Validation of a HPLC method for quantification of midazolam in rat plasma: Application during a Maytenus ilicifolia-drug interaction study.

Midazolam (MDZ) is routinely employed as a marker compound of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) activity. Despite the many HPLC-UV methods described to quantify MDZ in plasma, all of them use acetonitrile (ACN) or a mixture of methanol-isopropanol as organic solvent of the mobile phase. Since the ACN shortage in 2008, efforts have been made to replace this solvent during HPLC analysis. A simple, sensitive, accurate and repeatable HPLC-UV method (220 nm) was developed and validated to quantify MDZ in rat plasma using methanol instead. The method was applied during a herb-drug interaction study involving Maytenus ilicifolia, a Brazilian folk medicine used to treat gastric disorders. Plasma samples were alkalinized and MDZ plus alprazolam (internal standard) were extracted with diethyl ether. After solvent removal, the residue was reconstituted with methanol-water (1:1). The analyte was eluted throughout a C18 column using sodium acetate buffer (10 mm, pH 7.4)-methanol (40:60, v/v). The precision at the lower limit of quantification never exceeded 19.40%, and 13.86% at the higher levels of quality control standards, whereas the accuracy ranged from -19.81 to 14.33%. The analytical curve was linear from 50 to 2,000 ng/ml. The activity of the hepatic CYP3A enzymes was not affected by the extract.

Bauhinia holophylla (Bong.) Steud. leaves-derived extracts as potent anti-dengue serotype 2.

Dengue virus (DENV) is the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral pathogen and made the disease a major health concern worldwide. However, specific antiviral drugs against this arbovirose or vaccines are not yet available for treatment or prevention. Thus, here we aimed to study the antiviral activity of hydroethanolic extract, fraction ethyl acetate and subfractions of the leaves of Bauhinia holophylla (Fabaceae:Cercideae), a native plant of the Brazilian Cerrado, against DENV-2 by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method in mammalian cells culture. As results, the hydroethanolic extract showed the most potent effect, with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.2 µg mL-1 and selectivity index (SI) of 27.6, approximately 16-times higher anti-DENV-2 activity than of the ribavirin (IC50 52.8 µg mL-1). Our results showed in this study appointed that B. holophylla has a promising anti-dengue activity, which was associated mainly with the presence of flavonoids.

Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the butanolic fraction of Annona nutans (Annonaceae) leaves.

The species Annona nutans (R. E. Fries) is a plant found in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and the Brazilian cerrado. Considering the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the hydrometanolic fraction (FHMeOH) of A. nutans leaves previously reported, the present study aimed to evaluate in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of a subfraction obtained from FHMeOH, the butanolic fraction (FBuOHf). Intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with FBuOHf (50 and 100 mg · kg-1) inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan. Moreover, FBuOHf (100 mg · kg-1, i.p.) also suppressed polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte migration in the footpad. Regarding the antinociceptive activity, FBuOHf (50, 100, and 200 mg · kg-1, i.p.) inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. In the formalin test, this fraction (200 mg · kg-1, i.p.) reduced licking time only in the inflammatory phase. The FBuOHf contents flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives, such as quercetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-D-apio-furanosyl-(1→2)-galactopyranoside and chlorogenic acid, identified and quantified by LC-MS. The FBuOHf possesses anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activities.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of a phenylpropanoid-enriched fraction of Duguetia furfuracea.

A previous study reported the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of essential oil of the underground stem bark of Duguetia furfuracea, termed EODf. This study aimed to obtain a phenylpropanoid-enriched fraction from the D. furfuracea (EFDf) essential oil and to investigate its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. The chemical composition of the EFDf was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced paw oedema model. The effects of the EFDf on the polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression were evaluated in mice footpads. Moreover, the in vivo antinociceptive effect was assayed using the formalin test and the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. In the EFDf, 8 major compounds were identified, with α-asarone (36.4%) and 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene (27.8%) the main constituents. A higher concentration of phenylpropanoid derivatives was found in the EFDf, 64.2% compared to the EODf (38%). The oral (p.o.) treatment with the EFDf at a dose of 3 mg/kg significantly attenuated the paw oedema, polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration, iNOS expression, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production. The EFDf (10 and 30 mg/kg) also inhibited both phases of the formalin test and caused a significant increase in the reaction time in the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. Finally, EFDf-treated animals did not show any alteration of motor coordination. The results suggest that the enrichment of 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene and α-asarone enhances the anti-inflammatory activity of the EFDf compared to the EODf. In contrast, the antinociception promoted by the EFDf was similar to the EODf and was mediated via activation of adenosinergic and opioidergic receptors.

