The Genus Miconia Ruiz & Pav. (Melastomataceae): Ethnomedicinal Uses, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry.

Species of the genus Miconia are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases, such as pain, throat infections, fever, and cold, and they used as depuratives, diuretics, and sedatives. This work reviewed studies carried out with Miconia species, highlighting its ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological and phytochemical potential. This information was collected in the main platforms of scientific research (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Our findings show that some of the traditional uses of Miconia are corroborated by biological and/or pharmacological assays, which demonstrated, among other properties, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimutagenic, antiparasitic, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities. A total of 148 chemical compounds were identified in Miconia species, with phenolic compounds being the main constituents found in the species of this genus. Such phytochemical investigations have demonstrated the potential of species belonging to this genus as a source of bioactive substances, thus reinforcing their medicinal and pharmacological importance.

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae): Botany, Ethnomedicinal Uses, Biological Activities, Phytochemistry, Extractivism and Conservation Needs.

Caryocar coriaceum is an endemic tree of Brazil, occurring mainly in the northeast region in the Cerrado environment. The species, popularly known as "pequi", produces fruits that are used in the manufacture of oil for food and medicinal purposes. This work reviewed studies conducted with the species, highlighting its ethnomedicinal use, its pharmacological potential, including its chemical constituents, and its cultural and socioeconomic importance. Information was obtained through the main scientific research platforms. The keyword "Caryocar coriaceum" was used as the main index for searching the following platforms: PubMed®, PubMed Central®, SciElo, Scopus® and Web of ScienceTM. The compiled papers demonstrate that C. coriaceum has great medicinal, economic and cultural importance for northeastern Brazil. Popularly, the fruits of C. coriaceum are used to treat broncho-pulmonary diseases (bronchitis, colds and flu). The fixed oil is widely used to relieve pain from various causes in the treatment of inflammation, flu, eczema, burns, fever, rickets, indigestion, heart murmurs, fatigue and erectile dysfunction. Some of these uses are corroborated by pharmacological trials, which have demonstrated the antioxidant, healing, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, antinociceptive and antimicrobial properties of the species. Chemically, fatty acids and phenolic compounds are the main constituents recorded for the species. Due to its medicinal properties, the fruits and oil of C. coriaceum have a high commercial demand and are one of the main forms of subsistence activities for local populations. On the other hand, the extractive practice of the fruits, associated with anthropic factors and its physiological nature, makes the species threatened with extinction. Thus, public management policies are highly necessary in order to avoid its extinction.

Chemical Profile and Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Activities of Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) Extracts.

This study presents the chemical profile of extracts from the pulp and seed of Annona squamosa L., as well as the evaluation of their antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities. In the chemical prospection, qualitative assays were performed, and the contents of total phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and carotenoids were quantified. For the compounds identification, analyses of the extracts were performed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Antioxidant evaluation was performed using the DPPH, ABTS, Fe3+ reduction, 2-DR protection, and ß-carotene protection methods. The assay for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was determined using the method described by Ellman. The secondary metabolites identified were anthocyanidins, flavones, flavonols, and alkaloids. Phenol analysis showed a higher quantitative value of total phenols and flavonoids for the seed extract, and the vitamin C content was higher in the pulp extract. There was no significant difference in relation to the carotenoids quantification. The best results obtained for antioxidant activity, for both seed and pulp extracts, were with the ABTS method with IC50 of 0.14 ± 0.02 and 0.38 ± 0.02 mg/mL, respectively. Compared to A. squamosa seed extract, the pulp extract demonstrates higher AChE inhibitory activity with IC50 of 18.82 ± 0.17 µg/mL. A. squamosa is a nutritious food source. The continuity of the studies is fundamental to relate the consumption of this food and its effects on neurodegenerative diseases.

