Vacuum fractional distillation of Cunila galioides Benth. essential oil: chemical composition and biological activities of raw oil and its fractions.

This work aimed to rectify Cunila galioides essential oil and evaluate the raw oil and the fractions' antifungal, allelopathic, and antioxidant activities. The results showed that the raw essential oil and the bottom fraction were primarily composed of linalyl propionate (42.9 wt.% and 60.2 wt.%). The top fraction was composed mainly of limonene (45.7 wt.%). The antioxidant activity changed with the radical and the fraction. The bottom had a weaker antifungal effect than the raw oil and the top. Nevertheless, the essential oil and the fractions had a similar antifungal activity at 0.50 % v/v and higher. Similar behavior was observed for the allelopathic tests. No difference occurred between the raw oil and the fractions, with reduced germination percentages and speed at 0.25 % v/v and complete inhibition at 0.50 % v/v. The oil can be rectified, and the fractions may be used without harming their biological activity.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus chromogenes isolated from bovine mastitis.

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus chromogenes are pathogens frequently detected in bovine mastitis. Treatment and prevention of this disease have been usually carried on with antimicrobials. However, the emergence of bacterial isolates with antimicrobial resistance has aroused interest in new therapeutic alternatives. Plant essential oils (EOs) have been largely studied as antibacterial treatments. In the present study, EOs from five plants were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against S. aureus and S. chromogenes. Bacterial isolates were obtained in a previous study of clinical cases of bovine mastitis. EOs from lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and thyme were obtained by hydrodistillation and their chemical compositions were evaluated by gas chromatography (GC). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated for all EOs. The results demonstrated that citral (40.9%), myrcene (24.7%), and geraniol (1.9%) were detected in lemongrass EO; 1,8-cineole (76.9%), α-pinene (8.2%), and ledene (5.1%) in eucalyptus EO; 1,8-cineole (45.2%), camphor (18.2%), and fenchone (14.6%) in lavender EO; L-menthol (38.5%), menthofuran (16.3%), and citronellal (10.6%) in peppermint EO; and thymol (44.2%), p-cymene (24.6%) and 1,8-cineole (9.9%) in thyme EO. More effective antibacterial activities were observed only with the use of lemongrass (MIC and MBC ranging from 0.39 to 3.12 mg/mL and 0.39 to 6.35 mg/mL, respectively) and thyme (MIC and MBC ranging from 0.39 to 1.56 mg/mL and 0.39 to 3.12 mg/mL, respectively). Peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus EOs did not show bactericidal activities. In conclusion, lemongrass and thyme EOs are promising antibacterial alternatives against Staphylococcus species associated with bovine mastitis.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Essential Oils Against Endometritis-Causing Microorganisms in Mares.

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EO) from Ocimum basilicum (basil), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) on endometritis-causing microorganisms in mares. Serial concentrations of the EO from 30.00 mg/mL to 0.47 mg/mL were tested. The major compounds of O. basilicum EO were linalyl acetate (33.32 wt.%) and citronellal (25.06 wt.%); of R. officinalis EO were borneol (26.48 wt.%), trans-ß-ocimene (16.76 wt.%), camphene (12.45 wt.%), and α-phellandrene (11.08 wt.%); and of C. citratus EO were geranial (45.96 wt.%) and neral (32.62 wt.%). Regarding antimicrobial activity, C. citratus EO has had the highest inhibition percentage (73.9%), followed by O. basilicum (67.2%) and R. officinalis (58.7%). P. aeruginosa was the only pathogen unable to establish the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values for the studied EO. The EOs were effective against all other microorganisms (S. equi, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and C. Albicans). In conclusion, the EOs of O. basilicum, R. officinalis, and C. citratus have presented in vitro antimicrobial activity against microorganisms causing endometritis in mares.

Insecticidal Activity of Lavandula dentata L. Essential Oil on Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner, 1818)

Abstract Anticarsia gemmatalis, commonly known as soybean caterpillar, causes important economic losses in soybean crops. Synthetic pesticides are the standard practice to control this insect. However, the indiscriminate use of these substances has increased the resistance of this pest. Thus, it is necessary to search for different control alternatives that are also more environmentally friendly. The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical composition of Lavandula dentata L. essential oil (EO) and its activity on A. gemmatalis. The major compounds of essential oil were 1,8-cineole (31.5 wt.%), camphor (16.6 wt.%), and fenchone (15.9 wt.%). Bioassays were performed with third-instar caterpillars. EO concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0% v/v were diluted in Tween-80® 0.5% v/v and incorporated into the artificial diet given to caterpillars. Water, Tween-80® 0.5% v/v, and novaluron 0.075% w/v were added as negative and positive controls. For the aversion tests, soybean leaf discs were immersed in solutions with 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0% v/v of EO, plus a negative control (water), and offered to caterpillars. In the bioassay, 100% mortality was observed from the concentration 0.6% v/v of the essential oil of L. dentata in 24 h; without statistical difference from 0.4 and 0.5% v/v. There was no important change in mortality between 24 and 72 h. In the aversion test, all EO treatments caused deterrence of caterpillars when compared to control, but without difference between EO concentrations. It was observed that L. dentata EO can be used as an alternative in the control of A. gemmatalis.

