Anatomical study and histochemical analysis of Artemisia leucodes Schrenk.

The study of anatomical structure of the aerial part of Artemisia leucodes Schrenk. was carried out, and in this regard, the anatomical and diagnostic features of A. leucodes raw materials were revealed: epidermal cells of an elongated shape, mesophyll in the leaves is columnar, the stem has a fascicular structure, collenchymal mechanical structures are present in the stem ribs. Histochemical analysis shows that the secretory structures of A. leucodes produce sesquiterpene lactones and essential oils, as was confirmed by a chemical study of the aerial parts of A. leucodes. Sesquiterpene lactones anhydroaustricin, matricarin, leucomisin, grossmizin, 5ß(H)-austricin, were isolated from the ethanol extract of A. leucodes by column chromatography on silica gel. By hydrodistillation of anthodium, buds, and leaves an essential oil was obtained, according to chromatography-mass spectrometry, the major component of which was l-camphor - 39.00% and camphene - 9.31%, 1.8-cineole (eucalyptole) - 6.20%. The obtained data on diagnostic features, determination of the localization of secondary metabolites and chemical composition allow us to identify and standardize the medicinal raw materials of A. leucodes, what guarantees quality, and also allow more rational use of A. leucodes in pharmaceutical production.

Pharmacological screening and GC-MS analysis of vegetative/reproductive parts of Nigella sativa L.

Nigella sativa is an extensively utilized herbal medicinal plant. Medicinal utilization of seeds and oil of N. sativa was common among all the ancient medicinal systems. Previously, the vegetative part of the plant was not utilized for pharmaceutical purposes. Therefore, the current study was aimed at determining the potential of the vegetative parts (leaves, branches and stem) of the plant to reduce the pressure on the reproductive part (seeds/oil) and to get a potential alternate source of pharmaceutical materials. The experiment was carried out in split block RCD design. The dried plant was extracted through partitioning method in a series of concentrations ranging from 200-1.562mg/ml in different solvents. Phyto-chemical screening, antibacterial and anti-oxidant assays and GC-MS analysis of the potent extracts were done. The green parts of N. sativa were shown to contain saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids, whereas phloba-tannins were absent. Evaluation of anti-aging properties through antioxidant assays yielded significant results in all the assays. Linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and glyceryl linoleate were profiled through GC-MS analysis. Based on these results, it was concluded that the vegetative parts of N. sativa are effective alternatives to the reproductive part/seed for anti-aging and other phytochemicals needed to meet the present day requirements of the pharmaceutical industry.

Anatomical Characterization of Nine Taxa of Genus Acmella Rich. (Toothache Plant) in India

Abstract The present study is aimed for anatomical characterization of nine taxa of Acmella to supplement data specifically for its current sectional classification and species circumscriptions. Anatomical characterization of this genus is little explored. This study focuses on internal structure of leaves, petioles, peduncles, stems, roots and cell inclusions to determine its taxonomic importance. In stem anatomy the number of hypodermal collenchymatous layers and the arrangement of parenchymatous cortex together place an important role in the identification of Acmella. Root anatomy was similar in all the examined taxa except in the arrangement of xylem vessels. In A. tetralobata xylem vessels arranged in pentarch fashion while rest of the species possess tetrarch arrangement. Several cellular inclusions such as calcium oxalate crystals and oil bodies were observed. The petioles were crescent shaped having bifacial surfaces with both surfaces pubescent. Peduncles possess ridges and furrows in its outline. The leaves are dorsi ventral and possess single layered epidermal cells covered with cuticle having anomocytic, anisocytic and diacytic types of stomata in both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The present study provides a tool for the microscopic identification of the genus.

A Comprehensive Review on Chemical and Pharmacological Potential of Viola betonicifolia: A Plant with Multiple Benefits.

