Isolation and quantification of a 17-epi-dammarane triterpenoid rhuslactone from roots of Rhus chinensis and its preventive effects on coronary heart disease and thrombosis in zebrafish / 中国中药杂志

Based on mass spectrometry(MS)-guided separation strategy, compound 1 was obtained from the roots of Rhus chinensis. By comprehensive analysis of high resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) data, and quantum chemical calculation of NMR(qcc-NMR) parameters, compound 1 was elucidated as rhuslactone, a 17-epi-dammarane triterpenoid with a rare 17α-side chain. An HPLC-ELSD method for its quantification in R. chinensis was established and adopted for the quantification of rhuslactone in different batches of R. chinensis. Rhuslactone displayed a good linear relationship within the range of 0.021 3-1.07 μmol·mL~(-1 )(r=0.997 6), and the average recovery was 99.34% [relative standard deviation(RSD) 2.9%). Moreover, the results of the evaluation test of the preventive effects of rhusalctone on coronary heart disease(CHD) and thrombosis showed that rhuslactone(0.11 nmol·mL~(-1)) significantly alleviated heart enlargement and venous congestion and increased cardiac output(CO), blood flow velocity(BFV), and heart rate, thereby reducing thrombus formation in zebrafish with CHD. The effects of rhuslactone on CO and BFV were superior to that of digoxin(1.02 nmol·mL~(-1)), and its effect on improving heart rate was comparable to that of digoxin. This study provides experimental references for the isolation, identification, quality control, and application of rhuslactone from R. chinensis against CHD. It is worth mentioning that this study has discussed some omissions in the determination of the stereochemistry of C-17 in dammarane triterpenoids in the present coursebook Chemistry of Chinese Medicine and some research papers, that is, the compound may be 17-epi-dammarane triterpenoid. This paper has also proposed steps for the establishment of C-17 stereochemistry.

Bacopa monnieri: historical aspects to promising pharmacological actions for the treatment on central nervous system diseases / Bacopa monnieri: aspectos históricos de las acciones farmacológicas prometedoras para el tratamiento de enfermedades del sistema nervioso central

Bacopa monnieri(L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae), also known as Brahmi, has been used to improve cognitive processes and intellectual functions that are related to the preservation of memory. The objective of this research is to review the ethnobotanical applications, phytochemical composition, toxicity and activity of B. monnieri in the central nervous system. It reviewed articles on B. monnieri using Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilacs, Medline, and PubMed. Saponins are the main compounds in extracts of B. monnieri. Pharmacological studies showed that B. monnieri improves learning and memory and presents biological effects against Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. No preclinical acute toxicity was reported. However, gastrointestinal side effects were reported in some healthy elderly individuals. Most studies with B. monnieri have been preclinical evaluations of cellular mechanisms in the central nervous system and further translational clinical research needs to be performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the plant.

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae), también conocida como Brahmi, se ha utilizado para mejorar los procesos cognitivos y las funciones intelectuales que están relacionadas con la preservación de la memoria. El objetivo de esta investigación es revisar las aplicaciones etnobotánicas, composición fitoquímica, toxicidad y actividad de B. monnieri en el sistema nervioso central. Se revisaron artículos sobre B. monnieri utilizando Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilacs, Medline y PubMed. Las saponinas son los principales compuestos de los extractos de B. monnieri. Los estudios farmacológicos mostraron que B. monnieri mejora el aprendizaje y la memoria y presenta efectos biológicos contra la enfermedad de Alzheimer, la enfermedad de Parkinson, la epilepsia y la esquizofrenia. No se informó toxicidad aguda preclínica. Sin embargo, se informaron efectos secundarios gastrointestinales en algunos ancianos sanos. La mayoría de los estudios con B. monnieri han sido evaluaciones preclínicas de los mecanismos celulares en el sistema nervioso central y es necesario realizar más investigaciones clínicas traslacionales para evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la planta.

