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.

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae).

Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects of these essential oils on the germination, root and shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential root respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and mitotic index in lettuce and onion were determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity were also investigated. The results revealed that the stem oil consisted of 15 compounds, of which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) and E-caryophyllene (13.3%) were the major constituents. The leaf oil contained E-caryophyllene (39.6%) and α-humulene (13.2%) as major compounds. The oils inhibited the germination and growth of lettuce and onion seedlings and reduced chlorophyll content, root respiration, and cell division. They also caused oxidative stress, indicated by the increased activity of the evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to the inhibition of plant growth. The most pronounced phytotoxic effects were observed in the stem oil. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that leaf oil was more active than stem oil, resulting from the presence of biologically active sesquiterpenes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Experimental data of thermal cracking of soybean oil and blends with hydrogenated fat.

This article presents the experimental data on the thermal cracking of soybean oil and blends with hydrogenated fat. Thermal cracking experiments were carried out in a plug flow reactor with pure soybean oil and two blends with hydrogenated fat to reduce the degree of unsaturation of the feedstock. The same operational conditions was considered. The data obtained showed a total aromatics content reduction by 14% with the lowest degree of unsaturation feedstock. Other physicochemical data is presented, such as iodine index, acid index, density, kinematic viscosity. A distillation curve was carried out and compared with the curve from a petroleum sample.

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects of these essential oils on the germination, root and shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential root respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and mitotic index in lettuce and onion were determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity were also investigated. The results revealed that the stem oil consisted of 15 compounds, of which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) and E-caryophyllene (13.3%) were the major constituents. The leaf oil contained E-caryophyllene (39.6%) and -humulene (13.2%) as major compounds. The oils inhibited the germination and growth of lettuce and onion seedlings and reduced chlorophyll content, root respiration, and cell division. They also caused oxidative stress, indicated by the increased activity of the evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to the inhibition of plant growth. The most pronounced phytotoxic effects were observed in the stem oil. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that leaf oil was more active than stem oil, resulting from the presence of biologically active sesquiterpenes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Resumo Os óleos essenciais do caule e da folha de Croton doctoris foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa (GC) e espectrometria de massa (GC-MS) resultando em 22 compostos identificados. Os efeitos dos óleos essenciais na germinação, crescimento de raízes e parte aérea, teor total de clorofila, respiração radicular, atividade de peroxidase, catalase e superóxido de dimetase e índice mitótico foram determinados em alface e cebola. Atividade antioxidante, antimicrobiana e citotóxica também foram investigadas. Os resultados revelaram que o óleo do caule é constituído por 15 compostos, dos quais os principais são o óxido de cariofileno (24,5%) e E-cariofileno (13,3%). O óleo foliar apresentou E-cariofileno (39,6%) seguido de -humuleno (13,2%) como compostos majoritários. Os óleos inibiram a germinação e o crescimento das plântulas de alface e cebola e reduziram o conteúdo de clorofila, a respiração radicular e a divisão celular. Eles também causaram estresse oxidativo, indicado pelo aumento da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes avaliadas. Esses processos fisiológicos anormais contribuem para a inibição do crescimento das plantas. Os efeitos fitotóxicos mais pronunciados foram observados no óleo do caule. Nos testes de citotoxicidade observou-se que o óleo das folhas foi mais ativo, resultante da presença de sesquiterpenos biologicamente ativos que atuam inibindo o crescimento das células cancerígenas.

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae) / Composição química e fitotoxicidade dos óleos essenciais de Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae)

Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects of these essential oils on the germination, root and shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential root respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and mitotic index in lettuce and onion were determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity were also investigated. The results revealed that the stem oil consisted of 15 compounds, of which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) and E-caryophyllene (13.3%) were the major constituents. The leaf oil contained E-caryophyllene (39.6%) and α-humulene (13.2%) as major compounds. The oils inhibited the germination and growth of lettuce and onion seedlings and reduced chlorophyll content, root respiration, and cell division. They also caused oxidative stress, indicated by the increased activity of the evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to the inhibition of plant growth. The most pronounced phytotoxic effects were observed in the stem oil. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that leaf oil was more active than stem oil, resulting from the presence of biologically active sesquiterpenes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Os óleos essenciais do caule e da folha de Croton doctoris foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa (GC) e espectrometria de massa (GC-MS) resultando em 22 compostos identificados. Os efeitos dos óleos essenciais na germinação, crescimento de raízes e parte aérea, teor total de clorofila, respiração radicular, atividade de peroxidase, catalase e superóxido de dimetase e índice mitótico foram determinados em alface e cebola. Atividade antioxidante, antimicrobiana e citotóxica também foram investigadas. Os resultados revelaram que o óleo do caule é constituído por 15 compostos, dos quais os principais são o óxido de cariofileno (24,5%) e E-cariofileno (13,3%). O óleo foliar apresentou E-cariofileno (39,6%) seguido de α-humuleno (13,2%) como compostos majoritários. Os óleos inibiram a germinação e o crescimento das plântulas de alface e cebola e reduziram o conteúdo de clorofila, a respiração radicular e a divisão celular. Eles também causaram estresse oxidativo, indicado pelo aumento da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes avaliadas. Esses processos fisiológicos anormais contribuem para a inibição do crescimento das plantas. Os efeitos fitotóxicos mais pronunciados foram observados no óleo do caule. Nos testes de citotoxicidade observou-se que o óleo das folhas foi mais ativo, resultante da presença de sesquiterpenos biologicamente ativos que atuam inibindo o crescimento das células cancerígenas.

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae) / Composição química e fitotoxicidade dos óleos essenciais de Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae)

Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects of these essential oils on the germination, root and shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential root respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and mitotic index in lettuce and onion were determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity were also investigated. The results revealed that the stem oil consisted of 15 compounds, of which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) and E-caryophyllene (13.3%) were the major constituents. The leaf oil contained E-caryophyllene (39.6%) and α-humulene (13.2%) as major compounds. The oils inhibited the germination and growth of lettuce and onion seedlings and reduced chlorophyll content, root respiration, and cell division. They also caused oxidative stress, indicated by the increased activity of the evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to the inhibition of plant growth. The most pronounced phytotoxic effects were observed in the stem oil. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that leaf oil was more active than stem oil, resulting from the presence of biologically active sesquiterpenes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Os óleos essenciais do caule e da folha de Croton doctoris foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa (GC) e espectrometria de massa (GC-MS) resultando em 22 compostos identificados. Os efeitos dos óleos essenciais na germinação, crescimento de raízes e parte aérea, teor total de clorofila, respiração radicular, atividade de peroxidase, catalase e superóxido de dimetase e índice mitótico foram determinados em alface e cebola. Atividade antioxidante, antimicrobiana e citotóxica também foram investigadas. Os resultados revelaram que o óleo do caule é constituído por 15 compostos, dos quais os principais são o óxido de cariofileno (24,5%) e E-cariofileno (13,3%). O óleo foliar apresentou E-cariofileno (39,6%) seguido de α-humuleno (13,2%) como compostos majoritários. Os óleos inibiram a germinação e o crescimento das plântulas de alface e cebola e reduziram o conteúdo de clorofila, a respiração radicular e a divisão celular. Eles também causaram estresse oxidativo, indicado pelo aumento da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes avaliadas. Esses processos fisiológicos anormais contribuem para a inibição do crescimento das plantas. Os efeitos fitotóxicos mais pronunciados foram observados no óleo do caule. Nos testes de citotoxicidade observou-se que o óleo das folhas foi mais ativo, resultante da presença de sesquiterpenos biologicamente ativos que atuam inibindo o crescimento das células cancerígenas.

Antimicrobial activity of extractives of Solidago microglossa.

The antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract from Solidago microglossa roots, essential oil from its aerial part and some isolated compounds was investigated. The oil exhibited concentration-dependent activity against all the tested bacteria and yeasts.

Toxicity-based criteria for the evaluation of textile wastewater treatment efficiency.

