Allometric equations to estimate the leaf area of Psychotria colorata (Willd. Ex Schult.) Müll.Arg.

Estimating leaf area using non-destructive methods from regression equations has become a more efficient, quick, and accurate way. Thus, this study aimed to propose an equation that significantly estimates the leaf area of Psychotria colorata (Rubiaceae) through linear leaf dimensions. For this purpose, 200 leaves of different shapes were collected, and length (L), width (W), product of length by width (L.W), and real leaf area (LA) of each leaf blade were determined. Then, equations were adjusted for predicting leaf area using simple linear, linear (0.0), quadratic, cubic, power, and exponential regression models. The proposed equation was selected according to the coefficient of determination (R²), Willmott's agreement index (d), Akaike's information criterion (AIC), mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (RMSE) and BIAS index. It was noted that the equations adjusted using L.W met the best criteria for estimating leaf area, but the equation LA = 0.59 * L.W from linear regression without intercept was the most suitable. This equation predicts that 59% of leaf area is explained by L.W. Concluding, the leaf area of P. colorata can be estimated using an allometric equation that uses linear leaf blade dimensions.

Phytochemical and morpho-anatomical study of the vegetative organs of Psychotria fractistipula L. B.Sm., R.M. Klein & Delprete (Rubiaceae)

Psychotria fractistipula L.B.Sm, R.M. Klein & Delprete (Rubiaceae) is found in the existing Atlantic Forest in the South of Brazil, in the Paraná and Santa Catarina States. The members of Rubiaceae are characterized chemically by the presence of alkaloids, some pharmacological properties of which include antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antiviral activities. In this study, we report the results of anatomical, morphological, and histochemical analyses of the leaves and stems of the Rubiaceae family member, P. fractistipula. The anatomical analysis involved of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Morpho-anatomical and histochemical characterization were made using standard methodology. The isolated compounds were identified by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopic analysis. The following structures are highlighted as the distinctive features of the species: presence of petiolate leaves and a petiole base, leaf blade with smooth cuticle on both surfaces, paracytic stomata, and, dorsiventral mesophyll and presence of trichomes on the leaves and stems. Phytosteroids, identified as β-sitosterol and campesterol, were observed in the hexane fraction of the stem. Future studies should focus on the isolation of other fractions of interest and their characterization through specific biological and cytotoxicity assays.

Leaf area estimation for Psychotria carthagenensis and Psychotria hoffmannseggiana as a function of linear leaf dimensions

Determining leaf area is important for studies involving plant growth and development. The aim of the present study was to obtain models for estimating leaf area of Psychotria carthagenensis and Psychotria hoffmannseggiana using linear measurements of leaf blades (length and width). Two hundred leaf blades of each species were collected in Parque Estadual Mata do Pau-Ferro in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The equations evaluated for producing potential models included the following: linear, quadratic, potential and exponential. The criteria used to determine the best model(s) were as follows: high coefficient of determination (R²), low root-mean-square error (RMSE), low Akaike information criterion (AIC), high Willmott concordance index (d) and a BIAS ratio close to zero. All evaluated models satisfactorily estimated leaf area for the two species, but the equation ŷ = 0.6373 * LW0.9804 was the most appropriate for P. carthagenensis, while ŷ = 0.6235 * LW0.9712 was the most appropriate for P. hoffmannseggiana.

Chemical constituents from stems and leaves of Psychotria serpens / 中国中药杂志

The chemical consituents from the stems and leaves of Psychotria serpens were separated and purified by column chromatographies with silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 and PR-HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analyses, as well as comparisons with the data reported in literature. 18 compounds were isolated from the 90% ethanol extract of the stems and leaves of P. serpens, which were identified as chrysin(1), acacetin(2), genkwanin(3), chrysoeriol(4), rhamnocitrin(5), isorhamnetin(6), tricin(7), jaceosidin(8), dillenetin(9), kumatakenin(10), ayanin(11), isosakuranetin(12), eriodictyol(13), homoeriodictyol(14), taxifolin(15), pomonic acid(16), fupenzic acid(17) and euscaphic acid(18). All compounds were isolated from the genus Psychotria for the first time.

