Volatile Metabolomic Composition of Vitex Species: Chemodiversity Insights and Acaricidal Activity.

The Vitex genus (Lamiaceae) produces a plethora of metabolites that include ecdysteroids and terpenoids, some of which have demonstrated insect repellent properties. The volatile composition of several members of this genus has not been chemically defined, as many taxa are endemic to remote ecosystems. In this study, leaves were collected from the northeast of Brazil from Vitex capitata, V. megapotamica, V. gardneriana, and V. rufescens plants and examined for their chemical profile via GC-MS/FID of essential oil extracts. The analyses showed a diversity of terpenoids. Of particular note were seven-member ring sesquiterpenes which were present in great abundance; a dendrogram showed clades separating by the production of bicyclogermacrene, aromadendrane and 5,10-cycloaromadendrane sesquiterpenoids for the four species. Comparison of volatile metabolite profiles to 13 other Vitex species showed strong similarities in the production of some monoterpenes, but varied by their production of larger terpenes, especially those with gem-dimethylcyclopropyl subunits on seven-member ring compounds. From this work, we suggest that the sesquiterpene skeleton with seven member rings is a good chemosystematic biomarker candidate for the Vitex genus. Separation using this biomarker was then validated using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat profiling. Lastly, experiments examining the toxicity of these four oils against the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis showed that only the oil of V. gardneriana had strong acaricidal activity, with an LC50 of 0.85 mg/mL, thus demonstrating its potential for use as a natural pesticide.

Comparative evaluation of UV/VIS and HPLC analytical methodologies applied for quantification of flavonoids from leaves of Bauhinia forficata

Spectrophotometric determinations (direct dilution or after acid hydrolysis) of flavonoid content in leaves of Bauhinia forficata Link, Fabaceae, from two different regions from Brazil were compared with contents of kaempferitrin quantified by HPLC analysis. The absence of kaempferitrin peak in one sample denotes the risk of LC-method failure. On the other hand, the both spectrophotometric assays showed satisfactory performance and do not underwent influence from absence of kaempferitrin. Since several flavonoids are present in the herbal material, different content of flavonoids were observed for each analytical procedure. However, a strong positive association could be detected among methods (R²>0.99). Although a conversion factor should be adopted to compare procedures, the data showed that the spectrophotometric methods remain as an important tool for analysis of complex matrices such herbal drugs, notably when there aren't any pharmacological or chemical marker established for the species. Moreover, it's possible to suggest that the techniques studied in this work exhibit similar performance under the conditions employed. Nevertheless, before the adoption of kaempferitrin as an analytical marker by HPLC for Bauhinia species, the pharmacological knowledge should be better developed. In this cases, the use of spectrophotometric assay provide higher assurance of the reproducibility of the efficacy and safety.

Pharmacological screening and acute toxicity of bark roots of Guettarda platypoda

Due to its folk use, scientific reports and phytochemical screening, the purpose of this work was to study the phytochemical and the biological properties of the methanol extract and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity as well as determine the acute toxicity, antitumor and cytotoxic activity of the root barks of Guettarda platypoda DC., Rubiaceae. In this analysis the presence of flavonoids and therpenoids were identified. These data and the ones in the literature indicated it as a potential antioxidant and motivated the cytotoxic analysis related with three tumoral cell strains as well as to evaluate its antitumoral activity (sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich carcinoma) in female mice. Due to the presence of esteroids and the previous study of the ethanolic extract, its anti-inflammatory activity and toxicity were also evaluated. Absence or low toxicity in 2000 mg/kg doses was verified and the attention to their phytochemical and pharmacological properties is constantly increasing.

A chemical marker proposal for the Lantana genus: composition of the essential oils from the leaves of Lantana radula and L. canescens.

Essential oil extracts from the leaves of two Lantana species (L. radula Sw. and L. canescens Kunth), for which no prior analysis has been reported, were analyzed by GC-MS. This information was utilized to propose chemical markers for Lantana species so that identification between physically similar plant species can be achieved through chemical analysis. Results showed 33 constituents for L. canescens, among which beta-caryophyllene (43.9%), beta-cubebene (10.1%), elixene (8.6%), beta-phellandrene (6.1%), alpha-caryophyllene (2.6%) and dehydro-aromadendrene (2.6%) were the principle components. L. radula revealed the presence of 21 compounds, the most abundant of which were beta-cubebene (31.0%), beta-caryophyllene (20.8%), elixene (10.0%), alpha-salinene (6.4%), beta-phellandrene (6.1%), copaene (4.9%) cadinene (1.4%) and psi-limonene (1.4%). The high concentration of beta-caryophyllene in the samples tested here and those in the literature make it a good candidate for a chemical marker for Lantana species, with beta-cubebene, elixene and beta-phellandrene following as minor compounds identified more sporadically in this genus. On the other hand, Lippia species, which are morphologically similar to those from the Lantana genus, would contain limonene, citral, carvacrol, beta-myrcene, camphor and thymol as the main chemical markers. These chemical markers would be a powerful tool for maintaining quality control in the extraction of essential oils for use in medicinal applications, as well as in identification of plant specimens to a taxonomist.

