Useful Brazilian plants under the view of the writer-naturalist João Guimarães Rosa

ABSTRACTThis study shows the results of a wide but non-exhaustive review on plants cited in the literacy work of the writer-naturalist João Guimarães Rosa (J.G. Rosa). Information about popular names and use of plants were recovered through a review in seven works of the author. The assignment of the scientific names was based in other previous ethnobotanical studies performed in similar areas of Cerrado in Minas Gerais state. For each species, data about their presence in the Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia, or use for preparing commercial products were checked. A total of 964 popular names for plants were recovered, 59 of them being more frequently cited. From the total citations, 57 native species have their use described by the author but curiously, only thirteen are referred to as medicinal. It is assumed that the literature from J.G. Rosa is very rich in data about the utility of the plants from the Cerrado; however, the present work shows that his interest was rather the literary (poetic) creation, and we demystify that supposition.

Changes in the trade in native medicinal plants in Brazilian public markets.

Plants continue to be an important source of new bioactive substances. Brazil is one of the world's mega-diverse countries, with 20 % of the world's flora. However, the accelerated destruction of botanically rich ecosystems has contributed to a gradual loss of native medicinal species. In previous study, we have observed a fast and intensive change in trade of medicinal plants in an area of Amazon, where human occupation took place. In this study, we surveyed 15 public markets in different parts of Brazil in search of samples of 40 plants used in traditional medicine and present in first edition of Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia (FBRAS), published in 1926. Samples of plants commercialized as the same vernacular name as in Pharmacopoeia were acquired and submitted to analysis for authentication. A total of 252 plant samples were purchased, but the laboratory analyses showed that only one-half of the samples (126, 50.2 %) were confirmed as the same plant species so named in FBRAS. The high number of unauthenticated samples demonstrates a loss of knowledge of the original native species. The proximity of the market from areas in which the plant occurs does not guarantee that trade of false samples occurs. The impact of the commerce of the substitute species on their conservation and in public health is worrying. Strategies are necessary to promote the better use and conservation of this rich heritage offered by Brazilian biodiversity.

Nephroprotective Effect of Echinodorus macrophyllus Micheli on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Leaves of Echinodorus macrophyllus (EM), from the Alismataceae family, have been used in Brazilian folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. In this work, the diuretic and nephroprotective activities of crude extracts of EM were evaluated. METHODS: Normal Wistar rats were given 0.9% NaCl containing either EM (10-300 mg/kg), furosemide (13 mg/kg) or arginine vasopressin (0.2 mg/kg). Thereafter, the rats were individually housed in metabolic cages, and urine volume was measured every 30 min for a total of 3 h. Acute kidney injury was induced by gentamicin (GM, 80 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1), b.i.d., 5 days). Along with GM, 0.9% NaCl (control) or EM (30 mg/kg) was given to the rats by gavage. RESULTS: EM produced a dose-dependent reduction in urine elimination. EM was effective in reversing all GM-induced alterations such as polyuria and glomerular filtration rate reduction. The GM-induced morphological alterations were not observed when EM was given concomitantly with GM. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that EM possesses nephroprotective effect which indicates that EM may have therapeutic applications in GM-induced acute kidney injury.

