cells MDA-MB-435 (human breast carcinoma), HCT-8 (human colon), SF-295 (human nervous system) and HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia). The essential oil and compound 1 showed high cytotoxic potential of the cell lines SF-295 (78.06% and 94.80%, respectively), HCT-8 (85.00% and 86.54%, respectively) and MDA-MB-435 (59.48% and 45.43%, respectively). Compound 2 had no cytotoxic activity. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), ß-carotene-linoleic acid system and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The inhibitory concentration (IC50 in µg mL-1) for essential oil and compound 2 was, respectively 15.63 and 0.01 for DPPH; 130.1 and 109.6 for ß-carotene-linoleic acid and 1524 and 1024 for ABTS. Compound 1 had no antioxidant activity. By fractioning the oil, it was possible to identify two unpublished compounds: 1 with high cytotoxic potential and 2 with high antioxidant potential.

Atividade antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais de plantas medicinais / Actividad antimicrobiana de aceites esenciales de plantas medicinales / Antimicrobial activity of medicinal plant essential oils

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais de Lippia alba (erva-cidreira-brasileira), Mentha piperita (hortelã-pimenta), Ocimum gratissimum (alfavaca-cravo) e Rosmarinus officinalis (alecrim) para Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Os óleos essenciais foram obtidos de folhas por hidrodestilação. O rendimento de extração do óleo em mL kg-1 foi de 1,5; 1,9; 2,0 e 2,3 para L. alba; M. piperita; O. gratissimum e R. officinalis, respectivamente. Os micro-organismos foram padronizados a 0,5 na escala McFarland e crescidos em ágar Mueller-Hinton. Discos de papel embebidos nos óleos essenciais foram posicionados na superfície do meio de cultivo e os halos de inibição do crescimento foram medidos. Os óleos essenciais, principalmente de L. alba e O. gratissimum, demonstraram alto potencial inibitório sobre o crescimento dos micro-organismos avaliados, com exceção de P. aeruginosa que apresentou alta resistência à presença dos óleos essenciais.

In the present investigation, antimicrobial activity of four different plant essential oils - Lippia alba, Mentha piperita, Ocimum gratissimum and Rosmarinus officinalis - have been evaluated against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The essential oils were obtained from leaves by hydrodistillation. The yield of oil extraction in mL kg-1 was 1.5, 1.9, 2.0 and 2.3 for L. alba, M. piperita, O. gratissimum and R. officinalis, respectively. The microorganisms were standardized at 0.5 in the McFarland scale and grown in Mueller-Hinton agar. Paper discs soaked in the essential oils were placed on the surface of the culture medium and the growth inhibition zones were measured. The essential oils, especially L. alba and O. gratissimum, showed high inhibitory potential on microorganisms, except for P. aeruginosa, which showed high resistance to the presence of essential oils.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana de los aceites esenciales de Lippia alba (lemongrass-brasileña), Mentha piperita (menta), Ocimum gratissimum (albahaca, clavo de olor) y Rosmarinus officinalis (romero) para el control de Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Los aceites esenciales se obtuvieron a partir de hojas por hidrodestilación. El rendimiento de la extracción de aceite esencial en mL kg-1 fue de 1.5, 1.9, 2.0 y 2.3 para L. alba, M. piperita, O. gratissimum y R. officinalis, respectivamente. Los microorganismos fueron estandarizados a 0.5 en la escala de McFarland y cultivados en agar Mueller-Hinton. Discos de papel empapados en los aceites fueron colocados en la superficie del medio de cultivo y se midieron los halos de inhibición del crecimiento. Los aceites esenciales, especialmente de L. alba y O. gratissimum, mostraron alto potencial inhibitorio sobre el crecimiento de los microorganismos, excepto para P. aeruginosa, que mostró alta resistencia a la presencia de aceites esenciales.