Brazilian textile mills import wastewater treatment technologies, performances of which are generally evaluated only on a physicochemical basis. Thus, a battery of bioassays was used to evaluate the performance of an ozonation system to treat textile effluents. Comparative toxicological profiles for bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), algae (Scenedesmus subspicatus), daphnia (Daphnia magna), fish (Poecilia reticulata), and plants (soybean--Glycine max, rice--Oryza sativa, and wheat--Triticum aestivum), as well as genotoxic effects (Vicia faba micronucleus assay), are presented for both raw and ozonated textile effluents. The relative sensitivity of bioassays (or end points) to textile effluents found in this study in decreasing order was plant enzymes > bacteria > algae daphnids approximately = plant biomass approximately = germination rate > fish. No significant genotoxic effect was found. We have concluded that ozonation was relatively effective in reducing toxicity of textile effluents. Bioassays used in this study proved to be sensitive and reliable tools for determining the toxicity of industrial effluents, and thus they can be used to evaluate emerging technology efficiency.

I3-naringenin-II8--4'OMe-eriodictyol: a new potential analgesic agent isolated from Rheedia gardneriana leaves.

This paper describes the isolation, identification and analgesic activity of a new biflavonoid from Rheedia gardneriana leaves, which correspond to I3-naringenin-II8-4'-OMe-eriodictyol (GB-2a-II-4'-OMe) (1), with a methoxyl group in position 4 of ring-II. Its structure was determined by spectroscopic data and confirmed by an alkaline hydrolysis. Its analgesic effect was evaluated in a writhing test and a formalin test in mice. It was found that this compound exhibits potent and dose-related analgesic action in both experimental models, with ID50's values of 4.5 micromol/kg against the writhing test and 8.2 and 6.8 micromol/kg against the first and second phase of the formalin test, respectively. It was several times more potent than some well-known analgesic drugs used as reference.

Thermal lens spectroscopy for the differentiation of biodiesel-diesel blends.

Thermal lens (TL) spectroscopy was applied to biofuels to test its potential to distinguish diesel from biodiesel in blended fuels. Both the heat and mass diffusion effects observed using a TL procedure provide significant information about biodiesel concentrations in blended fuels. The results indicate that the mass diffusivity decreases 32% between diesel and the blend with 10% biodiesel added to the diesel. This simple TL procedure has the potential to be used for in loco analyses to certify the mixture and quality of biodiesel-diesel blends.

Efeito fitotóxico do óleo volátil de Cleome guianensis Aubl. sobre o crescimento inicial de Senna occidentalis L. / Phytotoxic effect of Cleome guianensis Aubl. on the initial growth of Senna occidentalis L.

RESUMO Aleloquímicos são substâncias liberadas por certas espécies vegetais no ambiente que influenciam a germinação e o desenvolvimento de outras plantas. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o potencial fitotóxico de Cleome guianensis Aubl., bem como determinar o grau de estresse oxidativo causado em Senna occidentalis L. Para isso, o óleo das folhas de C. guianensis, nas concentrações 0,5 µg/mL, 1,0 µg/mL, 2,5 µg/mL e 5,0 µg/mL, em solução de 5 ml foi testado em bioensaios de germinação e de crescimento da raiz primária e do hipocótilo de S. occidentalis. Os indivíduos de S. occidentalis foram macerados, homogeneizados e submetidos a ensaios de quantificação da catalase, peroxidase, SOD e de peroxidação lipídica. Os resultados indicam que todas as concentrações do óleo volátil causaram um efeito negativo sobre a germinação e crescimento de S. occidentalis. Na concentração 5,0 µg/mL, houve 56% de inibição da germinação e 83% de inibição de crescimento do hipocótilo. Ainda, o óleo aumentou a atividade das enzimas induzidas pelo estresse oxidativo catalase, peroxidase e superóxido dismutase (SOD). Quanto à peroxidação lipídica, o óleo nas concentrações 1,0 µg/mL, 2,5 µg/mL e 5,0 µg/mL aumentou a produção de malondialdeído. Sendo assim, conclui-se que C. guianensis apresenta aleloquímicos que influenciam na germinação e no crescimento de S. occidentalis, além de aumentar a atividade das enzimas catalase, peroxidase, SOD e a produção de malondialdeído em S. occidentalis. Dessa forma, sugere-se a realização de estudos sobre o perfil químico do óleo a fim de descobrir as substâncias responsáveis por tais resultados e consolidar o potencial fitotóxico de C. guianensis.

