A Gedunin-Type Limonoid, 7-Deacetoxy-7-Oxogedunin, from Andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aublet) Reduced Intracellular Triglyceride Content and Enhanced Autophagy in HepG2 Cells.

The seed oil of Carapa guianensis Aublet (Andiroba) has been used in folk medicine for its insect-repelling, anti-inflammatory, and anti-malarial activities. This study aimed to examine the triglyceride (TG) reducing effects of C. guianensis-derived limonoids or other commercially available limonoids in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and evaluate the expression of lipid metabolism or autophagy-related proteins by treatment with 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin (DAOG; 1), a principal limonoid of C. guianensis. The gedunin-type limonoids, such as DAOG (% of control at 20 µM: 70.9 ± 0.9%), gedunin (2, 74.0 ± 1.1%), epoxyazadiradione (4, 73.4 ± 2.0%), 17ß-hydroxyazadiradione (5, 79.9 ± 0.6%), 7-deacetoxy-7α-hydroxygedunin (6, 61.0 ± 1.2%), andirolide H (7, 87.4 ± 2.2%), and 6α-hydroxygedunin (8, 84.5 ± 1.1%), were observed to reduce the TG content at lower concentrations than berberine chloride (BBR, a positive control, 84.1 ± 0.3% at 30 µM) in HepG2 cells pretreated with high glucose and oleic acid. Andirobin-, obacunol-, nimbin-, and salannin-type limonoids showed no effect on the intracellular TG content in HepG2 cells. The TG-reducing effect of DAOG was attenuated by the concomitant use of compound C (dorsomorphin), an AMPK inhibitor. Further investigation on the detailed mechanism of action of DAOG at non-cytotoxic concentrations revealed that the expressions of autophagy-related proteins, LC3 and p62, were upregulated by treatment with DAOG. These findings suggested that gedunin-type limonoids from Andiroba could ameliorate fatty liver, and that the action of DAOG in particular is mediated by autophagy.

Therapeutic effect of andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) against oral mucositis: an experimental study in golden Syrian hamsters.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the healing activity of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) against oral mucositis (OM) induced by 5-fluorouracil in golden Syrian hamsters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 122 animals were randomized and divided into six groups: andiroba oil 100%, andiroba oil 10%, andiroba oil 10% refined, no treatment group, all n = 28; and negative control (NC) and cyclophosphamide (CPA) groups, both n = 5. OM was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg 5-FU on days 0, 5 and 10 followed by mechanical trauma on the oral mucosa on days 1 and 2. From day 1 to day 15, the animals of the andiroba group were treated three times a day. On days 4, 8, 12 and 15, the mucosa was photographed and removed for clinical and histopathological analysis. The bone marrow of the femur was removed and the micronucleus test was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey and Bonferroni test. RESULTS: Treatment with 100% andiroba oil reduced the degree of OM compared to that reported in the other groups (p < 0.05). Andiroba oil at both concentrations was not cytotoxic, but treatment with 100% andiroba oil showed a genotoxic potential (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Frequent administration of andiroba oil accelerated the healing process in an experimental model of 5-fluorouracil-induced OM. However, the genotoxicity of andiroba in other cell systems and under other conditions are being tested. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of andiroba in topical form may be associated with reduced intensity of OM. Seek therapeutic alternatives to minimize the pain and suffering that these side effects cause cancer patients is an important scientific step.

Carapanosins D-F from the Seeds of Andiroba (Carapa guianensis, Meliaceae) and Their Effects on LPS-Activated NO Production.

A novel nor-phragmalin-type limonoid, named carapanosin D (1), and two novel mexicanolide-type limonoids, carapanosins E (2) and F (3), were isolated from the seed oil of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aublet), a traditional medicine in Brazil and Latin American countries. Their structures were unambiguously determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses using one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR techniques and High resolution Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry (HRFABMS). Compounds 1⁻3 were evaluated for their effects on the production of nitric oxide (NO) in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages. The NO inhibitory assay suggested that compounds 2 and 3 have high potency as inhibitors of macrophage activation.

Carapanosins A-C from Seeds of Andiroba (Carapa guianensis, Meliaceae) and Their Effects on LPS-Activated NO Production.

