Biological activities of essential oils from six genotypes of four Ocotea species

Abstract Essential oils from four Ocotea species collected in southern Brazil were evaluated for chemical composition using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The primary compound identified in O. acutifolia essential oil was an unsaturated tetracyclic diterpene, phyllocladene (67.7%), followed by a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, ß-selinene (18.0%). The sesquiterpene fraction was predominant in oils from two collections of O. puberula; ß-caryophyllene (25.2%) and globulol (22.6%) were the major compounds identified in collections 1 and 2, respectively. O. silvestris essential oil contained predominantly germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene. These compounds were also predominant in essential oil from O. indecora leaves collected from shady habitats. By contrast, essential oil extracted from O. indecora grown under direct sunlight contained mainly oxygenated sesquiterpenes, such as guaiol (30.2%), α-eudesmol (27.6%), and ß-eudesmol (12.7%). Chemotaxis assays showed that Ocotea essential oils had no significant inhibitory activity on leukocyte migration compared with a chemotactic stimulant (lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli). However, the oils exhibited antifungal activity against Candida parapsilosis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 500 µg/mL. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the in vitro antifungal and antichemotactic activities of essential oils from Ocotea species native to southern Brazil

Ocotea daphnifolia: phytochemical investigation, in vitro dual cholinesterase inhibition, and molecular docking studies

This study aimed to evaluate the anticholinesterase activities of extracts and fractions of Ocotea daphnifolia in vitro and characterize its constituents. The effects of hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanolic extracts on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity were determined with a spectrophotometry assay. All extracts inhibited cholinesterase activity, and the ethanolic extract (2 mg/mL) exhibited the highest inhibition of both enzymes (99.7% for BuChE and 82.4% for AChE). The ethanolic extract was fractionated by column chromatography resulting in 14 fractions that were also screened for their anticholinesterase effects. Fraction 9 (2 mg/mL) showed the highest activity, inhibiting AChE and BuChE by 71.8% and 90.2%, respectively. This fraction was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry which allowed the characterization of seven glycosylated flavonoids (containing kaempferol and quercetin nucleus) and one alkaloid (reticuline). In order to better understand the enzyme-inhibitor interaction of the reticuline toward cholinesterase, molecular modeling studies were performed. Reticuline targeted the catalytic activity site of the enzymes. Ocotea daphnifolia exhibits a dual cholinesterase inhibitory activity and displays the same pattern of intermolecular interactions as described in the literature. The alkaloid reticuline can be considered as an important bioactive constituent of this plant.

Preliminary evaluation of the larvicidal activity of extracts and fractions from Ocotea nutans (Nees) Mez against Aedes aegypti

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue and yellow fever. Recently, the use of plant-sourced larvicides has gained momentum. METHODS: The hydroethanolic extracts and fractions ofOcotea nutansleaves and stems were bioassayed to determine the larvicidal efficacy of these samples. RESULTS: S-HEX (hexane fraction from the crude stem extract) demonstrated high potential for controlling third-stage larvae, with an LC50 of 14.14 µg.mL-1 (concentration required to inhibit 50% of the treated larvae). CONCLUSIONS Extracts from O. nutans were effective against third-stage larvae ofA. aegyptiafter 24 h of exposure.

Componentes químicos del aceite esencial de Ocotea paranaensis (Lauraceae) y sus propiedades antioxidantes, anticancer y antimicrobianas / Chemical constituents of Ocotea paranaensis (Lauraceae) essential oil and their antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial properties

La composición química del aceite esencial obtenido de las ramas de Ocotea paranaensis se estudió por cromatografía de gases/espectrometría de masas (CG/MS). Se identificaron veintisiete compuestos, que comprenden el 94,82% de los componentes totales. El aceite se caracterizó por una concentración relativamente alta de sesquiterpenos (62,96%), sesquiterpenos oxigenados (33,33%) y diterpeno (3,70%). En cuanto a los compuestos principales, se destacaron Z-nerolidol (19,16%), germacreno D (12,92%) y α-bulnesene (8,47%), que correspondieron al 40,55% de las sustancias encontradas. El aceite esencial analizado de Ocotea paranaensis tiene una buena acción reductora de fosfomolibdeno y es moderadamente tóxico para la Artemia salina (LC50 = 147,91 µg/mL). Mostró potencial hemolítico y actividad moderada contra Staphylococcus aureus (concentración inhibitoria mínima MIC = 250 µg/mL) y Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 500 µg/mL). No se observaron resultados satisfactorios de citotoxicidad en el linaje H460 y HeLa.

