Molluscicidal and Cercaricidal Effects of Myrciaria floribunda Essential Oil Nanoemulsion.

Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease transmitted in an aqueous environment by cercariae from the Schistosoma genus. This disease affects 200 million people living in risk areas around the world. The control of schistosomiasis is realized by chemotherapy, wastewater sanitation, health education, and mollusk control using molluscicidal agents. This work evaluates the effects of a nanoemulsion containing essential oil from Myrciaria floribunda leaves as a molluscicidal and cercaricidal agent against Biomphalaria glabrata mollusks and Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. The Myrciaria floribunda essential oil from leaves showed nerolidol, ß-selinene, 1,8 cineol, and zonarene as major constituents. The formulation study suggested the F3 formulation as the most promising nanoemulsion with polysorbate 20 and sorbitan monooleate 80 (4:1) with 5% (w/w) essential oil as it showed a smaller droplet size of approximately 100 nm with a PDI lower than 0.3 and prominent bluish reflection. Furthermore, this nanoemulsion showed stability after 200 days under refrigeration. The Myrciaria floribunda nanoemulsion showed LC50 values of 48.11 µg/mL, 29.66 µg/mL, and 47.02 µg/mL in Biomphalaria glabrata embryos, juveniles, and adult mollusks, respectively, after 48 h and 83.88 µg/mL for Schistosoma mansoni cercariae after 2 h. In addition, a survival of 80% was observed in Danio rerio, and the in silico toxicity assay showed lower overall human toxicity potential to the major compounds in the essential oil compared to the reference molluscicide niclosamide. These results suggest that the nanoemulsion of Myrciaria floribunda leaves may be a promising alternative for schistosomiasis control.

Molluskicidal nanoemulsion of Neomitranthes obscura (DC.) N. Silveira for schistosomiasis control.

Schistosomiasis is caused by the parasite Schistosoma mansoni, which uses mollusks of the Biomphalaria genus as intermediate hosts. In 2020, approximately 241 million people worldwide underwent treatment for schistosomiasis. For this reason, the World Health Organization encourages research on alternative molluskicides based on plant species. The objective of this work was to investigate Neomitranthes obscura essential oil from leaf chemical composition and its essential oil nanoemulsion activity on intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis Biomphalaria glabrata control. The major chemical components of the Neomitranthes obscura essential oil were zonarene, seline-3,7(11)-diene, ß-selinene, and α-selinene. The nanoemulsion tested using 24-well plate methodology showed lethality and juvenile mollusks with LC90 values of 53.9 and 25.0 ppm after 48 h, respectively, and on their spawning with an LC90 of 66.2 ppm after 48 h. Additionally, the nanoemulsion exhibited an LC90 value against the infective form of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni of 11.5 ppm after 4 h. This pharmaceutical formulation acted inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase activity and was not toxic for Mellanoides sp. This result suggests the use of this nanoformulation as a promising alternative in the control of Biomphalaria glabrata and the transmission of schistosomiasis.

Nanoemulsion of Sideroxylon obtusifolium as an Alternative to Combat Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is caused by the intestinal parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Individuals are affected by schistosomiasis when they are exposed to aquatic environments contaminated with Schistosoma cercariae that emerged from the infected intermediate host mollusk of the genus Biomphalaria. The WHO recommends using molluscicidal products to reduce the snail population and disease transmission. The WHO encourages the search for alternative substances in schistosomiasis control. Natural products are seen as a promising alternative because they are abundant in countries where schistosomiasis is endemic and have many different substances in their extracts, impairing cases of resistance. Therefore, the nanoemulsion effect of a butanol-soluble fraction of Sideroxylon obtusifolium leaves was evaluated against three study points in the biological cycle of the disease, that is, adults and young Biomphalaria glabrata, spawning by the host mollusk, and infectious larvae of the parasite. Extract-SOB (butanol fraction) and nano-SOB (nanoemulsion) demonstrated promising activity in adult B. glabrata population control with an LC50 of 125.4 mg/L, an LC90 of 178.1 mg/L, an LC50 of 75.2 mg/L, and an LC90 of 97 mg/L. Nano-SOB presented greater potency against young B. glabrata, with an LC90 of 72.1 mg/L and an LC50 of 58.3 mg/L. Still, relevant activity against S. mansoni cercariae was eliminated in 4 h (LC90: 34.6 mg/L). Nano-SOB reduced viable spawning by approximately 30% at 178.1 and 97 mg/L. Referring to most substances in this extract, quercetin-3-rhamnosyl-(1-6)-galactoside and hyperoside may cause low environmental toxicity and human toxicity according to in silico analysis. Thus, nano-SOB is a promising agent to combat B. glabrata population growth and schistosomiasis transmission.

