Atividade inseticida do óleo de Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (copaiba) sobre Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae / Actividad insecticida de aceite de Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (copaiba) sobre Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae / Insecticidal activity of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (copaiba) oil aga inst Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae

Introdução: utilizou-se o óleo de copaíba (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf) em duas formas de aplicação como alternativa de controle de Tribolium castaneum. Objetivo: avaliar o potencial tóxico do óleo de copaíba (C. langsdorffii) sobre adultos de Tribolium castaneum. Métodos: os bioensaios foram conduzidos no Laboratório de Análise de Sementes, da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil. Realizaram-se dois bioensaios: No primeiro, adultos de T. castaneum foram confinados em recipientes de acrílico (50 mL) com tampa, possuindo o óleo nas diluições de 0,0 (testemunha); 10; 30; 50; 70 e 90 por cento, aplicando-se 0,5 mL da diluição sobre um disco de papel filtro; No segundo experimento, os insetos foram confinados em recipientes de plástico (100 mL) com tampa, por onde o óleo foi levado para o interior desses, na forma de névoa, nas doses de 0,0 (testemunha); 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0 e 2,5 mL. Para os dois experimentos avaliou-se o número de insetos mortos após 24, 48 e 72 h, e determinou-se a DL 50 e DL90. Os bioensaios foram organizados em esquema fatorial 6 x 3. Resultados: em ambos os experimentos, o óleo de copaíba se mostrou eficiente para o controle de T. castaneum, com mortalidades de até 100 por cento por contato e 97,5 por cento por nebulização. Conclusão: o óleo de C. langsdorffii, por contato ou nebulização, é tóxico a T. castaneum(AU)

Introducción: en este trabajo se utilizó el aceite de copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.) aplicado de dos formas distintas como alternativa de control do Tribolium castaneum. Objetivo: evaluar el potencial tóxico del aceite de C. langsdorffii aplicado en adultos de T. castaneum. Métodos: los bioensayos se realizaron en el Laboratorio de Análisis de Semillas, Universidad Federal de Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil. Para alcanzar los objetivos se llevaran a cabo dos bioensayos: primero, los adultos de T. castaneum fueron confinados en contenedores de acrílico (50 mL) con tapa, contiendo el aceite en diluciones de 0.0 (control); 10; 30; 50; 70 y 90 por ciento, se aplicando 0,5 mL de la dilución en un disco de papel de filtro. En el segundo bioensayo, los insectos se colocaron en recipientes de plástico (100 mL) con tapa, por donde el aceite fue llevado a estos en la forma de niebla, en las dosis de 0.0 (control); 0,5; 1,0; 1.5; 2,0 y 2,5 mL. En ambos bioensayos se evaluó el número de insectos muertos después de 24, 48 y 72 h, y se determinó la DL50 y DL90. Los bioensayos fueron dispuestos en un factorial 6 x 3. Resultados: en ambos experimentos, el aceite de copaiba fue eficiente para el control de T. castaneum, con tasas de mortalidad de hasta el 100 por ciento, por contacto, y 97,5 por ciento por nebulización. Conclusión. el aceite de C. langsdorffii, por contacto o nebulización es tóxico para T. castaneum(AU)

Introduction. we used the copaiba oil (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.) in two application forms as an alternative control Tribolium castaneum. Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of copaiba oil (C. langsdorffii) on adults of T. castaneum. Methods: bioassays were conducted in the Laboratory of Seed Analysis, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. There were two bioassays: (1) Mortality by Contact and (2) Nebulization. At first, the adults of T. castaneum were kept in acrylic containers (50 mL) with a lid having oil dilutions of 0.0 (control), 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 percent, applying 0.5 mL of the dilution on a filter paper disc. In the second experiment, the insects were placed in plastic containers (100 mL) with lid, from which the oil was smuggled into these in the form of mist, at doses of 0.0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mL. For the two experiments evaluated, the number of dead insects after 24, 48 and 72 hours as well as LD50 and LD 90. Bioassays were organized into 6 x 3 factorial arrangement. Results: in both experiments, the copaiba oil proved being effective for the control of T. castaneum, with mortality rates of up to 100 percent due to 97.5 percent by nebulization. Conclusion: the oil of C. langsdorffii, by contact or misting, is toxic to T. castaneum(AU)

Chemical constituents, biological activity and therapeutic uses, of Scutia buxifolia Reissek

