Ethnoveterinary knowledge of the inhabitants of Marajó Island, Eastern Amazonia, Brazil

Em várias partes do mundo existem relatos etnoveterinários sobre a utilização de plantas em protocolos terapêuticos, entretanto não existem informações disponíveis sobre a etnoveterinária praticada na Amazônia brasileira. Desta forma, objetivou-se documentar o conhecimento etnoveterinário de habitantes da Ilha do Marajó, Amazônia Oriental. Foram realizadas 50 entrevistas individuais com aplicação de questionários semi-estruturados que foram analisados quantitativamente através de estatística descritiva utilizando freqüência de distribuição. O valor de uso foi calculado para determinar as espécies mais importantes. Amostras de plantas com relatos de uso medicinal foram coletadas e identificadas botanicamente. Cinqüenta plantas, distribuídas em 48 gêneros e 34 famílias, foram indicadas para 21 diferentes usos medicinais. A família Asteraceae foi a que teve maior número de espécies citadas e Carapa guianensis Aubl, Crescentia cujete L., Copaifera martii Hayne, Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Jatropha curcas L. e Momordica charantia L. foram as espécies com maiores valor de uso. As partes das plantas mais utilizadas para preparo dos medicamentos etnoveterinários foram folhas (56%), cascas (18%), raizes (14%), sementes (14%) e frutos (8%). Quanto à forma de uso o chá foi citado por 56% dos entrevistados e a maioria das preparações (90,9%) utiliza uma só planta. Além das plantas medicinais, os entrevistados relataram o uso de produtos de origem animal e mineral. Esse trabalho contribui para realização de um inventário das plantas utilizadas na etnoveterinária marajoara que pode servir de base de dados para futuros estudos de validação científica.

Bioactivity of aqueous extracts of Clibadium sylvestre (Aubl.) Baill. and Derris amazonica Killip on the aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Estudos com inseticidas botânicos vêm ganhando espaço como alternativa no Manejo Integrado de Pragas. Conduziu-se este trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de extratos aquosos de folhas e frutos da espécie Clibadium sylvestre, e folhas e raízes da espécie Derris amazonica nas concentrações 0, 1, 2, 4 e 8%, no controle do pulgão Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Foram conduzidos quatro ensaios, dois testes de preferência sem chance de escolha e dois testes de preferência com chance de escolha, totalizando nove tratamentos com cinco repetições. Foi realizada a triagem fitoquímica das folhas e dos frutos da espécie C. sylvestre e das folhas e das raízes de D. amazonica. As avaliações de mortalidade, número de ninfas e índice de deterrência dos insetos, foram realizadas 24, 48 e 72 horas após a aplicação dos extratos. Os extratos aquosos do fruto do C. sylvestre nas concentrações testadas apresentaram maior mortalidade frente à testemunha, na análise do número de ninfas, o extrato aquoso do fruto do C. sylvestre a 8% apresentou maior eficiência que os demais tratamentos. O extrato da folha de D. amazonica na concentração 1% apresentou maior mortalidade e menor número de ninfas que os demais tratamentos. Os extratos da raiz de D. amazonica aumentaram a mortalidade em todas as concentrações testadas e a concentração 8% da raiz de D. amazonica, apresentou menor número de ninfas. Todos os tratamentos testados apresentaram efeito deterrente. O período de 72 horas foi o que apresentou maior efeito dos extratos, das duas espécies estudadas sobre os insetos.

Feeding ecology of immature Lithodoras dorsalis (Valenciennes, 1840) (Siluriformes: Doradidae) in a tidal environment, estuary of the rio Amazonas

O estudo da ecologia alimentar de peixes é uma abordagem consistente na avaliação dos processos interativos dentro das comunidades. Dessa forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a ecologia alimentar do bacu-pedra Lithodoras dorsalis em furos próximos no delta do estuário Amazônico (Brasil), uma área sobre influência de macro-marés, em diferentes períodos pluviométricos. Durante 12 meses de coletas (julho de 2010 a junho de 2011), foram coligidos 371 espécimes jovens, sendo que a dieta da espécie foi composta por 28 itens alimentares analisados pelos seguintes índices: Índice de Repleção Estomacal, Índice de Importância Alimentar e Amplitude de Nicho. Lithodoras dorsalis quando jovem foi classificada como herbívora com tendência à frugivoria, devido aos altos valores de importância de frutos e sementes em sua dieta. A intensidade de obtenção de alimento por L. dorsalis diferiu entre os meses de coleta, onde o final do período de transição chuva-estiagem e o início da estiagem foram os períodos de menor e maior atividade alimentar, respectivamente. Também houve diferença na importância alimentar dos itens entre os períodos pluviométricos. Estes resultados fornecem informações importantes sobre a ecologia alimentar de doradídeos na Amazônia. Além disso, percebeu-se o alto consumo de material alóctone pelo bacu-pedra, sendo estes itens alimentares provenientes da floresta ripária, o que reforça a importância deste ambiente para a conservação da ictiofauna neotropical.

