Plantas com ação no sistema nervoso central que constam na relação nacional de plantas medicinais de interesse ao sus (RENISUS) / Plants acting on the central nervous system: review plantas com ação no sistema nervoso central que constam na relação nacional de plantas medicinais de interesse ao sus (RENISUS) / Plantas con acción sobre el sistema nervioso central incluidas en la lista nacional de plantas medicinales de interés para sus (RENISUS)

A depressão é uma doença grave que atinge a população em geral, estudos epidemiológicos estimam que a prevalência da depressão ao longo da vida no Brasil está em torno de 15,5%. Os fatores que desencadeiam o aparecimento da depressão incluem fatores sociais, psicológicos, biológicos e também fatores externos específicos como eventos estressantes, solidão, consumo de álcool e drogas, doenças crônicas e dar á luz (depressão pós-parto). O objetivo da presente pesquisa consistiu em realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre as principais plantas medicinais com ação antidepressiva. A ansiedade vem se tornando um dos principais problemas da atualidade, sendo intensificada pela pandemia causada pelo coronavírus, onde constatou-se que durante o pico da pandemia onde os casos confirmados de COVID-19 no Brasil ascenderam de 45.757 para 330.890, e as mortes, de 2.906 para 21.048, o sentimento de tristeza/depressão atingiu 40% dos adultos brasileiros. Os sintomas de depressão podem ser amenizados quando a disponibilidade sináptica de monoaminas são aumentadas, e esse aumento pode ocorrer através da diminuição da metabolização desses neurotransmissores. Neste sentido, busca-se através da farmacoterapia a utilização de antidepressivos que disponibilizem as monoaminas na fenda sináptica. A escolha do fármaco é feita com base nos sintomas da depressão e na boa resposta a uma determinada classe de antidepressivos. Em fevereiro de 2009 o Ministério da saúde lançou a Relação Nacional de Plantas Medicinais de Interesse ao SUS (RENISUS), contendo 71 espécies vegetais que são distribuídas de forma in natura nas unidades básicas de saúde (UBS). Destas, somente três espécies apresentam efeito antidepressivo e ansiolítico comprovados na literatura sendo Matricharia chamomilla, Erytrinum mulungu e a Passiflora incarnata que também fazem parte da RENISUS. Além destas, outras espécies como a Melissa officinalis, Lippia alba, Valeriana officinalis e Piper methysticum são utilizadas pela população para tratar ansiedade, insônia e depressão, sugerindo desta forma que estas espécies sejam incluídas na RENISUS.

Depression is a serious disease that affects the general population, epidemiological studies estimate that the prevalence of depression throughout life in Brazil is around 15.5%. The factors that trigger the onset of depression include social, psychological, biological and also specific external factors such as stressful events, loneliness, alcohol and drug consumption, chronic diseases and giving birth (postpartum depression). The objective of the present research was to carry out a literature review on the main medicinal plants with antidepressant action. Anxiety has become one of the main problems of today, being intensified by the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, where it was found that during the peak of the pandemic where confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Brazil rose from 45,757 to 330,890, and deaths, from 2,906 to 21,048, the feeling of sadness/depression reached 40% of Brazilian adults. Symptoms of depression can be alleviated when synaptic availability of monoamines is increased, and this increase can occur through decreased metabolization of these neurotransmitters. In this sense, the use of antidepressants that make monoamines available in the synaptic cleft is sought through pharmacotherapy. The choice of drug is based on symptoms of depression and good response to a particular class of antidepressants. In February 2009, the Ministry of Health launched the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the SUS (RENISUS), containing 71 plant species that are distributed in natura form in basic health units (UBS). Of these, only three species have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects proven in the literature, being Matricharia chamomilla, Erytrinum mulungu and Passiflora incarnata, which are also part of RENISUS. In addition to these, other species such as Melissa officinalis, Lippia alba, Valeriana officinalis and Piper methysticum are used by the population to treat anxiety, insomnia and depression, thus suggesting that these species are included in RENISUS.

