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1.
Plants (Basel) ; 13(5)2024 Feb 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38475416

ABSTRACT

Zephyranthes irwiniana (Ravenna) Nic. García is an endemic, red list threatened species from the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) with pharmacological potential to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). This work analyzed the vegetative growth and phytochemistry of its potential compounds, in response to variations in sucrose concentration and activated carbon (AC). Seeds were germinated in vitro and in the greenhouse. The in vitro bulbs were separated in six treatments with different sucrose concentrations (30, 45 and 60 gL-1) and/or AC (1 gL-1). Biomass increases in individuals grown in the greenhouse were higher than those cultivated in vitro. Sucrose concentration significantly increased biomass and root number. AC had a positive influence on leaf and root size, and a negative influence on root number. GC-MS analyses indicated great variation in the abundance of α-terpenyl-acetate, ethyl linoleate, clionasterol and lycorine between treatments, with maximum concentrations of 53.06%, 38.68, 14.34% and 2.57%, respectively. Histolocalization tests indicated the presence of alkaloids in the leaf chlorenchyma and bulb cataphylls. Finally, the present study provided new evidence that the constitution of the culture medium directly influences the vegetative growth and phytochemistry of this species, providing a good medium condition for propagating the species under threat.

2.
Plants (Basel) ; 12(19)2023 Sep 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37836133

ABSTRACT

We investigated four Cerrado plant species, i.e., Cheiloclinium cognatum (Miers) A.C.Sm, Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., Hancornia speciosa Gomes, and Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne, against acetaminophen toxicity using an in vitro assay with HepG2 cells. The activity against acetaminophen toxicity was evaluated using different protocols, i.e., pre-treatment, co-treatment, and post-treatment of the cells with acetaminophen and the plant extracts. HepG2 cell viability after treatment with acetaminophen was 39.61 ± 5.59% of viable cells. In the pre-treatment protocol, the extracts could perform protection with viability ranging from 50.02 ± 15.24% to 78.75 ± 5.61%, approaching the positive control silymarin with 75.83 ± 5.52%. In the post-treatment protocol, all extracts and silymarin failed to reverse the acetaminophen damage. In the co-treatment protocol, the extracts showed protection ranging from 50.92 ± 11.14% to 68.50 ± 9.75%, and silymarin showed 77.87 ± 4.26%, demonstrating that the aqueous extracts of the species also do not increase the toxic effect of acetaminophen. This protection observed in cell viability was accompanied by a decrease in ROS. The extracts' hepatoprotection can be related to antioxidant compounds, such as rutin and mangiferin, identified using HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS/MS. The extracts were shown to protect HepG2 cells against future APAP toxicity and may be candidates for supplements that could be used to prevent liver damage. In the concomitant treatment using the extracts with APAP, it was demonstrated that the extracts do not present a synergistic toxicity effect, with no occurrence of potentiation of toxicity. The extracts showed considerable cytoprotective effects and important antioxidant characteristics.

3.
Plants (Basel) ; 11(22)2022 Nov 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36432875

ABSTRACT

Inhibition of systemic inflammation has been a beneficial strategy in treating several non-communicable diseases, which represent one of the major causes of mortality in the world. The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR) are interesting pharmacological targets, since they can act both through the metabolic and anti-inflammatory pathways. Morus nigra L. has flavonoids in its chemical composition with recognized anti-oxidant activity and often associated with anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hydroethanolic extract of M. nigra leaves' ability to activate PPAR and promote anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage cells. The leaf extract was prepared by cold maceration, and the chemical profile was obtained by HPLC-DAD. Activation of PPAR α and γ was evaluated by the luciferase reporter assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) in RAW 264.7 cells after stimulation with LPS from Escherichia coli. The HPLC-DAD analysis identified two major compounds: rutin and isoquercitrin. The extract showed agonist activity for the two types of PPAR, α and γ, although its major compounds, rutin and isoquercitrin, did not significantly activate the receptors. In addition, the extract significantly reduced the production of ROS, NO, and TNF-α. Treatment with the specific PPAR-α antagonist, GW 6471, was able to partially block the anti-inflammatory effect caused by the extract.

