Microencapsulation of marjoram essential oil as a food additive using sodium alginate and whey protein isolate.

Encapsulation techniques are generally used to preserve the volatile compounds of essential oils. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of process variables on the microencapsulation of marjoram essential oil (MEO) (Origanum majorana L.) by ionic gelation. The effect of sodium alginate concentration (0.5-2 g/100 mL), emulsifier concentration (0.5-2 g/100 mL whey protein isolate (WPI)), and cationic bath concentration (0.05-0.3 mol/L CaCl2) on the emulsions and beads properties were investigated, according to a rotatable central composite design. MEO chemical composition and antimicrobial activity were assessed. Emulsions were characterized for droplet size and viscosity, while the particles were analyzed for encapsulation efficiency, size and circularity, and morphology. High concentrations of alginate and WPI intensified the porous structure of the beads, reducing droplet mean diameter and encapsulation efficiency. High alginate concentrations also increased emulsion viscosity, affecting positively beads' circularity. The intermediate concentration of sodium alginate (1.25 g/100 mL), WPI (1.25 g/100 mL), and CaCl2 (0.175 mol/L) were selected as the most appropriate conditions to produce beads with satisfactory circularity and high encapsulation efficiency.

Sustainable use of tropical fruits? Challenges and opportunities of applying the waste-to-value concept to international value chains.

Agriculture and food science literature on waste-to-value applications that allow upcycling of by-product ingredients is increasing. However, this stream of research rarely takes an international trade and sustainability systems perspective. This focused review defines the term of waste-to-value and the sustainable development goals connected to it, and points to the tensions and questions arising when international trade is involved. Further, it exemplifies the challenges and opportunities of waste-to-value in tropical fruit trade through five cases of tropical fruit from South America: Green coconut, açaí, maracujá, cambuci, and jabuticaba. We present a model of the international supply chain that indicates where the opportunities of waste-to-value applications in international tropical fruit trade are situated, and discuss which future research questions need to be addressed to tackle the challenges of waste-to-value in global tropical fruit chains. Establishing the waste-to-value approach in the export of yet-underused tropical fruits can amongst others improve local employment, preserve natural resources, allow favorable use of side-streams in local energy production, environmentally friendly packaging material for transport, and add health functionalities to the end-consumer products, but challenges have to be solved in order to ensure these environmental and social benefits materialize.

Heteromorphic stamens are differentially attractive in Swartzia (Fabaceae).

The division of labour hypothesis between stamens has explained the evolution of divergent functions between dimorphic stamens in the same flower. However, little is known about whether the distinct type of stamens differs in attractiveness to pollinators. Therefore, we investigate whether the two types of stamens commonly found in Swartzia have different visual and olfactory attractants. We performed observations of anthesis dynamics, registration and collection of floral visitors, measurements of reflectance of floral parts and chemical analysis of the volatile organic compounds of the floral parts of two species, S. flaemingii and S. simplex. Both species have two distinct sets of stamens: one with smaller and abundant stamens in the centre of the flower and the other with fewer but larger abaxial stamens. The sets differ in UV reflectance (only S. simplex) and exhibit a distinct chromatic contrast. Concerning olfactory attractiveness, aliphatic compounds make up most of the odour of the two species, both whole flowers and most of their floral organs. On the other hand, only S. simplex presented apocarotenoids (as ionones) and benzenoids. Furthermore, there are differences in the proportion of volatiles emitted by the stamen in both cases, as the high proportion of sesquiterpenes among the smaller stamens compared to the larger ones. In conclusion, the two types of stamens found in S. flaemingii and S. simplex show a distinct attractiveness. In addition, our data have demonstrated diverse ways of differential attractiveness both between distinct stamens set per flower and between the two species from the same pollen flowers genus.

Acaricidal and anthelmintic action of ethanolic extract and essential oil of Achyrocline satureioides.

