Análise físico-química e atividades antifúngica e antioxidante do óleo essencial da flor de Curatella americana L / Physichochemical analysis, and antifungal and antioxidant activities of the essential oil of Curatella americana L. flower

Introdução: a espécie vegetal Curatella americana produz anualmente inflorescências com aroma adocicado rica em óleo essencial. Objetivo: avaliar as características físico-químicas, e atividades antifúngica e antioxidante do óleo essencial da flor de Curatella americana. Metodologia: as flores foram coletadas em quatro áreas de Cerrado no estado de Goiás; o rendimento de óleo essencial foi obtido através de hidrodestilação; as características físicas foram determinadas para densidade e solubilidade, a atividade antioxidante foi determinada pela redução do radical livre DPPH; a atividade antifúngica foi determinada por inibição das cepas de Candida, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides e Aspergillus flavus. Resultados: o rendimento de óleo foi de 0,18%, densidade de 0,907 g mL-1, solubilidade positiva para EtOH 70%, atividade antioxidante de CI50 µL mL-1 1,95. Atividade de inibição fúngica apenas para Candida tropicalis na concentração de 8% com halo de antibiose de 10 mm. Sensibilidade discreta nas maiores concentrações de 25, 50 e 100 µL-1 para Aspergillus flavus e Sclerotinia sclerotiorum e baixa atividade de inibição para Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Conclusão: o óleo essencial da flor de Curatella americana apresentou baixo rendimento, entretanto, alta eficiência na redução do radical livre DPPH. As atividades antifúngicas apresentaram bons resultados de inibição, entretanto, torna-se necessário a adição de outros óleos essenciais para aumento das taxas de inibição micelial.

Introduction: the plant species Curatella americana produces annual inflorescences with a sweet flavour rich in essential oil. Objective: to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, antifungal and antioxidant activities of the essential oil of the Curatella americana flower. Methodology: the flowers were collected in four areas of Cerrado in the state of Goiás; the essential oil yield was obtained through hydrodistillation; the physical characteristics were determined for density and solubility, the antioxidant activity was determined by the reduction of the free radical DPPH; antifungal activity was determined by inhibiting the strains of Candida, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Aspergillus flavus. Results: the oil yield was 0.18%, density 0.907 g mL-1, positive solubility for EtOH 70%, antioxidant activity of IC50 µL mL-1 1.95. Fungal inhibition activity only for Candida tropicalis at a concentration of 8% with a 10 mm antibiosis halo. Discrete sensitivity in the highest concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 µL-1 for Aspergillus flavus and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and low inhibition activity for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Conclusion: The essential oil of the Curatella americana flower showed low yield, however, high efficiency in reducing DPPH free radical. Antifungal activities showed good inhibition results, however, it is necessary to add other essential oils to increase mycelial inhibition rates.

The gelling properties of Dillenia indica mucilage in benzyl benzoate emulgel formulations

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the gelling properties of Dillenia indica mucilage in benzyl benzoate emulgel formulation. Mucilage was extracted from the fruits of Dillenia indica using established methods and characterized by rheology and swelling. Emulsion (F1) was prepared using the continental emulsification method. Gelling agents (2 %w /v) were prepared by dispersing in distilled water with constant stirring at a moderate speed using a magnetic stirrer. F1 was added to the gel (0-75 %w /w) to obtain emulgel formulations and evaluated using viscosity, globule size, pH, release profiles and kinetic modeling. Data were expressed as mean ± SD, and similarity factor (f2) was used to compare all formulations. Formulation viscosity was significantly higher with carbopol than with Dillenia; globule sizes increased with concentration of gelling agents, and pH reduced as the concentration of Dillenia increased. All formulations showed controlled release properties with t80 ranging between 114 and 660 min. The release was governed by Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Formulation F5 prepared with 50 % Dillenia showed highest similarity to F4 prepared with 75 %w /w carbopol. Dillenia indica demonstrated acceptable gelling properties comparable with that of carbopol and could be improved for use in emulgel formulations.

Lopesia davillae (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), a new species of gall midge from Brazil associated with Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae) / Lopesia davillae (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), uma nova espécie de cecidomiídeo do Brazil associada à Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae)

Abstract Lopesia davillae, a new species of gall midge associated with the reproductive structures of Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae), is described and illustrated (larva, pupa, male, female, and damage) based on material collected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This new species is compared with its congeneric species. This is the first record of Lopesia on Dilleniaceae.

