Antitumoral Activity of Cecropia Pachystachya Leaves Extract in Vitro and in Vivo Model of Rat Glioma: Brain and Blood Effects.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antiglioma effect of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (CEC) leaves extract against C6 and U87 glioblastoma (GB) cells and in a rat preclinical GB model. The CEC extract reduced in vitro cell viability and biomass. In vivo, the extract decreased the tumor volume approximately 62%, without inducing systemic toxicity. The deficit in locomotion and memory and an anxiolytic-like behaviors induced in the GB model were minimized by CEC. The extract decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, nitrites and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in platelets, sera and brains of GB animals. The activity of NTPDases, 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) was evaluated in lymphocytes, platelets and serum. In platelets, ATP and AMP hydrolysis was reduced and hydrolysis of ADP and the activity of ADA were increased in the control, while in CEC-treated animals no alteration in the hydrolysis of ADP was detected. In serum, the reduction in ATP hydrolysis was reversed by CEC. In lymphocytes, the increase in the hydrolysis of ATP, ADP and in the activity of ADA observed in GB model was altered by CEC administration. The observed increase in IL-6 and decrease in IL-10 levels in the serum of GB animals was reversed by CEC. These results demonstrate that CEC extract is a potential complementary treatment to GB, decreasing the tumor size, while modulating aspects of redox and purinergic systems.

Cecropia pachystachya Trécul: identification, isolation of secondary metabolites, in silico study of toxicological evaluation and interaction with the enzymes 5-LOX and α-1-antitrypsin.

Cecropia pachystachya Tréc., popularly known as embaúba, belongs to the Cecropiaceae family and is used by the native population in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, high blood pressure, fever, and as a diuretic. The pharmacological actions including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiotonic and sedative were previously reported. The objective of this study was to (1) isolate and identify bioactive compounds extracted from the ethanolic extract of C. pachystachya roots (ERCP), as well as (2) verify the affinity of these metabolites with the enzymes 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and α-1-antitrypsin through in silico tests. Isolation and/or identification were performed using GC-MS, HPLC, Infrared (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. After isolation and identification of the active compounds, these substances were subjected to the in silico investigation that proceeded by performing PreADMET simulations and molecular docking calculations. The bioactive compounds identified were 1-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate, ethyl hexadecanoate, ethyl (9E,12E)-octadec-9,12-dienoate, ethyl (Z)-octadec-9-enoate and ethyl octadecanoate by GC-MS; chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, syringaldehyde by HPLC; ß-sitosterol, sitostenone, beccaridiol, tormentic acid, lupeol, α- and ß-amyrin by classical chromatography, IR, 1H and 13C NMR techniques. The ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties were determined for each bioactive compound. Tormentic acid demonstrated a greater affinity for 5-LOX enzyme while sitostenone demonstrated a higher affinity for the α-1-antitrypsin enzyme. Our findings demonstrated a diverse range of secondary metabolites isolated from C. pachystachya that showed relevant interactions with the enzymes 5-LOX and α-1-antitrypsin. Thus, "embaúba" may be employed in in vivo experimental studies as a form of alternative treatment for chronic lung diseases.Abbreviations: ADT: Autodock Tools; BBB: Blood-brain barrier; CaCo2: Human colonic adenocarcinoma cells; CC: Classic/open Column; TLC: Thin Layer Chromatography; CD40: Differentiation Cluster 40; CENAUREMN: Centro Nordestino de Aplicação e Uso da Ressonância Magnética Nuclear; GC-MS: Gas Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry; HPLC: High-Perfomance Liquid Chromatography; CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4: Cytochrome P450 isoenzymes; COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; DRX-500: X-Ray Diffraction - 500; ERCP: Ethanolic extract of the roots of C. pachystachya; FAPEPI: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Piauí; HIA: Human Intestinal Absorption; IR: Infrared; Ki: Inhibition constant; 5-LOX: 5-Lipoxygenase; mM: miliMolar; nM: nanoMolar; OECD423: acute toxic class method; PDB: Protein Data Bank; P-gP: P-glycoprotein; PM2,5: Small inhalable particles 2,5; PPB: Plasm Protein Binding; PreADMET: Prediction Absorption, Distribution, Metabolization, Excretion and Toxicity; NMR: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; +S9: with metabolic activation; -S9: no metabolic activation; SisGen: Sistema Nacional de Gestão de Patrimônio Genético e do Conhecimento Tradicional Associado; RT: Retention time; TA100: Ames test with TA100 cells line; TA1535: Ames test with cells of the TA1535 cell line; UESPI: State University of Piauí; V79: lung fibroblast cells; ΔG: Gibbs free energy (Kcal/mol); µM: microMolar.

