A new species of Zalepidota Rübsaamen, 1908 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) on Piper vicosanum (Piperaceae), an endemic plant to Brazil

ABSTRACT Zalepidota distincta sp. nov. (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) is described based on male, female, pupa and larva morphological characters. The new species induces galls on Piper vicosanum (Piperaceae), an endemic plant to Brazil. Types (mounted on slides) were deposited in the Entomological Collection of the Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Illustrations of the most relevant morphological characters are provided. The new species has some morphological characters that differ from those of the genus diagnosis. Therefore, the concept of Zalepidota was broadened.

Inclusion of biopiperine in the kappa-carrageenan complex might improve its bioaccessibility and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in edema-induced Wistar rats

Piper nigrum has been used in Indonesian traditional medicine to alleviate pain. Piperine, a nitrogenous substanceisolated from the plant, has been reported for its anti-inflammatory activity. However, this compound is slightlysoluble in water, which impacts its bioaccessibility. A recent study reported that a co-ground mixture of piperine andβ-cyclodextrin revealed a significant increase of dissolved piperine at 15 minutes of dissolution test compared to thatof pure piperine. This work was aimed to study the bioaccessibility of the carrageenan-complexed piperine in Wistarrats and assayed its anti-inflammatory activity on the edema-induced paw of the rats. Both isolated (from P. nigrum)and synthetic (TCI, Tokyo Chemical Industry) piperines were used as the standards for the bioaccessibility assay,whereas acetosal was the standard drug for the anti-inflammatory activity study. The carrageenan-complexed piperinerevealed a better bioaccessibility (Cmax = 0.34 µg/ml; Tmax at 30 minutes) than that of the isolated piperine (Cmax = 0.12µg/ml, Tmax at 60 minutes), whereas the synthetic piperine showed the best absorption (Cmax = 0.48 µg/ml, Tmax at 30minutes). The anti-inflammatory activity of carrageenan-complexed piperine at a dose of 393 mg/kg body weight(BW) (contains 100 mg of piperine) equals to the acetosal dose of 45 mg/kg BW. Thus, the inclusion of biopiperinein the carrageenan complex might improve its bioaccessibility and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in Wistar rats.

Phytochemistry and anti-inflammatory activities of Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi ­ a review / Actividades fitoquímicas y antiinflamatorias de Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi - una revisión

Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi which belongs to the family Piperaceae, is a well-known medicinal plant possessing high medicinal and various therapeutic properties. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of asthma and rheumatic arthritis. Numerous studies on this species have also corroborated the significant anti-inflammatory potential of its extracts and secondary metabolites. The main chemical constituents which have been isolated and identified from P. kadsura are lignans and neolignans, which possess anti-inflammatory activities. The present article aims to provide a review of the studies done on the phytochemistry and antiinflammatory activities of P. kadsura. The scientific journals for this brief literature review were from electronic sources, such as Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. This review is expected to draw the attention of the medical professionals and the general public towards P. kadsura and to open the door for detailed research in the future.

Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi, perteneciente a la familia Piperaceae, es una planta medicinal conocida que posee importantes propiedades medicinales y diversas propiedades terapéuticas. Es ampliamente utilizada en la medicina tradicional china para el tratamiento del asma y la artritis reumática. Numerosos estudios sobre esta especie también han corroborado el destacado potencial antiinflamatorio de sus extractos y metabolitos secundarios. Los principales componentes químicos que se han aislado e identificado de P. kadsura son los lignanos y los neolignanos, que poseen actividades antiinflamatorias. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo proporcionar una revisión de los estudios realizados sobre las actividades fitoquímicas y antiinflamatorias de P. kadsura. Las revistas científicas para esta breve revisión de literatura fueron de fuentes electrónicas, como Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus y Web of Science. Se espera que esta revisión atraiga la atención de los profesionales médicos y el público en general respecto de P. kadsura y abra la puerta a una investigación detallada en el futuro.

Aporphine alkaloids from Piper erecticaule and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity / Alcaloides de aporfina obtenida de Piper erecticaule y actividad inhibitoria de la acetilcolinesterasa

Chemical constituents and biological activities of the aerial parts of Piper erecticaule C.DC. have been studied for the first time. Fractionation and purification of the extracts afforded aristolactam AII (1), aristolactam BII (2), piperolactam A (3), piperolactam C (4), piperolactam D (5), together with terpenoids of ß-sitosterol, ß-sitostenone, taraxerol, and lupeol. The structures of these compounds were obtained by analysis of their spectroscopic data, as well as the comparison with that of reported data. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity revealed that compounds 1 and 3 showed strong AChE inhibitory effects with the percentage inhibition of 75.8% and 74.8%, respectively.

