Avaliação da citotoxicidade em hemácias de humanos do extrato etanólico de Praxelis clematidea (Griseb.)

Introdução: Espécies da família Asteraceae são conhecidas por apresentarem propriedades aromática, cosmética e terapêutica; tendo diversas pesquisas que evidenciou potencial medicinal dessa família. Dentre as espécies de Asteraceae, está Praxelis clematidea, que é rica em substâncias químicas como flavonoides, terpenóides e esteroides, as quais podem desempenhar uma série de atividades biológicas. Objetivo: Verificar o potencial tóxico do extrato etanólico das folhas de P. clematidea frente à células sanguíneas humanas, afim de determinar a toxicidade teórica dessa espécie. Métodos: Para a realização do teste de atividade citotóxica foram preparadas suspensões sanguíneas dos tipos A, B e O, que posteriormente foram misturadas a concentrações distintas do extrato etanólico por 1 (uma) hora. A hemólise foi quantificada por espectrofotometria em comprimento de onda de 540 nm. Resultados: O extrato etanólico das folhas de P. clematidea em diferentes concentrações apresentou baixa citoxicidade contra os eritrócitos humanos in vitro, enfatizando o produto como uma possível opção viável para a indústria de medicamentos fitoterápicos. No entanto, é importante elucidar que mais estudos in vivo precisam ser realizados para confirmar esse perfil toxicológico do extrato.

SUMMARY Introduction: Species of the Asteraceae family are known to have aromatic, cosmetic and therapeutic properties; having several researches that evidenced medicinal potential of this family. Among the species of Asteraceae, there is Praxelis clematidea, which is rich in chemical substances such as flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids, which can perform a series of biological activities. Aim: To verify the toxic potential of the ethanolic extract of P. clematidea leaves against human blood cells, in order to determine the theoretical toxicity of this species. Method: For the performance of the cytotoxic activity test, blood suspensions of types A, B and O were prepared, which were subsequently mixed at different concentrations of the ethanolic extract for 1 (one) hour. Hemolysis was quantified by spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 540 nm. Results: The ethanolic extract of P. clematidea leaves in different concentrations showed low cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes in vitro, emphasizing the product as a possible viable option for the herbal medicine industry. However, it is important to clarify that more in vivo studies need to be carried out to confirm this toxicological profile of the extract.

Introducción: Se sabe que las especies de la familia Asteraceae tienen propiedades aromáticas, cosméticas y terapéuticas; habiendo varias investigaciones que evidenciaron el potencial medicinal de esta familia. Entre las especies de Asteraceae, se encuentra Praxelis clematidea, que es rica en sustancias químicas como flavonoides, terpenoides y esteroides, que pueden realizar una serie de actividades biológicas. Objetivo: Verificar el potencial tóxico del extracto etanólico de hojas de P. clematidea contra las células sanguíneas humanas, con el fin de determinar la toxicidad teórica de esta especie. Metodos: Para realizar la prueba de actividad citotóxica se prepararon suspensiones de sangre de los tipos A, B y O, que luego se mezclaron a diferentes concentraciones del extracto etanólico durante 1 (una) hora. La hemólisis se cuantificó mediante espectrofotometría a una longitud de onda de 540 nm. Resultados: El extracto etanólico de hojas de P. clematidea a diferentes concentraciones mostró baja citotoxicidad contra eritrocitos humanos in vitro, destacando el producto como una posible opción viable para la industria de la fitoterapia. Sin embargo, es importante aclarar que es necesario realizar más estudios in vivo para confirmar este perfil toxicológico del extracto.

Coumarin (2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one) act against planktonic and biofilm forms of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiellapneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

SUMMARY Introduction: biofilm-related infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are difficult to treat and few effective pharmacological options are currently available for this purpose. In this context, coumarin (2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one) has been reported to have antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, but this potential remains poorly understood. Aim: to investigate the action of coumarin on planktonic and biofilm forms of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. Results: a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of coumarin ranging from 256 to 1024 fig/mL was observed, with a remarkable ability to inhibit the formation of biofilms and to act on mature biofilms in concentrations close to MIC. Conclusion: coumarin has strong activity against planktonic and biofilm forms on the three species of great relevance in the clinical scenario. These results are interesting to enable a pharmacological alternative for the treatment of these infections.