Eugenia sulcata (Myrtaceae) Nanoemulsion Enhances the Inhibitory Activity of the Essential Oil on P2X7R and Inflammatory Response In Vivo.

P2X7R is a purinergic receptor with broad expression throughout the body, especially in immune system cells. P2X7R activation causes inflammatory mediators to release, including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), the processing and release of which are critically dependent on this ion channel activation. P2X7R's therapeutic potential augments the discovery of new antagonistic compounds. Thus, we investigated whether the Eugenia sulcata essential oil could block P2X7R activity. The essential oil (ESO) dose-dependently inhibited ATP-promoted PI uptake and IL-1ß release with an IC50 of 113.3 ± 3.7 ng/mL and 274 ± 91 ng/mL, respectively, and the essential oil nanoemulsion (ESON) improved the ESO inhibitory effect with an IC50 of 81.4 ± 7.2 ng/mL and 62 ± 2 ng/mL, respectively. ESO and ESON reversed the carrageenan-activated peritonitis in mice, and ESON exhibited an efficacy higher than ESO. The majority substance from essential oil, ß-caryophyllene, impaired the ATP-evoked PI uptake and IL-1ß release with an IC50 value of 26 ± 0.007 ng/mL and 97 ± 0.012 ng/mL, respectively. Additionally, ß-caryophyllene reduced carrageenan-induced peritonitis, and the molecular modeling and computational simulation predicted the intermolecular interactions in the P2X7R situs. In silico, results indicated ß-caryophyllene as a potent allosteric P2X7R antagonist, although this substance may present toxic effects for humans. These data confirm the nanoemulsion of essential oil from E. sulcata as a promisor biotechnology strategy for impaired P2X7R functions and the inflammatory response.

Ants associated with fronds of the tropical bracken fern Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum / Formigas associadas às frondes da samambaia Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum

Abstract: Pteridium is a cosmopolitan genus of ferns that possess nectaries on its fronds (fern leaves), thereby attracting ants. Foliar (or extrafloral) nectaries are nectar-producing glands that are not related to pollination, but rather attract ants and other arthropods. Foliar nectaries are found in 101 fern species, belonging to 11 genera and six families. The aim of the study is to characterize the community of ants that visit the fronds of Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, as well as daily and seasonal ant abundance in different frond development stages. The study was conducted in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Bimonthly collections were established, where 30 expanding fronds and 30 fully expanded fronds were randomly marked. In each 1-hour shift starting at 8:30 am and ending at 5:30 pm, the fronds were observed for the presence of ants. Thirty three ant species were recorded on the Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum fronds, distributed into six subfamilies and 13 genera. The most abundant species were Solenopsis sp.1 and Ectatomma tuberculatum. Eight ant species were observed foraging the nectaries of tropical bracken fern fronds. Ectatomma tuberculatum has been observed feeding on the nectaries and patrolling the fronds. Ant activity peak was on mid-day during the rainy season. The tropical bracken fern Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum has a rich (the highest recorded until now on Pteridium species) and diverse ant community on its fronds, mainly on the expanding fronds. The presence of generalist predatory ants (Ectatomma tuberculatum and Solenopsis sp.1) during the entire study period suggests a positive interaction between ants and Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum.