Larvicidal effect from different Annonaceae species on Culex quinquefasciatus.

The recent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases highlighted the pivotal importance of mosquito vector control in tropical areas worldwide. Several strategies have been developed to control vector populations and disease transmission in endemic areas. The steps to obtain natural active compounds involve the pre-selection in a biological model and subsequently evaluation on specific models. The present study reports the evaluation of 35 extracts, fractions, and essential oils obtained from five species from the Annonaceae family on Artemia salina and Culex quinquefasciatus. The A. salina results were used as a pre-screening for larvicidal test about mosquitoes. A correlation of biological activity in both bioassays was observed for the hydroethanolic extracts and their respective hexane and chloroform fractions of the leaves of Annona species, except A. nutans. The same correlation was also observed for all tested essential oils and petroleum ether extracts from Duguetia species. It was possible to limit an interval of lethality about A. salina, which has a corresponding range to the larvicidal test against the mosquito. The main components present in D. lanceolata essential oil or enriched fraction were α-selinene, aristolochene, (E)-caryophyllene, and (E)-calamenene. For D. furfuracea, the main components present of the underground parts were (E)-asarone, 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene, spathulenol, and bicyclogermacrene for aerial parts. The A. salina test could be used as a model for the pre-screening of larvicidal activity.

Evaluation of the Effects of Maytenus ilicifolia on the Activities of Cytochrome P450 3A and P-glycoprotein.

BACKGROUND: Maytenus ilicifolia is a Brazilian popular medicine commonly used to treat ulcer and gastritis. Despite the absence of toxicity regarding its consumption, possible interactions when co-administrated with conventional drugs, are unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of M. ilicifolia extracts on Cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activities. METHODS: The extracts were obtained by infusion (MI) or turbo-extraction using hydro-acetonic solvent (MT70). The content of polyphenols in each extract was determined. To assess the modulation of M. ilicifolia on P-gp activity, the uptake of fexofenadine (FEX) by Caco-2 cells was investigated in the absence or presence of MI or MT70. The effect on CYP3A activity was evaluated by the co-administration of midazolam (MDZ) with each extract in male Wistar rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug were determined and compared with those from the control group. The content of total phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids on MT70 extract was about double of that found in MI. RESULTS: In the presence of the extracts, the uptake of the P-gp marker (FEX) by Caco-2 cells increased from 1.7 ± 0.4 ng.mg-1 protein (control) to 3.5 ± 0.2 ng.mg-1 protein (MI) and 4.4 ± 0.5 ng.mg-1 protein (MT70), respectively. When orally co-administrated with MDZ (substrate of CYP3A), the extracts augmented the AUC(0-∞) (Control: 911.7 ± 215.7 ng.h.mL-1; MI: 1947 ± 554.3 ng.h.mL-1; MT70: 2219.0 ± 506.3 ng.h.mL-1) and the Cmax (Control: 407.7 ± 90.4 ng.mL-1; MI: 1770.5 ± 764.5 ng.mL-1; MT70: 1987.2 ± 544.9 ng.mL-1) of the drug in rats indicating a 50% reduction of the oral Cl. No effect was observed when midazolam was given intravenously. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that M. ilicifolia can inhibit the intestinal metabolism and transport of drugs mediated by CYP3A and P-gp, respectively, however, the involvement of other transporters and the clinical relevance of such interaction still need to be clarified.

Toxicity and Anti-promastigote Activity of Benzoxazinoid Analogs Against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum.

