Acute toxicity and genotoxicity of Schinus molle L. aqueous extract/ethanol-soluble fraction in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Schinus molle L. is a medicinal species belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is commonly referred to as "aroeira" and its leaves and roots are utilized for treating different pathological conditions. However, despite its widespread use in traditional medicine, there is a lack of in-depth toxicological studies. AIM: To evaluate the acute toxicity and genotoxicity of S. molle aqueous extract/ethanol-soluble fraction in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: First, a purified aqueous extract was obtained from the leaves of S. mole through infusion (referred to as EESM) and its compounds were identified using LC-DAD-MS data. Female rats were then subjected to acute oral toxicity tests using doses of 5, 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg of ESSM. Studies on genetic material, including the micronucleus test and comet assay, were conducted on male and female Wistar rats using the same doses as in the acute toxicity test. For both assays, ESSM was administered orally. RESULTS: The main metabolites annotated from ESSM were dimeric proanthocyanidins, phenylpropanoids acids, flavan-3-ols, simple organic acids (C6-C1), a flavonol di-O-glycosylated (rutin), and O-glycosylated megastigmane. The ESSM did not exhibit any acute toxic effects, such as changes in biochemical, hematologic, or histopathological analysis. Furthermore, no changes were observed in comet assay or micronucleus tests when rats were given doses of 5, 50, 300, or 2000 mg/kg of ESSM. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the ESSM does not induce acute toxicity or exhibit genotoxicity up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg.

In Vitro Evaluation of Potentially Edible Brazilian Trees and Shrubs in Ruminant Nutrition.

The present study aims to evaluate the nutritional value of different tree and shrub leaves in Brazilian ruminant production systems. Eight potentially edible trees and shrubs were identified from interviews with 30 ruminant producers: Aroeira (ARO; Lithraea molleoides), Black Mulberry (BMU; Morus nigra), Candeia (CAN; Eremanthus erythropappus), Jatobá (JAT; Hymenaea courbaril), Gliricídia (GLI; Gliricidia sepium), Santa Bárbara tree (SBT; Mélia azedarach), Tithonia (TIT; Tithonia diversifolia), and White Mulberry (WMU; Morus alba). Four leaf samples of each edible tree were sampled, and chemical analyses and in vitro assays were performed. Edible trees (except CAN and JAT) had lower neutral detergent fiber content than Mombasa grass. In addition, SBT, BMU, WMU, and TIT had lower fiber content than the other evaluated edible trees. Consequently, SBT, TIT, BMU, and WMU had improved dry matter degradation. Among the edible trees and shrubs, SMW and WMU increased the potential for gas production (a parameter). On the other hand, CAN decreased the estimated gas production 48 h after incubation. Furthermore, TIT decreased methane production up to 24 h after in vitro fermentation. Thus, except ARO, CAN, and JAT, the edible trees evaluated in the present study are potential feeds in moderate- to high-producing animals. Additionally, TIT fermentation reduces in vitro methane production.

Evaluation of the skin whitening and antioxidant activity of Myracrodruon urundeuva extract (aroeira-do-sertão).

Myracrodruon urundeuva, popularly known as 'aroeira-do-sertão', a large tree, with a tall trunk. Belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, it occurs in the 'caatinga' and dry forests of Brazil, from Ceará to the states of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul. The present study aimed to analyse the whitening and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Myracrodruon urundeuva (AELMU). Inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme, as well as its copper chelating capacity and antioxidant effect were evaluated. The AELMU (at 2000 µg/mL) showed excellent inhibitory action (83.76%) on tyrosinase by chelating the copper ion while kojic acid at the same concentration inhibited 97.81%. Moreover, the extract displayed important antioxidant activity (inhibited 76,46% of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical - DPPH; 49,59% of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and 51,07% of the hydroxyl radical). Thus, the extract under study is promising for use in cosmetics, given its multifactorial action.