Two new phragmalin-type limonoids, Carapanosins A and B (1 and 2), and a new gedunin-type limonoid, Carapansin C (3), together with five known limonoids (4-8) were isolated from the oil of Carapa guianensis AUBLET (Meliaceae) seeds, a traditional medicine in Brazil and Latin American countries. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses using 1D and 2D NMR techniques and HRFABMS. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for their effects on the production of NO in LPS-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages. The NO inhibitory assay suggested that Compounds 3, 6, and 8 may be valuable as potential inhibitors of macrophage activation.

Hepatoprotective Limonoids from Andiroba (Carapa guianensis).

Three gedunin-type limonoids, gedunin (1), 6α-acetoxygedunin (2), and 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin (3), which were isolated from the seed and flower oils of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aublet, Meliaceae), exhibited hepatoprotective effects at doses of 25 mg/kg, p.o. against d-galactosamine (d-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in mice. To characterize the mechanisms of action of 1-3 and clarify the structural requirements for their hepatoprotective effects, 17 related limonoids (1-17) isolated from the seed and/or flower oils of C. guianensis were examined in in vitro studies assessing their effects on (i) d-GalN-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes, (ii) LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse peritoneal macrophages, and (iii) tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells. The mechanisms of action of 1-3 are likely to involve the inhibition of LPS-induced macrophage activation and reduced sensitivity of hepatocytes to TNF-α; however, these compounds did not decrease the cytotoxicity caused by d-GalN. In addition, the structural requirements of limonoids (1-17) for inhibition of LPS-induced NO production in mouse peritoneal macrophages and TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells were evaluated.

Carapanolides T-X from Carapa guianensis (Andiroba) Seeds.

Two new mexicanolide-type limonoids, carapanolides T-U (1-2), and three new phragmalin-type limonoids, carapanolides V-X (3-5), were isolated from the seeds of Carapa guianensis (andiroba). Their structures were determined on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy.

Effects of andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis aublet) on the immune system in inflammation and wound healing: A scoping review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Andiroba seed oil (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) is widely used by traditional populations in tropical countries, especially in the Brazilian Amazon, because of its anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, healing and antipyretic properties, among others, which makes it useful for the treatment, mainly, of skin afflictions and wounds. AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe the modulation of the immune system by andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) in inflammation and wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review was performed, following the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). As inclusion criteria, in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and clinical studies were selected, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, in thirteen databases of published studies, gray literature, and references of the included studies, which deal with immune modulation by andiroba oil in the context of the various therapeutic applications that make use of its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The selection of information sources was carried out by two independent reviewers between November 2022 and January 2023. The process of data extraction and evidence analysis was conducted by four pairs of independent reviewers between January and February 2023. RESULTS: 22 sources of evidence were included in this scoping review, mostly scientific articles published between 2005 and 2021 with in vivo sampling. The evidence suggests that andiroba oil reduces inflammation and promotes the healing of wounds of multiple etiologies by reducing leukocyte infiltration, increasing phagocytic activity, enhancing interleukin and inflammatory cytokine activity, promoting fibroblast recovery, increasing growth factors, reducing apoptotic cells, promoting reepithelialization, as well as promoting angiogenesis, reducing edema, and stimulating the production of glucocorticoids that alleviate pain. Additionally, different formulations of the oil (such as nanoemulsions, films and gels) are more effective in modulating inflammation and wound healing compared to in natura oil. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence in the literature suggests that andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) has positive effects on immune modulation in inflammation and wound healing, which makes it a biocompound with high therapeutic potential.

Fatty Acid Amides Suppress Proliferation via Cannabinoid Receptors and Promote the Apoptosis of C6 Glioma Cells in Association with Akt Signaling Pathway Inhibition.

