Bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii crops evaluated by metagenomics / Diversidade bacteriana em solos de prados andinos elevados perturbados por culturas de Lepidium meyenii avaliadas por metagenômica

Soil quality is usually determined by its physical-chemical characteristics without taking into account the bacterial communities that play a fundamental role in the chemical decomposition of plant nutrients. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii cultivation under different gradients of use (first, second and third use) and crop development (pre-sowing, hypocotyl development and post-harvest). The sampling was carried out in the Bombón plateau in the central Andes of Peru, during the rainy and low water seasons, by the systematic method based on a specific pattern assigned in a geometric rectangular shape at a depth of 0 - 20 cm. The characterization of the bacterial communities was carried out through the metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA. 376 families of bacteria were reported, of which it was determined that there was a significant change in bacterial composition and distribution in relation to use pressure. There were no major changes due to the development of Lepidium meyenii. The families most sensitive to use pressure and soil poverty indicators were Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae and Aakkermansiaceae.

A qualidade do solo é normalmente determinada pelas suas características físico-químicas sem ter em conta as comunidades bacterianas que desempenham um papel fundamental na decomposição química dos nutrientes das plantas. Neste contexto, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a diversidade bacteriana em solos de prados andinos elevados perturbados pelo cultivo de Lepidium meyenii sob diferentes gradientes de utilização (primeira, segunda e terceira utilizações) e desenvolvimento das culturas (pré-semeadura, desenvolvimento do hipocótilo e pós colheita). A amostragem foi realizada no planalto de Bombón, nos Andes centrais do Peru, durante as estações das chuvas e das águas baixas, pelo método sistemático baseado num padrão específico atribuído em forma geométrica retangular a uma profundidade de 0 - 20 cm. A caracterização das comunidades bacterianas foi realizada através da sequenciação metagenômica do rRNA 16S. Foram relatadas 376 famílias de bactérias, das quais se verificou uma alteração significativa na composição e distribuição bacteriana em relação à pressão de utilização. Não se registaram grandes alterações devido ao desenvolvimento do Lepidium meyenii. As famílias mais sensíveis à utilização de indicadores de pressão e pobreza do solo foram as Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae e Aakkermansiaceae.

Bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii crops evaluated by metagenomics / Diversidade bacteriana em solos de prados andinos elevados perturbados por culturas de Lepidium meyenii avaliadas por metagenômica

Soil quality is usually determined by its physical-chemical characteristics without taking into account the bacterial communities that play a fundamental role in the chemical decomposition of plant nutrients. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii cultivation under different gradients of use (first, second and third use) and crop development (pre-sowing, hypocotyl development and post-harvest). The sampling was carried out in the Bombón plateau in the central Andes of Peru, during the rainy and low water seasons, by the systematic method based on a specific pattern assigned in a geometric rectangular shape at a depth of 0 - 20 cm. The characterization of the bacterial communities was carried out through the metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA. 376 families of bacteria were reported, of which it was determined that there was a significant change in bacterial composition and distribution in relation to use pressure. There were no major changes due to the development of Lepidium meyenii. The families most sensitive to use pressure and soil poverty indicators were Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae and Aakkermansiaceae.

A qualidade do solo é normalmente determinada pelas suas características físico-químicas sem ter em conta as comunidades bacterianas que desempenham um papel fundamental na decomposição química dos nutrientes das plantas. Neste contexto, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a diversidade bacteriana em solos de prados andinos elevados perturbados pelo cultivo de Lepidium meyenii sob diferentes gradientes de utilização (primeira, segunda e terceira utilizações) e desenvolvimento das culturas (pré-semeadura, desenvolvimento do hipocótilo e póscolheita). A amostragem foi realizada no planalto de Bombón, nos Andes centrais do Peru, durante as estações das chuvas e das águas baixas, pelo método sistemático baseado num padrão específico atribuído em forma geométrica retangular a uma profundidade de 0 - 20 cm. A caracterização das comunidades bacterianas foi realizada através da sequenciação metagenômica do rRNA 16S. Foram relatadas 376 famílias de bactérias, das quais se verificou uma alteração significativa na composição e distribuição bacteriana em relação à pressão de utilização. Não se registaram grandes alterações devido ao desenvolvimento do Lepidium meyenii. As famílias mais sensíveis à utilização de indicadores de pressão e pobreza do solo foram as Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae e Aakkermansiaceae.