Profile of Myracrodruon urundeuva Volatile Compounds Ease of Extraction and Biodegradability and In Silico Evaluation of Their Interactions with COX-1 and iNOS.

Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. Allem. (Anacardiaceae) is a tree popularly known as the "aroeira-do-sertão", native to the caatinga and cerrado biomes, with a natural dispersion ranging from the Northeast, Midwest, to Southeast Brazil. Its wood is highly valued and overexploited, due to its characteristics such as durability and resistance to decaying. The diversity of chemical constituents in aroeira seed has shown biological properties against microorganisms and helminths. As such, this work aimed to identify the profile of volatile compounds present in aroeira seeds. Headspace solid phase microextraction was employed (HS-SPME) using semi-polar polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene fiber (PDMS/DVB) for the extraction of VOCs. 22 volatile organic compounds were identified: nine monoterpenes and eight sesquiterpenes, in addition to six compounds belonging to different chemical classes such as fatty acids, terpenoids, salicylates and others. Those that stood out were p-mentha-1,4, 4(8)-diene, 3-carene (found in all samples), caryophyllene and cis-geranylacetone. A virtual docking analysis suggested that around 65% of the VOCs molar content from the aroeiras seeds present moderate a strong ability to bind to cyclooxygenase I (COX-I) active site, oxide nitric synthase (iNOS) active site (iNOSas) or to iNOS cofactor site (iNOScs), corroborating an anti-inflamatory potential. A pharmacophoric descriptor analysis allowed to infer the more determinant characteristics of these compounds' conferring affinity to each site. Taken together, our results illustrate the high applicability for the integrated use of SPME, in silico virtual screening and chemoinformatics tools at the profiling of the biotechnological and pharmaceutical potential of natural sources.

Seed germination of Astronium urundeuva (M. Allemão) Engl. and Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell) Brenan in different substrates / Germinação de sementes de Astronium urundeuva (M. Allemão) Engl. e Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell) Brenan em diferentes substratos

The present study evaluated the effect of different substrates on the germination and initial development of Astronium urundeuva and Anadenanthera colubrina. The substrates were: washed sand, vegetable soil, and vermiculite for A. urundeuva experiment; washed sand and vermiculite for A. colubrine experiment. The following variables were analyzed: percentage of emergence, emergence speed index, average emergence time, average emergence speed, synchronization index, first emergency count, and the relative frequency of emergence. For initial development, shoot and root length, number of leaves, and shoot, root and total dry mass were evaluated. The highest percentages of emergence for A. urundeuva (52%) and for A. colubrine (50.5%) were observed in vermiculite substrate. The use of vermiculite as substrate favored germination and initial development of A. urundeuva and A. colubrina.

O presente estudo avaliou o efeito de diferentes substratos na germinação e no desenvolvimento inicial de Astronium urundeuva e Anadenanthera colubrina. Foram testados os substratos areia lavada, terra vegetal e vermiculita na germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de A. urundeuva e areia lavada e vermiculita na germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de A. colubrina. As seguintes variáveis foram analisadas: porcentagem de emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, tempo médio de emergência, velocidade média de emergência, índice de sincronização, primeira contagem de emergência e a frequência relativa de emergência. Para o desenvolvimento inicial foram avaliados o comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz, o número de folhas e as massas secas da parte aérea, raízes e total. As maiores porcentagens de emergência para A. urundeuva (52%) e para A. colubrina(50,5%) foram observadas em substrato vermiculita. A utilização de vermiculita como substrato favoreceu a germinação e o desenvolvimento inicial de A. urundeuva e A. colubrina.

Detection of adulterations in a valuable Brazilian honey by using spectrofluorimetry and multiway classification.

