Avaliação toxicológica e determinação da dl 50 do extrato bruto de luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitaceae) / Toxicological evaluation and determination of ld 50 of the crude extract of luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitaceae) / Evaluación toxicológica y determinación de la dl 50 del extracto crudo de luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitáceas)

As plantas medicinais têm sido bastante utilizadas para o tratamento de várias enfermidades pelo homem. Numerosos compostos bioativos obtidos de plantas medicinais apresentam atividades antimicrobianas, antivirais, anticancerígenas, anti- inflamatórias, antioxidantes e neuromoduladoras. Entretanto, existe um número crescente de estudos científicos que comprovam a toxicidade de plantas medicinais. O fruto da Luffa operculata Cogn. é utilizado popularmente como purgante, emenogogo, expectorante e rinossinusite. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade aguda e determinar a dose letal 50% (LD50) do extrato bruto etanólico de Luffa operculata Cogn., por via intraperitoneal em camundongos. No experimento foi utilizado camundongos albinos fêmeas Swiss (Mus Muscullus). Os animais foram divididos em grupos (n=6/grupo), e a toxicidade foi avaliada em duas etapas: preliminar e definitiva. As reações comportamentais relacionadas às doses administradas do extrato de Luffa operculata Cogn. foram taquicardia, taquipneia, movimentos estereotipados e circulares e piloereção. Após essa fase, os animais apresentaram reações depressoras envolvendo apneia e prostração. Além disso, os animais apresentaram outros comportamentos como: contorções abdominais, tônus da musculatura abdominal, espasmos e irritação da conjuntiva. O extrato de Luffa operculata Cogn. apresentou uma DL50 de 3,3 mg/Kg de peso corpóreo, sendo considerada muito tóxica. Como essa planta é largamente usada pela população para fins terapêuticos, alertamos quanto a utilização indiscriminada devido ao alto potencial tóxico.

Medicinal plants have been sed for the treatment of various diseases by man. Numerous bioactive compounds obtained from medicinal plants exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuromodulatory activities. However, the number of scientific studies proving the toxicity of medicinal plants is increasing. The fruit of Luffa operculata Cogn. it is popularly used as a purgative, emmenagogue, expectorant, and rhinosinusitis. This work aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and determine the lethal dose of 50% (LD50) of the crude ethanolic extract of Luffa operculata Cogn., intraperitoneally. In the experiment, Swiss female albino mice (Mus Muscullus) were used. The animals were divided into groups (n=6/group), and toxicity was evaluated in two steps: preliminary and definitive. Behavioral reactions related to administered doses of Luffa operculata Cogn. were tachycardia, tachypnea, stereotyped, and circular movements and piloerection. After this phase, the animals presented depressive reactions involving apnea and prostration. In addition, the animals showed other behaviors such as abdominal contortions, abdominal muscle tone, spasms, and irritation of the conjunctiva. The extract of Luffa operculata Cogn. presented an LD50 of 3.3 mg/Kg of body weight, being considered very toxic. As this plant is widely used by the population for therapeutic purposes, we warn about its use due to its high toxic potential.

Las plantas medicinales han sido ampliamente utilizadas para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades por parte del hombre. Numerosos compuestos bioactivos obte- nidos de plantas medicinales exhiben actividades antimicrobianas, antivirales, anticance- rígenas, antiinflamatorias, antioxidantes y neuromoduladoras. Sin embargo, hay un nú- mero creciente de estudios científicos que prueban la toxicidad de las plantas medicinales. El fruto de Luffa operculata Cogn. se utiliza popularmente como purgante, emenogogo, expectorante y rinosinusitis. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la toxicidad aguda y determinar la dosis letal al 50% (DL50) del extracto etanólico crudo de Luffa operculata Cogn., por vía intraperitoneal. En el experimento se utilizaron ratones albinos hembra suizos (Mus Muscullus). Los animales se dividieron en grupos (n=6/grupo) y la toxicidad se evaluó en dos etapas: preliminar y definitiva. Reacciones conductuales relacionadas con las dosis administradas de Luffa operculata Cogn. fueron taquicardia, taquipnea, mo- vimientos estereotipados y circulares y piloerección. Después de esta fase, los animales presentaron reacciones depresivas involucrando apnea y postración. Además, los anima- les mostraron otros comportamientos como: contorsiones abdominales, tono muscular abdominal, espasmos e irritación de la conjuntiva. El extracto de Luffa operculata Cogn. presentó una DL50 de 3,3 mg/Kg de peso corporal, considerándose muy tóxico. Como esta planta es muy utilizada por la población con fines terapéuticos, advertimos contra su uso indiscriminado por su alto potencial tóxico.