Poly(lactic acid) nanocapsules containing lemongrass essential oil for postharvest decay control: In vitro and in vivo evaluation against phytopathogenic fungi.

The increased demand for pesticide-free foods has also increased the search for healthier and environmentally friendly alternatives in agriculture. Essential oils are known to possess natural antifungal properties, becoming a reliable alternative for commercial fungicides, especially for postharvest decay control. However, essential oils are volatile and photodegradable, which reduces their long-term activities. This work presents the development of a lemongrass essential oil-containing poly(lactic acid) nanocapsules. They have shown in vitro antifungal activity against Colletotrichum acutatum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with a MIC dosage of 0.1% (v/v) for both phytopathogens. In the in vivo assay with postharvest apples, the ones treated with encapsulated essential oil showed bitter rot lesions three times smaller than the ones treated with non-encapsulated essential oil, or in comparison to the apples in positive control. The methodology led to stable nanocapsules with spherical morphology, a mean diameter of 96.4 nm, and with an encapsulation efficiency of 99%.

Bioactivity of Schinus molle L. and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi. Essential Oils on Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner 1818)

Abstract Anticarsia gemmatalis is one of the main pests of the soybean crop, being controlled mainly with agrochemicals. The environmental and health risks, as well as the development of resistance by the pests, has led to the search for alternative control measures, aiming to use more eco-friendly procedures. The objective of this research was to evaluate the chemical composition and the bioactivity of Schinus molle and Schinus terebinthifolia essential oils (EOs) on A. gemmatalis. The major compound in both EOs was α-pinene (60.04 wt.% for S. molle and 38.49 wt.% for S. terebinthifolia). Bioassays were carried out with third instar larvae, with five replicates and each replicate with ten larvae, totaling 50 larvae per treatment. The oils were incorporated in the artificial diet (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% v/v). The controls were: water, Tween-80® 0.5% v/v, and novaluron 0.075% v/v. According to the Probit method, the S. terebinthifolia EO presented a LC50 of 1.74% v/v (1.58-1.97% v/v); it was not possible to determine the LC50 for the S. molle EO. The mortality percentage after 24 and 48 h was 52% and 30% at 2.0% v/v for S. terebinthifolia and S. molle oil, respectively. After 72 h, the mortality rate for S. molle EO have not changed; for S. terebinthifolia EO it increased to 70%; the larvae treated with the chemical control (synthetic insecticide) had a mortality of 100%.

Poejo (Cunila galioides Benth. ) Production in Five Agroecological Regions of Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass and essential oil production of nine populations of poejo (Cunila galioides) cultivated in five agroecological regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, under different edaphoclimatic conditions. The experiments were performed in field conditions in Erechim, Caxias do Sul, Pelotas, São Francisco de Paula, and Santa Vitoria do Palmar. The experimental design was completely randomized, with nine populations, eight plants per plot and four repetitions. The following were evaluated: biomass production and essential oil chemical composition and yield. The data underwent ANOVA, followed by Tukey's multiple range test. The adaptability and stability of the populations in the different environments were also evaluated by regression analysis. The results showed great differences between the populations and cultivation sites, with genotype vs. environment interaction. Most populations presented the best biomass production results at Erechim. Pelotas and Santa Vitória do Palmar were the worst locations for poejo production, mainly due to a water deficit occurred during the experiment. The Santa Lucia population presented broad stability and the greatest adaptability to the environments for biomass and essential oil production, but its average production was not satisfactory. The André da Rocha population presented the highest average production of essential oil, and was favored in favorable environments. Regarding essential oil chemical composition, the populations kept stable contents of the major compounds at all locations, with a few variations. In some populations, a higher concentration of sesquiterpenes was observed, which can be attributed to environmental stress.

Fractionation of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil using vacuum fractional distillation.

Rosemary essential oil has many compounds suitable for use in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. This study aimed to evaluate vacuum fractional distillation to separate and purify components of rosemary oil, also to observe the distillation patterns. The light terpenes (α-pinene, myrcene, camphene) were removed at the top of the column, while the oxygen containing components (verbenone, borneol, linalool, geraniol) remained at the bottom. The concentrations of some minor compounds increased more than ten times (borneol, geraniol) compared with the raw oil. There was no evidence of thermal degradation in any of the experiments. Therefore, vacuum fractional distillation may be an interesting process to upgrade rosemary essential oil.

Inhibition of Alternaria stem canker on tomato by essential oils from Baccharis species.

