Biomarkers of pollution by glyphosate in the lichens, Parmotrema tinctorium and Usnea barbata.

Glyphosate is a herbicide commonly used in agriculture for weed control. Current agricultural production demands vast amounts of this product, which are applied by ground or aerial spraying. The concomitant aerial currents promote glyphosate drift to vegetated or urban areas. In this context, we hypothesized that the lichens, Parmotrema tinctorum and Usnea barbata, could be sensitive to the action of glyphosate and therefore be used to bio-indicate the presence of this herbicide in areas affected by drift. Since living organisms respond in different ways to the action of herbicides, our interest was also to indicate biological markers responsive to the action of glyphosate, through concentrations and exposure times of the thallus, besides identifying the most sensitive species. We evaluated the effect of different concentrations (0.0, 4.8, 9.6, and 19.2 mg L-1) and exposure times (24, 48, and 72 hours) to glyphosate on the morphoanatomy, photobiont vitality, photosynthetic efficiency, and oxidative metabolism of the thalli. We found that the lichens, P. tinctorum and U. barbata, respond to glyphosate stress, with prospects for use in the biomonitoring of pollutant dispersal from plantation areas. When using P. tinctorum as a bioindicator, lichen morphoanatomy, photobiont vitality, and photosynthetic pigment concentration were efficient biomarkers for the effect of concentration and exposure time. For U. barbata, the lichenic morphoanatomy and the activity of SOD and APX enzymes were essential tools to indicate the herbicide action. Parmotrema tinctotum, however, was characterized as more sensitive in bio-indicating the presence of this herbicide to diagnose the air quality in urban areas or vegetation sectors adjacent to agricultural environments.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used by a traditional community in Brazil's northeastern / Estudo etnobotânico e etnofarmacológico de plantas medicinais utilizadas por uma comunidade tradicional do nordeste brasileiro

The aim of this research is to make a survey of the socio-environmental characteristics and the ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in a traditional community in the Brazilian Northeast, Alagoas. The study was made based on visits with the application of a questionnaire with questions related to the socio-economic element and on the diversity of plants used in herbal medicine. The research was made from March/2019 to February/2020, where families and interviewed plant exhibitors were interviewed for botanical identification. The studied community, which were 24 interviewees, was compiled by residents of the Quilombola community from Pau D'arco in Arapiraca city - Alagoas. Residents interviewed, 15 (62.5%) attended between 56 to 80 years, 11 interviewees about 46% were born in the community and 13 (54%) had a fundamentally incomplete nature. At the end, there were mentioned 30 plant species used for phytotherapeutic purposes, from which presents bigger usage as plants against arterial hypertension (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), pain and inflammation (Alternanthera tenella Colla), present the biggest number of species in the community. The species cited are related to numerous medicinal uses, among which there will be predominant associations associated with cardiovascular and inflammatory processes. The tea is the main way of preparing plants. It is perceived that medicinal plants are only widely used by this Quilombola community of and growth of the crops in the backyard are considered a tradition.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento das características socioambientais e estudo etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas por uma comunidade tradicional do nordeste brasileiro, Alagoas, Brasil. O estudo se deu por meio de visitas com aplicação de um questionário contendo perguntas relacionadas aos fatores socio-econômicos e sobre a diversidade das plantas utilizadas como medicinais. O trabalho foi realizado no período de março/2019 a fevereiro/2020, onde foram entrevistadas famílias e catalogadas amostras de plantas para identificação botânica. A população estudada, com 24 entrevistados, foi composta por moradores da comunidade Quilombola Pau D'arco da cidade de Arapiraca - Alagoas. Dos moradores entrevistados, 15 (62,5%) apresentavam idade entre 56 e 80 anos, 11 dos entrevistados cerca de 46%, são naturais da comunidade e 13 (54%) possuíam ensino fundamental incompleto. Ao todo, foram citadas 30 espécies de plantas utilizadas para fins terapêuticos, das quais apresentam maior utilização as plantas contra a hipertensão arterial (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), dor e inflamação (Alternanthera tenella Colla). As espécies citadas estão relacionadas a inúmeras utilizações medicinais, entre os quais predominaram as doenças associadas ao aparelho cardiovascular e processos inflamatórios. O chá é principal forma de preparo das plantas. Percebe-se que as plantas medicinais são amplamente utilizadas por essa comunidade quilombola e o cultivo no quintal é considerado uma tradição.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used by a traditional community in Brazil's northeastern / Estudo etnobotânico e etnofarmacológico de plantas medicinais utilizadas por uma comunidade tradicional do nordeste brasileiro

