Plant species from the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family used for medicinal purposes in Zimbabwe: a review / Especies de plantas de la familia Euphorbiaceae (tártago) utilizadas con fines medicinales en Zimbabue: una revisión

The present review was aimed at documenting medicinal uses of species of the Euphorbiaceae family in Zimbabwe. Literature was collected from online databases such as BioMed Central, W eb of Science, Springerlink, Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, Science Direct, ACS Publications, Scopus and JSTOR. This study showed that 29 species are used to manage human and animal diseases in Zimbabwe. These species are used against 49 medical condition s, mainly as ethnoveterinary medicine (21 use reports), and traditional medicine against respiratory (23 use reports), gastro - intestinal (14 use reports), male reproductive (11 use reports), antenatal and postpartum (10 use reports each) and sexually trans mitted infections (9 use reports). Acalypha brachiata , Bridelia cathartica , B. mollis , Croton megalobotrys , Euphorbia ingens , E. matabelensis , Flueggea virosa , Monadenium lugardiae , Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia , Ricinus communis and Spirostachys afric ana have the highest number of medicinal uses. There is need to unravel the therapeutic potential of the family through further ethnopharmacological research.

La p resente revisión tuvo como objetivo documentar los usos medicinales de especies de la familia Euphorbiaceae en Zimbabwe. La literatura se recopiló de bases de datos en línea como BioMed Central, Web of Science, Springerlink, Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, Science Direct, ACS Publications, Scopus y JSTOR. Este estudio mostró que se utilizan 29 especies para el tratamiento de enfermedades humanas y animales en Zimbabwe. Estas especies se utilizan para tratar 49 condiciones médicas, principalmente como medici na etnoveterinaria (21 informes de uso), y medicina tradicional para enfermedades respiratorias (23 informes de uso), gastrointestinales (14 informes de uso), reproductivas masculinas (11 informes de uso), prenatales y posparto (10 informes de uso cada una ) e infecciones de transmisión sexual (9 informes de uso). Acalypha brachiata , Bridelia cathartica , B. mollis , Croton megalobotrys , Euphorbia ingens , E. matabelensis , Flueggea virosa , Monadenium lugardiae , Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia , Ricinus communi s y Spirostachys africana son las especies con mayor número de usos medicinales. Es necesario desvelar el potencial terapéutico de esta familia a través de futuras investigaciones etnofarmacológicas.

Two new species of rust fungi (Pucciniales) from the Brazilian Amazon: Aecidium margaritariae on Margaritaria and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha / Duas novas espécies de ferrugens (Pucciniales) da Amazônia brasileira: Aecidium margaritariae sobre Margaritaria e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha

Two new species of Pucciniales fungi on plants of the Fabid clade are described from samples deposited in the herbarium of Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, collected in the state of Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon. They are Aecidium margaritariae found on Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae), and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). The microstructures of the specimens were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Aecidium margaritariae is characterized by the presence of globose, subglobose to slightly ellipsoid aeciospores with warty walls and smooth areas usually in the basal portion. Uromyces amapaensis is distinguished by the presence of uredinia with paraphyses which are thickened and rounded at the tip, and pedicellate and smooth teliospores. Descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic comments are presented for each species.

Duas novas espécies de fungos Pucciniales sobre plantas do clado das fabídeas são descritas a partir de amostras depositadas no herbário do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, coletadas no estado do Amapá, na Amazonia Brasileira. Aecidium margaritariae ocorrendo sobre Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae) e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). As microestruturas dos espécimes foram analisadas em microscópio óptico e em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Aecidium margaritariae se caracteriza por apresentar eciósporos globosos, subglobosos a levemente elipsoides, parede verrugosa com áreas lisas geralmente na extremidade basal. Uromyces amapaensis se diferencia por apresentar uredínios com paráfises engrossadas e arredondadas no ápice e teliósporos pedicelados, lisos. São apresentadas descrições, ilustrações e comentários taxonômicos para cada espécie.

