Efficacy of essential oil from ginger (Zingiber officinale) for anesthesia and transport sedation of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus).

This study evaluated the anesthetic and sedative effects of the essential oil of Zingiber officinale (EOZO) on juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Experiment 1 evaluated concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1 EOZO for times of induction and recovery from anesthesia. Furthermore, hematological responses and residual components of EOZO in plasma were determined immediately after anesthesia. Experiment 2 evaluated the effect of 0, 10, 20 and 30 mg L-1 EOZO on water quality, blood variables and residual components of EOZO in plasma and tissues (muscle and liver) immediately after 2 h of transport. Survival was 100%. The three main compounds of EOZO [zingiberene (32.27%), ß-sesquiphellandrene (18.42%) and ß-bisabolene (13.93%)] were observed in animal plasma and tissues (muscle and liver) after anesthesia and transport, demonstrating a direct linear effect among the evaluated concentrations. The concentration of 200 mg L-1 EOZO promoted surgical anesthesia of pacu and prevented an increase in monocyte and neutrophil levels, yet did not alter other hematological parameters. The use of 30 mg L-1 EOZO has a sedative effect on juvenile pacu, thereby reducing oxygen consumption during transport. Furthermore, the use of 30 mg L-1 EOZO in transport water prevented an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit, with minimal influences on other blood variables.

Lippia sidoides essential oil at concentration of 0.25% provided improvements in microbiota and intestine integrity of Danio rerio.

The study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with Lippia sidoides essential oil on the microbiota and intestinal morphology of Danio rerio. For this, 448 fish were randomly distributed in 28 tanks divided into a control group fed a commercial diet without supplementation, a group fed a commercial diet containing grain alcohol and five groups fed a commercial diet containing essential oil of L. sidoides (LSEO) at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.25%. After the period of dietary supplementation, biological materials were collected for microbiological and histological analyses. There were no significant differences regarding the microbiological count between the groups. Diversity of the microbiome was higher in 0.25% group than in control group. LSEO inhibited the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Fish fed LSEO0.25% showed greater intestinal histomorphometric indices. The inclusion of LSEO at 0.25% in the diet of D. rerio provided improvements in fish microbiota and intestine integrity.

O estudo avaliou os efeitos da suplementação dietária com óleo essencial de Lippia sidoides sobre a microbiota e a morfologia intestinal de Danio rerio. Para isso, 448 peixes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 28 tanques divididos em grupo controle alimentado com dieta comercial sem suplementação, grupo alimentado com dieta comercial contendo álcool de cereais e cinco grupos alimentados com dieta comercial contendo óleo essencial de L. sidoides (LSEO) em concentrações de 0,25%, 0,50%, 0,75%, 1,00% e 1,25%. Após o período de suplementação alimentar, foram coletadas amostras biológicas para análises microbiológicas e histológicas. Não houve diferenças significativas quanto à contagem microbiológica entre os grupos. A diversidade do microbioma foi maior no grupo de 0,25% do que no grupo controle. LSEO inibiu o crescimento de bactérias potencialmente patogênicas. Peixes alimentados com LSEO 0,25% apresentaram maiores índices histomorfométricos intestinais. A inclusão de LSEO a 0,25% na dieta de D. rerio proporcionou melhorias na microbiota e na integridade intestinal dos peixes.

Isolation and Identification of Pigment-Producing Endophytic Fungi from the Amazonian Species Fridericia chica.

Pigments of fungal origin have aroused increasing interest in the food dye and cosmetic industries since the global demand for natural dyes has grown. Endophytic microorganisms are a source of bioactive compounds, and Amazonian plant species can harbor fungi with a wide range of biotechnological applications. Popularly known in Brazil as crajiru, Fridericia chica is a medicinal plant that produces a red pigment. In this study, a total of 121 fungi were isolated in potato dextrose agar from three plants. We identified nine pigment-producing endophytic fungi isolated from branches and leaves of F. chica. The isolates that showed pigment production in solid media were molecularly identified via multilocus analysis as Aspergillus welwitschiae, A. sydowii, Curvularia sp., Diaporthe cerradensis (two strains), Hypoxylon investiens, Neoscytalidium sp. (two strains) and Penicillium rubens. These isolates were subjected to submerged fermentation in two culture media to obtain metabolic extracts. The extracts obtained were analyzed in terms of their absorbance between 400 and 700 nm. The pigmented extract produced by H. investiens in medium containing yeast extract showed maximum absorbance in the red absorption range (UA700 = 0.550) and significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. This isolate can thus be considered a new source of extracellular pigment.

