Biological screening of herbal extracts and essential oil from Plectranthus species: α-amylase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibition and antioxidant and anti-Candida potentials

Abstract The phenolic compound content, the antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition potentials of different extracts of the Plectranthus amboinicus, P. barbatus and P. ornatus were evaluated. We also evaluated the influence of plant growth and harvest time on the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) of P. amboinicus, its antioxidant and anti-Candida activities and the α-amylase and lipoxygenase inhibitions. The turbo-extract of P. barbatus showed the greatest phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity. No α-amylase inhibition activity was observed in the analyzed extracts, but the turbo-extraction and refluxing extracts possessed high antioxidant activities. Protected cultivation and morning harvest conditions gave the best antioxidant activities, which was associated to the highest carvacrol content. P. amboinicus EO antioxidant activity could contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress in diabetes. Causal Candida strains of diabetic foot ulcers showed sensitivity to P. amboinicus EO. C. albicans and C. dubliniensis were the most sensitive of the selected Candida strains. Turbo-extracts or refluxing of the three species extracts and the EO of P. amboinicus should be considered as a potential candidate for the management the complications of type 2 diabetes.

Determination of the antimicrobial property of oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.) crude aqueous leaf extract against throat pathogens using broth and checkerboard dilution methods

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective:</strong> This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial property of oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) crude leaf extract against pathogens that infect the throat, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans using the broth and checkerboard dilution methods.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study employed an experimental study design using broth dilution method for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against Candida albicans ATCC 14053 of P. amboinicus crude extract (PA extract). Checkerboard dilution method was then used for determination of the synergy between PA extract and the standard antimicrobials.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> In vitro growth inhibition of S. pyogenes (MIC 0.13 g/mL) and C. albicans (MIC 0.03 g/mL) was exhibited by the PA extract. The highest concentration of PA extract used in this study was not sufficient to demonstrate bactericidal and fungicidal activity (MBC >0.25 g/mL, MFC >0.25 g/mL). Results of checkerboard dilution method revealed that PA extract when combined with either penicillin (for S. pyogenes) or nystatin (for C. albicans) demonstrated indifference.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The crude extract of Plectranthus amboinicus has the capability to inhibit the growth of both S. pyogenes and C. albicans. This demonstrates its potential use in the treatment of throat infections caused by these organisms.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key Words:</strong> Plectranthus amboinicus, oregano, antimicrobial, throat infections, herbal medicine</p>

Phytochemical profiling and biological activity of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) mediated by various solvent extracts against Aedes aegypti larvae and toxicity evaluation

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical compounds and to investigate the bio-toxic efficacy of various solvent extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus against mosquito larvae activity and lethality on non-targeting organisms. Methods: The methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, and aqueous extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus were subjected to analyze the mosquitocidal activity against the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti and toxicity assays on zebra fish and brine shrimp. Three replications were performed, and negative control was also maintained. Amongst, ethyl acetate extract of Plectranthus amboinicus was chosen for the determination of bio-active compounds. Results: The mosquitocidal assays of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus showed the maximal activity with minimal concentration against the 4th instar mosquito-larvae of Aedes aegypti through the following lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values: 53.36 & 92.51 μg/mL and 13.64 & 86.09 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the plant extracts showed no toxicity on zebra fish embryo and brine shrimp assays. The gas-chromatography analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of Plectranthus amboinicus revealed the presence of seven different compounds. Among them, PAEA-fraction 60 contained a major active bioactive compound, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (270.0). Conclusions: Plectranthus amboinicus possesses mosquitocidal properties and could be used as a potential alternative source for preparing the mosquitocidal agents.

Phytochemical profiling and biological activity of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) mediated by various solvent extracts against Aedes aegypti larvae and toxicity evaluation

