El compostaje de cáscara de Musa paradisiaca L. para la producción de biogás y biometano como estrategia de preservación de la salud ambiental / Musa paradisiaca L. husk composting for biogas and biomethane production as a strategy for preserving environmental health

A medida que a se avanza en el siglo XXI, los sistemas de energía deben alejarse de los combustibles fósiles y aumentar la capacidad de las energías renovables si se quieren cumplir los objetivos de temperaturas máximas del Acuerdo de París. Sin embargo, debido a los desafíos en la adopción de tecnologías bajas en carbono, ciertas áreas de los sistemas energéticos globales son difíciles de controlar y descarburar. Por otra parte, el compostaje es una de las prácticas de gestión de residuos orgánicos más importantes que se puede utilizar para lograr la sostenibilidad del suelo y del medio ambiente. El compost tiene un mínimo impacto en algunas emisiones, y puede ayudar a controlar la huella de carbono y limitar los efectos ambientales negativos de los métodos de eliminación de desechos más deficientes. La investigación tuvo por objetivo determinar la calidad de producir biogás y biometano a partir de la cáscara de plátano (Musa paradisiaca L.). Metodológicamente se desarrolló una investigación aplicada, con nivel de investigación de tipo experimental. Las cáscaras de plátano se colectaron de la planta de compostaje de la Municipalidad Provincial de Leoncio Prado, Perú. De la muestra se prepararon cinco sub muestras para la producción de biogás y cinco muestras adicionales para la producción de biometano. Los sistemas mostraron una producción de 0,067 m3 BG/Kg ST de biogás y 0,059 m3CH4/Kg ST de biometano, que generó subproductos como el biol y biosol. Estos resultados presentaron una baja toxicidad al ser sometidos a pruebas germinativas, concluyéndose que solo el 11,5% de la cáscara introducida al biorreactor se degrado y de esta fracción solo el 2,8% se convirtió en biogás(AU)

As progress is being made in the 21st century, energy systems must move away from fossil fuels and increase the capacity of renewable energies if you want to meet the maximum temperatures objectives of the Paris Agreement. However, due to the challenges in the adoption of low carbon technologies, certain areas of global energy systems are difficult to control and decarbure. On the other hand, composting is one of the most important organic waste management practices that can be used to achieve soil and environmental sustainability. The compost has a minimum impact on some emissions, and can help control the carbon footprint and limit the negative environmental effects of the most deficient waste removal methods. The research aimed to determine the quality of producing biogas and biomethane from the banana peel (Musa paradisiaca L.). Methodologically, an applied investigation was developed, with experimental research level. The banana peels were collected from the composting plant of the Provincial Municipality of Leoncio Prado, Peru. From the sample, five sub samples were prepared for the production of biogas and five additional samples for biomethane production. The systems showed a production of 0.067 m3 bg/kg ST of biogas and 0.059 m3ch4/kg ST of biomethane, which generated by -products such as biol and biosol. These results presented a low toxicity when they were subjected to germinative evidence, concluding that only 11.5% of the shell introduced into the bioreactor was degraded and of this fraction only 2.8% became biogas(AU)

Flavonols and sesquiterpenoids from outer bark and leaves of Croton polycarpus Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) / Flavonoles y sesquiterpenoides de la corteza y hojas de Croton polycarpus Benth. (Euphorbiaceae)

Some known flavonols from the outer bark polar fraction of the native species Croton polycarpus Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) were isolated and quercetin, quercitrin and rutin were identified as the most abundant constituents. From this sample, a clean TLC non polar sub- fraction (A-1) obtained by CC, afforded several isomeric compounds, which were characterized by GC-MS/EI and its results conduct to a group of eighteen sesquiterpenoids with a unique Rf value in TLC; among them, one sesquiterpene hydrocarbon with molecular weight (MW) of 200 g/mol (C15H20), two with MW 202 g/mol,(C15H22), thirteen with a MW of 204 g/mol (C15H24) and two sesquiterpenols with MW 220 g/mol (C15H24O) were determined. From its fresh leaves essential oil obtained by two methods, hydro-distillation and supercritical CO2 extraction, other terpenoids were identified, where the first one process was more efficient (1.5% DM yield) than the last one, and it was selected for a pilot study. This is the first report about chemical composition of the native species C. polycarpus, and the analysis of sesquiterpene isomerism is very important to recognize its structural diversity and similar chemical behavior.

De la fracción polar de la corteza de la especie nativa Croton polycarpus, (Euphorbiaceae) se separaron algunos flavonoles y quercetina, quercitrina y rutina se identificaron como los constituyentes más abundantes. Desde una fracción apolar de esta muestra, se obtuvo por CC una fracción limpia en CCD (C-2), cuyo fraccionamiento por análisis por CGAR-EM/IE permitió determinar un grupo de 18 sesquiterpenoides mayoritarios los cuales presentan un valor único de Rf; entre estos se detectó un hidrocarburo de PM 200 (C15H20), dos derivados de PM 202 (C15H22), trece son hidrocarburos isómeros con PM 204 g/mol (C15H24) y dos terpenoles de PM 220 uma (C15H24O). De igual forma, de las hojas frescas se extrajo el aceite esencial, por dos métodos: hidrodestilación y extracción con CO2 supercrítico (SFE), y el primero de ellos fue el más eficiente (1,5% rendimiento en peso seco) por lo cual se seleccionó para el desarrollo de experimentos a escala de planta piloto. Este informe es la primera contribución al conocimiento de la composición química y la bioactividad de las hojas y corteza de la especie arbórea nativa Croton polycarpus (Euphorbiaceae) y el análisis de mezclas de sesquiterpenos isómericos es muy importante para reconocer la diversidad estructural y su similitud en polaridad y comportamiento químico.