Dietary supplementation with Lippia sidoides essential oil improves organ integrity but the specific activity of antioxidant enzymes is dose-dependent in Danio rerio.

The nutritional quality of food can affect the health of animals. This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation with Lippia sidoides essential oil (LSEO) on the physiology of Danio rerio. Four hundred fourty-eight fish were divided into 28 tanks and subjected to different dietary treatments: a control group with no supplementation, a group with grain alcohol supplementation and five groups with LSEO at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.25%. After 15 days, histological and enzymatic analyses were conducted. The 0.25% LSEO group exhibited lower glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity compared to the 1.00% group. Additionally, fish in the 0.25% LSEO group showed improved liver, kidney and splenic integrity indices. These findings support the inclusion of 0.25% LSEO in the diet of D. rerio, suggesting potential benefits for fish physiology and encouraging further research on phytotherapeutics in fish diets.

Red sacaca essential oil-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers optimized by factorial design: cytotoxicity and cellular reactive oxygen species levels.

Amazonian flora includes several species with the potential to develop pharmaceutical and biotechnological products. The essential oils from Amazonian species possess some biological properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. The essential oil of red sacaca (RSO), Croton cajucara Benth., contains metabolites characterized by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are an advantageous alternative for the effective delivery of drugs because they can solubilize lipophilic actives and reduce their cytotoxicity. This study aimed to optimize the synthesis of RSO-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC-RSO) using a 23 factorial design and investigate their antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. The red sacaca essential oil (RSO) metabolite profile was characterized using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS), identifying 33 metabolites, with linalool and 7-hydroxy-calamenene as the major ones, as reported in the literature. The optimized NLC-RSO formulation had a particle size less than 100 nm and a polydispersity index lower than 0.25. After characterizing NLC-RSO using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, zeta potential, moisture content, and wettability, in vitro cytotoxicity were performed in A549 and BEAS-2B cell lines using the resazurin metabolism assay. The data indicated a lower IC50 for RSO than for NLC-RSOs in both cell lines. Furthermore, low cytotoxicity of blank nanoparticles (blank NP) and medium chain triglycerides-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC-MCT) towards both pulmonary cell lines was noted. At a concentration of 50-100 µg/mL, free RSO exhibited higher cytotoxicity than NLC-RSO, demonstrating the protective effect of this lipid carrier in reducing cytotoxicity during metabolite delivery. Similarly, free RSO showed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging than NLC-RSO, also indicating this protective effect. The 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level assay did not show differences between the treatments at higher but non-cytotoxic dosages. Taken together, our results suggest that NLC-RSOs are potential RSO delivery systems for applications related to cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Potential of Leaves from Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann: Botanical Aspects, Phytochemical and Biological, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Healing Action.

Plants of the species Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann (Bignoniaceae), which are widely distributed in Brazil and named crajiru in the state of Amazonas, are known in folk medicine as a traditional medicine in the form of a tea for the treatment of intestinal colic, diarrhea, and anemia, among other diseases. The chemical analysis of extracts of the leaves has identified phenolic compounds, a class of secondary metabolites that provide defense for plants and benefits to the health of humans. Several studies have shown the therapeutic efficacy of F. chica extracts, with antitumor, antiviral, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities being among the therapeutic applications already proven. The healing action of F. chica leaf extract has been demonstrated in several experimental models, and shows the ability to favor the proliferation of fibroblasts, which is essential for tissue repair. The anti-inflammatory activity of F. chica has been clearly demonstrated by several authors, who suggest that it is related to the presence of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, which is capable of inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways such as the kappa B (NF-kB) nuclear transcription factor pathway. Another important effect attributed to this species is the antioxidant effect, attributed to phenolic compounds interrupting chain reactions caused by free radicals and donating hydrogen atoms or electrons. In conclusion, the species Fridericia chica has great therapeutic potential, which is detailed in this paper with the objective of encouraging new research and promoting the sum of efforts for the inclusion of herbal medicines in health systems around the world.

Prospecting of essential oils in combination with florfenicol against motile Aeromonas isolated from tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum).