Actividad antioxidante de cuatros especies vegetales del nordeste argentino / Antioxidant activity of four plant species in the Argentine Northeast / Atividade antioxidante de quatro espécies de plantas no Nordeste argentino

RESUMEN Objetivos: Determinar la composición fitoquímica y evaluar la actividad antioxidante de los extractos hidroalcohólicos de S. haematospermum; P. niruri; P. tenellus; E. serpens. Metodología: La composición fitoquímica se analizó por cromatografía en capa fina y la actividad antioxidante se observó de modo cualitativo por ensayo autográfico. Los fenoles totales se cuantificaron con el método de Folin-Ciocalteu y flavonoides totales con la reacción de complejación de aluminio. Para determinar la actividad antioxidante se utilizaron las técnicas de decoloración del radical libre DPPH• (2,2- difenil-1-picrilhidracilo) y del radical catión ABTS•+ (ácido 2,2'-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolin)-6-sulfónico) y del poder reductor del catión hierro (III). Resultados: El estudio fitoquímico evidenció en todas las especies la presencia de metabolitos bioactivos. El contenido de fenoles totales osciló entre: 627,71 ± 1,45 y 369,8±52,6 mg EAG/g muestra y de flavonoides totales fue de 12,2 ± 0,1 hasta 4,5 ± 0,3 mg Q/g muestra. Las especies S. haematospermum y P. tenellus presentaron mayor contenido de polifenoles. Los ensayos de actividad antioxidante permitieron reconocer que S. haematospermum y P. tenellus tienen capacidad de mayor inhibición de los radicales libres probados y mostraron mayor poder reductor los extractos hidroalcohólicos S. haematospermum y P. niruri.

SUMMARY Objectives: To determine the phytochemical composition and evaluate the anti-oxidant activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of S. haematospermum; P. niruri; P. tenellus; E. serpens. Methodology: The phytochemical composition was analyzed by thin layer chromatography and the antioxidant activity was observed qualitatively by autographic assay. Total phenols were quantified with the Folin-Ciocalteu method and total flavonoids with the aluminum complexation reaction. To determine the antioxidant activity, the discoloration techniques of the free radical DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhydracil) and of the cation radical ABTS•+ (2,2-Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) and the reducing power of the iron (III) cation. Results: The phytochemical study showed the presence of bioactive metabolites in all species. The total phenol content ranged from: 627.71 ± 1.45 to 369.8 ± 52.6 mg EAG / g sample and total flavonoids was 12.2 ± 0.1 to 4.5 ± 0.3 mg Q / g sample. The species S. haematospermum and P. tenellus presented higher content of polyphenols. The antioxidant activity tests allowed recognizing that S. haematospermum and P. tenellus have a capacity for greater inhibition of the tested free radicals and the hydroalcoholic extracts S. haematospermum and P. niruri showed greater reducing power.

RESUMO Objetivos: Determinar a composição fitoquímica e avaliar a atividade antioxidante dos extratos hidroalcoólicos de S. haematospermum; P. niruri; P. tenellus; E. serpens. Metodologia: A composição fitoquímica foi analisada por cromatografía em camada delgada e a atividade antioxidante foi observada qualitativamente por ensaio autográ-fico. Fenóis totais foram quantificados pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteu e flavonóides totais pela reação de complexação de alumínio. Para determinar a atividade antioxidante, as técnicas de descoloração do radical livre DPPH• (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracil) e do radical catiônico ABTS•+ (2,2-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfônico ácido) e o poder redutor do cátion ferro (III). Resultados: O estudo fitoquímico mostrou a presença de metabólitos bioativos em todas as espécies. O conteúdo total de fenol variou de: 627,71 ± 1,45 a 369,8 ± 52,6 mg EAG / g amostra e flavonóides totais foi de 12,2 ± 0,1 a 4,5 ± 0,3 mg Q / g amostra. As espécies S. haematospermum e P. tenellus apresentaram maior teor de polifenóis. Os testes de atividade antioxidante permitiram reconhecer que S. haematospermum e P. tenellus apresentam maior capacidade de inibição dos radicais livres testados e os extratos hidroalcoólicos S. haematospermum e P. niruri apresentaram maior poder redutor.

