Minor triterpenoid acids from an aqueous extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla / 药学学报

Seventeen minor triterpenoid acids (1-17) were isolated from an aqueous decoction of Uncaria rhynchophylla by a combinatory application of column chromatography using multiple stationary phases, including macroporous adsorbent resin, MCI resin, Sephadex LH-20, Toyopearl HW-40C, silica gel, and C18 reversed phase silica gel, combined with separation techniques of flash chromatography (FC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Their structures were determined by analysis of HR-ESI-MS, UV, CD, and IR as well as 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, of which eight new compounds (1-8) are named successively uncarinic acids Q-X, while the structures of 2 and 7 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the in vitro assays, 27-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (17) inhibited TGF-β-induced HSC-T6 cell activation at the concentration of 5 μmol·L-1.

Megastigmanes from an aqueous extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla / 药学学报

Five new megastigmanes (1-5) were isolated from a decoction of Uncaria rhynchophylla by separation techniques of column chromatography using a combination of multiple stationary phases, including macroporous adsorbent resin, MCI resin, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and Toyopearl HW-40F, and reversed phase HPLC. Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic data analysis of HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and CD, in combination with Mosher's mothed as well as ECD and NMR calculations. The new compounds were named uncarphyllonone A (1), uncarphyllonols A (2) and B (3), and uncarphabscisic acids A (4) and B (5). Although the structures of 3 and 4 were previously reported, the reported NMR spectroscopic data were incorrect or do not support the assigned structures in literatures. This is also the first report of discovery of new megastigmane natural products from the Uncaria genus.

Allometric equations to estimate the leaf area of Psychotria colorata (Willd. Ex Schult.) Müll.Arg.

Estimating leaf area using non-destructive methods from regression equations has become a more efficient, quick, and accurate way. Thus, this study aimed to propose an equation that significantly estimates the leaf area of Psychotria colorata (Rubiaceae) through linear leaf dimensions. For this purpose, 200 leaves of different shapes were collected, and length (L), width (W), product of length by width (L.W), and real leaf area (LA) of each leaf blade were determined. Then, equations were adjusted for predicting leaf area using simple linear, linear (0.0), quadratic, cubic, power, and exponential regression models. The proposed equation was selected according to the coefficient of determination (R²), Willmott's agreement index (d), Akaike's information criterion (AIC), mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (RMSE) and BIAS index. It was noted that the equations adjusted using L.W met the best criteria for estimating leaf area, but the equation LA = 0.59 * L.W from linear regression without intercept was the most suitable. This equation predicts that 59% of leaf area is explained by L.W. Concluding, the leaf area of P. colorata can be estimated using an allometric equation that uses linear leaf blade dimensions.

Research on chemical components and biological activities of the iridoids in Morinda genus / 药学实践杂志

Morinda genus of Rubiaceae has been widely used in medicine at home and abroad. Many parts of Morinda tree are utilized in research, mainly including roots, stems, leaves, branches and seeds. Through the research of online databases, the chemical components and biological activities of the iridoids in Morinda genus were summarized in this paper. Up to now, more than 50 kinds of iridoids have been identified. In addition, more and more studies proved that Morinda iridoids might benefit human via such anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor and bone protection. The theoretical basis was provided for the further development and utilization of the iridoids in Morinda genus.

Diversity and abundance of green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in a Conilon coffee plantation in Acre, Brazil

