Phytochemical analysis, toxicity and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaves of Dipteryx alata Vogel.

In this study, our objective was to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis, determine toxicity levels, and assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of extracts derived from the leaves of Dipteryx alata Vogel, a native species of the Brazilian cerrado flora. Three distinct extracts were prepared utilizing assisted ultrasound and the Soxhlet apparatus, namely, Ultrasound Crude Extract (UCE), Soxhlet Crude Extract (SCE), and the Soxhlet Ethanol Extract (SEE). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, and saponins in all extracts. Additionally, alkaloids were specifically identified in the SCE and SEE extracts. In the analysis using LC-DAD, the compounds gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, luteolin and kampefrol were determined in higher concentrations in the SCE, followed by the SEE and UCE, respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of campesterol, stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol in all extracts, with UCE and SCE showing a higher concentration of ß-sitosterol. SCE showed the highest concentration of all identified compounds. In the analysis of antioxidant activity by DPPH• and ABTS•+, SEE showed greater efficiency (IC50 = 2.98 ± 2.92 and 6.57 ± 0.89 µg/mL, respectively). In the toxicity test with Allium cepa, all extracts stimulated root growth at 50 g/mL; UCE and SEE stimulated root growth at 250 g/mL; and SEE inhibited root growth at 750 g/mL. In the Artemia salina toxicity, all extracts were non-toxic. Antibacterial activity was identified in the microorganisms S. aureus and S. mutans; however, the extracts did not show antifungal action against the strain of C. albicans. The extracts of D. alata have therapeutic potential for applicability in dentistry.

Parkia from Cerrado: phytochemical bioprospection, toxicity and in vitro bioactivities of bark and flower extracts.

Parkia platycephala is the only species of the genus Parkia that is endemic to the brazilian Cerrado and the tree symbol of the state of Tocantins, but there are still few studies regarding its bioprospecting. In this study, we aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, toxicity and bioactivities of the bark and flower of Parkia platycephala. Hot sequential extractions (Soxhlet) were performed using methanol and hydroethanolic solution (70%), after degreasing the sample (hexane). The presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids and alkaloids was detected in the preliminary screening. Trilinolein, (Z)-9-octadecenamide, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose were detected by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In the Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (LC-PDA) analysis, it was detected exclusively ferulic acid (bark) and ellagic acid (flower). The ethanolic extract of the bark (IC50=10.69 ± 0.35 µgmL-1) has an antioxidant potential (DPPH• radical) higher than that of the rutin standard (IC50=15.85 ± 0.08 µgmL-1). All extracts showed excellent anticholinesterase potential (Ellman), with emphasis on the ethanol extract of the flower (IC50 =5.34 ± 0.12 µgmL-1). Regarding toxicity (Artemia salina), the methanolic extract of the bark and the ethanolic extract of the flower presented high and moderate levels, respectively. Such results limit the concentrations of biological activities in this study, however, the antioxidant and anticholinesterase indices fall short of toxicity. The results demonstrated promising antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of both the bark and the flower of Parkia platycephala.

Acrocomia aculeata oil: Beneficial effects on cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the extracted oil of Acrocomia aculeata pulp in preventing or mitigating the reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in male rats. Adult male rats were segregated into seven groups that received vehicle, 100 mg/kg/day of CP, or 10 mg/kg/day of ß-carotene or 3 or 30 mg/kg/day of A. aculeata oil co-administered with CP. A. aculeata oil exhibited a high content of ß-carotene. CP treatment induced reproductive toxicity in the animals, as it changed the reproductive organs weight, hormone levels, sperm counts and testicular histology. In contrast, co-administration of A. aculeata improved CP-induced alterations in these parameters. A. aculeata oil also increased the gene Ckit expression and normalised the antioxidant enzymes levels which were changed by CP. The A. aculeata oil is capable of protecting the male reproductive system from the adverse effects of CP, possibly by acting as an antioxidant and increasing the Ckit gene expression.

Anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils from Mangifera indica.