Purpose: Here, we aim to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of compounds with a benzoxazinoid (BX) skeleton, previously synthesized by our group, against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum promastigotes. Methods: Anti-promastigote activity, as well as cytotoxicity, were determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assays. The selectivity index (SI) for each compound was calculated using a ratio of the cytotoxicity of compounds and the geometric mean (GM) of antileishmanial concentrations to each species tested. The comparisons between groups were carried out using a t test or analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: All the compounds tested were active, with IC50 falling between 92±6.19 µg/mL and 238±6.57 µg/mL for L. braziliensis, and 89±6.43 µg/mL and 188±3.58 µg/mL against L. infantum. Bex2, Bex3, Pyr1, Pyr2, and Pyr4 were compounds that showed activity similar to the drug Glucantime®, exhibited low cytotoxicity against splenic hamster cells (CC50 raging between >400 and 105.7±2.26 µg/mL) and had favorable selectivity indices (SI 1.12 to 3.96). Conclusion: The analogs in question are promising prototypes for the pharmaceutical development of novel, safer and more effective leishmanicidal agents.

Anti-inflammatory and central and peripheral anti-nociceptive activities of α-asarone through the inhibition of TNF-α production, leukocyte recruitment and iNOS expression, and participation of the adenosinergic and opioidergic systems.

Alpha-asarone has been found to possess many pharmacological activities, which can improve cognitive function and exert anti-oxidant, anxiolytic, anti-epileptic and protective effects against endothelial cell injury. The anti-inflammatory activity of α-asarone was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced paw oedema. Moreover, leukocyte migration, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were quantified in footpads. Formalin and LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia models were generated using adenosinergic, opioidergic, serotonergic and muscarinic receptor antagonists. The effects on motor coordination were evaluated by means of the rota-rod test. Oral treatment (p.o.) with α-asarone (3 mg/kg) significantly inhibited paw oedema by 62.12 and 72.22%, 2 and 4 h post LPS injection, respectively. Alpha-asarone (3 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated the inflammatory infiltrate 1, 3 and 6 h after LPS injection. Furthermore, α-asarone (3 mg/kg, p.o.) suppressed iNOS expression and TNF-α production, 6 and 1 h after inflammatory stimulus, respectively. Alpha-asarone (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited both phases of formalin-induced licking. In the hot-plate test, α-asarone (10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the latency to response 3 and 5 h post LPS stimulus. Caffeine and naloxone abolished the central anti-nociceptive effect of α-asarone (neurogenic phase of formalin and hot plate tests), suggesting the participation of the adenosinergic and opioidergic systems. Furthermore, naloxone reversed the peripheral activity of α-asarone (inflammatory phase of formalin test), indicating the possible involvement of the opioidergic pathway. In the rota-rod test, α-asarone did not change motor coordination. These findings suggest that α-asarone has anti-inflammatory, peripheral and central anti-nociceptive effects and could represent a promising agent for future research.

Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of the hydromethanolic fraction from Annona nutans leaves / Atividade anti-inflamatória, antinociceptiva e antioxidante da fração hidrometanólica das folhas de annona nutans

Annona nutans (Annonaceae) is a plant species found in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and the Brazilian Cerrado, specifically in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil). Its common names are Araticû-Mi and Araticû-Ñu. The research contributions regarding the chemical composition and biological activities of extracts from A. nutans are rare, with only four articles being found in the literature. Therefore, the present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the hydromethanolic fraction (FHMeOH) using carrageenan-induced paw edema and hot-plate tests. In addition, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging, total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin content assays and quantification of the major metabolites by LC-MS were performed. Oral treatment with the FHMeOH (at a dose of 300 mg.kg-1) significantly reduced paw edema 2 h and 4 h after the inflammatory stimulus. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with the FHMeOH (50 and 100 mg.kg-1) proved to be most effective, and the inhibition of acute inflammation was still visible 6 h after carrageenan injection. At doses of 50 and 100 mg.kg-1 (i.p.), FHMeOH exhibits central antinociceptive effects by increasing the latency of the reaction in the hot-plate model. The FHMeOH showed antioxidant potential, and the metabolites quercetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-galactopyranoside, and chlorogenic acid were identified and quantified by LC-MS. Our results indicate, for the first time, that FHMeOH has anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant potential, and it is a promising source of studies for new herbal medicines

