Effects of Cinnamomum cassia extract on oxidative stress, immunreactivity of iNOS and impaired thoracic aortic reactivity induced by type II diabetes in rats

Type II diabetes is known to cause neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. However, cardiovascular disorders associated with diabetes have been ignored. In traditional medicine, cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) bark has been used for its abilities to relieve fever, inflammation and chronic bronchitis. In the present study, the effect of Cinnamomum cassia extract (CN) on the thoracic aorta in an experimental type II diabetes model was investigated. In rats administered with nicotinamide + streptozotocin, significant endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress were characterised by increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and decreased insulin/proinsulin levels. This impairment was prevented by administering 1000 mg/kg metformin or 500-1000-1500 mg/kg CN. CN administration attenuated the inflammatory response by decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO) and increasing Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH). In addition, CN administration was shown to cause down-regulating effects on iNOS in thoracic aorta. These findings reveal that CN could prevent chronic complications of experimentally induced type II diabetes by attenuating inflammation, oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, and normalised contraction and relaxion responses in the thoracic aorta.

Triagem fitoquímica e avaliação da atividade antibacteriana de extratos das flores de Sambucus nigra L. (Caprifoliaceae) / Phytochemical screening and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Sambucus nigra L. flower extracts (Caprifoliaceae)

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a triagem fitoquímica e avaliar a atividade antibacteriana de extratos das flores de Sambucus nigraL. Os extratos; aquoso (10 %), etanólico (5 %) e Acetato de etila (5 %) foram submetidos a testes colorimétricos para triagem fitoquímica e a avaliação da atividade antibacteriana foi realizada pelo método de disco-difusão em ágar. Os resultados mostraram que nas concentrações de 6 e 12 mg o extrato aquoso apresentou halos significativos de inibição para Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Streptococcus pyogenes, porém, quando comparado aos medicamentos usados como referência a atividade não foi satisfatória, e, ainda, evidenciou a ausência de inibição para todas as cepas testadas com o aumento da concentração para 18 e 24 mg. A análise da triagem fitoquímica evidenciou a presença de flavonoides com intensa reação de cor no extrato aquoso e etanólico, e de fraca intensidade no extrato acetato de etila. Nos mesmos extratos, pelos testes realizados, não foram detectados taninos, saponinas, antraquinonas e alcaloides. Concluiu-se que o extrato aquoso apresentou melhor efeito inibitório para Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Streptococcus pyogenes, porém insuficiente para promover a inativação eficiente quando comparado aos controles.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to perform a phytochemical screening and to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the extracts of Sambucusnigra L. flowers. The aqueous (10%), ethanolic (5%) and ethyl acetate (5%) extracts were subjected to colorimetric tests for phytochemical screening and the antibacterial activity evaluation was performed by the disk-diffusion method in agar. The results showed that in the 6 and 12 mg concentrations the aqueous extract presented significant inhibition halos for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes, but when compared with the medicines used as a reference, the activity was not satisfactory and, besides, it indicated the absence of inhibition for all the tested strains with the concentration increase of 18 and 24mg. The phytochemical screening analysis showed the presence of flavonoids with intense color reaction in the aqueous and ethanol extracts, and of low intensity in the ethyl acetate sample. In the same extracts, the tests did not detect tannins, saponins, alkaloids and anthraquinones. It was concluded that the aqueous extract showed better inhibitory effect on the Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes, but not enough to promote an effective inactivation when compared with the medicine tests.

Avaliação da qualidade de amostras de plantas medicinais comercializadas no Brasil / Quality assessment of samples of medicinal plants marketed in Brazil

Apart from constituting the raw material used to manufacture phytomedicines, plant drugs are commonly used by people as a therapeutic resource. Thus, the market in plant natural products has become an attractive target for investments of pharmaceutical companies. The aim of this study was to test the quality of commercial plant drugs in Brazil, employing simple and low-cost methods. Anatomical and microchemical tests were performed on commercial samples of "centela" (Asian pennywort or centella), "chá verde" (green tea) and "espinheira santa", to assess their quality and check their identity. The anatomical study revealed that all 3 samples of centella consisted of Centella asiatica leaves, but some were poorly conserved. The majority of contaminants consisted of other parts of C. asiatica, leaves of Poaceae and other species, and unidentified stalks. Two samples of green tea revealed leaves of the correct species (Camellia sinensis), with twigs of the same as contaminants, while the third consisted mainly of Ilex paraguariensis (mate tea) with some Bambusoideae (Poaceae) leaves. One of the 3 samples of "espinheira santa" contained Sorocea bonplandii leaves (cincho), and the others revealed leaves and stem fragments of Maytenus ilicifolia. The 3 samples of centella showed triterpene saponins. All samples of "green tea" revealed methylxanthines, but only those with C. sinensishad flavonoids. The samples of "espinheira santa" showed condensed tannins. Thus, the proposed analytical methods provided complementary results, which may be applied to quality control of plant drugs...

