Progress in research and development of Xanthoceras sorbifolia / 中国中药杂志

Xanthoceras sorbifolia, an excellent oil-rich woody species, has high comprehensive economic value in edible, medicinal, and ornamental fields. The chemical composition, pharmacological effect, and quality control of X. sorbifolia were introduced, and its development and application were reviewed in this study. As revealed by the previous research, the main chemical constituents of X. sorbifolia were triterpenoids, flavonoids, fatty acids, phenylpropanoids, steroids, phenolic acids, organic acids, etc. It possesses pharmacological effects, such as neuroprotection, bacteriostasis, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, analgesia, anti-HIV, and anti-coagulation. X. sorbifolia is widely applied in medical, food, chemical industry, and other fields, and deserves in-depth research and development.

Spontaneous poisoning by Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae) in cattle in Southern Brazil / Intoxicação espontânea por Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae) em bovinos no sul do Brasil

In this study, an outbreak of spontaneous poisoning by Dodonaea viscosa (D. viscosa) in a herd of dairy cattle in the municipality of Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, was investigated. Three deaths occurred in a batch of 16 Jersey cattle, aged between three and four years, kept in a native field. The clinical signs observed were apathy, decreased production, and anorexia, with death occurring within approximately 48 h after the onset of signs. The three cattle were necropsied, and tissue samples were sent for histopathological examination. Necropsy findings included serosanguineous fluid in the abdominal cavity, intestines with congested serosa, and marked mesenteric edema. The mucosa of the abomasum of two of the animals was hemorrhagic with bloody content, and among the ruminal content of a bovine, leaves with morphological characteristics compatible with D. viscosa were observed. The livers of the three animals were enlarged, with accentuation of the lobular pattern. Histologically, centrilobular coagulation necrosis with congestion and hemorrhage was observed in the liver. Vacuolization and degeneration of hepatocytes were observed in the mid-zonal and periportal regions. The diagnosis of poisoning by D. viscosa leaves was based on epidemiological data, necropsy findings, and histopathological alterations. The presence of the plant in the rumen and in the grazing site of the affected cattle was essential for the diagnosis.(AU)

Neste trabalho, é descrito um surto de intoxicação espontânea por Dodonaea viscosa (D. viscosa) ocorrido em um rebanho de bovinos leiteiros, no município de Capão do Leão, no Rio Grande do Sul. Ocorreram três mortes em um lote de 16 bovinos da raça Jersey com idades entre três e quatro anos, mantidos em campo nativo. Os sinais clínicos observados foram apatia, queda na produção e anorexia, com morte em aproximadamente 48 horas após o início dos sinais. Os três bovinos foram necropsiados, e amostras de tecidos foram encaminhadas para exame histopatológico. Os achados de necropsia incluíam líquido serossanguinolento na cavidade abdominal, intestinos com serosas congestas e marcado edema de mesentério. A mucosa do abomaso de dois animais apresentava-se hemorrágica com conteúdo sanguinolento e, em meio ao conteúdo ruminal de um bovino foram observadas folhas com caracteres morfológicos compatíveis com D. viscosa. O fígado dos três animais estava aumentado, com acentuação do padrão lobular. Histologicamente no fígado havia necrose de coagulação centrolobular com congestão e hemorragia. Nas regiões médio-zonal e periportal observou-se vacuolização e degeneração dos hepatócitos. O diagnóstico de intoxicação pelas folhas D. viscosa foi baseado nos dados epidemiológicos, nos achados de necropsia e nas alterações histopatológicas. A presença da planta no rúmen e no local de pastoreio dos bovinos afetados foi fundamental para o diagnóstico.(AU)

The protective ability and cellular mechanism of Koelreuteria henryi Dummer flower extract against hydrogen peroxide-induced cellular oxidative damage