Se estudiaron por primera vez los constituyentes químicos y actividad biológica de las partes aéreas de Piper erecticaule C.DC. El fraccionamiento y la purificación de los extractos proporcionaron aristolactama AII (1), aristolactama BII (2), piperolactama A (3), piperolactama C (4), piperolactama D (5), junto con terpenoides de ß-sitosterol, ß-sitostenona, taraxerol, y el lupeol. Las estructuras de estos compuestos se obtuvieron mediante el análisis de sus datos espectroscópicos, así como mediante la comparación con datos ya informados. La actividad inhibidora de la acetilcolinesterasa reveló que los compuestos 1 y 3 mostraron un potente efecto inhibidor de la AChE con un porcentaje de inhibición del 75.8% y 74.8%, respectivamente.

Acaricidal activity of extracts from different structures of Piper tuberculatum against larvae and adults of Rhipicephalus microplus / Atividade acaricida de extratos de diferentes estruturas de Piper tuberculatum sobre larvas e adultos de Rhipicephalus microplus

ABSTRACT The strategies to control the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus are based mainly on the use of synthetic pesticides. However, the emergence, establishment, and development of resistance of ticks is rendering the main chemical groups ineffective. Finding new molecules to effectively control infestations by R. microplus is necessary to maintain the productivity of cattle herds, particularly of taurine breeds established in equatorial and tropical regions of the world. Ethanol extracts from the leaves, stems, and fruits of Piper tuberculatum were evaluated in bioassays at concentrations of 50, 25, 12.50, 6.25, 3.12 and 1.56 mg mL-1. The concentrations lethal to 50% of the individuals (LC50) of tick larvae after 24 hours of exposure were 3.62, 3.99 and 5.30 mg mL-1 for fruit, stem and leaf extracts, respectively. Against the engorged females, the highest efficacy rates were obtained at the concentration of 50 mg mL-1, corresponding to 71.57%, 68.38% and 37.03% of the fruit, leaf and stem extracts, respectively. The main effect of the ethanol extracts was on the egg hatching rate of ticks, with a reduction of 55.63% for the fruit and leaf extracts, and 20.82% for the stem extract. The results show that P. tuberculatum is a promising source of molecules for use as active ingredients in pesticide formulations for R. microplus control.

RESUMO Estratégias de controle do carrapato dos bovinos, Rhipicephalus microplus, fundamentam-se na utilização de pesticidas. Os principais grupos químicos utilizados atualmente mostram-se ineficazes devido ao surgimento de populações resistentes. A pesquisa de novas moléculas com eficiência acaricida é uma necessidade para manutenção da produtividade dos rebanhos bovinos estabelecidos em regiões de clima tropical. Avaliamos a atividade de Piper tuberculatum para o controle de fêmeas ingurgitadas e larvas de R. microplus através de bioensaios de imersão de adultos e de pacotes de larvas. As concentrações avaliadas foram de 50; 25; 12,50; 6,25; 3,12 e 1,56 mg mL-1 de extrato etanólico de folha, talo e fruto de P. tuberculatum. As concentrações letais para 50% dos indivíduos (CL50) após 24 horas de exposição de larvas de R. microplus foram 3,62; 3,99 e 5,30 mg mL-1 para os extratos etanólicos de fruto, talo e folha, respectivamente. Para fêmeas ingurgitadas, a maior eficácia resultou da concentração de 50 mg mL-1 de extrato de fruto (71.57%). O principal efeito dos extratos etanólicos de P. tuberculatum foi sobre a eclodibilidade, com uma redução de 55.63% para extratos de fruto e folha. P. tuberculatum mostra-se promissora como fonte de moléculas candidatas a uso em pesticidas, em formulações destinadas ao controle das infestações de R. microplus.

Proteomic profile of Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae) / Perfil proteômico e metabólico de Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae)

Abstract Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae) is a species that accumulates especially amides as secondary metabolites and several biological activities was previously reported. In this article, we report a proteomic study of P. tuberculatum. Bidimensional electrophoresis (2D SDS-PAGE) and mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF) were used in this study. Over a hundred spots and various peptides were identified in this species and the putative functions of these peptides related to defense mechanism as biotic and abiotic stress were assigned. The information presented extend the range of molecular information of P. tuberculatum.