A glioma is a type of tumor that acts on the Central Nervous System (CNS) in a highly aggressive manner. Gliomas can occasionally be inaccurately diagnosed and treatments have low efficacy, meaning that patients exhibit a survival of less than one year after diagnosis. Due to factors such as intratumoral cell variability, inefficient chemotherapy drugs, adaptive resistance development to drugs and tumor recurrence after resection, the search continues for new drugs that can inhibit glioma cell growth. As such, analogues of endocannabinoids, such as fatty acid amides (FAAs), represent interesting alternatives for inhibiting tumor growth, since FAAs can modulate several metabolic pathways linked to cancer and, thus, may hold potential for managing glioblastoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of two fatty ethanolamides (FAA1 and FAA2), synthetized via direct amidation from andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aublet), on C6 glioma cells. FAA1 and FAA2 reduced C6 cell viability, proliferation and migratory potential in a dose-dependent manner and were not toxic to normal retina glial cells. Both FAAs caused apoptotic cell death through the loss of mitochondrial integrity (ΔΨm), probably by activating cannabinoid receptors, and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway. In conclusion, FAAs derived from natural products may have the potential to treat glioma-type brain cancer.

Therapeutic effects of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl) oil, compared to low power laser, on oral mucositis in children underwent chemotherapy: A clinical study.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Carapa guianensis Aubl, popularly known as andiroba, is a large tree of the Meliaceae family, commonly found in the Amazon region. The oil extracted from its seeds is recognized in traditional medicine and has high anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, which are the basic prerequisites for a therapeutic agent that can be used in the treatment of oral mucositis (OM). Moreover, the aforementioned oil has antimicrobial, antiallergic, and parasiticidal actions and is effective in the management of cutaneous and muscular dysfunctions. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of andiroba gel (Carapa guianensis Aubl) on the symptomatology and evolution of OM in children with leukemia who underwent chemotherapy and to compare it to the effects of low power laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial involved 60 patients of both genders with leukemia, with age ranging from six to twelve years. The patients were divided into two study groups: the andiroba group (n = 30) and the laser group (n = 30). The level of pain experienced by the patients was assessed using the Wong-Baker visual analog scale and the degree of severity of OM was assessed using a table, recommended by the World Health Organization, that depicts the degrees of severity of OM. The data obtained were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, with statistical significance indicated by a P value less than or equal to 0.05. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in the degree of OM was observed on the fourth, fifth, and sixth days and in the pain scores on the second, third, and fourth days in the andiroba group after the manifestation of OM, compared to the laser group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of andiroba oil effectively reduced the severity of OM and relieved pain, which resulted in a decrease in the severity of signs and symptoms in the patients in the andiroba group, compared to the laser group.

Collagen Synthesis-Promoting Effects of Andiroba Oil and its Limonoid Constituents in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

The seed oil of andiroba (Carapa guianensis, Meliaceae) was found to promote collagen synthesis in normal human dermal fibroblasts. To characterize the active constituents of this oil, the collagen synthesis-promoting activities of 10 principal limonoid constituents, gedunin (1), 6α-acetoxygedunin (2), 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin (3), 7-deacetoxy-7α-hydroxygedunin (4), andirolide H (5), 6α-hydroxygedunin (6), methyl angolensate (7), 17ß-hydroxyazadiradione (8), and carapanosides C (9) and R (10), were examined. Among them, 1-4, 6, 7, and 9 were found to significantly promote collagen synthesis without cytotoxicity at the effective concentrations.

Guianolactones A and B, Two Rearranged Pentacyclic Limonoids from the Seeds of Carapa guianensis.

Two novel rearranged limonoids, guianolactones A (1) and B (2), were isolated from Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae) seeds. The structures of 1 and 2 with their absolute configurations were elucidated in detailed examinations using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and 2D NMR spectra. Guianolactone A (1) has a novel 5/6/6/6/6 pentacyclic core including two δ-lactone and a tetrahydropyran ring, while guianolactone B (2) is a novel limonoid with a 6/6/5/6/6 pentacyclic core featuring a δ-lactone and a tetrahydrofuran ring.

Andirolides W-Y from the flower oil of andiroba (Carapa guianensis, Meliaceae).