BACKGROUND: Koelreuteria henryi Dummer is an indigenous plant in Taiwan. The species has been used in traditional folk medicine for the promotion of liver functions and for treating malaria and urethritis. The present study investigated the antioxidant activity of the flower extract of Koelreuteria henryi Dummer. The extraction conditions were optimized by the contents of total phenolic acids and total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity assays. Moreover, an in vitro study for investigating antioxidant activity of K. henryi flower extract was demonstrated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis. RESULTS: K. henryi flower extracted for 150 min showed high contents of total phenolic acids and total flavonoids. In an in vitro model, L929 cells were pretreated with K. henryi flower extract, and then treated with H2O2 to induce oxidative damage. Results demonstrated that H2O2-induced apoptosis was inhibited by the treatment of 200 µg/ml K. henryi flower extract through the mitochondria-mediated pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The caspase 8/9 activity and expression of p-p38 and pERK were repressed by K. henryi flower extract. In addition, the prevention of H2O2-induced apoptosis by K. henryi flower extract activated the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) stress response pathway to transcript heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Also, K. henryi flower extract prevented H2O2-induced apoptosis through HO-1 production, as evident by the use of HO-1 inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that K. henryi flower extract could inhibit the H2O2-induced apoptosis in L929 cells through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Soybean (Glycine max L) seed quality treated with timbó (Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hil) seed coat / Qualidade de sementes de soja (Glycine max L) tratadas com diasporo do tegumento de sementes de timbó (Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hil)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of timbó seed coat on the physiological and sanitary quality of soybean seeds. Timbó seeds were collected from mature fruits in the Cerrado. The external layer of the seed coat was removed and crushed in a mill and used in the treatment of soybean seeds. Three lots of soybean seeds were used, from high, medium and low vigor seeds. The treatments were: powder; gel; hydroalcoholic extract; synthetic fungicide (Vitavax® - Thiram 200 sc), and untreated seeds. The physiological quality of the soybean seeds was determined by standard germination, accelerated aging, length, fresh and dry mass of seedlings. Blotter test was used to determine the sanitary quality. The statistical analyze used was a completely randomized 3 × 5 factorial design, considering three seed lots and five treatments. Treatment with the coat seed extract and gel improves the physiological quality of soybean seeds from low vigor lots. The treatment of seeds with gel decreases the incidence of Fusarium and Penicillium genus; and treatment with the powder reduced the incidence of the Cercospora genus.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tegumento das sementes de timbó sobre a qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de soja. As sementes de timbó foram coletadas de frutos maduros, no Cerrado. A camada mais externa do tegumento das sementes foi retirada e triturada em moinho e utilizada no tratamento de sementes de soja. Foram utilizados três lotes de sementes de soja, provenientes de sementes de alto, médio e baixo vigor. Os tratamentos foram: pó, gel, extrato hidroalcoólico; fungicida sintético (Vitavax® - Thiram 200 sc) e sementes não tratadas. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes de soja foi determinada pelo teste padrão de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado, comprimento, massa fresca e seca de plântulas. Para a determinação da qualidade sanitária utilizou-se o teste de borrão (blotter test). O delineamento estatístico foi em esquema fatorial 3 × 5, inteiramente casualizado, considerando-se três lotes de sementes e cinco tratamentos. Os tratamentos com o extrato e o gel do tegumento das sementes de timbó melhoraram a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de soja provenientes de lotes de baixo vigor. O tratamento com gel do tegumento das sementes de timbó diminuiu a incidência de fungos dos gêneros Fusarium e Penicillium; e o tratamento com o pó reduziu a incidência do gênero Cercospora.(AU)

Spontaneous poisoning by Talisia esculenta in cattle / Intoxicação espontânea por Talisia esculenta em bovinos

Talisia esculenta, commonly known as pitombeira, is a tree which fruits are widely consumed by human beings in northeastern Brazil. The aim of this work is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of two outbreaks of spontaneous poisoning by T. esculenta in cattle in the dry region of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. The cases occurred in the municipalities of São Bento do Una and Belo Jardim. From a total of 25 adult cattle, eight become sick after ingest T. esculenta leaves and fruits. Four cattle died until 72 hours after the first clinical signs; which consisted in ataxia, reluctance to walk, tottering, head tremors muscle spasms in the limbs, rigidity of the pelvic limbs with wide base stance position, ruminal atony and, when stressed, presented falls and remained in abnormal positions. Two cattle were necropsied; the only significant finding was the presence of partially digested leaves, barks and seeds of T. esculenta in ruminal contents. Microscopically no lesions were observed. There is no specific therapy for poisoning by T. esculenta leaves. Prophylaxis consists in preventing cattle from gaining access to pasture areas containing the plant.(AU)

