Applying design of experiments (DOE) to flavonoid extraction from Passiflora alata and P. edulis

The Passifloraceae family is extensively used in native Brazilian folk medicine to treat a wide variety of diseases. The problem of flavonoid extraction from Passiflora was treated by application of design of experiments (DOE), as an experiment with mixture including one categorical process variable. The components of the binary mixture were: ethanol (component A) and water (component B); the categorical process variable: extraction method (factor C) was varied at two levels: (+1) maceration and (-1) percolation. ANOVA suggested a cubic model for P. edulis extraction and a quadratic model for P. alata.These results indicate that the proportion of components A and B in the mixture is the main factor involved in significantly increasing flavonoid extraction. In regard to the extraction methods, no important differences were observed, which indicates that these two traditional extraction methods could be effectively used to extract flavonoids from both medicinal plants. The evaluation of antioxidant activity of the extract by ORAC method showed that P. edulis displays twice as much antioxidant activity as P. alata. Considering that maceration is a simple, rapid and environmentally friendly extraction method, in this study, the optimized conditions for flavonoid extraction from these Passiflora species is maceration with 75% ethanol for P. edulis and 50% ethanol for P. alata.

Methylierung von anorganischem Quecksilber im Intestinaltrakt des Kompostwurms Eisenia foetida

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde die Methylierung von Quecksilber in Intestinaltrakt des Kompostwurms Eisenia foetida untersucht. Des Weiteren wurden aerobe und anaerobe Mikroorganismen aus dem Darmtrakt von Eisenia fotida isoliert, identifiziert und auf ihr Potential zur Methylierung von Quecksilber getestet. Die Bestimmung von Methylquecksilber erfolgte mittels GC-ICPMS (Gaschromatographie mit induktiv gekoppelter Plasma-Massenspektrometrie) und GC-AFS (Gaschromatographie- Atomfluoreszenzspektrometrie). Für die GC-ICPMS erfolgte die Quantifizierung des Methylquecksilbers mittels der Isotopenverdünnungsmethode. Die Extraktion des Methylquecksilbers aus dem Wurmgewebe erfolgte durch einen alkalischen Aufschluss mit TMAH (Tetramethylammoniumhydroxid) und anschließender Derivatisierung des Methylquecksilbers durch Natriumtetrapropylborat. Für die Extraktion des gebildeten Methylquecksilbers aus Bakterienkulturen wurde eine Extraktion mit einer methanolischen Kaliumhydroxidlösung verwendet. Wie bei dem Wurmgewebe wurde das Methylqueckilsber ebenfalls mit Natriumtetrapropylborat derivatisiert.rnrnFür die Untersuchung einer in vivo Methylquecksilberbildung in bodenlebenden Invertebraten wurde der Kompostwurm Eisenia foetida als Modellorganismus verwendet. Die Tiere wurden aus einer Kultur in einen Boden überführt, der mit anorganischem Quecksilber versetzt wurde. Nach zehn Tagen Inkubationszeit wurden die Würmer entnommen und das Methylquecksilber extrahiert. Um eine mögliche Methylierung von Quecksilber durch Bodenorganismen auszuschließen wurde sowohl steriles als auch unsteriles Bodenmaterial verwendet. In den Wurmproben aus dem unsterilen Bodenmaterial konnte eine Konzentration an Methylquecksilber von 17,4 ng/g Trockengewicht (Boden ohne Zugabe von Quecksilber) und 62,4 ng/g Trockengewicht (Boden mit Quecksilberzugabe). Bei den Wurmproben aus sterilem Bodenmaterial lag die Konzentration an Methylquecksilber bei 17,2 ng/g Trockengewicht (Boden ohne Zugabe von Quecksilber) und 51,9 ng/g Trockengewicht (Boden mit Quecksilberzugabe).rnrnBei den Bakterienkulturen konnte in Reinkulturen keine Methylierung von Quecksilber nachgewiesen werden. In einer fakultativ anaeroben Mischkultur konnte eine Methylierung von Quecksilber beobachtet werden. Für die Identifizierung der Mikroorganismen wurde die 16s rDNA mittels PCR amplifiziert und anschließend über eine DGGE aufgetrennt. Die Banden wurden ausgeschnitten und sequenziert. Dabei konnten drei Enterobacteriaceen identifiziert werden.rn

Dissertatio botanica de passiflora ... : quam, cum consensu amplis. facult. medicae, in reg. academi Upsalensi /

In Linné's Amoenitates academicae, v. 1 [ed. 1] 1749, p. 244-279; [ed. 2] 1749, and ed. 3, 1787, p. 211-242. cf. Hulth, Bibl. Linn. (1907) p. 42.

