Morpho-anatomy of native species used as substitute of quina (Cinchona spp.) in Brazilian traditional medicine: Esenbeckia febrifuga

ABSTRACT Esenbeckia febrifuga (A.St.-Hil.) A. Juss. ex Mart., Rutaceae, is known by several popular names including quina-do-mato. This name is a reference to the use of its bark as febrifuge and in the past was employed as a substitute of Cinchona sp. for treatment of malaria symptoms. This confusion may have been reinforced by the fact that the bark of these plants are similar in appearance and have a bitter taste. In view thereof this study presents the description morphological and anatomical and the histochemistry of the stem bark and contributes to the pharmacobotanical study of plant drugs identified as Brazilian quinas, in sequence to two others studies. Compared with the Cinchona species, the prismatic shape of calcium oxalate crystals and the fibers with adornate end walls proved to be the main characteristics for differentiation.

Plants from the Brazilian Traditional Medicine: species from the books of the Polish physician Piotr Czerniewicz (Pedro Luiz Napoleão Chernoviz, 1812-1881)

Abstract The Brazilian flora is very rich in medicinal plants, and much information about the traditional use of the Brazilian plants is only available from early literature and we are facing a rapid process of loss of biodiversity. To retrieve data about useful plants registered in the books of the Polish physicist P.L.N. Chernoviz, who lived in Brazil for 15 years in the 19th century. The aim is to improve our knowledge about Brazilian plants, and to ensure the benefits of sharing it with potential users. Data about Brazilian plants were obtained from six editions of the book Formulary and Medical Guide (Formulário e Guia Médico), published in 1864, 1874, 1888, 1892, 1897 and 1920. All this information was then organized in boxes, and correlated with pharmacological studies from PubMed and Lilacs. A total of 238 species were recorded and 117 different traditional uses were registered for the plants. The most common uses were to treat general skin diseases and intermittent fevers, as purgative, diuretics and andidiarrheal. From the total, only 61 species (25.6%) have been to date subject to pharmacological studies and had their activities confirmed. Chernoviz books represent an important source of data about plants used in traditional medicine of Brazil. Their records were collected at a time when Brazil's native vegetation was still largely intact, and traditional medicine was practiced based on native plants. We argue that these plants must be prioritized in development of medicines, submitting them to clinical studies or by considering their traditionality, as established by WHO. Strategies for the protection of the traditional knowledge are also necessary.

Morpho-anatomy and chemical profile of native species used as substitute of quina (Cinchona spp.) in Brazilian traditional medicine. Part II: Remijia ferruginea

ABSTRACT This research is part of a larger study of the Brazilian species that are commonly referred to as "quinas" and used as substitute of Cinchona species. In this study, we have performed the botanical characterization of the stem bark of Remijia ferruginea (A. St.-Hil.) DC., Rubiaceae, by morphological and anatomical description, and the analysis of its chemical profile. Stem bark is thin and has the color and the texture of its external and internal surfaces as diagnostic features. Types and sizes of sclerified cells in the cortical parenchyma and in the secondary phloem are important features for analysis of the transversal sections and in the macerate. Alkaloids, flavonoids and chlorogenic acid were detected in the chemical analysis for TLC. These standard references can be used in the quality control of the bark of quinas.

Morpho-anatomy and chemical profile of native species used as substitutes of quina (Cinchona spp.) in Brazilian traditional medicine. Part I: Polyouratea hexasperma

This research is part of a larger study of the Brazilian species that are commonly referred to as quinas and are usually used as substitute of Cinchona species. The purpose of the present study was the botanical characterization of the whole and powdered stem bark of Polyouratea hexasperma (A. St.-Hil.) Tiegh., Ochnaceae, by morphological and anatomical description, and the analysis of its chemical profile. The external texture of the bark, the whitened pit in the inner bark and the presence of cristarque cells, as well as the shape and arrangement of other lignified cells, are the most important macroscopic and microscopic features for the characterization of the bark. Chlorogenic and cafeic acids were detected in the chemical analysis and can also be used in the identification of the bark.

