Biological Activities of Species of the Genus Clusia L (Clusiaceae): A General Approach.

The genus Clusia L. is highly diverse in Central and South America, comprising about 300 species, including trees and shrubs, hemiepiphytes, epiphytes, and lianas. This genus deserves attention due to its wide range of biological activities. Clusia belongs to the Clusiaceae family, chemically characterized by the presence of xanthones, benzophenones, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, and other substances with bioactive activity already described. This review aims to highlight the biological activity associated to extracts and isolated substances from species of the Clusia genus, including anti-HIV, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antinociceptive, antitumor, leishmanicidal, modulator of inflammatory processes, neutralization of toxic effects caused by snake bites, and others. This review gathered information on biological activities associated with different types of extracts and isolated substances of the genus Clusia, traditional use, chemical profile, and biological properties of plants of the genus, published in the last 23 years (1998 to 2021) and that can provide support for future research. The paper aims to provide an overview of existing knowledge about the biological properties of the genus Clusia plant species.

Antiprotozoal potential of Vismia species (Hypericaceae), medicinal plants used to fight cutaneous leishmaniasis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Species of Vismia (Hypericaceae), known in Brazil as "lacre", are commonly used in traditional Amazonian medicine for the treatment of skin lesions, including those caused by Leishmania infection. AIM OF THE STUDY: Hexane extracts from the leaves of Vismia cayennensis, V. gracilis, V. sandwithii and V. guianensis, as well as from the fruits of the latter, in addition to the anthraquinones vismiaquinone, physcion and chrysophanol isolated from these species were explored for their anti-promastigote and anti-amastigote activity on Leishmania amazonensis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts were prepared by static maceration with n-hexane. The compounds, isolated by chromatographic techniques, were identified by spectroscopic methods (1H and 13C NMR). Promastigotes of L.amazonensis were incubated with hexane extracts (1-50 µg/mL) or anthraquinones (1-50 µM) and the parasite survival analyzed. The action of compounds on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and membrane integrity of promastigotes were evaluated by flow cytometer, and the cytotoxicity on mammalian cells using MTT assay. Furthermore, the activity of compounds against amastigotes and nitric oxide production were also investigated. RESULTS: Vismiaquinone and physcion were obtained from the leaves of V. guianensis. Physcion, as well as chrysophanol, were isolated from V. sandwithii. Vismia cayennensis and V. gracilis also showed vismiaquinone, compound detected in lower quantity in the fruits of V. guianensis. All extracts were active against the parasite, corroborating the popular use. The greatest activity against promastigotes was achieved with V. guianensis extract (IC50 4.3 µg/mL), precisely the most used Vismia species for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis. Vismiaquinone and physcion exhibited relevant activity with IC50 12.6 and 2.6 µM, respectively. Moreover, all extracts and anthraquinones tested induced ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, membrane disruption and were able to kill intracellular amastigote forms, being worthy of further in vivo studies as potential antileishmanial drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The overall data achieved in the current investigation scientifically validate the traditional use of Vismia species, mainly V. guianensis, as an anti-Leishmania agent. Furthermore, the promising results presented here indicate species of Vismia as potentially useful resources of Brazilian flora for the discovery of therapeutic solutions for neglected diseases.

Guttiferones: An insight into occurrence, biosynthesis, and their broad spectrum of pharmacological activities.

Guttiferones belong to the polyisoprenylated benzophenone, a class of compounds, a very restricted group of natural plant products, especially in the Clusiaceae family. They are commonly found in bark, stem, leaves, and fruits of plants of the genus Garcinia and Symphonia. Guttiferones have the following classifications according to their chemical structure: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, and T. All of them have received growing attention due to its multiple biological activities. This review provides a first comprehensive approach to plant sources, phytochemical profile, specific pharmacological effects, and mechanisms of guttiferones already described. Studies indicate a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as: anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antiparasitic, antiviral, and antimicrobial. Despite the low toxicity of these compounds in healthy cells, there is a lack of studies in the literature related to toxicity in general. Given their beneficial effects, guttiferones are expected to be great potential drug candidates for treating cancer and infectious and transmissible diseases. However, further studies are needed to elucidate their toxicity, specific molecular mechanisms and targets, and to perform more in-depth pharmacokinetic studies. This review highlights chemical properties, biological characteristics, and mechanisms of action so far, offering a broad view of the subject and perspectives for the future of guttiferones in therapeutics.