Scutia buxifolia has been used in the treatment of a number of diseases, which includes bacterial and fungal infections, hypertension, Alzheimer's Disease and cancer. S. buxifolia contains biologically active compounds such as flavonoids, steroids, tanins, lipids, terpens and alkaloids. A range of biological activities has been found from plant extract and fractions, including antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, antiviral and antibiotic. Some studies about the potential toxicity were performed; however the results are not conclusive, suggesting that a single administration of the extract is safe, whereas prolonged use has deleterious effects for the body. The revised databases were SciELO, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Portal da Capes considering studies between 1964 and 2014 and by searching for terms like Scutia buxifolia, Rhamnaceae family, Scutia buxifolia Constituents, Scutia buxifolia use and OECD(AU)

Scutia buxifolia se utiliza en el tratamiento de una serie de enfermedades que incluye infecciones bacterianas y fúngicas, hipertensión, enfermedad de Alzheimer y cáncer. S. buxifolia contiene compuestos biológicamente activos tales como flavonoides, taninos, esteroides, lípidos, terpenos y alcaloides. A partir del extracto y las fracciones de la planta surgen una gama de actividades biológicas, que incluyen antioxidante, inhibidor de la acetilcolinesterasa, antiviral y antibiótico. Se realizaron algunos estudios sobre el potencial tóxico, sin embargo los resultados no son concluyentes, lo que sugiere que una sola administración del extracto es segura, mientras que el uso prolongado tiene efectos perjudiciales para el organismo. Las bases de datos revisadas fueron SciELO, PubMed, ScienceDirect y Portal de Capes, teniendo en cuenta los estudios entre 1964 y 2014 y mediante la búsqueda de términos como Scutia buxifolia, Rhamnaceae family, Scutia buxifolia constituents, Scutia buxifolia uses and OECD(AU)

Ginkgo biloba effects on mice fetal liver / Efectos de la ginkgo biloba en el hígado fetal de ratón

Ginkgo biloba is considered to be an alternative drug for various indications; unfortunately very few studies are available on its side effects. This present study describes the harmful effects of Ginkgo biloba on developing fetal liver. Two experimental groups of six pregnant female mice each were given Ginkgo biloba at human therapeutic dose (A) and a higher dose (B) throughout the gestation period. A third group (C) was taken as a control and given distilled water only. Fetal livers were examined and the effects of the drug observed. There were signs of congestion and fatty change along with dilatation of sinusoids in a dose dependent manner concluding that Ginkgo biloba affects fetal liver.

La Ginkgo biloba es considerada, en varias indicaciones, como un medicamento alternativo; sin embargo, existen pocos reportes disponibles sobre sus efectos secundarios. Este estudio describe los efectos nocivos de Ginkgo biloba en el desarrollo del hígado fetal. Dos grupos experimentales de 6 ratones hembras preñadas recibieron Ginkgo biloba en la dosis terapéutica humana (A) y una dosis más alta (B) por el período de gestación. Un tercer grupo control (C) recibió agua destilada. Los hígados fetales fueron examinados y observados los efectos de la droga. Hubo signos de congestión y degeneración grasa, junto con la dilatación de sinusoides en función de la dosis. Como conclusión la Ginkgo biloba afecta el hígado fetal.

Avaliação da atividade antibacteriana e prospecção fitoquímica de Solanum paniculatum Lam. e Operculina hamiltonii (G. Don) D. F. Austin & Staples, do semi-árido paraibano / Evaluation of antibacterial activity and phytochemical prospection of Solanum paniculatum Lam. and Operculina hamiltonii (G. Don) D. F. Austin & Staples from the semi-arid region of Paraíba State, Brazil

Devido ao aparecimento de populações de parasitos resistentes, as drogas farmacêuticas, alternativas de controle, estão sendo pesquisadas utilizando plantas medicinais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana e realizar a análise fitoquímica do extrato etanólico de duas espécies do semi-árido paraibano, Solanum paniculatum Lam. e Operculina hamiltonii (G. Don) D. F. Austin & Staples. As referidas espécies são muito utilizadas pela população rural contra verminoses gastrintestinais de ovinos. A prospecção fitoquímica foi obtida a partir dos extratos etanólicos para análise dos constituintes químicos existentes nas duas espécies. As análises dos extratos indicaram a presença de taninos flobabênicos, flavononóis, flavononas e alcalóides em ambas as espécies. A atividade antibacteriana foi determinada inicialmente pelo método de difusão em cavidade. A espécie S. paniculatum apresentou atividade contra Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 12692), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), no entanto O. hamintonii não demonstrou atividade contra as linhagens bacterianas testadas.

