Evaluation of the chemical composition and variability of the volatile oils from Trembleya parviflora leaves

Abstract Trembleya parviflora (D. Don) Cogn., Melastomataceae, also known as "quaresmeira-branca", is a subshrub that is commonly used to treat verminosis, scabies, dermatoses, rheumatism, vaginal infections, ulcerations and wounds. The aim of this work was to perform a morphological study of T. parviflora, evaluate the composition and chemical variability of the volatile oils from the leaves, perform phytochemical screening of the powder from the leaves and to define parameters for quality control of the plant material. Macroscopic characterization of T. parviflora was carried out by naked eye in Serra dos Pireneus, Pirenópolis, Goiás for 12 months. Volatile oils were subjected to hydrodistillation with Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Phytochemical screening and ash and volatile compound content determination were performed by conventional techniques. T. parviflora has simple, oppositely crossed and petiolate leaves. The inflorescence of this plant is a cyme. The presence of coumarins, steroids, triterpenes, flavonoids and tannins was observed. The total ash content was 4.05 ± 0.02%; the insoluble ash content was 0.10 ± 0.03%; and the volatile compound content was 9.53 ± 0.02%. The major compounds present in the volatile oils were α-terpineol (2.7-16.5%), α-pinene (0.6-25.4%), β-pinene (2.7-23.1%), sabinene (1.2-14.1%), acetoxyeudesman-4-α-ol (0.6-6.3%) and 2,4a-8,8-tetramethyldecahydrocyclopropanaphtalene (2.4-24.4). Two clusters were identified: Cluster I represented the period with low levels of rainfall, and Cluster II represented the period with high levels of rainfall. This study provides data that can be applied for the quality control of powdered leaves and is the first description of the chemical composition and variability of the volatile oils from the leaves of T. parviflora.

Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Aspects of Melastoma sp

@#Melastoma is a genus that belongs to the Melastomataceae family and consists of 50–70 species distributed around India, Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Island. Numerous species of this plant show potential therapeutic purposes. This review summarizes the scientific findings on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Melastoma sp. The leaves of Melastoma sp. was widely used by Asian as decoction for the remedy of gastrointestinal disorder apart from root, which was consumed as juice for skin diseases, fever and pain. Majority of the scientific studies focused on M. malabathricum showing high antimicrobial activity towards selected gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria from different parts of the plant. In vitro studies showed that Melastoma sp. possessed anti-coagulant, antioxidant, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities. Apart from in vitro, various in vivo studies have been conducted involving methanolic leaf extracts using Sprague Dawley rats for inhibition of anti-ulcer, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and anti-diabetic activities. Flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, saponins and steroids are the main classes of secondary metabolites identified from Melastoma sp. Kaempferol derivatives exhibited significant main constituents from the flowers and leaves using various semi polar solvent extracts. Few phytosterols were also isolated from the leaves extract albeit the absence of alkaloids. This review shows that Melastoma sp. is an important genus of Melastomataceae family, however, the phytochemical and pharmacological findings of various species in this genus are still limited, indicating a great opportunity to explore new therapeutic activities with novel bioactive constituents.

A New Flavonol Glycoside from Tristemma hirtum (Melastomataceae)

Chemical investigation of the plant Tristemma hirtum P. Beauv (Melastomataceae) resulted to the isolation of a new flavonol glycoside named quercetin-7-O-α-D-arabinofuranoside (1), together with nine known compounds including 3′-hexadecanoyl-2′-(9aZ)-tetradecanoyl-glycerol 1′-O-[β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1″ → 6″)-α-D-galactopyranoside] (2), arjunolic acid (3), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), terminolic acid (5), quercetin (6), asiatic acid (7), maslinic acid (8), 1β-O-galloylpedunculagin (9) and 6-hydroxyapigenin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10) from the methanol extract using normal and reversed phase column chromatography. The structures of these compounds were determined by comprehensive interpretation of their spectral data mainly including 1D- 2D-NMR (¹H-¹H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) spectroscopic and ESI-TOF-MS mass spectrometric analysis.

Nuevos registros para la flora de honduras y el parque nacional montaña de celaque / New Records for the Flora of Honduras and Celaque Mountain National Park

Se registran 11 novedades para la flora de Honduras a partir de ejemplares recolectados en el Parque Nacional Montaña Celaque. Los nuevos registros son: Tillandsia mateoensis (Bromeliaceae), Diastema affine (Gesneriaceae), Scutellaria costaricana (Lamiaceae), Miconia contrerasii (Melastomataceae), Acianthera violacea, Dendrophylax porrectus, Epidendrum santaclarense, Lepanthes enca-barcenae, L. fratercula, L. isabelae y Sarcoglottis schaffneri (Orchidaceae). Por otra parte, Potosia guatemalensis es sinonimizado bajo S. schaffneri. Se incluyen fotos de todas las especies, hábitats y un mapa de distribución con sus localidades en Honduras.

