Evaluation of the effects of SPONDIAS MOMBIN extract as an alternative antimicrobial drug

The extract of Spondias mombin has constituents which may improve psychiatric disorders, in addition to having antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial activity. But despite having several benefits, it is necessary to assess whether the extract may interfere with cell metabolism so furthermore its microbicide potential can be explored. Fifteen Wistar rats were used, divided into four groups (control group; control with extract; hyperlipidemic diet; hyperlipidemic diet and extract). For 12 weeks, the animals were weighed and their blood glucose was assessed. Afterwards, they were euthanized, and the biological material was collected. The evaluation confirmed the efficacy of the extract of S. mombin against cell metabolism of rats, without negatively altering cell viability; the group of rats with an hyperlipidemic diet showed an increase in body weight; however, in the individual assessment of the organs, there were no significant changes. The glycemic index, liver parameters, lipids, and mineral ions did not show changes. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential of S. mombin extract was observed against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Staphylococcus aureus BLACC. The results suggest that S. mombin extract did not interfere with cell viability, did not show cytotoxicity to cells that were exposed to it, nor did it interfere with the metabolism, organs, and biochemical indices of rats with a standard or hyperlipidemic diet. Considering such characteristics and the potential activities observed in this present study, additional evaluation should be conducted to further assess the role of S. mombin extract as a source of new alternative antimicrobial drug as well as its possible beneficial activity to the cardiovascular system.

Biological properties of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi essential oil

Abstract Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi green fruits essential oil (EO) was evaluated regarding its phytochemical profile, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, and toxicity. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was applied to identify its constituents, thereafter the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations, and its antibiofilm activity were evaluated. The EO cytotoxicity was assessed in tumor and non-tumor human cells, and in vivo toxicity was evaluated in a Galleria mellonella model. The major constituents of S. terebinthifolia EO were alpha-phellandrene and beta-phellandrene. The EO had a weak activity against all strains of Candida albicans (MIC 1000µg/mL) and had no activity against non-albicans strains, bacteria, and C. albicans biofilm. Cytostatic activity against all tumor cell lines was shown. Additionally, cell viability remained at EO concentrations up to 62.5 µg/mL. At 16 mg/mL, 50% hemolysis was observed, and it had low toxicity in vivo. Overall, the S. terebinthifolia EO was characterized by low antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, with no evidence of toxicity to human tumor and non-tumor cells

Effect of Spondias mombin L. extract on the wettability, roughness, color and morphology of bovine enamel

Although Spondias mombin L. extract has an excellent antimicrobial effect against oral microorganisms, it should be clarified how it affects enamel surface properties. Aim: To evaluate the color change, wettability/contact angle, surface roughness and morphology of bovine enamel submitted to the Spondias mombin L. extract. Methods: Thirty bovine teeth were distributed into the following groups: 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 1:32 Spondias mombin L. extract and distilled water. Color change (CC) was evaluated after immerging specimens into the solutions for 14 days. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a roughness meter; wettability/contact angles (CA) were determined by the sessile drop method, and scanning electron microscopy images were obtained to characterize the morphology (SMA). The pH of the solutions was evaluated using a pHmeter. The Ra, CA, and CC data were parametric (Kolmogorov-Smirnov; p>0.05). Two-way ANOVA (for Ra and CA) and one-way ANOVA (for CC) with Tukey's posthoc tests at a significance level of 5% were used. SMA was analyzed descriptively. Results: The Spondias mombin L. extract revealed an acidic pH, and when in contact with the bovine teeth, it increased the wettability, but it did not cause statistically significant differences in the Ra. Spondias mombin L. extract caused the highest color change. The SEM images showed differences in the specimens' surface submitted to the extract compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Spondias mombin L. extract provided negative effects on bovine enamel's surface, including a high color change and a more wettable substrate

On the natural history of Cosmophyga cortesi Vargas (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), a little-known geometrid moth of the Atacama Desert

Abstract The integration of field work with DNA barcoding is useful to disentangle lepidopteran interactions in nature. Adults of the little-known geometrid moth Cosmophyga cortesi Vargas, 2008 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) were reared from folivorous larvae collected on the native tree Schinus areira L. (Anacardiaceae) at about 260 and 1500 m elevation in the transverse valleys of the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Similarity of two DNA barcodes of C. cortesi was 99.7 and 100% with one sequence of an unidentified geometrid larva previously collected in a cell of the potter wasp Hypodynerus andeus (Packard, 1869) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). This finding represents the first host plant record for C. cortesi, expands its previously documented altitudinal range by more than 1200 m and confirms that its larvae are captured by females of a potter wasp.