Resumo Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae) é uma espécie que acumula especialmente amidas como metabólitos secundários e diversas atividades biológicas dessa espécie foram relatadas anteriormente. No presente artigo, relatamos um estudo proteômico dessa espécie. Eletroforese bidimensional (2D SDS-PAGE) e espectrometria de massas (ESI-Q-TOF) foram utilizadas nesse estudos. Mais de cem spots e vários peptídeos foram identificados nesta espécie e as funções putativas desses peptídeos relacionadas a mecanismo de defesa como estresse biótico e abiótico foram atribuídos. As informações apresentadas ampliam a gama de informações moleculares dessa espécie.

Anatomy and microscopy of Piper caldense, a folk medicinal plant from Brazil

ABSTRACT Piper caldense C. DC., Piperaceae, commonly known as "pimenta-d'água", "pimenta-darda" or "paguarandy" in Brazil, is a shrub that grows mainly in humid and shaded habitats. The present study investigates the anatomy of the leaves and stems of P. caldense by light and scanning electron microscopy in order to provide supporting data for correct identification of the species. The leaves are hypostomatic, have a 2-layered hypodermis, and posses pearl glands. The midrib shows a 'U'-shaped stele comprised of about ten collateral vascular bundles. The main anatomical marker of the stem is the presence of a continuous sclerenchymatous sheath in the pith. Two forms of calcium oxalate crystals, namely crystal sand and raphides, are observed in this species.

Morphoanatomical and physicochemical profile of Piper callosum: valuable assessment for its quality control

ABSTRACT Piper callosum Ruiz & Pav., Piperaceae, popularly known as “elixir-paregórico” and “matricá” in Brazil, is used in folk medicine to treat gonorrhea, general pain, and digestive disorders, and has repellent, astringent, diuretic, depurative, and haemostatic properties. Despite the fact that this plant is sold as a traditional phytotherapeutic product, we did not find reports on its quality control. We, therefore, performed macroscopic, microscopic, histochemical, and physicochemical analyses using standard methods to establish botanical authentication and purity degree parameters for leaves and stem of this species in two forms: medicinal plant and herbal drug. We observed the size, shape, color, texture, fracture surface and transection characteristics, leaf venation patterns, and calluses are valuable diagnostic characters to identify the herbal drugs when they are not ground or powdered. Since medicinal plants and herbal drugs did not differ anatomically, the following key anatomical characters for P. callosum can be used for diagnostic purposes of both types raw plant materials: epicuticular wax and cuticular flanges patterns; collenchyma features; fibers in the midrib; arrangement pattern of the vascular bundles of the midrib and petiole; shape of the midrib, leaf margin, petiole, and stem; occurrence of raphides; and morphology of the starch grains. Acid lipids, essential oils, oleoresins, steroids, tannins and flavonoids were histochemically identified. Total ash (leaves: 11.25%; stem: 5.25%), sulphated ash (leaves: 68.02%; stem: 12.50%), acid-insoluble ash (leaves: 2.82%; stem: 0.27%), moisture (leaves: 8.60%; stem: 6.10%), loss on drying (leaves: 11.08%; stem: 8.58%), and pH (leaves: 5.57, stem: 5.28) values were determined. The order of analyzed metal levels in leaf and stem herbal drugs was Al > V > Cu > Mn > Cr > Ni. Similar levels of Cd and Co and low levels of Hg were found. The results obtained can be used as quality control parameters for medicinal plants and herbal drugs of P. callosum.

Proteomic profile of Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae)

Abstract Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae) is a species that accumulates especially amides as secondary metabolites and several biological activities was previously reported. In this article, we report a proteomic study of P. tuberculatum. Bidimensional electrophoresis (2D SDS-PAGE) and mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF) were used in this study. Over a hundred spots and various peptides were identified in this species and the putative functions of these peptides related to defense mechanism as biotic and abiotic stress were assigned. The information presented extend the range of molecular information of P. tuberculatum.

Resumo Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae) é uma espécie que acumula especialmente amidas como metabólitos secundários e diversas atividades biológicas dessa espécie foram relatadas anteriormente. No presente artigo, relatamos um estudo proteômico dessa espécie. Eletroforese bidimensional (2D SDS-PAGE) e espectrometria de massas (ESI-Q-TOF) foram utilizadas nesse estudos. Mais de cem spots e vários peptídeos foram identificados nesta espécie e as funções putativas desses peptídeos relacionadas a mecanismo de defesa como estresse biótico e abiótico foram atribuídos. As informações apresentadas ampliam a gama de informações moleculares dessa espécie.