Annona nutans (Annonaceae) é uma espécie de planta encontrada na Bolívia, Paraguai, Argentina e no Cerrado brasileiro, especificamente nos estados de Mato Grosso e Mato Grosso do Sul (Brasil). Seus nomes mais comuns são aratico e Araticû-Mi e Araticû-Ñu. As contribuições da pesquisa em relação à composição química e atividades biológicas dos extratos de A. nutans são raras, com apenas quatro artigos encontrados na literatura. Portanto, o presente estudo avaliou as atividades anti-inflamatória e antinociceptiva da fração hidrometanólica (FHMeOH) utilizando edema de pata induzido por carragenina e testes de placaquente. Além disso, a atividade antioxidante foi avaliada por meio de sequestro de radical DPPH, e foram realizados ensaios de quantificação de fenóis, flavonoides e taninos totais e quantificação dos principais metabólitos por CL-EM. O tratamento oral com a FHMeOH (na dose de 300 mg.kg-1) reduziu significativamente o edema da pata 2 e 4 h após o estímulo inflamatório. Por outro lado, o tratamento intraperitoneal (i.p.) com FHMeOH (50 e 100 mg.kg-1) provou ser mais eficaz e a inibição da inflamação aguda foi ainda visível 6 horas após a injeção de carragenina. Nas doses de 50 e 100 mg.kg-1 (i.p.), FHMeOH exibiu efeitos antinociceptivos centrais aumentando a latência da reação no modelo de placa quente. FHMeOH apresentou potencial antioxidante e os metabólitos quercetina-3-O-galactosídeo, quercetina-3-O-glicosídeo, isoramnetina-3-O-galactosídeo, quercetina- 3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosil-(1 → 2)-galactopiranosídeo e ácido clorogênico foram identificados e quantificados por CL-EM. Nossos resultados indicam, pela primeira vez, que o FHMeOH possui efeitos anti-inflamatórios, antinociceptivos e antioxidantes, sendo uma fonte promissora de estudos para novos medicamentos fitoterápicos.

Evaluation of the testis function of mice exposed in utero and during lactation to Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian ginseng).

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, popularly known as "Brazilian ginseng," is used as medicinal plant in Brazil to treat inflammatory diseases in general. Previous studies showed that its extract increases the nitric oxide (NO) levels. Knowing that NO downregulates steroidogenesis and that alterations in the action/production of androgens during perinatal life could alter testis development, the present studies sought to investigate the reproductive toxicity of Pfaffia glomerata on male mice exposed to hydroalcoholic extract in utero and during lactation. The present study shows that P. glomerata extract does not alter body weight, tubular diameter and testis function in male mice. Although a reduction in the testis weight was observed in the animals that received the highest dose directly in early post-natal life, our findings show clearly that P. glomerata may not act as an endocrine disruptor, and it is not an "antiandrogenic" compound that could lead to testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

Chemical characterization and bioherbicidal potential of the essential oil from the leaves of Unonopsis guatterioides (A.DC.) R.E.Fr. (Annonaceae).

The chemical composition and the phytotoxicity potential of the essential oil from leaves of Unonopsis guatterioides (A.DC.) R.E.Fr. (Annonaceae) was investigated. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses revealed 16 constituents representing 99.50% of the total essential oil, composed mainly of sesquiterpenes. α-copaene, bicyclogermacrene and trans-caryophyllene were the major components (15.7% each), followed by α-humullene, allo-aromadendrene and (+)-spathulenol (9.0, 8.4 and 7.3%, respectively). The essential oil inhibited seed germination and growth in both monocotyledon (Allium cepa) and dicotyledon (Lactuca sativa) models, pointing to a promising application of this oil obtained from the leaves of U. guatterioides as a new bioherbicide.

