Screening antimycobacterial activity of Baccharis dracunculifolia, Centella asiatica, Lantana camara and Pterodon emarginatus / Atividade anti-micobacteriana de Baccharis dracunculifolia, Centella asiatica, Lantana camara e Pterodon emarginatus

ABSTRACT The permanent investigation of new antimycobacterial drugs is necessary for the eradication programs of tuberculosis and other mycobacterium-related diseases. The aim of the present study is to search for new sources of antimycobacterial drugs using plant materials. In this study, 11 plant materials (extracts, essential oils and some fractions) obtained from 4 species of medicinal plants traditionally used as general therapeutics for different illnesses and specifically as treatment of tuberculosis, were evaluated using the microplate resazurin assay against 2 species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex and 3 nontuberculous mycobacteria. The results showed the hexane extract and the essential oil from fruits of Pterodonemarginatus (Vogel) as potential sources of antimycobacterial drugs against 4 species of tested mycobacteria. The hexane fraction of methanol extract from leaves of Centella asiatica also presented significant mycobacterial growth inhibition, but against M. chelonae only. In conclusion, it was possible to contribute to the antimycobacterial investigations by presenting three new samples of plants with significant antimicrobial activity against four Mycobacteriumspp and suggest future studies about the antimycobacterial properties of fruits from P. emarginatus.

RESUMO A investigação permanente de novas drogas antimicobacterianas é necessária no programa de erradicação da tuberculose e de outras doenças relacionadas com micobactérias. O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar novas fontes de drogas antimicobacterianas usando material vegetal. Neste estudo, 11 materiais de base vegetal (extratos, óleos essenciais e algumas frações) foram avaliados contra 5 espécies de micobactérias. Estes materiais foram obtidos a partir de 4 espécies de plantas medicinais tradicionalmente utilizadas como terapêutica geral para diferentes doenças e, especificamente, no tratamento de tuberculose (Baccharis dracunculifolia, Centella asiatica, Lantana camara, Pterodon emarginatus). Os ensaios foram realizados em microplacas com resazurina contra duas espécies do Complexo Mycobacteriumtuberculosis e 3 espécies de micobactérias não tuberculosas. Os resultados mostraram o extrato hexânico e o óleo essencial de frutos de P.emarginatus como potenciais fontes para drogas antimicobacterianas contra quatro espécies de micobactérias testadas. A fração hexânica do extrato metanólico das folhas de C. asiatica também apresentou significativa inibição do crescimento de micobactérias apenas contra M.chelonae. Em conclusão, foi possível contribuir para as investigações de antimicobacterianos por apresentar três novas amostras de plantas com atividade antimicrobiana significativa contra quatro Mycobacterium spp e sugerir a realização de estudos futuros sobre as propriedades antimicobacterianas de frutos de P. emarginatus.

Plants used as antidiabetics in popular medicine in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plants are widely as antidiabetics. The study of these plants is essential because many of them may have undesirable effects, such as acute or chronic toxicity; or their use may even delay or discourage the adoption of the proper and effective treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study surveyed the plant species that are popularly used to treat diabetes mellitus in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Sixteen ethnobotanical surveys performed in the state were consulted, and the species used to treat diabetes were listed. For species cited in at least two of the studies, scientific data related to antidiabetic activity were searched in the ISI Knowledge database. The scientific binomial of each species was used as keywords, and data found in review papers were also included. RESULTS: A total of 81 species in 42 families were mentioned; the most important families were Asteraceae and Myrtaceae. Twenty eight species were cited at least twice as being used to treat diabetes in the state. For 11 of these, no scientific data regarding antidiabetic activity could be located. The species most frequently mentioned for use with diabetes were Syzygium cumini (Myrtaceae) and Bauhinia forficata (Fabaceae), in 12 studies each, followed by Sphagneticola trilobata (Asteraceae), in six studies; and Baccharis trimera (Asteraceae), Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae), Cynara scolymus (Asteraceae), and Leandra australis (Melastomataceae) in four studies each. Bauhinia forficata and Syzygium cumini have been studied in more detail for antidiabetic activity. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable number of plant species are traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes melitus in the Rio Grande do Sul State. The majority of those plants that have been studied for antidiabetic activity showed promising results, mainly for Bauhinia forficata and Syzygium cumini. However, for most of the plants mentioned, the studies are not sufficient to guarantee the efficacy and safety in the use of these plants in the treatment against diabetes.