Coffea canephora (Conilon coffee) has great economic importance for the state of Acre, in northern Brazil. The use of insecticides in this crop has increased considerably in recent years. In order to find species of green lacewing (Chrysopidae, Neuroptera) with potential for use in biological pest control in coffee plantations, we sampled green lacewings during one year in an experimental plantation of Conilon coffee in Acre, in order to assess the diversity, abundance and seasonal occurrence of Chrysopidae species. Samplings were carried out weekly using an entomological net. Overall, 1079 specimens of seven green lacewing species were collected: Ceraeochrysa cincta, Ceraeochrysa claveri, Ceraeochrysa cubana, Ceraeochrysa everes, Chrysoperla externa, Leucochrysa (Nodita) cruentata and Leucochrysa (Nodita) marquezi. Ceraeochrysa cubana was the dominant and constant species, comprising 97% of the sampled specimens and occurring in 82% of the weekly samples. The abundance and constant presence of C. cubana, which preys upon several agricultural pests and has shown resistance to various insecticides, make this species a potential candidate for future programs of biological control in Conilon coffee plantations in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon region. (AU)

Taxonomic and Ecological Significance of Foliar Epidermal Characters in Four Taxa of Mussaenda L. (Rubiaceae) in Nigeria

Aims: This study investigated leaf epidermal features as taxonomic markers in delimiting two West African species (M. elegans and M. erythrophylla) and two Philippine infraspecific species (M. “Doña Aurora” and M.“Doña Luz”) of Mussaenda L. in Nigeria and their ecological significance. Study Design: The experiment adopted a Completely Block Design (CBD) of four plant taxa from two study locations with 10 replicates each, totaling 80 samples. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, between June and September, 2010. Methodology: Fresh leaves were collected from the Tropical Rainforest (TRF) and Derived Savanna (DS) vegetations of Nigeria under the same weather conditions. Leaf epidermal strips were prepared by clearing method, stained with Safranin and observed under the light microscope. Results: The stomata are of the paracytic type borne on polygonal to irregularly shaped, wavy epidermal cells. Simple trichomes were also a common feature in all taxa. Mussaenda erythrophylla has significantly (P ˂ 0.05) the least dense stomata (84.51 ± 0.73 mm-2) while M. “Doña Aurora” has the densest stomata (230.98 ± 2.67 mm-2). M. elegans and M. “Doña Aurora” have significantly the highest stomata index (28.48% and 28.98% respectively) while M. “Doña Luz” has the lowest (24.31%). Samples from the TRF have significantly higher density, index and size of stomata in M. elegans and M. “Doña Luz” than those from DS. Quantitative trichome parameters also vary among the taxa. The fewest trichomes were observed in M. elegans (7.90 ± 0.14 and 11.75 ± 0.21) while they are most abundant in M. “Doña Luz” (11.77 ± 0.11 and 18.90 ± 0.51). Ecological conditions affected these variables as trichomes were more abundant in the specimens collected from DS locations. Conclusion: Epidermal features are proven significant tools in taxonomic delimitation and as environmental indicators in predicting climatic changes and environmental pollution.

Leaf area estimation for Psychotria carthagenensis and Psychotria hoffmannseggiana as a function of linear leaf dimensions

Determining leaf area is important for studies involving plant growth and development. The aim of the present study was to obtain models for estimating leaf area of Psychotria carthagenensis and Psychotria hoffmannseggiana using linear measurements of leaf blades (length and width). Two hundred leaf blades of each species were collected in Parque Estadual Mata do Pau-Ferro in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The equations evaluated for producing potential models included the following: linear, quadratic, potential and exponential. The criteria used to determine the best model(s) were as follows: high coefficient of determination (R²), low root-mean-square error (RMSE), low Akaike information criterion (AIC), high Willmott concordance index (d) and a BIAS ratio close to zero. All evaluated models satisfactorily estimated leaf area for the two species, but the equation ŷ = 0.6373 * LW0.9804 was the most appropriate for P. carthagenensis, while ŷ = 0.6235 * LW0.9712 was the most appropriate for P. hoffmannseggiana.

