Estudo da diversidade genética e química de Uncaria tomentosa Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. e Uncaria guianensis Gmell. de populações naturais localizadas na Amazônia

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Economic analysis for oregano under irrigation considering economic risk factors

The oregano is a plant, rich in essential oil and very used as spice in the preparation of foods. The objective of this paper was to analyze the viability of irrigation for oregano in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo state, Brazil, including economic risk factors, their effect on irrigation total cost, as well as the different pumping kinds. The Monte Carlo simulation was utilized to study the economic factors: fixed cost, labor, maintenance, pumping and water. The use of irrigation for the oregano in the region of Presidente Prudente is indicated because of its economic feasibility and the reduced risks. The average values of the benefit/cost for all water depths tested were higher than 1, indicating viability. The use of irrigation promoted lower risks compared to the non irrigated crop. The micro irrigation system presented greater sensitivity to changes of prices of the equipment associated to the variation of the useful life of the system. The oregano selling price was the most important factor involved in annual net profit. The water cost was the factor of lesser influence on the total cost. Due to the characteristic of high drip irrigation frequency there was no difference between the tariffs based in use hour of electric energy classified as green and blue, which are characterized by applying different rates on the energy consumption and demand according to the hours of day and times of the year. For the studied region it was recommended drip irrigation water management of oregano with the daily application of 100% of pan evaporation Class A using electric motor with tariffs blue or green.

Variability in the indument of Phaseolus vulgaris var. aborigineus (Fabaceae)

The indument of Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. aborigineus (Burkart) Baudet, a native bean from Argentina, potential source for improvement of cultivated varieties, was compared between different genetic lines. Seeds collected from wild, weedy forms and presumptive hybrid individuals in two distant latitudes were sown in two sites of Buenos Aires University Campus (field and greenhouse). Two type of trichomes were found, which differenciate in length and shape. The pubescence density was significantly different between wild specimens from different latitudes and between culture sites for plants of a same procedence. This character could be involved in physical defences of these plants.

MANDRÁGORAS: MITOS E ASPECTOS DA CULTURA DE ISRAEL A PARTIR DE GÊNESIS 25 A 36

A sexualidade de Lea e Raquel, o útero, as mandrágoras e o corpo de Jacó são fatores que definem o alicerce do nosso texto como espaços de diálogo, mediação e estrutura do cenário. O destaque principal está sob o capítulo 30.14-16 que retrata a memória das mandrágoras. Como plantas místicas elas dominam o campo religioso e como plantas medicinais elas são utilizadas para solucionar problemas biológicos. As instituições e sociedades detentoras de uma ideologia e de leis que regulamentam uma existência apresentam na narrativa, duas irmãs, mas também esposas de um mesmo homem que, manipuladas por essa instituição que minimiza e oprime a mulher, principalmente a estéril, confina-as como simples objeto de sexualidade e mantenedoras da descendência por meio da maternidade. A memória das mandrágoras é sinal de que a prática existente circundava uma religião não monoteísta. Ela existia sociologicamente por meio de sincretismos, força e poderes sócio-culturais e religiosos. Era constituída das memórias de mulheres que manipulavam e dominavam o poder sagrado para controle de suas necessidades. O discurso dessas mulheres, em nossa unidade, prova que o discurso dessa narrativa não se encontra somente no plano individual, mas também se estende a nível comunitário, espaço que as define e lhes concede importância por meio do casamento e dádivas da maternidade como continuidade da descendência. São mulheres que dominaram um espaço na história com suas lutas e vitórias, com atos de amor e de sofrimento, de crenças e poderes numa experiência religiosa dominada pelo masculino que vai além do nosso conhecimento atual. As lutas firmadas na fé e na ideologia dessas mulheres definiram e acentuaram seu papel de protagonistas nas narrativas 9 bíblicas que estudamos no Gênesis. A conservação dessas narrativas, e do espaço teológico da época, definiu espaços, vidas, gerações e tribos que determinaram as gerações prometidas e fecharam um ciclo: o da promessa de Iahweh quanto à descendência desde Abraão. Os mitos e as crenças foram extintos para dar espaço a uma fé monoteísta, mas a experiência religiosa