Introducción: las infecciones relacionadas con la biopelícula causadas por Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae y Pseudomonas aeruginosa son difíciles de tratar y actualmente existen pocas opciones farmacológicas eficaces para este propósito. En este contexto, se ha informado que la cumarina (2H-1-Benzopiran-2-ona) tiene actividad antibacteriana y antibiofilm, pero este potencial sigue siendo poco conocido. Objetivo: investigar la acción de la cumarina sobre formas planctónicas y de biopelículas de S. aureus, K. pneumoniae y P. aeruginosa. Resultados: se observó una concentración inhibitoria mínima (CMI) de cumarina en el rango de 256 a 1024 µg/mL, con una notable capacidad para inhibir la formación de biofilms y actuar sobre biofilms maduros en concentraciones cercanas a la CMI. Conclusión: la cumarina tiene una fuerte actividad contra las formas planctónicas y biofilm sobre las tres especies de gran relevancia en el escenario clínico. Estos resultados son interesantes para habilitar una alternativa farmacológica para el tratamiento de estas infecciones.

Introdução: as infecções relacionadas ao biofilme causadas por Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa são difíceis de tratar e poucas opções farmacológicas eficazes estão disponíveis atualmente para esse propósito. Nesse contexto, foi relatado que a cumarina (2H-1-benzopirano-2-ona) tem atividade antibacteriana e antibiofilme, mas esse potencial permanece pouco conhecido. Objetivo: investigar a ação da cumarina sobre as formas planctónicas e de biofilme de S. aureus, K. pneumoniae e P. aeruginosa. Resultados: observou-se uma concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de cumarina variando de 256 a 1024 µg/mL, com notável capacidade de inibir a formação de biofilmes e de atuar sobre biofilmes maduros em concentrações próximas à CIM. Conclusão: a cumarina possui forte atividade contra as formas planctónicas e de biofilme sobre as três espécies de grande relevância no cenário clínico. Esses resultados são interessantes para possibilitar uma alternativa farmacológica para o tratamento dessas infecções.

Ethanol extract of Cissampelos sympodialis ameliorates lung tissue damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia. Chronic complications affect a number of organs, including the lungs. Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl (Menispermaceae) is a plant used to treat respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cissampelos sympodialis extract (CSE) in lungs of diabetic rats. We used 30 Wistar rats divided into three groups: control group (CG), diabetic group (DG) and diabetic Cissampelos sympodialis treatment group (DTG). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg i.v.). The CSE (400 mg/kg, po) was administered daily, during four weeks, beginning one week after the onset of DM. The treatment with CSE was not able to reduce blood glucose levels after streptozotocin injection. However, it was able to decrease cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent damage on pancreatic islets morphology. Additionally, morphological alterations such as alveolar septa loss, inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis were seen in lung tissue of rats with DM, and treatment with CSE apparently reversed these histopathological findings. Thus, CSE treatment reduced the lipid profile and restored the lung architecture of diabetic animals by a mechanism independent of glycemia and which might be associated with the reduction of the damage on the pancreatic islets.

Ultrastructural study of morphological changes in Schistosoma mansoni after in vitro exposure to the monoterpene rotundifolone

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, affects more than 200 million people worldwide, and its control is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel. Here, we report the in vitro effect of rotundifolone, a monoterpene isolated from Mentha x villosa (Lamiaceae), on Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. METHODS: The in vitro effect of rotundifolone on adult Schistosoma mansoni was evaluated by analysis of behavior and mortality and through a scanning electron microscopic analysis of ultrastructural changes in the tegument of the worms. RESULTS: At concentrations of 3.54 and 7.09μg/mL-1 rotundifolone, no worm mortality was observed at any of the sampling intervals. A minor reduction in movement of the tail, suckers, and gynecophoral canal membrane was observed after 96 h of exposure to 7.09μg/mL-1 rotundifolone. At 70.96μg/mL-1, a lack of movement was observed from 72h onwards and all worms were deemed dead; similar effects were observed at 48h with 177.4μg/mL-1, and at 24h with 354.8μg/mL-1 and 700.96μg/mL-1. Rotundifolone also caused death of all parasites and separation of coupled pairs into individual males and females after 24h at 354.8μg/mL-1. CONCLUSIONS: The main changes in the tegument induced by the different ROT treatments were: after 24h incubation, bubble lesions spread over the entire body and loss of tubercles occurred in some regions of the ventral region.