4.
Plants (Basel) ; 11(22)2022 Nov 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36432907

ABSTRACT

Hippeastrum stapfianum (Kraenzl.) R.S.Oliveira & Dutilh (Amaryllidaceae) is an endemic plant species from the Brazilian savannah with biological and pharmacological potential. This study evaluated the effects of ethanol extract from H. stapfianum leaves on acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity and the action on nuclear receptors PPAR-α and PPAR-γ. A gene reporter assay was performed to assess the PPAR agonist or antagonist activity with a non-toxic dose of H. stapfianum ethanol extract. The antioxidant capacity was investigated using DPPH• scavenging and fosfomolybdenium reduction assays. The identification of H. stapfianum's chemical composition was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and HPLC. The ethanol extract of H. stapfianum activated PPAR-α and PPAR-γ selectively, inhibited the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, and presented antioxidant activity in an in vitro assay. The major compounds identified were lycorine, 7-demethoxy-9-O-methylhostasine, and rutin. Therefore, H. stapfianum is a potential source of drugs for Alzheimer's disease due to its ability to activate PPAR receptors, acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity, and antioxidant attributes.

5.
Molecules ; 27(9)2022 May 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35566325

ABSTRACT

Candida species are the main fungal agents causing infectious conditions in hospital patients. The development of new drugs with antifungal potential, increased efficacy, and reduced toxicity is essential to face the challenge of fungal resistance to standard treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro antifungal effects of two crude extracts of Crinum americanum L., a rich alkaloid fraction and lycorine alkaloid, on the Candida species. As such, we used a disk diffusion susceptibility test, determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and characterized the components of the extracts using Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS). The extracts were found to have antifungal activity against various Candida species. The chemical characterization of the extracts indicated the presence of alkaloids such as lycorine and crinine. The Amaryllidaceae family has a promising antifungal potential. Furthermore, it was found that the alkaloid lycorine directly contributes to the effects that were observed for the extracts and fraction of C. americanum.


Subject(s)
Alkaloids , Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids , Amaryllidaceae , Crinum , Alkaloids/chemistry , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids/chemistry , Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Candida , Crinum/chemistry , Humans , Phenanthridines , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology
6.
Molecules ; 27(3)2022 Feb 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35164385

ABSTRACT

Miconia chamissois Naudin is a species from the Cerrado, which is being increasingly researched for its therapeutic potential. The aim of this study was to obtain a standardized extract and to evaluate seasonal chemical variations. Seven batches of aqueous extracts from leaves were produced for the standardization. These extracts were evaluated for total solids, polyphenol (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), vitexin derivative content, antioxidant activity; thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profiles were generated. For the seasonal study, leaves were collected from five different periods (May 2017 to August 2018). The results were correlated with meteorological data (global radiation, temperature, and rainfall index). Using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, apigenin C-glycosides (vitexin/isovitexin) and derivatives, luteolin C-glycosides (orientin/isoorientin) and derivatives, a quercetin glycoside, miconioside B, matteucinol-7-O-ß-apiofuranosyl (1 → 6) -ß-glucopyranoside, and farrerol were identified. Quality parameters, including chemical marker quantification by HPLC, and biological activity, are described. In the extract standardization process, all the evaluated parameters showed low variability. The seasonality study revealed no significant correlations (p < 0.05) between TPC or TFC content and meteorological data. These results showed that it is possible to obtain extracts from M. chamissois at any time of the year without significant differences in composition.


