Evaluation of the alcoholic extract of Dipteryx alata Vogel almonds and bark in skin wound healing in C57BL6 mice / [Avaliação do extrato alcoólico da casca e da semente da Dipteryx alata Vogel na cicatrização da pele de camundongos C57BL/6]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the topical application of alcoholic extracts of Dipteryx alata Vogel almonds and bark in skin wound healing in mice. Fifty-four C57BL/6 mice were equally distributed into three groups: Control, Almond, and Bark. A 9 mm skin fragment was resected from the dorsal region of the animals' thorax. The wounds were submitted to topical application of base cream (vehicle), 10% hydroalcoholic almond extract, or bark extract twice a day. Macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted on the 7th, 14th, and 21st postoperative days. No significant difference was observed regarding skin wound area among groups, with the parameter presenting only a temporal effect on healing (p>0.05). The almond and control groups exhibited more intense collagenization than the bark group (p<0.05). Dipteryx alata Vogel showed to be inert in the wound healing process in mice.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicação tópica do extrato alcoólico da semente e da casca da Dipteryx alata Vogel na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas, em camundongos. Um total de 54 camundongos C57BL/6 foram utilizados neste estudo, distribuídos em três grupos de 18 animais (controle, semente e casca). Em todos os animais, um fragmento de pele foi ressecado da região dorsal do tórax utilizando-se instrumento de punção de 9mm de diâmetro, após o qual foi realizada aplicação tópica de creme base (veículo), extrato hidroalcoólico 10% de semente ou casca, duas vezes ao dia. As avaliações macroscópica, histológica e imuno-histoquímica foram realizadas no sétimo, 14º e 21º dias de pós-operatório. Não foi observada diferença significativa quanto à área da ferida cutânea entre os grupos, apenas um efeito temporal na cicatrização (P>0,05), indicando estágio possivelmente mais avançado desse processo. Porém, na avaliação histológica, os grupos semente e controle apresentaram colagenização mais intensa que o grupo casca (P<0,05). Dipteryx alata Vogel mostrou-se inerte no processo de cicatrização de feridas em camundongos.(AU)

Pterocarpans and their biological activities: a review / 中国中药杂志

Pterocarpans, ubiquitous in Fabaceae, are protective active substances produced by the chemical defense system of plants. A total of 144 pterocarpans had been discovered before 2006. For the first time, we reported the 89 pterocarpans identified in 2006-2020. These pterocarpans not only demonstrate novel complex diversified genus-specific stereostructures but also display strong anti-microbial, anti-tumor, antioxidant, insecticidal, and anti-inflammatory activities. Through the projection of their biogenetic pathways and study of the pharmacological activities, the structure-activity correlation was further confirmed. The distribution of Leguminosae plants rich in pterocarpans has obvious regional characteristics. Therefore, the research and utilization of Leguminosae plant resources in China should be strengthened, and the popularity and application value of the geographical indicator plant resources should be improved. This paper serves as a reference for further research, development, and utilization of pterocarpans and their plant sources.

Insect galls associated with Copaifera sabulicola J.A.S Costa & L.P Queiroz (Fabaceae): Characterization and new records

ABSTRACT Among the plant diversity of the Cerrado, the genus Copaifera is commonly associated with galling insects. Here, we expand the knowledge about insect galls on Copaifera sabulicola J.A.S Costa & L.P. Queiroz (Fabaceae) by characterizing their occurrence in a stricto sensu vegetation area of the Brazilian Cerrado, Western Bahia, Brazil throughout the year. We randomly sampled 60 branches (50 cm long) from individuals of C. sabulicola, from April 2015 to March 2016. We found 11 morphotypes for C. sabulicola, of which 5 are new records. Further, we identified six gall-inducing insects, all belonging to Cecidomyiidae family. Regarding other arthropods associated with C. sabulicola, we observed inquilines, successors, and parasitoids, belonging to the orders Collembola, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Acari. The parasitoid fauna included three families of the order Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Encyrtidae and Eulophidae.