Mangifera indica is widely found in Brazil, and its leaves are used as an anti-inflammatory agent in folk medicine. The aim of this study is to perform composition analysis of essential oils from the M. indica varieties, espada (EOMIL1) and coração de boi (EOMIL2), and confirm their anti-inflammatory properties. Twenty-three volatile compounds were identified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in two essential oils from the leaves. Paw edema and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw model, while leukocyte migration was analyzed using the pleurisy model. At oral doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg, the essential oils significantly reduced edema formation and the increase in MPO activity induced by carrageenan in rat paws. For a dose of 300 mg/kg EOMIL1, 62 ± 8% inhibition of edema was observed, while EOMIL2 led to 51 ± 7% inhibition of edema. At a dose of 100 mg/kg, the inhibition was 54 ± 9% for EOMIL1 and 37 ± 7% for EOMIL2. EOMIL1 and EOMIL2 significantly reduced MPO activity at doses of 100 mg/kg (47 ± 5 and 23 ± 8%, respectively) and 300 mg/kg (50 ± 9 and 31 ± 7%, respectively). In the pleurisy model, inhibitions were also observed for EOMIL1 and EOMIL2 in the leukocyte migration test. The results of the present study show that essential oils from M. indica differ in chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity in rats.

Campomanesia adamantium extract induces DNA damage, apoptosis, and affects cyclophosphamide metabolism.

Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg. is originally from Brazil. Its leaves and fruits have medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal and antiseptic properties. However, the mutagenic potential of this species has been reported in few studies. This study describes the mutagenic/antimutagenic, splenic phagocytic, and apoptotic activities of C. adamantium hydroethanolic extract with or without cyclophosphamide in Swiss mice. The animals orally received the hydroethanolic extract at doses of 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg with or without 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide. Mutagenesis was evaluated by performing the micronucleus assay after treatment for 24, 48, and 72 h, while splenic phagocytic and apoptotic effects were investigated after 72 h. Short-term exposure of 30 and 100 mg/kg extract induced mild clastogenic/aneugenic effects and increased splenic phagocytosis and apoptosis in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. When the extract was administered in combination with cyclophosphamide, micronucleus frequency and apoptosis reduced. Extract components might affect cyclophosphamide metabolism, which possibly leads to increased clearance of this chemotherapeutic agent. C. adamantium showed mutagenic activity and it may decrease the effectiveness of drugs with metabolic pathways similar to those associated with cyclophosphamide. Thus, caution should be exercised while consuming these extracts, especially when received in combination with other drugs.

In vitro biological screening of the anticholinesterase and antiproliferative activities of medicinal plants belonging to Annonaceae

The aim of this research was to investigate the antiproliferative and anticholinesterase activities of 11 extracts from 5 Annonaceae species in vitro. Antiproliferative activity was assessed using 10 human cancer cell lines. Thin-layer chromatography and a microplate assay were used to screen the extracts for acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitors using Ellman's reagent. The chemical compositions of the active extracts were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography. Eleven extracts obtained from five Annonaceae plant species were active and were particularly effective against the UA251, NCI-470 lung, HT-29, NCI/ADR, and K-562 cell lines with growth inhibition (GI50) values of 0.04-0.06, 0.02-0.50, 0.01-0.12, 0.10-0.27, and 0.02-0.04 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the Annona crassiflora and A. coriacea seed extracts were the most active among the tested extracts and the most effective against the tumor cell lines, with GI50 values below 8.90 µg/mL. The A. cacans extract displayed the lowest activity. Based on the microplate assay, the percent AchE inhibition of the extracts ranged from 12 to 52%, and the A. coriacea seed extract resulted in the greatest inhibition (52%). Caffeic acid, sinapic acid, and rutin were present at higher concentrations in the A. crassiflora seed samples. The A. coriacea seeds contained ferulic and sinapic acid. Overall, the results indicated that A. crassiflora and A. coriacea extracts have antiproliferative and anticholinesterase properties, which opens up new possibilities for alternative pharmacotherapy drugs.

