7.1',8.3'- and 7.3',8.5'-Connected Bicyclo[3.2.1]octanoids and Oxabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane-Type Neolignans from Ocotea aciphylla: Structures and Absolute Configurations.

The phytochemical investigation of the leaves and trunk bark of a specimen of Ocotea aciphylla collected in the southern portion of the Amazon forest led to the isolation of an oxabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane-type neolignan and 15 bicyclo[3.2.1]octanoid neolignans, 14 of which are unreported compounds (2-15), including one with an unusual oxidation pattern of the side chain at C-1' and two rare 7.1',8.3'-connected bicyclo[3.2.1]octanoid derivatives. Their structures and relative configurations were determined by extensive spectrometric analysis based on 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS data, while their absolute configurations were unambiguously assigned using electronic and vibrational circular dichroism data assisted by density functional theory calculations. Additionally, known sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, and phytosterols were also isolated.

Validation of an analytical method by HPLC for the quantification of yangambin from the Ocotea duckei species / Validación de un método analítico por HPLC para la cuantificación de yangambin de la especie Ocotea duckei

Ocotea duckei , known as Louro - de - cheiro, belongs to the Lauraceae family and presents lignoid yangambine (YAN) as the main plant marker. This work aimed to develop and validate an analytical method by high performance liquid chromatography for the quantification of YAN. The sample used was the crude eth anolic extract (CEE) obtained from aerial parts. In the developed method, a C18 column was used. The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile and water (45:55), whereas the method parameters included mobile phase flow rate at 0.8 mL/min, oven temperature at 40°C, and monitoring at 205 nm. In the validation, the parameters of selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, limits of detection and quantification were evaluated. As a result, the developed method is in accordance with the guidelines f or validation of analytical methods and presented satisfactory chromatographic parameters for YAN determination. Thus, the present analytical methodology can be applied in the quality control of O. duckei raw materials.

Ocotea duckei , conocida como Louro - de - cheiro, pertenece a la familia Lauraceae y presenta la yangambina lignoide (YAN) como principal marcador vegetal. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo desarrollar y val idar un método analítico por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución para la cuantificación de YAN. La muestra utilizada fue el extracto etanólico crudo (EEC) obtenido de partes aéreas. En el método desarrollado se utilizó una columna C18. La fase móvil c onsistió en acetonitrilo y agua (45:55), mientras los parámetros del método incluyeron el caudal de la fase móvil a 0,8 m L /min, la temperatura del horno a 40°C y la monitorización a 205 nm. En la validación se evaluaron los parámetros de selectividad, line alidad, precisión, exactitud, robustez, límites de detección y cuantificación. Como resultado, el método desarrollado está de acuerdo con las pautas para la validación de métodos analíticos y presentó parámetros cromatográficos satisfactorios para la deter minación de YAN. Por lo tanto, la presente metodología analítica se puede aplicar en el control de calidad de las materias primas de O. duckei.

The Volatile Profiles and DNA Barcodes of Lauraceae Species from the Ocotea Complex with Occurrence in the Brazilian Amazon.

The Ocotea complex accommodates most of the taxonomic diversity of Neotropical Lauraceae with economic importance and biological potential attributed to their essential oils (EOs) and extracts. However, the botanical taxonomy has had limitations due to the difficulty of identifying and delimiting species and genera. The chemical and molecular markers of Ocotea complex species in Pará state, Brazil, were assessed according to their EO compositions and DNA sequences of matK, trnL-trnF, and ITS regions. The multivariate analysis of EOs constituents has classified them into two main clusters characterized by oils rich in (I) terpenoids and phenylpropanoids and (II) sesquiterpenes. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of species based on DNA barcode sequences on the Bayesian Inference (PP: 0.70-1,0) and Maximum Likelihood (BS: 72-100 %). The comparison between the volatile profiles and phylogenetic data indicates two main groups for these species collected from the Ocotea complex.

Chemophenetic study of Ocotea canaliculata (Lauraceae) by UHPLC-HRMS and GNPS.

