Potential Effects of Essential Oil from Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel on Leishmania: In Vivo, In Vitro, and In Silico Approaches.

In the search for new chemotherapeutic alternatives for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), essential oils are promising due to their diverse biological potential. In this study, we aimed to investigate the chemical composition and leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory potential of the essential oil isolated from the leaves of Plinia cauliflora (PCEO). The chemical composition of PCEO showed ß-cis-Caryophyllene (24.4%), epi-γ-Eudesmol (8%), 2-Naphthalenemethanol[decahydro-alpha] (8%), and trans-Calamenene (6.6%) as its major constituents. Our results showed that the PCEO has moderate cytotoxicity (CC50) of 137.4 and 143.7 µg/mL on mice peritoneal exudate cells (mPEC) and Vero cells, respectively. The PCEO was able to significantly decrease mPEC infection by Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis. The value of the inhibitory concentration (IC50) on amastigote forms was about 7.3 µg/mL (L. amazonensis) and 7.2 µg/mL (L. braziliensis). We showed that PCEO induced drastic ultrastructural changes in both species of Leishmania and had a high selectivity index (SI) > 18. The in silico ADMET analysis pointed out that PCEO can be used for the development of oral and/or topical formulation in the treatment of CL. In addition, we also demonstrated the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect, with a 95% reduction in paw edema and a decrease by at least 21.4% in migration immune cells in animals treated with 50 mg/kg of PCEO. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PCEO is a promising topical therapeutic agent against CL.

Novel Adsorbent Material from Plinia cauliflora for Removal of Cationic Dye from Aqueous Solution.

The food industry is responsible for the generation of large amounts of organic residues, which can lead to negative environmental and economic impacts when incorrectly disposed of. The jaboticaba peel is an example of organic waste, widely used in industry due to its organoleptic characteristcs. In this study, residues collected during the extraction of bioactive compounds from jaboticaba bark (JB) were chemically activated with H3PO4 and NaOH and used to develop a low-cost adsorbent material for the removal of the cationic dye methylene blue (MB). For all adsorbents, the batch tests were carried out with the adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g L-1 and neutral pH, previously determined by 22 factorial design. In the kinetics tests, JB and JB-NaOH presented a fast adsorption rate, reaching equilibrium in 30 min. For JB-H3PO4, the equilibrium was reached in 60 min. JB equilibrium data were best represented by the Langmuir model and JB-NaOH and JB-H3PO4 data by the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacities from JB, JB-NaOH, and JB-H3PO4 were 305.81 mg g-1, 241.10 mg g-1, and 122.72 mg g-1, respectively. The results indicate that chemical activations promoted an increase in the volume of large pores but interacted with functional groups responsible for MB adsorption. Therefore, JB has the highest adsorption capacity, thus presenting as a low-cost and sustainable alternative to add value to the product, and it also contributes to water decontamination studies, resulting in a zero-waste approach.

Antimicrobial Activity of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Prepared by Photoreduction Process with Leaves and Fruit Extracts of Plinia cauliflora and Punica granatum.

The increased number of resistant microbes generates a search for new antibiotic methods. Metallic nanoparticles have emerged as a new platform against several microorganisms. The nanoparticles can damage the bacteria membrane and DNA by oxidative stress. The photoreduction process is a clean and low-cost method for obtaining silver and gold nanoparticles. This work describes two original insights: (1) the use of extracts of leaves and fruits from a Brazilian plant Plinia cauliflora, compared with a well know plant Punica granatum, and (2) the use of phytochemicals as stabilizing agents in the photoreduction process. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, FTIR, transmission electron microscopy, and Zeta potential. The antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles was obtained with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, particularly the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923; Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633; clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922; Escherichia coli O44:H18 EAEC042 (clinical isolate); Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Salmonella Thiphymurium ATCC 10231; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853; and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Excellent synthesis results were obtained. The AgNPs exhibited antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and yeast (80-100%), better than AuNPs (0-87.92%), and may have the potential to be used as antimicrobial agents.

