A comprehensive review of Pfaffia glomerata botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and biotechnology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, Amaranthaceae, is found in South America, mainly in Brazil, where it is considered a species of great medicinal interest owing to its popular use as a tonic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. These properties can be attributed to the presence of the phytosteroid, 20-Hydroxyecdysone (ß-ecdysone), the main compound found in its roots. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review aims to provide information about the botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal uses, the phytochemistry, the biological activities, and the biotechnology of P. glomerata, an important species to local communities and groups researching medicinal plants of South America. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information available on P. glomerata was collected from scientific databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Scopus) until June 7, 2023, using the search terms "Pfaffia glomerata", "Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen", and "Brazilian ginseng". The review includes studies that evaluated the botanical, ethnopharmacological, and phytochemical aspects, biological properties, nutraceutical uses, and the application of biotechnology for improving the biosynthesis of metabolites of interest. RESULTS: A total of 207 studies were identified, with 81 articles read in full. Seventy-six studies were included for qualitative synthesis. Overall, 40 compounds belonging to different classes are presented in this review, including ecdysteroids, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. Among them, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, coumarins, and alkaloids were only putatively identified. ß-Ecdysone, triterpenes, saponins, and polysaccharides are the chemical components most frequently identified and isolated from P. glomerata and possibly responsible for ethnopharmacological use and the biological activities of this species, with important in vitro and in vivo activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, analgesic, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and prebiotic. CONCLUSIONS: This review summarizes discussions about the P. glomerata species, highlighting its ethnopharmacological, chemical, biotechnological, and nutraceutical importance. New scientific studies on this species are encouraged in the search for new therapeutic molecules with pharmaceutical potential and nutraceutical applications.

Authentication of Brazilian Ginseng using Bar-HRM analysis

Abstract Hebanthe eriantha (Martius) Kuntze and Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen are medicinal plants popularly known as "Brazilian Ginseng" due to their similarity to Panax ginseng. In Brazil, they are sold as the same herb, despite their different pharmacological and toxicological properties. The morphological identification is difficult, which facilitates their adulteration. We report the application of the Barcode DNA High-Resolution Melting (Bar-HRM) using matK gene to differentiate both species in samples sold in the Brazilian market. Using the proposed method, we could discriminate and identify both species. Bar-HRM analysis allowed discriminating and identifying both species. It allowed the identification of H. eriantha and P. glomerata in 43.6% and 56.4% of the amplified samples, respectively. Of these, only seven samples were authenticated and, in 71.4% of the cases, adulterated. We concluded that Bar-HRM has proven to be a fast alternative method to authenticate plants under the common name "Brazilian Ginseng".

-ecdysone content and antioxidant capacity in different organs of Brazilian ginseng / Teor de -ecdisona e capacidade antioxidante em diferentes órgãos de ginseng brasileiro

Plants that contain antioxidant compounds have attracted increasing interest for their vital role in the attenuation of oxidative damage caused by free radicals and in the treatment of various diseases. The present study investigated the -ecdysone content and the antioxidant activity of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia glomerata) extracts obtained from inflorescences, stems, and roots. The P. glomerata extracts were tested for antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, -carotene bleaching test, and phosphomolybdenum method. The -ecdysone content of P. glomerata extracts was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The P. glomerata inflorescences showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity and the strongest antioxidant activity in the -carotene bleaching assay and phosphomolybdenum test. The roots showed the lowest antioxidant capacity in all of the assays. The concentration of -ecdysone in the plant organs followed the following decreasing order: inflorescences > stems > roots. The present study showed that P. glomerata inflorescence extract had high antioxidant capacity that could be attributed to the presence of β-ecdysone.(AU)

RESUMO: Plantas que contêm compostos antioxidantes têm atraído interesse crescente por seu papel fundamental na atenuação de danos oxidativos causados pelos radicais livres e no tratamento de várias doenças. O presente estudo investigou o conteúdo de β-ecdysone e a atividade antioxidante de extratos de ginseng brasileiro (Pfaffia glomerata) obtidos a partir das inflorescências, caules e raízes. Os extratos de Pfaffia glomerata foram testados para atividade antioxidante usando o método sequestrante do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), sistema modelo -caroteno-linoleato e método de fosfomolibdênio. O conteúdo de β-ecdysona dos extratos de P. glomerata foi medido por cromatografia líquida de alta eficência (CLAE). As inflorescências de P. glomerata mostraram a maior atividade sequestrante de radical DPPH e a maior atividade antioxidante no ensaio -caroteno-linoleato e no teste de fosfomolibdênio. As raízes mostraram a menor capacidade antioxidante em todos os ensaios. A concentração de β-ecdysona nos órgãos da planta seguiu a seguinte ordem decrescente: inflorescências > caules > raízes. Os resultados indicaram uma correlação positiva entre conteúdo de -ecdisona e atividade sequestrante de radical DPPH. O presente estudo mostrou que o extrato das inflorescências de P. glomerata teve alta atividade antioxidante que poderia ser atribuída à presença de β-ecdysona.(AU)