Talisia esculenta, popularmente conhecida como pitombeira, é uma árvore cujos frutos são amplamente consumidos por seres humanos no nordeste do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos de dois surtos de intoxicação espontânea por T. esculenta em bovinos no Agreste de Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil. Os casos ocorreram nos municípios de São Bento do Una e Belo Jardim De um total de 25 bovinos adultos, oito adoeceram após consumirem as folhas e frutos de T. esculenta. Quatro morreram em até 72 horas após a observação dos primeiros sinais clínicos; que consistiam em ataxia, relutância em caminhar, andar cambaleante, tremores de cabeça, espasmos musculares nos membros, rigidez dos membros pélvicos com posição de ampla base, atonia ruminal e, quando excitados, apresentavam quedas e permaneciam em posições anormais. Dois bovinos foram necropsiados e o único achado significante foi a presença de folhas, cascas e sementes parcialmente digeridas de T. esculenta no conteúdo ruminal. Microscopicamente não foram observadas lesões. Não existe terapia específica para a intoxicação pelas folhas de T. esculenta. A profilaxia consiste em evitar que bovinos tenham acesso às áreas de pastagem contendo a planta.(AU)

Influência da temperatura na composição centesimal da casca da pitomba (Talisia esculenta) / Influence of temperature in the centesimal composition of pitomba shell (Talisia esculenta)

A pitomba é uma fruta nativa da região amazônica e amplamente aceita no Brasil, porém somente a polpa é consumida, havendo o desperdício das cascas. A secagem é uma alternativa viável para o aproveitamento das cascas. Objetivou-se a determinação da composição centesimal da casca da pitomba e avaliação dos efeitos da temperatura (50°C, 60°C e 70°C) do processo de secagem em estufa com circulação de ar sobre esses parâmetros. As farinhas produzidas foram analisadas com relação ao teor de umidade, sólidos totais, cinzas, carboidratos, proteínas e lipídeos. O aumento da temperatura aplicada resultou em valores superiores para o teor de sólidos totais, cinzas e de lipídeos e valores inferiores para o teor de umidade e de proteínas. O elevado teor de carboidrato totais indica que a farinha da casca da pitomba é um pó com alto teor fibras.

Pericarp and seed of litchi and longan fruits: constituent, extraction, bioactive activity, and potential utilization / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) and longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) fruits have a succulent and white aril with a brown seed and are becoming popular worldwide. The two fruits have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as popular herbs in the treatment of neural pain, swelling, and cardiovascular disease. The pericarp and seed portions as the by-products of litchi and longan fruits are estimated to be approximately 30% of the dry weight of the whole fruit and are rich in bioactive constituents. In the recent years, many biological activities, such as tyrosinase inhibitory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-glycated, and anti-cancer activities, as well as memory-increasing effects, have been reported for the litchi and longan pericarp and seed extracts, indicating a potentially significant contribution to human health. With the increasing production of litchi and longan fruits, enhanced utilization of the two fruit by-products for their inherent bioactive constituents in relation to pharmacological effects is urgently needed. This paper reviews the current advances in the extraction, processing, identification, and biological and pharmacological activities of constituents from litchi and longan by-products. Potential utilization of litchi and longan pericarps and seeds in relation to further research is also discussed.

In vitro and cellular activities of the selected fruits residues for skin aging treatment

ABSTRACT Peel extracts of litchi and rambutan, and that of tamarind seed coat were investigated in relation to their utility in skin-aging treatments. Standardized extracts of tamarind were significantly (p < 0.05) more efficient at O2 •- scavenging (IC50 = 27.44 ± 0.09) than those of litchi and rambutan (IC50 = 29.57 ± 0.30 and 39.49 ± 0.52 μg/ml, respectively) and the quercetin standard (IC50 = 31.88 ± 0.15 μg/ml). Litchi extract proved significantly (p < 0.05) more effective for elastase and collagenase inhibition (88.29 ± 0.25% and 79.46 ± 0.92%, respectively) than tamarind (35.43 ± 0.68% and 57.69 ± 5.97%) or rambutan (31.08 ± 0.38% and 53.99 ± 6.18%). All extracts were safe to human skin fibroblasts and inhibit MMP-2, with litchi extract showing significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced inhibition over the standard, vitamin C (23.75 ± 2.74% and 10.42 ± 5.91% at 0.05 mg/ml, respectively). Extracts suppress melanin production in B16F10 melanoma cells through inhibition of tyrosinase and TRP-2, with litchi extract being the most potent, even more so than kojic acid (standard). These results highlight the potential for adding value to agro-industrial waste, as the basis for the sustainable production of innovative, safe, anti-aging cosmetic products.