Cuantificación de compuestos con potencial bioactivo en Citrullus lanatus, Luffa cylindrica y Sicana odorifera

La sandía vanessa, la luffa y la cassabanana son cucurbitáceas que poseen compuestos con potencial bioactivo, esto es, presencia de compuestos que ejercen efectos benéficos para la salud. En Colombia, estas frutas son desaprovechadas, debido a su escasa popularidad; dar a conocer la información de sus compuestos nutricionales incentiva su aprovechamiento y consumo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar la caracterización fisicoquímica y evaluar el efecto de la liofilización y la extracción asistida por ultrasonido sobre el contenido de vitamina C, polifenoles totales y capacidad antioxidante de las partes de cada fruto. Los desechos generados entre cortezas y semillas son de 28,3 % (sandía), 68,76 % (luffa) y 25,39 % (cassabanana); estos, a su vez, presentaron contenidos de polifenoles totales y capacidad antioxidante mayores que en la pulpa. El tratamiento de liofilización mejoró la extracción % en capacidad antioxidante, vitamina C y polifenoles totales, comparado con las muestras frescas. Por otro lado, tanto la corteza como la pulpa de luffa son una buena fuente de compuestos con capacidad antioxidante, mientras que la sandía y la cassabanana alcanzaron una buena aceptación sensorial, lo cual, se atribuye al contenido de sólidos solubles y el alto contenido de agua, que las hace frutas dulces y refrescantes.

Vanessa watermelon, luffa and cassabanana are cucurbits that have compounds with bioactive potential, that is, compounds that have beneficial effects on health. In Colombia, these fruits are underutilized due to their low popularity; making known the information on their nutritional compounds encourages their use and consumption. The objective of this study was to perform the physicochemical characterization and evaluate the effect of freeze-drying and ultrasound-assisted extraction on the vitamin C content, total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of the parts of each fruit. The wastes generated between rinds and seeds are 28.3 % (watermelon), 68.76 % (luffa) and 25.39 % (cassabanana), these in turn presented higher total polyphenol contents and antioxidant capacity than in the pulp. The freeze-drying treatment improved the extraction % in antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and total polyphenols compared to fresh samples. On the other hand, both rind and pulp of luffa are a good source of compounds with antioxidant capacity, while watermelon and cassabanana reached a good sensory acceptance, which is attributed to the soluble solids content and the high-water content, which makes them sweet and refreshing fruits.

One new coumarin from seeds of Herpetospermum pedunculosum / 中国中药杂志

This paper aims to investigate the chemical constituents of the seeds of Herpetospermum pedunculosum. One new coumarin and two known lignans were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the seeds of H. pedunculosum with thin layer chromatography(TLC), silica gel column chromatography, Sephedax LH-20 chromatography, Semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography and recrystallization, etc. Their structures were elucidated as herpetolide H(1), phyllanglaucin B(2), and buddlenol E(3) by analysis of their physicochemical properties and spectral data. Among them, compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 2 and 3 were isolated from this genus for the first time. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity test showed that herpetolide H had certain NO inhibitory activity for LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, with its IC_(50) value of(46.57±3.28) μmol·L~(-1).