A new caffeoyl glucoside from Hedyotis caudatifolia with antitumor activity / 中草药

Objective To study the chemical constituents of Hedyotis caudatifolia. Methods These compounds were isolated from H. caudatifolia and purified by repeated silica gel, polyamine, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and other methods. Their structures were identified by NMR, MS, and physico-chemical properties. Results Ten compounds were isolated and elucidated as hedycaffeoylglucoside A (1), β-sitosterol (2), 5α-stigmastane-3,6-dione (3), 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin (4), oleanolic acid (5), ursolic acid (6), pomolic acid (7), 3α,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-24,28-dioic acid (8), 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (9), and 2α,3α-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (10), respectively. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new caffeoyl glucoside and compounds 7-10 are isolated from this plant for the first time. Compound 1 exhibits cytotoxicity against four tumor cells.

Two folate-derived analogues from an aqueous decoction of Uncaria rhynchophylla / 中国天然药物

Two new folate-derived analogues, named uncarophyllofolic acids A (1) and B (2), respectively, were isolated from the Uncaria rhynchophylla hook bearing stem (Gouteng in Chinese). The distinct stereochemical structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic data analysis in combination with acidic hydrolysis and Marfey's derivatization, along with comparison of their specific rotation and Cotton effect (CE) data with those of the biogenetically related known derivatives as well as theoretical calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. A plausible biosynthetic pathway of 1 and 2, associating to folate metabolism and the previously reported orychophragines A-C from Orychophragmus violaceus, is discussed.

Chemical constituents from noni enzyme and their antitumor activities / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Noni enzyme (Morinda citrifolia L.) and their antitumor activities. METHODS: Compounds were isolated by various chromatographic techniques, including silica gel, TLC, sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were identified by their physicochemical properties and 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR data. The in vitro antitumor activities of the isolated compounds were studied by MTT method. RESULTS: Sixteen compounds were isolated from Noni enzyme. They were xylogranatinin(1), pelargonic acid(2), 1,5,15-tri-O-methylmorindol(3), sesquipinsapol B(4), (+)-syringaresinol(5), pinonesinol(6), 3-methylhexahydropyrrolopyrazine-1,4-dione(7), (2S)-3′-hydroxybutan-2-yl-2-hydroxypropanoate (8), 3-(sec-butyl)-6-methylpiperazine-2,5-dione(9), cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Leu)(10), gentisic acid(11), vomifoliol(12), scopoletin(13), 3-(2-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl) propanoic acid(14), medioresinol(15), hydroxychavicol(16). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-10, 12 and 14-16 are isolated from Noni enzyme for the first time. Compound 10 displays the stronger cytotoxicity against HepG2 and HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 23.73, 16.55 μg•mL-1. Compound 5 had a certain inhibitory activity against HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 47.12 μg•mL-1.

Research progress on iridoid compounds in plants from Rubiaceae / 中草药

Iridoid compounds have wild variety, including ordinary, split ring, dipolymer, and other types, which are found in various genus of the Rubiaceae widely. It has the functions of antitumor, antidepression, anti-inflammation and cell protection, etc. This paper reviews the research progress of iridoid compounds in plants from Rubiaceae, which provides theoretical supports for the application breakthrough of chemical constituents.

Study on the Chemical Components in the Rattan of Rubia Argyi L / 中国药师

Objective:To investigate the chemical constituents in the rattan of Rubia argyi L.. Methods:The air-dried rattan of Rubia argyi L. was powdered and extracted three times by 75% ethanol with refluxing. After removing the solvent under the reduced pressure,the crude extract was dissolved in water,and then filtrated and extracted by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate to obtain crude extract after removing petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatogra-phy,reversed-phase silica gel column chromatography and Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatography,and then identified based on physicochemical properties and spectral analysis(1 H-NMR and 13C-NMR). Results:Totally 13 compounds were isolated from the rat-tan of Rubia argyi L.,and characterized as secoisolariciresinol(1),xanthopurpurin(2),daucosterol(3),dehydroabietic acid(4), 2-hydroxy-1-methoxy-anthraquinone(5),β-sitosterol(6),lirioresinol A(7),2-hydroxy-7-methyl-9,10-anthraquinone(8),strych-novoline (9), ciwujiatone (10), 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran (11), 2-(4-hydroxypheny) -6-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3,3,0]octane (12), and (6S,9R)-vomifoliol (13).Conclusion: The compounds 1-13 are isolated from the rattan of Rubia argyi L. for the first time and the compounds 1,2,4,5 and 7-13 are first isolated from Rubia L..