Chemical composition and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Duguetia furfuracea essential oil: Effect on edema, leukocyte recruitment, tumor necrosis factor alpha production, iNOS expression, and adenosinergic and opioidergic systems.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Duguetia furfuracea (A. St. -Hil.) Saff. (Annonaceae) is commonly known in Brazil as "araticum-seco," and its root is used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory and painful disorders. However, no studies have been performed to evaluate these therapeutic activities. AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigate the chemical composition, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and elucidate the possible antinociceptive mechanisms of action from the essential oil of D. furfuracea (EODf) underground stem bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The paw edema induced by LPS, formalin-induced nociception, LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia and rota-rod tests in vivo were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in addition to the alteration on motor coordination. Histological analyses and an immunohistochemistry assay for iNOS were performed on mouse footpads of naive, control, 10 mg/kg EODf, and 10 mg/kg indomethacin (Ind) groups. The samples were removed at 1, 3, and 6 h after subplantar injection of LPS. In addition, the involvement of the adenosinergic, opioidergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic systems were investigated, in order to elucidate possible antinociceptive mechanisms. RESULTS: Twenty-four volatile constituents were detected and identified. (E)-asarone (21.9%), bicyclogermacrene (16.7%), 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene (16.1%), α-gurjunene (15%), cyperene (7.8%), and (E)-caryophyllene (4.6%) were major compounds found in EODf. Oral treatment (p.o.) with EODf (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the paw edema induced by LPS. At 10 mg/kg EODf promoted inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production, recruitment of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in paw tissue. EODf (10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) also reduced licking time in both phases of the formalin test and it had a significant effect on the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. The administration of caffeine (Caf) and naloxone (Nal) reversed the antinociceptive activity of EODf, in the first phase of the formalin test and in the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. Moreover, Nal was also able to abolish the antinociception caused by EODf, in the second phase of formalin test. In the rota-rod test, EODf-treated animals did not show any alteration of motor coordination. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that EODf underground stem bark produces anti-inflammatory and both central and peripheral antinociceptive effects. Furthermore, the antinociceptive activity of EODf underground stem bark is possibly mediated by adenosinergic and opioidergic pathways, and its properties do not induce effects on motor coordination. These results support the use of the folk medicine, D. furfuracea root, to treat inflammation and painful conditions.

Larvicidal activity of essential oil of Peumus boldus Molina and its ascaridole-enriched fraction against Culex quinquefasciatus.

Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), known as the domestic mosquito, is a common and abundant species throughout the world, and a cosmopolitan species. The adults of this mosquito are important in terms of public and animal health since they display adaptability to different hosts. In humans, they are responsible for the transmission of various diseases. One manner of control of this vector is the use of insecticidal or larvicidal products, which may have the drawback of toxicity to mammals and can be harmful to the environment. The present work evaluated the larvicidal potential of the essential oil (EO) and ascaridole-enriched fraction (EF4-5) obtained from the leaves of Peumus boldus Molina (boldo). The EO, obtained by steam distillation, was analyzed by GC/MS and fractionated on silica gel. EO and EF4-5, containing 31.4% and 89.5% ascaridole, respectively, were evaluated against C. quinquefasciatus at concentrations of 100, 50 and 25 µg/ml on the third and fourth instars. They showed lethal concentrations (LC50) of 82.14 and 41.85 µg/ml, respectively. Larvae treated with the EF4-5 showed morphological changes in the midgut, with cells possessing a cytoplasm that contained small vacuole-like structures, as well as a nucleus with decondensed chromatin and a cell apex with a short brush border. The cells of the fat body showed larger protein granules, which were acidophilic relative to the larvae of the control group. Moreover, the enriched fraction at a dose of 50 µg/ml showed a residual larvicidal effect according to exposure time on C. quinquefasciatus. This residual effect deserves consideration, since a long-term larvicidal product may be a useful tool for vector control.

Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of the leaves of Byrsonima verbascifolia.

An ethnopharmacological survey indicates that the genus Byrsonima has some medicinal species that are commonly found in the Brazilian Cerrado and has been used as an anti-inflammatory and for gastroduodenal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity along with qualitative chemical characterization of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Byrsonima verbascifolia (BvME) obtained by exhaustive percolation. The data from the chemical analyses by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry led to tentative identification of 42 compounds belonging to proanthocyanidins, galloyl quinic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and triterpene glycoside derivatives. BvME contain flavonoids and show an antioxidative activity. The methanolic extract administered intraperitoneally at doses of 50, 100, or 300 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in paw edema and modulated the neutrophil influx in a mouse model. Furthermore, the anti-edematogenic activity of the extract provided in smaller doses (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) was also demonstrated in a mouse paw edema model. The extract inhibited NO production by macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide. We presume that the anti-inflammatory effects of BvME are due to a combination of compounds present in B. verbascifolia, including catechins (procyanidins), flavonoids, and triterpene glycosides and that these anti-inflammatory actions should be mediated, at least partly, through the inhibition of NO production. This study supports and validates the ethnopharmacological uses of B. verbascifolia as an anti-inflammatory.