β-ecdysone content and antioxidant capacity in different organs of Brazilian ginseng / Teor de β-ecdisona e capacidade antioxidante em diferentes órgãos de ginseng brasileiro

ABSTRACT: Plants that contain antioxidant compounds have attracted increasing interest for their vital role in the attenuation of oxidative damage caused by free radicals and in the treatment of various diseases. The present study investigated the β-ecdysone content and the antioxidant activity of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia glomerata) extracts obtained from inflorescences, stems, and roots. The P. glomerata extracts were tested for antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, β-carotene bleaching test, and phosphomolybdenum method. The β-ecdysone content of P. glomerata extracts was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The P. glomerata inflorescences showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity and the strongest antioxidant activity in the β-carotene bleaching assay and phosphomolybdenum test. The roots showed the lowest antioxidant capacity in all of the assays. The concentration of β-ecdysone in the plant organs followed the following decreasing order: inflorescences > stems > roots. The present study showed that P. glomerata inflorescence extract had high antioxidant capacity that could be attributed to the presence of β-ecdysone.

RESUMO: Plantas que contêm compostos antioxidantes têm atraído interesse crescente por seu papel fundamental na atenuação de danos oxidativos causados pelos radicais livres e no tratamento de várias doenças. O presente estudo investigou o conteúdo de β-ecdysone e a atividade antioxidante de extratos de ginseng brasileiro (Pfaffia glomerata) obtidos a partir das inflorescências, caules e raízes. Os extratos de Pfaffia glomerata foram testados para atividade antioxidante usando o método sequestrante do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), sistema modelo β-caroteno-linoleato e método de fosfomolibdênio. O conteúdo de β-ecdisona dos extratos de P. glomerata foi medido por cromatografia líquida de alta eficência (CLAE). As inflorescências de P. glomerata mostraram a maior atividade sequestrante de radical DPPH e a maior atividade antioxidante no ensaio β-caroteno-linoleato e no teste de fosfomolibdênio. As raízes mostraram a menor capacidade antioxidante em todos os ensaios. A concentração de β-ecdisona nos órgãos da planta seguiu a seguinte ordem decrescente: inflorescências > caules > raízes. Os resultados indicaram uma correlação positiva entre conteúdo de β-ecdisona e atividade sequestrante de radical DPPH. O presente estudo mostrou que o extrato das inflorescências de P. glomerata teve alta atividade antioxidante que poderia ser atribuída à presença de β-ecdisona.

Evaluation of the testis function of mice exposed in utero and during lactation to Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian ginseng).

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, popularly known as "Brazilian ginseng," is used as medicinal plant in Brazil to treat inflammatory diseases in general. Previous studies showed that its extract increases the nitric oxide (NO) levels. Knowing that NO downregulates steroidogenesis and that alterations in the action/production of androgens during perinatal life could alter testis development, the present studies sought to investigate the reproductive toxicity of Pfaffia glomerata on male mice exposed to hydroalcoholic extract in utero and during lactation. The present study shows that P. glomerata extract does not alter body weight, tubular diameter and testis function in male mice. Although a reduction in the testis weight was observed in the animals that received the highest dose directly in early post-natal life, our findings show clearly that P. glomerata may not act as an endocrine disruptor, and it is not an "antiandrogenic" compound that could lead to testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

De novo assembly and transcriptome of Pfaffia glomerata uncovers the role of photoautotrophy and the P450 family genes in 20-hydroxyecdysone production.

Pfaffia glomerata is a medically important species because it produces the phytoecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-E). However, there has been no ready-to-use transcriptome data available in the literature for this plant. Here, we present de novo transcriptome sequencing of RNA from P. glomerata in order to investigate the 20-E production as well as to understand the biochemical pathway of secondary metabolites in this non-model species. We then analyze the effect of photoautotrophy on the production of 20-E genes phylogenetically identified followed by expression analysis. For this, total messenger RNA (mRNA) from leaves, stems, roots, and flowers was used to construct indexed mRNA libraries. Based on the similarity searches against plant non-redundant protein database, gene ontology, and eukaryotic orthologous groups, 164,439 transcripts were annotated. In addition, the effect of photoautotrophy in two genes putatively involved in the 20-E synthesis pathway was analyzed. The Phantom gene (CYP76C), a precursor of the route, showed increased expression in P. glomerata plants cultured under photoautotrophic conditions. This was accompanied by increased production of this metabolite indicating a putative involvement in 20-E synthesis. This work reveals that several genes in the P. glomerata transcriptome are related to secondary metabolism and stresses, that genes of the P450 family participate in the 20-E biosynthesis route, and that plants cultured under photoautotrophic conditions promote an upregulated Phantom gene and enhance the productivity of 20-E. The data will be used for future investigations of the 20-E synthesis pathway in P. glomerata while offering a better understanding of the metabolism of the species.