Los estudios epidemiológicos estiman que la prevalencia de la depresión a lo largo de la vida en Brasil es de alrededor del 15,5%. Los factores que desencadenan la aparición de la depresión son sociales, psicológicos, biológicos y también factores externos específicos, como los acontecimientos estresantes, la soledad, el consumo de alcohol y drogas, las enfermedades crónicas y el parto (depresión posparto). El objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre las principales plantas medicinales con acción antidepresiva. La ansiedad se ha convertido en uno de los principales problemas de la actualidad, intensificándose por la pandemia causada por el coronavirus, donde se encontró que durante el pico de la pandemia donde los casos confirmados de COVID-19 en Brasil aumentaron de 45.757 a 330.890, y las muertes, de 2.906 a 21.048, el sentimiento de tristeza/depresión alcanzó el 40% de los adultos brasileños. Los síntomas de la depresión pueden aliviarse cuando se aumenta la disponibilidad sináptica de las monoaminas, y este aumento puede producirse mediante una disminución de la metabolización de estos neurotransmisores. En este sentido, se busca a través de la farmacoterapia el uso de antidepresivos que hagan disponibles las monoaminas en la hendidura sináptica. La elección del fármaco se hace en función de los síntomas de la depresión y de la buena respuesta a una clase concreta de antidepresivos. En febrero de 2009, el Ministerio de Salud lanzó la Lista Nacional de Plantas Medicinales de Interés para el SUS (RENISUS), que contiene 71 especies de plantas que se distribuyen in natura en unidades básicas de salud (UBS). De ellas, sólo tres especies tienen efectos antidepresivos y ansiolíticos probados en la literatura: Matricharia chamomilla, Erytrinum mulungu y Passiflora incarnata, que también forman parte del RENISUS. Además de éstas, otras especies como Melissa officinalis, Lippia alba, Valeriana officinalis y Piper methysticum son utilizadas por la población para tratar la ansiedad, el insomnio y la depresión, lo que sugiere que estas especies se incluyan en el RENISUS.

Herbal medicines as anxiolytics prior to third molar surgical extraction. A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of Passiflora incarnata, Erythrina mulungu, and midazolam in controlling anxiety in patients undergoing mandibular third molar extraction. METHODS: The volunteers underwent extraction of their third mandibular molars in a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind, and parallel clinical trial. Passiflora incarnata (500 mg), Erythrina mulungu (500 mg), or midazolam (15 mg) was orally administered 60 min before the surgery. The anxiety level of participants was evaluated using questionnaires and measurements of physical parameters, including heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). RESULTS: A total of 200 volunteers were included in this clinical trial. Considering each procedure independently, no significant differences (p > 0.05) in BP, HR, and SpO2 were observed among the protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Passiflora incarnata showed a similar effect to midazolam but differed from placebo and mulungu, which were unable to control anxiety in this situation. Therefore, the results suggest that Passiflora configures an herbal medicine with an anxiolytic effect, adequate to use in third molar extractions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of Passiflora incarnata may be an alternative to benzodiazepines for controlling anxiety in patients scheduled for oral surgery under local anesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov : ANSI-388.427.

New insights in the mode of action of (+)-erythravine and (+)-11α-hydroxy-erythravine alkaloids.

Erythrinian alkaloids ((+)-erythravine and (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine) have been pointed as the main responsible agents for the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic properties of Erythrina mulungu Mart ex Benth. The present work provides a new set of information about the mode of action of these alkaloids by the use of a complementary approach of neurochemical and electrophysiological assays. We propose here that the antiepileptic and anxiolytic properties exhibited by both alkaloids appear not to be related to the inhibition of glutamate binding or GABA uptake, or even to the increase of glutamate uptake or GABA binding, as investigated here by the use of rat cortical synaptosomes. Similarly, and even in a high concentration, (+)-erythravine and (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine did not modulate the main sodium and potassium channel isoforms checked by the use of voltage-clamp studies on Xenopus laevis oocytes. However, unlike (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine, which presented a little effect, it was possible to observe that the (+)-erythravine alkaloid produced a significant inhibitory modulation on α4ß2, α4ß4 and α7 isoforms of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors also checked by the use of voltage-clamp studies, which could explain at least partially its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties. Since (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine and (+)-erythravine modulated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to different extents, it is possible to reinforce that small differences between the chemical structure of these alkaloids can affect the selectivity and affinity of target-ligand interactions, conferring distinct potency and/or pharmacological properties to them, as previously suggested by differential experimental comparison between different erythrinian alkaloids.