Drogas vegetais constituem uma das matérias-primas utilizadas na fabricação de fitoterápicos, além de serem largamente utilizadas pela população como recurso terapêutico. O mercado de produtos derivados de matéria-prima vegetal, com isso, se tornou alvo de investimentos de empresas do setor farmacêutico. O presente trabalho objetivou verificar a qualidade de drogas vegetais comercializadas no mercado brasileiro, utilizando-se conjuntamente métodos de análise simples e de baixo custo.Para tanto , foram usadas amostras de "centela", "chá verde" e "espinheira santa", obtidas em estabelecimentos comerciais, sendo sua identidade e qualidade avaliadas por meio de análises anatômicas e microquímicas. O estudo anatômico demonstrou que as três amostras de centela continham Centella asiatica, estando algumas em mau estado de conservação. Os contaminantes desta amostra eram principalmente outras partes do corpo vegetativo de C. asiatica, além de folhas de Poaceae e de outras espécies vegetais. Duas amostras de chá verde foram identificadas como Camellia sinensis e apresentavam caules da mesma espécie como contaminantes. A terceira amostra de chá verde era constituída por Ilex paraguariensis, sendo que folhas de Bambusoideae (Poaceae) também foram encontradas. Uma das amostras de espinheira santa era constituída de Sorocea bonplandii. As demais continham folhas e fragmentos de caule de Maytenus ilicifolia. As três amostras de centela apresentaram saponinas triterpênicas. Todas as amostras de chá verde possuíam metilxantinas. Dessas, apenas aquelas constituídas por C. sinensis demonstraram a presença de flavonoides. As amostras de espinheira-santa apresentaram taninos condensados. Desse modo, as metodologias propostas forneceram resultados complementares que podem ser empregados no controle de qualidade de drogas vegetais...

Evaluation of attimicrobial and cytotoxic activties of plant extracts from souuthern minas gerais cerrado / Avaliacao das atividades antimicrobiana e citotoxica de extratos de plantas do Cerrado do Sul de Minas Gerais

The antimicrobial activity of plant hidroethanolic extracts on bacteria Gram positive, Gram negative, yeasts, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 and Mycobacterium bovis was evaluated by using the technique of Agar diffusion and microdilution in broth. Among the extracts evaluated by Agar diffusion, the extract of Bidens pilosa leaf presented the most expressive average of haloes of growth inhibition to the microorganisms, followed by the extract of B. pilosa flower, of Eugenia pyriformis' leaf and seed, of Plinia cauliflora leaf which statistically presented the same average of haloes inhibitory formation on bacteria Gram positive, Gram negative and yeasts. The extracts of Heliconia rostrata did not present activity. Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 and Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) appeared resistant to all the extracts. The susceptibility profile of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungi were compared to one another and to the Gram positive Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis and the Gram negative Salmonella typhimurium bacteria (p > 0.05). The evaluation of cytotoxicity was carried out on C6-36 larvae cells of the Aedes albopictus mosquito. The extracts of stem and flower of Heliconia rostrata, leaf and stem of Plinia cauliflora, seed of Anonna crassiflora and stem, flower and root of B. pilosa did not present toxicity in the analyzed concentrations. The highest rates of selectivity appeared in the extracts of stem of A. crassiflora and flower of B. pilosa to Staphylococcus aureus, presenting potential for future studies about a new drug development.