Phenylethanoid and lignan glycosides from polar extracts of Lantana, a genus of verbenaceous plants widely used in traditional herbal therapies.

Many references to the use of Lantana spp. can be found in the ethnopharmacological literature from locations around the globe. This study was focused on examining constituents from the polar extracts of Lantana radula Sw. and Lantana canescens Kunth, for which no prior chemical investigations had been reported. A new phenylethanoid glycoside, raduloside, and lignan glycoside, radulignan, were identified along with the known compounds alyssonoside, arenarioside, calceolarioside E, isonuomioside, samioside, and verbascoside.

Acanthospermum hispidum DC (Asteraceae): perspectives for a phytotherapeutic product: [revision] / Acanthospermum hispidum DC (Asteraceae): perspectivas para um produto fitoterápico: [revisão]

The "Espinho-de-cigano" plant (Acanthospermum hispidum DC) is used throughout northeastern (NE) Brazil as a folk medicine for asthma. Although little is actually known about the effectiveness and safety of this plant extract product, it is possible to find numerous medicines prepared from it in public health services or in stores selling natural products. This study aimed to undertake a literature review relative to Acanthospermum hispidum covering the period between 1926-2006 within the areas of ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology. The objective was to contribute to a better knowledge of this species and its uses, as well as to aid in improving its performance as a natural medicine. The species is easily identifiable and grows abundantly during the rainy seasons in NE Brazil; is amenable to cultivation without lose of its phytochemical profile, and toxicological studies have showed its safety as a medicine (although more studies will be required in that direction). As such, the compilation of the accumulated knowledge concerning this species will aid in evaluating its pharmacological value, guaranteeing quality control of the final product, and in preparing recommendations for usages and dosages that offer both safety and efficiency to the user.

A planta "Espinho-de-cigano" (Acanthospermum hispidum DC) é amplamente usada no nordeste do Brasil como medicamento popular para a asma. Embora muito pouco seja conhecido atualmente sobre a eficácia e segurança deste extrato vegetal, é possível encontrar numerosos medicamentos preparados com ele nos serviços públicos ou em lojas que vendem produtos naturais. Este estudo visa proceder a uma revisão de literatura relativa à A. hispidum, no período entre 1926-2006, nas áreas de etnobotânica, fitoquímica e farmacologia. O objetivo foi contribuir para um melhor conhecimento desta espécie e seus usos, assim como auxiliar na melhora de seu desempenho como um medicamento natural. A espécie é facilmente identificável e cresce abundantemente durante a estação chuvosa no nordeste do Brasil; é possível cultivá-la sem perda de seu perfil fitoquímico e os estudos toxicológicos têm mostrado sua segurança como um medicamento (embora mais estudos sejam requeridos nestes aspectos). Assim sendo, a compilação do conhecimento acumulado relativo a esta espécie auxiliará na avaliação de seu valor farmacológico, garantindo o controle de qualidade do produto final, e no preparo das recomendações para usos e dosagens que ofereçam segurança e eficiência ao usuário.

Ecdysteroids from Vitex species: distribution and compilation of their 13C-NMR spectral data.

Iridoids and ecdysteroids are found in some genera of the family Verbenaceae. In such cases, they are used as chemotaxonomic markers for the difficult task of taxonomic identification by using morphological characteristics of plants belonging to this family. The present work describes the distribution of ecdysteroids in plants from the genus Vitex from a review of previous work on seventeen Vitex species. In addition, (13)C-NMR data of the main ecdysteroids found in this genus are described. This study attempted to summarize previous research on ecdysteroids distribution in Vitex species with the addition of (13)C-NMR analysis to further refine the characterization of these compounds in the Verbenaceae family.

Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical profile from the roots of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae) is commonly used in the Brazilian folk medicine to the treatment of gastric illnesses, diarrhea, fever, asthma, and as a tranquilizer. This work evaluated the antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts from the roots of the L. alba using plates-holes diffusion assay and the phytochemical profile. The results obtained showed that the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts presented antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC 10031). Terpenoids, phenylpropanoids and sugars were detected in the phytochemical analysis.

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae) é geralmente usada na medicina popular brasileira para o tratamento de doenças gástricas, febre, asma e como tranqüilizante. Este trabalho avaliou a atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos acetato de etila, metanol e aquoso das raízes de L. alba usando métodos de difusão em poços e o perfil fitoquímico. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que os extratos acetato de etila e metanol apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana contra Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) e Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC 10031). Terpenóides, fenilpropanóides e açúcares foram detectados na análise fitoquímica.