Atividade antifúngica e potencial antibiofiome do extrato hidroetanólico de Spondias mombin L. e de suas frações frente a leveduras do gênero Candida / Antifungal activity and antibiofiome potential of the hydroethanolic extract of Spondias mombin L. and its fractions against yeasts of the genus Candida

A Candidose é uma patologia que pode ter manifestações locais e também sistêmicas e acontece pela proliferação de fungos do gênero Candida. O tratamento desta patologia é realizado com antifúngicos mas, devido a resistência dos fungos causadores desta enfermidade se faz necessário conhecer outros antifúngicos. A ação antimicrobiana do extrato hidroetanólico de Spondias mombin L. já é conhecida e é fundamental que seja pesquisado a atividade antibiofilme das substâncias, uma vez que estes fungos causam adoecimento quando se acumulam e proliferam. Sabendo disso é que o presente estudo teve por objetivo principal investigar a ação antifúngica e antibiofilme do extrato hidroetanólico (EH) de Spondias mombin L. e das frações de taninos, flavonoides e ácidos fenólicos, frente a fungos do gênero Candida, de importância clínica. Para isto, determinou-se a concentração inibitória mínima por meio do uso de discos e pela técnica da microdiluição em caldo, concentração inibitória mínima de aderência, determinação da curva de morte dos fungos e atividade antibiofilme das frações de ácidos fenólicos, flavonoides e tanino, frente aos fungos Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida Krusei e Candida Glabrata, utilizando como controle positivo a Nistatina (100.000 UI), em triplicata. Foi visto que, a atividade antifúngica e antibiofilme do EH e de suas frações analisadas existe, porém, quando comparamos as frações com o EH este último apresentou melhor atividade em suas maiores concentrações (500 µg/mL e 250 µg/mL) e quando traçamos o comparativo entre a ação antifúngica e antibiofilme das substâncias testadas e do grupo controle, tivemos melhores resultados do grupo controle frente aos fungos testados. Desta forma foi possível concluir que o extrato hidroetanólico apresentam resultados superiores de atividade antifúngica frente a todos os microrganismos testados, exceto C. krusei e antibiofilme frente a, pelo menos, uma das espécies de Candida e que este extrato teve resultados muito semelhantes e, por vezes, superior ao grupo controle (AU).

Candidosis is a pathology that can have local as well as systemic manifestations and happens due to the proliferation of fungi of the Candida genus. The treatment of this pathology is carried out with antifungal agents, but due to the resistance of the fungi that cause this disease, it is necessary to know other antifungal agents. The antimicrobial action of the hydroethanolic extract of Spondias mombin L. is already known and it is essential that the antibiofilm activity of the substances be researched, since these fungi cause illness when they accumulate and proliferate. Knowing that, this study aimed to investigate the antifungal and antibiofilm action of the hydroethanolic extract (EH) of Spondias mombin L. and its fractions, against fungi of the genus Candida, of clinical importance. For this, the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined through the use of disks and the technique of microdilution in broth, minimum inhibitory concentration of adhesion, determination of the fungal death curve and antibiofilm activity of the fractions of phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannin, against the fungi Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida Krusei and Candida Glabrata, using nystatin (100,000 IU) as a positive control, in triplicate. It was seen that the antifungal and antibiofilm activity of EH and its analyzed fractions exists, however, when we compare the fractions with EH, the latter showed better activity at its highest concentrations (500 µg/mL e 250 µg/mL) and when we draw the comparison between the antifungal and antibiofilm action of the tested substances and the control group, we had better results than the control group against the tested fungi. Thus, it was possible to conclude that the hydroethanolic extract presented superior results of antifungal activity against all tested microorganisms, except C. krusei and antibiofilm against at least one of the Candida species and that this extract had very similar results and, for times higher than the control group (AU).

