Long-term food supplementation with sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) prevents age-associated cognitive decline in female mice.

Background: Mild cognitive decline, a common issue in aging, affects memory, learning, and attention. Nutrition can influence cognition, and research indicates that Ocimum sp. (holy basil and sweet basil) leaf extracts may enhance cognition in rodents and humans. However, these studies do not address whether these benefits extend to fresh or dry leaves consumed in typical human diets, along with physiological aging. Aim: To investigate the effects of sweet basil supplementation on cognition in mature and aged female mice. Methods: Female C57bl mice were divided into four groups: 8-month-old mature adults and 18-month-old aged adults, each receiving either a control or supplemented diet. The supplemented diet included a mix of standard chow and fresh basil leaves, administered for 2-8 months. Cognitive and behavioral assessments were conducted using the novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and elevated plus maze (EPM) tasks, focusing on memory, learning, and anxiety. Results: No cognitive improvement was observed in mature mice. However, aged mice receiving long-term basil supplementation showed enhanced discrimination in NOR and stayed closer to the absent platform in MWM compared to nonsupplemented controls. While aging mice exhibited reduced anxiety-like behavior in EPM, basil supplementation prevented this reduction. Conclusion: Basil supplementation appears beneficial in elderly mice, potentially preventing age-related cognitive decline and behavioral changes. These findings support the benefits of basil consumption in cognition and underscore its potential role in promoting healthy aging. Incorporating basil into the diet at a younger age may preserve memory and mitigate behavioral changes as individuals age.

Tentative identification of phytochelatins, their derivatives, and Cd-phytochelatin complexes in Ocimum basilicum L. roots by Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry.

An unprecedented and direct PS-MS (paper spray ionization mass spectrometry) method was proposed for the detection of native peptides, that is, glutathiones (GSHs), homoglutathiones (hGSHs), and phytochelatins (PCs), in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) roots before and after cadmium exposure. The roots were submitted to cold maceration followed by sonication with formic acid as the extractor solvent for sample preparation. PS-MS was used to analyze such extracts in the positive mode, and the results allowed for the detection of several GSHs, hGSHs, and PCs. Some of these PCs were not distinguished in the control samples, that is, basil roots not exposed to cadmium. Other PCs were noticed in both types of roots, uncontaminated and cadmium-contaminated, but the intensities were higher in the former samples. Moreover, long-time exposure to cadmium stimulated the formation of some of these PCs and their cadmium complexes. The results, therefore, provided some crucial insights into the defense mechanism of plants against an external stress condition due to exposure to a toxic heavy metal. The present study represents a promising alternative to investigate other crucial physiological processes in plants submitted to assorted stress conditions.

Simultaneous Impact of Rhizobacteria Inoculation and Leaf-Chewing Insect Herbivory on Essential Oil Production and VOC Emissions in Ocimum basilicum.

Inoculation with rhizobacteria and feeding by herbivores, two types of abiotic stress, have been shown to increase the production of secondary metabolites in plants as part of the defense response. This study explored the simultaneous effects of inoculation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GB03 (a PGPR species) and herbivory by third-instar Spodoptera frugiperda larvae on essential oil (EO) yield and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in Ocimum basilicum plants. The density of glandular trichomes was also examined, given that they are linked to EO production and VOC emission. Herbivory increased EO content, but inoculation on its own did not. When combined, however, the two treatments led to a 10-fold rise in EO content with respect to non-inoculated plants. VOC emissions did not significantly differ between inoculated and non-inoculated plants, but they doubled in plants chewed by the larvae with respect to their undamaged counterparts. Interestingly, no changes were observed in VOC emissions when the treatments were tested together. In short, the two biotic stressors elicited differing plant defense responses, mainly when EO was concerned. PGPR did not stimulate EO production, while herbivory significantly enhanced it and increased VOC emissions. The combined treatment acted synergistically, and in this case, PGPR inoculation may have had a priming effect that amplified plant response to herbivory. Peltate trichome density was higher in inoculated plants, those damaged by larvae, and those subjected to the combination of both treatments. The findings highlight the intricate nature of plant defense mechanisms against various stressors and hint at a potential strategy to produce essential oil through the combined application of the two stressors tested here.