Cecropia pachystachya Trécul: a promising ingredient for skin-whitening cosmetics

Abstract Because it promotes the lightening of pigment spots, tyrosinase inhibition is one of the mechanisms of depigmenting cosmetic products. Considering the adverse effects produced by synthetic depigmenting actives, the search for new therapeutic options is desirable, and plant extracts are possible candidates for hyperpigmentation treatment. Glycolic extracts of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul are, therefore, the focus of this study. Its chemical characterization, antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibition, and cell viability were evaluated. Glycolic extracts were obtained by macerating the leaves of C. pachystachya in grain alcohol and glycerin or propylene glycol. Both had a similar chemical constitution, the glycerin being more efficient in concentrating phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Analyses by UHPLC-MS detected quinic acid, chlorogenic acid isomers, proanthocyanidin dimers type B and C, catechin/epicatechin, orientin/isoorientin, isoorientin 2"-O-xyloside, vitexin/isovitexin, and rutin. 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was then quantified was then quantified, with predominance in the extract produced with propylene glycol. These extracts showed a high antioxidant capacity by the method of DPPH, ß-carotene, and nitric oxide. As for depigmenting activity, both extracts were able to inhibit tyrosinase. Cell viability assay also revealed that the extracts could safely be used in concentrations of ≤ 125 µg/mL. Thus, this study demonstrated for the first time that the glycolic extracts of C. pachystachya have promising chemical and biological characteristics for the development of a multifunctional cosmetic with antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibition activities

Cytotoxic effects of a triterpene-enriched fraction of Cecropia pachystachya on the human hormone-refractory prostate cancer PC3 cell line.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed invasive cancer and a leading cause of death in men in western countries. Most patients initially respond to androgen deprivation but finally develop hormone-refractory disease, which results in advanced clinical failure and death. Since hormone-refractory disease is highly radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistant, increasing interest has been placed on finding novel therapies for this advanced type of Pca. PURPOSE: The potential cytotoxic effects of the crude extract and fractions obtained from the leaves of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul on different human cancer cell lines were investigated. Additionally, the mechanism of cell death induction of the most active sample (triterpene-enriched fraction, TEF) on the human hormone-refractory prostate PC3 cell line was examined. METHODS: Sulforhodamine B assay was used to measure the viability of human tumor and non-tumor cell lines. To elucidate the mechanism of PC3 cells death induced by TEF, different methodological approaches were used: cell cycle analysis and annexin V/PI staining, nuclear morphological analysis, and senescence-associated-ß-galactosidase assay. Moreover, the mitochondrial membrane potential was measured, and the long-term effects of TEF on PC3 cells were evaluated. RESULTS: TEF exerted cytotoxic effects on PC3 cells but not on human non-tumor cells. The analysis of nuclear morphology of PC3 cells treated with TEF increased the number of cells with large and regular nuclei suggesting senescence induction, which was supported by ß-galactosidase overexpression. Regarding PC3 cells cycle, TEF reduced the number of cells in G1 phase and increased that in sub G0/G1. Apoptosis was not involved in PC3 cell death. However, there was a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential without the participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cytotoxic effects detected. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the number of viable cells able to duplicate after long-term TEF treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed the in vitro cytotoxic potential of the triterpene-enriched fraction obtained from the leaves of C. pachystachya on human prostate cancer PC3 cell line.

LC/QTOF profile and preliminary stability studies of an enriched flavonoid fraction of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul leaves with potential antidepressant-like activity.

There is increasing interest in natural antioxidants that are candidates for the prevention of brain damage occurring in major depressive disorders. Cecropia pachystachya is a tropical tree species of Central and South America and a rich source of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids. The aim of this study was to characterize the flavonoid profile of an enriched flavonoid fraction of C. pachystachya (EFF-Cp) and evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of its acute administration in behavior, cytokine levels, oxidative stress and energy metabolism parameters. The EFF-Cp chemical characterization was performed by HPLC/DAD and LC/QTOF. The antidepressant-like effects were performed by the forced swimming test, splash test and open field test. EFF-Cp revealed 15 flavonoids, including seven new glycosyl flavonoids for C. pachystachya. Quantitatively, EFF-Cp showed isoorientin (43.46 mg/g), orientin (23.42 mg/g) and isovitexin (17.45 mg/g) as major C-glycosyl flavonoids. In addition, EFF-Cp at doses 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced the immobility time in the forced swimming test, without changing the locomotor activity and grooming time. In addition, EFF-Cp was able to prevent the oxidative damage in some brain areas. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that EFF-Cp exerts antidepressant-like effects with its antioxidant properties.