Although Brazilian livestock is considered one of the most productive in the world, the losses caused by parasites still greatly limit these activities and its incorrect control through traditional synthetic chemicals has caused problems such as parasitic resistance. The present study evaluated the anthelmintic and acaricidal action of ethanolic extract (EE) and essential oil (OE) obtained from Achyrocline satureioides inflorescences against an endo and an ectoparasite of great importance in sheep and cattle. The action against Haemonchus contortus was evaluated by the Larval Development Test (LDT) and the Egg Hatching Test (EHT), while the acaricidal potential against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was evaluated by the Adult Immersion Test (AIT) and Larval Package Test (LPT). Chemical analyzes were performed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass of spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to evaluate the chemical composition of EE and EO, respectively. Luteolin (m/z 285), quercetin (m/z 301) and methyl quercetin (m/z 315) were the major compounds detected in the A. satureioides EE, while 41 compounds were identified in EO. Among them, the major compounds were caryophyllene oxide (15.4%), limonene (10.9%), trans-calamenene + Î´-cadinene (8.0%), (E)-caryophyllene (5.5%), spathulenol (5.1%) and α-pinene (4.5%). Against H. contortus, by EHT, the EE and EO showed LC50 of 83.14 mg mL-1 and 10.42 mg mL-1, respectively. In LDT, LC50 were 0.16 mg mL-1 and 0.42 mg mL-1, respectively by EE and EO. In the AIT assay for R. (B.) microplus tick LC50 obtained for EE and EO were 76.43 mg mL-1 and 114.35 mg mL-1, respectively. EE at 100 mg mL-1 completely inhibited egg laying, while the EO at 50 mg mL-1 completely inhibited larval hatching. No significant larvicidal effect was observed in LPT for both extracts. The EE and EO presented a high efficacy at low concentrations in the inhibition of egg hatching and larval development of H. contortus. Although both extracts did not show consistent larvicidal action, the results were significant in inhibiting the oviposition of R. (B.) microplus engorged females.

Amazonian medicinal smokes: Chemical analysis of Burseraceae pitch (breu) oleoresin smokes and insights into their use on headache.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Latin American Traditional Medicine, the use of Burseraceae oleoresins for headache relief is widespread. In the quilombola (maroon) communities of the municipality of Oriximiná, Pará State, Brazil, Burseraceae oleoresins are burned as incenses to treat headache; an effect attained by inhaling the smokes. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to investigate the scientific rationale behind the use of Burseraceae pitch oleoresin smokes on headache by identifying its chemical constituents and discussing whether they could be beneficial for headache treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two samples of pitch oleoresins were purchased from Amazonian public markets; one of them marketed as "breu preto" (black pitch), and the other as "breu branco" (white pitch). The smoke headspaces produced upon burning these oleoresins were collected and analysed by GC-MS. For comparative purposes, the triterpenoid fingerprints of the oleoresins' dichloromethane extracts and profiles of the essential oils were also obtained by GC-MS - and GC-FID, in the case of the essential oils. RESULTS: A total of 32 compounds were detected in black and white pitch oleoresin smokes. All smoke headspaces of the pitch oleoresins shared the presence of volatile terpenoids (e.g., α-terpineol) and triterpenoids (e.g., α-amyrin, ß-amyrin, α-amyrone, and ß-amyrone). These compounds were also present in the crude resins and could potentially be responsible for anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and analgesic effects on headache. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacological data on the terpenoids detected in the Burseraceae pitch smokes strongly support their traditional use for headache, but their actual effects upon inhalation have yet to be determined.

Differentiation of black and white pitch (Burseraceae) oleoresins: A mass spectrometry-based chemoethnotaxonomic study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In the quilombola communities of the municipality of Oriximiná (Pará State, Brazil), Protium spp. (Burseraceae) oleoresins are distinguished in black and white pitch. White pitch oleoresins may be superior to black pitch in terms of quality, but the criteria used for their differentiation are fairly subjective. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to provide a scientific rationale for the traditional differentiation of black and white pitch oleoresins based on their non-volatile fraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Black and white pitch oleoresin samples collected in quilombola territories in Oriximiná were analysed by GC-EI-MS and UPLC-APCI-MS. The feasibility of EI and APCI mass spectrometry-based pattern recognition methods PLS-DA and Random Forest Analysis (RFA) for black and white pitch oleoresins differentiation was demonstrated. RESULTS: The UPLC-APCI-MS method allowed the separation of 43 triterpenoids. Assessment of the triterpenoid fingerprints by GC-EI-MS led to the tentative identification of ursa-9(11),12-dien-3-ol as a potential marker for black pitch oleoresins. PLS-DA and RFA applied to the APCI-MS and EI-MS data gave good models for black and white pitch oleoresins classification. The most important ions for the classifications of black pitch oleoresins by APCI-MS/PLS-DA and APCI-MS/RFA likely represented triterpenoid acids. CONCLUSIONS: The triterpenoid pattern differs between black and white pitch oleoresins. The characteristic presence of ursa-9(11),12-dien-3-ol and triterpenoids acids in black pitch oleoresins, along with other field observations, suggest that black pitch oleoresins are actually aged white pitch oleoresins.