Eleven new records for the flora of Honduras from Celaque Mountain National Park are reported here. The new records are: Tillandsia mateoensis (Bromeliaceae), Diastema affine (Gesneriaceae), Scutellaria costaricana (Lamiaceae), Miconia contrerasii (Melastomataceae), Acianthera violacea, Dendrophylax porrectus, Epidendrum santaclarense, Lepanthes enca-barcenae, L. fratercula, L. isabelae, and Sarcoglottis schaffneri (Orchidaceae). Moreover, Potosia guatemalensis is synonimized under S. schaffneri. We include photos of all species, habitats, and a distributional map with their localities in Honduras.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Tibouchina hatschbachii (Melastomataceae), an endemic and habitat-restricted shrub from Brazil / Desenvolvimento e caracterização de marcadores microssatélites para Tibouchina hatschbachii (Melastomataceae), um arbusto endêmico e com restrição de habitat da região subtropical do Brasil

Tibouchina hatschbachii Wurdack (Melastomataceae) is an autogamous shrub restricted to granite (GO) and sandstone (SO) rock outcrops from subtropical Brazil. We designed primers for the amplification of microsatellite regions for T. hatschbachii, and characterized these primers to estimate genetic diversity parameters and contemporary genetic structure patterns. Eight loci were successfully amplified and were characterized using 70 individuals from three natural populations. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.200 to 0.772 per locus. All loci were polymorphic, with allele numbers ranging from two to eight. The low degree of polymorphism may be explained by the fact that T. hatschbachii has disjunct populations and a recent genetic bottleneck, and also that it is self-pollinated. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.115 to 1.000 and from 0.112 to 0.800, respectively. We observed private alleles in all loci. These are important features that enable us to identify population differentiation and help to us understand gene flow patterns for T. hatschbachii in subtropical Brazil. Eight microsatellite loci from other species of Tibouchina amplified positively in T. hatschbachii.

Tibouchina hatschbachii Wurdack (Melastomataceae) é um arbusto autógamo, com ocorrência restrita em afloramentos rochosos graníticos (GO) e areníticos (SO) na região subtropical do Brasil. Neste trabalho, foram desenvolvidos marcadores para a amplificação de regiões microssatélites para T. hatschbachii e caracterizados esses primers para estimar parâmetros de diversidade genética. Oito loci foram amplificados com sucesso e caracterizados, utilizando 70 indivíduos de três populações naturais. O conteúdo de informação polimórfica variou de 0,200 a 0,772 por locus. Todos os loci foram polimórficos, com números de alelos que variam de dois a oito. O baixo grau de polimorfismo pode ser explicado pelo fato de que T. hatschbachii possui populações disjuntas e uma história recente de gargalo genético populacional, e também pelo fato de apresentar um sistema reprodutivo de autopolinização, tendendo a favorecer a baixa variação. As heterozigosidades observadas e esperadas variaram entre 0,115-1,000 e 0,112-0,800, respectivamente. Também foi observada a presença de alelos privados em todos os loci. Estas são características importantes que nos permitirão identificar a diferenciação entre populações e poderão ajudar na compreensão dos padrões de fluxo gênico atual de T. hatschbachii na região subtropical do Brasil. Oito loci microssatélites de outras espécies de Tibouchina amplificaram positivamente em T. hatschbachii..

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Tibouchina hatschbachii (Melastomataceae), an endemic and habitatrestricted shrub from Brazil / Desenvolvimento e caracterização de marcadores microssatélites para Tibouchina hatschbachii (Melastomataceae), um arbusto endêmico e com restrição de habitat da região subtropical do Brasil

Tibouchina hatschbachii Wurdack (Melastomataceae) is an autogamous shrub restricted to granite (GO) and sandstone (SO) rock outcrops from subtropical Brazil. We designed primers for the amplification of microsatellite regions for T. hatschbachii, and characterized these primers to estimate genetic diversity parameters and contemporary genetic structure patterns. Eight loci were successfully amplified and were characterized using 70 individuals from three natural populations. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.200 to 0.772 per locus. All loci were polymorphic, with allele numbers ranging from two to eight. The low degree of polymorphism may be explained by the fact that T. hatschbachii has disjunct populations and a recent genetic bottleneck, and also that it is self-pollinated. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.115 to 1.000 and from 0.112 to 0.800, respectively. We observed private alleles in all loci. These are important features that enable us to identify population differentiation and help to us understand gene flow patterns for T. hatschbachii in subtropical Brazil. Eight microsatellite loci from other species of Tibouchina amplified positively in T. hatschbachii.