An Integrative Review on the Main Flavonoids Found in Some Species of the Myrtaceae Family: Phytochemical Characterization, Health Benefits and Development of Products.

This integrative review aims to identify the main flavonoids present in some species of the Myrtaceae family. Studies published between 2016 and 2022 were selected, specifically those which were fully available and written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, and which were related to the fruits araçá (Psidium cattleianum), cambuí (Myrciaria floribunda), gabiroba (Campomanesia xanthocarpa), jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora), and jambolan (Syzygium cumini). Scientific studies were gathered and selected in Google Scholar, Scielo, and Science Direct indexed databases, out of which 14 were about araçá, 7 concerned cambuí, 4 were about gabiroba, 29 were related to jabuticaba, and 33 concerned jambolan, when we observed the pre-established inclusion criteria. Results showed that the anthocyanins, such as cyanidin, petunidin, malvidin, and delphinidin, were the mostly identified class of flavonoids in plants of the Myrtaceae family, mainly relating to the purple/reddish color of the evaluated fruits. Other compounds, such as catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, and rutin were also identified in different constituent fractions, such as leaves, peel, pulp, seeds, and in developed products, such as jams, desserts, wines, teas, and other beverages. It is also worth noting the positive health effects verified in these studies, such as anti-inflammatory qualities for jambolan, antidiabetic qualities for gabiroba, antioxidant qualities for araçá, and cardioprotective actions for jabuticaba, which are related to the presence of these phytochemicals. Therefore, it is possible to point out that flavonoids are important compounds in the chemical constitution of the studied plants of the Myrtaceae family, with promising potential in the development of new products by the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries due to their bioactive properties.

Pedunculagin isolated from Plinia cauliflora seeds exhibits genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic effects in bacteria and human lymphocytes.

Pedunculagin (PD), an ellagitannin found in different plant species, possesses several pharmaceutical properties, including antitumor, antioxidant, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of PD alone on DNA remain to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic activities of PD isolated from Plinia cauliflora seeds using in silico and in vitro assays. To elucidate the biological activities of PD, in silico tools indicative of antioxidant, antineoplastic, and chemopreventive activities of PD were used. Subsequently, the mutagenic/antimutagenic effects of PD were later assessed using bacteria with the Ames test, and the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects utilizing human lymphocytes as evidenced by trypan blue exclusion test and CometChip assay. In silico analysis indicated potential antioxidant, chemopreventive, free radical scavenger, and cytostatic activities of PD. In the Ames test, PD was found to be not mutagenic; however, this plant component protected DNA against damage-mediated by mutagens 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide and sodium azide. Regarding human lymphocytes, PD alone was cytotoxic and genotoxic; however, it also reduced DNA damage induced by doxorubicin at co- and post-treatment. In conclusion, PD showed genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic effects in human lymphocytes and antimutagenic effects in bacteria.

Antimicrobial activity of silver and gold nanoparticles prepared by photoreduction process with leaves and fruit extracts of Plinia cauliflora and Punica granatum

The increased number of resistant microbes generates a search for new antibiotic methods. Metallic nanoparticles have emerged as a new platform against several microorganisms. The nanoparticles can damage the bacteria membrane and DNA by oxidative stress. The photoreduction process is a clean and low-cost method for obtaining silver and gold nanoparticles. This work describes two original insights: (1) the use of extracts of leaves and fruits from a Brazilian plant Plinia cauliflora, compared with a well know plant Punica granatum, and (2) the use of phytochemicals as stabilizing agents in the photoreduction process. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, FTIR, transmission electron microscopy, and Zeta potential. The antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles was obtained with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, particularly the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923; Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633; clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922; Escherichia coli O44:H18 EAEC042 (clinical isolate); Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Salmonella Thiphymurium ATCC 10231; seudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853; and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Excellent synthesis results were obtained. The AgNPs exhibited antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and yeast (80–100%), better than AuNPs (0–87.92%), and may have the potential to be used as antimicrobial agents.