Desenvolvimento e validação da metodologia de quantificação gravimétrica de resina glicosídica em fitoterápicos contendo Operculina macrocarpa (L. ) Urban / Development and validation of the gravimetric quantification of the glucoside resin in phytomedicine containing Operculina macrocarpa (L. ) Urban

O extrato de tubérculos de Operculina macrocarpa (Jalapa do Brasil) é um produto fitoterápico, com eficácia no tratamento de constipação, como laxante. A resina quantificada é extraída com solução hidroalcóolica apresentando constituintes orgânicos e inorgânicos, podendo ser dividida em duas frações principais: uma solúvel em éter, chamada de jalapina e outra, mais polar, ainda pouco estudada, denominada convolvulina. O interesse principal deste trabalho foi propor uma otimização da metodologia gravimétrica para doseamento da resina descrita na Farmacopéia Brasileira primeira edição e sua validação com o objetivo de diminuir os custos e o tempo de partição das fases. Os resultados obtidos na validação foram tratados estatisticamente por análise de variância one-way (ANOVA) e teste t de Student. O método demonstrou atender aos requisitos de boas práticas em laboratórios exigidos pela legislação brasileira em vigor, RE n° 899 de 29 de maio de 2003 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, sendo, portanto, sensível, exato e preciso para o doseamento do extrato de Operculina macrocarpa, conhecida popularmente como Jalapa-do-Brasil.

The tubercle extract of Operculina macrocarpa (Jalap of Brazil) is a phytomedicine, with effectiveness in the treatment of constipation, as laxative. The quantified resin is extracted with hydro-alcoholic solution, presenting organic and inorganic constituents, separable in two main fractions: one soluble in ether, called jalapina and other, more polar, still little studied, called convolvulina. The main objective of this work was to consider the optimization of the gravimetrical methodology for assay of the resin described in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia, First Edition and its validation, with the objective to diminish the costs and the partition time of the phases. The results achieved in the validation had been statistically treated by one-way Variance Analysis (ANOVA) and t test of Student. The method demonstrated to attend to the Good Manufacture Practice requirements for laboratories, demanded by actual brazilian law, RE n° 899 of May 29th of 2003 from the National Agency of Sanitary Vigilance, being therefore, sensible, accurate and precise for the assay of the Operculina macrocarpa extract, known popularly as Jalap of Brazil.

Desenvolvimento e validação de metodologia para quantificação de alcalóides totais como berberina em fitoterápico contendo Berberis vulgaris L. / Development and validation of a method for the quantification of total alkaloids as berberine in an herbal medicine containing Berberis vulgaris L.

A Robusterina® é um produto fitoterápico, com eficácia no tratamento de disfunções do ciclo menstrual. Em sua composição encontram-se Berberis vulgaris L., de ação sedativa e antiespasmódica; Gossypium herbaceum L., enemagoga, hemostática e ocitócica; Viburnum opulus L., antiespasmódico nas cólicas menstruais. De acordo com a Resolução RDC N° 48, de 16 de março de 2004, observa-se que o produto adequa-se na definição de Fitoterápico. A presença de alcalóides em Berberis vulgaris e a ausência de metodologias analíticas de quantificação para o produto, nos incentivaram a propor e validar um método apoiando-nos na Resolução RE N° 899, de 29 de Maio de 2003. Tal metodologia fundamenta-se na determinação espectrofotométrica de alcalóides utilizando-se Dragendorff como reagente precipitante, e o sulfato de berberina MerckÒ, como substância química de referência. A curva de calibração foi determinada com seis concentrações entre 40 e 200 mg/mL. A equação da reta é y = 0,0038x + 0,0092 com R² de 0,9996. Os parâmetros robustez, precisão, especificidade, limite de detecção e quantificação e exatidão foram avaliados estatisticamente com intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento (teste t de Student, ANOVA).

Robusterina® is a herbal medicine, with effectiveness in the treatment of menstrual cycle disfunctions. Its composition includes Berberis vulgaris L., with sedative and antispasmodic action; Gossypium herbaceum L., with emmenagogue, hemostatic and ocitocic action; Viburnum opulus L., with antispasmodic action for the treatment of menstrual colics. In accordance with Resolution RDC N° 48, of 16 of March of 2004 (ANVISA, Brazil) the product meets the definition of "Fitoterápico" (phytotherapeutic agent). The presence of alkaloids in Berberis vulgaris and the absence of analytical methodologies for quantification of the product, stimulated us to develop and validate a method in accordance with Resolution RE N° 899, of 29 of May of 2003. Such methodology is based on the determination of alkaloids using a spectrophotometric method, with Dragendorff as a precipitating reagent, and using berberine sulphate, as a standard. The calibration curve was determined with six concentrations ranging between 40 and 200 mg/mL. The equation of the calibration curve is y = 0.0038x + 0.0092 with R² of 0.9996. The parameters robustness, precision, specificity, limit of detection and quantification and accuracy have been evaluated using 95 percent confidence interval (test t of Student, ANOVA).