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the branches of Ocotea paranaensis was studied by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty-seven compounds, comprising 94.82% of the total components, were identified. The oil showed relatively high concentration of sesquiterpenes (62.96%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (33.33%), and diterpene (3.70%). Regarding the major compounds, Z-nerolidol (19.16%), germacrene D (12.92%) and α-bulnesene (8.47%) could be highlighted, which corresponded to 40.55% of the substances that were found. The essential oil from Ocotea paranaensis has phosphomolybdenum reducing action and is moderately toxic to the Artemia salina (LC50 = 147.91 µg/mL). It showed haemolytic potential and moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus, (minimum inhibitory concentration MIC = 250 µg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 500 µg/mL). No satisfactory cytotoxicity results were observed in lineage H460 and HeLa.

Ocotea pulchellaas an alternative against schistosomiasis: chemical analysis, development of nanoemulsion and biological control activity / Ocotea pulchellacomo una alternativa ante esquistosomiasis: análisis químico, desarrollo de una nanoemulsión y actividad en control biológico

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of the essential oil (EO) from Ocotea pulchella leaves as an alternative in the control of schistosomiasis. It was tested O. pulchella EO nanoformulation to assess its activity against adult Biomphalaria glabrata, their spawning and Schistossoma mansoni cercariae. Additionally, the EO chemical composition was investigated by gas-chromatography. Nanoemulsion were elaborated by the low energy method. The adult mollusks, their spawning and cercariae were placed in contact with nanoemulsion to calculate lethal concentrations. Myristicin, bicyclogermacrene and α-Pinene were the main substances in the EO. Nanoemulsion caused mortality of adult B. glabrata, its egg embryos and S. mansoni. These results suggest the use of this nanoemulsion as an alternative in the control of the schistosomiasis cycle.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial de los aceites esenciales (AE) de las hojas de Ocotea pulchellacomo una alternativa en el control de esquistosomiasis. Se probó una nanoformulación de AE de O. pulchellapara evaluar su actividad ante adultos de Biomphalaria glabrata, sus huevos y cercarías de Schistossoma mansoni. La nanoemulsión fue elaborada por el método de baja energía. Los moluscos adultos, sus huevos y cercarías se colocaron en contacto con la nanoemulsión para calcular concentraciones letales. Los compuestos mayoritarios en el AE fueron miristicina, biciclogermacreno y α-pineno. La nanoemulsión causó mortalidad en adultos de B. glabrata, sus huevos y a S. mansoni. Los resultados sugieren el uso de esta nanoemulsión como una alternativa en el control del ciclo de esquistosomiasis.

Ocotea (Lauraceae) Amazonian essential oils chemical composition and their tyrosinase inhibition to use in cosmetics / Ocotea (Lauraceae) composición química de aceites esenciales amazónicos y su inhibición de la tirosinasa para usar en cosméticos

This study presents analyses on the chemistry, biology, pharmacology and chromatography of essential oils extracted from three species of the Ocotea genus: O. minor, O. ceanothifolia and O. leucoxylon. Leaves and stems, as well as the bark of O. minor, were processed using a modified Clevenger apparatus. Seven essential oils were obtained and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS, and their chemical compositions were determined. Assays of cytotoxicity, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, as well as tyrosinase and elastase inhibition were performed. In total, 25 constituents were identified, the principal being sesquiterpenes, such as spathulenol caryophyllene and its oxide. The oils did not present cytotoxicity using a hemolytic model, but also did not show antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay. Essential oil from stems of O. ceanothifolia, rich in spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide, demonstrated the capacity to inhibit 49.08% of tyrosinase activity at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. This research contributes to the chemical profile analysis of the three species of Ocoteathrough chemical investigations and biological activity, which are reported for the first time here in this study.

Este trabajo realiza un estudio químico, biológico, farmacológico y cromatográfico de aceites esenciales extraídos de tres especies del género Ocotea: O. minor, O. ceanothifoliay O. leucoxylon. Las hojas y tallos, así como la corteza de O. minor, se procesaron utilizando un aparato Clevenger modificado. Se obtuvieron siete aceites esenciales y se analizaron usando GC-FID y GC-MS, y se determinaron sus composiciones químicas. Se realizaron ensayos de citotoxicidad, actividad antioxidante y de atrapamiento de radicales libres, así como inhibición de tirosinasa y elastasa. En total, se identificaron 25 componentes, siendo los principales sesquiterpenos, como el spathulenol cariofileno y su óxido. Los aceites no presentaron citotoxicidad en un modelo hemolítico y tampoco mostraron actividad antioxidante en el ensayo con DPPH. El aceite esencial de tallos de O. ceanothifolia, rico en espatulenol y óxido de cariofileno, mostró capacidad para inhibir el 49.08% de la actividad de tirosinasa a una concentración de 100 µg/mL. Esta investigación contribuye al análisis del perfil químico de las tres especies de Ocotea a través de investigaciones químicas y actividad biológica la cual se informan por primera vez.