Pharmacological investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of leaves and branches extracts from Plinia cauliflora (Jaboticaba).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Among all native Brazilian plant species, Plinia cauliflora (DC.) Kausel (Jaboticaba), is well known for producing "superfruits", due to their high phenolic content and antioxidant property. The fruit has astringent characteristics, and it is popularly known for the treatment of diarrhea, rash, and intestinal inflammation. However, there are only a few studies on the use of leaves and branches of this species in the literature, mainly to treat oxidative stress and inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of leaves and branches extracts from P. cauliflora. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The phytochemical analysis of P. cauliflora extracts was performed by the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin dosage method. Moreover, the compounds were identified by HPLC-MS-Q-TOF. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, ß-carotene/linoleic acid system, MDA formation, and phosphomolybdenum assays. In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of P. cauliflora were evaluated by the reduction of nitric oxide in the J774A.1 cell line and inhibition of ear edema in mice, respectively. RESULTS: The ethanolic extract of the leaves exhibited greater flavonoid content whereas the ethanolic extract of the branches showed higher tannins content. Twenty-two and seventeen compounds were identified by HPLC-MS-Q-TOF in the leaves and branches, respectively, being tellimagrandin I, castalagin, and valoneic acid dilactone reported for the first time in P. cauliflora. The antioxidant potential of extracts was confirmed through different oxidation pathways from oxidizing radicals, which might be related to the presence of phenolic compounds. For the anti-inflammatory assay, the leaves and branches extracts showed promising results, with a reduction of nitric oxide ear edema inhibition around 95% and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, the great biological potential of leaves and branches extracts from P. cauliflora was highlighted. These parts of the plant are underused and poorly reported in the literature, especially for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel (Jaboticaba) leaf extract: In vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity, toxicity assessment and phenolic-targeted UPLC-MSE metabolomic analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, known as Brazilian grape or jaboticaba, is widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat infectious and inflammatory disorders. However, several aspects of its biological potential remain unclear, such as toxicity and effects on pathogenic protozoa. AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigate the phenolic composition, the in vitro and in silico toxicity profile, and the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of the phenolics-enriched hydromethanolic extract of P. cauliflora leaf. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was performed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MSE). Mutagenicity, genotoxicity and eukaryotic cytotoxicity was evaluated by Ames test, cytokinesis-block micronucleus and colorimetric assays, respectively, alongside with a computational prediction of the major compound's pharmacokinetics and toxicity. Anti-T. cruzi activity was investigated on T. cruzi bloodstream trypomastigotes. RESULTS: A total of 14 phenolic compounds were identified, including 11 flavonoids and 2 phenolic acids. No positive response regarding mutagenic potential was detected in Salmonella strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102, TA104, both in absence or presence of metabolic activation. The extract induced significant dose-response reduction on nuclear division indexes of HepG2 cells, suggesting cytostatic effects, with no micronuclei induction on cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Likewise, it also presented cytotoxic effects, inducing HepG2 and F C3H dose and time dependently cell death through cell membrane damage and more evidently by mitochondrial dysfunction. A dose-response curve of in vitro trypanocidal activity was observed against T. cruzi bloodstream trypomastigotes after 2 and 24 h of exposure. In silico predictions of most abundant compounds' structural alerts, pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile indicates a moderately feasible druglikeness profile and low toxicity for them, which is compatible with in vitro results. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that P. cauliflora leaf extract is a potential source of antiparasitic bioactive compounds, however it presents cytotoxic effects in liver cell lines.

Development of alginate beads with encapsulated jabuticaba peel and propolis extracts to achieve a new natural colorant antioxidant additive.