The 1,8-naphthyridines sulfonamides are NorA efflux pump inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: Efflux pumps are transmembrane proteins associated with bacterial resistance mechanisms. Bacteria use these proteins to actively transport antibiotics to the extracellular medium, preventing the pharmacological action of these drugs. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the antibacterial activity of 1,8-naphthyridines sulfonamides, as well as their ability to inhibit efflux systems of Staphylococcus aureus strains expressing different levels of the NorA efflux pump. METHODS: The broth microdilution test was performed to assess antibacterial activity. Efflux pump inhibition was evaluated in silico by molecular docking and in vitro by fluorometric tests, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. The MIC was determined in the association between 1,8-naphthyridine and norfloxacin or ethidium bromide. RESULTS: The 1,8-naphthyridines did not show direct antibacterial activity. However, they effectively reduced the MIC of multidrug-resistant bacteria by associating with norfloxacin and ethidium bromide, in addition to increasing the fluorescence emission. In silico analysis addressing the binding between NorA and 1,8-naphthyridines suggests that hydrogen bonds and hydrophilic interactions represent the interactions with the most favourable binding energy, corroborating the experimental data. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that 1,8-naphthyridines sulfonamides inhibit bacterial resistance through molecular mechanisms associated with inhibition of the NorA efflux pump in S. aureus strains.

Caesalpinia ferrea C. Mart. (Fabaceae) Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany, and Bioactivities: A Review.

Caesalpinia ferrea C. Mart., popularly known as "Jucá" or "Pau-ferro", belongs to the Fabaceae family, and is classified as a native and endemic species in Brazil. Numerous studies that portray its ethnobotany, chemical composition, and biological activities exist in the literature. The present study aimed to systematically review publications addressing the botanical aspects, uses in popular medicine, phytochemical composition, and bioactivities of C. ferrea. The searches focused on publications from 2015 to March 2020 using the Scopus, Periódicos Capes, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases. The leaves, fruits, seeds, and bark from C. ferrea are used in popular medicine to treat disorders affecting several systems, including the circulatory, immune, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and conjunctive systems. The most commonly found chemical classes in phytochemical studies are flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and other phenolic compounds. The biological properties of the extracts and isolated compounds of C. ferrea most cited in the literature were antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and healing potential. However, further studies are still needed to clarify a link between its traditional uses, the active compounds, and the reported pharmacological activities, as well as detailed research to determine the toxicological profile of C. ferrea.

Pequi enriched diets protect Drosophila melanogaster against paraquat-induced locomotor deficits and oxidative stress.

The species Caryocar coriaceum Wittm (C. coriaceum), is popularly employed in northeast of Brazil for culinary purposes and in folk medicine. The oil from its fruit, deignated Pequi, is commonly used to treat inflammatory problems, and its leaves to treat viral infections. However, comprehensive knowledge regarding the pharmacological properties attributed to these plant parts is still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to explore the in vivo antioxidant potential of aqueous extract of the leaves (AEL) and Pequi pulp oil (PPO) on the pro-oxidative effects induced by paraquat (PQ) using Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) as a model. These flies were fed with either standard or AEL and PPO supplemented diets prior to (pre-treatment for 7 days) or concomitantly (co-treatment for 5 days) with PQ. D. melanogaster administered PQ exhibited locomotor deficits and a higher rate of mortality. PQ induced significant changes in the antioxidant/oxidant status of D. melanogaster, including significant (1) increase in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation; (2) elevation in the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and marked up-regulation in mRNA expression of stress-related genes for CAT, superoxide dismutase (SOD), thioredoxin reductase and Keap-1. Aside for mortality rates, AEL and PPO treatments reduced PQ-induced oxidative stress and motor impairments. No apparent evidence of toxicity was observed in D. melanogaster fed with AEL and PPO alone. Our findings provide evidence that AEL and PPO may confer protection against oxidant conditions by stimulating antioxidant responses.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Vanillosmopsis arborea Barker (Asteraceae) and its major constituent, α-bisabolol.