Genotoxic, mutagenic and antigenotoxic effects of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul aqueous extract using in vivo and in vitro assays.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cecropia pachystachya is a medicinal plant native to South and Central Americas used to treat asthma and diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we evaluated the genotoxic, mutagenic and antigenotoxic effects of crude aqueous extract of C. pachystachya (CAE-Cp) leaves. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CAE-Cp was analyzed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method to determine total phenolic and tannin contents. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify major compounds. Distinct tissues from female and male adult mice were treated with 500-2000mg/kg of CAE-Cp by gavage for the comet assay and micronucleus test analyses. In addition, peripheral blood slides of the group treated with 2000mg/kg CAE-Cp were analyzed 3, 6, and 24h after treatment and were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (ex vivo) to evaluate the genotoxic effect using the comet assay. The Salmonella/microsome assay was carried out against to TA100, TA98, TA97a, TA102, and TA1535 strains in presence and absence of the S9 mix. RESULTS: HPLC showed the presence of chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, orientin, and isovitexin as major compounds. Total phenolic and tannin contents were, respectively, 305.6±0.80 and 144.6±19.04mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of extract. Brain DNA damage was observed in all groups treated with CAE-Cp. The H2O2 challenge indicated genotoxic effect only 6h after the administration of the extract. No increase was detected in micronucleus frequency for any group treated with the extract. Mutagenic effects were detected by Salmonella/microsome assay only in TA102 strain without S9 mix at higher doses. CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate that CAE-Cp was genotoxic to brain tissue. This result is supported by other papers, showing that compounds present in this extract can cross the blood-brain barrier and act on central nervous system.

Enriched Flavonoid Fraction from Cecropia pachystachya Trécul Leaves Exerts Antidepressant-like Behavior and Protects Brain Against Oxidative Stress in Rats Subjected to Chronic Mild Stress.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an enriched C-glycosyl flavonoids fraction (EFF-Cp) from Cecropia Pachystachya leaves on behavior, mitochondrial chain function, and oxidative balance in the brain of rats subjected to chronic mild stress. Male Wistar rats were divided into experimental groups (saline/no stress, saline/stress, EFF-Cp/no stress, and EFF-Cp/stress). ECM groups were submitted to stress for 40 days. On the 35th ECM day, EFF-Cp (50 mg/kg) or saline was administrated and the treatments lasted until the 42nd day. On the 41st and 42nd days, the animals were submitted to the splash test and the forced swim test. After these behavioral tests, the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial chain complexes and oxidative stress were analyzed. EFF-Cp reversed the depressive-like behavior induced by ECM. It also reversed the increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive species, myeloperoxidase activity, and nitrite/nitrate concentrations in some brain regions. The reduced activities of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase and catalase in some brain regions were also reversed by EFF-Cp. The most pronounced effect of EFF-Cp on mitochondrial complexes was an increase in complex IV activity in all studied regions. Thus, it is can be concluded that EFF-Cp exerts an antidepressant-like effect and that oxidative balance may be an important physiological process underlying these effects.

In vivo wound healing activity of gels containing Cecropia pachystachya leaves.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the in-vivo wound healing and in-vitro antioxidant activity of gels containing the ethyl acetate extract of Cecropia pachystachya (ECP) 2% and 5%, and to perform the chemical fingerprint of ECP by HPLC-DAD. METHODS: The wound healing activity of the gels was evaluated for 21 days, using the excision model in rats followed by histopathological and histomorphometric analysis. The in-vitro antioxidant effect of ECP was investigated using 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, reducing power, ß-carotene bleaching and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assays. Also, a HPLC analysis was performed to identify the chemical markers orientin, iso-orientin and chlorogenic acid. KEY FINDINGS: The group of animals treated with ECP 5% presented oedema and inflammatory infiltrate with less intensity than the other groups. Both ECP 2% and 5% gels showed less neovascularization and cellularity, and better tissue repair when compared to the control, which showed a younger and homogeneous tissue. CONCLUSIONS: This study had demonstrated that the ECP gels promoted the acceleration of the healing process when compared to the control group. Wound contraction, angiogenesis, epithelialization and the collagen deposition support further evaluation of C. pachystachya leaves in the topical treatment and management of skin wounds.

