Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Effect of Plantago Major Extract on Periodontal Pathogens

Abstract Objective: To determine the in vitro antibacterial effect of different concentrations of the ethanol extract of Plantago major (plantain) on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Material and Methods: Bacterial susceptibility tests were used in conjunction with the agar diffusion test and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test using the broth macrodilution technique. Results: Different concentrations of ethanol extract (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) dissolved in 70% ethanol were used, with a positive control (0.12% chlorhexidine + 0.05% cetyl-pyridinium chloride) and a negative control (70% alcohol). The extracts at 75% and 100% showed inhibition halos against both strains studied. With 0.12% chlorhexidine + 0.05% cetyl-pyridinium chloride, inhibition halos averaged 14.9 mm, in contrast to 70º alcohol, where no bacterial inhibition was observed. The MIC was 50% for both species. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Plantago major presents an in vitro antibacterial effect on Porphyromonas gingivalis, they may have potential applications in food and pharmaceutical products.

Hongos productores de micotoxinas asociados a hierbas medicinales en la Ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil / Mould and mycotoxins associated in medicinal plants in São Paulo, Brazil

Antecedentes: la fitoterapia es una de las más antiguas prácticas utilizadas por la humanidad. Hasta mediados del siglo XIX, cuando se introdujeron los medicamentos, la formulación de estos generalmente era basada en plantas medicinales. Objetivos: Determinar la micobiota y los niveles de aflatoxinas originadas de Aspergillus sección Flavi aislados de las 50 muestras de medicamentos fitoterápicos comercializados actualmente en la ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Cincuenta (50) muestras de medicamentos fitoterápicos en la forma de hojas (té-25) y cápsulas (25) fueron colectadas de agosto de 2000 a julio de 2001. Los hongos filamentosos aislados fueron identificados al nivel de género de acuerdo con las características morfológicas y criterios taxonómicos. El análisis de aflatoxinas fue realizada por cromatografía de capa fina (TLC). Resultados: El análisis microbiológico mostró que 41 (82 por ciento) de los medicamentos fitoterápicos presentaron un crecimiento fúngico sobre las 100 UFC/g. Un total de 106 especies de seis diferentes géneros fueron aislados (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Rhizopus y Alternaria). El género Aspergillus fue el predominante (60.5 por ciento) seguido por Penicillium (20,0 por ciento). Aspergillus niger (30 por ciento) A. flavus (22 por ciento), A. fumigatus (6,5 por ciento) y A. parasiticus fueron las especies de Aspergillus identificadas. Se observó que 13 (56,5 por ciento), de los 23 A. flavus aislados y dos aislados de A. parasiticus produjeron aflatoxinas. Conclusiones: La contaminación observada en la mayoría de los productos y el alto nivel de cepas productoras de aflatoxinas justifica un análisis más cuidadoso de los medicamentos fitoterápicos comercializados y la aplicación de leyes más rigurosas son necesarias para garantizar la calidad de los productos.

Background: phytotherapy is one of the most ancient practices used by humanity. In Antiquity until the middle of the XIX century, when chemotherapeutic drugs were introduced, formulation of medicines was usually based on medicinal plants. Objective: To determine mycobiota and levels of Aspergillus section Flavi aflatoxins isolated from 50 samples of phytotherapeutic remedies currently commercialized in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Fifty (50) samples of phytotherapeutic remedies in the form of leaves (teas-25) and powders (capsules-25) were collected from August 2000 to July 2001. Filamentous fungi isolates were identified at the genera level in accordance with morphological characteristics and taxonomic criteria. Aflatoxins were performed by Thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Results: The microbiological analysis showed that 41 (82 percent) of phytotherapeutic remedies presented a fungal growth over 100 CFU/g. A total of 106 species of six different genera were isolated (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Rhizopus and Alternaria). The genus Aspergillus was the predominant (60.5 percent) followed by Penicillium genus (20.0 percent). Aspergillus niger (30 percent) A. flavus (22 percent), A. fumigatus (6.5 percent) and A. parasiticus were the species of Aspergillus identified. It was observed that 13 (56.5 percent) of 23 A. flavus isolates and two A. parasiticus isolates produced aflatoxins. Conclusions: The contamination observed in most products and the high level of aflatoxigenic strains justify the concern regarding the execution of more careful analyzes of the commercialized phytotherapeutic remedies and the application of more rigorous laws that may warrant the quality of these products.