Ocimum basilicum essential oil in pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus: anesthetic efficacy, distribution, and depletion in different tissues.

This study aimed to evaluate the anesthetic activity of Ocimum basilicum essential oil and the distribution and depletion of its major compounds in different tissues of the pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus. Juveniles (319.08 ± 9.14 g) were individually anesthetized with six concentrations of essential oil from O. basilicum (150, 180, 210, 240, 270, and 300 mg L-1), while in a second experiment, fish (492.39 ± 51.51 g) were subjected to a 10 min immersion bath with essential oil from O. basilicum (300 mg L-1). After anesthetic recovery, blood and tissue samples of the brain, gills, liver, spleen, and white muscle were collected at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, and 24 h. A 300 mg L-1 concentration induced anesthesia in the shortest time (193.11 ± 9.31), while at 270 and 300 mg L-1 concentrations, the anesthetic recovery period was the longest (244.33 ± 12.44) Methyl chavicol and linalool were quantified in all tissue samples. The plasma concentrations of methyl chavicol differed (p < 0.05) at all evaluated times. Linalool decreased (p < 0.05) from 0 to 1 h and decreased again only after 12 h. Reduction percentages in 24 h were 92.9% for methyl chavicol, and 97.2% for linalool. Elimination of the compounds methyl chavicol and linalool is slower in the gills, where lower elimination constants (0.03 and 0.15 per h) and longer half-lives (25.84 and 4.53 h), respectively, are noted. In general, essential oil from O. basilicum compounds was readily eliminated, showing promising potential for use as an anesthetic in aquaculture.

The effect of ascorbic acid and bio fertilizers on basil under drought stress / O efeito do ácido ascórbico e biofertilizantes em manjericão sob estresse hídrico

Evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid application and coexistence of Mycorrhiza fungus and Azospirillium on basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under drought stress. This experiment was performed as a split factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the crop year 2017-2018 in Shahriar, Iran. In this experiment, irrigation was the main factor in three levels, including drought stress based on 40-70-100 mm from the evaporation pan of class A. Biofertilizer including growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillium) and mycorrhiza fungus in four levels, including a(Non-consumption) B (Seeds of growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillium)) C (Consumption of mycorrhiza fungus as seeds) D (Concomitant use of growth-promoting bacteria Azospirillium with mycorrhiza fungi as seeds) and ascorbic acid in two levels of foliar application, including A (Absence Application of ascorbic acid) and B (Application of ascorbic acid (two days after irrigation treatment)) was considered as a factorial factor. The results showed that the highest biological yield was obtained in drought stress of 40 mm and application of biological fertilizers in the form of mycorrhiza application with an average of 3307.1 kg/ha, which was about 70% more than 100 mm evaporation stress and no application of biological fertilizer. The use of ascorbic acid under drought stress conditions improved by 10%, the essential oil using ascorbic acid evaporated under drought stress conditions of 100 mm. As a general conclusion, the use of ascorbic acid and Mycorrhiza + Azospirillium biological fertilizer improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of basil under drought stress.

Avaliar o efeito da aplicação de ácido ascórbico e coexistência do fungo Mycorrhiza e Azospirillium em manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) sob estresse hídrico. Este experimento foi realizado como um fatorial dividido em um delineamento de blocos completos casualizados com três repetições no ano-safra de 2017-2018 em Shahriar, Irã. Neste experimento, a irrigação foi o fator principal em três níveis, incluindo o estresse hídrico baseado em 40-70-100 mm do tanque de evaporação da classe A. Biofertilizante incluindo bactérias promotoras de crescimento (Azospirillium) e fungo Mycorrhiza em quatro níveis, incluindo um (Não consumo), B (Sementes de bactérias promotoras de crescimento (Azospirillium)), C (Consumo de fungos micorrízicos como sementes), D (Uso concomitante de bactérias promotoras de crescimento Azospirillium com fungos micorrízicos como sementes) e ácido ascórbico em dois níveis de foliar aplicação, incluindo A (Ausência de aplicação de ácido ascórbico) e B (Aplicação de ácido ascórbico (dois dias após o tratamento de irrigação)) foi considerado como fator fatorial. Os resultados mostraram que o maior rendimento biológico foi obtido no estresse hídrico de 40 mm e aplicação de fertilizantes biológicos na forma de aplicação de micorrizas com média de 3.307,1 kg/ha, que foi cerca de 70% superior ao estresse evaporativo de 100 mm e sem aplicação de fertilizante biológico. O uso de ácido ascórbico em condições de estresse hídrico melhorou em 10%, o óleo essencial usando ácido ascórbico evaporou em condições de estresse hídrico de 100 mm. Como conclusão geral, o uso de ácido ascórbico e fertilizante biológico Mycorrhiza + Azospirillium melhorou as características quantitativas e qualitativas do manjericão sob estresse hídrico.