Comprehensive profiling and characterization of the absorbed components and metabolites in mice serum and tissues following oral administration of Qing-Fei-Pai-Du decoction by UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap HRMS / 中国天然药物

Qing-Fei-Pai-Du decoction (QFPDD) is a Chinese medicine compound formula recommended for combating corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. The latest clinical study showed that early treatment with QFPDD was associated with favorable outcomes for patient recovery, viral shedding, hospital stay, and course of the disease. However, the effective constituents of QFPDD remain unclear. In this study, an UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS based method was developed to identify the chemical constituents in QFPDD and the absorbed prototypes as well as the metabolites in mice serum and tissues following oral administration of QFPDD. A total of 405 chemicals, including 40 kinds of alkaloids, 162 kinds of flavonoids, 44 kinds of organic acids, 71 kinds of triterpene saponins and 88 kinds of other compounds in the water extract of QFPDD were tentatively identified via comparison with the retention times and MS/MS spectra of the standards or refereed by literature. With the help of the standards and in vitro metabolites, 195 chemical components (including 104 prototypes and 91 metabolites) were identified in mice serum after oral administration of QFPDD. In addition, 165, 177, 112, 120, 44, 53 constituents were identified in the lung, liver, heart, kidney, brain, and spleen of QFPDD-treated mice, respectively. These findings provided key information and guidance for further investigation on the pharmacologically active substances and clinical applications of QFPDD.

Optimization of determination of astragaloside Ⅳ in Astragali Radix by continuous single-factor method / 中国中药杂志

This paper aims to solve the problems of complicated-unstable test solution preparation process and insufficient extraction of the active ingredient astragaloside Ⅳ in the legal method for the determination of astragaloside Ⅳ in Astragali Radix. The continuous single-factor analysis of seven main factors affecting the content of astragaloside Ⅳ was carried out by HPLC-ELSD, and then the pre-paration method of test solution was optimized. This optimized method exhibited excellent performance in precision, repeatability and stability. The average recovery rate of astragaloside Ⅳ was 99.65% with RSD 2.2%. Astragaloside Ⅳ showed a good linearity between the logarithm of peak area and the logarithm of injection quantity in the range of 0.46-9.1 μg(r=0.999 6). The contents of astragaloside Ⅳ in 29 batches of Astragali Radix were determined by the new and the legal methods. The results showed that the average content of astragaloside Ⅳ in these Astragali Radix samples determined by the former method was 1.458 times than that of the latter one, indicating the new method was simple, reliable and more adequate to extract target compound. According to the results, it is suggested to improve the content standard of astragaloside Ⅳ in Astragali Radix in the new edition of Chinese Pharmacopeia.

The Tillandsia genus: history, uses, chemistry, and biological activity / El género Tillandsia: historia, usos, química y actividad biológica

Tillandsia L. genus comprises 649 species, with different uses at different times. T. usneoides L. uses are reported since the late- archaic and pre-Columbian cultures. In XIX-XX centuries, T. usneoides was used in some manufactured products, as polish and packing fruit. Tillandsia has a favorable reputation as medicine: for leucorrhea, rheumatism, ulcers, hemorrhoid treatment, as an anti-diabetic remedy, emetic, analgesic, purgative, contraceptive, antispasmodic and diuretic. Tillandsia chemical composition includes cycloartane triterpenes and hydroxy-flavonoids, which are present in at least 24 species. Several extracts and compounds from Tillandsia spp. have been reported with pharmacological actions, as anti-neoplasia, hypolipidemic, antifungal, anti-HSV-1, hypoglycemic and microbicide. This review communicates the economic importance, ethnobotany, chemistry composition and biological activities of the Tillandsia genus, and analyze its biological and economic perspective. Tillandsia genus has cultural, economic and pharmacological relevance, with a high potential in many essential aspects of the modern society.

