Water soluble microparticles of Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) as a potential herbal medicine.

Although traditional use of elderberry flowers is recognized by Medical Agencies, there are not suitable products on the Brazilian market. To overcome poor stability of tinctures of Sambucus nigra flowers, we aimed to develop spray dried microparticles. Statistical experimental design was applied taking inlet temperature and maltodextrin% at five different levels. Next, we applied a stability study for 60 days under accelerated conditions (40 °C/75% RH) and 180 days at room temperature (15-30 °C). We monitored flavonoid content as markers. The best drying condition was 188 °C and 65% of carrier and enabled microparticles with more than 90% of markers recovery. After 180 days, the dried extract remained with 90.8% at room temperature. The markers were released from microparticles in two minutes. In conclusion, the spray drying process and formulation enabled elderberry flowers to be easier to apply in solid pharmaceutical forms.

Storage stability of anthocyanins in freeze-dried elderberry pulp using low proportions of encapsulating agents.

Berry fruits are well recognized for health-promoting constituents due to their properties of free radical scavengers which confer antioxidant activity against cellular oxidation reactions. Elderberry fruit contains one of the highest levels of anthocyanins. The objective of this work was to evaluate the storage stability of total monomeric anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside (one of two major anthocyanins in elderberry), and color parameters in freeze-dried elderberry encapsulated with a low proportion of different carriers (Maltodextrin, Capsul™, Promitor ™, and κ-carrageenan). Encapsulated samples were stored at two different water activities (aw) 0.10-0.20 and 0.43 at 38 ℃ for 90 days and evaluated for the content of monomeric anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside, color parameters, and physical characteristics. Freeze-dried powders remained free-flowing during storage at 38 ℃ with aw 0.12-0.20, but agglomeration occurred at aw = 0.43. Total anthocyanins and color parameter a* (redness) remained unchanged during storage at the lower aw. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) were determined and mostly correlated with observed physical phenomena. The powders had a very high total monomeric anthocyanin contents as high as 13 mg/g (cyanidin-3-glucoside). The addition of encapsulants in low proportions allowed the researchers to obtain elderberry powders with a very high concentration of total monomeric anthocyanins. aw plays a key role in all stability parameters studied.

Multiplicação do sabugueiro por estaquia de acordo com o tipo de estaca e concentração de ácido indolbutírico / Multiplication of the sabugueiro by stacking according to the type of cutting and concentration of indolbutyric acid

O objetivo foi avaliar a multiplicação do sabugueiro (Sambucus australis) de acordo com o tipo de estaca e concentração de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) pela técnica de estaquia. O trabalho foi realizado na Unidade de Ensino e Pesquisa Horta de Plantas medicinais, da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná – Campus Dois Vizinhos (PR). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 5 (tipo de estaca x concentração de AIB), com 4 repetições de 10 estacas por unidade experimental. Os ramos foram preparados em estacas de 8 cm, mantendo-se um par de folhas reduzido a 25% do tamanho original. As estacas foram preparadas de dois tipos de ramos (Herbácea e Semi-lenhosa). Posteriormente a base das estacas foram tratadas com solução de AIB, nas concentrações 0, 500, 1000, 1500 e 2000 mg L-1, durante 10 segundos e colocadas em tubetes redondos contendo substrato comercial. Aos 60 dias da implantação do experimento foram avaliados o enraizamento das estacas, número médio de raízes por estaca, comprimento médio de raiz, número médio de brotações por estaca, comprimento médio das brotações, massa de matéria fresca da parte aérea e radicular e massa de matéria seca da parte aérea e radicular. Das estacas enraizadas, foram escolhidas 5 aleatoriamente de cada tratamento, sendo replantadas em tubetes para avaliar a sobrevivência 30 dias após a avaliação. Para a multiplicação do sabugueiro (Sambucus australis) pela técnica de estaquia não é recomendada a aplicação exógena de AIB, de maneira que as estacas podem ser confeccionadas de material herbáceo e semi-lenhoso.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the multiplication of elderberry (Sambucus australis) according to the cutting type and indolbutyric acid concentration (IBA) by cutting technique. The work was carried out at the Horta Teaching and Research Unit of Medicinal Plants, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná - Campus Dois Vizinhos (PR). The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme (stake type x IBA concentration), with 4 replicates of 10 cuttings per experimental unit. The branches were prepared on 8 cm cuttings, keeping a pair of leaves reduced to 25% of the original size. The cuttings were prepared from two types of branches (Herbaceous and Semi-woody). Subsequently the base of the cuttings were treated with IBA solution at the concentrations 0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg L-1, for 10 seconds and placed in round tubes containing commercial substrate. Sixty days after the implantation of the experiment were evaluated the rooting of the cuttings, average number of roots per cutting, average length of root, average number of shoots per shoot, average shoot length, fresh shoot and root mass and dry matter of shoot and root. From the rooted cuttings, 5 were chosen randomly from each treatment and were replanted in tubes to evaluate the survival 30 days after the evaluation. For the multiplication of the elderberry (Sambucus australis) by the cutting technique, the exogenous application of IBA is not recommended, so that the cuttings can be made of herbaceous and semi-woody material.

