Infestation of Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) plants by Neotuerta platensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in Brazil: evaluations for five consecutive years / Infestação de plantas de Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) por larvas de Neotuerta platensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) no Brasil: avaliações por cinco anos consecutivos

The bioecology and infestation aspects of Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on plants are poorly known. This insect fed on the leaves of common purslane, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) for two consecutive years, which triggered its study in the following five years in Januária, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The objective of this work was to study the bioecology and infestation aspects of N. platensis on P. oleracea plants in the field and laboratory. The mean duration (± SD) of the egg, larva and pupa stages was 3.6 ± 0.89, 11.5 ± 2.81 and 10.7 ± 1.97 days, respectively. The mean numbers of egg masses and eggs per female (± SD) were 3.8 ± 1.16 and 891.6 ± 116.83, respectively. The percentage of infested plants was 59, 74, 0, 78 and 75% and the mean numbers of larvae per plant (± SD) ranged from 0.7 ± 0.45 to 1.6 ± 0.49 individuals, respectively from 2015 to 2019. Neotuerta platensis larvae infested P. oleracea plants in four out of five years evaluated.

Os aspectos de bioecologia e infestação de Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em plantas são pouco conhecidos. Esse inseto se alimentou das folhas de beldroega comum, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) por dois anos consecutivos, o que desencadeou seu estudo nos cinco anos seguintes em Januária, Minas Gerais, Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a bioecologia e os aspectos da infestação de N. platensis em plantas de P. oleracea em campo e laboratório. A duração média (± DP) dos estágios de ovo, larva e pupa foi de 3,6 ± 0,89, 11,5 ± 2,81 e 10,7 ± 1,97 dias, respectivamente. Os números médios de posturas e ovos por fêmea (± DP) foram de 3,8 ± 1,16 e 891,6 ± 116,83, respectivamente. A porcentagem de plantas infestadas foi de 59, 74, 0, 78 e 75% e os números médios de larvas por planta (± DP) variaram de 0,7 ± 0,45 a 1,6 ± 0,49 indivíduos, respectivamente de 2015 a 2019. Larvas de N. platensis infestaram plantas de P. oleracea em quatro dos cinco anos avaliados.

The role of purslane in modulating diverse effects of high fat diet on biochemical, histological, and molecular parameters of rats' liver / O papel da beldroega na modulação de diversos efeitos da dieta rica em gordura nos parâmetros bioquímicos, histológicos e moleculares do fígado de ratos

Consuming a high-fat diet causes a harmful accumulation of fat in the liver, which may not reverse even after switching to a healthier diet. Different reports dealt with the role of purslane as an extract against high-fat diet; meanwhile, it was necessary to study the potential role of fresh purslane as a hypolipidemic agent. This study is supposed to investigate further the potential mechanism in the hypolipidemic effect of fresh purslane, by measuring cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr). Rats were divided into two main groups: the first one is the normal control group (n=7 rats) and the second group (n=28 rats) received a high fat diet for 28 weeks to induce obesity. Then the high fat diet group was divided into equal four subgroups. As, the positive control group still fed on a high fat diet only. Meanwhile, the other three groups were received high-fat diet supplemented with a different percent of fresh purslane (25, 50 and 75%) respectively. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and samples were collected for molecular, biochemical, and histological studies. Current study reported that, supplementation of fresh purslane especially at a concentration of 75% play an important role against harmful effects of high-fat diet at both cellular and organ level, by increasing CYP7A1 as well as Ldlr mRNA expression. Also, there were an improvement on the tested liver functions, thyroid hormones, and lipid profile. Fresh purslane plays the potential role as a hypolipidemic agent via modulation of both Ldlr and Cyp7A, which will point to use fresh purslane against harmful effects of obesity.

O consumo de uma dieta rica em gordura causa um acúmulo prejudicial de gordura no fígado, que pode não reverter mesmo após a mudança para uma dieta mais saudável. Diferentes relatórios trataram do papel da beldroega como um extrato contra uma dieta rica em gordura; entretanto, foi necessário estudar o papel potencial da beldroega fresca como agente hipolipemiante. Este estudo pretende investigar mais profundamente o mecanismo potencial no efeito hipolipidêmico da beldroega fresca, medindo o colesterol 7a-hidroxilase (CYP7A1) e o receptor de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (Ldlr). Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos principais: o primeiro é o grupo controle normal (n = 7 ratos) e o segundo grupo (n = 28 ratos) recebeu dieta rica em gorduras por 28 semanas para induzir a obesidade. Em seguida, o grupo de dieta rica em gordura foi dividido em quatro subgrupos iguais. Como, o grupo de controle positivo ainda se alimentava apenas com dieta rica em gordura. Enquanto isso, os outros três grupos receberam dieta rica em gordura suplementada com diferentes porcentagens de beldroegas frescas (25%, 50% e 75%), respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, os ratos foram sacrificados e amostras coletadas para estudos moleculares, bioquímica e histológicos. O estudo atual relatou que a suplementação de beldroegas frescas, especialmente a uma concentração de 75%, desempenha papel importante contra os efeitos prejudiciais da dieta rica em gordura em nível celular e orgânico, aumentando a expressão de CYP7A1 e Ldlr mRNA. Além disso, houve melhora nas funções hepáticas testadas, nos hormônios tireoidianos e no perfil lipídico. Beldroegas frescas desempenham papel potencial como agente hipolipemiante por meio da modulação de Ldlr e Cyp7A, o que apontará para o uso de beldroegas frescas contra os efeitos nocivos da obesidade.