Inhibition of bakuchiol and its derivatives in Psoraleae Fructus on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cell lines / 中草药

Objective: To study bakuchiol and its derivatives of cyclohexane soluble part in 70% ethanol aqueous extract of Psoraleae Fructus and their inhibition on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-activated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell lines. Methods: The compounds were separated and purified by silica gel column and high performance liquid chromatographies, and their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analyses. Using LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cell line models in vitro, all of the isolated compounds were evaluated for the inhibition against NO production. Results: Twelve compounds were obtained and identified as bakuchiol (1), 12,13-dihydro-12,13-epoxybakuchiol (2), Δ3,2-hydroxylbakuchiol (3), 12-oxobakuchiol (4), psoracorylifol B (5), psoracorylifol C (6), (12’S)-bisbakuchiol C (7), Δ1,3-bakuchiol (8), 13-methoxyisobakuchiol (9), bisbakuchiol B (10), bisbakuchiol A (11), and 12,13-dihydro-12,13-dihydroxybakuchiol (12), respectively. For the inhibition of NO production in the LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cell line model, a positive inhibitor, L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine (L-NIL), was used and showed the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of (10.29 ± 1.10) μmol/L. The IC50 values of the assayed compounds 1, 3, 5, 10 and 11 were all more than 50 μmol/L, compounds 8, 9 and 12 were comparable to that of L-NIL, whereas the IC50 values of compounds 2, 4 and 7 were less than that of the positive inhibitor with statistically significance. Conclusion: Compound 4 is a new natural product. The results of the bioactivity assays indicated that compounds 2, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 12 are potential anti-inflammatory agents.

Complete plastid genome of Suriana maritima L. (Surianaceae) and its implications in phylogenetic reconstruction of Fabales

The present paper reports for the first time the characteristics of the complete plastid genome of Surianaceae (Suriana maritima L.) in the order Fabales. The circular complete plastid genome is 163,747 bp in length with a typical quadripartite organization containing 115 unique genes, of which 80 are protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes. The plastid genome of S. maritima is characterized by absence of intron in the atpF gene, which has never been reported for any other species of the Fabales. The gene content and their orders in the plastid genome of Surianaceae are similar to the basal lineages of the legume family (Cercidoideae, Detarioideae) and Quillajaceae, supporting a likely common ancestor for the three families. Phylogenetic analysis supported the sister relationship between Surianaceae and Leguminosae, with strongly supported by Bayesian method and moderately supported by likelihood method. The complete plastid genome of Surianaceae could provide potential benefit in resolving the long-standing unresolved interfamily relationships of Fabaleswhen a more comprehensive sampling from Polygalaceae and Leguminosae is available for future studies.

Crianza de Michaelus phoenissa (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) sobre Senna alata (Fabaceae) en Perú / Breeding of Michaelus phoenissa (Lepidoptera : Lycaenidae) on Senna alata (Fabaceae) in Peru

En la estación científica de Villa Carmen, situada cerca de Pillcopata, Cusco, Perú (S 12°53.687' - W 71°24.232', 533 m), encontramos orugas de Michaelus phoenissa (Hewitson, 1867) (Lycaenidae), consumiendo flores de Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae). La mayoría de las orugas se encontraban en el último estadio (entre 1 y 1.5 cm de longitud), no visibles a primera vista, ya que se alojaban en las flores no abiertas. La crianza permitió obtener cuatro adultos, dos hembras y dos machos y ningún parasitoide. Se compara las plantas hospederas de M. phoenissa con otras especies hospederas del genero de Michaelus Nicolay, 1979.

In Villa Carmen, a scientific station near Pillcopata, Cusco, Peru (S 12°53.687' - W 71°24.232', 533 m), we found caterpillars of Michaelus phoenissa (Hewitson, 1867) (Lycaenidae) consuming flowers of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae). The caterpillars were mostly last instars (between 1 and 1.5 cm in length). They were not visible at first sight because they lodged in unopened flowers. We reared two female and two male adults. None of the immature stages was parasitized. We compare the food plants of M. phoenissa with those of others species of Michaelus Nicolay, 1979.

Prenylated stilbenes and flavonoids from the leaves of Cajanus cajan / 中国天然药物

Three new prenylated stilbenes, named as cajanusins A-C (1-3), and one new natural product cajanusin D (4), along with six known derivatives (5-10) were isolated from the leaves of Cajanus cajan. Their structures were fully elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic methods and comparison with data in the reported literatures. The new compounds of 1 and 2 were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines.

