Separation of flavonoids and naphthopyrones from four Brazilian Paepalanthus species by droplet countercurrent chromatography

A general procedure was developed for the simultaneous separation of flavonoids and naphthopyrones from the polar extracts of the capitula from Brazilian everlasting plants is described. The ethanolic extracts of several species from the Paepalanthus genus (Eriocaulaceae) were fractionated by droplet countercurrent chromatography followed by column chromatography on pvp and sephadex LH-20. The isolated compounds were identified by spectrometric analysis and comparison with literature data. This approach led to the isolation of 9-O-β-D-glucopyranosylpaepalantine (1), 9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→6)allopyranosylpaepalantine (2), along with the flavonoids 6-methoxykaempferol (3), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-6-methoxykaempferol (4), patuletin (5), 3-Oβ-D-rutinosylpatuletin (6), 7-O-β-D-glucopyranosylquercetagetin (7), 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6,3'-dimethoxyflavone (8) and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6,3'-dimethoxyflavonol (9).

Estudo do extrato de Bauhinia forficata L. sobre o diabete em ratas prenhes

The objective of this paper was to study the aqueous extract of Bauhinia forficata L. (pata-de-vaca) effects on streptozotocin-induced diabete pregnant rats. We used Wistar pregnant rats, dividided in 3 experimental groups: control (C, n=7), non-treated diabetics (DNT, n=7) and streptozotocin induced-diabetics treated with an aqueous extract of pata-de-vaca leaves, 200 mg/kg dose (DT, n=7). The animals received the extract through a gastric tube (gavage). The blood glucose level were verified on day 0, 5, 14 and 20 of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the daily mean water intake, food intake and average maternal weight gains of rats were measured. The results demonstrated that plant extract reduced the postimplantation loss porcentage, increasing the number of live fetuses likely to the control group. We found increased food and water intake of the DT and DNT pregnant rats compared to control due to hyperglycemic state. We also observed average maternal weight gains was likely to the DT and control groups on different pregnant periods, suggesting treatment with the plant contributed for the rat weight gains. The blood glucose level of dams did not present significative differences between DT and DNT groups. Thus, the B. forficata aqueous extract, 200 mg/kg dose, did not present hypoglycemic effect on streptozotocin-induced diabete pregnant rats. Nevertheless, the results suggest that DT pregnant rats were kept safe the for B. forficata aqueous extract, allowing at term pregnant occurence.

Influência de cinco temperaturas de secagem no rendimento e composição do óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt)

The Influence of Drying Temperatures on the Yield Composition of Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) essential oil. The studies were carried out to establish more precise parameters for citronella (C. winterianus Jowitt) post-harvest, and to optimize drying time and essential oil quantitative/qualitative yield. Five treatments were designed (30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C and 70°C), with 14 repetitions of the drying process and 12 of the essential oil extraction. Drying at 60°C gave the best results for drying time (48 hours until weight stabilization), and also for extracted oil quantity (1.228 ± 0.127% over dry weight). Essential oil content showed high quantitative variations. The main compound found was neral, except in the 50°C treatment, where citronelal was the main compound.

Estudo das propriedades analgésicas da Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae)

This study was designed to separately evaluate the analgesic capacity of 15% tea from Achillea millefolium leaves and florid ends. Three different tests were performed. The animals were separated in 3 groups: group I (control) that received water, group II that received florid end tea, and group III that received leaf tea. The first test was the writhing test induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid in male Swiss mice. The second test consisted of the measurement of tail flick reflex latency (TFRL) in male Wistar rats after receiving a painful thermal stimulus. The groups received the teas or water per os, prior to observation. In the third test, the Wistar rats were submitted to an approximately 1 cm long incision in their tails to test the effect of the teas on induced inflammatory pain. The results showed that the effect of the 15% leaf tea on the mice writhing and TFRL test were not statistically significant. The florid ends tea showed a significantly increase in number of writhes in mice and TFRL in rats after administration. With regard to the effect of the teas on inflammatory pain, ingestion of both preparations caused an increase in the force threshold necessary for the avoidance reflex, indicating antihyperalgesic action of both the leaf and florid ends 15% teas of Achillea millefolium.