Tibouchina hatschbachii Wurdack (Melastomataceae) é um arbusto autógamo, com ocorrência restrita em afloramentos rochosos graníticos (GO) e areníticos (SO) na região subtropical do Brasil. Neste trabalho, foram desenvolvidos marcadores para a amplificação de regiões microssatélites para T. hatschbachii e caracterizados esses primers para estimar parâmetros de diversidade genética. Oito loci foram amplificados com sucesso e caracterizados, utilizando 70 indivíduos de três populações naturais. O conteúdo de informação polimórfica variou de 0,200 a 0,772 por locus. Todos os loci foram polimórficos, com números de alelos que variam de dois a oito. O baixo grau de polimorfismo pode ser explicado pelo fato de que T. hatschbachii possui populações disjuntas e uma história recente de gargalo genético populacional, e também pelo fato de apresentar um sistema reprodutivo de autopolinização, tendendo a favorecer a baixa variação. As heterozigosidades observadas e esperadas variaram entre 0,115-1,000 e 0,112-0,800, respectivamente. Também foi observada a presença de alelos privados em todos os loci. Estas são características importantes que nos permitirão identificar a diferenciação entre populações e poderão ajudar na compreensão dos padrões de fluxo gênico atual de T. hatschbachii na região subtropical do Brasil. Oito loci microssatélites de outras espécies de Tibouchina amplificaram

Actividad ictiotóxica de extractos de dos especies colombianas del género Meriania Swartz (melastomataceae) / Ichtyotoxic activity of two colombian species extracts fromthe genus Meriania Swartz (melastomataceae)

Introducción: la familia melastomataceae es la séptima más grande del reino vegetal y ha sido utilizada en la medicina tradicional para el tratamiento de algunas enfermedades. En Colombia se encuentra representada por alrededor de 62 géneros, de los cuales Meriania ha sido poco estudiado, sin presentar reportes en la literatura de sus propiedades químicas y biológicas; por lo que el estudio de sus propiedades ictiotóxicas, constituye un acercamiento en la búsqueda de sustancias activas que permitan avanzar en el conocimiento del género y en la búsqueda de compuestos promisorios con aplicaciones biológicas. Objetivo: evaluar la actividad ictiotóxica de extractos de diferente polaridad de Meriania speciosa (Bonpl.) Naudiny Merianiaquintuplinervis Naudin. Métodos: los extractos de diferente polaridad (n-hexano, acetona 70 por ciento, metanol, acetato de etilo, n-butanol y agua) de ambas especies fueron evaluados frente a peces guppy (Poecilia reticulata Peters),sometidos durante 24 h a la acción de los extractos para la cuantificación del porcentaje de actividad ictiotóxica en una escala semicuantitativa, el test de observación de FinnSandberg-Irwin y como prueba anexa se obtuvieron cortes histopatológicos, con el fin de identificar posibles lesiones generadas por los extractos vegetales. Resultados: de acuerdo con los porcentajes de actividad ictiotóxica obtenidos en este estudio, las sustancias evaluadas se clasifican como no activas, sin embargo, los resultados aportados por el test de observación indican que las sustancias afectan el sistema nervioso y generan daño hepático en el pez. Conclusiones: los extractos vegetales de las especies de Meriania estudiadas presentan comportamientos diferentes, ya que M. speciosa ejerce un efecto psicoactivo en los peces, alterándose su sistema nervioso central, mientras que M. quintuplinervis está más relacionada con un nivel de toxicidad moderado, además de provocar un efecto vasodilatador comprobado en el hígado de P. reticulata(AU)

Introduction: Melastomataceae is the seventh largest family in the plant kingdom and has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of some diseases. In Colombia it is represented by around 62 genera, of which Meriania has been understudied, without presenting reports in the literature of its chemical and biological properties; so the study of their ichtyotoxic properties constitutes an approach in the search for active substances that advance knowledge of genus and in finding promising compounds with biological applications. Objetive: To evaluate the ichtyotoxic activity of extracts of different polarity of Meriania speciosa (Bonpl.) and Meriania quintuplinervis Naudin. Methods: The extracts of different polarity (n-hexane, acetone 70 percent, methanol, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water) of both species were evaluated against guppy (Poeciliareticulata Peters), subjected for 24 h to action extracts for quantification of the percentage of ichtyotoxic activity in a semiquantitative scale and the observation Finn Sandberg-Irwintest and histopathological sections were obtained, in order to identify potential injuries from plant extracts. Results: According to ichtyotoxic activity rates obtained in this study, the evaluated substances are classified as inactive; however, the test results indicate that the substances affect the nervous system and produce liver damage in fishes. Conclusions: The plant extracts of the Meriania species studied have different behaviors, as M. speciosahas a psychoactive effect on fishes, mainly altering the central nervous system, while M. quintuplinervisis more related to a moderate level of toxicity as well as causing a vasodilator effect found in the liver of P. reticulata(AU)