Leaf morphoanatomy of "mororó" (Bauhinia and Schnella, Fabaceae)

Abstract Bauhinia L. and Schnella (Raddi.) Wund. are popularly known in Brazil as "mororó". The leaves and stem bark are used in folk medicine for various purposes, especially against diabetes. Morphoanatomical studies of the leaves of Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.) Steud., B. pentandra (Bong.) Steud., B. ungulata L. and Schnella outimouta (Aublet) Wund., tribe Cercidae, subtribe Bauhiniinae (Benth.) Walp., were carried out as subsidies to the quality control of their etnodrugs and their derivatives, as well as an additional support to their taxonomy. The morphological and anatomical studies employed traditional techniques of stereo- and light microscopy. All species showed bifoliate leaves, a dorsiventral mesophyll, epidermis with a papillose abaxial surface, anomocytic stomata at the level of the epidermis, and tector trichomes. Schnella outimouta showed leaf characters distinctive from the three species of Bauhinia: indument puberulous on the abaxial surface, leaves hypostomatic, midrib with two collateral bundles, and a cylindrical petiole. The species of Bauhinia have a sericeous-pubescent indument, amphistomatic leaves with boat-shaped glands, midrib with a single bundle, and a canaliculate petiole with lateral projections. Our results provide leaf morphological and anatomical parameters, useful to distinguish the four species studied, which support the quality control of its ethnodrugs.

Distribución conocida y potencial de dos taxa del género Mimosa (Leguminosae) endémicos de México / Present and potential distribution of two Mimosa (Leguminosae) taxa endemic to Mexico

Resumen Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa y M. luisana son endémicas de México y consideradas plantas multipropósito, ya que ofrecen diversos servicios a los ecosistemas y pobladores en donde se establecen. Además, son valoradas por su potencial como restauradoras de ambientes tropicales, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio fue modelar su distribución conocida y potencial. En el año 2014, se obtuvieron registros de dos bases de datos (CONABIO y MEXU); cada resgistro fue validado taxonómica, geográfica y estadísticamente, una vez validados, se obtuvo la distribución conocida y potencial para M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa (basada en 99 registros) y M. luisana (basada en 50 registros), utilizando el algoritmo MAXENT. La distribución conocida de ambos taxa se sobreposicionó en las capas de: elevación, clima, suelo, provincias biogeográficas y cuencas hidrológicas. Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa presenta amplia distribución en México (16 estados); mientras que M. luisana se encuentra restringida a los estados de Puebla y Oaxaca. M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa se establece entre 1 900 y 2 700 msnm y M. luisana entre 500 y 1 760 msnm. Ambas se encuentran en climas áridos y semiáridos; sin embargo, M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa también se puede encontrar en climas templados y mésicos. Asimismo, ambos taxa se distribuyen en suelos de tipo regosol calcárico; aunque, M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpatambién está en regosol éutrico, vertisol crómico y feozem háplico. La distribución de M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa abarca ocho provincias biogeográficas y tres cuencas hidrológicas; mientras que M. luisana se localiza en tres provincias y dos cuencas; ambas coinciden en las provincias del Eje Volcánico y la Sierra Madre del Sur. Los modelos de distribución potencial se consideran excelentes, ya que poseen un AUC de 0.91 y 0.97, respectivamente. Los modelos indican que las condiciones de temperatura y precipitación son propicias para que ambos taxa pudieran ampliar su distribución. Igualmente, los modelos generados pueden considerarse como una aproximación al conocimiento de la distribución potencial de las mimosas mexicanas. Aunque, es importante considerar que los modelos son estáticos y no consideran a las interacciones bióticas, por lo que su relación con la realidad puede variar; por lo que se recomienda analizar los modelos mediante diferentes escenarios de cambio climático y de uso de suelo.