El género Tillandsia L. comprende 649 especies, con diferentes usos en diferentes épocas. T. usneoides L. se han reportado desde el arcáico tardío hasta las culturas precolombinas. En los siglos XIX-XX, T. usneoides se usó en productos manufacturados: como abrasivo y embalaje de fruta. Como medicina tradicional, el género Tillandsia se reporta para leucorrea, reumatismo, úlceras, hemorroides, remedio antidiabético, emético, analgésico, purgante, anticonceptivo, antiespasmódico y diurético. Su composición química incluye triterpenos de tipo ciclo-artano e hidroxi-flavonoides, presentes en al menos 24 especies. Los extractos y compuestos del género Tillandsia se han reportado con propiedades antineoplásicas, hipolipidémicas, antifúngicas, anti-HSV-1, hipoglucemiantes y microbicidas. Esta revisión comunica la importancia económica, etnobotánica, composición química y las actividades biológicas del género Tillandsia, y analiza su perspectiva biológica y potencial económica. Tillandsia tiene importancia cultural, económica y farmacológica, con gran potencial en muchos aspectos esenciales de la sociedad moderna.

Lupeol and its esters: NMR, powder XRD data and in vitro evaluation of cancer cell growth

ABSTRACT The triterpene lupeol (1) and some of its esters are secondary metabolites produced by species of Celastraceae family, which have being associated with cytotoxic activity. We report herein the isolation of 1, the semi-synthesis of eight lupeol esters and the evaluation of their in vitro activity against nine strains of cancer cells. The reaction of carboxylic acids with 1 and DIC/DMAP was used to obtain lupeol stearate (2), lupeol palmitate (3) lupeol miristate (4), and the new esters lupeol laurate (5), lupeol caprate (6), lupeol caprilate (7), lupeol caproate (8) and lupeol 3',4'-dimethoxybenzoate (9), with high yields. Compounds 1-9 were identified using FT-IR, 1H, 13C-NMR, CHN analysis and XRD data and were tested in vitro for proliferation of human cancer cell activity. In these assays, lupeol was inactive (GI50> 250µg/mL) while lupeol esters 2 -4 and 7 - 9 showed a cytostatic effect. The XRD method was a suitable tool to determine the structure of lupeol and its esters in solid state. Compound 3 showed a selective growth inhibition effect on erythromyeloblastoid leukemia (K-562) cells in a concentration-dependent way. Lupeol esters 4 and 9 showed a selective cytostatic effect with low GI50 values representing promising prototypes for the development of new anticancer drugs.

Comparative study of anti-inflammatory activity and qualitative-quantitative composition of triterpenoids from ten genotypes of Ugni molinae / Estudio comparativo de la actividad antiinflamatoria y composición química cualitativa y cuantitativa de triterpenoides de diez genotipos de Ugni molinae

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in qualitative-quantitative composition of triterpenoids and total phenolic contents, together with anti-inflammatory activity of Ugni molinae leaves obtained from ten genotypes. The ethyl acetate (EAE) and ethanol extracts (ETE) were obtained and analyzed. The plant genotypes were grown under same soil and climate conditions and under same agronomic management; the leaves were also harvested under the same conditions. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by mice ear edema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) at a single dose of 200 mg/kg BW of each extract. Composition of triterpenoids and total phenolic contents was determined by HPLC-DAD and Folin-Ciocalteu method, respectively. Ugni molinae leaves of different plant genotypes exhibited significant differences in regard to their anti-inflammatory activity, as well as in qualitative-quantitative composition of triterpenoids and total phenolic content.

El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer las diferencias en la composición cualitativa y cuantitativa de triterpenoides y en los contenidos totales de fenoles, junto con la actividad antiinflamatoria de las hojas de Ugni molinae provenientes de diez genotipos. Los extractos de acetato de etilo (EAE) y etanólicos (ETE) fueron obtenidos y analizados. Los genotipos fueron cultivados bajo las mismas condiciones edafo-climáticas y con el mismo manejo agronómico; las hojas fueron cosechadas bajo las mismas condiciones. La actividad antiinflamatoria fue evaluada en ratones a los que se les indujo un edema en la oreja mediante la aplicación del 12-O-tetradecanoilforbol-13 acetato (TPA) y los extractos fueron evaluados a una dosis única de 200 mg/kg de peso corporal. La composición en triterpenoides y los contenidos de fenoles totales fueron determinados por CLAE-DAD y por el método de Folin-Ciocalteu, respectivamente. Las hojas provenientes de los diferentes genotipos de U. molinae, exhibieron significativas diferencias en sus actividades antiinflamatorias, así como, en el contenido cualitativo y cuantitativo de triterpenoides y en el contenido de fenoles totales.