The ethnobotanical relevance of the tribe Symphonieae (Clusiaceae) around the world.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The tribe Symphonieae (Clusiaceae) encompasses 48 species accommodated in seven genera (Lorostemon, Montrouziera, Moronobea, Pentadesma, Platonia, Symphonia and Thysanostemon). Parts of these plants, mainly the exudates and the seeds oil are useful for different purposes, especially for treating dermatological conditions. In addition to the role in the folk medicine, some species are of great economic and cultural importance for native people from different continents. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The goal of this review is to critically summarize the current knowledge on systematics, ethnobotanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of species from the tribe Symphonieae, as well as to provide support for future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on the Clusiaceae family. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The available information was gathered from many different databases (Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Pubmed, ChemSpider, SciFinder, ACS Publications, Wiley Online Library, Useful Tropical Plants Database, Google Scholar). Additional data from books, theses and dissertations were also included in this review. RESULTS: Chemical studies of Symphonieae have demonstrated that the genera are a source of benzophenones, xanthones and biflavonoids. Components as sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, free fatty acids, among others, have also been reported. Extracts and compounds isolated from a variety of species have been exhibiting antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antiprotozoal activities, corroborating part of their medicinal uses. In addition, certain species produce edible fruits and a kind of "butter" with economic importance. All species produce exudate, which often has great relevance in the daily lives of local people. CONCLUSION: Several species of Symphonieae have potential therapeutic applications and some of them have been investigated to scientifically validate their popular uses. In addition, a number of species have proved to be a rich source of promising pharmacologically active compounds. Finally, the value of fruits, exudate and butter, for instance, should serve as a stimulus for the sustainable development of products that aim to take advantage of these natural resources.

Combining chemometric and phytochemical tools to isolate and characterize activity of Vismia gracilis compounds against Aedes aegypti.

Vismia gracilis extracts were tested against Aedes aegypti to assess mortality and behavioural effects. The leaf hexanic extract (L-Hex) presented increased larvicidal activity with exposure period: LC50 46.48 µg/mL (24 h) and LC50 20.57 µg/mL (48 h). Eight compounds were annotated/isolated from the L-Hex active extract, 4 benzophenones and 4 anthraquinones. Considering chemometric findings, the benzophenone moiety, tested as the commercial benzophenone, promoted larval mortality (LC50 16.35 µg/mL). Both the L-Hex extract and benzophenone induced intestinal damage in larvae. Benzophenone also promoted toxicity and behavioural effects in female adults. These findings highlighted the potential use of this class of compounds for developing vector-control products.

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro / Fitotoxicidade de extratos de plantas de Vismia japurensis cultivadas in vivo e in vitro

Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.(AU)

Plantas que produzem metabólitos secundários com atividade alelopática ou fitotóxica podem ser biotecnologicamente importantes, servindo como fontes de aleloquímicos e, assim, contribuindo para o setor agroindustrial. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) é uma espécie amazônica que cresce em grupos, formando vismiais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos de extratos hexânicos e metanólicos de folhas e ramos de Vismia japurensis in vivo e de plântulas cultivadas in vitro sobre Lactuca sativa. Além disso, folhas frescas e secas foram analisadas pelo método sanduíche, a fim de determinar sua capacidade de liberação de aleloquímicos. O extrato hexânico de plântulas in vitro reduziu a germinação em 10% e o extrato metanólico promoveu uma redução de 16% na velocidade de germinação. O crescimento radicular de Lactuca sativa foi inibido em 64,7% quando submetido ao extrato hexânico das folhas, em 39,3% sob influência do extrato hexânico dos galhos e em 96,09% para o extrato de hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Quando analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H, os extratos mostraram evidências de terpenos, antraquinonas e flavonoides, com maior intensidade de sinais na região aromática do extrato hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Assim, Vismia japurensis possui elevado potencial biotecnológico em termos de produção de substâncias de baixa polaridade com capacidade de interferência no desenvolvimento de plantas.(AU)

