Characterization of purified coconut oil bodies as an encapsulating agent for Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel

Introduction@#Doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) are both widely used anticancer drugs with a broad spectrum of antitumor activity, commonly against breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. Currently, these drugs are commercially available in liposomal formulations for their use in chemotherapy. This study generally proposed coconut oil bodies (COB) obtained from Cocos nucifera L. as an alternative carrier for DOX and PTX rather than the currently used liposome. @*Objectives@#This study aimed to compare standard liposome and coconut oil bodies as drug carriers in terms of their microencapsulation efficiencies, lipid profiles, in vitro drug release and stability, as well as their cholesterol levels.@*Methods@#Coconut oil bodies (COB) were isolated and purified from Cocos nucifera L. by modified sucrose gradient method followed by microencapsulation of standard drugs (doxorubicin and paclitaxel) through selfassembly and freeze-thaw method. The two standard drugs were encapsulated using COB and standard liposome. Encapsulation efficiency of both materials were determined. Lipid profiles of both encapsulating materials were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, and cholesterol level determination. In vitro drug release and pH stability of both encapsulated drugs were analyzed. @*Results@#Doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) were successfully incorporated in COB. Lauric acid was mainly abundant in COB and was able to lower cholesterol levels (5 mg/dL). COB incorporated with DOX and PTX showed stability at acidic and neutral pH. Drug release profile showed a rapid outburst within 3 hours compared to liposome encapsulated DOX and PTX. @*Conclusion@#Our study showed the encouraging potentials of using COB as wall materials that will make them attractive candidates for the formulation of pharmaceuticals for optimized drug delivery of cancer chemotherapeutics DOX and PTX

Cocos nucifera and metformin combination for modulation of diabetic symptoms in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Background: Cocos nucifera, belonging to Arecaceae family, holds quite an importance in the Indiantraditional medicinal system. C. nucifera inflorescence (CnI) has been reported in the literature to beuseful in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, diabetes, and dyspepsia. In this study, we aimed toevaluate the efficacy of CnI as an adjuvant with metformin in ameliorating Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM).Objectives: To evaluate antidiabetic activity of CnI in combination with metformin in Streptozotocin (STZ)induced diabetic rats.Materials and methods: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats using streptozotocin (45 mg/kg; i.p.).Plasma glucose level (PGL) was estimated after 72 h of STZ injection. Ethanolic extract of CnI (250 mg/kgand 500 mg/kg) per se and in combination with metformin (22.5 mg/kg) was administered orally oncedaily to rats for a period of 28 days. PGL level was estimated on 7th, 14th and 21st day followed by OralGlucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and PGL both on the 28th day of treatment. DPPH assay was performed toevaluate antioxidant activity of CnI extract.Results: Extract of CnI (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg alone and the combination of extract (250 mg/kg)along with metformin (22.5 mg/kg) significantly decreased PGL (p < 0.0001) on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28thdays. Histopathological analysis of pancreatic tissue showed that treatment with CnI extract per se and incombination with metformin improved the damaged architecture of pancreas.Conclusion: The combination therapy of CnI and metformin produced a significant antidiabetic effectthan that of the extract alone and provides a scientific rationale for their use in antidiabetic therapy as anadjuvant.© 2017 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Long-term consumption of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil diet impairs learning and memory in CD1 mice / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been used in the management of dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, this research investigated the effect of long-term consumption of VCO diet on learning and memory in CD1 mice. Methods: Thirty male CD1 mice (divided into three groups, n = 10) were fed with standard rodent chow (control), 5% and 20% VCO diets (respectively) for 28 d. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was used to test the effect of VCO on visuo-spatial learning and memory, while the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) was used to measure short- and long-term recognition memory. Results: Learning performance of mice did not differ in the MWM. During the probe trial, duration in the retention quadrant and annulus crossings were lower (P 0.05). The discrimination index was also lower in the 20% VCO group compared to control and 5% VCO diet groups indicating impaired long-term cognitive memory in mice given 20% VCO diet. Histological examination of brains showed damage within the CA1 pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus in the 20% VCO diet group, in line with the behavioural observations. Conclusion: Long-term consumption of virgin coconut oil diet impairs memory in mice.