Vanillosmopsis arborea Barker (Asteraceae), commonly known as "candeeiro" is an endemic tree to the Caatinga biome, in northeast Brazil. The major component of its essential oil is α-bisabolol, a monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol with several biological activities reported. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of V. arborea was investigated in comparison with its major component α-bisabol. The antimicrobial activity was performed against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12692, Candida albicans (CA) INCQS 40006, Candida krusei (CK) INCQS 40095, Candida tropicalis (CT) INCQS 40042, and multiresistant bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus 03 and Escherichia coli 08 by the microdilution method and direct contact modulation. The results showed that all strains were sensitive to the samples, except E. coli against the essential oil. Both the essential oil and the α-bisabolol had a synergistic effect against all strains, except for ampicillin against S. aureus 03, which did not show any modifications when combined with the oil. These data show the potential of V. arborea essential oil as an antibiotic modulator as well as a source of bioactive compounds with potential for the development of antimicrobial drugs as well as adjuvant to therapy against these pathogens.

Antimicrobial, modulatory and chemical analysis of the oil of Croton limae.

CONTEXT: Croton sp. are plants with a well-reported antimicrobial activity. Croton limae A.P. Gomes, M.F. Sales P.E. Berry (Euphorbiaceae), known as 'marmeleiro-prateado', is commonly used to manage abdominal pain in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: This work evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and modulatory activities of the essential oil of C. limae leaves (EOCL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the modulation of the antibiotic activity were determined using a microdilution method. The concentration of EOCL ranged between 512 and 8 µg/mL. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida tropicalis, C. krusei and C. albicans strains were used in the MIC and modulation assays. The antibiotics, amikacin, gentamicin and neomycin, and the antifungals, amphotericin B, benzoylmetronidazole and nystatin, were used in concentrations ranging between 2500 and 2.5 µg/mL. The phytochemical analysis of the EOCL was performed through gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS). RESULTS: Only Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited by a clinically relevant concentration of EOCL (MIC 512 µg/mL). Synergism between the EOCL and amikacin against S. aureus (9.76 µg/mL) and E. coli (39.062 µg/mL); neomycin against E. coli (2.44 µg/mL); and benzoylmetronidazole against C. krusei (256 µg/mL) were observed. The GC/MS analysis identified cedrol, eucalyptol and α-pinene as the main compounds of EOCL. CONCLUSION: EOCL inhibited the growth of S. aureus and potentiated the antibiotic and antifungal effects of drugs against all bacterial and Candida strains, respectively.

Chemical composition, antibacterial and modulatory action of the essential oil of Croton rhamnifolioides leaves Pax and Hoffman / Composição química, ação antibacteriana e moduladora do óleo essencial das folhas de Croton rhamnifolioides Pax and Hoffman

The species Croton rhamnifolioides is a shrub popularly known as "quebra faca", utilized in teas or infusions for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders as ulcers, gastric discomfort, vomiting and hemorrhagic diarrhea. This work has as its main objective to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil of the Croton rhamnifolioides leaves (EOC), antibacterial activity and modulatory activity of antibiotic resistance, against bacterial strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. The chemical composition was determined through chromatography with a gas phase coupled with mass spectrometry (CG/MS), whereas antimicrobial activity and modulation were determined by microdilution assay. The chemical composition of the oil revealed 21 compounds, with the major compounds being spathulenol (22.46%) and 1,8-cineol (18.32%). The antimicrobial activity was not significant with MIC>1024 µg/mL, however, was observed a synergistic interference when essential oil associated with the antibiotics aminoglycoside and -lactam, and the antifungal polyene.

Croton rhamnifolioides is é um arbusto conhecido popularmente como "quebra-faca" e utilizado como chá ou infusão para o tratamento de problemas gastro-intestinais como úlceras, desconforto gástrico, vômitos e diarréias hemorrágicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição química do óleo essencial das folhas de Croton rhamnifolioides (OEC), atividade antibacteriana, moduladora da resistência bacteriana, contra linhagens bacterianas de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus e Pseudomonas aeruginosa e, atividade antifúngica contra Candida albicans, C. krusei e C. tropicalis. A composição química foi determinada através de Espectroscopia de Massas acoplada a Cromatografia Gasosa (EM/CG), enquanto as atividades antimicrobianas e moduladoras foram determinadas pelo método de microdiluição. A composição química do OEC revelou a presença de 21 compostos, sendo os principais o Espatulenol (22,46%) e 1,8-cineol (18,32%). A atividade antimicrobiana não foi considerada significativa apresentando MIC > 1024 µg/mL, contudo, foi observado um sinergismo quando o óleo essencial foi associado com aminoglicosídios, -lactâmicos e antifúngicos poliênicos.