The role of purslane in modulating diverse effects of high fat diet on biochemical, histological, and molecular parameters of rats' liver / O papel da beldroega na modulação de diversos efeitos da dieta rica em gordura nos parâmetros bioquímicos, histológicos e moleculares do fígado de ratos

Abstract Consuming a high-fat diet causes a harmful accumulation of fat in the liver, which may not reverse even after switching to a healthier diet. Different reports dealt with the role of purslane as an extract against high-fat diet; meanwhile, it was necessary to study the potential role of fresh purslane as a hypolipidemic agent. This study is supposed to investigate further the potential mechanism in the hypolipidemic effect of fresh purslane, by measuring cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr). Rats were divided into two main groups: the first one is the normal control group (n=7 rats) and the second group (n=28 rats) received a high fat diet for 28 weeks to induce obesity. Then the high fat diet group was divided into equal four subgroups. As, the positive control group still fed on a high fat diet only. Meanwhile, the other three groups were received high-fat diet supplemented with a different percent of fresh purslane (25, 50 and 75%) respectively. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and samples were collected for molecular, biochemical, and histological studies. Current study reported that, supplementation of fresh purslane especially at a concentration of 75% play an important role against harmful effects of high-fat diet at both cellular and organ level, by increasing CYP7A1 as well as Ldlr mRNA expression. Also, there were an improvement on the tested liver functions, thyroid hormones, and lipid profile. Fresh purslane plays the potential role as a hypolipidemic agent via modulation of both Ldlr and Cyp7A, which will point to use fresh purslane against harmful effects of obesity.

Resumo O consumo de uma dieta rica em gordura causa um acúmulo prejudicial de gordura no fígado, que pode não reverter mesmo após a mudança para uma dieta mais saudável. Diferentes relatórios trataram do papel da beldroega como um extrato contra uma dieta rica em gordura; entretanto, foi necessário estudar o papel potencial da beldroega fresca como agente hipolipemiante. Este estudo pretende investigar mais profundamente o mecanismo potencial no efeito hipolipidêmico da beldroega fresca, medindo o colesterol 7a-hidroxilase (CYP7A1) e o receptor de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (Ldlr). Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos principais: o primeiro é o grupo controle normal (n = 7 ratos) e o segundo grupo (n = 28 ratos) recebeu dieta rica em gorduras por 28 semanas para induzir a obesidade. Em seguida, o grupo de dieta rica em gordura foi dividido em quatro subgrupos iguais. Como, o grupo de controle positivo ainda se alimentava apenas com dieta rica em gordura. Enquanto isso, os outros três grupos receberam dieta rica em gordura suplementada com diferentes porcentagens de beldroegas frescas (25%, 50% e 75%), respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, os ratos foram sacrificados e amostras coletadas para estudos moleculares, bioquímica e histológicos. O estudo atual relatou que a suplementação de beldroegas frescas, especialmente a uma concentração de 75%, desempenha papel importante contra os efeitos prejudiciais da dieta rica em gordura em nível celular e orgânico, aumentando a expressão de CYP7A1 e Ldlr mRNA. Além disso, houve melhora nas funções hepáticas testadas, nos hormônios tireoidianos e no perfil lipídico. Beldroegas frescas desempenham papel potencial como agente hipolipemiante por meio da modulação de Ldlr e Cyp7A, o que apontará para o uso de beldroegas frescas contra os efeitos nocivos da obesidade.