Phenotypic, genetic and symbiotic characterization of Erythrina velutina rhizobia from Caatinga dry forest

Abstract Erythrina velutina ("mulungu") is a legume tree from Caatinga that associates with rhizobia but the diversity and symbiotic ability of "mulungu" rhizobia are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize "mulungu" rhizobia from Caatinga. Bacteria were obteined from Serra Talhada and Caruaru in Caatinga under natural regeneration. The bacteria were evaluated to the amplification of nifH and nodC and to metabolic characteristics. Ten selected bacteria identified by 16S rRNA sequences. They were tested in vitro to NaCl and temperature tolerance, auxin production and calcium phosphate solubilization. The symbiotic ability were assessed in an greenhouse experiment. A total of 32 bacteria were obtained and 17 amplified both symbiotic genes. The bacteria showed a high variable metabolic profile. Bradyrhizobium (6), Rhizobium (3) and Paraburkholderia (1) were identified, differing from their geographic origin. The isolates grew up to 45 °C to 0.51 mol L-1 of NaCl. Bacteria which produced more auxin in the medium with l-tryptophan and two Rhizobium and one Bradyrhizobium were phosphate solubilizers. All bacteria nodulated and ESA 90 (Rhizobium sp.) plus ESA 96 (Paraburkholderia sp.) were more efficient symbiotically. Diverse and efficient rhizobia inhabit the soils of Caatinga dry forests, with the bacterial differentiation by the sampling sites.

Phenotypic, genetic and symbiotic characterization of Erythrina velutina rhizobia from Caatinga dry forest.

Erythrina velutina ("mulungu") is a legume tree from Caatinga that associates with rhizobia but the diversity and symbiotic ability of "mulungu" rhizobia are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize "mulungu" rhizobia from Caatinga. Bacteria were obteined from Serra Talhada and Caruaru in Caatinga under natural regeneration. The bacteria were evaluated to the amplification of nifH and nodC and to metabolic characteristics. Ten selected bacteria identified by 16S rRNA sequences. They were tested in vitro to NaCl and temperature tolerance, auxin production and calcium phosphate solubilization. The symbiotic ability were assessed in an greenhouse experiment. A total of 32 bacteria were obtained and 17 amplified both symbiotic genes. The bacteria showed a high variable metabolic profile. Bradyrhizobium (6), Rhizobium (3) and Paraburkholderia (1) were identified, differing from their geographic origin. The isolates grew up to 45°C to 0.51molL-1 of NaCl. Bacteria which produced more auxin in the medium with l-tryptophan and two Rhizobium and one Bradyrhizobium were phosphate solubilizers. All bacteria nodulated and ESA 90 (Rhizobium sp.) plus ESA 96 (Paraburkholderia sp.) were more efficient symbiotically. Diverse and efficient rhizobia inhabit the soils of Caatinga dry forests, with the bacterial differentiation by the sampling sites.

