Cytotoxic screening of plants from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest has led to the identification of Casearia arborea and Sorocea hilarii as sources of antitumor compounds.

In the present study, we have evaluated the cytotoxic activity of 282 extracts from 72 native plant species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. As a result, Casearia arborea and Sorocea hilarii leaves extracts showed cytotoxic activity against three tumour cell lines tested (B16F10, SW480 and Jurkat). After bioassay-guided fractionation, the bioactive fractions were submitted to the dereplication study via High-performance Liquid Chromatography, connected to High-resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS) analysis, combined with a Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) tool. A combination of bioactivity-guided and dereplication approaches resulted in the putative annotation of 27 clerodane diterpenes and 9 flavonoids as main compounds present in the cytotoxic fractions of C. arborea. Regarding the active fraction of S. hilarii, 10 megastigmans, 17 spirostane steroids derivatives and 2 lignans were putatively identified. In conclusion, Casearia arborea and Sorocea hilarii are potential sources of antitumor compounds.

Enteric viruses' dissemination in a private reserve of natural heritage.

This study aimed to assess anthropogenic impact of surrounding population in the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage at Pantanal, the world's largest freshwater wetland ecosystem located in the centre of South America. Viral aetiological agents of acute gastroenteritis as rotavirus A (RVA), noroviruses, human adenoviruses, klassevirus and of hepatitis, as hepatitis A virus, were investigated in different aquatic matrices. Annual collection campaigns were carried out from 2009 to 2012, alternating dry and rainy seasons. Viral particles present in the samples were concentrated by the adsorption-elution method, with negatively charged membranes, and detected by qualitative and quantitative PCR. From a total of 43 samples at least one virus was detected in 65% (28) of them. Viruses were detected in all matrices with concentrations ranging from 2 × 102 to 8·3 × 104 genome copies per litre. A significant higher RVA frequency was observed in the dry season. Our data revealing dissemination of human enteric viruses in water matrices both inside and outside the reserve could be useful to trace faecal contamination in the environment and to minimize the risk of infection by exposure of susceptible individuals. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study is part of a collaborative project designed to investigate the environmental and health conditions of the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage at Pantanal, the largest seasonally flooded wetland in the world. The project aimed to promote health and quality of human and wildlife extending technical-scientific knowledge about pathogens present in the region. By assessing the occurrence of human enteric viruses in different water matrices we demonstrated the anthropogenic impact of surrounding population and pointed out the potential risk of infection by exposure of susceptible individuals.

Human enteric viruses in a wastewater treatment plant: evaluation of activated sludge combined with UV disinfection process reveals different removal performances for viruses with different features.

This study assess the quality of wastewater through the detection and quantification of important viruses causing gastroenteritis at different stages of the wastewater treatment process in an activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant with ultraviolet disinfection. Ten sampling events were carried out in a campaign along a period of 18 months collecting wastewater samples from the influent, after the activated-sludge treatment, and after the final disinfection with UV radiation. Samples were concentrated through ultracentrifugation and analysed using retro-transcription, PCR and real time quantitative PCR protocols, for detection and quantification of Group A Rotavirus (RVA), Human Astrovirus (HAstV), Norovirus Genogroup II (NoV GII) and Human Adenovirus (HAdV). HAdV (100%), NoV GII (90%), RVA (70%) and HAstV (60%) were detected in influent samples with concentration from 1·4 (NoV GII) to 8·0 (RVA) log10  gc l-1 . Activated-sludge treatment reached well quality effluents with low organic material concentration, although nonstatistical significant differences were registered among influent and postactivated sludge treatment samples, regarding the presence and concentration for most viruses. All post-UV samples were negative for NoV GII and HAstV, although RVA and HAdV were detected in 38% and 63% of those samples respectively, with concentration ranging from 2·2 to 5·5 and 3·1 to 3·4 log10  gc l-1 . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrates that an activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant with UV disinfection reduces to levels below the detection limit those single-stranded RNA viruses as noroviruses and astroviruses and reach significant lower levels of rotaviruses and adenoviruses after the complete treatment process.

Chronic nicotine attenuates behavioral and synaptic plasticity impairments in a streptozotocin model of Alzheimer's disease.

