Lychnophora pinaster in endangered campos rupestres: phenolic compounds and population ecogeography.

Lychnophora pinaster, known as arnica-mineira, is endemic to campos rupestres, at risk of extinction. The present study aimed to characterize the ecogeography and phenolic constituents of 11 L. pinaster populations collected in the mesoregions North, Jequitinhonha, Metropolitan of Belo Horizonte and Campos das Vertentes in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phenolic constituents were identified and quantified by Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry. Lychnophora pinaster occurs in sites at high altitude (700 and 1498 m), annual rainfall of up to 1455 m, soils with low fertility and predominantly loamy texture. Therefore, it can be considered tolerant to acidic soils, with low availability of nutrient. The most abundant substances in all populations were vitexin (18 - 1345 ng/g) and chlorogenic acid (60 - 767 ng/g). The 11 populations formed four groups in relation to the phenolic constituents, with group 1 consisting of the populations of the North Mesoregion (GM, OD) and Jetiquinhonha (DIMa), group 2, the Metropolitan of Belo Horizonte (SRM, NLSC, SM, RPS, CTRA), group 3, the North Mesoregion (ODMa and DI), and group 4, the Campos das Vertentes (CC). Among the populations, only those from the Metropolitan of Belo Horizonte showed correlation of soil properties with phenolic constituents.

Protein-coding gene interaction network prediction of bioactive plant compound action against SARS-CoV-2: a novel hypothesis using bioinformatics analysis.

This study aimed to verify the action of bioactive compounds from Brazilian plants on the leader genes involved in the SARS-CoV-2 pathway. The main human genes involved were identified in GeneCards and UNIPROT platforms, and an interaction network between leader genes was established in the STRING database. To design chemo-biology interactome networks and elucidate the interplay between genes related to the disease and bioactive plant compounds, the metasearch engine STITCH 3.1 was used. The analysis revealed that SMAD3 and CASP3 genes are leader genes, suggesting that the mechanism of action of the virus on host cells is associated with the molecular effects of these genes. Furthermore, the bioactive plant compounds, such as ascorbate, benzoquinone, ellagic acid, and resveratrol was identified as a promising adjuvant for the treatment inhibiting CASP3-mediated apoptosis. Bioactive plant compounds were verified as the main pathways enriched with KEGG and related to viral infection, assessments/immune/infections, and cell proliferation, which are potentially used for respiratory viral infections. The best-ranked molecule docked in the CASP3 binding site was rutin, while the SMAD3 binding site was resveratrol. In conclusion, this work identified several bioactive compounds from Brazilian plants showing potential antiviral functions that can directly or indirectly inhibit the new coronavirus.

Evidence of altitudinal gradient modifying genomic and chemical diversity in populations of Lychnophora pinaster Mart.

Lychnophora pinaster Mart. (Asteraceae) is endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado. It is distributed along the altitudinal gradient of the mountainous ranges of the state of Minas Gerais. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of altitude on the genetic diversity of L. pinaster populations and the effects of altitude and climatic factors on essential oil chemical composition. Essential oils from L. pinaster populations from the north (North 01, North 02, and North 03, 700-859 m) and the Metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte (MhBH 01 and MrBH 02, 1366-1498 m) were analyzed. SNP markers from L. pinaster in these regions and Campos das Vertentes (CV 01, CV 02, and CV 03, 1055-1292 m) were also analyzed. The main compounds in essential oils were 14-hydroxy-α-humulene (North 01 and North 03), cedr-8(15)-en-9-α-ol (North 02), 14-acetoxy-α-humulene (MrBH 01), and 4-oxo-15-nor-eudesman-11-ene (MrBH 02). Hierarchical cluster and heatmap analyses showed that the North and MrBH populations included five different groups, indicating the chemical composition of essential oils is distinct in each population. Furthermore, principal component analysis showed that higher altitudes (1366 m and 1498 m) in the MrBH influence the chemical composition of essential oils, and climatic factors determine the chemical composition in North region. The genetic diversity showed that most alleles are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and imply high genetic variation and genetic polymorphisms between populations. Furthermore, the results of Mantel tests (R = 0.3861517; p = 0.04709529; R = 0.9423121; p = 0.02739726) also showed that higher altitude (>1360 m) shapes the genetic diversity at the MrBH. The genetic structure showed that higher altitudes (>1360 m) contribute to the structure of the MrBH populations, but not to North and CV populations. Therefore, the altitudinal ranges of Minas Gerais mountainous ranges determine the higher genetic and chemical diversity of L. pinaster populations.

