In vitro anti-MRSA activity of Couroupita guianensis extract and its component Tryptanthrin.

Couroupita guianensis is known in Brazil as 'Abricó-de-Macaco' and it has some attributes such as: antihypertensive, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract and fractions of C. guianensis flowers and isolation of bioactive component. These extracts and fractions were subjected to agar diffusion, MIC, TLC and bioautography to bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts. Among the fractions of EtOH extract, the DCM fraction was the most active, particularly against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MIC of 156 µg/mL. The active compound in this fraction was identified as Tryptanthrin, which showed promising antibacterial activity for MRSA showing MIC of 62.5 µg/mL. Ultrastructural analysis of MRSA incubated in the presence of Tryptanthrin by transmission electron microscope showed significant alterations in the cellular structure. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that DCM fraction and Tryptanthrin showed low toxicity, which makes it a promising candidate for alternative therapies to control and combat diseases.

Descrição do Ultimo ínstar Larval e do Pupário de Ptecticus testaceus (Fabr. ) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) / Description of the Ultimate Instar Larva and Puparium of Ptecticus testaceus (Fabr. ) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

The larva and the puparium of Ptecticus testaceus are described based on 6 larvae and 45 puparia of imagoes emerged in laboratory. The larvae were reared in the pulp of the "abricó-de-macaco" fruit, Couroupita guianensis (Lecythidaceae). Some notes on the biology of the species are presented.

A larva e o pupário de Ptecticus testaceus (Fabr.) são descritos com base em seis larvas e 45 pupários de adultos emergidos em laboratório. As larvas foram criadas na polpa do fruto do abricó-de-macaco, Couroupita guianensis (Lecythidaceae). São apresentadas algumas notas sobre a biologia da larva.