Viola betonicifolia (Violaceae) is commonly recognized as "Banafsha" and widely distributed throughout the globe. This plant is of great interest because of its traditional, pharmacological uses. This review mainly emphases on morphology, nutritional composition, and several therapeutic uses, along with pharmacological properties of different parts of this multipurpose plant. Different vegetative parts of this plant (roots, leaves, petioles, and flowers) contained a good profile of essential micro- and macronutrients and are rich source of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin C. The plant is well known for its pharmacological properties, e.g., antioxidant, antihelminthic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and has been reported in the treatment of various neurological diseases. This plant is of high economic value. The plant has potential role in cosmetic industry. This review suggests that V. betonicifolia is a promising source of pharmaceutical agents. This plant is also of significance as ornamental plant, however further studies needed to explore its phytoconstituents and their pharmacological potential. Furthermore, clinical studies are needed to use this plant for benefits of human beings.

Microscopic identification and in vitro activity of Agastache rugosa (Fisch. et Mey) from Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND: Agastache rugosa is well-known as a common traditional Chinese medicine, which have relieving summer-heat, analgesic and antipyretic effects, have long been used as folkloristic remedy in the treatment of several infectious diseases, anti-inflammatory, and for its antibacterial properties. Considering the lack of available data on the morphology, anatomy and in vitro activity of A. rugosa, the goal of the present study was to carry out the microscopic identification of its aerial parts and in vitro activity research as a contribution to the quality control and reasonable utilization involving A. rugosa. METHODS: The present study was (a) to describe the microscopic identification with usual light and scanning electron microtechniques of A. rugosa, collected from Xinjiang Region; (b) based on previous research on the essential oil constituents among different parts of A. rugosa from Xinjiang by GC-MS method, to evaluate its antibacterial effect and cell viabilitity assay. RESULTS: The microscopic identification of botanical material showed some typical structure. The essential oils from the dried flower (EOF) and leaves (EOL) of A. rugosa were 0.29% and 0.57% (w/w), respectively. The in vitro antibacterial activities showed strong inhibition against S.aureus, E. coli of EOF; strong inhibition against E. coli of EOL. Based GC-MS analysis, the MTT assay showed a dose and time-dependent increase in damage for gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this work, based on an extensive analytical characterization of the EOF and EOL chemical composition, compared with other origins, showed A. rugosa possessed antibacterial and cytotoxicity properties activities, which need much additional work to open up new biomedical application of these components.

Growing larger with domestication: a matter of physiology, morphology or allocation?

Domestication might affect plant size. We investigated whether herbaceous crops are larger than their wild progenitors, and the traits that influence size variation. We grew six crop plants and their wild progenitors under common garden conditions. We measured the aboveground biomass gain by individual plants during the vegetative stage. We then tested whether photosynthesis rate, biomass allocation to leaves, leaf size and specific leaf area (SLA) accounted for variations in whole-plant photosynthesis, and ultimately in aboveground biomass. Despite variations among crops, domestication generally increased the aboveground biomass (average effect +1.38, Cohen's d effect size). Domesticated plants invested less in leaves and more in stems than their wild progenitors. Photosynthesis rates remained similar after domestication. Variations in whole-plant C gains could not be explained by changes in leaf photosynthesis. Leaves were larger after domestication, which provided the main contribution to increases in leaf area per plant and plant-level C gain, and ultimately to larger aboveground biomass. In general, cultivated plants have become larger since domestication. In our six crops, this occurred despite lower investment in leaves, comparable leaf-level photosynthesis and similar biomass costs of leaf area (i.e. SLA) than their wild progenitors. Increased leaf size was the main driver of increases in aboveground size. Thus, we suggest that large seeds, which are also typical of crops, might produce individuals with larger organs (i.e. leaves) via cascading effects throughout ontogeny. Larger leaves would then scale into larger whole plants, which might partly explain the increases in size that accompanied domestication.

[Original plant identification of Dai nationality herb "Daibaijie"].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the original plant of "Daibaijie", commonly used Dai herb. METHOD: The literature review, morphology and anatomy, pharmacognosy, molecular biology, chemistry were used to analysis. RESULT: Daibaijie's historical scientific name, Dregea sinensis Hemsl., was mistakenly given "Daibaijie" and D. sinensis have significant differences from the distribution, morphology and anatomy, pharmacognosy, molecular biology and chemical composition. "Daibaijie" matches with the characteristics of Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon in Flora of China in English. CONCLUSION: Daibaijie's original plant is M. tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon. The description and illustration of M. tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon in Flora of China in China are wrong. The illustration of M. tenacissima in Flora of China in English is wrong too.

