Biological Evaluation of Valeriana Extracts from Argentina with Potent Cholinesterase Inhibition for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders and Their Comorbidities-The Case of Valeriana carnosa Sm. (Caprifoliaceae) Studied in Mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose pathophysiology includes the abnormal accumulation of proteins (e.g., ß-amyloid), oxidative stress, and alterations in neurotransmitter levels, mainly acetylcholine. Here we present a comparative study of the effect of extracts obtained from endemic Argentinian species of valerians, namely V. carnosa Sm., V. clarionifolia Phil. and V. macrorhiza Poepp. ex DC from Patagonia and V. ferax (Griseb.) Höck and V. effusa Griseb., on different AD-related biological targets. Of these anxiolytic, sedative and sleep-inducing valerians, V. carnosa proved the most promising and was assayed in vivo. All valerians inhibited acetylcholinesterase (IC50 between 1.08-12.69 mg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 between 0.0019-1.46 mg/mL). They also inhibited the aggregation of ß-amyloid peptide, were able to chelate Fe2+ ions, and exhibited a direct relationship between antioxidant capacity and phenolic content. Moreover, V. carnosa was able to inhibit human monoamine oxidase A (IC50: 0.286 mg/mL (0.213-0.384)). A daily intake of aqueous V. carnosa extract by male Swiss mice (50 and 150 mg/kg/day) resulted in anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavior and improved spatial memory. In addition, decreased AChE activity and oxidative stress markers were observed in treated mouse brains. Our studies contribute to the development of indigenous herbal medicines as therapeutic agents for AD.

An overview on multi-elemental profile integrated with chemometrics for food quality assessment: toward new challenges.

Food products, especially those with high value-added, are commonly subjected to strict quality controls, which are of paramount importance, especially for attesting to some peculiar features related, for instance, to their geographical origin and/or the know-how of their producers. However, the sophistication of fraudulent practices requires a continuous update of analytical platforms. Different analytical techniques have become extremely appealing since the instrumental analysis tools evolution has substantially improved the capability to reveal and understand the complexity of food. In light of this, multi-elemental composition has been successful implemented solving a plethora of food authentication and traceability issues. In the last decades, it has existed an ever-increasing trend in analysis based on spectrometry analytical platforms in order to obtain a multi-elemental profile that combined with chemometrics have been noteworthy analytical methodologies able to solve these problems. This review provides an overview of published reports in the last decade (from 2011 to 2021) on food authentication and quality control from their multi-element composition in order to evaluate the state-of-the-art of this field and to identify the main characteristics of applied analytical techniques and chemometric data treatments that have permit achieve accurate discrimination/classification models, highlighting the strengths and the weaknesses of these methodologies.

The Argentine Mistletoes Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae) and Phoradendron liga (Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.) Eichler (Santalaceae). Thirty Years of Research.

Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae) and Phoradendron liga (Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.) Eichler (Santalaceae) are regarded as Argentine mistletoes based on their similarities with the European counterpart, Viscum album L. (Santalaceae). These two species are the most used medicinal plants to treat high blood pressure in the Argentinian population. To provide scientific grounds to their traditional use and therapeutic potential, they were selected as herbal drug candidates. The main findings would support the anti-hypertensive action, the anticholesterolemic and antioxidant features of L. cuneifolia, and immunomodulatory properties for both species. Quercetin-O-glycosides, galloyl glycosides, and proanthocyanidins are present in L. cuneifolia while P. liga shows C-glycosyl flavones and 3-deoxyproanthocyanidins. This review summarizes the phytochemical characterization, medicinal properties and reveals promising results warranting future efforts for further investigation.

Dynamics of Polyphenol Biosynthesis by Calli Cultures, Suspension Cultures and Wild Specimens of the Medicinal Plant Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae). Analysis of Their Biological Activity.

Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae) is a South American hemiparasitic species with antioxidant, antitumoral, antimicrobial, and antilipidemic activities attributed to its polyphenolic content. We studied the polyphenolic pattern of L. cuneifolia during different phenological stages: flowering, fruiting, and post-fruiting. The highest total phenolic content was found in stems at post-fruiting (214 ± 12.1 mg gallic acid eq·g-1 DW) and fruiting (209 ± 13.7 mg gallic acid eq·g-1 DW), followed by post-fruiting leaves (207 ± 17.5 mg gallic acid eq·g-1 DW). Flavonoids accumulated at higher levels in leaves and hydroxycinnamic acids in leaves at flowering and post-fruiting. The polyphenolic pattern was similar between organs from wild plants and in vitro cultures, although at a significantly lower level in the latter ones. The performance of calli growing under a 16 h photoperiod in a modified White medium with 1-naphthalene acetic acid (2.50 µM) and Kinetin (9.20 µM) was better than in the dark. When calli grew in media only with auxins (IAA, NAA, and 2,4-D, all at 2.50 µM concentration), its growth and polyphenolic content improved. Cell suspensions with 2.50 µM NAA and 9.20 µM KIN grew slowly and produced very small amounts of polyphenols. As for the antioxidant activity, it was detected in all samples (approximately 1000 µmol trolox eq·g-1 DW) except fruits, where a lower value was found (328 µmol trolox eq·g-1 DW). In vitro cultures have the lowest antioxidant activity when compared to methanolic extracts from organs of wild specimens. Finally, antimutagenic or mutagenic activity in wild plants and in vitro culture extracts was not detected by the Ames test.

Infusiones a base de plantas medicinales durante el embarazo: una actualización en la temática / Herbal teas during pregnancy: an UpDate on the subject

Introducción: en las últimas décadas es creciente el empleo de plantas medicinales en todo el ciclo vital debido, por un lado, a una tendencia a revalorizar los saberes que forman parte de las culturas regionales de algunas comunidades y, por el otro, al uso cada vez más frecuente en los países desarrollados de medicinas alternativas complementarias. Objetivos: el presente trabajo tiene el propósito de realizar una actualización en relación al consumo de infusiones de plantas medicinales durante la gestación, con énfasis en las posturas sobre el tema emitidas por organismos de referencia. Desarrollo: las plantas medicinales presentadas en este documento son las que cuentan con un mayor aval científico respecto de la seguridad de su consumo en forma de infusiones durante el embarazo e incluyen al jengibre, la manzanilla, la menta piperita y el tilo. Se presentan las características de cada planta, la zona de producción en Argentina, los compuestos bioactivos presentes, los potenciales riesgos, y la postura de organismos nacionales e internacionales sobre su inocuidad durante la gestación. Conclusiones: en todos los casos, durante el embarazo el consumo seguro es en forma de infusión, no más de dos a tres tazas por día de cada planta, e idealmente se recomienda alternar su consumo o combinarlo. Además, se destaca que la comunidad debe reconocer la necesidad de consultar al profesional médico antes de usar una planta medicinal

Introduction: in the last decades, the use of medicinal plants throughout the life cycle is increasing due, on the one hand, to a tendency to revalue knowledges that are part of the regional cultures of some communities and, on the other hand, to the use increasingly frequent in developed countries of complementary alternative medicines. Objectives: the purpose of this work is to carry out an update in relation to the consumption of medicinal herbal teas during pregnancy with emphasis on the positions on the subject issued by reference organisms. Development: the medicinal plants presented in this document are the ones that have the greatest scientific endorsement regarding the safety of their consumption in the form of infusions during pregnancy and include ginger, chamomile, peppermint, and linden. The characteristics of each plant, the production area in Argentina, the bioactive compounds present, the potential risks and the position of national and international organizations regarding their safety during pregnancy are presented. Conclusions: In all cases during pregnancy, safe consumption is in the form of an infusion, not more than two to three cups per day of each plant, and ideally it is recommended to alternate its consumption or combine it. In addition, it is highlighted that the community must recognize the need to consult a medical professional before using a medicinal plant

Neurobehavioral evaluation and phytochemical characterization of a series of argentine valerian species.

Folkloric or galenic preparations of valerian roots and rhizomes have been used as sedatives/anxiolytics and sleep inducers since ancient times. "Valerianas" are plants that naturally grow in our region. Although some of them are used in folk medicine, they lack scientific information. We performed a comparative study of the phytochemical composition and the potential in vivo effects of ethanolic extracts of argentine valerian species: Valeriana carnosa Sm., V. clarionifolia Phil. and V. macrorhiza Poepp. ex DC., from "Patagonia Argentina"; V. ferax (Griseb.) Höck and V. effusa Griseb., from the central part of our country, and V. officinalis (as the reference plant). All these plants were rich in phenolic compounds, evidenced the presence of ligands for the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAA receptor and were able to induce sedation as assessed by loss-of-righting reflex assays (500 mg/kg, i.p.). Mice treated with V. macrorhiza, V. carnosa and V. ferax extracts showed reduced exploratory behaviors while V. clarionifolia produced anxiolytic-like activities (500 mg/kg, i.p.) in the Hole board test. Oral administrations (300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) evidenced sedative effects for V. ferax and anxiolytic-like properties for V. macrorhiza, V. carnosa and V. clarionifolia extracts. Our native valerian species are active on the CNS, validating its folkloric use as anxiolytic/sedative and sleep enhancers.

