Development of natural cosmetic emulsion using the by-product of Lecythis pisonis seed.

Natural products and their biological activities are currently a subject of great interest to the industrial and scientific sector, due to society's awareness of the proper use of biodiversity and economic and sustainability. To promote the sustainable use of biomass the extract of the by-product of the shell seed of Lecythis pisonis was applied to develop a natural cosmetic emulsion. To ensure safety for its topical use the cytotoxic activity of its crude extract was evaluated by the colorimetric method of 3- bromide (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium, MTT, in cell culture of fibroblasts L929, human keratinocytes HaCat, and human endothelium EA.hy926 cell lines. The triplicate of the cosmetic formulation containing the extract was obtained regarding stability according to the procedures of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa). The irritability tests were performed using alternative methods, in vitro, chorioallantoic membrane assay (HET-CAM and CAM-TBS), and hemolysis test (RBC). The crude extract was not cytotoxic, IC50 index >780 mg/mL. The preservative system was effective against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The emulsion was classified as non-irritable. The crude extract of the by-product of sapucaia seeds can be incorporated into a natural emulsion, safe for topical use.

Couroupita guianensis bark decoction: From Amazonian medicine to the UHPLC-HRMS chemical profile and its role in inflammation processes and re-epithelialization.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In the Amazon rainforest, the shamans of the Mayantuyacu site use the healing virtues of decoctions and teas from different parts of the Couroupita guianensis Aubl. (Lecythidaceae) trees as remedies in Ashaninka medicine. However, composition of the remedy and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to compare the metabolite profile of Couroupita guianensis bark decoction produced by Amazonian shamans with that obtained under standardised laboratory conditions and to investigate biological properties of both decoction and isolated constituents in skin wound healing process and inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical analyses were carried out by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with UV and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry detectors (UHPLC-UV-HRMS). 1D and 2D-NMR experiments were performed to identify the main decoction constituents. The decoction and pure compound effect on keratinocyte migration was determined by the in vitro wound healing model; the mechanism of action was elucidated by western blot analysis. RESULTS: UHPLC-UV-HRMS analysis revealed the occurrence of polyphenolic compounds as catechins, ellagitannins and, notably, of unusual sulphated derivatives of ellagic acid isolated for the first time from Couroupita guianensis bark. A new natural sulphated molecule [4-(2″-O-sulphate- ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl) ellagic acid] was identified as the potential active compound responsible for the efficacy of bark decoction stimulating wound healing in human HaCaT keratinocytes. The molecular mechanism involved the induction of pro-migratory pathways mediated by ERK and AKT phosphorylation and the increase of MMP2 expression in HaCaT cells. At the same time, the treatment inhibited inflammation interfering with NFkB activation. CONCLUSION: Beyond identifying a new bioactive compound, the overall results scientifically validate the traditional use of Couroupita guianensis bark decoction as an anti-inflammatory remedy. Moreover, the beneficial effects on keratinocytes suggest promising therapeutic applications in skin diseases.

Biological applications of green synthesized lanthanum oxide nanoparticles via Couroupita guianensis abul leaves extract.

In this work, extract from leaves of Couroupita guianensis (C.guianensis) abul was used as a potential reducing agent for the synthesis of lanthanum oxide (La2O3) nanoparticles (NPs). In addition, the morphology and several physicochemical properties of the La2O3 NPs were improved by introducing the ionic liquid of 1-butyl 3-methyl imidazolium tetra fluoroborate (BMIM BF4) as a stabilizing agent. The structure of the La2O3 (without ionic liquid) and IL-La2O3 (with ionic liquid) NPs were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The chemical composition of the synthesized NPs was analyzed using the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies. Optical and morphological studies were also performed. The antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anticancer properties of the La2O3 and IL-La2O3 NPs were evaluated.

Antihypernociceptive effects of Petersianthus macrocarpus stem bark on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury in rats.