Cecropia pachystachya extract attenuated the renal lesion in 5/6 nephrectomized rats by reducing inflammation and renal arginase activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The plant Cecropia pachystachya Trécul has been used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat hypertension, bladder and kidney inflammation and renal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the aqueous fraction from the ethanolic extract of Cecropia pachystachya (FCP) in the management of hypertension, inflammation and progressive renal disease in rats submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 NE) were untreated (NE) or treated (NE+FCP) with the FCP (0.5g/kg/day). The treatment started 15 days after surgery, and the rats were followed for a period of 60 days. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and albuminuria were evaluated from 15-60 days after the surgical procedure. Function and estructural renal changes, TGF-ß (transforming growth factor ß), MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and nitric oxide (NO) urinary excretion were analyzed. Expression and activity of the renal enzymes arginase (ARG), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and MAP kinase p-JNK expression also were analyzed. RESULTS: The nephrectomized rats developed progressive albuminuria and increased SBP that was less intense in the treated group. There was a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the nephrectomized rats, which was attenuated by treatment with FCP extract. The treatment with FCP also attenuated the histological changes, reduced the expression and activity of renal arginase, the number of macrophages (ED-1 positive cells) and the p-JNK expression in the renal cortex of the rats submitted to 5/6 NE. The urinary excretion of TGF-ß was less intense in the treated group and was associated with the reduction of the expression and activity of the renal arginase. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the reduction of renal arginase activity, p-JNK and TGF-ß expression can explain the mechanism by which the treatment with C. pachystachya reduced the inflammation and improved renal function. This study presents the potential use of Cecropia pachystachya in the treatment of chronic renal diseases.

Atividade antibacteriana e moduladora de Cecropia pachystachya Trécul sobre a ação de aminoglicosídeos / Antibacterial and modulatory activity of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul on the action of aminoglycosides / Actividad antibacteriana y moduladora de Cecropia pachystachya Trécul en la acción de los aminoglucósidos

Introdução: a Cecropia pachystachya Trécul., é conhecida como toré (Urticaceae), com ocorrência em todo o território brasileiro, usada na medicina popular no tratamento de infecções respiratórias e gonorreia. Objetivo: avaliar a atividade antibacteriana e moduladora sobre antibióticos, do extrato etanólico e frações metanólicas das folhas e caule de C. pachystachya T., contra linhagens bacterianas padrões e multirresistentes. Métodos: o material vegetal (folhas e caule), coletado na Chapada do Araripe, foi triturado e submerso em solvente etanol PA, e submetido à destilação do solvente no aparelho evaporador rotativo para a produção dos extratos, que foi particionado e submetido ao solvente metanólico, fornecendo as frações metanólicas. Um ensaio de microdiluição foi realizado para verificar a atividade antibacteriana e as possíveis interações dos aminoglicosídeos associados às amostras estudadas, utilizando uma concentração sub-inibitória de 128 µg/mL (CIM/8). Resultados: o efeito mais representativo a associação da neomicina com o EEFCP (Extrato Etanólico das Folhas de C. pachystachya T) e sua fração com redução da CIM de 312.5 para 39,06 µg/mL e redução de 312,50 para 78,13 µg/mL, respectivamente ambos contra Staphylococcus aureus 358. Quando frente a E. coli 27, foi observado antagonismo. Conclusões: os dados obtidos indicam que o extrato e as frações metanólicas de C. pachystachya, podem ser uma alternativa relevante na pesquisa de substâncias que tenham ação contra as bactérias Staphylococcus multirresistentes. Entretanto, o mesmo também pode interferir negativamente na ação das drogas testadas. Contudo são necessários novos teste in vivo para melhor comprovar essa ação.