This work aims to encapsulate anthocyanins and phenolic compounds extracted from a native Brazilian fruit peel - jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel) and propolis from Tubuna (Scaptotrigona bipunctata) stingless bees, with great potential benefits for human health. The alginate encapsulation was conducted by the ionotropic gelation through the dripping into the CaCl2 solution. Both raw extracts were characterized by TPC - total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu), AA -antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays), and TMAC - total monomeric anthocyanin concentration (pH differential method); as well as their resultant mixture (2:1 jabuticaba/propolis). The obtained beads presented highly efficient encapsulation of total polyphenols (~98%) and monomeric anthocyanins (~89%), with spherical morphology and smooth surface obtaining a mean diameter between 200 and 250 µm. In vitro release study showed that JPE/alginate beads were completely disintegrated at pH 7.4 (intestinal pH), but they were resistant to gastric pH (1.2) presenting a slow release of about 40% in 240 min. This is the first report that encapsulates the mixture of jabuticaba and propolis extracts and may contribute to the utilization of a great source of bioactive compounds besides the potential pigment of anthocyanins, an alternative to natural and healthy food/beverage colorants.

Viabilidade de sementes de jabuticabeira açu em função da condição e período de armazenamento / Seed viability of jabuticaba tree according to the condition and storage period

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de sementes de jabuticabeira açu [Plinia cauliflora (DC.) Berg], em função das condições e períodos de armazenamento. O experimento foi na Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná - Câmpus Dois Vizinhos. As sementes foram separadas em lotes, com aquelas mantendo ou retirando a mucilagem. Os lotes foram acondicionados em garrafa PET® ou saco de papel Kraft® em temperatura ambiente e, saco Kraft® em 6°C±1°C. Testaram-se oito períodos de armazenamento (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 e 60 dias). Após cada período, as sementes foram semeadas em caixas Gerbox, sem tampa contendo areia grossa e mantidas em B.O.D. a 25°C sem fotoperíodo. Usou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em fatorial 2 x 8 x 3 (presença de mucilagem x período de armazenamento x condições de armazenamento), com 4 repetições de 50 sementes. As sementes sem mucilagem, em garrafa PET®, mantiveram-se viáveis até 30 dias de armazenamento, com valores de 80% emergência até o décimo quinto dia quando comparados ao uso do papel Kraft®. Com mucilagem, em papel Kraft®, as sementes mantiveram a viabilidade inalterada até os vinte dias de armazenamento. Deve-se retirara mucilagem das sementes de jabuticabeira açu, para em seguida armazená-las em garrafa PET® na temperatura ambiente. Estas condições permitem que não haja comprometimento da emergência e do vigor por no máximo 25 dias.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the germination viability of jabuticaba açu [Plinia cauliflora (DC.) Berg] seed, according to conditions and the storage time. The experiment was carried out at UTFPR - Câmpus Dois Vizinhos, Brazil. The seeds were separated into two groups, with one it remained a mucilage surrounding the seed and without mucilage. These eds with and without mucilage were put in Pet® bottle, paper Kraft® bag at natural condition temperature and paper Kraft® bag in the refrigerator (6 °C ± 1 °C), which it was stored during 8 periods (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 60 days). After each period, the seeds were sown in Gerbox boxes without lid containing sand as substrate and it taken to BOD at 25 °C without photoperiod. The experiment was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 8 x 3 (presence of mucilage x storage period x storage location), with 4 replications of 50 seeds each experimental unit. The seeds without mucilage, in PET® bottle were with viability until 30 days of storage, with 80% emergence until fifth day to Kraft® paper. With mucilage, on Kraft® paper, the seeds kept viability unchanged until twenty days of storage. The mucilage of the jabuticaba açu seeds should be removed and then stored in a PET® bottle at room temperature. These conditions allow no compromise of emergency and vigor for a maximum of 25 days.

Viabilidade de sementes de jabuticabeira açu em função da condição e período de armazenamento / Seed viability of jabuticaba tree according to the condition and storage period