Multiplicação do sabugueiro por estaquia de acordo com o tipo de estaca e concentração de ácido indolbutírico / Multiplication of the sabugueiro by stacking according to the type of cutting and concentration of indolbutyric acid

O objetivo foi avaliar a multiplicação do sabugueiro (Sambucus australis) de acordo com o tipo de estaca e concentração de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) pela técnica de estaquia. O trabalho foi realizado na Unidade de Ensino e Pesquisa Horta de Plantas medicinais, da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná Campus Dois Vizinhos (PR). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 5 (tipo de estaca x concentração de AIB), com 4 repetições de 10 estacas por unidade experimental. Os ramos foram preparados em estacas de 8 cm, mantendo-se um par de folhas reduzido a 25% do tamanho original. As estacas foram preparadas de dois tipos de ramos (Herbácea e Semi-lenhosa). Posteriormente a base das estacas foram tratadas com solução de AIB, nas concentrações 0, 500, 1000, 1500 e 2000 mg L-1, durante 10 segundos e colocadas em tubetes redondos contendo substrato comercial. Aos 60 dias da implantação do experimento foram avaliados o enraizamento das estacas, número médio de raízes por estaca, comprimento médio de raiz, número médio de brotações por estaca, comprimento médio das brotações, massa de matéria fresca da parte aérea e radicular e massa de matéria seca da parte aérea e radicular. Das estacas enraizadas, foram escolhidas 5 aleatoriamente de cada tratamento, sendo replantadas em tubetes para avaliar a sobrevivência 30 dias após a avaliação. Para a multiplicação do sabugueiro (Sambucus australis) pela técnica de estaquia não é recomendada a aplicação exógena de AIB, de maneira que as estacas podem ser confeccionadas de material herbáceo e semi-lenhoso.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the multiplication of elderberry (Sambucus australis) according to the cutting type and indolbutyric acid concentration (IBA) by cutting technique. The work was carried out at the Horta Teaching and Research Unit of Medicinal Plants, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná - Campus Dois Vizinhos (PR). The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme (stake type x IBA concentration), with 4 replicates of 10 cuttings per experimental unit. The branches were prepared on 8 cm cuttings, keeping a pair of leaves reduced to 25% of the original size. The cuttings were prepared from two types of branches (Herbaceous and Semi-woody). Subsequently the base of the cuttings were treated with IBA solution at the concentrations 0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg L-1, for 10 seconds and placed in round tubes containing commercial substrate. Sixty days after the implantation of the experiment were evaluated the rooting of the cuttings, average number of roots per cutting, average length of root, average number of shoots per shoot, average shoot length, fresh shoot and root mass and dry matter of shoot and root. From the rooted cuttings, 5 were chosen randomly from each treatment and were replanted in tubes to evaluate the survival 30 days after the evaluation. For the multiplication of the elderberry (Sambucus australis) by the cutting technique, the exogenous application of IBA is not recommended, so that the cuttings can be made of herbaceous and semi-woody material.(AU)

Sambucus australis Modulates Inflammatory Response via Inhibition of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB) in vitro.

