Mutagênese induzida por flavonóides presentes do decocto das cascas da aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius, Raddi)

The decoction of Brazilian pepper tree barks (Schinus terebinthifolius, Raddi), is used in medicine as wound healing and antiinflamatory. Once extracts from this plant are used for acceleration of scar s process, it is important to study their mutagenic and genotoxic potential. In previous works in our laboratory, it was observed mutagenicity caused by the decoction when in high concentrations. Among the chemical compounds of this plant that could be able to induce mutation, the flavonoids were the only group that was referred to have either an oxidant or antioxidant potential. The flavonoids were isolated, purified and quantified by adsorptive column chromatography under silica gel, bacterial and in vitro genotoxic tests were realized to determine if the flavonoids were the responsible agents for this mutagenicity found. The tests realized with plasmidial DNA were indicative that the flavonoids are probably genotoxic, due to the presence of correlation between increase of the flavonoid concentration and in plasmidial DNA double strand breakage visualized in agarose gel, as well as they were capable to generated abasic sites shown by the in vitro treatment with exonuclease III. The same tests with plasmidial DNA in the presence of copper [10 µM] and of a Tris-HCl pH 7.5 [10 µM] buffer were realized with the isolated flavonoids to determine if there would be or not participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The transformation of plasmidial DNA in different bacterial strains proficient and deficient in DNA repair enzymes in the presence or not of a Tris-HCl buffer, suggests that the enzymes that repair oxidative lesions are necessary to repair the lesions generated by the flavonoids and that ROS are generated and are necessary to promote the lesions. Bacterial tests with Escherichia coli strains of the CC collection (deficient or not for DNA repair enzymes), showed that the flavonoids are able to increase the frequency of mutations, mainly in strains mutated in repair enzymes (MutM, MutY-glicosylases and double mutant), suggesting that these agents are responsible for the enhancement in the mutation rate. In order to determine the mutation spectrum caused by the flavonoids of the Brazilian pepper tree stem bark, plasmidial DNA previously treated with the flavonoids were transformed in bacterial strains deficient and proficient in the DNA repair enzymes, followed by a blue-white selection with X-gal, DNA amplification by PCR and sequencing the positive mutant clones. Analysis of the mutants obtained from strains CC104, CC104mutM, CC104mutY, CC104mutMmutY, BW9101, BW9109 indicated a predominance of some mutations like G:C to C:G that can be correlated with the origin of 8-oxoG, due to oxidative lesions caused by the flavonoids. So it can concluded that the flavonoid isolated or in fractions enriched on them are genotoxic and mutagenic, and their mutations are predominantly oxidative, mediated by ROS, and the lesions are recognized by the BER system. In this way it is proposed that the flavonoids can act in two different ways to generate the DNA lesion: 1. in a Fenton-like reaction, when the flavonoid are in the presence of metal ions and that together with the water generate ROS that promotes the DNA lesions; 2. in another way the lesions can be generated by the formation of ROS due to the internal chemical structure of the flavonoid molecule due to the quantity and location of hydroxyl groups, and so producing the DNA lesions, those lesions can be directly (suggested by the in vitro experiments) or indirectly done (supported by the experiments using the CC bacterial strains)

Construção de células solares de corantes fotoexcitáveis utilizando flavonóides da capsicum frutescens, pimenta malagueta

The conversion of solar energy in electric with photo-voltaic cells has been carried through exclusively with devices of semiconducting junction. To put this situation comes moving for better in them last years, thanks to a new technology of production of known solar cells as Dye Solar Cell. This proposal aims at to develop a DSC having as dye lavonoides of the Capsicum frutescens (malagueta pepper). Front is considered to evaluate the photo-voltaic parameters varies it regions of the visible specter, as well as a good efficiency of conversion

Atividade antioxidante e antiproliferativa de extratos de folhas de Plukenetia volubilis L. (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Processo de desidratação da alga Gracilaria birdiae beneficiada em laboratório e artesanalmente: análise da atividade antioxidante e composição centesimal

