Dinámica de la diversidad temporal de los hongos micorrícicos arbusculares de Larrea tridentata (Sesse & Mocino ex DC) Coville en un ecosistema semiárido / Temporal diversity dynamics of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of Larrea tridentata (Sesse & Mocino ex DC) Coville in a semi-arid ecosystem

Los hongos micorrícicos arbusculares (HMA) de los ambientes áridos y semiáridos son importantes para el desarrollo de las plantas que crecen bajo estrés biótico y abiótico en áreas naturales o en agroecosistemas. Existe poca información sobre la diversidad temporal de los HMA en plantas perennes de ecosistemas áridos en el norte de México. En este estudiose evaluaron la colonización micorrícica y la diversidad temporal de los HMA en la rizosfera de Larrea tridentata, planta perenne de amplia distribución en el Desierto Chihuahuense. Se obtuvieron muestras de la rizosfera y de raíces de 15 plantas, en 3 fechas de muestreo del año 2015. Se encontró un total de 17 especies de HMA, distribuidas en 12 géneros y 7 familias dentro del phylum Glomeromycota. La especie más abundante fue Funneliformis geosporum. Esta especie pertenece a la familia Glomeraceae, la única que estuvo representada con varios géneros en L. tridentata. El mayor porcentaje de micorrización se presentó en febrero, con un 83,22%, en septiembre fue del 75,27% y en mayo del 65,27%. El muestreo realizado en febrero presentó el mayor número de especies (16), seguido por el de mayo (15) y el de septiembre (12). El análisis estadístico mostró diferencias significativas en el número de esporas entre los muestreos de febrero y los de mayo y septiembre.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) of arid and semiarid ecosystems are important for the development of plants that grow under biotic stress in wild or in agro-ecosystems. There is little information on the temporal diversity of these organisms in perennial plants from arid ecosystems in northern Mexico. On this study, the mycorrhizal colonization and the temporal diversity of AMF in the rhizosphere of Larrea tridentata, perennial plant abundant in the Chihuahuan Desert region were explored. Samples of the rhizosphere and roots of fifteen plants in each of the three sampling dates during the 2015 year were obtained. A total of 17 species of HMA belonging to 12 genera and 7 families within the phylum Glomeromycota in all three sampling dates were found. Funneliformis geosporum was the dominant species belonging to the family Glomeraceae which possess the highest genera number on L. tridentata.The highest mycorrhization percentage was in February with 83.22, followed by September and May with 75.27 and 65.27%, respectively. A maximum of 16 AM fungal species were isolated and identified from L. tridentata rhizosphere in February, 15 species in May and 12 species in September. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between sampling dates in the spores number.

Biofilm inhibition activity of traditional medicinal plants from Northwestern Argentina against native pathogen and environmental microorganisms

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Plants have been commonly used in popular medicine of most cultures for the treatment of disease. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of certain Argentine plants used in traditional medicine has been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-cell adherence activities of native plants (Larrea divaricata, Tagetes minuta, Tessaria absinthioides, Lycium chilense, and Schinus fasciculatus) collected in northwestern Argentina. METHODS: The activities of the five plant species were evaluated in Bacillus strains and clinical strains of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolated from northwestern Argentina and identified by 16S rDNA. RESULT: Lycium chilense and Schinus fasciculatus were the most effective antimicrobial plant extracts (15.62µg/ml and 62.50µg/ml for Staphylococcus sp. Mcr1 and Bacillus sp. Mcn4, respectively). The highest (66%) anti-biofilm activity against Bacillus sp. Mcn4 was observed with T. absinthioides and L. divaricate extracts. The highest (68%) anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus sp. Mcr1 was observed with L. chilense extract. T. minuta, T. absinthioides, and L. divaricata showed percentages of anti-biofilm activity of between 55% and 62%. The anti-adherence effects of T. minuta and L. chilense observed in Bacillus sp. Mcn4 reflected a difference of only 22% and 10%, respectively, between anti-adherence and biofilm inhibition. Thus, the inhibition of biofilm could be related to cell adherence. In Staphylococcus sp. Mcr1, all plant extracts produced low anti-adherence percentages. CONCLUSION: These five species may represent a source of alternative drugs derived from plant extracts, based on ethnobotanical knowledge from northwest Argentina.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulation by Larrea nitida on MCF-7 Cell Proliferation and Immature Rat Uterus