Actividad fotoprotectora de una crema con extracto acuoso liofilizado de Lepidium meyenii (MACA) frente a la irradiación ultravioleta en piel de ratones / Photoprotective activity of a cream containing lyophilized aqueous extract of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) against ultraviolet irradiation on mouse skin

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar la actividad fotoprotectora de una crema con extracto acuoso liofilizado de maca (ELM) frente a la irradiación ultravioleta (UV) en la piel de ratones. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental en 35ratones BALB/c. Los tratamientos fueron aplicados por vía tópica en el dorso de los animales y posteriormente irradiados con rayos ultravioleta B, para luego medir el grosor en micras (µm) de muestras histológicas de la piel de los ratones. Se asignaron siete grupos divididos en no irradiado: blanco (G1) e irradiados con luz UV: sin tratamiento (G2); con protector solar comercial con factor de protección solar (FPS) 30 (G3); crema (placebo) (G4); ELM al 15% en agua (G5); ELM al 5% en crema (G6); y ELM al 15% en crema (G7). Se determinó el FPS in vitro, mediante el método de Mansur. Se realizaron las lecturas de las absorbancias en un espectrofotómetro ultravioleta-visible (UV-VIS) y se determinaron los FPS para las siguientes formulaciones: ELM al 5% en crema, benzofenona-4 (BZF-4) y bloqueador solar comercial FPS 30. Resultados: El grosor de piel de ratón en micras (µm) fue de 27,28 en G2; 18,31 en G3; 27,33 en G4; 19,51 en G5 y 18,04 en G6; no hubo diferencia significativa entre el grupo no expuesto a la radiación (G1) y el grupo ELM al 15% en crema (G7), ambos presentaron los menores grosores (12,76 y 14,20 µm, respectivamente). El FPS de ELM al 15% en crema fue 5,480 ± 0,020. Conclusiones: La formulación con ELM en crema presentó actividad fotoprotectora frente a la irradiación UV, los alcaloides fueron los componentes fitoquímicos mayormente encontrados y la formulación fue compatible con el activo (ELM).

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the photoprotective activity of a cream with lyophilized aqueous extract of maca (LEM) against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in the skin of mice. Materials and methods: An experimental study was carried out on 35 BALB/c mice. Treatment was applied topically on the dorsum of the animals, which were subsequently irradiated with ultraviolet B rays, and then we measured the thickness in microns (μm) of histological samples of the skin of the mice. Seven groups were assigned, divided into non-irradiated: Blank (G1) and irradiated with UV light: no treatment (G2); with commercial sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 (G3); cream (placebo) (G4); LEM at 15% in water (G5); LEM cream at 5% (G6); and LEM cream at 15% (G7). In vitro SPF was determined using the Mansur method. Absorbance readings were taken in an ultraviolet- visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS) and SPFs were determined for the following formulations: LEM cream at 5%, benzophenone-4 (BZF-4) and commercial sunscreen SPF 30. Results: Mouse skin thickness in microns (μm) was 27.28 in G2; 18.31 in G3; 27.33 in G4; 19.51 in G5 and 18.04 in G6. There was no significant difference between the group not exposed to radiation (G1) and the 15% LEM cream group (G7), both had the lowest thicknesses (12.76 and 14.20 μm, respectively). The SPF of LEM cream at 15% was 5.480 ± 0.020. Conclusions: The formulation with LEM cream showed photoprotective activity against UV irradiation, alkaloids were the phytochemical components mostly found and the formulation was compatible with the active principle (LEM).

Application of statistical modelling of mixtures in the development of gluten-free bread with maca, potato, sweet and sour manioc / Aplicación de planificación de mezclar en el desarrollo de un pan sin gluten con maca, patata, yuca dulce y agria

ABSTRACT This study describes the development of mixed flour added of maca for gluten-free bread (GFB) employing a Simplex Centroid Design. Four pseudo-components were evaluated in order to improve the GFB specific volume and texture profile analysis: maca (MC; 0.25 to 0.75), potato starch (PS; 0.25 to 0.75), sweet manioc flour (SEM; 0 to 0.25), and sour manioc flour (SOM; 0 to 0.25). The best GFB formulation - by desirability results - was evaluated regarding physio-chemical, microbiological aspects, and sensory acceptance. The responses specific volume and hardness were adjusted with a special cubic model (R2= 0.973 and 0.913), while cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness was adjusted with a linear model. The significant contribution of maca into GFB dough was evident in the models, and the desirability results indicated an appropriate mixed flour composed by MC (0.25), PS (0.5), and SEM (0.25). The GFB elaborated with this mixed flour generated a product well accepted (acceptability index higher than 73.9%) for attributes of aroma, colour, texture, flavour, and overall acceptance. The values of physio-chemical parameters obtained in the present article was in the range described for GFB in the literature. In addition, the processing method applied allowed for obtaining a GFB that was microbiologically stable.