Four new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from Gynostemma longipes C.Y.Wu / 药学学报

Dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins are regarded as the main active constituents of Gynostemma longipes C.Y.Wu. By using MCI and silica gel column chromatography, as well as preparative HPLC, we isolated four new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from the polar saponin fraction of G. longipes C.Y.Wu. Their structures were determined by comprehensive analyses of NMR and MS data and identified as (20S)-3β,20,21-trihydroxydammar-19-oxo-24-ene-3-O-{[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)]-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl}-21-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (20S)-3β,20,21-trihydroxydammar-24-ene-19-oxo-3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)]-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-21-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (20S)-3β,19,20,21-terahydroxydammar-24-ene-3-O-{[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)]-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl}-21-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (20S)-3β,20,21-trihydroxydammar-24-ene-3-O-{[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)]-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-21-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (4). Compounds 1-4 are new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins which contain five glycosyl residues.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of aqueous extracts of Cucurbita pepo L / Atividades antimicrobiana e antibiofilme de extratos aquosos de Cucurbita pepo L

Introduction: Cucurbita pepo L. is an herbaceous plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The species is popularly used in different countries for the treatment of diabetes and parasitic diseases. Objective: This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of aqueous extracts of leaves and seeds of C. pepo. Methodology: the extracts were tested in vitro against strains of Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans and Candida krusei. The antimicrobial activity was performed by the microtiter method and the antibiofilm activity by the violet crystal method. Results: the results demonstrated that the extracts tested showed antibacterial and antibiofilm actions against S. pyogenes, but it was not possible to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The extracts inhibited the growth of C. albicans and C. krusei with MIC of 0.03 mg/mL. The antibiofilm activity of these species did not present either a dose dependence relationship or a synergistic effect when associated with the antifungal Fluconazole®. Conclusion: although there are indications of antimicrobial and inhibitory action in the formation of biofilm, additional studies are necessary to characterize the possible pharmacological effects of the analyzed specie.

Introdução: Cucurbita pepo L. é uma planta herbácea pertencente à família Cucurbitaceae. A espécie é usada popularmente em diferentes países para tratamento de diabetes e parasitoses. Objetivo: esse trabalho objetivou avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano e antibiofilme de extratos aquosos de folhas e sementes de C. pepo. Metodologia: os extratos foram testados in vitro contra cepas de Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans e Candida krusei. A atividade antimicrobiana foi realizada pelo método de microtitulação e a atividade antibiofilme pelo método de cristal de violeta. Resultados: os resultados demonstraram que os extratos testados apresentaram ação contra S. pyogenes, tanto em relação ao controle do crescimento bacteriano como inibição de formação de biofilme, mas não foi possível determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). Os extratos inibiram o crescimento C. albicans e C. krusei com CIM de 0.03 mg/mL. A atividade antibiofilme dessas espécies não apresentou relação de dose dependência nem de efeito sinérgico quando associado ao antifúngico Fluconazol®. Conclusão: Embora haja indicativos de ação antimicrobiana e inibitória na formação de biofilme, são necessários estudos adicionais para a caracterização dos possíveis efeitos farmacológicos da espécie analisada.

Determination of cucurbitacin E in some selected herbs of ayurvedic importance through RP-HPLC

Background: The consumption of the fruits of cucurbitaceae plants is widely popular among Indians dueto their various nutritional and medicinal purposes. Some of these plants are well reported in Ayurvedadue to their potential therapeutic importance. In particular, the plants of this family are wellcharacterized by the presence of its bitter principle, Cucurbitacin E which differs within the speciesdue to its genetic variations.Objectives: The objective of the study was to develop a validated RP-HPLC method for standardization insome widely consumed cucurbits with cucurbitacin E as a marker compound.Materials and methods: The RP-HPLC method was developed with a reverse phase C18 column, usingacetonitrile and water (1% glacial acetic acid) as mobile phase (70:30 v/v). The flow rate and lmax wereoptimized at 1 mL/min and 230 nm respectively. The HPLC method was validated in terms of accuracy,specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability as per ICH guideline.Results: The calibration curve was found linear in the concentration range of 1e100 mg/mL. The % RSD ofprecision and recovery was found to be <2%, which confirms high repeatability of the method. The results indicated that the content of cucurbitacin E was highest (0.0663% w/w) in Cucurbita pepo whereasLagenaria siceraria contains the lowest (0.0356% w/w).Conclusion: The study was able to explore the variation of cucurbitacin E content in some selected foodplants of Cucurbitaceae family. The applicability of the method can be established in nutraceutical industry for the effective quality control of cucurbits for safe human consumption.