Natural products with antimicrobial activity and their association with synthetic antimicrobials are a sustainable option in fish farming. The objective of this study was to determine antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm potential and synergism of five essential oils (EOs) with florfenicol against motile Aeromonas isolated from Amazonian Colossoma macropomum. As their major constituent, the EOs of the species of Aloysia triphylla, Croton cajucara (red and white morphotype), Cymbopongo citratus and Lippia gracilis present ß-pinene (22.1%), germacrene D (11.5%), linalool (23%), geranial (45.7%) and carvacrol (42.2%), respectively. The EOs of L. gracilis and C. citratus showed the best antimicrobial activities against the Aeromonas strains (5 mg mL-1). All EOs interfered with biofilm formation and consolidated biofilm. The EOs of A. triphylla, C. citratus and L. gracilis showed a synergistic effect with florfenicol, reducing the amount of the chemical into the water systems while treatment.

Ovicidal effect of essential oils of Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides and Lippia gracilis on the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae (Eoacanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae).

Acanthocephalosis in tambaqui Colossoma macropomum culture is a limiting factor for the production of the species, being the most recurrent, which makes it necessary to develop strategies to control parasitosis even in the early stages of parasite development. This study aimed to elucidate the morphological characteristics of eggs of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae and the ovicidal effect of the essential oils of Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, and Lippia gracilis. The parasites were collected from hosts naturally infected with N. buttnerae, and the eggs obtained from the female 'parasites' abdominal cavity were added to 12-well plates containing the essential oils at different dilutions. After the eggs (N = 300) were separated and measured (length and width) with the aid of an optical microscope coupled to a digital program, the viability of the treated eggs was monitored 24 h after treatments, L. gracilis essential oil was 100% effective at the highest concentration, whereas L. sidoides essential oil showed over 50% efficacy at 2 mg/ml, reaching 100% efficacy at all higher concentrations. Lippia. alba essential oil did not show satisfactory efficacy in preventing N. buttnerae egg hatching.

Physicochemical characterization and cosmetic applications of Passiflora nitida Kunth leaf extract

Abstract Passiflora nitida Kunth, an Amazonian Passiflora species, is little studied, although the specie's high biological potential. Herein the plant's pharmacognostic characterization, extract production, antioxidant potential evaluation, and application of this extract in cosmetic products is reported. The physical chemical parameters analyzed were particle size by sieve analysis, loss through drying, extractive yield, total ash content, laser granulometry, specific surface area and pore diameter (SBET), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry (TG), and wave dispersive X-Ray fluorescence (WDXRF). Total phenol/flavonoid content, LC-MS/MS analysis, DPPH and ABTS antioxidant radical assays, cytotoxicity, melanin, and tyrosinase inhibition in melanocytes test provided evidence to determine the content of the major constituent. P. nitida dry extract provided a fine powder with mesopores determined by SBET, with the TG curve showing five stages of mass loss. The antioxidant potential ranged between 23.5-31.5 mg∙mL-1 and tyrosinase inhibition between 400-654 µg∙mL-1. The species presented an antimelanogenic effect and an inhibitory activity of cellular tyrosinase (26.6%) at 25 µg/mL. The LC-MS/MS analysis of the spray-dried extract displayed the main and minor phenolic compounds constituting this sample. The results indicate that P. nitida extract has promising features for the development of cosmetic formulations

Avaliação de risco ecológico do óleo essencial de Piper aduncum em organismos não alvo / Ecological risk assessment of Piper aduncum essential oil in non-target organisms

Uma possível alternativa ao uso de fármacos veterinários no tratamento e prevenção de doenças na piscicultura é o uso do óleo essencial de Piper aduncum. No entanto, são necessários dados ecotoxicológicos para garantir seu uso apropriado sem causar efeitos adversos a organismos não alvo. Esta informação é relevante, pois esse óleo essencial é descrito como tendo atividades inseticidas, moluscicidas e citotóxicas, possivelmente associadas à sua composição química. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ecotoxicidade do óleo essencial de P. aduncum para cinco organismos-teste, usando o método estatístico da Distribuição da Sensibilidade das Espécies (SSD). A composição química do óleo essencial foi caracterizada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massa (GC-MS) e cromatografia gasosa com detector de ionização de chama (GC-FID), para fins de identificação e quantificação, respectivamente. O principal componente (75,5%) do óleo essencial foi o dilapiol. A concentração perigosa para 5% de espécies biológicas (HC5) foi calculada com um nível de proteção de 95%, resultando em um valor de 0,47 mg L-1 (com intervalo de confiança de 50% = 0,028 - 1,19 mg L-1). A faixa de concentração relacionada aos níveis de proteção para comunidades aquáticas (concentração sem efeito previsto - PNEC) foi calculada através da aplicação de fatores de segurança ao valor de HC5. Os parâmetros de ecotoxicidade indicaram que o óleo essencial de P. aduncum pode ser usado com segurança em corpos d'água se a concentração for igual ou inferior a 0,09 mg L-1.(AU)