Medicinal plants have long been used as an alternative to traditional drugs for the treatment of inflammatory conditions due to the classical side effects and restricted access of various commercially available drugs, such as steroids (GCs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Sambucus australis is a Brazilian herb that is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases; however, few studies have examined the use of this species in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory activity of S. australis in vitro. We established spleen cell cultures stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) to evaluate the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, IFN-y, and IL-10 (by ELISA), and the expression of the transcription factor NF-kB (by RT-PCR). In addition, we evaluated the levels of nitric oxide in macrophage cultures and the membrane-stabilizing activity of S. australis methanolic extract (EMSA). Treatment with EMSA at concentrations of 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 µg/ml significantly decreased IL-4 (p<0.001) and IL-5 (p<0.001) levels. Treatment with 100 µg/ml EMSA reduced IFN-у (p<0.001) levels. Moreover, at 100 mg/ml, EMSA also increased IL-10 production and reduced NF-kB expression (p<0.01). In macrophage cultures stimulated with LPS, EMSA decreased nitric oxide levels (p<0.001) at all concentrations tested (100, 50, 25 and 12.5 µg/ml). Additionally, EMSA had a protective effect in the erythrocyte membrane stabilization assay. Taken together, these results suggest that S. australis has anti-inflammatory potential in vitro, characterized by the reduction of both inflammatory cytokines and the expression of NF-kB along with the up-regulation of IL-10.

Assessment of the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity and phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. (ADOXACEAE).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. aqueous extracts on the cell cycle of Allium cepa L. as well as determine the phenolic compounds in such extracts. S. australis inflorescences and leaves of two accessions were used for aqueous extract preparation at concentrations: 0.003 g/ml and 0.012 g/ml. A. cepa bulbs were rooted in distilled water and, subsequently, placed in treatments for 24 hours. Rootlets were collected and fixed in modified Carnoy's solution for 24 hours and kept. The squash technique was performed for slide preparation. Root tips were smashed and stained with 2% acetic orcein, and a total of 4000 cells per treatment were analyzed. The phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and data was analyzed using the Scott-Knott test. The results show that S. australis aqueous extracts have antiproliferative potential. Besides, the extracts prepared from S. australis leaves of both accessions at a concentration of 0.012 g/ml have shown antigenotoxic activity. The phytochemical analysis allowed us to determine the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, of which kaempferol and chrologenic acid were the most predominant compounds in the extracts from the inflorescences and leaves, respectively.

Potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Sambucus australis.

CONTEXT: Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. (Adoxaceae) is used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat inflammatory disorders. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of S. australis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extracts of the leaf and bark of S. australis (1-100 µg/mL) were studied in lipopolysaccharide/interferon γ stimulated murine macrophages RAW 264.7 cells (24 h incubation) by investigating the release of nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and in the TNF-α-induced nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) assay. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the microdilution test (24 h incubation). Antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the NO scavenging assays. Chemical composition was assessed by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: Antioxidant activities in the DPPH (IC50 43.5 and 66.2 µg/mL), FRAP (IC50 312.6 and 568.3 µg/mL) and NO radical scavenging assays (IC50 285.0 and 972.6 µg/mL) were observed in the leaf and bark ethanol extracts, respectively. Solely the leaf extract showed significant inhibition of NO and TNF-α production in RAW264.7 cells at concentrations of 2 and 100 µg/mL, respectively, and suppression of TNF-α inhibition of NF-κB by 12.8 and 20.4% at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. The extract also exhibited antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium (MIC 250 µg/mL) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC 250 µg/mL). LC-MS/MS revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid and rutin as major compounds. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the ethanol leaf extract of S. australis exhibit prominent anti-inflammatory effects.

Assessment of the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity and phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. (ADOXACEAE)

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. aqueous extracts on the cell cycle of Allium cepa L. as well as determine the phenolic compounds in such extracts. S. australis inflorescences and leaves of two accessions were used for aqueous extract preparation at concentrations: 0.003 g/ml and 0.012 g/ml. A. cepa bulbs were rooted in distilled water and, subsequently, placed in treatments for 24 hours. Rootlets were collected and fixed in modified Carnoy's solution for 24 hours and kept. The squash technique was performed for slide preparation. Root tips were smashed and stained with 2% acetic orcein, and a total of 4000 cells per treatment were analyzed. The phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and data was analyzed using the Scott-Knott test. The results show that S. australis aqueous extracts have antiproliferative potential. Besides, the extracts prepared from S. australis leaves of both accessions at a concentration of 0.012 g/ml have shown antigenotoxic activity. The phytochemical analysis allowed us to determine the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, of which kaempferol and chrologenic acid were the most predominant compounds in the extracts from the inflorescences and leaves, respectively.