Popularidade e uso medicinal do pinhão-roxo (Jatropha gossipifolia L. ) em comunidades ribeirinhas do pantanal do Mato Grosso do Sul, com ênfase em envenenamentos causados por arraias fluviais / Popularity and medicinal use of purple pine nut (Jatropha gossipifolia L.) in riverside communities in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, with an emphasis on poisonings caused by river stingrays

O Pantanal é a maior planície inundável do planeta. A população humana da região utiliza vegetais que encontram no dia a dia e, com o tempo, isso os levou a descobrir diferentes finalidades alimentares e até usos terapêuticos dessas plantas. Este estudo tem como objetivo compreender a popularidade do pinhão-roxo (Jatropha gossipifolia L.) e seu uso como planta medicinal em duas comunidades ribeirinhas do município de Corumbá (MS), Brasil, com ênfase nos envenenamentos causados por arraias de água doce, frequentes na área. Mais da metade dos entrevistados utilizou o pinhão-roxo em várias doenças, especialmente no controle de sangramentos e na cicatrização de feridas. O uso de infusões em úlceras crônicas causadas por peixes peçonhentos é amplamente mencionado pelos pescadores entrevistados, particularmente em envenenamentos com necrose cutânea causada por arraias de água doce. Outras indicações citadas são o tratamento de micoses cutâneas e odontalgias, que não são mencionadas nas referências anteriores, indicando a necessidade de estudos clínicos e farmacológicos adicionais para avaliar esses propósitos.

A new triterpenes isolated from leaves of Phyllanthus acidus / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents of the leaves of Phyllanthus acidus. Methods: All compounds were isolated by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatographies as well as semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral data. Results: Ten compounds were isolated and identified as 3α-cinnamoyloxyurs-20(29)-en-18β-ol (1), phyllanthol (2), maslinic acid (3), ovoideal E (4), quercetin-3-rhamnoside (5), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (6), methyl 4-hydroxyphenylacetate (7), 4-O-(β-glucopyranosyloxy)-benzoic acid (8), thioacetic anhydride (9), L-pyroglutamic acid (10). Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new compound named as phyllanacidol B, and compounds 3-10 are obtained from P. acidus for the first time.

Volatile oil of Croton zehntneri per oral sub-acute treatment offers small toxicity: perspective of therapeutic use

ABSTRACT Croton zehntneri Pax & K. Hoffm., Euphorbiaceae, or "canela-de-cunhé" is used in the Northeast Brazil to treat several diseases. Leaves and aerial parts of C. zehntneri are rich in volatile oil of high potential therapeutic. This study aimed to investigate volatile oil systemic toxicity after per oral treatment in rats. Volatile oil characterization (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry) showed 85.7% anethole and 4.8% estragole. Male Wistar rats (116-149 g) were treated with volatile oil (250 mg/kg p.o.) during ten weeks and evaluated for the following parameters: survival; food and water intake; body mass; absolute/relative organs weight; hemogram; plasma biochemical dosage; organs morphology. Volatile oil did not alter animal water and food consumption or the relative/absolute weight of most organs, but animals gained less weight. Volatile oil did not alter function biomarkers of pancreas, kidney, heart or liver, but increased plasma gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (liver biomarker) and decreased uric acid (kidney biomarker). Although volatile oil had caused discrete morphological alterations in some organs, it did not induce architectural changes in these organs. In conclusion, the sub-acute per oral treatment with volatile oil no longer than ten weeks in rats offers small toxicity at doses below 250 mg/kg.

Spontaneous poisoning by Ricinus communis leaves (Euphorbiaceae) in goats / Intoxicação espontânea por folhas de Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos

The aim of this study was to report the clinical and pathological aspects of an outbreak of poisoning by the ingestion of Ricinus communis leaves in a herd of goats at Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Within 3-5 hours after ingesting the sprouts and young shrubs of the plant, twenty Toggenburg female goats and two adults crossbred wethers presented acute neurological clinical signs, which were initially characterized by decreased locomotor activity that later evolved to severe ataxia, depression, incoordination and staggering gait. Four goat that died spontaneously were necropsied. Gross lesions were unspecific and consisted in focal areas of lungs edema, petechial hemorrhages in the epicardium and congestion and enlargement of liver. The contents of the rumen, reticulum and omasum were dry and contained leaves of the plant. Histologically there were no lesions in the CNS. In the liver, the main lesion consisted in cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis of hepatocytes. Eighteen goats recovered after a supportive therapy with activated charcoal, glycated isotonic solution, dexamethasone and vitamin B12. There is no specific therapy for poisoning by R. communis, however supportive and symptomatic treatments are recommended and should be based on the clinical signs.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar os aspectos clínicos e patológicos de um surto de intoxicação pelas folhas de Ricinus communis em um rebanho de caprinos em Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil. Três a cinco horas após a ingestão dos brotos e arbustos jovens da planta, vinte cabras da raça Toggenburg e dois machos mestiços apresentaram quadro clínico neurológico agudo caracterizado principalmente pela diminuição da atividade locomotora, grave ataxia, depressão, incoordenação e marcha cambaleante. Quatro caprinos morreram espontaneamente e foram necropsiados. Macroscopicamente, as lesões eram inespecíficas e consistiam em áreas focais de edema pulmonar, hemorragias petequiais epicárdicas e aumento do volume e congestão do fígado. Os conteúdos do rumem, retículo e omaso eram ressecados e continham folhas da planta. Histologicamente, não foram observadas lesões no SNC. No fígado, havia vacuolização citoplasmática e necrose de hepatócitos. Dezoito caprinos se recuperaram após receberem terapia de suporte com carvão ativado, soro glicosado, dexametasona e vitamina B12. Não existe terapêutica especifica para a intoxicação pelas folhas de R. Communis. Os tratamentos sintomáticos e de suporte são recomendados e devem basear-se nos sinais clínicos.(AU)

Jatrogricaine A: a new diterpenoid with a 5/6/6/4 carbon ring system from the stems of Jatropha podagrica / 中国天然药物

Jatrogricaine A (1), a new diterpenoid possessing a 5/6/6/4 carbon ring system, together with eight known diterpenoids (2-9) were isolated from the stems of Jatropha podagrica. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, and compound 3 showed significant inhibitory effects against nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells with an IC of 13.44 ± 0.28 μmol·L, being comparable to the positive control, quercetin (IC 17.00 ± 2.10 μmol·L).

Acetylcholinesterase inhibition, antioxidant and identification of some chemical constituents of Phyllanthus atropurpureus cultivated in Egypt

Investigation of the lipid constituents of the aerial parts of Phyllanthus atropurpureus resulted in isolation and identification of the fatty acid mixture which consists of eight acids with linolenic acid as major and the unsaponifiable fraction that contain a series of hydrocabons, sterols, in addition to one triterpene (α-amyrin). The acetone insoluble fraction was found to contain two fatty alcohols and three n-hydrocabons in which the n-eicosane is the most abundant (44.16%). The flavonoidal constituents were isolated from ethyl acetate and butanol fractions which were identified as: luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-(p-coumaroylglucoside), kaempferitrin, luteolin and kaempferol. Evaluation of different extracts as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChI), established the chloroform fraction as a promising inhibitor of the enzyme. The antioxidant testing with DPPH radical revealed the potential of precipitate from MeOH extract as a radical scavenger.

Towards the micropropagation of Euphorbia cyathophora Murray: a wild plant species with medicinal and ornamental potential / Micropropagação de Euphorbia cyathophora Murray: uma especie de planta selvagem com potencial medicinal e ornamental

ABSTRACT: Euphorbia cyathophora Murray is a plant species with medicinal and ornamental potential but whose in vitro propagation is unknown. Two experiments were performed to know 1) the effect of light (WL) at 25±2 °C and 20 μmol m-2 s-1 luminous intensity, or darkness at 20±2 °C, for the first 20 days and subsequent placement in light (DKL) as previously described, and 2) the best combination of plant growth regulators: benzyl amino purine (BAP), kynetin (KIN), 2-isopentenyl adenine (2iP) and thidiazuron (TDZ) in combination with naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and the effect of both light conditions. The DKL treatment did not promote the growth of leaves, cotyledons, or plantlet height; in contrast, WL produced a more developed root system with early appearance of tertiary roots. In regards to the interaction of plant regulators and light effect, only the treatment with 1 mg BAP L-1 and 0.1 mg NAA L-1 generated shoots in both light conditions (DKL and WL). Darkness (DKL) generated more indirect greatest morphogenic responses (callus formation).

