Microscopic investigations of Ocotea paranaensis-A Brazilian endemic and endangered species.

This article describes the morpho-anatomies of the leaves and stems of Ocotea paranaensis Brotto, Baitello, Cervi & Santos (Lauraceae) using light and scanning electron microscopy. The main anatomical features characterizing the species are the presence of simple non-glandular trichomes in the leaves and stems, large secretory cells in the leaves, flat-convex petioles with two small lateral ribs, brachysclereids in the stem cortex and pith, and the presence of starch grains and various types of calcium oxalate crystals in the pith. Histochemical tests indicated the presence of lignin in stone cells, fibers, and xylem. Lipophilic contents were found in the secretory cells. Phenolic compounds were detected in the epidermis, hypodermis, phloem, and xylem. The present study's findings can contribute to the taxonomy and authentication of O. paranaensis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This article is the first morpho-anatomical study of Ocotea paranaensis. Anatomy and histochemistry of the leaves and stems were studied by light microscopy, FESEM and EDS. The findings of this study would aid in the species identification and taxonomy.

Chemical composition and biological activity of Baccharis erioclada DC. essential oil

Abstract The chemically complex essential oils of Baccharis species are associated with several biological activities, such as antimicrobial and antiulcerous properties. However, few studies have investigated Baccharis erioclada DC. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to characterize the essential oil of B. erioclada and evaluate its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hemolytic potential. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Phosphomolybdenum complex formation, reducing antioxidant power, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) methods were used to determine antioxidant potential. To evaluate the essential oil's antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans were calculated. Hemolytic activity was determined in sheep red blood cells. Thirty-one compounds were identified via GC-MS analysis, representing 81.60% of the total essential oil. These compounds included: turmerone (27.97%), fokienol (13.47%), ledol (9.78%), and santalol (5.35%). The class of compounds identified was the oxygenated sesquiterpenes (62.52%). Antioxidant activity was confirmed via phosphomolybdenum complex formation and TBARS methods. Moderate antimicrobial activity and low hemolysis rates were displayed at concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/mL