New approaches to monitor semi-volatile organic compounds released during coffee roasting using flow-through/active sampling and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.

A novel dynamic approach is described to profile volatile organic compound (VOC) and semi-VOC (SVOC) emission during coffee roasting aimed at analysing components present in the roasting plume, and to monitor their evolution during the process. Two sorbents - coconut shell charcoal (CSC) and styrene-divinylbenzene resin (XAD-2) - were evaluated while collecting substances in four sequential time intervals (0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 min). Extracted VOCs (<200 Da) and SVOCs were analysed by gas chromatography (GC), and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) with flame ionisation (FID) and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) detection. Results showed CSC extraction presented poor recovery of VOCs and SVOCs released during roasting. However, XAD-2 was able to collect both groups, including SVOCs of >400 Da. GC × GC resolved many co-eluting compounds observed in 1D GC and allowed chemical group type cluster analysis, revealing that many non-polar VOCs are observed within the 0-3 min interval, and that the release of polar and higher molar mass SVOCs were mostly found within the 3-6 min interval. These group-type cluster analyses offer a broad spectrum chemical profile of the released substances. It may also reveal detailed insights into the roast process evolution over time.

Insecticidal activity of essential oils in controlling fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda / Atividade inseticida de óleos essenciais para o controle da lagarta-do-cartucho do milho, Spodoptera frugiperda

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the main pests in maize crop with developing resistance to chemical products and Bt technology. Therefore, alternative control methods such as essential oils are important steps in the implementation management strategies for this pest. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of essential oils (EOs) of Corymbia citriodora, Myrciaria dubia (Myrtaceae), Lippia microphylla (Verbenaceae) and Piper umbelattum (Piperaceae) in controlling S. frugiperda. The OEs were extracted and mortality tests were conducted with topic and volatile applications, in 30 second-instar caterpillars originated from insect rearing and artificial diet. As a control, we conducted tests with distilled water and acetone. EOs that provided mortality rates above 80% were submitted to chemical analysis for constituent identification. The efficient EOs were only those of C. citriodora and L. microphylla. For EO of C. citriodora, the LD80 was 7.06 ± 0.73 mg.g-1 in topical application and 5.85 ± 0.75 µL via volatile application. On the other hand, for EO of L. microphylla, DL80 was 9.95 ± 1.25 mg.g-1 in topical application and 18.56 ± 3.55 µL via volatile application. Chemical analysis showed that the main constituents were citronella for the EO of C. citriodora and (E)-caryophyllene and (E)-nerolidol to the EO of L. microphylla. EOs of C. citriodora and L. microphylla are promising for controlling S. frugiperda, with emphasis on the volatile effect of C. citriodora oil.(AU)

A lagarta-do-cartucho, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepdoptera: Noctuidae), é uma das principais pragas na cultura do milho e nos últimos anos vem desenvolvendo resistência a produtos químicos e à tecnologia Bt. Métodos alternativos de controle, como o emprego de óleos essenciais, são um passo importante na implementação de estratégias de manejo para essa praga. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência dos óleos essenciais de Corymbia citriodora, Myrciaria dubia (Myrtaceae), Lippia microphylla (Verbenaceae) e Piper umbelattum (Piperaceae) no controle de S. frugiperda. Os óleos essenciais foram extraídos e testes de mortalidade com aplicação tópica e de voláteis foram conduzidos com 30 lagartas de segundo instar provenientes de criação massal e em dieta artificial. Como testemunha, foram conduzidos testes com água destilada e acetona. Os óleos essenciais que proporcionaram taxas de mortalidade acima de 80% foram submetidos à análise química para identificação de seus constituintes. Entre os óleos essenciais, mostraram-se eficientes apenas os de C. citriodora e L. microphylla. Para o óleo essencial de C. citriodora, a DL80 foi de 7,06 ± 0,73 mg.g-1 em aplicação tópica e 5,85 ± 0,75 µL via aplicação do volátil. Já para o óleo essencial de L. microphylla, a DL80 foi de 9,95 ± 1,25 mg.g-1 em aplicação tópica e 18,56 ± 3,55 µL via aplicação do volátil. A análise química demonstrou que os principais constituintes foram citronelal para o óleo essencial de C. citriodora, e (E)-cariofileno e (E)-nerolidol para o de L. microphylla. Os óleos essenciais de C. citriodora e L. microphylla são promissores para o controle de S. frugiperda, com destaque para o efeito volátil do óleo de C. citriodora.(AU)

Lipase-catalysed esters synthesis of cafestol and kahweol.