Total biomass and essential oil composition of Ocimum gratissimum L. in response to broiler litter and phosphorus / Produção de biomassa e composição do óleo essencial de Ocimum gratissimum L. cultivado em solo com cama-de-frango e fósforo

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the biomass yield and chemical composition of the essential oil of clove basil in response to doses of broiler litter (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1) added in presence of triple superphosphate (200 kg ha-1) or without it. Before the first harvest, the height of the plants increased significantly (34.42 cm) when 15 tonnes ha-1 broiler litter were added to the soil. However, after resprouting, the plant heights ranged only as a function of the vegetative cycle, with maximum height (76.0 cm) observed at 60 days. Phosphate fertilization also significantly influenced the leaf area (1.771 cm2 plant-1) during the first harvest. The fresh weight of leaves increased linearly in response to the addition of broiler litter (20 ton ha-1) with maximum yields of 1,709 and 7,140 kg ha-1 during the first harvest and regrowth, respectively. On average, the oil content of the leaves was 0.7%, with maximum performance (3.8 L ha-1) when 20 tonnes ha-1 of broiler litter were added on the soil. Eugenol was found to be the major compound of the essential oil (71.65%).

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa e a composição do óleo essencial da alfavaca-cravo cultivada com adição ao solo de cama-de-frango de corte, na ausência ou presença de fósforo. Foram estudadas cinco doses de cama-de-frango semi-decomposta (0, 5, 10, 15 e 20 t ha-1), na ausência ou presença de fósforo (200 kg ha-1), na forma de superfosfato triplo. A altura das plantas na primeira colheita foi maior sob a dose de 15 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango (34,42 cm), ou sem o uso de fósforo (32,4 cm); na rebrota, a altura variou apenas em função do ciclo, sendo máxima (76,0 cm) aos 60 dias após a rebrota. A adubação fosfatada influenciou significativamente a área foliar da primeira colheita, que foi maior com fósforo (1.771 cm2 planta-1). As produções de massas frescas de folhas cresceram linearmente com as doses de cama-de-frango, com máximas de 1.709 e 7.140 kg ha-1 na primeira colheita e na rebrota, respectivamente, sob 20 t ha -1. O teor de óleo essencial foi em média de 0,7% e o rendimento máximo de 3,8 L ha-1 sob a dose de 20 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango; o principal constituinte foi o eugenol, com teor médio de 71,65%.

In vitro biological screening of the anticholinesterase and antiproliferative activities of medicinal plants belonging to Annonaceae.

The aim of this research was to investigate the antiproliferative and anticholinesterase activities of 11 extracts from 5 Annonaceae species in vitro. Antiproliferative activity was assessed using 10 human cancer cell lines. Thin-layer chromatography and a microplate assay were used to screen the extracts for acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitors using Ellman's reagent. The chemical compositions of the active extracts were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography. Eleven extracts obtained from five Annonaceae plant species were active and were particularly effective against the UA251, NCI-470 lung, HT-29, NCI/ADR, and K-562 cell lines with growth inhibition (GI50) values of 0.04-0.06, 0.02-0.50, 0.01-0.12, 0.10-0.27, and 0.02-0.04 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the Annona crassiflora and A. coriacea seed extracts were the most active among the tested extracts and the most effective against the tumor cell lines, with GI50 values below 8.90 µg/mL. The A. cacans extract displayed the lowest activity. Based on the microplate assay, the percent AchE inhibition of the extracts ranged from 12 to 52%, and the A. coriacea seed extract resulted in the greatest inhibition (52%). Caffeic acid, sinapic acid, and rutin were present at higher concentrations in the A. crassiflora seed samples. The A. coriacea seeds contained ferulic and sinapic acid. Overall, the results indicated that A. crassiflora and A. coriacea extracts have antiproliferative and anticholinesterase properties, which opens up new possibilities for alternative pharmacotherapy drugs.

Chemical composition and free radical-scavenging, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil from Ocimum kilimandscharicum.