Triterpenes and Beta-agarofurane sesquiterpenes from tissue culture ofMaytenus boaria / Triterpenos y Beta-agarofuranos sesquiterpenos desde cultivo de tejidos de Maytenus boaria

Leaf explants of Maytenus boaria were induced towards callus tissue culture with different mixture of cytokinins and auxins. MeOH extract of callus was partitioned with AcOEt and water, and through repeated chromatography procedures were isolated and identified, four triterpenes and three beta-agarofuran sesquiterpenes.

Explantes de hojas de Maytenus boaria fueron inducidos a formar callos mediante diferentes mezclas de citoquininas y auxinas. Un extracto metanólico de los callos fue fraccionado con AcOEt y agua, y mediante repetidas cromatografías fueron aislados e identificados siete compuestos, cuatro triterpenos y 3 sesquiterpenos del tipo agarofurano.

Extraction optimization of total triterpenoids from Jatropha curcas leaves using response surface methodology and evaluations of their antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities

Background Triterpenoids are multifunctional secondary metabolites in plants. But little information is available concerning the actual yield, optimal extraction method and pharmacologic activity with regard to triterpenoids from Jatropha curcas leaves (TJL). Hence, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction parameters. The effects of three independent variables, namely liquid-to-solid ratio, ethanol concentration and extraction time on TJL yield were investigated. TJL obtained by silica column chromatography was tested against bacterial and fungal species relevant to oral disease and wounds through broth microdilution. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Results A second order polynomial model produced a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data with regard to TJL yield (R2 = 0.983, P < 0.01). The optimum extraction conditions were 16 mL/g (liquid-to-solid ratio), 70% (ethanol concentration) and 50 min (extraction time). Predicted values agreed well with the experimental values. TJL had extraordinarily strong antibacterial and antifungal activities (24.42 µg/mL < MIC < 195.31 µg/mL) against all the tested human pathogens except Bacteroides vulgatus (390.62 µg/mL) and Bacteroides stercoris (781.25 µg/mL). The DPPH and ABTS assays revealed a moderate antioxidant activity of TJL compared with ascorbic acid. Conclusion These results provided reliable scientific basis for further investigation of triterpenoids from J. curcas.

An HPLC-UV and HPLC-ESI-MS based method for identification of anti-inflammatory triterpenoids from the extracts of Ugni molinae / Método CLAE-UV y CLAE-IES-MS para la identificación de triterpenoides anti-inflamatorios de los extractos de Ugni molinae

The aim of this study was to establish an analytical method to detect the presence of the responsible triterpenoids of the anti-inflammatory activity of the leaves of Ugni molinae (murtilla). Successive leaves extracts of EtOAc (EAE) and ethanol (TEE) were prepared, obtaining for the first time from TEE a triterpenoid-rich sub-fraction (TF). The topical anti-inflammatory activity of TF was assessed (43.3 percent at 1 mg/ear) by means of the TPA-induced mouse ear oedema model, which was compared to EAE (83.1 +/- 3.2 percent) and TEE (78.3 +/- 11.8 percent) activities, both previously evaluated by us. These extracts were characterized in their triterpenoids by HPLC-UV and HPLC-ESI-MS. We demonstrated that TF has triterpenoids responsible in part of the anti-inflammatory activity, among them, madecassic and maslinic acids. These two compounds have been reported for the first time for this species. ED50 for madecassic and alphitolic acids are also here reported.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue establecer un método analítico para determinar la presencia de los triterpenoides responsables de la actividad anti-inflamatoria de las hojas de Ugni molinae (murtilla). Fueron preparados los extractos seriados de EtOAc (EAE) y etanólico (TEE) desde sus hojas, obteniendo desde el TEE por primera vez una sub-fracción rica en triterpenoides (TF). Se demostró la actividad anti-inflamatoria tópica del TF por el modelo de edema de oreja de ratón inducida por TPA (43,3 por ciento a 1 mg/oreja), la cual fue comparada con las de los EAE (83,1 +/- 3,2 por ciento) y TEE (78,3 +/- 11,8 por ciento) determinadas en nuestros estudios previos. Dichos extractos fueron caracterizados en sus triterpenoides por CLAE-UV y CLAE-IES-MS. Demostramos que el TF contiene triterpenoides responsables en parte de la actividad anti-inflamatoria, entre ellos, los ácidos madecásico y maslínico, reportados por primera vez para esta especie. Se informan además las DE50 para los ácidos madecásico y alfitólico.