Cafestol and kahweol (C&K), two coffee diterpene alcohols with structural similarity which exhibit anticarcinogenic effects, were isolated from green coffee Arabica beans, followed by their lipase-catalysed esterification and purification by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The isolation and enzymatic synthesis parameters of C&K esters were studied, with the latter optimised by a Central Composite Design; both procedures were monitored by gas chromatography. Scale up and improved isolation conditions resulted in 1.29 g of C&K, with 98% purity from 300 g of green Arabica beans. The highest C&K ester yields were observed using an alcohol:fatty acid molar ratio of 1:5, 73.3 mg mL-1 of CAL-B enzyme, 70 °C and 240 rpm for 3 days in toluene, leading to 85-88% conversion among a variety of tested C&K esters, including n-C14:0-C20:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3.

Chemical Composition and In vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Extracts of Tagetes patula Against a Multidrug-Resistant Isolate of Haemonchus contortus.

Sheep breeding has suffered economic losses due to parasitism by gastrointestinal nematodes, particularly Haemonchus contortus. The use of natural products, specifically Tagetes patula, has been suggested as an alternative method of combatting this issue. Chemical analyses of the extracts of this species described in the literature report the presence of important classes of secondary metabolites such as thiophenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, and benzofurans, some of which were identified and isolated in this study. The aim of this work was to test the effect of the essential oil (EO) and the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts (TpEtOH ) of T. patula on eggs and larvae of H. contortus, through an egg hatch test (EHT) and a larval development test (LDT). In the EHT, the EO showed 100% inhibition at 0.75 mg mL-1 (LC50 = 0.0780 mg mL-1 ), and the TpEtOH showed 100% inhibition at 100 mg mL-1 (LC50 = 12.8 mg mL-1 ). In the LDT, the EO showed 100% inhibition at 0.375 mg mL-1 (LC50 = 0.0400 mg mL-1 ), and the TpEtOH showed 100% inhibition at 1.56 mg mL-1 (LC50 = 0.340 mg mL-1 ). Compared to available literature data, the results presented here suggest that the crude extracts of T. patula have substantial potential for controlling this nematode by interrupting its life cycle and/or preventing it from reaching the infective stage.

Analysis of underivatised low volatility compounds by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with a short primary column.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) approaches with cryogenic modulation were developed for the qualitative analysis of selected low volatility compounds in raw coffee bean extracts, without derivatisation. The approaches employed short first (1D) and second (2D) dimension columns, specifically a 1D 65% phenyl methyl siloxane column (11m) and a 2D 5% phenyl methyl siloxane column (1m), which allowed elution of high molar mass compounds (e.g.>600Da). Solutes included hydrocarbons, fatty acids, diterpenes, tocopherols, sterols, diterpene esters, and di- and triacylglycerides. An oven temperature program up to 370°C was employed. The effects of experimental conditions were investigated, revealing that the GC×GC results strongly depended on the cryogenic trap T, and oven T program. An appropriate condition was selected and further applied for group type analysis of low volatility compounds in green Arabica coffee beans. Retention indices were compiled for 1D GC analysis and were similar for the composite column data in GC×GC. The elution of some compounds was confirmed by use of authentic standards. The approach allowed direct analysis of coffee extract in ethyl acetate solution, with improved analyte peak capacity (approximately 200 compounds were detected) without prior fractionation or pre-treatment of the sample. This avoided potential hydrolysis of high molar mass conjugate esters as well as degradation of thermally labile compounds such as the derivatives of the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol.

Ethnopharmacological Evaluation of Breu Essential Oils from Protium Species Administered by Inhalation.