Description of the female, pupa and gall of Pisphondylia brasiliensis Couri and Maia, 1992 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae, Schizomyiina) with new records.

The gall of Pisphondylia brasiliensis on Guapira opposita, its female and pupa are described and illustrated. The geographic distribution of this species is now widened to Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). For the first time, a female of the genus is described.

Avaliação da atividade moluscicida do látex de três espécies de Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) sobre Leptinaria unilamellata d'Orbigny, 1835 (Gastropoda - Subulinidae) / Assessment of moluscicidal activity of the latex of three Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) species on Leptinaria unilamellata d'Obigny 1835 (Gastropoda - Subulinidae)

Gastrópodes pulmonados terrestres podem atuar como hospedeiros intermediários de helmintos. Os primeiros registros do controle químico desses invertebrados datam do início do século XX e as substâncias utilizadas eram toxinas inespecíficas já empregadas no controle de outras pragas. Moluscicidas sintéticos apresentam limitações técnicas que estimularam a busca de substitutos naturais. Dentre as várias espécies vegetais com atividade moluscicida, Euphorbia cotinifolia L., Euphorbia milii des Moul. var. splendens (Bojer ex Hook) Ursch & Leandri e Euphorbia tirucalli L. despertam atenção pelos excelentes resultados obtidos sobre moluscos aquáticos. Contudo, estudos sobre a atividade de plantas moluscicidas em moluscos terrestres são pouco comuns, apesar de sua grande importância parasitológica e agrícola. As semelhanças anatomo-fisiológicas entre espécies de moluscos aquáticos e terrestres sugerem que estratégias de controle químico possam ter eficiência semelhante para os dois grupos de invertebrados. Com base nessa hipótese, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade moluscicida do látex de três espécies do gênero Euphorbia sobre Leptinaria unilamellata d'Orbigny, 1835, gastrópode terrestre descrito como hospedeiro intermediário de helmintos trematódeos digenéticos que parasitam animais domésticos. Destas E. milii var. splendens apresentou efeito moluscicida elevado sobre L. unilamellata, 100 por cento até uma diluição de 1:800, já nos primeiros minutos após a aplicação. Embora citadas na literatura como tóxicas para moluscos aquáticos, E. cotinifolia e E. tirucalli não exibiram atividade moluscicida sobre L. unilamellata. Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que o látex de E. milii var. splendens pode se constituir em uma estratégia viável de controle químico de moluscos terrestres.

Pulmonate terrestrial gastropods can be intermediate hosts for helminthes. The first records of chemically controlling these invertebrates date back to the beginning of the 20th century. The substances used were unspecific toxins which were already used for controlling other pests. Synthetic molluscicides have technical limitations that stimulated a search for natural substitutes. Among the many vegetal species that have molluscicidal activity, Euphorbia cotinifolia L., Euphorbia milii des Moul. var. splendens (Bojer ex Hook) Ursch & Leandri and Euphorbia tirucalli L. call attention because of the excellent results that have been obtained when they are used on aquatic mollusks. However, studies on the activity of molluscicidal plants on terrestrial mollusks are rare, in spite of its great importance in controlling parasites and to agriculture. Anatomical and physiological similarities among species of aquatic and terrestrial mollusks suggest that chemical control strategies can be effective on both groups of invertebrates. Based on this hypothesis, we assessed the molluscicidal activity of the latex of three species of the genus Euphorbia on the terrestrial gastropod Leptinaria unilamellata d'Orbigny, 1835, described as an intermediate host of digenetic trematode helminths that parasitize domestic animals. E. milii var. splendens had the highest molluscicidal effect on L. unilamellata, being 100 percent lethal in concentrations up to 1:1800 in the first minutes after application. Although E. cotinifolia and E. tirucalli have been cited in the literature as toxic to aquatic mollusks, they did not have molluscicidal activity on L. unilamellata. The results of our study indicate that the latex of E. milii var. splendens may be a viable strategy for the chemical control of terrestrial mollusks.

