Seasonal effect on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of young, mature and senescent leaves from Anredera cordifolia (Ten. ) Steenis (Basellaceae) / Efeito sazonal no conteúdo de fenólicos e ação antioxidante de folhas jovens, maduras e senescentes de Anredera cordifolia (Ten. ) Steenis (Basellaceae)

Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis is a vine species native to Brazil that is considered an unconventional food plant and a medicinal species whose phenolic compounds exert antioxidant activity. Since the production of metabolites is determined by environmental factors and leaf maturity, it is important to track these changes in order to determine the best time to harvest. This study aimed to verify whether leaf phenology and seasonality cause variations in the amount of phenolic compounds and in the antioxidant activity of this species. The leaves were collected in different seasons between September 2018 and April 2019, and separated according to maturity: young, mature, and senescent. Daily atmospheric temperature and rainfall data were used to characterize the collection period. The total phenolic content (TPC), determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method, was significantly higher in the young leaves collected in winter, a season of lower temperatures. These leaves showed 54.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry matter (mg GAE 100 g-1DM). Other results averaged 25.6 mg GAE 100 g-1DM. The highest antioxidant activity, assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, regardless of leaf phenology, was observed in leaves harvested in autumn (73.7%) and winter (71.1%), seasons with lower rainfall. Leaves harvested in summer and spring had lower antioxidant action rates (54.3 e 37.5%, respectively). There was no significant correlation between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Thus, the phenolic composition of A. cordifolia, and consequently its activity on free radicals, varies seasonally in response to temperature and rainfall, and may or may not interact with the age of the leaves.

Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis é uma trepadeira nativa do Brasil considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional e uma espécie medicinal, cujos compostos fenólicos exercem ação antioxidante. Como a produção de metabólitos é determinada por fatores ambientais e pela maturidade das folhas, é importante acompanhar essas mudanças a fim de determinar a época de colheita. Neste estudo objetivou-se verificar se a fenologia foliar e a sazonalidade ocasionam variação na quantidade de compostos fenólicos e na ação antioxidante dessa espécie. As folhas foram coletadas em diferentes estações, entre setembro de 2018 e abril de 2019, e separadas conforme a maturidade: jovens, maduras e senescentes. Os dados diários de temperatura atmosférica e pluviosidade foram usados para caracterizar o período de coleta. O conteúdo de fenólicos totais (TPC), determinado pelo método Folin-Ciocalteu, foi significativamente maior nas folhas jovens coletadas no inverno, período caracterizado por temperaturas mais baixas. Estas folhas apresentaram 54,4 mg equivalentes de ácido gálico por 100 g de matéria seca (mg GAE 100 g-1DM) . A média dos outros resultados foi de 25,6 mg GAE 100 g-1DM. A maior ação antioxidante, avaliada pelo método do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), foi observada em folhas colhidas no outono (73,7%) e inverno (71,1%), independentemente da fenologia foliar. Nestes períodos a pluviosidade foi menor. Folhas colhidas no verão e na primavera apresentaram menores percentuais de ação antioxidante (54,3 e 37,5%, respectivamente). Não houve correlação significativa entre o conteúdo de fenólicos totais e a atividade antioxidante. Conclui-se que a composição fenólica de A. cordifolia e, consequentemente, sua ação sobre radicais livres, varia sazonalmente em resposta à temperatura e pluviosidade, podendo ou não interagir com a idade das folhas.

Change in leaf anatomy, physiology, and essential oil of Varronia curassavicaJacq. accessions under two light conditions / Cambio en la anatomía de la hoja, fisiología y aceite esencial de accesiones de Varronia curassavica Jacq. bajo dos condiciones de luz

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light on anatomy, physiology and essential oil content and composition of Varronia curassavica. They were analysed two light conditions (full sunlight and protected environment with 50% shade screen) and five accessions (VCUR-101, VCUR-102, VCUR-201, VCUR-302, VCUR-802). V. curassavica cultivated in full sun presented a greater development of the leaf blade and palisade parenchyma thickness for all accessions. Chlorophyll levels did not differ according to the two light environments. The leaf area was larger in the protected environment. The essential oil yield of the accessions ranged from 0.26 to 0.87 mL/plant in full sun and from 0.34 to 0.53 mL/plant in the protected environment. The composition of the essential oil was influenced by the light and the accession. All accessions presented (E)-caryophyllene and α-humulene. The influence of light on the evaluated variables is genotype dependent.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la luz sobre la anatomía, fisiología, el contenido y composición de aceites esenciales de Varronia curassavica. Se analizaron dos condiciones de luz (pleno sol y ambiente protegido con 50% de pantalla de sombra) y cinco accesiones (VCUR-101, VCUR-102, VCUR-201, VCUR-302, VCUR-802). V. curassavica cultivada a pleno sol presentó mayor desarrollo del limbo foliar y espesor del parénquima en empalizada para todas las accesiones. Los niveles de clorofila no difirieron según los dos entornos de luz. El área foliar fue mayor en el ambiente protegido. El rendimiento de aceite esencial de las accesiones varió de 0,26 a 0,87 mL/planta a pleno sol y de 0,34 a0,53 mL/planta en el ambiente protegido. La composición del aceite esencial fue influenciada por la luz y la accesión. Todas las accesiones presentaron (E)-cariofileno y α-humuleno. La influencia de la luz sobre las variables evaluadas depende del genotipo.