Three new limonoids, andirolides W-Y (1-3), were isolated from the flower oil of Carapa guianasis AUBLET (Meliaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses using 1D and 2D NMR spectra and FABMS. Seven known limonoids: 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin (4), 6α-acetoxygedunin (5), methylangolensate (6), 6α-hydroxygedunin (7), 6α-acetoxy-7α-deacetoxy-7α-hydroxygedunin (8), gedunin (9), and 7-deacetoxy-7-hydroxygedunin (10) from this flower oil were evaluated for the effects on the production of NO in LPS-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Carapanolides C-I from the seeds of andiroba (Carapa guianensis, Meliaceae).

Five new mexicanolide-type limonoids, carapanolides C-G (1-5), together with two new phragmalin-type limonoids, carapanolides H-I (6, 7), were isolated from the oil of Carapa guianasis AUBLET (Meliaceae) seeds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses using 1D and 2D NMR spectra and FABMS. Carapanolides C (1), E (3), and I (7) exhibited moderate activity in the P388 (IC50 17.9 µM in 1, 15.8 µM in 3) and L1210 cell lines (IC50 13.3 µM in 1, 18.1 µM in 3, 16.9 µM in 7). On the other hand, Carapanolide D (2) exhibited a strong inhibitory effect in the HL-60 cell line (IC50 11.0 µM), Carapanolides F (4) showed inhibitory activity in the L1210 cell line (IC50 15.9 µM), and the cytotoxic activity of Carapanolides I (7) was moderate in all cell lines.

Andirolides Q-V from the flower of andiroba (Carapa guianensis, Meliaceae).

Two new gedunins, an andirobin, two mexicanolides, and a phragmalin-type limonoid, named Andirolides Q (1), R (2), S (3), T (4), U (5), and V (6), were isolated from an oil of the flower of Carapa guianensis AUBLET (Meliaceae). Their structures have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses using 1D and 2D NMR spectra and FABMS. Andirolide S (3) and Andirolide T (4) showed significant cytotoxic activity against the murine P388 leukemia cell line (IC50 of 1.4 µM for 3; 1.8 µM for 4) and the human HL-60 leukemia cell line (IC50 of 1.3 µM for 3 and 4).

Antigenotoxicity protection of Carapa guianensis oil against mitomycin C and cyclophosphamide in mouse bone marrow

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective of C. guianensis oil against MMC and CP, which are direct- and indirect-acting chemical mutagens, using the micronucleus test. Three experiments were performed. First the C. guianensis oil was co-administered to mice at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw with 4 mg/kg bw MMC or 50 mg/kg bw CP. Second, the mutagenic drug (CP) was administered ip 50 mg/kg bw and after 6 and 12 hours 250 and 500 mg/kg bw of C. guianensis oil were administered. In the last, C. guianensis oil was administrated (250 and 500 mg/kg bw) during five days and after it was administered ip 50 mg/kg bw CP. The results obtained showed that the C. guianensis oil is not cytotoxic neither genotoxic to mouse bone marrow. Regarding the antimutagenic effect, all doses of C. guianensis oil were significantly (p < 0.05) effective in reducing the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, when compared with MMC or CP alone. Based on these results, our results suggest that the C. guianensis oil shows medicinal potential as an antimutagenic agent, modulating the mutagenicity caused by both direct- and indirect-acting chemical mutagens, in a mammalian model.

Effects of topical application of pure and ozonized andiroba oil on experimentally induced wounds in horses / Efeitos do uso tópico do óleo de andiroba puro e ozonizado em feridas induzidas em cavalos

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and histopathological aspects of topical application of pure and ozonized andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aublet.) on the healing process of wounds in healthy horses. Eight 6.25 cm2 wounds were surgically produced on each horse, from the cranial region to the sacrum, being four wounds on each side of the lumbar region. In three animals, left side was used for macroscopic observations and area measurement and right side was used for histopathological analysis. For the other two animals, evaluations were inverted. The beginning of the topical treatment occurred 12 hours after surgical induction of the injuries and was maintained daily until complete healing of the wounds, using saline solution (GC), ozonized saline solution (GO) sequentially and bilaterally in the craniocaudal direction, pure andiroba oil (GAP) and ozonized andiroba oil (GAO). Randomly, the sequence of the treatments was modified. Macroscopic and histopathological analyses were performed at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. The time for complete healing of all wounds was recorded. A wound contraction of 67.75% for GC, 65.26% for GO, 67.91% for GAP, and 69.84% for GAO were recorded. Histopathologic evaluation revealed that wounds from the GAO and GAP had an advanced epithelialization, fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, moderate vascular proliferation, and presence of PMN infiltrate and discrete viewing of MN. It was possible to conclude that all treatments had benefits when comparing to control group, concluding that both pure and ozonized andiroba oil may be good options for treating wounds in horses.(AU)