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro / Fitotoxicidade de extratos de plantas de Vismia japurensis cultivadas in vivo e in vitro

Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Plantas que produzem metabólitos secundários com atividade alelopática ou fitotóxica podem ser biotecnologicamente importantes, servindo como fontes de aleloquímicos e, assim, contribuindo para o setor agroindustrial. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) é uma espécie amazônica que cresce em grupos, formando vismiais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos de extratos hexânicos e metanólicos de folhas e ramos de Vismia japurensis in vivo e de plântulas cultivadas in vitro sobre Lactuca sativa. Além disso, folhas frescas e secas foram analisadas pelo método sanduíche, a fim de determinar sua capacidade de liberação de aleloquímicos. O extrato hexânico de plântulas in vitro reduziu a germinação em 10% e o extrato metanólico promoveu uma redução de 16% na velocidade de germinação. O crescimento radicular de Lactuca sativa foi inibido em 64,7% quando submetido ao extrato hexânico das folhas, em 39,3% sob influência do extrato hexânico dos galhos e em 96,09% para o extrato de hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Quando analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H, os extratos mostraram evidências de terpenos, antraquinonas e flavonoides, com maior intensidade de sinais na região aromática do extrato hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Assim, Vismia japurensis possui elevado potencial biotecnológico em termos de produção de substâncias de baixa polaridade com capacidade de interferência no desenvolvimento de plantas.

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro / Fitotoxicidade de extratos de plantas de Vismia japurensis cultivadas in vivo e in vitro

Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Plantas que produzem metabólitos secundários com atividade alelopática ou fitotóxica podem ser biotecnologicamente importantes, servindo como fontes de aleloquímicos e, assim, contribuindo para o setor agroindustrial. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) é uma espécie amazônica que cresce em grupos, formando vismiais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos de extratos hexânicos e metanólicos de folhas e ramos de Vismia japurensis in vivo e de plântulas cultivadas in vitro sobre Lactuca sativa. Além disso, folhas frescas e secas foram analisadas pelo método sanduíche, a fim de determinar sua capacidade de liberação de aleloquímicos. O extrato hexânico de plântulas in vitro reduziu a germinação em 10% e o extrato metanólico promoveu uma redução de 16% na velocidade de germinação. O crescimento radicular de Lactuca sativa foi inibido em 64,7% quando submetido ao extrato hexânico das folhas, em 39,3% sob influência do extrato hexânico dos galhos e em 96,09% para o extrato de hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Quando analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H, os extratos mostraram evidências de terpenos, antraquinonas e flavonoides, com maior intensidade de sinais na região aromática do extrato hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Assim, Vismia japurensis possui elevado potencial biotecnológico em termos de produção de substâncias de baixa polaridade com capacidade de interferência no desenvolvimento de plantas.

Amazonian Bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) Fruit Waste Valorisation Using Response Surface Methodology.

Bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart) is a species from the Clusiaceae genus. Its fruit pulp is commonly used in South America in several food products, such as beverages, ice cream and candies. Only the pulp of the fruit is used, and the peels and seeds are considered waste from these industries. As a trioxygenated xanthone source, this species is of high interest for bioproduct development. This work evaluated the mesocarp and epicarp of bacuri fruits through different extraction methods and experimental conditions (pH, temperature and solvent) in order to determine the most effective method for converting this agro-industrial waste in a value-added bioproduct. Open-column procedures and HPLC and NMR experiments were performed to evaluate the chemical composition of the extracts, along with total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities (sequestration of the DPPH and ABTS radicals). A factorial design and response surface methodology were used. The best extraction conditions of substances with antioxidant properties were maceration at 50 °C with 100% ethanol as solvent for mesocarp extracts, and acidic sonication in 100% ethanol for epicarp extracts, with an excellent phenolic profile and antioxidant capacities. The main compounds isolated were the prenylated benzophenones garcinielliptone FC (epicarp) and 30-epi-cambogin (mesocarp). This is the first study analysing the performance of extraction methods within bacuri agro-industrial waste. Results demonstrated that shells and seeds of bacuri can be used as phenolic-rich bioproducts obtained by a simple extraction method, increasing the value chain of this fruit.