Effects of the Temperature and Maturation Stages on the Germination of Roystonea regia Seeds

Roystonea regia (Kunth) O.F. Cook is largely used as ornamental. The propagation is done almost exclusively by seeds; however, there is a great variation in the germination process influenced by many factors. The objective of this work was to study the effects of the temperature and maturation stages on the germination of R. regia seeds. The experimental design was entirely randomized in a factorial arrangement 6x3 (six temperatures: constant at 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C and alternated at 20-30 and 25-35 degrees C, with a photoperiod of 12 hours; and three fruit maturation stages: brown, yellow and black), with four replications of 25 disseminules (seed with stucked endocarp) each. The disseminules had their mesocarp and exocarp were removed and shade dried. Their moisture content was determined, and then they were placed in plastic boxes (gerbox type) containing vermiculite. The disseminules, with the germinative intumescence, were daily noted until germination was steady. The germination rate and the germination speed index were calculated, and the data were submitted to the variance analysis. The means were compared by the Tukey test. It was concluded that the highest germination rate (99.7%) and germination speed were obtained by seeds from mature (black) fruits at the temperature of 35 degrees C.

A phylogenetic analysis of the Cryptocarya group (Lauraceae), and relationships of Dahlgrenodendron, Sinopora, Triadodaphne, and Yasunia

A phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ITS and plastid trnK intron sequences confirms that Dahlgrenodendron, Sinopora, Triadodaphne, and Yasunia are members of the Cryptocarya group, as expected from morphology. Dahlgrenodendron from South Africa is sister to Aspidostemon from Madagascar. Triadodaphne inaequitepala is nested within Endiandra (both from Australasia), and Yasunia from South America is nested among South American Beilschmiedia species. Sinopora is a member of the Beilschmiedia clade, but its precise position is still uncertain. Among large genera of the group, Cryptocarya is clearly monophyletic, and Endiandra appears to be as well, if T. inaequitepala is included. Beilschmiedia is paraphyletic with respect to (at least) Potameia and Yasunia. Most well-supported clades within genera are geographically homogeneous, except a clade including the Chilean Cryptocarya alba and two New Caledonian species. Both Beilschmiedia and Cryptocarya have reached the Americas more than once. Four-locular anthers are plesiomorphic in the Cryptocarya group; two-locular anthers have arisen by fusion of the two pollen sacs of a theca. In the plesiomorphic fruit type, the ovary is completely enclosed in receptacular tissue; a superior fruit, seated free on its pedicel, is a synapomorphy of the Beilschmiedia clade.

Identification of species of the Euterpe genus by rare earth elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and linear discriminant analysis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Development and evolution of the gynoecium in Myrteae (Myrtaceae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Bioactive compounds of the lipid fractions of agro-industrial waste

This study aimed at evaluating the oils extracted from seeds originating from agro-industrial waste, in order to identify the presence of bioactive compounds. Therefore, determinations of fatty acid profile, triacylglycerols, tocopherol composition, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, total carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity were performed in the oils of grape, guava, melon, passion fruit, pumpkin, soursop, and tomato seeds. Antioxidant capacity analysis was performed by the methods DPPH• , ABTS•+, FRAP, and β-carotene/linoleic acid, besides measure of oxidative stability in the oils. The oils showed to be predominantly unsaturated with high percentage of linoleic essential fatty acid (38.8 to 79.4%), besides presenting significant quantities of tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds. Tomato and guava oils showed better results in the antioxidant capacity tests and pumpkin oil had higher induction period in the oxidative stability test (65.3 h). The results obtained in this study collect information that enables the use of new alternative sources of vegetable oils, obtained from agroindustrial waste, which may serve as raw material for food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Medicinal plants in pregnancy and lactation: perception of the health risk and practical educational group in Araraquara, São Paulo State, Brazil

