In vitro antimicrobial activity of auxiliary chemical substances and natural extracts on Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis in root canals

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of auxiliary chemical substances and natural extracts on Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecali's inoculated in root canals. Material and Methods: Seventy-two human tooth roots were contaminated with C. albicans and E. faecalis for 21 days. The groups were divided according to the auxiliary chemical substance into: G1) 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), G2) 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX), G3) castor oil, G4) glycolic Aloe vera extract, g5) glycolic ginger extract, and G6) sterile saline (control). The samples of the root canal were collected at different intervals: confirmation collection, at 21 days after contamination; 1st collection, after instrumentation; and 2nd collection, seven days after instrumentation. Microbiological samples were grown in culture medium and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. Results: The results were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (5%) statistical tests. NaOCl and CHX completely eliminated the microorganisms of the root canals. Castor oil and ginger significantly reduced the number of CFU of the tested bacteria. Reduction of CFU/mL at the 1st and 2nd collections for groups G1, G2, G3 and G4 was greater in comparison to groups G5 and G6. Conclusion: It was concluded that 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine gel were more effective in eliminating C. albicans and E. faecalis, followed by the castor oil and glycolic ginger extract. The Aloe vera extract showed no antimicrobial activity.

Microbiological control of moisturizing mask formulation added of hibiscus flowers, assai palm, black mulberry and papaw glycolic extracts

The microbiological control of moisturizing mask formulation added of hibiscus flowers, assai palm, black mulberry and papaw glycolic extracts, determining the number of viable microorganisms and possible presence of pathogenic. The moisturizing mask formulation was composed of zinc oxide (5. 0%) and moisturizing cream constituted of triceteareth-4 phosphate (and) cetyl alcohol (and) stearyl alcohol (and) sodium cetearyl sulfate (and) oleth-10 (qs 50g). To this formulation was added hibiscus flowers glycolic extract (2. 5%), assai palm glycolic extract (1. 5%), black mulberry glycolic extract (1. 5%) and papaw glycolic extract (2. 0%). The formulation was stored in aseptically clean recipients, away from humidity and light, in fresh and airy places. The results of the microbiological analysis on the counting of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), of the above mentioned formulation, revealed a bioburden < 10 CFU/mL in all samples. Such data indicate adequate microbiological quality of the tested products, according to official recommendations. Furthermore, it was not detected the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, assuring the harmlessness of the formulation. The results lead us to conclude that the formulation and raw materials analyzed did not present microbial contamination, evidenced for estimating the number of viable microorganisms (<10 UFC/g) and for researching pathogens.

Validation of an alternative analytical method for the quantification of antioxidant activity in plant extracts

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Extracts from a note communicated by the French Government to the Secretary-General of the United Nations

Note about training course which could be organized in France for technicians from the under-developed countries holding United Nations felleowships

The economic development of Bolivia: summary and extracts

Includes bibliography

In vitro activity of pineapple extracts (Ananas comosus, Bromeliaceae) on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Measures to control the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, based only on chemical products are becoming unsustainable, mainly because of the development of resistance. The objective of this study was to test the effect of the aqueous extract of pineapple skin (AEPS) and bromelain extracted from the stem (Sigma-Aldrich®, B4882) on engorged females and larvae of R. (B.) microplus in vitro. These substances were diluted in water and evaluated at eight concentrations. Engorged females were collected and distributed in groups of 10, with three repetitions for each treatment. After immersion in the solutions, the females were placed in an incubator for observation of survival, oviposition and larval hatching. The larval packet method was used, also with three repetitions with about 100 larvae each. The packets were incubated and the readings were performed after 24h. The estimated reproduction and efficacy of the solutions were calculated. The LC50 and LC90 were estimated using the Probit procedure of the SAS program. The eight concentrations were compared within each treatment by the Tukey test. For the experiment with engorged females, the most effective concentrations were 125, 250 and 500mg/mL: 33%, 48% and 59% for the AEPS and 27%, 51% and 55% for the bromelain. The LC50 and LC90 values were, respectively, 276 and 8691mg/mL for AEPS and 373 and 5172mg/mL for bromelain. None of the dilutions tested was effective against the larvae of R. (B.) microplus. This is the first report of the action of pineapple extracts or their constituents on cattle ticks. The results demonstrate that further studies regarding composition of tick cuticle, with evaluation of other solvents and formulations, should be conducted seeking to enhance the effect of pineapple extracts and compounds against this ectoparasite. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Phytotoxicity of organic extracts of Turnera ulmifolia L. and Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. in cucumber seeds

