Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from flowers of Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) / Composição química e atividades biológicas do óleo essencial das flores de Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae)

Xylella fastidiosa is a plant-pathogenic bacterium that lives inside host xylem vessels, where it forms biofilm which is believed to be responsible for disrupting the passage of water and nutrients. Pectobacterium carotovorum is a Gram-negative plant-specific bacterium that causes not only soft rot in various plant hosts, but also blackleg in potato by plant cell wall degradation. Chagas disease, which is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, has been commonly treated with nifurtimox and benzonidazole, two drugs that cause several side effects. As a result, the use of natural products for treating bacterial and neglected diseases has increased in recent years and plants have become a promising alternative to developing new medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to determine, for the first time, the chemical composition of essential oil from Psidium guajava flowers (PG-EO) and to evaluate its in vitro anti-Xylella fastidiosa, anti-Pectobacterium carotovorum, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and cytotoxic activities. PG-EO was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus while its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Major compounds identified in PG-EO were alpha-cadinol (37.8%), beta-caryophyllene (12.2%), nerolidol (9.1%), alpha-selinene (8.8%), beta-selinene (7.4%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.2%). Results showed that the PG-EO had strong trypanocidal activity against the trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50 = 14.6 ug/mL), promising antibacterial activity against X. fastidiosa (MIC = 12.5 ug/mL) and P. carotovorum (MIC = 62.5 ug/mL), and moderate cytotoxicity against LLCMK2 adherent epithelial cells in the concentration range (CC50 = 250.5 ug/mL). In short, the PG-EO can be considered a new source of bioactive compounds for the development of pesticides and trypanocide drugs.(AU)

Xylella fastidiosa é uma bactéria patogênica que vive dentro dos vasos do xilema hospedeiro, onde forma um biofilme responsável por interromper a passagem de água e nutrientes. Pectobacterium carotovorum é uma bactéria Gram-negativa que causa não só podridão macia em várias plantas hospedeiras, mas também canela-preta na batata por degradação da parede celular da planta. A doença de Chagas, causada pelo Trypanosoma cruzi, é comumente tratada com nifurtimox e benzonidazol, duas drogas que causam vários efeitos colaterais. Como resultado, o uso de produtos naturais para o tratamento de doenças bacterianas e negligenciadas aumentou nos últimos anos e as plantas continuam sendo uma alternativa promissora para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar, pela primeira vez, a composição química do óleo essencial de flores de Psidium guajava (PG-EO) e avaliar suas propriedades anti-Xylella fastidiosa, anti-Pectobacterium carotovorum, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi e citotóxica in vitro. PG-EO foi obtido por hidrodestilação em um aparelho Clevenger, enquanto sua composição química foi determinada por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detecção por ionização por chama (CG-DIC) e por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa (CG-EM). Os principais compostos identificados no PG-EO foram alfa-cadinol (37,8%), beta-cariofileno (12,2%), nerolidol (9,1%), alfa-selineno (8,8%), beta-selineno (7,4%) e óxido de cariofileno (7,2%). Os resultados mostraram que o PG-EO apresentou forte atividade tripanocida contra as formas tripomastigotas de T. cruzi (CI50 = 14,6 ug/mL), promissora atividade antibacteriana contra X. fastidiosa (MIC = 12,5 ug/mL) e P. carotovorum (MIC = 62,5 ug/mL) e citotoxicidade moderada contra células epiteliais aderentes (LLCMK2) na faixa de concentração (CC50 = 250,5 ug/mL). Em suma, o PG-EO pode ser considerado uma nova fonte de compostos bioativos para o desenvolvimento de pesticidas e drogas tripanocidas.(AU)

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from flowers of Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) / Composição química e atividades biológicas do óleo essencial das flores de Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae)

