Protective effect of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens seed extract on apoptotic germ cells in ethanolic male rats.

Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var pruriens (T-MP) seed containing levodopa (L-DOPA) and antioxidant capacity has been shown to improve sexual behavior and male reproductive parameters in rats treated with ethanol (Eth). However, its protective effect on testicular apoptotic germ cells has never been reported. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of T-MP seed extract on expressions of caspase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) proteins in Eth rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group), including control, Eth, T-MP150+Eth, and T-MP300+Eth, respectively. Control rats received distilled water, and Eth rats received Eth (3g/kg BW; 40%v/v). The T-MP groups were treated with T-MP seed extract at a dose of 150 or 300 mg/kg before Eth administration for 56 consecutive days. The results showed that the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial height were significantly increased in both T-MP treated groups compared to the Eth group. Additionally, the caspase-9 and -3, and PCNA expressions were decreased, but D2R expression was markedly increased in T-MP groups. It was concluded that T-MP seed extract could protect testicular apoptosis induced by Eth via changes in caspase, PCNA, and D2R protein expressions.

Protective effect of Mucuna pruriens (L) DC. var. pruriens seed extract on apoptotic germ cells in ethanolic male rats / Efeito protetor de Mucuna pruriens (L) DC. var. extrato de semente de pruriens, em células germinativas apoptóticas em ratos machos etanólicos

Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var pruriens (T-MP) seed containing levodopa (L-DOPA) and antioxidant capacity has been shown to improve sexual behavior and male reproductive parameters in rats treated with ethanol (Eth). However, its protective effect on testicular apoptotic germ cells has never been reported. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of T-MP seed extract on expressions of caspase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) proteins in Eth rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group), including control, Eth, T-MP150+Eth, and T-MP300+Eth, respectively. Control rats received distilled water, and Eth rats received Eth (3g/kg BW; 40%v/v). The T-MP groups were treated with T-MP seed extract at a dose of 150 or 300 mg/kg before Eth administration for 56 consecutive days. The results showed that the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial height were significantly increased in both T-MP treated groups compared to the Eth group. Additionally, the caspase-9 and -3, and PCNA expressions were decreased, but D2R expression was markedly increased in T-MP groups. It was concluded that T-MP seed extract could protect testicular apoptosis induced by Eth via changes in caspase, PCNA, and D2R protein expressions.

Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var pruriens (T-MP) contendo levodopa (L-DOPA) e capacidade antioxidante demonstrou melhorar o comportamento sexual e os parâmetros reprodutivos masculinos em ratos tratados com etanol (Eth). No entanto, seu efeito protetor sobre células germinativas apoptóticas testiculares nunca foi relatado. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar os efeitos potenciais do extrato de semente de T-MP na expressão de proteínas de caspase, antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular (PCNA) e receptor de dopamina D2 (D2R) em ratos Eth. Trinta e seis ratos Wistar machos foram divididos em quatro grupos (9 animais/grupo), incluindo controle, Eth, T-MP150+Eth e T-MP300+Eth, respectivamente. Ratos controle receberam água destilada e ratos Eth receberam Eth (3g/kg PC; 40%v/v). Os grupos T-MP foram tratados com extrato de semente de T-MP na dose de 150 ou 300 mg/kg antes da administração de Eth por 56 dias consecutivos. Os resultados mostraram que o diâmetro dos túbulos seminíferos e a altura epitelial foram significativamente aumentados em ambos os grupos tratados com T-MP em comparação com o grupo Eth. Além disso, as expressões de caspase-9 e -3 e de PCNA diminuíram, mas a expressão de D2R aumentou acentuadamente nos grupos T-MP. Concluiu-se que o extrato de semente de T-MP pode proteger a apoptose testicular induzida por Eth através de alterações na expressão de proteínas caspase, PCNA e D2R.

The effect of dietary supplementation of mucuna leaf meal on the growth performance, blood parameters, and carcass quality of broiler

Three hundred 1-day old broiler chickens were used to assess the effects of Mucuna leaf meal (MLM) dietary supplementation on the performance, haemato-biochemical indices, oxidative status and meat of broiler chickens. Five experimental supplemented diets were formulated: diets: 1 (0% supplement), 2 (1.1 % OXYT), 3 (0.5% MLM), 4 (1.0 % MLM) and 5 (1.5% MLM). The final weight gain of the birds fed diets 2 and 5 was higher (p <0.05) than those birds fed the control and other diets. The relative weights of the lung were affected (p <0.05) by dietary supplementation. Serum cholesterol concentration reduces (p <0.05)with increased dietary MLM supplementation levels from 1.0% to 1.5%. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased (p <0.05) inthe broiler chickens fed a 1.5% MLM supplemented diet, compared to those fed the control and other diets. Meat cholesterol of the chickens fed 1.0%, and 1.5% MLM supplemented diets were lower (p <0.05)thanthe experimental birds fed the rest diets. Inconclusion, the 1.5 % MLM dietary supplementation improves body weight gain, reduces the serum cholesterol concentration, increases the serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities of the chickens and reduced the meat cholesterol.(AU)