Optimization of the Extraction Conditions of Bioactive Compounds from Ocimum basilicum Leaves Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction via a Sonotrode.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaves are rich in bioactive compounds that present therapeutic benefits for human health. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) is frequently used to obtain phenolic compounds from plants/herbal sources. However, few works have developed multi-variable studies to find the optimal conditions to extract the maximum amount of compounds, especially when applied to UAE via a sonotrode. The purpose of this work was to perform a multi-variable study by employing a Box-Behnken design to collect the highest active compound content from Ocimum basilicum leaves. The efficacy of the design was endorsed by ANOVA. The studied parameters for UAE via a sonotrode were the ethanol/water ratio, amplitude, and time. The analyzed responses were the rosmarinic acid, the sum of phenolic acids, and the sum of phenolic compounds content. The optimal conditions were found to be 50% ethanol/water, 50% amplitude, and 5 min. Twenty bioactive compounds were identified by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS when the extract was collected by applying the optimal conditions. Ocimum basilicum may be appreciated as a valuable source of important bioactive substances for pharmaceutical use.

Biochemical and insecticidal efficacy of clove and basil essential oils and two photosensitizers and their combinations on Aphis gossypii glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The present study investigates the insecticidal and biochemical effects of two essential oils (EOs) and two photosensitizers against cotton aphids in a laboratory setting. The EOs evaluated were clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum), while the photosensitizers were rose bengal and rhodamine B. The individual median lethal concentrations (LC50) revealed that clove was ~4.44 times more potent than basil, and rhodamine B was ~1.34 times more potent than rose bengal. The mortality rates increased using higher concentrations of the photosensitizers and prolonging exposure time to sunlight. The most effective combination against adult aphids was found to be a mixture of sub-lethal concentrations of clove and rhodamine B, resulting in a mortality rate of 92.31%. Conversely, the combination of basil and rose bengal exhibited the lowest efficacy with a mortality rate of 33.33%. Biochemical analyses indicate that Rhodamine B, basil, and the basil-rhodamine B mixture (mixture C) significantly reduced trehalase activity. However, the protease activity significantly increased in aphids treated with rose bengal, clove, and the clove-rose bengal mixtures (mixtures A and B). The lipase activity is notably decreased upon treatment with rhodamine B and clove. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity decreased in aphids treated with rose bengal and the basil-rhodamine B mixtures (mixtures C and D), suggesting that GST did not play a role in detoxifying these compounds, thereby explaining the susceptibility of A. gossypii. Overall, the combination of essential oils and photosensitizers has demonstrated a synergistic effect in controlling Aphis gossypii, offering great potential as an effective strategy for aphid management.

Essential Oil Composition and Stable Isotope Profile of Cultivated Ocimum campechianum Mill. (Lamiaceae) from Peru.

Ocimum campechianum Mill. (Peruvian basil) is an essential oil-bearing plant of the Lamiaceae family. Volatile oil produced through steam distillation of Peruvian basil was examined to establish the aromatic and stable isotope profiles of samples (n = 9) from three different cultivated plots in Peru. The resulting essential oils were analyzed by GC/FID, GC/MS, and GC/IRMS. In accordance with findings from other researchers, multiple chemotypes, defined by the most abundant aromatic compounds, exist within these populations. Overall, 55% of samples are the eugenol chemotype (values ranging 15.4-30.2%), 33% are the methyl eugenol chemotype (values ranging 68.1-68.7%), and a single sample is a mixture of both chemotypes, containing high levels of both eugenol (38.1%) and methyl eugenol (8.6%). Stable isotope ratios, δ2H and δ13C, performed on prominent compounds provide supporting data for distinguishing chemotypes. Complete aromatic profiles, stable isotope ratios, and essential oil yield are established for each sample. This study confirms the existence of multiple chemotypes and, for the first time, to the author's best knowledge, establishes stable isotope ratios for O. campechianum essential oil, which proves a useful tool in further investigating plant metabolism and determining essential oil authenticity.