Abstract Xylella fastidiosa is a plant-pathogenic bacterium that lives inside host xylem vessels, where it forms biofilm which is believed to be responsible for disrupting the passage of water and nutrients. Pectobacterium carotovorum is a Gram-negative plant-specific bacterium that causes not only soft rot in various plant hosts, but also blackleg in potato by plant cell wall degradation. Chagas disease, which is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, has been commonly treated with nifurtimox and benzonidazole, two drugs that cause several side effects. As a result, the use of natural products for treating bacterial and neglected diseases has increased in recent years and plants have become a promising alternative to developing new medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to determine, for the first time, the chemical composition of essential oil from Psidium guajava flowers (PG-EO) and to evaluate its in vitro anti-Xylella fastidiosa, anti-Pectobacterium carotovorum, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and cytotoxic activities. PG-EO was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus while its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Major compounds identified in PG-EO were α-cadinol (37.8%), β-caryophyllene (12.2%), nerolidol (9.1%), α-selinene (8.8%), β-selinene (7.4%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.2%). Results showed that the PG-EO had strong trypanocidal activity against the trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50 = 14.6 μg/mL), promising antibacterial activity against X. fastidiosa (MIC = 12.5 μg/mL) and P. carotovorum (MIC = 62.5 μg/mL), and moderate cytotoxicity against LLCMK2 adherent epithelial cells in the concentration range (CC50 = 250.5 μg/mL). In short, the PG-EO can be considered a new source of bioactive compounds for the development of pesticides and trypanocide drugs.

Resumo Xylella fastidiosa é uma bactéria patogênica que vive dentro dos vasos do xilema hospedeiro, onde forma um biofilme responsável por interromper a passagem de água e nutrientes. Pectobacterium carotovorum é uma bactéria Gram-negativa que causa não só podridão macia em várias plantas hospedeiras, mas também canela-preta na batata por degradação da parede celular da planta. A doença de Chagas, causada pelo Trypanosoma cruzi, é comumente tratada com nifurtimox e benzonidazol, duas drogas que causam vários efeitos colaterais. Como resultado, o uso de produtos naturais para o tratamento de doenças bacterianas e negligenciadas aumentou nos últimos anos e as plantas continuam sendo uma alternativa promissora para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar, pela primeira vez, a composição química do óleo essencial de flores de Psidium guajava (PG-EO) e avaliar suas propriedades anti-Xylella fastidiosa, anti-Pectobacterium carotovorum, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi e citotóxica in vitro. PG-EO foi obtido por hidrodestilação em um aparelho Clevenger, enquanto sua composição química foi determinada por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detecção por ionização por chama (CG-DIC) e por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa (CG-EM). Os principais compostos identificados no PG-EO foram α-cadinol (37,8%), β-cariofileno (12,2%), nerolidol (9,1%), α-selineno (8,8%), β-selineno (7,4%) e óxido de cariofileno (7,2%). Os resultados mostraram que o PG-EO apresentou forte atividade tripanocida contra as formas tripomastigotas de T. cruzi (CI50 = 14,6 μg/mL), promissora atividade antibacteriana contra X. fastidiosa (MIC = 12,5 μg/mL) e P. carotovorum (MIC = 62,5 μg/mL) e citotoxicidade moderada contra células epiteliais aderentes (LLCMK2) na faixa de concentração (CC50 = 250,5 μg/mL). Em suma, o PG-EO pode ser considerado uma nova fonte de compostos bioativos para o desenvolvimento de pesticidas e drogas tripanocidas.

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from flowers of Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae).

Xylella fastidiosa is a plant-pathogenic bacterium that lives inside host xylem vessels, where it forms biofilm which is believed to be responsible for disrupting the passage of water and nutrients. Pectobacterium carotovorum is a Gram-negative plant-specific bacterium that causes not only soft rot in various plant hosts, but also blackleg in potato by plant cell wall degradation. Chagas disease, which is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, has been commonly treated with nifurtimox and benzonidazole, two drugs that cause several side effects. As a result, the use of natural products for treating bacterial and neglected diseases has increased in recent years and plants have become a promising alternative to developing new medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to determine, for the first time, the chemical composition of essential oil from Psidium guajava flowers (PG-EO) and to evaluate its in vitro anti-Xylella fastidiosa, anti-Pectobacterium carotovorum, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and cytotoxic activities. PG-EO was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus while its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Major compounds identified in PG-EO were α-cadinol (37.8%), ß-caryophyllene (12.2%), nerolidol (9.1%), α-selinene (8.8%), ß-selinene (7.4%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.2%). Results showed that the PG-EO had strong trypanocidal activity against the trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50 = 14.6 µg/mL), promising antibacterial activity against X. fastidiosa (MIC = 12.5 µg/mL) and P. carotovorum (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL), and moderate cytotoxicity against LLCMK2 adherent epithelial cells in the concentration range (CC50 = 250.5 µg/mL). In short, the PG-EO can be considered a new source of bioactive compounds for the development of pesticides and trypanocide drugs.