Brain glucose metabolism is altered in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD), whose pathologies are reproduced in rodents by intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of streptozotocin (STZ) in subdiabetogenic doses. The icv-STZ model also culminates in central cholinergic dysfunctions, which in turn are known to underlie both the sAD cognitive decline, and synaptic plasticity impairments. Considering the cognitive-enhancing potential of chronic nicotine (Nic), we investigated whether it attenuates icv-STZ-induced impairments in recognition memory and synaptic plasticity in a cognition-relevant substrate: the hippocampal CA1-medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) pathway. Rats treated with icv-STZ were submitted to a chronic Nic regime, and were evaluated for recognition memory. We then examined long-term potentiation (LTP), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) under urethane anesthesia, and brains were also evaluated for hippocampus-mPFC cell density. We found that Nic treatment prevents icv-STZ-induced disruptions in recognition memory and LTP. STZ did not precipitate neuronal death, while Nic alone was associated with higher neuronal density in CA1 when compared to vehicle-injected animals. Through combining behavioral, neurophysiological, and neuropathological observations into the Nic-STZ interplay, our study reinforces that cholinergic treatments are of clinical importance against early-stage Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairments.

Cerebral blood flow and vasoreactivity in aging: an arterial spin labeling study.

Regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) in young and elderly participants were assessed using pulsed arterial spin labeling (ASL) and blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in combination with inhalation of CO2. Pulsed ASL and BOLD-MRI were acquired in seventeen asymptomatic volunteers (10 young adults, age: 30±7 years; 7 elderly adults, age: 64±8 years) with no history of diabetes, hypertension, and neurological diseases. Data from one elderly participant was excluded due to the incorrigible head motion. Average baseline CBF in gray matter was significantly reduced in elderly (46±9 mL·100 g-1·min-1) compared to young adults (57±8 mL·100 g-1·min-1; P=0.02). Decreased pulsed ASL-CVR and BOLD-CVR in gray matter were also observed in elderly (2.12±1.30 and 0.13±0.06 %/mmHg, respectively) compared to young adults (3.28±1.43 and 0.28±0.11 %/mmHg, respectively; P<0.05), suggesting some degree of vascular impairment with aging. Moreover, age-related decrease in baseline CBF was observed in different brain regions (inferior, middle and superior frontal gyri; precentral and postcentral gyri; superior temporal gyrus; cingulate gyri; insula, putamen, caudate, and supramarginal gyrus). In conclusion, CBF and CVR were successfully investigated using a protocol that causes minimal or no discomfort for the participants. Age-related decreases in baseline CBF and CVR were observed in the cerebral cortex, which may be related to the vulnerability for neurological disorders in aging.

Strychnos pseudoquina A. St. Hil.: a Brazilian medicinal plant with promising in vitro antiherpes activity.

AIMS: To investigate the anti-HSV and anti-inflammatory effects of a standardized ethyl acetate extract (SEAE) prepared with the stem bark of Strychnos pseudoquina, along with two isolated compounds: quercetin 3-O-methyl ether (3MQ) and strychnobiflavone (SBF). METHODS AND RESULTS: The mechanisms of action were evaluated by different methodological strategies. SEAE and SBF affected the early stages of viral infection and reduced HSV-1 protein expression. Both flavonoids elicited a concentration-dependent inhibition of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), whereas 3MQ reduced the chemokine release more significantly than SBF. Conversely, both compounds stimulated the production of the cytokines TNF-α and IL-1-ß in LPS-stimulated cells, especially at the intermediate and the highest tested concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: SEAE and SBF interfered with various steps of HSV replication cycle, mainly adsorption, postadsorption and penetration, as well as with ß and γ viral proteins expression; moreover, a direct inactivation of viral particles was observed. Besides, both flavonoids inhibited MCP-1 selectively, a feature that may be beneficial for the development of new anti-HSV agents. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results indicated that the samples present anti-HSV and anti-inflammatory activities, at different levels, which is an interesting feature since cold and genital sores are accompanied by an inflammation process.