Descriptions of a new genus of plants named Araujia, and of a new species of Passiflora [P. racemosa].

Transactions of the Linnean society of London, 1818, xii, p. 62-75, 3 pl.

Avaliação dos efeitos do extrato de Passiflora cincinnata Masters em camundongos: efeito na ansiedade e potencial neuroprotetor

Anxiety disorders and Parkinson’s disease (PD) affect a large portion of the world population. Indeed, therapeutic alternatives available do not contribute to improve most clinical conditions and/or are linked with undesirable side effects. Thus, there is a great demand for the development of new drugs to treatment of these diseases. Passiflora cincinnata Mast. is a native species present in several Brazilian states, popularly known as “maracujá do mato”, “maracujá tubarão” or “maracujá mochila”. Additionally, species of Passiflora genus are traditionally known for their exotic flowers, edible fruits with pronounced flavor and for their sedative, tranquilizer and anxiolytic properties reported by folk medicine. These plants possess important organic compounds such as phenols, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and alkaloids, which are responsible for the anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, among others activities when tested in mammals. Despite this fact, only a few studies have been conducted to investigate the possible in vivo biological effects of Passiflora cincinnata Mast extracts. Thereby, in this study we evaluated the effects of the alcoholic extract of this plant in anxiety and PD animal model. Mice acutely or chronically administered with ethanolic extract of P. cincinnata do not showed any anxiogenic- or anxyolitic-like effect in elevated plus maze (EPM). In order to reproduce PD symptom’s in mice, we administered repeated injections of reserpine which progressively induced motor impairments such as increase in catalepsy, oral movements, and reduction of the average speed of the animals in the open field, as well as depleted dopamine prodution in SNpc cells. Furthermore, this treatment resulted in the loss of aversive memory recall in mice when undergoing PMDAT. Yet, passiflora group also show this amnesic profile. However, animals treated concomitantly with the alcoholic extract of Passiflora cincinnata Mast. showed higher latency for the onset of motor impairment evaluated by catalepsy. Thus, our results shows that the alcoholic extract of the plant P. cincinnata was able to delay the onset of the catalepsy induced by reserpine administration, plus reverted the depletion of dopamine production in SNpc cells.

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.

Avaliação de duas variedades de Passiflora edulis sobre as respostas comportamentais de camundongos e um possível mecanismo de ação

The medicinal plants constitute a rich source of biologically active compounds used for the treatment of many psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders and depression. Generalized anxiety disorder has increased significantly, being the second most prevalent disorder in care facilities to public health. Depression is considered a chronic and common psychiatric disorder that affects 350 million people of all ages around the world. In this context, the pharmacological intervention conduits have been employed, effective, although leave to be desired when observed adverse effects. The genus Passiflora is commonly commercially known by its fruit, but is also widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine. Passiflora edulis displays considerable morphological variability. This plant produces two types of fruit: Purple (Passiflora edulis Sims fo. edulis) and yellow (Passiflora edulis fo. flavicarpa Degener). This study investigated the central effects of aqueous extract of the leaves of the two varieties of the species Passiflora edulis in tests used to assess behavior related to anxiety and depression, as well as investigating the potential effect of the antidepressant-like fractions of edulis fo. edulis and neuropharmacological mechanisms responsible for this action. To conduct this study used male Swiss mice (2 months old, weighing 30-35 g). The animals received the aqueous extract of the leaves of the two species of Passiflora: edulis fo. edulis (100, 300, 1000 mg / kg) and fractions ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous waste (25, 50, 75, 100 mg / kg) and edulis fo. flavicarpa (30, 100, 300, 1000 mg / kg) or saline by gavage 60 minutes prior to the maze tests at high cross the open field test, test forced swim test and sedation induced by thiopental. To investigate the mechanism of action of the activity of antidepressant type of fractions the following drugs were used: PCPA (inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis) AMPT (inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis), DSP-4 (noradrenergic neurotoxin) and Sulpiride (antagonist selective dopamine D2 receptor). They were used as a standard positive control, fluoxetine and nortriptyline. The results of the phytochemical profile show very different characteristics to the aqueous extract of the varieties of Passiflora edulis "flavicarpa" and "edulis". The aqueous extracts of both varieties of Passiflora edulis share anxiolytic activity type (edulis fo. edulis 300 mg/kg; edulis fo. flavicarpa 300 and 1000 mg/kg) and antidepressant (edulis fo. edulis 300 mg/kg; edulis fo flavicarpa 1000 mg/kg), while the effect hipolocomotor/sedative was only seen for edulis fo. edulis (1000 mg/kg). Both fractions ethyl acetate, butanol aqueous extract edulis fo. edulis showed activity type antidepressant at a dose of 50 mg/kg in the forced swim test. The data suggest that the effect of antidepressant-like fractions edulis fo. edulis involves catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, particularly dopaminergic, there is seen that pre-treatment DSP-4 is not affected antidepressant action of fractions as was dependent activation of dopamine D2 receptors.