Simultaneous isolation of gallotannins and a related phenolic from Mangifera indica kernels and assessment of their anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activities

Therapeutic alternatives are being searched for trichomoniasis as a result of the increased prevalence of metronidazoleresistant infections. Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) is an importanttree with a long history in medicine. Traditionally, ithas been used as an anti-diarrheal and anti-diabetic, and recently, its gallotannin-rich leaves and stem bark extracts have shownantiparasitic activities against various parasites. Aiming at exploring the anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity of mango’sgallotannins, an aqueous ethanol extract of fresh kernels of M. indica was phytochemically investigated. Based on a simplegel chromatographic procedure, ethyl gallate (2), a group of five isomeric tetragalloyl-glucoses (3–7), and a pentagalloylglucose (8) were simultaneously isolated from a single fraction by a preparative Reversed-phase-high performance liquidchromatography. The isolates were identified based on spectroscopic analyses and comparison with reported data. Theyshowed structural-dependent inhibitory effects on the growth of T. vaginalis trophozoites in an in vitro investigation.Ethyl gallate and 1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (7) exhibited elevated anti-T. vaginalis activity (IC50 = 1.3, 2.4μg/ml, respectively). This is the first report exploring the potential of gallotannins as trichomonacidal agents.

Dermatites de contato causadas por aroeiras (Anacardiaceae) no estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Contact dermatitis caused by mastic (Anacardiaceae) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Contexto e objetivos: Aroeira é o nome popular de árvores da família Anacardiaceae, que inclui plantas sensibilizantes como a poison ivy norte-americana (Toxicodendron radicans), o cajueiro (Anacardium occidentale) e a mangueira (Mangifera indica). Este estudo procura caracterizar o conhecimento sobre as aroeiras e a frequência de manifestações clínicas em camponeses. Desenho e local: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo e prospectivo com pacientes e acompanhantes residentes em ampla área rural de cerrado no Centro-Oeste paulista. Métodos: A frequência e a relação causal entre a exposição a aroeiras, comuns na região, e a dermatite eczematosa típica foi pesquisada. Para a avaliação, foi utilizado um questionário específico. Resultados: Todos os 39 entrevistados conheciam aroeiras (100%) e 17 deles (43,58%) relataram ter se aproximado ou descansado sob essas árvores. Mais da metade deles (56,41% ou 22 indivíduos) relataram dermatites que relacionaram às arvores. Os demais entrevistados não desenvolveram reações, mas conheciam pessoas que o fizeram (43,59%). Três pacientes, ou 7,69% da amostra, apresentavam lesões de padrão eczematoso, creditando-as ao contato com aroeiras-bravas (Lithraea molleoides). Discussão: Devido à alta frequência com que essas árvores são encontradas no campo (cerrado brasileiro) e aos dados obtidos, percebemos também uma alta frequência de sensibilização nas áreas rurais. Conclusões: É imperativo que as campanhas de orientação e alerta sejam desenvolvidas para aumentar a conscientização sobre riscos potenciais, de modo que o contato com essas árvores seja evitado, evitando condições alérgicas que podem ser tão extensas quanto graves.

Identification and pest status of Holopothrips fulvus (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) on dwarf-cashew crops in northeastern Brazil

Abstract Cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), is one of the most important sources of agricultural income in northeastern Brazil, but many of the arthropods associated with the crop have yet to be identified. We describe here for the first time the damage caused by Holopothrips fulvus (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) to dwarf-cashew trees cultivated in the municipality of Pacajús, Ceará, Brazil. Leaf tissue injuries were caused by the sucking mouthparts of the insect and were characterized by dark necrotic spots on the epidermis that resulted in yellowing, wilting and, ultimately, abscission of the leaves. H. fulvus also fed on developing kernels and pseudofruits producing injuries that manifested in the form of chlorotic specks. Additional information is given on the pest status and important aspects of the morphology of the insect, including sexual dimorphism, redescription of the adults and description of the second instar larvae.