RESUMO: Euphorbia cyathophora Murray é uma espécie vegetal com potencial medicinal e ornamental, mas cuja propagação in vitro é desconhecida. Dois experimentos foram realizados para conhecer 1) o efeito da luz (WL) a 25±2 °C e 20 μmol m-2 s-1 intensidade luminosa, ou escuridão a 20±2 °C, nos primeiros 20 dias e posterior colocação em luz (DKL) como descrito anteriormente, e 2) a melhor combinação de reguladores de crescimento vegetal: benzil amina purina (BAP), kynetina (KIN), 2-isopentenil adenina (2iP) e thidiazuron (TDZ) em combinação com ácido naftalenoacético (ANA) e o efeito de ambas as condições de luz. O tratamento com DKL não promoveu o crescimento de folhas, cotilédones ou altura das plântulas. Em contraste, a WL produziu um sistema radicular mais desenvolvido com o aparecimento precoce de raízes terciárias. Com relação à interação dos reguladores vegetais e efeito luminoso, apenas o tratamento com 1 mg de BAP L-1 e 0,1 mg de NAA L-1 gerou brotações em ambas as condições de luz (DKL e WL). Escuridão (DKL) gerou mais respostas morfogênicas mais diretas (formação de calo).

Atividade antibiofilme de substâncias de Croton urucurana em Staphylococcus aureus isolado de mastite bovina / Antibiofilm activity of Croton urucurana compounds against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitis in dairy cattle

A mastite bovina é a enfermidade que causa maior impacto na produção leiteira, sendo o microrganismo Staphylococcus aureus o mais prevalente. Este gênero possui a capacidade de produzir biofilmes que é um importante mecanismo de resistência aos antibióticos. Considerando a capacidade terapêutica das plantas, a espécie Croton urucurana, nativa do Cerrado, foi alvo do presente estudo, que teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antibiofilme in vitro do extrato vegetal e substâncias isoladas desta espécie, frente Staphylococcus aureus, isolados de leite de vacas com mastite, bem como dos antibióticos gentamicina e vancomicina. A atividade antibiofilme foi avaliada por meio do cristal violeta e da contagem de unidades formadoras de colônia. As imagens foram obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. O extrato bruto e frações de C. urucurana apresentaram atividade antibiofilme superior à gentamicina e semelhante à vancomicina, enquanto a substância isolada α-Costol foi significativamente mais ativa quando comparada aos demais tratamentos avaliados, reduzindo cerca de 6 ciclos logarítmicos da população bacteriana em biofilme. Conclui-se que os fitocomplexos e a substância α-Costol isolados de Croton urucurana são promissores no combate a um dos principais agentes etiológicos da mastite bovina.(AU)

Mastitis in dairy cattle is the disease that impacts dairy production the most; Staphylococcus aureus is the main causative agent of this condition. The genus Staphylococcus has the ability to produce biofilms, an important mechanism of antibiotic resistance. Bearing in mind that plants have therapeutic action, this study investigated the in vitro antibiofilm activity of the plant extract and compounds isolated from the species Croton urucurana, native to the Brazilian Cerrado, against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the milk of cows with mastitis, as well as the antibiotic gentamycin and vancomicyn. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated by means of violet crystal and the counting of Colony Forming Units. The images were obtained by scanning electron microscopy. The C. urucurana crude extract and fraction displayed better antibiofilm effect than gentamycin; their antibiofilm action was similar to the action of vancomycin. Compared with all the assessed treatments, the isolated compound α-Costol was significantly more active it reduced six logarithmic cycles of the bacterial population composing the biofilm. The phytocomplexs and the α-Costol substance isolated from Croton urucurana are promising in the fight against one of the main etiological agents of bovine mastitis.(AU)

Genetic diversity among accessions of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) by phenotypic characteristics analysis / Diversidade genética entre acessos de sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) por análise de características fenotípicas

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is native to the Amazon region and has a high seed content of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, making it interesting for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The purpose of this study was to analyze sacha inchi genetic diversity and describe accessions based on phenotypic characteristics. Fruits and seeds of 25 accessions from the sacha inchi genebank of Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental in Manaus, Amazonas state, were sampled and biometrically measured. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, Mahalanobis distance, canonical correlation, and genetic diversity among and within accessions by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). There were significant differences among the means of the analyzed traits, but no significant canonical correlation for the groups of traits. According to AMOVA, approximately 60% of the observed variation was within accessions. The results showed variability among accessions, and that the variation within accessions should be explored to obtain best results in breeding programs.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) é nativa da região amazônica e suas sementes tem um alto teor de ácidos graxos mono e poliinsaturados, tornando-a interessante para a indústria farmacêutica e cosmética. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a diversidade genética de sacha inchi e caracterizar os acessos com base em características fenotípicas. Foi realizada coleta e biometria de frutos e sementes de 25 acessos do banco de germoplasma de sacha inchi da Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental em Manaus-AM. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância, distância de Mahalanobis, correlação canônica e diversidade genética por análise de variância molecular (AMOVA). Houve diferenças significativas entre as médias das variáveis analisadas, contudo, não houve correlação canônica significativa para os grupos de variáveis. De acordo com AMOVA, aproximadamente 60% da variação observada esteve dentro de acessos. Os resultados mostram variabilidade entre acessos, sendo importante explorar a variação intra-acessos para obter melhores resultados em programas de melhoramento.

