Avaliação da qualidade de matérias-primas de ruibarbo utilizadas em formulações farmacêuticas

As plantas denominadas de ruibarbo sintetizam antraquinonas e taninos, que são responsáveis pelos efeitos laxante e adstringente, respectivamente. Análises da qualidade de cinco matérias-primas de ruibarbo foram realizadas a fim de detectar adulterações. As reações para antraquinonas e taninos foram positivas. Os constituintes rapônticos foram observados na amostra de Rheum palmatum (2). As medidas de cinzas totais para Rheum palmatum (2) e Ferraria cathartica estão acima do esperado. Conforme resultados, as amostras de Rheum palmatum (2) e Ferraria cathartica devem estar adulteradas.

Plants known as rhubarb synthesize anthraquinones and tannins. Theses compounds have medicinal uses as laxative and astringent, respectivity. The quality of five raw materials was analysed to detect adulterant. Anthraquinones and tannins reactions were positive. Derivatives rhapontocoside were observed in the sample of Rheum palmatum (2). Total ashes were increased to Rheum palmatum (2) and Ferraria cathartica. According to the results, samples of Rheum palmatum (2) and Ferraria cathartica shoulde are adulterated.

Estudo farmacognóstico de galhos de Vanillosmopsis erythropappa Schult. Bip. - Asteraceae

Vanillosmopsis erythropappa é um vegetal rico em óleos essenciais, especialmente o á-bisabolol. O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar a variação sazonal qualitativa de substâncias naturais, teores de óleos essenciais, cinzas totais, umidade e pH. Os resultados mostraram uma variação de flavonóides, taninos, triterpenóides, esteróides, saponinas, óleos essenciais, cinzas totais, umidade e pH, demonstrando que os aspectos ambientais influenciam o metabolismo dessa espécie. As médias anuais dos valores obtidos foram: óleos essenciais= 0,29 ± 0,09 por cento; cinzas totais= 3,13 ± 0,49 por cento; umidade= 6,56 ± 0,80 por cento e pH= 5,40 ± 0,24.

Vanillosmopsis erythropappa is a plant rich in essential oils, especially á-bisabolol. The aim of this study was research the qualitative seasonal variation of natural substances, tenor of essential oils, total ashes, dampness and pH. The results showed a variation of the flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, essential oils, total ashes, dampness and pH, demonstrating that environmental aspects influence on the metabolism of this specie. The annual averages of the obtained values were: essential oils = 0,29 ± 0,09 percent; total ashes = 3,13 ± 0,49 percent; dampness= 6,56 ± 0,80 percent and pH = 5,40 ± 0,24.

Ganglion cell size and distribution in the retina of the two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus L.)

The distribution of ganglion cell densities and sizes was studied in Nissl-stained flat-mount retinae fo the two-toed sloth. The area centrailis, a weak specializtion with low ganglion cell density, is located in the temporal retina close to the center of the eye. The presence of a visual treak was nsoted. The distribution of different ganglion cell sizes was approximately equal throughout the retina. Although the retinal organization differs from that of the closely related three-toed sloth, presumed function of retinl specializations in both species is to guide limb movements by permiting visualization of the branch along which the animal is climbing

Unusual distribution of ganglion cells in the retina of the three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus)

1. The distribution ans size of retinal ganglion cells labelled with horseradish preoxidase (HRP) were studied in flat-mounted retinas of three-toed sloths. 2. Massive injections of HRP solution were made throughout the thalamus and midbrain in anesthetized sloths in order to retrogradely label the retinal ganglion cell population. Twenty to thirty h later the eyes were and the retinas flat-mounted and reacted with phenylenediamine-HCL and H2O2 to label ganglion cells,thus distinguishing then from other cells int he same retinal layer. 3. Ganglion cell density graually increased from about 500 cell/mm2 at the far periphery to a peak of about 1,500 cells/mm2 in an area, termed the area centralis, deep in the inferior temporal retina. The presence of a vertical visual steak was also noted. 4. The area centralis contained a higher frequency of small ganglion cells than the peripheral retina where large cells preominated. 5. /the unusual postion of the area centralis and cisual streak in the retina can be explained by the slot's unique ability to rotate its head 180- while climbing upside-dow along horizontal branches so that the head is right-side-up. If it is assumed that the branch directly above the sloth's head needs to be visualized for accurate claw placement then the branch would be imaged on the inferior temporal retina in an area corresponding to the maximum density region