Petersianthus macrocarpus (Lecythidaceae) stem bark is traditionally used in West and Central Africa for the treatment of boils and pain. The present study examined the chemical composition of the aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts of P. macrocarpus by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) . Their antinociceptive effect was evaluated using chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in a rat model. On the ninth day post-surgery, the pain perception (allodynia and hyperalgesia) of the animals was assessed after the administration of aqueous and methanolic extracts at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. In addition, the effect of the extracts was evaluated on nitric oxide activity and on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NF-κB). The LC-ESI-MS analysis revealed the presence of ellagic acid as the major constituent in the methanol extract. Both extracts at the employed doses (100 and 200 mg/kg), significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) reduced the spontaneous pain, tactile and cold allodynia, and mechanical hyperalgesia. The methanolic extract used at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the nitric oxide level (p < 0.001) and the gene expression levels of NF-κB (p < 0.05) and TNF-α (p < 0.01) in the brain. These data may indicate that stem bark extracts of P. macrocarpus possess a potent anti-hypernociceptive effect on CCI neuropathic pain. The inhibition of the nitric oxide pathway as well as the reduction in NF-κB and TNF-α gene expression in the brain may at least partially contribute to this effect. The results further support the use of this plant by traditional healers in pain conditions.

Phytochemical profile and ethnopharmacological applications of Lecythidaceae: An overview.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The family Lecythidaceae has about 25 genera and 400 identified species, which are distributed especially in the pantropical region, mostly found in the tropics of Central and South America, Southeast Asia and Africa. The third most abundant family in Amazonian forests and the genus Eschweilera, with the large number of species in Lecythidaceae. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present review compiles information since the 1934s about of ethnopharmacology, and chemical constituents of species of Lecythidaceae, as well as a summary of the bioactivities shown by the extracts, fractions, and secondary metabolites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All relevant information on ethnopharmacology, and chemical constituents of species of Lecythidaceae were gathered from electronic databases including Web of Science, Science Direct, Elsevier, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. Information was also obtained from local books, PhD. and MSc. Dissertations. RESULTS: The phytochemical diversity of the family was demonstrated with 180 different metabolites that have been reported from 25 species, most of them being triterpenes or flavonoids. The pharmacological studies carried out with the extracts, fractions and compounds showed promising antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities. CONCLUSION: The present review provides an insight into ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of species of Lecythidaceae. Based on the pharmacological studies it has been found that different plant species of Lecythidaceae possess a wide range of bioactivities such as anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antibacterial and antifungal. These activities are due to the presence of bioactive compounds including triterpenoids and their glycosides derivatives, flavonoids, steroids, sesquiterpenoids, alkaloids, and other compounds. However, there are many plants, which have not been assessed pharmacologically and hence warrant further studies.

Methanolic extract of Cariniana rubra Gardner ex Miers stem bark negatively regulate the leukocyte migration and TNF-α and up-regulate the annexin-A1 expression.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cariniana rubra Gardner ex Miers (Lecythidaceae), is a native and endemic tree in Brazil, whose inner stem bark decoction preparation is used in folk medicine to treat various inflammatory disorders. Previous scientific reports confirmed its popular use as an anti-inflammatory, without, however, evaluating its action mechanisms. AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of the methanolic extract of Cariniana rubra (MECr), using experimental models in vivo and in vitro, as well as to identify secondary metabolites present in the extract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MECr was prepared by maceration of inner stem bark powder in methanol (1:10 w/v). The in vitro cytotoxicity effect was evaluated in CHO-k1 cells. The Hippocratic screening test was conducted to evaluate the acute toxicity of MECr in mice. The actions of MECr on leukocyte migration, cytokine levels (IL-1ß and TNF-α) and annexin-A1 (AnxA1) expression, were carried out on lambda-type carrageenan air pouch inflammation model in Swiss mice. Additionally, the phytochemical analysis of MECr was carried out by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and spectrometric mass analysis with electrospray ionization ESI(-)/MS and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: Treatment of CHO-k1 cells for 24 h with MECr did not cause cytotoxicity (IC50 > 200 µg/mL), however, the MECr was shown to be cytotoxic after 72 h of cell exposure (IC50 = 19.90 ± 3.51 µg/mL). In the Hippocratic test, oral treatment of mice with 750, 1500, or 3000 mg/kg of MECr did not show any histopathological changes and mortality during the 14 days of observation. In the carrageenan air pouch inflammation model, MECr reduced (p < 0.001) polymorphonuclear migration (57.7% and 57.8%), leukocyte monocyte migration (74.5% and 61.8%) in the air pouch cavity and in the skin tissue, respectively. MECr also inhibited TNF-α concentration in the air cavity wash (3.2%, p < 0.01) and increased expression of the AnxA1 protein (26.9%, p < 0.01) in the skin tissue, particularly in neutrophils. ß-sitosterol (1.95%), gallic acid (1.24%), ß-amyrin (0.87%) and stigmasterol (0.66%) were identified as the major constituents in methanolic extract. CONCLUSION: MECr exhibits significant anti-inflammatory action at least by increasing AnxA1 expression and by inhibiting the release of TNF-α pro-inflammatory cytokine and leukocyte migration, which is probably linked to the presence of identified biologically active compounds, especially gallic acid and terpenes. We believe that the results of this study provide a pharmacological basis for the MECr to be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Stability of a Natural-Based Cream Containing Lecythis pisonis Extract.