Cryopreservation of Brazilian green dwarf coconut plumules by droplet-vitrification / Criopreservação de coqueiro anão verde do Brasil de Jiqui por vitrificação em gotas

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of vitrification solutions and exposure time on the cryopreservation of Brazilian green dwarf coconut plumules (BGD) using the droplet vitrification technique. Explants were excised from BGD mature fruits from the Active Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Sergipe, Brazil. Firstly, embryos were disinfected, and after excision, plumules were pre-cultivated for 72 hours in Y3 + 0.6 M sucrose + 2.2 g L-1 Gelrite® culture medium. Plumules were exposed to PVS2 and PVS3 solutions for 15 and 30 minutes and rapidly immersed in liquid nitrogen (-196 ºC). After cryopreservation, they were thawed in culture medium solution (Y3 + 1.2 M sucrose) and cultured in regeneration medium. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2x2 factorial scheme (vitrification solutions per exposure times), with five replicates per treatment. Data were compared by the Tukey's test at 5% probability. Significant differences were observed in the callogenesis percentage for the solutions x exposure time interaction for non-cryopreserved cultures (-NL) and for exposure time after cryopreservation (+NL). PVS2 and PVS3 combined with 15 minutes of exposure promoted the highest callus formation (70 and 100%, respectively) in control cultures. The exposure time of 30 min, regardless of vitrification solution, resulted in 30% embryogenic callus formation after cryopreservation. These results contributed to the long-term conservation of coconut palm.

RESUMO: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o efeito das soluções de vitrificação e do tempo de exposição na criopreservação de plúmulas de coqueiro anão verde do Brasil de Jiqui (BGD), pela técnica de vitrificação em gotas. Os explantes foram excisados de frutos maduros oriundos do Banco de Germoplasma Ativo de Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Sergipe, Brasil. Os embriões foram desinfestados e as plúmulas, após a excisão, pré-cultivadas durante 72 horas em meio de cultura Y3 suplementado com sacarose 0,6 e 2,2 g L-1 Gelrite®. As plúmulas foram expostas em soluções de PVS2 e PVS3 durante 15 e 30 minutos, e rapidamente imersas em nitrogênio líquido (-196 ºC). Após a criopreservação, foram descongeladas na solução de meio de cultura Y3 com 1,2 M de sacarose, e cultivadas em meio de regeneração. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x2 (soluções de vitrificação x tempos de exposição), com cinco repetições por tratamento. Os dados foram comparados pelo teste de Tukey à probabilidade de 5%. Observaram-se diferenças significativas na porcentagem de calogênese para a interação entre soluções e tempo de exposição para as culturas não criopreservadas (-NL), e para o tempo de exposição após a criopreservação (+NL). O PVS2 e o PVS3 combinados com 15 minutos promoveram a maior formação de calo (70 e 100%, respectivamente) nas culturas de controle. O tempo de exposição de 30 min, independente da solução de vitrificação, promoveu 30% da formação de calos embriogênicos após a criopreservação. Estes resultados contribuem para a conservação em longo prazo do coqueiro.

Effect of plant protection products on Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae in laboratory / Efeito de defensivos agrícolas sobre larvas de Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) em laboratório

With the aim of developing tools for simultaneously managing Rhynchophorus palmarum and the coconut stem bleeding disease, we evaluated the effects of the insecticide thiamethoxam and the fungicide cyproconazole on R. palmarum larvae under laboratory conditions. Early-instar and intermediate-instar larvae were fed on an artificial diet containing 0.1% concentration of insecticide, fungicide or a mixture of both. Larval mortality was assessed daily during the 48 hours after the application of the treatments. Mean mortality values were subjected to analysis of variance and compared by Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.05). Thiamethoxam caused mortality of 100% of early-instar and 90% of intermediate-instar larvae. In contrast, mortality was significantly lower in the cyproconazole treatment (60% for early-instar and 0% for intermediate-instar larvae) and the control (0% mortality for both treatments). The insecticide/fungicide mixture was equally effective (100% for early-instar and 86.67% for intermediate-instar larvae) to the insecticide only treatment. Differences in mortality between early-instar and intermediate-instar larvae were significant only for the thiamethoxam and cyproconazole treatments. These results indicate that, for the doses used here, thiamethoxam is toxic to both early-instar and intermediate-instar larvae, while cyproconazole is toxic just to early-instar larvae. Moreover, cyproconazole does not increase the toxicity of thiamethoxam. Early-instar larvae are more sensitive to thiamethoxam and cyproconazole than intermediate-instar larvae. We conclude that thiamethoxam + cyproconazole mixture may be effective for managing R. palmarum and associated fungal diseases on coconut palms.(AU)

