Effects of Lippia sidoides essential oil, thymol, p-cymene, myrcene and caryophyllene on rat sciatic nerve excitability.

Lippia sidoides Cham is a typical herb species of Northeast Brazil with widespread use in folk medicine. The major constituents of the essential oil of L. sidoides (EOLs) are thymol, p-cymene, myrcene, and caryophyllene. Several studies have shown that the EOLs and its constituents have pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the effects of the EOLs and their main constituents on rat sciatic nerve excitability. The sciatic nerves of adult Wistar rats were dissected and mounted in a moist chamber. Nerves were stimulated by square wave pulses, with an amplitude of 40 V, duration of 100 µs to 0.2 Hz. Both EOLs and thymol inhibited compound action potential (CAP) in a concentration-dependent manner. Half maximal inhibitory concentration for CAP peak-to-peak amplitude blockade were 67.85 and 40 µg/mL for EOLs and thymol, respectively. CAP peak-to-peak amplitude was significantly reduced by concentrations ≥60 µg/mL for EOLs and ≥30 µg/mL for thymol. EOLs and thymol in the concentration of 60 µg/mL significantly increased chronaxie and rheobase. The conduction velocities of 1st and 2nd CAP components were also concentration-dependently reduced by EOLs and thymol in the range of 30-100 µg/mL. Differently from EOLs and thymol, p-cymene, myrcene and caryophyllene did not reduce CAP in the higher concentrations of 10 mM. These data demonstrated that EOLs and thymol inhibited neuronal excitability and were promising agents for the development of new drugs for therapeutic use.

Traditional knowledge and uses of the Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. (Pequi) by “quilombolas” of Minas Gerais, Brazil: subsidies for sustainable management / Conhecimento tradicional e usos de Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. (Pequi) por quilombolas de Minas Gerais, Brasil: subsídios para o manejo sustentável

Abstract Local knowledge of biodiversity has been applied in support of research focused on utilizing and management of natural resources and promotion of conservation. Among these resources, Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.) is important as a source of income and food for communities living in the Cerrado biome. In Pontinha, a “quilombola” community, which is located in the central region of State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, an ethnoecological study about Pequi was conducted to support initiatives for generating income for this community. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and crossing. The most relevant uses of Pequi were family food (97%), soap production (67%), oil production (37%), medical treatments (17%), and trade (3%). Bees were the floral visitors with the highest Salience Index (S=0.639). Among frugivores that feed on unfallen fruits, birds showed a higher Salience (S=0.359) and among frugivores who use fallen fruits insects were the most important (S=0.574). Borers (folivorous caterpillars) that attack trunks and roots were the most common pests cited. According to the respondents, young individuals of Pequi are the most affected by fire due to their smaller size and thinner bark. Recognition of the cultural and ecological importance of Pequi has mobilized the community, which has shown interest in incorporating this species as an alternative source of income.

Resumo O conhecimento local acerca da biodiversidade vem sendo utilizado em pesquisas voltadas ao uso e manejo de recursos naturais aliados à conservação. Entre estes recursos, destaca-se o Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.) devido à sua importância econômica e alimentar para comunidades que vivem no Cerrado. No quilombo de Pontinha, localizado na região central do estado de Minas Gerais, um estudo etnoecológico sobre o Pequi foi desenvolvido, a fim de subsidiar iniciativas de geração de trabalho e renda para esta comunidade. Informações foram obtidas por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, observação participante e travessia. Alimentação familiar (97%), produção de sabão (67%), produção de óleo (37%), tratamento medicinal (17%) e comércio (3%) foram os principais usos do Pequi citados pelos comunitários. Abelhas foram os visitantes florais com maior Índice de Saliência (S=0,639). Dentre os frugívoros que se alimentam de frutos não caídos, as aves apresentaram maior Saliência (S=0,359) e os insetos foram os mais importantes frugívoros entre os que utilizam frutos caídos (S=0,574). Brocas, lagartas folívoras e que atacam troncos e raízes foram as pragas mais citadas. Os indivíduos jovens de Pequi são, segundo os entrevistados, os mais afetados pelo fogo devido ao menor porte e por ter a casca menos espessa. O reconhecimento da importância cultural e ecológica do Pequi tem mobilizado a comunidade, que demonstra interesse em fazer dessa espécie uma alternativa de renda.

Traditional knowledge and uses of the Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. (Pequi) by "quilombolas" of Minas Gerais, Brazil: subsidies for sustainable management.

Local knowledge of biodiversity has been applied in support of research focused on utilizing and management of natural resources and promotion of conservation. Among these resources, Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.) is important as a source of income and food for communities living in the Cerrado biome. In Pontinha, a "quilombola" community, which is located in the central region of State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, an ethnoecological study about Pequi was conducted to support initiatives for generating income for this community. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and crossing. The most relevant uses of Pequi were family food (97%), soap production (67%), oil production (37%), medical treatments (17%), and trade (3%). Bees were the floral visitors with the highest Salience Index (S=0.639). Among frugivores that feed on unfallen fruits, birds showed a higher Salience (S=0.359) and among frugivores who use fallen fruits insects were the most important (S=0.574). Borers (folivorous caterpillars) that attack trunks and roots were the most common pests cited. According to the respondents, young individuals of Pequi are the most affected by fire due to their smaller size and thinner bark. Recognition of the cultural and ecological importance of Pequi has mobilized the community, which has shown interest in incorporating this species as an alternative source of income.