Sodium butyrate and peppermint essential oil in jundiá diet: performance, histology, and challenge of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis / Butirato de sódio e óleo essencial de hortelã-pimenta na dieta de jundiá: desempenho, histologia e desafio ao Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the zootechnical performance, intestinal mucosa, and reaction to infestation by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in jundiá Rhamdia quelen larvae supplemented with Mentha piperita essential oil or sodium butyrate in their diets. Five diets were used over 30 days: diet free of additive inclusion, 0% (control); inclusion of 1% or 2% of M. piperita essential oil: EO1% and EO2%, respectively; and inclusion of 0.25% or 0.50% of sodium butyrate: SB0.25% and SB0.50%, respectively. The different diets were not able to inhibit I. multifiliis infestation. Supplementation with SB0.50% in their diets presented better performance in all zootechnical parameters analyzed, including a 54% increase in final weight and 70% in survival, and increased (P<0.05) both the villi width and the amount of goblet cells present in the intestinal mucosa by approximately 50%. In view of these results, dietary supplementation of R. quelen larvae with 0.50% sodium butyrate for 30 days is recommended.

RESUMO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho zootécnico, a mucosa intestinal, a resistência ao estresse e a reação à infestação pelo parasita Ichthyophthirius multifiliis em larvas de jundiá Rhamdia quelen suplementadas com óleo essencial de Mentha piperita ou butirato de sódio em suas dietas. Foram utilizadas cinco dietas por 30 dias: dieta livre de inclusão de aditivos, 0% (controle); inclusão de 1% ou 2% de óleo essencial de M. piperita, EO1% e EO2%, respectivamente; e inclusão de 0,25% ou 0,50% de butirato de sódio, SB0.25% e SB0.50%, respectivamente. As diferentes dietas não foram capazes de inibir a infestação por I. multifiliis. A suplementação com SB0.50% em suas dietas apresentou melhor desempenho em todos os parâmetros zootécnicos analisados, incluindo um aumento do peso final em 54% e a sobrevivência em 70%, e aumentou ​​(P<0,05) a largura das vilosidades e a quantidade de células caliciformes presentes na mucosa intestinal em aproximadamente 50%. Em vista desses resultados, recomenda-se a suplementação dietética de larvas de R. quelen com butirato de sódio a 0,50% por 30 dias.

Genetic diversity among accessions of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) by phenotypic characteristics analysis / Diversidade genética entre acessos de sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) por análise de características fenotípicas

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is native to the Amazon region and has a high seed content of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, making it interesting for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The purpose of this study was to analyze sacha inchi genetic diversity and describe accessions based on phenotypic characteristics. Fruits and seeds of 25 accessions from the sacha inchi genebank of Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental in Manaus, Amazonas state, were sampled and biometrically measured. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, Mahalanobis distance, canonical correlation, and genetic diversity among and within accessions by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). There were significant differences among the means of the analyzed traits, but no significant canonical correlation for the groups of traits. According to AMOVA, approximately 60% of the observed variation was within accessions. The results showed variability among accessions, and that the variation within accessions should be explored to obtain best results in breeding programs.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) é nativa da região amazônica e suas sementes tem um alto teor de ácidos graxos mono e poliinsaturados, tornando-a interessante para a indústria farmacêutica e cosmética. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a diversidade genética de sacha inchi e caracterizar os acessos com base em características fenotípicas. Foi realizada coleta e biometria de frutos e sementes de 25 acessos do banco de germoplasma de sacha inchi da Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental em Manaus-AM. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância, distância de Mahalanobis, correlação canônica e diversidade genética por análise de variância molecular (AMOVA). Houve diferenças significativas entre as médias das variáveis analisadas, contudo, não houve correlação canônica significativa para os grupos de variáveis. De acordo com AMOVA, aproximadamente 60% da variação observada esteve dentro de acessos. Os resultados mostram variabilidade entre acessos, sendo importante explorar a variação intra-acessos para obter melhores resultados em programas de melhoramento.