Mucuna pruriens Administration Minimizes Neuroinflammation and Shows Anxiolytic, Antidepressant and Slimming Effects in Obese Rats.

This study evaluated the effect of Mucuna pruriens (MP) administration on neuroinflammation and behavioral and murinometric parameters in obese rats. Proximate composition, oligosaccharide and phenolic compound profile of MP were determined. Wistar adult male rats were randomized into healthy (HG) and obese group (OG). The HG consumed a control chow diet while OG consumed a cafeteria diet for eight weeks. Then, they were subdivided into: Healthy (HG); Healthy with MP administration (HGMP); Obese (OG); Obese with MP administration (OGMP), with the consumption of the respective diets remaining for another eight weeks, in addition to gavage with MP extract to supplemented groups (750 mg/kg weight). MP presented a composition rich in proteins and phenolic compounds, especially catechin, in addition to 1-kestose and levodopa. Supplementation reduced food intake, body weight, and thoracic and abdominal circumferences in obese rats. MP showed anxiolytic and antidepressant effects and reduced morphological damage and expression of interleukin 6 in the hippocampus of obese rats. MP treatment showed satietogenic, slimming, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, besides to minimizing hippocampal neuroinflammation in obese rats. Our results demonstrated the potential anti-obesity of MP which are probably related to the high content of bioactive compounds present in this plant extract.

Seleção de espécies tolerantes para a fitorremediação de solo contaminado com imazapic / Selection of tolerant species for contaminated soil phytemedication using imazapic

O imazapic por apresentar longo efeito residual no solo pode ocasionar intoxicação visual em culturas sensíveis semeadas em rotação, além de representar riscos ecotoxicológicos em ambientes aquáticos. Diante disso, a fitorremediação é uma proposta inovadora como método alternativo para a remoção de poluentes orgânicos, sendo o sucesso da técnica dependente da seleção criteriosa de plantas com características favoráveis. O objetivo do estudo foi de identificar espécies de plantas tolerantes ao imazapic para potencial uso em programas de fitorremediação. Foram conduzidos oito experimentos em casa de vegetação climatizada com as espécies, Panicum maximum, Crotalaria juncea, Stylosanthes spp., Cajanus cajan, Dolichos lablab, Pennisetum glaucum, Mucuna aterrima, Raphanus sativus e cinco doses de imazapic (0; 58,33; 87,5; 175 e 350 g ha-1). Os tratamentos foram delineados em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Aos 30 e 60 dias após a emergência das plantas foram avaliados os sintomas de intoxicação visual, altura e a massa seca das plantas, determinada ao término do experimento. As espécies M. aterrima, C. cajan e D. lablab não apresentaram sintomas visuais de fitointoxicação. M. aterrima foi a que promoveu maior produção de massa seca quando cultivada como testemunha e a exposição ao imazapic pouco afetou essa característica. Nas espécies tolerantes, a redução da altura e massa...(AU)

Imazapic can cause visual intoxication in sensitive crops sown in rotation given its long residual effect in the soil and represents ecotoxicological risks in aquatic environments. In this scenario, phytoremediation is an innovative proposal as an alternative method for removing organic pollutants, with its success depending on the careful selection of plants with favorable characteristics. The objective of this study was to identify imazapic-tolerant plant species for potential use in phytoremediation programs. Eight experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using the species Panicum maximum, Crotalaria juncea, Stylosanthes spp., Cajanus cajan, Dolichos lablab, Pennisetum glaucum, Mucuna aterrima, and Raphanus sativus, considering five doses of imazapic (0; 58.33; 87.5; 175 and 350 g ha-1). The treatments were delineated in randomized blocks with four replicates. The symptoms of visual toxicity, height, and dry mass of the plants were determined at 30 and 60 days after plant emergence and at the end of the experiment. The species M. aterrima, C. cajan, and D. lablab presented no visual symptoms of phyto-intoxication. M. aterrima promoted greater dry mass production when cultivated as a control, and exposure to imazapic did not affect this characteristic. Height and dry mass reduction required higher doses in tolerant species, although the results were not significant for...(AU)