Productos elaborados con verdolaga (Portulaca Olerácea L. ): valoración nutricional, conocimiento, características organolépticas, aceptabilidad y satisfacción / Products made whith verdolaga (Portulaca Oleracea L. ): nutritional assessment, knowledge, organeleptic characteristics, acceptance and satisfaction

Introducción: Portulaca oleracea, conocida como verdolaga y considerada culturalmente una maleza, presenta múltiples propiedades benéficas que permiten emplearla como alimento debido a su fácil acceso y bajo costo. No se detectan muchos estudios sobre el tema. Objetivos: elaborar productos alimenticios empleando verdolaga como materia prima, con características organolépticas adecuadas; calcular su valor nutricional y determinar el porcentaje de ingesta diaria recomendada (IDR) que cubre; identificar el nivel de conocimiento sobre la verdolaga y sus propiedades nutricionales; determinar las características organolépticas de los alimentos elaborados, el grado de aceptabilidad y satisfacción en la población en estudio. Materiales y métodos: estudio de tipo descriptivo, no experimental y experimental (pre experimento), de corte transversal. Se elaboraron tres preparaciones con verdolaga: sopa (S), tortilla (T) y ensalada (E), y se sometieron a degustación. Resultados: el valor calórico de las preparaciones por porción fue: S: 24,2 kilocalorías (kcal)/200 g, T: 129,2 kcal/200 g, y E: 116,16 kcal/150 g. Los porcentajes de IDR que cubre una porción de cada alimento fueron: S: 1,21% kcal, 1,31% hidratos de carbono, 1,96% proteínas, 0,54% lípidos; T: 6,43% kcal, 3,48% hidratos de carbono, 9,54% proteínas, 11,81% lípidos, y E: 5,8% kcal, 5,06% hidratos de carbono, 4,28% proteínas y 8,6% lípidos. Estos valores se calcularon en base a los valores diarios de referencia de nutrientes (VDR) de declaración obligatoria que son: 2.000 kcal, 300 g de hidratos de carbono, 75 g de proteínas y 55 g de lípidos para un grupo de hombres y mujeres adultos de entre 18 y 60 años de edad. La muestra estuvo formada por 50 personas, de 42 años edad promedio, 58% femenino y 42% masculino, 40% con estudios secundarios, 34% universitarios (N=17), 18% terciarios (N=9) y 8% primarios. El 76% presentó un conocimiento bajo sobre la verdolaga y sus propiedades nutricionales. Las elaboraciones fueron satisfactorias para el 82% de los encuestados y aceptadas por el 90% Conclusiones: en base a las propiedades nutricionales que se sugieren y su alta versatilidad para incorporar en diversas recetas, la verdolaga se presenta como una excelente alternativa para la alimentación humana

Introduction: portulaca oleracea, known as purslane (verdolaga), culturally considered an undergrowth, has multiple beneficial properties allowing to be used as a food, due to its easy access and low cost. There are not many studies on the subject. Objectives: the objective of present work was to prepare food products using purslane as raw material, with adequate organoleptic characteristics. To calculate their nutritional value and to determine the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) percentage they cover. Also, to identify the level of knowledge that a certain population has about purslane and its nutritional properties, and to define the organoleptic characteristics of the foods elaborated, evaluating the degree of acceptability and satisfaction in the population under study. Materials and methods: the study was descriptive, nonexperimental and experimental (pre-experiment), cross-sectional. Three preparations with purslane were elaborated and subjected to tasting: soup (S), omelette (O) and salad (E). Results: tthe caloric value per serving of the preparations was S: 24.2 kcal/200 g; O: 129.2 Kcal/200 g, and E: 116.16 kcal/150 g. The percentages of RDA covered by a serving of each food were: S: 1.21% kcal, 1.31% carbohydrates, 1.96% proteins, 0.54% fats; T: 6.43% kcal, 3.48% carbohydrates, 9.54% proteins, 1.81% fats, and E: 5.8% kcal, 5.06% carbohydrates, 4.28% proteins and 8.6% fats. The values were calculated on referred to the recommended daily intake (RDI), which are: 2,000 kcal, 300 g carbohydrates, 75 g proteins y 55 g fats, defined to a group of adult women and men between 18 and 60 years old. The sample included 50 people with 42 years average age, 58% female and 42%male, 40% with secondary studies, 34% university (N=17), 18% tertiary (N=9) and 8% primary. 76% of the participants presented a low knowledge about purslane and its nutritional properties. The preparations were satisfactory for 82% of the participants and accepted by 90%. Conclusions: due to the suggested nutritional properties and its versatility for its incorporation in various recipes, purslane can be indicated as an excellent alternative for human consumption

Importancia nutricional y actividad biológica de los compuestos bioactivos de quelites consumidos en México / Nutritional importance and biological activity of bioactive compounds from quelites consumed in Mexico