Este trabalho realizou uma avaliação clínica e histopatológica da aplicação tópica do óleo de andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aublet), puro e ozonizado, no processo de cicatrização de feridas em cinco equinos saudáveis. Oito feridas de 6,25 cm2 foram induzidas cirurgicamente, quatro de cada lado da região lombar, craniais em relação à região sacral. Em três animais, o lado esquerdo foi destinado à avaliação macroscópica e mensuração de área, enquanto o lado direito foi destinado à análise histopatológica. Nos outros dois animais, as avaliações foram invertidas. O tratamento tópico foi iniciado 12 horas após a indução cirúrgica e foi mantido diariamente até a completa cicatrização das feridas. Foram usados, sequencialmente e bilateralmente, no sentido craniocaudal: solução salina (GC), solução salina ozonizada (GO), óleo de andiroba puro (GAP) e óleo de andiroba ozonizado (GAO). Aleatoriamente, a sequência de tratamentos foi modificada. As análises macroscópicas e microscópicas foram realizadas 3, 7, 14 e 21 dias após a cirurgia, e o tempo total para cicatrização registrado. A contração da ferida foi de 67,75% para GC, 65,26% para GO, 67,91% para GAP, e 69,84% para GAO. A avaliação histopatológica demonstrou que as feridas tratadas com GAO e GAP apresentaram uma avançada epitelização, proliferação fibroblástica e deposição de colágeno, moderada proliferação vascular e presença de infiltrados de células polimorfonucleares (PMN) e discreta proliferação de células mononucleares (MN). Foi possível concluir que todos os tratamentos usados foram benéficos perante o grupo de controle, mostrando que as versões pura e ozonizada do óleo de andiroba representam alternativas terapêuticas ao tratamento de feridas em equinos.(AU)

Logging impacts on forest structure and seedling dynamics in a Prioria copaifera (Fabaceae) dominated tropical rain forest (Talamanca, Costa Rica) / Impactos de la extracción en la estructura y la dinámica de plántulas en un bosque tropical dominado por Prioria copaifera (Fabaceae), (Talamanca, Costa Rica)

The factors that determine the existence of tropical forests dominated by a single species (monodominated forests) have been the subject of debate for a long time. It has been hypothesized that the low frequency of disturbances in monodominated forests and the tolerance to shade of the monodominant species are two important factors explaining the prolonged dominance of a single species. We determined the role of these two factors by examining the effects of logging activities on the floristic composition and seedling dynamics in a Prioria copaifera dominated forest in Southeastern Costa Rica. We determined the floristic composition for trees ≥2.5cm DBH and the associated recruitment, survival and mortality of tree canopy seedlings in two sites logged two (L-02) and 12 years (L-12) prior to sampling and an unlogged forest (ULF). Our results showed that L-02 stands had lower species richness (25 species) than the L-12 and ULF stands (49 and 46 species, respectively). As expected, we found significant logging effects on the canopy structure of the altered forests, particularly when comparing the L-02 and the ULF stands. Seedling density was higher in ULF (0.96 seedlings/m²) than in the L-02and L-12 stands (0.322 and 0.466 seedlings/m², respectively). However, seedling mortality was higher in the ULF stands (54%) than in the L-02 (26%) and L-12 (15%) stands. P. macroloba in L-02 was the only species with abundant regeneration under P. copaifera in L-02 stand, where it accounted for 35% of the seedlings. Despite the reduction in seedling abundance observed after logging, P. copaifera seems to maintain large seedling populations in these forests, suggesting that this species maintains its dominance after logging disturbances. Our findings challenge the hypothesis that the regeneration of monodominant species is not likely to occur under heavily disturbed canopy conditions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (1): 347-357. Epub 2014 March 01.