Abstract Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa and M. luisana are endemic to Mexico, and are considered as multipurpose plants, due to the diverse services they offer to ecosystems and to local people. Additionally, they are appreciated for their potential to restore tropical environments; hence, the objective of this study was to model the present and potential distribution of these taxa. In 2014, species registers were obtained from two databases (CONABIO and MEXU); each register was taxonomically, geographically and statistically validated. Once validated, the present and potential distribution of M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa (based on 99 registers) and M. luisana (based on 50 registers) were obtained using the MAXENT algorithm. For both taxa, the present distribution was overlapped using the layers of: elevation, climate, soil, biogeographic provinces, and hydrologic basins. Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa showed a wide distribution in Mexico (16 states); whilst M. luisana was restricted to the states of Puebla and Oaxaca. M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa establishes between 1 900 and 2 700 masl, and M. luisana between 500 and 1 760 masl. Both species were established in arid and semiarid climates; however, M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa can also be found in temperate and mesic climates. Moreover, both taxa are distributed in calcareous regosol soils; although, M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa is also found in eutric regosol, chromic vertisol and haplic phaeozem. The distribution of M. aculeaticarpa var. aculeaticarpa includes eight biogeographic provinces and three hydrologic basins; whilst M. luisana was only located in three provinces and two hydrologic basins; both are present in the Eje Volcánico and Sierra Madre del Sur provinces. The potential distribution models are considered as excellent ones due to an AUC of 0.91 and 0.97, respectively; these models indicated that the temperature and precipitation conditions would be suitable for the enlargement of their distribution. Likewise, these models can be considered an approach to the potential distribution knowlegment of the Mexican mimosas. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the models are static and do not take into account any biotic interaction; therefore, their relationship with reality can vary. Thus, it is recommended to analyze the models through different climate change and land use scenarios. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(1): 321-335. Epub 2018 March 01.

Anti-inflammatory activity and chemical analysis of extracts from Trifolium riograndense

Abstract Aiming to investigate new therapeutic agents with fewer side effects, the number of studies about natural products has increased. Phenolic compounds comprise a well-studied class of abundant plant-derived compounds, whose anti-inflammatory activity has been described. Isoflavones are phenolic compounds that occur mainly in the Leguminosae family, and can be found in many species, such as Trifolium riograndense Burkart, Leguminosae (clover). In this study an HPLC method was used to determine and quantify four isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, formononetin, and biochanin A) in hydrolyzed leaf, flower, stolon, and root extracts of T. riograndense. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using the rat paw edema method and in vitro chemotaxis model with a dry extract from the leaves, which had the highest amount of isoflavones. The major isoflavone found in all parts of the plant was formononetin. The chemotaxis assay revealed that the different concentrations (0.2-50 µg/ml) of the dry extract significantly inhibited neutrophil migration in a concentration-dependent manner (more than 90%). In the rat paw edema test, oral administration of clover extract 100 mg/kg was able to significantly inhibit the edema formation induced by carrageenan. In conclusion, chemical analyses showed that Trifolium riograndense is a plant rich in isoflavones and a new interesting option as isoflavone source. The results of the biological tests taken together show that the extract of T. riograndense has anti-inflammatory effect in rodents.

Spontaneous poisoning by Prosopis juliflora (Leguminosae) in sheep / Intoxicação espontânea por Prosopis juliflora (Leguminosae) em ovinos

The aim of this paper is to describe the first report of spontaneous poisoning by Prosopis juliflora in sheep. From flock of 500 sheep at risk, four adult male sheep were affected. One died spontaneously and three other were examined, euthanized and necropsied. Neurologic examination focused particularly on motor and sensory-cranial nerve function, complete blood counts, serum biochemistry and urinalysis were done. The evolution of the disease was chronic and to present signs of poisoning, sheep had to ingest a diet containing at least 80% of P. juliflora pods during 21 months. The biochemistry revealed a substantial increase in creatine phosphokinase levels. Clinical signs included drooling of saliva, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion and loss of food from the mouth. Gross and histological lesions were similar to those previously reported in cattle and goats. Sheep are more resistant to poisoning by P. juliflora considering that it took 21 months of pod consumption to show clinical signs. There is no specific treatment for P. juliflora poisoning in ruminants.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever o primeiro caso de intoxicação espontânea por Prosopis juliflora em ovinos. De um total de 500 ovinos sob risco, quatro ovinos machos adultos foram afetados. Um ovino morreu espontaneamente e os outros foram examinados, eutanasiados e necropsiados. Realizaram-se exames clínicos direcionados particularmente para funções de nervos motores e sensoriais-craniais. Avaliou-se hemograma, perfil bioquímico sérico e urinálise. A evolução da doença foi crônica e para apresentar sinais de intoxicação os ovinos tiveram que ingerir uma dieta contendo 80% das vagens de P. Juliflora durante 21 meses. Os níveis de creatinofosfoquinase estavam significativamente elevados. Os sinais clínicos consistiram em sialorreia, mandíbula pendulosa, protusão da língua e perda de alimento pela boca. As lesões macroscópicas e microscópicas foram similares àquelas reportadas previamente em bovinos e caprinos. Ovinos são mais resistentes à intoxicação por P. Juliflora, tendo em vista que foi necessário 21 meses de consumo das vagens para que os ovinos apresentassem sinais clínicos. Não há tratamento específico para a intoxicação por P. Juliflora em ruminantes.(AU)