Chemical constituents from stems and leaves of Psychotria serpens / 中国中药杂志

The chemical consituents from the stems and leaves of Psychotria serpens were separated and purified by column chromatographies with silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 and PR-HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analyses, as well as comparisons with the data reported in literature. 18 compounds were isolated from the 90% ethanol extract of the stems and leaves of P. serpens, which were identified as chrysin(1), acacetin(2), genkwanin(3), chrysoeriol(4), rhamnocitrin(5), isorhamnetin(6), tricin(7), jaceosidin(8), dillenetin(9), kumatakenin(10), ayanin(11), isosakuranetin(12), eriodictyol(13), homoeriodictyol(14), taxifolin(15), pomonic acid(16), fupenzic acid(17) and euscaphic acid(18). All compounds were isolated from the genus Psychotria for the first time.

Iridoids from leaf extract of Genipa americana

Abstract Genipa americana L., Rubiaceae, is a plant native from Brazil popularly known as "jenipapo". Two iridoids, 1-hydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-1,4aH,5H,7aH-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carbaldehyde (1), and iridoid 7-(hydroxymethyl)-1-methoxy-1H,4aH,5H,7aH-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carbaldehyde (2) were isolated and identified in the leaf extract of G. americana. Compounds 1 and 2 were identified for the first time in G. americana, and 1 has not been yet described in literature. These substances were analyzed by spectroscopic techniques such as infrared, high resolution mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C 1D; as well as 2D nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, the presence of flavonoids was detected by a preliminary analysis by Thin Layer Chromatography.

Psychotria viridis: Chemical constituents from leaves and biological properties

ABSTRACT The phytochemical study of hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts from leaves of Psychotria viridis resulted in the identification of: the pentacyclic triterpenes, ursolic and oleanolic acid; the steroids, 24-methylene-cycloartanol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol; the glycosylated steroids 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-β-sitosterol and 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-stigmasterol; a polyunsaturated triterpene, squalene; the esters of glycerol, 1-palmitoylglycerol and triacylglycerol; a mixture of long chain hydrocarbons; the aldehyde nonacosanal; the long chain fat acids hentriacontanoic, hexadecanoic and heptadenoic acid; the ester methyl heptadecanoate; the 4-methyl-epi-quinate and two indole alkaloids, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and N-methyltryptamine. The chemical structures were determined by means of spectroscopic (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) and spectrometric (CG-MS and LCMS-ESI-ITTOF) methods. The study of biologic properties of P. viridis consisted in the evaluation of the acetylcholinesterase inhibition and cytotoxic activities. The hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, the substances 24-methylene-cycloartanol, DMT and a mixture of 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-β-sitosterol and 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-stigmasterol showed cholinesterase inhibiting activity. This activity induced by chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts was higher than 90%. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts inhibit the growth and/or induce the death of the tumor cells strains B16F10 and 4T1, without damaging the integrity of the normal cells BHK and CHO. DMT also demonstrated a marked activity against tumor cell strains B16F10 and 4T1.

Caracterização e avaliação morfológica da parte aérea de acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot. ) Stokes (IPECA) / Caracterización y evaluación morfológica de partes aéreas de accesiones de Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot. ) Stokes (IPECA) / Characterization and morphological evaluation of aerial parts of accessions of Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot. ) Stokes (IPECA)