Schinus terebinthifolius: phenolic constituents and in vitro antioxidant, antiproliferative and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities

ABSTRACT Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Anacardiaceae, native to Brazil, is referred to as "pimento-rosa" and is used to treat inflammatory disease in folk medicine. Studies have reported important pharmacological properties, but these effects have still not been fully exploited. This study reports that the crude extract and isolated compounds of S. terebinthifolius (leaves) have in vitro antioxidant, antiproliferative, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. The samples were evaluated for antioxidant activity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, β-carotene/linoleic acid and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulphonic acid reagents. The anti-inflammatory effects were assayed against a carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in mice to test doses of 10, 100 and 300 mg/kg at different time points in addition to myeloperoxidase activity analysis. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated using ten human tumour cell lines. Two derivatives of gallic acid and four flavonoids were isolated and exhibited considerable antioxidant activity. The extract and its compounds showed selectivity towards ovarian cancer cells, with growth inhibitory activity values ranging from 1.9 to 6.5 µg/ml. Sample extracts and methyl gallate significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced oedema in the mice paw oedema experimental model. The calculated topological polar surface area for methyl gallate (86.98 Å2) showed good intestinal absorption. The effects reported herein are be related to the presence of flavonoids and the galloyl phenolic derivative content.

Análisis morfológico comparativo de las estructuras reproductivas masculinas de los géneros Orthopterygium y Amphipterygium (Anacardiaceae)

Se presenta una descripción detallada de la inflorescencia y flor masculina del género Orthopterygium (A. Gray) Hemsl. en comparación con su género hermano Amphipterygium Standl., ambos anteriormente ubicados en la familia Julianiaceae, con la finalidad de corroborar sus estatus taxonómicos. Se incluyen todas las especies de ambos géneros, O. huaucui, A. molle, A. adstringens, A. simplicifolium y A. glaucum. Se realizaron medidas de las piezas florales (longitud de la flor, longitud y número de sépalos, longitud de las anteras y longitud de los filamentos) así como la longitud de la inflorescencia, éstas fueron sometidas a un análisis de componentes principales. Las estructuras diferenciales más significativas entre ambos géneros corresponden a la longitud y número de sépalos. Esta observación soporta y corrobora los resultados ya reportados por otros autores y constituye el primer avance en el establecimiento del actual estatus taxonómico de Orthopterygium, se sostiene por tanto la consideración de ambos géneros como entidades independientes.

We present a descriptive study on the male inflorescence and flowers of the genus Orthopterygium (A. Gray) Hemsl. in comparison with their sister genus Amphipterygium Standl., formerly recognized as Julianiaceae, with the aim of corroborate their current taxonomic status. We included all species of both genera O. huaucui, A. adstringens, A. molle, A. simplicifolium and A. glaucum. We measured floral pieces (flower length, sepal length, anther length and filament length) and inflorescence. These data were compared in a principal component analysis. Sepals length and sepals number are the most significant discriminant characters between both genera. This work supports and corroborates the results obtained by other authors and comprises the first initiative on the evaluation of the actual taxonomic status of Orthopterygium and establishes the distinction of both genera as independent entities.

A new species of Leurocephala Davis & Mc Kay (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) from the Azapa Valley, northern Chilean Atacama Desert, with notes on life-history

ABSTRACT The Neotropical micromoth genus Leurocephala Davis & Mc Kay, 2011 (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) was originally described to include only the type species, L. schinusae Davis & Mc Kay, 2011, whose leaf miner larvae are associated with Anacardiaceae in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. An integrative analysis including morphology, life history and DNA barcode sequences revealed that specimens collected on Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) in the coastal valleys of the Atacama Desert of northern Chile belong to a second species of this formerly monotypic genus. Adults of Leurocephala chilensis Vargas & Moreira sp. nov. are herein described and illustrated in association with the immature stages and life history, and corresponding phylogenetic relationships are assessed based on DNA barcode sequences. This finding provides the first record of Leurocephala from west of the Andes Range, expanding remarkably its geographic range. It is suggested that the extent of diversity within Leurocephala is much greater and that variation in geographic factors and host plant use may have modeled it, an evolutionary hypothesis that should be assessed in further studies.