Cromatografia em contra-corrente de gotejamento na separação de substâncias fenólicas de Neuropogon aurantiaco-ater

This work reports the separation of phenolic compounds present in the metabolic extract of the lichen Neuropogon aurantiaco-ater (Usniaceae). The crude extract was fractionated by droplet counter-current chromatography using a solvent mixture of high polarity (chloroform:methanol:water at 43:37:20, in ascending mode). The separation resulted in the isolation of usnic and protocetratic acid, which were identified by TLC, HPLC, and NMR tests.

Avaliação do colesterol plasmático em coelhos com hipercolesterolemia induzida e tratados com extrato etanólico de própolis

The propolis (bee glue) is a product rich in flavonoids, which are known for antioxidant activities, a protective action to the lipoproteins LDL-cholesterol against lipid peroxidation. Because they have antioxidant properties, we investigated the effect of the ethanolic extract propolis on the plasma level of cholesterol in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) submitted to hypercholesterolaemia. The animals were divided into 4 groups. G 1=received commercial feed and water, G 2=received enriched feed and water, G 3=received enriched feed and ethanol, G 4=received enriched feed and ethanolic extract of propolis. The hypercholesterolaemia was induced with commercial feed enriched with egg yolk. The animals received the ethanolic extract propolis at the concentration of 100 mg/kg daily. Weekly, after fast of 14 hours, the samples of blood were collected from the marginal vein of the ear. The plasma was used for the estimation total cholesterol. From the results obtained, we verified that the ethanolic extract propolis significantly reduced the plasma level cholesterol (109,59 mg/dL, p<0,05), compared to the animals treated with ethanol (331,38 mg/dL), and also to those receiving the commercial feed only, with cholesterol at 269,74 mg/dL.

Composição fitoquímica dos óleos essenciais de folhas de Lippia alba (Mill.)N.E.Br. em diferentes épocas de colheita e partes do ramo

This work aimed to determine the best harvest time for biomass production, yield and essential oil composition considering the seasonal variation (spring, summer, autumn and winter) on different plant parts (apical, medial and basal). Essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation with a Clevenger apparatus for both fresh and dry mass obtained in field and lab conditions respectively. The extracted essential oils were analyzed by GS/MS (Shimadzu, QP-5000). The chemical components were identified by comparing their mass spectrum to the patterns filed in the MS computer memory (Wiley,139,Lib.), to the literature references, and by co-injection with authentic standards. Applying phyto-chemical tests on fresh and dry mass, the chemical component percentages of essential oils were calculated and identified as follows: citral (neral and geranial), myrcene, caryophylene and elemene.

Avaliações bioquímicas séricas e hepáticas do extrato de yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia) Poepp. & Endl.

Yacon is a medicinal plant, the tuberous roots of which have been thought to contain a large amount of fructan (oligosaccharides). Purpose - The aim of paper was to study the effect of aqueous extracts of yacon on biochemical parameters of clinical importance in rats. The animals (male, wistar, weighing approximately 300g) were divided in 3 groups: G1(n=8)= water control; G2(n=8)= aqueous extract of roots (0,17g/100g/day); G3(n=8)= aqueous extract of leaves (25mg/100g/day). The serum samples were obtained after 30 days, and the biochemical parameters were measured. The livers were removed and homogenized in 0,01M phosphate buffer pH 7,0 and then the supernatant fractions were used for enzyme assay. Significantly increased serum glucose was observed in G2 (206,72±91,27 mg/dL). The groups G2 and G3 rats had higher (p<0,05) urea concentration, while creatinin level decreased (p<0,05). The serum albumin concentration showed a tendency to remain in G2 (2,44±0,45 g/dL) and G3 (2,84±0,50 g/dL). Aqueous extracts administration markedly decreased (p<0,05) the activities of ALT in the liver and greatly increased these enzymatic activities in blood. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity increased (p<0,05) in rats receiving the aqueous extract of root (192,75±20,95 U/dL), while aqueous extract of leaves reduced it (129,57±19,93 U/dL). The results indicated that the extract of yacon promoted changes of the biochemical parameters.