Sólo un 30% de los hogares en México, presentan seguridad alimentaria, es decir, un gran porcentaje de los hogares y por ende de la población no satisfacen las necesidades básicas diarias de macro y micronutrimentos. Los quelites, que se definen como plantas silvestres comestibles (hojas, tallos y flores) son una fuente accesible, continua, económica y adecuada de nutrimentos. Sin embargo, su consumo ha disminuido por modificaciones en las preferencias alimentarias, derivadas de los cambios en estilos de vida. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue valorizar a los quelites como fuente de alimento. Los quelites, aportan proteínas, aminoácidos, minerales (Ca, Mg, Zn), vitaminas (E, C) y fibra. Además, son una excelente fuente de compuestos bioactivos, como ácidos fenólicos (ácido cafeico, ferúlico) y flavonoides (quercetina, kaempferol, espinacetina), carotenoides, ácido α-linolénico y betalainas, que presentan elevada actividad antioxidante. Su consumo habitual se ha relacionado con beneficios a la salud, tales como efectos antitumorales, antihiperlipidémicos y antidiabéticos. Los quelites, además de estar disponibles en forma silvestre, forman parte de las tradiciones culinarias de México, incorporados de forma cruda y cocida en los platillos regionales. Por lo tanto, la revalorización y reincorporación de los quelites en la dieta, puede coadyuvar a cubrir las necesidades nutrimentales, en poblaciones con poco acceso o inseguridad alimentaria, además de contribuir a proporcionar efectos adicionales a través de sus compuestos bioactivos.

Only 30% of households in Mexico present food security, which means a large percentage of households and the population does not meet their needs in terms of macro and micronutrients. Thus, quelites, which are defined as wild edible plants, are an accessible, continuous, economical and adequate source of nutrients. However, quelite consumption in Mexico has been decreasing in response to changes in food preferences and lifestyles, including increased exposure to hypercaloric foods. Therefore, the aim of this work was to discuss the value of quelites as a food source rich in nutrients, proteins, amino acids, minerals (Ca, Mg, Zn), vitamins (E, C) and fiber. We also discuss how quelites are good source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, spinacetin), carotenoids, α-linolenic acid and betalaines. There use have been mainly related to the anti-tumor, antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic benefits. We further discuss topics related to the culinary traditions of Mexico and the incorporation of quelites in the raw and cooked form in regional markets. The revaluation and the reincorporation of quelites in the diet can help meet nutritional needs, in addition to possibly providing additional health benefits.

Nitrate and nitrite poisoning in sheep and goats caused by ingestion of Portulaca oleracea / Intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ovinos e caprinos causada pela ingestão de Portulaca oleracea

Three outbreaks of poisoning by Portulaca oleracea were reported in sheep and goats in Northeast Brazil. In the first outbreak, 8 out of 20 sheep were affected and later died. In the second outbreak, three goats and one sheep died out of a flock of 30 animals that included both species. In the third outbreak, two out of 19 sheep were affected, and they recovered after a treatment of 2% methylene blue at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight. In the first and second outbreaks, the animals ingested P. oleracea after it was cut and offered in feeders. In the third outbreak, the flock was grazing in an area that had been invaded by the plant. To determine the toxicity, P. oleracea was administered experimentally at a dose of 80g/kg of body weight to seven sheep, weighing 19-30 kg. One control sheep received green grass. One to four hours after P. oleracea ingestion, the animals showed clinical signs of poisoning characterized by cyanotic mucous membranes, bloat, ruminal pH of 8-9, pollakiuria, aerophagia, involuntary movements of the upper lip, apathy, tachypnea and tachycardia. Five animals recovered, including one that was treated with 1% methylene blue, and two animals died. During necropsy, the mucous membranes were brownish, and the blood was dark brown. Diphenylamine tests of the plant and of rumen contents were positive for nitrates. Positive results for nitrates were also found in 24 samples of P. oleracea that were collected in different places in the states of Pernambuco and Paraíba. We conclude that P. oleracea accumulates nitrates at toxic levels and may cause poisoning in sheep and goats.(AU)

Relatam-se três surtos de intoxicação por Portulaca oleracea em ovinos e caprinos no Nordeste do Brasil. No primeiro surto morreram oito de 20 ovinos. No segundo morreram três caprinos e um ovino de um total de 30 animais das duas espécies. No terceiro surto foram afetadas duas ovelhas de um rebanho de 19 animais, que se recuperaram após o tratamento com azul de metileno a 2% na dose de 4 mg/kg/vivo. Nos surtos 1 e 2 os animais ingeriram P. oleracea cortada e oferecida no coxo e no surto 3 estavam pastoreando em uma área invadida pela planta. Para determinar a toxicidade de P. oleracea foram utilizados oitos ovinos, sendo sete experimentais e um controle, com peso entre 19 e 30 kg. A planta foi administrada por via oral, na dose de 80 g/kg/peso corporal. O animal controle recebeu capim verde e concentrado. Entre uma a quatro horas após a ingestão da planta os animais apresentaram sinais clínicos caracterizados por mucosas cianóticas, timpanismo gasoso, pH ruminal de 8-9, polaquiúria, aerofagia, movimentos involuntários do lábio superior, apatia, taquipnéia e taquicardia. Cinco animais se recuperaram, incluindo um que foi tratado com azul de metileno a 2%, e dois morreram. Na necropsia observaram-se mucosas de coloração marrom e sangue marrom escuro. O teste de difenilamina realizado na planta e no conteúdo ruminal foi positivo para nitratos. Resultados positivos para nitratos foram detectados em 24 amostras coletadas em diferentes locais dos estados de Pernambuco e Paraíba. Conclui-se que P. oleracea acumula nitratos em níveis tóxicos, e quando ingerida por ovinos e caprinos pode provocar intoxicação e morte.(AU)