Repeated-doses and reproductive toxicity studies of the monoterpene 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) in Wistar rats.

1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) is widely used as an excipient in the pharmaceutical industry and as a food flavoring agent, thus providing significant potential for human exposure to the compound. We investigated the preclinical toxicity and reproductive toxicity of 1,8-cineole (CIN). In the repeated-doses toxicity study for 50 days, CIN (100, 500 or 1000 mg/kg) did not produce any signs of toxicity or deaths, but affected body weight gain during the first week of treatment. The hematological and biochemical profiles did not show significant differences except for increase in the MCV, platelet and urea levels or reduction in MCHC, MPV and alkaline phosphatase. Histopathological analysis showed weak changes in the lungs, liver, kidneys and uterus. In the reproductive toxicity, CIN (250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg) produced a reduction in body weight in pregnant rats treated during the pre-implantation or organogenesis periods. The highest doses induced a reduction in the mass of fetuses (pre-implantation) and dead fetuses (both periods) of pregnant rats. The results indicate that the treatment by repeated-doses showed occasional alterations in rats of both sexes. However, provide evidence that possibly 1,8-cineole presents maternal and fetal toxicity. This requires more detailed investigation to better characterize the toxic effects of this compound.

The genus Cordia: botanists, ethno, chemical and pharmacological aspects

ABSTRACTSpecies of the genus Cordia, Boraginaceae, are widely studied with regard to the various ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological aspects. They are found principally in tropical and subtropical regions of the American, Asian and African continents, where they occur in various countries. In the genus Cordia, there are many species cultivated for ornamental plants, wood and medicinal applications, where they are extensively utilized by traditional communities. In the last decades, scientific studies of Cordia species have intensified, demonstrating the great interest in phytochemical, biological and pharmacological studies. In this review, we describe the principal botanical aspects, ethnopharmacological information and evaluation of the bioactive and pharmacological properties of Cordia, its phytochemical constituents and the most common classes of secondary metabolites identified. The information reported in this work contributes scientifically to recognizing the importance of the genus Cordia as a target in the search for new biotechnological investments.

Gastroprotective Mechanisms of the Monoterpene 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol).

Recently, our research group identified and reported 1,8-cineole (CIN), a monoterpene that naturally occur in many aromatic plants, as one of the major constituent of the essential oil from leaves of Hyptis martiusii (EOHM), as well as characterized the gastroprotective action of this oil. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of action involved in the antiulcer and healing activity of CIN, in order to confirm its correlation with the gastroprotective effect of EOHM. Wistar rats were exposed to different protocols (acute ulceration, gastrointestinal motility and antisecretory activity). In addition, were determinated the involvement of nitric oxide and sulphydryl groups; the levels of gastric mucus, lipid peroxidation, sulphydryl groups and myeloperoxidase activity. The healing ability was evaluated by acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer and histological and immunohistochemical analysis (PCNA, Ki-67 and BrdU). The treatment with CIN inhibited ethanol-, ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced gastric lesions. The highest doses of CIN inhibited gastric emptying, but did not affect intestinal transit. CIN (100 mg/kg) reduced the volume of basal but not stimulated acid secretion. CIN increased levels of mucus (89.3%), prevented depletion of -SH groups (62.6%) and reduced the level of lipid peroxidation (55.3%) and myeloperoxidase activity (59.4%) in the gastric mucosa. In chronic ulcer model, CIN reduced in 43.1% the gastric area lesion, promoted significant regeneration and restoration of the levels of mucus in glandular cells as confirmed by histological analysis; and promoted increase in cell proliferation as evidenced by reactivity for PCNA, Ki-67 and BrdU. This findings demonstrate the role of 1,8-cineole as an important ulcer healing agent and indicate the involvement of antioxidant and cytoprotective mechanisms in the gastroprotective effect of compound. This study also provides evidence that 1,8-cineole is related to the gastroprotective effect of the essential oil of Hyptis martiusii.