Resumo Lopesia davillae, uma nova espécie de Cecidomyiidae associada a estruturas reprodutivas de Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae), é descrita e ilustrada (larva, pupa, macho, fêmea e dano) com base em material coletado no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A nova espécie é comparada com as outras espécies conhecidas do mesmo gênero. Este é o primeiro registro de Lopesia em Dilleniaceae.

Protective effect of Dillenia indica L. on acetic acid induced colitis in mice.

The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic, immune mediated and chronic inflammation of the intestine. The study aimed to elucidate the ameliorative effect of methanolic extract of Dillenia indica (DIME), hexane fraction (HFDI) and chloroform fraction (CFDI) of Dillenia indica in acetic acid induced experimental colitis in mice. Macroscopic score, colon weight, colonic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and histological changes were recorded after the treatment regimen of 7 days. Intra-rectal instillation of acetic acid caused enhanced macroscopic score, colon weight, colonic MPO, MDA, and TNF-α level. It caused significant decreased level of CAT, SOD and GSH. DIME (800 mg/kg), HFDI (200 mg/kg) and CFDI (200 mg/kg) treatment exhibited significant effect in lowering macroscopic score, colon weight, MPO, MDA, TNF-α levels and elevation of CAT, GSH and SOD levels. The results suggest that D. indica has ameliorating effects on experimental colitis by inhibiting the proinflammatory mediators like TNF-α production.

Variação sazonal nos teores de flavonoides, taninos e atividade antioxidante de Davilla rugosa Poir / Seasonal variation in the flavonoid and tannin contents and antioxidant activity of Davilla rugosa Poir

Davilla rugosa Poir. (Dilleniaceae) é uma trepadeira, conhecida como folha de lixa e cipó-cabloco, com distribuição geográfica ampla no Brasil. É utilizada como analgésica, vasoconstritora, antiúlcera, útil no tratamento das hemorroidas e varizes. O objetivo do trabalho foi investigar a influência da variação sazonal sobre alguns parâmetros das folhas de D. rugosa, como os teores de flavonoides e taninos. Os teores de flavonoides e taninos, determinados nas 4 estações do ano, foram avaliados segundo a Farmacopeia Brasileira e foram mais elevados no verão (0,71%; 16,73%) seguido do outono (0,58%; 16,39%). Considerando que substâncias fenólicas são, provavelmente, os responsáveis pela atividade anti-inflamatória e antiulcerogênica, podemos inferir que a melhor época de coleta, que conduza a uma matéria-prima com concentrações desejáveis de princípios ativos, é, preferencialmente, no verão seguida do outono. A atividade antioxidante do extrato de acetato de etila, desengordurado com hexano, submetido ao teste do DPPH, apresentou uma CE50 de 24,73 ±2,95 μg/mL e no ensaio do fosfomobdênio de 1,85 ±0,57 mmol de ácido ascórbico/mg de extrato seco. A atividade antioxidante encontrada nos extratos reforça os efeitos anti-inflamatórios e antiúlcera gástrica atribuídos para a espécie.

Davilla rugosa Poir. (Dilleniaceae) is a woody vine, popularly known as “folha de lixa e cipó-caboclo”, native to forest edges widely distributed across Brazil. It is used as an analgesic, vasoconstrictor and anti-ulcer agent and is useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of seasonal changes on some parameters of its leaves, such as the contents of flavonoids and tannins and antioxidant activity. The contents of flavonoids and tannins were determined in each of the four seasons, as recommended by the Brazilian Pharmacopeia, and found to be highest in summer (0.71%; 16.73%), followed by autumn (0.58%; 16.39%). Considering that phenolic substances are probably responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activities, we can infer that the best time for collection, to obtain a raw material with good concentrations of these metabolites, is in summer and autumn. The antioxidant activity of the ethyl acetate extract, subjected to the DPPH test after defatting with hexane, showed an EC50 of 24.73 +2.95 μg/mL and the equivalent of 1.85 +0.57 mmol ascorbic acid/mg dry extract in the phosphomolybdenum assay. The antioxidant activity determined for this extract enhances the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activities attributed to the species.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Dillenia indica (L.) leaves extract / Efeitos antidiabético e anti-hiperlipidêmico de extratos de folhas de Dillenia (L. )