Pre-clinical interaction of ayahuasca, a brew used in spiritual movements, with morphine and propofol

ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a beverage with psychoactive properties used in religious and ceremonial rituals by some religious groups. The main active components of ayahuasca are dimethyltryptamine and the harmala alkaloids with ß-carboline structure acting as monoamine oxidase A inhibitors. This combination produces a pronounced activation of serotonergic pathways and presents potential interaction with other psychotropics. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible interactions between ayahuasca and agents employed in general anesthesia. The pharmacological interactions between ayahuasca and morphine or propofol were evaluated in mice using doses of 12, 120 and 1200 mg/kg (0.1 to 10 times the average dose consumed by humans in religious rituals). Ayahuasca alone showed an antinociceptive effect in the writhing and formalin tests, and intensified the analgesic effect of morphine in the hot plate test. Concerning the pharmacological interactions between ayahuasca and propofol, the results were opposite; ayahuasca intensified the depressant effect of propofol in the rotarod test, but decreased the sleeping time induced by propofol. These set of results showed the occurrence of some interactions between ayahuasca and the drugs morphine and propofol, possibly by both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics mechanisms

Psychotria viridis: Chemical constituents from leaves and biological properties

ABSTRACT The phytochemical study of hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts from leaves of Psychotria viridis resulted in the identification of: the pentacyclic triterpenes, ursolic and oleanolic acid; the steroids, 24-methylene-cycloartanol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol; the glycosylated steroids 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-β-sitosterol and 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-stigmasterol; a polyunsaturated triterpene, squalene; the esters of glycerol, 1-palmitoylglycerol and triacylglycerol; a mixture of long chain hydrocarbons; the aldehyde nonacosanal; the long chain fat acids hentriacontanoic, hexadecanoic and heptadenoic acid; the ester methyl heptadecanoate; the 4-methyl-epi-quinate and two indole alkaloids, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and N-methyltryptamine. The chemical structures were determined by means of spectroscopic (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) and spectrometric (CG-MS and LCMS-ESI-ITTOF) methods. The study of biologic properties of P. viridis consisted in the evaluation of the acetylcholinesterase inhibition and cytotoxic activities. The hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, the substances 24-methylene-cycloartanol, DMT and a mixture of 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-β-sitosterol and 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-stigmasterol showed cholinesterase inhibiting activity. This activity induced by chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts was higher than 90%. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts inhibit the growth and/or induce the death of the tumor cells strains B16F10 and 4T1, without damaging the integrity of the normal cells BHK and CHO. DMT also demonstrated a marked activity against tumor cell strains B16F10 and 4T1.

Chronic intermittent exposure to ayahuasca during aging does not affect memory in mice

The Quechua term ayahuasca refers to a beverage obtained from decoctions of the liana Banisteriopsis caapi with leaves of Psychotria viridis. The ritualistic use of ayahuasca is becoming a global phenomenon, with some individuals using this beverage throughout life, including in old age. Cognitive impairment is a common manifestation during aging. There are conflicting reports on the ability of some ayahuasca compounds to exert neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects that could improve or impair learning and memory. Animal models provide a relevant and accessible means of investigating the behavioral effects of ayahuasca without the environmental conditions associated with the ritualistic use of the beverage. In this study, we investigated the influence of chronic ayahuasca exposure throughout aging on the spatial reference and habituation memories of mice. Twenty-eight male c57bl/6 mice (6 months old) received ayahuasca or water (1.5 mL/kg, orally) twice a week for 12 months and were tested in the Morris water maze (MWM), open field and elevated plus maze (EPM) tasks before and after treatment. During aging, there was significant impairment in the evocation (but not acquisition) of spatial reference memory and in habituation to the open field. There was also a decrease in locomotor activity in the open field and EPM tests, whereas the anxiety parameters were unaltered. Ayahuasca treatment did not alter any of these parameters associated with aging. These findings indicate that chronic exposure to ayahuasca during aging did not affect memory in mice.

