A novel approach to Cestrum intermedium (mata-boi): anatomical and physical-chemical characterization, in vitro biological activities, and metabolites of a Brazilian native species

Abstract The Brazilian native species Cestrum intermedium, known as mata-boi, induces hepatotoxicity and death when ingested by cattle. While most studies on this species focus on toxicological features, our study is the first to describe the anatomy and in vitro biological activities of Cestrum intermedium. We investigated adult leaves and stems by histochemistry, described their anatomy, performed physical-chemical analysis, determined in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and identified secondary metabolites. A few noteworthy anatomical features were the anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface and the absence of trichomes, in addition to the circular shaped petiole with two projections on the adaxial surface. Histochemical analysis showed chemical markers such as alkaloids, usually reported as toxic, and terpenoids. Potassium nitrate (ATR-FTIR) and lupeol palmitate (NMR) were detected on the crude stem extract. Thermogravimetric and physical-chemical analysis provided fingerprint parameters for the species. Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay revealed that Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans were weakly inhibited by extract samples. Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions presented high phenolic content, which resulted in in vitro antioxidant activity. These novel features expand the knowledge about this species, considering that previous studies mainly focused on its toxicity. Our study also provided characteristics that may help in avoiding misidentification between Cestrum members, especially when taxonomic keys cannot be employed, as in the absence of flowers and fruits.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil Obtained from Eugenia pyriformis Cambess. (Myrtaceae)

Abstract Our study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Eugenia pyriformis Cambess., belonging to the Myrtaceae family and native to the Brazilian Atlantic forest. The volatile compounds in the essential oil were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS; 36 compounds accounted for 78.80% of the total oil content. The major compounds were β-caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene, globulol, and (δ-cadinene. We evaluated their antimicrobial potential of the essential oil and toxicity to Artemia salina. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was evaluated against 12 microorganisms using the broth microdilution method. Our results showed moderate inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MIC, 250 and 125 μg.mL-1, respectively) and toxicity to A. salina (LC50, 125.64 μg.mL-1). Our results establish the biological activity of the essential oil obtained from E. pyriformis.

Phytochemical and morpho-anatomical study of the vegetative organs of Psychotria fractistipula L. B.Sm., R.M. Klein & Delprete (Rubiaceae)

Psychotria fractistipula L.B.Sm, R.M. Klein & Delprete (Rubiaceae) is found in the existing Atlantic Forest in the South of Brazil, in the Paraná and Santa Catarina States. The members of Rubiaceae are characterized chemically by the presence of alkaloids, some pharmacological properties of which include antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antiviral activities. In this study, we report the results of anatomical, morphological, and histochemical analyses of the leaves and stems of the Rubiaceae family member, P. fractistipula. The anatomical analysis involved of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Morpho-anatomical and histochemical characterization were made using standard methodology. The isolated compounds were identified by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopic analysis. The following structures are highlighted as the distinctive features of the species: presence of petiolate leaves and a petiole base, leaf blade with smooth cuticle on both surfaces, paracytic stomata, and, dorsiventral mesophyll and presence of trichomes on the leaves and stems. Phytosteroids, identified as β-sitosterol and campesterol, were observed in the hexane fraction of the stem. Future studies should focus on the isolation of other fractions of interest and their characterization through specific biological and cytotoxicity assays.

Anatomy and Histochemistry of Leaf and Stem of Brazilian Endemic Species Mollinedia clavigera Tul

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the anatomy and histochemistry of Mollinedia clavigera leaves and stems through photonic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Noteworthy features of leaves were: presence of paracytic stomata on both surfaces; simple as well as bifurcate non-glandular trichomes; prismatic calcium oxalate crystals; flat-convex midrib with a central and two dorsal bundles; concave-convex petiole with a single vascular bundle in open archh. Stems were cylindrical and showed prismatic and styloid crystals in the pith. Histochemical analysis detected lipophilic and phenolic compounds, starch grains and lignified elements such as brachysclereids and fibers. These features may assist in future identifications and quality control of M. clavigera, avoid misidentification between other genus members, once species and genus studies are scarce.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Antimicrobial Activities of Eugenia Species - A Review.