Selenium and silicon reduce cadmium uptake and mitigate cadmium toxicity in Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen plants by activation antioxidant enzyme system.

Cadmium (Cd) is toxic to plants and animals, making it necessary to develop strategies that seek to reduce its introduction into food chains. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether silicon (Si) and selenium (Se) reduce Cd concentrations in Pfaffia glomerata medicinal plant and attenuate the oxidative stress promoted by this metal. These plants were cultivated in hydroponics under the following treatments: control (nutrient solution), 2.5 µM Se, 2.5 mM Si, 50 µM Cd, 50 µM Cd + 2.5 µM Se, 50 µM Cd + 2.5 mM Si. After 14 days of exposure to treatments, leaves and roots were collected for the determination of dry weight of shoot and roots, Cd concentrations, chlorophyll and carotenoids content, and biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation and guaiacol peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities). The data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared with Scott-Knott test at 5% error probability. Roots of P. glomerata plants showed a significant reduction on dry weight accumulation when exposed to Cd. However, both Se and Si promoted a significant reduction of deleterious effects of Cd. The Cd concentrations in the tissues were reduced in the presence of Se or Si. Plants treated with Cd together with Se or Si presented higher pigment content than those with only Cd, thus showing a reduction in the negative effects caused by this element. In the treatments in which Se and Si were added in the growth medium together with Cd, an activation of superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase enzymes was observed in the roots and shoot, which may have contributed to lower lipid peroxidation. Thus, Se and Si reduce Cd concentrations and have potential to ameliorate Cd toxicity in P. glomerata plants, which can be used to increase productivity and quality of medicinal plants.

Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) extract modulates Mapk and mucin pathways in intestinal inflammation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pfaffia paniculata is an endemic Brazilian plant traditionally used against fatigue, stress, inflammation and low immune system as well as with proven intestinal anti-inflammatory activity. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of P. paniculata on the mRNA abundance of Hsp70, Heparanase, Mapk1, Mapk3, Mapk6, Mapk9, Muc1, Muc2, Muc3, Muc4, and NF-κB, as well as the mucin content in colonic samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Intestinal inflammation was induced by TNBS and rats were divided into groups that received vehicle or 25, 50, 100, or 200mg/kg of P. paniculata extract, p.o., started 2h after inflammation induction and continued daily for 7 days. At the end of the procedure, the animals were killed and their colon samples were obtained for RT-qPCR analysis and mucin histochemical study with PAS/Alcian blue stain. The inflammatory process was confirmed with colon macroscopic analysis and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. RESULTS: P. paniculata at 200mg/kg significantly decreased macroscopic damage score, extension of lesion and colonic MPO activity. Besides, P. paniculata at a dose of 25mg/kg was also able to significantly decrease Hsp70, while treatment with 50mg/kg reduced Mapk3 and increased Muc4. At dose of 100mg/kg P. paniculata increased Mapk1, Muc3, Muc4, and decreased Mapk3. Finally, at the 200mg/kg P. paniculata reduced Mapk3. The heparanase, NF-κB, Mapk6, Mapk9, Muc1 and Muc2 mRNA abundances were not altered after P. paniculata treatments. CONCLUSION: Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of P. paniculata was related to modulation of Mapks and mucin gene expression, as well as mucus secretion in intestinal inflammation.

In vitro Activities of Pfaffia glomerata Root Extract, Its Hydrolyzed Fractions and Pfaffic Acid Against Trypanosoma cruzi Trypomastigotes.