The outer pericarps of Lecythis pisonis Camb. are by-products with a high content of antioxidant substances. The goal of the present study was to analyze the incorporation of L. pisonis pericarp extract in an all-natural formulation. Physical-chemical and organoleptic characteristics and Challenge tests were evaluated before and after the stability test of the cosmetic formulation. The instability of the formulation increased with the increase of the concentration of the extract. The physical-chemical and organoleptic parameters did not present alterations after the stability test. The extract of the outer pericarp of L. pisonis seems to be compatible with the cream formulation. However, the concentration should be analyzed to not interfere with the stability of the product. The natural formulation developed is under the legal requirements of the National Agency of Sanitary Monitoring of Brazil (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), presenting an efficient conservation system.

Sapucaia nut: Morphophysiology, minerals content, methodological validation in image analysis, phenotypic and molecular diversity in Lecythis pisonis Cambess.

Sapucaia or Lecythis pisonis Cambess. is an ornamental tree that produces edible, tasty, and nutritious nuts, and can be used for timber production. Sapucaia has potential as a functional food, owing to optimal nutritional and particularly Se levels. The present study sought to characterize the seeds of 21 sapucaia matrices from forest remnants of a neotropical hotspot (Atlantic Forest) and farms in two Brazilian states. Biometrics, germination, vigor, lignin content in the teguments, minerals content, and phenotypic and molecular diversity were analyzed. The seeds of matrices 16 and 21 were the most vigorous. Nuts from matrices 21 and 17 contained the highest amounts of Se. Matrices 5, 8, and 21 were the most phenotypically distant; whereas matrix 21 was the most genetically distant. Importantly, we validated a new non-destructive and efficient X-ray-based methodology for internal and densitometric analysis of sapucaia seeds, and demonstrated a high genetic divergence among matrices.

Stability and Cytotoxicity of a Cosmetic Cream Containing Oil from Lecythis pisonis Cambess (Sapucaia) Nuts.

Lecythis pisonis nuts are rich in tocopherols, polyphenols, and fatty acids, and hence, the quality of oil was analyzed for use in the elaboration of skin cream. Nut oil was extracted with hexane in a Soxhlet apparatus. The quality and safety of the oil were tested by using established protocols from Adolf Lutz Institute. Three concentrations, 1%, 5%, and 10%, of oil were incorporated into a formulated cream. The oil formulations were evaluated for their stability, organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, spreadability, challenge test, cellular viability, and their response to microbial contamination, as recommended by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Quality analysis demonstrated the high quality of the obtained oil, with no traces of heavy metals and no toxic effects on ingestion. The cream containing L. pisonis nut oil is stable, has an effective preservative system, and is considered safe for use because it presented no toxicity in human cells. A stabilizer is required to maintain the pH in the range suitable for a body cream. Of the formulations tested, the cream containing 5% nut oil was the most stable and had presented the best organoleptic characteristics.