Promoção, comunicação e educação em saúde: a prática da acupuntura e da fitoterapia

Esta pesquisa discute a Comunicação em Saúde no contexto das Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PIC) no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no que concerne ao tratamento do câncer realizado num hospital público de Campinas. O arcabouço teórico se debruça sobre as diretrizes do ideário da Promoção da Saúde e sobre as discussões da Educação em Saúde, por serem premissas fundamentais para que a Comunicação em Saúde seja participativa e democrática, e que a Comunicação das PIC conquiste maior espaço na Saúde Pública. O objetivo geral foi investigar o processo de comunicação entre profissionais de saúde e usuários do SUS participantes do Projeto de Construção do Cuidado Integrativo (PCCI). A metodologia utilizada foi a qualitativa tendo como instrumentos pesquisa documental e entrevistas semi-estruturadas para a coleta dos dados. Os participantes do estudo foram usuários que fizeram parte do grupo de Acupuntura e de Fitoterapia e usaram práticas complementares ao tratamento convencional do câncer, e também os profissionais de saúde envolvidos no PCCI realizado no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)/SP. Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise temática de conteúdo de Bardin, que permitiu identificar as seguintes categorias: Medo da intervenção, Analgesia como resultado, Continuidade do tratamento, Falta de informação e Divulgação das práticas. Os resultados mostraram que houve dificuldades de comunicação, indicando lacunas importantes em relação à infraestrutura, à falta de divulgação e continuidade do tratamento complementar com as PIC, a falta de valorização da participação popular e estímulo à autonomia como preconiza o ideário da Promoção da Saúde. Concluiu-se que o modelo de saúde vigente, de base biomédica, não tem permitido a participação dos usuários, e, mais ainda, tem dificultado o desenvolvimento da comunicação democrática, humanizada e solidária. O Projeto (PCCI) foi importante em sua execução, uma vez que trouxe resultados positivos com o uso das PIC por melhorar as condições da qualidade de vida dos usuários e ter promovido analgesia, conferido maior disposição e recuperação dos movimentos. Entretanto, o Projeto (PCCI) não teve potencial o suficiente para provocar uma mudança na lógica do tratamento convencional que está hegemonicamente imerso no modelo biomédico, com isso limitando a inserção e a comunicação das PIC na Saúde Pública e dificultando a abertura para o diálogo entre os diferentes saberes. Entende-se que este é um dos principais desafios da Medicina Tradicional e Complementar (MTC).

Use efficiency of controlled release fertilizer on the growth of croton and petunia and N loss by leaching

The market of flowers and ornamentals such as croton (Codiaeum variegatum) and petunia (Petunia×hybrida Vilm.-Andr) have been created new technologies to constantly development, as one of the most promising segments of horticulture. Fertilization providing adequate nutrition and less leaching to the environment is the objective of numerous studies around the world. Therefore, two studies were conducted to evaluate the use of controlled release fertilizer (CRF) on the growth of two ornamental species, and N loss by leaching. The first experiment aim to evaluate sources and rates of CRF and water soluble fertilizer (WSF) on croton growth and nitrogen concentration on drained solution. Results showed that treatments with WSF and low rates of CRF provided higher plants growth, and the amount of N leached was higher for WSF treatments. The second experiment objective to compare plant performance and cost for strategies that potentially provide adequate nutrition during both the production and consumer phases for container-grown Petunia plants. In addition, two experiments were conducted to evaluate nutrient release in sand containers inside of the greenhouse and under controlled temperature conditions without plants. Results showed that during production phase all fertilizer treatments produced high quality plants, and during consumer phase, plants grown with WSF only during the production phase were nutrient-deficient, while plants receiving CRFs were still growing vigorously, especially in a high rate. The release rates of all CRF products were temperature-dependent. In conclusion CRF provided plant growth at the same rate that WSF, with less N leaching and extra cost less than U$0.065 per plant with CRF during production.