This article reports on the in vitro activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Pfaffia glomerata roots, its hydrolyzed fractions, and pfaffic acid against Trypanosoma cruzi. The hydroalcoholic extract obtained from dried, milled P. glomerata roots was submitted to acid hydrolysis followed by partition with CHCl3 . The concentrated CHCl3 fraction was suspended in MeOH/H2 O and partitioned with hexane (F1), CHCl3 (F2), and AcOEt (F3), in this sequence. The trypanocidal activity of the hydrolyzed extract and its fractions was evaluated in vitro. The hydroalcoholic extract displayed low activity, but fraction F1 was active against trypomastigotes of the Y strain of T. cruzi, with IC50 = 47.89 µg/ml. The steroids campesterol (7.7%), stigmasterol (18.7%), ß-sitosterol (16.8%), Δ7 -stigmastenol (4.6%), and Δ7 -spinasterol (7.5%) were the major constituents of F1, along with fatty acid esters (7.6%) and eight aliphatic hydrocarbons (30.1%). Fractions F2 and F3 exhibited moderate activity, and pfaffic acid, one of the main chemical constituents of these fractions, displayed IC50 = 44.78 µm (21.06 µg/ml). On the other hand, the hydroalcoholic extract of P. glomerata roots, which is rich in pfaffosides, was inactive. Therefore, the main aglycone of pfaffosides, pfaffic acid, is much more active against trypomastigotes of the Y strain of T. cruzi than its corresponding glycosides and should be further investigated.

Atividade antimicrobiana e citotoxicidade dos extratos glicólicos de Pfaffia paniculata e Juglans regia L / Activity antimicrobial and citotocixity of glycol extracts of Pfaffia paniculata K AND Juglans regia L

O objetivo do trabalho foi investigar se os extratos de Pfaffia paniculata K. e Juglans regia L. possuem ação antifúngica, antibacteriana e toxicidade celular, com testes in vitro. Para os testes antifúngicos foram utilizadas cepas ATCC de Candida spp., e para os testes antibacterianos foram utilizadas cepas ATCC de Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Para a atividade antimicrobiana primeiramente foram determinados os valores da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e da Concentração Microbicida Mínima (CMM) dos extratos pelo método de microdiluição em caldo, segundo Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Os micro-organismos que apresentaram CMM foram selecionados para os testes em biofilme, no qual foi preparado em fundo de placa com 96 poços, por 48 h. Após os biofilmes foram tratados por 5 min. utilizando as concentrações de 200, 100 e 50 mg dos extratos. Para mensuração da biomassa foi utilizado o teste de Cristal violeta (CV), e para avaliar a atividade metabólica foi utilizado o teste de MTT. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada sobre fibroblastos gengivais humanos (FMM-1) utilizando os mesmos parâmetros de tratamento utilizados para os testes em biofilmes. Foram avaliadas a viabilidade celular pelos testes de MTT, vermelho neutro e cristal violeta. Os dados obtiveram distribuição normal e foram analisados por ANOVA e teste de Tukey, com significância de 5% (p<0.05%). O extrato de P. paniculata demostrou ação antifúngica em biofilmes, com reduções médias de 29,4 e 42,7% nos testes de CV e MTT. Já a ação antibacteriana foi restrita a S. mutans e P. aeruginosa com reduções médias de 15,7 e 28,6% nos respectivos testes. O extrato de J. regia também demostrou ação antifúngica com redução média de 22,2% na biomassa e 31,4% na atividade metabólica. A ação antimicrobiana ficou restrita a P. aeruginosa com reduções médias de 17,7 e 15,6%, indicados pelos testes de CV e MTT. Quanto a citotoxicidade, a média entre os três testes realizados, indicou que após exposição ao extrato de P. paniculata 58,8% das células continuaram viáveis e para J. regia a viabilidade foi de 65,1%. Conclui-se queo extrato de P. paniculata demostrou ação antifúngica sobre todas as cepas de Candida spp. testadas e demostrou ação antibacteriana para P. aeruginosa e S. mutans. As concentrações de 200, 100 e 50 mg do extrato demostraram ser citotóxicas conforme nova diretriz de 11 toxicidade. J. regia demostrou ação antifúngica sobre todas as cepas de Candida spp. testadas e demostrou ação antibacteriana sobre P. aeruginosa. Apenas a concentração de 200 mg do extrato se mostrou tóxica a FMM-1(AU)