Ocotea porosa: Anatomy and Histochemistry of Leaves and Stems, Chemical Composition, Cytotoxicity and Insecticidal Activities of Essential Oil

Abstract Ocotea porosa (Nees & Mart.) Barroso, commonly known as "imbuia", "canela-imbuia" or "imbuia-amarela" in Brazil, is a tree of the Southern Atlantic Forest. The present study investigates the anatomy of leaf and stem, volatile oil chemistry, as well as cytotoxicity and insecticidal activities of the essential oil of O. porosa. Species identification was achieved by anatomy features, mainly due to paracytic and anomocytic stomata; non-glandular trichomes; biconvex midrib and petiole with a collateral open arc vascular bundle; presence of a sclerenchymatous layer, starch grains and crystal sand in the stem; and the presence of phenolic compounds in the epidermis, phloem and xylem of the midrib, petiole and stem. The main volatile components of the essential oil were α-pinene (19.71%), β-pinene (13.86%) and bicyclogermacrene (24.62%). Cytotoxicity against human cancer cell (MCF-7), mouse cancer cell (B16F10) and mouse non-tumoral cell (McCoy) was observed as well as insecticidal activity of the essential oil against susceptible 'Ft. Dix' bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) by topical application.

Chemical composition and acaricidal activity of Ocotea notata (Lauraceae), an endemic species from Brazil, against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus / Composición química y actividad acaricida de Ocotea notata (Lauraceae), una especie endémica de Brasil, contra la garrapata del ganado Rhipicephalus microplus

Rhipicephalus microplus, is one parasites that cause severe productivity losses in the cattle industry of Brazil and shows increasing resistance to conventional pesticides. This research aims to study the chemical composition, and acaricidal activity of the essential oil from Ocotea notata leaves, a brazilian endemic species, against R. microplus. The effect on R. microplus engorged adult females was evaluated using the immersion test. The oil reduced the survival by 90% after incubation for 15 days and there was 100% reduction for posture inhibition and reproductive capacity. These results suggest that the O. notata essential oil has activity on the R. microplus.

Rhipicephalus microplus, es un parásito que causa graves pérdidas de productividad en la industria ganadera de Brasil y muestra una creciente resistencia a los pesticidas convencionales. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar la composición química y la actividad acaricida del aceite esencial de las hojas de Ocotea notata, una especie endémica brasileña, contra R. microplus. El efecto sobre las hembras adultas engordadas de R. microplus se evaluó mediante la prueba de inmersión. El aceite redujo la supervivencia en 90% después de la incubación durante 15 días y hubo una reducción del 100% para la inhibición de la postura y la capacidad reproductiva. Estos resultados sugieren que el aceite esencial de O. notata tiene actividad contra R. microplus.

Ocotea nutans (Nees) Mez (Lauraceae): chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and biological properties of essential oil

The present study was undertaken to assess the potential uses of the essential oil obtained from Ocotea nutans (Nees) Mez. The hydrodistilled essential oil from O. nutans leaves was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fifty-eight compounds representing 87,29% of the total leaf essential oil components were identified, of which biciclogermacrene(11.41%), germacrene-D (4.89%), bisabolol-11-ol(3.73%) and spathulenol (3.71%) were the major compounds. The essential oil from O. nutans were tested for antibacterial activity using the minimum inhibitory concentracion (MIC) method, Artemia salina method, larvicidal activity in Aedes aegypti, and antioxidant capacity.The antioxidant activity measured by the phosphomolybdenum complex and Prussian blue method had positive results. The minimum inhibitory concentration for the microorganisms tested allowed moderate inhibitionfor Enterococcus faecalis (MIC=500 µg/mL). Artemia salina were toxic to the organisms in the study (LC50= 71,70 µg /mL). The essential oil showed remarkable larvicidal activity potencial (LC50= 250 µg/mL). The present results showed thatO. nutans essential oil has potential biological uses

Chemical composition of essential oil from leaves of Ocotea limae Vattimo Gil. and Ocotea gardneri (Meisn. ) Mez. growing wild in Atlantic forest of North-Eastern Brazil / [Composición química del aceite esencial de las hojas de Ocotea limae Vattimo Gil. y Ocotea gardneri (Meisn. ) Mez. nativas de la floresta Atlántica del Nordeste de Brasil

Essential oils from leaves of Ocotea limae and Ocotea gardneri species were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The analysis revealed the presence of 48 components accounting for 98.1 ± 1.3% e 98.0 ± 0.5% of the essential oils from the O. limae and O. gardneri, respectively. The oils were characterized by high percentage of sesquiterpenes. The mains compounds identified in the essential oils were spathulenol (13.3 ± 0.5%), ß-caryophyllene (12.4 ± 0.5%), bicyclogermacrene (11.3 ± 0.4%) and germacrene D (10.9 ± 0.3%) from the O. limae and germacrene D (26.9 ± 0.9%) e bicyclogermacrene (21.7 ± 0.7%) from the O. glomerata.