The main aim of this study was to compare the procedure for dehydration of Gracilaria birdiae prepared handmade and laboratory, collected in the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. The sample was collected in the Rio do Fogo beach in march 2009. The sample collected followed by two processing, the first the material prepared in laboratory was air-dried at 50°C for 24 hours in air-flow oven. The second the handmade sample was air-dried on the sun during three days. The extract was prepared in three different solvents: ethanol, hydroethanol and water, resulting in ethanol, hidroethanol and aqueous extracts from handmade and laboratory sample. In according with results only the ethanol extract was fractionated yielding the fractions hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. The different process to obtain Gracilaria birdiae resulted in the samples with different shades. The soluble solids content was higher in the laboratory sample. The chemical composition the both samples were characterized by presenting a considerable amounts of carbohydrates, with amior percentage protein and ash, respectively, in the handmade and laboratory sample. In two samples showed a low content of lipids and the lipid profile showed a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids, with the absence polyunsaturated handmade sample. The phytochemical screening by chemical reactions showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins the laboratory sample, presenting a greater diversity of bioactive compounds. Through of the analysis by thin layer chromatography was possible to identify the phytosterols β-sitosterol and stigmasterol the both samples, also suggest the presence of β-carotene and chlorophyll α the laboratory sample. The levels of total phenolics and flavonoids were more significant in the ethanol extract of the laboratory sample. The in vitro lethality showed that extracts of the laboratory sample and handmade from 125 to 500 μg/ mL, respectively, were highly lethal. In the evaluation of antioxidant capacity by the system β-carotene/ácido linoleic method and by DPPH radical scavernging assay, the ethanol extract from the laboratory process showed significantly greater activity than the other extracts, being and the first and second methods, respectively, lower and equivalent to the synthetic antioxidant BHT. The handmade ethanol extract has not demonstrated skill in deactivating free radicals, but showed activity in inhibiting lipid peroxidation, although the values were significantly lower than the laboratory sample. We conclude that the dehydration process in the laboratory is the most efficient technique to maintenance of the chemical composition present in the seaweed, providing beneficial properties such as antioxidant capacity. We emphasize that this property can be explored with the objective of adding commercial value to the final product, which will promote the expansion of production of this seaweed in the community of Rio do Fogo

Caracterização e quantificação de marcadores químicos do extrato hidroetanólico das folhas de Kalanchoe brasiliensis Cambess