Analysis of the genetic relationships and diversity among 11 populations of Xanthoceras sorbifolia using phenotypic and microsatellite marker data

Background: Assessments of genetic diversity are essential for germplasm characterization and exploitation. Molecular markers are valuable tools for exploring genetic variation and identifying germplasm. They play key roles in a Xanthoceras sorbifolia breeding program. Results: We analyzed the genetic diversity of populations of this species using 23 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci and data on kernel oil content. The 11 populations included in the study were distributed across a large geographic range in China. The kernel oil content differed significantly among populations. The SSR marker analysis detected high genetic diversity among the populations. All SSRs were polymorphic, and we identified 80 alleles across the populations. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from two to six, averaging 3.48 per primer pair. The polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.35 to 0.70, averaging 0.51. Expected heterozygosity, observed heterozygosity, and Shannon's information index calculations detected large genetic variations among populations of different provenance. The high average number of alleles per locus and the allelic diversity observed in the set of genotypes analyzed indicated that the genetic base of this species was relatively wide. The statistically significant positive correlation between genetic and geographic distances suggested adaptations to local conditions. Conclusions: Microsatellite markers can be used to efficiently distinguish X. sorbifolia populations and assess their genetic diversity. The information we have provided will contribute to the conservation and management of this important plant genetic resource.

Cyanolipids from Sapindus saponaria L. seeds oil / Cianolípidos en las semillas de Sapindus saponaria L

The chemical composition of the oil extracted from the seeds of Sapindus saponaria L., (Sapindaceae), was investigated. Cyanolipids constituted 5 percent hexane extract of the seeds, whereas triacylglycerols (TAG) accounted for 90 percent. The oil contains type III cyanolipids (CL) 1-cyano-2-hydroxymethylprop-1-en-3-ol-diesters. Structural investigation of the oil components was accomplished by chemical, chromatographic (TLC, CC, GC-MS), and spectroscopic (IR, NMR) means. GC-MS analysis showed that fatty acids were dominant in the CL components of the oil from S. saponaria L., with cis-11-eicosenoic acid, cis-11-octadecenoic acid and eicosanoic acid as the only esterified fatty acyl chains respectively. This being the first report of this kind of natural products (CL), located in the seeds of this plant.

La composición química del aceite de las semillas de Sapindus saponaria L., (Sapindaceae), fue investigada. Cianolípidos (CL) constituyen el 5 por ciento del extracto hexanico de las semillas, mientras que los triacilgliceroles (TAG) representaron el 90 por ciento. La fracción cianolipídica estaba compuesta por el CL tipo III, el diester de 1-ciano-2-hidroximetilprop-3-en-1-ol. La investigación estructural de los componentes del aceite se logró mediante técnicas cromatografícas, (CCF, CC, GC-MS), y espectroscópicas (IR, RMN). El análisis por GC-MS mostró que los ácidos grasos tales como: ácidos cis-11-eicosenoico, cis-11-octadecanoico y eicosanoico fueron los únicos ácidos grasos esterificados ubicados en el extracto rico en CL tipo III. Siendo este el primer reporte de esta clase de productos naturales (CL) ubicados en las semilla de esta planta.

Formulation and evaluation of topical herbal gel for the treatment of arthritis in animal model

ABSTRACT The objective of the study is to formulate and evaluate a topical herbal gel containing Cardiospermum halicacabum and Vitex negundo leaf extracts for their anti-arthritic activity in rats. Twelve herbal gel formulations were prepared using 1.5% of gelling agents carbopol 934 (F1-F6) and carbopol 940 (F6-F12) and they were evaluated for physical appearance, net content, viscosity, extrudability, pH, spreadability, in vitro diffusion profile and primary skin irritation tests. The stability study for the topical herbal gel formulation was done as per ICH guidelines and anti-arthritic activity was evaluated by Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis method. Assessment of body weight, paw volume, hematological and biochemical parameters, histopathological examination and In vitro determination of serum biomarkers were also carried out. Formulated gels were homogenous, stable and complied with the guidelines. Among the formulations, F4 showed better release (98.4 %) characteristics than other formulations. No erythema or edema was observed in the skin irritation test confirming the gel was non-toxic and safe. Topical application of the herbal gel F4 containing carbopol 934 displayed significant (p < 0.001) anti-arthritic activity compared to diseased rats. Reduction in paw volume, no agglutination in C - reactive protein and rheumatic factor, reduction in TNF level, regaining of normal hematological, and biochemical parameters, reduction in spleen and thymus weight and histopathological examination supported the anti-arthritic activity of the gel formulation.

