ABSTRACT
Abstract Hedyosmum brasiliense Miq., Chloranthaceae, has been used in Southern Brazil as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, and aphrodisiac. In this study, endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rat aortic rings and strips of corpus cavernosum were used to investigate the relaxant effects of an hexane fraction of leaves of H. brasiliense and its sesquiterpene lactones 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide, podoandin, and elemanolide 15-acetoxy-isogermafurenolide. The incubation of hexane fraction of leaves of H. brasiliense resulted in significant relaxation of endothelium-intact aortic rings previously contracted by phenylephrine. In addition, 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide and podoandin displayed a clear concentration-dependent ability to relax endothelium-intact (∼85 to 90%) and endothelium-denuded (∼45 to 55%) rat aortic rings. A less pronounced vascular relaxation was recorded when 15-hydroxy-isogermafurenolide was tested. Interestingly, in tissues previously incubated with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (100 µM), both 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide and podoandin had their effects in endothelium-intact vessels reduced to the same degree of relaxation observed in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Podoandin, 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide, and 15-acetoxy-isogermafurenolide (100 µM) were also able to relax precontracted corpus cavernosum strips by 49.5 ± 3.9%, 65.9 ± 7.3% and 57.9 ± 5.5%, respectively. Our results demonstrated that 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide, podoandin and 15-acetoxy-isogermafurenolide, isolated from H. brasiliense, generate both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation of rat aortic rings, as well as being able to induce in vitro relaxation of rat corpus cavernosum. Importantly, the endothelium-dependent effect is fully dependent on nitric oxide production. Considering that penile erection depends on both relaxation of cavernosal smooth muscle and inflow of blood for the cavernous bodies, this is the first study reporting experimental evidence supporting the aphrodisiac properties of H. brasiliense.
ABSTRACT
Calea pinnatifida (R. Br.) Less., Asteraceae, is popularly known as “quebra-tudo”, “cipó-cruz” or “aruca”. This species is used in the folk medicine for the treatment of stomach pain, giardiasis and amoebiasis. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify chromenes from leaves of C. pinnatifida and evaluate their leishmanicidal activity. A fraction from leaves of C. pinnatifida was analyzed for their chemical constituents, resulting in the isolation and characterization of four known chromenes: 6-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylchromene (1), 6-acetyl-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene (2), 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene (3) and 6-(1-ethoxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene (4). Structure identification of isolated compounds involved analysis of spectral data of 1D and 2D-NMR. The isolated compounds are here reported for the first time in C. pinnatifida, and the chromenes 1 and 3 show a moderate leishmanicidal activity.
ABSTRACT
It is now widely-recognized that the view that herbal remedies have no adverse effects and/or toxicity is incorrect; some traditionally-used plants can present toxicity. The well-established popular use of Ageratum conyzoides has led to its inclusion in a category of medicinal crude drugs created by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. Ageratum belongs to the Eupatorieae tribe, Asteraceae, and is described as containing toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Aqueous extracts of Ageratum conyzoides L. harvested in Brazil (commercial, flowering and non-flowering samples) were prepared according to the prescribed method and analyzed by HPLC-HRMS. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids lycopsamine, dihydrolycopsamine, and acetyl-lycopsamine and their N-oxides, were detected in the analyzed extracts, lycopsamine and its N-oxide being known hepatotoxins and tumorigens. Together with the pyrrolizidine alkaloids identified by HPLC-HRMS, thirteen phenolic compounds were identified, notably, methoxylated flavonoids and chromenes. Toxicological studies on A. conyzoides are necessary, as is monitoring of its clinical use. To date, there are no established safety guidelines on pyrrolizidine alkaloids-containing plants, and their use in Brazil.
ABSTRACT
Hedyosmum brasiliense Miq., Chloranthaceae, is an endemic species of Brazil, locally known as "cidrão". Although H. brasiliense is popularly used as sedative, chemical constituents of this species remains uncharacterized. This work presents the essential oil composition, obtained by distillation of the fresh leaves and from a stored sample for three months, analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The inhibitory effects of essential oil were tested by the agar dilution method against six bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and S. saprophyticus). In addition, six fungal species (Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes) were included. Among the determined constituents, α-terpineol (10.2 percent), curzerene (8.9 percent), pinocarvone (8.4 percent) and β-thujene (7.1 percent) were found as the main components. The essential oil has only low activity against Gram-negative microorganisms. However, is remarkable active against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi with MIC values ranging from 0.125 to 2.5 percent (v/v).