RESUMEN Este estudio describe el desarrollo de la harina mezclada (MF) agregada de maca para la elaboración de pan sin gluten (GFB) empleando un Diseño Centroide Simplex. Se evaluaron cuatro pseudo-componentes para mejorar el volumen específico y el perfil de textura de GFB: maca (MC; 0,25 a 0,75), almidón de patata (PS; 0,25 a 0,75), harina de yuca dulce (SEM; 0 a 0,25), y harina de yuca agrio (SOM; 0 a 0,25). La mejor formulación de GFB - por la deseabilidad - se evaluó en relación con los aspectos fisicoquímicos, microbiológicos, y sensoriales. El volumen específico y la dureza se ajustaron a un modelo cúbico especial (R2= 0,975 y 0,913). La cohesión, elasticidad y masticabilidad se ajustaron a un modelo lineal. La contribución de la maca a la masa de GFB fue evidente en los modelos, y los resultados indican una MF apropiada compuesta por MC (0,25), PS (0.5) y SEM (0,25). El GFB elaborado con esta MF genera un producto aceptado (índice de aceptabilidad mayor que 73,9%) para aroma, color, textura, sabor y aceptación general. Los parámetros físico-químicos obtenidos estaban en el rango descrito para GFB en la literatura y GFB se mostró microbiológicamente estable.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of mexican plants on bovine mastitis bacteria: preliminary studies / Atividade antimicrobiana in vitro de plantas mexicanas sobre bactérias de mastite bovina: estudos preliminares

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of traditionally used antibacterial plants (Euphorbia prostrata, Schinus molle, Brickellia veronicaefolia and Lepidium virginicum) in Santa Rosa Range in Guanajuato against major mastitis-causing pathogens. The selected plants were phytochemically screened for alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, anthraquinone, cardiac glycosides, steroids and terpenoids. Moreover, to achieve the main purpose of the present research, extracts of selected plants were tested for in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Bacillus subtilis, Clavibacter spp., Proteus vulgaris and Salmonella spp. All these bacterial were isolated from clinical mastitis in dairy cows. The results indicated that the ethanolic extract of the aerial part of L. virginicum exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, and it could be potential candidate specie for the development of novel veterinary drugs with low cost and fewer side effects.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a eficácia de plantas antibacterianas tradicionalmente usadas (Euphorbia prostrata, Schinus molle, Brickellia veronicaefolia e Lepidium virginicum) na cordilheira Santa Rosa, em Guanajuato, contra os principais patógenos causadores de mastite. As plantas selecionadas foram rastreadas fitoquimicamente quanto a alcalóides, flavonóides, polifenóis, saponinas, antraquinona, glicosídeos cardíacos, esteróides e terpenóides. Além disso, para atingir o objetivo principal da presente pesquisa, extratos de plantas selecionadas foram testados quanto à atividade antibacteriana in vitrocontra Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Bacillus subtilis, Clavibacter spp., Proteus vulgaris e Salmonella spp. Todas essas bactérias foram isoladas de mastite clínica em vacas leiteiras. Os resultados indicaram que o extrato etanólico da parte aérea de L. virginicum exibia a atividade antimicrobiana mais forte e poderia ser uma espécie potencial candidata ao desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos veterinários com baixo custo e menos efeitos colaterais.

Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on neurotransmitter level and neuro-endocrine-immune network of deficiency-cold and deficiency-heat syndrome rats / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to study the effect of Lepidium meyenii(Maca) on cyclic nucleotides, neurotransmitter levels and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immunization of deficiency-cold and deficiency-heat syndrome rats, in order to explore the cold and hot medicinal properties of Maca. SD rats were divided into blank group, deficiency-cold syndrome group, Cinnamomi Cortex of deficiency-cold syndrome(30 g·kg~(-1)) group, high and low-dose Maca groups(2.4, 1.2 g·kg~(-1)), deficiency-heat syndrome group, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex(PCC) of deficiency-heat syndrome(5 g·kg~(-1)), and high and low-dose Maca groups(2.4, 1.2 g·kg~(-1)). The rats were treated with intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone(20 mg·kg~(-1)) or dexamethasone sodium phosphate(0.35 mg·kg~(-1)) for 21 days to set up the deficiency-cold and deficiency-heat model. The levels of cAMP, cGMP, NE, DA, 5-HT, CRH, ACTH, CORT and IgM, IgG, C3, C4 were detected by radio immunoassay. Both the high-dose Maca group and the low-dose Maca group can significantly improve the overall state and body weight of rats with deficiency-cold syndrome(P<0.01, P<0.05), significantly increasing cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, NE, DA, ACTH(P<0.01, P<0.001), and significantly decreasing 5-HT(P<0.01, P<0.001). However, high-dose and low-dose Maca groups could not improve the deficiency-heat syndrome, and the levels of cAMP, cGMP, cAMP/cGMP, NE, DA, 5-HT and ACTH were not statistically significant. Maca had a significant regulatory effect on CORT, IgM, IgG and C3 content of rats with deficiency-cold and deficiency-heat syndrome(P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001). Maca showed the same effect with Cinnamomi Cortex in adjusting the levels of deficiency-cold rats, but in opposition to Phellodendri Chinese Cortex. This paper confirmed that Maca was slightly warm based on its effect on cyclic nucleotide levels and neuro-endocrine-immune networks by the pharmacological experimental method.