Com o objetivo de desenvolver ferramentas para o manejo simultâneo de Rhynchophorus palmarum e da resinose do coqueiro, avaliou-se o efeito do inseticida tiametoxam e do fungicida ciproconazol sobre larvas de R. palmarum em laboratório. Larvas de ínstares iniciais e intermediários foram alimentadas com dieta artificial contendo 0,1% do inseticida, do fungicida, ou da mistura de ambos. A mortalidade larval foi avaliada diariamente, durante 48 horas, e as médias foram submetidas à análise de variância e comparadas entre si pelo teste de Tukey (p ≤ 0,05). O tiametoxam causou mortalidade de 100% às larvas de ínstares iniciais e de 90% às de intermediários. Em contraste, a mortalidade foi significativamente menor no tratamento ciproconazol (60% para larvas de ínstares iniciais e 0% para as de intermediários) e no controle (0% de mortalidade para ambos). A mistura inseticida/fungicida foi igualmente eficiente (100% para larvas de ínstares iniciais e 86,67% para as de intermediários) ao inseticida sozinho. Diferenças na mortalidade entre as larvas de ínstares iniciais e intermediários foram significativas somente para os tratamentos tiametoxam e ciproconazol. Tais resultados indicam que, nas doses avaliadas, o tiametoxam é tóxico às larvas de ínstares iniciais e intermediários, enquanto o ciproconazol é tóxico somente às de ínstares iniciais. Além disso, o ciproconazol não aumenta a toxicidade do tiametoxam. Larvas de ínstares iniciais são mais sensíveis a tiametoxam e ciproconazol que as de ínstares intermediários. Conclui-se que a mistura tiametoxam + ciproconazol pode ser eficiente no manejo de R. palmarum e de doenças fúngicas associadas a essa praga em coqueiros.(AU)

No evidence of coconut stem bleeding disease transmission by bark beetles in Brazil / Não evidência de transmissão da doença resinose do coqueiro por escolitíneos no Brasil

ABSTRACT: Stem bleeding disease, caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis paradoxa is one of the most important diseases of coconut palm Cocos nucifera worldwide and some insect species have been found in association with T. paradoxa infected coconut palms. The present research investigated whether coconut palm-infesting bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) could disseminate stem bleeding disease. Adult bark beetles collected from coconut palms presenting stem bleeding symptoms were inoculated in PDA culture medium. Results showed no germination of the fungus T. paradoxa from either cuticle or digestive tract of bark beetles. Thus, we found no evidence that bark beetles carry viable spores of T. paradoxa that could infect healthy coconut palms and disseminate stem bleeding disease.

RESUMO: A resinose, causada pelo fungo Thielaviopsis paradoxa, é uma das doenças mais importantes do coqueiro Cocos nucifera em todo o mundo, e algumas espécies de insetos têm sido encontradas em associação com coqueiros infectados por T. paradoxa. O presente trabalho investigou se os besouros escolitíneos (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) poderiam disseminar a resinose a partir de coqueiros infectados. Escolitíneos adultos coletados de coqueiros com sintomas da resinose foram inoculados em meio de cultura BDA. Os resultados mostraram que não houve germinação do fungo T. paradoxa da cutícula ou do trato digestivo dos insetos. Assim, não encontramos evidências de que besouros escolitíneos carreguem esporos viáveis de T. paradoxa que pudessem infectar coqueiros e disseminar a doença resinose.

Coconut oil on biochemical and morphological parameters in rats submitted to normolipidic and hyperlipidic diets / Óleo de coco em parâmetros bioquímicos e morfológicos de ratos submetidos à dieta normolipídica ou hiperlipídica

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of replacing soybean oil with extra virgin coconut oil in normolipidic and hyperlipidic diets, on the lipid metabolism of Wistar rats. In the first stage of the experiment (30 days), 36 rats were divided into 2 groups and fed with a control or a hyperlipidic diet. Six animals from each group were then killed, and the remaining rats were redistributed into 4 new groups: 2 groups remained on the control and hyperlipidic diets, and in the diets of the other 2 groups, the soybean oil was replaced with coconut oil (30 days). At the end of the assay, the biological models were decapitated for blood collection and removal of organs and peritoneal fat. Although the diet intake differed among groups during both stages of the experiment, no differences were noted with regard to weight gain and peritoneal fat. Replacing soybean oil with coconut oil in the rat diet lowered triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein serum concentrations in both groups. Liver parameters, namely, total cholesterol and triacylglycerols, increased with the substitution of soybean oil by coconut oil in the normolipidic diet and decreased in the hyperlipidic diet. Thus, replacing soybean oil by coconut oil may improve serum and liver lipid levels in Wistar rats.