Distribución espacial de la probabilidad de ocurrencia de verdolaga silvestre (Portulaca oleracea L) en la Región Lagunera de Coahuila, México / Spatial distribution of the probability of occurrence of wild purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) in the Lagunera Region of Coahuila, Mexico

El interés por introducir verdolaga (Portulaca oleracea L.) como planta cultivable se ha incrementado paulatinamente debido a sus propiedades medicinales. Sin embargo, estudios acerca de su distribución espacial y relación con el tipo de suelo son escasos. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron determinar la probabilidad de ocurrencia de verdolaga, así como la relación entre su distribución espacial y las características edáficas en la Región Lagunera. Se obtuvieron datos de presencia/ausencia de esta planta y muestras de suelo superficial de sitios en distintas clases de tierra, y se determinaron las características físicas y químicas de los suelos. Los datos obtenidos se utilizaron para estimar la probabilidad de ocurrencia de verdolaga con una regresión logística y se cartografiaron. Los resultados muestran que la arena, la conductividad eléctrica y el pH influyen en la presencia de la verdolaga y su distribución espacial es diferente, donde los suelos de tierras blancas arenosas tuvieron la mayor probabilidad de ocurrencia.

A Portulaca oleracea L. extract promotes insulin secretion via a K⁺(ATP) channel dependent pathway in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate how a Portulaca oleracea L. extract (POE) stimulates insulin secretion in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells. MATERIALS/METHOD: INS-1 pancreatic β-cells were incubated in the presence of various glucose concentrations: 1.1 or 5.6, 16.7 mM glucose. The cells were treated with insulin secretagogues or insulin secretion inhibitor for insulin secretion assay using an insulin ELISA kit. In order to quantify intracellular influx of Ca2+ caused by POE treatment, the effect of POE on intracellular Ca2+ in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells was examined using Fluo-2 AM dye. RESULTS: POE at 10 to 200 µg/mL significantly increased insulin secretion dose-dependently as compared to the control. Experiments at three glucose concentrations (1.1, 5.6, and 16.7 mM) confirmed that POE significantly stimulated insulin secretion on its own as well as in a glucose-dependent manner. POE also exerted synergistic effects on insulin secretion with secretagogues, such as L-alanine, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and especially tolbutamide, and at a depolarizing concentration of KCl. The insulin secretion caused by POE was significantly attenuated by treatment with diazoxide, an opener of the K+ ATP channel (blocking insulin secretion) and by verapamil (a Ca2+ channel blocker). The insulinotropic effect of POE was not observed under Ca2+-free conditions in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells. When the cells were preincubated with a Ca2+ fluorescent dye, Fluo-2 (acetoxymethyl ester), the cells treated with POE showed changes in fluorescence in red, green, and blue tones, indicating a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+, which closely correlated with increases in the levels of insulin secretion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that POE stimulates insulin secretion via a K+ ATP channel-dependent pathway in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells.

Pharmacokinetics of oleracimine in rats by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography

The novel alkaloid, oleracimine, presented remarkable anti-inflammatory bioactivity, and therefore, its pharmacokinetics was investigated in rat plasma after intravenous and oral administration by using a rapid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method with UV detection at 270 nm. The analysis was performed on a shim-pack ODS column (75 mm×2 mm, 1.6 µm particle size, Shimadzu, Japan) column using isocratic elution with a mobile phase consisting of methanol-water (62:38, v/v) within 3 min. The results indicated that oleracimine was rapidly distributed with Tmax for 11.7 min after oral administration, which presented the double-peak phenomenon in the pharmacokinetic profile with a higher oral absolute bioavailability of 55.1% ± 7.83%.

Cytotoxicity of hydroxydihydrobovolide and its pharmacokinetic studies in Portulaca oleracea L. extract

ABSTRACT Hydroxydihydrobovolide (HDB) was for the first time isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. and then its cytotoxicity against SH-SYTY cells was studied. Moreover, a rapid and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) method with bergapten as internal standard (IS) was developed and validated to investigate the pharmacokinetics of HDB in rats after intravenous and oral administrations of extract (POE). The UHPLC analysis was performed on a Diamonsil C18 analytical column, using acetonitrile-water (35:65, v/v) as the mobile phase with UV detection at 220 nm. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.2-25 µg/mL in rat plasma. The average extraction recovery was from 90.1 to 98.9%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 4.7 and 4.1%, respectively. The results showed that 50 µM HDB had significant cytotoxicity on the SH-SY5Y cells, which was rapidly distributed with a Tmax of 11 min after oral administration and presented a low absolute bioavailability, 4.12%.