Folk medicine, phytochemistry and pharmacological application of Piper marginatum

ABSTRACT Piper marginatum Jacq., Piperaceae, is a widely distributed Neotropical species abundant in the Caribbean, exhibiting a characteristic winged petiole and a heart-shaped leaf, its two vegetative landmarks for rapid identification. The species has been employed by traditional indigenous cultures for its reputed medicinal properties. The plant is most frequently employed by local healers in Central America, the Antilles and South America, for alleviating gastrointestinal ailments, administered as a decoction or infusion for its tonic, diuretic and carminative effects. These beneficial properties may be attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals within P. marginatum, with most of the studies focusing on the essential oil of the plant. Monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids and phenylpropanoids of a varied chemical structure have been identified in the essential oil, while phenylalkanoids, aristolactams, amides and flavonoids have been purified by chromatographic techniques from the extracts. The biological and pharmacological examination of P. marginatum showed that the plant may be a valuable source of mosquitocidal, antifungal, antitumoral and hemostatic agents. Future bioguided research may yield biologically relevant molecules useful in medicine or agriculture.

Actividad tripanocida de Piper solmsianum C. DC. sobre formas epimastigota y tripomastigota de Trypanosoma cruzi / Trypanocidal activity of Piper solmsianum C. DC. against epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

Introducción: la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi, conocida como enfermedad de Chagas, es un problema importante de salud pública en países de América Central y Sudamérica.Objetivo: evaluar la actividad de extractos crudos de acetato de etilo de plantas in vitro de 6-8 meses y 10-12 meses de edad, de tallos leñosos y hojas de plantas silvestres maduras y el lignano tetrahidrofurano grandisina, aislados de Piper solmsianum, sobre las formas epimastigota y tripomastigota de T. cruzi in vitro.Métodos: en la evaluación del efecto de diversos extractos crudos de acetato de etilo y grandisina de P. solmsianum, sobre la viabilidad de las formas epimastigota y tripomastigota de T. cruzi, se utilizó el método MTT (3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5-difeniltetrazolium bromuro).Resultados: en la forma epimastigota, el mejor resultado en la inhibición del crecimiento fue obtenido con 50 µg/mL de extracto de tallo y en la forma tripomastigota con 25 y 50 µg/mL de grandisina y plantas in vitro de 6-8 meses de edad, respectivamente. En todos los casos los valores de inhibición oscilaron entre 86 a 96 por ciento. Plantas in vitro de 6-8 meses de edad y grandisina fueron más activas sobre las formas epimastigota y tripomastigota de T. cruzi con valores de CI50 de 0,018 y 0,360 µg/mL, respectivamente.Conclusiones: se demuestra la actividad tripanocida de extractos de plantas silvestres y plantas in vitro de P. solmsianum(AU)

Introduction: the infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, known as Chagas' disease, poses a major public health problem in Central and South America countries.Objective: to evaluate the activity of crude ethyl acetate extracts from in vitro plants of 6-8 and 10-12 months of age, stem barks and mature wild plant leaves and tetrahydrofuran lignin grandisin isolated from Piper solmsianum against the epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi in vitro.Methods: in the evaluation of the effect of various crude ethyl acetate extracts and grandisin from P. solmsianum on the viability of epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi, the MTT method (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-il)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was used.Results: in the epimastigote form, the best results in growth inhibition was obtained with 50 µg/mL of stem extract, and in the trypomastigote form, with 25 and 50 µg/mL of grandisin and 6-8 months-old in vitro plants, respectively. The inhibition values in all cases ranged from 86 to 96 percent. 6-8 months old in vitro plants and grandisin were found to be active against the epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi with IC50 of 0.018 µg/mL and 0.360 µg/mL, respectively.Conclusions: the trypanocidal activity of extracts from wild plants and in vitro plants of P. solmsianum was proved(AU)

Caracterización fitoquímica y evaluación de actividad inhibitoria sobre acetilcolinesterasa de hojas de Piper pesaresanum C. DC / Phytochemical characterization and evaluation of the inhibitory activity of Piper pesaresanum C. DC leaves against acetylcholinesterase