Endophytic fungi from medicinal plant Bauhinia forficata: Diversity and biotechnological potential

Bauhinia forficata is native to South America and used with relative success in the folk medicine in Brazil. The diversity, antibacterial activity, and extracellular hydrolytic enzymes of endophytic fungi associated with this plant were studied. Plant samples, which included leaves, sepals, stems, and seeds, were used. Ninety-five endophytic fungal were isolated (18 from leaves, 22 from sepals, 46 from stems, and nine from seeds), comprising 28 species. The most frequently isolated species were Acremonium curvulum (9.5%), Aspergillus ochraceus (7.37%), Gibberella fujikuroi (10.53%), Myrothecium verrucaria (10.53%) and Trichoderma piluliferum (7.37%). Diversity and species richness were higher in stem tissues, and Sorensen’s index of similarity between the tissues was low. Eleven fungi showed antibacterial activity. Aspergillus ochraceus, Gibberella baccata, Penicillium commune, and P. glabrum were those with the greatest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes. Thirteen species showed proteolytic activity, particularly Phoma putaminum. Fourteen species were cellulase positive, particularly the Penicillium species and Myrmecridium schulzeri. All isolates tested were xylanase positive and 10 showed lipolytic activity, especially Penicillium glabrum. It is clear that the endophytic fungi from B. forficata have potential for the production of bioactive compounds and may be a source of new therapeutic agents for the effective treatment of diseases in humans, other animals, and plants. To our knowledge, this is the first study of endophytic fungi from different tissues of B. forficata and their biotechnological potential.

Epiphytic and endophytic bacteria that promote growth of ethnomedicinal plants in the subtropical forests of Meghalaya, India / Bacterias epífitas y endófitas que promueven el crecimiento de plantas etnomedicinales en los bosques subtropicales de Meghalaya, India

The present study was aimed to investigate the endophytic and epiphytic bacteria associated with selected ethnomedicinal plants from the pristine subtropical forests of Meghalaya and analyse them for plant growth promotion and antagonistic ability. This study is an attempt to explore plant associated bacteria which are beneficial to host plants, and thus aid in the conservation of ethnomedicinal plants of the studied subtropical forests, which are dwindling due to exploitation. The plant growth promotion parameters like indole acetic acid (IAA) production, mineral phosphate solubilisation, acid phosphatase activity, presence of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC) gene, nitrogen fixation, cellulose digestion, chitin and pectin degradation were screened among the isolates. The study revealed significant differences in bacterial population not only between the epiphytic and endophytic microhabitats, but also amongst the host plants. Out of the 70 isolated plant associated bacteria, Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Pantoea sp., and Lysinibacillus sp. showed potent plant growth promotion properties. Bacillus siamensis C53 and B. subtilis cenB showed significant antagonistic activity against the tested pathogens. This study indicated the isolates inhabiting the plants prevalent in the subtropical sacred forests could be explored for use as plant growth promoters while practising the cultivation and conservation of ethnomedicinal plants. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1295-1308. Epub 2014 December 01.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las bacterias endófitas y epífitas asociadas con plantas medicinales seleccionadas de los bosques subtropicales prístinos de Meghalaya, para estimular el crecimiento de plantas y la capacidad antagónica. Este estudio es un intento de explorar las plantas asociadas a bacterias que benefician a la planta hospedera, y así ayudar en la conservación de plantas medicinales de los bosques subtropicales estudiados, los cuales son cada vez más escasos debido a la explotación. Los parámetros de promoción de crecimiento de las plantas, tales como: índice de producción de ácido acético (IAA), solubilización de fosfato mineral, actividad de la fosfatasa ácida, presencia del gen 1-aminociclopropano-1-ácido carboxílico desaminasa (ACC), fijación de nitrógeno, digestión de celulosa, quitina y pectina fueron seleccionados entre los aislamientos. El estudio reveló diferencias significativas en la población bacteriana, no sólo entre los microhábitats epífitos y endófitos, sino también entre las plantas hospederas. De las 70 bacterias aisladas de plantas asociadas, Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Pantoea sp. y Lysinibacillus sp. mostraron potentes propiedades estimulantes del crecimiento vegetal. Bacillus C53 siamensis y B. subtilis cenB mostraron actividad antagónica significativa contra los patógenos probados. Este estudio indicó que los aislamientos que habitan en las plantas predominantes en los bosques sagrados subtropicales podrían explorarse para su uso como promotores del crecimiento vegetal, mientras se practica el cultivo y conservación de plantas medicinales.

Determinación de límite microbiano en jarabe liptomiel comercializado en centros naturistas de la ciudad de León / Determination of microbial limit in liptomiel syrup marketed in naturist centers of the city of León

En el presente trabajo de investigación se pretende realizar el ensayo microbiológico en el jarabe de mayor demanda ¨Liptomiel¨ comercializado libremente en los centros naturistas en la ciudad de León. Aunque estos sean seguros también están expuestos a la contaminación bacteriana durante el almacenamiento y fabricación lo cual no garantiza a los consumidores estar exentos de patógenos. Por lo tanto, a través del presente estudio podremos proporcionar información acerca de la presencia o ausencia de microorganismos que podrían causar daño en la salud de las personas.