Ionomic responses of hydroponic-grown basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) to cadmium long-time exposure.

The ionomic response of basil leaves, stems, and roots to Cd2+ was evaluated in seedlings grown in a hydroponic system for 15 days. Ions were quantified by the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Cd accumulated mainly in roots, while Be, Li, Ca, Mg, and Sr in leaves, and K and Mn in stems. Compared to the control group, basil seedlings treated with Cd2+ accumulated higher Ca, Cu, Mn, Sr, and Zn contents in roots, even when exposed at low levels. Pearson positive correlations between Cd and essential and nonessential elements were mostly observed in leaves and roots (P < 0.05). On the other hand, negative correlations were observed mainly in stems with all elements except Ba, Li, Sr, and Zn. Principal component analysis showed an ionomic discrimination between leaves, stems, and roots, with Cd strongly correlated to Zn, Cu, and Sr.

Beneficial rhizobacteria inoculation on Ocimum basilicum reduces the growth performance and nutritional value of Spodoptera frugiperda.

BACKGROUND: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has a significant role in plant-insect interaction. However, the extent of their impact on insects is still not well understood. This investigation was designed to evaluate the role of inoculation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GB03 on sweet basil (Ocimum basilucum L.) in the development and nutritional parameters of Spodoptera frugiperda. In addition, the feeding preferences on inoculated and non-inoculated plants were assessed. RESULTS: Spodoptera frugiperda larvae reared with inoculated sweet basil leaves had a strong negative effect on the development of the insect, resulting in lower larval and pupal weights, and a longer period for larval-adult development. Moreover, adult emergence was reduced, but the relative consumption rate (RCR) value was unaffected, thereby revealing no alteration of the palatability. Growth rate and nutritional indicators, such as the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) and the efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), were reduced in larvae reared from treated plants. In the choice test, larvae avoided feeding on inoculated leaves. CONCLUSION: The higher occurrence of secondary metabolites in inoculated plants could have been the reason for the reduction of the plant nutritional rate and also for the food selection, since it has been previously reported that GB03 inoculated sweet basil increased the essential oil yield. Therefore, PGPR inoculation could be used as a growth promoter, making it a promising candidate for plant protection programs against insects in aromatic plant production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Application of multivariate analysis to assess stress by Cd, Pb and Al in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) using caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, total phenolics, total flavonoids and total dry mass in response.

Basil is an edible, aromatic plant, which makes the study of the ecotoxicity of metals in plant metabolism relevant. Given the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of metals, aluminum, lead, and cadmium, in the synthesis of phenolic compounds and in the dry mass of basil plants (O. basilicum L.) grown in a hydroponic system. The plants were subjected to four different concentrations of cadmium (0.2, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mmol L-1), lead and aluminum (0.04, 0.08, 0.12, and 0.16 mmol L-1), and compared with the control. After desiccation of the plant material, the total dry mass was obtained and then, hydroethanolic extracts (43% distilled water and 57% ethanol) were made for biochemical analyzes, which consisted of the determination of caffeic acid (CA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) by high performance liquid chromatography analysis with a diode detector (HPLC-DAD); total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) by spectrophotometry. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate analysis (principal component analysis-PCA and hierarchical cluster analysis-HCA) was applied for data association. The phenolic compounds showed a high positive correlation with each other, and the total dry mass showed low and negative correlations with the analyzed variables. The results showed that the metals aluminum, lead, and cadmium promoted a stress condition in basil plants, which resulted in the reduction of the dry matter mass and an increase in the synthesis of phenolic compounds, according to the type and concentration of the metal.