Phytochemical analysis and modulation in aminoglycosides antibiotics activity by Lantana camara L / Análise fitoquímica e modulação sobre a atividade antibiótica de aminoglicosídeos por Lantana camara L

Several plants have been evaluated not only for alone antimicrobial activity, but as resistance-modifying agent. This work is the first on the modulation of antibiotic activity by Lantana camara L. extracts against multiresistant strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial activities of leaf and root ethanol extracts alone or in association with aminoglycosides were determined against bacterial strains by a microdilution test. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was compared with of the aminoglycosides. Phytochemical prospection revealed the presence of quinones, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids and alkaloids. The results showed antibacterial activities of the extracts and synergistic effects combined with aminoglycosides. The most expressive effects were obtained with root extract but gentamicin or but neomycin against E. coli with MICs decreased (312 to 5 µg mL- 1). The data from this study are indicative of the antibacterial activity of L. camara's extracts and its potential in modifying the resistance of aminoglycosides analyzed.

Este trabalho relata a modulação da atividade antibiótica por extratos de Lantana camara L. frente a linhagens multirresistentes de Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus. Diversas plantas têm sido avaliadas não somente para a atividade antimicrobiana, mas também para a capacidade de modificar a resistência antibiotica. Atividades antibacterianas dos extratos etanólicos das folhas e raízes isoladamente ou em associação com aminoglicosídeos foram determinadas contra linhagens bacterianas por teste de microdiluição. As concentrações inibitórias mínimas (CIM) dos extratos foram comparadas com a dos aminoglicosídeos. A prospecção fitoquímica revelou a presença de quinonas, esteroides, flavonoides, saponinas, taninos, triterpenoides e alcaloides. Os resultados mostraram atividade antibacteriana dos extratos e efeitos sinérgicos combinados com aminoglicosídeos. Os efeitos mais expressivos foram obtidos pelo extrato das raízes em associação com a gentamicina ou neomicina, contra E. coli Ec27 com diminuições das CIMs (312-5 µg mL- 1). Os dados deste estudo são indicativos da atividade antibacteriana dos extratos de L. camara e seu potencial para modificar a resistência aos aminoglicosídeos analisados.

Promising medicinal plants for bioprospection in a Cerrado area of Chapada do Araripe, Northeastern Brazil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional medical systems represent an important source of knowledge about the use of biodiversity. Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies can encourage bioprospecting in the pursuit and selection of promising medicinal plants. This study investigated the diversity of medicinal plants in a disjunct area of cerrado in Chapada do Araripe, Ceará, Brazil, and assessed the species of interest for bioprospecting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted through free listing, and the informants were recruited using the "snowball" technique. The relative importance and informant consensus factor were analyzed for the selection of plant species with therapeutic potential. RESULTS: A total of 68 species were recorded and cited for 91 therapeutic purposes. Of these, 10 species showed great versatility of use, including Copaifera langsdorffii Desf., Caryocar coriaceum Wittn., Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel, Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., and Dimorphandra garderiana Tull. The therapeutic citations were grouped into 16 categories of body systems, of which Injuries, Poisonings and Other Consequences of External Causes, and Neoplasias showed the highest agreement of use. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the diversity of the species, some including Tocoyena Formosa (Cham. & Schlecht.) Schum., Himatanthus drasticus, Caryocar coriaceum, Roupala montana Aubl. and Stryphnodendron rotundifolium showed both high relative importance and strong consensus among informants, and although many have already been investigated scientifically, others are almost unknown with respect to their medicinal properties and can be targets for bioprospecting.