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical health problem, and pathogens responsible for common infections have developed resistance to antimicrobials, posing a threat to global health and placing a huge burden on health services. During the past two decades, the search for new bioactive agents in nature has become extremely important for promoting health and in the development of more efficient antimicrobials. The genus Eugenia is one of the largest in the Myrtaceae family, comprising approximately 1000 species from Mexico to Argentina, with a few species distributed in Australia and Africa. Eugenia species are used in folk medicine, with antidiabetic, antirheumatic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. This study systematically reviews the Eugenia species to compile the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial effects. In addition, we provide information regarding the traditional uses and cytotoxic activity of Eugenia species. We conducted a systematic literature search of specialized databases (Web of Science, Scielo, Lilacs, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus) and selected articles published between 1973 and 2015 using Eugenia and antimicrobial activity, Eugenia and toxicity, and Eugenia and chemical composition as key words. Ninety-three studies were included, and the phytochemical analyses from these studies show that Eugenia species are a rich source of flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Chemical constituents play an apparent role in the antimicrobial effects and reinforce the known antimicrobial potential of the Eugenia genus. It is worth mentioning that some Eugenia species cause significant cytotoxicity.

Conhecimento e uso de plantas medicinais por usuários de Unidades Básicas de Saúde na Região de Colombo, PR / The knowledge and use of medicinal plants by users of primary healthcare facilities in Colombo, PR

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre a utilização de plantas medicinais pela população frequentadora de Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) em Colombo, PR. Material e Métodos: Por meio de um questionário de pesquisa estruturado, foram entrevistados usuários adultos de ambos os sexos, de quatro UBS, entre os meses de maio e junho de 2016. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 101 usuários de UBS. Destes, 72,28% utilizavam plantas medicinais, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino, com idade média de 39 anos. A espécie vegetal mais citada pela população foi a camomila (Matricaria chamomilla L.), seguida da hortelã (Mentha spicata L.) e do capim limão (Cymbopogon citratus L.), sendo que a indicação mais referida pelos entrevistados foi calmante, seguida das afecções estomacais. Aproximadamente 70% dos entrevistados que fazem uso de plantas medicinais relataram que cultivam as próprias plantas para consumo e o entendimento da finalidade terapêutica é proveniente do conhecimento familiar. Dentre as 30 plantas citadas pelos entrevistados, grande parte estão listadas na Relação Nacional de Plantas Medicinais de Interesse ao SUS (RENISUS), no Formulário Fitoterápico e no Memento Fitoterápico da Farmacopeia Brasileira. Conclusão: A partir dos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que os usuários entendem que as plantas medicinais auxiliam na terapêutica como um complemento no tratamento das mais diversas enfermidades.(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge on the use of medicinal plants by frequent users of Primary Healthcare Facilities (PHF) in Colombo, PR. Material and Methods: Adult users of both sexes from four PHF were interviewed using a structured questionnaire between May and June 2016. Results: A total of 101 PHF users were interviewed. Of these, 72.28% reported using medicinal plants, most of them being female, with a mean age of 39 years. The plant species most frequently cited were chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), followed by mint (Mentha spicata L.) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus L.), and the most common indications were soothing, followed by stomach disorders. Approximately 70% of the respondents who use medicinal plants reported that they cultivate the plants themselves for consumption, and that the knowledge of the therapeutic purpose comes from the family. Among the 30 plants cited by respondents, most of them are listed in the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Brazilian Healthcare System (SUS, RENISUS); in the Phytotherapic Form; and in the Phytotherapic Memento of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. Conclusion: It is concluded that users understand that medicinal plants help in therapy as an adjunct in the treatment of several diseases.(AU)

Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities of Byrsonima duckeana W. R. Anderson (Malpighiaceae).

Background. Byrsonima is a promising neotropical genus, rich in flavonoids and triterpenes, with several proven pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, Byrsonima duckeana W. R. Anderson is an Amazonian species almost not studied. Objective. To assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of Byrsonima duckeana leaves. Materials and Methods. We analyzed an ethanol extract and its fractions for polyphenol content and UHPLC-MS/MS, phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, TBARS antioxidant tests, formalin-induced pain, carrageenan-induced peritonitis, acetic acid-induced abdominal writhings, and hot plate assays. Results. All the samples showed high polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity in the phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, and TBARS tests. We identified ethyl gallate, quinic acid, gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, quercetrin, and quercetin in the samples. B. duckeana was able to reduce leukocyte migration in the carrageenan-induced peritonitis by 43% and the licking time in the formalin test by 57%. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the chloroform (FCL) and ethyl acetate (FEA) fractions were the most active samples. FEA was selected for the hot plate test, where all the dosages tested (5, 50, and 200 mg·kg-1) showed significant analgesic activity. Conclusion. B. duckeana has interesting analgesic and antioxidant activities, due to its high phenolic content, especially phenolic acids.