The metabolic fingerprint of a non-volatile fraction of Ocotea canaliculata (Rich.) Mez (Lauraceae) leaves was determined by UHPLC-HRMS analysis. Twenty-four compounds were suggestively identified by GNPS-FBMN. The results revealed a large production of flavonoids, mainly flavones and flavanones, a chemical class poorly described in the Ocotea genus. Within the identified compounds, four are being described for the first time in this genus. The major metabolite detected was astilbin, with a concentration corresponding to 23.2 ± 1.58% of the extracts. The expressive content of astilbin also highlights it as a chemical marker for the species. As a species that is classified as a complex, qualitative and semi-quantitative features obtained through the O. canaliculata flavonoid fingerprint can be further used for a more precise circumscription and species-specific characterization.

Characterization and identification of chemical constituents of Ocotea paranaensis Brotto, Baitello, Cervi, & E.P. Santos and their biological properties.

The growing interest in the discovery of new compounds from medicinal plants justifies the study of phytochemical components of these plants and their biological activities. The genus Ocotea exhibits a variety of pharmacological, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential and antimicrobial properties of the ethyl acetate fraction of Ocotea paranaensis leaves. Isolation and identification of the phenolic compounds from the fraction was also carried out. The isolated compounds were characterized by one and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and identified as (-) epicatechin (1), quercetin (2), kaempferol (3) and hyperin (4). The ethyl acetate fraction of Ocotea paranaensis leaves demonstrated considerable antioxidant potential. The observed minimum inhibitory concentration of 500 µg/mL was classified as a moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Findings from this study demonstrate the utility of this plant as a potential source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Ocotea pomaderroides extracts: HPLC-MS/MS characterization and molecular modeling studies.

The present work describes the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Ocotea pomaderroides extracts besides the chemical composition of chromatographic fractions. The hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extract soluble fractions showed high Electrophorus electricus acetylcholinesterase (EelAChE) inhibition (92.18, 71.86 and 74.25%, respectively) while the butanolic and aqueous extracts showed moderate to low activities (44.48 and 20.74%, respectively). The high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization multiple-stage mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MSn) analysis led to the identification of the alkaloids and flavonol glycoside derivatives present in these extracts. The binding profile of the alkaloids and their atomic effect on 3D structure of Electrophorus electricus AchE (EelAChE) were assessed with molecular modeling.

Essential oils from Ocotea species: Chemical variety, biological activities and geographic availability.

This review describes the chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils from plants of the Ocotea genus, from different origin. This taxon belongs to the Laureaceae family, which in turn, is best known for medicinal use, often related to the essential oils. The text includes studies about Ocotea species distributed mainly on the South American continent, but also reporting species located in North America and Africa. Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador are countries with highest number of species mentioned in the review. Also, the major components of each essential oil, its chemical structures, as well as the description and extent of biological activities related to essential oils are detailed in this review. Finally, the text discusses the chemical and biological aspects of these studies in a comparatively way, also informing additional data such as yield, biome of origin and pharmacobotanical location.

Ocotea nutans (Nees) Mez: structural elucidation of C-hetorosides flavonoids and evaluation of their antioxidant and antibacterial properties from ethyl acetate extract.

The Ocotea genus exhibits a variety of pharmacological, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential and antibacterial properties of the ethyl acetate fraction of Ocotea nutans leaves. Isolation and identification of the phenolic compounds from the fraction was also carried out. The isolated compounds were characterised by one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and identified as vitexin (1) and isovitexin (2). The ethyl acetate fraction of Ocotea nutans leaves demonstrated considerable antioxidant potential. The observed minimum inhibitory concentration of 250 µg.mL-1 was classified as a moderate antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. Findings from this study demonstrate the utility of this plant as a potential source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

Aporphine Alkaloids from Ocotea puberula with Anti-Trypanosoma Cruzi Potential - Activity of Dicentrine-ß-N-Oxide in the Plasma Membrane Electric Potentials.