[Percutaneous coronary intervention in Navarre. Outcomes of a low volume centre]. / Intervencionismo coronario percutáneo en Navarra. Resultados de un centro de bajo volumen intervencionista.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)is currently a basic therapeutic option in patients with coronary artery disease. To carry this out specialists must be trained and accredited. It is known that the number of procedures performed each year influences results. We suggest that some low volume centres may also get good results. METHODS: Prospective analysis of clinical features and immediate results obtained in our centre following PCI performed between 2006 and 2012 and retrospective analysis of overall survival, outcome-free survival and restenosis in patients treated between 2006 and 2009.The clinical features, acute and long-term events (complications,survival and mortality) of our group were compared with other published studies. RESULTS: In our centre the likelihood of complications ina PCI was 9% with an overall mortality of 2%. PCI mortality in stable coronary disease was 0.43% and in acute coronary syndrome 6.25%. Complications at the vascular access site was 1.44% and restenosis at nine months, inpatients undergoing PCI for the first time, was 5.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Although a high interventionist volume has been shown to reduce the rate of complications and improve long-term evolution, some low volume interventional centres can obtain similar results to those of high volume interventional centres.

Norovirus molecular detection in Uruguayan sewage samples reveals a high genetic diversity and GII.4 variant replacement along time.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of norovirus (NoV) genogroup I (GI) and GII in Uruguay. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen sewage samples were collected in six cities (Bella Unión, Salto, Paysandú, Fray Bentos, Melo and Treinta y Tres) from March 2011 to April 2013, viruses were concentrated by ultracentrifugation and NoV studies were performed by semi-nested RT-PCR (partial capsid region). NoV were detected in samples from all the cities and detected in 72% (84/116) of the samples with nine of them belonging to GI, 48 to GII and 27 to both genogroups. Remarkably, a high genetic diversity was identified: GII.2 (n = 13), GII.4 (n = 13), GI.1 (n = 5), GI.4 (n = 5), GI.8 (n = 4), GII.13 (n = 4), GII.1 (n = 3), GII.6 (n = 3), GI.3 (n = 1), GI.5 (n = 1), GI.6 (n = 1), GII.3 (n = 1), GII.17 (n = 1). Interestingly, a complete replacement of GII.4 New Orleans 2009 by GII.4 Sydney 2012 variants during 2012 was evidenced. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high circulation of different NoV GI and GII genotypes in sewage evidencing a replacement of GII.4 variants. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This approach can be used as an indicator of the presence of a new GII.4 variant which can originate an increase in acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide.

Leaf malate and succinate accumulation are out of phase throughout the development of the CAM plant Ananas comosus.

In plants with Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), organic acids, mainly malate are crucial intermediates for carbon fixation. In this research we studied the circadian oscillations of three organic anions (malate, citrate, and succinate) in Ananas comosus, assessing the effect of season and plant development stage. Seasonal and plant development dependencies were observed. The circadian oscillations of malate and citrate were typical of CAM pathways reported in the literature. Citrate content was quite stable (25-30 µmol g(-1) FW) along the day, with a seasonal effect. Succinate was shown to have both diurnal and seasonal oscillations and also a correlation with malate, since it accumulated during the afternoon when malate content was normally at a minimum, suggesting a possible mechanistic effect between both anions in CAM and/or respiratory metabolisms.

The frequency of spontaneous seizures in rats correlates with alterations in sensorimotor gating, spatial working memory, and parvalbumin expression throughout limbic regions.

Cognitive deficits and psychotic symptoms are highly prevalent in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Imaging studies in humans have suggested that these comorbidities are associated with atrophy in temporal lobe structures and other limbic regions. It remains to be clarified whether TLE comorbidities are due to the frequency of spontaneous seizures or to limbic structural damage per se. Here, we used the pilocarpine model of chronic spontaneous seizures to evaluate the possible association of seizure frequency with sensorimotor gating, spatial working memory, and neuropathology throughout limbic regions. For TLE modeling, we induced a 2-h status epilepticus by the systemic administration of lithium-pilocarpine. Once spontaneous seizures were established, we tested the locomotor activity (open field), spatial working memory (eight-arm radial maze), and sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle). After behavioral testing, the brains were sectioned for hematoxylin-eosin staining (cell density) and parvalbumin immunohistochemistry (GABAergic neuropil) in the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex. The animal groups analyzed included chronic epileptic rats, their controls, and rats that received lithium-pilocarpine but eventually failed to express status epilepticus or spontaneous seizures. Epileptic rats showed deficits in sensorimotor gating that negatively correlated with the radial maze performance, and impairments in both behavioral tests correlated with seizure frequency. In addition to neuronal loss at several sites, we found increased parvalbumin immunostaining in the prefrontal cortex (infralimbic area), thalamus (midline and reticular nuclei), amygdala, Ammon's horn, dentate gyrus, and entorhinal cortex. These tissue changes correlated with seizure frequency and impairments in sensorimotor gating. Our work indicates that chronic seizures might impact the inhibitory-excitatory balance in the temporal lobe and its interconnected limbic regions, which could increase the likelihood of cognitive deficits and interictal psychiatric disorders.