Erythrina mulungu Mart. ex Benth e Erythrina velutina Willd: Aspectos farmacológicos e perspectiva antroposófica de plantas brasileiras / Erythrina mulungu Mart. ex Benth and Erythrina velutina Willd: Pharmacological aspects and anthroposophic view of these Brazilian plants

As plantas brasileiras Erythrina mulungu Mart. ex Benth e Erythrina velutina Willd. têm sido utilizadas na medicina popular como sedativas e calmantes naturais para estresse, ansiedade, depressão. São plantas angiospermas, que pertencem à família das leguminosas (Fabaceae/Leguminosae) e subfamília papilionácea (Papilionaceae). Em geral são utilizados extratos das cascas do caule, frutos e folhas da E. velutina e extratos das folhas e flores da E. mulungu. Representam a principal fonte de alcaloides tetracíclicos de atividade similar ao curare, responsáveis por causar paralisia muscular. Resultados de diversos trabalhos mostraram que os alcaloides eritrartina, eritravina, 11-hidroxi-eritravina e os derivados eritrínicos são os principais responsáveis pelo efeito ansiolítico. Através de um levantamento bibliográfico sobre as plantas E. velutina e E. mulungu, no qual as propriedades terapêuticas foram avaliadas em diversos estudos pré-clínicos, observamos atividade ansiolítica com efeitos semelhante aos efeitos dos benzodiazepínicos; atividade sobre o sistema nervoso central com alteração neurotransmissora dos receptores GABA, além de ação anticonvulsivante, sedativa e amnésica; atividade antibacteriana e atividade antinociceptiva. Os aspectos antroposóficos da E. velutina e da E. mulungu apontam para as propriedades da família das leguminosas e da subfamília papilionácea. Sua principal característica é a presença do nitrogênio e o seu princípio astral. As plantas possuem apenas organização física e vital (ou etérica). A ação do anímico (ou astral) ocorre sempre de fora para dentro na planta. Com o surgimento das flores, as plantas se aproximaram do reino animal, entrando em contato com forças astrais que deveriam permanecer no exterior das plantas. Se essa astralidade penetrar na planta, isso se traduz na alteração de forma, de cor, no surgimento de substâncias, como por exemplo, os alcaloides, como tentativa da planta de impedir um processo de "animalização". Portanto, uma planta rica em alcaloides, possui propriedades pertencentes ao reino animal, e quando ingerida por seres humanos, provoca alteração da organização anímica. Assim, as plantas E. velutina e E. mulungu, ricas em alcaloides, promovem paralisia flácida no ser humano, devido à retirada da astralidade da dinâmica neuromuscular, uma vez que esta é responsável pelo tônus muscular e consciência sensorial no organismo. Essa ação deslocadora da organização anímica é responsável pelo efeito ansiolítico e sedativo em casos de distúrbios de ansiedade, estresse, tensão e insônia.(AU)

The Brazilian plants Erythrina mulungu Mart. ex Benth and Erythrina velutina Willd. have been used by the popular medicine as natural sedative and tranquilizing agent for stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. They are angiosperm plants, which belong to the pea family (Fabaceae/Leguminosae) and the Papilionaceae subfamily. In general, the parts used are stem bark, fruits and leaves (E. velutina), and leaves and inflorescences (E. mulungu). These plants represent the main source of tetracyclic alkaloids and they have curare-like activity, causing muscular paralysis. The result of several studies demonstrated that the alkaloids erythrartin, erythravine, 11-hydroxy-erythravine and the erythrin derivatives are mainly responsible for the anxiolytic effect. After a literature review, in which the therapeutic properties of E. velutina and E. mulungu were analyzed in several preclinical studies, we observed the following: anxiolytic activity with benzodiazepine-like effects; central nervous system activity with alteration of GABA receptors, besides anticonvulsant, sedative and amnesic action; antibacterial activity and antinociceptive activity. The E. velutina and E. mulungu's anthroposophic aspects point to the properties of the pea family and the papilionaceous subfamily. The nitrogen and the astral principle are the main characteristics of these plants. Normally, plants have only physical and vital organization. However, with the flowering process, these plants get closer to the animal kingdom, getting in touch with astral forces that should remain in the external parts of the plants. If the astral forces penetrate into the plant, it will produce poison substances (alkaloids) as an attempt to avoid an "animalization" process. Therefore, an alkaloidrich plant has properties that belong to the animal sphere, and when it is used as medicine by humans, it modifies the soul organization. Thus, E. velutina and E. mulungu, which are rich in alkaloids, cause flaccid paralysis in humans due to the astrality's removal from neuromuscular dynamics, once it is responsible for muscle tone and sensory awareness in the body. This dislocated action of the soul organization is responsible for the anxiolytic and sedative effects in cases of anxiety, stress, tension and insomnia.(AU)