We evaluated the phytotoxic effects that the hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from leaves and branches of the species Turnera ulmifolia L. and Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. (Turneraceae), at concentrations of 1.25, 2.50, 3.75 and 5.00 mg ml-1, have on seed germination and seedling development in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). None of the extracts tested prevented germination, although the ethyl acetate extracts of T. diffusa, at 3.75 and 5.00 mg ml-1, reduced the mean germination speed and time to germination. Hexane extracts of both species reduced the main root length, number of secondary roots and hypocotyl length. In the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, the number of secondary roots and hypocotyl length varied by species and concentration. Ethyl acetate extracts of T. ulmifolia at ≤ 2.50 mg ml-1stimulated growth of the main root and hypocotyl, as did T. ulmifolia methanol extracts at 1.25 and 3.75 mg ml-1; all other extract/concentration combinations had an inhibitory effect on those parameters. The hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of T. diffusa inhibited the formation of secondary roots and of the main root, although significant inhibition of hypocotyl growth was observed only at ≥ 2.50 mg ml-1. Comparatively, T. diffusa extracts inhibited development to a greater degree, thus presenting greater allelopathic potential, than did T. ulmifolia extracts.

Antioxidant activity of basil and oregano extracts added to soybean oil for accelerated storage test

The objective of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of extract of basil and oregano, and its synergistic effect when added to soybean oil and subjected to accelerated storage test. Extracts of basil, oregano and mixtures of both were applied to soybean oil at a concentration of 2.000mg/kg, then the extracts were heated in an oven at 60C for a period of 10 days. Samples were taken every 2 days and analyzed for concentrations of peroxides and conjugated dienes. Synthetic antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) at a concentration of 50mg/kg and soybean oil free antioxidant (control) subject to the same conditions were used as benchmarks. The results showed that the antioxidant effect decreases according to oil heating for all treatments. However, the synthetic antioxidant showed superior protection to the soybean oil during the formation of primary oxidation compounds, followed by the natural extracts, which showed no synergism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cytotoxicity of Brazilian plant extracts against oral microorganisms of interest to dentistry

Background: With the emergence of strains resistant to conventional antibiotics, it is important to carry studies using alternative methods to control these microorganisms causing important infections, such as the use of products of plant origin that has demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity besides biocompatibility. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts of Equisetum arvense L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Punica granatum L. and Stryphnodendron barbatimam Mart. against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata, and to analyze the cytotoxicity of these extracts in cultured murine macrophages (RAW 264.7).Methods: Antimicrobial activity of plant extracts was evaluated by microdilution method based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), M7-A6 and M27-A2 standards. The cytotoxicity of concentrations that eliminated the microorganisms was evaluated by MTT colorimetric method and by quantification of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) using ELISA.Results: In determining the minimum microbicidal concentration, E. arvense L., P. granatum L., and S. barbatimam Mart. extracts at a concentration of 50 mg/mL and G. glabra L. extract at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, were effective against all microorganisms tested. Regarding cell viability, values were 48% for E. arvense L., 76% for P. granatum L, 86% for S. barbatimam Mart. and 79% for G. glabra L. at the same concentrations. About cytokine production after stimulation with the most effective concentrations of the extracts, there was a significant increase of IL-1β in macrophage cultures treated with S. barbatimam Mart. (3.98 pg/mL) and P. granatum L. (7.72 pg/mL) compared to control (2.20 pg/mL) and a significant decrease of TNF-α was observed in cultures treated with G. glabra L. (4.92 pg/mL), S. barbatimam Mart. (0.85 pg/mL), E. arvense L. (0.83 pg/mL), and P. granatum L. (0.00 pg/mL) when compared to control (41.96 pg/mL).Conclusions: All plant extracts were effective against the microorganisms tested. The G. glabra L. extract exhibited least cytotoxicity and the E. arvense L. extract was the most cytotoxic. © 2013 de Oliveira et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Development of a new method to prepare nano-/microparticles loaded with extracts of azadirachta indica, their characterization and use in controlling plutella xylostella

Biodegradable nanoparticles have been widely explored as carriers for controlled delivery of therapeutic molecules; however, studies describing the development of nanoparticles as carriers for biopesticide products are few. In this work, a new method to prepare nanoparticles loaded with neem (Azadirachta indica) extracts is presented. In this study, nanoparticles were formulated as colloidal suspension and (spray-dried) powder and characterized by evaluating pH, particle size, zeta potential, morphology, absolute recovery, and entrapment efficiency. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was used for nanoparticle characterization. The best formulations presented absolute recovery and entrapment efficiencies of approximately 100% and a release profile based on swelling and relaxation of the polymer or polymer erosion. The biological data of the formulated products against Plutella xylostella showed 100% larval mortality. The nanoparticle information improved the stability of neem products against ultraviolet radiation and increased their dispersion in the aqueous phase. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Antioxidant capacity and larvicidal activity of essential oil and extracts from Lippia grandis