Óleo essencial de Hedyosmum brasiliense Miq., Chloranthaceae: composição e atividade antimicrobiana. Hedyosmum brasiliense Miq. Chloranthaceae, é uma espécie endêmica no Brasil, conhecida como "cidrão". Embora H. brasiliense seja utilizada como calmante na medicina popular, não foi ainda caracterizada quanto aos constituintes químicos. Este trabalho apresenta a composição do óleo essencial, obtido pela destilação de folhas frescas e de amostra de óleo essencial armazenada por três meses, analisadas por GC-FID e CG-MS. Os efeitos inibitórios do óleo essencial foram testados pelo método da diluição em agar, contra seis espécies de bactérias (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus e S. saprophyticus). Adicionalmente, seis espécies de fungos (Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum e T. mentagrophytes) foram incluídas. Dentre os principais constituintes, α-terpineol (10,2 por cento), curzereno (8,9 por cento), pinocarvona (8,4 por cento) e β-tujeno (7,1 por cento) foram os encontrados em maior quantidade. O σleo essencial apresentou baixa atividade contra microorganismos Gram-negativos. Entretanto, a atividade é extraordinária contra bactérias Gram-positivas e fungos, com valores de MIC entre 0,125 a 2,5 por cento (v/v).
ABSTRACT
The effect of the selected sub-fraction SF-2125 of the Vernonia scorpioides leaf extract on Sarcoma 180 (S180) ascitic tumor-bearing mice was investigated. The animals were treated with SF-2125 at a concentration of 5 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally and intravenous during the development of the tumor. Treatment with SF-2125 5 mg/kg i.p. increased the lifespan of the animals, maintained their body and the ascitic tumor showed no development. Intravenous treatment did not reduce the tumor volume.
O efeito da sub-fração SF-2125 obtida do extrato das folhas de Vernonia scorpioides foi investigado em camundongos portadores do tumor ascítico Sarcoma 180 (S180). Os animais foram tratados com SF-2125 na concentração de 5 mg/kg, administrada por vias intraperitoneal e intravenosa durante o desenvolvimento do tumor. O tratamento com SF-2125 5 mg/kg i.p. aumentou o tempo de vida dos animais, manteve seu peso corporal e o tumor na forma ascítica não teve desenvolvimento. O tratamento intravenoso não reduziu o volume do tumor.
ABSTRACT
Bromelia antiacantha (known as wild banana) is traditionally used to treat coughs, as an emollient and antitussive, and to treat mouth and skin ulcers. To investigate the radical scavenger properties, DPPH and phosphomolybdenium were used, with low antioxidant activity being observed for both (below 5 mg/ml of extract presented no activity for both techniques). An HPLC fingerprint of phenolic compounds was developed and total phenolics through Folin-Ciocalteau method was an average of 500 µg/g of fresh fruits. Any cytotoxicity was observed on L929 fibroblasts cells for aqueous, methanol and lipid extracts between 500 and 0.01 µg/ ml. The wild banana extract (1000 µg/mL) shown a lower genotoxicity when compared to the negative and positive (MMS) controls. Abundant calcium oxalate crystals and sucrose were found and characterized through NMR and X-ray diffraction respectively. Its centesimal composition indicated abundant carbohydrates (45 percent) and lipids (18 percent). The carbohydrate analysis showed acidic monosaccharides, and the lipid analysis shown palmitic and linoleic acids in similar quantities (30 percent each) and oleic acid 20 percent, among others, through GC-FID. The viscosity of the water-soluble polysaccharide sub-fraction (5 g/L) was similar to that of water.
O chá dos frutos maduros de Bromelia antiacantha (banana-de-bugre; banana-do-mato) é usado tradicionalmente para tratar desordens respiratórias, como antitussígeno e também para tratar ulceras de pele e boca. Neste trabalho pesquisou-se o potencial de captação de radicais livres do extrato aquoso e extrato metanólico através da reação de redução do DPPH e do fosfomolibdenio, sendo encontrada baixa atividade nos dois modelos (abaixo de 5 mg/ml nenhuma atividade foi detectada em ambos extratos). Os compostos fenólicos totais foram determinados através de Folin-Ciocalteau, sendo encontrados 500 µg/g de fruto maduro fresco, e foi desenvolvido fingerprint dos compostos fenólicos através de CLAE-DAD. Nenhuma citotoxicidade foi observada em fibroblastos L929 para extratos aquoso, metanólico e lipídico entre 500 e 0,01 µg/ml, assim como baixa genotoxicidade (1000 µg/mL) quando comparados aos controles negativo e positivo (MMS). Abundantes cristais de oxalato de cálcio e de sacarose foram observados e caracterizados por RMN e difração de Raios-X respectivamente, e a composição centesimal do fruto indicou abundantes carboidratos (45 por cento) e lipídeos (18 por cento). A analise de carboidratos encontrou componentes monosacarídicos ácidos e foram encontrados acido palmítico e linoléico em quantidades similares (30 por cento cada) e 20 por cento de acido oléico, entre outros ácidos graxos através de CG-DIC. A viscosidade da sub-fração polissacarídica solúvel em água (5 g/L) foi semelhante a da água.