The toxicity of four essential oils extracted from Baccharis articulata, Baccharis ochracea, Baccharis psiadioides and Baccharis trimera was tested against the phytopathogen Alternaria alternata, which causes Alternaria stem canker on tomatoes. Diseases caused by Alternaria fungi are responsible for great economic losses in terms of production and are controlled by synthetic fungicides; however, essential oils offer an alternative, since they have been proven to be effective for controlling against various plant pathogens. In this way, the antifungal activity of Baccharis essential oils was tested using potato dextrose agar medium with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 20.0 µL mL-1. Baccharis trimera and Baccharis ochracea essential oils presented 100% mycelial growth inhibition of A. alternata and were also able to control Alternaria stem canker disease under greenhouse conditions. Tomato plants treated with these essential oils exhibited area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) values of 230.10 and 241.42, differing from the control condition, which showed an AUDPC value of 268.92. The essential oils of B. trimera and B. ochracea can be an alternative for controlling Alternaria stem canker disease of tomatoes and should be formulated as a potential fungicide against the A. alternata pathogen.

Fodder radish seed cake biochar for soil amendment.

In this work, fodder radish seed cake (FRSC) was pyrolyzed in a rotary kiln reactor at 0, 3, and 6 rpm, at final temperature of 500 °C. Maximum biochar yield was observed at 0 rpm (≈ 26 wt.%). Increase of the rotary speed decreased the volatile matter content and increased the ash content of the biochars. Biochars exhibited alkaline pH (≈ 9.0), low electrical conductivity (< 105.6 dS m-1), and high cation exchange capacity (69 to 78 cmolc kg-1), as well as high nitrogen contents (≈ 80 g kg-1). FTIR analysis presented biochars with similar spectra, with carboxyl and carbonyl groups within the structure, along with aromatic rings and nitrogen containing functions (amides). Biochar incubation experiments in an acrisol at different biochar doses (5 g L-1 soil to 40 g L-1 soil) were performed in order to evaluate changes in soil fertility parameters caused by FRSC biochar application. Results indicated that most of macro (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and micronutrients (S, Cu, Zn, Mn, B, Na) increased with increase of the dosage, along with the decrease in Al and H+ Al contents. An increase in pH (from 4.25 to 5.33) was also observed, in electric conductivity (from 30.0 to 45.7 dS m-1), and a decrease in soil real density (from 3.67 to 2.99 kg L-1) at the dosage of 40 g char L-1 soil.

In vitro antifungal activity of four chemotypes of Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) essential oils against Alternaria solani (Pleosporeaceae) isolates.

Several volatile natural compounds produced by plant secondary metabolism have been proven to present antimicrobial action, enabling their use in phytopathogen control. They also present low environmental impact when compared to conventional pesticides. Essential oils contain these compounds and can be found in several plant species, such as Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae). Essential oils of four chemotypes of L. alba, characterized by their major compounds, namely camphor, citral, linalool and camphor/1,8-cineole, were tested against the phytopathogen Alternaria solani Sorauer (Pleosporaceae), which causes early blight on tomatoes and is responsible for great economic losses regarding production. Essential oils antifungal action was tested in vitro using potato dextrose agar medium with essential oil concentrations at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 µL mL-1. The chemotype that had the best performance was citral, showing significant inhibition compared to the others, starting at the 0.5 µL mL-1 concentration. The essential oil belonging to the linalool chemotype was efficient starting at the 1.5 µL mL-1 concentration. Conversely, the camphor chemotype did not show any action against the phytopathogen. Moreover, the essential oils had no remarkable effect on tomato germination and growth. In conclusion, these essential oils presented fungicidal action against A. solani.

Angioplastia carotídea con stent bajo protección cerebral en el manejo de la enfermedad ateroembólica. Nuestra experiencia / Carotid angioplasty with stent under brain protection in the management of atheroembolic disease. Our experience

Objetivo: describir nuestra experiencia con la angioplastia carotídea con implante de stent bajo protección cerebral en el manejo de la enfermedad ateroembólica. Establecer su eficacia y seguridad. Material y método: desde el 01/04/04 hasta el 31/03/08 se realizaron 58 angioplastias carotídeas bajo protección cerebral con implante de stent en 49 pacientes con lesiones carotideas sintomáticas o asintomáticas. Se describe datos técnicos de los procedimientos. Resultados: en dos casos no fue posible realizar la angioplastia. Cinco pacientes presentaron crisis isquémicas transitorias (CIT) y tres hipotensión o bradicardia sintomática. En cuatro pacientes el stent no quedó liberado en la posición deseada con exactitud. Un paciente presentó síndrome de reperfusión a los doce días de la angioplastia. Dos pacientes fallecieron dentro de los 30 días de tratados y un tercero a los 3 meses. La morbimortalidad de la serie fue del 5,08%. El 76% de los pacientes continúan en seguimiento clínico, no se reiteraron síntomas hemisféricos ni retinales, un paciente presentó restenosis intrastent. Discusión: la revascularización carotidea es superior al tratamiento médico en los pacientes sintomáticos con lesiones hemodinámicamente moderadas y/o severas y en los pacientes asintomáticos con lesiones severas. Los avances en el conocimiento del metabolismo plaquetario y los nuevos sistemas de protección de embolismo distal y los stents han permitido un nuevo Standard técnico en la angioplastia carotídea. Conclusión: la angioplastia carotídea con implante de stent realizada bajo protección cerebral es una alternativa segura, eficaz y con baja tasa de complicaciones para el tratamiento de la enfermedad carotidea ateroesclerótica.(AU)

