Anatomy and lignification status of the Lophanthera lactescens Ducke plant grown in vitro.

This aim of this study was to evaluate the lignification in young stems of the Lophanthera lactescens Ducke plant grown in vitro L. lactescens (Malpighiaceae), a species endemic in the Brazilian Amazon that possesses both medicinal properties and could be used in the forest product industry. Plants grown in vitro condition in MS medium were analyzed using Infrared (IR) microspectroscopy in a diffuse reflectance mode, fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, histochemical tests such as the Wiesner and Maüle test were run to monitor the process of lignification in cell walls. The spectra of IR microscopy recorded using cross section tissue are representative of guaiacyl/syringyl lignin, based on the 1336 and 1246 cm-1 signal. Individuals presenting stem sprains, resulting from the marked development, produced gelatinous fibers with a clear cellulose layer. Initially, fluorescence microscopy demonstrated lignin deposition in the cell corner region having progressive deposition in the secondary wall of tracheary elements of the stem.

Leishmanicidal effect of LLD-3 (1), a nor-triterpene isolated from Lophanthera lactescens.

Leishmanicidal activity of 6alpha, 7alpha, 15beta, 16beta, 24-pentacetoxy-22alpha-carbometoxy-21beta,22beta-epoxy-18beta-hydroxy-27,30-bisnor-3,4-secofriedela-1,20 (29)-dien-3,4 R-olide (LLD-3 (1)) isolated from Lophanthera lactescens Ducke, a member of the Malpighiaceae, was demonstrated against intramacrophage amastigote forms (IC(50) of 0.41mug/mL). The in vitro leishmanicidal effect of Glucantime, the first choice drug for leishmaniasis treatment, was increased by LLD-3 (1) association. The leishmanicidal effect of LLD-3 (1) was not due to stimulation of nitric oxide production by macrophages. LLD-3 (1) was also not cytotoxic for mouse peritoneal macrophages or B cells as assessed by the XTT and Trypan blue exclusion assays. LLD-3 (1) was unable to affect proliferation of naïve or activated B and T cells, as well as the B cells immunoglobulin synthesis. Cellularity of different tissues, liver and kidney functions were not altered in mice treated with LLD-3 (1), as well as the histology pattern of different organs. Our results add LLD-3 (1) as a potential drug candidate for treatment of leishmaniasis.