ABSTRACT
The Mikania genus is widely known as "guaco" and is used to treat fever, rheumatism, flu and respiratory diseases. Our previous work evidenced the synergism among M. laevigata extract components to produce desirable effects, and included the coumarin precursor, o-coumaric acid as marker. Many Mikania species are producers of ent-kaurene diterpenes which presented antiespasmodic and relaxant activities on smooth muscle. Seeking to standardize the guaco extract, which is registered in the Brazilian Pharmacopoea, this paper deals with the determination of kaurenoic acid through LC-PDA and the isolation through LC of syringaldehyde. Kaurenoic acid was not found in the extract, and syringaldehyde is one of the major compounds of pharmacopoeal extract, together with coumarin and o-coumaric acid. Samples from the lung and liver of Balb-C isogenic allergic pneumonitis bearing mice, treated with the same extract, were analyzed through GC-FID, and the fatty acid content was determined and analyzed. The results obtained by measuring the arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the liver and lung of treated animals demonstrated that the fatty acid composition is distinct in both tissues, and that in the liver, only the DHA was altered as a result of the treatments. DHA is absent in the lung and in both organs, no significant difference in ARA production was observed. The aqueous extract, coumarin and o-coumaric acid stimulated DHA synthesis in the liver (p < 0.05).
O gênero Mikania é popularmente conhecido como "guaco" e é utilizado para tratar febre, reumatismo, resfriados e afecções respiratórias. Em trabalho prévio demonstramos sinergismo entre os componentes do extrato de M. laevigata para produzir os efeitos farmacológicos esperados, incluindo a cumarina e seu precursor ácido o-cumárico como marcadores. Muitas espécies de Mikania são produtoras de diterpenos ent-caurenos que apresentam atividade antispasmódica e relaxante da musculatura lisa. Buscando a padronização do extrato medicinal de guaco (preparado segundo a farmacopéia brasileira 1ª edição), este trabalho visou determinar a presença de ácido caurenóico através de CLAE-DAD e isolou siringaldeído através de CLAE semipreparativa, sendo que o primeiro não foi encontrado no extrato e o siringaldeído é um dos seus componentes majoritários. Camundongos isogênicos Balb-C portadores de pneumonite alérgica foram tratados com este extrato, e amostras de pulmão e fígado foram analisadas por CG-DIC quanto ao seu conteúdo de ácidos graxos. A quantidade de ácido araquidônico (ARA) e de ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA) encontrada demonstrou que a composição é distinta em ambos tecidos, e apenas a concentração de DHA hepático foi alterado em função do tratamento, o qual não foi encontrado no pulmão. Não foi detectada diferença significativa na produção de ARA. Tanto o extrato aquoso, quanto a cumarina e o ácido o-cumárico, estimularam a síntese de DHA no fígado (p < 0.05).
Subject(s)
Arachidonic Acid/pharmacology , Arachidonic Acid/chemistry , Asteraceae , Asteraceae/chemistry , Mikania , Mikania/chemistry , Plant ExtractsABSTRACT
The Atlantic Forest is one of the most endangered ecosystems on earth, and is acknowledged as an area with truly exceptional levels of biodiversity under enormous levels of stress. Cosmeceutics cover a border area between pharmaceuticals for skin diseases and cosmetics. Natural products for external application, to improve the appearance of the skin or for skin treatment, have always been observed and used by native cultures. The present work deals with the ethnopharmacognostic analysis of two botanical compendia (BC), named: Dicionário das Plantas Úteis do Brasil - e das exóticas cultivadas, compiled by Pio Correa (PC) Flora Ilustrada Catarinense (FIC). From these BC, reported species with cosmeceutical uses or with related physico-chemical or organoleptic characteristics were selected, updated, searched for scientific background and highlighted if endangered. PC and FIC specified that 245 plant species, belonging to 98 plant families, are used in Brazil for cosmeceutical, cosmetic or skin remedies. The families most widely represented were Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Annonaceae, Clusiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Bignoniaceae and Solanaceae The most frequently cited plant parts were bark, followed by leaves and aerial parts. The most frequently cited properties were astringency and tonic effect followed by uses in skin disorders and wound healing, emollient characteristic, anti-inflammatory uses and healing of skin ulcers, antiseptic effects, parasiticide and skin lightening properties and aphrodisiacs. According to the Pubmed survey, most of the selected species (65 percent) have not been previously investigated for potential cosmeceutical applications, nor have their chemical composition been investigated.