Salinity-induced changes in the morphology and major mineral nutrient composition of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L) accessions

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of varied salinity regimes on the morphological traits (plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, fresh and dry weight) and major mineral composition of 13 selected purslane accessions. Most of the morphological traits measured were reduced at varied salinity levels (0.0, 8, 16, 24 and 32 dS m-1), but plant height was found to increase in Ac1 at 16 dS m-1 salinity, and Ac13 was the most affected accession. The highest reductions in the number of leaves and number of flowers were recorded in Ac13 at 32 dS m-1 salinity compared to the control. The highest fresh and dry weight reductions were noted in Ac8 and Ac6, respectively, at 32 dS m-1 salinity, whereas the highest increase in both fresh and dry weight was recorded in Ac9 at 24 dS m-1 salinity compared to the control. In contrast, at lower salinity levels, all of the measured mineral levels were found to increase and later decrease with increasing salinity, but the performance of different accessions was different depending on the salinity level. A dendrogram was also constructed by UPGMA based on the morphological traits and mineral compositions, in which the 13 accessions were grouped into 5 clusters, indicating greater diversity among them. A three-dimensional principal component analysis also confirmed the output of grouping from cluster analysis.

Tissue distribution and excretion of the five components of Portulaca oleracea L. extract in rat assessed by UHPLC

The aim of the present study was to investigate the tissue distribution and excretion of five components of Portulaca oleracea L. extract (POE) in rat following oral administration. A rapid, sensitive and specific ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method with puerarin as the internal standard was used for the quantitative analysis of five components of POE, including caffeic acid (CA), p-coumaric acid (p-CA), ferulic acid (FA), quercitrin (QUER) and hesperidin (HP) in rat tissues including the liver, intestine, stomach, muscle, heart, lung, brain, kidney and spleen, urine and feces. The results show that onlyp-CA and FA were found in nearly all tissues with low cumulative ratios, and CA was higher in the intestine and stomach with a slightly higher cumulative ratio in the urine and feces after 24 h. HP and QUER were found at low levels in the tissues with low cumulative ratios.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a distribuição tecidual e excreção de cinco componentes de extrato Portulaca oleracea L. (POE) em ratos após administração oral. Um método analítico rápido, sensível e específico para quantificação de cinco componentes de POE (ácido cafeico (CA), ácidop-cumárico (p-CA), ácido ferúlico (FA), quercitrina (QUER) e hesperidina (HP)) por cromatografia líquida de ultra eficiência (UHPLC), empregando puerarina como padrão interno de referência. Os compostos foram quantificados em diferentes tecidos dos animais, sendo eles fígado, intestino, estômago, músculo, coração, pulmão, cérebro, rim e baço, urina e fezes. Os resultados mostraram que apenas p-CA e FA foram encontradas em todos os tecidos com baixas taxas cumulativas e CA apresentou níveis mais altos no intestino e estômago com a taxa cumulativa um pouco mais elevada na urina e nas fezes após 24 h. HP e QUER apresentaram baixas concentrações nos tecidos com baixas taxas cumulativas.

Anti-fatigue effects of polysaccharides extracted from Portulaca oleracea L. in mice.

Portulaca oleracea L. has been used as a food and medicinal plant for thousands of years in China. Polysaccharides extracted from P. oleracea L. (POP) are its main bioactive compound and have multiple pharmacological activities. However, anti-fatigue effects of POP have not yet been tested. This study was designed to investigate the anti-fatigue effects of POP in mice using the rotarod and forced swimming tests. The mice were randomly divided into four groups, namely normal control group, low-dose POP supplementation group, medium-dose POP supplementation group and high-dose POP supplementation group. The normal control group received distilled water and the supplementation groups received different doses of POP (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively). The POP or distilled water was administered orally and daily for 30 day. After 30 days, the rotarod and forced swimming tests were performed and then several biochemical parameters related to fatigue were determined. The data showed that POP prolonged the riding times and exhaustive swimming times of mice, decreasing blood lactic acid and serum urea nitrogen levels, as well as increasing the liver and muscle glycogen contents. These results indicated that POP had the anti-fatigue effects.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, insecticidal, phytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Mediterranean Pinus brutia and Pinus pinea resin essential oils / 中国天然药物

Essential oils of the resins of Pinus brutia and Pinus pinea were evaluated for their biological potential. Essential oils were characterized using GC-MS and GC/FID. in vitro antimicrobial, phytotoxic, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities were carried out using the direct contact and the fumigant assays, respectively. The chemical profile of the essential oils of the resins of P. pinea and P. brutia included mainly α-pinene (21.39% and 25.40%), β-pinene (9.68% and 9.69%), and caryophyllene (9.12% and 4.81%). The essential oils of P. pinea and P. brutia exerted notable antimicrobial activities on Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis, insecticidal activities on Ephestia kuehniella eggs, phytotoxic activities on Lactuca sativa, Lepidium sativum, and Portulaca oleracea, as well as antioxidant potential. Indications of the biological activities of the essential oils suggest their use in the formulation of ecofriendly and biocompatible pharmaceuticals.

HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of four compounds in rat plasma after intravenous administration of Portulaca oleracea L. extract

The objective of the present study was to develop a simple and selective HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of hesperidin (HP), caffeic acid (CA), ferulic acid (FA) and p-coumaric acid (p-CA) in rat plasma after intravenous administration of Portulaca oleracea L. extract (POE). With the hyperoside as the internal standard, the sample pretreatment procedure involved simple single-step extraction with methanol of 0.2 mL plasma. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran-0.5% glacial acetic acid (5:3:18:74, v/v/v/v). The calibration curves were linear over the range of 0.1-25 µg mL-1, 0.1-25 µg mL-1, 0.1-25 µg mL-1and 0.015-3 µg mL-1 for HP, CA, FA and p-CA, respectively. The method developed was suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of HP, CA, FA and p-CA in rats after intravenous administration of POE.

O objetivo do estudo foi desenvolver um método simples e específico de HPLC para a determinação simultânea de hesperidina (HP), ácido caféico (CA), ácido ferúlico (FA) e ácido p-cumárico (p-CA) em plasma de rato após a administração intravenosa de extrato Portulaca oleracea L. (POE) empregando hyperosídeo como padrão interno de referência. Metanol foi empregado para os analitos em plasma (0,2 mL). A fase móvel isocrática foi composta por metanol-acetonitrila-tetraidrofurano-0,5% ácido acético glacial (5:3:18:74, v/v/v/v). Curvas de calibração foram lineares na faixa de concentração de 0,1-25 µg mL-1, 0,1-25 µg mL-1, 0,1-25 µg mL-1 e 0,015-3 µg mL-1 para HP, CA, FA e p-CA, respectivamente. O método desenvolvido foi adequado para estudo farmacocinético de HP, CA, FA e p-CA em ratos após a administração intravenosa de POE.

Identificación y conocimiento de las plantas medicinales expedidas en los mercados principal y libre de Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela / Identification and knowledge of medicinal plants issued in the main and free markets of Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela

Las distinciones naturales y tradicionales de Venezuela permiten desarrollar prácticas que sustenten la medicina natural y los conocimientos sobre las plantas medicinales. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo identificar y conocer las plantas medicinales expedidas en Maracay, estado Aragua, aplicando un cuestionario a 100 detallistas de los mercados principal y libre de la entidad. Se recolectó y organizó la información de acuerdo a componentes previamente establecidos, como hojas y tallos de la plantas, los cuales se identificaron empleando la base de datos contenida en el Herbario "Víctor M. Badillo" del Instituto de Botánica Agrícola, Facultad de Agronomía de la Universidad Central de Venezuela. El registro de las propiedades terapéuticas se sistematizan por medio del factor de consenso de informantes. Los resultados mostraron 45 especies, correspondientes a 23 familias, con 59 usos. Las familias más relevantes son Asteraceae y Lamiaceae con 12 géneros cada una. Las especies mas vendidas son ruda (Ruta graveolens L.), manzanilla (Matricaria recutita L.) y zábila (Aloe vera L), empleadas por la medicina tradicional en la terapéutica de la diabetes mellitus, cáncer y enfermedades linfáticas. Los detallistas de la zona coinciden en el uso y propiedades medicinales de las plantas en un 75%. Este trabajo resalta la importancia de desarrollar esta área particular de la etnobotánica, considerando la perspectiva fitoquímica, así como los riesgos de salud pública.

[Review of antidiabetic plants in Iranian traditional medicine and their efficacy]

High prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications and increasing use of complementary therapies, especially herbal therapies, and the need of developing countries to use their indigenous medical methods, motivated us to introduce some plants used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of this disease. The topic of "ziabetes" [the synonym of diabetes] in some of Iranian traditional medical texts were studied and herbal therapies of this disease were collected. Some edible plant compounds introduced and scientific names of plants in these compounds were identified. Pubmed and Scopus databases were searched for studies regarding hypoglycemic effects of these medicinal herbs on animal or human subjects. Many medicinal herbs and; minerals in single or compound form have been used in Iranian traditional medicine. Plants such as Punica granatum, Rosa damascene, Plantago psyllium, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Coriandrum sativum, Portulaca oleracea and Rumex patientia are the most popular ones. Recent studies on animal or human subjects have shown the hypoglycemic effects of some of these plants. Reassessment of the effects of some antidiabetic plants used in Iranian traditional medicine, proved their efficacy mainly in animals. However, we need more clinical trials to prove safety and; efficacy of these herbs and compounds