Produção de lacase de fungos basidiomicetos por fermentação submersa com cascas de café / Laccase production from basidiomycetes by submerged fermentation with coffee hurks / Producción de lacase de hongos basidiomicetos por fermentación sumergida con cascaras de café

Cascas de café são fonte de carboidratos e nutrientes que podem ser bioconvertidos em produtos de interesse como enzimas. Lacases são cobre polifenol oxidases que oxidam compostos fenólicos, enquanto reduzem oxigênio molecular à água e; sua baixa especificidade a substratos permite sua aplicação em várias áreas como indústria têxtil, de alimentos e biorremediação. Os objetivos desse trabalho foram avaliar a capacidade de produção de lacase de três linhagens de fungos basidiomicetos (Lentinula edodes U6/1, Pleurotus ostreatus U6/9 e Pleurotus florida U6/10) por fermentação submersa com cascas de café e avaliar o uso de cobre como indutor dessa enzima. A casca de café mostrou ser um bom substrato para produção de lacases e das três linhagens testadas Pleurotus ostreatus (U6/9) foi a mais produtiva (22,5 U mL-1). A melhor fonte de nitrogênio para produção de lacases de Pleurotus ostreatus (U6/9) foi o extrato de levedura na concentração de 9 g/L (20 U mL-1). A adição de 150 μM de CuSO4 resultou na indução significativa na produção de lacases nessa linhagem (21 U mL-1) no 12° dia de cultivo.

Coffee husks are a source of carbohydrates and nutrients that may be bioconverted into products of interest, such as enzymes. Laccases are copper polyphenol oxidases that oxidize phenolic compounds while reducing molecular oxygen to water. Laccase’s low specificity to substrates allows its application in several areas such as textiles, food processing and bioremediation industries. The aims of this study were to evaluate the potential to produce laccase from three strains of basidiomycetous fungi (Lentinula edodes U6/1, Pleurotus ostreatus U6/9, and Pleurotus florida U6/10) by submerged fermentation with coffee husks, and to evaluate the use of copper as an inducer of the enzyme. Coffee husk proved to be a good substrate for laccase production, with Pleurotus ostreatus (U6/9) being the most productive strain (22.5 U mL-1). The best source of nitrogen for laccase production of Pleurotus ostreatus (U6/9) was yeast extract 9 g/L (20 U mL-1). The addition of CuSO4 (150 μM) resulted in significant induction of laccase (21 U mL-1) on the 12th day of cultivation.

Cáscaras de café son fuente de carbohidratos y nutrientes que pueden ser bioconvertidos en productos de interés, tales como enzimas. Lacases son cobre polifenol oxidasas que oxidan compuestos fenólicos, mientras reducen el oxígeno molecular a el agua y; su baja especificidad a sustratos permite su aplicación en diversas áreas, como la industria textil, de alimentos y de biorremediación. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron evaluar la capacidad de producción de lacase de tres linajes de hongos basidiomicetos (Lentinula edodes U6/1, Pleurotus ostreatus U6/9 y Pleurotus florida U6/10) por fermentación sumergida con cáscaras de café, y evaluar el uso del cobre como inductor de esta enzima. La cáscara de café resultó ser un buen sustrato para la producción de lacases y, de las tres linajes probadas, Pleurotus ostreatus (U6/9) fue la más productiva (22,5 U mL-1). La mejor fuente de nitrógeno para la producción de lacases de Pleurotus ostreatus (U6/9) fue el extracto de levadura a una concentración de 9 g L-1 (20 U mL-1). La adición de 150 μM de CuSO4 resultó en la inducción significativa de Cáscaras de café son fuente de carbohidratos y nutrientes que pueden ser bioconvertidos en productos de interés, evadura a una concentración de 9 g L-1 (20 U mL-1). La adición de 150 μM de CuSO4 resultó en la inducción significativa de la producción de lacases en esa linaje (21 U mL-1), en el 12º día de cultivo.

Chemical characterization of Lippia alba essential oil: an alternative to control green molds

The essential oil of Lippia alba is reported as an antifungal against human pathogenic microorganisms but few articles report its use as an alternative to synthetic fungicides on green mould control. The objective of this study was to determine chemical characteristics of L. alba essential oil and its antifungal activity against green molds as an alternative to synthetic fungicides. Essential oil was extracted by Clevenger hydrodistillation, characterized by GC-MS analysis, and the structure of the main compounds confirmed by ¹H and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Microdilution assays evaluated the essential oil minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Commercial fungicides Ketoconazole and Bifonazole were used as control. Essential oil yield is of 0.15 percent and the major components are neral (33.32 percent) and geranial (50.94 percent). The L. alba essential oil has MIC of 0.300-1.250 mg/mL and MFC of 0.600-1.250 mg/mL. Ketoconazole and Bifonazole show MIC ranging from 0.025-0.500 to 0.100-0.200 mg/mL, and MFC ranging from 0.250-0.100 to 0.200-0.250 mg/mL, respectively. L. alba essential oil is classified as citral type and the results indicate that it is a potential alternative to synthetic fungicides.