Subject(s)
Melastomataceae/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Flavonoids/analysis , Grassland , Polyphenols/analysis , Seasons
7.
Plants (Basel) ; 9(7)2020 Jul 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32660098

ABSTRACT

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive infusion with a large pharmacological application normally prepared with Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains the monoamine oxidase inhibitors ß-carbolines, and Psichotria virids, which contains the serotonin receptor agonist N,N dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The objectives of this study were to investigate the chemical profile of B. caapi and of ayahuasca collected in various Brazilian regions. In total, 176 plant lianas, of which 159 B. caapi and 33 ayahuasca samples were analyzed. Dried liana samples were powdered, extracted with methanol, diluted, and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Ayahuasca samples were diluted and analyzed. Mean concentrations in B. caapi were 4.79 mg/g harmine, 0.451 mg/g harmaline, and 2.18 mg/g tetrahydroharmine (THH), with a high variability among the samples (RSD from 78.9 to 170%). Native B. caapi samples showed significantly higher harmine concentrations than cultivated ones, and samples from the Federal District/Goiás had higher THH content than those collected in the State of Acre. The other Malpighiaceae samples did not contain ß-carbolines, except for one D. pubipetala sample. Concentrations in ayahuasca samples ranged from 0.109 to 7.11 mg/mL harmine, 0.012 to 0.945 mg/mL harmaline, 0.09 to 3.05 mg/mL THH, and 0.10 to 3.12 mg/mL DMT. The analysis of paired ayahuasca/B. caapi confirmed that harmine is reduced to harmaline and to THH during the brew preparation. This is the largest study conducted with Malpighiaceae samples and showed a large variability in the main ß-carbolines present in B. caapi. This biodiversity is a challenge for standardization of the material used in ethnopharmacological studies of B. caapi and ayahuasca.

8.
Rev Bras Epidemiol ; 23 Suppl 1: e200004.SUPL.1, 2020.
Article in English, Portuguese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32638987

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Violence experienced in adolescence results in serious damage and suffering to society. This study aims to characterize the profile of violence victims and likely perpetrators of violence against adolescents, as well as to describe the percentage of notifying municipalities according to the federation unit. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with data on notification of violence against adolescents from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, from 2011 to 2017. The chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance of the differences between the proportions in the comparison between genders. Proportion ratios for the most frequent types of violence were estimated according to selected variables. RESULTS: The notifications came from 75.4% of all the Brazilian municipalities. Physical violence predominated among males, aged 15-19 years. Psychological violence was predominant among females, between 10 and 14 years old, when perpetrated repeatedly at home by family aggressors. Sexual violence prevailed among females, aged 10 to 14 years old, in the indigenous, black and yellow races/colors, when perpetrated repeatedly at home. Negligence was more common among males, between 10 and 14 years old, when perpetrated repeatedly by family aggressors. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual violence occurred predominantly against females and generated significant negative impacts on mental, physical, sexual and reproductive health. Community violence, perpetrated with sharp objects and firearms, were prominent among males and are important risk factors for male over-mortality. Because the problems are complex, addressing them requires intersectoral actions.


Subject(s)
Violence/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Brazil/epidemiology , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disease Notification/statistics & numerical data , Female , Health Care Sector , Humans , Male , Wounds and Injuries/epidemiology , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Young Adult
9.
RSC Adv ; 10(35): 20676-20681, 2020 May 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35517757

ABSTRACT

We describe here a green method for the preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), by a microwave-assisted synthesis route using Handroanthus impetiginosus underbark extract, with antibacterial activity. After optimizing the synthesis parameters with a Box-Benhken designed experiment, samples were characterized by powder XRD, TEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR and zetametry. Using the overall optimized conditions of synthesis - time of reaction 15 min at 200 °C and plant extract/AgNO3 volume ratio equal to 10% - highly crystalline ∼13.4 nm-sized spherical AgNPs in a well-dispersed colloidal state were obtained. It was also proved that the plant extract compounds act as reductant and capping agents during synthesis to functionalize AgNPs, resulting in a negatively charged surface with high values of zeta potential in a wide range of pH, from acidic to alkaline media. Biological activity tests against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and cell viability experiments showed that synthesized AgNPs were not toxic to HaCaT mammalian cells and presented a high efficiency against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus). This was associated with the synergistic combination of AgNP silver cores with the capping layer containing natural compounds with antimicrobial properties and considered an alternative to the AgNPs commonly obtained from conventional routes that present antibacterial effectiveness preferentially against Gram-negative strains.