Cissampelos sympodialis has anti-viral effect inhibiting dengue non-structural viral protein-1 and pro-inflammatory mediators

ABSTRACT Dengue is the most important viral infection transmitted among humans by arthropod-borne. There are currently no vaccines or specific therapeutical treatment. Therefore, immunomodulatory compounds from plants have been widely examined for their antiviral effects. Cissampelos sympodialis Eichler, Menispermaceae, has scientifically proven to present immunomodulatory activities. Here we assessed the antiviral activity of leaf hydroalcoholic extract, warifteine or methylwarifteine from C. sympodialis in an in vitro dengue virus infection model. The results demonstrated that leaf hydroalcoholic extract or warifteine/methylwarifteine treatment did not reduce dengue virus-Ag+ hepatocyte (Huh-7 cell) rates in present experimental conditions. However, we assessed the potential antiviral effect of leaf hydroalcoholic extract or warifteine/methylwarifteine on dengue virus-infection by the production of inflammatory molecules, TNF-α, MIF, IL-8 and PGE2. Dengue virus infection enhanced TNF-α, MIF, IL-8 and PGE2 production in infected Huh-7 cells and leaf hydroalcoholic extract but not warifteine/methylwarifteine treatments, significantly reduced these molecules in infected cells. In dengue virus-infected Huh-7 cells, non-structural protein-1 is produced and leaf hydroalcoholic extract significantly inhibited it independently of alkaloids. Our findings imply that leaf hydroalcoholic extract may attenuate dengue virus infection in Huh-7 cells by inhibiting the enhanced of pro-inflammatory mediators and non-structural protein-1 production induce by dengue virus independently of warifteine/methywarifteine its major compound.

ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN Schistosoma mansoni MALE WORMS AFTER in vitro INCUBATION WITH THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF Mentha x villosa Huds

Introduction: The essential oil Mentha x villosa (MVEO) has a wide range of actions, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal and schistosomicidal actions. The present study aimed to investigate the ultrastructural changes of MVEO on the tegument of adult Schistosoma mansoni. Materials and Methods: Different concentrations of MVEO were tested on S. mansoni adult worms in vitro. Ultrastructural changes on the tegument of these adult worms were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: The MVEO caused the death of all worms at 500 μg mL-1 after 24 h. After 24h of 500 μg mL-1 MVEO treatment, bubble lesions were observed over the entire body of worms and they presented loss of tubercles in some regions of the ventral portion. In the evaluation by TEM, S. mansoni adult worms treated with MVEO, 500 μg mL-1, presented changes in the tegument and vacuoles in the syncytial matrix region. Glycogen granules close to the muscle fibers were visible. Conclusion: The ability of MVEO to cause extensive ultrastructural damage to S. mansoni adult worms correlates with its schistosomicidal effects and confirms earlier findings with S. mansoni.

Combined structure- and ligand-based virtual screening to evaluate caulerpin analogs with potential inhibitory activity against monoamine oxidase B

Abstract Natural marine products can help increase the quality of life in patients with neurological diseases. A large number of marine products act against Alzheimer's disease through varying pathways. According to structure- and ligand-based analyses, caulerpin, an alkaloid primarily isolated from the genus Caulerpa, possesses activity against monoamine oxidase B. To predict the activity of caulerpin, we employed Volsurf descriptors and the machine learning Random Forest algorithm in parallel with a structure-based methodology that included molecular docking. Using caulerpin as a lead compound, a database containing 108 analogs was evaluated, and nine were selected as active. The structures selected as active exhibited polar and non-polar substitutions on the caulerpin skeleton, which were relevant for their activity. Dragon consensus drug-like scoring was applied to identify the active analogs that might serve as good drug candidates, and the entire group presented satisfactory performance. These results indicate the possibility of using these analogs as potential leads against Alzheimer's disease.