Induced aerocystitis and hemato-immunological parameters in Nile tilapia fed supplemented diet with essential oil of Lippia alba / Aerocistite induzida e parâmetros hemato-imunológicos em tilápia do Nilo suplementada com óleo essencial de Lippia alba

The present study evaluated the dietary supplementation with essential oil of Lippia alba on the hemato-immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) submitted to acute inflammation induced by carrageenin injection in the swim bladder. For a period of 45 days, 96 fish were divided in four treatments in triplicate, as follows: fish fed supplemented diet with essential oil of L. alba (4 mL kg-1 dry ration) injected with carrageenin; fish fed supplemented diet with cereal alcohol injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet with essential oil injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet and noninjected. Cortisol levels, erythrogram, leukogram and the inflammatory infiltrate were analyzed 6 h after inflammatory stimulus. Carrageenin-injected fish showed acute inflammatory reaction in the swim bladder characterized by higher infiltrate of neutrophils and monocytes. The circulating neutrophils number was significantly higher in fish fed L. alba when compared to other treatments. No difference in cortisol levels was found. For dose, time and administration form tested, supplementation with essential oil of L. alba did not present anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand, influence of dietary supplementation was observed on the neutrophils number after induced aerocystitis highlighting its immunomodulatory characteristic.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou a suplementação dietária com óleo essencial de Lippia alba sobre os parâmetros hemato-imunológicos em tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) submetidas à inflamação aguda induzida por carragenina na bexiga natatória. Pelo período de 45 dias, 96 peixes foram divididos em quarto tratamentos em triplicata: a) peixes suplementados com óleo esencial de L. alba (4 mL kg-1 de ração) injetados com carragenina; b) peixes suplementados com álcool de cereais injetados com carragenina; peixes não suplementados com óleo essencial injetados com carragenina; c) peixes não suplementados não injetados. Os níveis de cortisol, eritrograma, leucograma e o infiltrado inflamatório foram analisados seis horas após o estímulo inflamatório. Peixes injetados com carragenina apresentaram reação inflamatória aguda na bexiga natatória caracterizada por maior infiltrado de neutrófilos e monócitos. O número de neutrófilos circulantes foi significativamente maior nos peixes suplementados com L. alba quando comparado aos outros tratamentos. Não houve diferença nos níveis de cortisol. Para a dose, o tempo e a forma de administração testada, a suplementação com óleo essencil de L. alba não apresentou atividade anti-inflamatória. Por outro lado, foi constatada influência da suplementação dietária no número de neutrófilos após a aerocistite enfatizando a sua característica imunomoduladora.(AU)

Seeds of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis, Euphorbiaceae) as a feed ingredient for juvenile tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, and matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus (Characidae) / Sementes de sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis, Euphorbiaceae) em rações para juvenis de tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, e matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus (Characidae)

ABSTRACT Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is a plant native to the Peruvian Amazon with seeds that contain 24 to 29% protein, and levels of vitamin A and E and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are suitable for fish nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the use of sacha inchi seeds as an ingredient in the diets of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) and matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus). The acceptance and effect of three levels of sacha inchi seed meal (0, 15 and 30%) in fish feed was evaluated in a randomized experiment, testing groups of 12 juvenile tambaquis (29.8 ± 1.0 g, 11.0 ± 1.4 cm) and groups of eight juvenile matrinxãs (34.8 ± 1.3 g, 13.7 ± 1.0 cm). Growth performance and body composition of the fish were determined at the end of the experiment. An effect of the sacha inchi diet was only observed for feed conversion of tambaquis, which was worst at the highest level of sacha inchi seed. In conclusion, sacha inchi can be added to feed juvenile tambaquis at a level of 15%, and juvenile matrinxãs at 30% without compromising growth performance and body parameters of the fish.