Atividade leishmanicida in vitro de Eugenia uniflora e Momordica charantia / Antileishmanial in vitro activity of Eugenia uniflora and Momordica charantia

A Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana no Brasil é causada por uma variedade de espécies de Leishmania e uma grande diversidade destes parasitas pode ser encontrada na Região Amazônica. Revisões recentes na quimioterapia de leishmaniose enfatizam as deficiências dos agentes terapêuticos atualmente disponíveis e mostram a necessidade urgente de novos candidatos. Uma alternativa para substituir esses medicamentos são extratos naturais de Eugenia uniflora e Momordica charantia. Foram preparados extratos etanólicos das folhas de E. uniflora e M. charantia. Para os testes in vitro de Leishmania brasiliensis foram utilizadas formas promastigotas. O ensaio de citotoxicidade foi realizado com linhagens de fibroblastos. Nossos resultados indicam que E. uniflora foi eficaz contra a cepa de parasita testada, representando uma fonte alternativa de produtos naturais com atividade contra L. brasiliensis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused in Brazil by several species of the genus Leishmania and a wide variety of these protozoan parasites can be found in Brazil, mainly in the Amazon region. Recent reviews on the chemotherapy of leishmaniasis show the low effectiveness of the usual therapeutic agents, demonstrating the need for new drugs. An interesting possible alternative to the conventional drugs is offered by natural products extracted from Eugenia uniflora and Momordica charantia. Ethanol extracts were prepared from the leaves of Eugenia uniflora and Momordica charantia and assayed in vitro against Leishmania brasiliensis promastigotes and fibroblasts to assess their antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities, respectively. Our results indicate that E. uniflora was active against the parasitic forms of L. brasiliensis

Essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf: a promising natural product against Malassezia spp

This study evaluated the sensitivity of Malassezia spp. strains, the etiologic agent of pityriasis versicolor, to essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analysed by GC-MS, and the major constituents were: geraniol (52.80%), neral (36.65%) and myrcene (3.73%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. citratus essential oil on to 22 strains of Malassezia spp. were determined by agar dilution technique in the presence and absence of ergosterol (50-250 ìg/mL) and sorbitol (0.8 M). Increased MIC values in the presence of ergosterol indicate an effect on fungal membrane, and the higher MIC values in the presence of sorbitol indicate a mechanism of action on thecell wall. The MIC ranged from 0.31 to 1.25 ìL/mL and it increased fourfold in the presence of ergosterol, regardless of concentration tested; and this fact was most likely related to the occurrence of the oil and exogenous ergosterol complexes. No change in MIC values in the presence of sorbitol was found. The sedata infer that C. citratus essential oil causes an effect on Malassezia spp. plasma membrane synthesis by binding to ergosterol. This study contributes to the development of new antifungal drugs, especially against Malassezia spp.

Antibacterial activity and chemical composition of essential oil of Lippia microphylla Cham / Atividade antibacteriana e composição química do óleo essencial de Lippia microphylla Cham

The essential oil from the fresh leaves of Lippia microphylla Cham. was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Major constituents of the oil were 1.8-cineole (18.12%), -ocimene (15.20%), bicyclogermacrene (11.63%) and caryophyllene oxide (8.32%). Antimicrobial activity of the oil against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was determined by gel diffusion method. The oil showed good antibacterial activity against Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes and very good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

O óleo essencial das folhas frescas de Lippia microphylla Cham. foi obtido por hidrodestilação e caracterizado por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CG-EM). O constituinte majoritário do óleo foi 1.8-cineol (18,12%), -ocimeno (15,20%), bicyclogermacreno (11,63%) e óxido de caryophylleno (8,32%). A atividade antimicrobiana do óleo frente às bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas foi determinada pelo método de difusão em gel. O óleo apresentou uma boa atividade antibacteriana frente a Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli e Streptococcus pyogenes sendo o melhor resultado frente a Staphylococcus aureus.