RESUMO: O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da substituição do óleo de soja por óleo de coco extravirgem em dietas normolipídicas e hiperlipídicas, sobre o metabolismo lipídico de ratos Wistar. Na primeira fase do experimento, 30 dias, 36 ratos foram distribuídos em dois grupos, receberam dieta controle e dieta hiperlipídica. Após eutanásia de seis animais por grupo, os ratos de ambos os grupos foram redistribuídos em quatro novos grupos, dois permaneceram com as dietas controle e hiperlipídica e nos outros dois houve substituição do óleo de soja por óleo de coco (30 dias). Ao final do ensaio, os modelos biológicos foram decapitados, para coleta de sangue, retirada de órgãos e gordura peritoneal. O consumo de dieta foi diferente entre os grupos durante as duas fases do experimento, porém sem diferença no ganho de peso e gordura peritoneal. A substituição, na dieta, do óleo de soja por óleo de coco diminuiu as concentrações séricas de triacilgliceróis e de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade, em ambos os grupos. Os parâmetros hepáticos colesterol total e triacilgliceróis aumentaram com a substituição do óleo de soja por óleo de coco em dieta normolipídica e diminuíram na dieta hiperlipídica. A substituição do óleo de soja por óleo de coco pode ter benefícios com relação aos lipídeos séricos e hepáticos em ratos Wistar.

Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae): A phytochemical and pharmacological review

Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the “coconut tree” and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used medicinal plants therapeutically, and minerals, plants, and animals have traditionally been the main sources of drugs. The constituents of C. nucifera have some biological effects, such as antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Our objective in the present study was to review the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of C. nucifera to guide future preclinical and clinical studies using this plant. This systematic review consisted of searches performed using scientific databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciVerse, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Some uses of the plant were partially confirmed by previous studies demonstrating analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihelminthic, antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic activities. In addition, other properties such as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiseizure, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, nephroprotective, and anti-osteoporosis effects were also reported. Because each part of C. nucifera has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of the plant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Plant Leaves.

Aims: To determine the antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of some readily available plant leaves in order to source for alternate antioxidants and antibiotics. Study Design: Randomized complete block design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology Akure Nigeria between Feb 2010 and Jan 2011. Methodology: Ethanol, hexane and water extracts from leaves of Anacardium occidentale (cashew), Cocos nucifera (coconut), Citrus sinesis (sweet orange), Citrus limon (lemon) and Carica papaya (pawpaw) were prepared and screened for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by folin-Ciocalteu assay. Antioxidant property of the plant extracts were evaluated using inhibition of free radical 2, 2- diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH). The antimicrobial activity of the extract against microorganisms (Acinetobacter spp., Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus) was determined using modified agar-well diffusion method. Results: Total phenol content (TPC) of leaf extracts based on tannic acid equivalent revealed that the TPC of cashew leaf ranged from 2.21 to 7.49 mg TAE/g, coconut leaf extract (0.59-2.22 mg TAE/g), lemon leaf extract (0.97-3.9 mg TAE/g), sweet orange (0.54-0.69 mg TAE/g) and pawpaw leaf extract (0.22- 0.36mgTAE/g). At 0.2mg/ml concentration, the highest antioxidant activity was observed from hexane extracts (45.03%-76.05%) followed by water extracts (45.82% -71.7%) and ethanol extracts (32.75%-56.79%). Ethanol extract (0.2mg/ml) from A. occidentale and C. papaya showed antimicrobial activity against all the eight microorganisms tested with inhibition zones ranging from 2-12 mm. The highest inhibition zone of 12mm was observed in A. occidentale leaf against Shigella dysenteriae while C. limon leaf had the lowest inhibition zone of 2 mm against B. cereus. Conclusion: We may conclude that A. occidentale and C. papaya leaves demonstrated broad spectrum activities. The results provided evidence that the plant leaves investigated in this study might indeed be potential sources of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents if further investigated.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Cocos nucifera water and oil

Cocos nucifera is one of the most valuable plants to man and was used as a primary source of food, drinks and even medication. It has been used as a traditional medicine by many cultures. The rats were placed in Group A, B, C, D, E and F of five each. The distal 2 – 3 cm portion of the rats tails were immersed in hot water maintained at 55±1OC for 30 seconds and removed. The rats were placed back in their different cages. Packed cell volume (PCV) decreased in all the groups except for group C which was at equilibrium with the negative control, but was not statistically different from the controls. Total white blood cell (TWBC) decreased significantly when compared with the negative and was statistically significant in group A when compared with Ibuprofen (standard drug), and negative control; group B was also statistically significant when compared with the negative control. Platelets increased significantly in the groups in the entire treatment groups when compared with the controls. This study showed that Cocos nucifera possesses potential anti-inflammatory activities, thus, confirms the folklore use of the plant in the treatment of ailments associated with pain and inflammation.