BACKGROUND: Breu is an aromatic oleoresin which has been used by Amazonian traditional communities as a remedy for headaches and migraines by burning and inhaling the smoke produced during its combustion. This study evaluated the antinociceptive and sedative activities of formulations containing breu essential oils administered by inhalation. METHODS: Five different formulations (A-E) containing breu essential oils were evaluated for their sedative and antinociceptive activities in mice. They were delivered for 20 minutes using an inhalation chamber coupled with a nebulizer and the air inside was collected by static headspace and analyzed by GC-FID. RESULTS: All nebulized formulations had similar chemical compositions and major compounds as the original essential oils. None of them resulted in significant increase in response time during the hot plate test. In the formalin test, Formulation E showed a significant inhibition of licking responses in the early (46.8%) and late (60.2%) phases. Formulation B was effective (36.9%) in the first phase and Formulation D (37.9%) in the second. None of the formulations presented sedative effects. CONCLUSION: Breu essential oils, when inhaled, may present antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties without sedation. Additionally, nebulization proved to be an efficient method for administration of formulations containing these essential oils.

Growth Inhibition of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Produced Water from the Petroleum Industry Using Essential Oils.

Strategies for the control of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the oil industry involve the use of high concentrations of biocides, but these may induce bacterial resistance and/or be harmful to public health and the environment. Essential oils (EO) produced by plants inhibit the growth of different microorganisms and are a possible alternative for controlling SRB. We aimed to characterize the bacterial community of produced water obtained from a Brazilian petroleum facility using molecular methods, as well as to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of EO from different plants and their major components against Desulfovibrio alaskensis NCIMB 13491 and against SRB growth directly in the produced water. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of the genera Pelobacter and Marinobacterium, Geotoga petraea, and the SRB Desulfoplanes formicivorans in our produced water samples. Sequencing of dsrA insert-containing clones confirmed the presence of sequences related to D. formicivorans. EO obtained from Citrus aurantifolia, Lippia alba LA44 and Cymbopogon citratus, as well as citral, linalool, eugenol and geraniol, greatly inhibited (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 78 µg/mL) the growth of D. alaskensis in a liquid medium. The same MIC was obtained directly in the produced water with EO from L. alba LA44 (containing 82% citral) and with pure citral. These findings may help to control detrimental bacteria in the oil industry.

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.

Report on the Malungo expedition to the Erepecuru river, Oriximiná, Brazil. Part I: is there a difference between black and white breu?

ABSTRACT Species belonging to Burseraceae produce an oleoresin known in the north of Brazil as breu. They comprise an essential oil with a complex composition, and are used in Amazonia for smoking the environment, to caulk boats and for medicinal purposes. Depending on its organoleptic characteristics and on the breu-producing species, they are called white or black breu. In this work, we provide data about the breu-producing species occurring in the quilombola region of the Erepecuru river, the chemical composition, and whether it is possible to differentiate them based on their chemical composition and/or botanical identification. Aerial samples from breu trees and oleoresins were collected from 10 different individuals at 6 different sites on the Erepecuru river under the guidance of the quilombolas. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC–MS. From the analysis, 126 different substances were identified, with a large quantitative and qualitative variation. To better understand the chemical variations within the samples and to sort the variation into the categories of white or black breu as identified by the quilombola, we sorted the oil samples into five different sets according to their major compounds (A: δ-3-carene; B: p-cymene; C: γ-cadinene/p-cymene; D: limonene, β-phellandrene/α-terpineol; E: α-pinene/limonene). Essential oils from samples of white breu had the highest concentration of α-pinene, while a similarity in chemical composition could not be established for the black breu samples (sets A, B and C). Furthermore, a chemical similarity between a black breu (Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand) and a white breu (Protium decandrum (Aubl.) Marchand) sample was evidenced. In conclusion, it is difficult to establish definitions for white and black breu based on chemical, botanical or regional names. This designation is more cultural and regional than scientific and is based on the oleoresin production volume, its color aspect and scent.