Kalanchoe brasiliensis Cambess (Crassulaceae), commonly known as saião , coirama branca , folha grossa , is originally from Brazil and commonly found in São Paulo to Bahia, mainly in the coastal zone. Regarding of biological activities, most preclinical studies were found in the literature, mainly about the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts obtained from leaves and / or aerial parts of K. brasiliensis. As regards the chemical constitution, it has been reported mainly the presence of flavonoids in the leaves of the species, but until this moment did not knows which are the active compounds. Although it is a species widely used in traditional medicine in Brazil, there is no monograph about the quality parameters of the plant drug. In this context, this study aims to characterize and quantify the chemical markers of hydroethanolic extract (HE) from the leaves of K. brasiliensis, which can be used in quality control of plant drug and derivatives obtained from this species. The methodology was divided into two parts: i. Phytochemical study: to fractionate, isolate and characterizate of the chemical (s) marker (s) of the HE from the leaves of K. brasiliensis; ii. To Developed validate of analytical method by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detector (DAD) to quantify the chemical (s) marker (s) of the EH. i. The EH 50% was prepared by turbo extraction method. It was then submitted to liquid-liquid partition, obtaining dichloromethane, n-butanol and ethyl acetate (AcOEt) fractions. The AcOEt fraction was selected to continue the fractionation process, because it has a chemical profile rich in flavonoids. The acOEt fraction was submitted to column chromatography using different systems for obtaining the compound Kb1. To identify this compound, it was submitted to UV analysis ii. For quantitative analysis, the EH was analyzed by HPLC, using different methods. After selecting the most appropriate method, which showed satisfactory resolution and symmetrical peaks, it was validated according to parameters in the RE 899/2003. As result, it was obtained from the AcOEt fraction the compound Kb1 (2.7 mg). Until this moment, the basic nucleus was characterized by UV analysis using shift reagents. The partial chemical structure of the compound Kb1 was identified as a flavonol, containing hydroxyls in 3 , 4 position (ring A), 5 and 7 free (ring B) and a replacement of the C3 hydroxyl by a sugar. As the analysis were performed in the HPLC coupled to a DAD, we observed that the UV spectrum of the major peaks of EH from K. brasiliensis shown similar UV spectrum. According to the literature, it has been reported the presence of patuletin glycosydes derivatives in the leaves of this species. Therefore, it is suggested that the compound Kb1 is glycosylated patuletin derivative. Probably the sugar (s) unit(s) are linked in the C3 in the C ring. . Regarding the development of HPLC analytical method, the system used consists of phase A: water: formic acid (99,7:0,3, v / v) and phase B: methanol: formic acid (99,7:0,3, v / v), elution gradient of 40% B - 58% B in 50 minutes, ccolumn (Hichrom ®) C18 (250x4, 0 mm, 5 μm), flow rate 0.8 mL / min, UV detection at 370 nm, temperature 25 ° C. In the analysis performed with the co-injection of thecompound Kb1 + HE of K. brasiliensis was observed that it is one of the major compounds with a retention time of 12.47 minutes and had a content of 15.3% in EH of leaves from K. brasiliensis. The method proved to be linear, precise, accurate and reproducible. According to these results, it was observed that compound Kb1 can be used as a chemical marker of EH from leaves of K. brasiliensis, to assist in quality control of drug plant and its derivatives

Avaliação da composição química, atividade antioxidante, antibacteriana, antinoceptiva, antiinflamatória e toxicidade do extrato metanólico e frações de folhas de Spondias sp. (Anacardiaceae)

Spondias sp. (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as cajá-umbu, is an endemic plant from Northeastern Brazil, where their leaves are widely used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory processes, while their fruits have a great agro industrial potential. This study was designed to evaluate hepatoprotective, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the acute toxicity and repeated dose 28, using a methanolic extract (MES), a fraction rich in flavonoids (FRF) and a precipitate from Spondias sp.leaves. The antioxidant activity of them was valued to evaluate their free radical scavenger capacity by DPPH test, whereas MES and FRF were used to evaluate while the preventive action on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Seven groups (n=5) of female Wistar rats were used as follows: control group, CCl4-intoxicated group treated with EMS (500 mg/kg) for 7 days, three CCl4-intoxicated groups treated with FRF (25, 50 and 75 mg/kg) for 7 days and the CCl4-intoxicated group treated with Legalon ® (silimarina; (phytotherapeutic reference) (50 mg/kg; 7 days). MES and FRF showed a protective action against liver injury induced by CCl4, being observed a significant reduction of serum enzyme activity marker of liver damage (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase). On the other hand, the lipid peroxidation (SRAT) decrease, as well as the increase of glutathione content and enzyme activity of antioxidant defense system (SOD, CAT, GPx) toward near normal values indicated the ability of EMS to restore the oxidative imbalance induced by CCl4. The histological analysis confirmed the hepatoprotection, compared to degenerative changes in CCl4-treated group. This hepatoprotetor effect was similar to that shown by Legalon®. The in vitro high antioxidant capacity of extract (93.16 ± 1.00%) showed analogous results to those obtained by Carduus marianus BHT (reference standard). This fact explains the obtained results in vivo. Although no antimicrobial activity was detected, EMS and FRF promoted the antinociceptive effect induced in the second phase by the intraplantar formalin test, evidencing the anti-inflammatory action; confirmed by the carrageenan-induced peritonitis model. The evaluation of the mechanical allodynia (CFA a 80%) demonstrated the involvement of the Spondias sp. chemical composition in the anti-inflammatory activity toward the acute processes. The acute exposure and repeated dose during 28 days did not produce significant changes in the parameters that evaluate toxicity. Together the experimental results reveal, that Spondias sp. leaf extracts have a promising potential in pharmaceutical area, and due to its non-toxic condition present efficiency and security