Spectrofluorimetry combined with multiway chemometric tools were applied to discriminate pure Aroeira honey samples from samples adulterated with corn syrup, sugar cane molasses and polyfloral honey. Excitation emission spectra were acquired for 232 honey samples by recording excitation from 250 to 500 nm and emission from 270 to 640 nm. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), unfolded PLS-DA (UPLS-DA) and multilinear PLS-DA (NPLS-DA) methods were used to decompose the spectral data and build classification models. PLS-DA models presented poor classification rates, demonstrating the limitation of the traditional two-way methods for this dataset, and leading to the development of three-way classification models. Overall, UPLS-DA provided the best classification results with misclassification rates of 4% and 8% for the training and test sets, respectively. These results showed the potential of the proposed method for routine laboratory analysis as a simple, reliable, and affordable tool.

Antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity, calcium ion release, and pH variation of a calcium hydroxide-based paste associated with Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão extract.

The extract of Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (aroeira), as a vehicle, associated with calcium hydroxide (CH) paste was evaluated based on cell viability, antimicrobial action, calcium ion release, and pH variation. Calcium hydroxide with propylene glycol was used as control. The pH variation was measured at 3, 24, 72, 168, 140, 360, and 720 h and calcium ion release was measured on days 7, 15, and 30. Cell viability was assessed with NIH/3T3 cells using MTT and crystal violet assays, after 24, 48, and 72 h. Antibacterial activity was determined by the disc diffusion method, while microbial reduction (Enterococcus faecalis) was evaluated using the time-kill test. The CH paste formulated with aroeira showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and further did not interfere with pH, calcium ion release, or cell viability; moreover, the formulation had antimicrobial activity and could serve as a vehicle for CH paste.

Composição química dos óleos essenciais de Schinus molle e atividade antifúngica em Sclerotinia sclerotiorum / Chemical composition from Schinus molle essential oils and antifungal acitivity over Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Schinus molle é popularmente conhecida por aroeira-salsa, apresentando aroma nas folhas e galhos. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a composição química dos óleos essenciais dos galhos e folhas e a atividade antifúngica frente à Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (mofo-branco). Os galhos e folhas foram coletados e processados para extração dos óleos essenciais por hidrodestilação em aparelho de Clevenger. Os rendimentos de extrações dos óleos essenciais, e seus perfis químicos foram avaliados por CG-MS. A atividade antifúngica foi determinada utilizando diferentes concentrações de ambos os óleos essenciais. Como resultados, os rendimentos foram de 0,21 e 0,37%, com cerca de 16 e 21 compostos identificados para os óleos essenciais dos galhos e folhas respectivamente. Os compostos majoritários foram -cadieno 21,77%, Viridifloral 21,74, copaeno 12,9% e cariofileno 9,99% para o óleo essencial dos galhos, e para o óleo essencial das folhas, destacaram-se os compostos -pineno 14,77%, germacreno D 9,00% e germacreno B 6,25%. A atividade antifúngica apresentou inibição micelial em S. sclerotiorum em todas as concentrações avaliadas, em especial para 100 µL-1 onde apresentaram inibição de 86,4 e 81,3% e para a concentração de 50 µL-1 de 41,2 e 50,3% para galhos e folhas respectivamente. Os óleos essenciais de S. molle apresentaram bons rendimentos de extração, bem como ricos em compostos...(AU)

Schinus molle is popularly known as aroeira-salsa, presenting aroma in the leaves and branches. The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oils of the branches and leaves and the antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (mofo branco). The branches and leaves were collected and processed for extraction of the essential oils by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The yields of extractions of the essential oils, and their chemical profiles were evaluated by GC-MS. The antifungal activity was determined using different concentrations of both essential oils. As results, yields were 0.21 and 0.37%, with about 16 and 21 compounds identified for the essential oils of the branches and leaves respectively. The major compounds were -cadiene 21.77%, Viridiflorol 21.74, copaene 12.9% and caryophyllene 9.99% for the essential oil of the branches, and the essential oil of the leaves, the -pinene 14.77%, germacrene D 9.00% and germacrene B 6.25%. The antifungal activity showed mycelial inhibition in S. sclerotiorum at all concentrations evaluated, especially for 100 L-1 where they showed inhibition of 86.4 and 81.3% and for the 50 L-1 concentration of 41.2 and 50.3% for branches and leaves respectively. The essential oils of S. molle presented good extraction yields, as well as rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes compounds, and...(AU)