Efficacy of 11 Brazilian essential oils on lethality of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

Herbal extracts have been investigated as an alternative for parasite control, aiming to slow the development of resistance and to obtain low-cost biodegradable parasiticides. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, in vitro, of 11 essential oils from Brazil on reproductive efficiency and lethality of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The effects of oils extracted from Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Lippia alba, Lippia gracilis, Lippia origanoides, Lippia sidoides, Mentha arvensis, Mentha piperita, Croton cajucara (white and red), and Croton sacaquinha on ticks were investigated by the Immersion Test with Engorged Females (ITEF) and the modified Larval Packet Test (LPT). Distilled water and 2% Tween 80 were used as control treatments. Chemical analysis of the oils was done with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Analysis of the in vitro tests using Probit (SAS program) allowed the calculation of lethal concentrations (LCs). Lower reproductive efficiency indexes and higher efficacy percentages in the ITEF were obtained with the oils extracted from C. longa (24 and 71%, respectively) and M. arvensis oils (27 and 73%, respectively). Lower LC50 was reached with C. longa (10.24 mg/mL), L. alba (10.78 mg/mL), M. arvensis (22.31 mg/mL), L. sidoides (27.67 mg/mL), and C. sacaquinha (29.88 mg/mL) oils. In the LPT, species from Zingiberaceae and Verbenaceae families caused 100% lethality at 25 mg/mL, except for L. sidoides. The most effective oils were from C. longa, L. gracilis, L. origanoides, L. alba, and Z. officinale. The LC50 and LC90 were, respectively: 0.54 and 1.80 mg/mL, 3.21 and 7.03 mg/mL, 3.10 and 8.44 mg/mL, 5.85 and 11.14 mg/mL, and 7.75 and 13.62 mg/mL. The efficacy was directly related to the major components in each essential oil, and the oils derived from Croton genus presented the worst performance, suggesting the absence of synergistic effect among its compounds. Since C. longa, containing 62% turmerone, was the one most efficient against ticks, this compound may be potentially used for tick control, but further research is needed, especially to assess toxicity of these compounds to the host. These new studies, together with the results presented here, may provide a strong rationale for designing pre-clinical and clinical studies with these agents.

Genetic diversity of macauba from natural populations of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The macauba has been identified as the most promising native species for the production of vegetable oil and biomass. Several studies confirm its potential for numerous purposes (liquid and solid biofuels, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals), but this Brazilian biodiversity resource has been little explored, and work aimed at their domestication and genetic improvement are relatively recent. This study consisted of a multivariate approach to levels of trans fatty acids, oil yield and physical characteristics found in fruits of macauba of natural populations. The objective was to quantify the genetic variability among 35 genotypes of natural populations of macauba from 16 locations in different regions of Brazil. Euclidean Distance measurements were estimated and the cluster analysis obtained by the UPGMA method considering separately the fatty acid profile, and traits related to physical part and the fruits oil content. RESULTS: It was observed the formation of seven groups for the profile of fatty acids and five groups for physical characteristics and oil yield. Large variations were observed for different types of mesocarp (pulp) fatty acids and kernel. Oleic acid (18: 1) in mesocarp was the largest contribution to the total divergence. The results indicate variations to the physical characteristics and oil yield, especially the oil percentage in mesocarp and weight of the whole fruit which contributed 64.58% of the divergence between genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified genotypes potential to generate variability and obtaining selection gains, directing plant breeding programs according with demands of oils market.

Diferentes taxas de alimentação de prensa do tipo expeller na eficiência de extração e na qualidade do óleo de semente de maracujá / Different screw press feed rates on extraction efficiency and quality of passion fruit seed oil

Sementes de maracujá foram submetidas à prensagem sob diferentes taxas de alimentação (1,2 a 3,0kgh-1) com o objetivo de avaliar o impacto desta variação no rendimento do processo de extração, nas características de qualidade e na composição em ácidos graxos do óleo de semente de maracujá. O rendimento de extração de óleo variou entre 24 e 25%, com eficiência de 84 a 86% e teor residual de óleo na torta parcialmente desengordurada em torno de 5%, indicando que o processo utilizado foi adequado à matéria-prima. O menor valor de temperatura de saída do óleo da prensa foi observado na taxa de alimentação de 2,4kgh-1. Não houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) para a composição em ácidos graxos, estabilidade oxidativa, densidade e para os índices de iodo, saponificação, refração e de peróxidos. No entanto, houve diferença (P<0,05) quanto ao teor de ácidos graxos livres, que foi menor para o óleo obtido na maior taxa de alimentação, e para umidade do óleo, que foi maior para a menor taxa de alimentação. A taxa de alimentação na prensagem de sementes de maracujá promoveu diferenças quanto à qualidade do óleo.

