Eugenia uniflora L. seed and pulp extracts: phytochemical profile, cytotoxic potential, antitumoral activity, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacity.

In this study, phytochemical profiling, cytotoxic potential, antitumoral activity, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacity of extracts of seed and pulp of Eugenia uniflora L. fruits were investigated. The extracts were obtained using a cellulase complex and the phenolic compounds were quantified. The cytotoxic potential and antitumoral activity were evaluated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells and melanoma-type tumor cells, respectively. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacity was determined. For all extracts, the compounds identified and quantified were salicylic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid and, myricitrin. For extract of pulp, ellagic and p-coumaric acids were also identified and quantified. The extracts do not show cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Extract of seed was able to decrease cell viability in melanoma-type tumor cells within 24 h of exposure. The concentration 5 µg mL-1 of extracts inhibited 7.73% of α-amylase and 15.34% of α-glucosidase. The Pitanga extracts presents substances with biological activities.

Antioxidant activity, antibacterial and inhibitory effect of intestinal disaccharidases of extracts obtained from Eugenia uniflora L. seeds / Atividade antioxidante, antibacteriana e efeito inibidor de dissacaridases intestinais de extratos obtidos das sementes de Eugenia uniflora L

The use of medicinal plants for disease prevention, treatment and cure is an ancient practice used by humanity, and many plants species are used in bioprospecting research. In this context, its stands out Eugenia uniflora L., populary known as pitangueira and belongs to the Myrtaceae family, with a wide geographic distribution and native of Brazil. In view of the therapeutic qualities of the plant and the lack of the studies on its seeds, the present study had as objective to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the extracts of Eugenia uniflora L. seeds, from different solvents, as well as their antibacterial activity, antioxidant and its inhibitory effect of intestinal disaccharidases. Results showed a high content of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids, thus characterizing antioxidant activity, also highlighting the best bacteriostatic action for the Gram positive strain of Staphylococcus aureus in the ethanolic fraction. Regarding the disaccharidases, a strong inhibitory action was observed for all concentrations, evidencing a antihyperglycemic potential. The present research allowed to concluded that Eugenia uniflora L. seeds have promising biological activities for the industrial sector, but a more detailed investigation is needed regarding their bioactive compounds.

A utilização de plantas com fins medicinais para prevenção, tratamento e cura de doenças é uma prática antiga utilizada pela humanidade, sendo que muitas espécies vegetais são usadas para a pesquisa da bioprospecção. Neste contexto, destaca-se a Eugenia uniflora L., conhecida popularmente como pitangueira e pertencente à família Myrtaceae, com ampla distribuição geográfica e nativa do Brasil. Diante das qualidades terapêuticas da planta e a falta de estudos sobre suas sementes, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil fitoquímico dos extratos das sementes de Eugenia uniflora L. a partir de diferentes solventes, bem como sua atividade antibacteriana, antioxidante e seu efeito inibidor de dissacaridases intestinais. Os resultados mostraram um alto teor de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides totais, caracterizando a atividade antioxidante, destacando também a melhor ação bacteriostática para a cepa Gram positiva de Staphylococcus aureus na fração etanólica. Em relação às dissacaridases, uma forte ação inibitória foi observada para todas as concentrações, evidenciando um potencial anti-hiperglicêmico. A presente pesquisa permitiu concluir que as sementes de Eugenia uniflora L. apresentam atividades biológicas promissoras para o setor industrial, mas é necessária uma investigação mais detalhada de seus compostos bioativos.