Introduction: Cecropia pachystachya Trécul, commonly known as 'toré' (Urticaceae) and distributed throughout Brazil, is used in folk medicine to treat respiratory and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea. Objective: evaluate the antibacterial and modulatory activity on antibiotics of the ethanolic extract and methanolic fractions of C. pachystachya T. leaves and stems against standard and multiresistant bacterial strains. Methods: the plant material (leaves and stems) was collected in Araripe, crushed and put into ethanol PA as solvent. Distillation of the solvent was then performed in a rotary evaporator to produce the extracts, which were divided and subjected to the methanolic solvent to obtain the fractions. A microdilution assay was conducted to verify antibacterial activity and the possible interactions of aminoglycosides associated with the study samples. A sub-inhibitory concentration of 128 ?g/mL (MIC/8) was used. Results: the most representative effect was the association of neomycin with EEFCP (ethanolic extract of leaves of C. pachystachya T.) and its fraction, with a MIC reduction of 312.5 for 39.06 µg/mL and 312.50 for 78.13 µg/mL, respectively, against Staphylococcus aureus 358. An antagonistic effect was observed against E. coli 27. Conclusions: the data obtained indicate that C. pachystachya methanolic fractions and extract may be an important alternative in the search for substances with an action against multiresistant Staphylococcus bacteria. However, such a substance may also negatively affect the action of the drugs studied. It is necessary to conduct new experiments in vivo to verify such an action.

Introducción: Cecropia pachystachya Trécul., es conocida como "toré" (Urticaceae), presente en todo el territorio brasileño, utilizada en la medicina popular para el tratamiento de infecciones respiratorias y de transmisión sexual (gonorrea). Objetivo: evaluar la actividad antibacteriana y moduladora sobre antibióticos del extracto etanólico y fracciones metanólicas de las hojas y tallo de C. pachystachya T. contra cepas bacterianas estándar y multirresistentes. Métodos: el material vegetal (hojas y tallos), colectado en el Araripe, fue triturado y sumergido en etanol PA como solvente. Seguidamente, fue sometido a destilación del solvente en un evaporador rotativo para la producción de los extractos, que fueron divididos y sometidos al solvente metanólico, formando así las fracciones. Se llevó a cabo un ensayo de microdilución para verificar la actividad antibacteriana y las posibles interacciones de aminoglucósidos asociados con las muestras estudiadas, se utilizó una concentración sub-inhibitoria de 128 µg/mL (CIM/8). Resultados: el efecto más representativo resultó el de la asociación de neomicina con el EEFCP (Extrato Etanólico de hojas de C. pachystachya T) y su fracción con disminución de la CIM de 312,5 para 39,06 µg/mL y 312,50 para 78,13 µg/mL, respectivamente contra Staphylococcus aureus 358. Se observó un efecto antagónico contra E. coli 27. Conclusiones: los datos obtenidos indican que el extracto y fracciones metanólicas de C. pachystachya, pueden ser una alternativa importante en la búsqueda de sustancias que tienen acción contra las bacterias Staphylococcus multirresistentes. Sin embargo, puede afectar negativamente a la acción de las drogas estudiadas. No obstante, es necesario realizar nuevos experimentos in vivo para comprobar esta acción.

Antidepressant-like effects of aqueous extract from Cecropia pachystachya leaves in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable stress.

Chronic stressful stimuli influence disease susceptibility to depression, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. The present work investigated antidepressant and antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract from Cecropia pachystachya in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Our results indicated that acute administration of the aqueous extract (AE) from C. pachystachya (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) produced an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test (FST). The chronic treatment with C. pachystachya extract (200mg/kg, p.o., for 14 days) prevented the depressant-like effect but not the anxiogenic effect induced by CUS. In addition to the behavioral modifications, the 14 days of CUS increased lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus (HP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC), decreased total thiol content and glutathione peroxidase activity in the HP. C. pachystachya AE administration during CUS protocol was able to prevent the oxidative damage induced by stress. However, no changes were observed in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in the above cited brain areas after the stress protocol and treatment. Our results suggest that C. pachystachya prevented both depressive behavior and oxidative damage induced by CUS, supporting its neuroprotective potential against behavioral and biochemical dysfunctions induced by chronic stress.

Brazilian embauba (Cecropia pachystachya) extract reduces renal lesions in 5/6 nephrectomized rats.