One new aporphine, dicentrine-ß-N-oxide (1), together with five related known alkaloids dehydrodicentrine (2), predicentrine (3), N-methyllaurotetanine (4), cassythicine (5), and dicentrine (6) were isolated from the leaves of Ocotea puberula (Lauraceae). Antiprotozoal activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Among the tested compounds, alkaloid 1 exhibited higher potential with EC50 value of 18.2 µM and reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC50 >200 µM - SI>11.0), similar to positive control benznidazole (EC50 of 17.7 µM and SI=10.7). Considering the promising results of dicentrine-ß-N-oxide (1) against trypomastigotes, the mechanism of parasite death caused by this alkaloid was investigated. As observed, this compound reached the plasma membrane electric potential directly after 2 h of incubation and triggered mitochondrial depolarization, which probably leads to trypomastigote death. Therefore, dicentrine-ß-N-oxide (1), reported for the first time in this work, can contribute to future works for the development of new trypanocidal agents.

Advanced Glycation End Product Inhibition by Alkaloids from Ocotea paranapiacabensis for the Prevention of Skin Aging.

A bioassay-guided study aiming at identifying inhibitors of the glycation process on the leaves of Ocotea paranapiacabensis afforded four benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (1-4), with 1 and 2 identified as new naturals products, while 3 and 4 were previously described in the literature, with 3 being identified as magnocurarine. Purification was performed by column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, NMR, and HRMS. The process of skin aging has been recently associated with advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and strategies inhibiting their formation have been addressed by pharmaceutical companies for the development of novel antiaging compounds. Alkaloids 1-4 were evaluated for their potential to inhibit AGE formation and showed inhibition of 62.9%, 83.3%, 26.1%, and 98.2% (150 µM), respectively. The antiaging potential of compounds 1 and 4 were evaluated with a reconstructed human skin model in vitro, and results showed a decrease in dermis contraction (8.7% and 4.2% respectively for 1 and 4) when compared to the glycated control (57.4%). Additionally, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and toxicity properties were predicted using in silico methods, and the results were considered significantly promising for alkaloids 1 and 4 to continue the development of these alkaloids with skincare properties.

Evaluation of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions of Ocotea notata (Ness) Mez (Lauraceae).

The specie Ocotea notata (Nees & Mart). Mez is a tree with 5 meters high, that can be found in restinga regions in the Brazilian coast. This study describes a phytochemical investigation, total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions by DPPH and ORAC. Phenolic content revealed equivalent concentration between evaluated samples, similar to found in the leave extract (66.4 mEq GA/g). By DPPH, extracts and fractions showed effective concentration (EC50) lower than the standards Ginkgo biloba 761® (23.60 ± 0.64 µg/ml) and quercetin (6.06 ± 0, 92 µg/mL); for the ORAC method, ethyl acetate partition showed a value of 2.06 mmol Trolox equivalent g-1 better than obtained in Ginkgo biloba (1.03 ± 0.25 mmol.Trolox equivalent g-1. The butanol partition (0.52 mmol.Trolox equivalent g-1) and the aqueous residue (0.74 mmol Trolox equivalent g-1) have a lesser ORAC potential than ethyl acetate partition. The butanolic partition, investigated by LC-DAD-MS/MS and QTOF-MS, revealed six major compounds: miquelianin (1), isoquercitrin (2), quercitrin (3), kaempferol-3-O-pentose (4), afzelin (5) and isorhamnetin-glucuronide (6).

Componentes químicos del aceite esencial de Ocotea paranaensis (Lauraceae) y sus propiedades antioxidantes, anticancer y antimicrobianas / Chemical constituents of Ocotea paranaensis (Lauraceae) essential oil and their antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial properties

La composición química del aceite esencial obtenido de las ramas de Ocotea paranaensis se estudió por cromatografía de gases/espectrometría de masas (CG/MS). Se identificaron veintisiete compuestos, que comprenden el 94,82% de los componentes totales. El aceite se caracterizó por una concentración relativamente alta de sesquiterpenos (62,96%), sesquiterpenos oxigenados (33,33%) y diterpeno (3,70%). En cuanto a los compuestos principales, se destacaron Z-nerolidol (19,16%), germacreno D (12,92%) y α-bulnesene (8,47%), que correspondieron al 40,55% de las sustancias encontradas. El aceite esencial analizado de Ocotea paranaensis tiene una buena acción reductora de fosfomolibdeno y es moderadamente tóxico para la Artemia salina (LC50 = 147,91 µg/mL). Mostró potencial hemolítico y actividad moderada contra Staphylococcus aureus (concentración inhibitoria mínima MIC = 250 µg/mL) y Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 500 µg/mL). No se observaron resultados satisfactorios de citotoxicidad en el linaje H460 y HeLa.