Calophyllaceae plastomes, their structure and insights in relationships within the clusioids.

A complete chloroplast genome is not yet available for numerous species of plants. Among the groups that lack plastome information is the clusioid clade (Malpighiales), which includes five families: Bonnetiaceae, Calophyllaceae, Clusiaceae, Hypericaceae, and Podostemaceae. With around 2200 species, it has few published plastomes and most of them are from Podostemaceae. Here we assembled and compared six plastomes from members of the clusioids: five from Calophyllaceae (newly sequenced) and one from Clusiaceae. Putative regions for evolutionary studies were identified and the newly assembled chloroplasts were analyzed with other available chloroplasts for the group, focusing on Calophyllaceae. Our results mostly agree with recent studies which found a general conserved structure, except for the two Podostemaceae species that have a large inversion (trnK-UUU-rbcL) and lack one intron from ycf3. Within Calophyllaceae we observed a longer LSC and reduced IRs in Mahurea exstipulata, resulting in some genic rearrangement, and a short inversion (psbJ-psbE) in Kielmeyera coriacea. Phylogenetic analyses recovered the clusioids and the five families as monophyletic and revealed that conflicts in relationships reported in the literature for the group agree with nodes concentrating uninformative or conflicting gene trees. Our study brings new insights about clusioid plastome architecture and its evolution.

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro.

Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Gall midges (Insecta, Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associated with Clusiaceae in Brazil: richness and distribution.

A literature compilation was done to gather information about Cecidomyiidae galls on Clusiaceae in Brazil. Botanical names were verified in the site "Flora do Brasil" as well as data on plant distribution and origin. Two herbaria were visited in order to examine galled specimens of Clusiaceae and retrieve new locality records. Thirteen gall morphotypes have been recorded on three genera (Clusia, Garcinia, and Tovomita) and eight species. Clusia showed the greatest number of galled species. Tovomita brevistaminea is the super host species. Only three gallers, Parazalepidota clusiae, Clusiamyia granulosa and C. nitida, were identified at species level, which highlights how the taxonomy of the gall midges is still poorly known. The examination of galled exsiccates resulted in the expansion of their distribution area. The low gall richness as well as the low number of galled plants on Clusiaceae can be related to the presence of resinous sticky sap and waxy cuticle. The known occurrence of gallers associated with Clusiaceae is restricted to the Atlantic Forest as their host plants. The gallers distribution is less wide than that of the host plants, indicating that their geographic limits can be further extended.

Calanolides E1 and E2, two related coumarins from Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. (Clusiaceae), displayed in vitro activity against amastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum.

In the present work, the MeOH extract from stem barks of Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. (Clusiaceae) displayed activity against amastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum and was subjected to a bioactivity-guided fractionation to give two related coumarins - calanolides E1 (1) and E2 (2). Compounds 1 and 2 were actives to T. cruzi with EC50 values of 12.1 and 8.2 µM, respectively. When tested against L. infantum, the EC50 values were 37.1 and 29.1 µM, respectively. Compound 2, corresponding to anti isomer, showed the best selectivity index (SI) with values >24.4 to T. cruzi and >6.9 to L. infantum in comparison to the syn isomer 1. Furthermore, using an in silico multi-parametric prediction, both compounds did not contain any PAINS sub-structures. Therefore, these data suggest that coumarins 1 and 2 may contribute as scaffolds for the design of novel drug candidates for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

Modulation of the Drug Resistance by Platonia insignis Mart. Extract, Ethyl Acetate Fraction and Morelloflavone/Volkensiflavone (Biflavonoids) in Staphylococcus aureus Strains Overexpressing Efflux Pump Genes.