Introduction: The species Psychotria ipecacuana (Brotero) Stokes, Rubiaceae, commonly known as ipeca, ipecacuanha or poaia, is under threat of genetic erosion and in danger of extinction. Objectives: Identify and evaluate the morphological characters of accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana and identify their descriptors. Methods: A study was conducted of 17 accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana preserved in vivo at EMBRAPA Eastern Amazonia for 19 morphological characters of the aerial parts of the plant, thirteen qualitative and six quantitative. Of this total, twelve were subjected to multivariant analysis. Principal component analysis was used to select the descriptors. Results: Accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana fluctuated for most characters, and seven were qualitative and nonvariable. Two characters were considered redundant and ten were selected as descriptors. Genetic dissimilarity ranged from 0.19 to 0.77 with a mean value of 0.55, and could be separated into two groups with various subgroups and six different groups by the UPGMA and Tocher methods, respectively. The characters plant height and first branch height were the main contributors to the discrepancy between the accessions. Conclusions: Accessions of Psychotria ipecacuana display great morphological variation in the aerial part of the plant, with ten characters selected as descriptors for the species. These data about the species had never been published before, and they constitute the basis for management at the germplasm bank when selecting characters of interest for improvement programs as well as to provide key information facilitating the identification of specimens from natural or planted ecosystems(AU)

Introducción: la especie Psychotria ipecacuana (Brotero) Stokes, Rubiaceae, popularmente conocida como ipeca, ipecacuanha o poaia, se ve amenazada por la erosión genética y en peligro de extinción. Objetivos: identificar y evaluar accesos del Banco Activo de Germoplasma de Psychotria ipecacuana por caracteres morfológicos, e identificar los descriptores. Métodos: se estudiaron 17 accesiones de Psychotria ipecacuana, conservado in vivo en Embrapa Amazonia Oriental, para 19 caracteres morfológicos de la parte aérea de la planta, siendo trece cualitativo y seis cuantitativo. De este total doce fueron sometidos a análisis multivariante. La selección de descriptores se llevó a cabo mediante el análisis de componentes principales. Resultados: los accesos de Psychotria ipecacuana fluctuaron para la mayoría de los caracteres, sendo siete variables cualitativas y no variables. Dos caracteres se consideraron redundante y diez seleccionados como descriptores. La disimilitud genética varió desde 0,19 hasta 0,77 con una media de 0,55 y se dejó separar en dos grupos con diversos subgrupos y seis grupos diferentes por métodos UPGMA y Tocher, respectivamente. Los caracteres altura de las plantas y altura de la primera rama fueron los principales contribuyentes a la discrepancia entre los accesos. Conclusiones: los accesos de Psychotria ipecacuana tienen una amplia variación morfológica de la parte aérea de la planta con diez caracteres fueran considerados descriptores para esta especie. Estos datos son inéditos para la especie y forman la base para la gestión de banco de germoplasma, en la selección de caracteres de interés para los programas de mejoramiento y para proporcionar información clave que facilitará la identificación de especímenes en los ecosistemas naturales o plantados(AU)

Introdução: a espécie Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brotero) Stokes, Rubiaceae, conhecida popularmente como ipeca, ipecacuanha ou poaia, encontra-se ameaçada de erosão genética e em vias de extinção. Objetivos: caracterizar e avaliar acessos do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Psychotria ipecacuanha por caracteres morfológicos, e identificar descritores. Métodos: foram estudados 17 acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha, conservados in vivo na Embrapa Amazônia Oriental para 19 caracteres morfológicos da parte aérea da planta, sendo treze qualitativos e seis quantitativos. Desse total doze foram submetidos às análises multivariadas. A seleção dos descritores foi realizada pela análise de componentes principais. Resultados: os acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha apresentaram variações para boa parte dos caracteres, sendo sete qualitativos não variáveis. Dois caracteres foram considerados redundantes e dez selecionados como descritores. As dissimilaridades genéticas variaram de 0,19 a 0,77 com média de 0,55 e permitiram separar os acessos em dois com vários subgrupos e seis grupos divergentes pelos métodos UPGMA e de Tocher, respectivamente. Os caracteres Altura da planta e Altura da primeira ramificação foram os que mais contribuíram para a divergência entre os acessos. Conclusões: os acessos de Psychotria ipecacuanha possuem ampla variação morfológica para a parte aérea da planta com dez caracteres sendo considerados descritores para essa espécie. Estas informações são inéditas para a espécie e servirão de base para o manejo do banco de germoplasma, na seleção de indivíduos de interesse dos programas de melhoramento e para fornecer informações fundamentais que facilitarão a identificação de espécimes em ecossistemas nativos ou plantados(AU)