10.
Physis (Rio J.) ; 30(1): e300117, 2020. tab, graf
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: biblio-1125335

ABSTRACT

Resumo Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a percepção de representantes de Comissões Intergestores Regionais (CIRs) sobre o processo de regionalização em saúde no Estado de Minas Gerais. Foram realizadas entrevistas com representantes de dez regiões de saúde do estado. Os dados, analisados por meio do software IRAMUTEQ, geraram um dendograma com dois eixos temáticos. O primeiro eixo, denominado "O papel das CIRs e dos principais atores no processo de governança regional", subdividiu-se nas classes 4, 3 e 2, que abordaram, respectivamente, o protagonismo dos apoiadores do Conselho de Secretarias Municipais de Saúde (COSEMS) nas CIRs; a CIR como espaço de pactuação das ações regionais; atores envolvidos na governança da região de saúde. O segundo, denominado "Organização da assistência nas redes de atenção", subdividiu-se nas classes 5, 1 e 6, que descreveram, respectivamente, vazios assistenciais nas regiões de saúde; fragilidades e potencialidades do processo de regionalização; dificuldades de provisão de serviços de média e alta complexidade. A regionalização em saúde em Minas Gerais, apesar de estratégias bem-sucedidas, apresenta grandes desafios. O financiamento insuficiente do SUS, em um cenário de disputas políticas, e fragmentação de recursos prejudica a provisão da atenção nas regiões de saúde. Trata-se, portanto, de um processo em construção.


Abstract This study aims to analyze the perception of representatives of Regional Inter-managerial Commissions on the process of health regionalization in the State of Minas Gerais. Interviews were conducted with representatives of 10 state health regions. The data, analyzed through IRAMUTEQ software, generated a dendogram with two thematic axes. The first axis, called "The role of CIR and key actors in the regional governance process", was subdivided into classes 4, 3 and 2, which addressed, respectively, the role of the Council of Municipal Health Secretaries supporters in the Commissions; the Commissions as a space for agreement on regional actions; the actors involved in the governance of the health region. The second, called "Organization of assistance in the care networks" was subdivided into classes 5, 1 and 6, which described, respectively, care gaps in the health regions; weaknesses and potentialities of the regionalization process; difficulties in providing medium and high complexity services. Health regionalization in Minas Gerais, despite successful strategies, brings great challenges. Insufficient financing of the SUS in a scenario of political disputes and resource fragmentation undermines the provision of care in health regions. It is a process still under construction.


Subject(s)
Regional Health Planning/organization & administration , Unified Health System , Health Management , Health Manager , Health Governance , Investments , Primary Health Care , Regional Health Planning/methods , Regional Health Planning/standards , Brazil , Health Sector Stewardship and Governance
11.
Rev. bras. epidemiol ; 23(supl.1): e200004.SUPL.1, 2020. tab
Article in English, Portuguese | LILACS | ID: biblio-1126067

ABSTRACT

RESUMO: Introdução: A violência sofrida na adolescência resulta em sérios prejuízos e sofrimento para a sociedade. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar o perfil das violências, das vítimas e dos prováveis autores das violências perpetradas contra adolescentes, bem como descrever o percentual de municípios notificantes por unidade da Federação. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado com dados de notificação de violência contra adolescentes do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação referentes ao período de 2011 a 2017. A significância estatística das diferenças entre as proporções na comparação entre sexos foi testada com o qui-quadrado. Estimaram-se razões de proporção para os tipos de violência mais frequentes segundo variáveis selecionadas. Resultados: As notificações foram procedentes de 75,4% dos municípios brasileiros. A violência física predominou no sexo masculino, na idade de 15 a 19 anos. A violência psicológica predominou no sexo feminino, entre 10 e 14 anos, quando praticada de forma repetitiva, no domicílio, por agressores familiares. A violência sexual prevaleceu no sexo feminino, entre 10 e 14 anos, nas raças/cores indígena, negra e amarela, quando perpetrada de forma repetitiva, no domicílio. A negligência predominou no sexo masculino, entre 10 e 14 anos, quando praticada de forma repetitiva, por agressores familiares. Conclusões: Violências sexuais ocorreram preponderantemente no sexo feminino e geram consideráveis impactos negativos à saúde mental, física, sexual e reprodutiva. Violências comunitárias perpetradas com objetos perfurocortantes e arma de fogo tiveram destaque no sexo masculino e são fatores de risco significativos para a sobremortalidade masculina. Como os problemas são complexos, demandam atuação intersetorial para seu enfrentamento.