The aim of this research is to make a survey of the socio-environmental characteristics and the ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in a traditional community in the Brazilian Northeast, Alagoas. The study was made based on visits with the application of a questionnaire with questions related to the socio-economic element and on the diversity of plants used in herbal medicine. The research was made from March/2019 to February/2020, where families and interviewed plant exhibitors were interviewed for botanical identification. The studied community, which were 24 interviewees, was compiled by residents of the Quilombola community from Pau D'arco in Arapiraca city - Alagoas. Residents interviewed, 15 (62.5%) attended between 56 to 80 years, 11 interviewees about 46% were born in the community and 13 (54%) had a fundamentally incomplete nature. At the end, there were mentioned 30 plant species used for phytotherapeutic purposes, from which presents bigger usage as plants against arterial hypertension (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), pain and inflammation (Alternanthera tenella Colla), present the biggest number of species in the community. The species cited are related to numerous medicinal uses, among which there will be predominant associations associated with cardiovascular and inflammatory processes. The tea is the main way of preparing plants. It is perceived that medicinal plants are only widely used by this Quilombola community of and growth of the crops in the backyard are considered a tradition.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento das características socioambientais e estudo etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas por uma comunidade tradicional do nordeste brasileiro, Alagoas, Brasil. O estudo se deu por meio de visitas com aplicação de um questionário contendo perguntas relacionadas aos fatores socio-econômicos e sobre a diversidade das plantas utilizadas como medicinais. O trabalho foi realizado no período de março/2019 a fevereiro/2020, onde foram entrevistadas famílias e catalogadas amostras de plantas para identificação botânica. A população estudada, com 24 entrevistados, foi composta por moradores da comunidade Quilombola Pau D’arco da cidade de Arapiraca - Alagoas. Dos moradores entrevistados, 15 (62,5%) apresentavam idade entre 56 e 80 anos, 11 dos entrevistados cerca de 46%, são naturais da comunidade e 13 (54%) possuíam ensino fundamental incompleto. Ao todo, foram citadas 30 espécies de plantas utilizadas para fins terapêuticos, das quais apresentam maior utilização as plantas contra a hipertensão arterial (Salviaros marinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), dor e inflamação (Alternanthera tenella Colla). As espécies citadas estão relacionadas a inúmeras utilizações medicinais, entre os quais predominaram as doenças associadas ao aparelho cardiovascular e processos inflamatórios. O chá é principal forma de preparo das plantas. Percebe-se que as plantas medicinais são amplamente utilizadas por essa comunidade quilombola e o cultivo no quintal é considerado uma tradição.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used by a traditional community in Brazils northeastern

Abstract The aim of this research is to make a survey of the socio-environmental characteristics and the ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in a traditional community in the Brazilian Northeast, Alagoas. The study was made based on visits with the application of a questionnaire with questions related to the socio-economic element and on the diversity of plants used in herbal medicine. The research was made from March/2019 to February/2020, where families and interviewed plant exhibitors were interviewed for botanical identification. The studied community, which were 24 interviewees, was compiled by residents of the Quilombola community from Pau Darco in Arapiraca city - Alagoas. Residents interviewed, 15 (62.5%) attended between 56 to 80 years, 11 interviewees about 46% were born in the community and 13 (54%) had a fundamentally incomplete nature. At the end, there were mentioned 30 plant species used for phytotherapeutic purposes, from which presents bigger usage as plants against arterial hypertension (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), pain and inflammation (Alternanthera tenella Colla), present the biggest number of species in the community. The species cited are related to numerous medicinal uses, among which there will be predominant associations associated with cardiovascular and inflammatory processes. The tea is the main way of preparing plants. It is perceived that medicinal plants are only widely used by this Quilombola community of and growth of the crops in the backyard are considered a tradition.