ABSTRACT Allelochemicals inhibit the germination and growth of other plants. The purpose of this study was to assess the phytotoxic potential of Cleome guianensis Aubl., as well as determine the degree of oxidative stress caused in Senna occidentalis L. For this purpose, oil from the leaves of C. guianensis in concentrations of 0.5 µg/mL, 1.0 µg/mL, 2.5 µg/mL, and 5.0 µg/mL were tested in bioassays on the germination and growth of S. occidentalis. Specimens of S. occidentalis were macerated, homogenized, and submitted to catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxidation quantification tests. Results showed that all concentrations of the volatile oil had a negative effect on S. occidentalis germination and growth. In the 5.0 µg/mL concentration, the oil inhibited 56% of germination and 83% of hypocotyl growth. In addition, the oil increased the activity of the enzymes induced by oxidative stress: catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase SOD. For lipid peroxidation, the oil in the 1.0 µg/mL, 2.5 µg/mL and 5.0 µg/mL concentrations increased the production of malondialdehyde. In addition, C. guianensis presents allelochemicals that influence the germination and growth of S. occidentalis, also enhancing activity of the catalase, peroxidase, and SOD enxymes, as well as malondialdehyde production in S. occidentallis. Hence, further studies of the chemical profile of this oil should be performed in order to discover which allelochemicals are responsible for these results and consolidate the phytotoxic potential of C. guianensis.

Atividade alelopática dos lixiviados de Asemeia extraaxillaris (Polygalaceae) sobre o crescimento de Ipomoea cordifolia / Allelopathic activity of leachates from Asemeia extraaxillaris (Polygalaceae) on the growth of Ipomoea cordifolia

RESUMO O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a atividade alelopática dos lixiviados das raízes e folhas secas de Asemeia extraaxillaris sobre o crescimento de corda de viola Ipomoea cordifolia em casa de vegetação, para avaliação dos efeitos sobre o estresse oxidativo. Nos bioensaios foram utilizadas três concentrações (0,25 - 5,00 e 10,00 g) e um controle, com quatro repetições de 10 plantas, cultivadas em solo durante 30 dias. Os lixiviados possuem ação alelopática e o maior efeito foi verificado para o pó das raizes. O efeito inibitório foi dose-dependente e o aumento do estresse oxidativo foi observado pelos níveis da catalase, peroxidase, superóxido dismutase, glutationa redutase, peroxidação lipídica e síntese de formazan. Concluiu-se que A. extraaxillaris possui substâncias capazes de afetar a emergência, o crescimento e o estresse oxidativo de I. cordifolia.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to assess the allelopathic activity of leachates from the roots and dried leaves of Asemeia extraaxillaris on the germination and growth of corda de viola (Ipomoea cordifolia) in a greenhouse, and evaluate its effect on oxidative stress. For the bioassays, three concentrations (0.25, 5.00, and 10.00 g) and one control were used, with four replications of 10 plants, cultivated in soil for 30 days. The leachates exhibited allelopathic action, and the greatest effect was found in the root powder. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent and the increase in oxidative stress was observed by the levels of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation, and formazan synthesis. It was affirmed that A. extraaxillaris contains substances capable of affecting seedling emergence, growth, and oxidative stress in I. cordifolia.

Isolation of biflavonoids with analgesic activity from Rheedia gardneriana leaves.

Some phytoconstituents present in the R. Gardneriana Pl. Tr. leaves, a Brazilian medicinal plant, were isolated by column chromatography. Their preliminary analgesic effects were evaluated against formalin-induced pain in mice. The results demonstrated that four biflavonoids, identified as volkensiflavone, GB-2 a, fukugetin and fukugeside are the main active components of the ethyl acetate fraction. Such compounds exhibited significative analgesic activity in relation to the second phase (inflammatory pain) of the formalin test, suggesting that they are the compounds responsible for the pharmacological effects previously observed for the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant.