ABSTRACT
Abstract The Brazilian native species Cestrum intermedium, known as mata-boi, induces hepatotoxicity and death when ingested by cattle. While most studies on this species focus on toxicological features, our study is the first to describe the anatomy and in vitro biological activities of Cestrum intermedium. We investigated adult leaves and stems by histochemistry, described their anatomy, performed physical-chemical analysis, determined in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and identified secondary metabolites. A few noteworthy anatomical features were the anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface and the absence of trichomes, in addition to the circular shaped petiole with two projections on the adaxial surface. Histochemical analysis showed chemical markers such as alkaloids, usually reported as toxic, and terpenoids. Potassium nitrate (ATR-FTIR) and lupeol palmitate (NMR) were detected on the crude stem extract. Thermogravimetric and physical-chemical analysis provided fingerprint parameters for the species. Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay revealed that Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans were weakly inhibited by extract samples. Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions presented high phenolic content, which resulted in in vitro antioxidant activity. These novel features expand the knowledge about this species, considering that previous studies mainly focused on its toxicity. Our study also provided characteristics that may help in avoiding misidentification between Cestrum members, especially when taxonomic keys cannot be employed, as in the absence of flowers and fruits.
Subject(s)
In Vitro Techniques/methods , Solanaceae/anatomy & histology , Solanaceae/classification , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Terpenes/adverse effects , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/methods , Plant Stems/anatomy & histology , Plant Leaves/anatomy & histologyABSTRACT
Abstract Our study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Eugenia pyriformis Cambess., belonging to the Myrtaceae family and native to the Brazilian Atlantic forest. The volatile compounds in the essential oil were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS; 36 compounds accounted for 78.80% of the total oil content. The major compounds were β-caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene, globulol, and (δ-cadinene. We evaluated their antimicrobial potential of the essential oil and toxicity to Artemia salina. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was evaluated against 12 microorganisms using the broth microdilution method. Our results showed moderate inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MIC, 250 and 125 μg.mL-1, respectively) and toxicity to A. salina (LC50, 125.64 μg.mL-1). Our results establish the biological activity of the essential oil obtained from E. pyriformis.
Subject(s)
Oils, Volatile , Myrtaceae/chemistry , Drug Resistance, Microbial , Anti-Infective AgentsABSTRACT
Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre a utilização de plantas medicinais pela população frequentadora de Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) em Colombo, PR. Material e Métodos: Por meio de um questionário de pesquisa estruturado, foram entrevistados usuários adultos de ambos os sexos, de quatro UBS, entre os meses de maio e junho de 2016. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 101 usuários de UBS. Destes, 72,28% utilizavam plantas medicinais, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino, com idade média de 39 anos. A espécie vegetal mais citada pela população foi a camomila (Matricaria chamomilla L.), seguida da hortelã (Mentha spicata L.) e do capim limão (Cymbopogon citratus L.), sendo que a indicação mais referida pelos entrevistados foi calmante, seguida das afecções estomacais. Aproximadamente 70% dos entrevistados que fazem uso de plantas medicinais relataram que cultivam as próprias plantas para consumo e o entendimento da finalidade terapêutica é proveniente do conhecimento familiar. Dentre as 30 plantas citadas pelos entrevistados, grande parte estão listadas na Relação Nacional de Plantas Medicinais de Interesse ao SUS (RENISUS), no Formulário Fitoterápico e no Memento Fitoterápico da Farmacopeia Brasileira. Conclusão: A partir dos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que os usuários entendem que as plantas medicinais auxiliam na terapêutica como um complemento no tratamento das mais diversas enfermidades.(AU)
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge on the use of medicinal plants by frequent users of Primary Healthcare Facilities (PHF) in Colombo, PR. Material and Methods: Adult users of both sexes from four PHF were interviewed using a structured questionnaire between May and June 2016. Results: A total of 101 PHF users were interviewed. Of these, 72.28% reported using medicinal plants, most of them being female, with a mean age of 39 years. The plant species most frequently cited were chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), followed by mint (Mentha spicata L.) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus L.), and the most common indications were soothing, followed by stomach disorders. Approximately 70% of the respondents who use medicinal plants reported that they cultivate the plants themselves for consumption, and that the knowledge of the therapeutic purpose comes from the family. Among the 30 plants cited by respondents, most of them are listed in the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Brazilian Healthcare System (SUS, RENISUS); in the Phytotherapic Form; and in the Phytotherapic Memento of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. Conclusion: It is concluded that users understand that medicinal plants help in therapy as an adjunct in the treatment of several diseases.(AU)