Estudo da aplicabilidade do processo de descontaminação de drogas vegetais empregando óxido de etileno

O consumo de plantas medicinais no país tem aumentado de maneira significativa nas últimas décadas. Dados da Organização mundial de Saúde estimam que 80% da população mundial usam plantas medicinais como alternativa terapêutica. No entanto, pouca informação se encontra disponível sobre os constituintes dos mesmos, bem como sobre o potencial de riscos à saúde humana. Assim, questões relacionadas à qualidade dessas drogas apresentam fundamental importância. Em função de sua origem, a carga microbiana detectada em drogas vegetais pode ser considerada normalmente elevada, oferecendo riscos potenciais ao usuário. Desta forma, a avaliação de sua qualidade sanitária bem como a utilização de processos descontaminantes constituem-se em etapas importantes no que se refere ao aspecto de segurança ao consumidor. Portanto o objetivo deste trabalho foi a determinação dos níveis de contaminação, a pesquisa de indicadores patogênicos; além da eficácia da exposição de 30 e 60 minutos ao gás óxido de etileno, a determinação de residuais tóxicos e a verificação de possíveis alterações nos níveis de marcadores em amostras de Matricaria recutita L., Cynara scolimus L., Paulinia cupana H.B.K. e Ginkgo biloba L. proveniente de três fornecedores diferentes. Todas as drogas vegetais analisadas continham elevados níveis de bactérias e fungos, na ordem de 105 ufc/g, além de terem sido detectados microrganismos patogênicos nas amostras estudadas. Entretanto após a exposição destas por 30 e 60 minutos ao gás óxido de etileno, observou-se a eliminação de cerca de 90% e 99,8% respectivamente. No que se refere aos patógenos específicos a exposição de 30 minutos foi capaz de eliminá-los completamente. Os níveis residuais de óxido de etileno nas drogas vegetais analisadas, foram reduzidos a índices aceitáveis após 14 dias de aeração ambiental, já os níveis de etilenoglicol e etilenocloridrina mantiveram-se dentro do limite da sensibilidade do método adotado. Com relação à análise de principios ativos naturais, não houve alteração nas concentrações dos marcadores das drogas vegetais camomila, ginkgo biloba e guaraná analisadas mesmo após ciclo de exposição de 60 minutos ao gás óxido de etileno. Sendo assim verifica-se a necessidade da adoção de métodos de descontaminação microbiana com o intuito de fornecer um produto mais seguro para o consumo humano visto que estes são por vezes consumidos por enfermos, idosos e crianças com a saúde comprometida. Pode-se concluir também que o processo de descontaminação de drogas vegetais por óxido de etileno é um processo eficaz e seguro, desde que sejam adotados os requisitos de segurança necessários que infelizmente, nem sempre são adotadas no mercado nacional

MANDRÁGORAS: MITOS E ASPECTOS DA CULTURA DE ISRAEL A PARTIR DE GÊNESIS 25 A 36

A sexualidade de Lea e Raquel, o útero, as mandrágoras e o corpo de Jacó são fatores que definem o alicerce do nosso texto como espaços de diálogo, mediação e estrutura do cenário. O destaque principal está sob o capítulo 30.14-16 que retrata a memória das mandrágoras. Como plantas místicas elas dominam o campo religioso e como plantas medicinais elas são utilizadas para solucionar problemas biológicos. As instituições e sociedades detentoras de uma ideologia e de leis que regulamentam uma existência apresentam na narrativa, duas irmãs, mas também esposas de um mesmo homem que, manipuladas por essa instituição que minimiza e oprime a mulher, principalmente a estéril, confina-as como simples objeto de sexualidade e mantenedoras da descendência por meio da maternidade.A memória das mandrágoras é sinal de que a prática existente circundava uma religião não monoteísta. Ela existia sociologicamente por meio de sincretismos, força e poderes sócio-culturais e religiosos. Era constituída das memórias de mulheres que manipulavam e dominavam o poder sagrado para controle de suas necessidades. O discurso dessas mulheres, em nossa unidade, prova que o discurso dessa narrativa não se encontra somente no plano individual, mas também se estende a nível comunitário, espaço que as define e lhes concede importância por meio do casamento e dádivas da maternidade como continuidade da descendência. São mulheres que dominaram um espaço na história com suas lutas e vitórias, com atos de amor e de sofrimento, de crenças e poderes numa experiência religiosa dominada pelo masculino que vai além do nosso conhecimento atual. As lutas firmadas na fé e na ideologia dessas mulheres definiram e acentuaram seu papel de protagonistas nas narrativas 9 bíblicas que estudamos no Gênesis. A conservação dessas narrativas, e do espaço teológico da época, definiu espaços, vidas, gerações e tribos que determinaram as gerações prometidas e fecharam um ciclo: o da promessa de Iahweh quanto à descendência desde Abraão. Os mitos e as crenças foram extintos para dar espaço a uma fé monoteísta, mas a experiência religiosa dessas mulheres definiu um espaço: do poder sagrado e místico que corroborava com suas necessidades e definiam sua teologia.(AU)