Larrea nitida is a plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and is widely used in South America to treat inflammatory diseases, tumors and menstrual pain. However, its pharmacological activity remains unclear. In this study we evaluated the property of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) of Larrea nitida extracts (LNE) as a phytoestrogen that can mimic, modulate or disrupt the actions of endogenous estrogens, depending on the tissue and relative amount of other SERMs. To investigate the property of SERM of LNE, we performed MCF-7 cell proliferation assays, estrogen response element (ERE)-luciferase reporter gene assay, human estrogen receptor (hER) binding assays and in vivo uterotrophic assay. To gain insight into the active principles, we performed a bioassay-guided analysis of LNE employing solvents of various polarities and using classical column chromatography, which yielded 16 fractions (LNs). LNE showed high binding affinities for hERalpha and hERbeta with IC50 values of 1.20x10(-7) g/ml and 1.00x10(-7) g/ml, respectively. LNE induced 17beta-estradiol (E2)-induced MCF-7 cell proliferation, however, it reduced the proliferation in the presence of E2. Furthermore, LNE had an atrophic effect in the uterus of immature rats through reducing the expression level of progesterone receptor (PR) proteins. LN08 and LN10 had more potent affinities for binding on hER alpha and beta than other fractions. Our results indicate that LNE had higher binding affinities for hERbeta than hERalpha, and showed SERM properties in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the rat uterus. LNE may be useful for the treatment of estrogen-related conditions, such as female cancers and menopause.

Larvicidal activity of crude extracts from Larrea cuneifolia (Zygophyllaceae) and of its metabolite nordihydroguaiaretic acid against the vector Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to analyze the larvicidal activity of different crude extracts of Larrea cuneifolia and its most abundant lignan, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), against Culex quinquefasciatus. METHODS: Chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts from L. cuneifolia and NDGA were tested against larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus under laboratory conditions. RESULTS: The chloroform extract showed the highest larvicidal effect, with an estimated LC50 of 0.062 mg/ml. NDGA also demonstrated significant larvicidal activity with an estimated LC50 of 0.092 mg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the chloroform extract of L. cuneifolia and NDGA are promising insecticides of botanical origin that could be useful for controlling Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Larrea divaricata Cav: scientific evidence showing its beneficial effects and its wide potential application / Larrea divaricata Cav: evidencia específica mostrando sus efectos beneficiosos y su amplia aplicación potencial

Larrea divaricata Cav. (jarilla) (Zygophyllaceae) is used in Argentinean folk medicine. It contains nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a lignan with nefrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects. The presence of NDGA converts controversial the use of L. divaricata. The amount of NDGA is higher in alcoholic extracts than in aqueous extracts (AE). The last 20 years had a great advance on the use of AE to treat different conditions in a safe manner. In this review, we present the scientific results tending to confirm the potential beneficial effects of the AE on human health. The anti-proliferative effects of AE of L. divaricata have been assayed on a tumor lymphoid line (BW 5147) and the pathways involved in such effects were described. The anti-microbial activity was determined by tests for bacteria and fungus. The anti-inflammatory activity was assayed by using carrageen and TPA induced-inflammation tests. The Immunomodulatory effects were investigated ¯in vivo and ¯in vitro on mice. Sub-fractions of aqueous extracts were obtained and analyzed. The immunogenicity of proteins from crude AE was characterized and antioxidant and nutritional activity were studied. The effect of an AE on hair loss was assayed. In summary, AE from L. divaricata has pharmacological activities including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer effects.

Larrea divaricata Cav. (Jarilla) (Zygophyllaceae) es utilizada en medicina popular Argentina. Contiene ácido nordihidroguaiarético (NDGA), un lignano con efectos nefrotóxicos y hepatotóxicos. La presencia de NDGA hace controvertido el uso de L. divaricata. La cantidad de NDGA es mayor en extractos alcohólicos que en extractos acuosos (EA). Los últimos 20 años han tenido un gran avance en el uso de EA para el tratamiento de diferentes condiciones en forma segura. En esta revisión se presentan resultados científicos que confirman los efectos potencialmente beneficiosos de los EA sobre la salud humana. Los efectos anti-proliferativos se han ensayado en una línea de tumor linfoide, así como los mecanismos involucrados. La actividad anti-microbiana se determinó usando pruebas para bacterias y hongos. La actividad anti-inflamatoria fue evaluada mediante el uso de inflamación inducida por carragenina y TPA. Los efectos inmunomoduladores fueron investigados "in vivo" e "in vitro" en ratones. Sub-fracciones de los EA fueron obtenidos y analizados. La inmunogenicidad de las proteínas del EA crudo se caracterizaron y se estudiaron las actividades antioxidantes nutricionales. Además, se ensayó el efecto del EA en la caída del cabello. En resumen, los EA de L. divaricata presentan actividades farmacológicas como por ejemplo, anti-microbiana, anti-inflamatoria y efectos anti-cancerígenos.