Seleção de espécies tolerantes para a fitorremediação de solo contaminado com imazapic / Selection of tolerant species for contaminated soil phytemedication using imazapic

O imazapic por apresentar longo efeito residual no solo pode ocasionar intoxicação visual em culturas sensíveis semeadas em rotação, além de representar riscos ecotoxicológicos em ambientes aquáticos. Diante disso, a fitorremediação é uma proposta inovadora como método alternativo para a remoção de poluentes orgânicos, sendo o sucesso da técnica dependente da seleção criteriosa de plantas com características favoráveis. O objetivo do estudo foi de identificar espécies de plantas tolerantes ao imazapic para potencial uso em programas de fitorremediação. Foram conduzidos oito experimentos em casa de vegetação climatizada com as espécies, Panicum maximum, Crotalaria juncea, Stylosanthes spp., Cajanus cajan, Dolichos lablab, Pennisetum glaucum, Mucuna aterrima, Raphanus sativus e cinco doses de imazapic (0; 58,33; 87,5; 175 e 350 g ha-1). Os tratamentos foram delineados em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Aos 30 e 60 dias após a emergência das plantas foram avaliados os sintomas de intoxicação visual, altura e a massa seca das plantas, determinada ao término do experimento. As espécies M. aterrima, C. cajan e D. lablab não apresentaram sintomas visuais de fitointoxicação. M. aterrima foi a que promoveu maior produção de massa seca quando cultivada como testemunha e a exposição ao imazapic pouco afetou essa característica. Nas espécies tolerantes, a redução da altura e massa...

Imazapic can cause visual intoxication in sensitive crops sown in rotation given its long residual effect in the soil and represents ecotoxicological risks in aquatic environments. In this scenario, phytoremediation is an innovative proposal as an alternative method for removing organic pollutants, with its success depending on the careful selection of plants with favorable characteristics. The objective of this study was to identify imazapic-tolerant plant species for potential use in phytoremediation programs. Eight experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using the species Panicum maximum, Crotalaria juncea, Stylosanthes spp., Cajanus cajan, Dolichos lablab, Pennisetum glaucum, Mucuna aterrima, and Raphanus sativus, considering five doses of imazapic (0; 58.33; 87.5; 175 and 350 g ha-1). The treatments were delineated in randomized blocks with four replicates. The symptoms of visual toxicity, height, and dry mass of the plants were determined at 30 and 60 days after plant emergence and at the end of the experiment. The species M. aterrima, C. cajan, and D. lablab presented no visual symptoms of phyto-intoxication. M. aterrima promoted greater dry mass production when cultivated as a control, and exposure to imazapic did not affect this characteristic. Height and dry mass reduction required higher doses in tolerant species, although the results were not significant for...

Physical and chemical properties of an oxisol after maize cropping on rotation with leguminous plants / Propriedades físicas e químicas de um latossolo ver melho durante o cultivo do milho após rotação com plantas leguminosas

Crop rotation has been a daily management to ensure viability of no-tillage system; however, it is few accepted and practiced by farmers. Thus, this study aims to establish a crop rotation scheme in soil quality. Consequently, cover crops of dwarf mucuna, pigeon pea dwarf, sun hemp and maize were cropped in 2010 under no-tillage system. Soil properties were determined prior their beginning, after the management of cover crops and maize harvest. Results were submitted to ANOVA and averages were compared. The macroporosity and total porosity answered to the adopted management with some variation. So, cover crops need much time to express their potential, mainly related to the physical characteristics of the studied soil. Chemical properties are susceptible to this management since higher changes were observed after management with cover crops. This crop rotation in a long term may allow the maintenance of soil quality because it avoids losses of nutrients and carbon

A rotação de culturas é ação básica para garantir a viabilidade do sistema plantio direto, porém, é pouco aceita e praticada pelos agricultores. Assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo estabelecer o esquema de rotação de culturas sobre a qualidade do solo. Para isso, sob sistema plantio direto, foramimplantadas, em 2010, as plantas de cobertura mucuna anã, feijão guandu anão, crotalaria juncea, e a cultura do milho. As propriedades do solo foram determinadas anteriormente à implantação, após o manejo da cobertura vegetal e após a colheita do milho. Os resultados encontrados foram submetidos à análise de variância e a comparação de médias. As plantas de cobertura podem precisar de mais tempo para que expressem seu potencial, principalmente relacionado às características físicas do solo, embora tenha sido observada variação da porosidade total e macroporosidade. As propriedades químicas são sensíveis ao manejo empregado, já que maiores alterações foram observadas após o manejo com as plantas de cobertura. Mesmo que não possibilite aumento significativo no teor de C no solo, o uso desta rotação, em longo prazo, poderá permitir a manutenção da qualidade do solo, evitando perdas de nutrientes e carbono

