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The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains represents an important challenge for global health, underscoring the critical need for innovative strategies to confront this threat. Natural products and their derivatives have emerged as a promising reservoir for drug discovery. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a potent model organism in this effort. Employing this invertebrate model, we introduce a novel perspective to investigate natural plant extracts in search of molecules with potential antivirulence activity. Our work established an easy-scalable developmental assay targeting a virulent strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, with Helenium aromaticum as the representative plant. The main objective was to identify tentative compounds from the Helenium aromaticum extract that attenuate the virulence of K. pneumoniae virulence without inducing cytotoxic effects on amoeba cells. Notably, the methanolic root extract of H. aromaticum fulfilled these prerequisites compared to the dichloromethane extract. Using UHPLC Q/Orbitrap/ESI/MS/MS, 63 compounds were tentatively identified in both extracts, 47 in the methanolic and 29 in the dichloromethane, with 13 compounds in common. This research underscores the potential of employing D. discoideum-assisted pharmacognosy to discover new antivirulence agents against multidrug-resistant pathogens.

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Objetivo: avaliar o potencial cicatrizante de um produto em pó à base de própolis verde em lesão aguda induzida em ratos. Método: trata-se de um estudo experimental realizado com 27 ratos da linhagem wistar divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos. As lesões foram induzidas cirurgicamente e tratadas a cada 48 horas com os produtos em teste (pó à base de própolis verde, Brava Ostomy Powder® e soro fisiológico). As lesões foram analisadas macroscópica e microscopicamente no 7º, 9º e 11º dia de pós-operatório. Resultados: a maioria das lesões tratadas com pó à base de própolis verde cicatrizou em 11 dias. O produto formulado para este estudo e o comercial mostraram resultados satisfatórios na retração das feridas, atividade anti-inflamatória, angiogênese, proliferação de fibroblastos e síntese de colágeno. Conclusão: o tratamento com o produto formulado à base de própolis verde mostrou grande potencial de cicatrização das lesões cutâneas

Objective: To evaluate the healing potential of a green propolis-based powder product on acute lesions induced in rats. Method: This is an experimental study conducted with 27 Wistar lineage rats randomly divided into three groups. The lesions were surgically induced and treated every 48 hours with the test products (green propolis-based powder, Brava Ostomy Powder™, and saline solution). The lesions were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically on the 7th, 9th, and 11th postoperative days. Results: Most of the lesions treated with green propolis-based powder healed in 11 days. The product formulated for this study and the commercial one showed satisfactory results in wound retraction, anti-inflammatory activity, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis. Conclusion: Treatment with the green propolis-based product showed great potential for healing skin lesions

Objetivo: evaluar el potencial cicatrizante de un producto en polvo a base de propóleo verde en heridas agudas inducidas en ratas. Método: se trata de un estudio experimental realizado con 27 ratas wistar, que se separaron de forma aleatoria en tres grupos. Las heridas quirúrgicas fueron tratadas cada 48 horas con los productos en prueba (polvo a base de propóleo verde, Brava Ostomy Powder® y solución fisiológica). Las heridas se evaluaron macro y microscópicamente a los 7, 9 y 11 días postoperatorios. Resultados: la mayoría de las heridas tratadas con el polvo a base de propóleo verde cicatrizaron en 11 días. El producto formulado para este estudio y el producto comercial mostraron resultados satisfactorios en la retracción de heridas, actividad antiinflamatoria, angiogénesis, proliferación de fibroblastos y síntesis de colágeno. Conclusión: el tratamiento con el producto a base de propóleo verde mostró un gran potencial curativo de las lesiones cutáneas

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New perspectives arise in the therapeutic practice for cancer, with the objective to not only treat patients, but also improve their quality of life. Guarana, a plant from Brazilian Amazon presents a wide range of pharmacological actions. This study evaluated the effect of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract, pure and dry Guarana (PC-18) extract and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) in mice of the Balb/c strain inoculated with the Ehrlich tumor regarding gene expression of inflammatory markers transforming growth factor-ß1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and oxidative stress (OS) and fatigue, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase 4 and analyzed myelotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. After euthanasia, blood was collected to analyze the complete blood count and measured the levels of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase). Hepatoprotective actions of the crude extract of P. cupana and PC-18 extract were noticed. The PC-18 and MgCl2 group showed the best result regarding animal welfare. There were no associations between compounds and gene expression regarding fatigue and OS. PC-18 reduced the tumor and may have an antitumor action. The crude extract of Guarana presented hepatoprotective action.