Does thermal time for germination vary among populations of a tree legume (Peltophorum dubium)? / O tempo térmico para germinação varia entre populações de uma leguminosa arbórea (Peltophorum dubium)?

Abstract Few works report the use of degree-days (DD) – used in crops to predict events and schedule management activities – to describe the germination of tropical trees. The cardinal temperatures (base, optimum and ceiling temperature) for germination of the species may vary depending on the seed provenance. Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub. is an early successional leguminous tree widely distributed in South America, often occurring as cultivated or naturalized trees, thus considered to be a good example for testing DD model in tree species. The main objective of this study was to describe the seed germination response of different populations of P. dubium as function of DD accumulation during germination assays in semi-controlled (fluctuating temperatures) conditions. Germination assays with manually scarified seeds sown in aluminum sheet trays filled with a composed substrate were performed under greenhouse conditions at different times. Three methods were employed in order to describe the accumulation of thermal time throughout the assays and, considering the seed lot and sowing time, a trapezoid area method was relatively more effective in describing the germination. The germination curves of P. dubium seeds from different populations, expressed in degree-days estimated directly from temperature records schedules, tend to be more clustered suggesting little variation among thermal time requirements in different seed provenances. Otherwise, the thermal time requirement can vary depending on the time of sowing, and any increase in DD requirement when the assays were performed under higher mean temperatures can be related to a thermal effect on the germination of scarified seeds.

Resumo O uso de graus-dia – utilizado em espécies cultivadas para predizer eventos e planejar ações de manejo – é reportado em poucos trabalhos para descrever a germinação de árvores tropicais. As temperaturas cardeais (base, ótima e teto) para germinação de uma espécie pode variar de acordo com a procedência das sementes. Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub. é uma leguminosa arbórea de sucessão inicial amplamente distribuída na América do Sul, podendo ocorrer como espécie cultivada ou naturalizada, sendo considerada um bom exemplo para testar modelos de graus-dia em espécie arbórea. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a resposta da germinação das sementes de diferentes populações de P. dubium como função do acúmulo de graus-dia durante ensaios em condições semi-controladas (flutuação térmica). Testes de germinação com sementes escarificadas manualmente e semeadas em bandejas de alumínio contendo substrato foram realizados sob condições de casa de vegetação em diferentes épocas do ano. Três métodos foram utilizados para descrever o acúmulo de tempo térmico nos ensaios e, considerando o lote das sementes e a época da semeadura, o método da área do trapézio foi relativamente mais eficaz em descrever a germinação. As curvas de germinação de sementes de P. dubium provenientes de diferentes populações, expressas em graus-dia estimados diretamente por meio do registro programado das temperaturas, tendem a ser mais agrupadas sugerindo pouca variação no requerimento de tempo térmico entre as diferentes procedências das sementes. Por outro lado, o requisito de tempo térmico pode variar de acordo com a época de semeadura e um incremento nos graus-dia exigidos quando os ensaios foram realizados sob temperaturas médias mais elevadas pode estar relacionado e um efeito térmico na germinação de sementes escarificadas.