The aim of this study was to investigate whether extracts of Pfaffia paniculata K. and Juglans regia L. have antifungal, antibacterial and cellular toxicity, with in vitro tests. ATCC strains of Candida spp. Were used for antifungal tests, and ATCC strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used for the antibacterial tests. For the antimicrobial activity, the values of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimal Microbicidal Concentration (CMM) of the extracts were determined by the microdilution method in broth, according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The microorganisms that presented CMM were selected for the biofilm tests, in which it was prepared on a 96-well plate bottom for 48 h. After the biofilms were treated for 5 min. Using the concentrations of 200, 100 and 50 mg of the extracts. To measure the biomass, the Violet Crystal test (CV) was used, and the MTT test was used to evaluate the metabolic activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed on human gingival fibroblasts (FMM-1) using the same treatment parameters used for biofilm tests. Cell viability was evaluated by the MTT, neutral red and violet crystal tests. The data obtained normal distribution and were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test, with significance of 5%. The extract of P. paniculata showed antifungal action in biofilms, with average reductions of 29.4 and 42.7% in CV and MTT tests; The antibacterial action was restricted to S. mutans and P. aeruginosa with mean reductions of 15.7 and 28.6% in the respective tests. The extract of J. regia also demonstrated antifungal action with an average reduction of 22.2% in biomass and 31.4% in metabolic activity. The antimicrobial action was restricted to P. aeruginosa with mean reductions of 17.7 and 15.6%, indicated by CV and MTT tests. As for cytotoxicity, the mean of the three tests carried out indicated that after exposure to P. paniculata extract 58.8% of the cells remained viable and for viability the viability was 65.1%. In conclusion the extract of P. paniculata showed antifungal action on all strains of Candida spp. Tested and demonstrated antibacterial action for P. aeruginosa and S. mutans. The concentrations of 200, 100 and 50 mg of the extract proved to be cytotoxic according to the new toxicity guideline. J. regia demonstrated antifungal action on all strains of Candida spp. Tested and demonstrated antibacterial action on P. aeruginosa. Only the 200 mg concentration of the extract was shown to be toxic to FMM-1 (AU)

Pfaffia paniculata extract improves red blood cell deformability in sickle cell patients.

The aim of the present study was to test the effects of Pfaffia paniculata (PP) extract on the red blood cell (RBC) rheological properties of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and healthy (AA) individuals. Blood from 7 SCD and 4 AA individuals were collected in EDTA tubes. Washed RBCs were incubated with various concentration of PP extract: 0.0, 0.2 or 0.5 mg/ml of PP solution for 5 hrs at 37°C. RBC deformability was measured by ektacytometry at 9 shear stresses ranging from 0.3 to 30 Pa, and RBC aggregation properties were determined by laser-backscattered techniques. Because RBCs from SCD patients are fragile, a stability test was also performed to test for the fragility of RBC exposed to a constant shear stress (70 Pa) for 10 min. While RBC deformability was not improved by the use of PP extract in AA, we noted an improvement of this parameter in patients with SCD between the 0.0 and 0.5 mg/ml conditions. In contrast to AA RBCs, the fragility of SCD RBCs was not affected by PP extract. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the beneficial effects, in-vitro, of PP extract on the RBC deformability of SCD patients, notably at high shear stress (a shear stress condition usually found in capillaries).

Anti-inflammatory effects of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata) on TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation: Experimental evidence.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing, idiopathic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical studies suggest that the initiation of IBD is multifactorial, involving genetics, the immune system and environmental factors, such as diet, drugs and stress. Pfaffia paniculata is an adaptogenic medicinal plant used in Brazilian folk medicine as an "anti-stress" agent. Thus, we hypothesised that the P. paniculata enhances the response of animals subjected to colonic inflammation. Our aim was to investigate the intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of P. paniculata in rats before or after induction of intestinal inflammation using trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The animals were divided into groups that received the vehicle, prednisolone or P. paniculata extract daily starting 14 days before or 7 days after TNBS induction. At the end of the procedure, the animals were killed and their colons were assessed for the macroscopic damage score (MDS), extent of the lesion (EL) and weight/length ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and glutathione (GSH), cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Histological evaluation and ultrastructural analysis of the colonic samples were performed. Treatment with the 200mg/kg dose on the curative schedule was able to reduce the MDS and the EL. In addition, MPO activity was reduced, GSH levels were maintained, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and CRP were decreased. In conclusion, the protective effect of P. paniculata was related to reduced oxidative stress and CRP colonic levels, and due to immunomodulatory activity as evidenced by reduced levels of IL-1ß, INF-γ, TNF-α and IL-6.

Isolation and prebiotic activity of inulin-type fructan extracted from Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen roots.

Pfaffia glomerata (Amaranthaceae) is popularly known as "Brazilian ginseng." Previous studies have shown that fructose is the major carbohydrate component present in its roots. Inulin-type fructans, polymers of fructose, are the most widespread and researched prebiotics. Here, we isolated and chemically characterized inulin extracted from P. glomerata roots and investigated its potential prebiotic effect. Fructans were isolated and their structures were determined using colorimetric, chromatography, polarimetry, and spectroscopic analysis. The degree of polymerization (DP) was determined, and an in vitro prebiotic test was performed. The structure of inulin was confirmed by chromatography and spectroscopic analysis and through comparison with existing data. Representatives from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium utilized inulin from P. glomerata, because growth was significantly stimulated, while this ability is strain specific. The results indicated that inulin extracted from P. glomerata roots represents a promising new source of inulin-type prebiotics.

