Unraveling the genetic diversity of Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) in isolated limestone outcrops: Conservation strategies.

Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs) located on limestone outcrops are vulnerable to degradation caused by timber logging and limestone extraction for cement production. Some of these forests represent the last remnants of native vegetation cover, functioning as isolated islands. Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) is a tree frequently found on limestone outcrops in the central region of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and identify suitable populations for the establishment of Management Units (MUs) for conservation. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity in ten populations sampled from the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. The species exhibited substantial genetic diversity (HT = 0.345; PLP = 97.89%). Populations SAH, JAN, and MON demonstrated elevated rates of polymorphic loci (> 84.2%) along with notable genetic diversity (He > 0.325). Additionally, these populations were the primary contributors to gene flow. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most genetic variation occurs within populations (91.5%) than between them. In the Bayesian analysis, the ten populations were clustered into five groups, revealing the presence of at least three barriers to gene flow in the landscape: 1) the Central Plateau or Paranã River valley; 2) near the Espinhaço mountains or the São Francisco River valley; and 3) around the Mantiqueira mountain range, Chapada dos Veadeiros plateau, and disturbed areas. A positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between genetic (θB) and geographic distances (r = 0.425, p = 0.008). Based on these findings, we propose the establishment of Management Units in Minas Gerais state, encompassing the (1) southern region (MIN population), (2) central region (SAH population), and (3) north region (MON population), as well as in Goiás state, covering the (4) Central Plateau region. These units can significantly contribute to preserving the genetic diversity of these trees and protecting their habitat against ongoing threats.

Chemical profile and antioxidant activity in Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae).

This work aimed to carry out phytochemical prospecting and evaluate the antioxidant potential of Diplopterys pubipetala, a species of Malpighiaceae family that has not yet been studied.In qualitative analyses of hydroethanolic extracts of leaves and stems were detected the presence of flavonoids, alkaloidsand terpenes. The histochemical evaluation evidenced a greater distribution of these compounds in the tissues of leaf when compared with those of stem. The analysis by mass spectrometry allowed the identification of prenylated xanthones and glycoside flavonoids that have not yet been reported in the literature. The antioxidant activity of the stem extract was considered moderate (IAA = 0.79), but the leaves presented a strong antioxidant activity (IAA = 1.6). In this work we present information about the phytochemicals of D. pubipetala, showing that the species is promising in obtaining compounds with medicinal potential mainly antioxidant potential.

Diversidade genética de isolados de Mycosphaerella musicola obtidos de bananais do norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil por meio de marcadores RAPD / Genetic diversity of Mycosphaerella musicola isolates obtained from bananas of north of Minas Gerais, Brazil by using RAPD markers

Onze primers RAPD foram utilizados para avaliar a variabilidade genética de 31 isolados de M. musicola coletados a partir de folhas de bananeiras 'Prata Anã' e 'Nanica', cultivadas no Norte de Minas Gerais. Foram amplificados um total de 83 bandas sendo 73 polimórficas, dando uma média de 6,6 bandas polimórficas por primer. As distâncias genéticas observadas variaram de 0,56 a 0,06 entre os isolados, com distância média de 0,25. O dendrograma construído com base no método UPGMA revelou a formação de 8 grupos, não sendo observada correlação entre a diversidade genética dos isolados e as origens geográficas dos isolados avaliados.

Eleven primers RAPD were used to estimate the genetic variability between 31 isolates of M. musicola collected from 'PrataAnã' and Nanica bananas that were cultivated in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total o 83 fragments were amplified, of which 73 were polymorphic, corresponding to an average of 6.6 polymorphic fragments per primer. The genetic distances ranged from 0.06 to 0.56 and the average distance of 0.21. A dendrogram constructed based on the UPGMA clustering method revealed 8 and no correlation between molecular grouping and geographical origin was observed.

Antibacterial activity tannin-rich fraction from leaves of Anacardium humile / Atividade antibacteriana de frações tânicas de folhas de Anacardium humile

In vitro tests conducted with extracts rich in tannins have identified several biological activities of this class of substance. Thus, this paper intends to evaluate the antibacterial activity of tannin-rich fraction obtained from leaf extracts of Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil. Extracts of A. humile leaves in 70% acetone were semi-purified with ethyl acetate and butanol. We quantified the total tannins of the semi-purified fractions, of the crude extract and of aqueous residues and then performed tests of the antibacterial activity of the tannins against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. All positive extracts underwent tannin isolation using a Sephadex LH-20 column. The tannins isolated from the samples were quantified and tested for the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC). The tannins from crude extracts, semi-purifications and residues showed inhibition of S. aureus growth with MIC=500 g mL-1. All tannin fractions showed MIC against all strains and MBC, except against E. faecalis. The tannin fractions from Anacardium humile have antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomononas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis and, therefore, may be promising for future synthesis of new antibacterial agents.

Testes in vitro realizados com extratos ricos em taninos têm identificado muitas atividades biológicas dessa classe de substâncias. Nesse contexto, esse artigo propõe a avaliação da atividade antibacteriana de frações tânicas, obtidas de extratos de folhas de Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil. Extratos de A. humile em acetona 70% foram particionados com acetato de etila e butanol. Foram quantificados taninos totais das frações particionadas, do extrato bruto e dos resíduos aquosos, e foi realizado teste de atividade antibacteriana dos taninos contra Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 e Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. Todos os extratos positivos foram submetidos ao isolamento de taninos, utilizando-se coluna de Sephadex LH-20. Os taninos isolados das amostras foram quantificados e testados sua concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM). Os taninos do extrato bruto, partições e resíduos apresentaram inibição do crescimento de S.aureus com CIM =500 g mL-1. As frações tânicas apresentaram CIM contra todas as cepas e CBM, exceto contra E. faecalis. As frações tânicas de Anacardium humile possuem atividade antibacteriana contra Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomononas aeruginosa e Enterococcus faecalis e, portanto, podem ser promissoras em sínteses futuras de novos agentes antimicrobianos.