Estimation of Heavy Metals and Microbiological Quality of Locally Manufactured Herbal Products in Bangladesh

The current research was carried out to determine the concentration of heavy metals and microbiological quality in Bangladeshi herbal products used for the treatment of various ailments. For these purposes twenty four herbal products have been collected from the local market of Bangladesh which is manufactured by Sri Kundeshshari Aushadhalaya Ltd. Chittagong, Sadona Aushadhalaya Ltd. Dhaka, Sri Durga Aushadhalaya Ltd. Chittagong, Shakti Aushadhalaya Ltd. Dhaka. Heavy metals have been determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer [AAS] and microbial parameters have been detected by applying standard analytical method. The concentration of heavy metals namely Lead [Pb], Cadmium [Cd], Copper [Cu], Zinc [Zn], Nickel [Ni], Cobalt [Co], Manganese [Mn] and Iron [Fe] have been identified in the range of [0.0-1.75] ppm, [0.0- 0.27] ppm, [0.27-2.54] ppm, [1.31-28.67] ppm, [0.18-1.28] ppm, [0.00- 0.00] ppm, [1.55-6.83] ppm, [9.21-142.85] ppm respectively. All of the samples except K[3] [Tables 3 and 4] have not crossed their acceptable limit of heavy metals according to manufacturer doses for daily consumption. The total viable count [TVC] of the samples was ranged from nil to 1.92×10[4] CFU/ml and the total yeasts and moulds count were found nil to 1.68×10[2] CFU/ml. Salmonella or Escherichia coli was not present in any of the samples. The microbial quality of the herbal drugs was satisfactory limit according to United States Pharmacopoeia [2006][1]

Atividade antimicrobiana "In Vitro" de extratos hidroalcoólicos de plantas medicinais do nordeste brasileiro em bactérias do gênero streptococcus / In vitro antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts from brazilian northeastern medicinal plants against streptococcus

Objetivo: Avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos hidroalcoólicos de plantas medicinais do Nordeste brasileiro em bactérias do gênero Streptococcus. Método: As amostras vegetais foram secas em estufa de ventilação forçada a 40ºC, e pulverizadas em moinho de facas com 10 mesh. O material vegetal foi submetido à extração por maceração, à temperatura ambiente, utilizando como solvente uma solução na concentração 30:70 (água:etanol). Para determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi utilizada a técnica de microdiluição em microplaca, contendo 96 cavidades. O inóculo bacteriano foi padronizado em espectrofotômetro, com comprimento de onda de 625 nm, de modo a obter a concentração de 106 UFC/ml, conforme preconizado no CLSI. Foram realizadas diluições sucessivas dos extratos em microplaca, contendo o inóculo e o digluconato de clorexidina a 0,12% utilizado como controle positivo. As placas foram incubadas a 37°C. O crescimento microbiano foi indicado pela adição de resazurina a 0,01% em cada poço e incubação de 2h à temperatura ambiente. A determinação da concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) foi realizada através do subcultivo em placas de Preti, dos poços que não apresentaram crescimento bacteriano. As placas foram incubadas a 37°C por 24h. Resultados: Todos os extratos vegetais analisados apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana para a maioria das espécies de Streptococcus, sendo todos sensíveis a, pelo menos, um extrato. Os extratos que apresentaram os menores valores de CIM e CBM foram os de Schinus terebintifolius Raddi e de Syderoxylum obtusifolium Roem & Schult. S. parasanguis foi a espécie mais resistente contra os extratos vegetais testados. Conclusão: Os extratos vegetais testados mostraram-se promissores quanto à produção de novos antimicrobianos para a odontologia, havendo a necessidade de novos estudos pré-clínicos e clínicos com vistas ao desenvolvimento destes...

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts from Brazilian northeastern medicinal plants against streptococcus.Method: The plant samples were dried in an oven with forced circulating air at 40 ºC and ground in a Wiley mill to 10 mesh. The obtained material was macerated at room temperature using as solvent a water:ethanol solution at a 30:70 ratio. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was obtained by the microdilution technique in 96-well microplates. The bacterial inoculum was standardized in a spectrophotometer at 625 nm wavelength in order to obtain a 106CFU/mL concentration, according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standards and guidelines. Successive dilutions of the extracts were made in the microplates containing the bacterial inoculum and 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate was used as a positive control. The plates were incubated at 37 °C. Microbial growth was indicated by the addition of 0.01% resazurine into each well and 2-hour incubation at room temperature. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was obtained by subculture in Petri plates in the wells without bacterial growth. The microplates were incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours.Results: All plant extracts presented antimicrobial activity against most Streptococcus sp., which presented sensitivity to at least one extract. The extracts with lowest MIC and MBC values were Schinus terebintifolius Raddi and Syderoxylum obtusifolium Roem & Schult. S. parasanguis was the most resistant species to the plant extracts.Conclusion: The plant extracts evaluated in this study showed promising results regarding the production of new antimicrobials for use in Dentistry, but further preclinical and clinical studies are required for their development...

