Endophytic bacteria promote growth and increase the aloin content of Aloe vera / Las bacterias endofíticas promueven el crecimiento y aumentan el contenido de aloína del Aloe vera

Aloe vera is among the world's economically most important medicinal plants, but as the growth of this plant and, consequently, the accumulation of metabolites is slow, we tested the hypothesis that root endophytic bacteria isolated from A. vera plants can promote growth and increase the accumulation of aloin in the gel and latex. For this, we inoculate seedlings with four endophytic bacteria and a combination of them. We confirmed the hypothesis and identified two strains with potential for the formulation of inoculants to improve the cultivation of A. vera. The bacterium 149H Paraburkholderiasp. increases the number of leaves and the accumulation of biomass, but on the other hand, 35V Enterobacter ludwigii inoculation increased the content of aloin in the gel and in the latex. Further research should focus on the association of these two strains in a single inoculant, to both promote growth and increase the synthesis of metabolites.

Aloe vera se encuentra entre las plantas medicinales económicamente más importantes del mundo, pero como el crecimiento de esta planta y, en consecuencia, la acumulación de metabolitos es lento, probamos la hipótesis de que las bacterias endofíticas de raíces aisladas de las plantas de A. vera pueden promover el crecimiento y aumentar la acumulación de aloína en el gel y látex. Para ello, inoculamos plántulas con cuatro bacterias endofíticas y una combinación de ellas. Confirmamos la hipótesis e identificamos dos cepas con potencial para la formulación de inoculantes para mejorar el cultivo de A. vera. La bacteria 149H Paraburkholderia sp. aumenta el número de hojas y la acumulación de biomasa, pero, por otro lado, la inoculación con Enterobacter ludwigii 35V aumentó el contenido de aloína en el gel y en el látex. La investigación adicional debe centrarse en la asociación de estas dos cepas en un solo inoculante, tanto para promover el crecimiento como para aumentar la síntesis de metabolitos

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.

Identification of four Armillaria strains and their effects on quality and yield of Gastrodia elata f. glauca / 中国中药杂志

In order to improve the quality and yield of Gastrodia elata f. glauca,determine the suitable Armillaria strains for the accompanying experiment in Xiaocaoba,Yiliang,four Armillaria strains were selected. They were used for G. elata cultivation,and the gene sequence,r DNA-ITS,β-tubulin and EF1-α of four Armillaria strains,were compared and analyzed. The yield was mesured in November which was based on previous laboratory research. The tubers were washed and steamed,then dried and powdered. The content of gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol was determined by UPLC,the polysaccharide was determined by phenol-concentrated sulfuric acid method. The results showed that the strains M1,M2,M3 and M4 were Armillaria gallica group but there were differences in the yield and active ingredient content when they were cultivated with the same G. elata. The yield of G. elata( Jian Ma) was the lowest when cultivated with Armillaria strain M3,but it was not the same when used M1,0. 981 kg·m-2,the highest yield in the four stains.The content of gastrodin was 0. 581%,the total content of gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol was 0. 595%,when accompanied with M1 strains. It was higher than other strains. The content of G. elata polysaccharide was 2. 132%,which was similar to the content of M3 strain,higher than that of M2 and M4 strain. Selecting phylogenesis of Armillaria strians,the content of active ingredient,and the yield as indicators,it was concluded concerned that the M1 strain was the best of four strains. The results will provide a theoretical basis and guidance for higher yield and quality in cultivation of G. elata in Yiliang.

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.

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]

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.

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.