Avaliação da atividade anti-Helicobacter pylori e citotóxica in vitro de extratos orgânicos obtidos das folhas de Encholirium spectabile e Syzygium cumini

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral, Gram negative, mobile, and microaerophilic bacteria recognized as a major cause of gastritis, ulcer, gastric cancer, and gastric low grade, B cell, mucosa – associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, constituting an important microorganism in medical microbiology. Its importance comes from the difficulty of treatment because the requirement of multiple drugs use, besides the increasing emergence of resistant and multiresistant strains to antibiotics used in th e clinic. In order to expand safe and effective therapeutic options , chemical studies on medicinal plants by obtaining extracts, fractions, isolated compounds or essential oils with some biological activity has been intensified . Given the above, the objective was to evaluate the inhi bitory activity of organic extracts derived from Syzygium cumini and Encholirium spectabile, with antiulcer history, and the essential oil, obtained from S. cumini, against H. pylori (ATCC 43504) by the disk diffusion method, for qualitative evaluation, an d determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the broth microdilution method, for quantitative analysis. Also was evaluated the extracts in vitro toxicity by a hemolytic assay using sheep red blood cells, and VERO and HeLa cells using the MTT assay to analyze cell viability. The extracts of both plant used in antimicrobial assays did not inhibit bacterial growth, however the essential oil of S. cumini (SCFO) proved effective, showing MIC value of 205 μg/mL (0.024 % dilution of the original oil). In the hemolytic assay, the same oil shows moderate toxicity, by promote 25% hemolysis at 1000 μg/mL. Regarding the cytotoxicity in cell culture, the SCFO, at 260 μg/mL, affected the cell viability around 80% of HeLa and 50% of VERO cells. So the oi l obtained from S. cumini leaves has antimicrobial activity against H. pylori and cytotoxicity potential, suggesting a source of new molecule drug candidates, since new stages of toxicity in vitro and in vivo, as well, chemical characterization be evaluate d. Moreover, the development of a prospective drug delivery system can result in a prototype to be used in preclinical tests.

Transformações químicas, caracterizações e estudo de modelagem molecular do clerodano bioativo trans-desidrocrotonina

In this work it were developed synthetic and theoretical studies for clerodane-type diterpenes obtained from Croton cajucara Benth which represents one of the most important medicinal plant of the Brazil amazon region. Specifically, the majoritary biocompound 19-nor-clerodane trans-dehydrocrotonin (t-DCTN) isolated from the bark of this Croton, was used as target molecule. Semi-synthetic derivatives were obtained from t-DCTN by using the followed synthetic procedures: 1) catalytic reduction with H2, 2) reduction using NaBH4 and 3) reduction using NaBH4/CeCl3. The semi-synthetic 19-nor-furan-clerodane alcohol-type derivatives were denominated such as t-CTN, tCTN-OL, t-CTN-OL, t-DCTN-OL, t-DCTN-OL, being all of them characterized by NMR. The furan-clerodane alcohol derivatives t-CTN-OL and tCTN-OL were obtained form the semi-synthetic t-CTN, which can be isolated from the bark of C. cajucara. A theoretical protocol (DFT/B3LYP) involving the prevision of geometric and magnetic properties such as bond length and angles, as well as chemical shifts and coupling constants, were developed for the target t-DCTN in which was correlated NMR theoretical data with structural data, with satisfactory correlation with NMR experimental data (coefficients ranging from 0.97 and 0.99) and X-ray diffraction data. This theoretical methodology was also validated for all semi-synthetic derivatives described in this work. In addition, topological data from the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) showed the presence of H-H and (C)O--H(C) intramolecular stabilized interactions types for t-DCTN e t-CTN, contributing to the understanding of the different reactivity of this clerodanes in the presence of NaBH4.