Resumo Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento das características socioambientais e estudo etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas por uma comunidade tradicional do nordeste brasileiro, Alagoas, Brasil. O estudo se deu por meio de visitas com aplicação de um questionário contendo perguntas relacionadas aos fatores socio-econômicos e sobre a diversidade das plantas utilizadas como medicinais. O trabalho foi realizado no período de março/2019 a fevereiro/2020, onde foram entrevistadas famílias e catalogadas amostras de plantas para identificação botânica. A população estudada, com 24 entrevistados, foi composta por moradores da comunidade Quilombola Pau Darco da cidade de Arapiraca - Alagoas. Dos moradores entrevistados, 15 (62,5%) apresentavam idade entre 56 e 80 anos, 11 dos entrevistados cerca de 46%, são naturais da comunidade e 13 (54%) possuíam ensino fundamental incompleto. Ao todo, foram citadas 30 espécies de plantas utilizadas para fins terapêuticos, das quais apresentam maior utilização as plantas contra a hipertensão arterial (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), dor e inflamação (Alternanthera tenella Colla). As espécies citadas estão relacionadas a inúmeras utilizações medicinais, entre os quais predominaram as doenças associadas ao aparelho cardiovascular e processos inflamatórios. O chá é principal forma de preparo das plantas. Percebe-se que as plantas medicinais são amplamente utilizadas por essa comunidade quilombola e o cultivo no quintal é considerado uma tradição.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used by a traditional community in Brazil's northeastern.

The aim of this research is to make a survey of the socio-environmental characteristics and the ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in a traditional community in the Brazilian Northeast, Alagoas. The study was made based on visits with the application of a questionnaire with questions related to the socio-economic element and on the diversity of plants used in herbal medicine. The research was made from March/2019 to February/2020, where families and interviewed plant exhibitors were interviewed for botanical identification. The studied community, which were 24 interviewees, was compiled by residents of the Quilombola community from Pau D'arco in Arapiraca city - Alagoas. Residents interviewed, 15 (62.5%) attended between 56 to 80 years, 11 interviewees about 46% were born in the community and 13 (54%) had a fundamentally incomplete nature. At the end, there were mentioned 30 plant species used for phytotherapeutic purposes, from which presents bigger usage as plants against arterial hypertension (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), pain and inflammation (Alternanthera tenella Colla), present the biggest number of species in the community. The species cited are related to numerous medicinal uses, among which there will be predominant associations associated with cardiovascular and inflammatory processes. The tea is the main way of preparing plants. It is perceived that medicinal plants are only widely used by this Quilombola community of and growth of the crops in the backyard are considered a tradition.

Sexual dimorphism on aortic remodelling in rats offspring from diabetic mothers and the role of flaxseed oil in this effect.

Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with aortic remodelling in the fetus, stimulating the development of cardiovascular diseases in adult life. However, studies suggest that the use of foods high in omega-3 fatty acid, such as flaxseed oil, may reverse this effect of metabolic programming. This study aimed at investigating whether the effects of diabetes in mothers are passed on to their offspring in a gender-specific manner and whether the flaxseed oil used during pregnancy and lactation reverses or not the possible negative effects of this programming. Diabetic female rats (n = 18) were mated and allocated into three groups (n = 6): high-fat group (HG); flaxseed oil group (FOG) and control group (CG) (nondiabetic rats) during pregnancy and lactation. On the 21st day, male and female pups were weaned on a standard diet until 180 days. Aorta histomorphometry was analysed. Intima-media layer thickness was larger in FOG than CG in male (+15%) and than HG in female (+13.7%). Male FOG (+11.5%) showed higher amount of elastic fibre than CG. Maternal intake of flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation of diabetic mothers program the offspring to increase aorta intima-media layer thickness in adulthood and preserves aorta elastic fibres deposition in male offspring.