ABSTRACT: Introduction: Violence experienced in adolescence results in serious damage and suffering to society. This study aims to characterize the profile of violence victims and likely perpetrators of violence against adolescents, as well as to describe the percentage of notifying municipalities according to the federation unit. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with data on notification of violence against adolescents from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, from 2011 to 2017. The chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance of the differences between the proportions in the comparison between genders. Proportion ratios for the most frequent types of violence were estimated according to selected variables. Results: The notifications came from 75.4% of all the Brazilian municipalities. Physical violence predominated among males, aged 15-19 years. Psychological violence was predominant among females, between 10 and 14 years old, when perpetrated repeatedly at home by family aggressors. Sexual violence prevailed among females, aged 10 to 14 years old, in the indigenous, black and yellow races/colors, when perpetrated repeatedly at home. Negligence was more common among males, between 10 and 14 years old, when perpetrated repeatedly by family aggressors. Conclusions: Sexual violence occurred predominantly against females and generated significant negative impacts on mental, physical, sexual and reproductive health. Community violence, perpetrated with sharp objects and firearms, were prominent among males and are important risk factors for male over-mortality. Because the problems are complex, addressing them requires intersectoral actions.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Violence/statistics & numerical data , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Wounds and Injuries/epidemiology , Brazil/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disease Notification/statistics & numerical data , Health Care Sector
12.
Rev. bras. farmacogn ; 29(2): 262-265, Mar.-Apr. 2019. tab, graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: biblio-1042268

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Hippeastrum goianum (Ravenna) Meerow, Amaryllidaceae, is an endemic species from the Cerrado, Brazil; there are only few studies about its chemistry or biological activity. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of lycorine in extracts from in vitro H. goianum plantlets, as well as evaluate a possible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The ethanol extract of plantlets produced by in vitro seed germination and micropropagation of bulblets was obtained from seedlings from in vitro germination, while the ethanol extract micropropagtion of bulblets was obtained from a subculture of those seedlings. The presence of lycorine was detected in only in the micropropagation of bulblets. The micropropagation of bulblets was more active than the plantlets produced by in vitro seed germination, with an IC50 of 114.8 ± 0.95 µg/ml and IC50 386.00 ± 0.97 µg/ml, respectively. These results showed that both in vitro germination and micropropagation of H. goianum can lead to the biosynthesis of lycorine. Moreover, the micropropagation led to improved anticholinesterase activity.

13.
Food Chem Toxicol ; 109(Pt 2): 1063-1068, 2017 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28533130

ABSTRACT

Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. (Sapotaceae) is a species used by inhabitants from the Cerrado for its edible fruits and medicinal value. Hexane crude extracts from leaves and fractions were evaluated for in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity and antioxidant potential. The fraction with the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity was submitted to a phytochemical study. Three triterpenes were isolated, friedelin, epi-friedelanol, and taraxerol. This is the first report of these compounds isolated from P. ramiflora. Moreover, this is the first report of friedelin isolated from Pouteria sp. Epi-friedelanol was present in significant amounts, suggesting that this compound could be a candidate marker for this species.


Subject(s)
Plant Extracts/chemistry , Pouteria/chemistry , Triterpenes/chemistry , Animals , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry , Enzyme Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Molecular Structure , Oleanolic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Oleanolic Acid/chemistry , Oleanolic Acid/isolation & purification , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Swine , Triterpenes/isolation & purification , alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors , alpha-Amylases/chemistry
14.
BMC Complement Altern Med ; 16: 203, 2016 Jul 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27401815