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from flowers of Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae)

Abstract Xylella fastidiosa is a plant-pathogenic bacterium that lives inside host xylem vessels, where it forms biofilm which is believed to be responsible for disrupting the passage of water and nutrients. Pectobacterium carotovorum is a Gram-negative plant-specific bacterium that causes not only soft rot in various plant hosts, but also blackleg in potato by plant cell wall degradation. Chagas disease, which is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, has been commonly treated with nifurtimox and benzonidazole, two drugs that cause several side effects. As a result, the use of natural products for treating bacterial and neglected diseases has increased in recent years and plants have become a promising alternative to developing new medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to determine, for the first time, the chemical composition of essential oil from Psidium guajava flowers (PG-EO) and to evaluate its in vitro anti-Xylella fastidiosa, anti-Pectobacterium carotovorum, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and cytotoxic activities. PG-EO was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus while its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Major compounds identified in PG-EO were -cadinol (37.8%), -caryophyllene (12.2%), nerolidol (9.1%), -selinene (8.8%), -selinene (7.4%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.2%). Results showed that the PG-EO had strong trypanocidal activity against the trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50 = 14.6 g/mL), promising antibacterial activity against X. fastidiosa (MIC = 12.5 g/mL) and P. carotovorum (MIC = 62.5 g/mL), and moderate cytotoxicity against LLCMK2 adherent epithelial cells in the concentration range (CC50 = 250.5 g/mL). In short, the PG-EO can be considered a new source of bioactive compounds for the development of pesticides and trypanocide drugs.

Resumo Xylella fastidiosa é uma bactéria patogênica que vive dentro dos vasos do xilema hospedeiro, onde forma um biofilme responsável por interromper a passagem de água e nutrientes. Pectobacterium carotovorum é uma bactéria Gram-negativa que causa não só podridão macia em várias plantas hospedeiras, mas também canela-preta na batata por degradação da parede celular da planta. A doença de Chagas, causada pelo Trypanosoma cruzi, é comumente tratada com nifurtimox e benzonidazol, duas drogas que causam vários efeitos colaterais. Como resultado, o uso de produtos naturais para o tratamento de doenças bacterianas e negligenciadas aumentou nos últimos anos e as plantas continuam sendo uma alternativa promissora para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar, pela primeira vez, a composição química do óleo essencial de flores de Psidium guajava (PG-EO) e avaliar suas propriedades anti-Xylella fastidiosa, anti-Pectobacterium carotovorum, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi e citotóxica in vitro. PG-EO foi obtido por hidrodestilação em um aparelho Clevenger, enquanto sua composição química foi determinada por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detecção por ionização por chama (CG-DIC) e por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa (CG-EM). Os principais compostos identificados no PG-EO foram -cadinol (37,8%), -cariofileno (12,2%), nerolidol (9,1%), -selineno (8,8%), -selineno (7,4%) e óxido de cariofileno (7,2%). Os resultados mostraram que o PG-EO apresentou forte atividade tripanocida contra as formas tripomastigotas de T. cruzi (CI50 = 14,6 g/mL), promissora atividade antibacteriana contra X. fastidiosa (MIC = 12,5 g/mL) e P. carotovorum (MIC = 62,5 g/mL) e citotoxicidade moderada contra células epiteliais aderentes (LLCMK2) na faixa de concentração (CC50 = 250,5 g/mL). Em suma, o PG-EO pode ser considerado uma nova fonte de compostos bioativos para o desenvolvimento de pesticidas e drogas tripanocidas.

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from flowers of Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae)

Abstract Xylella fastidiosa is a plant-pathogenic bacterium that lives inside host xylem vessels, where it forms biofilm which is believed to be responsible for disrupting the passage of water and nutrients. Pectobacterium carotovorum is a Gram-negative plant-specific bacterium that causes not only soft rot in various plant hosts, but also blackleg in potato by plant cell wall degradation. Chagas disease, which is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, has been commonly treated with nifurtimox and benzonidazole, two drugs that cause several side effects. As a result, the use of natural products for treating bacterial and neglected diseases has increased in recent years and plants have become a promising alternative to developing new medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to determine, for the first time, the chemical composition of essential oil from Psidium guajava flowers (PG-EO) and to evaluate its in vitro anti-Xylella fastidiosa, anti-Pectobacterium carotovorum, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and cytotoxic activities. PG-EO was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus while its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Major compounds identified in PG-EO were -cadinol (37.8%), -caryophyllene (12.2%), nerolidol (9.1%), -selinene (8.8%), -selinene (7.4%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.2%). Results showed that the PG-EO had strong trypanocidal activity against the trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50 = 14.6 g/mL), promising antibacterial activity against X. fastidiosa (MIC = 12.5 g/mL) and P. carotovorum (MIC = 62.5 g/mL), and moderate cytotoxicity against LLCMK2 adherent epithelial cells in the concentration range (CC50 = 250.5 g/mL). In short, the PG-EO can be considered a new source of bioactive compounds for the development of pesticides and trypanocide drugs.