Influência de plantas invasoras na abundância de himenópteros parasitoides (insecta, Hymenoptera) coletados em cultura de coqueiro anão verde, em linhares, ES, Brasil / Influence of the vegetation cover on the abundace of parasitoids hymenoptera (Insecta, Hymenoptera) collected in a cover coconut palm, in Linhares, ES, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a influência de plantas invasoras na abundância de himenópteros parasitoides associados a uma cultura de coqueiro anão verde, no Município de Linhares, ES. Para a captura dos insetos foram utilizadas armadilhas tipo Mõericke, de cor amarela, em duas áreas, uma mantida roçada e outra com a presença de plantas invasoras. Em cada área foram instaladas seis armadilhas ao nível do solo, distanciadas entre si por 22,5 m. As amostragens, semanais, foram realizadas entre março de 2008 e fevereiro de 2009. Foram coletados 19.861 himenópteros parasitoides dos quais 70,8% ocorreram na área com plantas invasoras e 29,2% na roçada. As famílias mais frequentemente coletadas foram Diapriidae, Scelionidae, Ceraphronidae, Eulophidae, Mymaridae, Encyrtidae e Ichneumonidae; as demais famílias apresentaram frequencias relativas inferiores a 3%. As plantas invasoras presentes na área foram Ageratum conyzoides L., Bidens pilosa L., Emilia sanchifolia (L.) DC., Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae), Alternanthera tenella Colla (Amaranthaceae), Commelina benghalensis L. (Commelinaceae), Ipomoea sp. (Convolvulaceae), Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae), Cassia hirsuta L., Desmodium barbatum (L.), Indigofera hirsuta L. (Fabaceae), Sida sp. (Malvaceae), Borreria verticillata (L.) (Rubiaceae), Lantana camara L. e Stachytarphetta cayenensis (Rich.) M. Vahl (Verbenaceae); para algumas delas há relatos na literatura como fornecedoras de recursos alimentares e suplementares para a sobrevivência de himenópteros parasitoides.

Influence of the vegetation cover on the abundace of parasitoids hymenoptera (Insecta, hymenoptera) collected in a cover coconut palm, in Linhares, ES, Brazil. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of vegetation cover on the abundance of Hymenopteran parasitoids associated with a cover coconut palm, in Linhares, ES, Brazil. Yellow Mõericke traps were used to capture the insects in two areas, one kept clear and the other with the presence of vegetation cover. In each area six traps were installed at ground level, spaced 22.5 m apart. The samples were collected weekly between March 2008 and February 2009. We collected 19.861 parasitoids of which 70.8% occurred in the area with vegetation cover and 29.2% in the clear area. The families collected most frequently were Diapriidae, Scelionidae, Ceraphronidae, Eulophidae, Mymaridae, Encyrtidae and Ichneumonidae, and the remaining families had relative frequencies of less than 3%. Invasive plants in the area were Ageratum conyzoides L., Bidens pilosa L., Emilia sanchifolia (L.) DC., Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae), Alternanthera tenella Colla (Amaranthaceae), Commelina benghalensis L. (Commelinaceae), Ipomoea sp. (Convolvulaceae), Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae), Cassia hirsuta L., Desmodium barbatum (L.), Indigofera hirsuta L. (Fabaceae), Sida sp. (Malvaceae), Borreria verticillata (L.) (Rubiaceae), Lantana camara L. and Stachytarphetta cayenensis (Rich.) M. Vahl (Verbenaceae), some of which have been described in the literature as providing food and additional resources for the survival of Hymenopteran parasitoids.

Effect of ethyl acetate extract from husk fiber water of Cocos nucifera in Leishmania braziliensis infected hamsters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment with ethyl acetate extract (EAE) from husk fiber water of Cocos nucifera L., Arecaceae, in L. braziliensis (Lb) infected hamsters. Twelve male hamsters were randomly allocated in three groups (n=4): G1 received only EAE; G2 was infected with Lb only and G3 received EAE after Lb infection. The infection was carried 28 days prior to the treatment with EAE, which was administrated (0.2 mL, 300 mg.kg-1) for 21 consecutive days. Infection was evaluated through skin lesions and infected footpad edema. Haematological evaluation was done on -28th, 0 and 21st days. Imprint footpad and lymph node weight were evaluated on 21st day. Lb infection significantly inhibited the peripheral leukocytes blood. However, neutrophils and lymphocytes values did not have significant alterations. G3 presented eosinophilia in relation to G2. The treatment with EAE did not reduce edema of infected footpad neither weight of drainage lymph node. Infected footpad imprints revealed amastigotes forms and cellular infiltration. Animals from G3 presented skin lesions on 7th day, shown a reduction of these lesions in day 14. Therefore, the treatment with EAE did not alter the etiological agent elimination in these conditions. However, EAE presents a healing activity in this experimental model.