Chemical Constituents of Fermented Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Juice Exudates and Their Biological Activity

In a continuing study of the fermented noni (Morinda citrifolia) juice exudates, five compounds, heptanyl 2-O-β-D-xylofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), n-butyl β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (1S)-(3-ethenyl-phenyl)-1,2-ethanediol (3), (2S)-2-hydroxybutanedioic acid (4), and daucosterol (5) were isolated from the buthanol partition of the extract. The structures of the isolates were identified by 1D and 2D NMR, and MS experiments, as well as by comparison of their data with the published values. Among the isolates, compounds 1 – 3 were isolated for the first time from the plant species. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cancer chemopreventive potential based on their ability to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced NF-κB activity, and quinonone reductase-1 (QR1)-inducing effect.

Control de calidad de la tintura al 20 % de hojas de Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (Nabaco) / Quality control of tincture to 20 % obtained from the leaves of Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (Nabaco)

INTRODUCCIÓN: Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (Nabaco) se utiliza de forma tradicional como antiséptica, astringente, antidiarreica, antianémico y galactógeno. Por ello, se emplea en infusión y en baños para tratar la diarrea de los niños y los casos de anemia con diarrea. Hasta el momento en las fuentes consultadas no se han encontrado reportes sobre el control a los requisitos de la calidad de formulaciones farmacéuticas obtenidas a partir de esta planta. OBJETIVO: determinar algunos de los requisitos de calidad de la tintura al 20 % obtenida de las hojas de F. occidentalis. MÉTODOS: la planta fue colectada en la localidad de Cienaguilla, municipio Campechuela, provincia Granma, Cuba. El método de extracción aplicado fue la asistida por ultrasonido, utilizándose como menstruo una solución hidroetanólica. La determinación de los requisitos de calidad de la tintura se realizó analizándose cinco parámetros: requisitos organolépticos, pH, índice de refracción, sólidos totales y densidad relativa. Además, se emplearon métodos de análisis cromatográfico y espectroscópico para determinar la persistencia de los compuestos presentes en la tintura en un período de seis meses. RESULTADOS: los resultados obtenidos en el control de la calidad de la tintura al 20 % se encontraron dentro de los rangos de calidad establecidos por las normas utilizadas; y no presentaron diferencias significativas con los requisitos determinados en otras especies de la misma familia. CONCLUSIONES: el control de los requisitos de calidad mostró que la tintura al 20 % de las hojas de F. occidentalis, no manifestó cambios significativos en un período de seis meses que puedan comprometer su estabilidad como formulación farmacéutica. Esto indica que presenta un determinado grado de estabilidad, lo que constituye una garantía de la calidad y seguridad del producto.

INTRODUCTION: Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (Rubiaceae) is traditionally used as antiseptic, astringent, antidiarrheal, antianemic and galactogenous. For that reason, it is used on infusion and baths to treat the diarrhea of the children and cases of anemia with diarrhea. Heretofore in the consulted sources reports about the control of quality requirements for pharmaceutical formulations obtained starting from this plant have not been found. OBJECTIVE: To determine some quality requirements of the tincture at 20 % obtained from the leaves of F. occidentalis. METHODS: The plant was collected in the Cienaguilla locality, Campechuela municipality, Granma province, Cuba. The applied extraction method was the extraction assisted by ultrasound, using as menses a hydroethanolic solution. The determination of quality requirements of the tincture was carried out analyzing five parameters: organoleptic requirements, pH, refraction index, total solids and relative density. In addition, chromatographic and spectroscopic methods were used to determine the persistence of the present compounds in the tincture in a period of six months. RESULTS: The results obtained in the quality control of the tincture at 20 % were found on quality ranges established by the used regulations; and they don't show significant differences according to the requirements determined in other species of the same family. CONCLUSIONS: The control of quality requirements showed that the tincture at 20 % of leaves of F. occidentalis did not manifest significant changes in a period of six months that can compromise his stability like pharmaceutical formulation. This indicates that it presents a certain grade of stability, what constitutes a guarantee of the quality and security of the product.