O óleo essencial do caule de Vanillosmopsis arborea atenua a dor visceral em camundongos / Attenuation of visceral pain in mice by the essential oil from Vanillosmopsis arborea bark

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker (Asteraceae) has high economic value and anti-inflammatory properties due the presence of alpha bisabololin its bark essential oil. Keeping in view the highcontent of ?-bisabolol in Vanillosmopsis arborea (EOVA) bark essential oil, the aim of our study was to determinewhether EOVA mitigates visceral nociception induced bydifferent noxious gents.METHOD: Mice (n = 8) were pretreated orally with EOVA (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg) or vehicle, and pain-related behavioral responses to intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide (CPM 400 mg/kg), intracolonic mustard oil (MO0.75%) or capsaicin (CAP 0.3%) were analyzed.RESULTS: Animals that received CFM, OM or CAP presented spontaneous nociceptive behaviors that were signifi cantly suppressed by EOVA. CONCLUSION: These fi ndings point to visceral antinociceptive properties of EOVA suggesting the potential use of Vanillosmopsis arborea to treat pain associated to gastrointestinal disorders

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker (Asteraceae) de reconhecido valor econômico que possui propriedades anti-inflamatórias provenientes do sesquiterpeno alfa-bisabolol, presente em teores elevados no óleo essencial de sua madeira. Considerando-se o alto teor de ?-bisabolol no óleo essencialdo caule de Vanillosmopsis arborea (OEVA). O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito do OEVA na nocicepção visceral induzida por diversos agentes irritantes.MÉTODO: Camundongos (n = 8) foram pré-tratados por via oral com EOVA (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg) ou veículo e as respostas comportamentais devido a administração de ciclofosfamida (CFM 400 mg/kg; por via intraperitoneal), óleo de mostarda (OM 0,75%; intracolônico) ou capsaicina (CAP 0,3%; intracolônica) foram registradas.RESULTADOS: Os animais que receberam CFM, OM ou CAP manifestaram comportamentos nociceptivos espontâneos que foram significativamente suprimidos nosgrupos tratados com OEVA.CONCLUSÃO: Estes achados apontam a propriedade antinociceptiva visceral do óleo essencial do caule de Vanillosmopsis arborea indicando o uso potencial no alívio da dor associada às desordens gastrintestinais.

Abordagem fitoquímica, composição bromatológica e atividade antibacteriana de Mimosa tenuiflora (Wild) Poiret E Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth) Ducke / Phytochemical approach, bromatologic composition and antibacterial activity of Mimosa tenuiflora (Wild) Poiret and Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth) Ducke

A necessidade de encontrar novas drogas eficazes no combate microbiano tem aumentado a cada dia e estimulado a busca de novos compostos naturais com atividades biológicas. Neste trabalho, realizaram-se estudo fitoquímico e análises microbiológicas com os extratos etanólicos das espécies (jurema-preta) Mimosa tenuiflora (Wild) Poiret e (jurema-branca) Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth) Ducke, frente a linhagens de bactérias patogênicas. O pó da casca do caule de ambas as espécies foi submetido à avaliação bromatológica e determinados os teores de Matéria Seca, Matéria Mineral, Proteína Bruta, Fibra em Detergente Neutro e Energia Bruta. Os resultados para a prospecção química indicaram a presença de taninos e outros compostos fenólicos, bem como a presença de saponinas em ambos os extratos. Os extratos das duas espécies demonstraram que mais de uma parte das plantas possui atividade antimicrobiana. A composição bromatológica da casca do caule de jurema-preta e jurema-branca apresentou teores diferenciados para as variáveis avaliadas.

The need to find new efficient drugs to combat microbes has increased the search for new natural compounds with biological activities. In this work, phytochemical studies and microbiological analysis were carried out with the ethanol extracts of Mimosa tenuiflora (Wild) Poiret and Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth) Ducke on pathogenic bacteria strains. The bark powders of both species were submitted to bromatologic evaluation and the levels of dry matter, mineral matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude energy were determined. The results of the chemical search chemical showed the presence of tannins and other phenolic compounds as well as the presence of saponins in both extracts. The microbiologic evaluation of the extracts of both species showed that more than one part of the plants had antimicrobial activity. The bromatologic composition of the bark powder of Mimosa tenuiflora (Wild) Poiret and Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth) Ducke showed different contents for analyzed variables.