Anatomical and histochemical aspects of zigotic embryo and leaves in Coqueiro Anão / Aspectos anatômicos e histoquímicos de embrião zigótico e folhas em Coqueiro Anão

The paper provides information about histochemical staining reactions in leaves and embryos of 'Coqueiro Anão' (Cocos nucifera). It was compared in vitro coconut and autotrophic palm leaves. Reactions for insoluble polysaccharides and acidic compounds, protein, extractable lipids, lignin and other classes of compounds were tested using histochemical tests. None sample gave positive reaction for lignin and phenolic compounds. All the samples gave positive reaction for protein, starch and insoluble polysaccharides while acidic compounds were positive only in in vitro leaves. Both in vitro and autotrophic leaves gave positive reaction for lipids showing presence of cuticle even in in vitro leaves. Only autotrophic palm leaves showed idioblasts containing calcium oxalate crystals.

Este trabalho fornece informações sobre resultados de testes histoquímicos em folhas e embriões zigóticos de 'coqueiro anão' (Cocos nucifera). Foram comparadas folhas de palmeiras de cultura in vitro e autotróficas. Reações para polissacarídeos insolúveis e compostos acídicos, proteínas, lipídios, lignina e outras classes de compostos foram testadas por meio de testes histoquímicos. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva para lignina e compostos fenólicos. Todas as amostras foram positivas para proteína, amido e polissacarídeos insolúveis, enquanto compostos acídicos foram observados apenas em folhas cultivadas in vitro. Amostras de folhas in vitro e autotróficas apresentaram reação positiva para lipídios, demonstrando a presença de cutícula mesmo em plântulas in vitro. Somente folhas de palmeiras autotróficas apresentaram ideoblastos contendo cristais de oxalato de cálcio.

Laboratory evaluation of traditionally produced coconut oil as a surface larvacide against Anopheles Stephensi fourth instar larvae

Environmental concerns have resulted in the search for environmentally friendly natural oils for use as mosquito larvacide. Methylated coconut oil has been found to be toxic to mosquito larvae. However, the use of methylated coconut oil is limited by resource constraints in rural communities in Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island countries where coconut oil is produced by traditional methods. This study evaluated the toxicity of traditionally produced coconut oil to fourth instar Anopheles stephensi larvae. The results showed that traditionally produced coconut oil is toxic to fourth instar Anopheles stephensi larvae. The results showed that coconut oil produced by traditional method is toxic to fourth instar Anopheles stephensi larvae. The coconut oil can be used as a larvacide for malaria vector control in community based programs utilizing community participation in the production and use of coconut oil for large scale use of coconut oil. However, a suitable surfactant needs to be identified.

First Host Record for Winthemia analis (Macquart) (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae) in Brazil: Brassolis sophorae laurentii Stichel (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Brassolinae) / Primeiro Registro de Hospedeiro para Winthemia analis (Macquart) (Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Winthemiini) no Brasil: Brassolis sophorae laurentii Stichel (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Brassolinae)

Hymenopteran and dipteran endoparasitoids are reported acting as pupae endoparasitoids of Brassolis sophorae (L.). Concerning the scientific and economic importance of these interspecific relationship, and aiming to increase the knowledge related to natural and conservative biological control, the present study records Winthemia analis (Macquart) as larval-pupal parasitoid of Brassolis sophorae laurentii Stichel in the State of Alagoas, Brazil. This report presents some data on the bioecology of this parasitoid, on its distributional range in Brazil and a host species for the first time.

Representantes de Hymenoptera e Diptera têm sido registrados como endoparasitóides de pupas de Brassolis sophorae (L.). Diante da importância científica e econômica desse tipo de relação interespecífica, visando à ampliação de conhecimentos relacionados ao controle biológico natural e conservativo, este trabalho registra no Estado de Alagoas, a ocorrência de parasitismo por Winthemia analis (Macquart) como parasitóide larva-pupa em Brassolis sophorae laurentii Stichel. Esse primeiro registro de hospedeiro para o taquinídeo apresenta aspectos bioecológicos do parasitóide e amplia sua área de distribuição geográfica no Brasil.