Efecto de la ingestión de Banisteriopsis caapi y Psychotria viridis 'Binomio ayahuasca' en el hipocampo del cerebro de ratas / Effect of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis "Binomio ayahuasca" ingestion in the rat hippocampus

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la ingestión de Banisteriopsis caapi y Psychotria viridis 'Binomio ayahuasca' en el hipocampo de cerebro de ratas. Diseño: Estudio experimental, descriptivo, analítico, transversal. Institución: Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Material biológico: Ratas. Intervenciones: Administración del binomio ayahuasca por vía orogástrica a ratas albinas adultas de la especie Rattus novergicus y de cepa Holtzman. A siete grupos de cinco con un peso promedio de 240 ± 30 g se les administró (GI) blanco, (GII) 2,5 mL diazepam, (GIII) 0,7 mL solución de Banisteriopsis caapi, (GIV) 0,7 mL Psychotria viridis, y a los grupos (GV), (GVI) y (GVII) se administró 0,7 mL, 3,5 mL y 7,0 mL de solución del binomio ayahuasca, respectivamente. Principales medidas de resultados: Macroscópicos: comportamiento de reflejos y actividad motora. Microscópicos: número de células piramidales y granulosas, y desorganización celular. Resultados: En el tamizaje fitoquímico del extracto se caracterizó presencia de alcaloides, antraquinonas, triterpenoides y esteroides, fenoles, flavonoides y saponinas. Los volúmenes de droga administradas a los grupos de intervención con el binomio en la dosis de 0,7 mL manifestaron significativo aumento en el número de células granulosas sobre las células piramidales; a dosis de 3,5 mL el número de células granulosas fue menor con presencia de células piramidales grandes y pequeñas; y a dosis de 7,0 mL se manifestó desorganización celular, presencia de células piramidales grandes y pequeñas, y aumento de células granulosas. Conclusiones: El extracto alcohólico del binomio ayahuasca presenta efecto neuropatológico en el hipocampo del cerebro de ratas. (AU)

Studies on chemical constituents from Psychotria straminea / 中国中药杂志

The chemical consituents from Psychotria straminea were separated and purified by column chromatographies on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS and RP-HPLC. The strictures of the isolated compounds were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis, as well as comparisons with the data in literature. Sixteen compounds were isolated and elucidated as tectochrysin (1), apigenin (2), kaempferol (3), luteolin (4), diosmetin (5), quercetin (6), kaempferol-4'-O-methylether (7), rhamnetin (8), 7-hydroxycoumarin (9), 7-methoxycoumarin (10), scopoletin (11), lupeol (12), 30-oxo-lupeol (13), lupenyl acetate (14), α-amyrin (15), and ursolic acid (16). This is the first study on the chemical composition of P. Straminea, and all compounds were isolated from P. straminea for the first time. In addition to compounds 6 and 9, the other compounds were isolated from the genus Psychotria for the first time.

Reproductive success and genetic diversity of Psychotria hastisepala (Rubiaceae), in fragmented Atlantic forest, Southeastearn Brazil

The impacts of forest fragmentation on both reproductive biology and genetic diversity of native plant species is hardly understood, despite some studies have analyzed this current worldwide problem. Since this constitutes one of the main threats to seasonal semi-deciduous forests in Southeastern Brazil, we investigated the reproductive success and the genetic diversity of a distylous, understory shrub (Psychotria hastisepala) within this context of forest fragmentation. For this study, a set of seven forest fragments of sizes ranging from 4.1 to 168.7 hectares were chosen. The intervenient matrix comprised pastures (25-50%), monocultures (33-50%) and rural roads and buildings (14-28.5%). Overall, 91 plants (54 for the short-styled morph and 37 for the long-styled morph; mean of 6.5 plants per fragment) were investigated. To evaluate reproductive success, we quantified fruit and seed production under natural pollination; to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure, we employed ISSR markers on genomic DNA. Plants with the short-styled morph exhibited a significantly higher reproductive success than those with the long-styled morph; there was no association between seed production and size of the forest fragment. Levels of genetic diversity were positively associated with the number of plants per fragment; but they were not related to flower morph. AMOVA showed that about 65% of the overall genetic variation was attributed to the differences between plants within fragments. The results suggested that populations of P. hastisepala were susceptible to decline owing to forest fragmentation. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (1): 309-319. Epub 2014 March 01.