Sewage surveillance reveals the presence of canine GVII norovirus and canine astrovirus in Uruguay.

Canine norovirus (NoV) and astrovirus (AstV) were studied in 20 domestic sewage samples collected in two cities in Uruguay. Four samples were characterized as canine AstV after phylogenetic analysis clustering with strains detected in Italy and Brazil in 2008 and 2012, respectively. One sample was characterized as canine NoV and clustered with a strain detected in Hong Kong and recently classified as GVII. This study shows the occurrence of a canine NoV GVII strain for the first time in the American continent and also warns about possible zoonotic infection, since canine strains were detected in domestic sewage.

Environmental assessment reveals the presence of MLB-1 human astrovirus in Uruguay.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the recently identified human astrovirus (HAstV) and to increase the knowledge of the molecular epidemiology of classical HAstV detected in Uruguay. METHODS AND RESULTS: Recently identified and classical HAstV genotypes were investigated by RT-PCR targeting the ORF1b and ORF2 genome regions in 20 samples obtained between September 2011 and April 2013 in two cities of the eastern region of Uruguay. Four of 20 samples (20%) were identified as MLB-1 genotype and it was found a new MLB-1 classification through the segregation of the worldwide reported MLB-1 strains in two genetic lineages proposed and named: MLB-1a and MLB-1b. Fourteen (70%) samples were positive for classical HAstV and 12 of them were successfully sequenced and genotyped as: HAstV-1 (n = 10), HAstV-2 and HAstV-5 (one sample each). CONCLUSION: These results constitute the first report in the Latin American region concerning the molecular detection and characterization of MLB-1 HAstV strains in environmental samples. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study highlights the benefits of an environmental surveillance to study emerging enteric viruses circulating in human societies.

Evaluation of the swab sampling method to recover viruses from fomites.

The monitoring of virus contamination on fomites, especially at hospitals has been used for a more effective evaluation of the microbiological quality of surfaces. Swab sampling is the method used currently, although the use of an internal control process (ICP) has not yet been assessed. The aim of this study is to determine the recovery rate of murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1) and bacteriophage PP7 on different surfaces in order to assess their potential use as an ICP. For this purpose both viruses were spiked experimentally both on porous and non-porous formic as well as on rubberized surfaces. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) showed a variable efficiency with a percentage recovery ranging from 0.6 to 77% according to viruses and surfaces. A global analysis suggested that MNV-1 could be used as a potential ICP for the swab sampling method.

Environmental Assessment of Classical Human Astrovirus in Uruguay.

The aim of this study was to determine the molecular epidemiology of classical human astrovirus (HAstV) strains in sewage samples from four Uruguayan cities: Bella Unión, Salto, Paysandú, and Fray Bentos, located in the Northwestern region of the country. Overall, 96 sewage samples were collected biweekly between March 2011 and February 2012 and were subject to ultracentrifugation methodology in order to concentrate the viruses. RT-PCR directed to the ORF2 genome region was performed followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Forty-three (45 %) out of 96 analyzed samples were positive for HAstV (Mamastrovirus 1) and 31 of them were successfully sequenced being 21 (49 %) of them classified as HAstV-1 genotype (1a lineage) and 10 (23 %) as HAstV-2 genotype (eight strains belonging to the 2d lineage and two strains to the 2c lineage). The 1a lineage circulated throughout the year, while the 2d lineage only in the coldest months (June to October). Strikingly, the 2c lineage was detected only in Salto city during March 2011. In this city it was observed the highest frequency of HAstV and the greatest genetic diversity, probably due to its role as high touristic spot with an important influx of visitants from others regions of Uruguay and also from other countries. This study constitutes the first report in Uruguay that describes the phylogenetic diversity and genotype distribution of HAstV strains circulating in the Northwestern region evidencing a high frequency and also the presence of several different lineages.