Chemical composition of various plant extracts and their in vitro efficacy in control of Fasciola hepatica eggs / Composição química de vários extratos vegetais e sua eficácia in vitro no controle de ovos de Fasciola hepática

ABSTRACT: Fasciolosis has been diagnosed in cattle, goats, sheep and horses in southern and southeastern Brazil. Effective alternative treatments are the targets of study. One promising alternative is the use of plant extracts. The aim of this study was to perform phytochemical analysis of extracts of Eugenia uniflora L., Harpagophytum procumbens, Psidium guajava L. and Stryphnodendron adstringens, and to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of these extracts on ovicidal activity in Fasciola hepatica. Plant extracts were analyzed for phytochemical properties. F. hepatica eggs were collected directly from the gallbladders of animals diagnosed as positive for fasciolosis on post mortem examination. One hundred eggs were incubated with 3 ml of each extract at concentrations of 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50%, albendazole 0.50% (positive control) or tap water (negative control). To determine anti larval efficacy of each plant extract, hatched eggs were counted and the averages were used. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins and terpenes in most extracts. E. uniflora L. extract was 100% effective at 0.10%, H. procumbens was effective at 0.25% and P. guajava L. and S. adstringens extracts were 100% effective at all concentrations tested. Taken together, the data suggested that ovicidal activity in F. hepatica is due to the presence of these bioactive compounds.

RESUMO: A fasciolose tem sido diagnosticada em bovinos, caprinos, ovinos e equinos no sul e sudeste do Brasil, sendo que tratamentos alternativos mais eficazes são alvos de estudo. Umas das alternativas promissoras é o uso de extratos vegetais no controle dessa e outras enfermidades. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a análise fitoquímica dos extratos de Eugenia uniflora L., Harpagophytum procumbens, Psidium guajava L. e Stryphnodendron adstringens, além de avaliar a eficácia in vitro desses extratos na atividade ovicida em Fasciola hepatica. Os extratos vegetais foram obtidos e analisados para determinação fitoquímica. Ovos de F. hepatica foram coletados diretamente das vesículas biliares de animais diagnosticados como positivos para fasciolose no exame post mortem. Cem ovos foram incubados com três mililitros de cada extrato nas concentrações de 0,10%, 0,25% e 0,50%, de albendazol a 0,50% (controle positivo) e água de torneira (controle negativo). Para determinar a eficácia de cada extrato vegetal os ovos eclodidos foram contados, e a média utilizada para os cálculos de eficácia. A análise fitoquímica revelou a presença de compostos fenólicos, taninos e terpenos na maioria dos extratos. O extrato de E. uniflora L. apresentou eficácia de 100% na concentração de 0,10%, o de H. procumbens a 0,25% e os extratos de P. guajava L. e S. adstringens apresentaram 100% de eficácia em todas as concentrações testadas. Assim, sugere-se que a atividade ovicida em F. hepatica seja devido à presença desses compostos bioativos.

Effect of guarana (Paullinia cupana) seed and pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) leaf extracts on lamb burgers with fat replacement by chia oil emulsion during shelf life storage at 2 °C.

The effects of guarana seed and pitanga leaf extracts on the physical-chemical and sensory characteristics, and oxidative stability of modified atmosphere-packaged lamb patties with fat replacement during storage (2 °C) were investigated. Four treatments were prepared: control (without antioxidant); with BHT (10 mg/kg); with 250 mg/kg guarana extract (G250); with 250 mg/kg pitanga extract (P250). Analysis included the proximate composition (moisture, protein, fat, and ash) and sensory acceptance (day 0); pH, color (L*, a*, b*), TBARs, carbonyl content, DPPH, and visual sensory assessment (0, 6, 12, and 18 days); fatty acid profile and volatile compounds (0 and 18 days). G250 and P250 did not alter the centesimal composition and the acceptance of the lamb burgers on day 0. The extracts also delayed discoloration of the burgers, endowed the reddest intensity, and retarded lipid and protein oxidation throughout storage time, particularly P250, which presented the lowest TBARs levels (6.92 mg MDA/kg) and carbonyl values (5.59 nmol carbonyl/mg), and the highest antioxidant activity (249.48 µg Trolox/g), at day 18. The MUFA, SFA, and PUFA levels, AI, TI, and h/H ratio were comparable between treatments; only the n-6/n-3 ratio was higher in P250 treatment but within the recommended levels. More volatile compounds were derived from lipid oxidation in the control and BHT treatments than G250 and P250 treatments. As a result, both G250 and P250 groups are effective against color deterioration, and lipid and protein oxidation, without impairing the sensorial characteristics, representing a promising alternative to replace synthetic antioxidants by natural products in lamb burger.