Introducción: el género Piper perteneciente a la familia Piperaceae es de gran importancia económica debido a sus aplicaciones a nivel alimenticio, industrial y medicinal. Especies de este género son conocidas popularmente como cordoncillos y se caracterizan porque presentan un amplio espectro de actividades biológicas, entre las que se encuentra el efecto neuroprotector, que está asociado al tratamiento de enfermedades neurodegenerativas como el Alzheimer. En Colombia existen muchas especies a las cuales no se les han desarrollado estudios investigativos, tal es el caso de Piper pesaresanum C. DC. Objetivo: caracterizar química y biológicamente el extracto etanólico de hojas de P. pesaresanum mediante un estudio fitoquímico biodirigido y evaluar la actividad inhibitoria sobre acetilcolinesterasa. Métodos: a partir del extracto etanólico de hojas maduras de P. pesarenasum se realizó un estudio químico biodirigido para aislar e identificar las sustancias responsables de la actividad inhibitoria sobre acetilcolinesterasa. La evaluación de la actividad inhibitoria sobre acetilcolinesterasa se realizó por autografía directa empleando el método de Ellman. Adicionalmente se realizó un tamizaje fitoquímico preliminar mediante pruebas de coloración y precipitación llevadas a cabo en vía húmeda y cromatografía en capa delgada. Resultados: el análisis fitoquímico preliminar sugiere la presencia de terpenos, esteroides, fenoles y cumarinas. La evaluación de la actividad inhibitoria sobre acetilcolinesterasa permitió evidenciar zonas claras de inhibición en las fracciones de éter de petróleo (EP) y cloroformo (CHCl3). El estudio fitoquímico biodirigido condujo al aislamiento e identificación por primera vez para la especie del ácido 4-metoxi-3,5-di(3'-metil-2'-butenil) benzoico. Conclusiones: el estudio químico y de actividad biológica llevado a cabo en la especie P. pesaresanum permitió identificar al ácido 4-metoxi-3,5-di(3'-metil-2'-butenil) benzoico como uno de los compuestos responsables de la actividad inhibitoria sobre acetilcolinesteras(AU)

Introduction: The genus Piper, from the Piperaceae family, has great economic importance, due to its uses on a nutritional, industrial and medicinal level. The species in this genus are commonly known as peppers, and are characterized by a broad range of biological activities, including a neuroprotective effect associated with the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Many of the species growing in Colombia have not been studied. Such is the case with Piper pesaresanum C. DC. Objective: Carry out a chemical and biological characterization of the ethanolic extract of P. pesaresanum leaves by means of a bioguided phytochemical study and evaluate inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase. Methods: A bioguided chemical study was conducted of the ethanolic extract of P. pesarenasum mature leaves to isolate and identify the substances responsible for inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase. Evaluation of inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase was based on direct autography using the Ellman method. Preliminary phytochemical screening was also performed by means of wet color and precipitation tests, and thin-layer chromatography. Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis suggests the presence of terpenes, steroids, phenols and coumarins. Evaluation of inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase revealed clear-cut inhibition areas in petroleum ether (PE) and chloroform (CHCl3) fractions. The bioguided phytochemical study led to isolation and identification of 4-methoxy-3.5-di(3'-methyl-2'-butenyl) benzoic acid for the first time in the study species. Conclusions: Chemical study and evaluation of the biological activity of the species P. pesaresanum led to identification of 4-methoxy-3.5-di(3'-methyl-2'-butenyl) benzoic acid as one of the compounds responsible for inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase(AU)

Composición química y actividad antibacteriana del aceite esencial de Peperomia acuminata de los Andes venezolanos / Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil Peperomia acuminata from Venezuelan Andes

El género Peperomia (Piperaceae), es bien conocido por sus especies ornamentales y usos etnomedicinales. En el presente trabajo se describe la caracterización química y la actividad antibacteriana del aceite esencial de Peperomia acuminata Ruiz & Pav. proveniente del Estado Mérida Venezuela. El aceite esencial se obtuvo por hidrodestilación de las hojas y la separación de los componentes se realizó por Cromatografía de gases-Espectrometría de Masas (CG/EM). Se logró la elucidación de ocho compuestos (96,7%), siendo el 2E-dodecenal el componente mayoritario (65%) seguido de dodecanal (14,8%) y tetradecanal (9,2%). Esta investigación muestra el potencial del aceite esencial de P. acuminata frente a bacterias Gram positivas (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 y Enterococcus faecalis 29212), con un valor de Concentración inhibitoria mínima de 1μL/mL. Este es el primer reporte sobre la composición química del aceite esencial de esta especie, por lo tanto una contribución importante al estudio del género Peperomia.