In vitro antifungal activity of Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão against human vaginal Candida species

ABSTRACT Myracrodruon urundeuva is a plant native to Brazil, which is used by the indigenous population for the treatment of candidiasis. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antifungal activity of extract against human vaginal Candida species and evaluate the possible toxicological activities of M. urundeuva. Initially, ethanol extracts, ethyl acetate fractions, and hydroalcoholic fractions of the bark and leaf of M. urundeuva were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The extracts that showed antifungal activity were characterized by liquid chromatography and subjected to toxicity assessment. Toxic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic testing were performed using Allium cepa and Ames assays with the ethanol extracts of the bark and leaves. Hemolytic activity was evaluated in erythrocytes and acute toxicity in rats. The ethanol bark extracts showed best activity against Candida albicans, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis ATCC (4-512 µg/mL). Chemical characterization indicated the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Hemolytic activity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity were not observed. The results of the Ames and A. cepa tests were also in agreement, ethanol bark extracts and ethanol leaf extracts of M. urundeuva showed absence of mutagenic activity. Similar results were observed in the A. cepa assay and acute toxicity test in rats. M. urundeuva bark extracts showed potential for the treatment of vaginal infections caused Candida species, as a topical.

Seasonal effects and antifungal activity from bark chemical constituents of Sterculia apetala (Malvaceae) at Pantanal of Miranda, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Efeitos sazonais e atividade antifúngica dos constituintes químicos das cascas de Sterculia apetala (Malvaceae) no Pantanal de Miranda, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

In the Southern Pantanal, the hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), an endangered species, often chooses the manduvi tree (Sterculia apetala) as a nesting site, because of its physical properties. In addition, the chemical composition of the wood may also contribute to a nesting selection by the hyacinth macaws. The objective of this study was to determine the main chemical components of S. apetala bark for two seasons, and evaluate its fungicidal potential. Bark samples from S. apetala trees with and without nests of A. hyacinthinus were collected in January (wet season) and August (dry season) of 2012. The inhibition of mycelium growth (MGI) from tree samples with and without nests were assessed using a phytochemical analysis to evaluate their antifungal activity against Trichoderma sp. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. In both seasons, samples obtained from nested trees had higher content of total phenols than those collected from non-nested trees. The average content of total flavonoids was higher in January for samples with nest and in August for samples without nest. All selected samples showed antifungal activity, and those with nest collected in August (peak of hyacinth macaw breeding) resulted in an MGI of 51.3%. Therefore, this percentage, related to the content of flavonoids and the presence of coumarins, may influence the reproductive success of hyacinth macaws and other species of birds, in this region. This is the first chemical study report with the stem bark of S. apetala.

No Pantanal Sul, as araras-azuis (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), espécie em extinção, escolhem preferencialmente o manduvi (Sterculia apetala) como local de nidificação devido principalmente às características físicas da árvore. Porém, a composição química da madeira também pode interferir nesta seleção. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar as principais classes de substâncias químicas presentes nas cascas de S. apetala em duas épocas do ano e seu potencial antifúngico. As cascas de árvores, com e sem a presença de ninhos de A. hyacinthinus, foram coletadas em janeiro (período de chuvas) e agosto (período de seca) de 2012. Por meio das análises fitoquímicas e quantificação de flavonóides, foram selecionadas amostras de uma árvore com ninho e outra sem ninho para determinar seu potencial antifúngico frente à Trichoderma sp. através da porcentagem de inibição do crescimento micelial (PIC). A investigação fitoquímica do extrato etanólico das cascas revelou a predominância de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides. O teor médio de fenóis totais foi superior para as amostras com ninho, em relação às sem ninho, nos dois períodos de coleta e, para flavonóides, os valores foram superiores em janeiro para a amostra com ninho e em agosto, para sem ninho. As amostras selecionadas apresentaram potencial antifúngico, sendo que com ninho, coletada em agosto (auge do período de reprodução das araras-azuis), resultou em um PIC de 51,3%, valor relacionado aos flavonóides e as cumarinas, fator que pode influenciar o sucesso reprodutivo da arara azul e outras espécies de aves nesta região. Este trabalho foi o primeiro a identificar os componentes químicos da casca do tronco de S. apetala.