The present study was carried out to evaluate antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Dillenia indica methanolic leaves extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats by administering graded oral doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. The extract showed significant antidiabetic activity (p<0.001). Furthermore, the decreased body weight of rats was significantly improved after extract treatments. Daily oral treatment with the extract for 21 days to diabetic rats, also resulted in significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and serum transaminase levels but HDL-cholesterol level was found to be improved (p<0.001) as compared to the diabetic control group. The extract treatment also showed to enhance serum insulin level in diabetic rats as compared to the diabetic control group. In conclusion, D. indica leaf extract might be useful for diabetes mellitus management and other abnormalities associated with this metabolic disorder.

Realizou-se o presente estudo para avaliar os efeitos antidiabético e anti-hiperlipidêmico de extratos metanólicos de folhas de Dillenia indica em ratos wistar com diabetes induzido por estreptozotocina por meio da administração de doses orais (250 e 500 mg/kg de peso corporal) por 21 dias. O extrato mostrou atividade antidiabética significativa (p<0,001). Além disso, a diminuição do peso corporal dos ratos foi significativamente melhorada após o tratamento com os extratos. O tratamento com doses orais do extrato por 21 dias aos ratos diabéticos também resultou em redução significativa do colesterol, triglicerídios e níveis de transaminase séricos, mas o nível de HDL-colesterol foi melhorado (p<0,001), quando comparado ao grupo controle diabético. O tratamento com extrato também mostrou aumento do nível sérico de insulina em ratos diabéticos comparativamente ao grupo controle diabético. Em conclusão, o extrato de folha de D. indica poderia ser útil para o controle do diabetes mellitus e de outras anormalidades associadas a essa disfunção metabólica.

Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and histopathological analysis of Dillenia indica (L.) leaves extract on alloxan induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate antidiabetic, hypolipidemic histopathological analysis of Dillenia indica (D. indica) methanolic leaves (DIME) extract in alloxan induced diabetic rat by administering oral doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight).@*METHODS@#Blood glucose levels were measured using blood glucose test strips with elegance glucometer on weekly intervals till the end of study (i.e. 3 weeks). Other parameters e.g. liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels were determined in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats after oral administration of the extract for 21 days. Histopathological changes in diabetic rat organs (pancreas, liver and kidney) were also observed after extract treatment.@*RESULTS@#Daily oral administration DIME (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level (P < 0.001) as well as improving kidney, liver functions and hyperlipidaemia due to diabetes. The extract treatment also showed to enhanced serum insulin level and body weight of diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control group. Furthermore, the extract has a favorable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver and kidney in alloxan induced diabetes.@*CONCLUSIONS@#D. indica possess antidiabetic property as well improve body weight, liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels. DIME has also favorable effect to inhibit the histopathological changes of the pancreas and kidney in alloxan induced diabetes.

Efeito dos extratos metanólicos das folhas de Davilla elliptica e Davilla nitida na vigência de colite experimental induzida por ácido trinitrobenzenosulfônico em ratos / Effects of methanol extracts of leaves of Davilla elliptica and Davilla nitida in the presence of experimental colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in rats

A doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) corresponde a um conjunto de desordens crônicas inflamatórias intestinais, de etiologia ainda desconhecida, sendo a retocolite (RCU) e a doença de Crohn (DC) as duas doenças mais representativas e de maior importância clínica. Devido a pouca eficácia das terapias convencionais, muitos pacientes recorrem a métodos alternativos, como o uso de plantas medicinais. As espécies Davilla elliptica St. Hil e Davilla nitida (Vahl) Kubitzki (família Dilleniaceae) são plantas arbustivas comumente encontradas no Cerrado brasileiro. D. elliptica, conhecida como lixeirinha, é utilizada na medicina popular para o tratamento de afecções do trato gastrointestinal, como úlceras e gastrites, e também utilizado como antiinflamatório. D. nitida (cipó de fogo) apresenta um grande potencial para o tratamento de doenças do trato gastrointestinal, pois semelhante a D. elliptica, apresenta comprovada ação gastroprotetora e ambas possuem perfis fitoquímicos semelhantes, compostos basicamente de polifenóis. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar os efeitos preventivos e/ou curativos dos extratos metanólicos de D. elliptica (EDE) e D. nitida (EDN) em modelos experimentais de colite (agudo e crônico) induzidos pelo ácido trinitrobenzenosulfônico (TNBS) em ratos e os possíveis mecanismos decorrentes dessas ações farmacológicas. A partir dos resultados anteriormente obtidos da ação gastroprotetora de ambos os extratos, foram selecionadas as doses empregadas nos modelos experimentais de colite. Foi constatado que altas doses (500 mg/kg) de EDE e EDN administradas oralmente, promovem o agravamento das injúrias no cólon (aumento de 47 e 21 das lesões, respectivamente). Porém, ao avaliar os efeitos agudos de ambos os extratos no modelo de colite com doses menores (31.2, 62.5 e 125 mg/kg), ocorreram reduções significativas das áreas (para ambos os extratos) e dos escores das lesões (somente de EDN) promovidas pelo TBNS.

Assessment of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of "lixeira" (Curatella americanaL. ) using the prophage λ induction test (SOS inductest) / Avaliação da genotoxicidade e citotoxicidade de "lixeira" (Curatella americana L.) utilizando o teste de indução profago λ (teste de indução SOS)

Curatella americana L., commonly known as "lixeira" in Brazil, has been used in folk medicine to treat ulcers and inflammations. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of the ethanolic extract of C. americana stem bark using the prophage λ induction test (SOS inductest). To evaluate the cytotoxicity of this plant, after treatment with different concentrations of the extract, Escherichia coli WP2s(λ) cultures were diluted in M9 buffer, inoculated into LB plates, and incubated for 24 h at 37 ºC. To assess genotoxicity, the lysogenic strain E. coli WP2s(λ) was treated with different concentrations of the extract. Then, the lysogenic strain was added to the indicator strain (RJF013), LB(1/2)(malt/amp), seeded into plates with the matches, and incubated for 24 h at 37 ºC. After this period, the total number of colonies and the number of plaques were counted to evaluate C. americana cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, respectively. Our results showed that although the extract of "lixeira" did not modify the survival of bacteria (p > 0.05), it caused a significant increase in prophage λ induction, especially at the higher concentrations (p<0.05). Therefore, we conclude that the ethanolic extract of C. americana stem bark did not present cytotoxic effect, but some genotoxic potential was observed.

Curatella americana L., comumente conhecida como "lixeira" no Brasil, é utilizada em medicina popular para tratamento de úlceras e inflamações. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial citotóxico e genotóxico do extrato etanólico das cascas de C. americana utilizando o Induteste SOS. Para avaliar a citotoxicidade da planta, depois de tratadas com diferentes concentrações do extrato, culturas de E. coli WP2s(λ) foram diluνdas em tampão M9 e semeadas em placas LB. Para avaliar a genotoxicidade da planta, a cepa lisogênica WP2s(λ) de E. coli foi tratada com diferentes concentrações do extrato. Em seguida, esta foi adicionada à cepa indicadora (RJF013) e ambas foram semeadas em placas em meio LB(1/2)(malt)(amp). Todas as culturas foram incubadas por 24 h a 37 ºC. Posteriormente, o número total de colônias e o número de centros infecciosos foram computados para a avaliação da citotoxidade e da genotoxicidade desta planta, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que embora o extrato de C. americana não tenha modificado a sobrevivência bacteriana (p > 0,05), provocou aumento significativo (p < 0,05) na indução do profago λ, especialmente nas concentrações mais altas. Assim, concluiu-se que o extrato etanólico das cascas de C. americana não apresentou atividade citotóxica, mas foi observada ação genotóxica direta.