Application of MALDI-mass spectrometry imaging in spatial distribution of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants -- a case study of Lepdium meyenii root / 中国中药杂志

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging(MALDI-MSI) is a novel technique for in-situ distribution of various substances in tissue without labeling. This technique is increasingly applied to the study of medicinal plants owing to its high spatial resolution and its potential of in-situ analysis in small molecules. In this study, the structural information and their fragmentation patterns of the midazole alkaloids(1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-dimethylimidazolium chloride and 1,3-dibenzyl-2,4,5-trimethylimi-dazolium chloride) and benzylglucosinolate in the medicinal plant Maca(Lepdium meyeni) root were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid phase combined with LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry(UHPLC-HR-MS). The localization of these active ingredients in the cross-sections of Maca root was performed by MALDI-MSI. These results demonstrated that the two types of imidazole alkaloids had a similar distributed pattern. They were located more in the cortex and the periderm than those in the medulla of a lateral root, while the localization of benzylglucosinolate was concentrated in the center of the root rather than in the cortex and the periderm. The precise spatial distribution of various secondary metabolites in tissue provides an important scientific basis for the accumulation of medicinal plant active ingredients in tissues. In addition, this imaging method is a promising technique for the rapid evaluation and identification of the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine in plant tissues, as well as assisting the research on the processing of medicinal plants.

Osseous malformation in calves and its relationship with ingestion of apple pomace in pregnant cows / Malformações ósseas em bezerros e sua relação com a ingestão de bagaço de maçã por vacas prenhes

Three outbreaks of osseous malformation in claves born of cows fed apple pomace throughout pregnancy are described. This study was carried out from historical surveys on properties where apple pomace was used in cattle feeding. The outbreaks occurred in the municipalities of Lages, Santa Catarina state, from 2007 to 2012, and Ipê, Rio Grande do Sul state, from 2011 to 2012. These calves presented bone deformity characterized mainly by arthrogryposis and chondrodysplasia of the anterior limbs. At necropsy, the observed changes were restricted to bending and thickening of the anterior limbs and skull. Microscopically, a disorganized, irregular, misaligned hypertrophic zone was observed in the humeral-radio-ulnar joints, in addition to absence of growth zone, thin bone trabeculae, and closed epiphyseal growth plate.(AU)

Descrevem-se 3 surtos de malformações ósseas em bezerros, nascidos de vacas prenhes alimentadas com bagaço de maçã. Estudos foram realizados a partir de levantamento de históricos em propriedades onde bagaço de maçã foi utilizado na alimentação de bovinos. Os surtos ocorreram nos municípios de Lages em Santa Catarina, de 2007 a 2012, e Ipê em Rio Grande do Sul, de 2011 a 2012. Dentre 20 e 69,2% dos bezerros apresentavam deformidade de membros, caracterizada principalmente por membros anteriores curvos e curtos. Na necropsia as alterações observadas restringiam-se ao encurvamento e engrossamento dos membros e do crânio. Microscopicamente nas articulações úmero-radio-ulnar, foi observado zona hipertrófica desorganizada, irregular e sem alinhamento, além de ausência da zona de crescimento e trabéculas ósseas finas e placa epifisária fechada.(AU)

Avaliação de propriedades funcionais e oxidação lipídica em mortadela com aplicação de maca peruana / Evaluation of functional properties and lipid oxidation in mortadella with application of maca peruana

Avaliou-se durante 90 dias o pH, a cor, a capacidade de retenção de água (CRA), a textura e a oxidação lipídica, de uma formulação de mortadela otimizada por meio de um delineamento experimental de mistura para dois componentes. Desenvolveram-se duas amostras da formulação de mortadela otimizada, com antioxidante (OA) e sem antioxidante (OS). Os valores de pH e CRA não apresentaram diferenças significativas ao final dos 90 dias entre as amostras, OA (6,02 e 94,05 g/100g) e OS (6,07 e 93,25 g/100g). Na cor houve diferenças significativas. Na textura, apenas a dureza, mastigabilidade e coesividade apresentaram diferenças significativas. E aos 90 dias as amostras com (2,10 mg de MDA/Kg) e sem antioxidante (2,59 mg de MDA/Kg) não apresentaram diferenças significativas para oxidação lipídica e podem ser considerados aceitáveis para produtos cárneos.