BACKGROUND: Microbial resistance to antibiotics is a global public health problem, which requires urgent attention. Platonia insignis is a native species from the eastern Brazilian Amazon, used in the treatment of burns and wounds. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. insignis (PIHA), the ethyl acetate fraction (PIAE), and its subfraction containing a mixture of biflavonoids (BF). Moreover, the effect of these natural products on the antibiotic activity against S. aureus strains overexpressing efflux pump genes was also evaluated. METHODS: Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined against different species of microorganisms. To evaluate the modulatory effect on the Norfloxacin-resistance, the MIC of this antibiotic was determined in the absence and presence of the natural products at subinhibitory concentrations. Inhibition of the EtBr efflux assays were conducted in the absence or presence of natural products. RESULTS: PIHA showed a microbicidal effect against S. aureus and C. albicans, while PIAE was bacteriostatic for S. aureus. PIAE and BF at subinhibitory concentrations were able to reduce the MIC of Norfloxacin acting as modulating agents. BF was able to inhibit the efflux of EtBr efflux in S. aureus strains overexpressing specific efflux pump genes. CONCLUSION: P. inignisis, a source of efflux pump inhibitors, including volkensiflavone and morelloflavone, which were able to potentiate the Norfloxacin activity by NorA inhibition, being also able to inhibit QacA/B, TetK and MsrA. Volkensiflavone and morelloflavone could be used as an adjuvant in the antibiotic therapy of multidrug resistant S. aureus strains overexpressing efflux pumps.

Atividades farmacológicas da manteiga de bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart): revisão integrativa / Pharmacological actions of bacuri butter (Platonia insignis Mart): an integrative review

RESUMO Objetivo identificar as atividades farmacológicas da manteiga de bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.). Métodos revisão integrativa, realizada nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library e SCOPUS, sem delimitação temporal e de idioma. A seleção se constituiu de 13 ensaios pré-clínicos. A avaliação das informações ocorreu de forma descritiva, confrontando com os achados pertinentes. Resultados observou-se que 50,0% das publicações foram indexadas na MEDLINE/PubMed, maioria das publicações ocorreram na Inglaterra (61,5%), seguidas do Brasil e dos Estados Unidos, ambos com 13,3%. Destaca-se que 100,0% dos artigos foram ensaios pré-clínicos; atividades farmacológicas para antioxidante (38,4%) e antileishmanicidas (30,7%). Registrou-se que 38,4% dos ensaios apresentaram testes de toxicidade. Conclusão a manteiga de bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) apresentou atividades farmacológicas em ensaios pré-clínicos, como antioxidantes, antileshimaniose, anticonvulsivante e cicatrização de feridas.

ABSTRACT Objective to identify the pharmacological activities of bacuri butter (Platonia insignis Mart.). Methods an integrative review, carried out in the databases of Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, without the time and language restriction. The selection consisted of 13 pre-clinical trials. The information assessment descriptively took place, comparing with the pertinent findings. Results it was observed that 50.0% of the publications were indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed, most publications were from England (61.5%), followed by Brazil and the United States, both with 13.3%. It is noteworthy that 100.0% of the articles were pre-clinical trials; pharmacological activities for antioxidants (38.4%) and antileishmanicides (30.7%). It was found that 38.4% of the trials presented toxicity tests. Conclusion bacuri butter (Platonia insignis Mart.) Showed pharmacological activities in pre-clinical trials, such as antioxidants, antileshimaniasis, anticonvulsant and wound healing.