Phytochemical and Antinociceptive, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Studies of Smilax larvata (Smilacaceae).

The tea of aerial parts of Smilax larvata Griseb. (Smilacaceae) has been ethnopharmacologically used in Southern Brazil due to its anti-inflammatory action. In this study, ethanolic and organic extracts from aerial parts of S. larvata were phytochemically and pharmacologically characterized. The phytochemical analysis of EtOAc extract of S. larvata revealed the presence of three flavonoids, drabanemoroside, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol, the first two being isolated for the first time in this genus, two phenolic compounds p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid, and alkaloids. In vitro assays demonstrated a potential antioxidant property of SLG. The treatment with SLG induced a significant reduction of the formalin-evoked flinches in rats, an effect reversed by opioid antagonist naloxone. Treatment with SLG also induced a significant increase in the hot plate latency and a decrease of intestinal motility by 45%. No effect was observed over nociceptive responses induced by a TRPA1 agonist mustard oil or over acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Together, our data suggested that SLG has an in vivo antinociceptive effect, which seems to be associated with the opioid system activation. These findings support previous claims of medical use of Smilax larvata in the treatment of pain conditions.

Perfil físico-químico e atividade antioxidante do cálice da espécie Hibiscus sabdariffa L. a partir do extrato aquoso e alcoólico obtidos por infusão e decocto / Physical-chemical profile and antioxidant activity of the calyx of the species Hibiscus sabdariffa L. from the aqueous and alcoholic extract obtained by infusion and decoction

O chá vem sendo uma das bebidas mais consumidas por grande parte da população mundial, sendo alvo de diversas pesquisas por suas propriedades terapêuticas. Comercializada pelo nome popular de Hibisco, a droga vegetal Hibiscus sabdariffa L. é uma espécie que tem sido atrativo de diversos pesquisadores em varias áreas. Atualmente, é utilizada como alimento humano, aromatizante, para artesanato e ornamentação. Além disso, por ter em sua composição substâncias com ação antioxidante, sua utilização na área da saúde vem sendo explorada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o perfil físico-químico do chá de H. sabdariffa L., os teores de polifenóis e flavonoides, e a atividade antioxidante da espécie H. sabdariffa L. a partir do extrato aquoso e alcoólico obtidos por infusão ou decocção. Os resultados demonstram que os parâmetros físicos de qualidade encontram-se dentro dos estabelecidos pela Farmacopeia Brasileira. Diante das amostras analisadas foi possível verificar que todos os extratos apresentaram teor de flavonoides e polifenóis. Entretanto, houve diferenças entre os solventes utilizados, o que já era esperado pela diferença de polaridade entre ambos. Conclui-se que o melhor método de extração, por obter a melhor atividade antioxidante e maiores concentrações de polifenóis e flavonoides, é o extrato obtido por decocção.(AU)

Tea has been one of the most consumed beverages for much of the world's population, the target of several studies for its therapeutic properties. Marketed by the popular name of hibiscus plant drug Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a species that has been attractive to many researchers in various areas. Currently, it is used as food, flavoring, Craft and ornamentation. In addition, having in its composition substances with antioxidant activity, their use in health has been explored. The objective of this study was to determine the physical and chemical profile of H. sabdariffa L. tea, the levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of the species H. sabdariffa L. from the aqueous and alcoholic extract obtained by infusion or decoction. The results demonstrate that the physical quality parameters are within established by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. In the face of the samples was verified that all extracts showed flavonoid and polyphenol content. However, there were differences between the solvents used, which was expected by the difference in polarity between them. It is concluded that the best method of extraction to obtain the best antioxidant activity and higher concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids is the extract from the decoction.(AU)