Sedative and antinociceptive activities of two new sesquiterpenes isolated from Ricinus communis / 中国天然药物

Two new sesquiterpenes, trivially named ricinusoids A (1) and ricinusoids B (2), were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Ricinus communis. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic techniques, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The compounds (1-2) were also assessed for in-vivo sedative and analgesic like effects in open field and acetic acid induced writhing tests respectively at 5, 10, and 20 mg·kg i.p. Pretreatment of both test compounds caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in locomotive activity like sedative agents and abdominal constrictions like analgesics. Both compounds (1-2) possessed marked sedative and antinociceptive effects in animal models.

Sedative and antinociceptive activities of two new sesquiterpenes isolated from Ricinus communis / 中国天然药物

Two new sesquiterpenes, trivially named ricinusoids A (1) and ricinusoids B (2), were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Ricinus communis. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic techniques, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The compounds (1-2) were also assessed for in-vivo sedative and analgesic like effects in open field and acetic acid induced writhing tests respectively at 5, 10, and 20 mg·kg i.p. Pretreatment of both test compounds caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in locomotive activity like sedative agents and abdominal constrictions like analgesics. Both compounds (1-2) possessed marked sedative and antinociceptive effects in animal models.

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.

Anatomy and histochemistry of leaves and stems of Sapium glandulosum

Abstract Sapium belongs to Euphorbiaceae family and comprises 23 species. Sapium glandulosum (L.) Morong is popularly known in Brazil as "pau-leiteiro" and "leitosinha" and it is used in traditional medicine to cicatrisation. Its leaf extracts have shown analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. The preliminary set of pharmacognostic tools used for quality assessment of medicinal plant parts is macro- and micro-anatomy and S. glandulosum has not anatomical and histochemical description. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate the anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the leaf and stem of S. glandulosum as a means of providing information for quality assessment of herbal industry. The leaves and stems were investigated by employing field emission scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and histochemistry techniques. The analysis showed that S. glandulosum had the following anatomical features: dorsiventral and amphistomatic leaves; paracytic stomata; tabular crystal druses; non-articulated and branched laticifers; midrib's biconvex shape with vascular systems in open arc with invaginated ends; petiole with a round shape and slight concavity on the adaxial side; six collateral vascular bundles in U-shaped organisation; a circular stem shape and a sclerenchymatous ring. In the histochemical tests lipophilic components were found in cuticle and in the latex; phenolic compounds were met in the mesophyll and in the latex; starch grains were found in the parenchymatous sheath; lignified elements were met in the sclerenchymatous ring in the cortex and in the perivascular sclerenchymatous caps, beyond in the vessel elements. These features are helpful when conducting a quality control process.

Medicinal plants from the genus Alchornea (Euphorbiaceae): a review of their ethnopharmacology uses and phytochemistry / Plantas Medicinales del género Alchornea (Euphorbiaceae): Review de los usos etnofarmacológicos y fitoquímicos

The genus Alchornea compromises 55 accepted and other two unresolved species (Alchornea acerifera Croizat and Alchornea oblonga Müll. Arg.) which well various ecosystems over all the continents, with a special pantropical distribution. Numerous reports of ethnopharmacological uses of species belonging this genus exist mainly in Africa and Brazil, to treat different inflammatory and infectious diseases: arthritis, dysentery, infectious diseases, inflammation, intestinal disorders, fractures, leprosy, malaria, management of ringworm affections, muscle pain, rheumatism and ulcer. The genus Alchornea, contains different secondary metabolites and they have been reported such as: Alkaloids, terpenes and steroids, phenolic acid, saponins, principaly. The aim of the present review is to provide gathered and organized information with pharmacological, toxicological, traditional and phytochemical traits of plants from the Alchornea genus in order to define the biological potential of the genus and to define a state-of-art-platform stating the perspectives for further pharmacological/chemotaxonomical studies.