Research progress on chemical constituents and bioactivities of Lepidium meyenii / 中国中药杂志

Maca( Lepidium meyenii) known as the " national treasure of Peru" and " South American ginseng",is annual or biennial herbs of the genus Lepidium in Cruciferae. It mainly contains proteins,amino acids,polysaccharides,alkaloids( including:macamides,imidazoles,hydroxypyridines,carbazoles,organic amines and so on),glucosinolates,macaenes,thioethylurea,sterols and other chemical constituents. In recent years,more and more studies have found that it could treat osteoporosis and improve prostatehyperplasia,and possessed anti-cancer,female climacteric syndrome,rheumatism,antioxidant and other pharmacological effects. In this paper,the chemical constituents and bioactivity of Maca were reviewed,which could provide the basis for the further development and utilization of Maca.

Research and application progress of Lepidium meyenii（maca） / 中国中药杂志

Lepidium meyenii（maca）was a herbaceous plant of the family Cruciferae. It is native to the andes region of South America where the local people had been growing and consuming maca for centuries. The unique chemical composition and physiological function of maca were widely concerned worldwide. It was introduced to China in 2002, and were cultivated successfully in Yunnan, Tibet, Sichuan, Jilin and other places with a certain size. Maca contained not only rich nutrition such as protein, vitamin and mineral matter, but also lots of secondary metabolites as maca alkaloids, glucosinolates, volatile oils, sterols polyphenols and macaenes. Numerous studies suggested that maca may serve effects in resisting oxidation, fatigue resistance, raising fertility, regulating endocrine, enhancing immunity, tumour suppression, treating osteoporosis, regulate blood sugar and protection of nervous system. Maca was approved by the Ministry of Health as a new resource food in 2011, and its related products include food, health foods, cosmetics, etc. Certain exploratory researches were carried to take better advantage of maca's medicinal value. This paper briefly reviewed the research and application progress of maca in recent years from the aspects of botany, chemical composition, function, resources situation and related products development, which was supposed to provide reference for scientific research and utilization of maca.

Efecto antifibrótico de Lepidium peruvianum en un modelo de fibrosis pulmonar inducida con nanosílice en ratas / Antifibrotic effect of Lepidium peruvianum on a model of nanosilica-induced lung fibrosis in rats

Objetivo. Demostrar el efecto antifibrótico de Lepidium peruvianum (maca), ecotipo morado, en la fibrosis pulmonar inducida con nanopartículas de sílice en ratas. Materiales y métodos. Estudio experimental, descriptivo, analítico, transversal, realizado en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Se utilizaron ratas de la cepa Sprague Dawley, estos animales fueron divididos aleatoriamente en cinco grupos: Blanco (B), Control (C), Prednisona (P), Dosis 1 (D1) y Dosis 2 (D2). En los últimos cuatro grupos, se indujo la fibrosis pulmonar (20 mg de nanosílice/rata). Luego de 7 días se inició el tratamiento, durante 4 semanas se administró el extracto metanólico de Lepidium peruvianum ecotipo morado (D1: 150 mg/kg/d y D2: 1500 mg/kg/d) y prednisona (P: 6,5 mg/kg/d). El análisis estadístico fue realizado usando la prueba ANOVA seguida de la prueba de comparación múltiple Tukey-Kramer. Los estudios realizados incluyeron el análisis del lavado broncoalveolar (recuento celular y actividad de LDH) y del tejido pulmonar (concentración de malondialdehído y evaluación histopatológica). Resultados. El grado de fibrosis en el grupo D2 fue significativamente menor (P<0,01) al grupo C y P. La concentración de malondialdehído fue significativamente mayor (P<0,01) en el grupo C en comparación a los otros grupos. Además, la concentración en el grupo D2 fue significativamente menor (P<0,01) que en el grupo P. La actividad de LDH fue significativamente menor (P<0,01) en D2 en comparación a C y D1. No hubo diferencias significativas del número de células del lavado broncoalveolar entre el grupo D2 y B. Conclusiones. Lepidium peruvianum posee un efecto antifibrótico en la fibrosis pulmonar inducida con nanopartículas de sílice en ratas.