Anti-inflammatory effects of the butanolic fraction of Byrsonima verbascifolia leaves: Mechanisms involving inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha, prostaglandin E(2) production and migration of polymorphonuclear leucocyte in vivo experimentation.

The leaves of Byrsonima verbascifolia (Malpighiaceae) are traditionally used to treat various diseases including inflammatory conditions. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the polar constituents from the butanolic fraction of B. verbascifolia leaves (BvBF), as well as to investigate the mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory activity. The polar constituents were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD­MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization ­ time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to obtain a complete chemical profile of the fraction. Forty-five compounds were detected in the BvBF by LC-DAD­MS/MS, including condensed tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids (flavones and flavonols) and other compounds. In addition, several condensed tannins were identified by MALDI-MS/MS, which are composed predominantly by procyanidin units (PCY) and up to six flavan-3-ol units. The BvBF exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The BvBF inhibited paw edema and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte migration to the footpad and pleural cavity induced by carrageenan. Furthermore, a minor dose (12.50 mg/kg) of BvBF effectively decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in the footpad. These findings suggest that the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action in the BvBF is linked to the inhibition of the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and PGE2 and the PMN cell migration.

Gestational exposure to Byrsonima verbascifolia: teratogenicity, mutagenicity and immunomodulation evaluation in female Swiss mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Byrsonima verbascifolia is used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea, intestinal infections, chronic wounds, Chagas disease, inflammation and as a diuretic. However there is no investigation regarding the Byrsonima verbascifolia hydrometanolic extract (BVHME) used during gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pregnant females were randomly divided into 5 groups. Control group received saline plus DMSO (1%) in a volume of 0.1 mL/10 g (b.w.), via gavage, for at least 15 days prior to mating and throughout the gestational period. The Pre-treatment group received the BVHME, via gavage, at a dose of 50 mg/kg (b.w.) for at least 15 days prior to mating and up to the appearance of the vaginal plug. The Organogenesis group received the BVHME at a dose of 50 mg/kg (b.w.), via gavage, on the 5-15th gestational day. The Gestational group received the BVHME at a dose of 50 mg/kg (b.w.), via gavage, throughout the gestational period (from the 1st to the 18th day of pregnancy). The Pre+Gestational group received the BVHME at a dose of 50mg/kg (b.w.), via gavage, for at least 15 days prior to mating and up to throughout the gestational period. The clinical signals of maternal and fetuses toxicity were evaluated, as the mutagenicity and immunomodulation tests were performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation shows, for the first time, that the use of Byrsonima verbascifolia extract in pregnant Swiss mice, did not alter the female reproductive function, mutagenicity or immunostimulation as well as not interfere with embryofetal development at least in our experimental conditions.

Maternal exposure to Cochlospermum regium: a toxicological evaluation

Cochlospermum regium (Schrank) Pilg., Bixaceae, is a Brazilian plant widely used as a folk medicine in the southwestern of the Brazil to treat inflammation and infection diseases. However, the effects of C. regium hydroethanolic extract on pregnant rats have not been assessed. To evaluate the effects of the C. regium on pregnant rats during the organogenic period, the hydroethanolic extract was administered via gavage at a dose of 11.5 mg/kg/day to rats from 6th to 15th day of pregnancy. No clinical signs of maternal toxicity were observed. The placenta's and fetuses' weight were similar in control and treated animals. The term fetuses dis not present malformations or anomalies although the number of live fetuses and birth rate were significantly decreased. In conclusion, the C. regium hydroethanolic extract is nontoxicant to the pregnant rat although it would be likely to interfere in the progress of the embryofetal development.