OBJECTIVE: The essential oil from the leaves of Ocimum kilimandscharicum (EOOK), collected in Dourados-MS, was investigated for anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and chemical composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The essential oil was evaluated for free radical-scavenging activity using the DPPH assay and was tested in an anticancer assay against ten human cancer cell lines. The response parameter (GI50) was calculated for the cell lines tested. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy in mice. RESULTS: The chemical composition showed 45 components with a predominance of monoterpenes, such as camphor (51.81%), 1,8 cineole (20.13%) and limonene (11.23%). The EOOK exhibited potent free radical-scavenging activity by the DPPH assay with a GI50 of 8.31 µg/ml. The major constituents, pure camphor (IC50=12.56 µg/ml) and mixture of the limonene: 1, 8 cineole (IC50=23.25 µg/ml) displayed a potent activity. The oral administration of EOOK (at 30 and 100 mg kg(-1)), as well as the pure camphor or a mixture of 1,8 cineole with limonene, significantly inhibited the carrageenan (Cg) induced pleurisy, reducing the migration of total leukocytes in mice by 82 ± 4% (30 mg kg(-1) of EOOK), 95 ± 4% (100 mg kg(-1) of EOOK), 83 ± 9% (camphor) and 80 ± 5% (mixture of 1,8 cineole:limonene 1:1). In vitro cytotoxicity screening against a human ovarian cancer cell line displayed high selectivity and potent anticancer activity with GI50=31.90 mg ml(-1). This work describes the anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant effects of EOOK for the first time. CONCLUSIONS: The essential oil exhibited marked anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects, an effect that can be attributed the presence of majorital compounds, and the response profiles from chemical composition differed from other oils collected in different locales.

Avaliação do perfil cromatográfico obtidos por CLAE-DAD e da atividade antioxidante das folhas de espécies Campomanesia sessiliflora (O. Berg) Mattos e Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg / Evaluation of the chromatographic profile and the antioxidant activity of the species Campomanesia sessiliflora (O. Berg) Mattos and Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg

O objetivo desta pesquisa visou a avaliação do perfil cromatográfico, a atividade antioxidante, e os teores de fenóis e flavonóides nos extratos orgânicos e infusos de folhas das espécies C. xanthocarpa e C. sessiliflora coletadas durante os períodos vegetativo e reprodutivo. As análises dos extratos e infusos foram realizadas empregando-se cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector de arranjo de diodos (CLAE-DAD). Segundo a comparação dos perfis obtidos foi baixa a similaridade entre a composição química das duas espécies. O teor de fenóis (64,69-334,18 µg de ácido gálico mL-1 ) foi superior ao teor de flavonóides (4,02-35,60 µg de quercetina mL-1) em todas as análises. Os extratos orgânicos e infusos das folhas coletadas no período reprodutivo apresentaram teores de fenóis e de flavonóides superiores em ambas as espécies. Não houve uma correlação linear entre o teor de fenóis e flavonóides com a atividade antioxidante em todas as amostras.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chromatographic profile, the antioxidant activity, and the levels of phenols and flavonoids in organic extracts and infusions from leaves of the species C. xanthocarpa and C. sessiliflora collected during the vegetative and reproductive periods. Analyses of the extracts and infusions were performed by adopting high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Based on the comparison of the obtained profiles, similarity between the chemical composition of the two species was low. Phenol levels (64.69-334.18 µg gallic acid mL-1) were superior to the level of flavonoids (4.02-35.60 µg quercetin mL-1) in all analyses. Organic extracts and infusions from leaves collected in the reproductive period had superior phenol and flavonoid levels in both species. There was not a linear correlation of phenol and flavonoid levels with antioxidant activity in all samples.