Contaminação fúngica de plantas medicinais utilizadas em chás / Fungal contamination of medicinal plants used in teas

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica quanto à presença de fungos filamentosos em ervas do tipo Peumus boldus Molina (Boldo), Pimpinella anisum L. (erva-doce) e Matricaria chamomilla L. (Camomila) comercializadas na cidade de Campina Grande (Paraíba). Nove amostras de cada planta foram analisadas, totalizando 27 amostras, obtidas aleatoriamente nas feiras livres e barracas informais da cidade. Cada 10 g de amostra foram suspensas em 90 mL de solução salina 0,89% estéril, obtendo-se o concentrado, a partir do qual foram realizadas diluições sucessivas. A seguir, uma alíquota de 0,1mL de cada diluição foi semeada em placas de Petri contendo Ágar Sabouraud Dextrose, as quais foram incubadas à temperatura ambiente por cinco a dez dias. Após este período foram contadas as colônias fúngicas presentes e realizados seus respectivos microcultivos para identificação através de microscópio óptico. Foram encontrados fungos toxigênicos como Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. e Fusarium sp., estando o primeiro presente em todas as amostras avaliadas. Também foram identificados os fungos Exophiala sp. E Fonsecaea sp., que possuem importância clínica, podendo causar micose. A forma como estas plantas são armazenadas para comercialização e a falta de fiscalização torna questionável a qualidade das plantas comercializadas para obtenção de chás, o que pode comprometer a saúde do consumidor ao utilizar esses produtos na forma de Chá.

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological quality, with regard to the presence of filamentous fungi, of the tea herbs Peumus boldus Molina (boldo leaf), Pimpinella anisum L. (anise) and Matricaria chamomilla L. (wild chamomile) marketed in the city of Campina Grande (Paraiba State, Brazil). Nine samples of each plant, totaling 27 samples, were randomly collected in street markets and informal stalls in the city. In the laboratory, 10 g of each sample was ground and suspended in 90 mL of 0.89% sterile saline solution, affording the concentrate from which serial dilutions were obtained. Aliquots of 0.1 mL of each dilution were spread on plates of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, which were then incubated at room temperature for five to ten days. After this period, the fungal colonies were counted, their morphology was analyzed and subcultures were made on slides for identification by optical microscope. Toxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Fusarium sp. were found, the first being present in all plant samples. The fungi Exophiala sp. and Fonsecaea sp., which are clinically significant as they can cause mycoses, were also identified. The method of storing these plants before sale and the lack of inspection raise questions about the quality of the marketed herbs, suggesting that the health of the consumer who uses these products to make tea could be harmed.

Aspergillus sp. y aflatoxinas en plantas medicinales y té comercial / Aspergillus sp. and aflatoxins in medicinal plants and commercial tea

The objective of this work is to determine the incidence of Aspergillus sp. (aflatoxins’s typesetters) fungus species in medicinal plants and bags for infusions, as well as to evaluate the relationship between the appearance of these fungi and their toxins in such substrata. A sample of 24 medicinal plants and 20 small bags of infusion used by the Cuban population were processed in order to determine the incidence of Aspergillus sp. (aflatoxins’s typesetters) fungus species, as well as aflatoxins's production. A microbiological test by means of Agar Malta for culture, and aflatoxins's determination by means of high precision thin layer chromatography were made. Out of the sample studied, Aspergillus ustus, A. flavus and A. parasiticus appeared in 48 percent, but the concentration of aflatoxins B1 detected did not exceed the maximum values of 10 parts per billion (ppb), already established worldwide. Taking into account the increasing use of medicinal plants and the results stated in this work, new regulations for the sake of controlling the appearance of these fungi and their toxins are required, although it becomes necessary to validate fast and specific analytical methods.

El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la incidencia de especies de hongos del genero Aspergillus sp. (formadores de aflatoxinas) en plantas medicinales y bolsas para infusiones, así como evaluar la relación entre la aparición de estos hongos y sus toxinas en dichos sustratos. Se procesaron 24 muestras de plantas medicinales y 20 bolsitas de infusión utilizadas por la población cubana, para determinar la incidencia de especies de hongos del genero Aspergillus sp. así como la producción de aflatoxinas. Se realizó análisis microbiológico utilizando Agar- Malta como medio de cultivo, y se realizó la determinación de aflatoxinas por cromatografía de capa delgada de alta precisión. De las muestras estudiadas, aparecieron Aspergillus ustus, A. flavus, A. parasiticus en el 48 por ciento, pero la concentración de aflatoxina B1 detectada no excedió los valores máximos establecidos internacionalmente de 10 ppb. Teniendo en cuenta el creciente uso de las plantas medicinales y los resultados expuestos en este trabajo, se hace necesario establecer nuevas regulaciones en aras de controlar la aparición de estos hongos y sus toxinas en las mismas, aunque para ello se hace necesario validar métodos analíticos rápidos y específicos.