Geographic pattern of morphological variation of the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae), using multivariate morphometry / Padrão geográfico de variação morfológica do ácaro do coqueiro, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae), utilizando morfometria multivariada

The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, has become one of the most important pests of coconut in the Americas and Africa and recently in Southeast Asia. Despite the great economic importance of this mite, there is a lack of information on its origin and invasion history that are important to guide the search of biological control agents as well as the adoption of quarantine procedures. This study evaluates morphometric variation among A. guerreronis populations throughout its occurrence area, relates this variation with historical sequence of records, looking for information on its biogeography. Samples of 27 populations from the Americas, Africa and Asia were analysed using Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Discriminant Analysis. Results showed significant morphometric variability of A. uerreronis throughout its distribution area, with a high variability among American populations and otherwise a high similarity among African and Asian populations. The geographic pattern of variation of mite populations observed supports the hypothesis that A. guerreronis originated in the Americas and was introduced into Africa and Asia. Some inferences related to taxonomy of Eriophyoidea mites were included.

O ácaro do coqueiro, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, se tornou uma das pragas mais importantes do coqueiro nas Américas e África e, recentemente, no sudeste da Ásia. Apesar da importância econômica deste ácaro, faltam informações sobre sua origem e seu histórico de invasão, o que é importante para orientar a busca de agentes de controle biológico assim como a adoção de medidas quarentenárias. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a variação morfométrica entre populações de A. guerreronis ao longo de sua área de ocorrência, relacionar esta variação com a sequência histórica de registros, buscando informações sobre sua biogeografia. Amostras de 27 populações das Américas, África e Ásia foram analisadas utilizando-se Análise dos Componentes Principais e Análise Discriminante Canônica. Os resultados mostraram uma significante variabilidade de A. guerreronis ao longo de sua área de distribuição, com uma alta variabilidade entre as populações americanas e, por outro lado, uma alta similaridade entre populações africanas e asiáticas. O padrão geográfico de variação de populações do ácaro observado suporta a hipótese de que A. guerreronis é originário da América e foi introduzido na África e Ásia. Algumas inferências relacionadas à taxonomia de ácaros Eriophyoidea foram incluídas.

Parisoschoenus obesulus Casey (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) não é praga de frutos novos do coqueiro / Parisoschoenus obesulus Casey (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is not a pest of young coconut tree fruits

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar se Parisoschoenus obesulus Casey só ataca frutos em processo de abortamento natural e, portanto, não é praga de frutos jovens do coqueiro. Para testar a hipótese, inflorescências em diversos estágios de desenvolvimento fisiológico foram oferecidas a indivíduos de P. obesulus. Os resultados mostraram que somente frutos abortivos foram colonizados por P. obesulus aceitando-se, portanto, a hipótese estabelecida.

This study aimed to evaluate if Parisoschoenus obesulus Casey only attacks naturally aborting coconuts and, consequently, is not a pest of young fruits of coconut tree. Aiming to test this hypothesis, inflorescences at diverse stages of physiological development were offered to individuals of P. obesulus. The results showed that only aborting fruits were colonized by P. obesulus corroborating the established hypothesis.

Constituents and antioxidant activity of two varieties of coconut water (Cocos nucifera L) / Constituintes químicos e atividade antioxidante de duas variedades de água de coco (Cocos nucifera L)

Uma análise dos componentes da água-de-coco (Cocos nucifera L.) de duas variedades da fruta (verde e amarelo) por hidrodestilação e extração com solvente, mostrou a presença de álcoois, cetonas, tióis, ácidos carboxílicos, fenóis, e ésteres. Significativa atividade antioxidante foi observada, usando o método DPPH, para as amostras obtidas por hidrodestilação e extração de éter de petróleo para ambas as variedades do coco.

An analysis of the constituents of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water from two fruit varieties (green and yellow) by hydrodistillation and solvent extraction showed the presence of alcohols, ketones, thiols, carboxylic acids, phenols, and esters. Substantial antioxidant activity was observed, using the DPPH assay, for the samples obtained by hydrodistillation and petroleum ether extraction of both coconut varieties.