Chemical diversity of the volatiles of Lippia rotundifolia Cham. (Verbenaceae) in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Lippia rotundifolia is an aromatic species, native and endemic to rocky fields, which are isolated by small mountains. It is little known about their chemical composition. Because of that we aimed to study the chemical diversity of volatiles released from rosemary leaves (Lippia rotundifolia Cham.) coming from 11 populations of the Minas Gerais, Brazil. The material for chemical analysis was obtained from the accessions in the active germplasm bank of the Instituto de Ciências agrárias of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. A total of 67 compounds were detected by HS-CG-MS. Most volatiles were detected in the São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras accession, with 40 compounds, whereas in the Santana do Riacho accession only 5 compounds were detected. Volatiles myrcene, linalool and caryophyllene were detected in the majority of the accessions. We concluded that Lippia rotundifolia presents high chemical variability. The volatiles mircene, linalool and caryophyllene are the most frequent, detected in most of the accessions. Due to some accession to present predominance of monoterpenes, others sesquiterpenes, studies of molecular analysis are necessary for associate the chemotypes, since environmental variation influence the gene expression of the secondary metabolites.

Essential oil composition in natural population of Lippia origanoides (Verbenaceae) during dry and rainy seasons / Composición de los aceites esenciales en poblaciones naturales de Lippia origanoides (Verbenaceae) durante las estaciones seca y lluviosa

Abstract Lippia origanoides Kunth. is a medicinal shrub native to some countries in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition of the essential oil and the genetic diversity of a natural population of Lippia origanoides in two seasons. Leaf samples were collected from 30 individuals in the dry and rainy seasons. The essential oil was extracted into a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The relative quantification of thymol and carvacrol was performed by gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the genetic divergence between plants. Carvacrol was the major compound found in most plants for both seasons. In the rainy season, plant 15 presented thymol as the major compound, and plants 16, 27, 28 and 29 presented camphor as the major compound. In the dry season, thymol remained the main compound of plant 15 and camphor remained the main compound of plants 16, 28 and 29; however, plant 27 presented carvacrol as the main compound in this season. After carvacrol, the compounds with the highest content were γ-terpinene, p-cymene and methyl-ether-thymol. Of the 30 plants studied, only five differed in their chemical composition, showing some degree of stability in relation to the dry and rainy seasons. There was no variation in the main compounds between the two seasons, but there was chemical diversity among the main compounds. Tocher grouping revealed five distinct groups, with group 1 including most of the plants in both dry and rainy seasons, indicating that the time of year evaluated did not significantly interfere with the essential oil composition of most plants.(AU)

Resumen Lippia origanoides Kunth. es un arbusto medicinal nativo de algunos países de Centro y Sur América y el Caribe. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la composición química de los aceites esenciales y la diversidad genética de una población natural de L. origanoides en dos estaciones. El aceite esencial se extrajo en un equipo de Clevenger y se analizó por cromatografía de gases acoplado a espectrometría de masas (CG-EM). La cuantificación relativa de timol y carvacrol se realizó por cromatografía de gases acoplado a un detector de ionización de llamas (CG-DIL). Se utilizó un análisis multivariado para evaluar la divergencia genética entre plantas. El carvacrol fue el compuesto principal encontrado en la mayoría de las plantas para ambas estaciones. En la estación lluviosa, la planta 15 presentó timol como el compuesto principal y las plantas 16, 27, 28 y 29 presentaron alcanfor como el compuesto principal. En la estación seca, el timol se mantuvo como el principal compuesto en la planta 15, de igual manera el alcanfor se mantuvo como el principal en las plantas 16, 28 y 29. Sin embargo, la planta 27 presentó carvacrol como el principal compuesto en esta estación. Después del carvacrol, los compuestos con el mayor contenido fueron γ-terpineno, p-cimeno and metil-eter-timol. De las 30 plantas estudiadas, solo cinco difirieron en su composición química, mostrando algún grado de estabilidad en relación a la estación seca y lluviosa. No hubo variación en los compuestos principales entre las dos estaciones, pero hubo diversidad química entre los compuestos principales. El agrupamiento de Tocher mostró cinco grupos distintos, con el grupo 1 incluyendo la mayoría de las plantas en ambas estaciones, lo cual indica que el periodo del año evaluado no interfiere significativamente con la composición de aceites esenciales en la mayoría de plantas.(AU)