Long-lasting endothelium-dependent relaxation of isolated arteries caused by an extract from the bark of Combretum leprosum / Extrato das cascas de Combretum leprosum causa relaxamento dependente de endotélio de longa duração em artérias isoladas

Objective To describe and to characterize the relaxing effect of an extract of the bark of Combretum leprosum on isolated arterial rings from different animals.Methods Rings (3 to 4mm) from rabbit, rat, or porcine arteries rings were suspended in an organ bath (Krebs, 37°C, 95%O2/5%CO2) to record isometric contractions. After the stabilization period (2 to 3 hours) contractions were induced by the addition of phenylephrine (0.1 to 0.3µM) or U46619 (10 to 100nM), and Combretum leprosum extract was added on the plateau of the contractions. Experiments were performed to determine the potency, duration, reversibility, and to get insights on the potential mechanism involved in extract-induced relaxations.Results In all rings tested, Combretumleprosum extract (1.5μg/mL) was able to cause relaxations, which were strictly endothelium-dependent. In rabbit or rat thoracic aorta rings, the relaxations were reversed by vitamin B12a or L-NG-nitroarginine. In porcine right coronary arteries and rabbit abdominal aorta, extract caused both L-NG-nitroarginine-sensitive and L-NG-nitroarginine-resistant relaxations. In rabbit thoracic aorta, the extract was relatively potent (EC50=0.20µg/mL) and caused relaxations; intriguingly the endothelium continued to produce relaxing factors for a long period after removing the extract. The magnitude of extract-induced relaxations was significantly reduced in the absence of extracellular Ca2+; in addition, the TRPs channels blocker ruthenium red (10µM) was able to revert extract-induced relaxations. Phytochemical analyses indicated that the extract was rich in polyphenol-like reacting substances.ConclusionsCombretum leprosum extract contains bioactive compounds capable of promoting Ca2+-dependent stimulation of endothelial cells which results in a prolonged production of relaxing factors.

Objetivo Descrever e caracterizar os relaxamentos induzidos por um extrato das cascas de Combretum leprosum em anéis de artérias de diferentes espécies de animais.Métodos Anéis (3 a 4mm) de artérias de coelho, rato e porco foram montados em cubas para órgão isolado (Krebs, 37°C, 95%O2/5%CO2) para registro das contrações isométricas. Após um período de estabilização (2 a 3 horas), as contrações foram induzidas com fenilefrina (0,1 a 0,3µM) ou U46619 (10 a 100nM); no platô dessas contrações, adicionamos o extrato Combretum leprosum. Diferentes protocolos foram realizados para determinar potência, duração, reversibilidade e mecanismo dos relaxamentos induzidos pelo extrato.Resultados Em todas as preparações testadas, o extrato de Combretum leprosum (1,5µg/mL) provocou relaxamentos dependentes de endotélio. Em aorta torácica de coelho ou rato, os relaxamentos foram revertidos pela vitamina B12a ou L-NG-nitro-arginina. Em anéis de aorta abdominal de coelho e de artérias coronárias de porco, o extrato causou relaxamentos sensíveis e resistentes à L-NG-nitro-arginina. Em aorta torácica de coelho, o extrato foi relativamente muito potente (EC50=0,20μg/mL) e quando causou relaxamentos; intrigantemente o endotélio continuou a produzir fatores relaxantes por um longo período após remoção do extrato. A magnitude dos relaxamentos induzidos pelo extrato foi significativamente reduzida em ausência Ca2+ extracelular; ademais, o vermelho de rutênio (10μM), um bloqueador de canais TRPs, foi capaz de reverter os relaxamentos induzidos pelo extrato. Análises preliminares indicaram que o extrato continha compostos com reatividade química semelhante à polifenóis.Conclusão O extrato de Combretum leprosum contem compostos bioativos capazes de promover estimulação dependente de Ca2+ das células endoteliais a qual resulta numa produção prolongada de fatores relaxantes.

In vitro antioxidant properties, free radicals scavenging activities of extracts and polyphenol composition of a non-timber forest product used as spice: Monodora myristica

BACKGROUND: Excessive production of free radicals causes direct damage to biological molecules such as DNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates leading to tumor development and progression. Natural antioxidant molecules from phytochemicals of plant origin may directly inhibit either their production or limit their propagation or destroy them to protect the system. In the present study, Monodora myristica a non-timber forest product consumed in Cameroon as spice was screened for its free radical scavenging properties, antioxidant and enzymes protective activities. Its phenolic compound profile was also realized by HPLC. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that M. myristica has scavenging properties against DPPH',OH',NO', and ABTS'radicals which vary in a dose depending manner. It also showed an antioxidant potential that was comparable with that of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) and vitamin C used as standard. The aqueous ethanol extract of M. myristica barks (AEH); showed a significantly higher content in polyphenolic compounds (21.44 ± 0.24 mg caffeic acid/g dried extract) and flavonoid (5.69 ± 0.07 quercetin equivalent mg/g of dried weight) as compared to the other studied extracts. The HPLC analysis of the barks and leaves revealed the presence of several polyphenols. The acids (3,4-OH-benzoic, caffeic, gallic, O- and P- coumaric, syringic, vanillic), alcohols (tyrosol and OH-tyrosol), theobromine, quercetin, rutin, catechine and apigenin were the identified and quantified polyphenols. All the tested extracts demonstrated a high protective potential on the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and peroxidase activities. CONCLUSION: Finally, the different extracts from M. myristica and specifically the aqueous ethanol extract reveal several properties such as higher free radical scavenging properties, significant antioxidant capacities and protective potential effects on liver enzymes.