Consórcio de cártamo e feijão caupi: alternativa para a produção de biodiesel na agricultura familiar

The new development strategies should operate mainly in the areas of energy efficiency and sustainable agriculture. Thus, the substitution of fossil fuels with biofuels, such as biodiesel, is increasingly on the agenda. The cultivation of oilseed plants for biodiesel production must take place in integrated systems that enable best environmental benefits and are more economically significant. The objectives of this study were to assess the morphological, anatomic, and physiological characteristics of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L., promising oilseed for biodiesel production) grown in monoculture and intercropping with cowpea bean (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.); and identify socioeconomic family farmers and verify their acceptance about safflower as an energy crop. The methodology used for the analysis of safflower growth in monoculture and intercropped with beans, were morphoanatomical and histochemical analyzes, made with samples of plants grown in the field in two cropping systems throughout the range of the life cycle of these plants. There were no changes in growth and anatomy of plants, even in the consortium, which is satisfactory to indicate the intercropping system for those crops and can be a good alternative for the family farmer, who may have safflower as a source of income without giving up planting their livelihood. To check the acceptance of safflower by farmers, interviews were made to family farmers by Canudos agrovila in Ceará-Mirim/RN. It was noticed that many of them accept the introduction of safflower as oil crop, although unaware of the species, and that, being more resistant to drought, safflower help in the stability of families who depend on the weather conditions for success their current crops. In general, it is concluded that safflower has features that allows it to be grown in consortium for biodiesel production combined with the production of food, such as cowpea, and can be used enabling better development for family farmers.

Diagnóstico da comercialização de produtos da medicina popular em feiras livres do semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte: avaliações socioeconômicas e sanitárias, com proposta de legislação específica

Historically, man has empirically acquired knowledge about the therapeutic applications of extracted elements of the natural environment in which belonged. Such knowledge over time culminated in the formation of traditional health systems. Among its features, the use of bioactive plant species - medicinal plants - stands out for its efficiency and high popular acceptance. Despite its importance for public health, the population still has in the open-air fairs the main source for the acquisition of the species used. In these spaces, the trade generally occurs informally, under unfavorable conditions to the quality of the products and to the financial sustainability of the business. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the socioeconomic, cultural and sanitary aspects related to the trade of medicinal plants in municipalities of a semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte, and additionally, proposing a specific legislation to the activity. Socioeconomic data were collected through on-site interviews, guided by structured form. The observations about the hygienic and sanitary adequacy of physical facilities and practices employed at the point of sale /environment were conducted and recorded with the use of assessment tool developed for use in open markets. The adequacy of medicinal plants to consumption was determined by microbiological analysis. The activity was carried out by individuals who are aged between 21 and 81 years of age, low educational level and low-income, predominantly males. The data showed a tendency to extinction of the activity in all the districts studied. It was observed in all the fairs studied hygiene and sanitation inadequacies that characterized very high health risk, representing in this way, the high probability of Food Transmitted Diseases outbreaks Such conditions were reflected in the high percentage of inadequacy to the consumption of the analyzed medicinal plants samples, illustrating the potential health risk to consumers. To contribute to the correction of hygiene and sanitation inadequacies observed in the studied open-air fairs, educational interventions were made to the training of traders in Good Practices. As a complement, was drafted a specific legislation for the marketing of folk medicine's products in open-air fairs. Such actions, products and its developments will contribute significantly to improving the quality of products available to the population and the preservation of activity, potentially reducing the risks to public health.