Efecto de la endocría sobre habilidad combinatoria del rendimiento y calidad en zapallo ( Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) / Inbreeding effect in combinatorial ability of yield and quality on butternut squash ( Cucurbita moschata Duchesne)

RESUMEN El zapallo Cucurbita moschata Duchesne es una hortaliza para diversos procesos culinarios y agroindustriales, por su color, sabor y textura; sin embargo, estas características cambian dependiendo del cultivar. Con base en 6 progenitores, 15 híbridos F1, sin incluir los recíprocos, se estudió el efecto de la endocría en la habilidad combinatoria (HC), de caracteres asociados con el rendimiento y la calidad del fruto del zapallo, en dos localidades, Candelaria y Buga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Se usó cruzamientos dialélicos y progenitores con diferente grado de endocría (S0xS0, S1xS1 y S2xS2). Se utilizó el método 2 y modelo I, propuesto por Griffing y el análisis de Hallauer & Miranda, para evaluar la habilidad combinatoria general (HCG) y específica (HCE) del rendimiento y la calidad del fruto, con fines agroindustriales. Todos los caracteres evaluados variaron entre generaciones de endocría. Se detectó interacción entre generación de endocría por localidad para todos los caracteres (P<0,01), con excepción de almidón (AL) y caroteno total (CT) en fruto. La HCG y HCE no se ajustaron a un patrón de comportamiento, debido a la variación de los progenitores en la susceptibilidad a la endocría. Los progenitores con HCG altamente significativa (P<0,01) para producción, fueron: 79S0, 79S1, 80S0 y 34S1, en Candelaria y 79S0, 79S1, 79S2, 34S0, 6S0, 6S1, 2S1 y 2S2, en Buga. Los mejores híbridos con alta HCE y alto rendimiento y calidad, para la localidad Candelaria, fueron: 2x28-S0, 2x80-S0, 28x80-S0 y 80x34 y para la localidad Buga: 2x6-S1, 80x34-S1, 2x80-S2 y 79x34-S2.

ABSTRACT Butternut squash, Cucubita moschata Duchesne, is a vegetable used for various culinary and agro-industrial processes due to its colour, flavour and texture; however, these characteristics change depending on the cultivar. Based on 6 parents, 15 F1 hybrids, not including reciprocals, the effect of inbreeding on the combinatorial ability (HC) of characters associated with the performance and quality of Butternut squash fruit was studied; in two locations, Candelaria and Buga, Valle del Cauca-Colombia. Diallel and progenitor crosses with different degrees of inbreeding (S0xS0, S1xS1 and S2xS2) were used. Method 2 and model I proposed by Griffing and the Hallauer & Miranda analysis were applied to assess the general combinatorial (HCG) and specific combinatorial ability (HCE) of the yield and quality of the fruit, for agroindustrial purposes. All evaluated characters varied between inbreeding generations. Interaction between inbreeding generation by locality was detected for all characters (P <0.01), with the exception of starch (AL) and total carotene (CT) in fruit. The HCG and HCE did not adjust to expected behaviour pattern, due to the variation of parents to inbreeding susceptibility. The parents with highly significant HCG (P <0.01) for production were 79S0, 79S1, 80S0 y 34S1 in Candelaria and 79S0, 79S1, 79S2, 34S0, 6S0, 6S1, 2S1 y 2S2 to Buga. The best hybrids with high HCE and high performance and quality, for Candelaria locality were: 2x28-S0, 2x80-S0, 28x80-S0 and 80x34 and for locality Buga: 2x6-S1, 80x34-S1, 2x80-S2 and 79x34-S2.

Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of four acid phosphatases from edible seeds of oleaginous cucurbit Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, Lagenaria siceraria is an oleaginous cucurbit widely consumed for its edibleseeds. These seeds were previously categorized as good enzyme sources, including four non-specific acidphosphatases isolated and designated as BLsAP1, BLsAP2, RLsAP1, and RLsAP2. In this study, we investigateon the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of these biocatalysts in order to evaluate their thermostability.Thermal inactivation was carried out in the temperature range of 55°C to 80°C from 5 to 60 minutes. The resultsrevealed that thermal inactivation of studied acid phosphatases follows first order kinetics. At their optimumtemperatures, these enzymes showed high half-lives ranging from 169.06 to 495.10 minutes and D valuesfrom 561.71 to 1,645.03 minutes. Moreover, they exhibited high activation energies (from 155.08 to 200.55kJ/mol) and average enthalpy values (from 152.23 to 197.74 kJ.mol−1) suggesting their good thermostability.The comparison of all these values revealed that the two acid phosphatases (RLsAP1 and RLsAP2) from theround-fruited cultivar of L. siceraria showed better thermal stability than those (BLsAP1 and BLsAP2) fromthe blocky-fruited cultivar.

Impact of global warming on the distribution of Anastrepha grandis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Brazil / Impacto potencial do aquecimento global sobre a distribuição de Anastrepha grandis (Diptera: Tephritidae) no Brasil

Anastrepha grandis is one of the main pests related to Cucurbitaceae in South and Central America. This study discusses the impact of temperature increase on the number of generations of A. grandis, whose distribution could be aggravated due to temperature increase. Climatic variations were analyzed for reference scenarios obtained from 1961‒1990 and of A2 and B1 climatic change scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in which a less pessimistic scenario (B1) and a more pessimistic scenario (A2) were found. In relation to the reference scenarios, in colder seasons, the southern and southeastern regions are inadequate for the development of A. grandis, presenting one generation at most. In other regions of Brazil, where temperatures are higher throughout the year, the number of generations is at least two, and there is no variation from one climatic season to another. When analyzing the temperature increase, in a more pessimistic scenario (A2), there is a considerable variation in the number of generations, if we take into account three future climate scenarios in which A. grandis practically doubles the number of generations. In relation to a less pessimistic scenario (B1), there is a smaller variation in the number of generations, mainly in the southern region of the country. This variation is more accentuated in southeastern Brazil due to the temperature increase, in which the pest's number of generations doubles even in colder seasons.(AU)

Anastrepha grandis é uma das principais pragas relacionadas à Cucurbitaceae nas Américas do Sul e Central. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer o impacto do aumento da temperatura no número de gerações de A. grandis, cuja distribuição poderá ser agravada devido ao aumento da temperatura. Essas variações climatológicas foram analisadas para cenários de referência obtidos de 1961‒1990 e nos cenários de mudanças climáticas A2 e B1 do Painel Intergovernamental de Mudanças Climáticas, onde encontramos um cenário menos pessimista (B1) e um mais pessimista (A2). Em relação ao período de referência é possível observar que, nas estações mais frias, as regiões Sul e Sudeste mostram-se inadequadas para o desenvolvimento de A. grandis, apresentando no máximo uma geração, enquanto nas estações mais quentes o inseto pode chegar a duas gerações. Nas demais regiões do país, onde as temperaturas apresentam-se mais elevadas durante todo o ano, o número de gerações é de no mínimo duas e não há variação de uma estação climática para outra. Quando analisado o aumento da temperatura, em um cenário mais pessimista (A2), é possível observar uma variação considerável no número de gerações nos três cenários climáticos futuros, podendo A. grandis dobrar o número de gerações. Em relação a um cenário menos pessimista (B1), é evidente uma variação menor no número de gerações, principalmente na região Sul do país, enquanto que na região Sudeste essa variação já é mais acentuada devido ao aumento da temperatura, podendo dobrar o número de gerações mesmo nas estações mais frias.(AU)

Prospecção fitoquímica de cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) e atividade antioxidante do fruto / Phytochemical prospection of cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) and antioxidant activity of the fruit