Los impactos de la fragmentación de los bosques tanto en la biología reproductiva como en la diversidad genética de las especies de plantas nativas apenas se entienden, a pesar de que algunos estudios han analizado este problema mundial. Dado que esto constituye una de las principales amenazas para los bosques semi-deciduos estacionales en el sureste de Brasil, se investigó el éxito reproductivo y la diversidad genética de un arbusto de sotobosque, Psychotria hastisepala, en un bosque fragmentado. Para este estudio, se seleccionaron siete fragmentos de tamaños que van desde 4.1 hasta 168.7 hectáreas. La matriz intervenida comprende pastos (25-50%), monocultivos (33-50%) y carreteras y edificios rurales (14-28.5%). En total, 91 plantas fueron investigadas (54 morfos florales brevistilo y 37 longistilo, con una media de 6.5 plantas por fragmento). Para evaluar el éxito reproductivo, se cuantificó la producción de frutos y semillas de plantas con polinización natural; para evaluar la diversidad genética y la estructura poblacional, se emplearon marcadores ISSR en el ADN genómico. Las plantas con morfo brevistilo exhibieron un éxito reproductivo significativamente más alto que las longistilo, no hubo asociación entre la producción de semillas y el tamaño del fragmento de bosque. Los niveles de diversidad genética se asociaron positivamente con el número de plantas por fragmento, pero que no estaban relacionados con los morfos florales. AMOVA mostró que alrededor del 65% de la variación genética en general se atribuyó a las diferencias entre plantas dentro de fragmentos. Los resultados sugieren que las poblaciones de P. hastisepala fueron susceptibles a disminuir debido a la fragmentación de los bosques.

Spiders associated with Psychotria carthagenensis Jacquin. (Rubiaceae): vegetative branches versus inflorescences, and the influence of Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), in South-Pantanal, Brazil / Aranhas associadas à Psychotria carthagenensis Jacq. (Rubiaceae): ramos vegetativos versus inflorescências, e a influência de Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), no Pantanal Sul, Brasil

The aim of this study was to analyze: i) the spider community in vegetative and reproductive branches of Psychotria carthagenensis concerning relative abundance, guild composition and body size distribution; ii) ant abundance in diferent types of branches and iii) the spider behavior when experimentally put in contact with inflorescences covered with ants. There was no difference between vegetative and reproductive branches in relation to spider abundance, composition of guilds and body size distribution of spiders. However, there was a significant difference in ant abundance. In the behavioral experiment, 90 percent of the spiders were expelled from inflorescences by ants; in control treatment, 100 percent remained in the inflorescences. The ant density in different parts of the plant may explain the spider distribution.

Aranhas associadas à Psychotria carthagenensis Jacq. (Rubiaceae). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar: i) a comunidade de aranhas em ramos vegetativos e reprodutivos de P. carthagenensis quanto à abundancia relativa, composição das guildas e distribuição de tamanhos; ii) a abundância de formigas nos diferentes tipos de ramos; e iii) o comportamento das aranhas quando colocadas em inflorescências cobertas por formigas. Não houve diferença significativa entre ramos vegetativos e reprodutivos em relação à composição de guildas, abundância relativa e distribuição de tamanhos de aranhas. Mas quando comparado à abundância de formigas, houve diferença. No experimento comportamental, 90 por cento das aranhas foram expulsas das inflorescências pelas formigas; no tratamento controle; 100 por cento das aranhas permaneceram nas inflorescências. Para P. carthagenensis, talvez a densidade de formigas em diferentes partes da planta explique melhor a distribuição das aranhas.