The emergence of resistant parasite populations has led to the study of pharmaceutical drugs, which represent an alternative control. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and to perform the phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract from two species belonging to the semi-arid region of Paraíba State, Brazil: Solanum paniculatum Lam. and Operculina hamiltonii (G. Don) D. F. Austin & Staples. Such species have been largely used by the rural population against ovine gastrointestinal helminthes. Phytochemical prospection was obtained from ethanol extracts for analysis of chemical compounds present in both species. Extract analyses indicated the presence of condensed tannins, flavonols, flavanones, and alkaloids in both species. The antibacterial activity was initially determined by the cavity method. The species S. paniculatum had activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 12692), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442); however, O. hamintonii did not present activity against the tested bacterial strains.

Multiple organ toxicity of a Nigerian herbal supplement [U and D sweet bitter] in male albino rats

In a three month study, 3 groups of albino rats [150-200g], 539, 1077, and 1616mg/kg aqueous extract of U and Dee Sweet Bitter, were administered orally while deionized water was given to the control group. Animals had access to deionized water and were fed ad libitum with rat chow for 90 days. The feed and fluid consumption of the animals were measured on daily basis while the body weight was measured weekly. Animals were anaesthetized with ether after 90 days, bled sacrificed, heart, spleen and pancreas were excised and weighed. The following parameters were measured namely food and fluid intake, body weight, absolute and relative weights of the, spleen, pancreas, heart. Serum glucose, low density lipoprotein LDL, high density lipoprotein HDL and cholesterol were also determined. Food and fluid consumption were not significantly [p > 0.05] affected. A significant [p < 0.05] increase in absolute and relative weights was observed while the weekly body weight did not show any significant difference between the control and U and Dee Sweet Bitter treated groups. A significant [p < 0.05] decrease in total serum cholesterol, low -density lipoprotein [LDL], and high-density lipoprotein [HDL] were seen in U and Dee Sweet Bitter treated groups. This study suggests that U and Dee Sweet Bitter may have toxic effect on the spleen, pancreas, and heart of male albino rat

Estudio de genotoxicidad de Picrasma crenata (Vell.) Engl. - Simaroubaceae - / Genotoxicity study on Picrasma crenata (Vell.) Engl. - Simaroubaceae -

En la medicina popular se utiliza el leño de Picrasma crenata en infusión como pediculicida y como tónico amargo no astringente. Los principios activos responsables de la actividad son los quasinoides. Los objetivos de este trabajo son: determinar la actividad de las infusiones sobre el desarrollo de raíces y la división celular mediante el Test de Allium cepa; analizar la correlación de las concentraciones y los parámetros macro y microscópicos e interpretar la posible genotoxicidad de la infusión. Las concentraciones empleadas fueron 2,5 mg%; 5,0 mg%, 10,0 mg%, 20,0 mg% y 40,0 mg%. Se observó una correlación estadísticamente significativa de las concentraciones con las longitudes de las raíces y las anomalías macroscópicas; además, una correlación significativa de los índices mitóticos con las longitudes de las raíces y las anomalías microscópicas. Así, se puede inferir que los extractos en las concentraciones ensayadas podrían presentar actividad genotóxica.

Infusions of Picrasma crenata woods are used in folk medicine against lice and as a non astringent bitter tonic. The active principles responsible for the activity are the quasinoides. The objectives of this work are: to establish the activity of the infusions on the development by roots and the cellular division by means of the Test of Allium cepa; to analyze the correlation of the concentrations with macro and microscopic parameters and to conclude about the possible genotoxicity of the infusion. The used concentrations were 2.5 mg%; 5,0 mg%, 10,0 mg%, 20,0 mg% and 40,0 mg%. A statistically significant correlation between the concentrations and the roots lengths and macroscopic aberrations and a significant correlation between the mitotic index and the roots lengths and microscopic aberrations have been observed. Thus, it is possible to deduce that the extracts in the tested concentrations could present genotoxic activity.