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the branches of Ocotea paranaensis was studied by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty-seven compounds, comprising 94.82% of the total components, were identified. The oil showed relatively high concentration of sesquiterpenes (62.96%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (33.33%), and diterpene (3.70%). Regarding the major compounds, Z-nerolidol (19.16%), germacrene D (12.92%) and α-bulnesene (8.47%) could be highlighted, which corresponded to 40.55% of the substances that were found. The essential oil from Ocotea paranaensis has phosphomolybdenum reducing action and is moderately toxic to the Artemia salina (LC50 = 147.91 µg/mL). It showed haemolytic potential and moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus, (minimum inhibitory concentration MIC = 250 µg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 500 µg/mL). No satisfactory cytotoxicity results were observed in lineage H460 and HeLa.

Ocotea pulchellaas an alternative against schistosomiasis: chemical analysis, development of nanoemulsion and biological control activity / Ocotea pulchellacomo una alternativa ante esquistosomiasis: análisis químico, desarrollo de una nanoemulsión y actividad en control biológico

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of the essential oil (EO) from Ocotea pulchella leaves as an alternative in the control of schistosomiasis. It was tested O. pulchella EO nanoformulation to assess its activity against adult Biomphalaria glabrata, their spawning and Schistossoma mansoni cercariae. Additionally, the EO chemical composition was investigated by gas-chromatography. Nanoemulsion were elaborated by the low energy method. The adult mollusks, their spawning and cercariae were placed in contact with nanoemulsion to calculate lethal concentrations. Myristicin, bicyclogermacrene and α-Pinene were the main substances in the EO. Nanoemulsion caused mortality of adult B. glabrata, its egg embryos and S. mansoni. These results suggest the use of this nanoemulsion as an alternative in the control of the schistosomiasis cycle.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial de los aceites esenciales (AE) de las hojas de Ocotea pulchellacomo una alternativa en el control de esquistosomiasis. Se probó una nanoformulación de AE de O. pulchellapara evaluar su actividad ante adultos de Biomphalaria glabrata, sus huevos y cercarías de Schistossoma mansoni. La nanoemulsión fue elaborada por el método de baja energía. Los moluscos adultos, sus huevos y cercarías se colocaron en contacto con la nanoemulsión para calcular concentraciones letales. Los compuestos mayoritarios en el AE fueron miristicina, biciclogermacreno y α-pineno. La nanoemulsión causó mortalidad en adultos de B. glabrata, sus huevos y a S. mansoni. Los resultados sugieren el uso de esta nanoemulsión como una alternativa en el control del ciclo de esquistosomiasis.

Ocotea (Lauraceae) Amazonian essential oils chemical composition and their tyrosinase inhibition to use in cosmetics / Ocotea (Lauraceae) composición química de aceites esenciales amazónicos y su inhibición de la tirosinasa para usar en cosméticos

This study presents analyses on the chemistry, biology, pharmacology and chromatography of essential oils extracted from three species of the Ocotea genus: O. minor, O. ceanothifolia and O. leucoxylon. Leaves and stems, as well as the bark of O. minor, were processed using a modified Clevenger apparatus. Seven essential oils were obtained and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS, and their chemical compositions were determined. Assays of cytotoxicity, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, as well as tyrosinase and elastase inhibition were performed. In total, 25 constituents were identified, the principal being sesquiterpenes, such as spathulenol caryophyllene and its oxide. The oils did not present cytotoxicity using a hemolytic model, but also did not show antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay. Essential oil from stems of O. ceanothifolia, rich in spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide, demonstrated the capacity to inhibit 49.08% of tyrosinase activity at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. This research contributes to the chemical profile analysis of the three species of Ocoteathrough chemical investigations and biological activity, which are reported for the first time here in this study.