Sobre a botânica, a etnofarmacologia e a química de Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth. ) Hook. f. ex K. Schum / On the botany, ethnopharmacology, and chemistry of Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth. ) Hook. f. ex K. Schum

RESUMO O fato de possuir espécies com potencial econômico ilimitado, faz com que o ambiente amazônico se torne alvo constante da biopirataria e da extração predatória dos recursos. Muitas espécies deste ambiente sequer possuem catalogação e, mesmo assim, encontram risco eminente de desaparecimento. Neste âmbito, trabalhos que reúnam dados sobre estas espécies possuem grande valor científico, cultural e econômico, sendo este o estímulo que desencadeou a produção desta revisão. Aqui a espécie Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) Hook. f. ex K. Schum., uma Rubiaceae amazônica, é contemplada por meio de características botânicas, indicações etnofarmacológicas e propriedades químicas. Popularmente conhecida como mulateiro, a espécie é frequentemente receitada na etnomedicina como cicatrizante e rejuvenescedor, além de ser usada no controle de manchas de pele. Como peculiaridade botânica, mulateiro apresenta tronco retilíneo com epiderme fina esverdeada que evolui para uma periderme castanho-escuro, que é anualmente renovada. Em termos químicos, há destaque para a presença de alcalóides, taninos e, sobretudo, secoiridóides (7-metoxididerrosideo, 6´-acetil-β-D-glucopiranosildiderrosideo e 8-0-tigloildiderrosideo são peculiares à espécie). Mesmo com propriedades fotoprotetoras comprovadas, C. spruceanum ainda carece de pesquisas, sobretudo àquelas voltadas para a produção ex situ da planta e àquelas que demonstrem a relação entre a ecologia da planta e a produção de metabólitos funcionais para a indústria.

ABSTRACT The Amazonian environment is a constant target for biopiracy and predatory extraction of resources due to the species with vast economic potential. Many of these species have not even been cataloged, and yet are already at imminent risk of extinction. In this paper, Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) Hook. f. ex k. Schum., an Amazonian Rubiaceae, is studied with information on its botanical characteristics, ethnopharmacological uses, and chemical properties. Popularly known as mulateiro, the species is often prescribed in ethnomedicine for healing and vitality, and is also used to control skin patches. As a botanical peculiarity, it has a thin green epidermis that evolves into a dark brown periderm, which is renewed annually. In terms of chemistry, there is emphasis on the presence of alkaloids, tannins, and, especially, secoiridoids (7-methoxydiderroside, 6′-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyldiderroside, and 8-O-tigloyldiderroside are peculiar to the species). Even with proven photoprotective properties, research on C. spruceanum is still lacking, in particular studies aimed at the ex situ production of the plant and those that show the relationship between the plant’s ecology and the production of functional metabolites for the industry.

Chemical Constituents of Ixora philippinensis Merr.

Chemical investigations of the dichloromethane extracts of Ixora philippinensis Merr., a plant endemic to the Philippines, led to the isolation of syringaresinol (1), pinoresinol (2), isoscopoletin (3), squalene (4), β-sitosterol (5a), and stigmasterol (5b) from the stems; and 4, 5a, 5b, lupeol (6), and lutein (7) from the leaves. The structures of 1 and 3 were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while those of 2 and 4-7 were identified by comparison of their NMR data with literature data.