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants have traditionally been used in many parts of the world as alternative medicine. Many extracts and essential oils isolated from plants have disclosed biological activity, justifying the investigation of their potential antimicrobial activity. In this study, the in vitro antifungal activity of six Brazilian Cerrado medicinal plant species were evaluated against clinically relevant Candida species. METHODS: The crude extract plants were evaluated against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) standard strains of Candida spp. using disk diffusion method and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The chemical study results were confirmed by HPLC method. RESULTS: All six plant species showed antifungal activity. Among the species studied, Eugenia dysenterica and Pouteria ramiflora showed significant inhibitory activity against C. tropicalis at lowest MIC value of 125 and 500 µg/disc, respectively. The Eugenia dysenterica also disclosed MIC value of 125 µg/disc against C. famata, 250 µg/disc against C. krusei and 500 µg/disc against C. guilliermondii and C. parapsilosis. Pouteria torta, Bauhinia rufa, Erythroxylum daphnites and Erythroxylum subrotundum showed activity against the yeast strains with MIC value of 1000 µg/disc. The chemical study of the most bioactive extracts of Eugenia dysenterica and Pouteria ramiflora revealed catechin derivatives and flavonoids as main components. CONCLUSIONS: All six evaluated plant species showed good antifungal potential against several Candida strains. However, E .dysenterica and P. ramiflora showed the higher inhibitory effect against the non-albicans Candida species. Our results may contribute to the continuing search of new natural occurring products with antifungal activity.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Candida/drug effects , Eugenia/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Pouteria/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Brazil , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Plant Extracts/chemistry
15.
Clin Oral Investig ; 19(3): 637-46, 2015 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25096669

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Antineoplastic effects of molecules derived from plants have recently gained increasing attention as an additive to traditional therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of plant extracts from the Brazilian Cerrado biome associated with radiotherapy in head and neck carcinoma cells (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen extracts derived from five Cerrado plants were tested in HNSCC cell lines (SCC-25, SCC-9, FaDu) and keratinocyte cells (HaCat). Cell cytotoxicity of extracts and association extract/radiation (2Gy/min) was assessed by MTT assay. Cisplatin (50 µg/mL) was used as a positive control. Extracts with the major cytotoxic activity were selected and their IC50 concentrations were defined. Apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: Ten isolated extracts resulted in moderate cytotoxicity (>20 and ≤ 50 % of viable cells), while three extracts induced severe cytotoxic effects (≤ 20 % of viable cells). Plant extracts treatment improved radiotherapy cytotoxicity in all cell lines. Although plant extracts are not as potent as cisplatin plus radiation, in FaDu cells, seven extracts associated with irradiation showed cytotoxic activity similar or better than the association of cisplatin and radiation. Hexanic extract of Erythroxylum daphinites could induce apoptosis in oral cancer cells; however, necrosis was the prevalent kind of death in FaDu cells treated with hexanic extract of Erythroxylum suberosum. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-treatment of HNSCC cells with the extract derived from Cerrado plants followed by irradiation induced a supra-additive cytotoxic effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the potential biological relevance of the Cerrado biome when associated with traditional therapy for cancer.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/radiotherapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Apoptosis/drug effects , Apoptosis/radiation effects , Brazil , Cell Line, Tumor , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor , Erythroxylaceae , Flow Cytometry , Humans , Keratinocytes/drug effects , Medicine, Traditional , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
16.
Bol. latinoam. Caribe plantas med. aromát ; 13(2): 135-143, mar. 2014. ilus, tab
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-767356

ABSTRACT

In this study, a reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) technique for determination of rutin in Erythroxylum suberosum extract was developed and validated. A regression analysis was performed, with the observation of good linearity (r = 0.9997). The values obtained for precision and accuracy determination are in agreement with ICH guidelines. The detection and the quantitation limits of rutin were 0.19 ug/mL and 0.60 ug/mL, respectively. The results demonstrated that the developed method is a reliable HPLC technique for determination of rutin in E. suberosum extract. In addition, the applicability of this method in stability studies and standardization of herbs was investigated.