Resumo Xylella fastidiosa é uma bactéria patogênica que vive dentro dos vasos do xilema hospedeiro, onde forma um biofilme responsável por interromper a passagem de água e nutrientes. Pectobacterium carotovorum é uma bactéria Gram-negativa que causa não só podridão macia em várias plantas hospedeiras, mas também canela-preta na batata por degradação da parede celular da planta. A doença de Chagas, causada pelo Trypanosoma cruzi, é comumente tratada com nifurtimox e benzonidazol, duas drogas que causam vários efeitos colaterais. Como resultado, o uso de produtos naturais para o tratamento de doenças bacterianas e negligenciadas aumentou nos últimos anos e as plantas continuam sendo uma alternativa promissora para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar, pela primeira vez, a composição química do óleo essencial de flores de Psidium guajava (PG-EO) e avaliar suas propriedades anti-Xylella fastidiosa, anti-Pectobacterium carotovorum, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi e citotóxica in vitro. PG-EO foi obtido por hidrodestilação em um aparelho Clevenger, enquanto sua composição química foi determinada por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detecção por ionização por chama (CG-DIC) e por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa (CG-EM). Os principais compostos identificados no PG-EO foram -cadinol (37,8%), -cariofileno (12,2%), nerolidol (9,1%), -selineno (8,8%), -selineno (7,4%) e óxido de cariofileno (7,2%). Os resultados mostraram que o PG-EO apresentou forte atividade tripanocida contra as formas tripomastigotas de T. cruzi (CI50 = 14,6 g/mL), promissora atividade antibacteriana contra X. fastidiosa (MIC = 12,5 g/mL) e P. carotovorum (MIC = 62,5 g/mL) e citotoxicidade moderada contra células epiteliais aderentes (LLCMK2) na faixa de concentração (CC50 = 250,5 g/mL). Em suma, o PG-EO pode ser considerado uma nova fonte de compostos bioativos para o desenvolvimento de pesticidas e drogas tripanocidas.

Lethal and Inhibitory Activities of Plant-Derived Essential Oils Against Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Biotype B in Tomato.

The silverleaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most severe tomato pests in the world. The damage caused by this insect may compromise up to 100% of crop production, and management of this pest has relied on spraying of synthetic insecticides. However, due to the environmental issues associated with this practice, alternative methods such as the use of botanical pesticides are now used as a strategy of integrated pest management (IPM). We evaluated the effects of essential oils of five plant species on B. tabaci biotype B in tomato and demonstrate that the essential oils (0.5%) of Piper callosum (PC-EO), Adenocalymma alliaceum (AA-EO), Pelargonium graveolens (PG-EO), and Plectranthus neochilus (PN-EO) inhibit the settlement and oviposition of B. tabaci biotype B adults in tomato plants. In fumigation tests, A. alliaceum (AA-EO) at 0.4 µL/L of air after 72 h and 0.1 µL/L of air after 6 h was the most effective against nymphs and adults of B. tabaci biotype B, respectively. The major chemical constituents of PC-EO were identified as being safrole (29.3%), α-pinene (19.2%), and ß-pinene (14.3%), whereas diallyl trisulfide (66.9%) and diallyl disulfide (23.3%) were the major compounds identified in AA-EO. This is the first report on the reduction of oviposition by the use of P. callosum (PC-EO) and A. alliaceum (AA-EO). In addition, the fumigant effect of A. alliaceum (AA-EO) on nymphs and adults has also been reported here for the first time.

Antibacterial activity of commercially available plant-derived essential oils against oral pathogenic bacteria.

This work investigated the antibacterial activity of 15 commercially available plant-derived essential oils (EOs) against a panel of oral pathogens. The broth microdilution method afforded the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the assayed EOs. The EO obtained from Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Lauraceae) (CZ-EO) displayed moderate activity against Fusobacterium nucleatum (MIC and MBC = 125 µg/mL), Actinomyces naeslundii (MIC and MBC = 125 µg/mL), Prevotella nigrescens (MIC and MBC = 125 µg/mL) and Streptococcus mutans (MIC = 200 µg/mL; MBC = 400 µg/mL). (Z)-isosafrole (85.3%) was the main chemical component of this oil. We did not detect cinnamaldehyde, previously described as the major constituent of CZ-EO, in specimens collected in other countries.