Este trabajo realiza un estudio químico, biológico, farmacológico y cromatográfico de aceites esenciales extraídos de tres especies del género Ocotea: O. minor, O. ceanothifoliay O. leucoxylon. Las hojas y tallos, así como la corteza de O. minor, se procesaron utilizando un aparato Clevenger modificado. Se obtuvieron siete aceites esenciales y se analizaron usando GC-FID y GC-MS, y se determinaron sus composiciones químicas. Se realizaron ensayos de citotoxicidad, actividad antioxidante y de atrapamiento de radicales libres, así como inhibición de tirosinasa y elastasa. En total, se identificaron 25 componentes, siendo los principales sesquiterpenos, como el spathulenol cariofileno y su óxido. Los aceites no presentaron citotoxicidad en un modelo hemolítico y tampoco mostraron actividad antioxidante en el ensayo con DPPH. El aceite esencial de tallos de O. ceanothifolia, rico en espatulenol y óxido de cariofileno, mostró capacidad para inhibir el 49.08% de la actividad de tirosinasa a una concentración de 100 µg/mL. Esta investigación contribuye al análisis del perfil químico de las tres especies de Ocotea a través de investigaciones químicas y actividad biológica la cual se informan por primera vez.

Ocotea porosa: Anatomy and Histochemistry of Leaves and Stems, Chemical Composition, Cytotoxicity and Insecticidal Activities of Essential Oil

Abstract Ocotea porosa (Nees & Mart.) Barroso, commonly known as "imbuia", "canela-imbuia" or "imbuia-amarela" in Brazil, is a tree of the Southern Atlantic Forest. The present study investigates the anatomy of leaf and stem, volatile oil chemistry, as well as cytotoxicity and insecticidal activities of the essential oil of O. porosa. Species identification was achieved by anatomy features, mainly due to paracytic and anomocytic stomata; non-glandular trichomes; biconvex midrib and petiole with a collateral open arc vascular bundle; presence of a sclerenchymatous layer, starch grains and crystal sand in the stem; and the presence of phenolic compounds in the epidermis, phloem and xylem of the midrib, petiole and stem. The main volatile components of the essential oil were α-pinene (19.71%), β-pinene (13.86%) and bicyclogermacrene (24.62%). Cytotoxicity against human cancer cell (MCF-7), mouse cancer cell (B16F10) and mouse non-tumoral cell (McCoy) was observed as well as insecticidal activity of the essential oil against susceptible 'Ft. Dix' bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) by topical application.

Chemical composition and acaricidal activity of Ocotea notata (Lauraceae), an endemic species from Brazil, against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus / Composición química y actividad acaricida de Ocotea notata (Lauraceae), una especie endémica de Brasil, contra la garrapata del ganado Rhipicephalus microplus

Rhipicephalus microplus, is one parasites that cause severe productivity losses in the cattle industry of Brazil and shows increasing resistance to conventional pesticides. This research aims to study the chemical composition, and acaricidal activity of the essential oil from Ocotea notata leaves, a brazilian endemic species, against R. microplus. The effect on R. microplus engorged adult females was evaluated using the immersion test. The oil reduced the survival by 90% after incubation for 15 days and there was 100% reduction for posture inhibition and reproductive capacity. These results suggest that the O. notata essential oil has activity on the R. microplus.

Rhipicephalus microplus, es un parásito que causa graves pérdidas de productividad en la industria ganadera de Brasil y muestra una creciente resistencia a los pesticidas convencionales. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar la composición química y la actividad acaricida del aceite esencial de las hojas de Ocotea notata, una especie endémica brasileña, contra R. microplus. El efecto sobre las hembras adultas engordadas de R. microplus se evaluó mediante la prueba de inmersión. El aceite redujo la supervivencia en 90% después de la incubación durante 15 días y hubo una reducción del 100% para la inhibición de la postura y la capacidad reproductiva. Estos resultados sugieren que el aceite esencial de O. notata tiene actividad contra R. microplus.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities and bioguided fractionation of the Ocotea percoriacea extracts: HPLC-DAD-MS/MS characterization and molecular modeling of their alkaloids in the active fraction.

