Ethnobotanical uses and phytochemical, biological, and toxicological profiles of Datura metel L.: A review.

Datura metel L., a recognized poisonous plant in the Solanaceae family, is widely distributed in the world. Traditionally, D. metel is used in many diseases, including neurological and heart diseases; fever; catarrh; pain; diarrhea; skin diseases; chronic bronchitis; asthma; digestive disorders; and so on. It possesses many important phytochemicals that can be used to treat various types of diseases. This review aims at summarizing the traditional uses, phytochemical, biological, and toxicological profiles of D. metel based on the database reports. For this, an up-to-date (till March 20, 2023) search was made in the databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and MedLine, with relevant keywords for the published evidence. Findings suggest that the plant has many traditional uses, such as a cure for madness, epilepsy, psoriasis, heart diseases, diarrhea, mad dog bites, indigestion, etc. It possesses various important phytochemicals, including withanolides, daturaolone, datumetine, daturglycosides, ophiobolin A, baimantuoluoline A, and many others. D. metel has many important biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, insecticidal, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-pyretic, neurological, contraceptive, and wound healing capacity. In conclusion, the toxic plant, D. metel, can be considered a potential source of phyto-therapeutic lead compounds.

Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Piper arboreum for Development and Improvement of Mouthwash.

Studies show that more consumers are using natural health products in the modern world. We have noticed a growing demand in markets and the professional community for mouthwashes that contain natural compounds. The objective of this study was to assess the chemical characterization and microbiological potential of the essential oil Piper arboreum (EOPa) to provide data to enable the development of a low-cost mouthwash. The evaluation of the antibacterial and bacterial resistance modulating activity was performed by the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, which identified 20 chemical constituents, with caryophyllene oxide being one of the major compounds. The EOPa showed an MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL for all bacterial strains used in the tests. When evaluating the modulating activity of EOPa combined with chlorhexidine, mouthwash and antibiotics against the bacterial resistance, the oil limited synergistic activity between the MIC of the products tested in combination (37% to 87.5%). Therefore, we recommend expanding the tests with greater variation in the EOPa concentration and the products used, as well as toxicity assessments and in vivo testing, with the purpose of the development of a possible low-cost mouthwash base that is accessible to the most vulnerable populations.

GC-MS Chemical Characterization and Antibacterial Effect of the Essential oil of Piper mosenii.

Commercialized mouthwashes are generally expensive for the most financially vulnerable populations. Thus, several studies evaluate the antimicrobial potential of herbal products, such as essential oils, to reduce the activity of microorganisms in the mouth. The objective of this research was to carry out the chemical characterization and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Piper mosenii (EOPm), providing data that enable the development of a low-cost mouthwash formulation aimed at vulnerable communities. The analysis of the antibacterial potential and modulator of bacterial resistance was verified by the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration-MIC. The chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, where 23 chemical constituents were detected, with α-pinene, being the major compound. The EOPm showed a MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL for all bacterial strains used in the tests. When the EOPm modulating activity was evaluated together with chlorhexidine, mouthwash and antibiotics against bacterial resistance, the oil showed a significant synergistic effect, reducing the MIC of the products tested in combination, in percentages between 20.6% to 96.3%. Therefore, it is recommended to expand the tests with greater variation of EOPm concentration and the products used in this research, in addition to the evaluation of toxicity and in vivo tests, seeking the development of a possible formulation of mouthwash accessible to the vulnerable population.

Chemical Profile, Antibacterial Activity and Antibiotic-Modulating Effect of the Hexanic Zea Mays L. Silk Extract (Poaceae).

The present study aimed to determine the chemical profile and to evaluate the antibacterial activity and antibiotic-modulating action of the hexanic Zea mays silk extract in association with aminoglycosides. Standard Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains, as well as multi-resistant Escherichia coli 27, Staphylococcus aureus 35, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 31 strains, were used in this study. Phytochemical prospection revealed the presence of the following secondary metabolites: tannins, flavones, flavonoids, and xanthones, with the main chemical constituents being identified in plant extracts obtained with apolar organic solvents such as hexane. The extract presented a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥1024 µg/mL against all the tested strains. The association of the extract with aminoglycoside antibiotics showed significant synergistic effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, except for amikacin, which was antagonized by the extract against E. coli. These results indicate the Zea mays silk presents bioactive compounds with antibiotic-modulating properties. However, further research is required to characterize the effects of isolated compounds and determine their potential for drug development.