Vegetative rescue potential of Brazil nut through epicormic shoots on detached branches

Obtaining juvenile material may favor the clonal propagation of Brazil nut, Bertholletia excelsa. We aimed to assess the emission of epicormic shoots on detached branches of Brazil nut trees as a function of the mother tree and branch diameter, in order to provide juvenile material for use in clonal multiplication. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 6 (mother trees) x 3 (stem diameter: < 20 20-40 and 40-80 mm) factorial design, with four replicates. Every five days the number of shoots emitted was counted and the sprouting speed index and average sprouting time were calculated. The number of epicormic shoots and the sprouting speed index were dependent on the interaction between mother tree and branch diameter. Branches with larger diameter (20-40 and 40-80 mm) showed higher potential for obtaining propagules for use in Brazil nut clonal multiplication (cutting, grafting and in vitro cultivation). (AU)

Antitubercular compounds isolated and characterized in Tithonia diversifolia and Couroupita guianensis.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) has become a public health challenge in the current scenario with a single causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) causing the highest morbidity and mortality affecting almost 1.7 million of the population. Furthermore, there has been no novel drug discovery for the past five decades, and the emergence of latent, multiple drug-resistant, and extensively drug-resistant species has given rise to an alarming necessity for a novel compound/s for treating this highly untamable microbe. In developing countries, plant-based drugs have shown promising results in combating TB or its symptoms; naturally occurring secondary metabolites can act as lead-drug molecules or can be co-administered with conventional drugs. Therefore, the present study was focused to identify and characterize potential antimycobacterial compounds found in the screened ethnobotanical plants, Tithonia diversifolia (TD) and Couroupita guianensis (CG). These plants are used for treating respiratory disorders and allergies in the traditional medicinal systems. Methods: These plant leaf extracts were detected and purified using chromatographic techniques for potent antitubercular phytochemicals, and the purified eluents were tested on Mycobacterium smegmatis (MSM) as a surrogate for MTB; further, the fractions inhibiting growth of MSM were characterized through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A toxicity test of the purified samples was also assessed by an in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction and hemolytic assays. Results: The analyzed plant extracts showed the presence of a C-15 sesquiterpene, zingiberene in TD, and a phthalate ester, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, in CG leaf extracts. The toxicity assessment proved the purified fractions to be moderately toxic at higher concentrations (≥100 µg/mL). Conclusion: Therefore, the identified compounds can be promising antitubercular agents; however, further in vivo investigations will add substantial value to the compounds being pharmacologically useful.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria improve leaf antioxidant metabolism of drought-stressed Neotropical trees.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Plant growth-promoting bacteria association improved the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant pathways in Neotropical trees under drought, which led to lower oxidative damage and enhanced drought tolerance in these trees. Water deficit is associated with oxidative stress in plant cells and may, thus, negatively affect the establishment of tree seedlings in reforestation areas. The association with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is known to enhance the antioxidant response of crops, but this strategy has not been tested in seedlings of Neotropical trees. We evaluated the effects of inoculation with two PGPB (Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus sp.) on the antioxidant metabolism of Cecropia pachystachya and Cariniana estrellensis seedlings submitted to drought. We measured the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants in leaves, and biometrical parameters of the seedlings. In both tree species, drought decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds. For C. pachystachya, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways were mostly influenced by A. brasilense inoculation, which enhanced ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase activities and positively affected the level of non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds. In C. estrellensis, A. brasilense inoculation enhanced APX activity. However, A. brasilense and Bacillus sp. inoculation had more influence on the non-enzymatic pathway, as both bacteria induced a greater accumulation of secondary compounds (such as chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, rutin and synapic acid) compared to that in non-inoculated plants under drought. For both species, PGPB improved biometrical parameters related to drought tolerance, as specific leaf area and leaf-area ratio. Our results demonstrate that PGPB induced antioxidant mechanisms in drought-stressed Neotropical trees, increasing drought tolerance. Thus, PGPB inoculation provides a biotechnological alternative to improve the success of reforestation programmes.