Influence of the preparation method on the low efficacy of multi-herb commercial products: the example of João da Costa e Associações / Influência do método de preparação na baixa eficácia de produtos fitoterápicos: o exemplo do João da Costa e Associações

Native medicinal plants have been used for decades by Brazilian pharmaceutical companies to create commercial products. In this study, we have investigated the herb-combined product João da Costa e Associações® (JCA) commercialized for thirty years to treat dysmenorrhoea. JCA is prepared by decoction of Himatanthus lancifolius (Muell. Arg.) Woodson (Apocynaceae), Chondodendron platyphyllum Miers (Menispermaceae), Gossypium herbaceum L. (Malvaceae), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) and Echites peltata (Apocynaceae), followed by addition of sugar. The efficacy of JCA was verified by antinociceptive studies. The chemical composition was determined by fingerprint analysis in HPLC/ DAD. A weak inhibition of the second phase of the nociceptive effect induced by formalin indicated an activity similar to those steroids and not-steroids anti-inflammatories. Despite being prepared by decoction of five plants, the fingerprint analysis showed only two peaks. None of them corresponds to the chemical compounds observed in ethanol extracts prepared with the same plant material. We argue that the methods of preparation of the formulas should be considered in studies of multi-herbs products, since they can be the responsible for inefficacy or low activity of such products.

Plantas medicinais nativas do Brasil foram usadas por décadas pelas indústrias farmacêuticas nacionais para criar seus produtos. Neste estudo, foi investigado o produto João da Costa e Associações® (JCA) comercializado por mais de trinta anos para o tratamento de dismenorréia e outros problemas relacionados à saúde da mulher. JCA é preparado pela decocção de Himatanthus lancifolius (Muell. Arg.) Woodson (Apocynaceae), Chondodendron platyphyllum Miers (Menispermaceae), Gossypium herbaceum L. (Malvaceae), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) e Echites peltata (Apocynaceae), seguido de adição de açúcar. A eficácia de JCA foi verificada por meio da avaliação da atividade antinociceptiva. Já a composição química foi determinada por analises em HPLC/ DAD. Uma fraca inibição da segunda fase da nocicepção foi observada no teste da formalina, indicando uma ação semelhante aos antiinflamatórios esteroidais e não esteroidais. Apesar de ser preparado pela decocção de cinco plantas, a análise no HPLC apresentou somente dois picos, e nenhum deles correspondeu aos componentes observados nos extratos etanólicos preparados com as mesmas plantas. Os resultados sugerem que o método de preparação de JCA promove a perda dos componentes químicos das plantas e interfere consideravelmente na eficácia do produto.

Chromatographic evaluation and antimicrobial activity of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Meliaceae) leaves hydroalcoholic extracts / Avaliação cromatográfica e atividade antimicrobiana de extratos hidroalcoólicos de folhas de Nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Meliaceae)

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is an Indian tree well known for its several pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial activity. More than 300 composites have already been isolated and azadirachtin (AZA) is its main active component. In the present work, Neem leaves hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared by percolation in 96 percent ethanol different concentrations (50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent and 90 percent (v/v)). The presence of AZA was tested by TLC by eluting the extracts and a standard solution of AZA through a chromatographic plate developed with anisaldehyde/sulfuric acid solution followed by heating. By HPLC, extracts elution took place on a C18 column, water:acetonitrile (60:40) as mobile phase, 1.0 mL/min flow rate and detection at λ217 nm. The extracts did not display AZA spots or peaks, however, they were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and a mold fungus. The extracts were tested in different increasing concentrations, in order to detect a dose-dependent relationship of the activity. Despite the absence of AZA, the 70 percent and 80 percent (v/v) ethanol extracts showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus. However, this activity was not dose-dependent according to Tukey's test (q0,05;3;7).

O Nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Meliaceae) é uma árvore indiana conhecida por suas várias atividades farmacológicas, entre elas, a ação antimicrobiana. Dentre mais de 300 compostos já isolados, a azadiractina (AZA) é seu principal componente ativo. No presente trabalho, foram preparados extratos hidroalcoólicos de folhas de Nim em diferentes concentrações de etanol 96 por cento V/V (50 por cento, 60 por cento, 70 por cento, 80 por cento e 90 por cento (V/V)) por meio de percolação estática. A presença de AZA foi verificada por CCD, com eluição dos extratos e da solução padrão de trabalho AZA em cromatoplaca e revelação por solução de anisaldeído/ácido sulfúrico, seguida de aquecimento. Por CLAE, os extratos e da solução padrão de trabalho AZA foram eluídos em coluna C18, fase móvel água:acetonitrila (60:40), fluxo 1,0 mL/min e detecção em λ217 nm. Não foi verificada a presença de manchas ou picos correspondentes a AZA nos extratos. Entretanto, a sua atividade foi investigada contra bactérias Gram-positivas, Gram-negativas, leveduras e um fungo filamentoso. Os extratos foram testados em diferentes concentrações para avaliar a relação dose-resposta. Apesar da ausência de AZA, os extratos hidroalcoólicos a 70 por cento e 80 por cento (V/V) de etanol 96 por cento apresentaram atividade contra Staphylococcus aureus. Porém, não houve relação dose-efeito, de acordo com o teste de Tukey (q0,05;3;7).

Traditional uses of American plant species from the 1st edition of Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia / Usos tradicionais das plantas americanas presentes na 1ª Edição da Farmacopéia Brasileira

The first edition of the Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia (FBRAS), published in 1929, is a rich source of information about American medicinal plants, since it lists species used in both traditional and conventional medicine. In this study, we have performed a survey of the traditional uses of plants described in eighty-seven Monographs from the FBRAS in twenty bibliographies written from the 19th century to the 1970s. Eighty-six different traditional uses are described in three or more books; some of them were cited in ten or more books, illustrating their widespread use and importance in medicine. The species from the first edition of the FBRAS have a long tradition of medical utility, which is confirmed by historical records. In surveying these medically relevant species, we hope to encourage policy makers and the scientific public as a whole to engage in a strong debate in an attempt to improve and facilitate the pharmacological study of these species.

A 1ª Edição da Farmacopéia Brasileira, publicada em 1929, é uma rica fonte de informação sobre as plantas medicinais nativas das Américas, uma vez que ela lista as espécies usadas na medicina tradicional e oficial da época. Neste estudo, foi feita uma extensa revisão sobre os usos tradicionais de plantas descritas em oitenta e sete Monografias presentes na FBRAS 1ª Edição, em vinte livros publicados do século 19 até a década de 1970. Oitenta e seis diferentes usos medicinais foram citados e três ou mais livros; mesmos usos foram descritos em dez ou mais referências, mostrando seu amplo emprego e importância como medicamento. Os resultados mostram que as espécies nativas presentes na 1ª Edição da FBRAS têm longa tradição em uso, confirmado pelos dados históricos. É necessário, portanto, que estudos farmacológicos com essas plantas sejam estimulados, como forma de promover seu melhor aproveitamento.

PLANT: A bibliographic database about medicinal plants / PLANT: Uma base de dados bibliográfica sobre plantas medicinais

In this article we presented a bibliographical Database - PLANT, developed by the Library of the Pharmacy School from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). From this database, it is possible to retrieve information on medicinal plants present in the Brazilian bibliography, which in great part are not indexed. The objective of PLANT is to contribute for the development of new herbal products, especially those with Brazilian plants.

Neste artigo nós apresentamos a base de dados bibliográfica - PLANT, que vem sendo desenvolvida pela equipe da Biblioteca da Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). A partir desta base de dados, é possível obter informações sobre plantas medicinais presentes em periódicos nacionais, grande parte deles não indexados. O objetivo do PLANT é contribuir para o desenvolvimento de novos fitoterápicos, especialmente com plantas medicinais nativas do Brasil.

Other medicinal plants and botanical products from the first edition of the Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia / Outras plantas medicinais e produtos botânicos da 1ª Edição da Farmacopéia Brasileira

In a previous work, we described the list of medicinal plants and botanical products present in the four editions of the Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia (FBRAS). The work also discussed the replacement of native Brazilian plants by imported products and synthetics over the last decades. In this paper, we present new data concerning medicinal plants and botanical products present in the first Edition of the FBRAS an in its two supplements.

Em trabalho anterior foi descrita a relação das plantas medicinais e produtos botânicos presentes nas quatro edições da Farmacopéia Brasileira (FBRAS). O trabalho discutiu também sobre a substituição das plantas nativas do Brasil por outros produtos importados e sintéticos ao longo das últimas décadas. Neste artigo, são apresentados novos dados sobre plantas medicinais e produtos botânicos presentes na 1ª Edição da FBRAS e em seus dois suplementos.