Análise da atividade antimicrobiana das folhas de Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. (Dilleniaceae) / Investigation of antimicrobial activity of Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. leaves (Dilleniaceae)

Davilla elliptica St.-Hil. (Dilleniaceae) é um arbusto,usado popularmente como adstringente, tônico, sedativo, diurético, no tratamento de hemorróidas, hérnia e em aplicações tópicas como anti-séptico na limpeza de ferimentos. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliara atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos etanólicos brutos das folhas de D. elliptica coletadas em Alexânia e Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Os extratos etanólicos brutos foram obtidos, por maceração a frio, a partir das folhas dessecadas e pulverizadas. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada utilizando 25 cepas de microrganismos (Gram-negativos, Gram-positivos e levedura) através da determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) utilizando-se o inoculador de Steers. Os extratos obtidos de plantas coletados nas duas localidades inibiram o crescimento de todas as cepas avaliadas. O extrato da amostra coletada em Alexânia apresentou atividade antimicrobiana com CIM variando de 0,371 mg/mL a 0,743 mg/mL. O extrato da amostra coletada em Goiânia apresentou CIM variando de < 0,023 mg/mL a 11,9 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólicos brutos das folhas de D. elliptica foram mais ativos contra as bactérias Gram-positivas do que para as bactérias Gram-negativas.

Davilla elliptica St.-Hil.(Dilleniaceae) is a shrub, whose leaves are traditionally used in Brazilian popular medicine as an astringent, tonic, sedative and diuretic and to treat hemorrhoids and hernia and it is applied a topical antiseptic to clean wounds. The aim in this study was to assess the antimicrobial activity of crude ethanol extracts of D. elliptica leaves collected in the towns of Alexânia and Goiânia, state of Goiás, Brazil. The crude extracts were obtained by cold maceration, of the dried and pulverized leaves in ethanol. Antimicrobial activities against 25 strains of microorganisms (Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and a yeast) were tested determining by the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) in agar plates inoculated with using a Steers replicator. Extracts of from inhibited the growth of all strains evaluated. The extract of the sample collected in Alexânia showed antimicrobial activity with MICs ranging from 0.371 mg/mL to 0.743 mg/mL, while that collected in Goiânia showed MICs ranging from <0.023 mg/mL to 11.9 mg/mL. The D. elliptica crude leaf ethanol extracts evaluated were more active against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria.

Immunological and microbiological activity of Davilla elliptica St. Hill. (Dilleniaceae) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for over 8 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) annually. Natural products may play important roles in the chemotherapy of TB. The immunological activity of Davilla elliptica chloroform extract (DECE) was evaluated in vitro by the determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release in peritoneal macrophages cultures. DECE was also tested for its antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis using the microplate alamar blue assay. DECE (50, 150, 250 mug/ml) stimulated the production of H2O2 (from 1,79 ± 0,23 to 7,27 ± 2,54; 15,02 ± 2,86; 20,5 ± 2,1 nmols) (means ± SD), NO (from 2,64 ± 1,02 to 25,59 ± 2,29; 26,68 ± 2,41; 29,45 ± 5,87 mumols) (means ± SD) and TNF-alpha (from 2,44 ± 1,46 to 30,37 ± 8,13; 38,68 ± 1,59; 41,6 ± 0,90 units/ml) (means ± SD) in a dose-dependent manner and also showed a promising antimycobacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 62,5 mug/ml. This plant may have therapeutic potential in the immunological and microbiological control of TB.

Antitumour activity of some plants from Meghalaya and Mizoram against murine ascites Dalton's lymphoma.

Total five plants, three from Mizoram (Dillenia pentagyna, Ageratum conyzoides, Blumea lanceolaria) and two from Meghalaya (Potentilla fulgens, Taxus baccata) were studied for their antitumour activity against murine ascites Dalton's lymphoma (DL) in vivo. Only three plants showed the different magnitude of antitumour activity. Out of these three plants, the antitumour activity was maximally observed with the methanol extract of the stem bark of D. pentagyna as compared to the aqueous extract of the roots of A. conyzoides and aqueous extract of the root of P. fulgens. An increase in glutathione levels in Dalton's lymphoma cells was observed during tumour growth. Changes in glutathione and protein levels were also investigated in the liver and Dalton's lymphoma cells of tumour-bearing mice following the treatment with the extract of D. pentagyna which showed the highest antitumour activity as compared to the other two plant extracts. Glutathione in the liver and DL cells of treated tumour-bearing mice was found to be decreased. The protein concentration in liver and DL cells decreased mainly at 96 hr of treatment. It may be concluded that the natural product of D. pentagyna promises to be more active against Dalton's lymphoma than others and the decrease in glutathione level may be one of the important steps in resulting this antitumour effect.