The genus Peperomia (Piperaceae) is well known for its ornamental species and ethnomedicinal uses. This paper aims to chemically characterize the essential oil of Peperomia acuminata Ruiz & Pav. from Mérida State, Venezuela, and determine its microbiological activity. The essential oil is obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves and the separation of the components was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Eight compounds (96.7%) were elucidated in the oil. The 2E dodecenal was found to be the major component (65%) followed by dodecanal (14.8%) and tetradecanal (9.2%). The essential oil showed high specificity against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC (25923) and Enterococcus faecalis (29212) with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 1 µL/mL. This is the first report about chemical composition of the essential oil from this specie therefore an important contribution to the study of the genus Peperomia.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Piper lenticellosum C.D.C essential oil collected in Ecuador.

The essential oil of the leaves and spikes of Piper lenticellosum C. DC. (Piperaceae) was isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. A yield of 2.06 % was obtained. Twenty eight components were identified by comparison of their mass spectra with Wiley GC-MS library data and the retention indices (RI) calculated for every compound. The major constituents were piperitone (33.97 %), 1,8 cineole (11.92 %), limonene (11.07 %), safrole (8.18 %) and α-pinene (4.49 %). Antibacterial activity of the essential oil was evaluated against five important human pathogenic bacterial strains using the disk diffusion agar method. The results showed at moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC (25923), Escherichia coli ATCC (25922) and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC (233357) with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 100, 200 y 300 µL/mL, respectively. According to the literature consulted, this is the first report on chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Piper lenticelosum C. DC. from Ecuador.

Composition of the essential oils from leaves of Piper lepturum Kunth (C.DC.) var. lepturum and Piper lepturum var. angustifolium (Miq.) Yunck. from Brasil / Composición de los aceites esenciales de hojas de Piper lepturum Kunth (C.DC.) var. lepturum y Pip

The essential oils of Brazilian Piper lepturum var. lepturum and Piper lepturum var. angustifolium (Piperaceae) were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by flame-detector gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). According to GC and GC/MS analysis, the essential oils are mostly composed by sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons. beta-Guaiene (29.96 percent) was the principal component in the essential oil of P. lepturum var. lepturum and beta-Bisabolene (17.72 percent) was the principal components in the essential oil of P. lepturum var. angustifolium.

Los aceites esenciales de las especies brasileñas Piper lepturum var. lepturum y Piper lepturum var. angustifolium fueron obtenidos por hidrodestilación y analizados utilizando cromatografía gas líquido con detector de ionización de llama (CG) y cromatografía gas líquido acoplada a un detector de masas (CG/EM). De acuerdo con los análisis de CG y CG/EM, los aceites esenciales muestran como componente principal beta-Guaieno (29,96 por ciento) en el aceite esencial de P. lepturum var. lepturum y beta-Bisaboleno (17,71 por ciento) en el aceite esencial de P. lepturum var. angustifolium.

Antifungal Action of the Dillapiole-rich Oil of Piper aduncum against Dermatomycoses Caused by Filamentous Fungi.

Aims and Study Design: Piper aduncum L. is a Brazilian plant with many biological properties attributed to its dillapiole-rich essential oil. Despite the development of antibiotics, bacterial and fungal infections are still a public health issue in the medical field. This study measured the antimicrobial activity of the dillapiole-rich essential oil of P. aduncum against pathogenic skin microorganisms. Place of Study: Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Pará, Brazil. This work was performed in 2014. Methodology: Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Cromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have analyzed the oil and its dillapiole-rich fraction. The determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values was carried out by microdilution method and counting of formed colonies. Results: For the strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (ATCC 9533 and clinical isolate), the oil and its dillapiole-rich fraction exhibited MIC values of 500 μg/ml while the MFC values were 1,500 μg/ml for the oil and 1,000 μg/ml for the fraction rich in dillapiole. For clinical isolates of T. rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum, MIC values of 500 μg/ml and MFC 1,500 μg/ml were equal for the oil and the dillapiole-rich fraction, respectively. For clinical isolates of Microsporum canis and M. gypseum, the MIC and MFC values were 250 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml, respectively. For strains of Aspergillus fumigatus (ATCC 40152 and clinical isolate), the oil and its dillapiole-rich fraction have shown the same MIC value of 3.9 μg/ml while the MFC values were 7.8 μg/ml for the strain ATCC 40152, and 15.6 μg/ml for the clinical isolate. The oil and dillapiole-rich fraction did not show antibacterial activity against the strain of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and its clinical isolate Conclusion: The dillapiole-rich essential oil of P. aduncum and its dillapiole-rich fraction demonstrates significant antifungal activity against dermatophytes, filamentous fungi and potent antifungal activity against non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi.