Estudo etnofarmacológico e fitoquímico das espécies medicinais Cleome spinosa Jacq, Pavonia varians Moric e Croton cajucara Benth

In this present work an ethnographic research was performed with 84 native medicinal specimens from the Litoral Norte Riograndense, from which two plants Cleome spinosa Jacq e Pavonia varians Moric were submitted to ethnobotanic, phytochemistry and pharmacologic investigations. Additionally, a phytopharmacological research of the medicinal specimen Croton cajucara Benth ( native plant of the Amazon region of Brazil) was improved. The obtained phytochemical results of the C. spinosa and P. varians showed the presence of flavonoids constituents, among other components. The two flavonoids (2S)-5-hydroxy-7,4 -dimethoxy-flavanone and 5,4 -dihydroxy-3,7,3 -trimethoxy-flavone were isolated from C. spinosa. The antioxidant activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of C. spinosa and P. varians solubilized in the microemulsion systems SME-1 and SME-4, was evaluated in the DPPHmethod. The used SME systems [obtained with Tween 80: Span 20 (3:1) and isopropyl myristate (IPM)] improved the dissolution of those tested polar extracts, with higher efficacy to the SME-1 system (in which ethanol was included as cosurfactant). The CE50 values evidenced for P. varians were 114 [g/mL (SME-1) and 246 [g/mL (SME-4); for C. spinosa it was 224 [g/mL (SME-1) and 248 [g/mL (SME-4), being the system SME-1 more effective for both tested extracts. The hydroalcoholic extracts of P. varians (HAE-PV) was also submitted to pharmacological screening for antinociceptive activity in animal models. The oral administration of this extract (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg) inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. The higher inhibition (74%) was evidenced to the 1000 mg/kg administered dose. Its effect on the central nervous system (CNS) was investigated by tail flick and formalin-method and reveled that it has negligible antinociceptive action on the CNS. After taking consideration of HAE-PV interaction, Pavonia varians Moric could be used as a potent analgesic agent in case of peripheral algesia, without affecting the CNS. The phytochemical study of the stem bark of Croton cajucara Benth lead to the isolation of 19-nor-clerodanetype diterpenes, as well as to the separation of its fixed oil FO-CC. This non polar oil material reveled to be rich in sesquiterpenes and 19-nor-clerodanes components. The biologic effect of OF-CC was evaluated in the development in vitro of the fungis phytopatogens such as Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii. Significant inhibitory effect of the tested fungis (at 0,2 mg.mL-1 dosage) were comproved. A Mass Spectrometry study of clerodane-type diterpenes was developed in order to identify characteristic fragments on mass spectrometra of both clerodane and 19-nor-clerodane presenting an α,β-insaturated carbonyl moiety at ring A of the decalin-system. For that study, mass spectroscopy data were analysed for 19-nor-clerodanes [trans-dehydrocrotonin (DCTN), trans-crotonin (CTN), cis-cajucarin B (c-CJC-B), and cajucarinolide (CJCR)] and for clerodanes [isosacacarin (ISCR) and transcajucarin A (t-CJC-A)] obtained from the stem bark of C. cajucara, and also clerodane-type from other species. The trans-junction of the enone-system clerodanes was clear correlated with the presence of the characteristic ions at m/z 95, 121 e 205. Meanwhile, the characteristics ions at m/z 122 e 124 were correlated to cis-junction. The trans-junction of the enone-system 19-nor-clerodanes showed characteristics ions at m/z 161, 134 e 121. This study could be successful employed for identification of clerodane constituents from other specimens without any additional spectroscopic analyses, as well as a previously phytochemical analyzes in clerodane project search