Brine shrimp lethality test as a biological model for preliminary selection of pediculicidal components from natural source / Teste de toxicidade frente artemia como modelo preliminar de busca de substâncias pediculicidas a partir de fontes naturais

Brine shrimp lethality test as a biological model for the preliminary selection of pediculicidal components from a natural source. In order to achieve a good correlation between pediculicidal activity and brine shrimp lethality (BSL) test, several pediculicidal substances and active essential oils were tested in BSL test, with the purpose to use the latter as convenient preliminary protocol for pediculicidal activity. Benzyl benzoate, deltametrine and essential oil of Eucalyptus were purchased and clove essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation, besides essential oils, chloroform extracts from Duguetia furfuracea were also submitted to BSL test. All of them were carried out with same protocol described to pediculicidal assay found in the literature, i.e, flask tests were examined every five minutes in the first half hour and then every ten minutes until all the naupli were dead or no movements were observed (knockdown). During the BSL test, it was possible to observe the effect of a particular lethal dose or only a knockdown in the arthropod, as occurred in the test with lice. The results of the BSL test for essential oils and other active substances are essentially in agreement with those described in literature for pediculicidal activity. Extracts and essential oil obtained from aerial parts of D. furfuracea did not present activity, but the essential oil from underground stem bark was active. α-asarone has already been isolated from the underground stem and it has been previously described to possess insecticidal activity.

O teste de toxicidade frente a Artemia salina (TAS) foi utilizado como modelo biológico preliminar na busca de substâncias potencialmente pediculicidas a partir de fontes naturais. Foi encontrada uma boa correlação entre a atividade pediculicida e o TAS, várias substâncias e óleos essenciais descritos como pediculicidas foram testados sobre o microcrustáceo, com o objetivo de se obter um protocolo preliminar e apropriado para detectar aquela atividade. Benzoato de benzila, deltametrina, e óleos essenciais de eucalipto e cravo foram obtidos comercialmente e/ou por extração. Além desses, extratos e óleos essenciais de Duguetia furfuracea também foram testados frente a Artemia. Todas as amostras foram conduzidas utilizando o mesmo protocolo proposto para atividade pediculicida, ou seja, os frascos testes foram lidos a cada cinco minutos na primeira meia hora e depois a cada dez minutos até os nauplios estarem mortos ou sem movimento (knockdown). Durante o TAS foi possível observar a dose letal ou somente o knockdown na larva, como ocorrido no teste com piolho. Os resultados do TAS para os óleos essencial e os demais compostos ativos estão essencialmente de acordo com o descrito na literatura para a atividade pediculicida. Extratos das sementes e óleos essenciais das folhas e sementes D. furfuracea não apresentaram atividade, mas o óleo das cascas do caule subterrâneo foi ativo α-asarona foi isolado das cascas do caule e esta substância apresenta atividade inseticida.

Isolation of a minor nitro-alkaloid from the aerial parts of Duguetia furfuracea--Annonaceae.

The refractionation of an alkaloidal extract of the leaves and twigs of Duguetia furfuracea has provided a minor aporphinoid alkaloid, named (+)-8-nitrous-isocorydine or (+)-1,2,3-trymethoxy-11-hydroxy-8-nitrous- aporphine. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by spectroscopic methods, notably 2D NMR and HRESIMS.

Baccharis trimera: effect on hematological and biochemical parameters and hepatorenal evaluation in pregnant rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This investigation evaluated the effect of a hydroethanolic extract of Baccharis trimera on pregnant Wistar rats, once the plant is well-known consumed in pregnancy and little is known on its potentially toxic effects on pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five female rats were distributed into three groups. Those in treatments 1 and 2 were given 8.4 mg/kg of the extract orally from gestational day (GD) 1 to 19 and from GD 6 to 15, respectively, whereas those in the control group received distilled water orally from GD 1 to 19. Body weights were recorded on GD 1, 6, 15, and 20. On GD 20 animals were anesthetized, blood samples were collected and maternal livers, kidneys, and spleens were weighed and processed for histological studies. RESULTS: No clinical signs of maternal toxicity and no changes in hematological parameters were observed. Urea levels and kidney weights differed significantly between animals receiving treatment 1 and controls. Histopathological alterations were found in kidneys and livers in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: The hydroethanolic extract of Baccharis trimera administered to pregnant rats at 8.4 mg/kg was toxic to maternal kidney and liver cells, although such alterations are reversible once administration is discontinued.