Cytotoxic and antioxidative potentials of ethanolic extract of Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) leaves on human blood cells.

Eugenia uniflora is used in the Brazilian folk medicine to treat intestinal disorders and hypertension. However, scanty information exist on its potential toxicity to human, and little is known on its antioxidant activity in biological system. Hence, we investigated for the first time the potential toxic effects of ethanolic extract (EtOH) of E. uniflora (EEEU) in human leukocytes and erythrocytes, as well as its influence on membrane erythrocytes osmotic fragility. In addition, EEEU was chemically characterized and its antioxidant capacity was evaluated. We found that EEEU (1-480µg/mL) caused neither cytotoxicity nor DNA damage evaluated by Trypan blue and Comet assay, respectively. EEEU (1-480µg/mL) did not have any effect on membrane erythrocytes fragility. In addition, EEEU inhibited Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain and liver homogenates, and scavenged the DPPH radical. EEEU presented some polyphenolic compounds with high content such as quercetin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, luteolin and ellagic acid, which may be at least in part responsible for its beneficial effects. Our results suggest that consumption of EEEU at relatively higher concentrations may not result in toxicity. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies should be conducted to ascertain its safety.

The genus Cordia: botanists, ethno, chemical and pharmacological aspects

ABSTRACTSpecies of the genus Cordia, Boraginaceae, are widely studied with regard to the various ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological aspects. They are found principally in tropical and subtropical regions of the American, Asian and African continents, where they occur in various countries. In the genus Cordia, there are many species cultivated for ornamental plants, wood and medicinal applications, where they are extensively utilized by traditional communities. In the last decades, scientific studies of Cordia species have intensified, demonstrating the great interest in phytochemical, biological and pharmacological studies. In this review, we describe the principal botanical aspects, ethnopharmacological information and evaluation of the bioactive and pharmacological properties of Cordia, its phytochemical constituents and the most common classes of secondary metabolites identified. The information reported in this work contributes scientifically to recognizing the importance of the genus Cordia as a target in the search for new biotechnological investments.

Ethnopharmacological study of plants sold for therapeutic purposes in public markets in Northeast Brazil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Studies of ethnobiological nature favor the rescue of popular culture, preventing important cultural and biological information from being lost over time. Another interesting point is that it can support bioprospecting studies focusing on the discovery of new drugs. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: Our aim was to conduct a survey of plants sold for therapeutic purposes in public markets in the Crajubar Triangle in Northeast Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a questionnaire, data were collected regarding the part of the plant used, method of preparation, quantity needed, instructions for use and known adverse effects. From the data obtained, we calculated the relative importance of species and informant consensus factor. RESULTS: Vendors indicated 91 useful species from a therapeutic point of view, distributed in 49 plant families. The preparation methods most frequently mentioned by informants were decoction, infusion, sauce with part of the plant in water and lozenge. The informants of this study mentioned bark, leaves, seeds and roots as parts of the plant most sold for therapeutic use. Disorders of the digestive system was the disease/disorder category with the highest consensus among the vendors, and the species Ximenia americana, Lippia gracillis, Stryphnodendron rotundifolium, Anacardium occidentale, Hymenaea courbail, Myracrodruon urundeuva, Amburana cearensis and Himatanthus drasticus were the most versatile among the plants sold in markets. CONCLUSIONS: Vendors indicated 91 species belonging to 49 botanical families and 89 genera. The most frequent forms of preparation were decoction, infusion and sauce made with part of the plant in water. The most common form of administration was oral. Bark and leaves were the plant parts most used. Thirteen species showed great versatility regarding their use. We noted 291 indications for use in 13 disease/disorder categories.

Biological Activities and Chemical Characterization of Cordia verbenacea DC. as Tool to Validate the Ethnobiological Usage.

Knowledge of medicinal plants is often the only therapeutic resource of many communities and ethnic groups. "Erva-baleeira", Cordia verbenacea DC., is one of the species of plants currently exploited for the purpose of producing a phytotherapeutic product extracted from its leaves. In Brazil, its major distribution is in the region of the Atlantic Forest and similar vegetation. The crude extract is utilized in popular cultures in the form of hydroalcoholic, decoctions and infusions, mainly as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. The aim of the present study was to establish a chemical and comparative profile of the experimental antibacterial activity and resistance modifying activity with ethnopharmacological reports. Phytochemical prospecting and HPLC analysis of the extract and fractions were in agreement with the literature with regard to the presence of secondary metabolites (tannins and flavonoids). The extract and fraction tested did not show clinically relevant antibacterial activity, but a synergistic effect was observed when combined with antibiotic, potentiating the antibacterial effect of aminoglycosides. We conclude that tests of antibacterial activity and modulating the resistance presented in this work results confirm the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological information, serving as a parameter in the search for new alternatives for the treatment of diseases.