Composição química dos óleos essenciais de Schinus molle e atividade antifúngica em Sclerotinia sclerotiorum / Chemical composition from Schinus molle essential oils and antifungal acitivity over Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Schinus molle é popularmente conhecida por aroeira-salsa, apresentando aroma nas folhas e galhos. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a composição química dos óleos essenciais dos galhos e folhas e a atividade antifúngica frente à Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (mofo-branco). Os galhos e folhas foram coletados e processados para extração dos óleos essenciais por hidrodestilação em aparelho de Clevenger. Os rendimentos de extrações dos óleos essenciais, e seus perfis químicos foram avaliados por CG-MS. A atividade antifúngica foi determinada utilizando diferentes concentrações de ambos os óleos essenciais. Como resultados, os rendimentos foram de 0,21 e 0,37%, com cerca de 16 e 21 compostos identificados para os óleos essenciais dos galhos e folhas respectivamente. Os compostos majoritários foram -cadieno 21,77%, Viridifloral 21,74, copaeno 12,9% e cariofileno 9,99% para o óleo essencial dos galhos, e para o óleo essencial das folhas, destacaram-se os compostos -pineno 14,77%, germacreno D 9,00% e germacreno B 6,25%. A atividade antifúngica apresentou inibição micelial em S. sclerotiorum em todas as concentrações avaliadas, em especial para 100 µL-1 onde apresentaram inibição de 86,4 e 81,3% e para a concentração de 50 µL-1 de 41,2 e 50,3% para galhos e folhas respectivamente. Os óleos essenciais de S. molle apresentaram bons rendimentos de extração, bem como ricos em compostos...

Schinus molle is popularly known as aroeira-salsa, presenting aroma in the leaves and branches. The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oils of the branches and leaves and the antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (mofo branco). The branches and leaves were collected and processed for extraction of the essential oils by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The yields of extractions of the essential oils, and their chemical profiles were evaluated by GC-MS. The antifungal activity was determined using different concentrations of both essential oils. As results, yields were 0.21 and 0.37%, with about 16 and 21 compounds identified for the essential oils of the branches and leaves respectively. The major compounds were -cadiene 21.77%, Viridiflorol 21.74, copaene 12.9% and caryophyllene 9.99% for the essential oil of the branches, and the essential oil of the leaves, the -pinene 14.77%, germacrene D 9.00% and germacrene B 6.25%. The antifungal activity showed mycelial inhibition in S. sclerotiorum at all concentrations evaluated, especially for 100 L-1 where they showed inhibition of 86.4 and 81.3% and for the 50 L-1 concentration of 41.2 and 50.3% for branches and leaves respectively. The essential oils of S. molle presented good extraction yields, as well as rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes compounds, and...

Aroeira fruit (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) as a natural antioxidant: Chemical constituents, bioactive compounds and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity.

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi fruit, known as Brazilian pepper or aroeira, is a natural source of bioactive compounds. However, studies about the antioxidant and nutritional contribution of this fruit in food systems are limited. Regarding the presence of bioactive compounds, flavonoids showed the highest level (10.33 ± 0.34 mg QE/g), and potential antioxidant components such biflavonoids were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The aroeira fruit extract showed antioxidant potential in DPPH (42.68 ± 0.05%), ORAC (43.40 ± 6.22 µM TE/g) and ß- carotene/linoleic acid (61.41 ± 5.30%) assays. Besides that, in vivo analyses demonstrated the ability of aroeira extracts to decrease the damage caused by oxidative stress promoted by H2O2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Thus, the presence of phytochemicals with functional properties and the antioxidant capacity of aroeira fruit indicate its use as a potential natural antioxidant for the food industry.