Foi avaliada a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos hidroetanólicos de plantas sobre bactérias Gram positiva, Gram negativa, leveduras, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 e Mycobacterium bovis pela técnica de difusão em Agar e microdiluição em caldo. Dentre os extratos avaliados pelo método de difusão em Agar, o extrato da folha de Bidens pilosa apresentou a mais expressiva média de halos de inibição de crescimento frente aos microrganismos, seguido pelo extrato da flor de B. pilosa, da folha e semente de Eugenia pyriformis, da folha de Plinia cauliflora que apresentaram estatisticamente a mesma média de formação de halos inibitórios sobre bactérias Gram positivas, Gram negativas e leveduras. Os extratos de Heliconia rostrata não apresentaram atividade. Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 e Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) mostraram-se resistentes a todos os extratos. O perfil de sensibilidade dos fungos Candida albicans e Saccharomyces cerevisiae foram comparáveis entre si e entre as bactérias Gram positivas Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis e Gram negativa Salmonella typhimurium (p > 0.05). A avaliação da citotoxicidade foi realizada sobre células C6-36 de larvas de mosquito Aedes albopictus. Os extratos de caule e flor de H. rostrata, folha e caule de P. cauliflora, semente de Anonna crassiflora e caule, flor e raiz de B. pilosa não apresentaram toxicidade nas concentrações avaliadas. Os maiores índices de seletividade foram apresentados pelos extratos de caule de A. crassiflora e flor de B. pilosa para Staphylococcus aureus, apresentando potencial para estudos como futuros candidatos a fármacos.

Avaliação fitoquímica e atividade antioxidante, antimutagênica e toxicológica do extrato aquoso das folhas de Ocimum gratissimum L / Phytochemical Assessment And Antioxidant, Antimutagenic And Toxicological Activity Of Ocimum gratissimum L. Leaf aqueous extract

A espécie Ocimum gratissimum L., popularmente conhecida como alfavaca, é uma planta muito usada na medicina tradicional brasileira, à qual são atribuídas diversas atividades terapêuticas quando usada na forma de infuso de suas folhas. Neste estudo foi realizada a caracterização fitoquímica, a avaliação da ação antioxidante e a investigação dos efeitos antimutagênico e antigenotóxico, além do efeito mutagênico e genotóxico potencial do extrato aquoso liofilizado a parir das folhas de O. gratissimum (EAOG). O conteúdo de polifenóis totais no extrato foi determinado pelo método Folin-Ciocalteu, sendo encontrado 11,3 µg EAG/mg de EAOG. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelo teste do 1,1-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH•), apresentando IC50 de 83,0 µg/mL. A antimutagenicidade e mutagenicidade foram avaliadas em cepas de Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 e TA100) utilizando o teste Salmonella/microssoma (Salmonella typhimurium/microssomas) em diferentes concentrações. EAOG induziu a atividade antimutagênica para a cepa TA98. A mutagenicidade não foi observada para o extrato em ambas as linhagens. Adicionalmente, a ação antigenotoxica avaliada pelo teste de clivagem do DNA-plasmidial também foi observada para EAOG. Os resultados também demonstraram que o extrato não foi capaz de induzir a genotoxicidade pelo teste empregado. Este estudo relata, pela primeira vez, as propriedades antimutagênica e antigenotóxica do extrato aquoso de O. gratissimum.

The species Ocimum gratissimum L., popularly known as Clove Basil, is a plant widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine, and several therapeutic activities are attributed to it when used as infusion of its leaves. In this study, we carried out a phytochemical characterization and the assessment evaluation and investigation of the antioxidant action of the antimutagenic and antigenotoxic effects and the potential mutagenic and genotoxic effects of the freeze-dried aqueous extract of the O. gratissimum (EAOG) leaves. The total polyphenol content in the extract was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and we found 11.3 µg EAG/mg of EAOG. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hidrazil (DPPH·), with IC50 of 83.0 µg/mL. Antimutagenicity and mutagenicity were assessed in Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100) strains using the Salmonella/microsome (Salmonella typhimurium/microsome) test in different concentrations. EAOG induced antimutagenic activity for strain TA98. Mutagenicity was not observed for the extract in both strains. Additionally, antigenotoxic action, assessed by cleavage of the DNA-damage, was also observed for EAOG. The results also show that the extract was not able to induce genotoxicity by the test used. This study reports for the first time the antimutagenic and antigenotoxic properties of the O. gratissimum aqueous extract.