Angioplastia carotídea con stent bajo protección cerebral en el manejo de la enfermedad ateroembólica. Nuestra experiencia / Carotid angioplasty with stent under brain protection in the management of atheroembolic disease. Our experience

Objetivo: describir nuestra experiencia con la angioplastia carotídea con implante de stent bajo protección cerebral en el manejo de la enfermedad ateroembólica. Establecer su eficacia y seguridad. Material y método: desde el 01/04/04 hasta el 31/03/08 se realizaron 58 angioplastias carotídeas bajo protección cerebral con implante de stent en 49 pacientes con lesiones carotideas sintomáticas o asintomáticas. Se describe datos técnicos de los procedimientos. Resultados: en dos casos no fue posible realizar la angioplastia. Cinco pacientes presentaron crisis isquémicas transitorias (CIT) y tres hipotensión o bradicardia sintomática. En cuatro pacientes el stent no quedó liberado en la posición deseada con exactitud. Un paciente presentó síndrome de reperfusión a los doce días de la angioplastia. Dos pacientes fallecieron dentro de los 30 días de tratados y un tercero a los 3 meses. La morbimortalidad de la serie fue del 5,08%. El 76% de los pacientes continúan en seguimiento clínico, no se reiteraron síntomas hemisféricos ni retinales, un paciente presentó restenosis intrastent. Discusión: la revascularización carotidea es superior al tratamiento médico en los pacientes sintomáticos con lesiones hemodinámicamente moderadas y/o severas y en los pacientes asintomáticos con lesiones severas. Los avances en el conocimiento del metabolismo plaquetario y los nuevos sistemas de protección de embolismo distal y los stents han permitido un nuevo Standard técnico en la angioplastia carotídea. Conclusión: la angioplastia carotídea con implante de stent realizada bajo protección cerebral es una alternativa segura, eficaz y con baja tasa de complicaciones para el tratamiento de la enfermedad carotidea ateroesclerótica.

Physico-chemical evaluation of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils

Dezenove amostras de Rosmarinus officinalis foram extraídas por destilação por arraste a vapor em uma planta piloto e os óleos essenciais foram avaliados quanto a composição química e características físico-químicas. Os rendimentos de óleo essencial variaram de 0,37% (média de 1999) a 0,49% (média de 1998). Vinte componentes foram identificados nos óleos essenciais. Os componentes majoritários foram a-pineno (40,55 a 45,10%), 1,8-cineol (17,40 a 19,35%), canfeno (4,73 a 6,06%) e verbenona (2,32 a 3,86%). A média por safra dos parâmetros físico-químicos avaliados resultaram em 0,8887g/cm3 para densidade específica, 1,4689 para índice de refração e +11,82º para rotação óptica, sendo que as variações encontradas para os parâmetros químicos e físico-químicos dos óleos essenciais não variaram significativamente em função do ano de produção.

Quiste sinovial lumbar: nuestra experiencia / Lumbar synovial cyst: our experience

Objetivo: describir nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento quirurgico y conservador del quiste ganglion intraespinal. Descripcion: presentamos 8 casos admitidos en nuestro Servicios, con el diagnostico de quiste sinovial, desde octubre del 2000 hasta mayo del 2002. Intervencion: en el grupo que recibio tratamiento quirurgico se observo la remision de la sintomalogia, mientras que en el grupo de tratamiento medico los resultados no fueron optimos. Conclusion: en esta patologia es de eleccion el tratamiento quirurgico (AU)

Quiste sinovial lumbar: nuestra experiencia / Lumbar synovial cyst: our experience

Objetivo: describir nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento quirurgico y conservador del quiste ganglion intraespinal. Descripcion: presentamos 8 casos admitidos en nuestro Servicios, con el diagnostico de quiste sinovial, desde octubre del 2000 hasta mayo del 2002. Intervencion: en el grupo que recibio tratamiento quirurgico se observo la remision de la sintomalogia, mientras que en el grupo de tratamiento medico los resultados no fueron optimos. Conclusion: en esta patologia es de eleccion el tratamiento quirurgico