Environmental indicators in effluent assessment of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reared in raceway system through phosphorus and nitrogen / Indicadores ambientais na avaliação de efluentes de truta arco-íris (Oncorhynchus mykiss) criados em sistema de raceway através do fósforo e nitrogênio

Abstract The phosphorus and nitrogen discharge via effluent of intensive trout farming system was quantified through the use of environmental indicators. The nutrient loads, the mass balance, the estimated amount of nutrients in feed and the amount of nutrients converted in fish biomass were calculated based on the concentrations of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in the feed and in the water. Of the offered feed, 24.75 kg were available as P and 99.00 kg as N, of these, 9.32 kg P (38%) and 29.12 kg N (25%) were converted into fish biomass and 15.43 kg P (62%) and 69.88 kg N (75%) were exported via effluent. The loads and the mass balance show the excessive discharge of nutrients via effluent, corroborated by the feed conversion ratio (2.12:1) due to the low efficiency of feed utilization, therefore, it is proposed the use of this zootechnical parameter as environmental indicator. In addition, feed management practices are not adequate, highlighting the low frequency of feeding during the day, excessive amount and low quality of feed offered. These results demonstrate the need for adequate feed management and the need for careful monitoring of effluent.

Resumo A descarga de fósforo e nitrogênio via efluente do sistema intensivo de truticultura foi quantificada através da utilização de indicadores ambientais. As cargas de nutrientes, o balanço de massa, a quantidade estimada de nutrientes na ração e a quantidade de nutrientes convertidos em biomassa de peixes foram calculados com base nas concentrações de fósforo (P) e nitrogênio (N) na ração e na água. Da ração oferecida, 24,75 kg estavam disponíveis como P e 99,00 kg como N, destes, 9,32 kg de P (38%) e 29,12 kg de N (25%) foram convertidos em biomassa de peixe e 15,43 kg P (62%) e 69,88 kg N (75%) foram exportados via efluente. As cargas e o balanço de massa mostram a descarga excessiva de nutrientes via efluente, corroborado pela taxa de conversão alimentar (2,12:1), devido à baixa eficiência na utilização da ração, portanto, propõe-se a utilização deste parâmetro zootécnico como indicador ambiental. Além disso, as práticas de manejo alimentar não são adequadas, destacando a baixa frequência de alimentação durante o dia, quantidade excessiva e baixa qualidade da alimentação ofertada. Esses resultados demonstram a necessidade de manejo alimentar adequado e de monitoramento do efluente.

Environmental indicators in effluent assessment of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reared in raceway system through phosphorus and nitrogen.

The phosphorus and nitrogen discharge via effluent of intensive trout farming system was quantified through the use of environmental indicators. The nutrient loads, the mass balance, the estimated amount of nutrients in feed and the amount of nutrients converted in fish biomass were calculated based on the concentrations of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in the feed and in the water. Of the offered feed, 24.75 kg were available as P and 99.00 kg as N, of these, 9.32 kg P (38%) and 29.12 kg N (25%) were converted into fish biomass and 15.43 kg P (62%) and 69.88 kg N (75%) were exported via effluent. The loads and the mass balance show the excessive discharge of nutrients via effluent, corroborated by the feed conversion ratio (2.12:1) due to the low efficiency of feed utilization, therefore, it is proposed the use of this zootechnical parameter as environmental indicator. In addition, feed management practices are not adequate, highlighting the low frequency of feeding during the day, excessive amount and low quality of feed offered. These results demonstrate the need for adequate feed management and the need for careful monitoring of effluent.

Estudo da ação da romã (Punica granatum L. ) na cicatrização de úlceras induzidas por queimadura em dorso de língua de ratos Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) / Pomegranate action study (Punica granatum L. ) for the healing of ulcers induced by burns to the dorso-lingual mucosa in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus).