Actividad acaricida del aceite esencial de la corteza de Croton malambo H. Karst, metil-eugenol y metil-isoeugenol contra Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, 1961 / Acaricide activity of essential oil of Croton malambo H. Karst, methyl-eugenol and methyl-isoeugenol against Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, 1961

Dermotophagoides farinae lives in the indoor environment of houses, where it is source of allergens; therefore its control is a priority in preventing respiratory allergies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of essential oil of Croton malambo H. Karst bark and their components methyl-eugenol and methyl-isoeugenol against Dermatophagoides farinae. The essential oil was obtained through hydro-distillation assisted by microwave radiation and analyzed by GC-MS. Acaricidal activity was assessed by dose- response bioassay, at different times, using benzyl benzoate as a positive control. The relative amount of methyl-eugenol and methyl- isoeugenol in the essential oil was 68.4 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively. The acaricidal activity was: essential oil > methyl-eugenol > benzyl benzoate > methyl-isoeugenol. The acaricidal properties of essential oil of Croton malambo bark and methyl-eugenol against Dermatophagoides farinae were established...

Dermatophagoides farinae habita en el interior de las casas, donde es fuente importante de alérgenos, por tanto su control es una prioridad en la prevención de alergias respiratoria. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad acaricida del aceite esencial de la corteza de Croton malambo H. Karst y sus componentes metil-eugenol y metil-isoeugenol contra Dermatophagoides farinae. El aceite esencial se obtuvo por hidrodestilación asistida por radiación de microondas y se analizó por CG-EM. La actividad acaricida se evaluó mediante bioensayo de dosis-respuesta a diferentes tiempos, usando benzoato de bencilo como control. La cantidad relativa de metil-eugenol y metil-isoeugenol en el aceite fue 68.4 por ciento y 4.9 por ciento, respectivamente. La actividad acaricida fue: aceite esencial > metil-eugenol > benzoato de bencilo > metil-isoeugenol. Se establecieron las propiedades acaricidas del aceite esencial de la corteza de Croton malambo y metil-eugenol contra Dermatophagoides farinae...

Fruits and barks extracts of Zanthozyllum heitzii a spice from Cameroon induce mitochondrial dependent apoptosis and Go/G1 phase arrest in human leukemia HL-60 cells

BACKGROUND: Zanthoxylum heitzii is a spice used to prepare several dishes and to treat tumors, syphilis, malaria, cardiac palpitations, urogenital infections in the west region of Cameroon, but the antitumor mechanisms and chemical composition are not yet investigated. This study was aimed to determine the antiproliferative effects of four extracts from the fruits and barks of Zanthoxyllum heitzii (Rutaceae) on apoptosis in human promyelocytic cells, their mechanisms and the chemical composition. The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the fifty percent inhibition (IC50) concentration of the cell lines after treatment. The effect on morphology was observed using a light or fluorescence microscopy. The rate of apoptosis and the cell cycle were measured using flow cytometry (FCM). The phytochemical analysis of the extract was carried with HPLC/MS methods. RESULTS: The phytochemical analysis of the extracts indicated the presence of four known polyphenols (Syringic acid, Juglon, Luteolin and Myricetin) in both fruits and barks of Z. heitzii but in different quantities. Syringic acid and Myricetin concentrations were between 17-21 fold higher in the fruits than the stem bark. Rhamnetin (393.35 µg/mL) and Oleuropein (63.10 µg/mL) were identified only in the stem barks of Z. heitzii. Among the four extracts tested for cytotoxicity properties, only the methanol extract of fruits and barks significantly inhibited cell proliferation of HL-60 cells with IC50 value of 20 µg/mL and 12 µg/mL respectively. HL-60 cells treated with Z. heitzii extracts significantly produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) with concurrent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Modifications in the DNA distribution and enhanced of G1/G0 phase cell cycle arrest were observed in a concentration dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Polyphenols from Z. heitzii plant exert inhibitory effect on HL-60 cells through the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle destabilization.

Aspidosperma (Apocynaceae) plant cytotoxicity and activity towards malaria parasites. Part I: Aspidosperma nitidum (Benth) used as a remedy to treat fever and malaria in the Amazon

Infusions of Aspidosperma nitidum (Apocynaceae) wood bark are used to treat fever and malaria in the Amazon Region. Several species of this family are known to possess indole alkaloids and other classes of secondary metabolites, whereas terpenoids, an inositol and the indole alkaloids harmane-3 acid and braznitidumine have been described in A. nitidum . In the present study, extracts from the wood bark, leaves and branches of this species were prepared for assays against malaria parasites and cytotoxicity testing using human hepatoma and normal monkey kidney cells. The wood bark extracts were active against Plasmodium falciparum and showed a low cytotoxicity in vitro, whereas the leaf and branch extracts and the pure alkaloid braznitidumine were inactive. A crude methanol extract was subjected to acid-base fractionation aimed at obtaining alkaloid-rich fractions, which were active at low concentrations against P. falciparum and in mice infected with and sensitive Plasmodium berghei parasites. Our data validate the antimalarial usefulness of A. nitidum wood bark, a remedy that can most likely help to control malaria. However, the molecules responsible for this antimalarial activity have not yet been identified. Considering their high selectivity index, the alkaloid-rich fractions from the plant bark might be useful in the development of new antimalarials.

Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of ethanol extract of stem barks from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam in rats.

Administration of ethanol extract of stem bark from Z. rhoifolium (EEtOH-ZR) induced hypotension associated with a dual effect in heart rate in normotensive rats. This response was highlighted in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In rat superior mesenteric artery rings, the cumulative addition of EEtOH-ZR (0.1–750 µg/mL) on a phenylephrine-induced pre-contraction (10-5 M) promoted a vasorelaxant effect by a concentration-dependent manner and independent of vascular endothelium. A similar effect was obtained on KCl-induced pre-contractions (80 mM). EEtOH-ZR attenuated contractions induced by cumulative addition of CaCl2 (10-6–3 × 10-2 M) in depolarizing medium without Ca2+ only at 500 or 750 µg/mL. Likewise, on S-(–)-Bay K 8644-induced pre-contractions (10-7 M), the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxant effect was attenuated. EEtOH-ZR (27, 81, 243 or 500 µg/mL) inhibited contractions induced by cumulative addition of phenylephrine (10-9 - 10-5 M) in endothelium-denuded preparations or by a single concentration (10-5 M) in a Ca2+-free medium. The involvement of K+ channels was evaluated by tetraethylammonium (3 mM); the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxation was not attenuated. Thus, calcium influx blockade through voltage-operated calcium channels (CaVL) and inhibition of calcium release from intracellular stores are probably underlying EEtOH-ZR-induced cardiovascular effects.

Antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate extract and essential oil from bark of Laurelia sempervirens against multiresistant bacteria / Actividad antimicrobiana del extracto acetato de etilo y aceite esencial de corteza de Laurelia sempervirens contra bacterias multirresistentes

Context: Laurelia sempervirens (R. et P.) Tul., is an evergreen tree that growths in southern Chile, its leaves and bark are used in folk medicine as an infusion. Objective: The antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and ethyl acetate extract obtained from the bark of Laurelia sempervirens were investigated. Materials and methods: Ethyl acetate extract and essential oil were analyzed by GC- mass and the antimicrobial activity was investigated against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Results: The extract and essential oil showed a strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumanii, a relevant world nosocomial pathogen Discussion and conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the ethyl acetate extract and essential oil of L.sempervirens bark have excellent antimicrobial activities and thus have great potential as a source for natural health products.

Contexto: Laurelia sempervirens (R. et P.) Tul., es un árbol de hoja perenne que crece en el sur de Chile, sus hojas y corteza se utilizan en medicina popular como infusión. Objetivo: Investigar la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial y el extracto de acetato de etilo obtenido de la corteza de Laurelia sempervirens. Materiales y métodos: El extracto de acetato de etilo y el aceite esencial se analizaron por GC-masa y la actividad antimicrobiana se analizó contra bacterias gram positivas y gram negativas. Resultados: El extracto y aceite esencial evidenció una fuerte actividad antimicrobiana frente a la bacteria, Acinetobacter baumanii patógeno que causa infecciones nosocomiales de relevancia mundial. Discusión y conclusiones: Estos hallazgos demuestran que el extracto de acetato de etilo y aceite esencial de corteza de L.sempervirens tienen excelentes actividades antimicrobianas y por lo tanto tienen un gran potencial como fuente de productos naturales para la salud.

Actividad antimicrobiana de extractos de Psidium friedrichsthalianum L., Pterocarpus hayesii L., Tynanthus guatemalensis L. y Spondias purpurea L / Antimicrobial activity of Psidium friedrichsthalianum L., Pterocarpus hayesii L., Tynanthus guatemalensis L. and Spondias purpurea L. extracts

There is not much information on antimicrobial activity presented by several species traditionally used as medicinal plants in Tabasco. Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic and hexanic extracts from leaf and bark of guayaba agria (Psidium friedrichsthalianum L.), palo de sangre (Pterocarpus hayesii L.) chichimecate (Tynanthus guatemalensis L.) and ciruela (Spondias purpurea L.) was evaluated for against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 by the use of agar diffusion method. Results indicate that the hexanic extract of every one of the plant species presented antimicrobial activity on at least one of the evaluated microorganisms meanwhile bark hexanic extracts did not present activity against the three microorganisms tested. The extracts that presented a Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of < 7.50 mg mL-1 against B. cereus were both leaf ethanolic of P. friedrichsthalianum and S. purpurea and the T. guatemalensis leaf hexanic extract as well as P. friedrichsthalianum bark hexánico extract against S. aureus and S. typhimurium.