The role of Pteridium arachnoideum(Kaulf) on the seed bank of the endangered Brazilian Cerrado / Impacto de Pteridium arachnoideum(Kaulf) no banco de sementes do Cerrado

Abstract The native bracken (Pteridium arachnoideum) often occurs in mono-specific stands in the Brazilian Cerrado, and this dominance can impact on both the above-ground vegetation and soil seed bank. This study investigated how invasion by this species over a 20-year period changed the seed bank and the relationship between the seed bank and litter mass. We extracted soil samples from three replicated invaded and uninvaded sites, and followed seedling emergence for six months. We collected the above-ground biomass and litter of P. arachnoideum in ten 1m2 plots from three invaded sites. There was no difference between invaded and uninvaded areas in seed bank richness, diversity or overall abundance. The most abundant family was the Melastomataceae, followed by the Poaceae. The Melastomataceae was more abundant in uninvaded sites, but the most common species of this family (Tibouchinastenocarpa) was not affected. The grasses were more common in invaded sites in the rainy season and were affected by heterogeneity in the litter layer. The seed bank could play a role in the recovery of these invaded areas, but the presence of weeds and invasive grasses could constrain their use as a management strategy.

Resumo O samambaião (Pteridium arachnoideum) frequentemente domina áreas de cerrado, e pode alterar tanto a vegetação estabelecida quanto o banco de sementes do solo. Nesse estudo investigamos como áreas de cerrado invadidas por essa espécie a mais de 20 anos alteraram o banco de sementes, e também a relação entre banco de sementes e quantidade de serapilheira. Extraímos amostras de solo em três invadidas e em áreas controle adjacentes, e monitoramos a emergência de plântulas por seis meses. Coletamos a biomassa aérea e a serapilheira de P. arachnoideum em dez parcelas de 1m2 nas áreas invadidas. Ariqueza, diversidade e abundância totalnão diferiram entre áreas invadidas e controle. A família mais abundante foi Melastomataceae, seguida por Poaceae. Melastomataceae foi mais comum em áreas controle, mas não a espécie mais comum nessa família (Tibouchina stenocarpa). Gramíneas foram predominantes em áreas invadidas durante a estação chuvosa, e foram afetadas pela heterogeneidade da camada de serapilheira. O banco de sementes pode ser importante para a recuperação dessas áreas invadidas, mas esse uso pode ser prejudicado pela presença de ervas daninhas e gramíneas invasoras.

In vivo assessment of the toxic potential of Dissotis rotundifolia whole plant extract in Sprague–Dawley rats

Objective To assess the toxic potential of Dissotis rotundifolia (D. rotundifolia) whole plant extract in Spraque–Dawley rats within a 2-week period of administration. Methods Methanolic extract of D. rotundifolia was administered orally once daily at dose levels of 0, 100, 300 and 1 000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Toxicity was assessed using mortality, clinical signs, body and organ weights, hematological indices, serum chemistry parameters and histopathological analyses. Results There were no treatment-related mortalities or differences in clinical signs, hematology and serum biochemistry. This was confirmed by micrographs obtained from histopathological analysis. Conclusions The results obtained from the sub-acute toxicological assessment of D. rotundifolia extract suggest that the extract is non-toxic at doses up to 1 000 mg/kg/day administered for a period of 14 days.

In vivo assessment of the toxic potential of Dissotis rotundifolia whole plant extract in Sprague-Dawley rats

Objective: To assess the toxic potential of Dissotis rotundifolia (D. rotundifolia) whole plant extract in Spraque–Dawley rats within a 2-week period of administration. Methods: Methanolic extract of D. rotundifolia was administered orally once daily at dose levels of 0, 100, 300 and 1 000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Toxicity was assessed using mortality, clinical signs, body and organ weights, hematological indices, serum chemistry parameters and histopathological analyses. Results: There were no treatment-related mortalities or differences in clinical signs, hematology and serum biochemistry. This was confirmed by micrographs obtained from histopathological analysis. Conclusions: The results obtained from the sub-acute toxicological assessment of D. rotundifolia extract suggest that the extract is non-toxic at doses up to 1 000 mg/kg/day administered for a period of 14 days.