Phytocannabinoids and epilepsy.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Antiepileptic drugs often produce serious adverse effects, and many patients do not respond to them properly. Phytocannabinoids produce anticonvulsant effects in preclinical and preliminary human studies, and appear to produce fewer adverse effects than available antiepileptic drugs. The present review summarizes studies on the anticonvulsant properties of phytocannabinoids. METHODS: Literature search using the PubMed database to identify studies on phytocannabinoids and epilepsy. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Preclinical studies suggest that phytocannabinoids, especially cannabidiol and cannabidivarin, have potent anticonvulsant effects which are mediated by the endocannabinoid system. Human studies are limited in number and quality, but suggest that cannabidiol has anticonvulsant effects in adult and infantile epilepsy and is well tolerated after prolonged administration. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Phytocannabinoids produce anticonvulsant effects through the endocannabinoid system, with few adverse effects. Cannabidiol and cannabidivarin should be tested in randomized, controlled clinical trials, especially in infantile epileptic syndromes.

Overexpression of the activated form of the AtAREB1 gene (AtAREB1ΔQT) improves soybean responses to water deficit.

Abscisic acid-responsive element binding protein (AREB1) is a basic domain/leucine zipper transcription factor that binds to the abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive element motif in the promoter region of ABA-inducible genes. Because AREB1 is not sufficient to direct the expression of downstream genes under non-stress conditions, an activated form of AREB1 (AREB1ΔQT) was created. Several reports claim that plants overexpressing AREB1 or AREB1ΔQT show improved drought tolerance. In our studies, soybean plants overexpressing AREB1ΔQT were characterized molecularly, and the phenotype and drought response of three lines were accessed under greenhouse conditions. Under conditions of water deficit, the transformed plants presented a higher survival rate (100%) than those of their isoline, cultivar BR 16 (40%). Moreover, the transformed plants displayed better water use efficiency and had a higher number of leaves than their isoline. Because the transgenic plants had higher stomatal conductance than its isoline under well-watered conditions, it was suggested that the enhanced drought response of AREB1ΔQT soybean plants might not be associated with altered transpiration rates mediated by ABA-dependent stomatal closure. However, it is possible that the smaller leaf area of the transgenic plants reduced their transpiration and water use, causing delayed stress onset. The difference in the degree of wilting and percentage of survival between the 35S-AREB1ΔQT and wildtype plants may also be related to the regulation of genes that protect against dehydration because metabolic impairment of photosynthesis, deduced by an increasing internal CO2 concentration, was not observed in the transgenic plants.

Gastroenteric virus dissemination and influence of rainfall events in urban beaches in Brazil.

AIMS: This study was conducted to assess rotavirus A (RV-A), genogroup II (GII) norovirus (NoV), and human adenovirus (HAdV) dissemination in recreational water in an urban beach located in the city of Rio de Janeiro and their persistence during rainfall events. METHODS AND RESULTS: Viruses, including bacteriophage (PP7), used as internal control, were concentrated, reverse transcribed and quantified by a low-cost method based on organic flocculation with skimmed milk coupled with quantitative polymerase chain reaction protocols. The analysis of 74 superficial water samples obtained during 6 months of monitoring detected HAdV (66%), RV-A (37%) and GII NoV (14%), with a mean viral load of 4·1 log10 genome copies l(-1) (g.c. l(-1) ), 4·3 log10 g.c l(-1) and 3·8 log10 g.c. l(-1) , respectively. Investigation of those viruses during two rainfall events showed a longer permanence after rainfall events compared with bacterial indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the need for further monitoring using viral parameters to determine the microbiological quality of recreational waters to allow bath in these waters, especially during rainy events. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides data on virus contamination in recreational waters on tourist beaches frequented throughout the year, emphasizing the importance of viral parameters for assessing microbiological quality of water, as well as the potential risk of waterborne infections.

Assessment of gastroenteric viruses from wastewater directly discharged into Uruguay River, Uruguay.