INTRODUCTION: Cecropia pachystachya (CP) is a plant rich in polyphenols which inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro. Angiotensin II (AII) has an important role in the renal lesion provoked by 5/6 nephrectomy (NE). This study evaluated the CP extract effect on renal lesions provoked by 5/6 NE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats submitted to 5/6 NE were treated or not treated with CP extract and followed for 90 days. Systemic blood pressure (SBP), albuminuria, renal functional and structural parameters, ACE activity, urinary levels of monocyte chemoattrant protein-1 (MCP-1) and transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) were evaluated. RESULTS: Albuminuria and hypertension were less intense in the treated (NE+CP) group compared to the untreated (NE) group. CP extract treatment reduced the fall in glomerular filtration rate observed in NE rats. Glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial lesions, increase of macrophages and AII positive cells in the renal cortex, as well as increases in renal ACE activity, urinary levels of MCP-1 and TGF-ß were attenuated in NE rats by CP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with CP extract reduced the SBP and functional and structural renal changes in 5/6 NE rats. These effects were associated with decreased AII expression, ACE activity and inflammation in the renal cortex.

Glycosylflavonoids from Cecropia pachystachya Trécul are quorum sensing inhibitors.

The Cecropia genus is widely distributed in Latin America including at least 60 species, and some of them are commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. We used Cecropia pachystachya Trécul to search for quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors compounds and found that the aqueous extract of C. pachystachya leaves is a promising source of substances with this activity. Using as biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 31532 and Escherichia coli pSB403, the compounds chlorogenic acid (2), isoorientin (3), orientin (4), isovitexin (6), vitexin (7), and rutin (9) were identified as QS inhibitors. None of these compounds inhibited the growth of neither the used biosensors nor the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 23591, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, used here as growth inhibition controls. Along with the rutin, here we presented for the first time the QS-inhibition potential of the C-glycosyl flavonoids. The prospective of this evidence lead to the use of these compounds as antipathogenic drugs or antifoulants.

Inibição da arginase de leishmania por frações de extrato etanólico de Cecropia pachystachya / Inhibition of arginase of Leishmania by fractions of ethanol extract of Cecropia pachystachya

A leishmaniose atinge cerca de 12 milhões de pessoas no mundo com aproximadamente 60 mil mortes por ano. Os fármacos utilizados são ineficazes e apresentam graves efeitos colaterais, tomado necessária a busca por novos fármacos. A busca por princípios bioativos toma-se mais eficaz quando direcionada pelo fracionamento guiado por bioensaios específicos. Um alvo promissor para busca por novos fármacos é a enzima arginase, pois a Leishmania deficiente em arginase é incapaz de produzir poliaminas, que são essenciais para a proliferação, diferenciação e síntese de macromoléculas, sendo assim o alvo selecionado para direcionar o fracionamento do extrato etanólico de Cecropia pachystachya, visto que já foi relatada a inibição da arginase de Leishmania (L.) amazonensis por extratos desta espécie vegetal. Neste trabalho foi demonstrado que o extrato acetato de etila apresentou uma forte inibição da arginase de L. (L.) amazonensis, uma leve inibição da arginase de Rattus norvegicus e não apresentou toxicidade em esplenócitos. Com a análise ultraestrutural foi possível inferir que a inibição da arginase poderia estar provocando estresse oxidativo, visível com a formação de concreção eletrondensa na matriz mitocondrial e desorganização do kDNA, possivelmente devido à inibição da arginase e conseqüente diminuição da biossíntese de poliaminas e tripanotiona. Em análise computacional, as prováveis substâncias presentes no extrato acetato de etila (catequina, ácido clorogênico, epicatequina, isoorientina, isoquercetrina, isovitexina, orientina e procianidina B2) interagem com os aminoácidos ao redor do sítio ativo da arginase de L. (L.) amazonensis impedindo a entrada do substrato ou a saída dos produtos resultantes da reação o que acarretaria diminuição na velocidade máxima da reação...

Frugivoria de morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) em Cecropia pachystachya (Urticaceae) e seus efeitos na germinação das sementes