La determinación de los factores responsables de la existencia de bosques tropicales dominados por una sola especie (bosques monodominados) ha sido motivo de debate por largo tiempo. Se ha propuesto que la baja frecuencia de alteraciones en esos bosques y la tolerancia a la sombra de las plántulas de la especie monodominante son dos de los factores que contribuyen a explicar la prolongada dominancia de una sola especie en estos bosques. Se estudió el rol de estos dos factores evaluando el efecto de la extracción de madera sobre la composición florística y la supervivencia y crecimiento de plántulas en un bosque dominado por Prioria copaifera en la región sureste de Costa Rica. Para ello se determinó la composición florística de los árboles con un diámetro a la altura de pecho (DAP) ≥2.5cm y el reclutamiento, supervivencia y mortalidad de las plántulas de especies arbóreas en sitios donde se extrajo madera dos (L-02) y doce años (L-12) antes de este estudio y un sitio del que nunca se ha extraído madera (ULF). Nuestros resultados muestran que los bosques L-02 tienen una riqueza de especies menor (25 especies) que los bosques L-12 y ULF (49 y 46 especies, respectivamente). Como era de esperar, la extracción de madera tuvo efectos significativos en la estructura del dosel del bosque, particularmente al comparar los bosques L-02 y ULF. La densidad de plántulas fue mayor en bosques ULF (0.96 plántulas/m²) que en L-02 y L-12 (0.322 and 0.466 plántulas/m², respectivamente). Sin embargo, la mortalidad de plántulas fue mayor en ULF (54%) que en L-02 (26%) y L-12 (15%). Pentachletra macroloba fue la única especie que mostró abundante regeneración bajo P. copaifera en parcelas L-02, representando el 35% las plántulas encontradas. A pesar de la reducción de la abundancia de plántulas observada después de la extracción de madera, P. copaifera parece capaz de mantener grandes poblaciones de plántulas en estos bosques. Estos resultados sugieren que P. copaifera puede mantener su dominancia después de las alteraciones causadas por la extracción de madera. Nuestros resultados no apoyan la hipótesis de que la regeneración de las especies monodominates es menos probable cuando el dosel del bosque sufre fuertes alteraciones.

Evaluación genotóxica del extracto oleoso de la semilla de Carapa guianensis Aublet en el ensayo de aberraciones cromosómicas en ratones Balb/c / Genotoxic assessment of the Carapa guianensis Aublet seed oil extract in the chromosomal aberrations assay performed in Balb/c mice

Introducción: el extracto oleoso de la semilla de Carapa guianensis Aublet ha tenido diversos usos biomédicos. Recientemente fue evaluado este extracto, el cual manifestó grandes potencialidades como antioxidante en ensayos in vivo; pero poco se conoce de su efecto sobre el ADN en biomodelos experimentales. Objetivo: evaluar el potencial genotóxico del extracto oleoso de la semilla de Carapa guianensis en el ensayo de aberraciones cromosómicas de células de la médula ósea de ratones Balb/c. Métodos: se formaron cinco grupos experimentales: un grupo placebo (Tween 65 al 2 por ciento), tres tratados con niveles de dosis del extracto (400, 1 000 y 2 000 mg/kg), administrados por vía oral durante 14 días; por último, un grupo control positivo tratado con ciclofosfamida, en dosis de 50 mg/kg por vía intraperitoneal 48 y 24 h antes de la eutanasia. Se administraron cinco animales/sexo/grupo. Después de los 14 días de administración se les efectuó la eutanasia por dislocación cervical y se les extrajo la médula ósea del fémur para proceder a realizar la técnica citogenética de aberraciones cromosómicas. Resultados: los resultados entre controles y tratados con el extracto no difirieron para los dos sexos en las variables índice mitótico, Gaps, células con poliploidías, número de células con aberraciones cromosómicas y cromatídicas y el porcentaje de células con aberraciones. Sin embargo, sí difirieron controles y tratados contra el grupo tratado con ciclofosfamida, lo que valida nuestros resultados. Conclusiones: el extracto oleoso de la semilla de la Carapa guianensis no posee potencialidades genotóxicas en la formación de aberraciones cromosómicas, sobre todo estructurales en células de la médula ósea de ratones Balb/c de ambos sexos(AU)