Acute and chronic toxicity and antimicrobial activity of the extract of Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart) Coville / Toxicidade aguda e crônica e atividade antimicrobiana do extrato de Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart) Coville

This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity and acute or chronic toxicity of the extract of Stryphnodendron adstringens. The stem bark dry extract was obtained by static maceration with ethanol. Quantification of tannins was performed by the Folin-Denis method, which indicated a total tannin content of 32.7%. The antimicrobial activity of the dry extract of S. adstringens was evaluated by agar-based disk diffusion assay with Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) in the concentration of 200, 400 and 600µL/mL. The results indicated that 600µL/mL inhibited microbial growth, i.e. had antimicrobial activity against these species. Acute and chronic toxic effects of S. adstringens was evaluated in Wistar rats treated with 200, 400, 600 and 800mg/kg of extract, administrated by gavage. Liver degeneration was observed in the group of rats receiving 800mg/kg in chronic exposure, what may indicate some degree of toxicity at this concentration. However, no systemic toxicity was observed at lower doses. Considering the broad use of S. adstringens as a phytotherapeutic agent for various human and animal diseases and the livertoxicity observed at high concentrations, attention should be paid to the possible adverse effect of using the extract from this plant at high concentration.(AU)

Avaliou-se neste estudo a atividade antimicrobiana e a toxicidades aguda e crônica do extrato da entrecasca de Stryphnodendron adstringens. A partir do extrato seco, obtido através da maceração estática da casca do caule em etanol de cereais, foi realizada a quantificação de taninos totais (32,7%) pelo método de Folin-Denis. A atividade antimicrobiana do extrato seco extraído de cascas do caule de S. adstringens foi avaliada pela técnica de disco-difusão para os micro-organismos Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) nas concentrações de 200, 400 e 600µL/mL. Os testes de concentração inibitória mínima revelaram que 600µL/mL inibiu o crescimento dos dois micro-organismos testados; o mesmo resultado foi observado para atividade bactericida na concentração de 600µL/mL sobre essas espécies. Efeitos tóxicos sistêmicos agudos e crônicos do extrato seco de S. adstringens administrados por gavagem foram estudados em ratos Wistar, utilizando as doses de 400, 600 e 800mg/kg. Foi observada degeneração hepática no grupo de animais que receberam 800mg/kg tanto no estudo da toxicidade aguda quanto crônica, que pode indicar algum grau de toxicidade de S. adstringens nessa concentração. Considerando o amplo uso de S. adstringens como fitoterápico para humanos e animais, atenção deve ser dispensada para ingestão em altas doses mediante os efeitos tóxicos observados neste estudo.(AU)

Antimicrobial activity and acute and chronic toxicity of the essential oil of Lippia origanoides / Atividade antimicrobiana, toxicidade aguda e crônica do óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides

Currently, there is a growing interest in medicinal plants, because of an increased demand for alternate therapies. In this study, the antimicrobial activity and toxicity of the essential oil of Lippia origanoides (L. origanoides) were investigated. The essential oil of L. origanoides was extracted by steam-dragging distillation and its constituents were identified by chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Among the 15 compounds identified, the most abundant were carvacrol (29.00%), o-cymene (25.57%), and thymol methyl ether (11.50%). The essential oil was studied in antimicrobial assays to determine the MIC and MBC. The results indicated that a concentration of 120μL/mL of oil was sufficient to inhibit the growth of the following microorganisms: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Salmonella cholerasuis (ATCC 10708). Acute and chronic toxic effects of orally administered oil were investigated in Wistar rats by using standard methods. Doses of 30, 60 and 120mg/kg of the essential oil did not induce significant changes in weight, behavior or hematological and biochemical parameters in the animals. There were no signs of any histopathological changes to the liver, kidneys or heart of the treated rats, suggesting that Lippia origanoides oil is non-toxic after oral administration in acute or chronic toxicity studies. The results obtained in this study show that the essential oil of L. origanoides has a high safety margin, with no detectable toxic effects in rats treated with doses to 120mg/kg. In addition, L. origanoides oil demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli and S. cholerasuis. Based on these findings, this essential oil may have practical application as a veterinary antimicrobial.