Effect of rutin and chloroquine on White Leghorn chickens infected with Plasmodium (Bennettinia) juxtanucleare.

Plasmodium juxtanucleare is one of the agents that cause avian malaria in chickens and little is known about the treatment of the infection. The aim of this study was to compare the antimalarial activities of rutin and chloroquine in chickens infected with P. juxtanucleare after immunosuppression with corticosteroid. Antimalarial activity was verified in 33 fowls by evaluation of parasitemia levels in Giemsa-stained blood smears taken to 30 days. Rutin did not exert a reduction in parasitemia from P. juxtanucleare when compared to chloroquine treatment that kept the parasites at a low level, demonstrating its antimalarial effect. During the course of the infection, the trophozoite stage predominated (80%), followed by schizont (17%) and gametocyte (3%). Maximum parasitemia levels were recorded on day 12 in control and rutin groups. There were no significant differences in the hematocrit values, weight body or the temperature of the fowls among the groups evaluated (p > 0.05).

Avaliação da atividade repelente do timol, mentol, salicilato de metila e ácido salicilico sobre larvas de Boophilus microplus (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae) / Evaluation of repellent activity of thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate and salicylic acid on Boophilus microplus larvae (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae)

Verificou-se a atividade repelente do timol, mentol, ácido salicílico e salicilato de metila sobre larvas de Boophilus microplus. Essas substâncias foram usadas em emulsões em dimetilsulfuxido aquoso a 1 por cento ou solução aquosa. Para cada substância foram testadas três concentrações, 1,0 por cento; 0,5 por cento e 0,25 por cento, com cinco repetições cada. Cerca de 100 larvas, com 21 dias de idade, foram inseridas na base de hastes de madeira para avaliação da repelência, a cada duas horas, totalizando 12 horas. As concentrações mais elevadas apontaram que as quatro substâncias causaram alteração no comportamento das larvas. Timol, com mortalidade de 65 por cento e 35 por cento de repelência e mentol e salicilato de metila, ambos com 80 por cento de repelência foram os mais eficientes.

The repellent activity of thymol, menthol, salicylic acid and methyl salicylate on Boophilus microplus larvae was studied. These substances were tested according to their solubility: emulsions in 1 percent aqueous dimethylsulphoxide or in pure water. Three concentrations were tested for each substance, 1.0 percent, 0.5 percent and 0.25 percent, with five repetitions for each. Approximately 100 larvae at 21 days of age were placed on the base of wooden sticks and then observed for repellent action every two hours, during twelve hours. The results obtained from the higher concentrations showed that the four substances caused alterations on the larvae behavior. However, thymol (65 percent of mortality and 35 percent of repellency), menthol (80 percent of repellency) and methyl salicylate (80 percent of repellency) were the most efficient.

Phenotypic plasticity in Passiflora suberosa L.(Passifloraceae): induction and reversion of two morphs by variation in light intensity.

Leaf morphology may vary considerably even within a branch of Passiflora suberosa plants. Leaves are of a typical green type in shaded areas, but in open fields turn into violet, and apparently have greater thickness and trichome density. The proximate causes and the adaptive meaning, if any, for the existence of the violet morph are still unknown. By cultivating P. suberosa clones under two light regimes (total and partial exposure to sunlight), we consecutively induced (first year) and then reversed (second year) the appearance of the violet morph. We evaluated the corresponding changes in morpho-anatomic and chemical leaf characteristics. Plants that were grown under partial sunlight had a greater size and did not alter their green color, but those grown under total sunlight changed into violet, were smaller in size and their leaves were tougher, thicker, and had a greater number of trichomes. The violet morph had increased anthocyanins and phenolic derivatives. It also showed cellular hypertrophy, a greater number of cell layers in the mesophyll, and a lignified pericycle. Since these morphs are interchangeable by changing light conditions, we inferred that they are not determined by genotypic diversity, but are mainly a result of a physiological response to light stress, and thus part of P. suberosa phenotypic plasticity.