Erythrina mulungu: descrição botânica e indicações clínicas a partir da antroposofia / Erythrina mulungu: Botanical description and clinical indications from anthroposophy

Erythrina é um gênero da família botânica Leguminosae (Fabaceae), que ocorre em todo o território brasileiro. São árvores de porte médio, madeira mole, flores grandes vermelhas ou alaranjadas, que ocorrem numa ampla variedade de habitats, desde matas tropicais até bosques de altitude. Seus frutos e sementes se dispersam pela ação do vento e dos animais. Estão distribuídas majoritariamente nas Américas e na África. No Brasil, são encontradas cerca de 12 espécies de Erythrina, sendo que a espécie E. mulungu Mart. ex Benth (sinonímia: E. verna Vell.) é a mais utilizada para fins medicinais. E. mulungu é uma árvore de 15 a 20 metros de altura, com espinhos ao longo dos troncos, folhas compostas, longamente pecioladas. Perde todas as folhas na época da floração cobrindo-se de inflorescências alaranjadas. Produz pequenos frutos do tipo vagem, de 6 a 12 cm de comprimento, contendo entre uma e três sementes, de cor marrom-clara. Ocorre naturalmente no Cerrado, Amazônia e Mata Atlântica, preferencialmente nas encostas e matas abertas. Tem crescimento rápido, alcançando 3,5 m de altura em dois anos. Preparações de E. mulungu são utilizadas popularmente com o propósito de afastar forças negativas, trazer paz e tranquilidade. É bastante comum a substituição por outras espécies do mesmo gênero, dependendo da disponibilidade local. A ação neurotrópica da planta é explicada pela presença de alcaloides eritrínicos, encontrado principalmente nas sementes e na casca. E. mulungu é mencionada nas principais farmacopeias e compêndios vigentes de fitoterapia e homeopatia, com indicação para quadros leves de ansiedade e insônia. O presente artigo discorre sobre as possibilidades de uso desta planta na medicina antroposófica, de forma isolada, ou em associação com outros insumos farmacêuticos já consagrados.(AU)

Erythrina is a genus of the botanical family Leguminosae (Fabaceae), which occurs throughout the whole Brazilian territory. They are medium-sized trees, with soft wood, big red or orange flowers, which occur in a wide variety of habitats, from the rainforests to the highland woods. Their fruits and seeds are dispersed by wind and animals action. They are distributed mainly in America and Africa. Around 12 species of Erythrina are found in Brazil, of which E. mulungu Mart. ex Benth (synonym: Erythrina verna Vell.) is the therapeutically most used species. E. mulungu is a 15 to 20 m high tree, with thorns along the stems, composed and long-petiolate leaves. It loses all its leaves during the flowering season, when it is covered by orange inflorescences. It bears little bean-type fruits, with 6 to 12 cm long, containing one to three light brown colored seeds. It occurs naturally in the Cerrado, Amazonia and Atlantic Rainforest, preferably at hillsides and open forests. It grows quickly, reaching 3,5 m high in two years. E. mulungu preparations are popularly used to calm down and to remove negative energy. The substitution by other species of the same genus is very common, depending on local availability. The neurotropic action of the plant is explained by the presence of erythrinic alkaloids, found mainly in the seeds and bark. E. mulungu is mentioned in the main current pharmacopeias and compendia of phytotherapy and homeopathy, being indicated for mild anxiety and insomnia. The present article discusses the possibilities of using this plant in anthroposophic medicine, singly or in association to other already established pharmaceutical substances.(AU)