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity by hidroalcoholic extractand their fractions of Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav. ) Shcltdl (Rubiaceae) / Inhibición de la actividad de acetilcolinesterasa por el extracto hidroalcohólico y sus fracciones de Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav. ) Shcltdl (Rubiaceae)

The hydroalcoholic extract (BtHA) and its fractions of Bouvardia ternifolia were evaluated as inhibitors of the activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme utilizing the in vitro method (Ellman). BtHA inhibited the acetylcholinesterase enzyme competitively (IC50 = 0.6 ug/ml); the ethyl acetate fraction (BtF-AcOEt) caused mixed-type inhibition (IC50 = 0.96 ug/ml). A fraction insoluble on methanol (Bt-Faq-1) showed a mixed-type inhibition (CI50 = 0.96 ug/ml). Finally, the methanol-soluble fraction (Bt-Faq-2), presented complex, mixed-type inhibition that corresponds to the C5 system ( alpha= 0.740 and beta = 0.842). Rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and ursolic acid were detected by HPLC and the concentration of these compounds was different in each fraction.

El extracto hidroalcohólico (BtHA) y fracciones provenientes de Bouvardia ternifolia fueron evaluadas como inhibidores de la enzima acetilcolinesterasa utilizando el método enzimático propuesto por Ellman. BtHA inhibe a la enzima de manera competitiva (IC50 = 0.6 ug/ml); la fracción de acetato de etilo (BtF-AcOEt) provoca una inhibición mixta (IC50 = 0.96 ug/ml). La fracción insoluble en metanol (Bt-Faq-1) mostró una inhibición tipo mixta (CI50 = 0.96 ug/ml). Finalmente la fracción soluble en metanol, Bt-Faq-2, inhibe a la enzima presentando una inhibición mixta que corresponde a un sistema C5 ( alfa= 0.740 and beta= 0.842). Mediante HPLC se detectó rutina, quercetina, canferol y ácido ursólico la concentración de estos compuestos fue diferente en cada fracción.

Couepia paraensis: estudio fitoquímico, ensayos de citotoxicidad y de inhibición de la glucosa-6-fosfatasa / Couepia paraensis: phytochemical study, cytotoxicity assays and inhibition of glucose-6-phosphatase

From the cholroform extract of the aerial parts of Couepia paraensis the triterpenes beta-sitosterol1, betulinic acid acetate 2, and oleanolic acid acetate 3, were isolated. Six triterpenes from the chloroform-methanol, acids: oleanolic 4, pomolic 5, ursolic 6, betulinic 7, 6-beta-hydroxybetulínic 8. Additionally from the methanolic extract three flavonoids were isolated: mricetin 9, quercetin 10 y rutina 11. The chloroform and chloroform-methanol extracts were not citotoxic at concentration of 2,5 and 3,1 ug/ml respectively after 24 hours of incubation. The methanol extract was found to be harmless to a concentration of 50 ug/ml, both at 24 hours (LD50 = 10.77 ug/ml) and 120 hours (LD50 = 28.86 ug/ml) of incubation. Only the methanol extract showed significant inhibition (41 percent) of the activity of G-6-Pase in intact microsomes without affecting the activity of the enzyme in microsomes broken.