Genotoxic Assessment of the Dry Decoction of Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Anacardiaceae) Leaves in Somatic Cells of Drosophila melanogaster by the Comet and SMART Assays.

Medicinal plants are worldwide used as an efficient treatment of many diseases. Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Anacardiaceae) is widely used Brazilian folk medicine to treat inflammations and infections of the female genital tract, conditions of the stomach and throat, and to heal wounds on the skin and mucous membranes. Several pharmacological properties of extracts and compounds isolated from M. urundeuva are found in the literature, corroborating its uses as antiulcer and gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, as well as antimicrobial. Despite these many uses in traditional herbal medicine, there are few reports of its toxic-genetic effect. This work aimed to investigate the genotoxic and mutagenic potential in vivo of the dry decoction of M. urundeuva leaves on somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster, through the Comet assay and somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). Six concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 mg/mL) were studied after feeding individuals for 24 hr in culture medium hydrated with extracts of M. urundeuva. In the Comet assay, all concentrations showed a genotoxic effect significantly higher than the negative control group, treated with distilled water. The two highest concentrations were also superior to the positive control group, treated with cyclophosphamide (1 mg/mL). In the SMART, there was a mutagenic effect at all concentrations tested, with a clear dose-dependent relationship. Both recombination and mutation account for these mutagenic effects. The set of results indicate that the dry decoction of M. urundeuva leaves is genotoxic and mutagenic for D. melanogaster under the experimental conditions of this study. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:329-337, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Efeito do Schinus terebinthifolius na inibição de crescimento bacteriano e quebra de biofilme in vitro: resultados preliminares / (Effect of Schinus terebinthifolius inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm breakdown in vitro: Preliminary Results

Endometritis is considered as one of the main causes of subfertility and infertility in mares, having a great economic impact on equine industry. Chronic uterine infections resistant to antimicrobial agents can be causedd ue to the production of biofilm. Phytoterapy products provide a great potential for the production of new drugs due to their structural diversity. Schinus terebinthifolius, is a plant with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. In clinical studies, its therapeutic action has been proven in cervicitis and chronic cervical-vaginitis in women. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate in vitro the growth in clinical bacterial isolates, production of biofilm and its breakdown against different concentrations of a medication based on Schinus terebinthifolius (Kronel®). As a result, a numeric reduction in bacterial growth was observed, as well as a partial break in the biofilm directly proportional to the concentration of Schinus terebinthifolius used. Different activities were also found according to bacteria tested. Despite being preliminary data, it was possible to observe a positive action both in the inhibition of growth and in the partial breakdown of a natural commercial product obtained from Schinus terebinthifolius in the bacterial treatment in vitro.(AU)

Efeito do Schinus terebinthifolius na inibição de crescimento bacteriano e quebra de biofilme in vitro: resultados preliminares / (Effect of Schinus terebinthifolius inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm breakdown in vitro: Preliminary Results

Endometritis is considered as one of the main causes of subfertility and infertility in mares, having a great economic impact on equine industry. Chronic uterine infections resistant to antimicrobial agents can be causedd ue to the production of biofilm. Phytoterapy products provide a great potential for the production of new drugs due to their structural diversity. Schinus terebinthifolius, is a plant with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. In clinical studies, its therapeutic action has been proven in cervicitis and chronic cervical-vaginitis in women. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate in vitro the growth in clinical bacterial isolates, production of biofilm and its breakdown against different concentrations of a medication based on Schinus terebinthifolius (Kronel®). As a result, a numeric reduction in bacterial growth was observed, as well as a partial break in the biofilm directly proportional to the concentration of Schinus terebinthifolius used. Different activities were also found according to bacteria tested. Despite being preliminary data, it was possible to observe a positive action both in the inhibition of growth and in the partial breakdown of a natural commercial product obtained from Schinus terebinthifolius in the bacterial treatment in vitro.