Antinociceptive activity of Sargassum polyceratium and the isolation of its chemical components

Abstract Marine algae have been the focus of important studies over the past fifty years, with a considerable number of components important to chemists and taxonomists having been isolated and characterized. The scientific data available on Sargassum polyceratium are extremely limited. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of an ethanol extract of S. polyceratium and to isolate its components. Intraperitoneal treatment with ethanol extract of S. polyceratium reduced the number of acetic acid-induced writhes and the amount of time spent in paw-licking in the second phase of the formalin test. Ethanol extract of S. polyceratium also reduced the amount of time spent in paw-licking in the glutamate test; however, there was no difference in the reaction time in the hot plate test at any of the doses tested. The chemical components isolated from ethanol extract of S. polyceratium were identified using one- and two-dimensional spectroscopic methods such as infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The analytical results were also compared with data obtained in the literature. The following porphyrin derivatives were isolated from S. polyceratium: 132-hydroxy-(132-R)-pheophytin-a, 132-hydroxy-(132-S)-pheophytin-a, pheophytin-a, and the steroid fucosterol. The present results indicate that the ethanol extract of S. polyceratium has antinociceptive activity. In addition, four new substances were isolated from the species evaluated.

Anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts from Erythrina velutina and E. mulungu in mice

This work studied the anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) from Erythrina velutina Willd. (Ev) and E. mulungu Mart. ex Benth. (Em) in the carrageenan- and dextran-induced mice hind paw edema models. These medicinal plants belonging to the Fabaceae family are used in some Brazilian communities to treat pain, inflammation, insomnia and disorders of the central nervous system. In the present work, the extracts were administered orally in male mice at the doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg. In the carrageenan-induced test, only Em showed anti-inflammatory activity, decreasing the paw edema, at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. No effect was observed with Ev in this model. On the other hand, in the dextran model, Ev demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect, showing decrease of the paw edema at the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24th h. Em (200 or 400 mg/kg) presented anti-inflammatory effect at the 2, 3 and 4th h after administration of dextran, as compared to control. In conclusion, the work showed that Ev and Em present anti-edematous actions, which possibly occurs by distinct mechanisms. While Ev seems to interfere especially in inflammatory processes in which mast cells have an important role, Em exerts greater activity in the inflammatory process that depends mainly on polymorphonuclear leucocytes. However, further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism of action of the species investigated.

Xylodiol from Xylopia langsdorfiana induces apoptosis in HL60 cells

An atisane diterpene was isolated from Xylopia langsdorfiana St. Hilaire & Tulasne, Annonaceae, leaves, ent-atisane-7α,16α-diol (xylodiol). Preliminary study showed that xylodiol was cytotoxic and induced differentiation on human leukemia cell lines. However, the molecular mechanisms of xylodiol-mediated cytotoxicity have not been fully defined. Thus, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of xylodiol in human leukemia HL60 cell line. Xylodiol induced apoptosis and necrosis. HL60 cells treated with xylodiol showed biochemical changes characteristic of apoptosis, including caspases-8, -9 and -3 activation and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (∆ Ψm). However, there was a condensation rather than swelling of mitochondria. Moreover, the formation of condensed mitochondria and the loss of ∆ Ψm occurred downstream of caspase activation. Cyclosporine A did not protect HL60 cells from the cytotoxic effects of xylodiol, suggesting that the loss of ∆ Ψm is a late event in xylodiol-induced apoptosis. Oxidative stress was involved in xylodiol-induced apoptosis. Thus, we conclude that activated caspases cleave cellular proteins resulting in mitochondrial damage leading to mitochondrial condensation, loss of ∆ Ψm and ROS release from the mitochondria. ROS can further induce and maintain a collapse of ∆ Ψm leading to cellular damage through oxidation of lipids and proteins resulting in apoptotic cell death.