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical compounds and to investigate the bio-toxic efficacy of various solvent extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus against mosquito larvae activity and lethality on non-targeting organisms. Methods: The methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, and aqueous extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus were subjected to analyze the mosquitocidal activity against the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti and toxicity assays on zebra fish and brine shrimp. Three replications were performed, and negative control was also maintained. Amongst, ethyl acetate extract of Plectranthus amboinicus was chosen for the determination of bio-active compounds. Results: The mosquitocidal assays of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus showed the maximal activity with minimal concentration against the 4th instar mosquito-larvae of Aedes aegypti through the following lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values: 53.36 & 92.51 μg/mL and 13.64 & 86.09 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the plant extracts showed no toxicity on zebra fish embryo and brine shrimp assays. The gas-chromatography analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of Plectranthus amboinicus revealed the presence of seven different compounds. Among them, PAEA-fraction 60 contained a major active bioactive compound, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (270.0). Conclusions: Plectranthus amboinicus possesses mosquitocidal properties and could be used as a potential alternative source for preparing the mosquitocidal agents.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils from Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, Cymbopogon citrates, Plectranthus amboinicus, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum against Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Atividade antimicrobiana de leos essenciais de Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, Cymbopogon citrates, Plectranthus amboinicus, e Cinnamomum zeylanicum em Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ABSTRACT: The rise in cases of antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis has become a major obstacle to the effective control of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. Essential oils (EO) are complex mixtures that may contain between 20 and 60 components, with two or three major compounds at relatively high concentrations (20-70%) that are responsible for their pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to assess the antimicrobial activity of the EOs, bushy lippia (Lippia alba), rosemary pepper (Lippia sidoides), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Mexican mint or Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus), and true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Chemical characterization of the EOs was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the microdilution-based resazurin microtiter assay. Four EOs were able to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis, with MICs of 286.5±130.2μg/mL (C. zeylanicum), 299.5±117.2μg/mL (L. sidoides), 351.6±39.06μg/mL (P. amboinicus), and 1,250μg/mL (C. citratus). Only the EO of L. alba showed no antimycobacterial activity at the tested concentrations, with an MIC greater than 1,250µg/mL. Results of this study suggested that C. zeylanicum, L. sidoides, and P. amboinicus could be important sources of bactericidal compounds against M. tuberculosis and require further investigation. The activity against M. tuberculosis of these three EOs has not been reported previously. The results show the high potential of the tested antimycobacterial EOs, making them a promising alternative for TB treatment. This data also confirms the importance of bioprospecting studies for active substances with antimycobacterial activity, which are still scarce.

RESUMO: O aumento no número de casos de Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistentes tem se tornado um grande obstáculo no controle efetivo da tuberculose (TB) mundialmente. Os óleos essenciais (OE), que são misturas complexas que podem conter entre 20 a 60 componentes, apresentam dois ou três compostos principais, em concentrações relativamente elevadas, 20 a 70%, que são responsáveis pelas suas propriedades farmacológicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicobacteriana dos seguintes óleos essenciais (OEs) em Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv: erva-cidreira (Lippia alba), alecrim-pimenta (Lippia sidoides), capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus), orégano (Plectranthus amboinicus) e canela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). A caracterização química dos OEs foi realizada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massa. A Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) foi determinada pela técnica de microdiluição da resazurina. Quatro OEs foram capazes de inibir o crescimento de M. tuberculosis, com CIM de 286,5±130,2μg/mL (C. zeylanicum), 299,5±117,2μg/mL (L. sidoides), 351,6±39,06μg/mL (P. amboinicus) e 1250μg/mL (C. citratus). Somente o OE de L. alba não mostrou atividade antimicobacteriana nas conscentrações testadas, considerando CIM maiores que 1250µg/mL. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que L. sidoides, C. zeylanicum e P. amboinicus podem ser fontes importantes de compostos bactericidas contra M. tuberculosis e prováveis candidatos a serem investigados. A atividade contra M. tuberculosis desses três OEs não foi relatada em estudos anteriores. Os resultados mostram o elevado potencial antimicobacteriano dos OEs analisados, fazendo deles uma alternativa promissora para o tratamento da TB. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram a importância de pesquisas para bioprospecção de substâncias ativas com ação antimicobacteriana, que ainda são escassas.

A preliminary evaluation of anticancer and antioxidant potential of two traditional medicinal plants from Lamiaceae-Pogostemon heyneanus and Plectranthus amboinicus.

This study investigates the cytotoxic and antioxidant potential of crude leaf extracts of Pogostemon heyneanus (P. heyneanus) and Plectranthus amboinicus (P. amboinicus), medicinal plants from Lamiaceae family. Crude leaf extracts, with methanol, ethanol and chloroform were evaluated for cytotoxicity in two breast cancer cell lines of different grades, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, by MTT assay. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by DPPH and H2O2 assays. The results of MTT assay revealed that chloroform extract of P. heyneanus and ethanol extract of P. amboinicus were effective against MCF-7 cells. The chloroform extract of P. heyneanus was more effective than P. amboinicus against MDA-MB-231. Effective antioxidant activity was shown by the ethanol extract of P. amboinicus which correlated positively with the total phenol content. The chloroform extract of P. heyneanus, was rich in steroids and saponins which correlated positively with the cytotoxic activity. In conclusion, chloroform soluble leaf extracts of P. heyneanus, which is rich in steroids and saponins shows effective cytotoxicity on both breast cancer lines studied and could be used for identification of a potential anticancer principle, while ethanol extract of P. amboinicus has better potential as an antioxidant.