Morphoanatomy of Serjania communis Cambess. seedling (Sapindaceae) / Morfoanatomia da plântula de Serjania communis Cambess. (Sapindaceae)

Serjania communis Cambess. (Sapindaceae) is a plant with climbing habit and occurs relatively often in Paraná State, Brazil. The fruits were collected at the 'Parque dos Pioneiros' a remnant of subtropical forest in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. The seedlings obtained in the greenhouse were described according to traditional techniques in plant morphology. Seedlings were embedded in historesin and sectioned in rotation microtome. The fruit is the samaroid type, the seeds have about 3 mm in length and brown color. Seedlings are epigeal phanerocotylar. The seedlings have a hairy hypocotyl, foliaceous cotyledons, reduced epicotyl, and two opposite eophylls. The root is diarch, the hypocotyl shows root-stem transition structure, stem epicotyl, and dorsiventral and hypostomatous cotyledons and eophylls. 'Tirodendros' with 45 days of age do not develop cambial variant.

Serjania communis Cambess. (Sapindaceae) é uma planta de hábito lianescente e ocorre com relativa frequência no Estado do Paraná, Brasil. A coleta dos frutos para a obtenção de sementes foi realizada no parque florestal dos Pioneiros (bosque II), um remanescente de floresta subtropical de Maringá, Estado do Paraná, Brasil. As plântulas, obtidas em casa de vegetação foram descritas conforme técnicas usuais em morfologia vegetal. Após a germinação, as plântulas foram descritas morfoanatomicamente e também foi verificada se ocorria a instalação de variante cambial nesta fase inicial de desenvolvimento. O fruto é do tipo samaroide. As sementes têm cerca de 3 mm de comprimento, de cor marrom e com germinação epigeia e as plântulas são fanerocotiledonares. As plântulas foram emblocadas em historresina e secionadas em micrótomo de rotação. As plântulas apresentam o hipocótilo piloso, cotilédones foliáceos, o epicótilo é reduzido, os dois primeiros eofilos são opostos e os demais eofilos apresentam filotaxia alterna helicoidal. A raiz é diarca. O hipocótilo é uma região de transição raiz-caule. O epicótilo tem estrutura caulinar eustélica. Os cotilédones e os eofilos são hipostomáticos e dorsiventrais. Tirodendros com 45 dias de idade não desenvolvem variante cambial.

Simultaneous quantification of ten constituents of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge using UHPLC-MS methods and evaluation of their radical scavenging, DNA scission protective, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to investigate the bioactive constituents of Xanthoceras sorbifolia in terms of amounts and their antioxidant, DNA scission protection, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Simultaneous quantification of 10 X. sorbifolia constituents was carried out by a newly established ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry method (UHPLC-MS). The antioxidant activities were evaluated by measuring DPPH radical scavenging and DNA scission protective activities. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were investigated by using an assay with α-glucosidase from Bacillus Stearothermophilus and disaccharidases from mouse intestine. We found that the wood of X. sorbifolia was rich in phenolic compounds with the contents of catechin, epicatechin, myricetin, and dihydromyricetin being 0.12-0.19, 1.94-2.16, 0.77-0.91, and 6.76-7.89 mg·g(-1), respectively. The four constituents strongly scavenged DPPH radicals (with EC50 being 4.2, 3.8 and 5.7 μg·mL(-1), respectively) and remarkably protected peroxyl radical-induced DNA strand scission (92.10%, 94.66%, 75.44% and 89.95% of protection, respectively, at a concentration of 10 μmol·L(-1)). A dimeric flavan 3-ol, epigallocatechin-(4β→8, 2β→O-7)-epicatechin potently inhibited α-glucosidase with an IC50 value being as low as 1.2 μg·mL(-1). The established UHPLC-MS method could serve as a quality control tool for X. sorbifolia. In conclusion, the high contents of antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory constituents in X. sorbifolia support its use as complementation of other therapeutic agents for metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension.

Chemical constituents of Allophylus africanus / 中国天然药物

Four new compounds, alloeudesmenol (1), hanocokinoside (3), allotaraxerolide (4), and alloaminoacetaldehyde (5), together with two known compound, stigmastane-3β,4β-diol (2) and pinitol 6 (a and b) were isolated and identified from the whole plant of Allophylus africanus.

Safety assessment of hydroethanolic rambutan rind extract: Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies.