Basil Seeds as a Novel Food, Source of Nutrients and Functional Ingredients with Beneficial Properties: A Review.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is found worldwide and is used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries; however, the nutritional and functional properties of the seeds are scarcely known. Basil seeds contain high concentrations of proteins (11.4-22.5 g/100 g), with all the essential amino acids except S-containing types and tryptophan; dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble) ranging from 7.11 to 26.2 g/100 g lipids, with linoleic (12-85.6 g/100 g) and linolenic fatty acids (0.3-75 g/100 g) comprising the highest proportions; minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, in high amounts; and phenolic compounds, such as orientine, vicentine, and rosmarinic acid. In addition, their consumption is associated with several health benefits, such as the prevention of type-2 diabetes, cardio-protection, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, and anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, anticoagulant, and anti-depressant properties, among others. The focus of this systematic review was to study the current state of knowledge and explore the enormous potential of basil seeds as a functional food and source of functional ingredients to be incorporated into foods.

Effects of indoor, greenhouse, and field cultivation on bioactive compounds from parsley and basil.

BACKGROUND: Aromatic herbs are an important source of bioactive compounds. Different cultivation systems should give each plant a specific amount of those compounds, which should be of a particular quality. In this study, the effects of three cultivation systems (indoor, greenhouse, and organic field) on the composition of bioactive compounds in parsley (Petroselinum crispum cv. 'Flat Leaf'), green basil (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum cv. 'Greek'), and purple basil (Ocimum basilicum cv. 'Red Rubin') were evaluated. RESULTS: ß-Carotene and lutein were the carotenoids with the highest concentration in the three plants in all the cultivation systems. Overall, parsley proved to be a source of flavonoids. The major phenolic compound found in basil plants was rosmarinic acid, whereas most anthocyanins were derived from cyanidin aglycone. Among the three plants studied, the highest vitamin C content was found in parsley from the field. This was 2.6 and 5.4 times higher than the indoor and greenhouse cultivation, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that different cultivation systems influence and modulate the concentration of bioactive compounds in plants differently, varying according to their class, and that, above all, an indoor system is an effective cultivation system for the production of bioactive compounds. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Low-temperature extracts of Purple blossoms of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) intervened mitochondrial translocation contributes prompted apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: The preventive and therapeutic medical utilization of this plant is an age-long practice across the globe. This study aimed to validate the impact of dark purple blossoms of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) aqueous extract at low temperature (0 °C) mediated mitochondrial fission contributed to induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. METHODS: Fresh blossoms were extracted at low temperature (0 °C) using a watery solvent. Human MCF7 breast cancer cells were then treated with 3 separate fluctuated concentrations of 0, 50, 150 and 250 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: The outcomes demonstrated the presence of anthocyanins, anthraquinones, tannins, reducing sugars, glycosides, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids and volatile oils and nonappearance of Terpinoids and alkaloids. Contrastingly, frail presence of steroids in basil blossoms aqueous concentrate was noted. In addition, the results from a phytochemical subjective examination of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract demonstrated that most of the credited natural impacts containing more remarkable contents of antioxidants and anticancer compounds in basil blossoms aqueous extract. Moreover, the restraint of glucose take-up was alleviated mediated by a dose-dependent manner in MCF7 cells with basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract inducted for 24 h, resulting in mitochondrial fission. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that shows the impact of the aqueous extract of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms was extracted at low temperature (0℃/6 h) underlined high amounts of flavonoids and phenolic compounds bearing more anticancer and antioxidant activities compared to another aqueous extract (using boiled water solvent) and alcoholic extracts.