Extracción, caracterización y actividad antioxidante del aceite esencial de plectranthus amboinicus L / Extraction, characterization and antioxidant activity of essential oil from plectranthus amboinicus L

Objetivo: extraer, caracterizar y determinar la actividad antioxidante del aceite esencial de orégano francés (Plectranthus amboinicus L) cultivado en la zona norte del departamento de Bolívar, Colombia. Método: el aceite esencial se obtuvo por hidrodestilación e hidrodestilación asistida por radiación con microondas, a partir de las hojas; se determinó densidad relativa a 20 °C, índice de refracción; solubilidad de los aceites esenciales en etanol (70 por ciento v/v) y rotación óptica. La composición química se evaluó mediante cromatografía de gases/espectrómetro de masa. La actividad antioxidante fue determinada mediante las técnicas de actividad antiradicalaria por los métodos DPPH., ABTS .+, y ORAC. Resultados: los rendimientos oscilaron entre 0,05 y 0,78 por ciento, dependiendo del método de extracción utilizado. Los resultados de la prueba de actividad antioxidante mostro que los aceites esenciales de orégano francés (Plectranthus amboinicus L) obtenidos mediante ambos métodos de extracción tuvieron resultados promisorios; además, estos aceites presentaron altos contenidos de monoterpenos oxigenados con reconocida actividad antioxidante, como son el carvacrol y el timol. Conclusiones: El aceite esencial de orégano francés (Plectranthus amboinicus L) se considera como promisorio para diseñar productos magistrales con actividad antioxidante(AU)

Objectives: to extract, to characterize and to determine the antioxidant activity of the essential oil of French Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus L) grown in the northern part of the Department of Bolívar, Colombia. Methods: essential oil was extracted by distillation and radiation microwave-assisted hydrodistillation, from the leaves; relative density at 20 °C, refractive index; solubility of the essential oils in ethanol (70 percent v/v) and optical rotation were determined. The chemical composition was assessed using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometer. The antioxidant activity was determined using the techniques of antiradical activity by the DPPH., ABTS.+ and ORAC methods. Results: yields ranged from 0.05 to 0.78 percent, depending on the extraction method used. The results of the test of antioxidant activity showed that the essential oils of French oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus L) obtained by both methods of extraction had promising results; in addition, these oils had high contents of ,oxygenated monoterpeneswith recognized antioxidant activity, such as carvacrol and thymol. Conclusions: the essential oil of French oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus L) is considered as promising to design products with antioxidant activity(AU)

Evaluación del potencial hipolipemiante de dos plantas medicinales en un modelo de hiperlipidemia crónica / Evaluation of the hypolipidemic potential of two medicinal plants using a chronic hyperlipidemia model

Introducción: la presencia de metabolitos antioxidantes en las especies Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. (Caña Santa) y Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. (Orégano), permite la obtención de evidencia que facilita la ejecución de investigaciones biomédicas. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto hipolipemiante de las especies Plectranthus amboinicus (orégano) y Cymbopogon citratus (caña santa) mediante un modelo de hiperlipidemia crónica. Métodos: se evaluó el efecto hipolipemiante de los extractos hidroalcohólicos de las partes aéreas secas de P. amboinicus y C. citratus aplicando el modelo crónico de hiperlipidemia donde se suministró por un período de 60 días, dieta hipercalórica, consistente en grasa de cerdo y azúcar refino. Se emplearon ratones machos Balb/C, conformando 5 grupos, uno control (grupo I) y cuatro de tratamiento, se administraron dosis orales de 200 mg/kg y 400 mg/kg de los extractos blandos de P. amboinicus (grupos II y III) y C. citratus (grupos IV y V) respectivamente. Se realizó la caracterización fitoquímica de ambos extractos y evaluaron las concentraciones plasmáticas de colesterol total, triacilglicéridos (TAG) y lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad (VLDL). Resultados: el tamizaje fitoquímico corroboró la presencia de compuestos reductores, alcaloides, flavonoides, triterpenos en los extractos hidroalcohólicos de ambas plantas, observándose mayor cantidad de estos compuestos en el extracto de Caña santa. Las variables colesterol, TAG y VLDL en los grupos IV y V, mostraron una disminución estadísticamente significativa, mientras los grupos II y III presentaron un comportamiento similar respecto al grupo control (I). Conclusiones: el extracto blando de Cymbopogon citratus a las dosis de estudio posee actividad hipolipemiante a diferencia del extracto hidroalcohólico de Plectranthus amboinicus.