Los aceites esenciales de hojas de Ocotea limae y Ocotea gardneri fueron analizados por GC-FID y GC-MS. El análisis reveló la presencia de 48 componentes que representan 98,1 ± 1,3% y 98,0 ± 0,5% de los aceites esenciales de O. limae y O. gardneri, respectivamente. Los aceites se caracterizaron por un alto porcentaje de sesquiterpenos. Los principales compuestos identificados en los aceites esenciales fueron espatulenol (13,3 ± 0,5%), ß-cariofileno (12,4 ± 0,5%), biciclogermacreno (11,3 ± 0,4%) y germacreno D (10,9 ± 0,3%) de O. limae y germacreno D (26,9 ± 0,9%) y bicyclogermacreno (21,7 ± 0,7%) de la O. glomerata.

Comparative toxicity of essential oil and blends of selected terpenes of Ocotea species from Pernambuco, Brazil, against Tetranychus urticae Koch

ABSTRACT Essential oils from the leaves of two species of the genus Ocotea that occur in the Atlantic Forest in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The acaricidal activity of these oils as well as 11 selected components and blends were evaluated in fumigation and residual contact tests against the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). Sixty-seven constituents were identified, totaling 97.3 ± 0.3% and 97.8 ± 0.5% of the oils from O. duckei and O. glomerata, respectively. Sesquiterpene was the dominant class. The compounds β-caryophyllene (18.6 ± 0.1%) and aromadendrene (17.3 ± 0.6%) were the main constituents of the oils from O. duckei and O. glomerata, respectively. Acaricidal action varied depending on the method employed, species and chemical nature of the selected constituents. The mites were susceptible to the oils and chemical constituents using the fumigation method. The O. duckei oil was respectively 2.5-fold and 1.5-fold more toxic than the O. glomerata oil using the fumigation and residual contact methods. Among the selected constituents, β-caryophyllene was the most toxic, independently of the method employed. The individual toxicity of the selected compounds and their blends as well as the role of these constituents in the overall toxicity of the essential oils are also discussed.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and biological activity of Ocotea bicolor Vattimo-Gil (LAURACEAE) essential oil

ABSTRACT The essential oil composition of the Ocotea bicolor, native plant of Brazil, was studied for the first time. The essential oil of the leaf was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The analytical procedure revealed a predominance of sesquiterpenes, δ-cadinene (7.39%), ß-sesquiphellandrene (6.67%), ß-elemene (5.41%) and α-cadinol (5,23%). The essential oil was submitted to brine shrimp toxicity evaluation, antioxidant and antibacterial tests. The antioxidant activity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex method presented positive results. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were higher than 1000 µg/mL for the microorganisms tested. Toxicity activity revealed LC50 results of 40.10 (µg/mL), being toxic to the organisms in this study

Composición química del aceite esencial de Ocotea cymbarum Kunth (cascarillo y/o sasafrás) de la región Orinoquia / Chemical composition of essential oil of Ocotea cymbarum Kunth (cascarilla and/or sassafras) from the Orinoquía region

Introducción: en algunas poblaciones de la Orinoquia colombiana y/o venezolana venden, en plazas de mercado, los aceites de cascarillo y sasafrás; estos aceites son empleados para aliviar dolencias como artritis reumática, afecciones respiratorias y tratar picaduras de insectos y animales ponsoñosos. Los productos se obtienen de la especie Ocotea cymbarum Kunth, la cual tiene una abundante sinonimia botánica como Alseodaphne cymbarum,Licaria cymbarum, Misanteca cymbarum, Nectandra barcellensis, Nectandra cymbarum, Nectandra elaiophora, Nectandra oleífera y Ocotea barcellensis. Objetivo: realizar un análisis comparativo de las características fisicoquímicas del aceite esencial de cascarillo y/o sasafrás (posible Ocotea cymbarum Kunth). Métodos: la composición química relativa de los aceites obtenidos de madera y corteza fue determinada mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (CG-EM), el cálculo y comparación de índices de retención en columnas de polaridad ortogonal y la comparación de los espectros de masas por impacto electrónico con los de las bases de datos NIST08.L, Wiley9.L. Resultados: fueron determinados 45 compuestos en las muestras analizadas y más del 90 por ciento de la composición relativa establecida para cada aceite corresponde a compuestos monoterpénicos principalmente alcanfor y alfa-terpineol. Al realizar un análisis de las rutas biosintéticas que conducen a la generación de los principales compuestos detectados en los aceites analizados, se evidenció que las especies de donde se obtuvieron estos aceites, presentan diferentes grados de evolución micromolecular. Conclusión: los aceites de cascarillo y sasafrás provienen de especies vegetales con diferentes grados de evolución química. Este resultado refuerza la evidencia de la alta diversidad biológica de la familia Lauraceae. El trabajo fue realizado con el apoyo financiero del Laboratorio de Productos Naturales Vegetales del departamento de Química de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Bogotá(AU)