Low-Temperature Extracts of Purple Blossoms of Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L) Intervened Mitochondrial Translocation Contributes Prompted Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND: The preventive and therapeutic medical utilization of this plant is an age-long practice across the globe. This study aimed to validate the impact of dark purple blossoms of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) aqueous extract at low temperature (0 °C) mediated mitochondrial fission contributed to induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. METHODS: Fresh blossoms were extracted at low temperature (0 °C) using a watery solvent. Human MCF7 breast cancer cells were then treated with 3 separate fluctuated concentrations of 0, 50, 150 and 250 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: The outcomes demonstrated the presence of anthocyanins, anthraquinones, tannins, reducing sugars, glycosides, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids and volatile oils and nonappearance of Terpinoids and alkaloids. Contrastingly, frail presence of steroids in basil blossoms aqueous concentrate was noted. In addition, the results from a phytochemical subjective examination of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract demonstrated that most of the credited natural impacts containing more remarkable contents of antioxidants and anticancer compounds in basil blossoms aqueous extract. Moreover, the restraint of glucose take-up was alleviated mediated by a dose-dependent manner in MCF7 cells with basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract inducted for 24 h, resulting in mitochondrial fission. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that shows the impact of the aqueous extract of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms was extracted at low temperature (0°C/6 h) underlined high amounts of flavonoids and phenolic compounds bearing more anticancer and antioxidant activities compared to another aqueous extract (using boiled water solvent) and alcoholic extracts.

Nutraceutical Profiles of Two Hydroponically Grown Sweet Basil Cultivars as Affected by the Composition of the Nutrient Solution and the Inoculation With Azospirillum brasilense.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the most produced aromatic herbs in the world, exploiting hydroponic systems. It has been widely assessed that macronutrients, like nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S), can strongly affect the organoleptic qualities of agricultural products, thus influencing their nutraceutical value. In addition, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been shown to affect plant growth and quality. Azospirillum brasilense is a PGPR able to colonize the root system of different crops, promoting their growth and development and influencing the acquisition of mineral nutrients. On the bases of these observations, we aimed at investigating the impact of both mineral nutrients supply and rhizobacteria inoculation on the nutraceutical value on two different sweet basil varieties, i.e., Genovese and Red Rubin. To these objectives, basil plants have been grown in hydroponics, with nutrient solutions fortified for the concentration of either S or N, supplied as SO4 2- or NO3 -, respectively. In addition, plants were either non-inoculated or inoculated with A. brasilense. At harvest, basil plants were assessed for the yield and the nutraceutical properties of the edible parts. The cultivation of basil plants in the fortified nutrient solutions showed a general increasing trend in the accumulation of the fresh biomass, albeit the inoculation with A. brasilense did not further promote the growth. The metabolomic analyses disclosed a strong effect of treatments on the differential accumulation of metabolites in basil leaves, producing the modulation of more than 400 compounds belonging to the secondary metabolism, as phenylpropanoids, isoprenoids, alkaloids, several flavonoids, and terpenoids. The primary metabolism that resulted was also influenced by the treatments showing changes in the fatty acid, carbohydrates, and amino acids metabolism. The amino acid analysis revealed that the treatments induced an increase in arginine (Arg) content in the leaves, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on human health. In conclusion, between the two cultivars studied, Red Rubin displayed the most positive effect in terms of nutritional value, which was further enhanced following A. brasilense inoculation.

La práctica pedagógica en la atención integrada de las enfermedades prevalentes de la infancia desde la perspectiva de Basil Bernstein / Pedagogical practice in the integrated management of prevalent childhood illness from the perspective of Basil Bernstein / A prática pedagógica na atenção integrada das doenças prevalentes da infância da perspectiva de Basil Bernstein

Resumen La estrategia "Atención integrada de las enfermedades prevalentes de la infancia" (aiepi) es reconocida por las entidades de salud internacionales y nacionales como una estrategia que impacta la salud de la población infantil y que sus componentes clínico y comunitario desarrollan la educación para la salud. Objetivo: Comprender cómo se desarrolla la práctica pedagógica en la consulta médica atendida bajo la estrategia aiepi, en una institución de primer nivel de atención durante el año 2015. Metodología: Investigación cualitativa, con una perspectiva hermenéutica. Para la comprensión de la construcción social de la práctica pedagógica se tuvo una orientación etnográfica y el sistema de reglas (jerarquía, secuencia y criterio) propuesto por Bernstein. Las técnicas etnográficas utilizadas fueron entrevista cualitativa, observación participante y entrevista grupal. Se entrevistó a once cuidadores y tres médicas. Resultados: Para las médicas, muchas de las enfermedades son "autolimitadas", se resuelven solas. El propósito de la educación es convencer a los cuidadores de que la información suministrada por las médicas es verdadera. Los temas en educación son determinados por las médicas y centrados en la enfermedad. Para los cuidadores, la médica es referente de conocimiento. Las médicas reconocen que hay saber popular que se estudia y se acepta por el conocimiento científico; sin embargo, solo el conocimiento científico es válido. Conclusión: En la atención de aiepi, la práctica pedagógica es visible, porque se centra en el desempeño del cuidador y en la cantidad de texto que él aprende mediante la repetición, y las médicas ejercen poder sobre los cuidadores, al poseer el conocimiento hegemónico (válido y verdadero) que refuerza el modelo biomédico en la práctica pedagógica.