Antiulcer and Antioxidant Activity of a Lectin from Mucuna pruriens Seeds on Ethanol- induced Gastropathy: Involvement of Alpha-2 Adrenoceptors and Prostaglandins.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mucuna pruriens (Mp) belongs to Leguminosae family, it is native of tropical regions and used to treat several maladies such as urinary, neurological, and menstruation disorders, constipation, edema, fever, tuberculosis, ulcers, diabetes, arthritis, dysentery, and cardiovascular diseases. Mp seeds are rich in bioactive compounds, for instance, lectins, a heterogeneous group of proteins and glycoproteins with a potential role as therapeutic tools for several conditions, including gastric disorders. This study investigated the acute toxicity, gastroprotective, and antioxidant activities of a lectin from Mucuna pruriens seeds (MpLec) on ethanol-induced gastropathy model in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mice received MpLec (5 or 10 mg/kg; i.v.) and were observed for acute toxicity signs; in another experimental series, mice were pre-treated with MpLec (0.001; 0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg, i.v.), ranitidine (80 mg/kg, p.o.), or saline (0.3 mL/30g, i.v.) before ethanol 99.9% (0.2 mL/animal, p.o.), and euthanized 30 min after ethanol challenge. Macroscopic and microscopic gastric aspects, biochemical parameters (tissue hemoglobin levels, iron-induced lipid peroxidation, GSH content, SOD activity, and gastric mucosal PGE2) were measured. Additionally, pharmacological tools (yohimbine, indomethacin, naloxone, L-NAME) were opportunely used to clarify MpLec gastroprotective mechanisms of action. RESULTS: No toxicity signs nor death were observed at acute toxicity tests. MpLec reduced ethanol-induced gastric damage, edema, and hemorrhagic patches formation, as well as decreased lipid peroxidation, SOD activity, and increased GSH content. Yohimbine and indomethacin prevented MpLec effects, suggesting the involvement of alpha-2 adrenoceptors and prostaglandins in the MpLec-mediated effects. CONCLUSION: MpLec does not present toxicity signs and shows gastroprotective and antioxidant activities via alpha-2 adrenoceptors and prostaglandins in the ethanol-induced gastropathy model.

Peptides from Mucuna pruriens L., with protection and antioxidant in vitro effect on HeLa cell line.

BACKGROUND: Mucuna pruriens L. is a legume sown in the Mexican southeast with an important protein content. Studies have shown the potential use of by-products derived from Mucuna as a functional food because of the hypoglycemic and antihypertensive activities. Thus, this study aims to assess the antioxidant and protective effect of the peptide fractions derived from M. pruriens L., in vitro on the HeLa cell line. An enzymatic hydrolysis with pepsin-pancreatin was performed on the total protein concentrate, from which five peptide fractions were obtained. RESULTS: All protein derivatives from M. pruriens L., except F5-10 kDa, decreased the hydrogen peroxide production by more than 50%. The highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by F1-3 kDa, which lowered the intracellular reactive oxygen species by 207 ± 4.20%. No significant differences were found in the protective effects of the protein hydrolysate, F5-10 kDa, F3-5 kDa and F1-3 kDa relative to the N-acetylcysteine control group. CONCLUSION: This elucidated the potential action mechanisms of M. pruriens L. protein derivatives for future investigations and their role in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protein hydrolysates and ultrafiltered < 1 KDa fractions from Phaseolus lunatus, Phaseolus vulgaris and Mucuna pruriens exhibit antihyperglycemic activity, intestinal glucose absorption and α-glucosidase inhibition with no acute toxicity in rodents.