Physiological indexese macro- and micronutrients in plant tissue and essential oil of Mentha piperita L. grown in nutrient solution with variation in N, P, K and Mg levels / Índices fisiológicos, macro e micronutrientes no tecido vegetal e óleo essencial de Mentha piperita L. cultivada em solução nutritiva com variação de N, P, K e Mg.

Mentha piperita L. is an aromatic and medicinal species of the family Lamiaceae, known as mint or peppermint, and its leaves and branches produce essential oil rich in menthol. This study aimed to evaluate physiological indexes, macro- and micronutrients inthe shootsand essential oil of Mentha piperita L. grown in nutrient solution number 2 of Hoagland and Arnon (1950) with different N, P, K and Mg levels. Shoot length, dry mass of the different organs, total dry mass, leaf area, essential oil yield and composition, and macronutrient (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S) and micronutrient (Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn) contents in the shoot were evaluated. Plants treated with 65%N/50%P/25%K/100%Mg had a tendency towards longer shoot, greaterroot and leaf blade dry masses, higher essential oil yield, higher menthol levels and lower menthone levels. The results showed that Mentha can be grown in nutrient solution by reducing 65% N, 50% P, 25% K and 100% Mg. This solution had better development compared to the other tested treatments. Therefore,we recommendMentha piperita L. to be grown with such nutrient levels.

Mentha piperita L., é uma espécie aromática e medicinal pertencente à família Lamiaceae, conhecida como menta ou hortelã-pimenta que produz em sua parte aérea óleo essencial rico em mentol. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os índices fisiológicos, macro e micronutrientes na parte aérea e óleo essencial de Mentha piperita L. cultivada em solução nutritiva numero Hoagland e Arnon (1950) com variação dos níveis de N, P, K e Mg. Foram avaliados comprimento da parte aérea, massa seca dos diferentes órgãos e total, área foliar, rendimento e composição do óleo essencial, teor de macronutrientes (N, P, K, Mg, Ca e S), e de micronutrientes (Mn, Cu, Fe e Zn) na parte aérea. As plantas nutridas com 65% de N, 50% de P, 25% de K, e 100% de Mg, apresentaram tendência de maior comprimento de parte aérea e massa seca de raízes e de lâminas foliares; maior rendimento de óleo essencial e, em média, maiores teores de mentol e menores teores de mentona. O resultados permitem concluir que a Mentha pode ser cultivada em solução nutritiva reduzindo-se 65% de N, 50% de P, 25% de K e 100% de Mg. Esta solução apresentou melhor desenvolvimento em relação aos outros tratamentos. Recomenda-se, portanto, o cultivo da Mentha piperita L. com tais níveis de nutrientes.

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.

Efeito de diferentes níveis de sombreamento no crescimento inicial de Unha de gato (Uncaria tomentosa Willd. ) / Effect of different levels of shading on the growth of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa Willd. ). Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa Willd. )

