Plant species from the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family used for medicinal purposes in Zimbabwe: a review / Especies de plantas de la familia Euphorbiaceae (tártago) utilizadas con fines medicinales en Zimbabue: una revisión

The present review was aimed at documenting medicinal uses of species of the Euphorbiaceae family in Zimbabwe. Literature was collected from online databases such as BioMed Central, W eb of Science, Springerlink, Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, Science Direct, ACS Publications, Scopus and JSTOR. This study showed that 29 species are used to manage human and animal diseases in Zimbabwe. These species are used against 49 medical condition s, mainly as ethnoveterinary medicine (21 use reports), and traditional medicine against respiratory (23 use reports), gastro - intestinal (14 use reports), male reproductive (11 use reports), antenatal and postpartum (10 use reports each) and sexually trans mitted infections (9 use reports). Acalypha brachiata , Bridelia cathartica , B. mollis , Croton megalobotrys , Euphorbia ingens , E. matabelensis , Flueggea virosa , Monadenium lugardiae , Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia , Ricinus communis and Spirostachys afric ana have the highest number of medicinal uses. There is need to unravel the therapeutic potential of the family through further ethnopharmacological research.

La p resente revisión tuvo como objetivo documentar los usos medicinales de especies de la familia Euphorbiaceae en Zimbabwe. La literatura se recopiló de bases de datos en línea como BioMed Central, Web of Science, Springerlink, Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, Science Direct, ACS Publications, Scopus y JSTOR. Este estudio mostró que se utilizan 29 especies para el tratamiento de enfermedades humanas y animales en Zimbabwe. Estas especies se utilizan para tratar 49 condiciones médicas, principalmente como medici na etnoveterinaria (21 informes de uso), y medicina tradicional para enfermedades respiratorias (23 informes de uso), gastrointestinales (14 informes de uso), reproductivas masculinas (11 informes de uso), prenatales y posparto (10 informes de uso cada una ) e infecciones de transmisión sexual (9 informes de uso). Acalypha brachiata , Bridelia cathartica , B. mollis , Croton megalobotrys , Euphorbia ingens , E. matabelensis , Flueggea virosa , Monadenium lugardiae , Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia , Ricinus communi s y Spirostachys africana son las especies con mayor número de usos medicinales. Es necesario desvelar el potencial terapéutico de esta familia a través de futuras investigaciones etnofarmacológicas.

Untargeted-based metabolomics analysis and in vitro/in silico antiviral activity of extracts from Phyllanthus brasiliensis (Aubl.) Poir.

INTRODUCTION: This study describes the molecular profile and the potential antiviral activity of extracts from Phyllanthus brasiliensis, a plant widely found in the Brazilian Amazon. The research aims to shed light on the potential use of this species as a natural antiviral agent. METHODS: The extracts were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system, a potent analytical technique to discover drug candidates. In the meantime, in vitro antiviral assays were performed against Mayaro, Oropouche, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses. In addition, the antiviral activity of annotated compounds was predicted by in silico methods. RESULTS: Overall, 44 compounds were annotated in this study. The results revealed that P. brasiliensis has a high content of fatty acids, flavones, flavan-3-ols, and lignans. Furthermore, in vitro assays revealed potent antiviral activity against different arboviruses, especially lignan-rich extracts against Zika virus (ZIKV), as follows: methanolic extract from bark (MEB) [effective concentration for 50% of the cells (EC50 ) = 0.80 µg/mL, selectivity index (SI) = 377.59], methanolic extract from the leaf (MEL) (EC50 = 0.84 µg/mL, SI = 297.62), and hydroalcoholic extract from the leaf (HEL) (EC50 = 1.36 µg/mL, SI = 735.29). These results were supported by interesting in silico prediction, where tuberculatin (a lignan) showed a high antiviral activity score. CONCLUSIONS: Phyllanthus brasiliensis extracts contain metabolites that could be a new kick-off point for the discovery of candidates for antiviral drug development, with lignans becoming a promising trend for further virology research.

Amanoacondorensis (Phyllanthaceae), a new shrubby species from the Cordillera del Condor in southern Ecuador.

A new species of Amanoa (Phyllanthaceae) is described from the sandstone Nangaritza Plateau in the Cordillera del Cóndor Region in southern Ecuador. Amanoacondorensis J.L.Clark & D.A.Neill is a small tree, 4 m tall that is only known from the type collection. The new species is distinct by a shrub habit, presence of coriaceous leaves with an acuminate apex, and congested inflorescences. The relatively high elevation of the type locality, presence of an androphore, and the habit as shrub or low tree are an unusual combination for Amanoa. The conservation status of A.condorensis is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), based on IUCN Criteria.