Psychotria hoffmansegiana (Willd ex Roem. & Schult.) Mull. Arg. and Palicourea marcagravii st. Hil. (Rubiaceae): potential for forming soil seed banks in a brazilian Cerrado

The germinability of artificially buried Psychotria hoffmansegiana and Palicourea marcagravii seeds in Cerrado soil was tested, with the aim of evaluating whether dispersed seeds may be able to form a soil seed bank. The assays were carried out at a Cerrado Reserve in São Paulo State, Brazil. Seed samples were placed in nylon bags and buried at two different depths and in two different sites. Samples were periodically exhumed and germination tests were performed with both exhumed and dry stored seeds. In general, soil storage favoured seed survival and germination when compared to dry stored seeds. The seed germination was little affected by soil depth and by burial environment. Seeds of both species remained viable for at least 13 months, considering the time lapse between the collection and the end of the germination tests. It was suggested that both species can potentially form a persistent soil seed bank in Cerrado.

Observou-se a germinabilidade de sementes de Psychotria hoffmansegiana e Palicourea marcagravii enterradas em solo de Cerrado, buscando-se avaliar o potencial de formação de banco de sementes no solo. Ensaios foram realizados em uma Reserva de Cerrado, São Paulo, Brasil. Amostras de sementes foram colocadas em sacos de tela de nylon e enterradas em duas profundidades, e em dois ambientes. Amostras eram periodicamente desenterradas e submetidas a teste de germinação, juntamente com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. Em geral, o armazenamento no solo favoreceu a sobrevivência e a capacidade de germinação das sementes, em comparação com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. A germinação foi pouco afetada pela profundidade de enterramento e pelo ambiente. Sementes de ambas as espécies conservaram a viabilidade por 13 meses, considerando-se o período entre a coleta e o final dos testes de germinação. É sugerido que ambas as espécies são potencialmente capazes de formar banco de sementes persistente no solo do Cerrado.

Storage in cerrado soil and germination of Psychotria vellosiana (Rubiaceae) seeds

A regeneração de comunidades vegetais depende em grande parte da capacidade das sementes de se conservarem viáveis no solo. Estudou-se a viabilidade e germinação de sementes de Psychotria vellosiana manualmente enterradas no cerrado, com o objetivo de se conhecer alguns aspectos fisio-ecológicos de sementes dispersas, bem como seu potencial em formar banco de sementes no solo. Amostras de sementes foram colocadas em invólucros de tela de nylon e enterradas no solo do cerrado, em duas profundidades e em dois ambientes diferentes. As sementes enterradas eram periodicamente recuperadas e testadas quanto à sua germinação, juntamente com sementes armazenadas a seco. Em geral houve uma redução da germinação em função do tempo de armazenamento, seja no solo, seja na estocagem a seco, e em alguns ensaios as sementes exumadas germinaram mais rapidamente do que as armazenadas a seco. Em geral o armazenamento no solo favoreceu a viabilidade de sementes não germinadas, em comparação com as armazenadas a seco, e as sementes conservaram-se viáveis por mais de dez meses. A não germinação de sementes viáveis sugere a ocorrência de dormência e/ou a necessidade de um tempo maior de germinação. Constatou-se que parte das sementes germinou enquanto estavam enterradas, sendo maior a ocorrência no período mais chuvoso. A disponibilidade de água no solo pode ser um fator limitante para a germinação no campo de P. vellosiana, e as sementes podem constituir um banco de sementes persistente, já que sementes dispersas conservaram-se viáveis até o próximo período de dispersão.

Potential bird dispersers of Psychotria in a area of Atlantic forest on Ilha Grande, RJ, Southeastern Brazil: a biochemical analysis of the fruits