Description and life history of a new cecidogenous species of Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Momphidae) from Brazil

ABSTRACTMale, female, pupa, and last-instar larva of Palaeomystella beckeri (Moreira and Basilio) a new species from the Atlantic forest, southern Brazil, are described and illustrated with the aid of optical and scanning electron microscopy. Larvae induce galls on apical branches of Tibouchina trichopoda (DC.) Baill. (Melastomataceae) within which pupation occurs. Gall description and preliminary data on life history are also provided.

Fenoles totales y actividad antioxidante en hojas de dos especies colombianas del género Meriania (melastomataceae) / Total phenolics and antioxidant activity in leaves of two colombian species of Meriania genus (melastomataceae) / Fenóis totais e atividade antioxidante em folhas de duas espécies colombiana do gênero Meriania (melastomataceae)

Se estudiaron las hojas de las especies Meriania speciosa y Meriania nobilis, obteniendo extractos de diferente polaridad, a los que se les realizaron diversas pruebas cualitativas. Se determinó el contenido de fenoles totales y se evaluó la actividad captadora de radicales con DPPH (FRS50: capacidad captadora de radicales que reduce en un 50% al radical DPPH) en microplacas de 96 pozos. Este estudio determinó que las dos especies presentan una buena actividad antioxidante. Los extractos que mayor actividad antioxidante mostraron fueron: butanol con FRS50 de 7,6 ± 0,8 y 23,4 ± 2,4; acuoso con FRS50 de 28,5 ± 2,9 y 63,0 ± 2,6 y hexano 2 con FRS50 de 17,0 ± 2,6 y 18,2 ± 2,5 mg/L, para las especies M. speciosa y M. nobilis respectivamente. Los extractos que presentaron un alto contenido de fenoles totales fueron: metanol 2 con valor de 0,47 ± 0,06 y 0,40 ± 0,03 mg equivalentes de ácido gálico (EAG)/g extracto seco (ES) y el extracto acuoso: 0,16 ± 0,06 y 0,12 ± 0,03 mg EAG/g ES para las especies M. speciosa y M. nobilis respectivamente. El extracto butanólico de la especie M. speciosa mostró la mayor actividad antioxidante con un FRS50 de 7,6 mg/L ± 0,8, este valor es comparable con el valor hallado para la quercetina FRS50: 4,2 mg/L ± 0,4, lo que indica que este extracto es promisorio en el contenido de metabolitos secundarios que exhiben actividad antioxidante y para la fabricación de productos agroquímicos, cosméticos y farmacéuticos.

The leaves of two species, Meriania speciosa and Meriania nobilis were studied, obtaining extracts of different polarity, which were submitted to tests for their DPPH antioxidant activity (FRS50: free radical scavenging capacity to reduce in 50% the DPPH) and total phenolics in a 96 wells format. This study determined that the two species have good antioxidant activity. The extracts that showed higher antioxidant activity were butanolic FRS50 of 7.6 ± 0.8 and 23,4 ± 2.4; aqueous FRS50 of 28.5 ± 2.9 y 63.0 ± 2.6; and hexane 2 FRS50 17.0 ± 2.6 and 18.2 ± 2.5 mg/L, for M. speciosa and M. nobilis, respectively; the extracts that showed a higher content of total phenolics were methanol 2 with a value of 0.47 ± 0.06 and 0.40 ± 0.03 and aqueous extract with a value of 0.16 ± 0.06 and 0.12 ± 0.03 mg EqAG/g ES for M. speciosa and M. nobilis, respectively. The extract showing better activity between the two species, was the butanolic of M. speciosa, with FRS50 7.6 mg/L ± 0.8, this value is comparable with the positive control, quercetine FRS50: 4.2 mg/L ± 0.4, which indicates that the butanolic extract is promissory in the content of secondary metabolites with antioxidant activity and for the production of agrochemicals, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Duas espécies, Meriania speciosa e nobilis Meriania foram estudados, a obtenção de extratos de polaridade diferente, que foram submetidos a testes para a sua atividade antioxidante DPPH (FRS50: livre capacidade de eliminação de radicais para reduzir em 50% o DPPH) e fenóis totais em formato de 96 poços. Este estudo permitiu determinar que as duas espécies têm boa atividade antioxidante em extratos iniciais. Os extratos que apresentaram maior atividade antioxidante foram butanólico FRS50 de 7,6 ± 0,8 e 23,4 ± 2,4; FRS50 aquosa de 28,5 ± 2,9; 63,0 ± 2,6 y; e hexano 2 FRS50 17,0 ± 2,6 e 18,2 ± 2,5 mg/L; os extratos apresentaram maior teor de fenólicos totais foram metanol 2 valor de 0,47 ± 0,06 e 0,40 ± 0,03 e aquosa extrair valor de 0,16 ± 0,06 e 0,12 ± 0,03 mg EqAG / g ES para M. speciosa e M. nobilis, respectivamente. O extracto que mostra uma melhor actividade entre as duas espécies, foi o de M. butanólica speciosa, com FRS50 7,6 mg / L ± 0,8, este valor é comparável ao do controlo positivo, quercetine FRS50: 4,2 mg / L ± 0,4, o que indica butanólica extrato é promissória no conteúdo de metabólitos secundários com atividade antioxidante e para a produção de agroquímicos, cosméticos e farmacêuticos.