Morphoanatomical characterization and chemical study of the internal portion of the stem bark of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl / Caracterização morfoanatômica e estudo químico da porção interna da casca do caule de Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl.

ABSTRACT The internal part of the stem bark of this species is used to produce a homemade ointment in some regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The purpose of this study is to characterize the morphoanatomy and identify the compounds present in the internal part of the stem bark of S. australis through chemical and histochemical methods. In addition, the best extraction conditions for the sample were determined. It was possible to quantify the rutin and total phenolic compounds, as well as define the Soxhlet method with an 80% hydroethanolic solution as the best method for extracting these compounds from the bark of the species. The portion of the stem bark that is popularly used could also be determined. Based on the results, new studies will be performed in order to identify other characteristics of the species and the possible reasons that sustain its traditional use.

RESUMO Sambucus australis Cham. & Schtdl. (Adoxaceae) é uma espécie arbórea nativa do sul do Brazil, conhecida como “sabugueiro”. A parte interna da casca do caule dessa espécie é utilizada na produção de uma pomada caseira em algumas regiões do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O objetivo desse estudo é caracterizar a morfoanatomia e identificar compostos presentes na parte interna da casca do caule de S. australis por métodos químicos e histoquímicos. Ademais, realizou-se avaliações para determinar as melhores condições extrativas para a amostra. Foi possível quantificar rutina e compostos fenólicos totais, além de determinar o método Soxhlet com solvente hidroetanólico 80% como o melhor método para extrair esses compostos da casca da espécie. Ainda foi possível determinar a porção da casca do caule utilizada popularmente. Com base nos resultados, novas investigações serão realizadas a fim de determinar mais características da espécie e as possíveis razões que corroboram o uso tradicional.

Uso tradicional del saúco (Sambucus mexicana) como planta medicinal en el caserío La Libertad, aldea Salquil Grande, municipio de Nebaj, departamento de Quiché / Uso tradicional del saúco (Sambucus mexicana) como planta medicinal en el caserío La Libertad, aldea Salquil Grande, municipio de Nebaj, departamento de Quiché

En Guatemala, existe una gran variedad de recursos naturales, entre ellos prevalece la flora, con una diversidad de especies útiles e importantes para las necesidades básicas y salud de las personas. La población posee grandes conocimientos sobre la producción de plantas para su consumo alimenticio y para usos medicinales, especialmente la etnia de origen Maya, ha adquirido variedad de experiencias de sus ancestros en el uso tradicional de plantas medicinales para tratar y curar enfermedades que afectan la salud humana. Han obtenido como herencia cultural el uso tradicional del saúco (Sambucus mexicana) como planta medicinal que ha brindado beneficios a la salud. Los efectos de la globalización, especialmente el crecimiento de los fármacos ha provocado las pérdida de conocimientos sobre el uso de las plantas medicinales, dichas experiencias se han reducido en pocas personas. En la actualidad, la producción de medicamentos se ha incrementado, y debido a su alto costo, no todas las personas tienen acceso a ellos. La mayoría de personas del área rural del municipio de Santa María Nebaj, especialmente en el caserío La Libertad, aldea Salquil Grande, son de escasos recursos económicos, han dependido en su mayor parte del cultivo de maíz, frijol y de otras actividades de campo, no tienen la suficiente capacidad económica para sufragar gastos en medicina, lo que hace que acudan a las plantas medicinales para tratar sus enfermedades. El estudio que se realizó sobre el uso tradicional del saúco (Sambucus mexicana) en el caserío La Libertad, aldea Salquil Grande, se centró en generar información básica sobre los beneficios y consecuencias que dicha planta medicinal, así también preservar los conocimientos sobre el cultivo y uso de la planta, que servirá a las generaciones actuales y futuras. Este estudio está integrado por cuatro capítulo I, la primera describe planteamiento del problema de investigación, justificación, el objetivo de la investigación. En el capítulo II, desarrollo del marco teórico se sustenta el estudio de investigación. Descripción del medio ambiente, las plantas medicinales, su historia y sus usos. Así mismo se desarrolla en mayor parte la teoría sobre el saúco (Sambucus mexicana) como planta medicinal estudiada, su descripción botánica, las formas de obtención y hábitat de la misma, sus propiedades medicinales y los usos que se hacen de ella, así como las formas de preparación y empleo para el tratamiento de enfermedades comunes, resaltando los principales beneficios de dicha planta para la salud humana. El capítulo III, presenta la metodología para el desarrollo y éxito del estudio descriptivo, describe la delimitación geográfica de la investigación, las limitaciones posibles, población y muestra, los instrumentos de investigación utilizados para el logro de dicho estudio, exponiendo el plan de análisis de los resultados. El capítulo IV, expone el análisis e interpretación de los datos o resultados del estudio obtenido a través de los instrumentos de investigación de campo, esta interpretación de datos se expone por cada pregunta de investigación y los resultados se reflejan por medio de gráficas y cuadros cuantitativos. De los resultados se presenta la discusión de la información recabada, finalizando con la exposición de conclusiones y recomendaciones sobre el estudio. Así mismo se propone una guía didáctica para docentes del nivel primario, sobre el uso tradicional del saúco (Sambucus mexicana) como planta medicinal para la salud, dicha guía es un aporte que se realizó como resultado de la investigación y servirá para divulgar el conocimiento de la medicina a las generaciones presentes y futuras. El estudio expone la incidencia positiva del saúco (Sambucus mexicana) en la salud de personas en el caserío La Libertad, aldea Salquil Grande, describiendo los grandes beneficios que se obtiene de uso tradicional.

Ursolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene from Sambucus australis, prevents abdominal adiposity in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Currently, there is renewed interest in plant-based medicines and functional foods for the prevention and cure of obesity and its associated risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. In the search for potential anti-obesity compounds from natural sources, the effects of ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid widely found in medicinal herbs and fruits, was evaluated for its effects on blood glucose, lipids, and abdominal fat deposition in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Adult male Swiss mice treated or not with UA (0.05%, 50 mg/L, in drinking water) were fed HFD for 15 weeks. A sibutramine (SIB)-treated group (0.05% in drinking water) was included as the positive control. Weekly body weights and food and water consumption were measured, and at the end of the study period, the levels of blood glucose and lipids, the plasma hormones insulin, ghrelin, and leptin, and the abdominal fat accumulation were analyzed. Mice treated with UA and fed HFD showed significantly (P<.05) decreased body weights, visceral adiposity, and levels of blood glucose and plasma lipids relative to their respective controls not fed UA. Also, a significant increase was observed in plasma leptin with a decrease in ghrelin, as well as of amylase and lipase activities. The SIB-treated group also manifested effects similar to those of UA except for the blood glucose level, which was not different from the HFD control. These findings suggest that UA ameliorates abdominal adiposity and decreases the levels of blood glucose and plasma lipids in mice and thus manifests an anti-obesity potential through absorptive and metabolic targets.

Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation.

BACKGROUND: A phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum L., Foeniculum vulgare Miller, Sambucus nigra L., and Cassia augustifolia is largely used in Brazil for the treatment of constipation. However, the laxative efficacy of the compound has never been tested in a randomized clinical trial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the product. METHODS: This randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, single-blinded trial included 20 patients presenting with chronic constipation according to the criteria of the American Association of Gastroenterology. The order of treatments was counterbalanced across subjects: half of the subjects received the phytotherapic compound for a 5-day period, whereas the other half received placebo for the same period. Both treatment periods were separated by a 9-day washout period followed by the reverse treatment for another 5-day period. The primary endpoint was colonic transit time (CTT), measured radiologically. Secondary endpoints included number of evacuations per day, perception of bowel function, adverse effects, and quality of life. RESULTS: Mean CTT assessed by X ray was 15.7 hours (95%CI 11.1-20.2) in the active treatment period and 42.3 hours (95%CI 33.5-51.1) during the placebo treatment (p < 0.001). Number of evacuations per day increased during the use of active tea; significant differences were observed as of the second day of treatment (p < 0.001). Patient perception of bowel function was improved (p < 0.01), but quality of life did not show significant differences among the study periods. Except for a small reduction in serum potassium levels during the active treatment, no significant differences were observed in terms of adverse effects throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this randomized controlled trial allow to conclude that the phytotherapic compound assessed has laxative efficacy and is a safe alternative option for the treatment of constipation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT00872430.