Avaliação in Vitro da atividade antimicrobiana do carvacrol através dos métodos de contato direto e gasoso / Evaluation In vitro of antimicrobial activity of carvacrol by the direct and gaseous contact methods

Nas últimas décadas, a resistência bacteriana frente aos antimicrobianos se constituiu em um sério problema para a saúde pública, impondo barreiras ao controle de diversas espécies de microrganismos. O carvacrol é um composto fenólico geralmenete encontrado como componente majoritário do óleo essencial de algumas plantas como Origanum vulgare (orégano), Lippia graveolens (Lípia) e Lipia sidoides (alecrim-pimenta). Estudos demonstram a atividade antibacteriana do orégano, possivelmente devido ao carvacrol. Para avaliar a ação antimicrobiana desse composto, foram utilizadas linhagens padrão bacterianas (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 e Pseudomonasa aeruginosa ATCC15442) e fúngicas (Candida albicans ICB12, C. krusei ATCC6258 e C. tropicalis ATCC13803). Os métodos de microdiluição em caldo e de contato gasoso foram utilizados para determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e a dose inibitória mínima (DIM) respectivamente, bem como a atividade moduladora da ação antibiótica através de ambos os métodos. O carvacrol, combinado em concentrações subinibitórias com as drogas antimicrobianas apresentou resultados relevantes frente às cepas de Staphylococcus aureus e Candida albicans, por tanto este estudo permitiu comprovar a atividade moduladora do carvacrol.

In the last decades, the bacterial resistance to antimicrobials becomes a serious problem of public health, creating several difficulties to control several microrganisms with nosocomial interest. The carvacrol, the main phenol compound of many plants as Origanum vulgare, Lippia graveolens and Lipia sidoides. Studies demonstrated and intensive antibacterial activity of O. vulgare, probably due the carvacrol. To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of this compound, were assayed microbial strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Pseudomonas eruginosa ATCC15442, Candida albicans ICB12, C. krusei ATCC6258 and C. tropicalis ATCC 13803. Using the microdilution and the gaseous contact method, were determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum inhibitory dose (DIM), respectively as well as the modulatory activity with both methods. The carvacrol, used in subinhibitory concentrations associated with antimicrobial drugs demonstrated an interesting modulatory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans strains, indicating the antimicrobial and modulatory activity of this compound.

Avaliação In vitro da atividade antimicrobiana e moduladora dos extratos etanólico e hexânico de bulbo de Costus arabicus / In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity and modulating the ethanol and hexane extracts of Costus arabicus bulb

Neste estudo, extratos etanólicos e hexânicos de bulbo de Costus arabicus foram utilizados com o objetivo de avaliar a atividade antibacteriana, antifúngica e moduladora da resistencia de antibacterianos e antifúnicos contra cepas bactecterianas de Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e cepas fúngicas de Candida Albicans. Candida Krusei, Candida Tropicalis. A atividade antibacteriana e modulatória foi determinada por microdiluição. A inibição do crescimento das bactérias e fungos testados com extrato foi ≥1024. A atividade de alguns antibióticos e antifúngicos foi reforçada sinergicamente quando estes extratos foram associados em concentrações subinibitórias com antimicrobianos. Portanto, sugerimos que os extratos etanólicos e hexânicos de bulbo de Costus arabicus podem ser utilizados como fonte de produtos naturais com o objetivo de modificar a resistência desses microorganismos aos antimicrobianos.

In this study, ethanol and hexane extracts of the bulbs from Costus Arabicus were assayed to antibacterial, antifungal and modulatory activity against antibacterial and antifungal drugs using bacterial and fungal strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, C. krusei and C. tropicalis. The antimicrobial and modulatory activity was evaluated by microdilution method. The activity of some antimicrobial drugs was synergistically enhanced when sub-inhibitory concentrations of these extracts were associated with antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, we suggest that ethanol and hexane extracts of bulbs from Costus Arabicus can be used as a source of natural products in order to modify the resistance of these microorganisms to antimicrobials, demonstrating an interesting strategy to combat drug-resistant infectious agents.