Antioxidant Activity of Flavonoid Rich Fraction of Ligaria cuneifolia (Loranthaceae).

Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae), the 'Argentine mistletoe', is a hemiparasite species largely used in folk medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo methods. A screening of phenolics was performed by UV spectroscopy on different fractions. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH. ) assay on a crude extract (CE), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and aqueous fraction (AF). The results suggest that EAF concentrates the antioxidant capacity and was selected for further analysis. Capillary electrophoresis was employed to monitor the individual antioxidant capacity and the potential contributors to this effect. Ex vivo assays showed an efficient inhibition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced rat liver phospholipid oxidation, as well as rat brain autoxidation, and H2 O2 -induced DNA damage in blood monocytes. In vivo, the topical application of EAF significantly decreased skin chemiluminescence in a mice model.

Micrografía analítica de semillas de Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. Cebil (Griseb.) Altschul, Fabaceae) y Chamico (Datura ferox L., Solanaceae), empleadas como drogas alucinógenas en Argentina / Analytical micrography of seeds of Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. Cebil (Griseb.) Altschul, Fabaceae) and Chamico (Datura ferox L., Solanaceae), employed as hallucinogenic drugs in Argentina

Resumen La micrografía analítica es una herramienta útil para la identificación de restos vegetales en muestras de material trozado o molido que no podrían ser identificadas de forma morfológica. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer los caracteres mi- crográficos de las semillas de Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul, Leguminosae) y Chamico (Datura ferox L., Solanaceae), con el fin de proporcionar parámetros empleables para su identificación en un contexto forense y toxicológico. Los caracteres micrográficos relacionados con el tegumento exterior y las esclereidas fueron los más indicados para diferenciar entre ambas especies.

Abstract Analytical micrography is a useful tool for the identification of plant parts that can't be identified for its morphological characters. The aim of this work is to obtain micrographic characters of Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul, Leguminosae) and Chamico (Datura ferox L., Solanaceae) seeds for its identification in a toxicological and forensic context. The most suitable micrographic features were the ones related with exterior testa and the stone cells.

Presencia de Baccharis spicata (Lam.) Baill. en muestras comerciales rotuladas como "carqueja" adquiridas en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Presence of Baccharis spicata (Lam.) Baill. in comercial samples labeled as "carqueja" purchased in the City of Buenos Aires

El género Baccharis, perteneciente a la familia Asteraceae, es un género de plantas perennes, dioicas, de hábitos arbustivos o herbáceos, con hojas enteras o tallos alados. Este género se ha estudiado ampliamente desde el punto de vista etnobotánico, farmacobotánico y farmacognóstico. En la medicina popular argentina, se utilizan principalmente Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers., Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. y Baccharis crispa Spreng. como digestivas y hepatoprotectoras en infusiones. Baccharis spicata (Lam.) Baill. es empleada como sustituyente de las especies antes mencionadas. Con el fin de conocer el grado de dicha sustitución se realizó un análisis prospectivo de muestras rotuladas como "carqueja" en herboristerías de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires en los años 2017 y 2018 y se compararon sus caracteres morfológicos y micrográficos contra bibliografía especializada. Se determinó que cerca de la mitad de las muestras comercializadas corresponden a B. spicata y el resto a B. articulata, B. trimera y B. crispa.

The genus Baccharis belongs to the Asteraceae family and it is caracterized for its perennial, dioecious species with either leaves or winged stems. These plants have been widely studied regarding its ethnobotanical, pharmacobotanical and phytochemical aspects. Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers., Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. and Baccharis crispa Spreng. are known as "carqueja", and are used in the of Argentinian folk medicine as hepatoprotective and digestive agents in infusions. Baccharis spicata (Lam.) Baill. has been cited in several investigations as a substitute of the above mentioned species. The aim of this article is to know the degree of this substitution by the prospection and the pharmacobotanical analysis of commercial samples labeled as "carqueja". Macroscopical and microscopical characters were obtained and compared to specialized bibliography. It was determined that near half of the obtained samples belonged to B. spicata y and the rest to B. articulata, B. trimera and B. crispa.