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We aimed to develop a standardized methodology to determine the metabolic profile of organic extracts from Malvaviscus arboreus Cav. (Malvaceae), a Mexican plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension and other illnesses. Also, we determined the vasorelaxant activity of these extracts by ex vivo rat thoracic aorta assay. Organic extracts of stems and leaves were prepared by a comprehensive maceration process. The vasorelaxant activity was determined by measuring the relaxant capability of the extract to decrease a contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 µM). The hexane extract induced a significant vasorelaxant effect in a concentration- and endothelium-dependent manner. Secondary metabolites, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, terpenes and one flavonoid, were annotated by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF-MS) in positive ion mode. This exploratory study allowed us to identify bioactive secondary metabolites from Malvaviscus arboreus, as well as identify potentially-new vasorelaxant molecules and scaffolds for drug discovery.

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ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In spite of the rich bio-cultural diversity found in the Neotropics relatively few herbal drugs native to South America are included in the global pharmacopoeia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the attempt to historically explain the inclusion of herbal drugs into official pharmacopoeias we consider the disparate epidemiology and cultural evolution of the New and the Old World. We then trace the development of pharmacopoeias and review forces that worked towards and against the synchronization of pharmacopoeias and highlight the role of early chemical and pharmacological studies in Europe. Finally, we compare the share of exotic and native herbal drug species included in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia with the share of exotic and native species included in the European Pharmacopoeia as well as those used for products registered with ANVISA. RESULTS: The domination of Eurasian herbal drugs in the European Pharmacopoeia seems to be conditioned by the geographical extension of Eurasia, which facilitated the interchange of materia medica and the creation of a consensus of use since ancient times. At the time of the Conquest the epidemiology of the Amerindian populations resembled that of pre-agriculturalist societies while no written consensus around efficacious medicine existed. Subsequently, introduced and well-tried plant species of the Old World gained therapeutic importance in the New World. CONCLUSION: The research focus in Europe and the US resulted in a persistence of herbal drugs with a historic importance in the European and US pharmacopoeias, which gained a status as safe and efficacious. During the last decades only few ethnopharmacological field-studies have been conducted with indigenous Amerindian groups living in the Brazilian Amazon, which might be attributable to difficulties in obtaining research permissions. Newly adopted regulations regarding access to biodiversity and traditional knowledge as well as the simplified procedure for licencing herbal medicinal products in Brazil prospects an interesting future for those aiming at developing herbal medicine based on bio-cultural diversity and respecting the protocols regulating benefit sharing.

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Introducción: la composición química de las especies vegetales está sujeta a cambios, dependiendo, entre otros factores, de la localización geográfica. Moringa oleífera Lam., que crece en Machala, Ecuador, puede diferir de especies de otras regiones geográficas. Objetivo: realizar un estudio farmacognóstico preliminar del tallo y raíz (corteza y pulpa) de la planta M. oleífera cultivada en las áreas de la Unidad Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, de la Universidad Técnica de Machala. Métodos: se desarrolla el control de la calidad de la droga cruda según la metodología establecida por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, mediante determinación de la humedad residual, el porciento de cenizas y el porciento de sustancias solubles en el tallo y la raíz. Se cuantificaron algunos metales mediante espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente. El estudio químico preliminar se efectuó a través de ensayos de tamizaje fitoquímico y mediante cromatografía en capa delgada. Resultados: la humedad residual para ambos órganos y los valores de cenizas obtenidos para la raíz se encuentran dentro de los límites establecidos. Las cenizas totales para el tallo resultaron elevadas. La determinación de metales descartó la presencia de metales tóxicos en los órganos estudiados. Los valores de sustancias solubles indicaron mayor poder extractivo para el agua. La evaluación mediante tamizaje fitoquímico sugirió triterpenos y esteroides, azúcares reductores, alcaloides, flavonoides, aminoácidos y saponinas, en los extractos de la raíz. En el tallo se detectaron, además, catequinas, mucílagos y compuestos fenólicos, no así flavonoides. La cromatografía en capa delgada sugirió la existencia de alcaloides derivados de la fenilmetilamina. Conclusiones: el estudio permitió establecer parámetros de calidad de la droga cruda para la especie estudiada; sugerir, en principio, semejanzas en composición química de la planta analizada con otras de orígenes geográficos diferentes, y comprobar la ausencia de metales tóxicos en los órganos estudiados(AU)