Phenotypic plasticity in Passiflora suberosa L.(Passifloraceae): induction and reversion of two morphs by variation in light intensity / Plasticidade fenotípica em Passiflora suberosa L. (Passifloraceae): indução e reversão de duas formas pela variação na intensidade luminosa

Leaf morphology may vary considerably even within a branch of Passiflora suberosa plants. Leaves are of a typical green type in shaded areas, but in open fields turn into violet, and apparently have greater thickness and trichome density. The proximate causes and the adaptive meaning, if any, for the existence of the violet morph are still unknown. By cultivating P. suberosa clones under two light regimes (total and partial exposure to sunlight), we consecutively induced (first year) and then reversed (second year) the appearance of the violet morph. We evaluated the corresponding changes in morpho-anatomic and chemical leaf characteristics. Plants that were grown under partial sunlight had a greater size and did not alter their green color, but those grown under total sunlight changed into violet, were smaller in size and their leaves were tougher, thicker, and had a greater number of trichomes. The violet morph had increased anthocyanins and phenolic derivatives. It also showed cellular hypertrophy, a greater number of cell layers in the mesophyll, and a lignified pericycle. Since these morphs are interchangeable by changing light conditions, we inferred that they are not determined by genotypic diversity, but are mainly a result of a physiological response to light stress, and thus part of P. suberosa phenotypic plasticity.

A morfologia das folhas de Passiflora suberosa pode variar consideravelmente mesmo dentro dos ramos de um dado espécime. P. suberosa ocorre tipicamente em áreas sombreadas e as folhas são verdes. Porém, em áreas abertas, onde há maior incidência de luz solar, as folhas são de coloração roxa, aparentemente mais duras e com grande densidade de tricomas. As possíveis causas e o significado adaptativo da manifestação destas características ainda são desconhecidas. Com base no cultivo de clones de P. suberosa sob dois regimes de luz solar (incidência total e parcial), nós consecutivamente induzimos (primeiro ano) e então revertemos (segundo ano) o aparecimento da forma roxa. As mudanças nas características morfológicas e químicas das formas verde e roxa foram avaliadas. As plantas que foram cultivadas sob incidência parcial de luz solar apresentaram maior tamanho dos ramos e não alteraram a cor verde das folhas. As plantas que foram cultivadas sob incidência total dos raios solares apresentaram coloração roxa, maior dureza, espessura e pilosidade. A forma roxa apresentou alto teor de antocianinas e derivados fenólicos. As plantas exibiram hipertrofia celular, maior número de camadas celulares no mesofilo e lignificação do periciclo. Considerando que as formas são intercambiáveis perante a mudança na intensidade luminosa, nós inferimos que elas não resultam da diversidade genotípica, mas sim de uma resposta fisiológica ao estresse luminoso e, dessa forma, parte da plasticidade fenotípica de P. suberosa.

Immunomodulatory activity of Mollugo verticillata L.

This article describes the evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of Mollugo verticillata L. (Molluginaceae), a weed plant common in warm and/or wet regions of the American continent. Nitric oxide (NO) release was evaluated in mice peritoneal cell cultures treated in vivo using the ethanolic extract of M. verticillata with and without BCG. The plant extract showed immunostimulatory activity when peritoneal cells were stimulated in vitro with BCG antigen only. However, mice peritoneal cells treated with M. verticillata plus BCG showed a drastic reduction in NO production when they received the additional stimulus in vitro with BCG. Ethanolic extracts of M. verticillata could directly increase NO release by peritoneal cells, but suppress the immune response of these cells when treated with BCG antigen and Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole antigen (TB). Preliminary phytochemical tests allowed the detection of quercetin and triterpenoid glycosides in the ethanolic extract of M. verticillata, and those compounds are probably responsible for the effect of this plant material on the immune system.