Escala diagramática de dano de Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) em coqueiro / Diagrammatic scale of Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) damage in coconut

Aceria guerreronis Keifer é importante praga do coqueiro no mundo. Dada a falta de métodos padronizados para a quantificação dos danos causados por esse eriofiídeo, uma escala diagramática com níveis de 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 48 e 70% de danos foi elaborada e testada para precisão e reprodutibilidade das estimativas. Para validar a escala, frutos com diferentes níveis de dano foram previamente avaliados com o programa Assess e submetidos à avaliação por 10 avaliadores inexperientes com e sem a escala (1ª avaliação) e sete dias após (2ª avaliação) com os mesmos avaliadores, empregandose as fotos digitalizadas dos mesmos frutos com seqüência diferente. A acurácia e a precisão de cada avaliador foram determinadas por regressão linear simples entre o dano observado e estimado. Sem a utilização da escala, sete de 10 avaliadores superestimaram o nível de dano, sendo pouco precisos. No entanto, avaliadores utilizando a escala obtiveram melhores níveis de acurácia e precisão. Osavaliadores apresentaram níveis mais elevados de reprodutibilidade das estimativas com a utilização da escala comparada às avaliações sem a escala. A escala foi utilizada para determinar a relação entre a infestação e o dano causado por A. guerreronis. A relação entre infestação e níveis de dano apresentou elevada precisão (R2 = 99,87%, P < 0,0001) pela equação lny = 4,948 - 0,121 x + 1,789 lnx. Portanto,os resultados comprovam que é possível estimar a população de A. guerreronis nos frutos de coco infestados com a utilização da escala diagramática.

Aceria guerreronis Keifer is an important pest of coconut worldwide. Due to the lack of standardized methods to quantify damage of this eryophyid, a diagrammatic scale with indices of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 48 and 70% of damage caused by A. guerreronis was elaborated and tested to accuracy, precision and reproduction of the estimations. To validate the scale, fruits with different levels of damage were previously measured with the program Assess and submitted to 10 inexperienced evaluators with or without the scale (1ª evaluation) and seven days after (2ª evaluation) with the same evaluators, using digitized pictures of the same fruits in a different sequence. The accuracy and precision of each evaluator was determined through linear regression between observed and estimated damage. Without using the scale, evaluators were less precise as seven out of 10 overestimated the damage, while evaluators provided with the scale were much more accurate. Also, evaluations with the aid of the scale were much more reproducible than without the scale. The scale was used to determine the relationship between infestation and damage levels caused by A. guerrerronis. The relationshipbetween infestation and damage fi tted by the equation lny = 4.948 - 0.121x + 1.789 lnx (R2 = 99.87%, P < 0.0001). Therefore, these fi ndings show that it is possible to estimate A. guerreronis population density on infested coconut fruits by using the diagrammatic scale.

Emissão foliar, relações iônicas e produção do coqueiro irrigado com água salina / Leaf emission, ionic relations and production of coconut irrigated with saline water

A necessidade de uso de águas salinas na agricultura é crescente, devido à pressão sobre águas de boa qualidade, principalmente para consumo humano. Com este objetivo, foram estudados os efeitos de quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa: 0,1; 5,0; 10,0 e 15,0dS m-1), obtidos mediante adição de NaCl sobre o desenvolvimento do coqueiro (Cocos nucifera L.) cv. "Anão Verde", com 3,5 anos de idade. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados, em solo arenoso, irrigado por microaspersão, no município de Parnamirim-RN, no período de janeiro de 2000 a março de 2001. A salinidade da água aumentou os intervalos de emissão foliar e de inflorescência e o número de flores femininas, bem como os teores de Na e de Cl na folha número 14, acompanhado de relações antagônicas entre Na-Ca, Na-K e Cl-N e sinergismo entre Na-Mg, mas sem manifestar sintomas visuais de efeitos tóxicos. Os teores ótimos de Na e Cl na folha 14 foram, respectivamente, 0,207 e 0,580 por cento.

The necessity to use saline waters in agriculture has increased due to pressure on good quality water, principally, for human consumption. With this objective, the effects of four levels of electrical conductivity (0.1, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0dS m-1) of irrigation water obtained by addition of NaCl were studied on the development of 3.5 years old coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) cv. 'Anão Verde'. The experiment was conducted in a sandy soil adopting a completely randomized block design and micro sprinkler irrigation system in the municipality of Parnamirim - RN, Brazil, during the period of January, 2000 to March, 2001. The salinity of water increased the interval of leaf emission and inflorescences and the number of female flowers per inflorescence as well as the contents of Na and Cl in leaf 14, accompanied by antagonism between Na-Ca, Na-K and Cl-N, and synergism between Na-Mg but without any visual symptoms of toxic effects. The optimum levels of Na and Cl in 14th leaf were found to be 0.207 and 0.580 percent.