RESUMO Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) é uma planta nativa da Amazônia peruana cujas sementes contém 24-29% de proteína, além de vitamina A e E e ácidos graxos polinsaturados ômega 3 em níveis adequados para a nutrição de peixes. Dessa forma, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o uso de sementes de sacha inchi como ingrediente em rações para o tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) e matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus). Níveis de inclusão de sacha inchi nas rações e aceitação foram avaliados em um delineamento experimental inteiramente aleatorizado, avaliando três grupos de 12 juvenis de tambaqui (29,8 ± 1,0 g; 11,0 ± 1,4 cm) e três grupos de oito juvenis de matrinxãs (34,8 ± 1,3 g; 13,7 ± 1,0 cm) alimentados com rações contendo 0, 15 ou 30% de farelo de sementes de sacha inchi. O crescimento e a composição corporal dos peixes foram avaliados ao final do experimento. Um efeito da ração com sacha inchi foi somente observado para a conversão alimentar de tambaquis, que foi pior no maior nível de semente de sacha inchi. Em conclusão, sacha inchi pode ser adicionada na alimentação de juvenis de tambaqui até o nível de 15% e na de juvenis de matrinxã até 30% sem comprometimento do desempenho e dos parâmetros corporais.

Blood biochemical parameters and melanomacrophage centers in Nile tilapia fed essential oils of clove basil and ginger.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most farmed freshwater fish in the world, however, disease outbreaks are the main cause of losses in production. Due to this, there is an increasing interest in natural products for enhancing disease resistance, without causing physiological impairment. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the essential oils of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) on physiological and immunological parameters of nile tilapia. After 35 and 55 days of supplementation (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%), blood collection was performed for determination of metabolites (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, serum total protein and immunoglobulins) and lysozyme activity. Spleen tissue was also collected at 55 days for analyzing melanomacrophages centers. At 35 days, cholesterol showed significant reduction in the treatments 0.5% and 1.5 ginger and 1.5% clove basil. The serum triglycerides showed significant reduction in these same treatments, in addition to 1.0% clove basil. At 55 days all the supplemented groups showed significant reduction for both parameters. The lysozyme activity at 35 days was significantly higher in fish supplemented with 1.0% ginger and showed no difference among the treatments at 55 days. Regarding the melanomacrophage centers, at 35 days increased number in fish supplemented with 0.5% clove basil was observed but with no significant difference in the total percent area of spleen occupied by centers. The levels of glucose, total serum protein and immunoglobulins did not show significant differences in both sampling times. The addition of essential oils showed to be useful for improving physiological status of the fish, without excessive activation of defense mechanisms.

Ethnobotanical study of antimalarial plants in the middle region of the Negro River, Amazonas, Brazil / Etnobotânica de plantas antimaláricas no médio Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brasil

ABSTRACT The middle Rio Negro region is an interesting place to seek novel antimalarial compounds because of the traditional knowledge of the Amazon population in conjunction with the high biodiversity of the region. The objective of this work was to study the use of antimalarial plants in Barcelos, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Fifty-two local specialists from eight different communities were interviewed over one year. The identified plants were collected with the assistance of local specialists, classified to species level and deposited in herbarium. In total, 55 antimalarial plants were identified in use in the region, of which 16 had not been previously reported in other published studies. Many factors could be involved with the use of antimalarial plants by the Barcelos population, such as the accessibility of these medicinal plants, efficiency and safety of using these plants, the accessibility to drugs or other medical treatments, plant bitterness, and the gender of the interviewees. Our results indicate that the population of Barcelos possesses an extensive knowledge on the use of a diverse array of antimalarial plants, and may contribute to the development of novel antimalarial compounds.

RESUMO O conhecimento tradicional da população amazônica, associado à grande biodiversidade da região, faz do médio Rio Negro um lugar propício para a pesquisa de novos remédios antimaláricos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o uso de plantas antimaláricas no município de Barcelos, Amazonas, Brasil. Ao longo de um ano foram entrevistados 52 especialistas de oito comunidades de Barcelos. As plantas indicadas foram coletadas com o auxílio dos especialistas, identificadas e depositadas em herbário. Foram mencionadas 55 plantas antimaláricas, das quais 16 nunca foram citadas em outros trabalhos previamente publicados. Muitos fatores podem estar associados ao uso destas plantas antimaláricas, tais quais o acesso a estas plantas, sua eficiência e segurança, o acesso a outros tratamentos médicos, o amargor das plantas e o gênero das pessoas entrevistadas. Nossos resultados indicam que a população de Barcelos é detentora de um rico conhecimento sobre o uso de plantas medicinais antimaláricas e pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento de novas drogas antimaláricas.