Influência da adubação verde e diferentes adubos orgânicos na produção de fitomassa aérea de atroveran (Ocimum selloi Benth. ) / Influence of green manure and different organic manure on production of aereal phytomass of Ocimum selloi

Este trabalho teve por objetivo verificar o efeito de diferentes adubos orgânicos em associação ou não com adubo verde na produção de folhas de Ocimum selloi Benth., planta nativa do Brasil. O experimento foi conduzido na área experimental da Embrapa Meio Ambiente (CNPMA), localizado no município de Jaguariúna, em duas áreas distintas, sendo uma delas submetidas anteriormente ao plantio e incorporação de adubo verde (Crotalaria juncea). Os tratamentos utilizados foram T1 - testemunha (solo sem adubação), T2 - cama de aviário (5 kg m-2), T3 - hidrolisado de peixe (produto comercial Fishfértil - 5 mL m-2) e T4 - composto orgânico (4 kg m-2). A colheita foi realizada 180 dias após o plantio, em janeiro de 2011, sendo colhidas as plantas úteis (quatro plantas por parcela). Avaliou-se o rendimento de fitomassa fresca e seca. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o esquema fatorial 2x4, com quatro repetições (blocos). As médias obtidas foram submetidas à análise de variância seguida de teste de médias (Tukey). Com base nos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que a cama de aviário apresentou resultados mais satisfatórios quanto à produção de folhas de Ocimum selloi quando comparados aos demais tratamentos orgânicos, não se observando incremento nos resultados pela associação com o adubo verde Crotalaria juncea.

The aim of this work was to avail the effect of different manures in association or nor with green manure on yield of leaves of Ocimum selloi Benth. The assay was accomplished on experimental area of Embrapa Environmental (Jaguariúna district), at two different spaces (with or without green manure Crotalaria juncea). The treatments used were T1 - witness (no manure), T2 - chicken manure (5 kg m-2), T3 - commercial product Fishfértil - 5 mL m-2) and T4 - composting (4 kg m-2). The cut was realized on 180 days after the planting (january - 2011), and were collected four plants/ plot. The yield of dried and fresh Ocimum selloi phytomass was availed. The experimental design was factorial scheme (2x4), with four repetitions. The treatment with chicken manure showed best results on Ocimum selloi leaves yield than the others treatments, but did not was influence by using Crotalaria juncea.

Composição química do óleo essencial de duas amostras de carqueja (Baccharis sp. ) coletadas em Paty do Alferes - Rio de Janeiro / Chemical composition of essential oil from two samples of carqueja (Baccharis sp. ) collected in Paty do Alferes - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

O Brasil possui em sua flora a maior diversidade genética do mundo, apresentando varias espécies nativas. Dentre as plantas nativas do Brasil encontra-se o gênero Baccharis (família Asteraceae) que possui algumas espécies popularmente conhecidas como carqueja, carqueja amarga ou vassoura. Estas espécies são utilizadas na medicina popular como protetora e estimulante do fígado, para o controle da obesidade, diabetes, hepatite, gastroenterite, digestiva, diurética, depurativa, tônica, antianêmica e anti-reumática. Este trabalho teve por objetivo investigar a composição química do óleo essencial de duas populações do gênero Baccharis coletadas em Paty do Alferes, visando encontrar novas fontes de carquejol e acetato de carquejila. Amostras de duas populações diferentes de carqueja foram coletadas em propriedades particulares Paty do Alferes - Rio de Janeiro em novembro de 2010. Estas foram secas a temperatura ambiente (28ºC +- 2) e à sombra. O óleo essencial das duas amostras de Baccharis sp. foi extraído por hidrodestilação em aparelho tipo Clevenger modificado durante 4 horas. O mesmo foi analisado por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrômetro de massas (CG-EM Shimadzu, QP 5050, coluna capilar DB-5 - 30 m x 0.25µm x 0.25mm). Utilizou-se o Helio como gás carreador (1.7mL/min); temperatura do injetor: 240ºC e detector: 230ºC, Split: 1:20, no seguinte programa de temperatura: 60º C - 240º C (3ºC/ min). A identificação da composição química dos óleos essenciais foi realizada pela comparação de seus espectros de massa e valores de índice de Kovats (IK) com compostos conhecidos descritos na literatura. Foram identificados 19 compostos nestes óleos essenciais. Os principais compostos encontrados foram trans-cariofileno (22,0 por cento e 18,1 por cento), seguido por germacreno-D (7,0 por cento), biciclogermacreno (8,5 por cento), ledol (13,7 por cento), espatulenol (13,8 por cento e 20,7 por cento) e óxido de cariofileno (8,3 por cento e 12,0 por cento). Carquejol e acetato de carquejila não foram observados nestas amostras de óleo essencial, o que pode ser um indicativo que esta espécie não é B. trimera. Os resultados apresentados apontaram que as amostras coletadas em Paty do Alferes apresentam composição química similar e podem ser a mesma espécie vegetal, com grande indicativo de ser B. crispa (B cylindrica).