Espaçamentos entre plantas e adição de cama-de-frango na produção de biomassa das plantas e na composição química dos frutos da Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess. ) O. Berg / Spacing between plants and addition of chicken manure in the biomass production of plants and in the chemical composition of fruits of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess. ) O. Berg

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de espaçamentos entre plantas e o uso ou não de cama-de-frango semidecomposta incorporada ao solo na produção de biomassa das plantas e nos teores de fenóis, flavonóides e atividade antioxidante do extrato dos frutos da Campomanesia adamantium. O experimento foi desenvolvido no Horto de Plantas Medicinais - HPM, da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados/UFGD, em Dourados-MS. Foi estudada a C. adamantium com cinco espaçamentos entre plantas, na linha (0,30; 0,35; 0,40; 0,45 e 0,50 m) e sem, ou com, cama-de-frango semidecomposta incorporada ao solo na dose de 10 t ha-1. Os tratamentos foram arranjados como fatorial 5 x 2, no delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Aos 390 dias após o transplante as plantas possuíam 54,89 cm de altura, 10,01 mm de diâmetro de caule e 178,27 folhas por planta. Os diâmetros, longitudinal (17,34 mm) e transversal (18,07 mm), dos frutos não variaram com os espaçamentos e nem com o uso da cama-de-frango. O maior número de frutos (28,56 frutos planta-1) e a maior massa fresca dos frutos (83,65 g planta-1) foram das plantas cultivadas sob os espaçamentos de 0,32 m e 0,35 m entre plantas, respectivamente, independente do uso ou não da cama-de-frango. A cama-de-frango induziu aumento significativo no teor de fenóis e reduziu o teor de flavonóides e a atividade antioxidante da polpa dos frutos. A cama-de-frango não influenciou a produtividade da C. adamantium nem a composição química dos frutos. Recomenda-se o uso do espaçamento 0,35 m entre plantas e 1,50 m entre fileiras, com o objetivo de produção de frutos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of five spacing between plants and the use or not of semi-decomposed chicken manure incorporated into the soil on the biomass production of plants and on the levels of phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of the extract of C. adamantium fruits. The experiment was carried out in the Medicinal Plant Garden - HPM, of Federal University of Grande Dourados/UFGD, in Dourados-Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. C. adamantium was studied under five spacing between plants in a row (0.30; 0.35; 0.40; 0.45 and 0.50 m) and with and without semi-decomposed chicken manure incorporated in the soil, at a dose of 10 t ha-1. Treatments were arranged as 5 x 2 factorial, in randomized block design, with four replicates. At 390 days after transplanting, the plants had 54.89 cm height, 10.01 mm stem diameter and 178.27 leaves per plant. The longitudinal (17.34 mm) and transverse (18.07 mm) diameters of the fruits did not vary with the spacing or with the use of chicken manure. The largest number (28.56 fruits plant-1) and greatest fresh weight (83.65 g plant-1) of fruits were obtained for plants cultivated under spacing of 0.32 and 0.35 m between plants, respectively, independent of the use of chicken manure. The chicken manure induced a significant increase in phenol content and reduced flavonoid content and the antioxidant activity of the fruit pulp. The chicken manure did not influence the productivity of C. adamantium or the chemical composition of fruits. The use of spacing of 0.35 m between plants and 1.50 m between rows is recommended, with the aim of producing fruits.

Avaliação da atividade antioxidante, toxicidade e composição química por CG-EM do extrato hexânico das folhas de Campomanesia pubescens / Assessment of antioxidant activity, toxicity and chemical composition by GC-MS of the hexane extract from the leaves of Campomanesia pubescens

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antioxidante, toxicidade e composição por CG-EM do extrato hexânico das folhas de C. pubescens. Pela comparação da atividade antioxidante em termos de CI50 o método Beta-caroteno/ácido linoléico apresentou melhor resposta (880 miug/mL) que o método radical livre DPPH (1780 miug/mL). O método Beta-caroteno/ácido linoléico tem como característica responder melhor para amostras mais apolares enquanto que o método com DPPH para amostras mais polares. O extrato hexânico apresentou em sua composição sesquiterpenos hidrocarbonetos e oxigenados e Beta-sitosterol. O extrato não foi considerado tóxico para Artemia salina.