Anatomy of leaf and stem of Erythrina velutina

Erythrina velutina Willd., Fabaceae, known as "mulungu", is a tree of tropical regions, as northeastern Brazil. Its bark is used in folk medicine as tranquilizer, sedative and insomnia. This study aimed to characterize the stem and leaf anatomy and to provide subsidies to quality control of the plant drug due to its wide use in folk medicine as well as its differentiation from other species with the same popular name. Samples were collected at Cuité, in Paraíba State, Brazil, fixed in FAA50, semipermanent slides were made, following usual procedures in plant anatomy. The stem shows a cylindrical contour, covered by a uniseriate epidermis covered by a thickened cuticle. It shows claviform glandular and branched trichomes with uniseriate stalk. Secretory cavities are into the phloem. The leaf epidermis has branched and glandular trichomes and anisocytic and paracytic stomata, on both sides, with predominance of branched trichomes and stomata on abaxial surface. Secretory cavities in stem and leaf, types of trichomes and stomata, its location and distribution constitute diagnostic characters for this specie. The structural characterization of the stem and leaf allows its distinction from other ones of this genus, ensuring safety for commercial pharmacological uses, allowing certification of the authenticity of raw material.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of hydroalcoholic extracts and fractions from Erythrina mulungu

Erythrina mulungu Mart. ex Benth., Fabaceae, popularly known as mulungu, is used for the treatment of insomnia and disorders of the central nervous system. This study examined the antinociceptive effects of the hydroalcoholic extracts (HAE), the ethyl acetate and chloroformic fractions from E. mulungu in four experimental models of nociception using laboratory mice. The extracts and fractions were administered orally to mice at doses of 100 mg/kg. Inhibition of abdominal contractions were observed for all the extracts and fractions tested, as compared to controls. All extracts and fractions from E. mulungu reduced the nociception activity produced by formalin in the 2nd phase. In the hot plate test no significant effect was observed for any extract or fraction. In the peritonitis test induced by Zymosan, all of the tested extracts and the chloroformic fraction, except for the ethyl acetate phase, reduced cell migration of the peritoneal cavity. We concluded that E. mulungu shows antinociceptive effects, which are independent of the opioid system.

Estudo fitoquímico e análise mutagênica das folhas e inflorescências de Erythrina mulungu (Mart. ex Benth. ) através do teste de micronúcleo em roedores / Phytochemical and mutagenic analysis of leaves and inflorescences of Erythrina mulungu (Mart. Ex Benth. ) through micronucleus test in rodents

Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a composição química, estabelecer a dose letal média (DL50) e avaliar os potenciais efeitos mutagênicos do extrato hidroalcoólico de folhas e inflorescências de Erythrina mulungu Mart. ex Benth por meio do teste de micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. Os ensaios fitoquímicos foram realizados através de reações preliminares com mudança de coloração e/ou formação de precipitado; a DL50, por meio da administração intraperitoneal de três concentrações dos extratos, avaliando-se o número de óbitos após 48 horas e o teste de micronúcleo foi feito por meio do método do esfregaço, após exposição dos animais a cinco dias de tratamento. Os resultados fitoquímicos demonstraram presença de açúcares redutores, fenóis e taninos, proteínas e aminoácidos, flavonóides, alcalóides, depsídeos e depsidonas e derivados de cumarina em ambos os órgãos; saponinas espumídicas e esteróides e triterpenóides nas folhas e glicosídeos cardiotônicos e antraquinônicos e alcalóides nas inflorescências. Para a DL50 a folha demonstrou-se atóxica e a inflorescência moderadamente tóxica. Para o teste de micronúcleo, os resultados indicaram ausência de citotoxicidade e genotoxicidade dose-dependente para as folhas e independente da dose para as inflorescências. Assim, esses resultados sugerem que a planta, nas condições analisadas, possui potencial para induzir danos ao DNA.