In vitro antifungal activity of Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão against human vaginal Candida species

ABSTRACT Myracrodruon urundeuva is a plant native to Brazil, which is used by the indigenous population for the treatment of candidiasis. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antifungal activity of extract against human vaginal Candida species and evaluate the possible toxicological activities of M. urundeuva. Initially, ethanol extracts, ethyl acetate fractions, and hydroalcoholic fractions of the bark and leaf of M. urundeuva were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The extracts that showed antifungal activity were characterized by liquid chromatography and subjected to toxicity assessment. Toxic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic testing were performed using Allium cepa and Ames assays with the ethanol extracts of the bark and leaves. Hemolytic activity was evaluated in erythrocytes and acute toxicity in rats. The ethanol bark extracts showed best activity against Candida albicans, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis ATCC (4-512 µg/mL). Chemical characterization indicated the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Hemolytic activity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity were not observed. The results of the Ames and A. cepa tests were also in agreement, ethanol bark extracts and ethanol leaf extracts of M. urundeuva showed absence of mutagenic activity. Similar results were observed in the A. cepa assay and acute toxicity test in rats. M. urundeuva bark extracts showed potential for the treatment of vaginal infections caused Candida species, as a topical.

Activity of the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi on strains of the Candida genus / Atividade do extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi sobre cepas do gênero Candida

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the antifungal susceptibility profile of the aqueous extract of the bark of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi against the strains of the genus Candida. Methods: By using the disk diffusion method, 50 samples of the genus Candida (Candida albicans; Candida krusei; Candida glabrata; and Candida tropicalis), isolated from patients receiving treatment at Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, and 1 American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) sample of each species were tested against: the isolated aqueous extract of the bark of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, isolated nystatin, and the association of nystatin and the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi. Results: There were no significant differences regarding the different strains of Candida tested. In the presence of the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, no inhibition halo was visible. Isolated nystatin formed an inhibition halo measuring respectively 18.50 mm and 19.50 mm for the Candida albicans species and the others referred to as non-Candida albicans (Candida krusei; Candida glabrata; and Candida tropicalis). The association of nystatin and the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi resulted in inhibition halos measuring 14.25 mm and 16.50 mm respectively. The comparisons of these results are statistically significant (p < 0,001). Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi showed no antifun-gal activity in vitro against the strains tested, whereas the association of nystatin and the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi caused a decrease in the inhibition halo when compared with isolated nystatin.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar o perfil de susceptibilidade antifúngica do extrato aquoso das cascas de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi frente às cepas do gênero Candida. Métodos: Por meio do método de difusão em disco, 50 amostras do gênero Candida (Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata e Candida tropicalis) provenientes de pacientes do Hospital da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, e 1 amostra American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) de cada espécie foram testadas frente ao extrato aquoso das cascas de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi isolado, nistatina isolada, e a associação da nistatina ao extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significantes em relação às diferentes espécies de cepas de Candida testadas. O extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi não formou halo de inibição. A nistatina isolada formou halo de inibição de 18,50 mm e 19,50 mm respectivamente para as espécies Candida albicans e as demais nomeadas como não Candida albicans (Candida krusei, Candida glabrata e Candida tropicalis). A associação da nistatina ao extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi resultou no halo de inibição de 14,25 mm e 16,50 mm respectivamente, sendo que as comparações destes resultados são estatisticamente significantes (p < 0,001). Conclusão: O extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi não demonstrou propriedade antifúngica in vitro frente às cepas testadas, e a associação da nistatina ao extrato aquoso de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi causou a diminuição do halo de inibição quando comparado à nistatina isolada.

Avaliação dos extratos conjugados de aroeira-do-sertão (myracrodruon urundeuva allemão) e aloe vera (aloe barbadensis miller) em modelo experimental de úlcera traumática em ratos

A mucosa bucal é uma das áreas mais traumatizadas do organismo, podendo apresentar úlceras traumáticas com frequência. São muitos os diferentes tipos de tratamento aos quais ambos profissionais e pacientes recorrem para tratar as lesões ulceradas, como por exemplo, as formulações à base de extratos de plantas e produtos naturais. A utilização de fitoterápicos tem uma longa história de sucessos, porém, o uso combinado de substâncias ainda apresenta escassa referência científica...