Flavanones from aerial parts of Cordia globosa (Jacq.) Kunth, Boraginaceae / Flavanonas isoladas das partes aéreas de Cordia globosa (Jacq.) Kunth (Boraginaceae)

The phytochemical analysis of aerial parts of Cordia globosa, collected in the Municipality of Picuí, State of Paraíba, Brazil, resulted in the isolation and structural identification of narigenin-4',7-dimethyl ether (0.025 g) and eriodictyol (0.015 g). These compounds are the first flavanones aglycones isolated from the genus Cordia.

A análise fitoquímica das partes aéreas de Cordia globosa, coletadas no município de Picuí, PB, Brasil, resultou no isolamento e identificação estrutural da 7,4'-dimetilnarigenina (0,025 g) e eriodictiol (0,015 g). Estas duas flavanonas são as primeiras agliconas, desta classe, isoladas no gênero Cordia.

Evidência de uma ação central exercida pela fração total de alcalóides de Chondrodendron Platyphyllum em camundongos / Evidence of a central activity exerted by total alkaloid fraction of Chondrodendron Platyphyllum in mice

Avaliar a atividade de Chondrodendronplatyphyllum sobre o sistema nervoso central. Material eMétodos: Realizou-se testes gerais para avaliar o efeito dafração total de alcalóides sobre o SNC. A FTA nas doses de100, 200 e 400 mg/kg foi administrada em camundongos porvia i.p e foi realizado uma triagem farmacológica experimental,na qual foi avaliada a mudança comportamental dosanimais. No teste da potencialização do tempo de sonobarbitúrico, o pentobarbital sódico (PTB) 40 mg/kg, via i.p.,foi administrado trinta minutos após da solução de FTA 200mg/kg e os parâmetros observados neste teste foram: latênciae tempo de sono. Também foi avaliada a coordenação motorados animais tratados com FTA 200 mg/kg, no teste do rotarod,foram considerados aptos os animais que permaneceramna barra giratório por 180s. Resultados: Os resultadosobtidos por meio da triagem farmacológica demonstram queesta fração possui uma atividade no sistema nervoso centrale que possivelmente esta atividade é depressora. Otratamento com a FTA não interferiu na latência e nem notempo de sono induzido pelo PTB. A FTA não tem nenhumefeito miorrelaxante e não interfere na coordenação motorados animais submetidos ao rota-rod. Conclusão: AChondrodendron platyphyllum exerce um efeito no SNC...

To evaluate the activity of Chondrodendronplatyphyllum on CNS. Material and Methods: Were performedgeneral tests to assess the effect of the TAF on the CNS.The TAF in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg / kg wasadministered to mice by intraperitoneal route and apharmacological screening trial was carried out, whichevaluated the behavioral change of the animals. In the test ofpotentiation of barbiturate sleeping time, sodium pentobarbital(PTB) 40 mg / kg, ip, was administered thirty minutes afterthe TAF solution of 200 mg / kg. The parameters observed inthis trial were: latency and sleep time. Were also evaluatedthe motor coordination of the animals treated with TAF 200mg / kg in the rota-rod test. The animals considered fit werethose which remained in the revolving bar for 180s. Results:The results obtained by pharmacological screening showedthat this fraction has an activity in the central nervous systemand possibly that this activity is depressing. The treatmentdid not interfere either with the TAF in latency or with the timeof sleep induced by PTB. The TAF has no myorelaxing effectand doesn’t interfere with motor coordination of the animalssubjected to rota-rod. Conclusion: Chondrodendronplatyphyllum exerts a depressant effect on CNS...

Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana e efeitos biológicos de riparinas sobre eliminação de resistência a drogas em amostras de Staphylococcus aureus / Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity and biological effect by riparins about elimination the resistance of drugs in samples of Staphylococcus aureus