Avaliação da atividade ovicida e larvicida de dez extratos vegetais ante Ancylostoma ssp / Evaluation of ovicidal and larvicidal activity of ten plant extracts against Ancylostoma spp

Diversos inquéritos coproparasitológicos têm destacado Ancylostoma spp. como sendo a espéciede helmintos que mais frequentemente parasita o cão doméstico, podendo gerar uma série de danos ao hospedeiro como irritabilidade, anorexia, anemia severa e morte. Os ancilostomídeossão enteroparasitos que desenvolvem uma parte do seu ciclo de vida no solo, tratando-se de um curto período de maturação de ovos e eclosão e evolução de larvas. É fundamental que esses doisprocessos ocorram para que o parasito possa evoluir para a fase infectante em seus hospedeiros. No presente trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar, in vitro, a propriedade ovicida e larvicida de extratos vegetais de plantas tóxicas coletadas na região do Vale Paraíba ante a Ancylostoma spp. Foramobtidos extratos hidroalcoólicos de dez plantas pelo método de Soxhlet, que foram concentrados por evaporação do solvente, sendo a concentração final do extrato ajustada para 10por cento do extrato bruto. Amostras fecais de cães naturalmente infectados foram utilizadas, das quais foram purificadosovos de ancilostomídeos e, em paralelo, procedeu-se à cultura de larvas pelo método de Harada-Mori. Das plantas avaliadas, quatro apresentaram resultados promissores: Allamanda cathartica L. (Apocynaceae), Nerium oleander L. (Apocynaceae), Mirabilis jalapa L. (Nyctaginaceae) e Brugmansia suaveolens Willd. (Solanaceae). Merecem destaque as duas últimas, pois apresentaram 100por cento de atividade larvicida na diluição de 12,5mg/mL, demonstrando, desse modo, o potencial da aplicabilidade destes extratos na descontaminação ambiental no que diz respeito ao controle de larvas de Ancylostoma spp.

Biological screening of selected flora of Pakistan

Methanolic extracts of different parts of five medicinal plants, Ferula assafoetidaL. resin, Grewia asiaticaL. leaves, Ipomoea hederaceaJacq. seeds, Lepidium sativumL. seeds and Terminalia chebulaRetz. fruits were tested in vitrofor their cytotoxic, phytotoxic, insecticidal, nematicidal and anthelmintic activities. Ipomoea hederaceashowed very significant phytotoxic and cytotoxic activity, with 100% inhibition of Lemna minorgrowth and 100% death of Artemia salinaat concentrations of 1000 and 100 µg mL-1. Grewia asiaticaexhibited very weak activities while Lepidium sativumand Ferula assafoetidashowed moderate to good potential in all three bioassays. The results suggest screening of Ipomoea hederaceaseeds further for isolation of bioactive compounds that may be responsible for its toxic potential.

In vitro antimalarial activity and cytotoxicity of some selected cuban medicinal plants / Actividad antimalárica in vitro y citotoxicidad de algunas plantas medicinales Cubanas seleccionadas

Terrestrial plants have been demonstrated to be sources of antimalarial compounds. In Cuba, little is known about antimalarial potentials of plant species used as medicinals. For that reason, we evaluated the antimalarial activity of 14 plant species used in Cuba as antimalarial, antipyretic and/or antiparasitic. Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared and tested in vitro for the antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum Ghana strain and over human cell line MRC-5 to determine cytotoxicity. Parasite multiplication was determined microscopically by the direct count of Giemsa stained parasites. A colorimetric assay was used to quantify cytotoxicity. Nine extracts showed IC50 values lower than 100 µg/mL against P. falciparum, four extracts were classified as marginally active (SI < 4), one as partially active (Parthenium hysterophorus) exhibiting SI equal to 6.2 and two extracts as active (Bambusa vulgaris and Punica granatum), showing SI > 10. B. vulgaris showed the most potent and specific antiplasmodial action (IC50 = 4.7 µg/mL, SI = 28.9). Phytochemical characterization of active extracts confirmed the presence of triterpenoids in B. vulgaris and polar compounds with phenol free groups and fluorescent metabolites in both extracts as major phytocompounds, by thin layer chromatography. In conclusion, antimalarial use of B. vulgaris and P. hysterophorus was validated. B. vulgaris and P. granatum extracts were selected for follow-up because of their strong antimalarial activity.