Resumo: Pteridium é um gênero cosmopolita de samambaias que possui nectários em suas frondes (folhas de samambaias), atraindo formigas. Nectários foliares (ou extraflorais) são glândulas produtoras de néctar que não estão relacionadas com a polinização, mas podem atrair formigas e outros artrópodes. Nectários foliares já foram registrados em 101 espécies de samambaias, pertencentes a 11 gêneros e seis famílias. O objetivo do estudo é caracterizar a comunidade de formigas que visitam as frondes de Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, bem como a abundância diária e sazonal das formigas em diferentes estágios foliares. O estudo foi realizado na Mata Atlântica do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foram estabelecidas coletas bimestrais, onde foram marcadas aleatoriamente 30 frondes em expansão e 30 frondes totalmente expandidas. Em cada turno de 1 hora com início às 8h30 e término às 17h30, as frondes marcadas foram observadas quanto à presença de formigas. Trinta e três espécies de formigas foram registradas nas frondes do Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, distribuídas em seis subfamílias e 13 gêneros. As espécies mais abundantes foram Solenopsis sp.1 e Ectatomma tuberculatum. Foram registradas oito espécies de formigas forrageando os nectários foliares da samambaia. Ectatomma tuberculatum foi observada se alimentando nos nectários e patrulhando as frondes. As formigas tiveram o pico de atividade ao meio-dia e na estação chuvosa. A samambaia tropical Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum tem uma elevada riqueza (a maior já registrada até o momento para espécies de Pteridium) e diversidade de formigas em suas frondes, com maior frequência nas frondes não totalmente expandidas. A presença de formigas predadoras generalistas (Ectatomma tuberculatum e Solenopsis sp.1) durante todo o período de estudo sugere uma interação positiva entre as formigas e Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum.

Ants associate with microlepidoptera galleries in leaves of Acrostichum danaeifolium Langsd. & Fisch

ABSTRACT Acrostichum danaeifolium, a Neotropical fern, occurs preferentially in marshy areas or at the margins of lakes and mangroves. Microlepidoptera larvae burrow through the petioles of the fern, preferentially on the non-expanded leaves. The galleries in the petiole create a new microhabitat, harboring a rich fauna of arthropods. The aim of the present study was to assess the richness of ants associated with its petiole. The study was conducted in a population of A. danaefolium from the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil. Six collections were carried out every two months (2009-2010), three in the dry and three in the rainy season. The leaves were divided into three development stages: non-expanded leaves (NEL), expanded leaves (EL) and senescent leaves (SL). Seven leaves from each phase were randomly collected from seven individuals. A total of fifteen ant species were recorded. The species with the highest frequency and density in fern petioles were Camponotus crassus and Crematogaster curvispinosa. The highest ant richness and abundance was found in senescent leaves. The high number of ants found in the petioles of Acrostichum danaefolium qualifies it as a potential key species in the marshes and flooded areas where it occurs.

Ocotea pulchellaas an alternative against schistosomiasis: chemical analysis, development of nanoemulsion and biological control activity / Ocotea pulchellacomo una alternativa ante esquistosomiasis: análisis químico, desarrollo de una nanoemulsión y actividad en control biológico

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of the essential oil (EO) from Ocotea pulchella leaves as an alternative in the control of schistosomiasis. It was tested O. pulchella EO nanoformulation to assess its activity against adult Biomphalaria glabrata, their spawning and Schistossoma mansoni cercariae. Additionally, the EO chemical composition was investigated by gas-chromatography. Nanoemulsion were elaborated by the low energy method. The adult mollusks, their spawning and cercariae were placed in contact with nanoemulsion to calculate lethal concentrations. Myristicin, bicyclogermacrene and α-Pinene were the main substances in the EO. Nanoemulsion caused mortality of adult B. glabrata, its egg embryos and S. mansoni. These results suggest the use of this nanoemulsion as an alternative in the control of the schistosomiasis cycle.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial de los aceites esenciales (AE) de las hojas de Ocotea pulchellacomo una alternativa en el control de esquistosomiasis. Se probó una nanoformulación de AE de O. pulchellapara evaluar su actividad ante adultos de Biomphalaria glabrata, sus huevos y cercarías de Schistossoma mansoni. La nanoemulsión fue elaborada por el método de baja energía. Los moluscos adultos, sus huevos y cercarías se colocaron en contacto con la nanoemulsión para calcular concentraciones letales. Los compuestos mayoritarios en el AE fueron miristicina, biciclogermacreno y α-pineno. La nanoemulsión causó mortalidad en adultos de B. glabrata, sus huevos y a S. mansoni. Los resultados sugieren el uso de esta nanoemulsión como una alternativa en el control del ciclo de esquistosomiasis.