ResumenSe describe una nueva especie de Amanoa (Phyllanthaceae) de la meseta de arenisca de Nangaritza en la región de la Cordillera del Cóndor en el sur de Ecuador. Amanoacondorensis J.L.Clark & D.A.Neill es un pequeño árbol de 4 metros de altura que sólo se conoce de la colección tipo. La nueva especie se distingue por la presencia de inflorescencias congestionadas, hojas coriáceas con ápice acuminado, y porte arbustivo. La elevación relativamente más alta de la localidad tipo, la presencia de un andróforo, y el hábito de arbusto o árbol pequeño son una combinación inusual para Amanoa. El estado de conservación de A.condorensis se evalúa como En Peligro Crítico (CR) según los Criterios de la UICN.

Two new species of rust fungi (Pucciniales) from the Brazilian Amazon: Aecidium margaritariae on Margaritaria and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha / Duas novas espécies de ferrugens (Pucciniales) da Amazônia brasileira: Aecidium margaritariae sobre Margaritaria e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha

Two new species of Pucciniales fungi on plants of the Fabid clade are described from samples deposited in the herbarium of Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, collected in the state of Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon. They are Aecidium margaritariae found on Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae), and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). The microstructures of the specimens were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Aecidium margaritariae is characterized by the presence of globose, subglobose to slightly ellipsoid aeciospores with warty walls and smooth areas usually in the basal portion. Uromyces amapaensis is distinguished by the presence of uredinia with paraphyses which are thickened and rounded at the tip, and pedicellate and smooth teliospores. Descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic comments are presented for each species.

Duas novas espécies de fungos Pucciniales sobre plantas do clado das fabídeas são descritas a partir de amostras depositadas no herbário do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, coletadas no estado do Amapá, na Amazonia Brasileira. Aecidium margaritariae ocorrendo sobre Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae) e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). As microestruturas dos espécimes foram analisadas em microscópio óptico e em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Aecidium margaritariae se caracteriza por apresentar eciósporos globosos, subglobosos a levemente elipsoides, parede verrugosa com áreas lisas geralmente na extremidade basal. Uromyces amapaensis se diferencia por apresentar uredínios com paráfises engrossadas e arredondadas no ápice e teliósporos pedicelados, lisos. São apresentadas descrições, ilustrações e comentários taxonômicos para cada espécie.

Actividad antioxidante de cuatros especies vegetales del nordeste argentino / Antioxidant activity of four plant species in the Argentine Northeast / Atividade antioxidante de quatro espécies de plantas no Nordeste argentino

RESUMEN Objetivos: Determinar la composición fitoquímica y evaluar la actividad antioxidante de los extractos hidroalcohólicos de S. haematospermum; P. niruri; P. tenellus; E. serpens. Metodología: La composición fitoquímica se analizó por cromatografía en capa fina y la actividad antioxidante se observó de modo cualitativo por ensayo autográfico. Los fenoles totales se cuantificaron con el método de Folin-Ciocalteu y flavonoides totales con la reacción de complejación de aluminio. Para determinar la actividad antioxidante se utilizaron las técnicas de decoloración del radical libre DPPH• (2,2- difenil-1-picrilhidracilo) y del radical catión ABTS•+ (ácido 2,2'-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolin)-6-sulfónico) y del poder reductor del catión hierro (III). Resultados: El estudio fitoquímico evidenció en todas las especies la presencia de metabolitos bioactivos. El contenido de fenoles totales osciló entre: 627,71 ± 1,45 y 369,8±52,6 mg EAG/g muestra y de flavonoides totales fue de 12,2 ± 0,1 hasta 4,5 ± 0,3 mg Q/g muestra. Las especies S. haematospermum y P. tenellus presentaron mayor contenido de polifenoles. Los ensayos de actividad antioxidante permitieron reconocer que S. haematospermum y P. tenellus tienen capacidad de mayor inhibición de los radicales libres probados y mostraron mayor poder reductor los extractos hidroalcohólicos S. haematospermum y P. niruri.