The effect of saponins from Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke on the renal Na+ pumps' activities and urinary excretion of natriuretic peptides.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study, we showed that a saponin mixture isolated from the roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke (SAPAaD) reduces urine excretion in rats that were given an oral loading of 0.9 % NaCl (4 ml/100 g body weight). In the present study, we investigated whether atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) and renal ATPases play a role in the SAPAaD- induced antidiuresis in rats. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of SAPAaD on furosemide-induced diuresis, Wistar rats (250-300 g) were given an oral loading of physiological solution (0.9 % NaCl, 4 ml/100 g body weight) to impose a uniform water and salt state. The solution containing furosemide (Furo, 13 mg/kg) was given 30 min after rats were orally treated with 50 mg/kg SAPAaD (SAPAaD + Furo) or 0.5 ml of 0.9 % NaCl (NaCl + Furo). In the SAPAaD + NaCl group, rats were pretreated with SAPAaD and 30 min later they received the oral loading of physiological solution. Animals were individually housed in metabolic cages, and urine volume was measured every 30 min throughout the experiment (3 h). To investigate the role of ANP and renal Na(+) pumps on antidiuretic effects promoted by SAPAaD, rats were given the physiological solution (as above) containing SAPAaD (50 mg/kg). After 90 min, samples of urine and blood from the last 30 min were collected. Kidneys and atria were also removed after previous anesthesia. ANP was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and renal cortical activities of Na(+)- and (Na(+),K(+))-ATPases were calculated from the difference between the [32P] Pi released in the absence and presence of 1 mM furosemide/2 mM ouabain and in the absence and presence of 1 mM ouabain, respectively. RESULTS: It was observed that SAPAaD inhibited furosemide-induced diuresis (at 90 min: from 10.0 ± 1.0 mL, NaCl + Furo group, n = 5, to 5.9 ± 1.0 mL, SAPAaD + Furo group n = 5, p < 0.05), increased both Na(+)-ATPase (from 25.0 ± 5.9 nmol Pi.mg(-1).min(-1), control, to 52.7 ± 8.9 nmol Pi.mg(-1).min(-1), p < 0.05) and (Na(+),K(+))-ATPase (from 47.8 ± 13.3 nmol Pi.mg(-1).min(-1), control, to 79.8 ± 6.9 nmol Pi .mg(-1).min(-1), p < 0.05) activities in the renal cortex. SAPAaD also lowered urine ANP (from 792 ± 132 pg/mL, control, to 299 ± 88 pg/mL, p < 0.01) and had no effect on plasma or atrial ANP. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the SAPAaD antidiuretic effect may be due to an increase in the renal activities of Na(+)- and (Na(+),K(+))-ATPases and/or a decrease in the renal ANP.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Brazilian medicinal plant extracts against pathogenic microorganisms of interest to dentistry.

This study evaluated the susceptibility of oral pathogenic microorganisms Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans to Brazilian medicinal plant extracts of Schinus terebinthifolius (aroeira), Croton campestris (velame), Lafoensia pacari (pacari), Centaurium erythraea (centáurea), Stryphnodendron adstringens (barbatimão), and Anacardium humile (cajuzinho-docerrado), as compared to standardized antimicrobial agents (nystatin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline hydrochloride). Ethanol, hexane and butane fractions from stem barks, rinds, leaves, and/or roots were extracted and tested. Antimicrobial diffusion agar test and MIC were performed according to CLSI. After 24 h of incubation at 37 °C, the diameter of inhibition zones and spectrophotometer readings were measured and compared. The results were reported as means ± standard deviation (M ± SD). With the exception of five extracts that showed no antimicrobial activity, all the extracts tested showed antimicrobial activity, in different levels. This study suggests that extracts from the plants tested could be an alternative therapeutic option for infectious conditions of the oral cavity, such as denture stomatitis, dental caries, and periodontitis.

Effect of triterpene saponins from roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke on diuresis in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine to both prevent malaria and act as a depurative. AIM OF THE STUDY: We have investigated the effects of an ethanol crude extract of roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus (CEAaD), a chemically characterized saponin mixture (SAPAaD), as well as a saponin-free fraction (SAPAaD-free) obtained from CEAaD on diuresis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats under ad libitum water conditions or water deprivation for 12h prior to the start of the experiment were volume-expanded with 0.9% NaCl (4% body weight, by gavage) containing either CEAaD, SAPAaD, or SAPAaD-free at the doses indicated in the text. Rats were individually housed in metabolic cages, and urine volume was measured every 30 min throughout the experiment (3 h). RESULTS: CEAaD increased urine volume in rats under conditions of both free access to water and under water deprivation. In the latter condition, CEAaD (150 mg/kg) increased the urine volume from zero to 0.9+/-0.1 ml/120 min, n=6). Similarly, the SAPAaD-free (50-200 mg/kg) mixture also increased the urine volume. In contrast, SAPAaD (12.5-1000 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction (p<0.01) in diuresis under conditions of both water deprivation and with free access to water prior to the start of the experiment. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that CEAaD contains compounds that cause both diuresis and antidiuresis and that the antidiuretic effect is due mainly to the presence of saponins.