Se aislaron e identificaron tres triterpenos: beta-sitosterol 1, acetato del ácido betulínico, 2 y acetato del ácido oleanólico 3 del extracto clorofórmico. Seis triterpenos del extracto cloroformo: metanol (9:1) que fueron identificados como ácidos: oleanólico 4, pomólico 5, ursólico 6, betulínico 7, 6-beta-hidroxibetulínico 8. Mientras que del extracto metanólico se identificaron 3 flavoniodes: miricetina 9, quercetina 10 y rutina 11. Los extractos de cloroformo y cloroformo /metanol resultaron inocuos hasta las concentraciones de 2,5 y 3,1ug/ml respectivamente, después de 24 horas de incubación. El extracto metanólico es inocuo hasta una concentración de 50 ug/ml, tanto a 24 horas (LD50 = 10,77 ug/ml) como a 120 horas (LD50 = 28,86 ug/ml) de incubación. Solamente el extracto metanólico mostró una inhibición significativa (41 por ciento) de la actividad de la G-6-Pasa de microsomas intactos sin afectar la actividad de la enzima en microsomas rotos.

Variation in concentrations of major bioactive compounds in Prunella vulgaris L. related to plant parts and phenological stages

Prunella vulgaris L. (Labiatae) contains a variety of structurally diverse natural products, primarily rosmarinic acid (RA), ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA), which possess a wide array of biological properties. In the present study, P. vulgaris was harvested at three developmental stages (vegetative, full-flowering and mature-fruiting stages), dissected into stem and leaf tissues and assayed for chemical contents using high performance liquid chromatography. Significant changes in the concentrations of the major secondary metabolites (RA, UA and OA) were observed at the different development stages. The highest concentrations of RA, UA and OA were found at the full-flowering stage (15.83 mg/g dry weight (DW) RA, 1.77 mg/g DW UA and 0.65 mg/g DW OA). Among the different aerial parts of the plant, the concentrations of RA, UA and OA were higher in the leaves than in the stems at the different developmental stages. These results suggest that the full-flowering stage is characterized by the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds. Therefore, this stage may be the optimum point for harvesting P. vulgaris plants. In additional, the leaves of P. vulgaris demonstrated higher RA, UA and OA concentrations than the stems, suggesting higher utilization potential.

An approach to the study of the fungal deterioration of a classical art material: Mastic varnish

Mastic, one of the best natural varnishes, is frequently used as protective and finishing layer or as component of oleo-resinous media in paintings, both in the past and currently. However, this resin is affected by complex deterioration processes which can change its characteristics and thus the visual aspect of works of art. The alteration processes caused by radiation have been widely studied, but there is a lack of information on the biodeterioration of this natural product. In this paper, fungi from collections as well as from oil paintings of the Fine Arts Museum of Granada (Spain) were inoculated onto slides covered with mastic. The samples, after an incubation period of 15 days, were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the chemical changes undergone, and a visual monitoring of the samples was performed to determine the formation of mycelia onto solidified resins. Major changes were detected in Chrysonilia sitophila, Phoma herbarum, and P. chrysogenum, showing evidence of alteration processes caused or favoured by these microorgamisms.

Chemical variation of tannins and triterpenes in Brazilian populations of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. Ex Reiss / Variabilidade química de taninos e triterpenos em diferentes populações naturais de Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. Ex Reiss

Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus aquifolia species are widely used as a cicatrisation agent, an anti-spasmodic, contraceptive, antiulcerogenic, diuretic and analgesic. Considering the importance of these species in popular medicine, this work is focused on the determination of the chemical content of tannins and the triterpenes friedelan-3-one, friedelan-3-ol and friedelin in 15 native populations of Maytenus ilicifolia distributed in the south and mind-west regions of Brazil. Correlation of the concentration of these compounds with the environmental parameters such as average annual temperature, climate, vegetation, geomorphology, latitude and altitude was determined using Pearson's coefficient. Results showed that average annual temperature and climate have significant effect on tannin content at a 95% confidence level. The highest tannin concentration was found in Ponta Porã population, and for the triterpenes investigated, a significant correlation between their concentrations with the environmental variables studied was not verified.