SUMMARY Objectives: To determine the phytochemical composition and evaluate the anti-oxidant activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of S. haematospermum; P. niruri; P. tenellus; E. serpens. Methodology: The phytochemical composition was analyzed by thin layer chromatography and the antioxidant activity was observed qualitatively by autographic assay. Total phenols were quantified with the Folin-Ciocalteu method and total flavonoids with the aluminum complexation reaction. To determine the antioxidant activity, the discoloration techniques of the free radical DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhydracil) and of the cation radical ABTS•+ (2,2-Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) and the reducing power of the iron (III) cation. Results: The phytochemical study showed the presence of bioactive metabolites in all species. The total phenol content ranged from: 627.71 ± 1.45 to 369.8 ± 52.6 mg EAG / g sample and total flavonoids was 12.2 ± 0.1 to 4.5 ± 0.3 mg Q / g sample. The species S. haematospermum and P. tenellus presented higher content of polyphenols. The antioxidant activity tests allowed recognizing that S. haematospermum and P. tenellus have a capacity for greater inhibition of the tested free radicals and the hydroalcoholic extracts S. haematospermum and P. niruri showed greater reducing power.

RESUMO Objetivos: Determinar a composição fitoquímica e avaliar a atividade antioxidante dos extratos hidroalcoólicos de S. haematospermum; P. niruri; P. tenellus; E. serpens. Metodologia: A composição fitoquímica foi analisada por cromatografía em camada delgada e a atividade antioxidante foi observada qualitativamente por ensaio autográ-fico. Fenóis totais foram quantificados pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteu e flavonóides totais pela reação de complexação de alumínio. Para determinar a atividade antioxidante, as técnicas de descoloração do radical livre DPPH• (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracil) e do radical catiônico ABTS•+ (2,2-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfônico ácido) e o poder redutor do cátion ferro (III). Resultados: O estudo fitoquímico mostrou a presença de metabólitos bioativos em todas as espécies. O conteúdo total de fenol variou de: 627,71 ± 1,45 a 369,8 ± 52,6 mg EAG / g amostra e flavonóides totais foi de 12,2 ± 0,1 a 4,5 ± 0,3 mg Q / g amostra. As espécies S. haematospermum e P. tenellus apresentaram maior teor de polifenóis. Os testes de atividade antioxidante permitiram reconhecer que S. haematospermum e P. tenellus apresentam maior capacidade de inibição dos radicais livres testados e os extratos hidroalcoólicos S. haematospermum e P. niruri apresentaram maior poder redutor.

Evaluation of prolyl oligopeptidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition by Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. from Brazil.

Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. (Phyllanthaceae) is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of intestinal infections and diabetes. Despite its use in traditional medicine, it was reported that P. tenellus extract may cause several effects in the central nervous system (CNS) of animals, such as agitation and signs of depression. The aim of this study was to determine the main constituents of P. tenellus methanol extract and to investigate whether the extract is able to inhibit the enzymes prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). Corilagin (1) was isolated as the main constituent of the P. tenellus extract, along with rutin (2) and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (3). The extract presented the ability to inhibit mainly POP. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed the highest inhibitory potency against POP (IC50 values of 1.7 ± 0.4 and 11.7 ± 2 µg/mL, respectively). All fractions were inactive against AChE. Corilagin displayed selective POP inhibition in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50= 19.7 ± 2.6 µg/mL. Corilagin exhibited moderate capacity to pass through the phospholipid membrane by passive diffusion, presenting effective permeability (Pe) of 1.26 × 10-7 cm/s.

Two new species of rust fungi (Pucciniales) from the Brazilian Amazon: Aecidium margaritariae on Margaritaria and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha / Duas novas espécies de ferrugens (Pucciniales) da Amazônia brasileira: Aecidium margaritariae sobre Margaritaria e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha

Two new species of Pucciniales fungi on plants of the Fabid clade are described from samples deposited in the herbarium of Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, collected in the state of Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon. They are Aecidium margaritariae found on Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae), and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). The microstructures of the specimens were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Aecidium margaritariae is characterized by the presence of globose, subglobose to slightly ellipsoid aeciospores with warty walls and smooth areas usually in the basal portion. Uromyces amapaensis is distinguished by the presence of uredinia with paraphyses which are thickened and rounded at the tip, and pedicellate and smooth teliospores. Descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic comments are presented for each species.(AU)