BACKGROUND: Protein hydrolysates from food plants, such as legumes, have emerged as a new alternative to treat hyperglycemia, an important risk factor contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications. The aim of this work was to assess the antihyperglycemic activity and inhibition of α-glucosidase, and intestinal glucose absorption, and acute toxicity of total hydrolysates and < 1 kDa fractions from Phaseolus lunatus L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., and Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., obtained by hydrolysis with Alcalase®-Flavourzyme® or pepsine-pancreatin enzymatic systems. RESULTS: In vivo results showed that three of six total hydrolysates and four of six < 1 kDa fractions suppressed starch-induced postprandial hyperglycemia (ED50 range between 1.4 and 93 mg kg-1 ). In vitro, total hydrolysates and fractions, particularly from M. pruriens, inhibited carbohydrate intestinal absorption (from 19.2 to 40%), and α-glucosidase activity (IC50 from 0.86 to 75 mg mL-1 ). Finally, none of the hydrolysates and fractions tested did not show any signs of toxicity (LD50 > 5000 mg kg-1 ). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that hydrolysates and < 1 kDa fractions from P. lunatus, P. vulgaris and M. pruriens are suitable candidates to treat or prevent T2DM. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Enzymatic Digestion of Protein Derivatives Obtained from Mucuna pruriens L. on Production of Proinflammatory Mediators by BALB/c Mouse Macrophages.

Inflammation is considered to be a major risk factor for the pathogenesis of chronic non-communicable diseases. Macrophages are important immune cells, which regulate inflammation and host defense by secretion of proinflammatory mediators. Obtaining biopeptides by enzymatic hydrolysis adds value to proteins of vegetative origin, such as Mucuna pruriens L. The present study evaluated the effect of enzymatic digestion of protein derivatives obtained from M. pruriens L. on the production of proinflammatory mediators by BALB/c mouse macrophages. Five different molecular weight peptide fractions were obtained (F > 10, 5-10, 3-5, 1-3, and < 1 kDa, respectively). At 300 µg/mL, F5-10 kDa inhibited 50.26 and 61.00% NO and H2O2 production, respectively. Moreover, F5-10 kDa reduced the IL-6 and TNFα levels to 60.25 and 69.54%, respectively. After enzymatic digestive simulation, F5-10 kDa decreased the inflammatory mediators.

Utilization of Mucuna pruriens whole pods to feed lactating hair ewes.

Twenty nine Pelibuey × Katahdin hair ewes rearing single lamb were used during 42 days of lactation to evaluate the effect of including the Mucuna pruriens whole pods in the diets of lactating ewes on milk production and offspring performance. Animals were distributed at random into three experimental diets: a control diet without Mucuna (M0), and two more diets with the inclusion of 13 (M13) and 26% (M26), of milled pods of Mucuna pruriens, respectively. Dry matter intake, was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among diets. Milk yield (P > 0.05) was 734, 786, and 694 g/day for diets M0, M13, and M26, respectively. Milk fat (P > 0.05), milk protein (P > 0.05), and milk lactose (P > 0.05) did not differ between treatments. Lambs had similar daily weight gain (P > 0.05) among diets (180, 174, and 171 g/day for diets M0, M13, and M26, respectively). Diets with Mucuna whole pods were 5.6 and 12.9% more profitable (M13 and M26, respectively) than control diet. Under the conditions of this work, Mucuna pruriens whole pods can be included up to 26% in the diets of lactating crossbred hair ewes without negatively affecting their productive performance during the first 6 weeks of lactation.

Comparative effects of L-DOPA and velvet bean seed extract on soybean lignification.

Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) is an efficient cover forage that controls weeds, pathogens and nematodes, and the non-protein amino acid L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is its main allelochemical. The effects of 3 g L-1 of an aqueous extract of velvet bean seeds, along with 0.5 mM L-DOPA for comparison, were evaluated in roots, stems and leaves of soybean (Glycine max). The activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) were determined, along with the lignin content and its monomeric composition. The results revealed similar effects caused by L-DOPA and the aqueous extract. Both treatments reduced PAL and CAD activities, lignin, and lignin monomer contents in roots; PAL and CAD activities in stems, and CAD activity in leaves. These findings provide further evidence that the effects of velvet bean cover forage on root lignification were due to the L-DOPA, its major allelochemical.

Influence of green manures on epiedaphic macrofauna in cerrado/pantanal ecotone / Influência de adubos verdes sobre a macrofauna epiedáfica no ecótono cerrado/pantanal