Supplementation with Pfaffia glomerata (Sprengel) Pedersen does not affect androgenic-anabolic parameters in male rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Paffia spp (Amaranthacea) has a widespread use of in Brazil as a possible hormonal supplement and a substitute of Panax ginseng, although information on its reproductive effects is missing. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluated possible anabolic-androgenic or anti-androgenic effects of Pfaffia glomerata (PG) extract using intact eight-months-old male rats and pre-pubertal castrated rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different dose levels of PG (8.5, 30 and 85 mg/kg/day) were administered to eight-months-old rats for 28 days or to castrated males for 7 days (Hershberger assay). In the experiment with intact animals, 24h fecal samples were collected for quantification of fecal metabolites of androgens throughout treatment. At the end of the treatment period, animals were euthanized for evaluation of serum testosterone, reproductive organ weights, number of spermatids per testis, diameter of seminiferous tubules and cross-sectional area of soleus muscle fibers. In the Hershberber assay, androgenic or anti-androgenic effects were evaluated by the weights of androgen-dependent tissues: ventral prostate, seminal vesicle, glans penis and levator ani muscle/bulbocavernosus muscle. RESULTS: No effects were observed in the concentrations of fecal metabolites of androgens monitored during the treatment of intact eight-months-old rats. Moreover, at the end of treatment, no changes were seen in any of the investigated parameters. In the Hershberger assay, the PG extract did not induce androgenic or anti-androgenic effects at the dose levels tested. Significant effects were only observed in animals treated with testosterone and testosterone plus flutamide, which were used as positive controls for androgenicity and anti-androgenicity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At the dose levels tested, PG extract does not induce anabolic-androgenic or anti-androgenic effects in rats.

Quantification of β-ecdysone in differents parts of Pfaffia glomerata by HPLC

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, Amaranthaceae, is widely distributed in Brazil. Roots are considered as the world's greatest supplier and β-ecdysone is the most important compound extracted from roots of Pfaffia glomerata. So, the aim this study was analyze the presence of β-ecdysone in the inflorescences and stems and compared with the content from roots of Pfaffia glomerata and determine the best extractive method of β-ecdysone this plant. The crude extracts were obtained by Soxhlet method, reflux, maceration, percolation and turbolyse. Compound extracts were quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The analysis were carried out a Phenomenex Column C18, 5 µm, 250x4,6mm, maintened at 30 ºC, gradient system using as mobile phase a mixture of methanol and water, flow rate 1,0 mL and detection at 245 nm. Results showed Soxhlet method with ethanol:water (90:10 v/v) presented the higher concentration of β-ecdysone in P. glomerata and inflorescences showed higher amount of this active substance (3,06%), compared with stems (2,37%) and roots (1,63%), showing that the inflorescences and plant stems may also be used as a rich source of β-ecdysone.

Anatomia foliar, morfologia e aspectos ecológicos das espécies da família Amaranthaceae da Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Cara Preta, em Alto Paraíso, GO, Brasil / Leaf anatomy, morphology and ecological aspects of Amaranthaceae species from Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Cara Preta, in Alto Paraíso, GO, Brazil

A família Amaranthaceae é formada por cerca de 2.360 espécies, 145 delas encontradas no Brasil. Cerca de 94 espécies da família subsistem em diversas fitofisionomias do Bioma Cerrado e 27 espécies aparecem em listas regionais de espécies ameaçadas de extinção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi inventariar e estudar a anatomia foliar e a morfologia de espécies da família Amaranthaceae de uma Unidade de Conservação de Alto Paraíso, GO, relacionando-as ao metabolismo fotossintético. Foram localizadas uma espécie de hábito subarbustivo (Pfaffia townsendii) e cinco espécies herbáceas (Froelichiella grisea, Gomphrena hermogenesii, G. lanigera, G. prostrata e P. gnaphalioides), a maioria demonstrando comportamento pirofítico e anemocoria, bem como sistemas subterrâneos bem desenvolvidos associados com anfiestomia foliar. A anatomia Kranz foi caracterizada em três espécies (todas do gênero Gomphrena), indicando o metabolismo fotossintético C4. Duas espécies são endêmicas da área e duas espécies são consideradas ameaçadas de extinção. Aspectos de anatomia e morfologia são discutidos em relação ao hábito das espécies, comportamento ecológico, duração das porções aéreas e significado funcional. Os dados demonstram a importância da família como indicadora da biodiversidade das áreas abertas dos cerrados e da importância da ampliação das pesquisas na Chapada dos Veadeiros, que tem potencial para o registro de novas espécies, inclusive endêmicas, dado o comportamento sazonal de algumas dicotiledôneas herbáceas e as dificuldades para localizá-las, identificá-las e coletá-las.