RESUMO O objetivo desse estudo foi observar a ação da romã (Punica granatum L.) em estomatites induzidas por queimaduras no dorso da língua de ratos Wistar. Foram utilizados 24 ratos Wistar machos adultos, provenientes do Biotério da UNIVASF. Foram formados quatro grupos (G1: Polpa da romã por gavagem; G2: Polpa da romã por gavagem + aplicação local do chá da casca do fruto; G3: aplicação local do chá da casca do fruto e G4: Controle negativo). As queimaduras foram confeccionadas com instrumental odontológico padrão. Os tratamentos foram realizados duas vezes ao dia, durante 14 dias. Metade dos animais de cada grupo (n=3) foi eutanasiada no sétimo dia de experimentação, enquanto o restante foi eutanasiado no 14º dia. As línguas foram removidas e fixadas com formaldeído a 10% tamponado, processadas com cortes de 5 µm e coradas em HE. Clinicamente, os animais do grupo G2 tiveram melhores resultados. Na análise histológica qualitativa foi avaliada a reepitelização e os graus de inflamação numa escala de 0 a 4. Na análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson. Houve significância estatística (p=0,026 e p=0,023) quando se comparou o tratamento com os graus de reepitelização e inflamação nos quatro grupos estudados. O grupo G2 apresentou cicatrização completa com 14 dias. Os piores escores obtidos foram atribuídos ao Grupo G4 nos dois parâmetros de avaliação qualitativa. Diante dos resultados obtidos, observa-se que a romã (Punica granatum L.) possui ação cicatrizante na mucosa lingual de ratos Wistar.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to observe the action of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) on stomatitis induced burns on the dorso-lingual musosa in Wistar rats. Twenty-four male, adult Wister albino rats were used, from the bioterium of UNIVASF. There were four groups (G1: Pomegranate juice by gavage; G2: Pomegranate juice by gavage + local application of fruit peel tea; G3: Local application of fruit peel tea only and G4: a negative control). The burns were made with standard dental instruments. The treatments were performed twice a day for 14 days. Half the animals in each group (n = 3) were euthanized on the seventh day of experimentation, while the remainder were euthanized on day 14. The tongues were removed and fixed with a 10% formaldehyde buffer, processed as 5µm sections and stained with HE. Clinically the animals treated with tea showed better healing. For statistical analysis the Pearson chi-squared test was used. There was a statistical significance (p = 0.026 and p = 0.023) when compared to treatment with the degree of re-epithelialization and inflammation of the four groups studied. The G2 group showed complete healing within 14 days. The worst scores were found in the G4 group in both qualitative assessment parameters. Based on these results, it was observed that pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has a healing action on the lingual mucosa of Wistar rats.

In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of commercial green tea extracts in UV protection.

Plants with antioxidant properties are beneficial for preventing the ageing events evoked by UV light, and numerous products based on Camellila sinensis (green tea) are commercially available, many of which claiming to contain bioactive compounds that would prevent UV-induced skin damage. In this study, we tested the efficacy of five commercial green tea extracts used to enrich cosmetic formulations for protecting human and mouse fibroblasts against UV radiation effects and compared with a fluid one prepared according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia recommendations. Taking into consideration that the ageing process can be accelerated by solar radiation by excessive free radical generation, leading to depletion of skin antioxidant defences, and its collapse caused by disruption of the metalloproteinase metabolism, we have used their individual (-)-epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG) content, the catalase and SOD status and the matrix-degrading metalloproteases (MMP)-1, MMP-9 and MMP-13 levels as comparative parameters. The EGCG content of the commercial products showed wide variability, ranging from undetectable levels to 58.65 ± 1.12 µg mL(-1) , in contrast with the fluid extract (87.82 ± 1.35 µg mL(-1) ). Moreover, only the pharmacopoeic extract was able to significantly reduce MMP degradation while enhancing the levels of SOD and catalase. These results indicate, for the first time, that the methodologies for preparing herbal mixtures can interfere significantly with compounds endowed with photoprotective effects, and the efficacy of products containing C. sinensis extracts thought to act against effects of solar radiation can be compromised.

Dietary supplements for the lactating adolescent mother: influence on plasma micronutrients.

INTRODUCTION: The nutritional status of micronutrients in lactating adolescent women is crucial to guarantee an adequate secretion of these in breast milk and, consequently, an adequate nutritional status of children. Hence, more attention should be given to micronutrient status of adolescent mother who breastfeed. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of multimicronutrients supplementation upon nutritional status of iron, copper, zinc and calcium of lactating adolescent mother from low socioeconomic status in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. During 60 days, 36 adolescents were allocated into two groups: supplemented group (SG) with 17 volunteers, receiving daily multimicronutrients supplement and the placebo group (PG) with 19 volunteers, receiving an inert compound. Plasma iron, copper, zinc and calcium and hemoglobin were determined at 7, 11 and 15 of the postpartum weeks (PPW). The effect of supplementation was analyzed by analysis of variance, comparing the differences between groups and within groups. RESULTS: The average age of volunteers was 17.1 ± 0.8 for the supplemented group and 16.3 ± 1.4 for the placebo group. We observed an increase in the mean concentration of zinc (p < 0.05) and hemoglobin (p < 0.05) in the SG during the study (60 days), while the PG showed reduction (p < 0.05) in the mean concentration of copper between the 7th and 11t h PPW. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that supplementation with multimicronutrientes exerted positive effect on hemoglobin, copper and zinc.