Chemical Components from the Stems of Pueraria lobata and Their Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity

Phytochemical investigation of the stems of Pueraria lobata (Wild) Ohwi (Leguminosae), led to the isolation of eighteen known compounds: β-amyrone (1), (+)-pinoresinol (2), (+)-syringaresinol (3) (+)-syringaresinol-O-β-D-glucoside (4), (+)-lariciresinol (5), (-)-tuberosin (6), naringenin (7), liquiritigenin (8), isoliquiritigenin (9) genistein (10), daidzein (11) daidzin (12) daidzein 4',7-diglucoside (13) 2,4,4'-trihydroxy deoxybenzoin (14), S-(+)-1-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxy-2-methoxy-phenyl)propan-2-one (15), methyl 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosylbenzoate (16), pyromeconic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside 6'-(O-4''-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate) (17), and allantion (18). The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated from spectroscopic data and by comparison of those data with previously published results. The effects of isolated compounds on mushroom tyrosinase enzymatic activity were screened. The results indicated that, chloroform extract of P. lobata stems turned out to be having tyrosinase inhibitory effect, and only compounds 5, 8, 9, and 11 showed enzyme inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 21.49 ± 4.44, 25.24 ± 6.79, 4.85 ± 2.29, and 17.50 ± 1.29 µM, respectively, in comparison with these of positive control, kojic acid (IC₅₀ 12.28 ± 2.72 µM). The results suggest that P. lobata stems extract as well as its chemical components may represent as potential candidates for tyrosinase inhibitors.

Chemical Constituents from Roots of Millettia speciosa / 中草药·英文版

Objective To study the chemical constituents from the roots of Millettia speciosa. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and ODS column chromatography. The structures were identified by means of spectral data. Results Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as naringenin (1), liquiritigenin (2), garbanzol (3), 7-hydroxy-6,4′- dimethoxyisoflavone (4), calycosin (5), 2′,5′,7-trihydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavone (6), 2′-hydroxybiochanin A (7), 6-methoxycalopogonium isoflavone A (8), demethylmedicarpin (9), 4,4′-dihydroxy-2′-methoxychalcone (10), 2′,4′-dihydroxy-4-methoxychalcone (11), rhododendrol (12), secoisolariciresinol (13), bisdihydrosiringenin (14), and polystachyol (15). Conclusion All compounds are obtained from this plant for the first time.

Germinação de sementes e emergência de plântulas de jutaí (Hymenaea parvifolia Huber. ) / Seed germination and emergence of jutai (Hymenaea parvifolia Huber. ) seedlings

RESUMO O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a influencia do tamanho e da temperatura na germinação das sementes, assim como, da posição de escarificação do tegumento e a profundidade de semeadura na emergência de plântulas de jutaí. As sementes foram separadas em três grupos: sementes pequenas, médias e grandes. A germinação das sementes foram realizadas nas temperaturas de 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 e 45 °C e com fotoperíodo de 12 horas. As sementes escarificadas foram colocadas para germinar em 0, 2, 4 e 6 cm de profundidade de semeadura. As sementes médias e grandes apresentaram maiores porcentagens e índices de velocidade de germinação. A faixa de temperatura ótima de germinação está entre 25 e 35°C. A escarificação no hilo da semente ou não é adequada para quebra de dormência de sementes de jutaí. Profundidades de semeadura iguais ou superiores a 4 cm são inadequadas para a emergência de plântulas de jutaí.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of seed size and temperature on seed germination, as well as the scarification position of the tegument and sowing depth on the emergence of jutai seedlings. The seeds were separated into three groups: large, medium and small. The temperatures to which the seeds were subjected for germination were 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45°C under a photoperiod of 12 hours. The scarified seeds were placed to germinate at depths of 0, 2, 4, and 6 cm. Seed germination was affected by seed size (large and medium seeds). The optimum temperature range was found to be between 25 and 35°C. The scarification in the hilum or the tegument was enough to break the dormancy of the jutai seeds. Sowing depths equal to or deeper than 4 cm were found to be inadequate for the emergence of jutai seedlings.

Total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant activity of lima beans conserved in a Brazilian Genebank / Fenólicos, flavonoides, taninos totais e atividade antioxidante de fava conservada em banco de germoplasma

The objective of this study was to characterize for the first time polyphenols and DPPH (2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl radical) antioxidant activity in commonly cultivated accessions of Phaseolus lunatus from an ex situ germplasm collection maintained by Embrapa, in Brazil. Furthermore, the study aimed to detect changes in total polyphenols, total flavonoids and condensed tannin for the same accessions after regeneration in a greenhouse. The results showed the diversity of the lima bean collection for phenolic compounds, which were strongly correlated with antioxidant activity. Lima beans accessions with the highest polyphenols and antioxidant activity were those with colored seeds. Conservation through cold storage of P. lunatus seeds in a cold chamber in the germplasm collection did not necessarily affect phenolic compounds. Variations observed in values after regeneration seeds may be mainly results of biotic and abiotic factors, including not only cultivar, but also environmental conditions. This study suggests that polyphenols in the lima beans present antioxidant activity, with possible beneficial effects for human health. It was expected that the potential of this tasty legume can be also used as a functional food crop and/or as a new ingredient in gastronomy.