Ant fauna associated with Microgramma squamulosa (Kaulf.) de la Sota (Polypodiaceae) fern galls

Abstract Galls are neoformed plant structures created by cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy induced by a number of organisms, especially insects. After adult insects hatch, senescent galls may remain on the host plant and be occupied by a succession of fauna, the most important and dominant being ants. This study aimed at characterizing the ant fauna successor of stem galls induced by microlepidoptera in Microgramma squamulosa (Kaulf.) de la Sota (Polypodiaceae). Four collections were carried out in the municipality of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The galls were packed in plastic bags and taken to the laboratory. Ants were euthanized and conserved in 70° GL alcohol and later identified. A total of 49 stem galls were collected and analyzed, 15 containing microlepidoptera galler larvae, one a parasitoid wasp and 33 without the microlepidoptera or parasitoid (67%). Twelve of these galls (39%) contained ants. Six ant species were recorded (Camponotus crassus, Crematogaster curvispinosa, Crematogaster sericea, Procryptocerus sampaioi, Tapinoma atriceps, and Wasmannia auropunctata), all native to Brazil. Ant occupation in M. squamulosa seems to be associated with senescent galls due to hatching of the galler insect, which leaves a hole that allows ants to colonize it, in other words, an opportunistic domatia. Senescent galls resulting from the death of galler insects do not seem to facilitate ant occupation.

Nanoemulsion containing essential oil from Xylopia ochrantha Mart. produces molluscicidal effects against different species of Biomphalaria (Schistosoma hosts).

BACKGROUND: This work describes a chemical study of the essential oil from leaves of Xylopia ochrantha, an endemic Annonaceae species from Brazil, and its activity against Biomphalaria species. Considering its poor solubility in aqueous medium, the essential oil was nanoemulsified to evaluate its action on controlling some mollusc species of genus Biomphalaria, snail hosts of Schistosoma mansoni that causes schistosomiasis, which mainly affects tropical and subtropical countries. OBJECTIVES: The main aims of this work were to analyse the chemical composition of essential oil from X. ochrantha, and to evaluate the effect of its nanoemulsion on molluscs of genus Biomphalaria and their oviposition. METHODS: Chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Nanoemulsions were prepared by a low energy method and characterised by particle size and polydispersity index. Biological assays evaluating the mortality of adult species of B. glabrata, B. straminea and B. tenagophila and their ovipositions upon contact with the most stable nanoemulsion during 24 and 48 h were performed. FINDINGS: Chemical analysis by mass spectrometry revealed the majority presence of bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D in the essential oil. The formulation with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 9.26 was the most suitable for the oil delivery system. This nanoemulsion caused the mortality in B. tenagophila, B. straminea and B. glabarata of different sizes at levels ranging from 50 to 100% in 48 h. Additionally, the formulation could inhibit the development of deposited eggs. CONCLUSION: Thus, these results suggest the use of nanoemulsified essential oil from X. ochrantha as a possible alternative in controlling some Biomphalaria species involved in the schistosomiasis cycle.

A Review of Galls on Ferns and Lycophytes.