Análises bromatológicas e fitoquímicas de frutos de Licania tomentosa (Benth) FRITSCH

This study conducted chemical analyzes of the fruits of Licania tomentosa Benth belonging to the Chrysobalanaceae family, order and superorder Rosiflorae Rosales. Samples were collected in February 2011 in the city of Natal - RN. The fruits were separated into peel, pulp and seed, and the samples were analyzed on moisture and ash by thermogravimetric methods, reducing and total sugars, lipids by Soxhlet extraction, minerals by ICP / OES and other analyzes by physical measurements of the fruit. The fruits for the analysis of determination of flavonoids and phenolic compounds were dried at 40 ° C and ground. For the analyzes to determine the content of phenolics and flavonols was used spectroscopy in the visible region, and also performed the characterization of ethanol extracts by high performance liquid chromatography and test for antioxidant activity hydroethanolic extracts. The results obtained are about 83.9% of the fruits have a length between 4.0 to 6.0 cm with respect to the diameter of the fruit about 97.4% of the fruits have a diameter between 2.0 - 4, 0 cm, mean weight of 36.14 g (7.86), the bark showed 60.5 (1.5)% relative humidity, the flesh 72.3 (0.9) and 44.4 seeds (0.4 )%, the bark showed 0.22 (0.00)% ash, the pulp 1.41 (0.01)% and the seed 1.18 (0.01)%, the bark showed 3.73 (0, 09) mg lipids / 100 g sample of the pulp 0.40 (0.04) and the seed 0.05 (0.00). With respect to reducing sugars and total gave the results, 16.23 (0.23) g/100g and 20.70 (0.24) g/100g. The fruit is presented with a good source of nutrients especially carbohydrates and lipids. The analysis for determining the antioxidant activity tests were performed reducing power and antioxidant capacity, the antioxidant capacity of hydroethanolic extracts of peel and pulp showed similar results, with higher concentrations however hydroethanolic bark extract. Regarding the content of phenolics and flavonoids hidroetanílico bark extract showed higher concentration values. The characterization of the extracts by high performance liquid chromatography identified the following compounds by retention time indicated by the race of the standards: galic acid, kaempferol and kaempferol derivatives. Considering the results of the fruit Licania tomentosa Benth may be an alternative food by analysis of their nutritional content and has substances with antioxidant action

Triagem antifúngica de extratos obtidos de espécies vegetais do nordeste brasileiro

The increase in the incidence of fungal infections due to the drug-resistance or to the number of patients with immune alterations such as AIDS, chemotherapy or organ transplantation, has done the research necesseray for new antifungal drugs. The species from Northeastern Brazil may become an important source of innovative natural molecules. To evaluate the antifungal activity of 10 medicinal plants from Northeastern Brazil, traditionally used as antimicrobial agents, 30 crude extracts (CE) were tested in vitro against four standard species of Candida spp. The CE most promising of these plants were evaluated against yeasts of the oral cavity of kidney transplant patients and through a bioassay-guided fractionation. The extracts form leaves of E. uniflora, the stem bark of L. ferrea and leaves of P. guajava showed significant activity against all yeasts evaluated, with MIC values between 15.62 and 62.5 μg/mL. E. uniflora also showed fungicidal properties against all yeasts, especially against Candida dubliniensis. In patients with immune systems compromised, such as transplanted, oral candidiasis manifests mainly due to immunosuppressive therapy, and resistance to conventional antifungals. The CE of E. uniflora presented range of MIC values between 1.95 to 1000 μg/mL, and lower MIC50 and MIC90 values were observed against C. non-albicans. Due the better results, the CE of E. uniflora was elected to performe the bioassay-guided fractionation. Thus it was possible to obtain enriched fractions, which showed good inhibitory ability against ATCC strains of Candida spp. It was also possible to perform experiments to verify the production of biofilm in two strains of C. dubliniensis and action of extracts and fractions on the same. With this, we observed a behavior between the yeast ATCC and clinical isolate. In addition, CE, fractions and subfractions of E. uniflora inhibit planktonic cells to preventing the growth of biofilm. The preliminary chemical characterization of the fractions obtained revealed the presence of polyphenols (especially flavonoids and tannins). Finally, the results suggests that among the plant species studied, E. uniflora showed a pattern very promising as regards the antifungal, requiring further study of purification and structural elucidation of compounds in order to verify that the antifungal effect found can be attributed to a specific compound or some mechanism depends on synergistic the mixture of polyphenols