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

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

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

Ecological benefits of Gastrodia elata-Phallus impudicus sequential planting pattern / 中国中药杂志

Gastrodia elata is a kind of precious traditional Chinese medicine. In the process of cultivation of G. elata, due to the influence of continuous cropping obstacles and other factors, the fungus materials and land that have been planted with G. elata are often abandoned, resulting in a great waste of resources. Based on the planting characteristics of G. elata and Phallus impudicus and the previous research experience in ecological agriculture, this paper analyzed the ecological adaptability characteristics of G. elata and P. impudicus, and summarized the key techniques of the G. elata-P. impudicus sequential planting pattern. Keeping track of the planting area, fungus-growing materials consumption and market sales of G. elata-P. impudicus sequential planting pattern, the ecological benefits of G. elata-P. impudicus sequential planting pattern from the aspects of utilization rate of fungus-growing materials were analyzed, the value of land resources per unit area, ecological environmental protection, labor cost and economic benefits were consi-dered. The technical principle of G. elata-P. impudicus sequential planting pattern was expounded according to their ecological habit, the season of harvest and planting, the difference of composition of fungus-growing materials, and the microbial ecology. The sequential planting pattern of G. elata-P. impudicus not only realized the double production of medicinal materials and edible fungi, reduced the waste of old fungus-growing materials, but also transformed the energy from nutrition-supplied fungi to edible and medicinal fungi, which guaranteed the ecological recycling and utilization of G. elata in the process of cultivation.

Correlation between growth characteristics and quality of rhizomes of Notopterygium incisum under wild tending / 中国中药杂志

Study the growth and development process of rhizomes(bamboo-like part) of Notopterygium incisum and the changes of carbohydrate, endogenous hormones and secondary metabolites, and provide theoretical guidance for the formation of high-quality N. incisum medicinal commodities under artificial cultivation. The One-year-old seedlings were transplanted to the original habitat,and the growth and physiological characteristics of N. incisum were dynamically monitored. The results showed that: ① Seedlings transplanted to the original habitat in spring could form rhizomes(bamboo-like part) in the same year. ② After 60 days of transplantation, the root length and root diameter of underground part of N. incisum had increased rapidly, and carbohydrate content in roots and rhizomes had accumulated rapidly. After 120 days of transplantation, the roots and rhizomes of underground part had grown slowly, and starch content in roots and rhizomes increased continuously, while sucrose and total soluble sugar content decreased gradually. ③ The content of abscisic acid(ABA) in rhizomes decreased firstly and then increased, while the indole acetic acid(IAA) content stabilized firstly and then increased rapidly, and the contents of gibberellin(GA_3) and zeatin riboside(ZR) continued to increase. ④ The content of notopterol in rhizomes was higher than that in roots, while the content of isoimperatorin was lower than that in roots, but the total content of the both in rhizomes was higher than that in roots. Therefore, N. incisum can form rhizomes with high content of secondary metabolites under wild tending, and the growth and development of rhizomes are closely related to changes in carbohydrates and are regulated by related endogenous hormones.

Quality assessment of soil fertility of planting Chrysanthemum morifolium areas of Macheng city based on minimum data set / 中国中药杂志

A minimal data set( MDS) for soil fertility evaluation of Chrysanthemum plantation areas of Macheng city was established by principal component analysis( PCA) combined with Norm values of soil fertility indices and correlation coefficients among indices. A radar map was used to visually reflect the fertility level of individual indicators. Then,the comprehensive index model was used to calculate the soil fertility quality index( SFQI),and the values of SFQI was used to cluster,and the results showed that MDS was composed of five indicators: organic matter( OM),total phosphate( TP),available phosphorus( Av P),available magnesium( Av Mg) and available ferrum( Av Fe). Radar maps showed that the fertility of available phosphorus( Av P) and available copper( Av Cu) was mostly different in the two town,and the fertility of available ferrum( Av Fe) is smallest different. Except for the effective manganese( Av Mn) fertility level of Huangtugang town was higher than that of Futianhe town,the rest were lower than that of Futianhe town. Through analysis,the sensitivity of SFQI value calculated by taking the contribution rate of MDS index in the principal component of the whole data set( TDS) as the weight was the highest,MDS could better replace TDS. The value of SFQI-MDS ranged from 0. 353 to 0. 833,with an average value of 0. 604 and a coefficient of variation of 22%. The results of SFQI-MDS clustering showed that soil fertility could be divided into four categories: grade Ⅰ( 0. 727-0. 833) was superior,accounting for 25. 0%,grade Ⅱ( 0. 615-0. 681)was good,accounting for 29. 2%,mainly distributed in Futianhe Town,grade Ⅲ( 0. 494-0. 589) was medium,accounting for29. 1%,and grade Ⅳ( 0. 353-0. 419) was poor,accounting for 16. 7%,mainly distributed in Huangtugang town. Soil fertility of Futianhe town was better than that of Huangtugang town. It is suggested that boron fertilizer and potassium fertilizer should be supplemented to Chrysanthemum morifolium in production practice,and the amount of phosphate fertilizer,magnesium fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer should be increased appropriately. At the same time,the amount of organic fertilizer should be increased to enhance soil fertility and improve soil physical and chemical properties.

Cecropia pachystachya TRÉCUL, (URTICACEAE) "AMBA Y" EN AMBIENTES URBANOS / Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae) "ambay" in urban environments

Resumen: Cecropia pachystachya (Urticaceae), "amba'y" es una especie que habita lugares abiertos, en zonas silvestres, como márgenes de arroyos, bordes de senderos y capueras, tiene tendencia a proliferar en sitios abiertos debido a la incrementación de la desforestación. Presentamos con imágenes fotográficas captadas en la ciudad de Asunción y Gran Asunción, como esta especie se adapta fácilmente en los entornos urbanos, creciendo en los lugares más insólitos, desde una canaleta, el tejado de una casa o incluso sobre otra especie vegetal. Es posible que los murciélagos frugívoros tengan participación en la dispersión de las semillas de la especie C. pachystachya. Finalmente se observó el desarrollo de individuos de la especie C. pachystachya en sitios considerados poco favorables para el desarrollo especies vegetales, en el entorno urbano. Palabras claves: Cecropia pachystachya, entorno urbano, adaptación.

Plantas medicinais da Bacia do Rio das Velhas: avaliação das condições para produção e uso em saúde pública / Medicinal plants of the Rio das Velhas watershed region: potential for production and use in public health

RESUMO O desenvolvimento de projetos que contemplem o cultivo e beneficiamento de plantas medicinais, com qualidade, é urgente e necessário, especialmente quando se considera a expansão da oferta desses produtos para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Nesta pesquisa, foi avaliada a existência de iniciativas que produzem e disponibilizam plantas medicinais de interesse do SUS, em municípios que compõem a Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio das Velhas (BHRV), em Minas Gerais. Foram visitados 45 municípios da Bacia buscando informações sobre atividades já existentes de produção e uso coletivo de plantas medicinais. Os dados sobre plantas medicinais já existentes foram posteriormente confrontados com informações epidemiológicas, como as principais causas de internações hospitalares e cobertura de equipes da Estratégia da Saúde da Família (ESF). A pesquisa evidenciou a existência de atividades filantrópicas e comerciais, relativas à utilização coletiva de plantas medicinais, apenas em Belo Horizonte, Capim Branco, Curvelo, Lassance, Nova Lima e Sete Lagoas. Vinte e sete espécies, nativas e exóticas, presentes na RDC 10/2010 da Anvisa são produzidas nessas iniciativas, e elas ocorrem tanto de forma espontânea como por meio de cultivo. A correlação das principais causas de internação hospitalar com as espécies vegetais disponíveis revelou potenciais locais de aproveitamento das plantas, inclusive pela ESF. O desenvolvimento da cadeia produtiva, trabalhando desde o cultivo até a dispensação aos usuários do SUS, pode representar uma oportunidade de integração de diferentes atores e instituições da região, além de incrementar o desenvolvimento econômico-social e a preservação da biodiversidade local.

ABSTRACT The development of projects that include the cultivation and processing of medicinal plants with quality is urgent and necessary, especially when considering the offer increase of these products to the Unified Health System (SUS). In this study, we evaluated the potential of the Rio das Velhas" watershed region (BHRV) in producing and using medicinal plants. We visited 45 cities of the watershed, seeking information about existing production and collective use of medicinal plants. Afterwards, the data obtained in the fieldwork were confronted with epidemiological information, such as hospitalization rates and coverage of the Family Health Strategy. The research showed the existence of commercial and philanthropic activities in Belo Horizonte, Capim Branco, Curvelo, Lassance, Nova Lima and Sete Lagoas. Twenty-seven species, native and exotic ones, included in the 10/2010 Resolution edited by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), are produced in these initiatives, and they occur both spontaneously and through cultivation. The correlation of the leading causes for hospitalization and the available plant species showed potential use of local plants, including by the Family Health Strategy. The development of the production chain, from the plants" cultivation to the medicines" dispensation for the SUS users, may represent an opportunity of integration of different actors and institutions in the region, besides increasing the economic and social development and contributing to the preservation of local biodiversity.

Improvement Germination and Conversion of Somatic Embryos and Production of Normal Plantlets in Ferula Assa-foetida L. (A Rare Medicinal Plant).

Secondary somatic embryogenesis leads to the formation of abnormal somatic embryos and produces abnormal seedlings. Normal plants are difficult to obtain from these embryos, due to the asynchronous maturation of the embryogenic tissues and low germination and conversion rates. The effects of some media additives and different strengths of MS medium on germination and plantlet formation of in vitro derived somatic embryos of Ferula Assa-foetida were studied. The highest number of normal embryos was observed in MS medium containing 30g/l sucrose with 0.5% or 1% AC and in MS medium supplemented with PEG and 0.5% or 1% AC. The treatments of MS medium with 30g/l sucrose and 0.5% AC × MS medium containing sorbitol and MS medium containing PEG and 1% AC × ½ MS had maximum number of normal germinated embryos without secondary somatic embryogenesis (SSE). In some of the treatments the embryos were converted better than the others, such as; the interaction effect of MS medium with 30g/l sucrose and 0.5% AC× MS, MS medium with 30g/l sucrose × MS medium with glutamine. Using different strength of MS medium and presence of some media additives is effective on germination and conversion of somatic embryos into normal plantlet. Presence of Activated Charcoal in the culture medium can reduce secondary somatic embryogenesis.

Epiphytic and endophytic bacteria that promote growth of ethnomedicinal plants in the subtropical forests of Meghalaya, India / Bacterias epífitas y endófitas que promueven el crecimiento de plantas etnomedicinales en los bosques subtropicales de Meghalaya, India

The present study was aimed to investigate the endophytic and epiphytic bacteria associated with selected ethnomedicinal plants from the pristine subtropical forests of Meghalaya and analyse them for plant growth promotion and antagonistic ability. This study is an attempt to explore plant associated bacteria which are beneficial to host plants, and thus aid in the conservation of ethnomedicinal plants of the studied subtropical forests, which are dwindling due to exploitation. The plant growth promotion parameters like indole acetic acid (IAA) production, mineral phosphate solubilisation, acid phosphatase activity, presence of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC) gene, nitrogen fixation, cellulose digestion, chitin and pectin degradation were screened among the isolates. The study revealed significant differences in bacterial population not only between the epiphytic and endophytic microhabitats, but also amongst the host plants. Out of the 70 isolated plant associated bacteria, Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Pantoea sp., and Lysinibacillus sp. showed potent plant growth promotion properties. Bacillus siamensis C53 and B. subtilis cenB showed significant antagonistic activity against the tested pathogens. This study indicated the isolates inhabiting the plants prevalent in the subtropical sacred forests could be explored for use as plant growth promoters while practising the cultivation and conservation of ethnomedicinal plants. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1295-1308. Epub 2014 December 01.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las bacterias endófitas y epífitas asociadas con plantas medicinales seleccionadas de los bosques subtropicales prístinos de Meghalaya, para estimular el crecimiento de plantas y la capacidad antagónica. Este estudio es un intento de explorar las plantas asociadas a bacterias que benefician a la planta hospedera, y así ayudar en la conservación de plantas medicinales de los bosques subtropicales estudiados, los cuales son cada vez más escasos debido a la explotación. Los parámetros de promoción de crecimiento de las plantas, tales como: índice de producción de ácido acético (IAA), solubilización de fosfato mineral, actividad de la fosfatasa ácida, presencia del gen 1-aminociclopropano-1-ácido carboxílico desaminasa (ACC), fijación de nitrógeno, digestión de celulosa, quitina y pectina fueron seleccionados entre los aislamientos. El estudio reveló diferencias significativas en la población bacteriana, no sólo entre los microhábitats epífitos y endófitos, sino también entre las plantas hospederas. De las 70 bacterias aisladas de plantas asociadas, Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Pantoea sp. y Lysinibacillus sp. mostraron potentes propiedades estimulantes del crecimiento vegetal. Bacillus C53 siamensis y B. subtilis cenB mostraron actividad antagónica significativa contra los patógenos probados. Este estudio indicó que los aislamientos que habitan en las plantas predominantes en los bosques sagrados subtropicales podrían explorarse para su uso como promotores del crecimiento vegetal, mientras se practica el cultivo y conservación de plantas medicinales.

In vitro callus induction and estimation of plumbagin content from Plumbago auriculata Lam.

The medicinal plant Plumbago contains a very potent secondary metabolite, plumbagin having many therapeutic properties. Callus culture was induced using explants, leaf, stem and shoot apex, from P. auriculata. Murashige and Skoog media fortified with various growth hormones like NAA, IAA, IBA and 2, 4-D individually and in various combinations were checked for callus induction. Among the growth hormones used, 1 mg/L 2, 4-D showed best callusing. The hormonal combinations of 1 mg/L IAA and 1.5 mg/L NAA in the media exhibited best callus induction using stem internode as an explant. Plumbagin content from root, stem, leaf and callus was analyzed by using thin layer chromatographic technique. The callus derived from stem showed comparable plumbagin content to the in vivo plant parts. Quantitative spectrophotometric analysis of plumbagin from plant samples and callus indicated that plumbagin content was maximum in roots which was followed by callus, stem and leaf samples respectively. Generation of in vitro sources for plumbagin, for therapeutic applications will serve as a continuous supply and will contribute to preserve the natural plant recourses.

In vitro regeneration and ploidy level analysis of Eulophia ochreata Lindl.

Various parameters including explant-type, medium compositions, use of phytohormones and additives were optimized for direct and indirect regeneration of E. ochreata, a medicinal orchid under threat. Protocorm-like-bodies (PLBs) proved to be the best explants for shoot initiation, proliferation and callus induction. Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium containing 2.5 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.0 mg L-1 kinetin (Kin) and additives (adenine sulfate, arginine, citric acid, 30 mg L-1 each and 50 mg L-1 ascorbic acid) was optimal for shoot multiplication (12.1 shoots and 7.1 PLBs per explant with synchronized growth), which also produced callus. Shoot number was further increased with three successive subcultures on same media and ~40 shoots per explant were achieved after 3 cycles of 30 days each. Additives and casein hydrolysate (CH) showed advantageous effects on indirect shoot regeneration via protocorm-derived callus. Optimum indirect regeneration was achieved on MS containing additives, 500 mg L-1 CH, 2.5 mg L-1 BAP and 1.0 mg L-1 Kin with 30 PLBs and 6 shoots per callus mass (~5 mm size). The shoots were rooted (70% frequency) on one by fourth-MS medium containing 2.0 mg L-1 indole-3-butyric acid, 200 mg L-1 activated charcoal and additives. The rooted plantlets were hardened and transferred to greenhouse with 63% survival rate. Flow-cytometry based DNA content analysis revealed that the ploidy levels were maintained in in vitro regenerated plants. This is the first report for in vitro plant regeneration in E. ochreata.

Cultivo de plantas medicinales en recipientes / Growing medicinal plants in containers

INTRODUCCIÓN: cultivar especies medicinales en recipientes, además de ser útil, se logra el aprovechamiento de los pequeños espacios en casa como balcones, azoteas, terrazas, u otros sitios que se desee embellecer con un poco de jardín. OBJETIVOS: desarrollar un taller en el municipio Habana Vieja (Farmacia Habanera) para capacitar, ante la creciente demanda por las plantas medicinales como forma de preservar la salud, a jardineros y amas de casa de esa comunidad, demostrándoles la serie de ventajas de esta forma de cultivo. MÉTODOS: se brindaron conocimientos generales sobre la siembra de diferentes especies sobre la base de sus características y demandas, el empleo de diversos recipientes en función del área disponible, el sustrato a utilizar, el mejor aprovechamiento de la luz, las necesidades de riego y abonado y los problemas que se pueden presentar con el cultivo bajo estas condiciones y además, cómo solucionarlos. RESULTADOS: en el análisis sobre algunas plantas seleccionadas, se demostró que esta actividad puede facilitar cambiar estilos de vida, porque algunas especies medicinales son plantas multipropósitos que aportan tener a mano no solo medicamentos, sino por ejemplo también condimentos, porque muchas gustan frescas o secas para saborizar los alimentos y además resultan apropiadas para sembrarlas con propósito ornamental. CONCLUSIONES: mejorar la economía familiar porque se consume lo que se produce de condimentos, plantas hortícolas u otras, además de plantas medicinales que proporcionan el mejoramiento de la salud al tener una farmacia en el hogar que le suministra fitofármacos fundamentalmente para el tratamiento de enfermedades comunes.

INTRODUCTION: growing medicinal species in containers is a beneficial practice permitting the profitable utilization of small household areas, such as balconies, roofs and terraces, which will look better if a touch of gardening is added. OBJECTIVES: in view of the growing demand for medicinal plants, a workshop was conducted in the municipality of Old Havana (Havana Pharmacy Museum) to be attended by gardeners and housewives from the community, to discuss the advantages of this form of plant cultivation. METHODS: the topics dealt with included general knowledge about the cultivation of various species based on their characteristics and demand, the use of a variety of containers depending on the area available, the substratum to be used, the best use of light, watering and fertilization requirements, and the problems that may arise and how to solve them. RESULTS: analysis of some selected plants showed that this activity may facilitate lifestyle change by providing easy access to a variety of species serving many different purposes, not only medicinal, but also as spices to be used either fresh or dry to flavor food, and for ornamental purposes.her freces which could be erent purposes, not. CONCLUSIONS: household economy may be improved with the consumption of spices, vegetables, medicinal plants and other crops grown in small containers. These contribute to the preservation of health by constituting a home pharmacy providing phytomedicines for the treatment of common diseases.

Medicinal plants of arid zones utilization, cultivation and conservation

One third of the earth's surface [47 billion hectares] is classed as arid zones. Plant wealth from this arid zones area is known for its medicinal and nutritional attributes and therapeutic potential. Research on vast majority of such medicinal plants has revealed interesting results. To mention some examples, Acacias - resolvents, Aloes - cathartic, antihepatitis, Euphorbiaes - anthelmintics, Lamiaes - rubefacients, Solanaceae - anticholinergics, Apiaceae - aromatic and carminatives, Zygophyllaceae - anti-cancers etc. Three decades of research brought into light such amazing results so as to prove drugs like above mentioned as effective for contemporary disease situations including malaria, G.I. disorders, STDs and liver inflammations leading to AIDS. Proper utilization in the light of their traditional importance or alternative uses in medicine is already underway round the globe, under different systems of medicine which proves the efficacy of traditional approach in practise. But it is believed that natural resources' extensive utilization and uncontrolled exploitation may lead to the current wave of herbal therapeutics which may follow their scarcity in years to come. Therefore large scale, conservation strategies and controlled organized cultivation is necessary to keep requisite raw material supply to the herbal pharmaceutical industry. Hence conservation methodologies are intensely required to preserve the genetic makeup of the significant spp. of the arid zones

Avaliação da atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides frente à Staphylococcus sp. isolados de alimentos de origem animal / Assessment of the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Lippia origanoides in relation to Staphylococcus sp. isolated from food of animal origin

Objetivou-se no trabalho avaliar a ação antibacteriana do óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides frente à isolados de Staphylococcus sp. de alimentos de origem animal. Para tanto, realizou-se análise química da composição do óleo, teste de sensibilidade das bactérias frente a dez antibióticos de uso terapêutico e ao óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides, além da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e da concentração bactericida mínima (CBM). A análise cromatográfica do óleo apresentou o timol como composto majoritário (48,70%), além de pequena quantidade de carvacrol (1,14%). No teste de sensibilidade frente aos antibióticos, 75% dos isolados apresentaram resistência a, no mínimo, três antibióticos. Em relação ao óleo essencial, os isolados de Staphylococcus sp oriundos de leite bovino mostraram-se mais resistentes e os isolados de carne ovina apresentaram-se mais sensíveis. A CIM foi maior para os Staphylococcus sp. isolados de leite bovino e leite ovino (60µL/mL). Enquanto que para os isolados de carcaça de ovinos e queijo, a CIM foi de 15µL/mL e 30µL/mL respectivamente. A CBM, consequentemente, foi maior para os isolados de leite bovino e leite ovino, sendo de 240µL/mL e 120µL/mL respectivamente. O óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides apresenta atividade antimicrobiana sobre Staphylococcus sp. isolados de alimentos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Lippia origanoides in relation to Staphylococcus sp. isolated from food of animal origin. For this purpose, we performed the chemical analysis to determine the oil composition, evaluated the bacteria sensibility to ten antibiotics of therapeutic use and determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The chromatographic analysis showed that tymol was the main compound (48.70%) and that carvacrol was present in a small amount (1.14%). In the test of antibiotic susceptibility, 75% of the microorganism isolates were resistant to at least three of the ten antibiotics tested. The Staphylococcus sp isolated from bovine milk was more resistant to the essential oil of Lippia origanoides, and the microorganism isolated from sheep meat was more susceptible to this oil. The Staphylococcus sp. isolated from bovine or sheep milk showed a MIC of 60µL/mL and for those isolated from sheep carcass and cheese the MIC was 15µL/mL and 30µL/mL, respectively. Consequently, the MBC was higher for isolates from cow's (240µL/mL) and sheep's milk (120µL/mL) when compared with other food sources. These results suggest that the essential oil of Lippia origanoides has antimicrobial activity against staphylococcus sp. isolated from food.

Persistência de plantas medicinais em sistemas agroflorestais no município de São Bento do Sul, SC, Brasil / Persistence of medicinal plants in agroforestry systems in the city of São Bento do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil

No final da década de 90, a comunidade de Rio Natal, no município de São Bento do Sul, SC, passou a fazer parte de uma Área de Preservação Ambiental e desde então, muitas áreas de cultivo, paulatinamente, estão retomando o processo de formação florestal. Neste cenário, foi sugerido pela comunidade, a possibilidade de cultivo de plantas medicinais adaptadas às condições de sombreamento. Em atendimento a essa demanda foi realizada uma pesquisa participativa na comunidade, de 2005 a 2008, onde foram avaliadas 14 espécies de plantas medicinais com potencial de mercado, cultivadas em áreas sombreadas, em três propriedades familiares. Foram avaliados: taxa de sobrevivência das espécies, incidência de doenças e pragas, teor de massa seca e altura das plantas. Apresentaram persistência ao cultivo em áreas sombreadas as espécies: Curcuma longa L. (açafrão-da-índia); Arctium lappa L. (bardana); Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen (fáfia ou ginseng-brasileiro); Mikania glomerata Sprengel (guaco); Alternanthera brasiliana L. Kuntze (penicilina); Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth (patchuli) e Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. Ex Reissek (espinheira-santa).

In the end of the 1990s, the Rio Natal community, located in the city of São Bento do Sul, in the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina, started to be part of an Environmental Protection Area. Since then, many cultivation areas have been increasingly having their forest restored. In this scenario, the community proposed to cultivate medicinal plants that were adapted to shaded conditions. To attend this demand, we carried out a participatory research in the community between 2005 and 2008. Fourteen species of medicinal plants having market potential were evaluated, and were cultivated in shaded areas, in three family properties. The survival of the species, the incidence of illnesses and pests, the dry matter value and the height of the plants were evaluated. The species that presented persistence to be cultivated in shaded areas were: Curcuma longa L.; Arctium lappa L.; Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen.; Mikania glomerata Sprengel.; Alternanthera sp.; Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. e Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. Ex Reissek.

Plantas medicinales en un proyecto de desarrollo humano / Presence of medicinal plants in a community human development project

Introducción: el establecimiento de proyectos de patios ecológicos con plantas medicinales dentro del Programa de Desarrollo Sostenible Promoción del Desarrollo Humano. Objetivos: contribuir a la transformación y remodelación de los pequeños espacios en las viviendas: patios, balcones, azoteas, jardines, como forma de obtener estilos de vida sustentables y el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida. Métodos: se desarrollaron estos proyectos en algunos territorios urbanos y rurales como Guanabacoa, Luyanó, San Antonio de los Baños, Alquizar, Guanajay; se utilizó la metodología de diagnóstico participativo donde mediante recorridos por las localidades, el diálogo y la discusión con cada propietario se realizó un diagnóstico preliminar que generó información valiosa y sensibilización sobre lo que se debía abordar: análisis de sus problemas/necesidades, posibles intereses y soluciones, condiciones actuales, recomendar lo que se desea cambiar, mantener, incorporar o suprimir; también posibilitó conocer las necesidades de capacitación y asesoramiento. Resultados: se logró hacer estos espacios más productivos al obtener además de plantas medicinales, condimentos, vegetales, frutas, plantas ornamentales, cría ecológica de conejos, gallinas y peces con recursos propios; su intercambio entre patios; la propagación de plantas para su venta en bolsas; el montaje de un secador solar que facilitó el secado de algunas plantas con utilidad como medicinales y de condimentos, su distribución y venta en la comunidad; el reciclaje de los residuos generados en la colectividad y su empleo como abono orgánico, así como la reutilización de vasijas desechables. Todo esto les ha brindado el mejoramiento de la salud y de la calidad alimentaria, algún recurso económico, concretar experiencias prácticas en agricultura ecológica para conservar los recursos(

Introduction: the setting up of projects for the creation of ecological backyards with medicinal plants within the sustainable development program called Promotion of Human Development. Objectives: to contribute to the transformation and remodeling of small spaces found in houses such as backyards, balconies, roofs, gardens, etc., so that they could contribute to sustainable lifestyles and to the improvement of the quality of life. Methods: some of these projects were carried on in some urban and rural territories like Guanabacoa, Luyanó, San Antonio de los Baños, Alquízar y Guanajay. The participatory diagnosis methodology allowed reaching, after tours of the various localities, dialogue and discussion with every owner of an unused place, a preliminary diagnosis with useful information and the level of awareness about what should be addressed: analysis of their problems and needs; possible interests and solutions, present conditions, recommendations on the things that the owner desired to change, keep, incorporate or eliminate. It was also possible to learn about the training and advisory requirements in these settings. Results: more productive spaces since the owners obtain medicinal plants, seasonings, vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, ecological raising of rabbits, chicken and fish, based on individual resources; the exchange of productions among the backyards, the sale of plants in bags, the mounting of a sun dryer facilitating the drying of some plants for medical use and of some seasonings, their distribution and community-wide sale; the recycling of residues from the community setting and their use as organic fertilizer as well as the reuse of disposable containers. All this has provided the community with better health and food quality, obtaining of some additional financial resources, the materialization of experiences in developing ecological agriculture to preserve the natural resources and the local culture, thus contributing to the

Fungos endofíticos associados a plantas medicinais / Endophytic fungi associated with medicinal plants

Com a utilização de plantas medicinais em infusões, xaropes, tinturas, ungüentos, dentre outras formas, pressupõe-se que fungos endofíticos, presentes no interior das plantas, mas sem causar doença, possam tornar-se um componente destes produtos, principalmente quando utilizados in natura. Além disso, os fungos endofíticos podem também produzir substâncias tóxicas aos usuários ou mesmo alterar o metabolismo vegetal, modificando a composição e as propriedades medicinais, assim como, a qualidade do produto armazenado e comercializado. Neste sentido, objetivou-se isolar e identificar a flora fúngica endofítica de onze espécies medicinais escolhidas ao acaso. Obtiveram-se culturas-puras dos fungos Phomopsis, Colletotrichum, Pestalotia, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Nigrospora e Glomerella ocorrendo endofiticamente em Plectranthus barbatus, Vernonia condensata, Pfaffia paniculata, Foeniculum vulgare, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, Cordia curassavica, Maytenus ilicifolia, Punica granatum, Morus nigra e Bauhinia forficata. As espécies vegetais em que se identificaram o maior número de fungos endofíticos foram Vernonia condensata, Punica granatum e Morus nigra. Todos os fungos recuperados neste trabalho apresentaram características estritamente endofíticas, não manifestando patogenicidade nas espécies hospedeiras. Dentre os fungos detectados, especial atenção deve ser dada ao gênero Fusarium, uma vez que inúmeras espécies deste gênero são conhecidas produtoras de micotoxinas e constituem-se em importantes patógenos pós-colheita.

With the use of medicinal plants in infusions, syrups, dyes, unguents, among other forms, it is expected that endophytic fungi, present inside the plants but not causing diseases, become components of these products, especially when used in natura. In addition, endophytic fungi can produce toxic substances to the users or even modify the plant metabolism, altering the medicinal composition and properties, as well as the quality of the stored and commercialized product. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate and identify the endophytic flora from eleven randomly chosen medicinal species. Pure cultures were obtained from the fungi Phomopsis, Colletotrichum, Pestalotia, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Nigrospora and Glomerella endophytically occurring in Plectranthus barbatus, Vernonia condensata, Pfaffia paniculata, Foeniculum vulgare, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, Cordia curassavica, Maytenus ilicifolia, Punica granatum, Morus nigra and Bauhinia forficata. The plant species that presented the highest number of endophytic fungi were Vernonia condensata, Punica granatum and Morus nigra. All fungi recovered in this study showed strictly endophytic features, not manifesting pathogenicity in their host species. Among the detected fungi, special attention must be given to the genus Fusarium, since a wide range of species of this genus are known to produce mycotoxins and constitute important post-harvest pathogens.

Morfometria de frutos e sementes e germinação de carobinha (Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias & Proença), após o armazenamento / Fruit and seed morphometry and germination of "carobinha" (Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata) seeds after storage

O trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar a morfometria dos frutos e sementes de carobinha (Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata) e o efeito de temperaturas na germinação de sementes armazenadas em ambiente sem controle de temperatura e umidade relativa. O estudo foi realizado no Laboratório de Sementes da UFGD, Dourados, MS. Em amostra de 120 frutos e de 550 sementes foi determinado: o comprimento, a largura, a espessura, o número de sementes por fruto, e a massa dos frutos. A germinação foi estudada após três períodos de armazenamento das sementes (120, 480 e 720 dias) a temperatura ambiente e sob quatro temperaturas de germinação: três constantes (18, 25 e 30ºC) com luz contínua e sob condição de tempera alternada, 20-30ºC, com fotoperíodo de 12 horas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 3 x 4, com quatro repetições. As variações nas medidas de frutos e sementes representam indício da alta variabilidade genética populacional. As sementes armazenadas por 120 dias e submetidas à germinação na temperatura de 25ºC resultaram em 69,4% de germinação e índice de velocidade de germinação - IVG, de 0,983. Sob temperaturas de germinação de 30ºC, constante, e de 20-30ºC, alternada, obtiveram-se 63,9% e 63,8% de germinação e 0,486 e 0,413 de IVG, respectivamente. Sob temperatura de 18ºC a germinação foi lenta e menor, 27,7% e IVG de 0,119. As sementes armazenadas por 480 e 720 dias não germinaram. Com base no comportamento fisiológico das sementes é possível classificar Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata como espécie intermediária (entre ortodoxa e recaucitrante).

This study aimed to evaluate the morphometry of fruits and seeds of Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata ("carobinha") and the effect of temperature on the germination of seeds that were stored in environment without controlled temperature and relative humidity. The study was carried out at Seed Laboratory of Federal University of Grande Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. For a sample of 120 fruits and 550 seeds, the following variables were determined: length, width and thickness, besides the number of seeds per fruit and fruit biomass. Germination was studied after three seed storage periods (120, 480 and 720 days) at environment temperature and four germination temperatures: three constant temperatures (18, 25 and 30ºC) with continuous light, and one alternating temperature, 20-30ºC, with 12-hour photoperiod. Experimental design was completely randomized, in 3 x 4 factorial schemes, with four replicates. The variations in the measures of fruits and seeds evidence a high genetic variability in the population. The seeds stored for 120 days and subjected to germination test at 25ºC resulted in 69.4% germination and germination velocity index - GVI of 0.983. At 30ºC, constant temperature, and 20-30ºC, alternating temperature, germination was 63.9% and 63.8% while GVI was 0.486 and 0.413, respectively. At 18ºC, germination was slow and lower, 27.7%, and GVI was 0.119. Seeds stored for 480 and 720 days did not germinate. Based on the physiological behavior of seeds, it is possible to classify Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata as an intermediate species (between orthodox and recalcitrant).

Efeito do BAP no cultivo in vitro de Ocimum selloi Benth / Effect of BAP on in vitro culture of Ocimum selloi Benth

Visando promover a proliferação de brotações em segmentos apicais e nodais de Ocimum selloi em diferentes concentrações de BAP, plantas jovens de 60 dias serviram de doadoras de segmentos apicais e nodais. Os segmentos foram inoculados em meio MS preparado com a metade da concentração dos sais, e acrescido de 1,5% de sacarose e diferentes concentrações de BAP. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento fatorial, 3 x 4, sendo 3 as posições dos segmentos de O. selloi (segmento apical, primeiro e segundo segmentos nodais) e 4 concentrações de BAP (0 - controle; 2; 4 e 6 mg L-1). Aos 30 dias, foram avaliados o número, comprimento e biomassa fresca e seca de brotos e raízes. Os primeiros e segundos segmentos apresentaram melhores resultados na indução de brotos de O. selloi, 7 e 8 brotos/explante, nas diferentes concentrações de BAP; porém, não houve formação de raízes na presença da citocinina. Nas condições testadas, recomenda-se o uso do primeiro e segundo segmento nodal suplementando o meio de cultivo com BAP para a proliferação in vitro de brotações de O. selloi.

The present study was undertaken to develop the proliferation of sprouts in apical and nodal segments of Ocimum selloi with different BAP levels. Young plants aged 60 days were used as donors of nodal and apical segments. The segments were inoculated in MS medium at half the concentration of salts supplemented with 1.5% of sucrose and different BAP levels. The experiment was in 3 x 4 factorial arrangement, 3 positions of O. selloi segments (apical segment; first and second nodal segment) and 3 BAP levels (0 - control; 2; 4 and 6 mg L-1). After 30 days, the number, the length, and the fresh and dry biomass of sprouts and roots were evaluated. The first and the second segments showed better results in inducing O. selloi sprouts, 7 and 8 sprouts/explant, at the different BAP levels, but there was not root formation in the presence of the cytokinin. Under the tested conditions, use of the first and the second nodal segments is recommended in addition to supplementing the culture medium with BAP for in vitro proliferation of O. selloi sprouts.