Frugivorous bats are fundamental components in the maintenance and regeneration of tropical forests since they promote the mobility of the fruit seeds. There are controversies about the effects of the seed passage through the bat gut in the germination tax and speed. The goal of this work was to investigate the diet of frugivorous bat species at Estação Experimental de Itirapina to find out which species significantly use the fruits of the pioneer plants species Cecropia pachystachya. It was tested the importance of bats on the spread and germination of seeds from this plant species. For that, the bats were captured in the period from August 2005 to July 2006, their feces were collected and the seeds of C. pachystachya separated. The germination tests were made for two bat species, Artibeus liuratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus, and were compared with seeds collected directly from the plant (control). Five repetitions were made with 30 seeds in each gerbox for each test. The tests were conducted in " Mangelsdorf" germinators chambers, with temperature of 25°C, luminosity and constant humidity for 40 days. There was a high germination percentage of the seeds found in A. lituratus (79,3%), and it did not differ statistically from the seeds control (76%). These results were superior from P. lineatus (52%). Regarding the Germination Speed Index (IVG), the results were similar, being 2,73 for A. lituratus, 2,66 for the control seeds and 1,80 for P. lineatus. It was concluded that the passage of the seeds of C. pachystachya through the bats gut did not increase the percentage or the speed of germination, when compared with the control seeds, being smaller for P. lineatus. With the results obtained, it was concluded that the effects of the bats gut passage in the germination still needs further studies but the benefits of seed dispersion of C. pachystachya promoted by four bat species in the studied place cannot be refused.

Os morcegos frugívoros são componentes fundamentais na manutenção e regeneração de florestas tropicais, pois ao se alimentarem, promovem a mobilidade das sementes dos frutos em que se alimentaram. Muito se discute sobre os efeitos da passagem das sementes no trato digestivo dos morcegos sobre a taxa e velocidade de germinação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi examinar a dieta das espécies de morcegos frugívoros na Estação Experimental de Itirapina para descobrir quais utilizam significativamente os frutos de Cecropia pachystachya. Foi testada a importância dos quirópteros na dispersão e germinação desta espécie de planta. Para isso, os morcegos foram capturados no período de agosto de 2005 a julho de 2006, suas fezes foram recolhidas e as sementes de C. pachystachya separadas. Os testes de germinação foram feitos para duas espécies de morcegos, Artibeus liuratus e Platyrrhinus lineatus, e suas taxas de germinação comparadas com amostras de sementes coletadas da planta (controle). Foram feitos cinco repetições com 30 sementes em cada gerbox para cada teste. Os testes foram realizados em câmaras germinadoras " Mangelsdorf" , com temperatura de 25°C, luminosidade e umidade constante por 40 dias. Houve uma alta porcentagem de germinação das sementes encontradas em A. lituratus (79,3%) e não diferiu estatisticamente das sementes controle (76%). Esses resultados foram superiores a P. lineatus (52%). Em relação ao Índice de Velocidade de Germinação (IVG), esse resultado foi semelhante, sendo 2,73 para A. lituratus, 2,66 para o controle e 1,80 para P. lineatus. Com esse resultado, tem-se que a passagem das sementes de C. pachystachya pelos morcegos não aumentou a porcentagem, nem a velocidade de germinação delas, quando comparado com o controle, sendo até menor para P. lineatus. Com os resultados obtidos, conclui-se que, o efeito da passagem do trato digestivo dos morcegos na germinação pode sofrer influências que ainda precisam ser estudadas, mas não há como negar o beneficio da dispersão das sementes de C. pachystachya promovida por quatro espécies de morcegos no local estudado.

Frugivoria de morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) em Cecropia pachystachya (Urticaceae) e seus efeitos na germinação das sementes

Frugivorous bats are fundamental components in the maintenance and regeneration of tropical forests since they promote the mobility of the fruit seeds. There are controversies about the effects of the seed passage through the bat gut in the germination tax and speed. The goal of this work was to investigate the diet of frugivorous bat species at Estação Experimental de Itirapina to find out which species significantly use the fruits of the pioneer plants species Cecropia pachystachya. It was tested the importance of bats on the spread and germination of seeds from this plant species. For that, the bats were captured in the period from August 2005 to July 2006, their feces were collected and the seeds of C. pachystachya separated. The germination tests were made for two bat species, Artibeus liuratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus, and were compared with seeds collected directly from the plant (control). Five repetitions were made with 30 seeds in each gerbox for each test. The tests were conducted in " Mangelsdorf" germinators chambers, with temperature of 25°C, luminosity and constant humidity for 40 days. There was a high germination percentage of the seeds found in A. lituratus (79,3%), and it did not differ statistically from the seeds control (76%). These results were superior from P. lineatus (52%). Regarding the Germination Speed Index (IVG), the results were similar, being 2,73 for A. lituratus, 2,66 for the control seeds and 1,80 for P. lineatus. It was concluded that the passage of the seeds of C. pachystachya through the bats gut did not increase the percentage or the speed of germination, when compared with the control seeds, being smaller for P. lineatus. With the results obtained, it was concluded that the effects of the bats’ gut passage in the germination still needs further studies but the benefits of seed dispersion of C. pachystachya promoted by four bat species in the studied place cannot be refused.