Anti-atherosclerotic and cardiovascular protective benefits of Brazilian nuts.

Brazil nuts are rich in magnesium, selenium, arginine and other amino acids, dietary fiber, tocopherols (vitamin E), phytosterols, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, sitosterols, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols and other amino acids. Due to such a rich mixture of nutrients, Brazil nuts protect LDL from peroxidation, and improve endothelial function, blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and decrease endothelial inflammatory markers, DNA oxidation, and blood lipids (cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides). Here, we review and propose biological mechanisms by which bioactive compounds of Brazil nuts afford protections against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Just a few nuts per day provide sufficient cardiovascular benefits, including protection against development and progression of atherosclerosis.

Potencial antimicrobiano do extrato metanólico de Cariniana parvifolia contra patógenos alimentares / Antimicrobial potential of metanolic extract of Cariniana Parvifolia against food pathogens

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato de Cariniana parvifolia contra dois importantes patógenos em alimentos. Para isso, o extrato foi diluído em DMSO nas concentrações 250 mg/mL a 1,95 mg/mL e a atividade antibacteriana foi testada frente as cepas padrões de Escherichia coli ATCC25922 e Staphylococcus aureus ATCC43300por meio da técnica de microdiluição em placa.A concentração inibitória mínima obtida para ambas as cepas foi de 250 mg/mL, enquanto a concentração bactericida mínima foi > 250 mg/mL para S. aureus e 250 mg/mL para E. coli. O extrato metanólico de Cariniana parvifolia apresenta atividade antimicrobiana contra os patógenos S. aureus e E. coli na concentração de 250 mg/mL.

Alternative vibro-dynamic compression processing of wood-cement composites using Amazonian wood

Wood-cement composite (WCC) is a potential construction material for tropical regions, due to its physico-mechanical properties and resistance to decay and fungi attack. However it is important to test alternative production methods and wood materials that are easier and cheaper than those traditionally used, in order to create a higher demand for this product. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of wood from four Amazonian species (Eschweilera coriaceae, Swartzia recurva, Manilkara amazonica and Pouteria guianensis) in the production of wood-cement composites through a vibro-dynamic compression process, an alternative method to the use of a hydraulic press. The inhibition degree caused by the wood to the cement cure, measured by the factor CA, indicated that all species were compatible with Portland cement (CP II-Z). WCC with densities higher than 1,100 kg m-3 (produced with E. coriaceae and S. recurva particles) showed compressive strength values higher than 10 MPa, which fulfills the minimum requirement for lightweitgh reinforced concrete blocks for structural use. (AU)

Compósito madeira-cimento é um potencial material de construção para regiões tropicais, devido a suas propriedades físico-mecânicas e resistência ao ataque de fungos e podridão. Contudo, é importante testar métodos alternativos de produção e madeiras que sejam mais simples e baratos do que os tradicionalmente usados, para que se alcance uma maior demanda para esse produto. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso de madeira de quatro espécies amazônicas (Eschweilera coriaceae, Swartzia recurva, Manilkara amazonica e Pouteria guianensis) na produção de compósitos de madeira-cimento (WCC) pelo processo de compactação vibro-dinâmica, um método alternativo que dispensa o uso de prensas hidráulicas. O grau de inibição à pega do cimento causado pela presença da madeira foi medido pelo fator CA e indicou que todas as quatro espécies foram compatíveis com o cimento Portland (CP II-Z). Compósitos com massa específica superior a 1.100 kg m-3 (produzidas com partículas de E. coriaceae e S. recurva) apresentaram valores de compressão axial acima de 10 MPa, requisito mínimo para classificar como blocos de concreto reforçados leves de uso estrutural.(AU)

Great Genetic Diversity but High Selfing Rates and Short-Distance Gene Flow Characterize Populations of a Tree (Foetidia; Lecythidaceae) in the Fragmented Tropical Dry Forest of the Mascarene Islands.