A Mata Atlântica é um dos ecossistemas mais ameaçados do planeta, sendo reconhecida como uma área de grande biodiversidade sob alto nível de stress. A área cosmecêutica abrange medicamentos de uso tópico e cosméticos, e o uso de produtos naturais para aplicação externa sempre foi observado em diversas culturas. Este trabalho trata de uma análise etnofarmacognóstica de dois compêndios botânicos (CB): Dicionário das Plantas Úteis do Brasil - e das exóticas cultivadas, compilado por Pio Correa (PC) e Flora Ilustrada Catarinense (FIC). Destes compêndios, foram selecionadas espécies com uso cosmecêutico ou com características fisico-químicas e organolépticas relacionadas. Essas espécies selecionadas foram analisadas quanto à validade da nomenclatura botânica e a ocorrência de publicação científica, e quanto ao risco de extinção. PC e FIC apontaram que 245 espécies vegetais, pertencendo a 98 famílias, possuem uso cosmecêutico no Brasil. As famílias mais citadas foram: Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Annonaceae, Clusiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Bignoniaceae e Solanaceae. As partes usadas mais citadas foram cascas, folhas e partes aéreas. As propriedades mais citadas foram efeito tônico e adstringente, seguido de efeito cicatrizante, emoliente, antiinflamatório, antiúlcera, anti-séptico, parasiticida e clareador da pele. De acordo com a pesquisa bibliográfica no Pubmed, a maioria das espécies selecionadas (65 por cento) não foi investigada farmacológica e quimicamente.
Subject(s)
Cosmetics , Ethnobotany , Library Surveys/classificationABSTRACT
A óleo-resina de copaíba pode ser extraída de forma sustentável do tronco de várias espécies de Copaifera. Ela contém principalmente ácidos resinosos e substâncias voláteis, tendo ampla utilização medicinal. A padronização cromatográfica do óleo é a garantia da identidade desta matéria-prima complexa. Neste trabalho analisaram-se por CG três amostras de óleos de copaíba obtidas de Colombo/PR e doze amostras adquiridas no Estado do Amazonas. O óleo de copaiba foi fracionado por cromatografia em sílica gel impregnada com KOH e metilado e as frações obtidas foram avaliadas por CG. Numa segunda etapa, os óleos brutos metilados por meio de diazometano ou transesterificados com KOH/MeOH foram injetados diretamente em CG. Foram utilizados para comparação os ácidos diterpênicos hardwíckiico, copaiferólico e caurenóico além do sesquiterpeno 14-hidroxi-b-cariofileno (cariofilenol). A presença do ácido copaiferólico foi observada em 100 por cento e cariofilenol em 80 por cento das amostras. Os ácidos caurenóico e hardwíckiico ausentes nas amostras do Paraná, foram detectados em 8,3 por cento e 41,7 por cento respectivamente nas amostras do Amazonas. Os resultados obtidos indicam que podem ser analisados diretamente através de CG após metilação com diazometano, sem necessidade de fracionamento prévio. Adicionalmente, a determinação do índice de acidez para óleos de copaíba não demonstrou resultados inequívocos para as amostras analisadas.
Copaiba oil can be extracted from the trunk of some Copaifera species and contains mainly resinous acids and volatile substances, which have wide medicinal use. The chromatographic standardization of the oil characteristics is the guarantee of the identity of raw material. In this work, three copaiba oil samples from Colombo/PR, and twelve from Amazonas State were analyzed. The copaiba oil was fractionated in silica gel impregnated with KOH, esterified and the fractions were evaluated by TLC and GC. In a second stage, the crude oil was esterified with diazomethane or transesterified with KOH/MeOH and injected in GC. The diterpene acids used for comparison were hardwickiic, copaiferolic and caurenoic and the 14-hydroxy-b-caryophyllene (caryophyllenol). The presence of copaiferolic acid was observed in all analyzed samples and caryophyllenol in 80 percent of the samples. Hardwickiic and caurenoic acids were absent in the samples from Paraná State, and respectively detected in 8.3 percent and 41.7 percent, of the samples from Amazonas. The obtained results indicate that the oil can be directly analyzed through GC after methylation with diazomethane, without previous fractionation. Also, an acidity index method proposed for copaiba oil analysis did not show to be reliable for the analyzed samples.