Hymenaea rubriflora Ducke stem bark extract has vasorelaxant and contractile inhibition capacity

Abstract We investigated the vasodilatory effects of Hymenaea rubriflora Ducke stem bark extract (HRHAc). Vascular reactivity of the aortic rings of Wistar rats was tested by in vitro cumulative doses (0.1 - 729 µg/mL). Rats (n=5) were treated with 25 (G25), 50 (G50) and 100 (G100) mg/ kg of HR-HAc or saline (control group - CG) for four weeks. An in vitro assay resulted in dose-dependent relaxation of the aortic rings with functional endothelium, which was inhibited in the presence of L-NAME. Rings of the treated animals increased acetylcholine relaxing potency at all doses, with a greater effect on G50 (pD2 = 7.8±0.1, Emax = 95.6±1.1) and a decreased contractile potency to phenylephrine in G25 (pD2 = 6.9±0.06, Emax = 61.5±6.0%) and G50 (pD2= 6.6±0.06, Emax = 71.0±8.5%) when compared to the CG in the presence and absence of endothelium (pD2= 6.4± 0.1, 6.4±0.1 and 6.9±0.1, respectively). Cumulative doses of nitroprusside resulted in increased relaxing potency in all treated groups and maintained Emax at 100%. It is concluded that HR-HAc has vasorelaxant capacity and inhibitory vascular contraction activity applied either directly to aortic rings or after treatment with in vivo supplementation, which places this extract as a potential nutraceutical or pharmacological agent for treating diseases associated with vascular dysfunction.

Floristic composition of climbing plants on a humid forest fragment in the Planalto da Ibiapaba, Ceará State, Brazil / Composição florística das plantas trepadeiras de um fragmento de mata úmida no Planalto da Ibiapaba, Estado do Ceará, Brasil

In tropical forests, climbing plants are an important component of the species richness. This study aimed to know the floristic composition of vines in a stretch of forest in the Planalto da Ibiapaba. It was performed at Sítio Coqueiros, Ipu, Ceará State, Brazil, in an area that covers about 124 ha and has an altitude between 670-850 meters. We list 61 species of vines, distributed in 43 genera and 22 families. The richest families were Convolvulaceae (11 spp.) and Fabaceae (11), followed by Bignoniaceae (seven), Passifloraceae (four), Cucurbitaceae (three) and Sapindaceae (three). We identified 31 woody vines (lianas) and 30 herbaceous vines. The volubile ascension mechanism was highlighted, being found in 55,7% of the species. An identification key for the set of identified species is displayed.

Em florestas tropicais, as trepadeiras são um importante componente da riqueza de espécies. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a composição florística de trepadeiras em um trecho de floresta no Planalto da Ibiapaba. O estudo foi realizado no Sítio Coqueiros, Ipu, Estado do Ceará, Brasil, numa área que abrange cerca de 124 ha e possui altitude entre 670-850 metros. Foram identificadas 61 espécies de trepadeiras, distribuídas em 43 gêneros e 22 famílias. As famílias mais ricas foram Convolvulaceae (11 spp.) e Fabaceae (11), seguidas de Bignoniaceae (sete), Passifloraceae (quatro), Cucurbitaceae (três) e Sapindaceae (três). Foram identificadas 31 trepadeiras lenhosas (lianas) e 30 herbáceas. O mecanismo de ascensão mais representativo foi o volúvel, encontrado em 55,7% das espécies. É apresentada uma chave de identificação para o conjunto de espécies identificadas.