The oral mucosa is one of the human body areas most frequently traumatized and usually presents traumatic ulcers. There are different treatment choices among which both professionals and patients may follow in order to treat oral ulcerations, for instance, formulations from plants extract among other natural products. Theuse of phytotherapics has a long history of success, however the associated use of substances still has poor scientific background. The aroeira-do-sertão (Myracrondruon urundeva Allemão) and Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) have anti-ulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory proven activity when used as isolated substances and have been largely prescribed by health care professionals...

Estudo farmacobotânico de partes aéreas vegetativas de aroeira-vermelha (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Anacardiaceae) / Pharmacobotanical study of the aerial parts of Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi)

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), conhecida como aroeira-vermelha é uma espécie nativa do Brasil, perenifólia e pioneira, sendo muito utilizada para combater diversas doenças, pois apresenta, entre outras, propriedades anti-inflamatórias e cicatrizantes. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar um estudo morfoanatômico do caule e da folha de S. terebinthifolius, descrevendo a organização dos tecidos e suas possíveis variações. As análises macro e microscópicas foram realizadas com material selecionado de partes vegetativas de um espécime localizado na cidade de Campina Grande - PB. A aroeira-vermelha é um vegetal arbóreo e dióico, que apresenta caule cilíndrico e simpodial, com casca rugosa e estriada. A folha é perene, alterna, coriácea e composta. As análises microscópicas evidenciaram epiderme caulinar e foliar uniestratificadas, exceto na face adaxial da folha, que é bisseriada. No caule e no pecíolo são visualizados muitos tricomas tectores unicelulares, curtos, cônicos e agudos no ápice. Encontram-se canais secretores arredondados e bem desenvolvidos na região do floema em todos os órgãos estudados, bem como cutícula revestindo as células epidérmicas e grande quantidade de drusas de oxalato de cálcio. Os feixes vasculares são circundados por células esclerenquimáticas e apresentam o floema seguido por xilema helicoidal bem desenvolvido. No caule, pecíolo e nervura central da folha, o xilema é interno e o floema, externo. A aroeira-vermelha apresenta alguns aspectos estruturais característicos de plantas xerófilas, como camada múltipla da epiderme da face adaxial foliar, que protegem o mesofilo de excessiva dessecação; presença de cutícula espessa e grande quantidade de pêlos e de estômatos; além de sistema vascular bem desenvolvido, com abundância de esclerênquima, dando sustentação ao feixe.

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as Brazilian pepper, is an evergreen, pioneer and indigenous plant from Brazil, and it is used to combat various diseases, as it presents anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The aim of this research was to study the morpho-anatomical features of the stem and leaf of S. terebinthifolius, describing the organization of the tissues and their variations. The macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed with material selected from vegetative parts of a specimen collected in the city of Campina Grande - state of Paraíba, Brazil. The Brazilian pepper is a dioecious plant with cylindrical and sympodial stem and rough and striated bark. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, leathery and compound. The microscopic analysis showed uniseriate epidermis in the stem and leaf, except in the adaxial leaf, which is biseriate. In the stem and petiole, many unicellular, short, conical tector trichomes with acute apex are observed. In the phloem of all studied organs, we found rounded and well-developed secretory ducts, as well as cuticle covering the epidermal cells and a large amount of calcium oxalate druses. The vascular bundles are surrounded by sclerenchyma cells and present phloem followed by well-developed spiral xylem. In the stem, petiole and leaf's central vein, the xylem is internal and the phloem is external. The Brazilian pepper has some structural features characteristic of xerophilous plants, such as multiple layers of the epidermis in adaxial leaf, which protects the mesophyll from excessive drying, thick cuticle and a large quantity of hairs and stomata, well-developed vascular system with plenty of sclerenchyma, giving support to the bundle.