Efeito de diferentes temperaturas na germinação de sementes e no crescimento inicial de plântulas de Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae) / Effect of different temperatures on seed germination and seedling formation of Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae)

Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana é uma espécie nativa do Brasil utilizada na medicina tradicional em comunidades rurais. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a temperatura mais adequada para a germinação de sementes e formação de plântulas de M. albicans. Para avaliar o efeito da temperatura sobre a germinação da espécie foram utilizadas 1200 sementes postas a germinar sob temperaturas constantes de 20, 25, 30 e 35 ºC e nas temperaturas alternadas de 20-30 e 25-35 ºC. Foram avaliados a percentagem de germinação (PG), o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), o tempo médio de germinação (TMG), e o comprimento das raízes primárias e do caule das plântulas. Os resultados encontrados indicaram PG acima de 63% paras as sementes sob temperaturas de 20, 25, 30 e 20-30 ºC. Para o IVG, foram observados valores entre 2,17 a 2,93 para as sementes sob temperaturas de 20, 25, 30 e 20-30 ºC, indicando maior vigor; em relação ao TMG, a maioria dos tratamentos alcançou resultado acima de 15 dias, indicando que as sementes germinaram lentamente. Levando-se em consideração todos os parâmetros avaliados, a temperatura de 25 ºC propiciou o melhor desempenho para as sementes da espécie.

The Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana is a species native to Brazil, which has been used by traditional medicine in rural communities. The aim of this study was to investigate the most suitable temperature for seed germination and seedling development for M. albicans. For the evaluation of the effect of temperature on species, a total of 1200 seeds were placed under constant temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 35 ºC and under alternate temperatures of 20-30 and 25-35 ºC. Germination percentage (GP), germination speed index (GSI), average time of germination (ATG) and average length of primary roots and stems of seedlings were evaluated. The results indicate a GP above 63% for seeds under the constant temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 20-30 ºC. For GSI, values between 2.17 and 2.93 were observed for seeds under temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 20-30 ºC, which indicates greater vigor; almost all treatments indicated high ATG, longer than 15 days, which demonstrates that the seeds germinated slowly. Taking into consideration all parameters, the temperature of 25 ºC provided the best performance for the seeds of this species.

Chemical composition of the essential oil from Microlicia graveolens growing wild in Minas Gerais

The chemical composition of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Microlicia graveolens DC., Melastomataceae, growing wild in the mountains of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was investigated for the first time. A pale orange to colourless oil was obtained in a yield of 4.8%. The oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The main components were (+)-trans-pinocarvyl acetate (78.9%), (-)-trans-pinocarvyl acetate (5.5%) and β-pinene (3.8%).

Chemical constituents from Osbeckia chinensis / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents from Osbeckia chinensis. Methods: The constituents were separated by column chromatography and their structures were elucidated by spectral data analyses. Results Sixteen compounds were isolated from O. chinensis and identified as 4-0-β-D- glucopyranosyl-3-O-methylellagic acid (1), 4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3, 3′-di-O-methylellagic acid (2), 4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3,3′, 4′-tri-O-methylellagic acid (3), kaempferol-3-O-β-L-ramnopyranoside (4), quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (5), quercetin-3-O-β-D- rhamnopyranoside (6), kaempferol-6-C-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), quercetin-3-O-β-D-rhamnopyranosyl-2″-acetyl (8), kaempferol-3-O- β-D-glucopyranosyl-2″,6″-bis-O-E-(4-hydroxy)-cinnamoyl (9) 4′-hydroxyflavone-3-O-(6-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-6‴-O-E-(4-hydroxy)-cinnamoyl (11), 3β-hydroxy-9(11)-fernen-23-oic acid (12), 1,2-dihydroxy-9(11)- arborinen-3-one (13), cholest-5-ene-2,3,21-triol (14), β-sitosterol (15), and daucosterol (16). Conclusion: Except for compounds 5 and 16, all compounds are obtained from O. chinensis for the first time.