A unha de gato (Uncaria tomentosa Willd.) é uma das muitas espécies de plantas com propriedades medicinais utilizadas pelas comunidades nativas da Amazônia para o tratamento de diversas doenças. Suas inúmeras propriedades medicinais têm provocado nos últimos anos o aumento da demanda por essa planta, a qual vem sendo explorada de forma indiscriminada e predatória. O conhecimento agronômico disponível atualmente sobre essa espécie é escasso; dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de sombreamento no crescimento inicial da Unha de gato. O experimento foi realizado no viveiro da área experimental da Embrapa Acre, no município de Rio Branco, AC, no período de maio de 2009 a junho de 2010. Foram avaliados quatro tratamentos, constituídos por diferentes níveis de sombreamento (30%, 50% e 70%) e pleno Sol, obtidos com tela sombrite preta, com as referidas capacidades de retenção da radiação solar. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com oito repetições, contendo duas plantas por parcela. As variáveis analisadas foram: altura da parte aérea, diâmetro do colo, biomassa do sistema radicular, biomassa aérea, biomassa total e partição de biomassa. O crescimento da Unha de gato foi modificado pela intensidade de sombreamento. A altura das plantas e a massa seca das raízes aumentaram linearmente com a intensidade de sombreamento. Sombreamentos entre 55 a 60% proporcionaram melhores crescimentos para as variáveis: diâmetro do coleto, massa seca da parte aérea e massa seca total. Não houve variação na distribuição de massa seca entre a parte aérea e o sistema radicular das plantas em função do sombreamento. Verificou-se que o sombreamento na faixa de 55 a 60% é o mais indicado para o seu crescimento inicial.

Is one among many plant species with medicinal properties, used by the native communities of the Amazon to treat several diseases. Its numerous medicinal properties have caused in recent years an increase in demand and the plant has been exploited in an indiscriminate and predatory way. The agronomic knowledge available on this species is scarce, so the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of shading on early growth of Uncaria tomentosa. The experiment was established in the nursery of Embrapa Acre, in the city of Rio Branco, state of Acre, Brazil, from May 2009 to June 2010. We tested four levels of shading (30%, 50% and 70%) and full sunlight, obtained with black shade screens. The experimental design was a randomized block, with eight replications and two plants per plot. The variables analyzed were: height of shoots, stem diameter, root dry matter, aerial dry matter, total dry matter and dry matter partitioning. The growth of Uncaria tomentosa was modified by the intensity of shading. Plant height and dry weight of the roots increased linearly with the intensity of shading. Shading around 55 to 60% provided better growth for the stem diameter, shoot dry matter and total dry matter. There was no change in the distribution of the dry matter between the shoot and root systems of the plants. For the species Uncaria tomentosa, we found that shading in the range of 55 to 60% is the most indicated for its early growth.

[Pharmacognostical study of Cyperus rotundus growing in Wen-River area].

OBJECTIVE: To study the macroscopic, microscopic identification and chemical components of Cyperus rotundus growing in Wen-River area. METHODS: The features of different parts of Cyperus rotundus were described by material morphology and microscopic identification, the chemical components of aerial part and rhizome of Cyperus rotundus were studied by chemical experiment and GC-MS analysis. RESULTS: Summarized the transverse section structure of rhizome, stem and leaf of Cyperus rotundus, the chemical components of aerial part and the components and relative content of volatile oil in rhizome were determined. CONCLUSION: This study provides reference for the drug identification and the daodi medicinal material exploitation of Cyperus rotundus.

[Macroscopic and microscopic identification of Ligularia przewalskii].

OBJECTIVE: To provide macroscopic and microscopic identification basis for Ligularia przewalskii. METHODS: Macroscopic and microscopic identification of roots, stems and leaves of Ligularia przewalskii were carried out with the methods of paraffin section, leaves epidermal section and powder transdermal section. RESULTS: The microscopic characteristics included: Open collateral vascular bundles in stem were not in the same size and arranged in two rings; Lots of fiber bundles scattered in the column parts; There were two vascular bundles in principal vein of leaf; Anticlinal wall of upper epidermis cells was thickened like moniliform, lower epidermis were like waves with irregular; The type of stoma was anomocytic; Calcium oxalate acicular crystal could be seen in the powder. CONCLUSION: These features can provide references for identification of Ligularia przewalskii.