Introduction: the presence of antioxidant metabolites in the species Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. (lemongrass) and Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. (oregano) is a source of evidence for biomedical research. Objective: evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of the species Plectranthus amboinicus (oregano) and Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) using a chronic hyperlipidemia model. Methods: an evaluation was performed of the hypolipidemic effect of hydroalcoholic extracts from dry aerial parts of P. amboinicus and C. citratus using a chronic hyperlipidemia model in which a hypercaloric diet of pork fat and refined sugar was provided for 60 days. Male Balb/C mice were used which were divided into one control group (Group I) and four treatment groups. Oral doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were administered of soft extracts of P. amboinicus (Groups II and III) and C. citratus (Groups IV and V), respectively. Phytochemical characterization was conducted of both extracts, evaluating plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, triacylglycerides (TAG) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Results: phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of reducing compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids and triterpenes in alcoholic extracts of both plants, more abundantly in the lemongrass extract. The variables cholesterol, TAG and VLDL showed a statistically significant reduction in Groups IV and V, whereas the values for Groups II and III were similar to those in Group I (control). Conclusions: the soft extract of Cymbopogon citratus displayed hypolipidemic activity at the study doses, whereas the hydroalcoholic extract of Plectranthus amboinicus did not.

Pharmacognostical standardization and toxicity profile of the methanolic leaf extract of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng.

The present investigation was intended to evaluate the toxicity of the methanolic leaf extract of a traditionally used plant Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng. Plant material was analysed for various pharmacognostical parameters as per WHO guidelines procedure i.e., foreign matter, microscopical sections, loss on drying, water and alcoholic extractive values, Total ash, acid soluble ash, heavy metals, phytochemical analysis and toxicity studies. Acute & Sub acute toxicity of the methanolic extract was evaluated in albino mice (Female) after ingestions of the extract during one day (Acute model) and during 28days (sub acute model).The studies on sub acute toxicity reveals that no mortalities or evidence of adverse effects have been observed in Albino mice following acute oral administration at the highest dose of 2000mg/kg crude extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng. Similarly, in sub-acute toxicity study methanolic extract 200,400 mg/kg body wt of Plectranthus amboinicus did not cause any changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. Studies on histopathological examination of vital organs showed normal architecture suggesting no morphological disturbances. Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng can be considered as safe as it did not cause either any lethality or adverse changes in the general behavior in mice.

Variação da quantidade de β-cariofileno em óleo essencial de Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng., Lamiaceae, sob diferentes condições de cultivo / Variation in the amount of β-caryophyllene in essential oil of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. Lamiaceae under different conditions of cultivation

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência do adubo, da irrigação, da incidência solar, do horário de coleta e da idade da planta na quantidade de β-cariofileno no óleo essencial de Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng., Lamiaceae. As plantas foram cultivadas em canteiros experimentais entre os meses de dezembro de 2006 a setembro de 2007. O substrato utilizado foi adubo orgânico (esterco bovino), adubo mineral 1 [NPK (nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio)] e adubo mineral 2 (NPK com calcário) sob diferentes tratamentos. A técnica analítica quantitativa utilizada foi a cromatografia gasosa (GC/FID). De acordo com os resultados obtidos nos meses de menor precipitação de chuvas obteve-se maior rendimento de óleo essencial, e os meses de maior precipitação de chuvas mostraram uma tendência de baixos rendimentos.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of fertilizer, irrigation, the incidence sun, the time of collection and the plant in the amount of β-caryophyllene in the essential oil of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng., Lamiaceae. The plants were grown in experimental beds between the months of December 2006 to September 2007. The substrate was used organic fertilizer (esterco veal), fertilizer mineral 1 [NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium)] and fertilizer mineral 2 (NPK with limestone) under different treatments. The quantitative analytical technique was used to gas chromatography (GC/FID). According to the results obtained in months of lower precipitation of rainfall received are higher yield of essential oil, and the months of highest precipitation of rain showed a trend of low income.