Existe poca información sobre la actividad antimicrobiana que pueden presentar varias plantas que han sido reportadas con uso medicinal tradicional en el Estado de Tabasco. Se evaluó la actividad antimicrobiana de los extractos etanólico y hexánico de hoja y corteza de cuatro plantas utilizadas como medicinales: guayaba agria (Psidium friedrichsthalianum L.), palo de sangre (Pterocarpus hayesii L.), chichimecate (Tynanthus guatemalensis L.) y ciruela (Spondias purpurea L.). La actividad antimicrobiana se evaluó contra Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 y Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 mediante el método de difusión en agar. Los resultados indican que el extracto hexánico de cada una de las plantas presentaron actividad antimicrobiana al menos en uno de los microorganismos evaluados mientras que los extractos hexánicos de corteza no presentaron actividad contra ninguno de los tres microorganismos ensayados. Los extractos que presentaron una Concentración Mínima Inhibitoria (CMI) igual o menor de 7.50 mg mL-1 contra B. cereus fueron los etanólicos de hoja de P. friedrichsthalianum y S. purpurea y el hexánico de hoja de T. guatemalensis así como el extracto hexánico de corteza de P. friedrichsthalianum contra S. aureus y S. typhimurium.

Metabolitos volátiles presentes en Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March. colectado en Tame (Arauca - Colombia) / Volatil metabolites of Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March. from Tame (Arauca-Colombia)

This paper reports the identification of volatile components of the leaves, flowers, resin of the stem, and bark of the branches of the tree Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March. collected from East Plains, Orinoquia, Colombia. The main constituents identified by GC-MS in the volatile fraction of the leaves were guaiol (14,4 percent), alpha-copaene (8,6 percent), 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (8,1 percent), beta-cariophyllene (5,7 percent), and gamma-cadinene (5,4 percent). Germacrene D (13,9 percent), germacrene B (13,4 percent), bicyclogermacrene (11,8 percent), and limonene (8,3 percent) were determined in the flowers, while p-cymene (30,1 percent), alpha-pinene (22,1 percent), and limonene (14,4 percent) were identified in the resin; finally, germacrene D (27,7 percent), 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (7,9 percent), guaiol (7,4 percent), and gamma-cadinene (6,9 percent) were found in the bark. The analysis of the resin showed a high percent of monoterpenes (- 60 percent); while the leaves presented a high content of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (- 60 percent); flowers and bark showed a high composition of sesquiterpenes (40-50 percent).

En este trabajo se reporta la identificación de los componentes volátiles de hojas, flores, resina del tallo y corteza de las ramas del árbol Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March. recolectado en los Llanos Orientales, Orinoquía, Colombia. Los constituyentes mayoritarios identificados por GC-MS en la fracción volátil de las hojas fueron guaiol (14,4 por ciento), alfa-copaeno (8,6 por ciento), 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (8,1 por ciento), trans-beta-cariofileno (5,7 por ciento) gamma -cadineno (5,4 por ciento). Germacreno D (13,9 por ciento), germacreno B (13,4 por ciento), biciclogermacreno (11,8 por ciento) y limoneno (8,3 por ciento) se determinaron en las flores, mientras que, p-cimeno (30,1 por ciento), alfa-pineno (22,1 por ciento) y limoneno (14,4 por ciento) se identificaron en la resina; finalmente, germacreno D (27,7 por ciento), 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (7,9 por ciento), guaiol (7,4 por ciento) gamma -cadineno (6,9 por ciento) se encontraron en la corteza. El análisis de la resina mostró un alto porcentaje de monoterpenos (- 60 por ciento); mientras que, las hojas presentaron una alta proporción de sesquiterpenos oxigenados (- 60 por ciento); las flores y la corteza mostraron una alta composición de sesquiterpenos (40-50 por ciento).

Elm tree bark extract inhibits HepG2 hepatic cancer cell growth via pro-apoptotic activity

Control of inflammation is widely accepted as an important strategy for cancer chemoprevention. Anti-inflammatory effects of bark extracts of elm tree (BEE) have been amply reported. Therefore, BEE may be a good candidate cancer chemopreventive agent. Considering the high incidence of hepatic cancer and limited therapeutic approaches for treating this disease, it is important to develop liver cancer-specific chemopreventive agents. To evaluate the chemopreventive potential of BEE, we investigated the growth inhibition effect of BEE on the HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. We performed a cell counting kit-8 assay to determine cell viability, and 4,6-diamino-2-phenylindole staining and flow cytometry to measure apoptotic cell death. Finally, the expression levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins were measured. BEE inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Pro-apoptotic activity was promoted via the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, as demonstrated by the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase as well as the down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. These results suggest that BEE may have potential use in hepatic cancer chemoprevention by suppressing cancer cell growth via pro-apoptotic activity.

Larvicidal activity of medicinal plant extracts against Anopheles subpictus & Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