Introduction: cascarilla and sassafras oils are sold in market places of some settlements in the Colombian and/or Venezuelan Orinoquía. These oils are used to alleviate conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and respiratory disorders, and to treat the bites of insects and poisonous animals. The oils are obtained from the species Ocotea cymbarum Kunth, which displays abundant botanical synonymy as Alseodaphne cymbarum, Licaria cymbarum,Misanteca cymbarum, Nectandra barcellensis, Nectandra cymbarum, Nectandra elaiophora, Nectandra oleífera and Ocotea barcellensis. Objective: carry out a comparative analysis of the physicochemical characteristics of essential oil of cascarilla and/or sassafras (Ocotea cymbarum Kunth).Methods: the relative chemical composition of oils obtained from wood and bark was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Estimation and comparison of retention indices was conducted with orthogonal polarity columns. Comparison of electron impact mass spectra was performed with the databases NIST08.L and Wiley9.L. Results: forty-five compounds were determined from the samples analyzed. More than 90 percent of the relative composition established for each oil corresponds to monoterpenic compounds, mainly camphor and alpha-terpineol. Analysis of the biosynthetic pathways leading to the generation of the main compounds detected in the oils studied, showed that the species from which the oils were obtained exhibit varying degrees of micromolecular evolution. Conclusion: cascarilla and sassafras oils are obtained from plant species at varying stages of chemical evolution. This result constitutes additional evidence of the great biological diversity of the Lauraceae family. The study was conducted with financial support from the Natural Plant Products Laboratory of the Chemistry Department at the National University of Colombia at Bogotá(AU)

Composição química e toxicidade de óleos essenciais para o pulgão-verde Schizaphis graminum (Rondani, 1852) / Chemical composition and toxicity of essential oils to the green-aphid Schizaphis graminum (Rondani, 1852)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar e quantificar os constituintes dos óleos essenciais de Illicum verum, Ageratum conyzoides, Piper hispidinervum e Ocotea odorifera, bem como avaliar a toxicidade para o pulgão-verde Schizaphis graminum. A qualificação dos constituintes foi realizada por meio de um cromatógrafo gasoso + espectrômetro de massas, e a quantificação, por um cromatógrafo gasoso + detector de ionização de chama, ambos com uma coluna DB5. O método de hidrodestilação promoveu um rendimento (p/p) de 3,81% para I. verum, 0,46% para A. conyzoides, 2,85% para P. hispidinervum e 0,68% para O. odorífera. Já os componentes majoritários foram: precoceno (87,0%) e (E)-cariofileno (7,1%) para A. conyzoides; (E)-anetol (90,4%), limoneno (2,6%) e metil-chavicol (1,3%) para I. verum; metil-eugenol (81,2%) e safrol (10,6%) para Ocotea odorífera; e safrol (82,5%) e α-terpinoleno (13,4%) para P. hispidinervum. Pelos testes de toxicidade aguda (24 horas) com folhas de sorgo ou papel-filtro contaminados, verificou-se que o óleo de A. conyzoides foi o mais tóxico para o pulgão, com CL50 de 7,13 e 7,08 µL óleo/cm2 respectivamente, seguido por O. odorifera com CL50 de 11,80 e 103,00 µL óleo/cm2 respectivamente; I. verum de 51,80 µL óleo/cm2 em ambos os substratos; e o menos tóxico foi o óleo essencial de P. hispidinervum, com CL50 de 62,50 e 143,00 µL óleo/cm2, respectivamente. Dessa maneira, sugere-se que o uso dos óleos essenciais pode representar uma nova ferramenta em programas de manejo integrado de pragas.(AU)