Following the global trend of deforestation and degradation, tropical dry forests in the Mascarenes archipelago on Reunion has undergone harsh reduction and fragmentation within 3 centuries of human occupation. We investigated the genetic diversity, mating system, and gene flow in fragmented populations of the native tree Foetidia mauritiana (Lecythidaceae) on Reunion, using microsatellite genotyping of adults (in- and ex situ) and seed progenies (in situ only). To test genetic isolation between the Mascarene islands, we also genotyped conspecific adults on Mauritius, and trees of Foetidia rodriguesiana on Rodrigues. We found a high genetic diversity among the trees on Reunion, but no population structure (G'ST: 0.039-0.090), and an increase of the fixation index (FIS) from adults to progenies. A subsequent analysis of mating systems from progeny arrays revealed selfing rates >50% in fragmented populations and close to 100% in lone trees. A paternity analysis revealed pollen flow ranging from 15.6 to 296.1 m within fragments. At broader scale, the populations of F. mauritiana on Reunion and Mauritius are genetically differentiated. The morphologically allied taxa F. rodriguesiana and F. mauritiana are clearly isolated. Therefore, this case study shows that genetic diversity may persist after deforestation, especially in long-lived tree species, but the reproductive features may be deeply altered during this process. This would explain the low seed production and the absence of recruitment in F. mauritiana. Restoration programs should take into account these features, as well as the importance that trees ex situ represent in restoring and conserving diversity.

Cariniana domestica fruit peels present topical anti-inflammatory efficacy in a mouse model of skin inflammation.

To investigate the topical anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract of Cariniana domestica fruit peels (CdE), its dichloromethane, n-butanol, and ethyl acetate (EtAc) fractions, and steroids (ß-sitosterol, lupeol, and stigmasterol) isolated from the EtAc fraction in models of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) croton oil-induced in mice. We induced skin inflammation by single (acute; 1 mg/ear) and multiple (chronic; 0.4 mg/ear) croton oil application. We topically applied C. domestica (CdE, fractions, and gel formulations) and ß-sitosterol, lupeol, and stigmasterol immediately after applying croton oil. HPLC-DAD chromatography of the EtAc fraction and stability of the gel formulations were verified. HPLC-DAD of the EtAc fraction revealed the stigmasterol, lupeol, and ß-sitosterol presence. CdE and EtAc fraction gels showed no organoleptic or pH changes at room temperatures. CdE and dichloromethane, n-butanol, and EtAc (1 mg/ear) fractions decreased the acute ear edema with maximum inhibition (Imax) of 97 ± 2, 86 ± 1, 81 ± 4, and 95 ± 2%, respectively. CdE and EtAc fraction gel presented similar effects, with respective Imax of 85 ± 6% (3%;15 mg/ear) and 82 ± 2% (1%;15 mg/ear). ß-sitosterol (7.5 µg/ear), lupeol (10 µg/ear), and stigmasterol (5.7 µg/ear) also reduced this parameter by 46 ± 8, 51 ± 7, and 62 ± 7%, respectively. All topical treatments reduced the inflammatory cells' infiltration in the acute ICD model. CdE reduced the ear edema by 77 ± 4% (1 mg/ear) and the inflammatory cell infiltration in the chronic ICD model. CdE's anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by a minimum development of adverse effects. C. domestica demonstrates a promising potential for the development of a topical anti-inflammatory agent. Graphical abstract Cariniana domestica, popularly known as jequitibá-roxo, presented topical anti-inflammatory activity in an acute and chronic irritant contact dermatitis croton oil-induced in mice. The crude extract (solutions and gel formulations) and different fractions obtained from fruit peels of C. domestica showed topical antiinflammatory activity on skin inflammation models with minimum adverse effects in preliminary toxicological studies (behavior and biochemical parameters). Moreover, the HPLC analysis revealed the presence of ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol and lupeol, which also presented topical anti-inflammatory effect in the acute irritant contact dermatitis croton oil-induced. Our findings support the use of this species as a promising topical antiinflammatory agent.