Diversity of foliar endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Sapindus saponaria L . and their localization by scanning electron microscopy

Endophytic fungi inhabit vegetable tissues or organs, without causing them any harm. Endophytes can co-evolve with plant hosts and possess species-specific interactions. They can protect the plant from insect attacks and diseases, and are also able to produce substances of biotechnological interest. In folk medicine, the bark, roots and fruits of Sapindus saponaria is used to produce substances with anxiolytic, astringent, diuretic and expectorant properties, as well as tonics, blood depuratives and cough medicine. This study evaluated the diversity of endophytic fungi present in the leaves of S. saponaria L. and observed the colonization of host plants by endophytes, using light and scanning electron microscopy. We verified that these fungi are found in intercellular and intracellular spaces. The genera of some isolates of S. saponaria were identified mainly by sequencing of ITS region of rDNA and, when possible, also by their microscopic features, as follows: Cochliobolus, Alternaria, Curvularia, Phomopsis, Diaporthe and Phoma. Phylogenetic analysis showed the existence of genetic variability of the genera Phomopsis and Diaporthe and interspecific variation among the Curvularia, Alternaria and Phoma, belonging to family Pleosporaceae.

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory (Satureja hortensis) extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were compared with those of the essential oils extracted using the traditional hydrodistillation (HD) method. While MAHD at 660 W required half as much time as HD needed, similar antibacterial efficacies were found from the essential oils obtained by the two extraction methods on two food pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, a gram positive bacterium, and Escherchia coli, a gram negative bacterium). Also, as it was the case with the essential oils extracted by HD, that of MAHD indicated greater influence on S. aureus than on E. coli. The compositions of the extracted essential oils were also studied using GC-MS analysis. The same components with negligible differences in their quantities were found in the extracted essential oils using the two methods outlined above. Overall, to reduce the extraction time, MAHD can be applied at higher microwave levels without any compromise in the antibacterial properties of the essential oils extracted.

Determinación del limite microbiano de jarabes de guayaba (Psidium SPP) comercializados en la ciudad de León julio - agosto de 2011 / Determination of the microbial limit of guava syrups (Psidium SPP) marketed in the city of León July - August 2011

El presente estudio de investigación trata de determinar el límite microbiano de jarabes de guayaba (Psidium spp.) comercializados en la ciudad de León (Nicaragua) cuantificando la cantidad total de microorganismos aerobios viables en la muestra e identificando la presencia de Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Pseudomona aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium spp, Shigella spp.

Screening da Atividade Antifúngica de Óleos Essenciais sobre Cepas de Candida / Screening of Essential Oils Antifungal Activity on Candida Strains

Objetivo: O propósito desse estudo foi identificar a atividade antifúngica de óleos essenciais sobre cepas de Candida envolvidas com infecções da cavidade bucal. Método: Foram avaliados óleos essenciais obtidos a partir das seguintes espécies vegetais: Citrus reticulata (Tangerina Cravo); Citrus aurantifolia (Limão Tahiti); Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Canela); Matricaria chamomilla (Camomila Azul); Mentha piperita (Menta); Eugenia uniflora (Pitanga) e Zingiber officinale (Gengibre). A determinação da atividade antifúngica foi realizada utilizando a técnica de difusão em meio de cultura sólido, onde discos de papel de filtro foram embebidos nos óleos e colocados em placas de Petri contendo agar Sabouraud Dextrose inoculado com cepas de Candida albicans e C. tropicalis. Também foi observada a concentração inibitória mínima a partir do método da microdiluição. Os ensaios foram realizados em duplicata. Resultados: Foi observada expressiva atividade antifúngica dos óleos essenciais de C. zeylanicum, C. aurantifolia e M. piperita, que apresentaram diâmetros de halos de inibição de crescimento microbiano de até, respectivamente, 48 mm, 30 mm e 19 mm. Ainda foi possível identificar que 66,7% das cepas ensaiadas mostraram-se resistentes aos óleos essenciais de C. reticulata, M. chamomilla, E. uniflora e Z. officinale. O C. zeylanicum e nistatina apresentaram, respectivamente, CIMs de 312 µg mL-1 e 32 µg mL-1. Conclusão: Os óleos essenciais avaliados apresentam atividade antifúngica, sendo os melhores resultados encontrados para C. zeylanicum. Sugere-se a realização de outros ensaios para avaliação de atividade anti-Candida desse óleo essencial, que pode representar possível agente terapêutico no tratamento de infecções fúngicas da cavidade bucal