Fern-insect interactions have not received the same attention as angiosperm-insect interactions have. It has even been stated that ferns may have very few interactions with animals because of their lack of flowers, fruits, and seeds. Consequently, for many decades fern-insect interactions have been overlooked and underestimated, especially for highly developed interactions such as those with gall-formers. The present work aims to review the galls of ferns and lycophytes worldwide, to provide an updated checklist including unpublished data and to estimate the global gall diversity of ferns and lycophytes. We recorded 93 host species, belonging to 41 genera. Galls were found in 20 fern families and one lycophyte family (Selaginellaceae). Most galls occur within the more derived ferns of the order Polypodiales, especially the fern families Polypodiaceae (21 host species), Dryopteridaceae (14 host species) and Athyriaceae (11 host species). Thirty-eight of the 133 gall morphotypes were induced by mites and 95 by insects of six orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera, and Hemiptera). Among the insects, Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) caused most of the galls (35 morphotypes). So far, most galls have been reported from the Neotropical region (40 spp.) and Oriental region (28 spp.).

Protective effect of Myrsine parvifolia plant extract against the inflammatory process induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom.

Accidents involving snakes from the genus Bothrops sp. constitute the most important cause of snake envenomation in Brazil. The Myrsine genus has been reported to be used in folk medicine against snakebites. In this work, the phytochemical profiles and ability of extracts from Myrsine parvifolia leaves to reduce the inflammatory process (edema, vascular permeability increase and leukocyte migration) induced by Bothrops jararaca venom were investigated in vivo. Chemical compounds were identified by chromatographic and spectroscopy techniques. Total polyphenol, tannin, and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Swiss male mice received an oral administration of extracts (100 mg/kg) in different protocols. Paw edema, intraperitoneal vascular permeability and pleurisy models in mice were used to evaluate the antiophidic potential of the extracts. Paw edema was induced by subplantar injection of B. jararaca venom and quantified as the increase in paw volume. Changes in vascular permeability were assessed by measuring the amount of Evans blue dye extravasation. Leukocyte migration was assessed by total and differential counts in the pleural cavity washes. Myricetin, myricetin-3-O-ß-arabinopyranoside, quercetin and kaempferol were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract and identified as the primary compounds of the dichloromethane extract. Terpenes and fatty acids were identified in the hexane and dichloromethane extracts. The pretreated group with hydroethanolic and dichloromethane extract reduced total edema (40 and 52%, respectively), vascular permeability increase (32.4 and 32.2%, respectively) and leukocyte influx into the pleural cavity (42 and 39%, respectively), while the group treated with hexane extract showed only reduced edema (37%) induced by B. jararaca venom. The hydroethanolic extract showed better results in all of the tests performed and was also administered by the protocol of post-poisoning, showing maintenance of paw edema reduction and cell migration. These data indicate a potential anti-inflammatory activity of M. parvifolia in poisoning by B. jararaca, especially to reduce local poison effects.

Nanoemulsion containing essential oil from Xylopia ochrantha Mart. produces molluscicidal effects against different species of Biomphalaria (Schistosoma hosts)

BACKGROUND This work describes a chemical study of the essential oil from leaves of Xylopia ochrantha, an endemic Annonaceae species from Brazil, and its activity against Biomphalaria species. Considering its poor solubility in aqueous medium, the essential oil was nanoemulsified to evaluate its action on controlling some mollusc species of genus Biomphalaria, snail hosts of Schistosoma mansoni that causes schistosomiasis, which mainly affects tropical and subtropical countries. OBJECTIVES The main aims of this work were to analyse the chemical composition of essential oil from X. ochrantha, and to evaluate the effect of its nanoemulsion on molluscs of genus Biomphalaria and their oviposition. METHODS Chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Nanoemulsions were prepared by a low energy method and characterised by particle size and polydispersity index. Biological assays evaluating the mortality of adult species of B. glabrata, B. straminea and B. tenagophila and their ovipositions upon contact with the most stable nanoemulsion during 24 and 48 h were performed. FINDINGS Chemical analysis by mass spectrometry revealed the majority presence of bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D in the essential oil. The formulation with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 9.26 was the most suitable for the oil delivery system. This nanoemulsion caused the mortality in B. tenagophila, B. straminea and B. glabarata of different sizes at levels ranging from 50 to 100% in 48 h. Additionally, the formulation could inhibit the development of deposited eggs. CONCLUSION Thus, these results suggest the use of nanoemulsified essential oil from X. ochrantha as a possible alternative in controlling some Biomphalaria species involved in the schistosomiasis cycle.