The Amaranthaceae family is composed of 2,360 species of which 145 are found in Brazilian vegetation. About 94 species of this family subsist in different phytofisionomies of the Cerrado Biome (a savanna-like vegetation) and 27 species are cited in Brazilian regional lists of endangered species. This work aimed to inventory and to study the leaf anatomy and morphology of the Amaranthaceae species found in one Conservation Area in Alto Paraíso, GO, relating them to the species' photosynthetic metabolism. It was found one subshrub species (Pfaffia townsendii) and five herbaceous species (Froelichiella grisea, Gomphrena hermogenesii, G. lanigera, G. prostrata and P. gnaphalioides), most of them showing pirophytic and anemocoric behavior and well developed subterraneous systems associated with leaf amphistomy. The Kranz anatomy was verified in three species (all Gomphrena genus), which indicates the C4 pathway of photosynthesis. Two species are endemic of the area (Chapada dos Veadeiros) and two are considered endangered species. The anatomy and morphology aspects are discussed in relation to the species habit, ecological behavior, life span of the aerial organs and functional data. The results indicate the Amaranthaceae importance as biodiversity indicator of open vegetation areas of Cerrado and the necessity of further research in Chapada dos Veadeiros, which has the potential to register new plant species, including endemic ones, since this work displays the seasonal behavior of some dicotyledonean herbaceous species and the difficulties to locate, identify and collect them.

Inhibition of ascitic ehrlich tumor cell growth by intraperitoneal injection of Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) butanolic residue

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the administration of butanolic residue (BR) of Pfaffia paniculata by intraperitoneal route to Ehrlich ascitis tumor bearing mice. Initially, a toxicity study of P. paniculata BR was performed in which doses of 12.5; 25 and 50mg/Kg were administered by intraperitoneal injection for seven days to Swiss mice. The treatment did not show toxicity. Then, Swiss male mice received, by intraperitoneal injection, once a day, 12.5; 25 or 50mg/Kg of P. paniculata BR for seven days. This protocol started in the same day of tumor inoculation with 5X10(6) cells i.p. The treatment with butanolic residue of P.paniculata i.p caused a significant increase in the ascitic volume; however, a significant decrease in tumor cells number per ml (p<0.05) was observed in P. paniculata treated mice that was followed by a numerical (although non-significant) decrease in the total numbers of tumor cells in the collected ascitic fluid. These results indicated a tumor cell inhibitory effect by P. paniculata butanolic residue in this experimental system, and indicate that topical application of this residue can be useful to control the cancer growth.

Neste estudo, foi avaliado o efeito do tratamento intraperitoneal com Resíduo Butanólico de Pfaffia paniculata, sobre o crescimento do Tumor de Ehrlich, forma ascítica. Foram utilizados dois grupos de 15 camundongos cada, sendo um grupo controle e o outro grupo tratado com RB 50mg/Kg. Todos os animais foram inoculados intraperitonealmente, com 5X10(6) células tumorais O tratamento iniciou-se no mesmo dia da inoculação do tumor. Assim, os animais receberam diariamente, por via intraperitoneal, 0,1 ml de RB na concentrações 50 mg/Kg, ou PBS como controle. Após 7 dias da inoculação do tumor, os animais foram eutanasiados e foi colhido o fluído ascítico total, para a contagem do número de células tumorais presentes neste fluído e estudo da morfologia destas células . Neste experimento observou-se aumento significante da quantidade de fluido ascítico nos animais tratados com RB, e diminuição significativa em relação ao número de células tumorais/ml e células tumorais totais, presentes no fluído ascítico, comparativamente com os animais controle. Estes resultados sugerem efeito inibitório tópico do RB levando à morte as células neoplásicas.

Extração de ecdisterona em raízes de ginseng brasileiro / Extraction of ecdysterone from roots of Brazilian ginseng

Este estudo teve como objetivo otimizar a extração de ecdisterona em raízes de ginseng brasileiro. Primeiramente, para se avaliar a eficiência do solvente extrator, amostras de raízes dois acessos (BRA e JB-UFSM) de P. glomerata foram extraídas em Soxhlet com metanol e clorofórmio, separadamente, durante 4 horas. No segundo ensaio, com o intuito de se escolher o método extrator, a extração foi conduzida em Soxhlet e em ultrassom, utilizando metanol como solvente. Em P. tuberosa, as amostras foram extraídas com metanol, e a extração foi conduzida em Soxhlet e em banho ultrasônico. O conteúdo de ecdisterona foi determinado em Cromatógrafo Líquido de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Em ambas as espécies, um maior conteúdo de ecdisterona foi detectado nas amostras extraídas com metanol e em Soxhlet. A metodologia proposta mostrou-se eficaz para a quantificação da ecdisterona a partir das raízes de P. glomerata e P. tuberosa, podendo ser aplicada no controle de qualidade de drogas vegetais e/ou fitoterápicos.