En este estudio, la técnica de cromatografía líquida de alta resolución en fase reversa para la determinación de la rutina en el extracto Erythroxylum suberosum fue desarrollada y validada. Se realizó un análisis de regresión, con la observación de una buena linealidad (r = 0,9997). Los valores obtenidos para la precisión y la determinación de la precisión están de acuerdo con las directrices ICH. La detección y cuantificación de los límites de la rutina fueron 0,19 ug / mL y 0,60 ug / mL, respectivamente. Los resultados demostraron que el método desarrollado es una técnica fiable de HPLC para la determinación de la rutina en el extracto de E. suberosum. Además, se investigó la aplicabilidad de este método en los estudios de estabilidad y la estandarización de hierbas.


Subject(s)
Erythroxylaceae , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Rutin/analysis , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Regression Analysis
17.
Acta amaz ; 43(3): 261-290, set. 2013. ilus, tab
Article in Portuguese | LILACS-Express | LILACS, VETINDEX | ID: biblio-1455148

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to describe the richness, structure and diversity of tree species occurring in seasonally dry forests and some ecotone areas (Seasonal Forest/Ombrophilous Forest) in the state of Tocantins (Brazil). We aimed to provide information for conservation, management, environmental compensation and restoration strategies, and discuss their phytogeography identities in relation to other Brazilian forests. We selected 22 areas in 18 hydrogeographic basins and performed an inventory of all trees species (DHB > 5 cm) occurring in 477 plots of 400 m². We conducted a classification analysis of the vegetation using the TWINSPAN method in two different scales. The first assessed the beta diversity among plots within the state of Tocantins, and the second analysed similarities between these forests and other forests ecosystems in the Cerrado ecoregion and related ecotones in Central Brazil. A wide variation of species richness (33 to 243 species), density (486 to 1179 trees.ha-1), basal area (14.04 to 37.49 m². ha-1), diversity indexes (H’ = 2.75 to 4.59) and evenness (J’ = 0.72 to 0.86) across the sites was found. Based on floristic and structural aspects, classification analyses identified four major forests types: Seasonal Deciduous Forest, Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest, and two ecotones Seasonal Semideciduous Forest/Ombrophilous Forest and ecotone Seasonal Deciduous Forest / Ombrophilous Forest. In order to maintain plant and habitat diversity in the Amazon/Cerrado transition zone, the creation of conservation areas should be intensified using biogeographical patterns as site selection criteria.


O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a riqueza, estrutura e diversidade de espécies arbóreas em áreas de Floresta Estacional e ecótono (Floresta Estacional/Floresta Ombrófila) no estado do Tocantins, buscando subsídios para a conservação, manejo florestal, compensação de reserva legal e recuperação ambiental, além de discutir as identidades fitogeográficas em comparação com outras florestas do Brasil. Em 18 bacias hidrográficas, conduziu-se amostragem da vegetação arbórea (DAP > 5 cm) de 22 áreas (amostras) por meio do inventário de 477 parcelas de 400 m². Foram elaboradas análises de classificação pelo método TWINSPAN, em duas escalas distintas. A primeira avaliou a diversidade beta entre as parcelas amostradas no estado do Tocantins e a segunda buscou analisar a similaridade das florestas do Tocantins em relação a outras florestas do bioma Cerrado e suas áreas de tensão ecológica. As florestas amostradas apresentaram ampla variação em termos de riqueza (33 a 243 espécies), densidade (486 a 1.179 ind.ha-1), área basal (14,04 e 37,49 m².ha-1), índices de diversidade (H´ = 2,75 a 4,59) e de equabilidade (J´= 0,72 a 0,86). As análises de classificação convergiram para resultados comuns, identificando quatro ambientes dissimilares em termos florísticos e estruturais no estado do Tocantins: Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, ecótono Floresta Estacional Semidecidual/Floresta Ombrófila e ecótono Floresta Estacional Decidual/Floresta Ombrófila. A fim de manter a diversidade de plantas e de ambientes na região de transição Floresta Amazônica e Cerrado, sugere-se que o processo de criação de unidades de conservação no estado do Tocantins deva ser intensificado e tenha como base para seleção das áreas critérios biogeográficos.