A synopsis of fern galls in Brazil / Sinopse de galhas em samambaias no Brasil

Abstract Galls are neo-formed plant structures induced by species-specific interaction between an inducing organism and a host plant. Lycophytes and ferns are two distinct plant lineages historically lumped together as pteridophytes. A number of authors suggest low gall frequency in lycophytes and ferns, compared to angiosperms. This study aimed at compiling an updated overview of fern galls in Brazil, providing information on hosts, gall-inducing organisms and associated fauna. The synopsis was compiled using existent data and by updating scientific names and gathering new information obtained by the authors in fieldwork. To date, galls have been recorded on 16 fern species but none on lycophytes. However, the inducer was identified at species level in only three gall morphotypes from three fern species, with a doubtful inducer for Pteridium sp. Galls are induced by mites (Eriophyidae) and insects of the orders Diptera, Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera, and Hemiptera, Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) being the most frequent galler insect.

Resumo Galhas são estruturas vegetais neoformadas induzidas por interações espécie-específicas entre um organismo indutor e uma planta hospedeira. Licófitas e samambaias são duas linhagens de plantas historicamente classificadas juntas como pteridófitas. Diversos autores sugerem que há uma baixa frequência de galhas em licófitas e samambaias, em comparação com as angiospermas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo fornecer um panorama atualizado sobre as galhas em samambaias no Brasil, disponibilizando informações sobre espécies hospedeiras, galhadores e fauna associada. A sinopse foi realizada compilando-se os dados existentes, atualizando os nomes científicos e agregando informações novas obtidas pelos autores em trabalhos de campo. Até o momento, foram registradas galhas em 16 espécies de samambaias e nenhum registro em licófitas. Contudo, em apenas três morfotipos de galhas, de três espécies de samambaias, o indutor foi identificado a nível de espécie, com um indutor duvidoso para Pteridium sp. As galhas são induzidas por ácaros (Eriophyidae) e insetos das ordens: Diptera, Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, sendo Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) o galhador mais frequente.

Plants of Brazilian restingas with tripanocide activity against Trypanosoma cruzi strains.

Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi affecting millions of people, and widespread throughout Latin America. This disease exhibits a problematic chemotherapy. Benznidazole, which is the drug currently used as standard treatment, lamentably evokes several adverse reactions. Among other options, natural products have been tested to discover a novel therapeutic drug for this disease. A lot of plants from the Brazilian flora did not contain studies about their biological effects. Restinga de Jurubatiba from Brazil is a sandbank ecosystem poorly studied in relation to plant biological activity. Thus, three plant species from Restinga de Jurubatiba were tested against in vitro antiprotozoal activity. Among six extracts obtained from leaves and stem parts and 2 essential oils derived from leave parts, only 3 extracts inhibited epimastigote proliferation. Substances present in the extracts with activity were isolated (quercetin, myricetin, and ursolic acid), and evaluated in relation to antiprotozoal activity against epimastigote Y and Dm28 Trypanosoma cruzi strains. All isolated substances were effective to reduce protozoal proliferation. Essentially, quercetin and myricetin did not cause mammalian cell toxicity. In summary, myricetin and quercetin molecule can be used as a scaffold to develop new effective drugs against Chagas's disease.

Laboratory evaluation of Clusia fluminensis extracts and their isolated compounds against Dysdercus peruvianus and Oncopeltus fasciatus

ABSTRACT The effects of the hexanic extracts of the fruits and flowers of Clusia fluminensis Planch. & Triana, Clusiaceae, as well as their main constituents, the triterpene lanosterol and the benzophenone clusianone, were evaluated on hemipterans Dysdercus peruvianus and Oncopeltus fasciatus. The topical treatments of insects with the hexanic extracts significantly affected the survival of O. fasciatus, but not that of D. peruvianus. Concomitantly, extracts delayed the development of both hemipterans. Moreover, isolated lanosterol significantly reduced both the survival and development of O. fasciatus and D. peruvianus, while clusianone only reduce the survival of D. peruvianus and marginally inhibited the development of both insects. The results show the specific activity of lanosterol and clusianone against the two evaluated insect species and indicate the potential of compounds derived from C. fluminensis for the development of specific biopesticides for the control of agricultural pests. Subsequent work will examine the mode of action of lanosterol and clusianone isolates from C. fluminensis.