Influence of pitanga leaf extracts on lipid and protein oxidation of pork burger during shelf-life.

The effect of pitanga leaf extracts, as source of natural antioxidants, on physicochemical properties as well as lipid and protein oxidation of pork burgers during storage at 2 ±â€¯1 °C, packed under modified atmosphere, was assessed. Formerly, the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as the phenolic profile of pitanga leaf extracts were also studied. Thereafter, five samples were prepared, including control (without antioxidants), commercial synthetic antioxidant (BHT at 200 mg/kg) and three concentrations of pitanga leaf extracts: PLL (at 250 mg/kg), PLM (at 500 mg/kg) and PLH (at 1000 mg/kg). The predominant phenolic compounds identified in pitanga leaf extracts were hydroxycinnamic acids, followed by tyrosol and other phenolics (alkylmethoxyphenols, hydroxycoumarins and hydroxyphenylpropenes). Pitanga leaf extracts showed a high antioxidant and antimicrobial in vitro activity. The addition of pitanga leaf extracts improved the redness of pork burgers during the whole display. On the other hand, the addition of natural antioxidants decreased the lipid oxidation from day 7 till the end of storage period. Burgers with antioxidant showed a similar protein oxidation level, observing an inhibition between 36% and 49% compared to control treatment. From the results, it can be concluded that pitanga leaf extract is a good alternative to commercial synthetic antioxidants to improve the quality and extend the shelf-life of pork burgers.

Phenolic Profiling and Antioxidant Capacity of Eugenia uniflora L. (Pitanga) Samples Collected in Different Uruguayan Locations.

The use of nutrient-rich foods to enhance the wellness, health and lifestyle habits of consumers is globally encouraged. Native fruits are of great interest as they are grown and consumed locally and take part of the ethnobotanic knowledge of the population. Pitanga is an example of a native fruit from Uruguay, consumed as a jelly or an alcoholic beverage. Pitanga has a red-violet pigmentation, which is a common trait for foods that are a good source of antioxidants. Hence, fruits from different Uruguayan regions were analyzed via miniaturized sample preparation method, HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn and RP-HPLC-DAD techniques to identify and quantify phenolic compounds, respectively. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated via DPPH and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assays. A multivariate linear regression was applied to correlate the observed antioxidant capacity with the phenolic content. Furthermore, Principal Components Analysis was performed to highlight characteristics between the various samples studied. The main results indicated differences between northern and southern Uruguayan samples. Delphinidin-3-hexoside was present in southern samples (mean of 293.16 µmol/100 g dry weight (DW)) and absent in the sample collected in the north (sample 3). All the samples contain high levels of cyanidin-3-hexoside, but a noticeable difference was found between the northern sample (150.45 µmol/100 g DW) and the southern sample (1121.98 µmol/100 g DW). The antioxidant capacity (mean ORAC of 56370 µmol Trolox®/100 g DW) were high in all the samples compared to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database of similar berry-fruits. The results of this study highlight the nutraceutical value of a native fruit that has not been exploited until now.

