Cecropia pachystachya Trécul: a promising ingredient for skin-whitening cosmetics

Abstract Because it promotes the lightening of pigment spots, tyrosinase inhibition is one of the mechanisms of depigmenting cosmetic products. Considering the adverse effects produced by synthetic depigmenting actives, the search for new therapeutic options is desirable, and plant extracts are possible candidates for hyperpigmentation treatment. Glycolic extracts of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul are, therefore, the focus of this study. Its chemical characterization, antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibition, and cell viability were evaluated. Glycolic extracts were obtained by macerating the leaves of C. pachystachya in grain alcohol and glycerin or propylene glycol. Both had a similar chemical constitution, the glycerin being more efficient in concentrating phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Analyses by UHPLC-MS detected quinic acid, chlorogenic acid isomers, proanthocyanidin dimers type B and C, catechin/epicatechin, orientin/isoorientin, isoorientin 2"-O-xyloside, vitexin/isovitexin, and rutin. 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was then quantified was then quantified, with predominance in the extract produced with propylene glycol. These extracts showed a high antioxidant capacity by the method of DPPH, ß-carotene, and nitric oxide. As for depigmenting activity, both extracts were able to inhibit tyrosinase. Cell viability assay also revealed that the extracts could safely be used in concentrations of ≤ 125 µg/mL. Thus, this study demonstrated for the first time that the glycolic extracts of C. pachystachya have promising chemical and biological characteristics for the development of a multifunctional cosmetic with antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibition activities

Hematological and biochemical profile of captive brown-throated sloths Bradypus variegatus, Schinz 1825, feeding on ambay pumpwood Cecropia pachystachya Trécul 1847 / [Perfil hematológico e bioquímico da preguiça-de-garganta-marrom Bradypus variegatus, Schinz 1825, em cativeiro alimentando-se de embaúba Cecropia pachystachya Trécul 1847]

The aim of this study was to establish reference parameters for the hematological and biochemical levels of five healthy captive sloths of the speciesBradypus variegatus(brown-throated sloth) feeding onCecropia pachystachya(Ambay pumpwood), alternating with a period of free diet in the Dois Irmãos State Park (DISP) Recife, Pernambuco - Brazil.(AU)

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi estabelecer parâmetros de referência para níveis hematológicos e bioquímicos, de cinco preguiças sadias, da espécie Bradypus variegatus (preguiça-de-garganta-marrom), em cativeiro, alimentando-se de Cecropia pachystachya (embaúba) em períodos alternados com dieta livre, no Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos (PEDI) Recife, Pernambuco-Brasil.(AU)

Aleyrodidae in three forest fragments in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Aleyrodidae em três fragmentos florestais no estado do Rio de Janeiro

Studies that analyze the occurrence of whiteflies in forest environments are virtually non-existent, which is not justifiable given the ecological and agronomic importance of this insect group. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Aleyrodidae collected from May/2013 to May/2014 in three Atlantic forest fragments in state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Of all, 1,212 puparia were collected, and five genera and seven species of whiteflies occurring in nine hosts were identified. Aleuropleurocelus cecropiae was the only aleyrodid registered simultaneously occurring in Cecropia hololeuca in the three environments, with lower records in the two fragments considered as less anthropized. For the first time, Aleurothrixus floccosus was registered on Handroanthus ochraceus and Mangifera indica. In addition, it was observed the first register of Bemisia tabaci on Commelina benghalensis and Caesalpinia pluviosa. Minutaleyrodes minuta on Syzygium cumini was also the register of a new occurrence.(AU)