Las plantas terrestres han demostrado ser fuentes de compuestos antimaláricos. En Cuba, el conocimiento sobre el potencial antimalárico de las plantas medicinales es escaso. Por esta razón, evaluamos la actividad antimalárica de 14 especies de plantas usadas en Cuba como antimaláricas, antipiréticas y/o antiparasitarias. Se prepararon extractos hidroalcohólicos y se probaron in vitro frente a la cepa Ghana de Plasmodium falciparum para la actividad antimalárica y frente a la línea celular humana MRC-5 para determinar citotoxicidad. La multiplicación de los parásitos se determinó microscópicamente mediante el conteo directo de los parásitos teñidos con Giemsa. Un ensayo colorimétrico se utilizó para cuantificar la citotoxicidad. Nueve extractos mostraron valores de CI50 frente a Plasmodium falciparum por debajo de 100 µg/mL; cuatro extractos se clasificaron como marginalmente activos (IS < 4), uno parcialmente activo (Parthenium hysterophorus) exhibiendo IS de 6.2 y dos activos (Bambusa vulgaris y Punica granatum) mostrando IS>10. B. vulgaris, mostró la acción más potente y específica (CI50 = 4,7 µg/mL, IS = 28,9). La caracterización fitoquímica de los extractos más activos; confirmó la presencia de triterpenoides en B. vulgaris y de compuestos polares con grupos fenólicos libres y metabolitos fluorescentes en ambos extractos como fitocompuestos principales mediante cromatografía en capa delgada. En conclusión, se validó el uso antimalárico de B. vulgaris y P. hysterophorus. Los extractos de B. vulgaris y P. granatum se seleccionaron para seguimiento por su potente actividad antimalárica.

Brazilian flora extracts as source of novel antileishmanial and antifungal compounds

Natural products have long been providing important drug leads for infectious diseases. Leishmaniasis is a protozoan parasitic disease found mainly in developing countries, and it has toxic therapies with few alternatives. Fungal infections have been the main cause of death in immunocompromised patients and new drugs are urgently needed. In this work, a total of 16 plant species belonging to 11 families, selected on an ethnopharmacological basis, were analyzed in vitro against Leishmania (L.) chagasi, Leishmania (L.) amazonensis, Candida krusei, and C. parapsilosis. Of these plant species, seven showed antifungal activity against C. krusei, five showed antileishmanial activity against L. chagasi and four against L. amazonensis, among them species of genus Plectranthus. Our findings confirm the traditional therapeutic use of these plants in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory disorders and also offer insights into the isolation of active and novel drug prototypes, especially those used against neglected diseases as Leishmaniasis.

Control in vitro de garrapatas (Boophilus microplus; Acari: Ixodidae) mediante extractos vegetales / Control in vitro tick (Boophilus microplus; Acari: Ixodidae) through plant extracts

Control in vitro tick (Boophilus microplus; Acari: Ixodidae) through plant extracts. Hydro-alcohol extracts of ten tropical plants were tested by the immersion method on mature ticks (Boophilus microplus Canestrini 1887). The biological evaluation was made with raw hydro alcoholic extracts (R-OH) to determine the most promissory compounds, which later were fractioned in their polar and non-polar parts. The polar parts showed a significantly inferior effect. The species that produced the highest mortality were Zizigium aromaticum, Morus alba, Piper nigrum and the mixture of Allium sativum- Z. aromaticum (all non-polar); on oviposition: M. alba, P. nigrum and the mixture of A. sativum - Z. aromaticum (all non-polar); on eclosion: P. nigrum, Z. aromaticum, Echinacea angustiofilia, Poligonum punctatum, M. alba and the mixture of A. sativum-Z. aromaticum (all non-polar): on control percentage: P. nigrum, E. angustifolia, P. punctatum and M. alba (all non-polar, except for M. alba in which both fractions showed important activity); and finally, on the percentage of oviposition inhibition: P. nigrum, E. angustifolia, P. punctatum, Gliricidia sepium and M. alba.