Originária da América Tropical, provavelmente do Brasil, a Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) é uma planta herbácea anual, vigorosa, rasteira ou trepadeira, cujos frutos exalam um odor intenso e agradável quando maduros. O presente trabalho visou caracterizar os metabólitos secundários em extratos obtidos das folhas, sementes, polpa e casca do fruto, e avaliar a atividade antioxidante do fruto. Diferentes classes de metabólitos secundários foram identificadas nas análises qualitativas e quantitativas, realizadas nos diferentes extratos obtidos. A atividade antioxidante do extrato aquoso da polpa do fruto foi determinada pela habilidade de sequestrar o radical estável 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil (DPPH). Os carotenoides foram extraídos com acetona, separados com éter de petróleo e quantificados em espectrofotômetro UV. A triagem fitoquímica dos extratos indicou a presença de compostos como açúcares redutores, depsídeos e depsidonas, esteroides e triterpenoides, polissacarídeos, proteínas e aminoácidos, saponinas, taninos, alcaloides e carotenoides, além de atividade antioxidante na polpa do fruto. De acordo com os resultados obtidos constata-se que S. odorifera possui propriedades de interesse farmacológico. O estudo serve como subsídio preliminar sobre o conhecimento da composição química e viabilidade de emprego dessa planta para fins medicinais. (AU)

Being native of Tropical America, probably from Brazil, the Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant, vigorous, creeping or climbing, whose fruits exude an intense and pleasant odor when ripe. This study aimed at characterizing the secondary metabolites in the extracts obtained from the leaves, seeds, pulp and fruit peel, and to evaluate the fruit antioxidant activity. Different classes of secondary metabolites were identified by the qualitative and quantitative analyzes in the varied extracts. The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract from the fruit pulp was determined by the ability to sequester the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH). The carotenoids were extracted with acetone, separated with the petroleum ether, and quantified by UV spectrophotometer. Phytochemical screening of extracts indicated the occurrence of compounds as the reducing sugars, depsids and depsidones, steroids and triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins and amino acids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and carotenoids, besides the antioxidant activity in the fruit pulp. According to the obtained results,S. odorifera possesses properties of pharmacological interest. This study provides a preliminary subsidy on the knowledge concerning the chemical composition and the feasibility of using this plant for medicinal purposes. (AU)

Prospecção fitoquímica de cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) e atividade antioxidante do fruto / Phytochemical prospection of cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) and antioxidant activity of the fruit

Originária da América Tropical, provavelmente do Brasil, a Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) é uma planta herbácea anual, vigorosa, rasteira ou trepadeira, cujos frutos exalam um odor intenso e agradável quando maduros. O presente trabalho visou caracterizar os metabólitos secundários em extratos obtidos das folhas, sementes, polpa e casca do fruto, e avaliar a atividade antioxidante do fruto. Diferentes classes de metabólitos secundários foram identificadas nas análises qualitativas e quantitativas, realizadas nos diferentes extratos obtidos. A atividade antioxidante do extrato aquoso da polpa do fruto foi determinada pela habilidade de sequestrar o radical estável 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH). Os carotenoides foram extraídos com acetona, separados com éter de petróleo e quantificados em espectrofotômetro UV. A triagem fitoquímica dos extratos indicou a presença de compostos como açúcares redutores, depsídeos e depsidonas, esteroides e triterpenoides, polissacarídeos, proteínas e aminoácidos, saponinas, taninos, alcaloides e carotenoides, além de atividade antioxidante na polpa do fruto. De acordo com os resultados obtidos constata-se que S. odorifera possui propriedades de interesse farmacológico. O estudo serve como subsídio preliminar sobre o conhecimento da composição química e viabilidade de emprego dessa planta para fins medicinais.

Being native of Tropical America, probably from Brazil, the Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant, vigorous, creeping or climbing, whose fruits exude an intense and pleasant odor when ripe. This study aimed at characterizing the secondary metabolites in the extracts obtained from the leaves, seeds, pulp and fruit peel, and to evaluate the fruit antioxidant activity. Different classes of secondary metabolites were identified by the qualitative and quantitative analyzes in the varied extracts. The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract from the fruit pulp was determined by the ability to sequester the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH). The carotenoids were extracted with acetone, separated with the petroleum ether, and quantified by UV spectrophotometer. Phytochemical screening of extracts indicated the occurrence of compounds as the reducing sugars, depsids and depsidones, steroids and triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins and amino acids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and carotenoids, besides the antioxidant activity in the fruit pulp. According to the obtained results, S. odorifera possesses properties of pharmacological interest. This study provides a preliminary subsidy on the knowledge concerning the chemical composition and the feasibility of using this plant for medicinal purposes.