Chemical composition and in vitro schistosomicidal activity of the essential oil from the flowers of Bidens sulphurea (Asteraceae).

In this study, the chemical composition and the in vitro schistosomicidal properties of the essential oil obtained from Bidens sulphurea flowers (Bs-EO) were investigated. Its major constituents were identified as being 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (44.98%), germacrene D (33.70%) and ß-caryophyllene (10.23%). Bs-EO at 100 µg mL(-1) caused death of all the adult worms and promoted separation of the couple pairs into individual male and female within 48 h, besides leading to a significant decrease in the motility of the parasites. This oil was also responsible for a remarkable reduction in the number of eggs and the percentage of developed eggs produced by adult worms. These results suggest that the Bs-EO can be considered a promising source for the development of new schistosomicidal agents.

Antimicrobial activity of selected essential oils against cariogenic bacteria.

The antibacterial activity of nine selected essential oils (EOs) against a panel of oral pathogens was investigated in terms of their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by using the broth microdilution method. Most of the EOs displayed weak activity or were inactive against the selected oral pathogens, with MIC values ranging from 500 to 4000 µg/mL. However, the EO obtained from the leaves of Bidens sulphurea (Asteraceae) was found to display moderate activity against Streptococcus mutans (MIC = 250 µg/mL) and significant activity against Streptococcus mitis (MIC = 31.25 µg/mL). Germacrene D (38.3%), trans-caryophyllene (18.0%), ß-elemene (13.9%) and bicyclogermacrene (13.1%) were identified as the main chemical components of this oil. 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, previously described as the major constituent in the EO from the flowers of B. sulphurea, was not detected in this study.

Antibacterial activity of 15-deoxygoyazensolide isolated from the stems of Minasia alpestris (Asteraceae) against oral pathogens.

This work reports the isolation of the sesquiterpene lactone 15-deoxygoyazensolide from the stems of Minasia alpestris and the evaluation of its antimicrobial activity against the following oral pathogens: Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Lactobacillus casei. Despite the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of other sesquiterpene lactones of the furanoheliangolide-type, our results revealed that this compound exhibits low antibacterial activity against the evaluated oral pathogens; however, an interesting selectivity against E. faecalis (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]=40 µg mL(-1)) and S. sobrinus (MIC=60 µg mL(-1)) was observed.

Hypoglicemic effect of Leandra lacunosa in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Leandra lacunosa, popularly known as "erva-do-jabuti", is used in Brazilian folkloric medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Based on this traditional indication, the aim of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of L. lacunosa aerial parts (LLH) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Chromatographic fractionation of LLH was also carried out by several techniques, affording isolation of the following major compounds: ursolic acid (1), kaempferol (2), luteolin (3), and quercetin (4). The oral administration of LLH (500 mg/kg) in normal rats caused a significant reduction of 24.7% (P<0.05) in the blood glucose levels after 2 h of treatment, while the administration of chlorpropamide (20 mg/kg, p.o.) led to a reduction of 40.2% (P<0.01). After oral administration of glucose (10 g/kg, p.o.), LLH (500 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited the increase in blood glucose levels compared with the negative control group. The oral treatment with LLH (500 mg/kg) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats significantly reduced the blood glucose levels in 47.8% after 4 h of treatment, while chlorpropamide resulted in a significant reduction of 71.7% in the 4th hour. Our results showed that LLH, displays hypoglycemic activity, which may be related to the effect of the major compounds identified in the crude extract. This study seems to provide biological evidence for the folkloric use of L. lacunosa in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of the analgesic activity of extracts of Miconia rubiginosa (Melastomataceae).

The analgesic effects of the hexane, methylene chloride and ethanol extracts of Miconia rubiginosa were evaluated in mice and rats using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests. The extracts (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body wt.) and indomethacin (5 mg/kg body wt.) produced a significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. These same extracts (200 mg/kg body wt.) showed a significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive effect, lower than that produced by morphine (4 mg/kg body wt.). The fractionation of the methylene chloride extract yielded ursolic and oleanoic acids as the major compounds. Using only gas chromatography, it was possible to identify the following triterpenes in the hexane extract: alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, lupeol and beta-sitosterol.