Induction and growth pattern of callus from Piper permucronatum leaves / Indução e padrão de crescimento de calos de folhas de Piper permucronatum

ABSTRACT Piper permucronatum is a perennial shrub, a medicinal plant native to the Amazon Rainforest. Traditionally, the tea of its leaves is used to combat menstrual and intestinal cramps, stomach pain, digestive problems, diarrhea, hemorrhage, and nausea. Its leaf’s essential oil is effective against Aedes aegypti larvae; its flavones and flavanones have a fungicidal effect against Clamidosporium cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum; its hexanic extract is effective against Leishmania amazonensis. The objective of this study was to provide a protocol for callus induction from P. permucronatum leaves and an identification of the callus growth pattern, focusing on the deceleration phase, when the callus cells must be subcultured into liquid medium in order to produce a cell suspension cultures. Leaf explants were inoculated in a solid MS medium supplemented with factorial combinations of 2,4-D, BA, NAA and GA3. Callus formation was evaluated weekly until the 49th day. Subsequently, new explants were inoculated at the hormonal combination that resulted in the highest callus cell proliferation and, every seven days during a period of 70 days, samples were dried and weighed to determine the callus growth pattern. NAA and GA3 were not effective for callus induction. Combinations of 2,4-D and BA resulted in callus induction and proliferation. The highest percentage of callus induction was observed with the combination of 4.52 µM 2,4-D and 4.44 µM BA. The calluses thereby produced were friable and whitish. The callus growth pattern followed a sigmoid shape. The deceleration phase started on the 56th day of culture.

RESUMO Indução e padrão de crescimento de calos de folhas de Piper permucronatum. Piper permucronatum é um arbusto perene, uma planta medicinal native da Floresta Amazônica. Tradicionalmente, o chá de suas folhas é usado em casos de cólicas menstruais e intestinais, dores de estômago, problemas digestivos, diarreia, hemorragia e náusea. O óleo essencial das folhas é efetivo contra a larva de Aedes aegypti; suas flavonas e flavanonas têm efeito fungicida contra Clamidosporium cladosporioides e C. sphaerospermum; seu extrato hexânico é efetivo contra Leishmania amazonensis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar um protocolo para indução de calos em folhas de P. permucronatum e identificar o padrão de crescimento dos calos, com foco na fase de desaceleração, quando as células de calo devem ser subcultivadas em meio líquido para produzir culturas de células em suspensão. Explantes foliares foram inoculados em meio MS sólido suplementado com combinações fatoriais de 2,4-D, BAP, ANA e GA3. A formação de calos foi avaliada semanalmente até o 49º dia. Posteriormente, novos explantes foram inoculados na combinação hormonal que resultou na maior proliferação de células de calo e, a cada sete dias durante 70 dias, amostras foram secas e pesadas para determinar o padrão de crescimento dos calos. ANA e GA3 não foram efetivas para a indução de calos. Combinações de 2,4-D e BAP resultaram em indução e proliferação de calos. A maior porcentagem de indução de calos foi observada com a combinação de 4,52 µM de 2,4-D e 4,44 µM de BAP. Os calos produzidos eram friáveis e esbranquiçados. O crescimento dos calos seguiu um padrão sigmoide. A fase de desaceleração iniciou no 56º dia de cultivo.

Estudio comparativo de de la composición volátil y las actividades biológicas del aceite esencial de Piper marginatum Jacq colombiano / Comparative study of volatile composition and biological activities of essential oil from Colombian Piper marginatum Jacq

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron el estudio de la composición química volátil del aceite esencial (AE) de Piper marginatun Jacq (Piperaceae) obtenido de plantas colectadas en dos sitios geográficos colombianos: municipios de Acandí (Chocó) y Turbaco (Bolívar). Además, evaluar sus propiedades antioxidante, repelente y antialimentaria. AEs fueron aislados mediante la técnica de hidrodestilación e identificados por cromatografía de gases acoplada a un detector de espectrometría de masas (GC-MS). Los compuestos mayoritarios encontrados en P. marginatum colectado en Acandi fueron cis-p-anetol (46.3 por ciento), estragol (28.9 por ciento), safrol (9.0 por ciento), mientras que en P. marginatum de Turbaco fueron germacreno D (36.6 por ciento), beta-elemeno (12.6 por ciento), germacren-D-4-ol (5.4 por ciento). La actividad antioxidante de los AEs se determinó por el método del radical DPPH.. Los porcentajes de inhibición de DPPH. del aceite esencial de P marginatum de Turbaco y Acandí fueron del 90.0 por ciento y 73.7 por ciento, respectivamente. El AE procedente de Turbaco presentó la mayor actividad repelente frente al gorgojo Tribolium castaneum, a una concentración de 0.1 uL/cm2 a 2 y 4 horas de exposición (85 por ciento y 76 por ciento, respectivamente). El AE de P. marginatum de Turbaco fue más activo contra las larvas del Spodoptera littoralis (Porcentaje de inhibición de la alimentación, porcentaje FR = 80,6) y se observó una elevada inhibición de asentamiento de Myzus persicae y Rhopalosiphum padi (porcentaje SI = 87,9% y 86,4%).