Estruturas secretoras em órgãos vegetativos e florais de Secondatia densiflora A. DC. (Apocynaceae - Apocynoideae - Odontadenieae) / Secretory structures in vegetative and floral organs of Secondatia densiflora A. DC. (Apocynaceae - Apocynoideae - Odontadenieae)

A família Apocynaceae é caracterizada por possuir grande diversidade de estruturas secretoras como idioblastos, coléteres, laticíferos e nectários florais. Este estudo teve por objetivo caracterizar anatomicamente as estruturas secretoras nos órgãos vegetativos e reprodutivos de Secondatia densiflora e identificar as principais classes de compostos químicos nos idioblastos e na secreção dos coléteres vegetativos. Os idioblastos estão distribuídos por todos os órgãos aéreos da planta possuindo conteúdo na maioria das vezes denso e fortemente corado pela safranina. Alguns idioblastos apresentam secreção de aspecto granulado. Os testes histoquímicos evidenciaram apenas compostos fenólicos. Os laticíferos são do tipo anastomosado podendo ser observados em todos os órgãos estudados e identificados pelo conteúdo diferenciado e, em alguns casos, pela presença de paredes celulares mais espessas que as paredes das células parenquimáticas. O látex tem cor branca e aspecto leitoso, sendo extravasado logo que a planta é lesionada. Os coléteres vegetativos são do tipo padrão, formados por uma porção alongada que se afina em direção à extremidade. A epiderme secretora em paliçada delimita uma região parenquimática e o curto pedúnculo é coberto por epiderme não secretora de formato retangular. Todo coléter é recoberto por cutícula fina. A mucilagem é constatada tanto no interior das células secretoras quanto no meio extracelular pelo vermelho de rutênio e pela reação PAS. Os nectários florais têm origem receptacular, possuem uma epiderme que reveste toda estrutura, parênquima nectarífero, e feixes vasculares; são fundidos na base e livres na região apical constituindo cinco unidades distintas.

The family Apocynaceae is characterized for showing a wide variety of secretory structures such as idioblasts, colleters, laticiferous glands and floral nectaries. The present study aimed to anatomically characterize the secretory structures in vegetative and reproductive organs of Secondatia densiflora and to identify the major classes of chemical compounds in idioblasts and in the secretion of vegetative colleters. Idioblasts are distributed all over the aerial organs of the plant and their content is usually dense and strongly stained with safranin. Some idioblasts have secretion of granulated aspect. Histochemical tests evidenced phenolic compounds only. Laticiferous glands are of the anastomosed type and can be seen in all the studied organs and identified by their distinct content and, in some cases, by the presence of cell walls that are thicker than those of parenchyma cells. Latex is white, milky and leaks as the plant is injured. Vegetative colleters are of the standard type and formed of an elongated portion that becomes thinner towards the end. The secretory palisade epidermis delimits a parenchymatic region, while the short peduncle is covered by rectangular non-secretory epidermis. A thin cuticle covers the entire colleter. Mucilage is detected both inside the secretory cells and in the extracellular medium by ruthenium red staining and PAS reaction. Floral nectaries have receptacular origin and epidermis covering their entire structure, nectariferous parenchyma, and vascular bundles; they are fused at their bases but have free apical region, forming five distinct units.

Classification and differentiation of the genus Peganum indigenous to China based on chloroplast trnL-F and psbA-trnH sequences and seed coat morphology.

The genus Peganum (Zygophyllaceae) consists of six species and one subspecies; three of which are distributed in China, P. harmala Linn, P. nigellastrum Bunge and P. multisectum (Maxim.) Bobr. A probable new or intermediate species, Peganum sp., has been suggested in the wild in northwest China. Traditional classification in genus Peganum has focused on hairs on the plant surface. In this study, seed coat characteristics of Peganum species were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy, demonstrating clear differences in morphology between species. In addition, DNA sequence data from two sequences (chloroplast: trnL-F, psbA-trnH) were used to differentiate Peganum sp. and study polygenetic relationships. Diversity in DNA sequences among Peganum species was found, with inter-specific sequence divergence ranging from 0.6% to 5.6% in psbA-trnH, and 0.0% to 1.8% in trnL-F. The variations within species were low: from 0.0% to 0.4% in psbA-trnH and 0.0% to 0.4% in trnL-F. Therefore, Peganum species can now be easily identified as separate entities based on variations in DNA sequences. Phylogenetic trees were constructed from the combined data set for the two gene fragments, and the results indicate that Peganum sp. is monophyletic and sister to P. harmala and P. nigellastrum, while P. multisectum is also monophyletic. DNA data further confirmed that P. multisectum is an independent species and that a new species, Peganum sp., exists within the genus Peganum growing wild in China.