Essential oil composition and cytotoxic activity in twospecies ofthe plant genus Vismia (Hypericaceae) from the Venezuelan Andes / Composición de aceites esenciales y actividad citotóxica en dos especies de plantas del género Vismia (Hypericaceae) de los Andes venezolanos

Introduction: The Vismia genus belongs to the Hypericaceae family and comprises around 57 species of which 17 have been located in Venezuela. Previous investigations have been carried out in extracts as well as pure isolated compounds, revealing antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-HIV, among other, biological activities. Objective: This investigation aims to determine the cytotoxic activity of essential oils from leaves of Vismia baccifera Triana & Planch (VBJ and VBV) and Vismia macrophylla Kunth (VM) collected in three different locations of the Venezuelan Andean region. Methods: Essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and their cytotoxic activity was analyzed following the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Human tumor cell lines from SKBr3, MCF-7 and PANC-1, two breast carcinomas and one pancreatic adenocarcinoma of ductal type, were tested with the oil samples and human dermis fibroblasts were used as non-tumor cells. Results: β-caryophyllene and trans-caryophyllene were present as major components in VBJ and VBV, respectively, while γ-bisabolene was the main component in the VM sample. Anticancer activity was observed on V. baccifera essential oil against SKBr3, MCF-7 and PANC-1. The selectivity index showed that VBV is highly selective against the SKBr3 cell line and has no activity against non-tumor cells. Conclusions: These results are considered a contribution to natural products research and may provide supportive data for future studies on cancer.

Introducción: El género Vismia pertenece a la familia Hypericaceae y comprende alrededor de 57 especies de las cuales 17 han sido ubicadas en Venezuela. Se han realizado investigaciones previas tanto en extractos como en compuestos puros aislados revelando actividad antimicrobiana, antioxidante y anti-VIH, entre otras actividades biológicas. Objetivo: El propósito de esta investigación es determinar la actividad citotóxica de los aceites esenciales de las hojas de Vismia baccifera Triana & Planch (VBJ y VBV) y Vismia macrophylla Kunth (VM) recolectadas en tres localidades de la región andina venezolana. Métodos: Aceites esenciales obtenidos por hidrodestilación fueron analizados por cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas y su actividad citotóxica fue analizada siguiendo el método MTT (bromuro de 3-[4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il]-2,5-difeniltetrazolio). Los aceites esenciales fueron ensayados frente a células tumorales humanas SKBr3, MCF-7 y PANC-1, dos carcinomas de mama y un adenocarcinoma pancreático del tipo ductal, usando cultivos primarios de fibroblastos de dermis humana como células no tumorales. Resultados: β-cariofileno y trans-cariofileno estuvieron presentes como compuestos mayoritarios en VBJ y VBV, respectivamente, mientras que γ-bisaboleno fue el componente principal en la muestra VM. El aceite esencial de V. baccifera mostró actividad anticancerígena frente a SKBr3, MCF-7 y PANC-1. El índice de selectividad reveló que VBV es altamente selectivo frente a la línea celular SKBr3 y no presenta actividad contra las células no tumorales. Conclusiones: Estos resultados se consideran una contribución a la investigación de los productos naturales y los datos pueden ser de utilidad en futuras investigaciones sobre el cáncer.

Tovomita nebulosa (Clusiaceae), a new species from Cerro de la Neblina, Venezuela

Although the number of recently described Tovomita species is relatively high, much more remains to be done, given that each new survey of representative Amazonian collections reveals many potentially undescribed taxa. In the treatment for Tovomita published in Flora of the Venezuelan Guayana, at least six distinct morphotypes did not match any previously described species. Here we recognize morphotype "D" as a new endemic species from Cerro de la Neblina. Additionally, we provide an identification key to the Tovomita species in Venezuela. (AU)

Dalbergia ecastaphyllum (L.) Taub. and Symphonia globulifera L.f.: The Botanical Sources of Isoflavonoids and Benzophenones in Brazilian Red Propolis.

The Brazilian red propolis (BRP) constitutes an important commercial asset for northeast Brazilian beekeepers. The role of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum (L.) Taub. (Fabaceae) as the main botanical source of this propolis has been previously confirmed. However, in addition to isoflavonoids and other phenolics, which are present in the resin of D. ecastaphyllum, samples of BRP are reported to contain substantial amounts of polyprenylated benzophenones, whose botanical source was unknown. Therefore, field surveys, phytochemical and chromatographic analyses were undertaken to confirm the botanical sources of the red propolis produced in apiaries located in Canavieiras, Bahia, Brazil. The results confirmed D. ecastaphyllum as the botanical source of liquiritigenin (1), isoliquiritigenin (2), formononetin (3), vestitol (4), neovestitol (5), medicarpin (6), and 7-O-neovestitol (7), while Symphonia globulifera L.f. (Clusiaceae) is herein reported for the first time as the botanical source of polyprenylated benzophenones, mainly guttiferone E (8) and oblongifolin B (9), as well as the triterpenoids ß-amyrin (10) and glutinol (11). The chemotaxonomic and economic significance of the occurrence of polyprenylated benzophenones in red propolis is discussed.