The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition of essential oils of Illicum verum, Ageratum conyzoides, Piper hispidinervum and Ocotea odorífera, as well as their toxicity to the green-aphid Schizaphis graminum. Compound identification was carried out with gas chromatography + mass spectrometry, and quantification with gas chromatography + flame ionization detector, both with DB5 column. The hydrodistillation process promoted oil yield of 3.81% for I. verum; 0.46% for A. conyzoides; 2.85 % for P. hispidinervum; and 0.68 % for O. odorífera. The major components from the oils of A. conyzoides was precocene (87.0%) and (E)-caryophyllene (7.1%); (E)-anethol (90.4%), limonene (2.6%) and methyl-chavicol (1.3%) for I. verum; methyleugenol (81.2%) and safrole (10.6%) for O. odorifera; and safrole (82.5%) and α-terpinolene (13.4%) for P. hispidinervum. The acute toxicity test (24 hours) performed by contact in sorghum leaves or contaminated filter-paper showed that the higher toxicity occur with essential oils of A. conyzoides, with LC50 of 7.01 and 7.01 µg oil/cm2, respectively; followed by O. odorifera, with LC50 of 17.10 and 66.70 µg oil/cm2, respectively; I. verum, with LC50of 66.40 and 65.40 µg oil/cm2, respectively; and low toxicity was observed for the P. hispidinervum essential oil, with LC50 of 64.00 and 143.00 oil/cm2, respectively. With the results obtained in this research, we can state that the use of these essential oils can be a new tool in integrated pest management.(AU)

Etnobotanica preliminar del Espíngo (Ocotea quixos (Lam) Kosterm) en la medicina tradicional indígena Inga, pruebas fotoquímicas y evaluación de la actividad antimicrobiana / Preliminary Ethnobotany of Espíngo (Ocotea quixos (Lam) Kosterm) In Inga indigenous traditional medicine, photochemical tests and evaluation of antimicrobial activity

La comunidad indígena Inga se ha caracterizado a lo largo de su historia por ser una comunidad de médicos tradicionales por excelencia. A través de un trabajo etnobotánico preliminar se busca hacer un acercamiento al manejo del Espíngo (Ocotea quixos), planta de la medicina tradicional Inga, usando una metodología participativa y creando el rapport con los informantes para poder compartir los diferentes aspectos de esta cultura que enriquecen y dan sentido a lo que son las plantas medicinales. Mas adelante, con el objetivo de encontrar las posibles relaciones entre la forma de conocer de la medicina tradicional y la científica, se hicieron análisis fitoquímicos de esta planta que incluyeron Cromatografía en columna (CC) y de capa delgada (CCD), para detectar grupos de compuestos como terpenos, Glicósidos y fenoles, que gracias a sus propiedades terapéuticas pudieran complementar y argumentar las diferentes aplicaciones del Espíngo en la medicina tradicional. Por ultimo se evaluó la actividad antimicrobiana de las fracciones etanólica y en éter de petróleo del Espíngo, en las cepas bacterianas S. aureus, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa y E. coli, sin embargo las pruebas realizadas con concentraciones que iban desde los 0.05mg/ml ­ 2mg/ml no presentaron halos de inhibición bacteriana.

Atividade antifúngica dos óleos essenciais de sassafrás (Ocotea odorifera Vell. ) e alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis L. ) sobre o gênero Candida / Antifungal activity of Brazilian sassafras (Ocotea odorifera Vell. ) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L. ) essential oils against the genus Candida

Este estudo objetivou avaliar, in vitro, a atividade antifúngica dos óleos essenciais de Ocotea odorifera (Vellozo) Rohwer (Sassafrás) e Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Alecrim) sobre cepas de Candida albicans e C. tropicalis, envolvidas com infecções da cavidade oral. Para tanto, 16 cepas de Candida de origem clínica e de referência foram utilizadas para determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), utilizando a técnica da microdiluição. Miconazol e nistatina foram utilizados como controles positivos. Observou-se discreta atividade antifúngica de ambos os óleos, com CIM de 2,5 mg mL-1 para sassafrás e CIM de 5 mg mL-1 para alecrim em 68 por cento e 81 por cento das cepas avaliadas, respectivamente. Todas as cepas de Candida mostraram-se sensíveis ao miconazol e nistatina. A partir dos resultados obtidos, foi possível concluir que os óleos essenciais de O. odorifera Vell. e R. officinalis L. apresentam fraca atividade sobre cepas de C. albicans e C. tropicalis envolvidas em infecções da cavidade oral.

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of essential oils from Ocotea odorifera Vell. (Brazilian sassafras) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) against Candida albicans and C. tropicalis strains, both involved in oral cavity infections. Thus, 16 Candida strains from clinical origin and standards were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), using the microdilution technique. Miconazole and nystatin were used as positive controls. A slight antifungal activity was observed for both oils, with 2.5 mg mL-1 MIC for Brazilian sassafras and 5 mg mL-1 MIC for rosemary in 68 and 81 percent strains, respectively. All Candida strains were sensitive to miconazole and nystatin. In conclusion, essential oils from O. odorifera Vell. and R. officinalis L. had weak activity against C. albicans and C. tropicalis strains involved in oral cavity infections.