Evaluation of the anti-asthmatic and antitussive potentials of methanol leaf extract of Napoleona vogelii in rodents.

Napoleona vogelii is used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of asthma and cough. This study evaluated antiasthmatic and antitussive properties of its methanol leaf extract (NVE) in rodents. Phytochemical screening was conducted using established methods. Acute oral toxicity test was done in mice and guinea pigs. Ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized guinea pigs were orally pretreated with 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg/day of NVE or 0.5 mg/kg/day of salbutamol for 14 days before exposure to 0.2% histamine aerosol. Latency to preconvulsive dyspnea (PCD), tracheal fluid volume (TFV), flow rate (FR), and tracheal morphometry (TM) were evaluated. Tracheal rings from sensitized guinea pigs were tested in organ baths for antispasmodic and spasmolytic effects. Citric acid and ammonium hydroxide cough models were used to evaluate antitussive effects in guinea pigs and mice respectively. Tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic substances were found in NVE. LD50 values in mice and guinea pigs were greater than 5000 mg/kg. NVE caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the latency to PCD and a decrease in TFV in the group treated with 200 mg/kg. TM indicated a reduction in airway narrowing in NVE-treated groups. The presence of NVE significantly attenuated responses of tracheal rings to carbachol. Its addition to carbachol precontracted rings resulted in significant relaxation. Emax for calcium concentration-response was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in the presence of NVE. Cough bouts dose-dependently decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in guinea pigs and mice. We conclude that NVE seems safe and possesses anti-asthmatic effect that involves inhibition of calcium influx. It also has antitussive properties that may be peripherally mediated.

Biochemical, hematological, and hormonal profile of rats orally administered methanol stem bark extract of Napoleona vogelii Hook and Planch (Lecythidaceae).

Napoleona vogelii is used in traditional medicine for the management of stomach aches, ulcer, and cancers. This study was conducted to investigate the subchronic toxicological effect of methanol stem bark extract of N. vogelii on biochemical, hematological, and hormonal profile of male and female rats. Forty rats of both sexes were randomly divided into four groups of 10 rats each and were administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract p.o. for 90 d. Ten milliliter per kilogram of distilled water p.o. was administered to control rats. On hematological assessment, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was significantly (p < 0.01) increased at 400 mg/kg compared to control. Biochemical assessment showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase at 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, compared to control. Hormonal assessment of male rats revealed a significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced level of testosterone at all treatment doses compared to control while estradiol was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced at 100 mg/kg, but significantly (p < 0.0001) increased at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively compared to control in female rats. Findings from this study demonstrate that N. vogelli is relatively safe on oral acute exposure but may possess the potential to cause hepatic dysfunction and infertility in male rats by perturbations of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis while conversely enhancing fertility in female rats on subchronic administration.

Sapucaia nut (Lecythis pisonis Cambess) and its by-products: A promising and underutilized source of bioactive compounds. Part II: Phenolic compounds profile.

In this study, the profile of the bioactive compounds of sapucaia nut (Lecythis pisonis Cambess) and its by-products have been investigated. The phenolic profile by LC-ESI-MS/MS, the total phenolic content, the condensed tannins and the antioxidant activity of the sapucaia nut and shell were determined. 14 phenolic compounds were identified in the sapucaia nut extract, primarily phenolic acids and flavonoids. Catechin, epicatechin, myricetin, ellagic acid and ferulic acid presented significant correlation to the antioxidant activity. The sapucaia shell contained 22 phenolic compounds, 13 of which were quantified. The sapucaia shell extract showed a high content of total phenolic compounds, a high condensed tannins content, and high antioxidant activity. The higher antioxidant activity of the shell can be associated with a higher content of phenolics. Overall, it can be concluded that the sapucaia nut is a raw material rich in phenolic compounds that present high antioxidant activity. The nuts and the cake may be used as a promising raw material for the food industry, while the shells could be an alternative source of natural antioxidants. Further use in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry may also be envisaged.