This study aimed at optimizing the extraction method from ecdysterone of Brazilian ginseng. Root samples of two accessions (BRA and JB-UFSM) of P. glomerata were extracted in a Soxhlet with methanol or chloroform for 4h. In the second trial, the extration was conduced in a Soxhlet or ultrasonic using metanol as a solvent. In P. tuberosa, the roots samples were extracted with methanol in a Soxhlet or in ultrasonic. The ecdysterone content was determinated using high efficiency liquid chromatography methods. In both studied species, the highest ecdisterone content was detected from samples extracted in a Soxhlet and using methanol as a solvent. This extration method has been successfully applied for determination of ecdysterone content from roots of Brazilian ginseng, and could be useful for the quality control of drugs and pharmaceutical formulations.

Extração de ecdisterona em raízes de ginseng brasileiro

This study aimed at optimizing the extraction method from ecdysterone of Brazilian ginseng. Root samples of two accessions (BRA and JB-UFSM) of P. glomerata were extracted in a Soxhlet with methanol or chloroform for 4h. In the second trial, the extration was conduced in a Soxhlet or ultrasonic using metanol as a solvent. In P. tuberosa, the roots samples were extracted with methanol in a Soxhlet or in ultrasonic. The ecdysterone content was determinated using high efficiency liquid chromatography methods. In both studied species, the highest ecdisterone content was detected from samples extracted in a Soxhlet and using methanol as a solvent. This extration method has been successfully applied for determination of ecdysterone content from roots of Brazilian ginseng, and could be useful for the quality control of drugs and pharmaceutical formulations.

Este estudo teve como objetivo otimizar a extração de ecdisterona em raízes de ginseng brasileiro. Primeiramente, para se avaliar a eficiência do solvente extrator, amostras de raízes dois acessos (BRA e JB-UFSM) de P. glomerata foram extraídas em Soxhlet com metanol e clorofórmio, separadamente, durante 4 horas. No segundo ensaio, com o intuito de se escolher o método extrator, a extração foi conduzida em Soxhlet e em ultrassom, utilizando metanol como solvente. Em P. tuberosa, as amostras foram extraídas com metanol, e a extração foi conduzida em Soxhlet e em banho ultrasônico. O conteúdo de ecdisterona foi determinado em Cromatógrafo Líquido de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Em ambas as espécies, um maior conteúdo de ecdisterona foi detectado nas amostras extraídas com metanol e em Soxhlet. A metodologia proposta mostrou-se eficaz para a quantificação da ecdisterona a partir das raízes de P. glomerata e P. tuberosa, podendo ser aplicada no controle de qualidade de drogas vegetais e/ou fitoterápicos.

Extração de ecdisterona em raízes de ginseng brasileiro

This study aimed at optimizing the extraction method from ecdysterone of Brazilian ginseng. Root samples of two accessions (BRA and JB-UFSM) of P. glomerata were extracted in a Soxhlet with methanol or chloroform for 4h. In the second trial, the extration was conduced in a Soxhlet or ultrasonic using metanol as a solvent. In P. tuberosa, the roots samples were extracted with methanol in a Soxhlet or in ultrasonic. The ecdysterone content was determinated using high efficiency liquid chromatography methods. In both studied species, the highest ecdisterone content was detected from samples extracted in a Soxhlet and using methanol as a solvent. This extration method has been successfully applied for determination of ecdysterone content from roots of Brazilian ginseng, and could be useful for the quality control of drugs and pharmaceutical formulations.

Este estudo teve como objetivo otimizar a extração de ecdisterona em raízes de ginseng brasileiro. Primeiramente, para se avaliar a eficiência do solvente extrator, amostras de raízes dois acessos (BRA e JB-UFSM) de P. glomerata foram extraídas em Soxhlet com metanol e clorofórmio, separadamente, durante 4 horas. No segundo ensaio, com o intuito de se escolher o método extrator, a extração foi conduzida em Soxhlet e em ultrassom, utilizando metanol como solvente. Em P. tuberosa, as amostras foram extraídas com metanol, e a extração foi conduzida em Soxhlet e em banho ultrasônico. O conteúdo de ecdisterona foi determinado em Cromatógrafo Líquido de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Em ambas as espécies, um maior conteúdo de ecdisterona foi detectado nas amostras extraídas com metanol e em Soxhlet. A metodologia proposta mostrou-se eficaz para a quantificação da ecdisterona a partir das raízes de P. glomerata e P. tuberosa, podendo ser aplicada no controle de qualidade de drogas vegetais e/ou fitoterápicos.