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, to establish the mean lethal dose (LD50) and to assess the potential mutagenic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves and inflorescences of Erythrina mulungu Mart. ex Benth by using micronucleus test in bone marrow of mice. Phytochemical assays were carried out through preliminary reactions with color change and/or precipitate formation; the LD50 was obtained by intraperitoneal administration of three concentrations of the extracts, assessing the number of deaths after 48 hours, and the micronucleus test was done by the smear method, after exposure of animals to five days of treatment. Phytochemical results showed the presence of reducing sugars, phenols and tannins, proteins and amino acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, depsides, depsidones and coumarin derivatives in both organs; foaming and steroidal saponins and triterpenes in the leaves and cardiotonic and anthraquinonic glycosides and alkaloids in the inflorescences. Considering the LD50, the leaf was atoxic and the inflorescence was moderately toxic. As regards the micronucleus test, results indicated absence of cytotoxicity while genotoxicity was dose-dependent for leaves and dose-independent for inflorescences. Thus, these results suggest that the plant, under the tested conditions, has the potential to induce damages to the DNA.

Anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts from Erythrina velutina and E. mulungu in mice

This work studied the anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) from Erythrina velutina Willd. (Ev) and E. mulungu Mart. ex Benth. (Em) in the carrageenan- and dextran-induced mice hind paw edema models. These medicinal plants belonging to the Fabaceae family are used in some Brazilian communities to treat pain, inflammation, insomnia and disorders of the central nervous system. In the present work, the extracts were administered orally in male mice at the doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg. In the carrageenan-induced test, only Em showed anti-inflammatory activity, decreasing the paw edema, at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. No effect was observed with Ev in this model. On the other hand, in the dextran model, Ev demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect, showing decrease of the paw edema at the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24th h. Em (200 or 400 mg/kg) presented anti-inflammatory effect at the 2, 3 and 4th h after administration of dextran, as compared to control. In conclusion, the work showed that Ev and Em present anti-edematous actions, which possibly occurs by distinct mechanisms. While Ev seems to interfere especially in inflammatory processes in which mast cells have an important role, Em exerts greater activity in the inflammatory process that depends mainly on polymorphonuclear leucocytes. However, further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism of action of the species investigated.

Propagação in vitro de Erythrina velutina / In vitro propagation of Erythrina velutina

Erythrina velutina (mulungu) é uma planta nativa do semiárido brasileiro que pode ser propagada via cultura de tecidos, o que poderá contribuir com a rápida multiplicação dessa espécie, além da redução de possíveis impactos ambientais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer um protocolo de micropropagação para o mulungu utilizando explantes de plântulas assépticas obtidas in vitro. Para a indução de brotos, foram utilizados como explantes hipocótilos segmentos nodais e nós cotiledonares inoculados em meio de cultura WPM acrescido de diferentes concentrações de BAP e ANA. O enraizamento dos brotos foi realizado em meio WPM suplementado com 0,0; 2,46; 4,92; e 9,88µM de AIB. A melhor resposta para a multiplicação foi obtida em meio suplementado com 17,76µM de BAP, sendo utilizado segmento nodal ou nó cotiledonar como explante. Os brotos enraizaram em todas as condições testadas, inclusive no meio de cultura sem auxina.

Erythrina velutina (mulungu) is a native plant of the semi-arid region that can be propagated via tissue culture, which may contribute to the rapid multiplication of this species, reducing the possibility environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to establish a protocol for micropropagation of mulungu using aseptic explants seedlings grown in vitro. For the induction of shoots, , nodal segments and cotyledons were used as explants hypocontyl and were inoculated in a WPM culture medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP and NAA. The rooting of shoots was achieved in a WPM medium supplemented with 0.0; 2.46; 4.92; 9.88µM IBA. The best answer to the multiplication was obtained in medium supplemented with 17.76µM BAP using nodal segment or cotyledonary node explants. The shoots rooted in all conditions tested, including the culture medium without auxin.