São praticamente inexistentes os trabalhos que analisam a ocorrência de moscas-brancas em ambientes florestais, o que não é justificável, em vista da importância ecológica e agronômica desse grupo de insetos. Objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência de Aleyrodidae em três fragmentos de Mata Atlântica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, no período entre maio/2013 e maio/2014. Propõe-se chave taxonômica para cinco gêneros. Coletaram-se 1.212 pupários e identificaram-se cinco gêneros e sete espécies de moscas-brancas ocorrendo em nove hospedeiros. Aleuropleurocelus cecropiae foi o único aleirodídeo registrado simultaneamente, ocorrendo em Cecropia hololeuca, nos três ambientes avaliados, com registros inferiores nos dois fragmentos considerados menos antropizados. Ainda, registrou-se pela primeira vez Aleurothrixus floccosus em Handroanthus ochraceus e em Mangifera indica. Também se procedeu ao primeiro registro de Bemisia tabaci em Commelina benghalensis e Caesalpinia ­pluviosa. Minutaleyrodes minuta sobre Syzygium cumini é, igualmente, o registro de uma nova ocorrência.(AU)

Caracteristicas fitoqu¡micas y capacidad antioxidante in vitro de Aloe vera, Plukenetia volubilis, Caiophora carduifolia, Cecropia membranácea / In vitro phytochemical characteristics and antioxidant capacity of Aloe vera, Plukenetia volubilis, Caiophora carduifolia, Cecropia membranacea

Introducción: Los antioxidantes han demostrado potencial quimioprotector en patolog¡as degenerativas, inflamatorias, autoinmunes, oncológicas y asociadas al distr‚s respiratorio. Objetivo: Evaluar las caracter¡sticas fitoqu¡micas y capacidad antioxidante in vitro mediante el m‚todo DPPH y ABTS. Diseño: Observacional anal¡tico. Lugar: Laboratorio de Farmacolog¡a Experimental, Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Material biológico/qu¡mico: Hojas de Aloe vera, semillas de Plukenetia volubilis, hojas-tallos de Caiophora carduifolia, hojas de Cecropia membranacea. Intervenciones: Observación y an lisis de la capacidad antioxidante mediante el m‚todo DPPH-concentración efectiva media (CE50) de los extractos y la capacidad antioxidante equivalente a trolox por el m‚todo del ABTS. Medida de resultados: Marcha fitoqu¡mica preliminar, porcentaje de inhibición antioxidante por captación del radical DPPH, determinación del equivalente trolox/g extracto. Resultados: La Cecropia membranacea presenté mayor número de metabolitos secundarios, alcaloides, saponinas, compuestos flavonoides; en la captación de radicales DPPH, requirió menor dosis para alcanzar la capacidad antioxidante (CE50=0,159 mg/mL); mediante el m‚todo ABTS (5,834 uM trolox/g). La Caiophora carduifolia (0,87 mg/mL – 0,44 mg/mL) tuvo efectos similares al trolox (p>0,05). El Aloe vera y Plukenetia volubilis tambi‚n tuvieron capacidad antioxidante dependiente de la dosis. Conclusiones: Se ha demostrado capacidad antioxidante in vitro a concentración dependiente, siendo mayor la de Cecropia membranacea y Caiophora carduifolia y menor la de Aloe vera y Plukenetia volubilis.

Introduction: Antioxidants have shown chemopreventive potential in degenerative, inflammatory, autoimmune, oncology and respiratory distress associated pathologies. Objective: To assess the phytochemical and antioxidant properties in vitro by DPPH and ABTS method. Design: Observational analytical. Location: Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Biological/Chemical Material: Aloe vera leaves, Plukenetia volubilis seeds, Caiophora carduifolia leaves-stalks, Cecropia membranacea leaves. Interventions: Observation and analysis of the antioxidant capacity by DPPH-method mean effective concentration (EC50) of the extracts and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity by the ABTS method. Main outcome measures: Phytochemical preliminary march, antioxidant percent uptake inhibition by DPPH radical, determination of equivalent trolox/g extract. Results: Cecropia membranacea presented more secondary metabolites, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoid compounds; required smaller dosage to achieve the antioxidant effect (EC50 = 0.159 mg/mL) in attracting DPPH radical; achieved the best antioxidant effect by ABTS method (5.834 uM trolox/g). Caiophora carduifolia (0.87 mg/mL – 0.44 mg/mL) had trolox similar effects (p>0.05). Aloe vera and Plukenetia volubilis also had antioxidant dose dependent effect. Conclusions: Concentration dependent in vitro antioxidant effect has been shown, higher with Cecropia membranacea and Caiophora carduifolia and lower with Aloe vera and Plukenetia volubilis.