Avaliação da atividade antioxidante e antimicrobiana do extrato etanólico bruto e frações orgânicas obtidas a partir da casca do caule da espécie Guettarda uruguensis Cham, & Scthdl, (Rubiaceae) / Assessment of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the crude ethanolic extract and organic fractions obtained from the stem bark of the specie Guettarda uruguensis Cham. & Scthdl. (Rubiaceae)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial antioxidante e antimicrobiano do extrato bruto e frações obtidas das cascas do caule da espécie Guettarda uruguensis, Os ensaios antioxidantes indicaram alto potencial antioxidante, No ensaio de redução de fosfomolibdênio, a fração acetato de etila apresentou atividade antioxidante de 41,67% em relação ao padrão de ácido ascórbico e superou em 35,21% a atividade do padrão rutina, No ensaio de redução do DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), a fração acetato de etila apresentou um IC50 de 10,91 µg mL-1, valor próximo ao do ácido ascórbico (IC50 = 4,78 µg mL-1) e da rutina (IC50 = 6,62 µg mL-1), Pelo ensaio de TBA (acido tiobabitúrico) o extrato bruto (IA = 71,48%) e a fração hexano (IA = 47,85%) apresentaram índices superiores ao controle de BHT (butil hidroxi tolueno) (IA = 42,66), Através do ensaio de microdiluição em placas, foi observado que o extrato bruto e frações apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, O estudo fitoquímico qualitativo revelou a presença de alcaloides, cumarinas, esteroides e/ou triterpenos, heterosídeos saponínicos, taninos e aminogrupos...

This main purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of the crude extract and fractions obtained from the stem bark of the plant species. The antioxidant assays indicated high antioxidant capacity. In the reduction assay of the phosphomolybdenum, the ethyl acetate fraction showed antioxidant activity of 41.67% compared to standard ascorbic acid and exceeded in 35.21% the activity of the standard rutin. In the reduction assay of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), the ethyl acetate fraction showed an IC50 of 10.91 µg mL-1, equivalent to the ascorbic acid (IC50 = 4.78 µg mL-1) and rutin (IC50 = 6.62 µg mL-1). By the TBA (thiobarbituric acid) assay the crude extract (IA = 71.48%) and hexane fraction (IA = 47.85%) had an index higher than the control of BHT (butyl hydroxy toluene) (IA = 42.675). Through of assay of microdilution on plates was verified that the crude extract and fractions showed antimicrobial activity. The qualitative phytochemical study revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, steroids and/or triterpenoids, saponin glycosides, tannins and amino groups...

Supplementation with Pfaffia glomerata (Sprengel) Pedersen does not affect androgenic-anabolic parameters in male rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Paffia spp (Amaranthacea) has a widespread use of in Brazil as a possible hormonal supplement and a substitute of Panax ginseng, although information on its reproductive effects is missing. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluated possible anabolic-androgenic or anti-androgenic effects of Pfaffia glomerata (PG) extract using intact eight-months-old male rats and pre-pubertal castrated rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different dose levels of PG (8.5, 30 and 85 mg/kg/day) were administered to eight-months-old rats for 28 days or to castrated males for 7 days (Hershberger assay). In the experiment with intact animals, 24h fecal samples were collected for quantification of fecal metabolites of androgens throughout treatment. At the end of the treatment period, animals were euthanized for evaluation of serum testosterone, reproductive organ weights, number of spermatids per testis, diameter of seminiferous tubules and cross-sectional area of soleus muscle fibers. In the Hershberber assay, androgenic or anti-androgenic effects were evaluated by the weights of androgen-dependent tissues: ventral prostate, seminal vesicle, glans penis and levator ani muscle/bulbocavernosus muscle. RESULTS: No effects were observed in the concentrations of fecal metabolites of androgens monitored during the treatment of intact eight-months-old rats. Moreover, at the end of treatment, no changes were seen in any of the investigated parameters. In the Hershberger assay, the PG extract did not induce androgenic or anti-androgenic effects at the dose levels tested. Significant effects were only observed in animals treated with testosterone and testosterone plus flutamide, which were used as positive controls for androgenicity and anti-androgenicity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At the dose levels tested, PG extract does not induce anabolic-androgenic or anti-androgenic effects in rats.