Antineoplastic potential of the aqueous crude extract of Eugenia uniflora L. in human cervical cancer

Abstract Considering the high prevalence of human cervical cancer and the adverse effects of the available treatments, it is important to develop studies involving plants. Eugenia uniflora L. is a Brazilian native plant widely used in folk medicine and some biological effects have already been described. In this study, we investigated the biologicals effects of the aqueous crude extract of E. uniflora leaves in relation to the viability of human cervical cancer cells (SiHa), non-tumorigenic cells HaCaT and human lymphocytes. Our results demonstrated that different concentrations of E. uniflora's extract significantly inhibited the viability of the Siha cell line at 24, 48 and 72 hours of treatment, but did not induce significant changes in the HaCat cell line and human lymphocytes. Tumor cells had adhesion capacity, migration processes, ability of colony forming and the potential to recover its viability after treatment. withdrawal, significantly reduced. The nuclear morphology revealed chromatin condensation, and the flow cytometry showed predominantly cell death by apoptosis in the treated tumor cells. Therefore, the E. uniflora's extract may contribute for future studies aiming at new therapeutic perspectives for human cervical cancer.

Spectrophotometric Quantification of Flavonoids in Herbal Material, Crude Extract, and Fractions from Leaves of Eugenia uniflora Linn.

BACKGROUND: The traditional use of Eugenia uniflora L. ("Pitanga") is reported due to several properties, which have often been related to its flavonoid content. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate analytical procedures for quantification of total flavonoids content (TFCs) by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry in the herbal material (HM), crude extract (CE), and fractions from leaves of E. uniflora. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method for quantification of flavonoids after complexation with aluminum chloride (AlCl3) was evaluated: amount of sample (0.25-1.5 g); solvent (40%-80% ethanol); reaction time and AlCl3 concentration (2.5%-7.5%). The procedures by direct dilution (DD) and after acid hydrolysis (AH) were used and validated for HM and CE and applied to the aqueous fraction (AqF), hexane fraction, and ethyl acetate fractions (EAF). RESULTS: The ideal conditions of analysis were ethanol 80% as solvent; 0.5 g of sample; λmax of 408 (DD) and 425 nm (AH); 25 min after addition of AlCl3 5%. The procedures validated for standards and samples showed linearity (R2 > 0.99) with limit of detection and limit of quantification between 0.01 and 0.17 mg/mL (rutin and quercetin); and 0.03 and 0.09 mg/mL (quercetin), for DD and AH, respectively. The procedures were accurate (detect, practice, and repair < 5% and recovery >90%), and stable under robustness conditions (luminosity, storage, reagents, and equipment). The TFCs in AqF and EAF were 0.65 g% and 17.72 g%, calculated as rutin. CONCLUSIONS: UV-Vis methods for quantification of TFC in HM, CE, and fractions from leaves of E. uniflora were suitably validated. Regarding the analysis of fractions, the EAF achieved enrichment of about nine times in the content of flavonoids. SUMMARY: The total flavonoids content (TFCs) of herbal material, crude extract, and fractions from Eugenia uniflora can be quantified by ultraviolet-visibleThe spectrophotometric methods (direct dilution and acid hydrolysis) were reproducible and able to quantify TFC in raw material and derivatives from leaves of E. unifloraHigher flavonoids content was observed in ethyl acetate fractions after enrichment. Abbreviations Used: HM: Herbal material, CE: Crude extract, AqF: Aqueous fraction, HF: Hexanic fraction, EAF: Ethyl acetate fraction, TFC: Total flavonoids content, HCl: Hydrochloric acid, DD: Direct dilution, AH: After hydrolysis, RSD: Relative standard, A.U.: Absorption units.

Autophagy induced by purple pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) extract triggered a cooperative effect on inducing the hepatic stellate cell death.

Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major source of collagen I in liver fibrosis. Eugenia uniflora L. is a tree species that is widely distributed in South America. E. uniflora L. fruit-popularly known as pitanga-has been shown to exert beneficial properties. Autophagy contributes to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and survival under stress situation, but it has also been suggested to be an alternative cell death pathway. Mitochondria play a pivotal role on signaling cell death. Mitophagy of damaged mitochondria is an important cell defense mechanism against organelle-mediated cell death signaling. We previously found that purple pitanga extract induced mitochondrial dysfunction, cell cycle arrest, and death by apoptosis and necrosis in GRX cells, a well-established activated HSC line. We evaluated the effects of 72-h treatment with crescent concentrations of purple pitanga extract (5 to 100 µg/mL) on triggering autophagy in GRX cells, as this is an important mechanism to cells under cytotoxic conditions. We found that all treated cells presented an increase in the mRNA expression of autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7). Concomitantly, flow cytometry and ultrastructural analysis of treated cells revealed an increase of autophagosomes/autolysosomes that consequentially led to an increased mitophagy. As purple pitanga extract was previously found to be broadly cytotoxic to GRX cells, we postulated that autophagy contributes to this scenario, where cell death seems to be an inevitable fate. Altogether, the effectiveness on inducing activated HSC death can make purple pitanga extract a good candidate on treating liver fibrosis.

Antioxidant activity, antibacterial and inhibitory effect of intestinal disaccharidases of extracts obtained from Eugenia uniflora L. Seeds

Abstract The use of medicinal plants for disease prevention, treatment and cure is an ancient practice used by humanity, and many plants species are used in bioprospecting research. In this context, its stands out Eugenia uniflora L., populary known as pitangueira and belongs to the Myrtaceae family, with a wide geographic distribution and native of Brazil. In view of the therapeutic qualities of the plant and the lack of the studies on its seeds, the present study had as objective to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the extracts of Eugenia uniflora L. seeds, from different solvents, as well as their antibacterial activity, antioxidant and its inhibitory effect of intestinal disaccharidases. Results showed a high content of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids, thus characterizing antioxidant activity, also highlighting the best bacteriostatic action for the Gram positive strain of Staphylococcus aureus in the ethanolic fraction. Regarding the disaccharidases, a strong inhibitory action was observed for all concentrations, evidencing a antihyperglycemic potential. The present research allowed to concluded that Eugenia uniflora L. seeds have promising biological activities for the industrial sector, but a more detailed investigation is needed regarding their bioactive compounds.

Resumo A utilização de plantas com fins medicinais para prevenção, tratamento e cura de doenças é uma prática antiga utilizada pela humanidade, sendo que muitas espécies vegetais são usadas para a pesquisa da bioprospecção. Neste contexto, destaca-se a Eugenia uniflora L., conhecida popularmente como pitangueira e pertencente à família Myrtaceae, com ampla distribuição geográfica e nativa do Brasil. Diante das qualidades terapêuticas da planta e a falta de estudos sobre suas sementes, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil fitoquímico dos extratos das sementes de Eugenia uniflora L. a partir de diferentes solventes, bem como sua atividade antibacteriana, antioxidante e seu efeito inibidor de dissacaridases intestinais. Os resultados mostraram um alto teor de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides totais, caracterizando a atividade antioxidante, destacando também a melhor ação bacteriostática para a cepa Gram positiva de Staphylococcus aureus na fração etanólica. Em relação às dissacaridases, uma forte ação inibitória foi observada para todas as concentrações, evidenciando um potencial anti-hiperglicêmico. A presente pesquisa permitiu concluir que as sementes de Eugenia uniflora L. apresentam atividades biológicas promissoras para o setor industrial, mas é necessária uma investigação mais detalhada de seus compostos bioativos.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses in Two Ornamental Shrubs to Drought Stress.

Drought stress is one of the most important abiotic stress limiting the plant survival and growth in the Mediterranean environment. In this work, two species typically grown in Mediterranean areas with different drought responses were used. Two shrubs, with slow (Photinia × fraseri Dress 'Red Robin') or fast (Eugenia uniflora L. 'Etna Fire') adaptation ability to drought, were subjected to three water regimes: well-watered (WW), moderate (MD), and severe (SD) drought stress conditions for 30 days. Net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase) were measured. Results showed that RWC and proline were higher in Eugenia than in Photinia, demonstrating the greater tolerance of the latter to the water stress. The drought stress levels applied did not compromise photosynthetic efficiency through stomatal regulation, while a reduction of Fv/Fm ratio was observed at the end of the experimental period. MDA significantly increased after 30 days in both species. The antioxidant enzyme activities showed different responses to water stress conditions. In both species, the water stress scores showed positive, while proline content showed negative correlations with all physiological parameters.