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the antifungal activity of essential oils on Candida strains involved in oral cavity infections. Methods: essential oils obtained from the following species were evaluated: Citrus reticulata (Cravo Tangerine) Citrus aurantifolia (Tahiti Lime), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon), Matricaria chamomilla (Blue Chamomile), Mentha piperita (Mint), Eugenia uniflora (Pitanga) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger). The determination of antifungal activity was performed using the diffusion technique on solid medium, where filter paper discs were soaked in oils and placed in Petri dishes containing Sabouraud dextrose agar inoculated with strains of Candida albicans and C. tropicalis. It was also observed the minimum inhibitory concentration from the microdilution method. Tests were performed in duplicate. Results: We observed significant antifungal activity of essential oils ofC. zeylanicum, C. aurantifolia and M. piperita, which had halos of microbial growth inhibition with diameters up to 48 mm, 30 mm and 19 mm, respectively. Still, it was possible to identify that 66.7% of strains tested were resistant to essential oils of C. reticulata, M. chamomilla, E. uniflora and Z. officinale. C. zeylanicum and nystatin showed µg mL-1 and 32 µg mL-1 MIC, respectively. Conclusion: The essential oils tested have antifungal activity, with best results for C. zeylanicum. It is suggested to conduct other tests for evaluation of anti-Candida activity of this essential oil, which could represent possible therapeutic agent in the treatment of fungal infections of the oral cavity

Hongos endófitos en 2 plantas medicinales del nordeste argentino: I: análisis morfotaxonómico de sus comunidades foliares / Endophytic fungi in medicinal plants of northeast of Argentina: I: morphotaxonomic approach of their foliar community

Se evaluó la presencia de hongos endófitos en hojas de dos plantas medicinales, Acanthospermum australe y Pterocaulon alopecuroides, utilizadas entre otras cosas para tratar infecciones cutáneas. El muestreo se realizó en el entorno rural de dos ciudades del nordeste argentino. Los especimenes fueron recogidos por aborígenes de la zona conocedores de su distribución ambiental. Los hongos se aislaron mediante la técnica de Bisseger et al., 1994 y se identificaron empleando caracteristicas morfofisiológicas. Considerando las dos plantas, se encontraron 40 morfoespecies, donde los taxa más frecuentes en Acanthospermum australe fueron: Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Fusarium oxysporum, F.solani, Myrothecium roridum, Phoma spp. y Sordaria fimícola, y en Pterocaulon alopecuroides fueron: Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium proliferatum y Myrothecium roridum. Estos taxas considerados como generalistas (o de múltiples hospedadores), presentan según la literatura específica analizada, alta producción de metabolitos secundarios bioactivos con potenciales capacidades terapéuticas antimicrobianas.

The presence of endophytic fungi in leaves of two medicinal plants (Acanthospermum australe andPterocaulon alopecuroides) used mainly to treat skin infections, was evaluated. The sampling was performed in the rural area of two cities of northeast Argentina.The specimens were collected by the aboriginals who know the ®medicines¼. Fungi were isolated employing the Bisseger et al., 1994 technique and they were identifying by morpho fisiological characteristics. Regarding the two plant species, 40 morphospecies were found. The most frequent taxa in Acanthospermum australe were: Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Myro-thecium roridum, Phoma sp. and Sordaria fimícola, and inPterocaulon alopecuroides were: Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium proliferatum y Myrothecium roridum. These species considered generalistics (found in multiple hosts), presented in the analized literature a high production of bioactive secondary metabolites with eventual antimicrobial therapeutic properties.

Efecto antimicrobiano de hojas de Melaleuca leucadendron L, que crece en la Ciénaga de Zapata / Antimicrobial effect of the leaves of Melaleuca leucadendron L growing in Cienaga de Zapata

SUMARY Melaleuca leucadendron L is a tree commonly known as cayeput, being an invasive, undesirable species in Cienaga de Zapata, in the province of Matanzas. According to the referred usages, it might be exploited in a reasonable way as an antimicrobial agent. As our objective we pretended to determine antimicrobial activity in the fluid extract of the leaves of this tree wildly growing in the before mentioned territory. The extract was obtained by repercolation and the assay was carried out in vitro, using the methods of diffusion in agar and dilution in a liquid media. Different concentrations of the extract were used against bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi. The microbicidal effect of the extract was demonstrated for all the tested microorganisms, establishing values of minimal inhibitory, minimal bactericidal and minimal fungicidal effects of the concentration. The effect kept steady during four years. These results confirm the purpose of using as antimicrobial the raw vegetable material existing in excess in the region. It is recommended to take into account the matters discussed in the study according to the undesirable effects, so other studies are required to deepen in that sense. The evaluation risk-benefit should be observed to use the tree in the medical practice with the precautions also demanded by other well-known antimicrobials.