Passion fruit seeds were subjected to pressing under different feed rates (1.2 to 3.0kgh-1) in order to assess the impact of this variation in the yield of the extraction process, the quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of the passion fruit seed oil obtained. The yield of the process ranged between 24 and 25% and presented 84 to 86% of efficiency and residual oil in partially defatted cake around 5%, indicating that the procedure was adequate to the raw material. The lowest press oil outlet temperature was observed at the feed rate of 2.4kgh-1. No significant difference (P>0.05) were observed for fatty acid composition, oxidative stability, density and iodine, saponification, refraction and peroxide values. However, significant differences (P<0.05) was observed on free fatty acids content, which was lower for the highest feed rate, and oil moisture, which was higher for the lowest feed rate. The feed rate in pressing of passion fruit seeds promoted differences in oil quality.

Seasonal variation of vegetative growth, essential oil yield and composition of menthol mint genotypes at southern Brazil / Variação sazonal do crescimento vegetativo, produtividade e composição de óleo essencial em genótipos de menta no sudeste brasileiro

Menthol has economic importance to the flavor, food and pharmaceutical industries. Ten menthol mint (Mentha spp) genotypes were assessed for essential oil content and composition at Southern Brazil environmental conditions at two harvest times (February and May). The experimental design was in completely randomized blocks with a 10 x 2 factorial for genotypes and harvest time. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The essential oil content varied from 0.8 to 5.3% and was greater in February for all the investigated genotypes. The main constituents identified in the essential oil samples were menthol (12 - 92.7%), mentone (2.2 - 56.9%), and neomenthol (2.9 - 12.1%). Menthol levels were superior in May and showed a negative correlation with mentone and neomenthol, which in turn were higher in February. Menthol levels were positively correlated with menthyl acetate. Pulegone, 1.8 cineol, and limonene were also detected in lower concentrations in some genotypes. Thirteen other essential oil constituents were identified as trace elements in essential oil. Mentha canadensis L. showed the highest essential oil content (5.3 % - February and 3.5% - May) as well as the highest menthol content (89.6% - February, 92.7% - May) in both harvests. From the analyzed results, Southern Brazil local environmental conditions are appropriated for menthol production, with two harvests and M. canadensis L. can be recommended as a promising genetic source. The summer harvest (February) favored oil yield, although with a slight decrease in menthol content. The challenge of achieving higher essential oil and menthol yields depends on strategies to increase herb yield by developing innovative agronomic practices.

O mentol, constituinte majoritário do óleo essencial de menta é usado nas indústrias farmacêutica, alimentícia e de aromas. Onze genótipos de Mentha sp. foram estudados em relação ao desenvolvimento vegetativo, rendimento, produtividade e composição de óleo essencial nas condições edafoclimáticas do litoral Norte Catarinense, em duas épocas (fevereiro e maio). O trabalho foi conduzido em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 10 x 2 para genótipos e épocas de colheita. A extração do óleo essencial foi realizada por hidrodestilação em aparelho graduado Clevenger. O teor de óleo essencial variou entre 0,8 e 5,3%, sendo maior em fevereiro para todos os genótipos. Os constituintes majoritários identificados foram mentol (12 ­ 92,7%), mentona (2,2 ­ 56,9%), e neomentol (2,9 ­ 12,1). Os maiores teores de mentol foram observados em maio, apresentando correlação negativa com mentona e neomentol, os quais foram superiores em fevereiro. Os teores de acetato de metila apresentaram correlação positiva com os de mentol. Pulegona, 1,8 cineol, e limoneno foram identificados em menores concentrações e outros treze constituintes foram detectados como elementos traço em alguns genótipos. Mentha canadensis L. apresentou os maiores teores de óleo essencial, (5,3 % - Fevereiro e 3,5% - Maio) e mentol (89,6% - Fevereiro, 92,7% - Maio) em ambas as colheitas. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que as condições edafoclimáticas do litoral Norte Catarinense são adequadas para a produção de mentol, com duas colheitas, recomendando-se o genótipo M. canadensis L. A colheita de verão (fevereiro) favorece a produtividade de óleo essencial reduzindo o teor de mentol. O desafio para aumentar a produtividade de óleo essencial e de mentol depende de estratégias que aumentem a produção de biomassa através do desenvolvimento de práticas agronômicas inovativas.