The aim of this study was to assess the viral contamination of group A rotavirus (RVA), norovirus (NoV), and human astrovirus (HAstV) in sewage directly discharged into Uruguay River and to characterize RVA genotypes circulating in Uruguay. For this purpose, sewage samples (n = 96) were collected biweekly from March 2011 to February 2012 in four Uruguayan cities: Bella Unión, Salto, Paysandú, and Fray Bentos. Each sample was concentrated by ultracentrifugation method. Qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR for RVA, NoV, and HAstV were performed. A wide dissemination of gastroenteric viruses was observed in the sewage samples analyzed with 80% of positivity, being NoV (51%) the most frequently detected followed by RVA with a frequency of 49% and HAstV with 45%. Genotypes of RVA were typed using multiplex semi-nested RT-PCR as follows: P[8] (n = 15), P[4] (n = 8), P[10] (n = 1), P[11] (n = 1), G2 (n = 29), and G3 (n = 2). The viral load ranged from 10(3) to 10(7) genomic copies/liter, and they were detected roughly with the same frequency in all participant cities. A peak of RVA and HAstV detection was observed in colder months (June to September), whereas no seasonality was observed for NoV. This study demonstrates for the first time, the high degree of gastroenteric viral contamination in the country; highlighting the importance of developing these analyses as a tool to determine the viral contamination in this hydrographic boundary region used by the local populations for recreation and consumption, establishing an elevated risk of gastroenteric diseases for human health.

Avaliação fitoquímica e atividade antioxidante, antimutagênica e toxicológica do extrato aquoso das folhas de Ocimum gratissimum L / Phytochemical Assessment And Antioxidant, Antimutagenic And Toxicological Activity Of Ocimum gratissimum L. Leaf aqueous extract

A espécie Ocimum gratissimum L., popularmente conhecida como alfavaca, é uma planta muito usada na medicina tradicional brasileira, à qual são atribuídas diversas atividades terapêuticas quando usada na forma de infuso de suas folhas. Neste estudo foi realizada a caracterização fitoquímica, a avaliação da ação antioxidante e a investigação dos efeitos antimutagênico e antigenotóxico, além do efeito mutagênico e genotóxico potencial do extrato aquoso liofilizado a parir das folhas de O. gratissimum (EAOG). O conteúdo de polifenóis totais no extrato foi determinado pelo método Folin-Ciocalteu, sendo encontrado 11,3 µg EAG/mg de EAOG. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelo teste do 1,1-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH•), apresentando IC50 de 83,0 µg/mL. A antimutagenicidade e mutagenicidade foram avaliadas em cepas de Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 e TA100) utilizando o teste Salmonella/microssoma (Salmonella typhimurium/microssomas) em diferentes concentrações. EAOG induziu a atividade antimutagênica para a cepa TA98. A mutagenicidade não foi observada para o extrato em ambas as linhagens. Adicionalmente, a ação antigenotoxica avaliada pelo teste de clivagem do DNA-plasmidial também foi observada para EAOG. Os resultados também demonstraram que o extrato não foi capaz de induzir a genotoxicidade pelo teste empregado. Este estudo relata, pela primeira vez, as propriedades antimutagênica e antigenotóxica do extrato aquoso de O. gratissimum.

The species Ocimum gratissimum L., popularly known as Clove Basil, is a plant widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine, and several therapeutic activities are attributed to it when used as infusion of its leaves. In this study, we carried out a phytochemical characterization and the assessment evaluation and investigation of the antioxidant action of the antimutagenic and antigenotoxic effects and the potential mutagenic and genotoxic effects of the freeze-dried aqueous extract of the O. gratissimum (EAOG) leaves. The total polyphenol content in the extract was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and we found 11.3 µg EAG/mg of EAOG. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hidrazil (DPPH·), with IC50 of 83.0 µg/mL. Antimutagenicity and mutagenicity were assessed in Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100) strains using the Salmonella/microsome (Salmonella typhimurium/microsome) test in different concentrations. EAOG induced antimutagenic activity for strain TA98. Mutagenicity was not observed for the extract in both strains. Additionally, antigenotoxic action, assessed by cleavage of the DNA-damage, was also observed for EAOG. The results also show that the extract was not able to induce genotoxicity by the test used. This study reports for the first time the antimutagenic and antigenotoxic properties of the O. gratissimum aqueous extract.