Biomass characterization of morphological portions of alamo switchgrass.

Comparative studies between the leaf and internode portions of switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L., were performed by compositional analysis and structural determination. GC-MS, ICP, and HPAEC-PAD were employed to analyze the chemical compositions of the fractionated switchgrass samples. Quantitative (13)C NMR and CP/MAS (13)C NMR techniques were employed to determine the structures of lignin and cellulose, respectively. These results indicated that the leaves and internodes differed chemically in the amounts of inorganic elements, hot-water extractives, benzene/ethanol extractives, carbohydrates, and lignin content. However, the ultrastructure of isolated cellulose was comparable between leaves and internodes. Ball-milled lignins isolated from leaves and internodes were found to have H/G/S ratios of 12.4/53.9/33.7 and 8.6/54.8/36.6, respectively.

Estudo biofarmacognóstico de Acanthospermum australe (Loefl.) O. Kuntze Asteraceae / Pharmacognostic evaluation of Acanthospermum australe (Loefl.) O. Kuntze Asteraceae

Acanthospermum australe (Loefl.) O. Kuntze, conhecido popularmente no Brasil como carrapichinho pertence à família Asteraceae e é utilizado na medicina popular como hepatoprotetora, diaforética, antiblenorrágica, antimalárica, entre outras funções. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar a espécie sob o aspecto botânico, químico e farmacológico. Assim, folhas e caules foram analisados macro e microscopicamente, contribuindo no auxílio da diagnose da espécie. Os órgãos em estudo foram submetidos a ensaios preliminares para a pesquisa dos principais grupos de princípios ativos provenientes do metabolismo secundário dos vegetais. Diferentes extratos foram obtidos por percolação e por decocção, sendo alguns deseus componentes isolados por CCD preparativa e identificadas por CG/EM. O óleoessencial do vegetal, coletado em diferentes épocas do ano e variados estágios de desenvolvimento, foi obtido em aparelho de Clevenger modificado, sendo que sua composição também foi analisada por CG/EM. O extrato clorofórmico e o extrato hidroetanólico liofilizado (EHL) foram avaliados quanto à atividade antimalárica e antileishmania. Com o EHL foi realizado também ensaio de atividade antiúlcera em ratos Wistar Hannover fêmeas e atividade antimicrobiana em bactérias e fungos. A espécie em estudo, nas condições deste trabalho, apresentou flavonóides, taninos, saponinas, óleo essencial e mucilagens. O extrato clorofórmico e hidroetanólico liofilizado, nas concentrações de 100 µg/mL, provocaram 100% de morte dos protozoários de Plasmodium chabaudi AJ, porém ambos não apresentaram atividade em promastigotas de Leishmania (L.) chagasi nesta concentração. O EHL na concentração de 10 mg/mL demonstrou significativa atividade antifúngica contra o Aspergillus niger, não apresentando nenhuma atividade para Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli e Candida albicans. O mesmo extrato, na concentração de 400 mg/kg, administrada por via oral, mostrou-se com atividade antiúlcera aguda significativa, reduzindo a Área Total de Lesão (ATL) em 49,13% em relação ao controle. O óleo essencial, nas condições do experimento, apresentou diferenças qualitativas e quantitativas quando comparado a estudos já realizados, sendo constituído em sua maioria por sesquiterpenos dos grupos cadinano (α-cadinol e δ-cadineno), cariofilano (ß-cariofileno) e, principalmente, germacrano (globulol). As análises permitiram concluir ainda que o isômero do espatulenol é o componente exclusivo e majoritário do óleo essencial de caule e o isômero do globulol, o componente presente em maior quantidade no óleo quando o vegetal encontra-se em fase de floração