Testes de vigor na avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes Erythrina velutina Willd. (FABACEAE - PAPILIONOIDEAE) / Vigor tests in the evaluation of physiological quality of Erythrina velutina Willd. (FABACEAE- PAPILIONOIDEAE) seeds

A aplicação de testes de vigor de sementes tem sido fundamental para determinação da qualidade fisiológica de forma rápida e eficaz, destacando-se, os testes baseados no desempenho das plântulas como uma das opções disponíveis. Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de avaliar a eficiência de testes de vigor para determinação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de Erythrina velutina. Determinou-se em cinco lotes de sementes de E. velutina o teor de água e o peso de mil sementes e realizou-se os testes de germinação, emergência em campo, índice de velocidade de germinação e de emergência, comprimento e massa seca de plântulas do laboratório e campo. Os testes de campo (emergência de plântulas, índice de velocidade de emergência de plântulas e massa seca da parte aérea das plântulas) são eficientes na separação dos lotes de sementes de E. velutina em níveis de vigor.

The application of vigor tests of seeds has been fundamental as a fast and efficient form of determination of physiological seed quality, highlighting the tests based on the performance of seedlings as one of the available options. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different vigor tests for the determination of the physiologic quality of Erythrina velutina seeds. In five lots of E. velutina seeds, water content and seed weight were determined. Tests for germination were performed for field seedling emergence, speed germination and emergence index, and length and dry matter weight of seedlings from both the laboratory and from the field. Field tests (seedling emergence, speed emergence index, and dry matter weight of the aerial part of seedlings) are efficient in the separation of the seed lots of E. velutina in vigor levels.

Toxicidade aguda do extrato aquoso de folhas de Erythrina velutina em animais experimentais / Acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Erythrina velutina leaves in experimental animals

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação da toxicidade aguda do extrato aquoso de folhas de Erythrina velutina, espécie vegetal muito usada na medicina popular principalmente como tranqüilizante. O protocolo experimental utilizado seguiu o Guia para a Realização de Estudos de Toxicidade Pré-clínica de Fitoterápicos da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa, 2004). Ratos Wistar adultos foram tratados por via oral com a dose limite de 5 g/kg do extrato e observados por 14 dias consecutivos. Nenhum animal veio a óbito e nenhum sinal de toxicidade foi detectado nas observações comportamentais ou nas autópsias, indicando uma razoável atoxicidade do extrato.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Erythrina velutina leaves, which is frequently used in folk medicine as a tranquilizer. The experimental design followed the Guide for Preclinical Toxicity Studies of Herbal Medicines from the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa, 2004). Adult Wistar rats were treated per os with the limit dose of 5g/kg of the extract and then observed for 14 consecutive days. No animals died and no signs of toxicity were detected either during the behavioral observations or at the autopsies, what indicates a reasonable lack of toxicity for the extract.

Emergência de plântulas de Erythrina velutina em diferentes posições e profundidades de semeadura / Emergency of the Erythrina velutina seedlings at different positions and sowing depths

Com o objetivo de estudar a influência da posição e da profundidade de semeadura sobre a emergência de plântulas e o vigor de sementes de mulungu foram instalados testes de germinação em areia sob ambiente protegido. Os tratamentos, representados pela posição e pela profundidade de semeadura das sementes em relação ao substrato foram os seguintes: semente com o hilo voltado para baixo, para cima e para o lado nas profundidades de 1 a 5cm. Cada um dos tratamentos constou de quatro repetições de 25 sementes, avaliados pelo teste de emergência, vigor da primeira contagem, velocidade de emergência, comprimento e massa seca do hipocótilo e das raízes. Os resultados mostraram que, para o mulungu, a profundidade de semeadura dever ser entre 1 e 2cm e, a melhor posição foi aquela em que as sementes ficaram com o hilo voltado para baixo.

The aim of this research was to study the influence of the sowing depth and position upon seedling emergency and seed vigor of the coral tree, some germination tests were settled in sand, under protected environment. The treatments were represented by the position and depth of the seed sowings relative to the substratum, as follows: seed with the hilum turned down, upward and to the side at depths 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5cm. Each treatment consisted of four replicates with 25 seeds, and were evaluated by the following tests: emergence, first-counting vigor, emergency speed, length and dry mass of the hypocotyl and roots. According to the results for coral tree, the sowing depth should be between one and two centimeters, whereas the best position was the hilum turned down.