18.
Environ Monit Assess ; 185(8): 7013-23, 2013 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23322507

ABSTRACT

Plants continue to be an important source of new bioactive substances. Brazil is one of the world's mega-diverse countries, with 20 % of the world's flora. However, the accelerated destruction of botanically rich ecosystems has contributed to a gradual loss of native medicinal species. In previous study, we have observed a fast and intensive change in trade of medicinal plants in an area of Amazon, where human occupation took place. In this study, we surveyed 15 public markets in different parts of Brazil in search of samples of 40 plants used in traditional medicine and present in first edition of Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia (FBRAS), published in 1926. Samples of plants commercialized as the same vernacular name as in Pharmacopoeia were acquired and submitted to analysis for authentication. A total of 252 plant samples were purchased, but the laboratory analyses showed that only one-half of the samples (126, 50.2 %) were confirmed as the same plant species so named in FBRAS. The high number of unauthenticated samples demonstrates a loss of knowledge of the original native species. The proximity of the market from areas in which the plant occurs does not guarantee that trade of false samples occurs. The impact of the commerce of the substitute species on their conservation and in public health is worrying. Strategies are necessary to promote the better use and conservation of this rich heritage offered by Brazilian biodiversity.


Subject(s)
Medicine, Traditional/economics , Plants, Medicinal , Brazil , Commerce , Conservation of Natural Resources , Humans
19.
Biosci. j. (Online) ; 27(3): 482-493, may./jun. 2011.
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: biblio-911831

ABSTRACT

Nesse estudo avaliou-se o desenvolvimento inicial de Dipteryx alata e Myracrodruon urundeuva plantadas em sistema de enriquecimento de floresta estacional semidecídua secundária, seguindo um gradiente ambiental de umidade, em direção a áreas de cerrado. As avaliações da sobrevivência e do crescimento em altura total e diâmetro do coleto foram feitas 12 meses após o plantio e foram constatados 10% de mortalidade para M. urundeuva e 45% para D. alata. Vinte e cinco meses após o replantio, a mortalidade foi de 15% para ambas as espécies. Não houve associação entre mortalidade das espécies e gradiente ambiental (χ²) e também não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas nos incrementos diamétricos entre as espécies (ANOVA). O crescimento médio em diâmetro de Myracrodruon urundeuva e D. alata foi de 0,96 e 0,52 mm.ano-1, respectivamente. O crescimento médio em altura foi de 9,6 e 4,0 cm.ano-¹ em M. urundeuva e D. alata, respectivamente, diferentes estatisticamente. O menor crescimento em altura de D. alata em relação a M. urundeuva não deve ser utilizado para julgar a adaptação dessa espécie ao ambiente, podendo estar relacionado a diferentes padrões de crescimento, estratégias de adaptação ou diferentes necessidades ecológicas, demonstrando diferenças quanto à eficiência no uso dos recursos disponíveis. Este estudo destacou o potencial dessas espécies para compor sistemas de enriquecimento de capoeiras.


Initial development of Dipteryx alata Vogel and Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão planting in enrichment in a semideciduous secondary forest. This study evaluated the initial development of Dipteryx alata and Myracrodruon urundeuva planted in enrichment system in a secondary semi-deciduous seasonal forest along an environmental gradient. The survival and growth in height and diameter were made 12 months after planting. There was 10% mortality for M. urundeuva and 45% for D. alata. Twenty-five months after replanting, the mortality was 15% for both species. There was no association between mortality of the species and environmental gradient (²) and also there were no statistical differences in diameter increment between species (ANOVA). Myracrodruon urundeuva and D. alata grew on average 0.96 and 0.52 mm.yr-1, respectively. The average growth in height was 9.6 and 4.0 cm.yr-¹ for M. urundeuva and D. alata, respectively, statistically different. The smaller growth in height of D. alata versus M. urundeuva should not be used determine the adaptation to the environment and may be linked to different patterns of growth, adaptation strategies, or different ecological needs, showing differences in efficiency in the use of available resources. This study highlighted the potential use of these species in enrichment systems.


Subject(s)
Anacardiaceae , Conservation of Natural Resources , Dipteryx , Regeneration , Specimen Handling
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