Germination of Ocotea pulchella (Nees) Mez (Lauraceae) seeds in laboratory and natural restinga environment conditions / Germinação de sementes de Ocotea pulchella (Nees) Mez (Lauraceae) em laboratório e em ambiente natural de Restinga

The germination response of Ocotea pulchella (Nees) Mez seeds to light, temperature, water level and pulp presence is introduced. The laboratory assays were carried out in germination chambers and thermal-gradient apparatus, whereas the field assays were performed in environments with distinct light, temperature and soil moisture conditions within a permanent parcel of Restinga forest of the Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, Cananéia, São Paulo. The seeds do not exhibit dormancy, they are non photoblastic, and a loss of viability in dry stored seeds can be related to a decrease in water content of the seed. The presence of the pulp and the flooded substratum influenced negatively the germination of O. pulchella seeds tested in the laboratory. Otherwise, light and temperature probably are not limiting factors of the germination of O. pulchella seeds in the natural environment of Restinga. The optimum temperature range for germination of Ocotea pulchella seeds was 20 to 32 ºC, the minimum or base temperature estimated was 11 ºC and the maximum ranged between 33 and 42 ºC. The isotherms exhibited a sigmoidal pattern well described by the Weibull model in the sub-optimal temperature range. The germinability of O. pulchella seeds in the understorey, both in wet and dry soil, was higher than in gaps. Germination was not affected by fluctuations in soil moisture content in the understorey environment, whereas in gaps, germination was higher in wet soils. Thus, the germination of this species involves the interaction of two or more factors and it cannot be explained by a single factor.

É apresentada a germinação de sementes de Ocotea pulchella (Nees) Mez em resposta a: luz, temperatura, nível de água e presença de polpa. Os ensaios de laboratório foram realizados em câmaras de germinação e em equipamento de gradiente térmico, e os de campo, em ambientes com diferentes condições de luz, temperatura e umidade no solo, em uma parcela permanente em floresta de Restinga no Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, Cananéia, São Paulo. As sementes de Ocotea pulchella não possuem dormência, são afotoblásticas, e a perda de viabilidade de sementes armazenadas a seco pode estar relacionada a um decréscimo no seu conteúdo de água. A presença da polpa e o substrato alagado afetaram negativamente a germinação de O. pulchella em laboratório. Luz e temperatura não são provavelmente fatores limitantes da germinação de sementes de O. pulchella no ambiente natural da Restinga. A faixa térmica ótima de germinação foi de 20 a 32 ºC; a temperatura mínima ou base foi estimada em 11 ºC; e a temperatura máxima variou de 33 a 42 ºC. As isotermas na faixa térmica infraótima exibem padrão sigmoidal e foram bem descritas pelo modelo de Weibull. A germinabilidade no sub-bosque, tanto em solo com maior umidade como em solo mais seco, foi maior do que em clareira. No sub-bosque não houve diferença na germinação em relação a variações na umidade do solo, ao passo que em clareiras a germinabilidade foi maior em solo mais úmido. Assim, a germinação dessa espécie deve ser função da interação de fatores, não podendo ser explicada apenas por um único fator.

Uma revisão da distribuição de Ocotea curucutuensis J.B. Baitello na região sudeste do Brasil / A revised distribution for Ocotea curucutuensis J.B. Baitello in southeastern Brazil

Este trabalho apresenta uma revisão da distribuição de Ocotea curucutuensis J.B. Baitello, na Região Sudeste do Brasil, ampliando substancialmente a extensão conhecida da sua ocorrência. Pela semelhança com Ocotea spixiana (Nees) Mez, essa espécie permaneceu confundida com esta e desconhecida por mais de cem anos, desde a primeira coleta por A. F. M. Glaziou, em 1888. Com base em novos registros para a Serra do Mar e para a Serra da Mantiqueira, sua distribuição foi revisada e ampliada. O. curucutuensis apresenta uma ampla distribuição nas florestas das partes altas da Serra do Mar e da Serra da Mantiqueira, nos Estados de São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro, no sudeste do Brasil, enquanto O. spixiana possui uma distribuição mais ao norte do País.