Caracterização de biossólido e potencial de uso na produção de mudas de Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi / Characterization of biosolids and potential use in the production of seedlings of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar técnica, química e biologicamente o biossólido proveniente da estação de tratamento de esgoto (ETE) de Alegria, Rio de Janeiro, e inferir sobre sua aptidão como componente do substrato para produção de mudas de Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (aroeira pimenteira). Foram coletadas amostras significativas do biossólido, submetidas às análises química e biológica em um laboratório especializado, atendendo às especificações da legislação vigente (Resolução CONAMA nº 375/2006). No viveiro, foram testadas quatro diferentes formulações de substrato, compostas de diferentes proporções volumétricas de substrato comercial (SC) e biossólido (BIO), consistindo nos seguintes tratamentos: T1 (100% SC + 0% BIO); T2 (75% SC + 25% BIO); T3 (50% SC + 50% BIO); e T4 (0% SC + 100% BIO). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 4 tratamentos, 4 repetições de 18 mudas. O biossólido atendeu às especificações da legislação quanto à sua composição. Aos 120 dias após a semeadura foram mensuradas a altura da parte aérea e o diâmetro do coleto, observando que o crescimento das mudas foi diretamente proporcional à concentração de biossólido no substrato. O biossólido da ETE Alegria atende à legislação de uso agrícola e mostrou ser viável tecnicamente para a produção de mudas de aroeira pimenteira.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to technically, chemically and biologically characterize the biosolids from the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) of Alegria, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and infer about their aptitude as a substrate component for the seedlings production of Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth.) Brenan. Significant samples of biosolid were collected and submitted to chemical and biological analysis in a specialized laboratory, according to the specifications of the current Brazilian law (CONAMA Resolution nº 375/2006). In the forest nursery, four different formulations of substrate, composed by different volumetric proportions of commercial substrate (CS) and biosolids (BIO) were tested, consisting of the following treatments: T1 (100% SC + 0% BIO); T2: (75% SC + 25% BIO); T3: (50% SC + 50% BIO); e T4: (0% SC + 100% BIO). The experimental design was CRD, each of the four treatments having four replications of eighteen seedlings. The biosolid met the legal specifications concerning its composition. Fifty days after sowing, shoot height and stem diameter were measured. It was observed, for both characteristics, that seedling growth was directly proportional to the concentration of sewage sludge in the substrate. Finally, the Alegria ETE's biosolid attends the legislation and shows a technically viable alternative for the production of angico vermelho seedlings.

Schinus molle: anatomy of leaves and stems, chemical composition and insecticidal activities of volatile oil against bed bug (Cimex lectularius)

Abstract The present work investigates the leaf and stem anatomy, chemical composition and insecticidal activities (against Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, 1758) of the volatile oils of Schinus molle L., Anacardiaceae, a Brazilian native traditional medicinal plant. Noteworthy micro-morphological features that can help in the identification and quality control of the species include the presence of isobilateral and amphistomatic leaves, anomocytic and cyclocytic stomata, capitate glandular and conical non-glandular trichomes, large secretory ducts in the midrib, presence of druses and prismatic crystals, and the petiole vascular system comprising of five vascular bundles arranged in U-shape and an additional dorsal bundle. The major components of the volatile oil include β-pinene (14.7%), α-pinene (14.1%), limonene (9.4%) and muurolol (11.8%). Insecticidal activities of the volatile oil against bed bugs were investigated for the first time; strong toxicity by fumigation with the volatile oil of S. molle was observed and reported herein.

Alleviation of iron toxicity in Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) by humic substances.