The aim of this study was to determine the similarity between nine species of green manure regarding the occurrence of epiedaphic macrofauna. The experiment was conducted during the months of August 2014 to July 2015 at the Crop Science sector of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Unit of Aquidauana. Treatmentes evaluated were: Canavalia ensiformes, Dolichos lablab, Mucuna pruriens, Mucuna aterrima, Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Cajanus cajan, Cajanus cajan and two control (fallow area and native vegetation). Experimental design was completely randomized with two replications. Each plot consists of 10 lines with 4.5 m long. Epiedaphic macrofauna inhabiting the interphase between the vegetation cover and the soil surface was collected weekly by the Pitfall model. Individuals collected in all green manure species in the same month were added and subjected to cluster analysis. The months of September and October composed group 2 due to higher averages of epiedaphic macrofauna individuals. The month of July had the highest number of individuals from Isoptera order, composing the group 3. The month of November was in which was collected the greatest number of individuals from Hymenoptera order, which has allocated this month in group 4. The others months of the year formed the group 1, indicating that the region climatic conditions in this period do not affect significantly the distribution of epiedaphic macrofauna individuals.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a similaridade entre nove espécies de adubo verde quanto à ocorrência de macrofauna epiedáfica. O experimento foi conduzido durante os meses de agosto de 2014 a julho de 2015 no setor de Fitotecnia da Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Unidade de Aquidauana. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: Canavalia ensiformes, Dolichos lablab, Mucuna pruriens, Mucuna aterrima, Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Cajanus cajan, Cajanus cajan e duas testemunhas (área de pousio e mata nativa). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com duas repetições. Cada parcela foi composta por 10 linhas com 4,5 m de comprimento. A macrofauna epiedáfica, que habita na interfase entre a cobertura vegetal e a superfície do solo foi coletada semanalmente por meio de armadilhas modelo Pitfall (de queda). Os indivíduos coletados em todas as espécies de adubação verde no mesmo mês foram somados e submetidos à análise de agrupamento. Os meses de setembro e outubro compuseram o grupo 2 devido as maiores médias de indivíduos da macrofauna epiedáfica. O mês de julho obteve o maior número de indivíduos da ordem Isoptera, compondo o grupo 3. O mês de novembro foi no qual foi coletado o maior número de indivíduos da ordem Hymenoptera, o que alocou este mês no grupo 4. Os demais meses do ano formaram o grupo 1, o que indica que as condições climáticas da região neste período não afetam significativamente a distribuição dos indivíduos da macrofauna epiedáfica.

Macronutrients release by green manure species grown in cerrado/pantanal ecotone / Liberação de macronutrientes por espécies de adubação verde cultivadas no ecótono cerrado/pantanal

Assessing the nutrient release by cover crops species, especially those used in green manure, is important for planning activities aimed at the higher economic return. The use of these species in order to improve the growing conditions in the transition region between the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes, which have particular characteristics, may be a viable alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the amount of biomass produced and macronutrients released in this biomass by different green manure species grown in the Cerrado/Pantanal ecotone. The trial was carried out from April 2013 to June 2014 in the Plant Science sector at State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana-MS (Brazil). Experimental design was completely randomized arranged in time split plot, with four replications. First factor consisted of seven species of green manure, while the second were seven evaluation times (months). The variables evaluated were: dry mass of shoot and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) contents as a function of time. For all variables evaluated there was significant interaction between the green manure species and the collection months. Vegetable cover showed different rates of decomposition and nutrient release. Mucuna aterrima was the species that produced higher amounts of dry mass and nutrient content. After four months of cutting the plants, green manure species do not differentiate between the amounts of released nutrients.

Avaliar a liberação de nutrientes por espécies de plantas de cobertura, especialmente aquelas utilizadas na adubação verde é importante para o planejamento das atividades objetivando o maior retorno econômico. O uso dessas espécies afim de se melhorar as condições de cultivo na região de transição entre os biomas do Cerrado e Pantanal que possuem características particulares, pode ser uma alternativa viável. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as taxas de liberação de macronutrientes de diferentes espécies de adubação verde cultivadas no ecótono Cerrado/Pantanal. O experimento foi realizado entre os meses de abril de 2013 a junho de 2014 no setor de Fitotecnia da Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana-MS. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado disposto em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com quatro repetições. O primeiro fator consistiu em sete espécies de adubação verde, enquanto o segundo em sete épocas (meses) de avaliação. As variáveis avaliadas foram: massa seca da parte aérea e quantidades de nitrogênio (N), fósforo (P), potássio (K), cálcio (Ca), magnésio (Mg) e enxofre (S) liberados em função do tempo. Para todas as variáveis avaliadas houve interação significativa entre as espécies de adubação verde vezes os meses de coleta. As coberturas vegetais apresentaram distintas taxas de decomposição e de liberação de nutrientes. Mucuna aterrima foi à espécie que produziu maiores quantidades de massa seca e disponibilizou as maiores quantidades de nutrientes. Após quatro meses de corte das plantas, as espécies de adubação verde não diferiram entre si quanto as quantidades liberadas de nutrientes.

Metal-resistant rhizobacteria isolates improve Mucuna deeringiana phytoextraction capacity in multi-metal contaminated soils from a gold mining area.