The objectives of this work were to study the volatile chemical composition of essential oil (EO) from Piper marginatun Jacq (Piperaceae), obtained from plants collected in two Colombian geographic locations: municipalities Acandí (Chocó) and Turbaco (Bolívar). Also, evaluate their antioxidant, repellent and antifeedant properties. EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation technique and identified by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometric detector (GC-MS). The major compounds found in P. marginatum collected in Acandi were cis-p-anethole (46.3 percent), estragole (28.9 percent), safrole (9.0 percent), while in P. marginatum from Turbaco were germacrene D (36.6 percent), beta- elemene (12.6 percent), germacren-D-4-ol (5.4 percent). The antioxidant activity of the EOs were determined using the method of DPPH radical. The percentages of inhibition of DPPH. of P marginatum from Turbaco and Acandí were 90.0 percent and 73.7 percent, respectively. The EO from Turbaco had the highest repellent activity against Tribolium castaneum, at a concentration of 0.1 uL /cm2 at 2 and 4 hours of exposure (85 percent and 76 percent respectively). P. marginatum from Turbaco was more active against Spodoptera littoralis larvae (Percent feeding inhibition, FI= 80.6 percent) and a high Percent settling inhibition of Myzus persicae and Rhopalosiphum padi (SI = 87.9% and 86,4%).

Chemical constituents from Piper caninum and antibacterial activity.

Six flavonoids and two amides, characterized as 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone (1), 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (2), 4’,5,7- trimethoxyflavone (3), 4’-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavone (4), 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone (5), 2’-hydroxy- 4’,6’-dimethoxychalcone (6), N-isobutyl-(2E,4E,14Z)-eicosatrienamide (7) and N-isobutyl-15-(3’,4’- methylenedioxyphenyl)-2E,4E,12E-pentadecatrienamide (8) have been isolated and identified from the stem of Piper caninum. The identification of all compounds was achieved by physical properties and spectroscopically. These data were also confirmed by comparison with previously reported spectral data. Antibacterial activity of the extracts and isolated compounds was determined by disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). All of the extracts displayed weak antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. Compound (7) showed good activity towards Bacillis subtilis with MIC value of 125 μg/mL. Flavonoid compounds with high content in P. caninum can probably be used as a chemical marker for this Piper species.

Origin of the subepidermal tissue in Piper L. leaves / Origem do tecido subepidérmico em folhas de Piper L.

Studies on the anatomy of Piper leaves demonstrate the presence of a subepidermal tissue distinct from the adjacent epidermis, which cells show thin walls and hyaline contents. Some authors consider such cells a hypodermal tissue, while others refer to them as components of a multiple epidermis. In this study, the nature of this subepidermal tissue was investigated through the analysis of leaf ontogeny in three Piper species. The analysis showed that the referred tissue originates from the ground meristem and, thus, should be considered a hypodermis. The studied species suggests that the role of the hypodermis would be to protect the photosynthetic apparatus from excess light, regulating the intensity of light reaching the chlorophyll parenchyma.

Os estudos de anatomia foliar de espécies de Piper revelam a presença de um tecido subepidérmico distinto da epiderme e cujas células apresentam paredes finas e conteúdo hialino. Estas células são referenciadas por alguns autores como um tecido hipodérmico e por outros, como sendo constituintes de uma epiderme múltipla. Nesse estudo verificou-se a natureza deste tecido subepidérmico a partir da análise da ontogênese foliar de três espécies de Piper. A análise revelou que o referido tecido tem origem do meristema fundamental e, portanto, deve ser denominado de hipoderme. Para as espécies avaliadas, sugere-se que a hipoderme teria função de, proteger o aparato fotossintético do excesso de luminosidade, regulando a intensidade luminosa que atinge o parênquima clorofiliano.