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de sementes de jabuticabeira açu [Plinia cauliflora (DC.) Berg], em função das condições e períodos de armazenamento. O experimento foi na Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná - Câmpus Dois Vizinhos. As sementes foram separadas em lotes, com aquelas mantendo ou retirando a mucilagem. Os lotes foram acondicionados em garrafa PET® ou saco de papel Kraft® em temperatura ambiente e, saco Kraft® em 6°C±1°C. Testaram-se oito períodos de armazenamento (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 e 60 dias). Após cada período, as sementes foram semeadas em caixas Gerbox, sem tampa contendo areia grossa e mantidas em B.O.D. a 25°C sem fotoperíodo. Usou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em fatorial 2 x 8 x 3 (presença de mucilagem x período de armazenamento x condições de armazenamento), com 4 repetições de 50 sementes. As sementes sem mucilagem, em garrafa PET®, mantiveram-se viáveis até 30 dias de armazenamento, com valores de 80% emergência até o décimo quinto dia quando comparados ao uso do papel Kraft®. Com mucilagem, em papel Kraft®, as sementes mantiveram a viabilidade inalterada até os vinte dias de armazenamento. Deve-se retirara mucilagem das sementes de jabuticabeira açu, para em seguida armazená-las em garrafa PET® na temperatura ambiente. Estas condições permitem que não haja comprometimento da emergência e do vigor por no máximo 25 dias.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the germination viability of jabuticaba açu [Plinia cauliflora (DC.) Berg] seed, according to conditions and the storage time. The experiment was carried out at UTFPR - Câmpus Dois Vizinhos, Brazil. The seeds were separated into two groups, with one it remained a mucilage surrounding the seed and without mucilage. These eds with and without mucilage were put in Pet® bottle, paper Kraft® bag at natural condition temperature and paper Kraft® bag in the refrigerator (6 °C ± 1 °C), which it was stored during 8 periods (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 60 days). After each period, the seeds were sown in Gerbox boxes without lid containing sand as substrate and it taken to BOD at 25 °C without photoperiod. The experiment was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 8 x 3 (presence of mucilage x storage period x storage location), with 4 replications of 50 seeds each experimental unit. The seeds without mucilage, in PET® bottle were with viability until 30 days of storage, with 80% emergence until fifth day to Kraft® paper. With mucilage, on Kraft® paper, the seeds kept viability unchanged until twenty days of storage. The mucilage of the jabuticaba açu seeds should be removed and then stored in a PET® bottle at room temperature. These conditions allow no compromise of emergency and vigor for a maximum of 25 days. (AU)

Pharmacological safety of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel in rabbits.

Fruit peels of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel are widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine, but no studies have proved the safety of its pharmacological effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. The present study assessed the safety pharmacology of P. cauliflora in New Zealand rabbits. First, an ethanol extract (EEPC) was selected for the pharmacological experiments and chemical characterization. Then, different groups of rabbits were orally treated with EEPC (200 and 2000 mg/kg) or vehicle. Acute behavioral and physiological alterations in the modified Irwin test, respiratory rate, arterial blood gas, and various cardiovascular parameters (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiography) were evaluated. The main secondary metabolites that were identified in EEPC were ellagic acid, gallic acid, O-deoxyhexosyl quercetin, and the anthocyanin O-hexosyl cyanidin. No significant behavioral or physiological changes were observed in any of the groups. None of the doses of EEPC affected respiratory rate or arterial blood gas, with no changes on blood pressure or electrocardiographic parameters. The present study showed that EEPC did not cause any significant changes in respiratory, cardiovascular, or central nervous system function. These data provide scientific evidence of the effects of this species and important safety data for its clinical use.

Use of jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) skin in the processing of ice creams / Uso de piel de jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) en el procesamiento de helados