The leaves and thin branches of Lippia grandis Schauer, Verbenaceae, are used for flavoring of food in the Brazilian Amazon, as substitute for oregano. In this study the constituents of the essential oil were identified and the antioxidant capacity and larvicidal activity of the oil and methanol extract and its sub-fractions were evaluated. A sensory evaluation was determined in view of absence of toxicity. The oil showed a yield of 2.1% and its main constituents were thymol (45.8%), p-cymene (14.3%), γ-terpinene (10.5%), carvacrol (9.9%) and thymol methyl ether (4.8%), totalizing 85%. The DPPH radical scavenging activity showed values for the EC50 between 9.0 and 130.5 µg mL^-1 and the TEAC/ABTS values varied from 131.1 to 336.0 mg TE/g, indicating significant antioxidant activity for the plant. The total phenolic content ranged from 223.0 to 761.4 mg GAE/g, contributing to the antioxidant activity observed. The crude extracts inhibited the bleaching of β-carotene and the oil showed the greatest inhibition (42.5%). The oil (LgO, 7.6±2.4 µg mL^-1) showed strong larvicidal activity against the brine shrimp bioassay. The sensory evaluation was highly satisfactory in comparison to oregano. The results are very promising for the use of L. grandis in seasoning and antioxidant products.

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.

Popping expansion and yield responses of popcorn cultivars under different row spacings and plant populations

The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic traits and the popping expansion index of three Brazilian popcorn cultivars under different row spacings and plant populations. The trials were performed during two crop seasons, under field conditions. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block, in a split-split plot, with 27 treatments and four replicates. Treatments were represented in a triple factorial arrangement: three row spacings (0.40, 0.60, and 0.80 m), three plant populations (40,000, 60,000, and 80,000 plants per hectare), and three popcorn cultivars (IAC-TC 01, IAC 12, and Zelia). The increase in plant population causes a reduction in the number of grains per ear, lower prolificacy, and grain weight loss. Cultivar grain yield is affected by row spacing and popcorn plant population. Cultivar IAC 12 shows highest grain yield under row spacings of 0.40 and 0.60 m and plant population between 60,000 and 80,000 plants per hectare. The popping expansion index is not affected by row spacing or plant population.

Mycelial growth of two Lentinula edodes strains in culture media prepared with sawdust extracts from seven eucalyptus species and three eucalyptus clones

The in vitro mycelial growth of Lentinula edodes strains LE-95/01 and LE-96/18 were evaluated in solid culture media prepared with sawdust extracts from seven eucalyptus species (E. saligna, E. grandis, E. urophylla, E. pellita, E. paniculata, E. citriodora, and E. camaldulensis) and three eucalyptus clones (E. grandis × E. urophylla hybrids). Evaluations were made every 48 hours by means of colony diameter measurements (mean of four transversely-oriented measurements), during ten days of incubation in the dark at 25ºC ±1°C. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, and treatment means were compared by Tukey test. The culture medium prepared from E. citriodora sawdust extract was the most promising to grow L. edodes strains LE-96/18 and LE-95/01. L. edodes strain LE-96/18 presented the fastest mycelial growth after incubation for ten days, regardless of sawdust extract type used in the culture medium.

In vitro trypanocidal activity of solamargine and extracts from Solanum palinacanthum and Solanum lycocarpum of brazilian cerrado

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a potencial atividade tripanocida do extrato bruto etanólico dos frutos de Solanum palinacanthum, Solanum lycocarpum e do glicoalcalóide solamargina. Pó do fruto seco de S. palinacanthum e S. lycocarpum foram submetidos a extracção por refluxo com etanol a 96% e solamargina foi isolada a partir do extrato bruto de S. palinacanthum. Foram determinadas de ambos os extratos e a solamargina a atividade tripanocida utilizando o ensaio colorimétrico MTT. O Extrato de S. palinacanthum mostrou-se mais ativo (IC50 = 175,9 µg.ml–1) de que o extrato de S. lycocarpum (IC50 = 194,7 µg.ml–1). A solamargina apresentou forte atividade tripanocida (IC50 = 15,3 µg.ml–1), o que pode explicar a melhor atividade de ambos os extratos. O benzonidazol (IC50 = 9,0 µg.ml–1) é a única droga utilizada para o tratamento da doença de Chagas. Estes resultados demonstram pela primeira vez que os extratos etanólicos obtidos a partir de frutos de S. palinacanthum e S. lycocarpum, além da solamargina apresentam uma atividade tripanocida potencial.