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram monitorar o padrão de frutificação, o comportamento de forrageamento de aves e o conteúdo de açúcares em frutos maduros de duas espécies simpátricas de Rubiaceae (Psychotria brasiliensis e P. nuda). O estudo foi realizado em área de Floresta Atlântica, na lha Grande, RJ, entre agosto de 1998 e julho de 1999. A frutificação ocorreu durante todo o ano com um pico de frutos maduros em dezembro de 1998 para P. brasiliensis e outro em fevereiro de 1999 para P. nuda. Lipaugus lanioides (Cotingidae), Baryphtengus ruficapillus (Momotidae) e Saltator similis (Emberizidae) foram os principais consumidores dos frutos de P. brasiliensis, sendo que L. lanioides e B. ruficapillus removeram os frutos adejando, enquanto S. similis os alcançou pousado nas plantas. Lipaugus lanioides foi o consumidor de frutos mais importante e potencialmente foi o principal dispersor das sementes de P. brasiliensis. As aves deste gênero estão entre os principais frugívoros especialistas de florestas tropicais e amplamente consideradas como importantes agentes dispersores de sementes. Os frutos foram analisados qualitativa e quantitativamente em relação às quantidades de açúcares livres e amido. A espécie visitada (P. brasiliensis) apresentou a menor quantidade de sacarose e a maior quantidade de amido. Os resultados sugerem que o consumo diferencial de frutos por espécies de aves não é influenciado pela composição de carboidratos, mas possivelmente pela proporção de amido nos frutos das espécies de Psychotria estudadas.

Photochemical efficiency of adult and young leaves of the neotropical understory shrub Psychotria limonensis (Rubiaceae)in response to changes in the light environment

We explored the short-term adjustment in photochemical efficiency (Fv /Fm )in adult and young leaves of the understory neotropical shrub Psychotria limonensis Krause (Rubiaceae)in response to rapid changes in the light environment.Leaves were collected from 20 individual plants growing under sun and shade conditions on Gigante Peninsula,Barro Colorado Natural Monument (Republic of Panama),during the wet season of 1996. Leaves were distributed in four sequences of light treatments (AB leaves were expanded under sun and were transferred to shade,BA leaves experienced the opposite transfer,and the controls AA and BB leaves that were expanded and maintained under sun or shade conditions).Adult and young leaves did not differ in overall photochemical efficiency.Instead,differences were found among light environments,for which leaves transferred from shade to sun showed the lowest F v /F m ratios.There was no relationship between photochemical efficiency and leaf temperature.In P.limonensis,understory plants are susceptible of photoinhibition independently of the leaf ontogenetic stage.The approach utilized in this experiment allowed the rapid exploration of this capacity, and could be applied to poorly studied understory species

Se exploró el ajuste a corto plazo en la eficiencia fotosintética (Fv /Fm )en hojas jovenes y adultas del arbusto del sotobosque neotropical Psychotria limonensis Krause (Rubiaceae)en respuesta a cambios rápidos de luz ambiental. Las hojas fueron recolectadas de 20 plantas individuales bajo condiciones de sol y sombra en Peninsula Gigante, Monumento Natural Barro Colorado (Panamá),durante la estación lluviosa de 1996.Las hojas fueron distribuidas en una secuencia cuatro tratamientos de luz (AB las hojas fueron expandidas bajo el sol y fueron transferidas a la sombra,BA las hojas experimentaron la transferencia contraria,y las hojas controles AA y BB que fueron expandidas y mantenidas bajo condiciones de sol o de sombra).Las hojas adultas o jóvenes no difieren en la eficiencia fotoquímica general.Por el contrario,se encontró diferencias entre los ambientes de luz (iluminados), para los cuales las hojas transferidas de la sombra al sol mostraron las menores tasas Fv /Fm .No hubo relación entre la eficiencia fotoquímica y la temperatura de las hojas. En P.limonensis ,las plantas son suceptibles a la foto -inhibición independientemente del estado ontogenético de la hoja. El enfoque utilizado en este experimento permitió la rápida exploración de esta capacidad y demostró que puede ser utilizado en otras especies poco estudiadas del sotobosque

The anti inflammatory and diuretic effects and acute toxicity of aqueous extract of psychotria morindoides hutch on rat and mice

The 1:1 aqueous extract of Radix Psychotria morindoides Hutch – Rubiacease with an oral dose of 10g/kg body weight of rat: Has no acute and anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenin – indecued edema in hind paw, but it reduces the asbestos induced granuloma as a subchronic inflammation medel. Increases the excretion of urine up to 83% at the sixth hour after drug ingestion. DL50 of the aqueous extract could not be determined because of its very low toxicity.