Chemical Constituents from Barks of Lannea coromandelica / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the barks of Lannea coromandelica. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel column. NMR spectra were used for structural identification. Results: Thirteen compounds were isolated and identified as quercetin (1), (2. S,3. S,4. R,10. E)-2-[(2'. R)-2'-hydroxytetracosanoyl amino]-10-octadecene-1,3,4-triol (2), aralia cerebroside (3), 5,5'-dibuthoxy-2,2'-bifuran (4), β-sitosteryl-3β-glucopyranoside-6'-. O-palmitate (5), β-sitosterol palmitate (6), myricadiol (7), protocatechuic acid (8), p-hydroxybenzoic acidethyl ester (9), isovanillin (10), trans-cinnamic acid (11), palmitic acid (12), and stearic acid (13). Conclusion: Compounds 2-13 are isolated from this plant for the first time. © 2014 Tianjin Press of Chinese Herbal Medicines.

Nitric oxide production, inhibitory, antioxidant and antimycobacterial activities of the fruits extract and flavonoid content of Schinus terebinthifolius

The extract of the fruits from Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Anacardiaceae, was obtained by exhaustive extraction with methanol. Its fractions and isolated compounds were collected by fractionation with RP-2 column chromatography. The crude extract, the flavonoid fraction and the isolated compound identified as apigenin (1), were investigated regarding its inhibitory action of nitric oxide production by LPS-stimulated macrophages, antioxidant activity by DPPH and the antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium bovis BCG. The samples exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the nitric oxide production (e.g., 1, IC50 19.23 ± 1.64 µg/ml) and also showed antioxidant activity. In addition, S. terebinthifolius samples inhibited the mycobacterial growth ( e.g., 1, IC50 14.53 ± 1.25 µg/ml). The necessary concentration to produce 50% of the maximum response (IC50) of these activities did not elicit a significant cytotoxic effect when compared with the positive control (100% of lysis). The antioxidant and nitric oxide inhibition activity displayed by S. terebinthifolius corroborates its ethnopharmacological use of this specie as an anti-inflammatory. In addition, our results suggest that the flavonoids of S. terebinthifolius are responsible for the activities found. We, describe for the first time the activity against Mycobacterium bovis BCG and the inhibition of nitric oxide production for S. terebinthifolius.

First host plant records for Iridopsis hausmanni Vargas (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in the coastal valleys of northern Chile

First host plant records for Iridopsis hausmanni Vargas (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in the coastal valleys of northern Chile. The trees Haplorhus peruviana Engl. and Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) are mentioned as the first host plant records for the little known native moth Iridopsis hausmanni Vargas, 2007 (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Ennominae) in the coastal valleys of the northern Chilean Atacama Desert. This is also the first record of Anacardiaceae as host plant for a Neotropical species of Iridopsis Warren, 1894.

doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(14)60203-3 Potential in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Holigarna arnottiana (Hook F)

Objective:To explore the in vitro antimicrobial potential of Holigarna arnottiana (H. arnottiana) against human and shrimp pathogenic bacteria and use GC-MS analysis to elucidate its antimicrobial principles. Methods: In the present study, organic extract of H. arnottiana was examined for in vitro antimicrobial potency against five clinical human pathogens, seven species of human type culture pathogens, six pathogenic Vibrio strains isolated from moribund tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and seven type cultures (Microbial Type Culture Collection, MTCC) of prominent shrimp pathogens. Results:The extraction of H. arnottiana with ethyl acetate yielded bioactive crude extract that efficiently repressed the growth of all tested pathogens. Among the pathogens tested, shrimp pathogens were the most susceptible organisms while clinical pathogens were found to be a little resistant. The chemical constituents of the H. arnottiana were analysed by GC-MS which revealed the presence of major compounds such as 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-o1 (42.1%), 1-lodo-2-methylundecane (34.5%) and squalene (11.1%) which might have a functional role in the chemical defence against microbial invasion. Conclusions:Based on the finding it could be inferred that H. arnottiana would be a reliable source for developing shrimp and human bio-therapeutics in future.

A new diarylheptanoid from barks of mangifera indica / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the barks of Mangifera indica. Methods: The constituents were separated and purified by different methods of chromatography, and their structures were elucidated by IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Results: Six compounds were isolated from the barks of M. indica. Their structures were identified as mangiferone (1), mangiferin (2), myricetin (3), myricitrin (4), rutin (5), and quercetin (6). Conclusion: Mangiferone (1) is a new diarylheptanoid compound isolated from the barks of M. indica. © 2013 Tianjin Press of Chinese Herbal Medicines.