Actividad expectorante de formulaciones a partir de plectranthus amboinicus (lour) spreng (orégano francés) / Expectorant activity of formulations from plectrantus amboinicus (lour) spreng (french oregano)

La administración de extracto acuoso y extracto fluido, así como de los jarabes obtenidos de los extractos, produjeron incrementos significativos de la concentración de rojo fenol en la secreción traqueobronquial de ratón. Tanto el extracto acuoso como el hidroalcohólico presentan actividad expectorante; el jarabe preparado con extracto acuoso fue efectivo a dosis de 50 mL/kg, con una dosis efectiva media de 41,91 mL/kg; el jarabe preparado con extracto fluido fue efectivo a dosis de 50 y 37,5 mL/kg, con dosis efectiva media de 34,64 mL/kg; y las tabletas de 100 mg ejercieron efecto expectorante a las dosis de 34 y 68 mg/kg. A su vez la administración aguda de tabletas de 100 mg ejerció un efecto expectorante, similar al de la bromhexina y el salbutamol...

Administration of aqueous extract and of fluid extract as well as the syrups produced from the extracts resulted in significant increase of red phenol concentration in the tracheobronchial secretion of mice. Both the aqueous and the hydroalcohol extracts have expectorant activity; the aqueous extract-made syrup was effective at 50 mL/kg dose, with an effective mean dose of 41,91 ml/kg; fluid extract-made syrup was effective at 50 and 37,5 mL/kg, being 34,64 mL/kg the effective mean dose and finally 100 mg tablets showed their expectorant action at doses of 34 and 68 mg/kg. In turn, the acute administration of 100mg tablets had the same expectorant effect as bromhexine and salbutamol...

Ensaios clínicos toxicológicos, fase I, de um fitoterápico composto (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Plectranthus amboinicus Lour e Eucalyptus globulus Labill) / Phase I clinical toxicological assays of a complex herbal medicine (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Plectranthus amboinicus Lour and Eucaliptus globulus Labill)

Neste estudo, foram realizados ensaios clínicos toxicológicos, fase I, do produto fitoterápico composto pelas plantas medicinais Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Plectranthus amboinicus Lour e Eucalyptus globulus Labill. O estudo foi realizado no Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley/UFPB/PB e, para isto, foram selecionados 28 voluntários sadios, sendo 14 homens e 14 mulheres que ingeriram por via oral, ininterruptamente durante 8 semanas, 15 mL do produto, três vezes ao dia; e no 3º e 7º dia, 3ª e 6ª semanas e 24 h após a 8ª semana, foram feitas avaliações clínicas e laboratoriais para análise da toxicidade aguda e crônica. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que os pacientes não apresentaram alterações clínicas, laboratoriais e reações adversas significantes, apenas pequenas alterações foram detectadas no sangue através da aspartato transaminase (AST) e fosfatase alcalina no grupo feminino para um p < 0,05; no entanto, estes valores determinados permaneceram dentro dos valores de normalidade para indivíduos adultos. Conclui-se que estes dados, em complementação àqueles obtidos com os estudos pré-clínicos, confirmam a baixa toxicidade do produto fitoterápico.

In this study, phase I clinical toxicological assays of the herbal medicine composed of the medicinal plants Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Plectranthus amboinicus Lour and Eucaliptus globulus Labill were performed. The study was carried out at Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley/UFPB/PB/Brazil and for this purpose, 28 healthy volunteers were chosen, 14 men and 14 women who ingested 15 mL of the medicine per oral, with no interruption, three times a day; and on the 3rd and 7th days, on the 3rd and 6th weeks and 24h after the 8th week, clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed to analyze the acute and chronic toxicity. As results, the patients did not show significant clinical and laboratory alterations and adverse reactions, only little alterations were detected in blood through aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase in the female group to a p < 0.05; however, these values are according to the normality standard for adult individuals. It can be concluded that these data, complementary to those obtained with the preclinical studies, confirm the low toxicity of the herbal medicine.

Estudo anatômico comparado de órgãos vegetativos de boldo miúdo, Plectranthus ornatus Codd. e malvariço, Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. - Lamiaceae / Comparative anatomical study of the vegetative organs of boldo miúdo, Plectranthus ornatus Codd. and malvariço, Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. - Lamiaceae

Foi feita uma investigação anatômica dos órgãos vegetativos de Plectranthus ornatus, "boldo miúdo" e Plectranthus amboinicus, "malvariço", da família Lamiaceae. Foram estudados o limbo foliar, pecíolo e caule destas duas espécies. Ambas apresentam limbo foliar com tricomas tectores, com tricomas glandulares pedicelados em P. amboinicus e pedicelados e sésseis em P. ornatus. Justifica-se esta investigação, pelo fato de se tratar de espécies utilizadas, popularmente, como fitoterápico.