Avaliação de duas variedades de Passiflora edulis sobre as respostas comportamentais de camundongos e um possível mecanismo de ação

The medicinal plants constitute a rich source of biologically active compounds used for the treatment of many psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders and depression. Generalized anxiety disorder has increased significantly, being the second most prevalent disorder in care facilities to public health. Depression is considered a chronic and common psychiatric disorder that affects 350 million people of all ages around the world. In this context, the pharmacological intervention conduits have been employed, effective, although leave to be desired when observed adverse effects. The genus Passiflora is commonly commercially known by its fruit, but is also widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine. Passiflora edulis displays considerable morphological variability. This plant produces two types of fruit: Purple (Passiflora edulis Sims fo. edulis) and yellow (Passiflora edulis fo. flavicarpa Degener). This study investigated the central effects of aqueous extract of the leaves of the two varieties of the species Passiflora edulis in tests used to assess behavior related to anxiety and depression, as well as investigating the potential effect of the antidepressant-like fractions of edulis fo. edulis and neuropharmacological mechanisms responsible for this action. To conduct this study used male Swiss mice (2 months old, weighing 30-35 g). The animals received the aqueous extract of the leaves of the two species of Passiflora: edulis fo. edulis (100, 300, 1000 mg / kg) and fractions ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous waste (25, 50, 75, 100 mg / kg) and edulis fo. flavicarpa (30, 100, 300, 1000 mg / kg) or saline by gavage 60 minutes prior to the maze tests at high cross the open field test, test forced swim test and sedation induced by thiopental. To investigate the mechanism of action of the activity of antidepressant type of fractions the following drugs were used: PCPA (inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis) AMPT (inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis), DSP-4 (noradrenergic neurotoxin) and Sulpiride (antagonist selective dopamine D2 receptor). They were used as a standard positive control, fluoxetine and nortriptyline. The results of the phytochemical profile show very different characteristics to the aqueous extract of the varieties of Passiflora edulis "flavicarpa" and "edulis". The aqueous extracts of both varieties of Passiflora edulis share anxiolytic activity type (edulis fo. edulis 300 mg/kg; edulis fo. flavicarpa 300 and 1000 mg/kg) and antidepressant (edulis fo. edulis 300 mg/kg; edulis fo flavicarpa 1000 mg/kg), while the effect hipolocomotor/sedative was only seen for edulis fo. edulis (1000 mg/kg). Both fractions ethyl acetate, butanol aqueous extract edulis fo. edulis showed activity type antidepressant at a dose of 50 mg/kg in the forced swim test. The data suggest that the effect of antidepressant-like fractions edulis fo. edulis involves catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, particularly dopaminergic, there is seen that pre-treatment DSP-4 is not affected antidepressant action of fractions as was dependent activation of dopamine D2 receptors.

Response of some chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes to Orobanche foetida Poir. parasitism

In Tunisia, broomrape ( Orobanche foetida Poir.) causes major drawbacks especially in faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) suffers little damage compared to faba bean, but with the winter sowing chickpea cultivars, broomrape might become a serious problem for chickpea cultivation. The development of resistant cultivars remains the most efficient way to solve this problem. The behavior of six chickpea genotypes to O. foetida was studied under field natural infestation and artificial inoculation in pots and petri dishes in greenhouse conditions. During the cropping seasons 2010-2011 and 2012-2013 the level of infection was very low. The number of emerged parasites per host plant varied from 0.18 to 0.43 and the incidence from 6.5% to 23%. Among the six tested genotypes, G1, G2, and G4 showed partial resistance to O. foetida with low number and dry weight of emerged parasite and high grain yield compared to the other genotypes, although no significant differences were recorded. In pot experiments, the number and total dry weight of broomrape per plant were lower for G1 and G2 genotypes than the other genotypes. Parasitism does not affect significantly the shoot dry weight and number of pods of these genotypes. The total chlorophyll content was significantly reduced under infestation in all genotypes. In Petri dishes experiments, results showed that percent germination of O. foetida seeds varied from 49% to 65% and does not play a role in the resistance of chickpea genotypes. In contrast, broomrape attachment was lower and slower for the genotypes G1, G2, and G4 than the other genotypes. Resistance in chickpea genotypes was characterized by few parasite attachments on roots and a limited growth of established tubercles. No necrosis of attached tubercles was observed in the different experiments.