Estudo do derivado do óleo de Ricinus communis L. (mamona) como agente biocida e redutor da viscosidade produzida por Leuconostoc mesenteroides em indústrias sucroalcooleiras / Study of a Ricinus communis L. (castor oil) derivative as a biocidal agent and viscosity reducer on Leuconostoc mesenteroides in the sugar and alcohol industries

Das sementes da mamona extrai-se o óleo de rícino, utilizado in natura ou em sua forma modificada nas áreas médica, farmacêutica e industrial. Um de seus derivados químicos - o Poliquilgerm® - evidencia propriedades antifúngicas sobre Candida albicans e bacteriostática/ bactericida sobre Escherichia coli no nível de 99,9%. Considerando-se essas propriedades, aplicouse o Poliquilgerm® em culturas de Leuconostoc mesenteroides, uma das espécies de bactéria contaminante dos mostos em indústrias sucroalcooleiras. Esta bactéria quando presente em mostos produz além do ácido láctico, a dextrana, que é um polímero da glicose que aumenta a viscosidade dos fluidos dos processos. No presente trabalho avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes concentrações do Poliquilgerm® sobre a viscosidade produzida por L. mesenteroides em diferentes meios de cultivo, condições de pH, e temperatura. Verificou-se 20,56% de diminuição da viscosidade quando se utilizou 1,0% do produto, além da inibição do crescimento da bactéria após 20 horas em contato com 1,0 e 0,2% de Poliquilgerm®. L. mesenteroides apresentou melhor crescimento em valores de pH 6,0, tanto a 28 como a 33º C, evidenciado pela maior produção de biomassa. Além disso, em meio de cultura neste pH verificou-se maior porcentagem de diminuição da viscosidade em ambas as concentrações utilizadas. Estas mesmas concentrações alcançaram até 100% de diminuição das UFC/mL após 24 horas em contato com o produto, evidenciado por quantificação da biomassa e confirmado mediante plaqueamento pela técnica "Pour Plate".

Castor-oil, extracted from seeds of Ricinus communis L., is normally used in natura or in its modified form in the medical, pharmaceutical and industrial areas. One of its chemical derivates ­ Poliquilgerm® ­ has shown antifungal properties on Candida albicans, and bacteriostatic/bactericide effects on Escherichia coli reaching 99.9%. Considering these features, in the present study Poliquilgerm® was applied in cultures of Leuconostoc mesenteroides, a frequent contaminant bacterium of musts in the sugar and alcohol industries. This bacterium, when a contaminant of must, produces lactic acid as well as dextran, a polymer of glucose which may increase the viscosity of fluids in the operation. The present study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of Poliquilgerm® on viscosity produced by L. mesenteroides cultures under different conditions of various culture media, pH and temperature. A 20.56% decrease in viscosity was verified when 1.0% of the product was used, and bacterium growth inhibition after 20 hours in media with 1.0 and 0.2% of Poliquilgerm®. L. mesenteroides showed a higher growth rate in pH 6.0, at both 28 and 33º C, evidenced by greater biomass production. Also, in the culture media at this pH a greater decrease in viscosity percentages was verified at both concentrations used. The media with these same concentrations reached up to 100% decrease of UFC/mL after 24 hours in the presence of the product, observed by biomass quantification and confirmed by the Pour Plate technique.