Background & objectives: Mosquitoes transmit serious human diseases, causing millions of deaths every year and the development of resistance to chemical insecticides resulting in rebounding vectorial capacity. Plants may be alternative sources of mosquito control agents. The present study assessed the role of larvicidal activities of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol dried leaf and bark extracts of Annona squamosa L., Chrysanthemum indicum L., and Tridax procumbens L. against the fourth instar larvae of malaria vector, Anopheles subpictus Grassi and Japanese encephalitis vector, Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles (Diptera: Culicidae). Methods: Larvicidal activities of three medicinal plant extracts were studied in the range of 4.69 to 1000 mg/l in the laboratory bioassays against early 4th instar larvae of An. subpictus and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus. The mortality data were subjected to probit analysis to determine the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) to kill 50 and 90 per cent of the treated larvae of the respective species. Results: All plant extracts showed moderate effects after 24 h of exposure; however, the highest toxic effect of bark methanol extract of A. squamosa, leaf ethyl acetate extract of C. indicum and leaf acetone extract of T. procumbens against the larvae of An. subpictus (LC50 = 93.80, 39.98 and 51.57 mg/l) and bark methanol extract of A. squamosa, leaf methanol extract of C. indicum and leaf ethyl acetate extract of T. procumbens against the larvae of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (LC50 =104.94, 42.29 and 69.16 mg/l) respectively. Interpretation & Conclusions: Our data suggest that the bark ethyl acetate and methanol extract of A. squamosa, leaf ethyl acetate and methanol extract of C. indicum, acetone and ethyl acetate extract of T. procumbens have the potential to be used as an ecofriendly approach for the control of the An. subpictus, and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus.

Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic effects of methanol extract of Cariniana rubra stem bark in animal models

Cariniana rubra Miers (Lecythidaceae), popularly known as "jequitibá-vermelho'', is a large Brazilian tree whose bark is used in infusion and decoction for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. This study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic effects of Cariniana rubra methanolic stem bark extract (EM Cr) using experimental animals. Anti-inflammatory activity of EM Cr was tested on carrageenan and dextran-induced rat paw edema, carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats and acetic acid-increase vascular permeability in mice. Antinociceptive and antipyretic activities were evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests in mice, as well as brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The extract inhibitied carrageenan and dextran-induced edema, reduced exudate volume and leukocyte migration on the carrageenan-induced pleurisy and on the vascular permeability increase induced by acetic acid. The EM Cr inhibited nociception on the acetic acid-induced writhing and in the second phase of formalin test, and decreased rectal temperature. It was, however, inactive against thermal nociception.Phytochemical analysis with EM Cr showed the occurrence of saponins, triterpenes, sterols and phenolic compounds. Phytosterols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), pentacyclic triterpenes (α- and β-amyrin as a mixture), arjunolic acid, a phytosterol glycoside (sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside), and triterpenoid saponins (28-β-glucopyranosyl-23-O-acetyl arjunolic acid; 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl arjunolic acid and 28-O-[α-L-Rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranosyl]-23- O-acetyl arjunolic acid) were the main identified compounds. It can be presumed that EM Cr caused their effects by inhibiting the liberation and/or action of different inflammatory mediators. These findings support the traditional use of Cariniana rubra preparations to treat inflammation.

Cariniana rubra Miers (Lecythidaceae), popularmente conhecido como "jequitibá-vermelho'', é uma árvore brasileira de grande porte, cuja casca é utilizada nas formas de infusão e decocção para o tratamento de condições inflamatórias. Os efeitos antiinflamatório, antinociceptivo e antipirético do extrato metanólico da casca do caule de Cariniana rubra (EM Cr) foram avaliados em animais experimentais. A atividade antiinflamatória do EM Cr foi testada nos modelos de edema depata induzido por carragenina e dextrana em ratos, pleurisia induzida por carragenina em ratos e permeabilidade vascular aumentada por ácido acético em ratos. As atividades antinociceptiva e antipirética foram avaliadas utilizando os modelos de nocicepções induzidos por ácido acético e formalina, placa quente em camundongos e de pirexia, pela injeção de levedura de cerveja em ratos. O extrato inibiu o edema induzido porcarragenina e dextrana, reduziu o volume de exsudato e a migração de leucócitos na pleurisia induzida por carragenina eo aumento da permeabilidade vascular induzida por ácidoacético. O EM Cr inibiu a nocicepção nas contorções induzidas por ácido acético e na segunda fase do teste de formalina e diminuiu a temperatura retal. No entanto, foi inefetivo no teste da placa quente. A análise química por via úmida deu resultados positivos para saponinas, triterpenos, esteroides e compostos fenólicos. Fitosteróis e triterpenóides pentacíclicos (β-sitosterol, estigmasterol, α and β-amirinas em mistura e ácido arjunólico) e as saponinas triterpenoidais: 3-O-β-D-glucopiranosideo de sitosterol; ácido arjunólico 28-β-glucopiranosila-23-O-acetila; ácido arjunólico 3-O-β-glucopiranosila e ácido arjunólico 28-O-[α-L-rhamnopiranosil-(1→2)-β-D-glucopiranosila]-23-O-acetila. Pode-se presumir que os efeitos do EM Cr foram causados pela inibição da liberação e/ou ação de diversos mediadores inflamatórios. Estes resultados validam o uso tradicional das preparações caseiras de Cariniana rubra para tratar a inflamação.

Clausenolide-1-methyl ether from Clausena heptaphylla W&A / Clausenolido-1-metil éter de Clausena heptaphylla W & A

From the stem bark of Clausena heptaphylla, the limonoid clausenolide-1-methyl ether (1) was isolated. The structure of the compound was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic studies, including 2D NMR and MS measurements and by comparison with spectroscopic and physical data from the literature. This is the first report of occurrence of clausenolide-1-methyl ether (1) in Clausena heptaphylla.