Linhagens de Staphylococcus aureus (319U e 122U) de origem bovina com padrões de resistência plasmidial a drogas previamente conhecidos foram submetidas ao tratametno com três riparinas constituintes de Aniba riparia (Ness), Mez (Lauraceae), planta típica da região amazônica com atividade antimicrobiana comprovada contra S. aureus. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito dessas substâncias sobre a curva de morte bacteriana e sua influência sobre a eliminação de plamídeos de resistência a drogas. Os estudos foram realizados com éteres metilicos de N-benzoiltiramina (riparina I), N (2 hidroxibenzoil)-tiramina(riparina II) e N-(2,6 dihidroxibenzoil)-tiramina (riparina III), obtidos da A riparia. A riparina III apresentou atividade curagênica, eliminando marca de resistência para penicilina na linhagem 319U numa frequência de 61,7%. Nessa linhagem também foi evidenciada a perda da capacidade de expressar a enzima coagulase. A atividade antiplasmidial e a capacidade de modificar a expressão de fatores de virulência da riparina III mostram a importância desse estudo como contribuição para prevenção de linhagens de S, aureus multiresistentes, podendo aumentar a sensibilidade dessas linhagens a outros agentes antimicrobianos.

Plantas medicinais e seus constituintes bioativos: uma revisão da bioatividade e potenciais benefícios nos distúrbios da ansiedade em modelos animais: [revisão] / Medicinal plants and their bioactive constituents: a scientific review of bioactivity and potential benefits in the anxiety disorders in animal models: [revision]

A procura de novos agentes terapêuticos provenientes de plantas medicinais para doenças psiquiátricas tem progredido significativamente na última década. Isso reflete num grande número de preparações herbárias para as quais o potencial psicoterapêutico tem sido avaliado em diversos modelos animais. O intuito desta revisão é fornecer uma ampla visão das plantas medicinais que apresentam efeitos terapêuticos significantes em modelos animais de doenças psiquiátricas, especificamente os distúrbios da ansiedade. Um considerável número de constituintes herbários cujos efeitos comportamentais e ações farmacológicas têm sido bem caracterizados podem ser bons candidatos para futuras investigações que podem resultar em uso clínico, merecendo, portanto, uma maior atenção em estudos posteriores.

A search for novel pharmacotherapy from medicinal plants for psychiatric illnesses has progressed significantly in the past decade. This is reflected in the large number of herbal preparations for which psychotherapeutic potential has been evaluated in a variety of animal models. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of medicinal plants that have significant therapeutic effects in animal models of psychiatric illnesses, specifically anxiety disorders. A considerable number of herbal constituents whose behavioral effects and pharmacological actions have been well characterized may be good candidates for future investigations that may result in clinical use, thus deserving increased attention in future studies.

Survey of medicinal plants used in the region Northeast of Brazil / Levantamento das plantas medicinais usadas na região Nordeste do Brasil

Este trabalho teve como objetivo um levantamento das plantas e dos seus usos como medicinais, as quais são utilizadas com fins terapêuticos na região Nordeste do Brasil. A área de estudo é reconhecida por uma rica biodiversidade, principalmente de plantas e de hábitats, abrangendo desde a Floresta Amazônica, Floresta Atlântica, sistemas de mangues e dunas costeiras, até florestas secas e savanas. Como resultados, foram registrados um total de 650 espécies pertencentes a 407 gêneros e 111 famílias, e suas informações etnomedicinais. A diversidade florística é dominada por vegetais superiores e apenas cinco espécies das famílias Aspleniaceae, Cyatheaceae, Equisetaceae, Polypodiaceae e Selaginellaceae pertencem ao grupo das Pteridófitas, que corresconde a menos que 1 por cento do total das espécies registradas. Este estudo sugere a grande importância da investigação das espécies farmacologicamente ainda não estudadas, uma vez que seus usos populares estão registrados.

This work has the objective a survey of the species of plants and their uses as medicinal, which are utilized for therapeutic purposes in Northeast region of Brazil. The area of study is recognized by a rich diversity of species of plants and habitats that ranges from Rainforest, Atlantic Forest, coastal dunes systems and mangroves, to dry forests and savannas. As results, a total of 650 species belonging to 407 genera and 111 families were recorded and also their ethnomedicinal information. The floristic diversity is dominated by higher plants and only five species belonging to the families Aspleniaceae, Cyatheaceae, Equisetaceae, Polypodiaceae and Selaginellaceae were reported belonging to the Ferns group, which correspond to less than 1 percent of the total of the registered species. This study aims at emphasizing the greatest importance of investigation of those species that have not been subject of pharmacological study, although their popular uses have already been reported.