The use of medicinal plants among pregnant women and lactating is a common practice in diverse countries. However, many medicinal plants are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactating, due to various adverse effects, such as teratogenic, embryotoxic and abortive effects, exposing these women, their fetus and babies to health unknown risks. Thus, the purpose of this commentary, was to analyze the perception about the use of medicinal plants by pregnant women and lactating registered in the "baby on board" NGO, Araraquara, São Paulo state, Brazil, between 2010 at 2013. The group was constituted by 48 women, between the first and last trimester of pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Information was collected during group meetings by oral interview, using a questionnaire, as script. The nature of the study was a qualitative analysis. The results were based on reports about the use of medicinal plants by pregnant women during group meetings: use, indication of use, knowledge about risks. All participants received written and oral information about the study and they gave a written informed consent. The use of medicinal plants is a reality among pregnant and lactating women of the "baby on board" NGO. They reported that they feel that "natural" products are not harmful for their health. The primary information sources for the majority of women about medicinal plants during pregnancy are family, neighbors and herbalists. The plants most cited (in popular name in Brazil) were: senna, chamomile, boldo, lemon balm, lemon grass. They were used mainly for: nausea, heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, intestinal and abdominal pain, anxiety, intestinal constipation and low milk production. The pregnant and lactating women lacked knowledge about the health risks of the use of medicinal plants and herbal medicines in pregnancy and lactation. They also reported difficulties in clarifying some questions about the use of medicinal plants with their doctors. The results of the present study showed that educative actions about the rational use of medicinal plants in pregnancy and breastfeeding could be part of the operating protocols to promote the maternal and child health programs in Araraquara. Thus, our results also suggest the importance of creating institutionalized places, to the implementation of continued education programs about rational use of medicinal plants in pregnancy and lactation. These targeted programs are not only for health professionals, but also for community members, pregnant women and breastfeeding. Our results pointed out the importance of guidance of doctors and healthcare professionals on the scientific studies about medicinal plants and herbal medicines and the risk/benefit of using herbs during pregnancy. Finally, it is noted the importance of the health professionals to inform women of childbearing on risks to their health, as well as on possibilities of utilization of herbs during fertile period, giving special attention to the potential risk of self-medication.

Dormancy breaking of the fig tree with hydrogen cyanamide and garlic extrate

The supply of cold hours needed to the dormancy breaking of shoots is the limiting factor for the cultivation of temperate climate fruit trees in warmer regions. In subtropical conditions, it is necessary to use chemical products to promote uniform sprouting. This research aimed at evaluating the effect of garlic extract and hydrogen cyanamide in sprouting, growth, production and production cycle of the fig tree. The experiment was conducted during the production cycles of 2011/12 and 2012/13. We used plants from the cultivar Roxo de Valinhos. Production pruning was made in the months of July/2011 and July/2012, and the following treatments were applied immediately after it: 2% hydrogen cyanamide and garlic extract in 4%, 8% and 12% doses, and a control treatment. Split plots were used as the experimental design, with five repetitions in blocks; each plot consisted of five treatments with hydrogen cyanamide, garlic extract and control; the subplots consisted of two production cycles. The use of hydrogen cyanamide promoted an anticipation of sprouting and the use of hydrogen cyanamide and garlic extract promoted a concentration of the productive period, when compared to the control. The estimated garlic extract dose that promoted the highest production per plant was 3%.

EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF A CASTOR-OIL BASED FORMULATION IN LIMITING PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN STRAWBERRY CROPS

A study was made to evaluate the effect of a castor oil-based detergent on strawberry crops treated with different classes of pesticides, namely deltamethrin, folpet, tebuconazole, abamectin and mancozeb, in a controlled environment. Experimental crops of greenhouse strawberries were cultivated in five different ways with control groups using pesticides and castor oil-based detergent. The results showed that the group 2, which was treated with castor oil-based detergent, presented the lowest amount of pesticide residues and the highest quality of fruit produced.

Fractionation of lemon essential oil by solvent extraction: Phase equilibrium for model systems at T=298.2 K

The fractioning of lemon essential oil can be performed by liquid-liquid extraction using hydrous ethanol as a solvent. A quaternary mixture composed of limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-pinene, and citral was used to simulate lemon essential oil. In this paper, we present (liquid + liquid) equilibrium data that were experimentally determined for systems containing essential oil compounds, ethanol, and water at T = 298.2 K. The experimental data were correlated using the NRTL and UNIQUAC models, and the mean deviations between calculated and experimental data were less than 0.0053 in all systems, indicating the accuracy of these molecular models in describing our systems. The results show that as the water content in the solvent phase increased, the values of the distribution coefficients decreased, regardless of the type of compound studied. However, the oxygenated compound always showed the highest distribution coefficient among the components of the essential oil, thus making deterpenation of the lemon essential oil a feasible process. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Do extrafloral nectaries present a defensive role against herbivores in two species of the family Bignoniaceae in a Neotropical savannas?