Brazil presents the highest vegetable genetic diversity of the world. Among the native plants of Brazil is some species of genus Baccharis (Asteraceae family) and popularly known as "carqueja". This medicinal specie has been used as diuretic, tonic, digestive, protective and stimulate of the liver, antianemic, anti-rheumatic, obesity control, diabetes, hepatitis and gastroenteritis. Samples of two different populations of plants were collected in a privet property in Paty do Alferes district (Rio de Janeiro State) in 11/2010, and dried at room temperature (28ºC +- 2) at shade conditions. Essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation (Clevenger-type apparatus) for 4h and analyzed by GC-MS (Shimadzu, QP 5050-DB-5 capillary column - 30mx0.25µmx0.25mm). Carrier gas was Helium (1.7mL/min); split ratio: 1:30. Temperature program: 60º C - 240º C (3ºC/ min), rising to 240ºC at 3ºC/min. Injector temperature: 240ºC and detector temperature: 230ºC. Identifications of chemical compounds were made by matching their mass spectra and Kovat's indices (IK) values with known compounds reported in the literature. Were found 19 compounds in these essential oils. The major compound founded was trans-caryophyllene (22.0 percent and 18.1 percent), followed by germacrene-D (7.0 percent), bicyclogermacrene (8.5 percent), ledol (13.7 percent), spathulenol (13.8 percent and 20.7 percent) and caryophyllene oxide (8.3 percent and 12.0 percent). Carquejol and carquejyl acetate were not observed in these essential oil. These results showed that these samples present similar chemical composition and they can be the same vegetal specie (B. crispa/ B cylindrica).

CNS pharmacological effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Sida cordifolia L. leaves.

Sida cordifolia L. (Malvaceae), known as "malva branca", is a plant used in the popular medicine for the treatment stomatits, of asthma and nasal congestion. This work researched the acute toxicity of Sida cordifolia and its action on the central nervous system (CNS) because no data in the literature have been found about of pharmacological activity of this plant in the CNS. The hydroalcoholic extract of Sida cordifolia leaves (HESc) was used and the psychopharmacology approach began with the determination of LD(50), where a low toxicity was observed in mice. Depressive activity on CNS was demonstrated by several alterations in mice's behavior in the pharmacological screening. In the motility test, the HESc showed significant reduction of spontaneous activity at a dose of 1000 mg/kg (i.p.) at 30 and 60 min. The same form the HESc also decreased the ambulation and rearing in open-field test at 30, 60 and 120 min at a dose of 1000 mg/kg (i.p.).

Antiparkinsonian-like effects of Plumbago scandens on tremorine-induced tremors methodology.

Tremorine-induced tremors model is used to evaluate antiparkinsonian drugs because rest tremor is a sign that distinguishes Parkinson's disease (PD) from other diseases. The effects of crude ethanolic extract (CEE) and total acetate fraction (TAF) of Plumbago scandens were investigated at several doses. These extracts at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg i.p. failed to reduce tremors in tremorine-treated mice. TAF showed significant effects only at a dose of 500 mg/kg. Both CEE and TAF at doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg i.p. suppressed the tremors in a dose-dependent fashion for 60 min. Biperiden, an anticholinergic drug, was used as standard at a dose of 3 mg/kg i.p. This study suggests that P. scandens is a plant with possible therapeutic value for PD.

Effects of catechins on human blood platelet aggregation and lipid peroxidation.

The activity of catechins was studied for inhibitory activity in human blood platelets. Platelet aggregation and peroxidation were evaluated in platelet rich plasma (PRP) obtained from samples of healthy volunteers. Human blood platelets were submitted to stimulation with 300 microM arachidonic acid, 3 microM adenosine diphospate (ADP) and 6 microM epinephrine. Treatment with (200 microg/mL) catechin or epicatechin was sufficient to exhibit a potent inhibitory effect of the three agents. The inhibitory effect was dose dependent at concentrations of 20-200 microg/mL. Using malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index of total lipid peroxidation capacity, decreased production of MDA of the platelets treated with catechin or epicatechin after stimulation by arachidonic acid was observed. These findings suggest that catechins protect platelets from peroxidative stress and their aggregation.

Central depressant effects of reticuline extracted from Ocotea duckei in rats and mice.

Neuropharmacological studies were carried out with reticuline, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, isolated from Ocotea duckei Vattimo. It was found that reticuline (50-100 mg/kg i.p.) produced alteration of behaviour pattern, prolongation of pentobarbital-induced sleep, reduction in motor coordination and D-amphetamine-induced hypermotility and suppression of the conditioned avoidance response. These observations suggest that reticuline possesses potent central nervous system depressant action.