Extração do corante do fruto de castanhola (Terminalia catappa Linn) e estudos dos seus compostos fenólicos, antocianinas e atividade antioxidante

The Terminalia catappa Linn belonging to Combretaceae family, popularly known as castanets, has fruits consists of a fleshy pulp, rounded seed and a very hard shell. The natural pigmentation existing in the fruit of castanet indicates the presence of anthocyanins, phenolic nature components belonging to the group of flavonoids, which have antioxidant activity. This research was conducted with the castanets and aimed to the study of factors influencing the extraction of dyes from its pulp. The extracts were obtained using a reactor enjaquetado by solid-liquid extraction. The factors were evaluated as temperature, time, solvent ratio and pH extraction. Adopting a factorial design of 24 , with 4 repetitions at the central point, the effects of these factors on the extraction process were analyzed using Statistica 7.0 software. The antioxidant activity (AA), the content of phenolic compounds (CFT) and the total monomeric anthocyanin content (AMT) were evaluated as response variables planning. Statistical analysis of the results, the effects that influenced the extraction were different for each response (CFT, AMT and AA). However, the pH was significant for the extraction of all compounds. The kinetic behavior of the dye extraction was also studied for phenolic compounds, monomeric anthocyanins and antioxidant activity, in which the equilibrium was reached after 90 minutes of extraction. To study the stability of anthocyanins temperature was the factor that most influenced the stability, however the concentration and pH also played a part.

Características bioativas, funcionais e efeito protetor do resíduo desidratado de camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. (McVaugh)) sobre doenças degenerativas utilizando modelos in vivo C. elegans

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. (McVaugh)) is a native Amazon fruit, recognized worldwide as one of the main natural sources of ascorbic acid. Due to its great acidity, this fruit is generally consumed after processing into juice or as ingredient in food preparations. As a co-product of the camu-camu processing, a significant amount of agroindustrial residue is generated. Despite the studies showing the bioactive value and biological potential of the fruit, few studies have approached the possible processing techniques, transformation and preservation of camu-camu fruits and its agroindustrial pomace. Therefore, the present work has the objective of evaluating two different drying processes applied to camu-camu pomace (peel and seeds with residual pulp), freeze drying and hot air drying, in order to obtain a functional fruit product. This thesis was divided into three stages: the first one shows the studies related to the freeze drying and hot air drying, where we demonstrated the impact of the selected drying techniques on the bioactive components of camu-camu, taking the fresh pomace as the control group. Among the investigated conditions, the groups obtained at 50ºC and 4 m/s (SC50) and 80ºC and 6 m/s (SC80) were selected as for further studies, based on their ascorbic acid final content and Folin-Ciocalteau reducing capacity. In addition to SC50 and SC80, the fresh pomace (RF) and freeze dried (RL) samples were also evaluated in these further stages of the research. Overall, the results show higher bioactive concentration in the RF samples, followed by RL, SC50 and SC80. On the second step of the research, the antioxidant, antimicrobial and antienzymatic activities were evaluated and the same tendency was observed. It was also reported, for the first time in the literature, the presence of syringic acid in dried camu-camu pomace. In the third and final stage of the research, it was investigated the effect of dried camu-camu on aging and neuroprotective disorders, using the in vivo model C.elegans. It was observed that camu-camu extracts were able to modulate important signaling genes relevant to thermal and oxidative stresses (p < 0.05). The polar acid, polar basic and polar neutral fractions obtained from the low molecular extracts of SC50 were able to extend the lifespan of wild type N2 C. elegans in 20% and 13% (p < 0.001). Results also showed that the paralysis induced by the β1-42 amyloid was significantly (p < 0.0001) retarded in CL4176 worms. Similarly, the camu-camu extracts attenuated the dopaminergic induction associated to Parkinson’s disease. Finally, a global analysis of the data presented here reveal that the camu-camu pomace, a co-product obtained from the industrial processing of a native Brazilian fruit, is a relevant natural source of health relevant compounds. This thesis, shows for the first time, the multifunctionality of camu-camu pomace, a natural resource still underexploited for scientific, commercial and technological purposes.