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar, pela primeira vez, os polifenois totais e a atividade antioxidante por DPPH (2- difenil-1- picryhydrazyl radical) em acessos cultivados de Phaseolus lunatus L., provenientes de uma coleção de germoplasma mantida pela Embrapa, no Brasil, e detectar mudanças nos teores de polifenóis totais, flavonoides e taninos condensados, após a regeneração dos acessos em casa de vegetação. Os resultados mostraram a diversidade da coleção de fava para compostos fenólicos, que foram fortemente correlacionados com a atividade antioxidante. Os acessos de fava com os teores mais elevados de polifenóis e de atividade antioxidante foram aqueles com sementes coloridas. A conservação das sementes de P. lunatus na câmara fria da coleção de germoplasma não afetou, necessariamente, os polifenois, sendo que as variações após a regeneração das sementes parecem resultar principalmente de fatores bióticos e abióticos, incluindo não apenas cultivar, mas também condições ambientais. Este estudo sugeriu que os polifenóis da fava apresentam atividade antioxidante, com possíveis efeitos benéficos para a saúde humana. Esperamos que o potencial deste apetitoso legume também possa ser aplicado como alimento funcional e/ou como um novo ingrediente na gastronomia.

Evaluation of in vitro biological properties of Senna occidentalis (L) Link / Avaliação in vitro de propriedades biológicas de Senna occidentalis (L) Link

Senna species have been widely used by American, African and Indian ethic groups mainly in the treatment of feebleness, constipation, liver disorders and skin infections. Senna occidentalis (L.) Link is a perennial shrub native to South America and indigenous to tropical regions throughout the world. Current study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from S. occidentalis prepared from different parts of the plant. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against standard pharmaceutical microorganisms by spectrophotometry and microdilution technique. Escherichia coli was sensitive only to compounds extracted from seeds which may be proteinaceous. A broader antimicrobial spectrum was demonstrated by the hydroalcoholic extract of seeds, mostly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The in vitro toxicity using mouse fibroblasts indicated that the extract might be a biocompatible ingredient for topical formulations, while the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts demonstrated to be potentially cytotoxic.

Espécies de Senna são amplamente utilizadas por tribos americanas, africanas e indianas, principalmente para tratar a fraqueza, a constipação, as desordens do fígado e também em preparações tópicas para infecções de pele. A Senna occidentalis (L.) Link é um arbusto perene nativo da América do Sul encontrado em regiões tropicais. Este trabalho avaliou a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos de diferentes partes da planta. A atividade antimicrobiana foi estabelecida frente aos microrganismos padrões farmacêuticos por espectrofotometria e técnica de microdiluição. A Escherichia coli apresentou sensibilidade apenas a componentes extraídos das sementes, os quais podem ser de natureza proteica. O espectro mais amplo de atividade antimicrobiana foi obtido com o extrato hidroalcoólico das sementes, principalmente contra Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A toxicidade in vitro utilizando fibroblastos de camundongo indicou que este extrato pode ser um ingrediente biocompatível para formulações de uso tópico. Já o extrato hidroalcoólico de partes aéreas demonstrou ser potencialmente citotóxico.

A new compound of isoflavanones from fruits of Psoralea corylifolia and its cytotoxicity / 中草药

Objective: For the purpose of finding new bioactive agents from Chinese herbal medicine, the chemical study on Psoralea corylifolia was carried out. Methods: The chemical constituents in the fruits of P. corylifolia were isolated by silica gel, MCI-GEL resin, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The structures of compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Results: A new isoflavanone, 3R-6-hydroxy-8-(hydroxymethyl)-4',7-dimethoxy-dihydrogenisoflavone (1) was isolated from the fruit of P. corylifolia. Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new compound named corylisoflavone A, which displays the cytotoxicity against NB4, SH-SY5Y, PC3, A549, and MCF7 cells with IC50 values of 12.6, 5.3, 15.5, 4.8, and 11.2 μmol/L, respectively.