Avaliação farmacognóstica e microbiológica da droga vegetal camomila (Chamomilla recutita L. ) comercializada como alimento em Cascavel - Paraná / Pharmacognostic and microbiological evaluation of the medicinal plant chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L. ) commercialized as food in Cascavel Municipality, Paraná State, Brazil

As plantas medicinais, dentre elas a camomila, têm sido muito utilizadas na forma de droga vegetal pela população em geral, como importantes alternativas alimentícias e terapêuticas. Considerando que a fiscalização sanitária destes produtos é precária, este quadro torna-se preocupante, visto que, um produto em condições inadequadas para consumo pode acarretar vários riscos ao consumidor. Diante disso, este trabalho teve por objetivo realizar avaliação farmacognóstica e microbiológica em quinze amostras de chá de camomila comercializadas na cidade de Cascavel, Paraná. A metodologia adotada para a realização dos testes foi a preconizada pela Farmacopéia Brasileira (1988, 1996, 1998). O estudo de autenticidade revelou que todas as amostras eram constituídas por Chamomilla recutita L., porém na maioria das amostras os capítulos florais apresentavam-se excessivamente destruídos. Seis amostras apresentaram teor de materiais estranhos acima de 5 por cento. Quanto ao doseamento de óleo essencial, todas as amostras foram insatisfatórias, visto que, apresentaram apenas traços de óleos essenciais, ou seja, valores abaixo de 0,4 por cento, sendo este valor o mínimo exigido pela Farmacopéia. Com relação às análises de bolores e leveduras foi verificado que quatro amostras apresentaram valores acima do limite de 10(4) UFC mL-1, conforme preconizado pela Organização Mundial de Saúde. A partir dos dados obtidos concluiu-se que a camomila comercializada na cidade de Cascavel - Paraná apresenta problemas com relação à qualidade, sendo necessário definir medidas adequadas de controle higiênico sanitário ao longo da cadeia de produção, para garantir a qualidade e segurança destes produtos.

Medicinal plants, including chamomile, have been largely used by the general population as important food and therapeutic alternatives. Considering that the sanitary control of such products is precarious, this situation becomes worrisome since a product presenting unsuitable conditions for consumption can lead to several risks to the consumer. Thus, the present study aimed to perform a pharmacognostic and microbiological evaluation of fifteen samples of chamomile tea commercialized in Cascavel Municipality, Paraná State, Brazil. The adopted methodology for the tests was that recommended by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (1988, 1996, 1998). The authenticity study indicated that all samples were constituted of Chamomilla recutita L.; however, most samples had excessively destroyed flower capitula. Six samples had levels of strange materials above 5 percent. As regards essential oil evaluation, all samples were unsatisfactory, since they only had essential oil traces, i.e. values under 0.4 percent, which is the lowest value accepted by the Pharmacopoeia. As regards mold and yeast analyses, four samples had values above the limit of 10(4) UFC mL-1, according to that recommended by the World Health Organization. The obtained data suggest that the chamomile commercialized in Cascavel Municipality has problems regarding quality; thus, establishing suitable procedures for sanitary hygienic control in its production chain is needed to assure the quality and the safety of such products.

Estudio microbiológico en jarabe de carao (Cassia grandis L. ) con mayor demanda a nivel ambulatorio en la ciudad de León / Microbiological study in syrup from Carao (Cassia Grandis L. ) with greater demand at ambulatory level in the city of León

El presente trabajo realiza el ensayo microbiológico en jarabe de carao (Cassia grandis L.), identifica la presencia de bacterias patogenias: Escherichia Coli, Staphyloccus aureus, Pseudomona aeruginosa y Salmonella Spp en jarabe de Cassia grandis L., determina la cantidad de hongos y levaduras en jarabe de Cassia grandis L., así como también cuantifica la presencia de bacterias aerobias mesofilas en jarabe de Cassia grandis L. Se decidió realizar el presente estudio de investigación debido a que muchas personas ingieren productos naturales que se comercializaron libremente en las calles como es el caso del jarabe de carao el cual ha tenido una importante introducción en el Mercado Nicaragüense, teniendo como principal demandante la población infantil, pero sin embargo no se le realiza un control microbiológico adecuado, pudiendo representar un peligro a las personas que lo ingieren.