One of the industrial pillars of Espírito Santo state, South East of Brazil, is iron-mining products processing. This activity brings to a high level of coastal pollution due to deposition of iron particulate on fragile ecosystems as mangroves and restinga. Schinus therebinthifolius (aroeira) is a widespread restinga species. This work tested iron toxicity alleviation by vermicompost humic substances (HS) added to aroeira seedlings in hydroponic conditions. Catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase are antioxidant enzymes that work as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers: they increase their activity as an answer to ROS concentration rise that is the consequence of metal accumulation or humic substance stimulation. S. terebinthifolius seedlings treated with HS and Fe augmented their antioxidant enzyme activities significantly less than seedlings treated separately with HS and Fe; their significantly lower Fe accumulation and the slight increase of root and leaf area confirm the biostimulating effect of HS and their role in blocking Fe excess outside the roots. The use of HS can be useful for the recovery of areas contaminated by heavy metals.

Development of microsatellite markers for Myracrodruon urundeuva (F.F. & M.F. Allemão), a highly endangered species from tropical forest based on next-generation sequencing.

Myracrodruon urundeuva is a tree species of high economic importance due the strength and durability of its wood. Threatened of extinction in Brazil, it is present only in a few forest remnants, mostly in conservation units. Currently, there is little information on the genetic diversity of natural populations in Brazil and even less information about the genome of this species. Here, new species-specific microsatellite loci were developed based on next-generation sequencing (Illumina). More than 100,000 loci were identified in the run, with di- to hexanucleotides motifs. Of these, 20 loci were selected for validation in 30 individuals, with 15 successfully polymorphic loci detected. The number of alleles ranged among loci from 3 to 16, with an average of 7.73, expected (H e ) and observed (H o ) heterozygosity ranged from 0.246 to 0.902 and from 0.103 to 0.867, respectively. These results point out that these new set of markers has a great potential for use in population genetic studies for genetic conservation of the species.

Morphoanatomy of Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. seedlings submitted to different levels of water in the soil / Morfoanatomia de plântulas de Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. submetidas a diferentes níveis de água

Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. is a medicinal plant of the Caatinga biome, in brazilian northeast. This region is characterized by prolonged dry periods but little is known about the plants mechanisms to tolerate low water availability during their initial phase of growth and establishment seedling. The objective of this project was to evaluate morphological and anatomic characteristics of M. urundeuva seedlings submitted to different water levels in the soil. In a first experiment, the diaspores were sown in trays containing soil taken from the place of occurrence of the species. The substratum was moistened with water to reach 10 to 60% of the soil water retention capacity, with 5% intervals. In a second experiment, the diaspores were sown in the substratum kept at 60% of its water retention capacity for 15 days for the total seedling emergence since this is the most favorable condition for the species as identified during the first phase of this experiment. After that period, plant watering was suspended and the seedling kept in substrata at 60, 30, 25, 20, 15, and 10% of their water holding capacity for an additional period of 10 days, both experiments performed in protected environment. The increasing reduction in water availability led to a reduction in the number of leaves, the leaf area and leaflet thickness, the number of stomata in the leaf and in the cotyledon, the root length and the diameter of the central root. Characteristics such as the stem length, length, width and thickness of the cotyledon were not modified by the hydric stress.

Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. é uma espécie medicinal da Caatinga. Este bioma apresenta períodos de grande seca, mas pouco se sabe sobre os mecanismos de tolerância destas plantas à falta de água no início do seu desenvolvimento e estabelecimento da plântula. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características morfoanatômicas de plântulas M. urundeuva submetidas a diferentes níveis de água no solo. Em um primeiro experimento, os diásporos foram semeados em terra coletada no local de ocorrência da espécie, em bandejas. O substrato foi umedecido com água em condições de 10 a 60% da capacidade de retenção, com intervalos de 5%. Num segundo experimento, os diásporos foram semeados no substrato mantido umedecido a 60% da capacidade de retenção de água por 15 dias, para a total emergência das plântulas, por ser esta a condição mais favorável à espécie identificada na primeira etapa do trabalho. Após este período, as regas foram interrompidas e as mudas foram mantidas em substrato umedecido com 60; 30; 25; 20; 15 e 10% de capacidade de retenção por mais 10 dias, ambos experimentos realizados em ambiente protegidos. Concluiu-se que redução progressiva da água disponível no solo fez diminuir o número de folhas; área foliar e espessura do folíolo; o número de estômatos da folha e no cotilédone, o comprimento da raiz e o diâmetro do cilindro central da raiz de M. urundeuva. Características como comprimento de caule, comprimento, largura e espessura do cotilédone não foram modificadas pela condição de estresse hídrico do ambiente.