Commiphora molmol extracts as plant molluscicide against iymnaea natalensis

Two extracts from the herbal plant, Commiphora molmol showed a high molluscicidal effect against Lymnaea natalensis. The oil extract was more potent than the oleoresin. A concentration of 10 ppm of the oil extract killed 100% of L. natalensis after 5[th] day, but the oleoresin extract killed 100% of them at a concentration 20 ppm after 5[th] day

[Evaluation of fetal toxicity of HESA-A, a natural anticancer agent, in mice]

HESA-A is an active natural compound with herbal and marine origin. It contains inorganic, organic and aqueous fractions, and has shown antioxidant, cytotoxic and anticancer effects. In this study, the teratogenic effects of HESA-A in mice have been evaluated. Several doses of HESA-A were administered orally to pregnant mice on days 6 to 14 of gestation. Various parameters in pregnant mice and embryos during and after pregnancy were evaluated and recorded. At the end of pregnancy, embryos were sectioned out and studied for external morphological abnormalities and by specific skeletal staining for skeletal malformations. Weight gain of pregnant mice showed that only the highest dose [800 mg/kg] caused gain retardation. Also, only the highest dose led to reduction of uterus weight, number of viable embryos, and weight and crown-lump length of embryos. Increase in fetal resorption by the highest dose of HESA-A was another important observation. Low and medium doses of HESA-A did not cause any significant external or skeletal abnormalities. However, higher doses caused embryo malformations such as short limbs, spinal abnormalities, dermal cysts, microphtalmia, and cleft palate. According to this study, only high doses of HESA-A, which are many times higher than the usual therapeutic doses, may cause embryonic toxicity. Mechanisms of these abnormalities are not clear and need to be determined

Toxicidade de formulações de nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) ao ácaro-rajado e a Euseius alatus De Leon e Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) / Toxicity of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) formulations for twospotted spider mite and Euseius alatus De Leon and Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

A toxicidade de formulações comerciais de nim a Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) e a dois ácaros predadores, Euseius alatus De Leon e Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks) foi estudada. A toxicidade tópica foi avaliada com três formulações comerciais (Natuneem, Neemseto e Callneem) e com o extrato de sementes de nim, todos na concentração de 1 por cento, em comparação ao acaricida padrão, abamectina na concentração de 0,3ml/L e ao tratamento controle com água destilada. Com base no melhor efeito tópico sobre T. urticae, a formulação Neemseto foi selecionada para avaliar diferentes concentrações sobre ovos, e o efeito residual e repelente sobre adultos desses ácaros. O tratamento dos ovos consistiu na imersão em diluições de Neemseto por cinco segundos; e o efeito residual e repelente sobre adultos foi avaliado pela imersão de discos de folha nas diluições também por cinco segundos. A toxicidade de Neemseto a ovos e adultos foi maior para T. urticae comparada à toxicidade observada para os ácaros predadores. Neemseto foi repelente para T. urticae e E. alatus, quando testados nas concentrações 0,25; 0,50 e 1,00 por cento, mas não afetou P. macropilis. A fecundidade de T. urticae foi reduzida significativamente por Neemseto em todas as concentrações, enquanto para os ácaros predadores, redução significante na fecundidade foi observada apenas nas maiores concentrações. Assim, nas formulações testadas, Neemseto foi o mais eficiente para o ácaro-rajado e provocou, relativamente, menor impacto aos ácaros predadores estudados.

The toxicity of selected commercial formulations of neem on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and two predatory mites Euseius alatus De Leon and Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks) was studied. Topical toxicity was tested with the commercial formulations (Natuneem, Neemseto and Callneem) and extract of neem's seeds at concentration 1 percent, compared to the standard acaricide abamectin at concentration of 0.3 ml/L and the control treatment (distilled water). Based on the best performance against T. urticae through topical contact, the formulation Neemseto was selected to be evaluated using different concentrations against eggs, and residual and repellent effects on adults of the mites. Egg treatment consisted of dipping eggs into Neemseto dilutions and control treatment for five seconds. In addition, residual and repellent effects of Neemseto for adult mites consisted of using leaf discs dipped into the dilutions for five seconds. The toxicity of Neemseto on eggs and adults was greater for T. urticae compared to the toxicity observed for the predatory mites. Neemseto was repellent for T. urticae and E. alatus when tested at the concentrations of 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 percent, and did not affect P. macropilis. Neemseto using all concentrations, while for the predatory mites significant reduction of mite fecundity was only observed at the largest concentrations reduced the fecundity of T. urticae significantly. So Neemseto, among tested neem formulations, performed better against the twospotted spider mite and exhibited relatively low impact against the predatory mites studied.