Análise fitoquímica e avaliação das atividades anti-inflamatória, antipeçonhenta e citotóxica de extratos aquosos de Aspidosperma pyrifolium e Ipomoea asarifolia

Envenomation caused by venomous animals, mainly scorpions and snakes, are a serious matter of public health. Tityus serrulatus is considered the most venomous scorpion in South America because of the high level of toxicity of its venom. It is responsible for causing serious accidents, mainly with kids. The species Bothrops jararaca is a serpent that has in its venom a complex mixture of enzyme, peptides and other molecules. The toxins of the venom of B. jararaca induce local and systemic inflammatory responses. The treatment chosen to serious cases of envenomation is the intravenous administration of the specific antivenom. However, the treatment is not always accessible to those residents in rural areas, so that they use medicinal plant extracts as the treatment. In this context, aqueous extracts, fractions and isolated compounds of Aspidosperma pyrifolium (pereiro) and Ipomoea asarifolia (salsa, salsa-brava), used in popular medicine, were studied in this research to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity in the peritonitis models induced by carrageenan and peritonitis induced by the venom of the T. serrulatus (VTs), and in the local oedema model and inflammatory infiltrate induced by the venom of the B. jararaca, administrated intravenously. The results of the assays of cytotoxicity, using the MTT, showed that the aqueous extracts from the plant species presented low toxicity to the cells that came from the fibroblast of the mouse embryo (3T3).The chemical analysis of the extracts by High Performance Liquid Chromatography revealed the presence of the rutin flavonoid, in A. pyrifoliu, and rutin, clorogenic acid and caffeic acid, in I. asarifolia. Concerning the pharmacological evaluation, the results showed that the pre-treatment using aqueous extracts and fractions reduced the total leukocyte migration to the abdominal cavity in the peritonitis model caused by the carrageenan and in the peritonitis model induced by the T. serulatus venom. Yet, these groups presented anti-oedematous activity, in the local oedema model caused by the venom of the B. jararaca, and reduced the inflammatory infiltrate to the muscle. The serum (anti-arachnid and anti-bothropic) specific to each venom acted inhibiting the inflammatory action of the venoms and were used as control. The compounds identified in the extracts were also tested and, similar to the plant extracts, showed meaningful anti-inflammatory effects, in the tested doses. Thus, these results are indicating the potential anti-inflammatory activity of the plants studied. This is the first research that evaluated the possible biological effects of the A. pyrifolium and I. asarifolia, showing the biological potential that these species have.

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 dos efeitos tóxicos in vitro e in vivo do extrato hidroetanólico dos frutos de Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae) em camundongos Swiss

The therapeutic use of medicinal plants has contributed since antiquity in a beneficial way for health. However, many species lacks of scientific evidence which provide basis for their use in therapeutic practice. In this context is the Genipa americana L. species (Rubiaceae), popularly known as jenipapo and used to treat syfilis, ulcer and hemorrhagic disturbs. It's also used against bruising, as tonic and as aphrodisiac. Due this species lacks toxicological studies, the aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity in vivo (acute and sub-chronic toxicity) and in vitro (cytotoxicity) of the hydroethanolic extract from G. americana fruits. The hydroethanolic extract of G. americana fruits was prepared by maceration. A preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed to assess the presence of secondary metabolites in the extract. The cytotoxicity study of the extract (0.1, 1.0, 10, 100 and 1000 mg / 100 ul) were performed against normal cells (3T3) and tumor (786-0, HepG2 and B16), analyzed by the MTT assay. To evaluate the acute (single dose of 2000 mg / Kg) and subchronic (100, 500 and 1000 mg / kg for 30 days) toxicity Swiss mice of both sexes were used. At the end of the experiment, blood samples and organs were collected for analysis. Data between groups were compared by t test or ANOVA with Dunnett's post-test with 5% significance level. The phytochemical study of the extracts mainly indicated the presence of iridoids. Results for cytotoxicity tests showed up to 70% inhibition of B16 cell line at a dose of 1000 mg / 100 ul, and up to 29% inhibition of 786-0 at a dose of 10 ug / 100 ul. The extract did not cause death in 3T3 and HepG2 cells. During the in vivo assays, there were no animal deaths. Analysis of blood samples revealed that the animals submitted to the evaluation of acute toxicity had changes in AST and ALT, and that the animals evaluated for subchronic toxicity showed changes in the relative wet weight of the kidney and plasma urea concentration. No differences were observed between groups on histopathological evaluation of the collected organs. Despite the changes found in the in vivo toxicity tests, using the criteria described by the OECD Guidelines, it is suggested that the hydroethanolic extract of the fruits of the G. americana is classified as low toxicity. The cytotoxicity of the extract suggests that they have potential against melanoma cell lines (B16).