Wound Healing Activity and Chemical Standardization of Eugenia pruniformis Cambess.

BACKGROUND: Eugenia pruniformis is an endemic species from Brazil. Eugenia genus has flavonoids as one of the remarkable chemical classes which are related to the improvement of the healing process. AIMS: To evaluate of wound healing activity of E. pruniformis leaves and to identify and quantify its main flavonoids compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wound excision model in rats was used to verify the hydroethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts potential. The animals were divided in four groups of six and the samples were evaluated until the 15° day of treatment. Hydroxyproline dosage and histological staining with hematoxilin-eosin and Sirius Red were used to observe the tissue organization and quantify the collagen deposition, respectively. Chemical compounds of the ethyl acetate extract were identified by chromatographic techniques and mass spectrometry analysis and total flavonoids content was determined by spectrophotometric method. The antioxidant activity was determined by oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylhydrate radical photometric (DPPH) assays. RESULTS: The treated group with the ethyl acetate extract showed collagen deposition increase, higher levels of hidroxyproline, better tissue reorganization and complete remodeling of epidermis. Quercetin, kaempferol and hyperoside were identified as main compounds and flavonoids content value was 43% (w/w). The ORAC value of the ethyl acetate extract was 0.81± 0.05 mmol TE/g whereas the concentration to produce 50% reduction of the DPPH was 7.05± 0.09 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: The data indicate a wound healing and antioxidant activities of E. pruniformis. This study is the first report of flavonoids and wound healing activity of E. pruniformis. KEY MESSAGES: Eugenia pruniformis extract accelerates wound healing in skin rat model, probably due to its involvement with the collagen deposition increase, higher levels of hidroxyproline, dermal remodelling and potent antioxidant activity. Chemical standardization of the active wound healing extract was done. The total flavonoid content was 43% (w/w) and quercetin, kaempferol and hyperoside were identified as main compounds. SUMMARY: Wound excision model in rats showed the potential wound healing activity of E. pruniformis by collagen deposition increase, higher levels of hidroxyproline, better tissue reorganization and complete remodeling of epidermis.Flavonoids are the main compounds of the endemic E. pruniformis and quercetin, kaempferol and hyperoside were identified in ethyl acetate extract by TLC, HPLC-PDA and HRESI-MS analysis.The ethyl acetate extract of E. pruniformis showed a potent antioxidant activity by ORAC and DPPH assays Abbreviation used: NC: Negative control, PC: Positive control, CH: Crude hydroethanolic extract, EA: Ethyl acetate extract, TE: Trolox equivalent, mg: Milligram, mM: Millimolar, mL: Milliliter, HPLC-PDA: High performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector, HRESI-MS: High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis, TLC: Thin layer chromatography, ORAC: Oxygen radical absorbance capacity, w/v: Weight per volume.

Biocontrol evaluation of extracts and a major component, clusianone, from Clusia fluminensisPlanch. & Triana againstAedes aegypti

Studies evaluated the effects of hexanic extracts from the fruits and flowers ofClusia fluminensis and the main component of the flower extract, a purified benzophenone (clusianone), against Aedes aegypti. The treatment of larvae with the crude fruit or flower extracts from C. fluminensis did not affect the survival ofAe. aegypti (50 mg/L), however, the flower extracts significantly delayed development of Ae. aegypti. In contrast, the clusianone (50 mg/L) isolate from the flower extract, representing 54.85% of this sample composition, showed a highly significant inhibition of survival, killing 93.3% of the larvae and completely blocking development of Ae. aegypti. The results showed, for the first time, high activity of clusianone against Ae. aegypti that both killed and inhibited mosquito development. Therefore, clusianone has potential for development as a biopesticide for controlling insect vectors of tropical diseases. Future work will elucidate the mode of action of clusianone isolated from C. fluminensis.