This study evaluated the safety of rambutan rind extract (RRE) in male Wistar rats. While acute toxicity was evaluated by feeding the rats with single doses of RRE (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 mg/kg) and its sub-chronic toxicity was observed in rats orally administered with RRE (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) daily for 30 days. In acute toxicity study, the LD50 was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg of RRE. In sub-chronic toxicity study, no mortality and sign of toxicity was found up to 1000 mg/kg/day of RRE. At 2000 mg/kg/day dose, the mortality rate was 12.5%. Significant decreases in body weight gain and food consumption were found in both acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. In acute toxicity study, all the studied doses of RRE did not alter serum levels of triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). In sub-chronic toxicity study, all studied doses of RRE significantly decreased plasma levels of TG and blood urea nitrogen, but did not alter plasma levels of AST and ALT. TC levels did not show any significant change in both the studies. The obtained results provide basic information for in vivo experimental studies of the pharmacological potentiality of RRE.

Ontogeny of the pericarp of Serjania communis Camb. and Urvillea ulmacea Kunth (Sapindaceae) with emphasis on the dispersion apparatus / Ontogênese do pericarpo de Serjania communis Camb. e Urvillea ulmacea Kunth (Sapindaceae) com ênfase no aparelho de dispersão

The pericarp development of Serjania communis Camb. and Urvillea ulmacea Kunth was described to expand the structural knowledge of Sapindaceae fruit. Ovaries and fruits were analyzed with usual techniques in plant anatomy. Ovary is structurally similar and the occurrence of glandular and non-glandular trichomes varies between species. In S. communis, the samaroid schizocarp has proximal wings and distal cavities; in U. ulmacea, the fruit presents septicidal and septifragal passive dehiscence and each seed chamber presents a dorsal wing. The unistratified exocarp has long pluricellular, uniseriate and sparse trichomes in U. ulmacea. The mesocarp is spongy, parenchymatous and in S. communis it presents three distinguished regions. Dorsal, lateral and ventral vascular bundles are more developed in S. communis and fiber caps on the phloem in the lateral bundles have an important role on the mericarp separation. The endocarp derives from the adaxial meristem and its oblique and tangentially elongated cells become lignified. The wings originate from a more active meristem ­ at the ovarian edges ­ and by intense divisions of ovarian mesophyll in this region. Fruit of U. ulmacea can represent a transition state between the samaroid schizocarp formed by Serjania and the septifragal capsule produced by Cardiospermum.

O presente estudo descreve aspectos morfológicos e o desenvolvimento do pericarpo de Serjania communis Camb. e Urvillea ulmacea Kunth ampliando o conhecimento estrutural dos frutos de Sapindaceae. Foram coletados e analisados ovários e frutos seguindo técnicas usuais em anatomia vegetal. O ovário estruturalmente similar e a ocorrência de tricomas glandulares e não glandulares varia entre as espécies. Em S. communis, o esquizocarpo samaroide apresenta ala proximal e cavidade distal; em U. ulmacea, o fruto apresenta deiscência passiva septicida e septifraga e cada cavidade seminal apresenta uma ala dorsal. O exocarpo uniestratificado tem tricomas pluricelulares longos, unisseriados e esparsos em U. ulmacea. O mesocarpo é parenquimático e esponjoso e em S. communis apresenta três regiões distintas. Os feixes vasculares dorsais, laterais e ventrais são mais desenvolvidos em S. communis e as calotas de fibras sobre o floema nos feixes laterais participam da separação dos mericarpos. O endocarpo deriva do meristema adaxial e suas células oblíqua e tangencialmente alongadas tornam-se lignificadas. As alas originam-se de um meristema mais ativo ­ nas arestas do ovário ­ e por divisões intensas no mesofilo ovariano nessa região. O fruto de U. ulmacea pode representar a transição entre o esquizocarpo samaroide de Serjania e a cápsula septifraga de Cardiospermum.

Hypoglycemic effect of Allophylus cominia (L. ) Sw leaves aqueous extract in a rat model of type 2 diabetes / Efecto hipoglicémico del extracto acuoso de hojas de Allophylus cominia (L. ) Swen ratas en un modelo de diabetes tipo 2

Allophylus cominia (L) Sw (Sapindaceae), is one of the most popular medicinal plant in Cuba. It is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of A cominia leaves aqueous extract in a type 2 diabetes model induced by streptozotocin treatment in neonatal rats. Two experiments was executed: at 6 weeks old rats, before starting the plant evaluation, and at 11 weeks old rats, after the oral administration daily of three doses 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg of A cominia aqueous extract during 3 weeks and plasma blood glucose level was evaluated. At 6 weeks old rats, the group of diabetic animals showed significant f diabetic animals treated w0.05). Only the groups treated with 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg of A cominia extract showed a recovery of normal glycaemic values. Hence, it can be concluded that aqueous extract from A cominia leaves has antidiabetic properties and may be effective in the type 2 diabetes treatment.