Dermis acelular porcina (sus scrofa) cargada con antioxidantes de larrea divaricata / Porcine (sus scrofa) acellular dermis load with antioxidants from larrea divaricata

Con el objeto de cargar con antioxidantes de Larrea divaricata una dermis acelular porcina para propósitos terapéuticos, se determinó el contenido de polifenoles y antocianinas de extractos puros, aislados y absorbidos en una dermis acelular porcina. Los valores para polifenoles totales y antocianinas fueron: a) Larrea divaricata: 58,77 + 1,55 mg ácido gálico / 100 g peso fresco, 400,00 + 9,55 mg cianidina 3-glucósido / 100 g peso fresco, repectivamente, b) dermis acelular porcina: 8,86 + 0,55 mg ac. gállico / 100 g peso fresco y 0,10+ 0,00 mg cianidina 3-glucósido / 100 g peso fresco; respectivamente, c) Larrea divaricata absorbida en dermis acelular porcina 45,92 + 0,90 mg ácido gálico / 100 g peso fresco y 155,92 + 5,90 mg cianidina 3-glucósido / 100 g peso fresco, respectivamente. Nosotros concluimos que es posible tener una dermis acelular porcina cargada con antioxidantes de Larrea divaricata para propósitos médicos.

The aim of the study was to evaluate loading with antioxidants from Larrea divaricata a porcine acellular dermis for therapeutic purposes, poliphenols and anthocianins of pure extracts, isolated and absorbed in pig acellular dermis was evaluated. The following values (total polyphenols and anthocianins) were obtained: a) Larrea divaricata: 58,77 + 1,55 mg gallic acid / 100 g fresh weight; 400,95 + 9,55 mg cianydin 3- glucosyde / 100 g fresh weight; respectively; b) porcine acellular dermis: 8,86 + 0,55 mg gallic acid / 100 g fresh weight and 0,10+ 0,00 mg cianydin 3-glucosyde / 100 g fresh weight; respectively, c) L. divaricata absorbed in porcine acellular dermis: 45,92 + 0,90 mg gallic acid / 100 g fresh weight and 155,92 + 5,90 mg cianydin 3-glucosyde / 100 g fresh weight, respectively. We concluded that it is possible to get a porcine acellular dermis loaded with antioxidants from Larrea divaricata for medical purposes.

Actividad antimicrobiana de plantas medicinales argentinas sobre bacterias antibiótico-resistentes / Antimicrobial activity of Argentine medicinal plants on antibiotic-resistant bacteria

El propósito del presente trabajo fue determinar la potencia antimicrobiana de extractos alcohólicos de plantas utilizadas popularmente en Argentina como antisépticos y antiinflamatorios: Dasyphyllum diaconthoides, Erythrina cristagalli, Larrea cuneifolia, Larrea divaricata, Phytolacca dioica, Pithecoctenium cynanchoides, Prosopanche americana, Schinus molle, Schkuhria pinnata, Senna aphylla y Solidago chilensis. La inhibición del crecimiento bacteriano se determinó a través de ensayos de difusión en agar, macrodilución en medio sólido y microdilución en medio líquido frente a 47 aislamientos clínicos multirresistentes a antibióticos, obtenidos de pacientes de un hospital de Tucumán, Argentina: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, Morganella morganii, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. De acuerdo con los valores de concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM), tres de las once especies ensayadas fueron las más activas: L. divaricata, L. cuneifolia, y S. aphylla (CIM de 25 a 200 µg/mL). P. mirabilis, A. baumanni y S. maltophilia fueron las cepas más susceptibles con valores de CIM entre 25 y 50 µg/mL seguido por P. aeruginosa con valores de CIM de 50 a 100 µg/mL. Los valores de concentración bactericida mínima (CBM) fueron semejantes o dos veces superiores a los valores de CIM. Mediante ensayos bioautográficos se comprobó que los extractos más activos presentaban al menos dos principios antimicrobianos. Análisis fitoquímicos indican que estos compuestos son de naturaleza fenólica. Los resultados obtenidos justificarían el uso de estos extractos para el tratamiento de infecciones bacterianas, especialmente aquellas de origen dérmico.