An anatomical study of the vegetative organs of Plectranthus ornatus, "boldo miúdo" and Plectranthus amboinicus, "malvariço" was made. Both show non-glandular trichomes on the foliar leaf. In P. ornatus, there are pedunculate glandular trichomes and in P. amboinicus, sessile and pedunculate glandular trichomes. This study is justified by the popular utilization of both species as phytotherapeutic agents.

Actividad de Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng tabletas 100 mg sobre la musculatura lisa intestinal. / Activity of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lous.) Spreng 100 mg tablets on the intestinal smooth musculature

En el presente trabajo se evaluaron las tabletas de 100 mg de Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. (orégano francés) sobre la musculatura lisa y su influencia en la transmisión colinérgica, para lo cual se utilizaron cobayos machos de la raza Hartley de 200-250 g de masa corporal, para la extracción de diferentes porciones de íleon. Como resultado se obtuvo que las tabletas 100 mg de P. amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng., a las diferentes concentraciones evaluadas, provocaron contracción inmediata de la musculatura lisa; el orégano francés mostró un marcado efecto antimuscarínico frente a las concentraciones inducidas por acetilcolina (ACh) de 10-6 a 10-3 M. La administración conjunta de P. amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. 10 mg/mL y ACh 10-3 M no superó la contracción provocada por esta última de manera independiente y la atropina 3 x 10-12 M disminuyó las contracciones provocadas por las diferentes concentraciones de orégano francés y ACh 10-3 M, por lo que las tabletas evaluadas presentan tanto efecto agonista como antagonista de la transmisión colinérgica.

In the present paper, the effects of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreg (French origan) 100 mg tablets on the smooth musculature, as well as their influence on the cholinergic transmission were evaluated by using male Hartley guinea pigs with 200 to 250 g of body mass for extracting different portions of ileum. It was observed that the P. amboinicus (Lour.) Spreg, 100 mg tablets at the different assessed concentrations provoked an immediate contraction of the smooth musculature. The French origan showed a marked antimuscarinic effect against Acethylcholine-induced contractions (ACh) from 10-6 to 10-3 M. The combined administration of P. amboinicus (Lour.) Spreg 10 mg/mL and ACh 10-3 M did not surpass the contraction induced by the latter in a independent way, whereas atropine 3 x 10-12 M decreased the contractions produced by different concentrations of French origan and ACh 10-3 M. That is why, the evaluated tablets present an agonist and antagonist effect of the cholinergic transmission.

Efecto de Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. tabletas sobre la anafilaxia pasiva cutánea, transmisión histaminérgica y adrenérgica / Effect of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng tablets on the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, histaminergic and adrenergic transmission.

Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng., más conocido en nuestro país como orégano francés, es una planta a la que se le confieren una gran cantidad de propiedades terapéuticas para el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades dentro de las que se encuentra el asma bronquial. En el presente trabajo se realizó la evaluación de las tabletas 100 mg de Plectranthus amboinicus sobre la anafilaxia pasiva cutánea y la transmisión adrenérgica e histaminérgica. Como resultado final de este trabajo pudimos comprobar que Plectranthus amboinicus tabletas de 100 mg inhibe la anafilaxia pasiva cutánea, potencia la transmisión adrenérgica e inhibe los efectos de la histamina cuando esta interactúa con los receptores H1 presentes a nivel intestinal. Podemos concluir que las tabletas de 100 mg de Plectranthus amboinicus podrían emplearse en el tratamiento de enfermedades alérgicas tipo I y con esto justificar el uso popular de la planta en el asma bronquial.

Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, well-known in our country as French origan, is a plant with many therapeutical properties for the treatment of different diseases, including bronchial asthma. In the present paper, the effect of Plectranthus amboinicus tablets (100 mg) on the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and on the adrenergic and histaminergic transmission was evaluated. As a final result of this paper, it was possible to confirm that these tablets inhibit the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, potentiates the adrenergic transmission, and inhibits the effects of histamine when it interacts with H1 receptors present at the intestinal level. It was concluded that the Plectranthus amboinicus tablets 100 mg could be used in the type I treatment of allergic diseases, and thus justify the popular use of this plant for bronchial asthma.