Avaliação anti-inflamatória e antipeçonhenta das espécies Hancornia speciosa e Mimosa tenuiflora em modelos experimentais de inflamação e envenenamento induzidos por Bothrops jararaca e Tityus serrulatus

Accidents caused by venomous animals represents a significant and serious public health problem in certain regions of Brazil, as well as in other parts of the world by the frequency with which they occur and the mortality they cause. The use of plant extracts as an antidote for poisoning cases is an ancient practice used in many communities that have no access to antivenom. Medicinal plants represent an important source of obtaining bioactive compounds able to assist directly in the treatment of poisoning or indirectly supplementing serum therapy currently used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts, fractions and isolated compounds from M. tenuiflora and H. speciosa in the inflammatory process induced by carrageenan and the venom of B. jararaca and T. serrulatus. The results showed that both M. tenuiflora and H. speciosa were capable of inhibiting cell migration and cytokines levels in peritonitis induced by carrageenin and venom of T. serrulatus. In poisoning by B. jararaca model, mice treated with the plants in studies decreased the leukocyte influx into the peritoneal cavity. Finally the M. tenuiflora and H. speciosa had antiphlogistic activity, reducing edema formation and exerted inhibitory action of leukocyte migration in local inflammation induced by the venom of B. jararaca. Through of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis was possible identified the presence of flavonoids ,saponins and/or terpenes in aqueous extract of M. tenuiflora. By High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis, it was possible to identify the presence of rutin and chlorogenic acid in aqueous extract of H. speciosa. We conclude that the administration of extracts, fractions and isolated compounds of H. speciosa and M. tenuiflora resulted in inhibition of the inflammatory process in different experimental models. This study demonstrates for the first time the effect of M. tenuiflora and H. speciosa in inhibition of the inflammation caused by B. jararaca and T. serrulatus venom.

Avaliação da toxicidade subcrônica e reprodutiva do extrato seco de pericarpo de passiflora edulis variedade flavicarpa degener em ratos

The pericarp of Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa Degener is now being investigated for medicine purposes. There are no reports about it toxicity. The aim of the present study was investigate the sub chronic toxicity in male rats and reproductive toxicity in pregnant rats and exposed fetuses of an extract obtained by infusion of the pericarp in water (1:3 m/v;100o C, 10 min). The extract composition was evaluated by tube reactions and thin lawyer chromatography (TLC). Adult male rats (n=8) were treated with 300 mg/kg of the extract, by gavage, during 30 days and pregnant rats (n=7) from gestation day 0 to day 20. Control received tap water (1 mL). Water and food intakes and body weight gain were recorded. At day 29 of treatment the sexual behavior of the males was analyzed and then half of males from each group received cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg, i.p.) to (anti)genotoxic assessment in bone marrow. At day 30, males were anesthesized for parameters collection. At day 20 of gestation, the dams were anesthesized for reproductive performance evaluation. The fetal analysis was conducted by visceral and skeletal. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, unspecific alkaloids, phenols and triterpenic compounds. Statistical analysis revealed absence of significant differences between experimental and control. This study suggest that the aqueous extract obtained from pericarp of P. edulis var. flavicarpa Degener was not able to promote toxic effects in rats. Cytotoxicity was evaluated with the PCE/NCE ratio (NCE=normochromatic erythrocytes). Statistical analysis (mean ± SEM) revealed absence of changes in the frequency of MNPCE (negative control: 3.26±0.42; positive control: 11.72±1.02; negative experimental: 4.02±0.13; positive experimental: 10.47±0.87) or cytotoxicity (negative control: 0.37±0.08; positive control: 0.23±0.05; negative experimental: 0.37±0.07; positive experimental: 0.23±0.02). This study suggests that the extracts showed no (anti)genotoxic and no cytotoxic activities under the experimental conditions.