Objective. To demonstrate the antifibrotic effect of Lepidium peruvianum (maca), purple ecotype, on lung fibrosis induced with silica nanoparticles in rats. Materials and methods. Experimental, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study. Done in the Faculty of Medicine, San Marcos University, Lima, Peru. Rats of the Sprague Dawley strain were used, these animals were randomly divided into 5 groups: Blank (B), Control (C), Prednisone (P), Dose 1 (D1), and Dose 2 (D2). The pulmonary fibrosis was induced (nanosilica 20 mg/rat) in the last four groups. After 7 days the treatment was started, for 4 weeks the methanol extract of Lepidium peruvianum purple ecotype (D1: 150 mg/kg/d and D2: 1500 mg/kg/d) was administered and Prednisone (P: 6.5 mg/kg/d). The degree of inflammation and fibrosis was quantified by analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (cell count and LDH activity) and lung tissue (malondialdehyde concentration and histopathologic evaluation). Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA test followed by the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test. The main outcome measures were the analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (cell count and LDH activity) and lung tissue (malondialdehyde concentration and histopathological evaluation). Results. The degree of fibrosis in the D2 group was significantly lower (P <0.01) than group C and P. The malondialdehyde concentration was significantly higher (P <0.01) in group C compared to the others. In addition, the concentration in the D2 group was significantly lower (P <0.01) than group P. LDH activity was significantly lower (P <0.01) in D2 compared to C and D1. There were no significant differences in cell number of BAL between D2 and B. Conclusions. Lepidium peruvianum has an antifibrotic effect in pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica nanoparticles in rats.

Phytochemical and biological assessments on Lipidium meyenii [maca] and Epimidium sagittatum [horny goat weed]

The effects of Lipidium meyenii [maca, LM] and Epimidium sagittatum [horny goat weed, ES] have been investigated due to their involvement in fertilization. Both of the drugs showed good results before, during and after fertilization in male and female mice. The results revealed that the crude extract of Lipidium meyenii caused a significant decrease in the no. of writhes at 300 and 500mg/kg [p<0.05] as compare to control, Epimidium sagittatum and standard drug. The gross behavioral, open field, exploratory behaviour, forced swimming test for stress, diuretic activity, chronic toxicity with the effect on reproduction of both male and female and change in body weight were also studied. The phytochemical study showed the presence of tannin, alkaloid, carbohydrate, rich protein and absence of sterol in LM, whereas ES shows presence of sterol and less protein. LS improve in muscle activity and exploratory behaviours without any toxic effects on mice and their pups. It does not have diuretic effect for first two hour but act normally after initial phase of drug therapy. Epimidium sagittatum has dual action that is at low dose it has slight stimulation action and at high dose little depressive effect. ES also has some diuretic effect. Overall these results suggest that LM is highly effective remedy for treatment of impotency and reduces stress and depression, because of dual effect ES not only suggested as an anxiolytic medicine but also effective in female hormonal disorder

Efecto protector del extracto alcaloidal de Lepidium meyenii ecotipo amarillo sobre la osteoporosis en ratas ovariectomizadas / Protective effect of alkaloid extract of Lepidium meyenii yellow ecotype on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats

Introducción: La osteoporosis es un trastorno del metabolismo óseo que predispone a fracturas con una alta carga de morbilidad asociada. Otros autores han comprobado experimentalmente la propiedad antiresortiva del extracto etanólico de los ecotipos rojo y negro de Lepidium meyenii, "maca", el cual incluye diversos metabolitos. Por ello, hace falta estudios que determinen el efecto de la fracción alcaloidal en la osteoporosis. Objetivo: Demostrar el efecto protector del extracto alcaloidal de Lepidium meyenii ecotipo amarillo sobre la osteoporosis inducida en ratas ovariectomizadas. Diseño: analítico, experimental incompleto. Participantes: 50 ratas. Lugar: Instituto de Patología de UNMSM, 2015. Método: división aleatoria en 5 grupos de 10 cada uno: operación simulada (sham) y ovarectomizadas con tratamiento: estradiol (40µg/Kg), extracto alcaloidal (EA) a dosis de 75mg/k y 100mg/k (maca I y II respectivamente), y sin tratamiento protector. Dosis diarias vía orogástrica por 8 semanas. Posteriormente se determinó densidad mineral ósea (DMO), marcadores óseos: fosfatasa alcalina (FA), osteocalcina, telopéptido amino terminal del colágeno (NTX), estradiol, calcio y fósforo en suero; y histomorfometría. Resultados: No se evidenciaron cambios significativos en la densitometría vertebral, a nivel del fémur se evidenció disminución en el grupo maca II. La FA (141,90 ± 33,58UI/L) y la osteocalcina (38,578 ± 10,403ng/ml) mostraron niveles superiores no significativos, el nivel de estradiol con el grupo maca II fue superior no significativo. Los niveles de calcio y fósforo no mostraron variación. En la histomorfometría el grupo maca II (58,030 ± 4683) mostró mayor grosor trabecular significativamente. Conclusiones: se evidenció efecto protector antiresortivo parcial en los cambios inducidos por la ovariectomización, sin embargo, no se indujo osteoporosis al no encontrarse variación en los niveles de DMO.