Os morcegos frugívoros são componentes fundamentais na manutenção e regeneração de florestas tropicais, pois ao se alimentarem, promovem a mobilidade das sementes dos frutos em que se alimentaram. Muito se discute sobre os efeitos da passagem das sementes no trato digestivo dos morcegos sobre a taxa e velocidade de germinação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi examinar a dieta das espécies de morcegos frugívoros na Estação Experimental de Itirapina para descobrir quais utilizam significativamente os frutos de Cecropia pachystachya. Foi testada a importância dos quirópteros na dispersão e germinação desta espécie de planta. Para isso, os morcegos foram capturados no período de agosto de 2005 a julho de 2006, suas fezes foram recolhidas e as sementes de C. pachystachya separadas. Os testes de germinação foram feitos para duas espécies de morcegos, Artibeus liuratus e Platyrrhinus lineatus, e suas taxas de germinação comparadas com amostras de sementes coletadas da planta (controle). Foram feitos cinco repetições com 30 sementes em cada gerbox para cada teste. Os testes foram realizados em câmaras germinadoras " Mangelsdorf" , com temperatura de 25°C, luminosidade e umidade constante por 40 dias. Houve uma alta porcentagem de germinação das sementes encontradas em A. lituratus (79,3%) e não diferiu estatisticamente das sementes controle (76%). Esses resultados foram superiores a P. lineatus (52%). Em relação ao Índice de Velocidade de Germinação (IVG), esse resultado foi semelhante, sendo 2,73 para A. lituratus, 2,66 para o controle e 1,80 para P. lineatus. Com esse resultado, tem-se que a passagem das sementes de C. pachystachya pelos morcegos não aumentou a porcentagem, nem a velocidade de germinação delas, quando comparado com o controle, sendo até menor para P. lineatus. Com os resultados obtidos, conclui-se que, o efeito da passagem do trato digestivo dos morcegos na germinação pode sofrer influências que ainda precisam ser estudadas, mas não há como negar o beneficio da dispersão das sementes de C. pachystachya promovida por quatro espécies de morcegos no local estudado.

Elementos histológicos característicos de Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (embaúba) / Histological elements characteristic of pachystachya Trécul Cecropia (Cecropia)

São descritas as características anatômicas da folha, do pecíolo e das cascas caulinares da espécie Cecropia pachystachya Trécul com o objetivo de identificar o vegetal fragmentado, empregado medicinalmente. Anexos epidérmicos e inclusões celulares permitem a diagnose a partir das folhas. Peculiaridades das fibras, dos esclereídeos e dos vasos permitem o reconhecimento através das cascas.

Anatomical characteristics of the leaf and the barks of the stem of the species Cecropia pachystachya Trécul are described aiming to identify this species when it is employed for therapeutic purposes. Epidermal annexs and cellular inclusions allow the diagnosis of the species from its leaves. Peculiarities of the fibers, petrea cells and vases allow the recognizing of the barks of the stem of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul.

Bigger ant colonies reduce herbivory and herbivore residence time on leaves of an ant-plant: Azteca muelleri vs. Coelomera ruficornis on Cecropia pachystachya.

The effect of defence force size in colonies of the ant Azteca muelleri on the time spent to localize, attack and expel the specialized herbivorous beetle Coelomera ruficornis from Cecropia pachystachya bushes was studied in an area of Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil. Our results show that Azteca muelleri expel Coelomera ruficornis from Cecropia pachystachya and that the number of ants leaving a colony (defence force size) is negatively correlated with the residence time of an adult beetle on the plant. Colonies with larger defence forces recruited larger numbers of ants, resulting in faster herbivore discovery (r 2=0.80; n=17; P<0.001) and reduced herbivore residence time on a leaf (r 2=0.79 n=23; P<0.001) before being driven off by the ants. We also found a negative and significant relationship between herbivore damage on leaves and ant colony size (r 2=0.28; n=17; P<0.05). We conclude that larger colonies have more individuals available to patrol a plant and recruit defenders toward herbivores. This reduces the time spent to locate and expel susceptible herbivores from the plant. Since the plant probably benefits from reduced herbivory and the plant provides food for the ants, the association between Azteca muelleri and Cecropia pachystachya appears mutualistic.