In vitro tissue culture, preliminar phytochemical analysis, and antibacterial activity of Psittacanthus linearis (Killip) J.K. Macbride (Loranthaceae) / Cultivo de tejidos in vitro, análisis fitoquímico preliminar y actividad antibacteriana de Psittacanthus linearis (Killip) J.K. Macbride (Loranthaceae)

ABSTRACT Hemiparasitic plants commonly known as mistletoe (muérdago in Spanish) in the families Santalaceae and Loranthaceae are common in various kinds of plants or trees, and many hemiparasitic plants are used for medicinal purposes in various parts of the world. The objective of the present work, carried out in Psittacanthus linearis (suelda con suelda), a representative species in the seasonally dry forest (SDF) from the north of Perú, was to study aspects of in vitro tissue culture, carry out preliminary phytochemical analysis, and assess antibacterial activity. Seeds of individuals of P. linearis, which used Prosopis pallida (algarrobo) as host plant, were collected and used to induce in vitro seed germination, clonal propagation, callus induction and organogenesis. Stems, leaves and fruits of individuals of P. linearis were dried, powdered, and subjected to ethanol extraction. Posteriorly the extract was first recovered with ethanol and the remnant with chloroform, which formed the ethanolic and chloroformic fraction. A preliminary phytochemical screening was performed and preliminary antibacterial studies with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were carried out and their results are discussed. This is the first report about in vitro tissue culture, phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of P. linearis. The results may have important implications for understanding physiological and biochemical interactions between host and hemiparasitic species as well as P. linearis with P. pallida and other SDF species.

RESUMEN Las plantas hemiparásitas o 'mistletoe' o 'muérdago' son comunes en varios grupos vegetales o árboles, perteneciendo a las familias Santalaceae and Loranthaceae y muchas plantas hemiparásitas son usadas como medicina en varios lugares del mundo. El objetivo del presente trabajo realizado en Psittacanthus linearis or 'suelda con suelda', especie representativa en el bosque estacionalmente seco (BES) del norte del Perú, fue estudiar algunos aspectos en el cultivo de tejidos in vitro, el análisis fitoquímico preliminar y su actividad antibacterial. Semillas de P. linearis teniendo a Prosopis pallida 'algarrobo' como hospedero, fueron colectadas y utilizadas en la germinación in vitro, propagación clonal, inducción de callos y procesos organogénicos. Tallos, hojas y frutos de plantas silvestres fueron secados, pulverizados y sometidos a extracción con etanol y el extracto fue recuperado primero con etanol y el remanente con cloroformo formando las fraciones etanólica y clorofórmica. Se realizó un estudio fitoquímico y antibacteriano preliminar utilizando Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli y Pseudomonas aeruginosa y los resultados son discutidos. Este trabajo es el primer estudio sobre cultivo de tejidos, análisis fitoquímico y actividad antibacteriana de P. linearis. Los resultados obtenidos tienen importantes implicancias para el conocimiento de las interacciones fisiológicas y bioquímicas entre las especies hospederas y las plantas hemiparásitas, como P. linearis con P. pallida y otras especies del BES.

Espacios verdes en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad: beneficios, evaluación taxonómica y perspectiva / Green spaces in a tertiary care children's hospital: Benefits, taxonomic survey, and perspective

El contacto del ser humano con espacios verdes naturales tiene un efecto físico, mental y social beneficioso. Con el primer objetivo de conocer las especies vegetales de los jardines del Hospital de Pediatría Garrahan (Ciudad de Buenos Aires), se realizó un relevamiento taxonómico entre diciembre de 2013 y noviembre de 2016. Otro objetivo fue revisar el estado del conocimiento sobre cómo los espacios verdes naturales influían en la salud de los pacientes internados. Existen sesenta y nueve especies de plantas que abarcan cuarenta y siete familias botánicas; de ellas, solo el ocho por ciento son nativas. Se sugiere incrementar las especies autóctonas y coordinar aspectos relacionados con su preservación. Este relevamiento, como parte de un plan que incluirá la divulgación del conocimiento, comprensión y concientización sobre espacios verdes y salud, y la cuantificación de esos efectos concretos en este Hospital, profundizará y fomentará la interacción de los pacientes, los familiares y los profesionales con los espacios verdes naturales.