Bioensayo para determinar el efecto de cuatro categorías de maca amarilla (Lepidium meyenii) provenientes de la localidad de Huallanca (Ancash) sobre el recuento de espermatozoides en testículo, epidídimo y conducto deferente en animales experimentales / Bioassay to determine the effect of four categories of yellow maca (Lepidium meyenii) from the locality of Huallanca (Ancash) on the sperm count in the testicle, epididymis and vas deferens in experimental animals

INTRODUCCIÓN: El consumo de hipocótilos de Lepidium meyenii (Maca), una planta nativa de los Andes centrales del Perú, tiene importantes efectos en la fertilidad. El motivo del presente trabajo es evaluar el efecto de las diferentes categorías (catalogadas así desde la primera calidad hasta la cuarta calidad de acuerdo al tamaño de los hipocótilos); el efecto de diferentes pH (ácido, natural y alcalino) y el efecto de las vías de administración (orogástrica vs intraperitoneal). Como respuesta biológica se evaluará el recuento espermático en ratones de la cepa Swiss. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron cuatro tamaños diferentes de maca amarilla provenientes del distrito de Huallanca, Departamento de Ancash, ubicado a 4250 msnsm. Se realizaron tres bioensayos considerando el pH acidificado con ácido clorhídrico (pH=4), el pH normal, y alcalinizado con hidróxido de sodio (pH=8). Para cada bioensayo se utilizaron 35 ratones, los cuales fueron administrados con agua destilada (control), un extracto atomizado estandarizado de maca negra (control positivo) y extractos acuosos de las cuatro categorías con una cantidad de 5mg de maca durante 3 días en un volumen de 0.5mL por animal y también se evaluó el efecto de dos vías de administración (orogástrica e intraperitoneal). Después del tratamiento los ratones fueron sacrificados evaluándose la producción diaria de espermatozoides en testículo, y el conteo espermático en epidídimo y conducto deferente. Se consideró un P<0.05 como significante. RESULTADOS: La primera y segunda categoría, ambas tuvieron los valores más ácidos de pH y la mejor actividad biológica. Los extractos acuosos de maca de primera y segunda categoría con el pH acidificado presentaron un efecto significativo sobre el conteo de espermatozoides en todos los órganos estudiados, seguido del extracto acuoso de pH natural, mientras el extracto acuoso alcalinizado no presentó efecto (P>0.05). La vía de tratamiento más efectiva fue la orogástrica, obteniéndose un elevado recuento espermático (P<0.05) a diferencia de la vía intraperitoneal (P>0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: El extracto acuoso de maca amarilla acidificado de primera categoría mostró el mejor efecto sobre el recuento de espermatozoides en los diferentes órganos reproductivos y la mejor vía de administración fue la orogástrica, lo que sugiere que el pasaje gastro-intestinal promueve la producción de principios activos.

Efecto de la maca (Lepidium meyenii) sobre los niveles plasmáticos de los aminoácidos en personas que viven a nivel del mar / Effect of maca (Lepidium meyenii) on plasma levels of amino acids in people living at sea level

La maca (Lepidium meyenii) es una planta andina con diferentes propiedades terapéuticas que varían según su fenotipo. Hasta el momento no se conoce el principio activo responsable de su efecto terapéutico. Por ello, en base a los datos obtenidos del proyecto "Metabolómica, aceptabilidad y seguridad alimentaria al consumo de maca (Lepiidum Meyenii) en varones y mujeres adultas de Cerro de Pasco (4340 m) y de Lima (150m)" (SIDISI 61697) en el cual se realizó un estudio clínico, doble ciego, controlado por placebo donde se administró tres tratamientos (placebo, maca roja y maca negra) en treinta personas que vivían a nivel del mar durante tres meses; se realizó un análisis secundario de datos para evaluar si el consumo de maca aumenta o disminuye metabolitos de la ruta de los aminoácidos en seres humanos. El consumo de maca negra por tres meses disminuyó significativamente los niveles de aminoácidos esenciales (leucina e histidina); mientras que la maca roja disminuyó los niveles de aminoácidos esenciales (arginina, triptófano e isoleucina), no esenciales (glutamato y aspartato) e intermediarios (n-acetiltaurina) y aumentó aminoácidos no esenciales como cisteína y glutamina. Al comparar los deltas de cada grupo se observó que la maca negra aumentaba n-acetiltaurina y glutamato a diferencia del placebo, mientras que la maca roja aumentaba de ß-hidroxiisovalerato a diferencia del placebo. También se evidenció el efecto del sexo en los distintos tratamientos, las mujeres presentaron cambios más significativos en aminoácidos esenciales (leucina, lisina, metionina), no esenciales (cisteína, alanina, glutamina, glutamato) e intermediarios (ß-hidroxiisovalerato) en comparación con los hombres. Este estudio demuestra que el consumo por tres meses de maca de dos fenotipos distintos (roja y negra) altera los niveles de metabolitos de la ruta de los aminoácidos en personas que viven a nivel del mar y representa una novedosa forma de estudiar la medicina tradicional/complementaria mediante un enfoque (metabolómico) que permite integrar datos previos sobre sus propiedades.