Cecropia pachystachya TRÉCUL, (URTICACEAE) "AMBA Y" EN AMBIENTES URBANOS / Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae) "ambay" in urban environments

Resumen: Cecropia pachystachya (Urticaceae), "amba'y" es una especie que habita lugares abiertos, en zonas silvestres, como márgenes de arroyos, bordes de senderos y capueras, tiene tendencia a proliferar en sitios abiertos debido a la incrementación de la desforestación. Presentamos con imágenes fotográficas captadas en la ciudad de Asunción y Gran Asunción, como esta especie se adapta fácilmente en los entornos urbanos, creciendo en los lugares más insólitos, desde una canaleta, el tejado de una casa o incluso sobre otra especie vegetal. Es posible que los murciélagos frugívoros tengan participación en la dispersión de las semillas de la especie C. pachystachya. Finalmente se observó el desarrollo de individuos de la especie C. pachystachya en sitios considerados poco favorables para el desarrollo especies vegetales, en el entorno urbano. Palabras claves: Cecropia pachystachya, entorno urbano, adaptación.

Actividad antiplasmódica y hemolítica de extractos etanólicos y fracciones obtenidas de Cecropia membranacea Trécul. y Cecropia metensis Cuatrec. (sin. Cecropia peltata var. candida Velásquez) / Antiplasmodial and haemolytic activity of ethanolic extracts and fractions obtained from Cecropia membranacea Trécul. and Cecropia metensis Cuatrec. (syn. Cecropia peltata var. candida Velásquez)

Introducción: el estudio de las plantas medicinales ha permitido el desarrollo de productos fitoterapéuticos y fármacos para el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades, entre estas la malaria. En Brasil las plantas usadas en la medicina tradicional por sus antecedentes como febrífugos o antimaláricos incluyen Cecropia hololeuca, Cecropia sp., Cecropia pachystachya y Cecropia glaziovii. Aún no ha sido comprobada la actividad antimalárica de Cecropia membranacea y Cecropia metensis, especies distribuidas en América Central y América del Sur, incluida Colombia. Objetivo: evaluar la actividad antiplasmódica frente a Plasmodium falciparum de extractos y fracciones de Cecropia membranacea y Cecropia metensis. Métodos: a partir de las hojas con peciolo de las dos especies se prepararon extractos etanólicos utilizando el método de percolación, se llevó a cabo el fraccionamiento del extracto etanólico, de cada especie, utilizando un sistema de partición con solventes de diferente polaridad (éter de petróleo, acetato de etilo, n-butanol y agua). Con los extractos y fracciones obtenidas se realizó un estudio fitoquímico preliminar. La actividad de extractos y fracciones se evaluó in vitro frente a Plasmodium falciparum FCB-2 y se estudió la actividad hemolítica. Resultados: las fracciones acetato de etilo de Cecropia membranacea (CI50 10,12 µg/mL) y Cecropia metensis (CI50 12,52 µg/mL) presentaron actividad antiplasmódica sin generar daño a la membrana de la célula hospedera (CH50> 1 000 µg/mL). La evaluación fitoquímica evidenció en estas fracciones una mezcla de compuestos tipo esteroide, terpénico y flavonoide. Conclusiones: las fracciones acetato de etilo de Cecropia membranacea y Cecropia metensis presentan actividad antiplasmódica promisoria, no asociada con propiedades líticas sobre las células eritrocitarias hospederas. Las dos especies son de interés para profundizar su estudio, en cuanto a la actividad antimalárica y composición fitoquímica(AU)