El género Alchornea comprende 55 especies aceptadas y otras dos especies por confirmar (Alchornea acerifera Croizat y Alchornea oblonga Müll. Arg.) qué habitan en diversos ecosistemas en todos los continentes, con una distribución pantropical especial. Existen numerosos reportes de usos ethnofarmacologicos de especies que pertenecen a este género en Africa y Brasil, en el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades inflamatorias e infecciosas: la artritis, la disentería, los desórdenes intestinales, las fracturas, la lepra, la malaria, dolor del músculo, reumatismo y úlcera. En el género Alchornea, se han reportado diversos tipos de metabolitos secundarios tales como: alcaloides, terpenos y esteroides, ácidos fenolicos, saponinas, principalmente. El objetivo de esta revisión fue de compendiar y organizar la información farmacológica, toxicológica, de usos tradicionales y de fitocompuestos de plantas del género de Alchornea en el orden de definir el potencial biológico del género y establecer la plataforma del estado-de-arte con las perspectivas de los futuros estudios farmacológico/quimiotaxonómicos que se podrían realizar.

Traditional usage, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Croton sylvaticus Hochst. ex C. Krauss

Croton sylvaticus (C. sylvaticus) is widely used as herbal medicine by the indigenous people of tropical Africa. The potential of C. sylvaticus as herbal medicine, the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of its parts used as herbal medicines are reviewed. The extensive literature survey revealed that C. sylvaticus is traditionally used to treat or manage at least 24 human and animal diseases and ailments. The species is used as herbal medicine for diseases and ailments such as abdominal pains, boils, fever, inflammation, malaria, rheumatism, swellings and tuberculosis and as ethnoveterinary medicine. Multiple classes of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, anthraquinones, essential oils, flavonoids, lignan, phenolics, sterols, tannins and terpenoids have been isolated from the species. Scientific studies on C. sylvaticus indicate that it has a wide range of pharmacological activities which include antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, larvicidal and effects on the central nervous system. Although studies have confirmed that C. sylvaticus has a wide range of bioactives, further research on the exact bioactive molecules and mechanisms of action are required.

Triterpenoids from Whole Plants of Phyllanthus urinaria / 中草药·英文版

Objective To study the chemical constituents of whole plant of Phyllanthus urinaria and their biological activity. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by repeated column chromatography over silica gel, Rp-C18 (reverse phase), MCI, and Sephadex LH-20, as well as semi-preparative HPLC. NMR spectroscopic analyses were used for the structure identification. In this case, the inhibitory rate of NO production of the isolated triterpenoids was evaluated. Results Seven triterpenoids, identified as 28-norlup-20(29)-ene-3,17β-diol (1), betulin (2), β-betulinic acid (3), 3-oxofriedelan-28-oic acid (4), oleanolic acid (5), 3R-E-coumaroyltaraxerol (6), and 3R-Z-coumaroyltaraxerol (7), were isolated and identified from the whole plants of P. urinaria. Compounds 1–5 exerted inhibitory effects against NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages with the inhibitory rate of NO production ranging from 4.0% to 27.8% at the concentration of 25 μmol/L. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of compounds 1–4, 6, and 7 from the family Euphorbiaceae. Compounds 1–5 exhibited inhibitory effects against NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages.

Triterpenoids from Whole Plants of Phyllanthus urinaria / 中草药·英文版

Objective To study the chemical constituents of whole plant of Phyllanthus urinaria and their biological activity. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by repeated column chromatography over silica gel, Rp-C18 (reverse phase), MCI, and Sephadex LH-20, as well as semi-preparative HPLC. NMR spectroscopic analyses were used for the structure identification. In this case, the inhibitory rate of NO production of the isolated triterpenoids was evaluated. Results Seven triterpenoids, identified as 28-norlup-20(29)-ene-3,17β-diol (1), betulin (2), β-betulinic acid (3), 3-oxofriedelan-28-oic acid (4), oleanolic acid (5), 3R-E-coumaroyltaraxerol (6), and 3R-Z-coumaroyltaraxerol (7), were isolated and identified from the whole plants of P. urinaria. Compounds 1–5 exerted inhibitory effects against NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages with the inhibitory rate of NO production ranging from 4.0% to 27.8% at the concentration of 25 μmol/L. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of compounds 1–4, 6, and 7 from the family Euphorbiaceae. Compounds 1–5 exhibited inhibitory effects against NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages.