The selective obtaining of amyrins from Amazonian Protium oleoresins / La obtención selectiva de amirinas a partir de oleorresinas de Protium amazónicas

SUMMARY The oleoresin produced by species of genus Protium sp. is rich in alpha and betaamyrins, two triterpenes with many pharmacogical activities. Considering the need to make the improved obtainment of these products feasible, this study sought to optimize techniques for the extraction and isolation of amyrins from resin. Two methods of extraction (maceration and sonication) with different solvents were compared to direct isolation from crude resin. The isolation of triterpenes was performed by chromatographic columns and the yields of extracts and fractions were analyzed by analysis of variance. The best extraction solvent for amyrins was hexane for both maceration and sonication methods (38.16±2.06% and 37.67±8.21%, respectively). There was no statistical difference between these methods and the direct method (32.05±2.40%). Additionally, the direct method is cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Thus, this study showed that it is possible to obtain a large quantity of amyrins by means of cheap, fast and ecological methods.

RESUMEN La oleorresina producida por especies del género Protium sp. es rica en amirinas alfa y beta, dos triterpenos con muchas actividades farmacológicas. Esta investigación buscó optimizar las técnicas de extracción y aislamiento de amirinas de la resina para hacer factible la obtención mejorada de esos productos. Se compararon dos métodos de extracción (maceración y sonicación) con diferentes solventes con aislamiento directo de la resina cruda. El aislamento de los triterpenos se realizó mediante columnas cromatográficas y los rendimientos de extractos y fracciones fueron hechos mediante análisis de varianza. El mejor solvente para la extracción de amirinas fue el hexano para ambos métodos de maceración y sonicación (38,16±2,06% y 37,67±8,21%, respectivamente). No hubo diferencia estadística entre estos métodos y el método directo (32,05±2,40%). Además, el método directo es más barato y ecológico. De este modo, esta investigación demostró que es posible obtener una gran cantidad de amirinas a través de métodos rápidos, baratos y ecológicos.

Ocotea (Lauraceae) Amazonian essential oils chemical composition and their tyrosinase inhibition to use in cosmetics / Ocotea (Lauraceae) composición química de aceites esenciales amazónicos y su inhibición de la tirosinasa para usar en cosméticos

This study presents analyses on the chemistry, biology, pharmacology and chromatography of essential oils extracted from three species of the Ocotea genus: O. minor, O. ceanothifolia and O. leucoxylon. Leaves and stems, as well as the bark of O. minor, were processed using a modified Clevenger apparatus. Seven essential oils were obtained and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS, and their chemical compositions were determined. Assays of cytotoxicity, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, as well as tyrosinase and elastase inhibition were performed. In total, 25 constituents were identified, the principal being sesquiterpenes, such as spathulenol caryophyllene and its oxide. The oils did not present cytotoxicity using a hemolytic model, but also did not show antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay. Essential oil from stems of O. ceanothifolia, rich in spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide, demonstrated the capacity to inhibit 49.08% of tyrosinase activity at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. This research contributes to the chemical profile analysis of the three species of Ocoteathrough chemical investigations and biological activity, which are reported for the first time here in this study.

Este trabajo realiza un estudio químico, biológico, farmacológico y cromatográfico de aceites esenciales extraídos de tres especies del género Ocotea: O. minor, O. ceanothifoliay O. leucoxylon. Las hojas y tallos, así como la corteza de O. minor, se procesaron utilizando un aparato Clevenger modificado. Se obtuvieron siete aceites esenciales y se analizaron usando GC-FID y GC-MS, y se determinaron sus composiciones químicas. Se realizaron ensayos de citotoxicidad, actividad antioxidante y de atrapamiento de radicales libres, así como inhibición de tirosinasa y elastasa. En total, se identificaron 25 componentes, siendo los principales sesquiterpenos, como el spathulenol cariofileno y su óxido. Los aceites no presentaron citotoxicidad en un modelo hemolítico y tampoco mostraron actividad antioxidante en el ensayo con DPPH. El aceite esencial de tallos de O. ceanothifolia, rico en espatulenol y óxido de cariofileno, mostró capacidad para inhibir el 49.08% de la actividad de tirosinasa a una concentración de 100 µg/mL. Esta investigación contribuye al análisis del perfil químico de las tres especies de Ocotea a través de investigaciones químicas y actividad biológica la cual se informan por primera vez.

Development and evaluation of an inhalation chamber for in vivo tests

ABSTRACT The bioavailability, toxicity, and therapeutic efficacy of a drug is directly related to its administration route. The pulmonary route can be accessed by inhalation after fumigation, vaporization or nebulization. Thus, pharmacological and toxicological evaluation accessed by an apparatus specifically designed and validated for this type of administration is extremely important. Based on pre-existing models, an inhalation chamber was developed. This presents a central structure with five animal holders. The nebulized air passes directly and continuously through these holders and subsequently to an outlet. Evaluation of its operation was performed using clove essential oil, a nebulizer, and a flow meter. The air within the chamber was collected by static headspace and analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. For this purpose, a 2.5 minutes chromatographic method was developed. The air flow in each of the five outputs was 0.92 liters per minute. During the first minute, the chamber became saturated with the nebulized material. Homogeneous and continuous operation of the chamber was observed without accumulation of volatile material inside it for 25 minutes. The inhalation chamber works satisfactorily for in vivo tests with medicines designed to be administrated by inhalation.

Comparative analysis of the effects of Copaifera multijuga oil-resin and nitrofurazona in the cutaneous wound healing process / Análise comparativa dos efeitos do óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga e da nitrofurazona na cicatrização de ferida cutânea

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate, histologically and macroscopically, the influence of Copaifera multijuga (Copaíba) oil-resin on the healing process of cutaneous wounds, comparing it with nitrofurazone. Methods: we divided 36 rats into three groups of 12 animals, according to the treatment to be administered. Group SL (control) received saline on the lesion; the Group OIL received topical treatment with Copaíba oil; and the Group NITRO was treated with Nitrofurazone. We inflicted a circular wound of 8mm in diameter on the back of each animal. We subdivided each of the three groups of 12 animals into three subgroups, according to treatment time and euthanasia (7, 14 and 21 days). All animals received the proposed treatment daily. We photographed the lesions for area measurement, as well as for evaluation of macroscopic aspects. We resected and stained the scars to quantify and qualify elastic fibers, collagen, degree of epithelization, neovascularization and inflammation. Results: although the saline solution provided a faster wound closure in its initial phase, after 14 days the wound size of the three groups tested was the same. Levels of inflammation and neovascularization were similar in all three groups. The amount of collagen and elastic fibers was higher in the Nitrofurazone and Copaíba oil groups. Conclusion: in male Wistar rats, Copaifera multijuga oil-resin positively influences the healing process, but it is less effective than nitrofurazone in healing by secondary intention.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar histologicamente e macroscopicamente a influência do óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas, comparando com o grupo submetido ao uso da nitrofurazona. Métodos: foram utilizados 36 ratos, divididos em três grupos de 12 animais, conforme o tratamento a ser administrado. Grupo SF (controle, recebeu soro fisiológico sobre a lesão), Grupo ÓLEO (tratamento tópico com óleo de Copaíba), Grupo NITRO (tratamento tópico com Nitrofurazona). Foi confeccionada uma ferida circular de 8mm de diâmetro no dorso de cada animal. Cada um dos três grupos de 12 animais foi subdividido em três subgrupos, de acordo com o tempo de tratamento e de eutanásia (7, 14 e 21 dias). Todos os animais receberam o tratamento proposto diariamente. As lesões foram fotografadas para mensuração de sua área, bem como, avaliados aspectos macroscópicos. As cicatrizes foram ressecadas e coradas, para quantificar e qualificar as fibras elásticas, colágenas, grau de epitelização, neovascularização e inflamação. Resultados: embora o soro fisiológico tenha proporcionado um fechamento mais rápido da ferida em sua fase inicial, a partir de 14 dias o tamanho das feridas dos três grupos testados se equivaleu. Níveis de inflamação e neovascularização foram semelhantes nos três grupos. A quantidade de fibras colágenas e elásticas foi maior nos grupos Nitrofurazona e Óleo de Copaíba. Conclusão: em ratos machos da linhagem Wistar, o óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga influencia positivamente no processo de cicatrização, porém é menos eficaz que a nitrofurazona na cicatrização por segunda intenção.

Amazon emulsions as cavity cleansers: antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and changes in human tooth color

ABSTRACT The copaiba oleoresin, Copaifera multijuga Hayne, Fabaceae, is a phytotherapeutic agent with antimicrobial activity. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of, and tooth color changes caused by four copaiba oil emulsions (Emulsion 1, 10% CM; Emulsion 2, 10% C. multijuga + 1% biotech product; Emulsion 3, 30% C. multijuga; and Emulsion 4, 30% C. multijuga + 1% biotech product). The antibacterial activities against microorganisms causing dental caries (Streptococcus mutans ATCC25175, S. oralis ATCC10557, S. salivarius ATCC7073, and Lactobacillus casei ATCC7469) were tested using three parameters: minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and cell viability by fluorescence microscopy. The emulsions were assessed for cytotoxicity by means of the hemolytic assay and cell culture (murine fibroblast cells NHI3T3) using Alamar BlueTM. The dentin color change caused by the emulsions was examined at 10 s, 30 s, and 10 min. The emulsions showed antibacterial activity against the microorganisms tested with an MIC of 125 µl/ml. The minimum bactericidal concentration was higher than minimum inhibitory concentration for the tested microorganism and the fluorescence confirmed that the cells were viable at minimum inhibitory concentration values. The emulsions had a hemolytic activity of 71.16% (Emulsion 3) and 44.67% (Emulsion 4) at a concentration of 30 µl/ml. In cell culture assay, NHI-3T3 cells treated with the emulsions showed 6–16% viability. Emulsion 1 caused clinically imperceptible color change in dentin at 10 s (ΔE = 3.21), Emulsion 2 at 30 s (ΔE = 2.70) and 10 min (ΔE = 3.08), and Emulsion 4 at 10 min (ΔE = 3.03). Emulsion 3 caused color change at all times tested. This research documented positive data regarding antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and tooth color changes when using copaiba oleoresin emulsions, showing its potential for use in dentistry.

Composição química e atividade citotóxica dos óleos essenciais das folhas e talos de Eperua duckeana Cowan / Chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of essential oils from the leaves and stems of Eperua duckeana Cowan

Essential oils from leaves and stems of Eperua duckeana Cowan (Fabaceae) were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. Sixteen and nineteen components were identified by comparison by their retention indices (RI) and mass spectra. The major components identified in leaves were (E)-caryophyllene (31.8 percent), caryophyllene oxide (25.7 percent) and alpha- humulene (4.4 percent), and stems (E)-caryophyllene (34.5 percent) and germacrene D (25.9 percent). The stems oil essential showed high cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines of leukemia (HL-60). This is the first report regarding the essential oil composition and citotoxicy activity of the essential oil of Eperua duckeana Cowan...

Óleos essenciais de folhas e galhos de Eperua duckeana Cowan (Fabaceae) foram extraídos por hidrodestilação e analisados por CG-DIC e CG-EM. Dezesseis e dezenove componentes foram identificados por comparação com seus índices de retenção (IR) e espectros de massas. Os componentes principais identificados nas folhas foram o (E)-cariofileno (31,8 por cento), óxido de cariofileno (25,7 por cento) e o alfa- humuleno (4,4 por cento), nos galhos (E)-cariofileno (34,5 por cento) e o D-germacreno (25,9 por cento). O óleo essencial dos galhos mostrou alta citoxicidade contra linhagens de células de leucemia (HL-60). Esse é a primeiro relato abordando a composição dos óleos essenciais e a atividade citotóxica do óleo essencial de Eperua duckeana Cowan...

Composição de óleos essenciais de Dicypellium manausense, Mezilaurus duckei, Mezilaurus itauba e Pleurothyrium vasquezii, quatro espécies amazônicas da família Lauraceae / Composición de aceites esenciales de Dicypellium manausense, Mezilaurus duckei, Mezilaurus itauba y Pleurothyrium vasquezii, cuatro especies de Lauraceae de amazónia / Você quis dizer: Composição de óleos essenciais de Dicypellium manauense, Mezilaurus duckei, Mezilaurus itauba e Pleurothyrium vasquezii, quatro espécies amazônicas da família Lauraceae Composition of essential oils manausense Dicypellium, Mezilaurus duckei, Mezilaurus Itauba and Pleurothyrium vasquezii four Amazonian species of the Lauraceae family

Essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of Dicypellium manausense, Mezilaurus duckei, Mezilaurus itauba and Pleurothyrium vasquezii collected at the Ducke Forest Reserve (Manaus, Brazil) were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by CG-FID and GC-MS. Essential oil yields ranged from 0.1 to 0.2 percent (w/w of dry material). The major components were beta-caryophyllene in the leaves of D. manausense (39.5 percent), leaves and branches of M. duckei (32.6 and 18.4 percent, respectively) and branches of M. itauba (51.8 percent); and germacrene D in the leaves of D. manausense (6.7 percent), branches of M. itauba (9.1 percent) and leaves and branches of P. vasquezii (15.6 and 8.0 percent, respectively). This paper describes for the first time the composition of these essential oils.

Os óleos essenciais obtidos das partes aéreas de Dicypellium manausense, Mezilaurus duckei, Mezilaurus itauba e Pleurothyrium vasquezii coletadas na Reserva Florestal Ducke (Manaus, Brasil) foram obtidos por hidrodestilação e analisados por CG-DIC e CG-EM. Os rendimentos dos óleos variaram de 0,1 a 0,2 por cento (m/m de material seco). Os principais componentes foram beta-cariofileno nas folhas de D. manausense (39,5 por cento), folhas e galhos de M. duckei (32,6 e 18,4 por cento, respectivamente) e galhos de M. itauba (51,8 por cento) e germacreno D na folhas de D. manausense (6,7 por cento), galhos de M. itauba (9,1 por cento) e folhas e galhos de P. vasquezii (15,6 e 8,0 por cento, respectivamente). Este trabalho descreve pela primeira vez a composição desses óleos.

Óleos essenciais de Sextonia rubra (Mez) van der Werff (Lauraceae) / Essential oils of the Sextonia rubra (Mez ) van der Werff (Lauraceae)

The essential oils of the leaves and branches of Sextonia rubra were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. In the leaves were identified as the major constituents α-pinene (21.7%), β-pinene (15.4%), α-copaene (12.5%) and germacrene D (12.1%). In the branches essential oil, α-copaene (22.9%), β-selinene (7.9%) and β-elemene (7.2%) were identified as the most abundant constituents. This paper describes for the first time the composition of these essential oils.

Os óleos essenciais das folhas e galhos de Sextonia rubra foram obtidos por hidrodestilação e analisados por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detectores de ionização de chama e espectrometria de massas. O α-pineno (21,7%), β-pineno (15,4%), α-copaeno (12,5%) e o germacreno D (12,1%) foram identificados como constituintes majoritários no óleo essencial das folhas. No óleo essencial dos galhos foram identificados como constituintes majoritários o α-copaeno (22,9%), β-selineno (7,9%) e o β-elemeno (7,2%). A composição química destes óleos essenciais está sendo relatada pela primeira vez neste trabalho.

Antileishmanial activity of diterpene acids in copaiba oil

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 1.5-two million new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis each year worldwide. Chemotherapy against leishmaniasis is based on pentavalent antimonials, which were developed more than a century ago. The goals of this study were to investigate the antileishmanial activity of diterpene acids in copaiba oil, as well as some possible targets of their action against Leishmania amazonensis. Methyl copalate and agathic, hydroxycopalic, kaurenoic, pinifolic and polyaltic acids isolated from Copaifera officinales oleoresins were utilised. Ultrastructural changes and the specific organelle targets of diterpenes were investigated with electron microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. All compounds had some level of activity against L. amazonensis. Hydroxycopalic acid and methyl copalate demonstrated the most activity against promastigotes and had 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2.5 and 6.0 µg/mL, respectively. However, pinifolic and kaurenoic acid demonstrated the most activity against axenic amastigote and had IC50 values of 3.5 and 4.0 µg/mL, respectively. Agathic, kaurenoic and pinifolic acid caused significant increases in plasma membrane permeability and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation of the protozoan. In conclusion, copaiba oil and its diterpene acids should be explored for the development of new antileishmanial drugs.

True and common balsams

Balsams have been used since ancient times, due to their therapeutic and healing properties; in the perfume industry, they are used as fixatives, and in the cosmetics industry and in cookery, they are used as preservatives and aromatizers. They are generally defined as vegetable material with highly aromatic properties that supposedly have the ability to heal diseases, not only of the body, but also of the soul. When viewed according to this concept, many substances can be considered balsams. A more modern concept is based on its chemical composition and origin: a secretion or exudate of plants that contain cinnamic and benzoic acids, and their derivatives, in their composition. The most common naturally-occurring balsams (i.e. true balsams) are the Benzoins, Liquid Storaque and the Balsams of Tolu and Peru. Many other aromatic exudates, such as Copaiba Oil and Canada Balsam, are wrongly called balsam. These usually belong to other classes of natural products, such as essential oils, resins and oleoresins. Despite the understanding of some plants, many plants are still called balsams. This article presents a chemical and pharmacological review of the most common balsams.

Effects of culture filtrates of endophytic fungi obtained from Piper aduncum L. on the growth of mycobacterium tuberculosis

Substances that inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis could potentially be used as antibiotics. These substances could also be added to test culture media to improve the speed of tuberculosis diagnosis. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of culture filtrates of endophytic fungi isolated from P. aduncum L. on the growth of M. tuberculosis. To achieve this objective, the following methodology was used: a) endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves and stems of P. aduncum L.; b) the isolated fungi were submitted to submerged bioprocessing; c) culture filtrates from the bioprocess were assayed to evaluate their effect on the growth of M. tuberculosis. We isolated 315 fungal types, which represented 85 morphologies, from different parts of P. aduncum L. The bioassays were performed on 82 culture filtrates and 6 plant extracts and resulted in the detection of 1 culture filtrate that stimulated the growth of M. tuberculosis and 15 that inhibited microbial growth. None of the phytochemical extracts had an effect on the growth of M. tuberculosis. In conclusion, we observed that the endophytic fungi isolated from P. aduncum L. (Piperaceae) produced extracellular metabolites (present in the culture filtrate) that affect the growth of M. tuberculosis. These compounds have the potential to be used as antimicrobials or in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Composição química e atividade biológica dos óleos essenciais das folhas e caules de Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia Madriñán (Lauraceae) / Composition and biology activity of essential oils from leaves and stems of Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia Madriñán (Lauraceae)

Os óleos essenciais das folhas e caules de Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia coletada na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke foram obtidos por hidrodestilação e analisados por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detector de ionização de chama e espectrometria de massas. Treze constituintes foram identificados nas folhas, dos quais o ß-cariofileno foi o que apresentou maior percentual (41,30%). Nos caules foram identificados quinze compostos, com predominância dos sesquiterpenos ß-cariofileno (16,20%) e epi-cedrol (13,30%) e do monoterpeno linalol (15,40%). Os óleos foram analisados em ensaios químicos, de sequestro do radical livre DPPH, e enzimáticos, de inibição da enzima acetilcolinesterase. Nos ensaios de sequestro de radicais livres, apesar de terem se mostrado ativos em ensaios qualitativos, os óleos essenciais apresentaram fraca atividade antioxidante no ensaio quantitativo (inativos em concentração inferior a 1.000 µg/mL). A inibição da acetilcolinesterase só foi observada nos óleos essenciais das folhas. A composição química e a atividade biológica destes óleos estão sendo relatadas pela primeira vez neste trabalho.

The essential oils of leaves and stems of Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia collected in the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Thirteen components were identified in the leaf oil, of which ß-caryophyllene was the major (41.30%). Fifty components were identified in the stem oil, among them the sesquiterpenes ß-caryophyllene (16.20%) and epi-cedrol (13.30%), together with the monoterpene linalool (15.40%). The essential oils were analyzed at chemical, DPPH free radical scavenging; and enzymatic bioassays, acetylcholinesterase inhibition. At antioxidant DPPH assays, the oils showed to be active at the qualitative assay but only weakly active at quantitative test (inactive at concentration lower than 1,000 µg/mL). The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was detected only in leaves essential oils. This paper describes for the first time the composition of these essential oils and their biological activities.

Avaliação in vitro da atividade antibacteriana de um cimento odontológico à base de óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga Hayne / In vitro assessment of antibacterial activity of a dental cement constituted of a Copaifera multijuga Hayne oil-resin

Um dos materiais utilizados para a adequação do meio bucal no serviço público é o cimento produzido a partir de óxido de zinco e eugenol. Entretanto, o eugenol é uma substância citotóxica que pode desencadear alguns efeitos adversos. Por essa razão, procura-se substituir o eugenol por uma substância que apresente baixa toxicidade, mantendo ou mesmo melhorando as propriedades do cimento. O óleo-resina de copaíba é um produto natural, utilizado pelas populações amazônicas e reconhecido por suas propriedades medicinais. Baseando-se nas propriedades desse óleo-resina, na ação antimicrobiana comprovada do hidróxido de cálcio e na ação anti-séptica do óxido de zinco, propôs-se formular um cimento odontológico obtido da associação do ZnO, Ca(OH)2 e óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga Hayne e avaliar sua atividade antibacteriana através do teste de diluição em meio líquido frente às cepas padrão de Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) e S. sanguinis (ATCC 15300). Nesse ensaio, utilizaram-se os seguintes grupos experimentais: o cimento contendo ZnO, Ca(OH)2 e óleo-resina de copaíba (G1) e cada um dos constituintes isoladamente, ZnO (G2), Ca(OH)2 (G3) e óleo-resina de copaíba (G4). Todos os grupos analisados demonstraram atividade antibacteriana, o G4 apresentou os melhores resultados e o G1 mostrou-se um cimento promissor a ser utilizado em odontologia.

One of the materials utilized for suitability of the oral means in the public service is the cement produced from zinc oxide and eugenol. However, eugenol is a cytotoxic substance that can trigger some adverse effects. For this reason, it is desired to replace eugenol for another substance that presents low toxicity, keeping or even improving the cement properties. The copaiba oil-resin is a natural product, utilized by the Amazonian population and recognized for its medicinal properties. Based on the properties of this oil-resin, on the proven antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide and on the anti-septic action of zinc oxide, it was proposed to formulate a dental cement obtained through the association of ZnO, Ca(OH)2 and Copaifera multijuga Hayne oil-resin and assess its antibacterial activity through the test of dilution in aqueous medium against the standard of Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and S. sanguinis (ATCC 15300). In this assay, the following experimental groups were utilized: the cement containing ZnO, Ca(OH)2 and copaiba oil-resin (G1) and each one of the constituents individually, ZnO (G2), Ca(OH)2 (G3) and copaiba oil-resin (G4). All the analyzed groups showed antibacterial activity, G4 showed the best results and G1 showed itself to be a promising cement for application in dentristy.

As monografias sobre plantas medicinais / The medicinal plants monographs

As monografias sobre plantas medicinais ou drogas vegetais contêm informações para atender não somente aos órgãos de regulamentação, mas também às empresas industriais farmacêuticas e farmácias, e mesmo ao público consumidor. Este artigo revê as monografias da Comissão E, do American Botanical Council, ESCOP, PDR e da Organização Mundial de Saúde em suas origens, objetivos e formatos. Duas publicações recentemente organizadas pela FIOCRUZ do Rio de Janeiro e as contribuições da Farmacopéia Brasileira também são avaliadas.

The medicinal plants monographs are very important information collections about some of the most consumed plants all over the world that attend not only the regulatory agencies but also pharmaceutical industries and the general consumer. This manuscript reviews the origins, objectives and formats of the most important monographs, like Commission E, American Botanical Council, ESCOP, PDR and WHO. Two recently published Brazilian experiences organized by FIOCRUZ and the contributions from Brazilian Pharmacopoeia are also evaluated.

Estudo do consumo de plantas medicinais na Região Centro-Norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro: aceitação pelos profissionais de saúde e modo de uso pela população / Study of the medicinal plants consumption in the Middle-North Region of the Rio de Janeiro State: acceptance by health professionals, way of use of the population

A utilização de plantas com objetivos medicinais é bastante difundida em todo o mundo. No Brasil, são raras as pesquisas que avaliem o grau de utilização das plantas como medicamentos e sua inserção na cultura popular. A análise de 1.320 formulários preenchidos pela população do interior do estado do Rio de Janeiro e por profissionais da área de saúde permitiu verificar que as plantas medicinais são as principais formas de tratamento para 63 por cento dos entrevistados, apesar da disponibilidade de medicamentos alopáticos. Foi observada a utilização de plantas como automedicação antes da consulta ao médico, concomitante com o medicamento alopático (55,9 por cento) e, em muitos casos, substituindo-o (52,4 por cento), sem o conhecimento do médico. A pesquisa mostrou ainda a falta de conhecimento dos profissionais da área de saúde sobre a cultura de utilização das plantas medicinais pela população, preferindo terapias alternativas que não fazem parte da cultura popular brasileira, como a acupuntura.

All over the world plants have been used for medicinal purposes. In Brazil, there is no statistical research showing cultural and popular aspects for using medicinal plants. Intoxication, interactions with last generation allopathic and loss of knowledge of using plants are critical aspects of self-medication. The results obtained from 1.320 questionnaires, filled up at Rio de Janeiro State and by health professionals allowed us to check that medicinal plants are the main health treatment (for 63.0 percent), in spite of the availability of allopathic. It is used before consulting a doctor and concomitant with allopathic (55.9 percent), sometimes replacing it (52.4 percent). The results of this research show a lack of information from health professionals to cultural utilization of medicinal plants by the population, preferring alternative therapies that are not part of the Brazilian popular culture, such as acupuncture.

Antimicrobial activity of Brazilian copaiba oils obtained from different species of the Copaifera genus

The antimicrobial activity of copaiba oils was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and dermatophytes. Oils obtained from Copaifera martii, Copaifera officinalis, and Copaifera reticulata (collected in the state of Acre) were active against Gram-positive species (Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus faecalis) with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 31.3-62.5 µg/ml. The oils showed bactericidal activity, decreasing the viability of these Gram-positive bacteria within 3 h. Moderate activity was observed against dermatophyte fungi (Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis). The oils showed no activity against Gram-negative bacteria and yeast. Scannning electron microscopy of S. aureus treated with resin oil from C. martii revealed lysis of the bacteria, causing cellular agglomerates. Transmission electron microscopy revealed disruption and damage to the cell wall, resulting in the release of cytoplasmic compounds, alterations in morphology, and a decrease in cell volume, indicating that copaiba oil may affect the cell wall.

Constituintes das sementes de Copaifera officinalis L / Constituents from Copaifera officinalis L. seeds

O gênero Copaifera L. é um dos mais importantes economicamente na Região Amazônica devido, principalmente, à produção dos óleos de copaíba, oléo-resinas com diversas propriedades farmacológicas confirmadas. Apesar disso, os estudos fitoquímicos com as sementes das árvores do gênero Copaifera L.são raros. Copaifera officinalis foi a primeira espécie do gênero Copaifera a ser descrita. Este trabalho descreve a composição dos extratos obtidos em hexano e em acetato de etila das sementes de C. officinalis. No extrato obtido em hexano, a análise por cromatografia em fase gasosa utilizando padrões e através de espectrometria de massas permitiu a identificação de: esqualeno, tetradecano, hexadecano, campesterol, estigmasterol e beta-sitosterol; os ácidos graxos hexadecanóico, 9-octadecenóico e octadecanóico (majoritários); e decanóico, eicosanóico, docosanóico e tetracosanóico (minoritários). Cumarina foi isolada do extrato em acetato de etila e identificada por técnicas de RMN.

Copaifera L. is one of the most economically important plant genera in the Amazon Region, since it exudes a resin-oil named copaiba oil possessing several confirmed pharmacological properties. In spite of that, phytochemical studies of the seeds from this genus are rare. Copaifera officinalis L. was the first species in the genus Copaifera to be described. This paper describes the chemical composition of the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of the seeds from this species. In the hexane extract, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses enabled us to identify squalene, tetradecane, hexadecane, campesterol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol; hexadecanoic, 9-octadecenoic and octadecanoic acids (major substances); as well as decanoic, eicosanoic, docosanoic and tetracosanoic (minor substances) acids. Coumarin was detected in the ethyl acetate extract, isolated and identified by NMR.

Composição química do óleo fixo de Croton cajucara e determinação das suas propriedades fungicidas / Chemical composition of the fixed oil of Croton cajucara and its antifungical properties

Este trabalho objetivou a obtenção de óleos fixos (OF) das cascas do caule de Croton cajucara via percolação [seguido de fracionamento em coluna cromatográfica (CC)] e fluido supercrítico (FS, gás CO2), bem como a avaliação das propriedades fungicidas de OF obtido pelo procedimento CC. Os óleos OF-CC e OF-FS apresentaram rendimentos significativamente diferentes; houve maior rendimento (3,14 por cento) de OF obtido no processo convencional (OF-CC), versus 1,2 por cento de OF-FS. A fração F1 após esterificação, bem como as frações não-esterificadas F2, F3 e F4 (obtidas de OF-CC seguido de outro fracionamento em CC) foram analisadas por CG-FID e CG-EM. A identificação da composição química de OF-CC foi feita por comparação com dados da biblioteca Wiley, bem como pela comparação de índices de kovats. A presença de sesquiterpenos foi comprovada na fração F1, onde o a-copaeno (20,1 por cento) e cipereno (21,8 por cento) foram os componentes majoritários (70 por cento de percentual sesquiterpênico total). A fração F2 mostrou sesquiterpenos minoritários mais oxigenados, incluindo o linalol. Na fração F3 foram observados ácidos graxos, misturas de esteróis e os diterpenos bioativos trans-crotonina, cis-cajucarina B e trans-cajucarina B, onde 40 por cento do total desta fração, foi composta de esteróis e diterpenos; e na fração F4 foram observados majoritariamente os isômeros cis e trans-cajucarina B. O efeito biológico de OF-CC foi avaliado no desenvolvimento in vitro dos fungos fitopatogênicos Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani e Sclerotium rolfsii propagados em meio de cultura Batata-dextrose-agar (BDA). A resposta fisiológica, variou de acordo com o tipo de fungo testado, tendo sido observado que o OF-CC (0,2 mg.mL-1) apresentou efeito fungistático no controle micelial dos fungos testados, sendo que o gênero de fungo Fusarium oxysporum foi o que sofreu efeito inibitório mais estável.

This paper focused on the separation of the fixed oil (FO) from the stem bark of Croton cajucara obtained from the conventional approach extraction with organic solvents [followed by chromatography column (CC)] and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE, carried out with CO2) and also, on the antifungical properties of the FO obtained by CC procedure (FO-CC). The FO contents were 3.14 percent for FO-CC versus 1.20 percent in the FO-SFE process. The esterified fraction F1 and non-esterified fractions F2, F3 and F4 obtained from FO-CC after a new CC procedure were analyzed by HRGC-MS. The identification of the chemical composition of FO-CC was made by comparison with MS literature data, computer matching with the Wiley library and by comparison of their kovats indices with the literature. Fraction F1 showed 70 percent of sesquiterpene components, among them a-copaene (20.1 percent) and ciperene (21.8 percent) as major compounds. Fraction F2 was rich in minor oxygenated sesquiterpenes, among them linalool. Meanwhile fraction F3 showed fat acids, steroids and the bioactive clerodane type-diterpene trans-crotonin, cis-cajucarin B (c-CJC-B) and trans-cajucarin B (t-CJC-B). Fractions F3 and F4 showed as major constituents c-CJC-B and t-CJC-B with 40 percent of the total contents. The biological effect of the FO-CC was evaluated in the in vitro development of the phytopatogen fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii. Significant inhibitory effect of the tested fungi (at 0.2 mg.mL-1 dosage) were proved.

Constituintes químicos de Burlemarxia rodriguesii Menezes & Semir (Velloziaceae)

Neste trabalho foi analisado o extrato apolar de Burlemarxia rodriguesii Menezes & Semir através da análise direta do extrato por métodos cromatográficos. Na análise por Cromatografia Gasosa de Alta Resolução (CGAR) e da Cromatografia de Alta Resolução acoplada à Espectrometria de Massas (CGAR-EM) foram detectados apenas os compostos majoritários. Para determinar os demais constituintes químicos presentes neste extrato foi realizado um pré-fracionamento no qual classes químicas como ácidos graxos, ésteres graxos, esteróis e terpenóides foram separados. A metodologia empregada permitiu a detecção e identificação de várias substâncias e séries homólogas através de co-injeções com padrões (em CGAR) e comparação de espectros (CGAR-EM).