Oleanolic acid, a natural triterpenoid improves blood glucose tolerance in normal mice and ameliorates visceral obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Excess visceral adiposity may predispose to chronic diseases like hypertension and type 2 diabetes with a high risk for coronary artery disease. Adipose tissue secreted cytokines and oxidative stress play an important role in chronic disease progression. To combat adiposity, plant-derived triterpenes are currently receiving much attention as they possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. In the search for potential antiobese compounds from natural sources, this study evaluated the effects of oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpene commonly present in fruits and vegetables, in glucose tolerance test and on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Adult male Swiss mice treated or not with OA (10 mg/kg) were fed a HFD during 15 weeks. Sibutramine (SIB) treated group (10 mg/kg) was included for comparison. Weekly body weights, food and water consumption were measured, and at the end of study period, the levels of blood glucose and lipids, plasma hormone levels of insulin, ghrelin and leptin, and the visceral abdominal fat content were analysed. Mice treated with OA and fed a HFD showed significantly (p<0.05) improved glucose tolerance, decreased body weights, visceral adiposity, blood glucose, plasma lipids relative to their respective controls fed no OA. Additionally, OA treatment, while significantly elevating the plasma hormone level of leptin, decreased the level of ghrelin. However, it caused a greater decrease in plasma amylase activity than lipase. Sibutramine-treated group also manifested similar effects like OA except for blood glucose level that was not different from HFD control. These findings suggest that OA ameliorates visceral adiposity and improves glucose tolerance in mice and thus has an antiobese potential through modulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

Comparative analysis of Sambucus nigra and Sambucus australis flowers: development and validation of an HPLC method for raw material quantification and preliminary stability study.

This work was designed to develop a simple, effective, and reliable LC system to identify a chemical marker and compare Sambucus nigra L. and Sambucus australis Cham. et Schltdl. flower extracts (American and European elder). Rutin was the main constituent of both species. The developed method showed a linear response in the range of 10 to 45 microg x mL(-1) for rutin and 1.75 to 3.25 microg x mL(-1) for samples of the Sambucus species. Precision was determined and the relative standard deviations were 1.75 % for HSN and 1.28 % for HSA for intraday precision and 1.28 % and 1.51 % for inter-day precision, respectively, while accuracy was 97.9 % for HSN and 99.41 % for HSA. Quantification and detection limits as well as robustness were determined, presenting adequate results. The LC method showed an adequate performance for the separation of flavonoid glycosides in S. nigra and S. australis extracts, since the presence of interference had been previously evaluated. The analysis of thirty different samples of S. NIGRA and S. australis of different origins did not show significant variability among them. An accelerated stability study revealed a significant decrease in the first 30 days reaching 57 % in 90 days for S. australis samples and a total decrease of 25 % in 90 days for S. nigra samples, considering rutin as the chemical marker. These results will contribute to quality control analysis routines of these raw materials in pharmaceutical production facilities.

Kinetics of high-level of ß-glucosidase production by a 2-deoxyglucose-resistant mutant of Humicola lanuginosa in submerged fermentation / Cinética de produção de ß-glucosidase por um mutante de Hemicola lanuginosa resistente a 2-deoxiglucose em fermentação submersa

A 2-deoxyglucose-resistant mutant (M7) of Humicola lanuginosa was obtained by exposing conidia to γ-rays and permitting expression in broth containing 0.6 percent 2-deoxyglucose (DG) and cellobiose (1 percent) before plating on DG esculin-ferric ammonium citrate agar medium from which colonies showing faster and bigger blackening zones were selected. Kinetic parameters for enhanced ß-glucosidase (BGL) synthesis by M7 were achieved when corncobs acted as the carbon source. The combination between corncobs and corn steep liquor was the best to support higher values of all product formation kinetic parameters. Effect of temperature on the kinetic and thermodynamic attributes of BGL production equilibrium in the wild organismand M7was studied using batch process at eight different temperatures in shake-flask studies. The best performance was found at 45ºC and 20 g L-1 corncobs in 64 h. Both growth and product formation (17.93 U mL-1) were remarkably high at 45ºC and both were coupled under optimum working conditions. Product yield of BGL from the mutant M7 (1556.5 U g-1 dry corncobs) was significantly higher than the values reported on all fungal and bacterial systems. Mutation had thermo-stabilization influence on the organism and mutant required lower activation energy for growth and lower magnitudes of enthalpy and entropy for product formation than those demanded by the wild organism, other mesophilic and thermo-tolerant organisms. In the inactivation phase, the organisms needed lower values of activation energy, enthalpy and entropy for product formation equilibrium, confirming thermophilic nature of metabolic network possessed by the mutant organism.

Um mutante de Hemicola lanuginosa resistente a 2-deoxiglucose(M7) foi obtido através de exposição de conídios a raios γ, permitindo a expressão em caldo contendo 0,6 por cento de 2-deoxiglucose (DG) e celobiose (1 por cento) antes da semeadura em ágar DG esculina citrato de ferro amoniacal, da qual foram selecionadas as colônias com halo negro. Os parâmetros cinéticos para produção aumentada de ß-glucosidase (BGL) foram obtidos empregando-se sabugo de milho como fonte de carbono. A combinação de espiga de milho com água de maceração de milho foi a que forneceu os valores mais altos nos parâmetros cinéticos de formação de todos os produtos. O efeito da temperatura na cinética e atributos termodinâmicos da produção de BGL pelas cepas selvagem e M7 foi avaliado empregando-se processo de batelada em oito temperaturas diferentes in frascos em agitação. O melhor desempenho foi observado a 45ºC e 20g.l-1 de espiga de milho em 64h. Tanto a multiplicação quanto a formação do produto foram muito altas a 45ºC e ambas estavam ligadas em condições ótimas de trabalho. O rendimento de BGL produzido pelo mutante M7 (1556 U.g-1 de espiga seca) foi significativamente superior aos valores reportados para todos os sistemas fúngicos e bacterianos. A mutação influenciou a termoestabilização no microrganismo, sendo que o mutante necessitou de energia de ativação mais baixa para multiplicação e valores mais baixos de entalpia e entropia para a formação do produto quando comparado à cepa selvagem e a outros microrganismos mesofilicos e termotolerantes. Na fase de inativação, os microrganismos necessitaram valores mais baixos de energia de ativação, entalpia e entropia para o equilíbrio da formação de produto, confirmando a natureza termofílica da máquina metabólica do mutante.

An evaluation of the effects of soil characteristics on mitigation and restoration involving blue elderberry, Sambucus mexicana.

We conducted field surveys and laboratory analyses to test the effects of soil characteristics in habitat mitigation sites and natural sites on the growth and condition of blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), which is the sole host plant for the federally threatened Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus). Thirty mitigation and 16 natural sites were selected throughout the range of the beetle. We found that although plant relative growth rates were comparable between mitigation sites and a natural site, mitigation sites contained substantially less soil nutrients than mitigation sites. Within mitigation sites, elderberry health and growth were positively correlated with the amount of total nitrogen in soils and less strongly with other soil nutrients and soil moisture. Analyses demonstrated reductions in the relative growth rate of elderberry as mitigation sites aged, and that soil nutrients and soil moisture became depleted over time. For mitigation sites, it took approximately seven years to develop basal stem diameters that have been linked to successful beetle colonization. Mitigation sites have smaller shrubs than natural sites and growth slows as mitigation sites age, thus delaying convergence of conditions between natural and mitigation sites. Analyses of soil particle size and whether sites were within the 100-year floodplain (as an indicator of riparian conditions) were inconclusive. We recommend investigating fertilizing and optimum planting densities for elderberry at restoration and mitigation sites, as well as increasing the duration of irrigation and monitoring.

Caracterização farmacobotânica das espécies de Sambucus (Caprifoliaceae) utilizadas como medicinais no Brasil: Parte II. Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. / Pharmacobotany of Sambucus species (Caprifoliaceae), used in traditional medicine in Brazil: Part II. Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl

Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. (sabugueiro-do-rio-grande, Caprifoliaceae) é uma planta medicinal descrita apenas na primeira edição da Farmacopéia Brasileira. A espécie é nativa no Brasil, e suas flores são utilizadas na medicina popular, na forma de infusão ou decocção, como diuréticas, antipiréticas, antiinflamatórias, laxativo leve e no tratamento de doenças do aparelho respiratório. Visando elaborar uma monografia farmacopéica atualizada e comparativa com a de Sambucus nigra L., de origem européia, foram estabelecidos os caracteres botânicos macro e microscópicos, através da metodologia clássica utilizada em morfoanatomia vegetal. São características macroscópicas: flores morfologicamente monoclinas; corola de sete a dez milímetros de diâmetro; pétalas com cinco, raro quatro nervuras paralelas; estames curtos e longos; gineceu em regra com cinco lóculos. São características microscópicas: cutícula espessa e estriada; ausência de idioblastos de areia cristalina de oxalato de cálcio; estômatos anomocíticos; brácteas anfiestomáticas; sépalas hipoestomáticas; pétalas anfi-hipoestomáticas; células epidérmicas da face abaxial de sépalas e pétalas retilíneas a sinuosas; células epidérmicas do filete alongadas e de paredes retilíneas; tricomas tectores e glandulares de diferentes tipos; brácteas, sépalas e pétalas com mesofilo homogêneo; sistema vascular representado por feixes colaterais ou agrupamentos de elementos xilemáticos; presença de gotas lipídicas em todas as peças.

Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. (sabugueiro-do-rio-grande, Caprifoliaceae) is a medicinal plant described only in the first edition of Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. This species is native to Brazil, and its flowers are used in the folk medicine, with diuretic purpose, antipiretic, anti-inflammatory, mild laxative and to treat respiratory diseases, on infusions or decoctions forms. Aiming at elaborating an updated pharmacopoeical monograph and comparing it with the monograph of Sambucus nigra L., from Europe, it was established the macro and microscopic botanical characters, through the classic methodology used in plant morpho-anatomy. The macroscopic characters are: morphologic monoclin flowers; corolla with seven to ten millimeters of diameter; petals with five, rarely four parallel veins; shorter and longer stamens; ovary oftenly with five locules. The main microscopic characters are: thickned and striated cuticule; absense of idioblasts with calcium oxalate sandy cristals; anomocytic stomatas; amphystomatic bracts; hypostomatic sepals; amphi-hypostomatic petals; wavy and straight epidermal cells in the lower surface of sepals and petals; filaments epidermal cells with narrow and straight walls; glandular and non-glandular trichomes of different types; homogeneous mesophyll in bracts, sepals and petals; vascular system represented by both collateral bundles and xylematic elements; volatile and non volatile oil globules in all structures.

Efeito alelopático de capim limão e sabugueiro sobre agerminação de guanxuma / Allelopathic effect of lemongrass and sabugueiro on Cuban jute germination

A espécie invasora guanxuma (Sida rhombifolia L.) é comum em áreas de plantio direto e destaca-se nacompetição com a cultura agrícola por apresentar um sistema radicular bastante eficiente; para tanto, seucontrole depende comumente de aplicações químicas em larga escala. O presente estudo teve comoobjetivo avaliar o efeito alelopático do extrato aquoso quente das espécies medicinais capim limão(Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.) e sabugueiro (Sambucus australis Cham & Schltdl.) sobre a germinaçãoda espécie invasora guanxuma. O experimento foi realizado em duas etapas complementares: primeiramentevisou-se à quebra de dormência da espécie invasora e depois, verificou-se o efeito de capim limão esabugueiro sobre a germinação de guanxuma. O acondicionamento das sementes foi realizado em placasde Petri previamente autoclavadas por 20 minutos a 121°C, dispostas em Câmara de Germinação comfotoperíodo de 12 horas a 25°C. Diante das condições em que foi realizado o experimento, identificou-sepossível efeito alelopático na germinação de sementes de guanxuma quando expostas ao extrato aquosoquente das duas espécies medicinais.

The invasive species Cuban jute (Sida rhombifolia L.) is common in no-till areas. It is an important competitor of crops because of a quite effective root system. For this reason, Cuban jute control commonly is made on large-scale applications of chemicals. This study seeks to make a contribution to the control of Cuban jute via allelopathy using hot aqueous extracts of the medicinal species lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.) and sabugueiro (Sambucus australis Cham & Schltdl.). The experiment was carried out in two complementary steps: first we attempted to overcome dormancy of the invasive species, and then we investigated the effect of the medicinal species lemongrass and sabugueiro on Cuban jute germination. The seeds were placed in Petri dishes previously autoclaved for 20 minutes at 121°C and then taken to a germination chamber with a photoperiod of 12 hours at 25°C. A potential allelopathic, inhibitory effect was identified on Cuban jute seed germination when the weed was exposed to the hot aqueous extract of both medicinal species.