Neuropharmacological Effects in Animal Models and HPLC-Phytochemical Profiling of Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth Bark Extracts.

B. crassifolia is a species that grows in various areas of Latin America. It was known to be useful for the treatment of different human ailments. The present work evaluated the neuropharmacological and analgesic effects of hydroalcoholic and dichloromethane extracts of B. crassifolia. The effect on the central nervous system (CNS) of both extracts obtained from bark, administered by the intraperitoneal route in mice, was evaluated by different tests: spontaneous motor activity, hole-board, motor coordination, pentobarbital induced hypnosis, and rectal temperature. Analgesic activity was evaluated using a hot plate test. Phytochemical analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using reversed-phase and gradient of elution. The hydroalcoholic extract (dose 0.5 g dry plant/kg weigh) administration caused an important reduction of the head-dipping response in the hole board test. A decrease in spontaneous motor activity test and a disturbance of motor coordination in the rotarod test was observed. The hydroalcoholic extract produced a significant prolongation of pentobarbital induced sleeping time. This extract prevented hot plate test induced nociception. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B12. Therefore, this study revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract of B. crassifolia possesses analgesic and sedative CNS activity.

Carotenoids, sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity of murici from Brazilian Cerrado during refrigerated storage / Carotenoides, açúcares, ácido ascórbico, fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante de murici do Cerrado brasileiro durante armazenamento refrigerado

ABSTRACT: Native fruits are economically important to small producers, and they are a important part of the diet of several communities. Therefore, postharvest studies of these fruits are essential. In addition, research involving their chemical composition can identify substances that add potential value to the fruits, especially from a nutritional and medicinal standpoint. This study characterized the fruits of the muricizeiro shrub (Byrsonima crassifolia, Malpighiaceae), which were harvested from native plants on private properties and stored for 16 days at a mean temperature of 12 °C. The fruits were evaluated during storage for: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ascorbic acid content, phenolics and carotenoids total, carotenoids profile, glucose, fructose and sucrose contents. Overall, the temperature that the fruits were storage at was effective at maintaining the quality of the fruit. However, the ascorbic acid content of the fruits did decrease during the storage period. Results showed that the fruits had a high antioxidant capacity, possibly because of the presence of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. It is also important to highlight that this fruit is source of vitamin A, owing to the high concentration of β-carotene.

RESUMO: Frutas nativas são economicamente importantes para pequenos produtores, e são uma parte importante da dieta de várias comunidades. Portanto, estudos pós-colheita desses frutos são essenciais. Além disso, pesquisas envolvendo sua composição química podem identificar substâncias que agregam valor potencial às frutas, principalmente do ponto de vista nutricional e medicinal. Este estudo caracterizou os frutos do arbusto muricizeiro (Byrsonima crassifolia, Malpighiaceae), que foram colhidos de plantas nativas em propriedades particulares e armazenados por 16 dias em temperatura média de 12 °C. Os frutos foram avaliados durante o armazenamento em vista da: atividade de eliminação de radicais 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil (DPPH), conteúdo de ácido ascórbico, fenólicos e carotenoides totais, perfil de carotenoides, conteúdo de glicose, frutose e sacarose. No geral, a temperatura em que os frutos foram armazenados foi eficaz para manter a qualidade do fruto. No entanto, o teor de ácido ascórbico dos frutos diminuiu durante o período de armazenamento. Os resultados mostraram que os frutos apresentaram alta capacidade antioxidante, possivelmente pela presença de compostos fenólicos e carotenoides. Também é importante destacar que esta fruta é fonte de vitamina A, devido à alta concentração de β-caroteno.