Three new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid saponins from tubers of Hemsleya pengxianensis var. jinfushanensis / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of the tubers of Hemsleya pengxianensis var. jinfushanensis. Methods: The compounds of the ethyl acetate fraction were isolated by silica gel, ODS reversed phase column chromatography, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (prep-HPLC). The structures of these compounds were identified by IR, HRESIMS, and NMR spectra. Results: Three new compounds were obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of the tubers of H. pengxianensis var. jinfushanensis and identified as 3β,26-dihydroxy-cucurbita-5,24(E)-diene-7,11-dione-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3β,11α,26-trihydroxy-cucurbita-5,24(E)-diene-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-α-L-arabinoside (2), and 3β,27-dihydroxy-cucurbita-5,24(Z)-diene-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-27-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→6)- β-D-glucopyranoside (3). Conclusion: Compounds 1-3 are new compounds named hemslepenside Q, hemslepenside R, and hemslepenside S, respectively.

Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the tubers of Hemsleya dolichocarpa / 药学学报

Seven cucurbitane-type triterpenoids were isolated from the ethanol extract of the tubers of Hemsleya dolichocarpa, with a combination of various chromatographic approaches, including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, Semi-HPLC and so on. On the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, they were identified as 3β,11α,26,27-tetrahydroxycucurbita-5,24(E)-diene-3,26-glucosides (1), scandenogenin D (2), jinfushanencin F (3), scandenoside R3 (4), scandenoside R1 (5), scandenogenin A (6), scandenoside R2 (7). Among them, compound 1 is a new triterpenoid, compound 2 showed remarkable activity against human cancer cell line HeLa with IC50 value of 6.78 μmol·L-1.

Characterization of bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and minerals in landraces of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) cultivated in Southern Brazil

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic variability for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and minerals in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) landraces. Total phenolic compounds, carotenoids, antioxidant activity and minerals were evaluated in 10 accessions of Cucurbita moschata landraces from the Genebank of Embrapa Temperate Agriculture (Pelotas - RS, Brazil). Twenty plants of each accession were cultivated in the field during the spring/summer of 2013/2014. After harvesting of mature fruits, the seeds were discarded and opposite longitudinal portions of the pulp were manually prepared for analysis of the bioactive compounds. For the determination of minerals, pumpkin samples were frozen in plastic bags, and after freeze-dried and milled. All analysis were performed in triplicate. The data obtained showed high genetic variability for the synthesis of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, antioxidant activity and minerals. The accessions C52, C81, C267 e C389 showed high levels of antioxidants and minerals, being recommended for use in pumpkin breeding programs. The accessions C52 and C389 are promising, especially because they present the highest levels of total carotenoids.

Content Determination and Grey Relational Analysis of Cucurbitaceaes in Five Varieties of Cucurbitaceae Plants / 中国药师

Objective: To establish an HPLC method for the content determination of cucurbitacin B and E in cucurbitaceae plants, and evaluate the quality of cucurbits by grey relational analysis.Methods: A Diamonsil-C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) was adopted and the UV detection wavelength was 234 nm at the flow rate of 1.0 ml·min-1.The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% acetic acid and acetonitrile with gradient elution, and the column temperature was 30℃.In addition,grey relational analysis was carried out for the comprehensive evaluation.Results: The linear range of cucurbitacin B and E was 0.894-44.715 μg·ml-1(r=0.999 6) and 0.257-12.825 μg·ml-1(r=0.999 7),respectively.The average recovery was 98.8%-100.3% and 98.0%-100.1%(RSD＜0.88%,n=6), respectively.According to the grey correlation analysis on the components, Cucumis melo L had the best quality, and Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng showed the worst quality.Conclusion: The established method is rapid and convenient, which can be used for the content determination of cucurbitacin B and E in cucurbits, and the comprehensive quality evaluation of cucurbits.