Synopsis of the plants known as medicinal and poisonous in Northeast of Brazil

The objetive of this work is a survey of the species of plants and their alleged therapeutic uses which are utilizedin Northeast region of Brazil. The area of this study is well known for itsrich diversityof species of plants and habitats, which range from rainforest, atlantic forest, coastal dunes systems and mangroves, to dry forest and savannas. A total of 483 species belonging to 79 families along with their ethnomedicinal information have been recorded. This study aims at emphasizing the greatest importance of investigating those species of plants which have not been the subject of any pharmacological study, although their popular uses have been reported.

"Sinopse das plantas conhecidas como medicinais e venenosas no Nordeste do Brasil". Este trabalho teve como objetivo um levantamento das plantas e dos seus usos como medicinais, às quais são utilizadas com fins terapêuticos na região nordeste do Brasil. A área de estudo é reconhecida por uma rica biodiversidade, principalmente de plantas e de habitates, abrangendo desde a Floresta Amazônica, Floresta Atlântica, sistemas de mangues e dunas costeiras, até florestas secas e savanas. Como resultados, foram registrados um total de 483 espécies pertencentes a 79 famílias e sua informações etnomedicinais. Este estudo sugere para a grande importância para a investigação das espécies farmacologicamente ainda não estudadas, uma vez que seus usos populares estão registrados.

Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana de riparinas sobre cepas de Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia Coli multirresistentes / Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity about multiresistents samples of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

As alcamidas naturais constituem uma classe especial de alcalóide contendo uma função amida restrita a poucos constituintes na natureza. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ação da estrutura/atividade antimicrobiana de amidas isoladas de Aniba riparia (Nees) Mez. Lauraceae (riparinas I, III e XIII), sobre cepas multirresistentes de Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli de origemhumana. Constatou-se neste estudo que as riparinas, apesar de suas diferenças estruturais, apresentaram atividades antimicrobianas semelhantes. No entanto, a riparina III (O-Metil-N-(2,6-dihidroxibenzoil)-Tiramina) foi a que apresentou maior potencial antimicrobiano.Todas as cepas de S. aureus, testadas, mostraram-se mais susceptíveis à ação das riparinas do que as cepas de E. coli.

Antimicrobial effectiveness of spices: an approach for use in food conservation systems

Tem sido constante e crescente a busca por alternativos e eficientes compostos para conservação de total ou parcial substituição de aditivos antimicrobianos químicos tem sido crescente. As especiarias oferecem uma promissora alternativa para a segurança microbiana de alimentos. A atividade inibitória das especiarias e seus produtos derivados sobre o crescimento de bactérias, leveduras, fungos filamentosos e síntese de toxinas microbianas tem sido bem relatada, desta forma as especiarias poderiam ser utilizadas na conservação de alimentos como principais ou co-adjuvantes compostos antimicrobianos com vistas em assegurar a produção de alimentos microbiologicamente estáveis.

Orégano (Origanum vulgare L., Lamiaceae): uma especiaria como potencial fonte de compostos antimicrobianos / Origanum (Origanum vulgare L., Lamiaceae): a spice as potential composite antimicrobial

A atual tendência adotada pelos órgãos legisladores da produção de alimentos e pelos consumidores, tem exigido uma progressiva retirada de aditivos químicos na produção de alimentos. Esta tendência tem conduzido a indústria de alimentos a buscar compostos alternativos para alcançar suas metas, relacionadas à estabilidade microbiana dos seus produtos finais à ação de microrganismos causadores de deterioração e/ou causadores de doenças veiculadas por alimentos. Dentre os vários novos compostos estudados, o orégano e seus produtos derivados como extratos de diferentes naturezas, óleo essencial e seus constituintes químicos, têm mostrado eficiência no combate do crescimento e sobrevivência de bactérias e fungos contaminantes de alimentos, bem como inibindo a produção de toxinas microbianas. Frente a esta proeminente propriedade antimicrobiana o orégano pode vir a representar potencial e importante fonte de compostos antimicrobianos viáveis de utilização em sistemas de conservação de alimentos.