This analysis presents a revised distribution for Ocotea curucutuensis J.B. Baitello in southeastern Brazil. Because of its strong similarity with Ocotea spixiana (Nees) Mez this species remained unrecognized for over a hundred years after the first collection by A. F. M. Glaziou in 1888, but it was recently shown to be a distinct species. Although the species was originally described from material from the Serra do Mar in São Paulo, subsequent new collections and a wider investigation of herbarium material have shown that it is, in fact, quite widespread, especially in the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira and that it is necessary to revise and enlarge the known distribution. O. curucutuensis has a wide distribution in forests in the higher parts of the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira, in the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, in the southeast of Brazil, while O. spixiana has a more northerly distribution.

GC-MS analysis and cardiovascular activity of the essential oil of Ocotea duckei / Análise CG-EM e atividade cardiovascular dos óleos essenciais de Ocotea duckei

The essential oils obtained by steam distillation from the roots, stems, leaves and fruits of Ocotea duckei had their composition analyzed by GC-MS. The pharmacological activity of these oils was also evaluated showing significant cardiovascular effects. Forty-nine substances were identified, consisting of a complex mixture of monoterpenes (45 percent) and sesquiterpenes (55 percent). The fruits yielded (1.9 percent) more essential oil than the stems (1.0 percent), roots (0.8 percent) and leaves (0.7 percent). The main component in the oil of the leaves was trans-caryophyllene (60.54 percent), in the stem bark beta-eudesmol (27.51 percent) and in the fruits, dl-limonene (30.12 percent). The predominant essential oil component in the roots was elemol (24.31 percent). In non-anaesthetized normotensive rats, the essential oils from different parts of Ocotea duckei (leaves, fruits, stem and roots) induced significant (p < 0.05) hypotension followed by bradycardia.

O óleo essencial obtido da destilação por vapor de água das folhas, caule, raíz e frutos de Ocotea duckei teve sua composição química analisada através de CG-EM. A atividade farmacológica desses óleos também foi avaliada, mostrando significantes efeitos cardiovasculares. Quarenta e nove substâncias foram identificadas, constituída por uma mistura complexa de monoterpenos (45 por cento) e sesquiterpenos (55 por cento). Os frutos forneceram (1,9 por cento) mais óleo essencial do que os caules (1,0 por cento), raízes (0,8 por cento) e folhas (0,7 por cento). O principal componente encontrado nas folhas foi o trans-cariofileno (60,54 por cento), nas cascas do caule, beta-eudesmol (27,51 por cento) e nos frutos, dl-limoneno (30,12 por cento). O componente predominante do óleo essencial das raízes foi elemol (24,31 por cento). Em ratos normotensos, não anestesiados, o óleo essencial de diferentes partes de Ocotea duckei (folhas, frutos, caule e raiz) induziu significante (p < 0,05) hipotensão seguido de bradicardia.

Essential oil of trees of the genus Ocotea (Lauraceae) in Costa Rica. I. Ocotea brenesii

Se determinó la composición química de los aceites esenciales obtenidos de las hojas y de la madera del árbol Ocotea brenesii Standl., perteneciente a la familia Lauraceae, que crece en forma silvestre en Costa Rica. Para el estudio se utilizaron técnicas de cromatografía de gases capilar con detector de ionización de flama (GC/FID) y cromatografía de gases capilar acoplada a un detector de espectrometra de masas (GC/MS). Del aceite volátil de las hojas fueron identificados 64 constituyentes, que correspondieron a un 85.9% del aceite. Del aceite de la madera se identificaron 57 compuestos que correspondieron a un 69.0% del aceite. Los constituyentes mayoritarios que se identificaron en el aceite de las hojas fueron alfa-copaeno (21.1%), gamma-cadineno (9.2%), espatulenol (7.3%), globulol (5.6%) y beta-cariofileno (5.2%). Los constituyentes mayoritarios del aceite de la madera fueron alfa-copaeno (6.6%), óxido de cariofileno (6.3%), beta-cariofileno (6.1%) y el epóxido del humuleno (4.6%). La composición de los aceites es de naturaleza terpénica y no presentaron compuestos del tipo fenilpropanoide o bencenoide que son constituyentes característicos de la mayoría de los aceites de plantas del género Ocotea investigados anteriormente

The chemical composition of the essential oils from leaves and wood of Ocotea brenesii Standl. growing wild in Costa Rica was determined by capillary GC/FID and GC/MS. From the leaves, 4 compounds were identified, corresponding to 85.9% of the oil, and from the wood 57 compounds were identified corresponding to 69.0% of the oil. The major constituents identified in the leaf oil were alpha-copaene (21.1%), gamma-cadinene (9.2%), spathulenol (7.3%), globulol (5.6%) and beta-caryophyllene (5.2%). The major constituents of the wood oil were alpha-copaene (6.6%), caryophyllene oxide (6.3%), beta-caryophyllene (6.1%) and humulene epoxide (4.6%)