Phytoremediation consists of biological techniques for heavy metal remediation, which include exploring the genetic package of vegetable species to remove heavy metals from the environment. The goals of this study were to investigate heavy metal and bioaugmentation effects on growth and nutrient uptake by Mucuna deeringiana; to determine the metal translocation factor and bioconcentration factor and provide insight for using native bacteria to enhance heavy metal accumulation. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions using a 2 × 4 factorial scheme with highly and slightly contaminated soil samples and inoculating M. deeringiana with three highly lead (Pb+2)-resistant bacteria Kluyvera intermedia (Ki), Klebsiella oxytoca (Ko), and Citrobacter murliniae (Cm) isolated from the rhizosphere of native plants identified as Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng.) Less., Senecio leptolobus DC., and Baccharis trimera (Less) DC., respectively. The increased heavy metal concentrations in soil samples do not decrease the root dry mass of M. deeringiana, concerning the number and dry weight of nodules. The shoot dry mass is reduced by the increasing concentration of heavy metals in soil associated with Kluyvera intermedia and Klebsiella oxytoca bacteria. The number of nodules is affected by heavy metals associated with Citrobacter murliniae bacteria. The bacteria K. intermedia, C. murliniae, and K. oxytoca increase the lead and cadmium available in the soil and enhanced metal uptake by Mucuna deeringiana. The M. deeringiana specie has characteristics that make it hyperaccumulate copper and zinc. The translocation and bioconcentration factors for M. deeringiana characterize it as a promising candidate to phytostabilize multi-metal contaminated soils.

Lipid-lowering properties of protein-rich mucuna product

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of protein-rich mucuna product (PRMP) on lipid parameters of hyperlipidemic rats. METHODS: Hyperlipidemia was induced in male rats for 3 weeks through high-fat diet. After induction, 30 hyperlipidemic rats were divided into five groups of six rats: control group (CG) received casein and four groups received PRMP as protein source at different proportions: 8.2, 16.4, 24.6, and 32.8 % corresponding, respectively, to 25, 50, 75, and 100 %substitution of casein in the diet for 3 weeks. Lipid and oxidative stress parameters of rats were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in food intake and body weight loss among the experimental groups. The concentrations of the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were lower in groups fed on PRMP 50, 75, and 100 % than in the CG group (p< 0.05). Histological analysis of the liver revealed that animals fed on PRMP diets presented a lower level of steatosis than the CG group. The most significant reduction of lipid parameters was obtained when PRMP was used as unique source of protein (PRMP 100 %). PRMP also influenced oxidative stress parameters as evidenced by a decrease in malondialdehyde and an increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated that PRMP exerts hypolipidemic effect; it has a metabolic effect on endogenous cholesterol metabolism and a protector effect on the development of hepatic steatosis. Our results also suggest that PRMP could manage metabolic diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Interference periods of velvet bean in sugarcane / Períodos de interferência de mucuna-preta na cultura da cana-de-açúcar

The objective of the present study was to determine the periods of interference of velvet bean on ratoons of sugarcane cultivar 'RB855536' and to identify its potential for decreasing the crop yield and the quality of the harvested product. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, with 18 treatments divided into two groups and four replicates per treatment. In the first group, the sugarcane was kept free from velvet bean interference for nine different periods, beginning at bud sprouting: 0-15, 0-30, 0-45, 0-60, 0-90, 0-120, 0-150, and 0-180 days after budding (DAB) and 0-harvest. In the second group, sugarcane was grown in coexistence with velvet bean during the same periods described for the first group. The critical period of interference prevention for velvet bean in ratoons of sugarcane cv. 'RB 855536' lasted 138 days, from 50 DAB (pre-interference period [PIP]) to188 DAB (total period of weed interference prevention [TPIP]). Velvet bean interference caused a 50% decrease in sugarcane yield and negatively affected the quality of the harvested product.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar os períodos de interferência da mucuna-preta na soqueira cana-de-açúcar, cultivar 'RB855536', e o potencial de redução na produtividade da cultura e na qualidade do produto colhido. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições por tratamento, aplicando-se 18 tratamentos divididos em dois grupos. No primeiro, a cultura permaneceu livre da interferência da mucuna-preta desde a brotação até nove épocas do seu ciclo de vida: 0-15, 0-30, 0-45, 0-60, 0-90, 0-120, 0-150, 0-180 dias após a brotação (DAB), 0-colheita. No segundo grupo, a cultura permaneceu em convivência com a mucuna-preta desde a brotação até os mesmos períodos descritos anteriormente. O período crítico de prevenção à interferência da mucuna-preta na soqueira da cultura da cana-de-açúcar ´RB 855536´ abrangeu 138 dias do ciclo da cultura, de 50 DAB (PAI) a 188 DAB (PTPI). E a redução da produtividade da cana-de-açúcar em decorrência da interferência da mucuna-preta foi de 50%, afetando negativamente a qualidade do produto colhido.(AU)

Potential Therapeutic Applications of Mucuna pruriens Peptide Fractions Purified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Antioxidants, Antithrombotic and Hypocholesterolemic Agents.