Biological activity of Diaporthe terebinthifolii extracts against Phyllosticta citricarpa.

Citrus black spot disease, caused by the phytopathogen Phyllosticta citricarpa, depreciates the market value of citrus fruits and prevents their exportation to disease-free regions. It may also reduce the productivity of citrus fruit orchards. To identify an alternative to conventional disease control measures, isolates of Diaporthe terebinthifolii, active against P. citricarpa, were selected from an endophytic fungal population of Schinus terebinthifolia leaves. Different culture media were screened to identify the culture medium that afforded the most efficient production of biologically active extracts. A particular fraction (fraction VI) of the extract completely protected orange leaves by inhibiting the germination of P. citricarpa conidia with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.003 µg.mL-1. The active constituents in D. terebinthifolii extract fractions were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry as verbanol, phenylethyl alcohol, verbenyl acetate and methyl hexadecanoate. The results obtained strongly suggest the existence of a synergistic effect among the metabolites produced. Thus, these fungal metabolites could be used to control the CBS disease. As the asexual spores of P. citricarpa play an important role in fruit lesion development and disease dispersion, fungal extracts that inhibit the spore germination can be used as an effective alternative for directional disease control.

In vitro Cytotoxicity and Anti-herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Activity of Hydroethanolic Extract, Fractions, and Isolated Compounds from Stem Bark of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi.

BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is associated with orofacial infections and is transmitted by direct contact with infected secretions. Several efforts have been expended in the search for drugs to the treatment for herpes. Schinus terebinthifolius is used in several illnesses and among them, for the topical treatment of skin wounds, especially wounds of mucous membranes, whether infected or not. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cytotoxicity and anti-HSV-1 activity of the crude hydroethanolic extract (CHE) from the stem bark of S. terebinthifolius, as well as its fractions and isolated compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CHE was subjected to bioguided fractionation. The anti-HSV-1 activity and the cytotoxicity of the CHE, its fractions, and isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro by SRB method. A preliminar investigation of the action of CHE in the virus-host interaction was conducted by the same assay. RESULTS: CHE presented flavan-3-ols and showed anti-HSV-1 activity, better than its fractions and isolated compounds. The class of substances found in CHE can bind to proteins to form unstable complexes and enveloped viruses, as HSV-1 may be vulnerable to this action. Our results suggest that the CHE interfered with virion envelope structures, masking viral receptors that are necessary for adsorption or entry into host cells. CONCLUSION: The plant investigated exhibited potential for future development treatment against HSV-1, but further tests are necessary, especially to elucidate the mechanism of action of CHE, as well as preclinical and clinical studies to confirm its safety and efficacy. SUMMARY: Crude hydroethanolic extract (CHE) presents promising activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1), with selectivity index (SI) = 22.50CHE has flavan-3-ols in its composition, such as catechin and gallocatechinThe fractions and isolated compounds obtained from CHE by bioguided fractionation are less active than the CHE against HSV-1CHE interferes with viral entry process in the host cell and acts directly on the viral particle. Abbreviations used: HSV: Herpes simplex virus, CHE: Crude hydroethanolic extract, WF: Water fraction, AF: Ethyl-acetate fraction, MPLC: Medium-performance liquid chromatography, TLC: Thin-layer chromatography, NMR: Nuclear magnetic resonance, ESI-MS: Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, SRB: Sulforhodamine B, CPE: Cytopathic effect, CC50: 50% cytotoxic concentration, EC50: 50% effective concentration, PBS: Phosphate-buffered saline.