Duas novas espécies de fungos Pucciniales sobre plantas do clado das fabídeas são descritas a partir de amostras depositadas no herbário do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, coletadas no estado do Amapá, na Amazonia Brasileira. Aecidium margaritariae ocorrendo sobre Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae) e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). As microestruturas dos espécimes foram analisadas em microscópio óptico e em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Aecidium margaritariae se caracteriza por apresentar eciósporos globosos, subglobosos a levemente elipsoides, parede verrugosa com áreas lisas geralmente na extremidade basal. Uromyces amapaensis se diferencia por apresentar uredínios com paráfises engrossadas e arredondadas no ápice e teliósporos pedicelados, lisos. São apresentadas descrições, ilustrações e comentários taxonômicos para cada espécie.(AU)

Anatomia e histoquímica da lâmina foliar de espécies conhecidas por quebra-pedra (Euphorbia prostrata Aiton, Euphorbia hyssopifolia L., Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn e Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb.) / Leaf anatomy and histochemistry of species known as stonebreaker (Euphorbia prostrata Aiton, Euphorbia hyssopifolia L., Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn, and Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb.)

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve por objetivo realizar estudo anatômico comparativo entre duas espécies de Euphorbia L. e duas de Phyllanthus L. conhecidas popularmente por quebra-pedra, a fim de contribuir com a identificação das espécies, visando o controle de qualidade e testes histoquímicos para conhecimento e localização de substâncias, com intuito de fornecer subsídios para futuros estudos. As quatro espécies estudadas foram coletadas na cidade de São Mateus-ES. Foram realizadas análises anatômicas e histoquímicas da lâmina foliar. Em vista frontal, E. prostrata apresenta paredes celulares poligonais, enquanto em E. hyssopifolia as paredes são sinuosas. As espécies de Euphorbia se diferenciam pela presença de canais laticíferos e estrutura Kranz. Somente nas espécies de Phyllanthus foram observados cristais de oxalato de cálcio. P. tenellus difere de P. amarus pela presença de cristais romboédricos e P. amarus por exibir cristais prismáticos no mesofilo. O estudo anatômico foliar foi de grande relevância para a diferenciação das espécies conhecidas por quebra-pedra, revelando ser um parâmetro eficaz e que pode auxiliar no controle de qualidade de plantas medicinais, bem como os testes histoquímicos podem fornecer informações para futuros estudos com quebra-pedra.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the anatomical and histochemical perspective between two species of Euphorbia L. and two of Phyllanthus L., to contribute to their identification, aiming the quality control of medicinal plans. The four studied species were collected in the city of São Mateus, ES, Brazil. We performed anatomical and histochemical analyses of leaves, and all parameters were effective for species differentiation. In the anatomical analyses, we observed crystals only in the Phyllanthus species. Euphorbia species differed by the presence of laticifer channels and Kranz structure. In frontal and cross-sectional view, P. tenellus differs from P. amarus by the presence of rhombohedral crystals. In front view, E. prostate presents polygonal cell walls, while in E. hyssopifolia the walls are winding. In the histochemical tests conducted on the leaf blade, P. amarus stands out by presenting negative reaction to ferric chloride. The anatomical and histochemical studies of leaves are really important to the knowledge and differentiation of species known as stonebreaker. However, phytochemical studies are needed for more detailed knowledge of substances from the secondary metabolism of the plant.

SEM observations on seeds of some herbaceous Phyllanthus L. species (Phyllanthaceae) / Observações de sementes de algumas espécies herbáceas de Phyllanthus L. (Phyllanthaceae) em MEV

Six medicinal herbaceous Phyllanthus L. (Phyllanthaceae) species, P. tenellus Roxb., P. niruri L., P. stipulatus (Raf.) Webster, P. urinaria L., P. caroliniensis Walt., and P. amarus Schum. & Thonn. are difficult to distinguish. In order to solve this problem, the ornamentation of the seed surfaces was analyzed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Differences between lateral, dorsal and ventral surfaces were observed. The seeds were cut into sections at different angles, exposing testa sculptures. Three types of surface ornamentation patterns were observed and they showed to be avaluable diagnostic.

Seis espécies herbáceas de Phyllanthus L. (P. tenellus Roxb., P. niruri L., P. stipulatus (Raf.) Webster, P. urinaria L., P. caroliniensis Walt. e P. amarus Schum. & Thonn.) mencionadas como medicinais apresentam dificuldades na identificação. Com o objetivo de auxiliar neste problema e determinar diferenças entre as espécies, o padrão de ornamentação das sementes foi estudado utilizando técnicas de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). As sementes apresentaram ornamentação distinta, sendo observadas as superfícies laterais, dorsais e ventrais. As espécies puderam ser separadas em três tipos de ornamentação, que demonstraram importância como caractere diagnóstico para a sua separação.