Introduction: the oil extract from Carapa guianensis seed has various biomedical applications. It was recently evaluated and revealed great potentialities as antioxidant in in vivo assays, but little is known about its effect on DNA in experimental biomodels. Objective: to evaluate the genotoxic potential of the oil extract from Carapa guianensis seed in the chromosomal aberration of the bone marrow cells test performed in Balb/c mice. Methods: five experimental groups were created: one placebo group (Tween 65, 2 percent), three treated with different extract doses (400, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg) orally administered for 14 days and one positive control group treated with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally at 48 and 24 h before euthanasia. Five animals per sex from each group were administered the set dose. After 14 days of treatment, the animals were euthanized through cervical dislocation and their femoral bone marrow was taken out to perform the cytogenetic chromosomal aberration technique. Results: the results between the control group and the groups treated with the extract did not differ between the two sexes in terms of the mitotic index variables, Gaps, polyploidy cells, number of cells with chromosome and chromatic aberrations and the percentage of aberration cells. However, the results of controls and of treated groups were different from those of the group treated with cyclophosphamide, which proved the validation of our results. Conclusions: the oil extract from Carapa guianensis seeds does not have genotoxic potential for the formation of chromosome aberrations, mainly structural, in Balb/c mice bone marrow of both sexes(AU)

Profile of medicinal plants utilization through patent documents: the andiroba example

Today, one of the trends of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food market is the development of products with components of natural origin, rationally exploiting biodiversity. Brazilian population makes secular use of medicinal plants including andiroba, whose oil is used in folk medicine as febrifuge, pain-relieving, anti-parasitic, anti-allergic as well as insect repellant. The present study attempts to evaluate the profile of utilization of andiroba by analyzing the patenting trends based on information collected on the databases of the World Intellectual Property Organization, European Patent Office and Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property in the period from 1990 to 2011. The following parameters were analyzed: chronological aspect of the applications, countries of priority, international patent classification, technologies and actors in the technological platform. The temporal analysis of the applications shows an evident increase despite a discontinuous evolution of the number of applications. Pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetic areas were identified as the main areas for commercial application of the plant. Brazil is the country with the largest number of applications even though the majority of the patent technologies are already in public domain, indicating that the technological information contained in these documents could be used for research and investment in several areas.

Determinação do fator de proteção solar (FPS) in vitro e in vivo de emulsões com óleo de andiroba (Carapa guianensis) / In vitro and in vivo determinations of sun protection factor (SPF) of emulsions with andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis)

O óleo de andiroba extraído da Carapa guianensis tem apresentado considerável interesse pelas indústrias farmacêutica e cosmética devido a suas propriedades antiinflamatória e repelente de insetos. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade fotoprotetora in vitro e in vivo do óleo de andiroba. Emulsões estáveis do tipo O/A foram preparadas com o metoxicinamato de etilhexila aditivadas ou não com óleo de andiroba. As características organolépticas foram avaliadas através de análises macroscópicas e o tipo de emulsão pelo teste de diluição. O FPS in vitro foi determinado pelo método espectrofotométrico desenvolvido por Mansur, e o teste in vivo de acordo com a metodologia padronizada pela Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Não houve diferença estatística entre as formulações, demonstrando que o óleo de andiroba não apresentou atividade fotoprotetora.

The andiroba oil extracted of Carapa guianensis has attracted considerable interest by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries because of its anti-inflammatory and insect repellent properties. This research evaluated the in vitro and in vivo andiroba oil photoprotection activity. Stable O/W emulsions with ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate were prepared with and without andiroba oil. These emulsions were assessed by evaluating several parameters such as macroscopic analysis and organoleptic aspects, emulsion type by diluition test and in vitro and in vivo determinations of Sun Protect Factor (SPF). The in vitro SPF was determined according to the spectrophotometric method developed by Mansur. The in vivo SPF values were determined according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) method. There was not statistical difference among the formulations, demonstrating that the andiroba oil did not present photoprotective activity.