Sementes de pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L. ): potencial antioxidante e perfil de ácidos graxos / Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L. )seeds: antioxidant potential and fatty acids profile

As sementes de pitanga foram analisadas quanto à composição centesimal, bem como o potencial antioxidante e o perfil dos ácidos graxos. Para a obtenção do extrato, as sementes desidratadas e trituradas foram extraídas com álcool etílico por 30 minutos, na proporção de 1:3 de sementes:álcool etílico, sob agitação contínua à temperatura ambiente. Em seguida, a mistura foi filtrada e o sobrenadante submetido ao roto evaporador a 40ºC com vistas a determinar, por pesagem direta, o rendimento em matéria secado extrato. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, as sementes de pitanga demonstraram elevado teor de carboidratos totais, além de apresentarem relevante atividade antioxidante e teor de compostos fenólicos totais. No óleo das sementes de pitanga destacou-se maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos insaturados, sendo o oleico o principal componente.

The purpose of the present investigation was to characterize the pitanga seeds on centesimal composition, and also to evaluate its antioxidant potential and fatty acid profile. For obtaining the extract, the dehydrated and ground seeds were treated with ethyl alcohol for 30 minutes, at a proportion of 1:3 of seeds:ethyl alcohol, under continuous agitation at room temperature. Afterwards, the mixture was filtered and the supernatant was placed into a rotoevaporator at 40ºC for determining the extract’s dry matter yield, by direct weighing. According to the results, the seeds of cherry showed high amounts of carbohydrates, and offer relevant content and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds. In the seed oil, cherry high lighted a higher percentage of unsatured fatty acids, oleic being the main component.

Antioxidant capacity and composition of pitanga seeds / Capacidade antioxidante e composição de sementes de pitanga

Food industry generates a significant amount of seed wastes from the juice production, frozen pulps and jams. Considering that the characterization of wastes is the first step to determine their potential use, the aim of the present study was to determine the composition and the antioxidant capacity of seeds from pitanga fruits with different flesh colors (purple, red and orange). Chemical composition results revealed that pitanga seeds are a good source of insoluble dietary fiber, with low protein and fat levels, and no relevant differences were found among pitanga seeds from different flesh colors. Pitanga seed extracts had powerful antioxidant capacity that was partially correlated to their high phenolic content and showed some variation according to the pitanga flesh colors. Accordingly, it's suggested that this low value waste of pitanga processing, could be used as a source of natural antioxidants and dietary fiber, for animal and/or human nutrition.

A indústria de alimentos gera quantidades significativas de resíduos de sementes a partir da produção de sucos, polpas congeladas e geleias de frutas. Considerando que a caracterização dos resíduos é o primeiro passo para determinar o seu uso potencial, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a composição e a capacidade antioxidante de sementes de pitanga com diferentes colorações de polpa (roxa, vermelha e laranja). Os resultados da composição química revelaram que as sementes de pitanga são boas fontes de fibra alimentar insolúvel, com níveis baixos de proteína e gordura, e sem diferenças relevantes entre as sementes de pitangas de diferentes colorações. Os extratos das sementes apresentaram uma excelente capacidade antioxidante, que foi parcialmente correlacionada com o alto teor de fenólicos e apresentou alguma variação de acordo com a coloração da polpa das pitangas. Assim, sugere-se que esse resíduo de baixo valor, resultante do processamento da pitanga, poderia ser utilizado como fonte de antioxidantes naturais e de fibra alimentar, para a nutrição humana e/ou animal.