Atividade da enzima bromelina emplantas de abacaxi (Ananas comosus L. Merril), sob condições de salinidade in vitro

The objectives of this work were to characterize pineapple plants (Ananas comosus L. Merril) cv. Smooth Cayenne, cultured in vitro, in saline medium, in relation to bromelian activity, identifying the parts of the plant with the highest bromelian activity. Also under aim was the study of the influence of saline stress on the enzyme activity. Axillary buds of pineapple were cultivated in vitro in MS medium, supplemented with 2 mg.L-1 BAP and 1 mg.L-1 NAA. The levels of salinity tested were: 0.57 g.L-1 NaCl, 1.15 g.L-1 NaCl, and 2.30 g.L-1 NaCl. Bromelian activity was evaluated in the development of buds, shoots, and roots. The results showed that bromelian activity was higher in buds at the highest salt concentration at 15 days. Cultured shoots showed bromelian activity decreasing in the saline treatments in all the collection, up to 60 days in culture. The roots showed higher bromelian activity in the roots in saline medium.

A review of antifertility folkloric plants tested in laboratory animals

The use of natural active principals is widespread among a great proportion of the rural population, or by people who do not have easy access to medical assistance. These active principles are used as food or medicines, and even for purposes of contraception. It becomes necessary to establish a relationship between the folklore habits and current information on the nature of anti-fertility substances, and knowledge of their mechanisms. Anti-fertility agents may exert their actions in a number of areas, (hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, oviduct, uterus, and vagina), inhibiting synthesis and/or liberation of hormones (follicle-stimulating, luteinizing, and steroid hormones), ovulation, ovum transportation, and implantation process. Therefore, a review of literature was carried out, including of several plants used by women as abortifacient and anti-fertility agents to compare their effects with those obtained among laboratory animals.

Avaliação de diferentes sistemas de cultivo in vitro para a micropropagação de Psychotria ipecacuanha (Brot.) Stokes

This work was carried out with Psychotria ipecacuanha, a Brazilian medicinal plant the roots of which contain emetine. The main objective was to develop a protocol for the micro-propagation of these species, by testing different culture techniques, the temporary immersion system, and the semi-solid and liquid media systems. In the semi-solid system, experiments were developed in flasks of two different sizes containing MS, B5, and WP media to which were added different growth regulators. Innoculum density was also evaluated. The liquid medium system consisted of MS medium supplemented with different growth regulators. For the temporary immersion system, the MS medium received an addition of 1.5mg/L BAP and 0.5mg/L GA3, and a reverse digital apparatus and vacuum pump were used. The liquid medium system with MS medium supplemented with 1.5mg/L BAP and 0.5mg/L GA3 presented the best results for shoot proliferation in a period of 30 days in culture (2.37 ± 0.32 shoots/explant). Cultures carried out for 90 days in the semi-solid system, using 8.5 × 5.5cm flasks and 3 explants per flask, developed 1.80 ± 0.20 shoots/explant, achieving 3.06 ± 0.51 cm of height adn presented superior survival ratio (96%). Explants cultured in temporary immersion system for 90 days showed 2.30 ± 1.10 shoots/explant achieving a growth of 2.08 ± 0.12 cm and 52% survival.

Uso e conservação de Piper cernuum Vell. (Piperaceae) na Mata Atlântica: I. Fenologia reprodutiva e dispersão de sementes

The pariparoba (Piper cernuum Vell.), a native plant from the Atlantic Tropical Forest (ATF), has been commonly used in folk medicine. Works seeking the exploitation of P. cernuum natural populations need to be accomplished, seeking compatibility in obtaining income rates and preservation of ATF. The present work aimed to study the reproductive phenology and seed dispersal in P. cernuum natural population in the counties of Sete Barras/SP (Parque Estadual Intervales - PEI). The population of P. cernuum studied in PEI presented continuously bud-inflorescences, green-infrutescences and bud-inflorescence emission, with variation among individuals. Fruit-set average was of 9.1%, varying among individuals. Shading and foliar damage presented negative effect on the fruit-set. Three species of bats were identified as potential dispersors of the P. cernuum seeds: Carollia perspicillata, Anoura geoffroyi and Artibeus sp. The foragement strategy observed was the withdrawal of some seeds per infrutescence per flight. This strategy increases the potential in establishing new plants as well as in increase the potential of gene flow in comparison with the entire infrutescence plant eaten at the night perches. In consequence, the results of reproductive phenology and seed dispersal ecology presented in this work can help to establish management and conservation strategies of P. cernuum natural populations in the ATF.