Estudo fitoquímico de Waltheria ferruginea

The Waltheria genus belonging to the Sterculiaceae family, it is reported as a prolific source of flavonoids and quinolone alkaloids, substances of great interest due to several associated biological activities. This work describes a novel phytochemical study from Waltheria ferruginea, aiming to contribute to the chemical knowledge of this specie and the isolation of substances with biological potential. For the phytochemical study were used chromatography techniques on silica gel and molecular exclusion in Sephadex LH-20.The structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was performed through spectrometric techniques 1H and 13C NMR, including uni and bidimensional pulse sequences, and comparison with data from literature. Five substances were isolated, namely: the flavonids kaempferol-3-O-β-(6''-cumaroil)-glucopyranoside (F1) and kaempferol -3 -O- β - glucopyranoside (F2), both analyzes with pharmacological properties, the flavonol quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (F3 ) pure and in the epimeric mixture α (F3') and (F3), the terpenegeranyl - geranyl (G1) and the 12-hydroxi-octadecanoic acid, all no previous reported in the literature.

Inibição dos efeitos locais induzidos pelas peçonhas das serpentes Bothrops erythromelas e Bothrops jararaca pelo extrato aquoso das folhas de Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Bail

Snakebites are a serious public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries and Bothrops genus is responsible for the accidents in Brazil and throughout Latin America (90% of cases). The local effects (pain, edema, hemorrhage and myonecrosis) and systemic (cardiovascular alterations, shock and blood clotting disorders) caused by the venom of Bothrops are due to the numerous protein and non-protein components, which are part of the constitution of the poison. The only form of therapy is scientifically validated antivenom serum therapy which, however, is not effective with respect to local effects produced, risk of immunological reactions, high cost and difficult access in some regions. Thus, the search for new alternatives to serum therapy becomes important, and in this context, many medicinal plants have been highlighted by the popular use as antiophidic. Among these plants, we can mention the species Jatropha mollissima (Euphorbiaceae) which has popular use in traditional medicine as antiophidic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antipyretic. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the neutralizing potential of local effects induced by the venom of Bothrops erythromelas and Bothrops jararaca with the aqueous extract of the leaves of J. mollissima. The leaf extracts were prepared by decoction, fractionated (by liquid-liquid partition) and characterized by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antiophidic activity of the extract was evaluated in model of paw edema, peritonitis, bleeding and myotoxicity induced by venoms of B. jararaca and B. erythromelas. In all models, the extract was evaluated by intraperitoneal route at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, administered 30 minutes prior to injection of the venom (pretreatment protocol). Stains suggestive of the presence of flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin, orientin, isoorientin, vitexin and vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside were detected in the extract by co-CCD. By means of HPLC were identified isoorientin, orientin, vitexin and isovitexin. All tested doses of J. mollissima extract reduced the paw edema induced by the venom with intensity similar to dexamethasone. The aqueous extract of J. mollissima leaves on all evaluated doses, inhibited cell migration induced by B. jararaca and B. erythromelas promoting inhibition of recruitment of mononuclear cells and the polymorphonuclear cells. Local bleeding induced by B. jararaca venom was significantly inhibited by the extract. Both venoms were inhibited by the extract in myotoxic activity. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of J. mollissima leaves have snakebite potential, particularly with respect to local effects, which may justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine and complementary therapy as anti-venom serum.