Introduction: the study of medicinal plants has led to the development of phytotherapeutic products and drugs for the treatment of various diseases, including malaria. Among the plants used in Brazilian traditional medicine for their febrifuge and antimalarial effects are Cecropia hololeuca, Cecropia sp., Cecropia pachystachya and Cecropia glaziovii. The antimalarial activity of Cecropia membranacea and Cecropia metensis has not been demonstrated. These two species may be found in Central and South America, including Colombia. Objective: evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of extracts and fractions of Cecropia membranacea and Cecropia metensis against Plasmodium falciparum. Methods: ethanolic extracts were obtained from petiolate leaves of the two species using the percolation method. The ethanolic extract of each species was then fractionated, using a partition system based on solvents of varying polarity (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water). The extracts and fractions obtained underwent preliminary phytochemical examination. Extracts and fractions were evaluated for their in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum FCB-2, as well as for their haemolytic activity. Results: ethyl acetate fractions of Cecropia membranacea (IC50 10.12 µg/mL) and Cecropia metensis (IC50 12.52 µg/mL) showed antiplasmodial activity without damaging the host cell membrane (HC50 >1000 µg/mL). Phytochemical evaluation of these fractions revealed a mixture of steroid, terpene and flavonoid compounds. Conclusions: ethyl acetate fractions of Cecropia membranacea and Cecropia metensis showed promising antiplasmodial activity, not associated to lytic properties, over erythrocyte host cells. The two species are good ground for further study of their antimalarial activity and phytochemical composition(AU)

Avaliação do potencial de utilização da madeira de Schizolobium amazonicum "Paricá" e Cecropia hololeuca "Embaúba" para produção de painéis aglomerados / Evaluation of potential use of the wood of Schizolobium amazonicum "Paricá" and Cecropia hololeuca "Embaúba" to particleboard manufacture

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo avaliar o potencial de utilização de madeira de Schizolobium amazonicum (Paricá) e Cecropia hololeuca (Embaúba) para produção de painéis aglomerados. Foram produzidos painéis experimentais com densidade nominal de 0,70 g/cm³, utilizando a resina uréia-formaldeído e partículas de madeira de Paricá e Embaúba, e mistura destas, em proporções de 75, 50 e 25%. A madeira de Pinus taeda foi utilizada como testemunha. Os painéis foram prensados com pressão específica de 40 kgf/cm², temperatura de 160ºC e tempo de prensagem de 8 minutos. Os resultados das avaliações de propriedades de absorção de água, inchamento em espessura, ligação interna, módulo de elasticidade e módulo de ruptura, indicaram que as madeiras de Schizolobium amazonicum (Paricá) e Cecropia hololeuca (Embaúba) são tecnicamente viáveis para produção de painéis aglomerados.

This research was developed to evaluate the potential use of the woods Schizolobium amazonicum (Paricá) and Cecropia hololeuca (Embaúba) for manufacturing particleboard. Were made panels with the densities of 0.70 g/cm³, using mixtures of urea-formaldehyde resin and wood particles of Paricá and Embaúba, in proportions of 75, 50 and 25%. The Pinus taeda wood was used as the reference. The panels were pressed at the temperature of 160ºC, pressure of 40 kgf/cm², for 8 minutes. The evaluations of the properties of water absorption, thickness swelling, internal bond, modulus of elasticity and modulus of ruptures, showed that the woods of Schizolobium amazonicum (Paricá) e Cecropia hololeuca (Embaúba) are technically feasible for particleboard manufacture.

Differences on post-fire regeneration of the pioneer trees Cecropia glazioui and Trema micrantha in a lowland Atlantic Forest

A study of natural post-fire succession was carried out in a disturbed vegetation around fragments of the Atlantic Rain Forest (National Biological Reserve of Poço das Antas (22° 30’- 22° 33’S, 42° 15’- 42° 19’ W), Rio de Janeiro State). All the pre-fire individuals of Cecropia and Trema in the area were numbered with plastic labels.In order to check for the presence of new sprouts and mortality, two other censuses were carried out, at 3 and 12 months after the fire.The dominant species were:Pteridium aquilinum,Panicum maximum,Trema micrantha and Cecropia glazioui. Few days after the passage of fire, grasses and ferns spread their area,while the stands of Trema and Cecropia were completely burned. Most of individuals of Cecropia produced some sprouts while most of individuals of Trema died.However,a great number of seedlings of Trema were recruited while only one single seedling of Cecropia were observed during a period of one year.Most of these seedlings died through the year while the sprouts were already reproducing.The uses of Cecropia in places where fire is recurrent could be more appropriate because of its higher chance of survival and faster recovering ability after fire