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to process jabuticaba skin aqueous extract, varying the crushing and sieving time and to develop ice cream with different concentrations of jabuticaba skin extract, evaluate its physicochemical, microbiological and bioactive composition. Different extractive processes of jabuticaba skin were tested. Extract A was crushed for 25 seconds and sieved, extract B was crushed for 25 seconds without sieving, extract C was crushed for 45 seconds and sieved and extract D was crushed during 45 seconds not sifted. From the extract that presented the highest indices of bioactive compounds, formulations of ice cream with concentrations of 5, 10 and 15% were elaborated. Extract B showed the highest content of phenolic compounds (201.81 mg gallic acid. 100 g-1 skins), anthocyanins (60.32 mg cyanidin-3 glycoside.100 g-1 peels) and significant antioxidant activity (5047.72 g skins. g-1 DPPH) and was chosen to be added in the ice cream. The evaluated ice creams met the microbiological standards established by the Brazilian legislation. The use of progressive concentrations of jabuticaba skin extract in the elaboration of ice cream increased the rates of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The values found were significant and generated an alternative use for jabuticaba skin, which is normally discarded.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue elaborar extractos acuosos de piel de jabuticaba, variando el tiempo de trituración y cribado. Además de desarrollar helados con diferentes concentraciones de extracto de piel de jabuticaba, evaluando su composición físico-química, microbiológica y de compuestos bioactivos. Se analizaron diferentes procesos de elaboración de extractos de cáscara de jabuticaba, siendo denominados extracto A - triturado durante 25 segundos y tamizado, extracto B - triturado durante 25 segundos no tamizado, extracto C - triturado durante 45 segundos y tamizado y extracto D - triturado durante 45 segundos sin cribado. A partir del extracto que presentó los índices más elevados de compuestos bioactivos, se elaboraron formulaciones de helado con concentraciones de 5, 10 y 15%. El extracto B fue el que presentó mayor contenido de compuestos fenólicos (201,81 mg ácido gálico. 100 g-1 piel), antocianinas (60,32 mg cyanidina-3 glycosideo.100 g-1 piels) y significativa actividad antioxidante (5047,72 g piels. g-1DPPH) siendo el elegido para ser añadido en el helado. Los helados evaluados se encuentran dentro de los patrones microbiológicos estabelecidos por la legislación brasileña. La utilización de concentraciones progresivas de extracto de piel de jabuticaba en la elaboración de helado incrementó los índices de compuestos fenólicos y de capacidad antioxidante. Los valores encontrados son significativos y genera una alternativa en el aprovechamiento de la piel de jabuticaba, normalmente descartada.

Assessment of In Vitro Biological Activities of Anthocyanins-Rich Plant Species Based on Plinia cauliflora Study Model.

Plinia cauliflora (jaboticaba) is a native fruit tree from Brazilian rainforest widely used in popular medicine to prevent diarrhea, asthma, and infections. Studies have shown that the major therapeutic potential of jaboticaba fruits is on its peel, a rich source of anthocyanins. These secondary metabolites have well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and have been claimed to be effective to treat diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. This chapter describes a series of methodologies to evaluate important in vitro biological activities like cytotoxicity, proliferation, and migration of a hydroalcoholic extract of jaboticaba peel on mouse fibroblast L929 line. Assays to assess total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activities are described as well.

Characterization of 10 new nuclear microsatellite markers in Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were identified and characterized in Acca sellowiana in order to expand the limited number of pre-existing polymorphic markers for use in population genetic studies for conservation, phylogeography, breeding, and domestication. • METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 10 polymorphic microsatellite primers were designed from clones obtained from a simple sequence repeat (SSR)-enriched genomic library. The primers amplified di- and trinucleotide repeats with four to 27 alleles per locus. In all tested populations, the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.269 to 1.0. • CONCLUSIONS: These new polymorphic SSR markers will allow future genetic studies to be denser, either for genetic structure characterization of natural populations or for studies involving genetic breeding and domestication process in A. sellowiana.

Design of antiseptic formulations containing extract of Plinia cauliflora / Concepção de formulações anti-sépticas que contenham extrato de Plinia cauliflora

The leaves of the Brazilian species Plinia cauliflora were used to obtain active hydroalcoholic extract and fractions enabling the development of efficient antiseptic pharmaceutical formulations. A chemical composition of 70 percent ethanol extract, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions was analyzed by thin-layer chromatography and for phenol content. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans by the agar diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration was assayed by broth microdilution. Extract microbiological quality was tested to avoid contamination in the formulations. A mouthwash and a topical cream containing the extract were developed and antiseptic activity was assessed by agar diffusion. Sensory and physicochemical stability of the formulations were assayed. Chromatography indicated the presence of terpenes, flavonoids and tannins in the extract and fractions and total phenol content were found to be high. The plant samples were active against all the microorganisms tested, except for Lactobacillus acidophilus. Both topical formulations showed antiseptic activity and stability. Thus, these may be used as antimicrobials in skin infections, but would be more useful in the treatment of candidiasis.