In vitro acetylcholinesterase activities of the hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous extracts of leaves of Ocotea percoriacea Kosterm. (Lauraceae) were evaluated. The bioguided fractionation of the most active extract (dichloromethane) using silica gel open-column chromatography led to an active alkaloidal fraction composed of isocorydine N-oxide, isocorydine N-oxide derivative, palmatine, roemerine and roemerine N-Oxide. The identification of the chemical structure of these compounds was carried out with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization multiple-stage mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Aiming to understand their inhibitory activities, these alkaloids were docked into a 3D model of Electrophorus electricus Acetylcholinesterase (EelAChE) built in the Modeller 9.18 employing homology modeling approach. The results suggest that the alkaloids had the same binding mode and, possibly, the inhibition mechanism of classic drugs (ex. tacrine and donepezil). The structural difference of these compounds opens a new opportunity for the optimization of leading compounds.

Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, and Antioxidant Activity of Ocotea minarum (Nees & Mart.) Mez.

Ocotea minarum is a native plant from Brazil, popularly known as "canelinha" or "canela vassoura." The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of the extracts of the bark and the leaves of O. minarum and to evaluate its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tanins, were quantified with the reagents Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminium chloride, and vanillin. The chemical profile was performed by HPLC-DAD. The minimum inhibitory concentration was evaluated by the microdilution in a broth method. The antioxidant activity was measured by the capture of free radicals 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). In addition, protection against oxidative hemolysis and generation of malondialdehyde were evaluated in human erythrocytes. The composition of the extracts included the caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid, besides the flavonoids quercetin and luteolin. The EEL showed bacteriostatic action of 1000 µg/mL for all evaluated Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis, and the EHEB had a moderate antifungal action against Candida krusei and Cryptococcus gattii (250 µg/mL). IC50 values of 8.19 (EEL) and 4.51 µg/mL (EEB) in the assay with DPPH and 6.25 (EEL) and 2.87 µg/mL (EEB) in the assay with ABTS were obtained. Up to the 3rd hour of oxidative hemolysis testing induced by AAPH, the EEB and EEL had a protective action, reducing the malondialdehyde. In conclusion, the data indicate that the O. minarum extracts can be evaluated as bioactive supplies for the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress and microbial infections.

Larvicidal activity of Ocimum campechianum, Ocotea quixos and Piper aduncum essential oils against Aedes aegypti.

Aedes aegypti, the main arbovirus vector of the Yellow fever, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika viruses, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world. Preventive control efforts have been implemented worldwide aimed at reducing its impact on human health. The recent reduction of chemicals available for vector control due to their negative impact on the environment and human health and the increase in mosquito resistance to insecticides have driven the research community to identify and evaluate sustainable alternatives to synthetic insecticides. In this study, the potential larvicidal effect of essential oils extracted from Ocimum campechianum, Ocotea quixos and Piper aduncum were tested in vitro. GC and GC-MS analyses showed that the main compounds were eugenol (18%), 1,8-cineole (39%) and dillapiole (48%), respectively. Susceptibility to essential oils was measured according to the WHO protocol. After 24 h, the mean percentage mortality ranged from 2.7 to 100% for P. aduncum, from 2.2 to 100% for O. campechianum, and from 2.9 to 100% for O. quixos. The highest potential was displayed by P. aduncum, followed by O. campechianum and O. quixos, with LC50 values of 25.7, 69.3 and 75.5 ppm, respectively. The rapid and effective larvicidal activity of these three oils led us to consider these results to be promising, also considering the possibility of local cultivation of these plants in tropical and subtropical areas and the simple technology for their large-scale preparation and production. Further studies are needed to evaluate the individual components and their activity as larvicides.

Tetrahydrobenzofuran-6(2 H)-one Neolignans from Ocotea heterochroma: Their Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) Antagonistic Activity and in Silico Insights into the PAF Receptor Binding Mode.

Three new tetrahydrobenzofuran-6(2 H)-one-type neolignans, heterochromins A-C (1-3), along with a bicyclo[3.2.1]octane neolignan, cinerin C (4), were isolated from an ethanol extract from the leaves of Ocotea heterochroma, a native plant growing in the Colombo-Ecuadorian region of the Andes. The chemical structures of 1-3 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonistic activity was tested in vitro for these compounds. Additionally, their binding mode to the PAF receptor was studied by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations in order to rationalize such activity. Heterochromin A (1) was found to be a potent PAF antagonist with a favorable molecular profile for interacting with the PAF receptor binding site.