El limonoíde clausenolido-1-metil eter (1) fue aislado de corteza de Clausena heptaphylla. La estructura del compuesto fue determinada por metodos espectroscópicos, incluyendo 2D RMN, espectrometría de masas (EM) y comparación de los datos espectroscópicos y constantes físicas con los publicados en la literatura. Este es el primer informe del aislamiento de clausenolido-1-metil eter (1) de Clausena heptaphylla.

Phytochemical and cytotoxicity investigations of salvadora persica bark extracts

Salvadora persica is an evergreen shrub or small tree to 6-7m. Fruits have a sweet, agreeable, aromatic, slightly pungent and peppery taste. It has many biological activities such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal activities. This study aims to evaluate cytotoxic effect of Salvadora persica, meswak, [Salvadoraceae] extracts and isolate main compounds from the most effective extract on different human cell lines. Extracts from meswak sticks and bark, aqueous alcoholic [crude], petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were tested for their cytotoxic activities on human hepatocellular carcinoma, breast, lung and colon carcinoma cell lines. Cell viability was assessed by the mitochondria! dependent reduction of yellow MTT [3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] to purple formazan. In addition, two triterpenes were isolated from the petroleum ether extract, most active extract, partitioned from aqueous alcoholic crude extract using thin layer and column chromatographic technique. Elucidation of the chemical structure of two triterpenes was established based on their spectroscopic data [MS, [1]HNMR, [13]CNMRand IR]. The petroleum ether extract is the most potent evaluated extract. It presented IC[50]=43.6 microg/ml against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line-HepG2, IC[50]=44.3 microg/ml against human breast carcinoma cell line-MCF7, 19.87 microg/ml against lung carcinoma cell line-A549 and 10.2 microg/ml against colon carcinoma cell linc-HCT116, however the other extracts showed weak activities. Ursolic was more effective than olcanolie acid against HepG2, MCF7 and HCT116 [IC[50]= 26.32, 18.73 and 20.4microg/mL, respectively] while oleanolic was potent against A549 [IC[50]= 19.5microg/mL]. petroleum ether extract and ursolic acid showed cytotoxic activity against all tested human cell lines. Petroleum ether extract was superior against HCT116 and A549 while ursolic acid was efficient against HepG2 and MCF7

Chemical constituents of Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) J.F. Macbr (pau jacaré)

The phytochemical investigation of Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) J.F. Macbr. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae), commonly known as "pau jacaré" (alligator stick), afforded sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, the N-benzoylphenylalanine-2-benzoylamide-3-phenylpropyl ester, known as asperphenamate, sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, besides three flavonoids, apigenin, 5-O-methylapigenin and 7,4'-dihydroxy-3',5-dimethoxyflavone from its branches. From its leaves, the methyl gallate and two flavonoids, vitexin and isovitexin, were isolated. From its bark, a mixture of sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, besides a mixture of cycloartenone, cycloartan-25-en-3-one, and 24-methylene-cycloartenone, and the pure triterpenes 24-methylenecycloartanol, friedelin, lupeol and lupenone, were isolated. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral analysis, comparison with literature data and GC-MS analysis of the mixtures. The ester, flavonoids and the cycloartanes are been identified for first time in the genus Piptadenia.

O estudo fitoquímico de galhos de Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) J.F. Macbr. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae), comumente conhecida como "pau jacaré", forneceu sitosterol, estigmasterol, o éster N-benzoilfenilalaninato de 2-N-benzoil-3-fenilpropila, conhecido como asperfenamato, 3-O-β-D-glicopiranosil-sitosterol, além de três flavonóides, apigenina (5,7,4'-triidroxiflavona), apigenina-5-O-metil éter e 7,4'-dihidroxi-3' , 5-dimetoxiflavona. Das folhas isolaram-se galato de metila e dois flavonóides, 8-C-glicopiranosil-5,7,4' -trihidroxiflavona e 6-C-glicopiranosil-5,7,4'-trihidroxiflavona, conhecidas como vitexina e isovitexina. Das cascas desta planta isolaram-se uma mistura de sitosterol, campesterol e estigmasterol; mistura de cicloartenona, cicloartan-25,26-en-3-ona e 24-metileno-cicloartanona, além dos triterpenos, 24-metilenocicloartenol, fridelina, lupeol e lupenona. As estruturas foram estabelecidas através de análise de espectros de IV, RMN ¹H e 13C e massas, além de análise com CG-EM para identificar os componentes das misturas de cicloartanos e esteróides. O éster conhecido como asperfenamato, os flavonóides e os cicloartanos estão sendo registrados pela primeira vez em Piptadenia.

Removal of malachite green from water by Firmiana simplex wood fiber / Eliminación de malaquita verde del agua con fibra de madera Firmiana simple

This study shows that wood fiber of Phoenix tree (Firmiana simplex) is an effective adsorbent for malachite green (MG). MG sorption behavior onto the wood adsorbent was investigated in this study. Basic condition was favorable for MG adsorption to the adsorbent. The pseudo second order equation well described MG adsorption onto the wood adsorbent. The Freundlich Isotherm could describe the sorption data. The positive value of AH0 showed that adsorption of malachite green onto the wood adsorbent was endothermic. The negative values of AG at various temperatures indicate the spontaneous nature of the adsorption process.