Allophylus cominia (L) Sw (Sapindaceae), es una de las plantas medicinales más populares en Cuba habiendo sido empleada tradicionalmente en el tratamiento de la diabetes. es una de las plantas medicinales Cubanas más populares. Esta ha sido empleada tradicionalmente en el tratamiento de la diabetes. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto del extracto acuoso de hojas de A cominia en un modelo de diabetes tipo 2 inducida por tratamiento con estreptozotocina en ratas neonatales. Se realizaron dos experimentos: a las 6 semanas de vida de las ratas, antes de comenzar la evaluación de la planta, y a las 11 semanas de vida de las ratas, después de la administración oral diaria de tres dosis de 0.25, 0.5 y 1.0 g/kg del extracto de A cominia durante 3 semanas y se evaluó la concentración de glucosa en sangre. A las 6 semanas de vida de las ratas, el grupo de animales diabéticos mostró un decrecimiento significativo en los valores de glucosa en sangre y el peso corporal comparado con el grupo control (p < 0.05). A las 11 semanas de vida de las ratas, los grupos de animales diabéticos tratados con el extracto acuoso de A cominia decrecieron significativamente las concentraciones de glucosa en sangre comparado con el grupo diabético no tratado (p < 0.05). Solamente los grupos tratados con 0.5 y 1.0 g/kg del extracto de A cominia mostraron una recuperación de los valores glicémicos normales. Por tanto, se puede concluir que el extracto acuoso de hojas de A cominia tiene propiedades antidiabéticas y puede ser eficaz en el tratamiento de la diabetes tipo 2.

Emergência e crescimento inicial de plântulas de Talisia esculenta (A. St. Hil) Radlk em função de profundidades e posições de semeadura / Emergence and initial growth of Talisia esculenta (A. St. Hil) radlk seedlings in fuction of depths and positions of sowing

A pitombeira [Talisia esculenta (A. St. Hil) Radlk.] desenvolve-se tanto no interior da mata primária densa como em formações secundárias, porém sempre em várzeas aluviais e fundos de vales dos ecossistemas de Cerrado, Mata Atlântica e Floresta Amazônica. Os frutos possuem polpa carnosa e adocicada, são apreciados nas regiões Norte, Nordeste do País e também no Norte de Mina Gerais, sendo consumidos in natura ou na fabricação de polpas. Assim objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a influência de diferentes profundidades e posições de semeadura sobre a emergência e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Talisia esculenta. O trabalho foi realizado em casa de vegetação do Laboratório de Análise de Sementes do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (CCA-UFPB), em delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com os tratamentos distribuídos em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, sendo cinco profundidades (1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 cm) e quatro posições de semeadura (hilo voltado para cima, para baixo, na horizontal e na vertical ), em quatro repetições de 25 sementes cada. Para avaliação do efeito dos tratamentos foram realizados os testes de emergência, primeira contagem, índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE), comprimento e massa seca de raiz e parte aérea. As maiores porcentagens de emergência de plântulas na primeira e na contagem final, bem como melhor velocidade de emergência foram obtidas quando as sementes foram semeadas com o hilo para cima (HC) e na posição vertical (HV) em profundidades de três centímetros, enquanto os maiores valores de massa seca das raízes e parte aérea ocorreram apenas na posição de hilo para cima em profundidade de 2,5 cm. Assim, a semeadura dever ser em profundidades entre 2,5 e 3 cm com o hilo para cima ou na vertical.

The [Talisia esculenta (A. St. Hil) Radlk.] develops both within the dense primary forest and in secondary formations, but always on alluvial plains and valley bottoms of the ecosystems of the Cerrado, Atlantic Forest and Amazon Rainforest. The fruits are fleshy and sweet pulp, are appreciated in the North and Northeast of the country and also North Minas Gerais, and are consumed in natura or in the manufacture of pulp. Thus objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of different depths and positions of sowing on the initial emergence and growth of Talisia esculenta seedlings. The study was conducted in a greenhouse of the Seed Analysis Laboratory of Centro de Ciências Agrárias of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba (CCA-UFPB), in a design entirely randomized with treatments distributed in factorial 5 x 4, with five depths (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm) and four positions of sowing (hilum facing up, down, horizontally and vertically) in four repetitions of 25 seeds each. To evaluate the effect of the treatments were analyzed for emergence first count, emergence speeding index, length and dry root and shoot. The highest percentage of seedling emergence in the first and final count, as well as improved emergence speed were obtained when seeds were sown with the hilum facing up (HC) and vertical position (HV) at depths of three cm, while the higher values of dry mass of roots and shoots occurred only in the position of hilum facing up in depth of 2.5 cm. Thus, sowing should be at depths between 2.5 and 3 cm with the hilum facing up or vertically.