Intoxicação por Portulaca elatior (Portulacaceae) em caprinos / Poisoning by Portulaca elatior (Portulacaceae) in goats

Um surto de intoxicação espontânea por Portulaca elatior foi diagnosticado no município de Aroeiras, Paraíba, na época das chuvas. Entre os meses de fevereiro e abril, em um rebanho de 316 caprinos, 16 adoeceram, sendo 15 de um lote de 16 caprinos que tinham sido introduzidos recentemente na fazenda e um animal do rebanho já existente na fazenda. Os caprinos apresentaram intensa salivação, relutância em se movimentar, tremores de lábios, marcha incoordenada, diarreia, timpanismo, dor abdominal, gemidos, desidratação e berros constantes. A evolução da enfermidade variou de 2 a 48 horas; 13 caprinos morreram e três se recuperaram. As lesões macroscópicas caracterizavam-se por mucosa ruminal e do retículo avermelhadas, serosa do rúmen hemorrágica, mucosa abomasal avermelhada com áreas ulceradas e mucosa do intestino delgado com equimoses. No exame histopatológico observou-se degeneração e necrose das células epiteliais dos pré-estômagos com formação de vesículas e infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico. Suspeita de ter causado o surto, Portulaca elatior foi administrada a três caprinos nas doses de 40, 20 e 10 gramas de planta fresca por kg de peso animal (g/kg). Esses caprinos apresentaram sinais semelhantes aos casos espontâneos. Os animais que ingeriram 20 e 40g/kg morreram e o que ingeriu 10g/kg se recuperou. Microscopicamente foram observadas lesões do sistema digestivo semelhantes às dos casos espontâneos. A reprodução experimental da intoxicação, com sinais clínicos e lesões histológicas semelhantes às dos casos espontâneos, comprova que a doença foi causada por Portulaca elatior. P. elatior apresentou níveis de oxalatos de 6,37 por cento e outra planta, identificada como Blutaparon vermiculare e que ocorria em grande quantidade nas pastagens, apresentou níveis de oxalatos de 5,29 por cento. B. vermiculare foi administrada experimentalmente a um caprino na dose de 40g/kg, sem que o animal apresentasse sinais clínicos[...]

An outbreak of poisoning by Portulaca elatior was diagnosed in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, during the rainy season. Between February and April, 16 out of 316 goats were affected and 13 died. Fifteen of the affected animals were from a flock of 16 goats introduced on the farm at the beginning of the rainy season. Clinical signs were intense salivation, reluctance to move, lip tremors, slight uncoordinated gait, diarrhea, bloat, abdominal pain, groans, dehydration and constant bellowing. The course of the disease ranged from 2 to 48 hours; 13 goats died and three recovered. Gross lesions were reddening of the mucosa of rumen and reticulum, hemorrhages in the ruminal serosa, ulcerations of the abomasal mucosa, and ecchymoses in the small intestinal mucosa. Histological examination revealed degeneration and necrosis of epithelial cells with vesicle formation in the fore stomachs associated with infiltration by neutrophils. Suspected to have caused the outbreak, Portulaca elatior was administered experimentally to three animals at doses of 40, 20 and 10 grams of the fresh plant per kg bodyweight, respectively. The goats that ingested 20 and 40g/kg died, and the one that ingested 10g/kg showed clinical signs but recovered. These animals showed similar clinical signs and histological lesions as those seen in the goats poisoned spontaneously, demonstrating that the disease was caused by the ingestion of Portulaca elatior. Oxalate concentration were determined in P. elatior and in another plant identified as Blutaparon vermiculare. P. elatior contained 6.37 percent of total oxalates and B. vermiculare 5.29 percent. B. vermiculare was administered experimentally to one goat at a dose of 40g/kg, without causing clinical signs. These results and the absence of oxalate crystals in the digestive system and kidneys of the goats necropsied suggest that poisoning by P. elatior is not caused by high oxalate concentration in the plant.

Protective effect of purslane in a rat model of ulcerative colitis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the protective effect of purslane on the acute injury caused by intra-colonic administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Seventy-two male SD rats were separated into 6 groups randomly. Rat model of ulcerative colitis was established by intra-colonic administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Purslane (2.5, 5, 10 g x kg(-1)) and sulfasalazine(0.5 g x kg(-1)) was administered by enemata, 3 days after TNBS instillation and daily during 10 days before killing the rats. Colons were removed for histological analysis and measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Rats treated with purslane (5 and 10 g x kg(-1)) were significantly healthier than TNBS-alone rats, as shown by improved food intake and reduced diarrhea, corrected the disorders in morphology associated to lesions, significantly reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>purslane exerts protective effect in experimental colitis, the effect seems to be related to relieving inflammatory reaction and repairing lesions.</p>