Métodos de superação de dormência em sementes de croada (Mouriri elliptica Mart) / Dormancy breaking methods in croada (Mouriri elliptica Mart) seeds

Sementes de croada (Mouriri elliptica Mart.) Melastomataceae, espécie frutífera nativa do cerrado, foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos, visando a superação de dormência: pré-resfriamento a 5° C por 7 dias; pré-aquecimento em estufa com circulação de ar a 40º C por 7 dias; escarificação química em ácido sulfúrico concentrado por 5 e 15 minutos; imersão em água fervente por 5 e 15 minutos; imersão em ácido giberélico a 100 e 200 mg L-1 por 48 horas; imersão em água destilada por 24 e 48 horas; escarificação mecânica com lixa nº 80 na parte superior e oposta ao eixo embrionário e testemunha (sementes sem tratamento prévio). Quatro repetições de quinze sementes foram colocadas para germinar sobre papel umedecido com água destilada ou nitrato de potássio a 0,2 por cento, em temperatura de 30º C em presença de luz. Foram realizadas contagens diárias do 2º dia após a implantação do experimento até a estabilização da porcentagem de germinação, que acorreu no 60º dia. A germinação foi mais rápida em sementes pré-embebidas em ácido giberélico (em substrato umedecido com água ou com solução de nitrato de potássio 0,2 por cento), pré-embebidas em água por 24 horas, em substrato umedecido com água, e pré-embebidas em água por 48 horas ou escarificadas mecanicamente e colocadas para germinar em substrato umedecido com água. Taxas de germinação mais elevadas ocorreram em sementes pré-embebidas em ácido giberélico a 100 ou 200 mg L-1, em substrato umedecido com solução de nitrato de potássio 0,2 por cento.

Croada seeds (Mouriri elliptica Mart.) Melastomataceae, a fruit-bearing species native of the cerrado (savannah-like vegetation), were submitted to the following dormancy breaking methods: pre-cooling at 5° C for 7 days; pre-heating in a oven air circualtion at 40º C for 7 days; chemical escarification in concentrated sulfuric acid for 5 and 15 min; soaking in boiling water for 5 and 15 min; soaking in gibbereli acid at 100 and 200 mg L-1 for 48 hours; soaking into distilled water for 24 and 48 hours; mechanical escarification with a sandpaper number 80 at teh upper aprt and opposed to the embryonary axis and control (seeds without any previous treatment). The seeds were put to germinate on a "germitest" type paper moistened with destilled water or 0.2 percent potassiun nitrate. Daily counts between the 2nd day after the establishment of the experiment till the stabilization, which took place on the 60th day, were performed. Seeds germinated faster when they were pre-soaked in gibberelic acid, independent of if placed to germinate on a water-moistened substrate or with a soultion of 0.2 percent potassiun nitrate, pre-soaked into water for 24 hours, on a water-moistened substrate, or independent of the substrate, and, pre-soaked into water for 48 hours or mechanical escarification and put to germinate on a water-containing substrate. Higher germination rates occurred in seeds pre-soaked into 100 or 200 mg L-1 gibberelic acid, on a substrate moistend with a 0.2 percent potassiun nitrate containing solution.

Caracterização morfoanatômica de folhas e caules de Microlicia hatschbachii Wurdack, Melastomataceae

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo morfoanatômico das folhas e caules de Microlicia hatschbachii Wurdack, Melastomataceae. Esta espécie possui folhas elípticas a oval-elípticas, margem inteira, ápice agudo e base simétrica e arredondada. A lâmina foliar é anfiestomática, com estômatos do tipo anisocítico e anomocítico, a epiderme é uniestratificada, com células isodiamétricas em secção transversal, e presença de inúmeros tricomas glandulares. O mesofilo é do tipo isobilateral com feixe vascular bicolateral envolvido por algumas células esclerenquimáticas na nervura central. O caule tem secção quadrangular a circular e epiderme unisseriada, com tricomas similares aos da folha. Drusas de oxalato de cálcio foram encontradas nas folhas e no caule.

This work shows the morpho-anatomical study of leaf and stem of Microlicia hatschbachii Wurdack (Melastomataceae). Its leaves are elliptic to oval-elliptic, with entire margin, acute apex and rounded symmetrical base. The leaf blade is amphistomatical with anisocytic and anomocytic stomata, in transection the epidermis is uniseriate with isodiametric cells and presence of several glandular trichomes. The mesophyll is isobilateral with bicollateral vascular bundles surrounded by some sclerenchymatic cells in midrib. The stem has a quadrangular to circular transection and uniseriate epidermis with trichomes like ones of leaf. Several druses of calcium oxalate are found in the leaf and stem.