Chemical Constituents from the Tubers of Hemsleya penxianensis / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents from the tubers of Hemsleya penxianensis. METHODS: The constituents were isolated from the tubers of H. penxianensis and purified by column chromatography, and the structures were identified by spectral analysis and chemical methods. RESULTS: Five compounds were isolated from the tubers of H. penxianensis and the structures were identified as 2β, 3α, 16α, 20, 24-pentahydroxycucurbita-5, 25(E)-diene-11, 22-dione(1), cucurbitacin II a(2), cucurbitacin IIb(3), hemslecins G(4), and jinfushanencins B(5). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new compound.

Cucumol A: a cytotoxic triterpenoid from Cucumis melo seeds

ABSTRACT Phytochemical investigation of the MeOH extract of Cucumis melo L. var. reticulates, Cucurbitaceae, seeds led to the isolation of a new triterpenoid: cucumol A (27-hydroxy taraxerol-3β-ol), along with three known compounds: α-spinasterol and D:B-friedoolean-5-ene-3-β-ol. Their structures were established by extensive 1D (1H, 13C, and DEPT) and 2D (1H–1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR, as well as IR and HRESIMS spectral analyses. Compound 3 displayed cytotoxic activity against L5178Y and Hela cancer cell lines with ED50 of 1.30 and 5.40 µg/ml, respectively compared to paclitaxel (0.07 and 0.92 µg/ml, respectively).

Herpetolide C: one new 7H-dibenzoc,eoxepin-5-one from Herpetospermum caudigerum / 药学学报

The chemical constituents of Herpetospermum caudigerum were investigated using chromatographic methods, including silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC. Four compounds were isolated and their structures were elucidated by spectral data and physicochemical properties, which were identified as 2,11-dimethoxy-3,9-dihydroxy-7H-dibenzo[c,e]oxepin-5-one (1), 7,8'-didehydroherpetotriol (2), herpetotriol (3) and kaempferitrin (4). Among those, compound 1 is one new 7H-dibenzo[c,e] oxepin-5-one, named as herpetolide C.

Chemical constituents of ethyl acetate fraction from seed melon (Citrulluslanatus ssp. vulgaris var. megalaspermus) / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, the chemical composition of ethyl acetate parts of seed melon were studied by using ethanol re-flux method, extraction method, and isolated by column chromatography oversilica gel and Sephadex LH-20 and HPLC. The structures of the separated compounds were identified by physical-chemical methods and spectral data such as MS, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, etc. 12 compounds were got from the plant including one new compound, 4-hydroxymet-hyl-2-methoxyphenyl 1-O-β-D-[6'-O-(4″-hydroxybenzoyl)-glucopyranoside] (1) and 11 known compounds, uracil (2), thymine (3), 2'-deoxyuridine (4), 7,8-dimethylalloxazine (5), indole-3-carboxylic acid (6), β-adenosine (7), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (8), p-coumaric acid (9), cucumegastigmanesⅠ (10), 3'-methoxyl-quercetin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11) and 3,3'-dimethyloxy-4,4'-dihydroxy-9,9'-monoepoxy lignan (12).

Cucumin S, a new phenylethyl chromone from Cucumis melo var. reticulatus seeds

ABSTRACTA new phenylethyl chromenone, cucumin S [(R)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-[1-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone] (1), along with five known compounds: 5,7-dihydroxy-2-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone (2), 5,7-dihydroxy-2-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone (3), luteolin (4), quercetin (5), and 7-glucosyloxy-5-hydroxy-2-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone (6) were isolated from the EtOAc fraction of Cucumis melo var. reticulatus Ser., Cucurbitaceae, seeds. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic means (1D and 2D NMR), as well as HRESIMS, optical rotation measurement, and comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds 1–6 were assessed for their antioxidant activity using DPPH assay. Compounds 3, 4, and 5 showed potent activities compared to propyl gallate at concentration 100 µM.