Humans coming in contact with natural green spaces experience beneficial physical, mental, and social effects. For the primary purpose of describing plant species found in the gardens of Hospital de Pediatría "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" (Autonomous City of Buenos Aires), a taxonomic survey was carried out between December 2013 and November 2016. A secondary objective was to review the extent of knowledge on how natural green spaces affect the health of hospitalized patients. There are 69 plant species from 47 botanical families; of these, only 8% are native. The recommendation is to increase the number of native species and coordinate those aspects related to their preservation. This survey, which is part of a plan that will include the dissemination of knowledge, understanding and awareness of green spaces and health, and the quantification of such specific effects in this hospital, will deepen and promote the interaction of patients, families, and health care providers with natural green spaces.

Green spaces in a tertiary care children's hospital: Benefits, taxonomic survey, and perspective. / Espacios verdes en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad: beneficios, evaluación taxonómica y perspectiva.

Humans coming in contact with natural green spaces experience beneficial physical, mental, and social effects. For the primary purpose of describing plant species found in the gardens of Hospital de Pediatría "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" (Autonomous City of Buenos Aires), a taxonomic survey was carried out between December 2013 and November 2016. A secondary objective was to review the extent of knowledge on how natural green spaces affect the health of hospitalized patients. There are 69 plant species from 47 botanical families; of these, only 8% are native. The recommendation is to increase the number of native species and coordinate those aspects related to their preservation. This survey, which is part of a plan that will include the dissemination of knowledge, understanding and awareness of green spaces and health, and the quantification of such specific effects in this hospital, will deepen and promote the interaction of patients, families, and health care providers with natural green spaces.

El contacto del ser humano con espacios verdes naturales tiene un efecto físico, mental y social beneficioso. Con el primer objetivo de conocer las especies vegetales de los jardines del Hospital de Pediatría Garrahan (Ciudad de Buenos Aires), se realizó un relevamiento taxonómico entre diciembre de 2013 y noviembre de 2016. Otro objetivo fue revisar el estado del conocimiento sobre cómo los espacios verdes naturales influían en la salud de los pacientes internados. Existen sesenta y nueve especies de plantas que abarcan cuarenta y siete familias botánicas; de ellas, solo el ocho por ciento son nativas. Se sugiere incrementar las especies autóctonas y coordinar aspectos relacionados con su preservación. Este relevamiento, como parte de un plan que incluirá la divulgación del conocimiento, comprensión y concientización sobre espacios verdes y salud, y la cuantificación de esos efectos concretos en este Hospital, profundizará y fomentará la interacción de los pacientes, los familiares y los profesionales con los espacios verdes naturales.

Morfoanatomía foliar para el reconocimiento de especies de Asteraceae conocidas como "contrayerba" en la herboristería argentina / Foliar morfoanatomía for the reconocimiento of species of Asteraceae conocidas como "contrayerba" in the Argentine herbalism

El complejo "contrayerbas" comprende especies pertenecientes a cuatro familias botánicas: Aristolochiaceae, Asteraceae, Menispermaceaae y Moraceae. Dentro de la familia Asteraceae se conocen como "contrayerba" unas 12 especies, utilizadas en medicina popular para tratar problemas digestivos, como diuréticos, antihemorrágicos y cicatrizantes. En este trabajo, se estudiaron las hojas de tres entidades botánicas de "contrayerba": Flaveria bidentis, Trichocline reptans y Trixis divaricata subsp. discolor. Se analizaron también muestras comerciales procedentes de farmacias y herboristerías. El objetivo fue establecer caracteres foliares micrográficos para el control de calidad botánico de las especies estudiadas. Se realizaron observaciones macroscópicas, técnicas de disociación leve y diafanización sobre las hojas, y observaciones microscópicas. Los elementos diagnósticos fueron: tipo de pelos, tipo de estomas, presencia de estructura Kranz y de estructuras secretoras. Sólo una de las muestras comerciales se identificó como Trixis divaricata subsp. discolor, mientras las otras especies estudiadas no se identificaron en las muestras de "contrayerba". Se deduce que existe una falta de control y se comercializan bajo el mismo nombre común otras especies que no corresponden al contenido. (AU)

Estudio farmacobotánico de Ipomoea purpurea (L) Roth (Convolvulaceae) / Pharmacobotanical study of Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth (Convolvulaceae)

Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth (Convolvulaceae) es una especie que se desarrolla en las zonas tropicales de ambos hemisferios. Por el atractivo de sus flores pertenece al grupo conocido como "Common morning glory", especies empleadas por diversos grupos nativos en rituales mágico - religiosos y popularmente como alucinógeno, analgésico, antiinflamatorio y purgante, entre otros. Dada la gran similitud de I. purpurea con otras especies del mismo género (características ecológica, morfológicas y fitoquímicas), se plantean actualmente discusiones de identificación incluso a nivel taxonómico. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar las principales características diagnósticas para la identificación de I. purpurea y registrar sus atributos morfoanatómicos generales. Se trabajó con material fresco proveniente de INTA Castelar y ejemplares de herbario. Se analizaron las hojas, tallos, raíces, flores y semillas. Se realizaron disociados leves, fuertes, raspados, reducción a polvo, cortes transversales, improntas de epidermis y peeling. Se realizaron reacciones histoquímicas para almidón, lípidos y antocianos. El material se observó mediante microscopía de luz clara, contraste de fase (DIC) y luz polarizada y se realizó microscopía cuantitativa. Entre los caracteres principales pueden mencionarse: en las hojas, epidermis con estomas paracíticos y anomocíticos, tricomas tectores unicelulares de tres tamaños diferentes, tricomas glandulares pluricelulares, drusas. En los tallos se observaron los mismos tricomas que en las hojas y tubos laticíferos. En la raíz, laticíferos, almidón y drusas. En la flor, tricomas tectores similares a los de las hojas pero con base ensanchada y tricomas glandulares, drusas, antocianinas y granos de polen equinados-pantoporados. En las semillas, esclereidas, lípidos, granos de almidón de diferente tamaño y de formas esférica y ovoidal, ambos con hendidura presente, drusas y cavidades, aparentemente, de tipo esquizógeno. Los tres tamaños diferentes de tricomas tectores, los tricomas glandulares y las cavidades presentes en la semilla constituyen la primera observación para esta especie. Este estudio proporciona datos relevantes para I. purpurea y provee elementos de diagnóstico para ser empleados en la diferenciación respecto de otras especies taxonómicamente afines. (AU)

Análisis de polifenoles e iniciación de cultivos in vitro de Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae) de ejemplares provenientes de la localidad La Población, provincia de Córdoba, Argentina / Analysis of polyphenols and initiation of in vitro cultures of Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae) from specimens from the town of La Población, province of Córdoba, Argentina

Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae) es una hemiparásita sudamericana que produce polifenoles con actividad hipolipemiante, citostática, inmunomoduladora, antioxidante y antimicrobiana. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el perfil de polifenoles de ejemplares silvestres en distintos órganos y extractos, así como las condiciones más adecuadas para iniciar sus cultivos in vitro. Para el estudio fitoquímico se realizaron cromatografías en capa delgada de tipo monodimensional observándose la presencia de flavonoides, derivados hidroxicinámicos y proantocianidinas en los extractos de hojas, tallos primarios, tallos secundarios y flores. En cuanto al análisis cuantitativo se observaron altos valores de flavonoides en hojas (2,14 mg eq. de rutina por gramo de material seco) y de proantocianidinas en flores (7,52 mg eq. de catequina por gramo de material seco), compuestos responsables de las actividades biológicas mencionadas. Para la iniciación de cultivos in vitro se estudiaron diferentes aspectos: protocolo de desinfección, explanto de iniciación (hojas, pedicelos, frutos, tallos, meristemas y haustorios) y medios de cultivo base (reguladores de crecimiento y agentes antioxidantes). Los tratamientos más efectivos fueron HgCl2 0,05 - 0,2 % en una proporción de 25 explantos cada 100 ml de solución desinfectante y ácido cítrico 2,6 mM o L-cisteína 100 µM como antioxidantes. Solamente fue posible iniciar callos a partir de haustorios cultivados en medio Gamborg B5 con el agregado de ácido 2,4-dicloro-fenoxiacético 2,25 µM como regulador de crecimiento. (AU)

Development of a novel dual CD-MEKC system for the systematic flavonoid fingerprinting of Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh.-Loranthaceae-extracts.