Evaluación del efecto antiinflamatorio de un extracto orgánico de Allophylus cominia (L) Sw. sobre la actividad de COX-2 y FLA-2s / Evaluation of the antiinflammatory effect of an organic extract of Allophylus cominia (L) Sw. on COX-2 and sPLA-2 activity

Allophylus cominia (L) Sw (Sapindaceae), is one of the most popular Cuban medicinal plant. The aimed of this study was to explore, if the antidiabetic organic extract has also anti-inflammatory effect, considering that inflammation is correlationated with diabetes. It was evaluated in vitro inhibitory activity of chloroform extract of leaves on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA-2), which are important cellular mediators in the signaling cascade of the inflammatory process. The extract studied shown inhibitory activity on COX-2, while not shown on FLA-2s. This study provides direct evidence of the activity of A. cominia on mechanisms related to anti-inflammatory effects involving the eicosanoid cascade.

Allophylus cominia (L) Sw (Sapindáceas) es una de las plantas medicinales más afamadas de la medicina tradicional en Cuba. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar si el extracto orgánico con actividad antidiabética tenía también efecto de tipo antiinflamatorio, considerando que la inflamación es un evento relacionado con la diabetes. En tal sentido se evaluó in vitro la actividad inhibitoria del extracto clorofórmico de las hojas de Allophylus cominia (L) Sw sobre cicloxigenasa-2 (COX-2) y fosofolipasa A2 secretada (FLA-2s), las cuales constituyen importantes mediadores celulares en la cascada de señalización del proceso inflamatorio. El extracto estudiado exhibió actividad inhibitoria sobre COX-2, mientras que no la mostró sobre FLA-2s. Este trabajo brinda evidencias directas de la actividad de A. cominia sobre mecanismos vinculados al efecto antinflamatorio que involucran la cascada de eicosanoides.

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant, antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activities of Serjania erecta Radlk. (Sapindaceae)

Serjania erecta Radlk.(Sapindaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil. We assayed the ethanolic extract of leaves and roots against seven microorganisms. The REMA (Resazurin Microtiter Assay) assay was used to measure the biological activity in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and our results showed moderate activity of the ethanolic extract. On the other hand S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. setubal, C. albicans, S. cerevisiae and E. coli revealed that the leaves and roots of S. erecta inhibited the growth of all microorganisms. The ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots showed low values of antioxidant activities. The ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots were analyzed by chromatographic and spectrometric methods. (-)-Epicatechin, kaempferol aglycone and five glycoside derivates were isolated: kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside from the roots and kaempferol, kaempferol 3,7-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, vitexin, isovitexin and (-)-epicatechin in the leaves. This is the first chemical study reported in the literature about this specie.

Serjania erecta Radlk. (Sapindaceae) é uma planta medicinal utilizada no Brasil. Analisamos o extrato etanólico de folhas e raízes para sete microorganismos. O REMA (Ensaio de Microtitulação Resazurina) foi utilizado para medir a atividade biológica in vitro contra o Mycobacterium tuberculosis e nossos resultados mostraram atividade moderada do extrato etanólico. Por outro lado, ensaios com S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. setubal, C. albicans, S. cerevisiae e E. coli revelaram que as folhas e raízes de S. erecta inibiram crescimento em todos os microorganismos. Os extratos etanólicos de folhas e raízes apresentaram valores baixos de atividade antioxidante. Os extratos etanólicos de folhas e raízes foram analisados por métodos cromatográficos e espectroscópicos. (-)-Epicatequina, canferol aglicona e cinco derivados glicosídicos foram isolados: canferol -3-O-α-L-ramnopiranosídeo, canferol-3-O-α-L-ramnopiranosil-(1→6)-β-D-glucopiranosídeo a partir das raízes e canferol, canferol 3,7-di-O-α-L-ramnopiranosídeo, vitexina, isovitexina e (-) epicatequina nas folhas. Este é o primeiro estudo químico na literatura sobre esta espécie.