A Mucuna pruriens protein concentrate was hydrolyzed with a digestive (pepsin-pancreatin) enzymatic system. The soluble portion of the hydrolysate was fractionated by ultrafiltration and the ultrafiltered peptide fraction (PF) with lower molecular weight was purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The PF obtained were evaluated by testing the biological activity in vitro. Fractions showed that the ability to inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme had IC50 values that ranged from 2.7 to 6.2 µg/mL. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values ranged from 132.20 to 507.43 mM/mg. The inhibition of human platelet aggregation ranged from 1.59% to 11.11%, and the inhibition of cholesterol micellar solubility ranged from 0.24% to 0.47%. Hydrophobicity, size, and amino acid sequence could be factors in determining the biological activity of peptides contained in fractions. This is the first report that M. pruriens peptides act as antihypertensives, antioxidants, and inhibitors for human platelet aggregation and cholesterol micellar solubility in vitro.

Produtividade de vinagreira, pimenta rosa e carobinha cultivadas em sucessão a mucuna preta e feijão de porco / Productivity of roselle, Brazilian peppertree, and carobinha grown in succession to black velvet bean and jack bean

RESUMO O uso de adubos verdes e/ou de plantas de cobertura é uma técnica que vem sendo difundida para o cultivo de espécies medicinais, por garantir a sustentabilidade do solo agrícola, ser flexível em seu uso e por melhorar a atividade biológica do solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o uso de culturas de cobertura para incrementar a produção de massa de plantas de vinagreira, pimenta rosa e carobinha. Foram avaliadas duas espécies de leguminosas tropicais (mucuna preta e feijão de porco) como cobertura do solo e uma testemunha (sem cultura de cobertura) e três espécies medicinais (vinagreira, pimenta rosa e carobinha). O experimento foi arranjado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, tendo nas parcelas as coberturas vegetais e nas subparcelas, as plantas medicinais. As plantas para a cobertura vegetal foram propagadas por semeadura direta no local de cultivo, enquanto as medicinais foram transplantadas diretamente entre a palhada da cobertura vegetal. A produção da mucuna preta foi de 8,37 t ha-1 de massa seca e do feijão de porco, de 14,37 t ha-1 de massa seca. O uso das culturas de cobertura contribuiu para uma maior biomassa microbiana do solo. As produções de massas frescas de folhas, caules e frutos de vinagreira e de frutos da pimenta rosa foram maiores quando cultivadas em sucessão às coberturas vegetais do solo, independente da espécie. As produções da carobinha foram semelhantes quando cultivadas em áreas com ou sem a cobertura. Visando à maior produtividade da vinagreira e pimenta rosa, são indicadas as culturas antecessoras feijão de porco e mucuna preta.

ABSTRACT The use of green manure and/or cover crops is a technique that has been widespread for the cultivation of medicinal species, since it ensures the sustainability of agricultural soil, is flexible in its use, and improves biological activity in the soil. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of cover crops to increase biomass production of roselle, Brazilian peppertree, and carobinha plants. Two species of tropical legumes (black velvet bean and jack bean) were evaluated as ground covers, and also assessed were one control plot (without cover crops) and three medicinal species (roselle, Brazilian peppertree, and carobinha). The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design, where the plots had cover crops and the subplots contained the medicinal plants. The plants for the cover crop were propagated by direct sowing in the growing site, while the medicinal ones were transplanted directly between the cover crop. The dry mass production of the velvet beans and jack beans were 8.37 t ha-1 and 14.37 t, respectively. The use of cover crops contributed to the increased microbial biomass of the soil. The production of dry mass of leaves, stems, and fruits of roselle and fruits of Brazilian peppertree were higher when grown in succession to the crop cover for the soil, regardless of the species. The production of carobinha was similar when grown in areas with or without the cover. To increase the yield of roselle and Brazilian peppertree, preceding crops of jack bean and black velvet bean are recommended.