Despite the general belief that the interaction between extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) and ants is mutualistic, the defensive function of EFNs has been poorly documented in South American savannas. In this article, we evaluate the potential impact of EFNs (benefits and costs) on two species of plants from the dry areas of Central Brazil, Anemopaegma album and Anemopaegma scabriusculum (Bignoniaceae). In particular, we characterize the composition of substances secreted by the EFNs, test whether EFNs attract ants, and whether ants actually present a defensive role, leading to reduced herbivory and increased plant fitness. Histochemical analyses indicated that EFNs from both species of Anemopaegma secrete an exudate that is composed of sugars, and potentially lipids and proteins. Furthermore, EFNs from both species were shown to present a significant role in ant attraction. However, contrary to common expectations, ants were not found to protect plants against herbivore attack. No effect was found between ant visitation and flower or fruit production in A. album, while the presence of ants led to a significant decrease in flower production in A. scabriusculum. These results suggest that EFNs might present a similar cost and benefit in A. album, and a higher cost than benefit in A. scabriusculum. Since the ancestor of Anemopaegma occupied humid forests and already presented EFNs that were maintained in subsequent lineages that occupied savannas, we suggest that phylogenetic inertia might explain the presence of EFNs in the species of Anemopaegma in which EFNs lack a defensive function.

Cryptic Species of the Anastrepha fraterculus Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae): A Multivariate Approach for the Recognition of South American Morphotypes

Although a large amount of data have been published in past years on the taxonomic status of the Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) species complex, there is still a need to know how many species this complex comprises, the distribution of each one, and their distinguishing features. In this study, we assessed the morphometric variability of 32 populations from the A. fraterculus complex, located in major biogeographical areas from the Neotropics. Multivariate techniques for analysis were applied to the measurements of 21 variables referring to the mesonotum, aculeus, and wing. For the first time, our results identified the presence of seven distinct morphotypes within this species complex. According to the biogeographical areas, populations occurring in the Mesoamerican dominion (Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama) were clustered within a single natural entity labeled as the "Mexican" morphotype; whereas in the northwestern South American dominion, samples fell into three distinct groups: the "Venezuelan" morphotype with a single population from the Caribbean lowlands of Venezuela, the "Andean" morphotype from the highlands of Venezuela and Colombia, and the third group or "Peruvian" morphotype comprised the samples from the Pacific coastal lowlands of Ecuador and Peru. Three additional groups were identified from the Chacoan and Paranaense sub-regions: the morphotype "Brazilian-1" was recognized as including the Argentinean samples with most pertaining to Brazil, and widely distributed in these biogeographical areas; the morphotype "Brazilian-2" was recognized as including two samples from the state of Sao Paulo (Ilha-Bela and Sao Sebastiao); whereas the morphotype "Brazilian-3" included a single population from Botucatu (state of Sao Paulo). Based on data published by previous authors showing genetic and karyotypic differentiation, as well as reproductive isolation, we have concluded that such morphotypes indeed represent natural groups and distinct taxonomic entities.

Evaluation of the schistosomicidal activity of the steroidal alkaloids from Solanum lycocarpum fruits

Solanum lycocarpum (Solanaceae), a Brazilian medicinal plant known as "wolf fruit," contains about 1.5% of glycoalkaloids in its dried fruits, consisting mainly of solamargine and solasonine. The present work reports the obtainment of the alkaloidic extract of the S. lycocarpum fruit by acid-base extraction and the isolation of the major alkaloid heterosides by chromatographic means, as well as the evaluation of their in vitro schistosomicidal activities. The in vitro schistosomicidal activities of the alkaloidic extract of S. lycocarpum fruits and its isolated steroidal alkaloids were undertaken against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. The alkaloidic extract (20, 32, and 50 mu g mL(-1)), solasonine (50 mu M), solamargine (32 and 50 mu M), and equimolar mixture of glycoalkaloids (20, 32, and 50 mu M) lead to the separation of all couple worms and extensive disruption on their teguments, such as sloughing, as well as their deaths within 24 h of incubation. In addition, the alkaloidic extract (10 and 15 mu g mL(-1)), solasonine (50 mu M), solamargine (10, 15, and 20 mu M), and equimolar mixtures of glycoalkaloids (10 and 15 mu M) reduced the development of eggs produced by the adult worms. Solamargine, containing the sugar chain moiety chacotriose, was more active than the solasonine, which contains solatriose sugar chain moiety. A synergistic effect was also observed for a mixture of solamargine and solasonine. Therefore, the alkaloidic extract of S. lycocarpum, and its major components, solamargine and solasonine, showed promising schistosomicidal activity.