Composição química e atividade antioxidante de maracujá-roxo (Passiflora edulis Sims edulis)em diferentes graus de maturação

O maracujá-roxo é um fruto tropical que tem ganho destaque devido ao seu valor nutricional, organolético e às emergentes descobertas acerca das suas propriedades farmacêuticas e antioxidantes. Durante o processo de maturação decorrem várias reações de ordem física e química, e no intuito de enriquecer o conhecimento acerca de como a composição química e as propriedades do maracujá-roxo evoluem ao longo da maturação, este trabalho consistiu na caracterização física do fruto inteiro e na caracterização química geral das sementes, casca e polpa em frutos separados em cinco graus de maturação diferentes (G1 a G5). Foi também avaliada a atividade antioxidante (atividade antiradicalar e poder redutor), e o teor em compostos fenólicos (fenóis totais, derivados do ácido hidroxicinâmico e flavonóis) das diferentes matrizes que compõem o fruto ao longo da maturação. A partir dos resultados obtidos verificou-se na casca que o teor em cinza bruta aumenta essencialmente entre G1 e G2 enquanto se verificou uma diminuição da proteína. Em relação à semente, o teor em cinza bruta aumenta gradualmente, e o teor em proteína aumenta de G1 para G2, estabilizando posteriormente nos 8% (base seca). O teor em gordura aumenta gradualmente ao longo da maturação, verificando-se um maior acumulo entre G1 e G2 (9,9 e 19,1% respetivamente). No que respeita à polpa, há uma diminuição nos teores de cinza e proteína e aumento dos sólidos solúveis totais.Verificou-se um aumento ligeiro do pH ao longo da maturação (entre 2,8 a 3,1) e uma diminuição da acidez (entre 12,1 e 6,7 g de ácido cítrico 100 mL-1). Constatou-se que os açúcares predominantes na polpa foram a sacarose, frutose e glucose. Quanto aos ácidos orgánicos, o ácido cítrico foi o maioritário em todos os graus de maturação e teores mais baixos foram quantificados para os ácidos málico e ascórbico. Entre as diferentes partes do fruto estudadas, as cascas foram a matriz mais antioxidante, aumentando o seu potencial bioativo durante a maturação. As sementes apresentaram valores mais elevados de fenóis totais, derivados do ácido hidroxicinâmico e flavonóis. Foi verificado que a atividade antioxidante esteve correlacionada com os valores de fenóis totais presentes nas diferentes partes do fruto ao longo da maturação. De acordo com o conhecimento dos autores, este é o primeiro estudo que toma em consideração as alterações sofridas pelas diferentes partes do maracujá-roxo produzido em Portugal, ao longo da maturação.

Cyanogenic compounds from mesocarp and epicarp flours of passion fruit (passiflora edulis flavicarpa).

2016

Produção de mudas do maracujazeiro silvestre: Passiflora cincinnata Mast. BRS Sertão Forte (BRS SF).

Cultivar de maracujazeiro silvestre BRS Sertão Forte foi obtida por pesquisas desenvolvidas na Embrapa Semiárido (Petrolina, PE) em parceria com a Embrapa Cerrados (Planaltina, DF), resultante de um processo de seleção massal de uma população de acessos silvestres da espécie Passiflora cincinnata Mast. de diferentes origens, visando, principalmente, ao aumento da produtividade e do tamanho do fruto.

Cultivar de maracujazeiro silvestre (Passiflora cincinnata Mast.) para a Caatinga e para o Cerrado BRS SF.

A cultivar de maracujazeiro silvestre BRS Sertão Forte (BRS SF) foi obtida por pesquisas desenvolvidas na Embrapa Semiárido (Petrolina, PE) em parceria com a Embrapa Cerrados (Planaltina, DF), resultante de um processo de seleção massal de uma população de acessos silvestres da espécie Passiflora cincinnata Mast. provenientes de diferentes origens, visando, principalmente, ao aumento da produtividade e do tamanho do fruto.

Caracterização agronômica e fisíco-química de progênies de maracujazeiro azedo (Passiflora edulis Sims) no Distrito Federal

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Agronomia, 2016.

Aplicação de descritores morfoagronômicos utilizados em ensaios de DHE de cultivares de maracujazeiro-azedo (Passiflora edulis Sims): manual prático.

2015