Chemical constituents of Gleditsiae Spina and their antitumor activity / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents from Gleditsiae Spina (the thorns of Gleditsia sinensis) and their antitumor activitives. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by the chromatography on repeated silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column, semi-preparative HPLC, etc. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS spectroscopic data analyses; The cytotoxicity of compounds 1-4 and 6 was evaluated against human liver cancer SK-HEP-1 cells by MTT assay. Results: Twelve compounds were isolated from Gleditsiae Spina, and identified as 2-aminoimidazole (1), 2,3-dihydro-5-(2-formylvinyl)-7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-benzofuranmethanol (2), E-cinnamic acid (3), 3-O-trans-feruloylquinic acid (4), trans-caffeic acid (5), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzamide (6), threo-guaiacylglycerol-β-coniferyl aldehyde ether (7), 5,7-dihydroxy-chromone (8), vanillic acid (9), protocatechuic acid (10), 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (11), and 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid ethyl ester (12); Compound 1 exhibited the potent cytotoxicity against SK-HEP-1 cells with IC50 value of 34.47 μg/mL. Conclusion: All the compounds except compound 5 are isolated from the plants of Gleditsia L. for the first time; Compound 1 shows significant cytotoxic activity against SK-HEP-1 cells.

Anti-ulcer actviity of leguminosae plants / Atividade anti-úlcera de plantas leguminosas

Context Ulcer is the most common gastrointestinal disturbance resulting from an inadequate gastric mucosal defense. Several drugs are available in the market to address the disease; however, these drugs are associated with unnecessary side effects. Objectives Previous research have confirmed the efficacy of plant extracts for possible treatment of the disease. This research aims to evaluate the anti-ulcer properties of medicinal plants. Methods Methanol extracts from the leaves of Intsia bijuga, Cynometra ramiflora, Tamarindus indica, Cassia javanica, Cassia fistula, Bauhini purpurea, Senna spectabilis, Senna siamea and Saraca thaipingensis were evaluated for their anti-ulcer activity using HCl-ethanol as ulcerogen. Results All extracts showed inhibitory activity with I. bijuga, T. indica, S. spectabilis and S. thaipingensis exhibiting more than 50% inhibition. S. thaipingensis showed the highest activity at 80%. S. spectabilis and S. thaipingensis were partitioned further into hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. The aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions of S. spectabilis showed significant increased in its activity while the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of S. thaipingensis gave higher activity than its aqueous portions. Conclusions We conclude that plant extracts are potential sources of new anti-ulcer agents. .

Contexto A úlcera é o distúrbio gastrointestinal mais comum que resulta de uma inadequada defesa da mucosa gástrica. Vários medicamentos estão disponíveis no mercado para tratar a doença, no entanto, estas drogas podem se associar a efeitos colaterais desnecessários. Objetivos Pesquisas anteriores confirmaram a eficácia de extratos de plantas como possível tratamento da doença. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar as propriedades anti-úlcera de plantas medicinais. Métodos Extratos alcoólicos das folhas da Intsia bijuga, Cynometra ramiflora, Tamarindus indica, Cassia javanica, Cassia fistula, Bauhini purpurea, Senna spectabilis, Senna siamea e Saraca thaipingensis foram avaliados pela sua atividade anti-úlcera usando o HCl-etanol como ulcerogênico. Resultados Todos os extratos apresentaram atividade inibitória; I.bijuga, T. Índica, S. spectabilis e S. thaipingensis mostraram mais de 50% de inibição. A S. thaipingensis mostrou a maior atividade, atingindo 80%. S. spectabilis e S. thaipingensis foram divididos mais em hexano, acetato de etila e frações aquosas. As frações aquosas e acetato de etila de S. spectabilis mostraram aumento significativo em sua atividade, enquanto que as frações hexano e acetato de etila de S. thaipingensis resultaram em maior atividade do que em partes aquosas. Conclusões Pode-se concluir que os extratos vegetais são fontes potenciais de novos agentes anti-úlcera. .