The present study was conducted to investigate antimicrobial activity of alcoholic extracts of Argentine medicinal plant species (Dasyphyllum diacanthoides, Erythrina cristagalli, Larrea cuneifolia, Larrea divaricata, Phytolacca dioica, Pithecoctenium cynanchoides, Prosopanche americana, Schinus molle, Schkuhria pinnata, Senna aphylla and Solidago chilensis) against multidrug resistant human pathogen gram negative bacteria isolated from a Hospital in Tucumán, Argentina. Inhibition of bacterial growth was investigated using disc diffusion, agar macrodilution and broth microdilution methods against multiresistant clinical isolates of nine different specie of gram negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, Morganella morganii, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. A significant antimicrobial activity was found in three of the eleven plant species studied. Based on minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, three plant species, L. divaricata, L. cuneifolia, and S. aphylla were the most potent ones with MIC values between 25-200 µg/mL. Overall, P. mirabilis, M. morganii and P. aeruginosa isolates were the most susceptible to these extracts with MIC values of 25 to 50 µg/mL. All extracts showed significant inhibitory activities on bacteria growth in a dose phenolic compound-dependent fashion. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were identical to the MIC values or twofold higher than the corresponding MIC. Contact bioautography indicated that crude extracts possess several major antibacterial components. Phytochemical screening showed that the bioactive compounds correspond to polyphenols. Investigations are in progress to purify the bioactive principles.

Diversidad de levaduras en canopias y suelos asociados con Bulnesia retama y Larrea divaricata / Yeast diversity in Bulnesia retama and Larrea divaricata canopies and associated soils.

Los ambientes áridos están dominados por vegetación arbustiva, con acumulación de nutrientes bajo la canopia de los arbustos y con suelos relativamente infértiles en los interparches. Los distintos componentes de los vegetales constituyen uno de los hábitat más comunes para las levaduras. Existen numerosos antecedentes acerca de investigaciones sobre levaduras cuyo hábitat lo constituyen árboles y arbustos, sin embargo no existen referencias sobre levaduras asociadas a las Zigofiláceas, una familia de matorrales preponderantes en la Provincia de Monte argentino. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la biodiversidad de levaduras en suelos y canopias asociados con Bulnesia retama y Larrea divaricata, en los Médanos Grandes de Caucete, San Juan, Argentina. Sobre un total de 87 aislamientos de levaduras identificados, se observó una mayor diversidad taxonómica en las asociadas tanto al suelo como a la parte aérea de B. retama, respecto de L. divaricata. A partir de la canopia de B. retama y su suelo asociado se aislaron 9 y 10 especies de levaduras respectivamente, mientras que de la parte aérea y suelo de L. divaricata 4 y 3. Los géneros identificados fueron: Candida, Debaryomyces, Dekkera, Saccharomyces, Torulaspora, Sporidiobolus y Pichia. En total se encontraron 14 especies en todos los microambientes.

Bush like vegetation dominates arid environments, and there is nutrients accumulation under shrub canopies and relatively unfertile soils between vegetal patches areas. Plants are one of the most common habitats for yeasts. There are many reports about yeasts inhabiting different plant components. Nevertheless, there are no reports about yeasts associated with Zigophyllaceae, an important shrub family of the Argentinean Province of Monte. The objective of this work was to analyzed yeast biodiversity of Bulnesia retama and Larrea divaricata canopies and associated soils, at Médanos Grandes of Caucete, San Juan, Argentina. Eighty seven (87) isolated yeasts were identified. From B. retama canopy and associated soil was observed a larger taxonomical diversity respect to L. divaricata. Nine (9) and ten (10) species were isolated from canopy and associated soil of B. retama, respectively. From L. divaricata canopy were 4 species and 3 species from its associated soil isolated. Identified genera were: Candida, Debaryomyces, Dekkera, Saccharomyces, Torulaspora, Sporidiobolus and Pichia. Fourteen (14) species were found at all microenvironments.