Atualmente nota-se um aumento do interesse pelas plantas medicinais, fruto da grande procura por terapias alternativas. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a atividade antimicrobiana e a toxicidade do óleo essencial da Lippia origanoides (alecrim-pimenta). O óleo essencial de alecrim-pimenta foi obtido por arraste com vapor d’água e seus constituintes foram identificados por cromatografia acoplada a espectrofotômetro de massa (GC/MS). Entre os 15 compostos identificados os mais abundantes foram o carvacrol (29%), o-cimeno (25,57%) e metil timol éter (11,50%). Os óleos foram submetidos a ensaios antimicrobianos para determinação da CIM e da CBM. Os resultados mostraram que a dose de 120μl/mL de qualquer um dos óleos testados foi eficiente em inibir o crescimento dos micro-organismos Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) e Salmonella cholerasuis (ATTCC 10708). Os efeitos tóxicos agudos e crônicos foram verificados em animais segundo método de classes - Toxicidade aguda oral (dose fixas) - OECD 420. As concentrações de 30, 60 e 120 mg/kg de óleo essencial não induziram alterações significativas no peso, no comportamento dos animais e nem nos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos. Também não houve presença de alterações histopatológicas no fígado, rins e coração sugerindo que o óleo de alecrim-pimenta é atóxico após administração oral em condições agudas ou crônicas. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho levam a concluir que o óleo essencial de alecrim-pimenta possui uma margem elevada de segurança, com efeitos tóxicos inexistentes além de apresentar atividade antimicrobiana eficaz contra os micro-organimos S. aureus, E. coli e S. cholerasuis. Sua utilização na medicina veterinária deve ser considerada como uma grande viabilidade econômica e sustentável.

Chemical study and larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti of essential oil of Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae).

Piper aduncum L. is used in folk medicine to treat respiratory and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the essential oil from leaves of P. aduncum collected in the Brazilian Cerrado, North of Minas Gerais, as well as to evaluate the larvicidal activity of this oil and of its major constituent. The essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry that allowed characterizing 23 compounds (monoterpenes: 90.4%; sesquiterpenes: 7.0%). The major component was 1,8-cineole (53.9%). This oil showed to be very different from those obtained from the same species. Larvae of A. aegypti were exposed to different concentrations of the essential oil and 1,8-cineole. The mortality rate of 100% was obtained after 24 h of treatment with the oil at concentrations of 500 and 1,000 ppm. After 48 h of treatment, the mortality rate was 80% and 50% for concentrations of 250 and 100 ppm, respectively. The LC50 obtained after 24h was estimated in 289.9 ppm and after 48 h was 134.1 ppm. The major compound 1,8-cineole showed no larvicidal activity.

Growth study and essential oil analysis of Piper aduncum from two sites of Cerrado biome of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Piper aduncum L., Piperaceae, stands out due to its biological activities, however, it is still found in the wild and little is known about its agronomic point of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and to analyze the chemical composition of essential oils from leaves of P. aduncum collected in two different sites of Cerrado as well as in cultivated plants. The cultivation was installed out in a greenhouse using cuttings of adult specimens. Essential oils were obtained from fresh leaves. Plants from the two studied locations showed erect growth habit and behavior of linear growth. The essential oils composition of P. aduncum from Bocaiuva did not differ between wild and cultivated plants, as the major substance identified as 1,8-cineole. The plants from Montes Claros site showed a distinct concentration for the two samples, being the major substance characterized as transocimene (13.4%) for wild and 1,8-cineole (31.3%) for cultivated plants. Samples from both locations showed a similar essential oil composition in cultivars. Our results showed that P. aduncum cultivation is feasible and the variation in chemical composition of the two sites may indicate an environmental influence, since chemical and isoenzyme analysis did not show great differences.

Efficacy of extracts of immature mango on ovine gastrointestinal nematodes.

The principal health problem in small ruminants is helminthiasis and the rapid development of nematode resistance to anthelminthics has limited the success of control in several countries, stimulating the search for alternatives. In this study, extracts of immature fruits of the mango Mangifera indica L. var Ubá were evaluated for inhibition of larval development and fecal egg count reduction in sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. In the phytochemical analyses, tannins and flavonoids were the metabolites identified. Aqueous extracts of immature fruits at 100 mg ml(-1) showed 100 % inhibition of larval development. The LC(90) of the extract was 35.9 mg ml(-1) and the in vivo anthelminthic efficacy at 0.740 g kg(-1) (BW, orally) was 53 %. The identification of larvae showed that 99.8 % were Haemonchus spp. In vitro and in vivo results indicate that this fruit could assist ovine nematode control.