The present work deals with the development and validation of a novel dual CD-MEKC system for the systematic flavonoid fingerprinting of Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh.-Loranthaceae-extracts. The BGE consisted of 20 mM pH 8.3 borate buffer, 50 mM SDS, a dual CD system based on the combination of 5 mM ß-CD and 2% w/v S-ß-CD, and 10% v/v methanol. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the comparative analysis of extracts from aerial parts and different hosts, geographical areas, and extraction procedures in order to establish the flavonoid fingerprint of L. cuneifolia. The method was validated according to international guidelines. LOD and LOQ, intra and interday precision, and linearity were determined for catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-xyloside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside, quercetin-3-O-arabinopyranoside, and quercetin. The CD-MEKC methodology emerges as a suitable alternative to the traditional HPLC for quality control, fingerprinting, and standardization of L. cuneifolia extracts from different sources.

Dinámica de polifenoles en ephedra tweediana fisch & C. A. Mey. emend. J. H. Hunz. (Ephedraceae) / Polyphenol dinamics in ephedra tweediana fisch & C. A. Mey. emend. J. H. Hunz. (Ephedraceae)

Ephedra tweediana (Ephedraceae), conocida como “tramontana”, es empleada en la medicina popular como antiasmático. Se analizaron comparativamente los extractos acuosos de los tallos herbáceos, lignificados y partes subterráneas, provenientes de ejemplares femeninos y masculinos. En los tallos lignificados se determinó la presencia de proapigeninidina (cuya identidad fue corroborada por comparación con un testigo de apigeninidina sometido a estudios de FAB-MS, UV, HPLC, 1H-NMR y espectroscopía IR); mientras que en los órganos subterráneos se determinó la presencia de proapigeninidina y propelargonidina (la identidad de la pelargonidina fue establecida por comparación con un testigo de pelargonidina sometido a estudios de TLC/HPTLC y espectroscopía UV-Visible). Estos compuestos no se observaron en los tallos herbáceos. Los tallos herbáceos presentaron las mayores concentraciones de flavonoides y ácidos hidroxicinámicos totales. Los órganos subterráneos presentaron la mayor concentración de taninos y proantocianidinas. En los tallos herbáceos se detectó una reacción fuertemente positiva para flavonoides. No se observó reacción positiva para proantocianidinas. En el tallo aéreo lignificado se observó una reacción positiva para flavonoides y proantocianidinas a nivel de la peridermis. En los órganos subterráneos, los flavonoides y proantocianidinas se localizaron principalmente en los tejidos más externos. Este trabajo constituye el primer aporte a la dinámica de polifenoles de E. tweediana.

Ephedra tweediana (Ephedraceae), known as "tramontana" is used in folk medicine as antiasthmatic. Aqueous extracts obtained from young stems, woody stems and underground parts were analyzed and compared. In lignified stems was detected proapigeninidin (whose identity was confirmed by comparison with a control apigeninidin subjected to FAB-MS, UV, HPLC, 1H-NMR and IR spectroscopy), while underground organs were detected proapigeninidin and propelargonidin (by comparison with a control pelargonidin whose identity was established by studies of TLC/HPTLC, and UV-visible spectroscopy). These compounds were not observed in the herbaceous stems. The herbaceous stems had the highest concentrations of total flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids. Uderground organs had the highest concentration of tannins and proanthocyanidins. In herbaceous stems a strong positive reaction for flavonoids was detected. No positive reaction was observed for proanthocyanidins. In the periderm of woody aerial stem a positive reaction for flavonoids and proanthocyanidins were observed. In the underground organs, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins were located mainly in the more external tissues. This work is the first contribution to the dynamic of E. tweediana polyphenols.

The Enriched Proanthocyanidin Extract of Ligaria cuneifolia Shows a Marked Hypocholesterolemic Effect in Rats Fed with Cholesterol-Enriched Diet.