Two thrush species as dispersers of Miconia prasina (Sw.) DC. (Melastomataceae): an experimental approach / Duas espécies de Turdus como dispersoras de Miconia prasina (Melastomataceae): uma abordagem experimental

We carried out a seed germination experiment using two thrush species in captivity. We compared the number of germinated seeds and germination time of control seeds (manually removed from fruits) and ingested seeds of Miconia prasina by two bird species, Turdus albicollis and T. amaurochalinus, and also compared retention times of seeds by both thrush species. Control seeds germinated more frequently than those ingested for one species, T. albicollis. The germination time of ingested seeds by T. amaurochalinus was similar to the control seeds but seeds ingested by T. albicollis took longer to germinate than the controls. Both thrush species had a similar seed defecation pattern. The cumulative number of defecated seeds increased by 2 hours after fruit ingestion. At the end of the first 30 minutes both species had already defecated approximately 50 percent of the seeds ingested Our results suggest that both species could act as disperser agents of M. prasina.

Realizamos um experimento de germinação utilizando duas espécies de Turdus em cativeiro. Comparamos o número de sementes germinadas e o tempo de germinação entre sementes controle (manualmente removidas dos frutos) e ingeridas de Miconia prasina por duas espécies de aves, Turdus albicollis e T. amaurochalinus, e também comparamos o tempo de retenção das sementes pelas duas espécies de Turdus. Sementes controle germinaram com maior freqüência do que as ingeridas por uma das espécies, T. albicollis. O tempo de germinação das sementes ingeridas por T. amaurochalinus foi semelhante ao das sementes controle, mas as sementes ingeridas por T. albicollis demoraram mais para germinar do que as sementes controle. Ambas as espécies de Turdus tiveram um padrão similar de defecação das sementes. O número acumulado de sementes defecadas aumentou por 2 horas após a ingestão dos frutos. Ao final dos primeiros 30 minutos ambas espécies já haviam defecado aproximadamente 50 por cento das sementes ingeridas Nossos resultados sugerem que as duas espécies de aves podem atuar como agentes dispersores de sementes de M. prasina.

Three new cecidogenous Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Momphinae) associated with Melastomataceae in Brazil / Três espécies novas de Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Momphinae), cecidógenas, associadas com Melastomataceae no Brasil

Three new cecidogenous Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Momphinae), described herein, induce galls on stems and leaves of Melastomataceae species. They include: Palaeomystella tibouchinae sp. n., on Tibouchina barbigera (Naudin) Baillon, P. oligophaga sp. n., on Macairea radula (Bonpland) de Candolle and M. thyrsiflora de Candolle, and P. henriettiphila sp. n., on Henriettea succosa (Aublet) de Candolle. Adults, including male and female genitalia, larva, pupa, and galls are illustrated and described in detail.

As espécies de Palaeomystella aqui descritas induzem cecídeas nos ramos e folhas de espécies de Melastomataceae: Palaeomystella tibouchinae sp. n. em Tibouchina barbigera (Naudin) Baillon, P. oligophaga sp. n. em Macairea radula (Bonpland) de Candolle, e M. thyrsiflora de Candolle, P. henriettiphila sp. n. em Henriettea succosa (Aublet) de Candolle. Os adultos, incluindo venação das asas, e genitálias dos machos e fêmeas, larvas, pupas e cecídeas, são descritos e ilustrados em detalhes.

Melastomataceae endémicas del Perú

La familia Melastomataceae es reconocida en el Perú con 43 géneros y 660 especies (Brako & Zarucchi, 1993; Ulloa Ulloa et al., 2004), principalmente arbustos y árboles. En este trabajo reconocemos 169 especies y 13 taxones subespecíficos como endemismos, en 26 géneros. El género Miconia incluye el mayor número de especies endémicas. Las Melastomataceae endémicas se encuentran principalmente en las regiones Bosques Muy Húmedos Montanos, Bosques Muy Húmedos Premontanos y Bosques Húmedos Amazónicos, entre los 100 y 3500 m de altitud. Se aplicaron las categorías y criterios de la UICN a 83 taxones. Aparentemente, 29 taxones endémicos están representados en el Sistema Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado.

The Melastomataceae are represented in Peru by 43 genera and 660 species (Brako & Zarucchi, 1993; Ulloa Ulloa et al., 2004), mostly shrubs and trees. Here we recognize 169 species and 13 infraespecific taxa as endemics, in 26 genera. Miconia is the genus with the largest number of endemic species. Endemic Melastomataceae are found mainly in Very Humid Montane, Very Humid Premontane Forests and Humid Lowland Amazonian Forests regions, between 100 and 3500 m elevation. We applied IUCN categories and criteria to 83 taxa. Apparently, 29 endemic taxa have been recorded within Peru´s protected areas system