Chemistry characterization and antioxidant activity of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L, Clusiaceae) cultivated in Colombia / Caracterización química y actividad antioxidante del mangostino (Garcinia mangostana L, Clusiaceae) cultivado en Colombia

The objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant and inhibitory activities of the ethanolic extracts of the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) grown in Montenegro, Quindío, Colombia, in three stages of maturation, including the edible (pulp) and inedible parts (pericarp and peduncle). The alcoholic samples were phytochemically characterized by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and by Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR); the antioxidant capacities were also evaluated by the diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical method and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), in addition to the inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and the total content of phenols and flavonoids. The tests detected phytochemical compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones and xanthones, to which the antioxidant activity and the inhibition of AChE presented, can be attributed. In conclusion, the inedible parts of mangosteen contain higher proportions of secondary metabolites, these being the most promising sources for industrial use.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue el de evaluar las actividades antioxidantes e inhibitoria de acetilcolinesterasa de los extractos etanólicos del mangostino (Garcinia mangostana L.) de Montenegro, Quíndio, Colombia, en tres estados de maduración, incluyendo las partes comestibles (pulpa) y no comestibles (pericarpio y pedúnculo). Las muestras alcohólicas fueron caracterizadas fitoquímicamente por Cromatografía de Capa Delgada (CCD), Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Eficiencia (HPLC) y Espectroscopía Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier (FT-IR); la capacidad antioxidante fue evaluada también por el método de captación del radical libre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo (DPPH• dejar el radical en superíndice) y la Capacidad de Absorción de Radicales de Oxígeno (ORAC), adicionalmente la actividad inhibitoria de la acetilcolinesterasa (AchE) y el contenido total de fenoles y flavonoides. Se detectaron compuestos fitoquímicos como fenoles, flavonoides, alcaloides, quinonas y xantonas, a quienes se les puede atribuir las actividades antioxidantes y de inhibición de la acetilcolinesterasa. En conclusión, las partes no comestibles del mangostino contienen una mayor proporción de metabolitos secundarios, siendo las fuentes más promisorias para uso industrial.

First genomic microsatellite markers developed for Platonia insignis (Clusiaceae), a Brazilian fruit tree.

Platonia insignis is a fruit tree native of Brazil with allogamous and asexual reproduction. The production of fruits is mainly obtained by exploitation of natural populations and the impact of genetic structuring on plant production may be evaluated. For this purpose, codominant and multiallelic markers such as microsatellite are the most suitable, but they need to be developed for this species. Thus, the aim of this work was to develop and validate microsatellite markers for P. insignis. We used Roche 454 GS FLX sequencing platform of a single P. insignis genotype and 1702 microsatellite sequences were identified. Based on some pre-requisites, we could develop 50 primer pairs to be tested. Twenty-two primer pairs successfully amplified fragments and they were tested in 31 genotypes of P. insignis that belong to a germplasm bank and were sampled in the northeast of Pará State, Brazil. Thirteen primers were polymorphic and the number of alleles per loci varied from 5 (PI18 and PI27) to 2 (PI08, PI25, PI31, PI33 and PI 37). Expected heterozygosity (HE) varied from 0.74 (PI27) to 0.12 (PI31) and observed heterozygosity (HO) varied from 1.00 (PI25) to 0.00 (PI08, PI31, PI33 and PI37). Principal coordinates could separate the genotypes of P. insignis in clusters and we can conclude that the primers can estimate the genetic diversity of P. insignis populations.