Qualidade de amostras comerciais preparadas com Aesculus hippocastanum L. (castanha-da-Índia) / Quality of commercial samples of horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

As sementes de castanha-da-Índia (Aesculus hippocastanum L., Hippocastanaceae) são utilizadas na medicina tradicional em várias partes do mundo no tratamento de varizes. Muitos estudos, inclusive clínicos, comprovaram as atividades antiedematosa, anti-inflamatória e venotônica do extrato padronizado da planta. O componente ativo é uma mistura de saponinas, denominada aescina. Foram analisadas amostras de droga vegetal rasurada e em pó, extrato seco, cápsulas contendo pó vegetal e extrato e comprimidos de extrato de castanha-da-Índia adquiridas no mercado nacional. Verificou-se a autenticidade (caracterização organoléptica, macroscópica e microscópica), a pureza (determinação de matéria estranha, água e cinzas totais), a presença e o teor de aescina, além das condições de prescrição e dispensação desses medicamentos. As análises confirmaram a autenticidade e pureza de todas as amostras. A aescina foi detectada mas os teores foram muito variáveis, estando abaixo do especificado na bibliografia em quase todas as amostras. Apesar de ser utilizada eficazmente em outros países, a pesquisa demonstrou que os produtos disponíveis no comércio brasileiro encontram-se fora das especificações necessárias para a atividade farmacológica. Esse quadro revela a necessidade urgente de melhoria da manipulação de fitoterápicos, de forma a promover a utilização adequada desses medicamentos.

The seeds of horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L., Hippocastanaceae) have been used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world to treat chronic venous insufficiency. Many experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that A. hippocastanum extracts increase venous tonus. This activity is attributed to a mixture of saponins (aescin). In this study, samples of A. hippocastanum obtained from herbal shops, pharmacies and drug stores were analyzed and their authenticity (organoleptic properties, macroscopy and microscopy characterization), purity (determination of foreign matter, water and ashes) and content of aescin were determined. The analyses confirmed the authenticity and purity of all samples, however the content of aescin showed variation in all analysed sample and was out of the specification for each one. Although, A. hippocastanum has been widely used in other countries with proven efficacy, the results of the present study showed that the available Brazilian products do not meet the standarts for use as a therapeutic agent.

Utilização de plantas em feridas por pacientes do Hospital Público Regional de Betim (MG) / Plants used to treat wounds by patients of the Public Hospital of Betim (MG)

Foi realizada pesquisa junto aos pacientes da clínica de cirurgia plástica do Hospital Público Regional de Betim (HPRB), visando conhecer a amplitude da utilização de plantas medicinais no tratamento das feridas. Dados pessoais dos pacientes e informações sobre o uso de plantas foram obtidos por meio da aplicação de questionários. Os resultados demonstraram que metade dos pacientes entrevistados são usuários de plantas e essa prática não se encontra restrita a pessoas de faixa etária mais alta ou baixa escolaridade. Foram citadas 383 fórmulas para tratar feridas, preparadas com 113 plantas diferentes. Sete espécies vegetais são mais utilizadas e algumas contam coro resultados de pesquisas farmacológicas, que evidenciaram eficácia no tratamento de feridas. O estudo confirma a suposição de que boa parte da população, mesmo que atendida adequadamente na atenção primária à saúde, utiliza plantas medicinais.

We have performed a survey with patients from the plastic surgery unit of the Betim Regional Hospital in order to determine the use of medicinal plants to treat wounds. The results showed that 50% of the interviewed patients use medicinal plants. Several plants were indicated and seven species were the most used. The study confirmis that the use of plants is widespread and physicians should be aware of this fact.

Vigilância de fitoterápicos em Minas Gerais: verificaçäo da qualidade de diferentes amostras comerciais de camomila / Surveillance of phytotherapeutic drugs in the State of Minas Gerais: quality assessment of commercial samples of chamomile