Tipos e concentrações de citocinina na multiplicação in vitro de pitangueira / Types and concentrations of cytokinin on in vitro multiplication of 'pitangueira'

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes tipos e concentrações de citocinina na multiplicação in vitro de pitangueira. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de diferentes concentrações de citocinina adicionada ao meio de cultura (zero; cinco; dez µM) e três diferentes citocininas (BAP; 2iP; zeatina). O meio utilizado foi WPM suplementado com 100mg L-1 de mio-inositol, 30g L-1 de sacarose e solidificado com ágar na concentração de seisg L-1. Segmentos caulinares com três ou quatro gemas, sem o ápice, foram incubados em frascos contendo 30mL de meio. Após a inoculação, os explantes foram mantidos em sala de crescimento com 16 horas de fotoperíodo com radiação de 27µmol m-2 s-1 e temperatura de 25±2°C. Aos 45 dias de cultivo, foram avaliados o número médio de folhas, o número médio de brotações e o comprimento das brotações. Os resultados permitiram concluir que, para a multiplicação in vitro de pitangueira, deve-se utilizar a menor concentração de BAP, a qual apresentou resultado satisfatório e tem menor custo.

This research aimed to assess the effect of different types (BAP, 2ip, zeatin) and concentrations (zero; five; ten µM) of cytokinin on in vitro multiplication of 'Pitangueira'. The different concentrations were added to the culture medium. The medium used was WPM enriched with 100mg L-1 of myo-inositol, 30g L-1 of sucrose and solidified with agar at sixg L-1 concentration. Stem segments with 3 or 4 buds, without apical meristem, were incubated into flasks containing 30mL of medium. After inoculation, the explants were kept in growth room under 16 hours photoperiod with 27µmol m-2 s-1 radiation and temperature of 25±2°C. At 45th days of cultivation, the average number of leaves and shoots and the shoot length were measured. The results showed that by using lesser concentration of BAP there was better performance and less costs for in vitro multiplication of 'Pitangueira'.

Folhas de Eugenia uniflora L. (pitanga): propriedades farmacobotânicas, químicas e farmacológicas / Eugenia uniflora L. " brazilian cherry" leaves: pharmacobotanical, chemical and pharmacological properties

Estudos realizados com folhas de Eugenia uniflora L., foram compilados de modo a registrar o nível de conhecimento disponível sobre a espécie, sua caracterizaçäo farmacobotânica, incluindo a comparaçäo e diferenciaçäo histológica entre as várias espécies do gênero, possibilitando a diagnose das espécies da regiäo sul da América do Sul. Os primeiros estudos sobre esta planta se concentraram na elucidaçäo da composiçäo do óleo essencial e sua açäo antimicrobiana, na variaçäo da composiçäo do óleo em funçäo de diferentes fatores e comportamento da atividade antimicrobiana exibida neste contexto de variaçäo. A atividade farmacológica assinalada referiu-se a aspectos de toxicidade aguda, açäo inibitória frente à xantina oxidase, efeito antiinflamatório, diminuiçäo da propulsäo intestinal e diminuiçäo dos níveis da pressäo sanguínea. Contudo os mais recentes achados indicando a inibiçäo das enzimas x-glicosidase, maltase e sucrase, revelaram possível potencial de emprego no tratamento de diabetes e justifica ainda mais o interesse pelo uso de folhass de Eugenia uniflora L. (AU)

This review intends to gather information available at the present time on Eugenia unifloraleaves, pharmacological, antibacterial properties and identification, by comparing histological features toothers Eugenia species, growning in southern South America allowing differentiation among them.Essential oil composition and antibacterial activity was the first study with E. uniflora leaves, in order toevaluate different factors affecting this activity. The exhibited inhibitory action of xantine oxidase, antiinflammatory activity, decrease of intestinal motility and blood pressure level, were demonstrated inanimal models. Recent findings on the inhibition of α- glucosidase, maltase and sucrase are showing to bea new possible potencial use of leaves of Eugenia uniflora in diabetes. (AU)