Acanthospermum australe (Loefl.) O. Kuntze, known popularly in Brazil as carrapichinho belongs to the family Asteraceae and it is used in the tradicional medicine as hepatic protector, diaforetic, blenorragic activity, antimalarial activity among others. The objective of the present work was to study this species under the aspect botanical, chemical and pharmacological. Thus, leaves and stems were analyzed macro and microscopic contributing in the aid of the diagnosis of species.The aerial parts in study were submitted to preliminary phytochemical screening for the research of the main groups of secondary metabolites of plants. Difterent extracts were obtained by percolation and for decoction being some of their components, isolated for TLC preparative and identified for GC/MS. The essential oil of the plants, collected at different seasons of the year and different development stadiums, it was obtained in a Clevenger apparatus, and it composition, was also analyzed by GC/MS. The chloroformic extract and liofilized hidroethanolic extract (LHE) were assayed for the antimalarial and antileishmania activities. Using LHE it was also assayed for the anti ulcer activity in mice Wistar Hannover females and antimicrobial activity in bacteria and fungi. The species in study, in conditions of this work, presented flavonoids, tannins, saponnins, essential oil and mucilages. The chloroformic extract and LHE in the concentrations of 100 µg/mL caused 100% of death in the blood forms of Plasmodium chabaudi AJ, however none of them presented activity in blood forms of Leishmania (L.) chagasi in this concentration. LHE in the concentration of 10 mg/mL presented significant antifungal activity against the Aspergillus niger, and no activity against Staphy/ococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The same extract, in the concentration of 400 mg/kg, administered orally, presented significant antiulcerogenic activity, reducing the Total Area of Lesion (TAL) in 49,13% in relation to the control. The essential oil, in the conditions of the experiment, presented qualitative and quantitative difterences when compared to previous studies and constituted in its majority by sesquiterpenes of the cadinano groups (α-cadinol and δ-cadinene), caryophyllano (ß-caryophyllene) and mainly, germacrano (globulol). The analyses still permit to conclude that the isomer of the spathulenol is the exclusive and mayor component of the essential oil in the stem. Isomer of the globulol is the representative present in mayor amount in the oil when the plant is in flower stadium

[Studies on the shade-endurance capacity of Glycyrrhiza uralensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the shade-endurance property of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and provide rationale for the practice of inter-cropping G. uralensis with trees. METHOD: Black shading nets were used to provide five different environments of light intensities (light penetration rates of 100%, 75%, 65%, 50% and 25%, respectively). To assess the shade-endurance capacity of G. uralensis, several aspects were evaluated, including growth characters, physiological and ecological characters, biomass, and chemical contents. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: G. uralensis is a light-favored plant. The growth indices such as plant height, stem diameter, leaves number, root diameter, biomass, and daily average photosynthetic rate (Pn) are highest when light permeation rate is 100%. All these indices decrease when light intensity decreases. However, G. uralensis possesses shade-endurance capacity to some degree; it adapts to the shading environment by increasing the leaf area and chlorophyll contents. Shading has no obvious effect on the absolute light energy utilization rate (Eu) or Fv/Fm ratio. The influence of shading on the chemical contents of G. uralensis is obvious.

[Effect of drought stress on growth of Glycyrrhiza uralensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of drought stress on the growth of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and its drought resistance characteristic. METHOD: The growth in dicators of G. uralensis including leaf, stem, root and biomass were measured when two-years-old G. uralensis had lived in drought stress soil for 60 days. RESULT: The growth of all organs of G. uralensis was restrained because of drought stress, especially to up ground organs. CONCLUSION: It is obvious that the restraining effect of drought stress on G. uralensis possesses organ speciality. Both yield and quality of G. uralensis will be satisfied when it grows in the soil with relative water content of 50%.

[Identification of herba pogostemonis and its confused species Anisomeles indica].

The article reports the morphological, histological and TLC identification for Herba Pogostemonis and its adulterant, Anisomeles indica, which appears recently. It provides foundation for identificating Herba Pogostemonis.

[Pharmacognostic identification of Ampelopsis grossedentata].

Pharmacognostic identification of Ampelopsis grossedentata was carried out by studying its microscopic characteristics, UV spectra and TLC. The results may provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive development and utilization of the drug.