Abstract The strategy "Integrated Management of Childhood Illness"(IMCI) is recognized by international and national health bodies as a strategy that affects the health of the child population and whose clinical and community components develop health education. Objective: To understand how pedagogical practice develops in medical consultation attended under the IMCI strategy, in a first level care institution in 2015. Methodology: Qualitative research, with a hermeneutic perspective. To understand the social construction of pedagogic practice an ethnographic stance and the system of rules (hierarchy, sequence and criterion) proposed by Bernstein were adopted. The ethnographic techniques used were qualitative interview, participant observation and group interview. Eleven caregivers and three doctors were interviewed. Results: For the doctors, many of the diseases are "self-limiting", i.e. they resolve on their own. The purpose of education is to convince the caregivers that the information provided by the doctors is true. The education topics are determined by the doctors and focused on the disease. For the caregivers, the doctor is a reference of knowledge. The doctors recognize that there is popular knowledge that is studied and accepted by scientific knowledge; however, only scientific knowledge is valid. Conclusion: Pedagogical practice is visible in IMCI care because it focuses on the performance of the caregiver and the amount of text that he learns through repetition, and the doctors exert power over caregivers, as they possess hegemonic (valid and true) knowledge that reinforces the biomedical model in pedagogical practice..

Resumo A estratégia "Atenção integrada das doenças prevalecentes da infância" (AIEPI), é reconhecida pelas entidades de saúde nacionais e internacionais como uma estratégia que impacta a saúde da população infantil e que seus componentes clínicos e comunitários desenvolvem a educação para a saúde. Objetivo: Compreender como se desenvolve a prática pedagógica na consulta médica atendida sob a estratégia AIEPI, numa instituição de primeira linha de atenção durante o ano de 2015. Metodologia: Pesquisa qualitativa com uma perspectiva hermenêutica. Para a compreensão da construção social da prática pedagógica se teve uma orientação etnográfica e o sistema de regras (hierarquia, sequência e critério) proposto por Bernstein. As técnicas etnográficas usadas foram: entrevista qualitativa, observação participante e entrevista grupal. Foram entrevistados 11 cuidadores e 3 médicas. Resultados: De acordo com as médicas, muitas das doenças são "autolimitadas", se curam sozinhas. O objetivo da educação é convencer os cuidadores de que a informação fornecida pelas médicas é verídica. Os temas relacionados à educação são determinados pelas médicas e focados nas doenças. Para os cuidadores, a médica é um referencial de conhecimento. As médicas reconhecem que existe um conhecimento popular que é estudado e aceito pelo conhecimento científico; porém, só o conhecimento científico é válido. Conclusão: No que se refere à atenção de AIEPI, a prática pedagógica é visível, porque está centralizada no desempenho do cuidador e na quantidade de informação escrita que ele aprende através da repetição e as médicas influenciam os cuidadores já que possuem o conhecimento hegemônico (válido e verídico) que reforça o modelo biomédico na prática pedagógica.

Efficiency of essential oils of Ocimum basilicum and Cymbopogum flexuosus in the sedation and anaesthesia of Nile tilapia juveniles

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the sedative and anaesthetic effect of the essential oils of basil (Ocimum basilicum) (EOOB) and lemongrass (Cymbopogum flexuosus) (EOCF) in Nile tilapia juveniles. The fish were transferred to aquaria containing different concentrations of each essential oil: 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 600 μL L-1. The time of sedation ranged from 7 to 31 seconds and the recommended concentration was 10 or 25 μL L-1 for both essential oils. The best times for anaesthesia and recovery were found for the concentrations of 400 μL L-1 for EOOB (135.2 and 199.1 seconds, respectively) and 600 μL L-1 for EOCF (327.1 and 374.8 seconds, respectively). In conclusion, we recommend the use of EOOB and EOCF for the sedation and anaesthesia of Nile tilapia at concentrations of 10-25 (for both), 400 and 600 μL L-1, respectively.