As folhas da espécie brasileira Plinia cauliflora foram utilizadas a fim de se obter um extrato hidroalcoólico e frações ativas proporcionando o desenvolvimento de eficazes formulações farmacêuticas antissépticas. A composição química do extrato etanólico 70 por cento, fração aquosa e acetato de etila foi analisada por cromatografia em camada delgada e teor de fenóis. A atividade antimicrobiana foi testada frente a Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus e Candida albicans por difusão em ágar e a concentração inibitória mínima foi determinada por microdiluição. A qualidade microbiológica do extrato foi avaliada para evitar a contaminação das formulações. Foram desenvolvidos um enxaguatório bucal e um creme tópico contendo o extrato sendo que a atividade antisséptica foi ensaiada por difusão em ágar. A estabilidade sensorial e físico-química foram testadas. A cromatografia indicou a presença de terpenos, flavonóides e taninos no extrato e frações, observando-se alto teor de fenóis totais. As amostras vegetais foram ativas contra todos os micro-organismos testados, exceto Lactobacillus acidophilus. Ambas as formulações apresentaram atividade antisséptica e estabilidade. Desta forma, infere-se que as formulações desenvolvidas podem ser utilizadas como antissépticas em infecções de pele, podendo ser mais eficazes no tratamento de candidíase.

Histochemical, phytochemical and biological screening of Plinia cauliflora (DC. ) Kausel, Myrtaceae, leaves / Rastreamento histoquímico, fitoquímico e biológico de folhas de Plinia cauliflora (DC. ) Kausel (Myrtaceae)

In this work, chemical and biological activities of crude extracts obtained with 50 percent ethanol, 70 percent ethanol, acetone:water (7:3; v/v) and chloroform of Plinia cauliflora (DC.) Kausel, Myrtaceae, leaves, a native tree from several regions of Brazil, was investigated. Histochemical and phytochemical screenings were done according to characterization reactions and thin layer chromatography. To assist in extracts standardization, total phenol and flavonoids content spectrophotometric was performed. Antioxidant activity was analyzed by percentage of radical scavenging using DPPH solution. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Gram-positive, Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria and species of Candida using agar diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination methods according to standard methods. The leaves presented lipids at secretory cavity and phenols, mainly tannins, in nervures and palisade parenchyma. Polar extracts showed flavonoids, tannins and high content of phenols and flavonoids. The extracts showed great antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity was better against Candida species than against bacteria.

No presente trabalho, foram investigadas a composição química e atividades biológicas de extratos brutos obtidos com etanol 50 por cento, etanol 70 por cento, acetona:água (7:3; v/v) e clorofórmio das folhas de Plinia cauliflora (DC.) Kausel, Myrtaceae, uma árvore nativa de várias regiões do Brasil. Os rastreamentos histoquímico e fitoquímico foram feitos de acordo com reações de caracterização e cromatografia em camada delgada. Para auxiliar na padronização dos extratos foram realizadas determinações do teor de fenóis totais e de flavonoides totais, espectrofotometricamente. A atividade antioxidante foi analisada pela porcentagem de sequestro de radicais livres usando solução de DPPH. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada frente a bactérias patogênicas Gram-positivas, Gram-negativas e espécies de Candida utilizando os métodos de difusão em ágar e determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (MIC) de acordo com métodos padronizados. As folhas apresentaram lipídeos nas cavidades secretoras e fenóis, principalmente taninos, nas nervuras e parênquima paliçádico. Os extratos polares apresentaram flavonoides, taninos, alto teor de fenóis totais e de flavonoides totais. Os extratos mostraram elevada atividade antioxidante e a atividade antimicrobiana foi melhor contra as espécies de Candida do que contra as bactérias.