Caracterização histológica de folhas de Mentha pulegium x spicata (Lamiaceae)

The glandular hairs of Mentha pulegium x spicata (Lamiaceae) were studied by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, Three morphologically distinct types of trichomes are described: two of them are glandulars (peltate and capitate) and one is non-glandular hair (tector). Capitate trichome is of Type I, and consists of a foot cell, a stalk and a unicellular head with elongated format and two lateral depressions, showing the thinnest cuticle. The peltate trichome consists of a foot cell, a stalk cell and a radial cluster of secretory cells, cover by cuticle. The tector trichomes can be simple and forked -format, both multicellular, in which there are ornamentations on cell cuticle. The leaf cross sections, analysed in light microscopy, showed mesophyll organized for unistratification palisade parenchyma and lacurary parenchyma with four to five cell stratum. It was observed the presence of cristal mass agglomerate in mesophyll cells and in epidermical cells.

Características anatômicas de espinheira-santa (Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek e Maytenus aquifolia Mart.) e mata-olho (Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Burg. Lanj. & Boer.) para o controle de qualidade da matéria prima

Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus aquifolia (Celastraceae) both designated espinheira-santa have proven anti-ulcer activity. Morphologic similarities between leaves of espinheira-santa and mata-olho (Sorocea bonplandii), has motivated fakes in the market of phytotherapy. The present work consisted of the anatomical study, including stem and leaf, of the species M. ilicifolia, M. aquifolia and S. bomplandii. Samples of adult leaves and stem of plants located in the cities of Maringá and Marialva were collected. Both are located in the northwest region of Paraná State. The botanical material was prepared with using usual techniques of anatomy. The leaves of both Maytenus species presented great similarities, characterizing itself for the presence of epidermal cells with straight walls, biseriate palisade tissue, petiole vascular system represented by unique amphicribal bundle and sclereids, which were present in the stems of these two species. S. bomplandii leaves differed of Maytenus species for presenting epidermal cells with undulated walls, uniserite palisade tissue, petiole vascular system represented by many collateral bundles and gelatinous fibres. Non-glandular trichomes, glandular trichomes, and laticifer only occur in S. bomplandii.

Estudo do extrato de Ginkgo biloba na prevenção de malformações em recémnascidos de ratas diabéticas

The pregnant women presenting Diabetes mellitus develop metabolic alterations, that may cause damage to the fetal well-being and provoke anomalies and/or malformations. The antioxidant treatment has improved the embryonic development from streptozotocin diabetic rats. Several studies have shown that a Gingko biloba extract presents antioxidant effects and, in the present study, one of the G. biloba extract formulations was used (EGb761) - Tebonin (200 mg/Kg/day), given to the diabetic pregnant female rats. The aim was to evaluate the effect of the EGb761 treatment on the of anomalies and/ or malformations incidence of the offspring. Diabetes was induced in female rats using streptozotocin in a dose of 40 mg/kg. The rats were mated, and the pregnant animals were divided in two groups: Control (water) and experimental (G. biloba). At day 21 of pregnancy, the rats were killed, and their fetuses were analyzed and processed for anomalies and/or malformations incidence. The results demonstrated that control and experimental groups presented no external anomalies and malformations; increased incidence of skeletal anomalies and of visceral malformations, and lower rate of visceral anomalies and skeletal malformations. These data confirm no statistical difference and, therefore, EGb761 treatment did not cause changes. Thus, a dose of 200 mg/Kg/day of a Gingko biloba extract given during the pregnancy rat was ineffective in the prevention of the anomalies and/or malformations related to the diabetes.