Se realizó un estudio sobre la sucesión natural después del fuego en una vegetación alrededor de fragmentos de la selva lluviosa atlántica (Reserva Biológica Nacional de Poço das Antas (22° 30’-22° 33’ S, 42° 15’- 42° 19’ W), Estado de Río de Janeiro).Todos los individuos de Cecropia y Trema previos del fuego en el área fueron numerados con marcas plásticas. Se realizaron otros dos censos, 3 y 12 meses después del fuego con el objetivo de detectar mortalidad y buscar la presencia de nuevos brotes. Las especies dominantes fueron: Pteridium aquilinum, Panicum maximum, Trema micrantha y Cecropia glazioui. Pocos días después del paso del fuego,los pastos y helechos se dispersaron por el área, mientras que los troncos de Trema y Cecropia estaban completamente quemados. La mayoría de los individuos de Cecropia produjeron algunos rebrotes mientras que la mayoría de los individuos de Trema murieron. Sin embargo, un gran número de plántulas de Trema fueron reclutadas mientras que únicamente una plántula de Cecropia fue observada durante el período de un año. La mayoría de estos plántulas murieron a lo largo del año, mientras que los brotes se estan ya reproduciendo. Los usos de Cecropia en lugares donde el fuego es recurrente puede ser más apropiado debido a su mayor chance de sobrevivir y a su habilidad de recuperarse más rápido después del fuego

Mecanismo da ação do tipo antidepressiva da Cecropia glazioui Sneth / Mechanism of the antidepressant-like activity of Cecropia glazioui Sneth

A Cecropia glazioui Sneth pertence a família Cecropiaceae sendo utilizada popularmente como hipotensora, cardiotônica, diurética, anti-diabética, no tratamento da asma e da bronquite (Pio Correa, 1984; Simões, 1986; Di Stasi e col., 1989; Matos, 1991) e por isto selecionada para estudo pelo Programa de Pesquisa de Plantas Medicinais (PPPM) da extinta Central de Medicamentos (CEME) do Ministério da Saúde (MS). Durante os testes de atividade farmacológica foi relatado que os ratos tratados repetidamente com o EA de C. glazioui tornavam-se mais dóceis ao manuseio, o que poderia estar relacionado a uma atividade no Sistema Nervoso Central. Em estudos posteriores foram observadas (SNC) atividades da planta do tipo ansiolítica (Rocha e col., 2002) e do tipo antidepressiva no teste da natação forçada, esta última sendo relacionada ao aumento de monoaminas no hipocampo após tratamento repetido (Rocha, 2000). Em continuação a estes estudos; o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade da fração butanólica (Fbut) e de frações isoladas de C. glazioui na captação de monoaminas em sinaptossomas de regiões de cérebros de ratos, assim como identificar substâncias presentes na Fbut que podem estar relacionadas com a ação do tipo antidepressiva…(au)

Natural enemies of Coelomera lanio (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the region of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Coelomera lanio (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is the most important defoliator of Cecropia trees. Natural enemies of C. lanio collected in the region of Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil were identified on field observations in a forest fragment and on laboratory analyses. Individuals of C. lanio were not found on Cecropia pachystachya trees colonized by Azteca mülleri (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The majority of the egg masses of C. lanio collected in the field were found to be parasitised by a species of the family Eulophidae (Hymenoptera), while larvae of this pest were attacked by a parasitoid of the family Tachinidae (Diptera). Individuals of Oplomus catena (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) were observed preying on C. lanio larvae. The fungus Beauveria bassiana was found growing on larvae, pupae and adults of C. lanio while the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae only affected pupae of this insect in laboratory conditions.