O comércio de plantas medicinais e produtos fitoterápicos encontra-se em expansäo em todo o mundo. Uma portaria lançada recentemente pelo Ministério da Saúde busca regulamentar a produçäo dos fitoterápicos comercializados no Brasil. Com o objetivo de contribuir com a farmacovigilância deste setor, iniciamos um programa de avaliaçäo do material fitoterápico comercializado em Minas Gerais. Foram analisadas 27 amostras de camomila, procedentes de farmácias, ervanarias e mercados, quanto à identidade, pureza e presença dos constituintes ativos. Apesar de todas as amostras serem constituídas da genuína Matricaria recutita, na maior parte os capítulos florais estavam muito destruídos, consequência de manuseio excessivo ou má conservaçäo. Foram detectados contaminantes em todas as amostras, estando insetos presentes em 63 por cento daquelas comercializadas em farmácias. Somente cerca de metade das amostras apresentaram os constituintes dos óleos essenciais, necessários à atividade antiinflamatória da planta. Os constituintes fenólicos, de açäo espasmolítica, foram detectados em somente cerca de 20 por cento. Os resultados com a camomila indicam a precariedade com que as plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos vêm sendo comercializados e confirmam a necessidade urgente de vigilância destes produtos no Brasil.

A participação do laboratório de farmacognosia da UFMG no aprimoramento dos produtos fitoterápicos em Minas Gerais

Semelhante ao observado em outras regiões do país, a situação do comércio de produtos fitoterápicos em Minas Gerais é muito precária. A produção se encontra concentrada em alguns labo­ratórios, cujas formulações são baseadas nos usos populares das plantas. 0 comércio de plantas me­dicinais nas farmácias e outros locais, como as ervanarias, encontra-se em plena expansão. Sao fatos inquestionáveis, portanto, a necessidade de regulamentação deste setor e a contribuição pro­porcionada pela recente portaria do Ministério da Saúde de forma a atingir este objetivo. O Laboratório de Farmacognosia da Faculdade de Farmácia da UFMG vem contribuindo no aprimora­mento dos produtos fitoterápicos em Minas Gerais por meio da orientação e realização de análises de controle de qualidade para alguns laboratórios de Belo Horizonte e do interior de Minas Gerais. O presente relato pretende divulgar a nossa experiência e estimular os profissionais dos demais laboratori­os de farmacognosia a realizar este tipo de serviço.

Avaliaçäo farmacológica preliminar do extrato liofilizado de angico (Piptadenia colubrina Bth) / Preliminary pharmacologic evaluation of freeze-dried extract of angico (Piptadenia colubrina Bth)

Cascas de angico (Piptadenia colubrina Bth) foram coletadas na regiäo do Alto Paranaiba/Minas Gerais e submetidas a processos de extraçäo e liofilizaçäo. O extrato foi empregado em testes farmacológicos com camundongos e ratos machos albinos. Observou-se que doses variáveis do extrato provocaram sinais de depressäo do sistema nervoso central e insuficiência respiratória. Observou-se também que o extrato acarretou um efeito sinérgico quando associado a doses sub-hipnóticas de pentobarbital sódico e a doses sedativas de clorpromazina e diazepam. Embora a informaçäo popular se refira a propriedades antiepilépticas do "chá de angico", os resultados näo demonstraram açäo anticonvulsivante em relaçäo ao pentetrazol. Além do mais, observou-se que o extrato näo possui açäo analgésica e nem altera a açäo analgésica do cloridrato de morfina. Os resultados obtidos sugerem propriedades psicotrópicas do tipo psicoléptico (depressoras do sistema nervoso central) para o material estudado.

Quimioterapia experimental antimalárica com produtos naturais: I.Uma abordagem mais racional? / Experimental antimalarial chemotherapy with natural products: I.A more rational approach?

Um total de 148 diferentes espécies vegetais brasileiras, a maioria na forma de extratos brutos e pertencentes a várias famílias, foram testadas contra a malária em camundongos experimentalmente inoculados com formas sangüíneas do Plasmodium berghei. Os extratos foram enviados por vários grupos de químicos nacionais. Todos se mostraram inativos na dose de 100mg/kg p.o. (4x) inclusive o da cerveja-de-índio (Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke, Família Rhamnaceae, vegetal usado no folclore popular na Amazônia como poderoso antimalárico. Curiosamente, a maioria das espécies vegetais testadas näo estäo incluídas entre as famílias popularmente tidas como febrífugas ou como antimaláricas. As autoras sugerem a substituiçäo da abordagem empírica, utilizada na extraçäo de produtos naturais, por uma triagem mais racional, baseada no folclore popular, na pesquisa de drogas antimalárias, bem como de drogas antiparasitárias em geral