Repeatability of biometric and fruit and seed yield traits of sacha inchi / Repetibilidade de caracteres biométricos e de produção em frutos e sementes de sacha inchi

ABSTRACT Repeatability allows an estimation of the number of evaluations needed to optimize the selection of superior genotypes, with consequent effects on the research costs in terms of financial and human resources. The objective of this study was to estimate the coefficient of repeatability of biometric and yield traits, related to fruits and seeds of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), and to define the number of evaluations required for an efficient selection and evaluation of genotypes of the species. A total of 37 non-domesticated accessions were evaluated for 19 months in a randomized block design with 5 replications and 2 plants per plot. The total number of fruits, total number of seeds, total fruit weight, mean fruit weight, and number of seeds per fruit of the accessions were evaluated by monthly sampling. Additionally, seed biometry was assessed in a sample of 30 seeds per accession. Repeatability coefficients were estimated by analysis of variance, principal components and structural analysis. The principal component method based on the covariance matrix was the most appropriate for establishing repeatability estimates of sacha inchi, due to the cyclical nature of the crop. Superior genotypes of the species can be selected for yield-related traits with about 90% accuracy, from 5 harvests (months) onwards. To ensure this accuracy level, it would be necessary to evaluate a minimum of 5 and 25 fruits to determine mean fruit weight and number of seeds per fruit, respectively, and 39 seeds would be required to evaluate the biometric traits.

RESUMO A repetibilidade permite estimar o número de avaliações para selecionar genótipos superiores com maior eficiência, o que tem reflexo direto sobre os gastos com recursos humanos e financeiros da pesquisa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o coeficiente de repetibilidade de características biométricas e de produção relacionadas aos frutos e sementes de sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) e definir o número de avaliações necessárias para um eficiente processo de seleção e avaliação de genótipos da espécie. Um total de 37 acessos não domesticados foram avaliados em blocos casualizados com 5 repetições e 2 plantas por parcela durante 19 meses. Colheitas mensais avaliaram o número total de frutos, número total de sementes, peso total de frutos, peso médio de frutos e número de sementes por fruto dos acessos. Adicionalmente, foi realizada a biometria das sementes através de uma amostra de 30 sementes de cada acesso. Os coeficientes de repetibilidade foram estimados por meio dos métodos da análise de variância, componentes principais e análise estrutural. O método de componentes principais com uso da matriz de covariância se mostrou o mais indicado para obtenção de estimativas de repetibilidade em sacha inchi devido ao comportamento cíclico da cultura. Genótipos superiores da espécie podem ser selecionados, com acurácia de 90%, a partir de 5 colheitas (meses) para os caracteres de produtividade. Para mesma acurácia, seria necessária a avaliação de no mínimo 5 e 25 frutos para determinação do peso médio de frutos e número de sementes por fruto, respectivamente, e de 39 sementes para avaliação dos caracteres biométricos.

Antiparasitic activity, histopathology and physiology of Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui) exposed to the essential oil of Lippia sidoides (Verbenaceae).

In vivo and in vitro antiparasitic activity of the essential oil of Lippia sidoides and blood and histological alterations were assessed in Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui). Essential oil concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320mg/L were assayed in vitro against monogenoideans Anacanthorus spathulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis and Mymarothecium boegeri from fish gills. Lippia sidoides essential oil concentrations of 320 and 160mg/L were 100% effective against monogenoideans in 10min and 1h of exposure, respectively. However, the effectiveness of 100% concentrations of 80mg/L and 40mg/L occurred in 3 and 6h, respectively. In the in vivo tests, juvenile fish were submitted to 60min of baths with 10mg/L and 15min of baths with 20mg/L of the essential oil of L. sidoides. These therapeutic baths were not efficient against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, and monogenoideans present in the gills of C. macropomum. In addition, 10 and 20mg/L of the essential oil of L. sidoides caused an anesthetic effect on the fish and did not influence total glucose and protein plasma levels; however, it decreased the number of total erythrocytes in fish exposed to the higher concentration of this essential oil. Severe alterations and irreversible damage were observed in the fish gills just after L. sidoides essential oil baths and after 24h of recovery. The most recurrent lesions found were hyperplasia and fusion of the lamellar epithelium, vasodilation, detachment of the gill epithelium and lamellar aneurism, epithelial breakdown with hemorrhage, congestion, edema and necrosis, proliferation of the mucous cells and chloride cells and lamellar hypertrophy. Therefore, since the essential oil of L. sidoides has in vitro antiparasitic activity and low concentrations of it have shown toxic effects, the bioactive potential of its main chemical components should be investigated, as well as more efficient forms of its administration in therapeutic baths in order to eliminate fish parasites.