Anti-cryptococcal activity of ethanol crude extract and hexane fraction from Ocimum basilicum var. Maria bonita: mechanisms of action and synergism with amphotericin B and Ocimum basilicum essential oil.

CONTEXT: Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) has been used in folk medicine to treat headaches, kidney disorders, and intestinal worms. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the anti-cryptococcal activity of ethanol crude extract and hexane fraction obtained from O. basilicum var. Maria Bonita leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MIC values for Cryptococcus sp. were obtained according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute in a range of 0.3-2500 µg/mL. The checkerboard assay evaluated the association of the substances tested (in a range of 0.099-2500 µg/mL) with amphotericin B and O. basilicum essential oil for 48 h. The ethanol extract, hexane fraction and associations in a range of 0.3-2500 µg/mL were tested for pigmentation inhibition after 7 days of treatment. The inhibition of ergosterol synthesis and reduction of capsule size were evaluated after the treatment with ethanol extract (312 µg/mL), hexane fraction (78 µg/mL) and the combinations of essential oil + ethanol extract (78 µg/mL + 19.5 µg/mL, respectively) and essential oil + hexane fraction (39.36 µg/mL + 10 µg/mL, respectively) for 24 and 48 h, respectively. RESULTS: The hexane fraction presented better results than the ethanol extract, with a low MIC (156 µg/mL against C. neoformans T444 and 312 µg/mL against C. neoformans H99 serotype A and C. gattii WM779 serotype C). The combination of the ethanol extract and hexane fraction with amphotericin B and essential oil enhanced their antifungal activity, reducing the concentration of each substance needed to kill 100% of the inoculum. The substances tested were able to reduce the pigmentation, capsule size and ergosterol synthesis, which suggest they have important mechanisms of action. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide further support for the use of ethanol extracts of O. basilicum as a potential source of antifungal agents.

Essential oils of Ocimum basilicum and Cymbopogon flexuosus in the sedation, anesthesia and recovery of tambacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus male x Colossoma macropomum female) / Óleos essenciais de Ocimum basilicum e Cymbopogon flexuosus na sedação, anestesia e recuperação de tambacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus macho x Colossoma macropomum fêmea)

The objective of this study was to verify use of the essential oils of basil (Ocimum basilicum) (EOOB) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) (EOCF) for the sedation, anesthesia and recovery in tambacu juveniles. Eight fish were tested at concentrations of 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 µL L-1. The sedation time was less than 30 seconds at all concentrations, and 10 or 25 µL L-1 are recommended for sedation for both essential oils to be the most economic doses. The fastest anesthesia and anesthetic recovery times of 113.90 and 152.12 seconds for EOOB and 194.88 and 116.25 seconds for EOCF, respectively, occurred at 300 µL L-1. In conclusion, we recommend the use of EOOB and EOCF for sedation and anesthesia of tambacu at concentrations of 10-25 and 300 µL L-1, respectively.(AU)

Objetivou-se verificar os óleos essenciais de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum) (OEOB) e capim limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus) (OECF) para a sedação, anestesia e recuperação de juvenis de tambacu. Foram utilizados oito exemplares para cada concentração: 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 e 300 uL L-1. Os tempos de sedação foram inferiores a 30 segundos em todas as concentrações, e 10 ou 25 uL L-1 são recomendados para a sedação por ambos os óleos essenciais por serem as doses mais econômicas. Os melhores tempos de anestesia e recuperação anestésica ocorreram na concentração de 300 uL L-1: 113,90 e 152,12 e 194,88 e  116,25 segundos para os OEOB e OECF, respectivamente. Dessa forma, é recomendado o uso de OEOB e OECF para sedação e anestesia de tambacu nas concentrações de 10-25 e 300 µL L-1, respectivamente.(AU)