Usando el método de inmersión, probamos el efecto de extractos vegetales hidroalcohólicos de diez plantas tropicales en garrapatas adultas (Boophilus microplus Canestrini 1887). Usamos extractos crudos hidroalcohólicos (R-OH) para determinar los compuestos más promisorios, los que posteriormente se fraccionaron en sus partes polares y no polares. Las particiones polares de los extractos vegetales mostraron un efecto significativamente inferior que las no polares. Las mayores mortalidades se lograron con: Zizygium aromaticum, Morus alba, Piper nigrum y la mezcla de Allium sativum – Z. aromaticum (todos no polares); sobre la oviposición M. alba, P. nigrum y la mezcla de A. sativum–Z. aromaticum (todos no polares); sobre la eclosión P. nigrum, Z. aromaticum, Echinacea angustifolia, Poligonum punctatum, M. alba y la mezcla de A. sativum–Z. aromaticum (todos no polares); sobre el porcentaje de control P. nigrum, E. angustifolia, P. punctatum y M. alba (todos no polares, con excepción de M. alba en el cual ambas fracciones mostraron actividad importante); sobre el porcentaje de inhibición de la oviposición P. nigrum, E. angustifolia, P. punctatum, Gliricidia sepium y M. alba.

Three indigenous Thai medicinal plants for control of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus.

The potential larvicidal activity and insect growth regulator (IGR) properties of three selected indigenous medicinal Thai plants were tested against two species of mosquito with special reference to the late 3rd and early 4th instar larvae (L3 and L4, respectively). In case of larvicidal activity, Thevetia peruviana was the most potent, followed by Pueraria mirifica, and Butea superba was the least effective. In all cases, the late 3rd instar was more susceptible than the early 4th instar larvae, and the 48-hours exposure yielded more potent larvicidal activity than 24-hours exposure. However, at sublethal dosages, both P. mirifica and B. superba showed some dispersed effects interfering with ecdysis. A variety of toxic effects were observed and recorded in eight categories according to the stage of metamorphosis when death occurred. P. mirifica rendered the main deleterious effects in the pupa-adult period in both instar of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus, whereas B. superba showed highest effect in black-pupa period of the late 3rd instar larval stage. The results were reversed for the early 4th instar larvae of both species of mosquito as the main effect appeared in the pupa-adult category. The overall results indicated that T. peruviana did not show any IGR properties; whereas, P. mirifica and B. superba seemed to exhibit the juvenile hormone type activity which resulted in abnormal death at various stages of development. B. superba was more promising than P. mirifica, and Ae. aegypti was about 2 times more susceptible than Cx. quinquefasciatus. In addition, L3 was always more susceptible than L4 with both mosquito species.

Estudio fitoquímico de la especie Hibiscus elatus SW / Phytochemical study of Hibiscus elatus SW

Se realizó un estudio fitoquímico preliminar de la especie Hibiscus elatus S.W. Se practicó un tamizaje fitoquímico sobre material seco y fresco, en el que se obtuvieron resultados positivos para mucílagos, sustancias reductoras, antocianinas, aminoácidos, taninos y flavonoides. Se determinó que las antocianinas se afectan durante el proceso de secado. Para la realización del estudio químico se maceró el material vegetal con 4 menstruos (fracciones A, B, C y D). A partir de las fracciones A y B se aisló el producto HE1, el cual se analizó por espectroscopia ultravioleta, infrarroja, de resonancia magnética nuclear protónica, de carbono 13, mediante uso de técnicas especiales y por espectrometría de masas, lo que permitió identificarlo como el flavonoide gossypitrina. La fracción C se sometió a un fraccionamiento según el método de absorción-desorción sobre silicagel, lo que permitió la detección de rutina y quercetina. Los flavonoides identificados se reportan por primera vez para la especie

Obtención y aprovechamiento de extractos vegetales de la flora salvadoreña / Obtaining and exploitation of vegetable extracts of the salvadorean flora

Estudio presentado en dos partes; en la primera, son presentados los resúmenes de los estudios efectuados en 293 especies de la flora salvadoreña pertenecientes a 115 familias. En la segunda, presentan los estudios fitoquímicos que realizaron para dilucidar las estructuras en algunas especies, u en otras, las propiedades de inhibición microbiana. Los autores explican detalladamente, los métodos y procedimientos que emplearon para obtener los resultados que presentan, así como el equipo que utilizaron para dilucidar las estructuras de determinados compuestos de algunas especies o bien, para investigar las acciones terapéuticas de otras. El estudio presenta otros aspectos muy interesantes como es el de ofrecer las recetas folklóricas proporcionadas por los brujos y/o curanderos que fueron entrevistados