Piper aduncum against Haemonchus contortus isolates: cross resistance and the research of natural bioactive compounds.

The anthelminthic activity of the essential oil (EO) of Piper aduncum L. was tested in vitro on eggs and larvae of resistant (Embrapa2010) and susceptible (McMaster) isolates of Haemonchus contortus. The EO was obtained by steam distillation and its components identified by chromatography. EO concentrations of 12.5 to 0.02 mg/mL were used in the egg hatch test (EHT) and concentrations of 3.12 to 0.01 mg/mL in the larval development test (LDT). Inhibition concentrations (IC) were determined by the SAS Probit procedure, and significant differences assessed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. In the EHT, the IC50 for the susceptible isolate was 5.72 mg/mL. In the LDT, the IC50 and IC90 were, respectively, 0.10 mg/mL and 0.34 mg/mL for the susceptible isolate, and 0.22 mg/mL and 0.51 mg/mL for the resistant isolate. The EO (dillapiole 76.2%) was highly efficacious on phase L1. Due to the higher ICs obtained for the resistant isolate, it was raised the hypothesis that dillapiole may have a mechanism of action that resembles those of other anthelmintic compounds. We further review and discuss studies, especially those conducted in Brazil, that quantified the major constituents of P. aduncum-derived EO.

Piper aduncum against Haemonchus contortus isolates: cross resistance and the research of natural bioactive compounds / Piper aduncum contra isolados de Haemonchus contortus: resistência cruzada e a pesquisa de bioativos naturais

Abstract The anthelminthic activity of the essential oil (EO) of Piper aduncum L. was tested in vitro on eggs and larvae of resistant (Embrapa2010) and susceptible (McMaster) isolates of Haemonchus contortus. The EO was obtained by steam distillation and its components identified by chromatography. EO concentrations of 12.5 to 0.02 mg/mL were used in the egg hatch test (EHT) and concentrations of 3.12 to 0.01 mg/mL in the larval development test (LDT). Inhibition concentrations (IC) were determined by the SAS Probit procedure, and significant differences assessed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. In the EHT, the IC50 for the susceptible isolate was 5.72 mg/mL. In the LDT, the IC50 and IC90 were, respectively, 0.10 mg/mL and 0.34 mg/mL for the susceptible isolate, and 0.22 mg/mL and 0.51 mg/mL for the resistant isolate. The EO (dillapiole 76.2%) was highly efficacious on phase L1. Due to the higher ICs obtained for the resistant isolate, it was raised the hypothesis that dillapiole may have a mechanism of action that resembles those of other anthelmintic compounds. We further review and discuss studies, especially those conducted in Brazil, that quantified the major constituents of P. aduncum-derived EO.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro do óleo essencial (OE) de Piper aduncum L. sobre ovos e larvas de Haemonchus contortus, verificando se um isolado resistente (Embrapa2010), apresentaria o mesmo comportamento que um sensível (McMaster). O OE foi obtido por arraste a vapor e analisado por cromatografia para identificação dos constituintes. O óleo foi avaliado nas concentrações de 12,5 a 0,02 mg/mL no Teste de eclosão dos ovos (TEO) e nas concentrações de 3,12 a 0,01 mg/mL no Teste de desenvolvimento larvar (TDL). As concentrações inibitórias (CI) foram determinadas pelo procedimento Probit do SAS e as diferenças estatísticas geradas pela ANOVA seguida pelo teste de Tukey. Para o isolado sensível obteve-se CI50 de 5,72 mg/mL no TEO. No TDL o óleo apresentou CI50 e CI90 de 0,10 mg/mL e 0,34 mg/mL para o isolado sensível e 0,22 mg/mL e 0,51 mg/mL para o resistente, respectivamente. Demonstrou-se que o OE (dilapiol 76,2%) teve alta eficácia sobre a fase L1. Devido às elevadas CIs obtidas para o isolado resistente, levantou-se a hipótese de que o dilapiol talvez possua um mecanismo de ação semelhante a algum grupo anti-helmíntico. O artigo faz uma revisão e discute estudos de quantificação dos constituintes majoritários do OE de P. aduncum, destacando os realizados no Brasil.