Determinação da qualidade microbiológica e físico-química de chás de Cymbopogon citratus (D. C) Stapf (capim-limão) / Evaluation of the microbiological and physical-chemical qualities of lemongrass tea

Em função do grande volume de produção e comercialização do capim-limão, estima-se que uma contaminação microbiológica deste produto possa representar importante risco para a saúde pública. Esta pesquisa visou avaliar marcas de chá de capim-limão, em relação às qualidades microbiológica e físico-química, tendo como base a legislação brasileira do Ministério da Saúde. Nenhuma das amostras apresentou Salmonella sp, porém em 50% delas, houve presença de coliformes a 35ºC. Em três amostras, evidenciaram-se coliformes a 45ºC, com presença de Escherichia coli em uma destas. 81,25% das amostras apresentaram bolores e leveduras, porém sem relação direta com os teores de umidade observados. Dentre os fungos presentes, identificou-se Aspergillus niger, no entanto sem produção de aflatoxinas. Todos infusos analisados negativaram a contaminação evidenciada nos testes com o produto seco. Os resultados indicaram possíveis falhas nos procedimentos pós-colheita e de comercialização. A implementação do Sistema APPCC (HACCP) poderia substancialmente minimizar esta contaminação.

Considering the great volume of lemongrass production and commercialization, it is estimated that a potential microbiological contamination of this product could represent an important hazard to public health. This study was performed to evaluate different brands of lemongrass tea, regarding their microbiological and physical-chemical quality, based on the legislation of the Brazilian Health Ministry. No traces of Salmonella sp were found, but in 50% of samples, the presence of coliforms was detected at 35ºC. Three samples presented coliforms at 45ºC, with Escherichia coli found in one of them. 81.25% of samples presented molds and yeasts. Among the fungi present, Aspergillus niger was identified, but aflatoxins were absent. None of the infusions analyzed presented the contamination evidenced in the dry product. The results obtained may be indicative of failure in procedures of postharvest and commercialization. The implementation of a hazard analysis and critical control point system (HACCP) could reduce this contamination substantially.

Actividad antimicrobiana de plantas medicinales argentinas sobre bacterias antibiótico-resistentes / Antimicrobial activity of Argentine medicinal plants on antibiotic-resistant bacteria

El propósito del presente trabajo fue determinar la potencia antimicrobiana de extractos alcohólicos de plantas utilizadas popularmente en Argentina como antisépticos y antiinflamatorios: Dasyphyllum diaconthoides, Erythrina cristagalli, Larrea cuneifolia, Larrea divaricata, Phytolacca dioica, Pithecoctenium cynanchoides, Prosopanche americana, Schinus molle, Schkuhria pinnata, Senna aphylla y Solidago chilensis. La inhibición del crecimiento bacteriano se determinó a través de ensayos de difusión en agar, macrodilución en medio sólido y microdilución en medio líquido frente a 47 aislamientos clínicos multirresistentes a antibióticos, obtenidos de pacientes de un hospital de Tucumán, Argentina: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, Morganella morganii, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. De acuerdo con los valores de concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM), tres de las once especies ensayadas fueron las más activas: L. divaricata, L. cuneifolia, y S. aphylla (CIM de 25 a 200 µg/mL). P. mirabilis, A. baumanni y S. maltophilia fueron las cepas más susceptibles con valores de CIM entre 25 y 50 µg/mL seguido por P. aeruginosa con valores de CIM de 50 a 100 µg/mL. Los valores de concentración bactericida mínima (CBM) fueron semejantes o dos veces superiores a los valores de CIM. Mediante ensayos bioautográficos se comprobó que los extractos más activos presentaban al menos dos principios antimicrobianos. Análisis fitoquímicos indican que estos compuestos son de naturaleza fenólica. Los resultados obtenidos justificarían el uso de estos extractos para el tratamiento de infecciones bacterianas, especialmente aquellas de origen dérmico.

The present study was conducted to investigate antimicrobial activity of alcoholic extracts of Argentine medicinal plant species (Dasyphyllum diacanthoides, Erythrina cristagalli, Larrea cuneifolia, Larrea divaricata, Phytolacca dioica, Pithecoctenium cynanchoides, Prosopanche americana, Schinus molle, Schkuhria pinnata, Senna aphylla and Solidago chilensis) against multidrug resistant human pathogen gram negative bacteria isolated from a Hospital in Tucumán, Argentina. Inhibition of bacterial growth was investigated using disc diffusion, agar macrodilution and broth microdilution methods against multiresistant clinical isolates of nine different specie of gram negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, Morganella morganii, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. A significant antimicrobial activity was found in three of the eleven plant species studied. Based on minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, three plant species, L. divaricata, L. cuneifolia, and S. aphylla were the most potent ones with MIC values between 25-200 µg/mL. Overall, P. mirabilis, M. morganii and P. aeruginosa isolates were the most susceptible to these extracts with MIC values of 25 to 50 µg/mL. All extracts showed significant inhibitory activities on bacteria growth in a dose phenolic compound-dependent fashion. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were identical to the MIC values or twofold higher than the corresponding MIC. Contact bioautography indicated that crude extracts possess several major antibacterial components. Phytochemical screening showed that the bioactive compounds correspond to polyphenols. Investigations are in progress to purify the bioactive principles.