Maca (lepidium meyenii) supplementation increase the sexual capacity of low but not high sexual performance rams (ovis aries) / La suplementación con maca (lepidium meyenii) incrementa la capacidad de servicio en carneros (ovis aries)de bajo pero no de alto desempeño sexual

To evaluate the effect of maca (Lepidium meyenii) supplementation on the sexual capacity of males, 40 rams were classified as high (HP) and low performers (LP). Within each category (n = 20), ten rams were supplemented with 233 mg of dry maca/kg of body weight/day during four weeks, followed by four weeks of a control diet (residual), while the rest of the animals remained as controls during the eight-weeks period. LP rams increased (P < 0.05) all sexual behaviors during maca supplementation up to HP levels, decreasing to control planes one week after the supplementation ceased. In contrast, in HP rams, maca supplementation only increased genital sniffs and nudging, while mounts and ejaculations remained unaffected during both supplementation and residual phases. It was concluded that maca supplementation affects males differently, according to their original sexual capacity.

Con el propósito de evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con maca (Lepidium meyenii) en la capacidad de servicio de los machos, 40 carneros se clasificaron como de alto (HP) y bajo desempeño sexual (LP). Dentro de cada categoría (n = 20), diez carneros se suplementaron con 233 mg de maca seca/kg de peso corporal/día durante cuatro semanas, seguidos de cuatro semanas de dieta control (residual), mientras que el resto de los animales permanecieron como testigos durante las ocho semanas. Los carneros LP incrementaron (P<0.05) todas sus conductas sexuales durante la suplementación hasta niveles similares a los mostrados por carneros HP, disminuyendo a niveles del grupo control una semana después de terminada la suplementación. En contraste, en los carneros HP, la suplementación con maca sólo incrementó las conductas de olfateo genital y cortejo, sin embargo montas y eyaculaciones permanecieron sin cambios tanto durante la fase de suplementación como la residual. Se concluye que la suplementación con maca actúa diferente en machos de acuerdo a su capacidad de servicio.

Identification of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) and its adulterants by a DNA-barcoding approach based on the ITS sequence / 中国天然药物

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an herbaceous plant that grows in high plateaus and has been used as both food and folk medicine for centuries because of its benefits to human health. In the present study, ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequences of forty-three maca samples, collected from different regions or vendors, were amplified and analyzed. The ITS sequences of nineteen potential adulterants of maca were also collected and analyzed. The results indicated that the ITS sequence of maca was consistent in all samples and unique when compared with its adulterants. Therefore, this DNA-barcoding approach based on the ITS sequence can be used for the molecular identification of maca and its adulterants.

Determination of 27 elements in Maca nationality's medicine by microwave digestion ICP-MS / 中国中药杂志

An analysis method has been established to test 27 elements (Li, Be, B, Mg, Al, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, La, Hg, Pb, Bi) in Maca nationality's medicine with microwave digestion-ICP-MS. Sample solutions were analyzed by ICP-MS after microwave digestion, and the contents of elements were calculated according to their calibration curves, and internal standard method was adopted to reduce matrix effect and other interference effects. The experimental results showed that the linear relations of all the elements were very good; the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.9994-1.0000 (Hg was 0.9982) ; the limits of detection were 0.003-2.662 microg x L(-1); the relative standard deviations for all elements of reproducibility were lower than 5% (except the individual elements); the recovery rate were 78.5%-123.7% with RSD lower than 5% ( except the individual elements). The analytical results of standard material showed acceptable agreement with the certified values. This method was applicable to determinate the contents of multi-elements in Maca which had a high sensitivity, good specificity and good repeatability, and provide basis for the quality control of Maca.

Determination of benzyl glucosinolate in Lepidium meyenii from different regions by HPLC / 中国中药杂志

The content of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) which as the enzymatic hydrolysis product of benzyl glucosinolate through thioglucosidase was determined by HPLC. The content of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) which as the enzymatic hydrolysis product of benzyl glucosinolate through thioglucosidase was determined by HPLC. The chromatography condition was as follows: Kaseisorb LC ODS 2000 (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 min) column with the mobile phase of acetonitrile(A)-water( B) under gradient elution (0-5 min, 3%-8% A; 5-9 min, 8%-48% A; 9-23 min, 48%-62% A; 23-28 min, 62%-99% A); the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) with 10 microL injection volume; detection wavelength was 246 nm and temperature of column was 40 degrees C. The content of benzyl glucosinolate was in the range of 10.76-17.91 g x L(-1). The method is simple, accurate and good reproducibility which can be used for the determination of benzyl glucosinolate in Lepidium meyenii, effectively.