As espécies de Maytenus ilicifolia e Maytenus aquifolia são utilizadas como antiespasmódico, contraceptivo, antiulcerogênico, diurético, cicatrizante e analgésico. A ação antiulcerogênica dos extratos de Maytenus ilicifolia possuem relação com a presença de taninos e com os triterpenos friedelan-3-ona, friedelan-3-ol e friedelin. Este trabalho está focado na determinação do teor de taninos e dos triterpenos friedelan-3-ona, friedelan-3-ol e friedelin em 15 populações nativas de Maytenus ilicifolia distribuídas nas regiões Sul e Centro-Oeste do Brasil. A correlação entre a concentração destes compostos com variáveis ambientais, tais como temperatura média anual (TMA), clima segundo Koeppen, vegetação, geomorfologia, latitude e altitude foi determinada através do emprego da correlação de Pearson. Os resultados mostraram que as variáveis temperatura média anual e clima apresentaram influência significativa ao nível de confiança de 95% sobre a concentração de taninos. O maior teor de taninos foi encontrado na população de Ponta Porã, a qual possui uma temperatura média anual de 23 °C. Para os triterpenos estudados, friedelan-3-ona, friedelan-3-ol e friedelin, não foi evidenciada correlação significativa entre a concentração destes compostos com as variáveis ambientais estudadas.

Quantitative estimation of betasitosterol, lupeol, quercetin and quercetin glycosides from leaflets of Soymida febrifuga using HPTLC technique

Soymida febrifuga [Meliaceae] dried leaflets [10 gm] were extracted with petroleum ether. Unsaponifiable matter quantitatively used for sample preparation, labeled as SF-U. Another 10 gm leaflet powder was extracted with methanol and quantitatively used for sample preparation labeled as SF-A. Sample and standard solution were dosage on three different plates and developed in its respective mobile phase plates were scanned using TLC scanner III and estimated using integration software CATs 4.05. Calculations for percentage were done considering standard and sample Rf, AUC and dilution factor. Estimation of b Sitosterol, Lupeol, Quercetin, Quercetin-3-O-galactoside, Quercetin-3-O-xyloside and Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside were determined as 0.02146% w/w, 0.0377% w/w, 0.4079% w/w, 0.6197% w/w, 2.974% w/w and 3.235% w/w respectively with the help of HPLC techniques

Detecçäo de adulteraçöes em amostras comerciais de "espinheira-santa" por cromatografia gasosa de alta resoluçäo (HRGC) / Detection of adulterations in commercial samples of \"espinheira santa\" by high resolution gas chromatography (HRGC)

Na análise de amostras comerciais de "espinheira santa" (Maytenus ilicifolia Martius ex Reiss. e M. aquifolium Martius -Celastraceae), dentre dez amostras comercializadas nos estados de SP e PR, apenas três amostras foram identificadas como autênticas. Utilizou-se a cromatografia gasosa de alta resoluçäo (HRGC) como método analítico.

Inhibition of formaldehyde-induced arthritis by a purified fraction prepared from Wilbrandia (cf) verticillata which contains novel norcucurbitacin glucosides

The anti-inflammatory activity of a purified fraction of the rhizome of Wilbrandia (cf) verticillata, which contains two novel norcucurbitacin glucosides, is reported. The increase of vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice (N = 5) was inhibited 69% and 90% by 50 and 100 mg/kg of the purified fraction, po (P<0.01). Acetylsalicylic acid (200 mg/kg), po, inhibited the response by 62% under the same conditions (P<0.05). The purified fraction (100 mg/kg, po) also significantly inhibited paw swelling in the rat formaldehyde-induced arthritis model on 8 of 10 days and reduced the swelling by 63% on day 10. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, ip) was more effective than the extract under the same conditions. These data partially characterize the anti-inflammatory activity of the purified fraction from this plant which is used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of arthritis and related disorders