Biocontrol evaluation of extracts and a major component, clusianone, from Clusia fluminensis Planch. & Triana against Aedes aegypti.

Studies evaluated the effects of hexanic extracts from the fruits and flowers of Clusia fluminensis and the main component of the flower extract, a purified benzophenone (clusianone), against Aedes aegypti. The treatment of larvae with the crude fruit or flower extracts from C. fluminensis did not affect the survival ofAe. aegypti (50 mg/L), however, the flower extracts significantly delayed development of Ae. aegypti. In contrast, the clusianone (50 mg/L) isolate from the flower extract, representing 54.85% of this sample composition, showed a highly significant inhibition of survival, killing 93.3% of the larvae and completely blocking development of Ae. aegypti. The results showed, for the first time, high activity of clusianone against Ae. aegypti that both killed and inhibited mosquito development. Therefore, clusianone has potential for development as a biopesticide for controlling insect vectors of tropical diseases. Future work will elucidate the mode of action of clusianone isolated from C. fluminensis.

Secondary Metabolites from Leaves of Manilkara subsericea (Mart.) Dubard.

BACKGROUND: Manilkara subsericea (Sapotaceae) is a species widely spread in the sandbanks of Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). It is commonly known as "maçaranduba", "maçarandubinha" and "guracica", being used in this locality as food, and timber. However, M. subsericea remains almost unexplored regarding its chemical constituents, including secondary metabolites from the leaves. OBJECTIVE: Identify the chemical constituents from the leaves of M. subsericea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Leaves were macerated with ethanol (96% v/v), and dried crude ethanolic extract was sequentially washed with the organic solvents in order to obtain an ethyl acetate fraction. Substances from this fraction were identified by different techniques, such as negative-ion electrospray ionization Fourier and (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Fresh leaves from M. subsericea were also submitted to hydrodistillation in order to obtain volatile substances, which were identified by gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer. RESULTS: NMR(1)H and (13)C spectra allowed for the identification of the compounds myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol from the ethyl acetate fraction. The negative-ion electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry mass spectrum also revealed the presence in this fraction of a polyhydroxytriterpene acid (pomolic acid), and some flavonoids, such as quercitrin, and myricitrin. In all 34 volatile compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and long chain hydrocarbons. CONCLUSION: This study describes the first reports concerning the phytochemical information about leaves from M. subsericea. SUMMARY: Manilkara subsericea fruits proved to be a rich source of triterpenes. However, no phytochemical studies were carried out with leaves. Thus, we described identification of volatile substances from its essential oils, in addition to non-reported triterpene and flavonoids from this species.

Sugars in ferns and lycophytes growing on rocky outcrops from southeastern brazilian coast / Açúcares em samambaias e licófitas crescendo sobre afloramento rochoso da costa sudeste brasileira

The extreme conditions in rocky outcrops allow the occurrence of desiccation tolerant species. One strategy of these plants to withstand water shortage is the accumulation of sugars. In this paper, we report sugar levels and profile of three ferns and one lycophyte naturally hydrated growing on rocky outcrops from Southeastern Brazil. Anemia species have higher sugar contents than Doryopteris collina and Selaginella sellowii. The analyzed species have different sugar profiles. The ferns have glucose, fructose and sucrose, and the lycophyte has glucose and trehalose.

Nas condições ambientais extremas dos afloramentos rochosos ocorrem espécies tolerantes à dessecação. Uma das estratégias dessas plantas para resistir à restrição hídrica é o acúmulo de açúcares. No presente estudo, avaliamos a concentração e o perfil de açúcares de três espécies de samambaias e uma licófita, naturalmente hidratadas crescendo sobre afloramentos rochosos no sudeste do Brasil. As espécies de Anemia possuem maior concentração de açúcares em relação a Doryopteris collina e Selaginella sellowii. As espécies analisadas mostraram perfis distintos de açúcares. As samambaias apresentam glicose, frutose e sacarose, enquanto a licófita glicose e trealose.