Uso da adubação orgânica e cobertura morta na cultura da calêndula (Calendula officinalis L. ) / Use of organic fertilization and mulching in the production of calendula (Calendula officinalis L. )

A calêndula representa fonte alternativa econômica principalmente para a agricultura familiar. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da adubação orgânica e do uso da cobertura morta sobre a produção de biomassa e teor de flavonóides totais em plantas de calêndula. O experimento foi realizado no Campus de Montes Claros da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, utilizando-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2x2x4 com quatro repetições: duas épocas de colheita, presença ou ausência de cobertura morta e quatro doses de composto orgânico (0, 30, 60 e 90 t ha-1). As maiores produções de biomassa e flavonóides totais foram verificadas com o aumento das doses de composto orgânico. Para os flavonóides totais o maior teor foi obtido na segunda colheita na presença de cobertura morta.

Calendula represents an alternative economic source, mainly to familiar agriculture. The aim of this work was to study the effects of organic fertilization and mulching on phytomass production and total flavonoid content in calendula plants. The experiment was carried out at Federal University of Minas Gerais, Montes Claros Campus. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in 2x2x4 factorial arrangement, with four replicates: two harvest periods, presence or absence of mulching, and four levels of organic fertilizer (0, 30, 60 and 90 t ha-1). The highest phytomass and total flavonoid productions were obtained with increasing levels of organic fertilizer. The highest total flavonoid content was obtained in the second harvest in the presence of mulching.

Influência de extratos hidroetanólicos de plantas medicinais sobre a quimiotaxia de leucócitos humanos / Influence of some medicinal plant hydroethanolic extracts on human leukocyte chemotaxis

Vários métodos in vitro têm sido empregados para a investigação das atividades biológicas de plantas usadas na medicina popular para o tratamento de processos inflamatórios. Neste trabalho, investigou-se a influência dos extratos hidroetanólicos de Rauvolfia sellowii Muell. Arg, Hybanthus bigibbosus (St.-Hil) Hassler e Anchieta pyrifolia (Mart.) G. Don, conhecidas popularmente como pau-pra-tudo, canela-de-veado e cipó-suma, respectivamente, sobre a quimiotaxia de leucócitos humanos, estimulados a migrar contra um gradiente de caseína, utilizando-se o método de Boyden. A dexametasona foi utilizada como substância de referência da inibição da quimiotaxia leucocitária. Os resultados demonstraram efeito inibitório significativo de todos os extratos das plantas testadas, sobre a migração de polimorfonucleares, induzida por caseína. Entretanto, essa atividade variou de intensidade conforme a concentração e a espécie estudada. Efeitos máximos foram observados, nas concentrações de 1000, 10 e 1µg/ml com os extratos de pau-pra-tudo, canela-de-veado e cipó-suma, respectivamente, com migração de 81,6±3,9 por cento; 85,4±2,4 por cento e 91,7±2,2 por cento dos polimorfonucleares, enquanto que, com a dexametasona, este efeito foi de 70,3±5,9 por cento. Embora estudos mais aprofundados sejam necessários, os resultados apresentados podem servir como base preliminar de dados, contribuindo para esclarecer o mecanismo da atividade antiinflamatória atribuída às essas plantas na medicina caseira.

Several in vitro methods have been used for the investigation of the biological activities of plants used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. In this study, we have investigated the ability of the hydroethanolic extracts from Rauvolfia sellowii Muell. Arg, Hybanthus bigibbosus (St.-Hil) Hassler, and Anchieta pyrifolia (Mart.) G. Don, locally known as pau-pra-tudo, canela-de-veado, and cipó-suma, respectively, in interfering with the human leukocytes migration induced by casein, using the Boyden chamber method. Dexamethasone has been used as a positive control for leukocyte inhibition in the same experimental approach. The data herein presented showed a significant inhibition of the casein-induced polymorphonuclear leukocytes migration for all plants studied. However, the intensity of such activity was variable according to the dose and plant tested. For pau-pra-tudo, canela-de-veado, and cipó-suma extracts the average number of migrated polymorphonuclear leukocytes was 81.6±3.9 percent, 85.4±2.4 percent and 91.7±2.2 percent of the input for the doses of 1000, 10, and 1mg/ml, respectively, while for dexamethasone, the value found was 70.3±5.9 percent. Although further studies are needed, the results presented in this study may be useful to clarify the anti-inflammatory properties of these herbal medicines, supporting their ethnobothanical use for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.