BACKGROUND: Ligaria cuneifolia (Lc) (R. et P.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae) (Argentine mistletoe) is usually used in local folk medicine. OBJECTIVE: We studied the effect of treatment with the Lc proanthocyanidin-enriched fraction (PLc) in rats fed with Cho-enriched diet on plasma lipids levels, the hemorheological parameters, and biliary secretion. METHOD: Adult male Wistar rats were fed ad libitum with a Cho-enriched diet (Cho (97% purity) 8 g/kg of diet and corn oil 280 g/kg of diet) during 28 days. Then, were separated in six experimental groups (n=5 each one), which were injected ip every 24 h with: 1) saline solution (control group, C) and 2) PLc, 3 mg/100 g body weight (treated group, C+PLc), during 3, 7 and 10 days. Group C presented an increase in plasma levels of Cho and Triglycerides (TG), and also, accumulation of hepatic lipid droplets. Also, cell shape and their corresponding morphological index (MI) were altered too. RESULTS: The treatment with PLc at 3, 7 and 10 days produces a diminution in the plasma Cho, LDL-Cho and serum TG levels, accompanied by a diminution of the lipid accumulation in the liver. The rates of bile acid output in bile can explain the diminution of plasma Cho, evidencing that some of the enzymes involved in the cholesterol conversion into bile acids could be up regulated by the treatment with PLc, leading to the observed increase bile flow. PLc treatment leads to a diminution of plasma levels of Cho and TG. CONCLUSION: Essentially, the treatment with PLc, despite the duration produces a modification in hemorheological parameters approaching the values of the experimental group with standard diet. Plasma levels of Cho, LDL-Cho and TG represent selected markers to evaluate the effect of enriched extract from Ligaria cuneifolia. Further work is necessary to better evaluate the mechanisms by which PLc induces modifications in the lipids metabolism.

Jogo para auxílio ao ensino de tabuada principalmente para crianças com TDAH / Game to aid teaching multiplication tables specially for children with ADHD / Juego para ayudar a enseñar las tablas de multiplicar principalmente para los niños con TDAH

O aprendizado da tabuada é de extrema importância para os alunos do ensino fundamental e por muitas vezes o aprendizado desse conteúdo é algo mecânico e desgastante, dificultando seu entendimento por parte dos alunos, principalmente para aqueles com transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH). Os jogos digitais são propícios para o ensino da tabuada, pois reúnem todas as características positivas que o aprendizado deve conter como serem atraentes, conter desafios, e ter interatividade. Neste trabalho foi desenvolvido um jogo para o auxílio ao ensino de tabuada para os alunos do ensino fundamental. O aplicativo desenvolvido pode ser utilizado em equipamentos móveis e fixos. Foi validado por educadores e especialistas da área educacional e programadores da área de engenharia biomédica; e aplicado com sucesso em um grupo experimental e controle de crianças de dois colégios para se aferir a eficiência do jogo virtual, através do desempenho escolar no conteúdo especifico tabuada.

Learning the multiplication tables is extremely important for elementary school students and often learning of this content is mechanical and exhausting, hindering their understanding by the students, especially for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Digital games are suitable for teaching the multiplication tables, it gathers all the positive characteristics that learning should include how to be attractive, contain challenges, and have interactivity. This work developed a game for the aid to the multiplication table of education for elementary school students. The developed application can be used in mobile and non- mobile devices. It was validated by educators and specialists in the field of education and programmers in the field of biomedical engineering, and applied with success in an experimental and control groups of children from two schools to be assess the efficiency of the virtual game, through the school performance in specific content multiplication tables.

Effects of proanthocyanidin enriched extract from Ligaria cuneifolia on plasma cholesterol and hemorheological parameters. In vivo and In vitro studies.

UNLABELLED: It was demonstrated that Ligaria cuneifolia (Lc) crude extract increased blood viscosity and decreased plasma cholesterol in rats. In the present study, we analyzed the Lc proanthocyanidin enriched fraction (PLc) to determine if it is capable of altering the hemorheological parameters while diminishing the plasma cholesterol. In vivo studies in adult male Wistar rats, randomized in three groups (n = 6 each one) were performed: 1. CONTROL: saline intraperitoneal (i.p.); 2. PLc 0.6 mg/100 g body weight (b.w.) i.p. and 3. PLc 3 mg/100 g b.w. i.p., every 24 hours during 3 days. IN VITRO STUDIES: with blood obtained by cardiac puncture, separated in aliquots and incubated with: 1. Saline solution (Control); 2. PLc 0.1 mg/mL, and 3. PLc 1.0 mg/mL, equivalent to doses in vivo experiments. The results demonstrated that in vivo PLc 0.6 and PLc 3 reduced plasma cholesterol (Cho) and LDL-Cho. Neither blood nor plasma viscosity was altered. Decrease of plasma cholesterol could be due to an increase of cholesterol and bile salts excretion leading to an increase of bile flow. In vitro experiments showed a direct interaction of PLc, at high concentration, with the erythrocyte membrane, inducing a switch from discocyte to stomatocyte. Only, PLc without hepatic metabolism produces hemorheological changes. Thus, PLc in vivo might be a pharmacological agent capable of decreasing plasma cholesterol.