Introduction: The chemical composition of plant species is subject to changes which depend, among other factors, on their geographic location. The Moringa oleifera Lam. growing in Machala, Ecuador, may differ from species from other geographic regions. Objective: Conduct a preliminary pharmacognostic study of the stem and root (bark and pulp) of the plant M. oleifera grown in areas from the Agricultural Sciences Academic Unit of the Technical University of Machala. Methods: Quality control was performed of the crude drug following the methodology set up by the World Health Organization to determine residual humidity, percentage of ashes and percentage of soluble substances in the stem and the root. Several metals were quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The preliminary chemical study was conducted by phytochemical screening testing and thin layer chromatography. Results: Both the residual humidity for both organs and the ash values obtained for the root are within the limits established. Total ashes for the stem were high. Metal determination discarded the presence of toxic metals in the organs studied. Values for soluble substances awarded a greater extraction capacity to water. Phytochemical screening pointed to the presence of triterpenes and steroids, reducing sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids and saponins in root extracts. The stem was found to also contain catechins, mucilages and phenolic compounds, but not flavonoids. Thin layer chromatography pointed to the presence of alkaloids derived from phenyl methylamine. Conclusions: The study made it possible to set up crude drug quality parameters for the study species, make preliminary suggestions about similarities between the chemical composition of the plant analyzed and other plants of different geographic origin, and verify the absence of toxic metals in the organs studied(AU)

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Introducción: Cnidoscolus chayamansa Mc Vaugh es una especie originaria del sur de México conocida y cultivada en Mesoamérica. Esta especie es apreciada por su valor nutricional y medicinal, sin embargo, son pocas sus investigaciones preclínicas referenciadas.Objetivo: determinar los índices farmacognósticos que avalen la calidad del extracto de las hojas esta planta y los metabolitos secundarios presentes a través del tamizaje fitoquímico. Métodos: se procesó la droga seca en forma de sólidos pulverulentos, se estandarizó el secado por dos vías: a la sombra y mediante una estufa. Se determinó la humedad residual por el método gravimétrico. Se utilizó la maceración en reposo como metodología de extracción a través de tres disolventes: éter de petróleo, etanol y agua destilada. Se caracterizó fitoquímicamente el extracto que se obtuvo mediante la metodología de extracción continua por Soxhlet. Se realizó el control de la calidad a los extractos hidroalcohólicos. Los índices numéricos se determinaron según la norma ramal NRSP 309, 1992 y el tamizaje fitoquímico según la metodología analítica de Miranda y Cuéllar. Resultados: el secado en estufa mostró los mejores resultados por los menores índices de humedad residual. La humedad residual estuvo dentro de los límites establecidos. Se observó la presencia de metabolitos secundarios como flavonoides, alcaloides, taninos y saponinas. La determinación de las cenizas totales fue del 10,7 por ciento. Conclusiones: la planta cumple con los parámetros farmacognósticos establecidos en cuanto a humedad residual, densidad relativa, índice de refracción, pH y sólidos totales. Además la presencia de taninos y flavonoides se correlacionan con estudios previos realizados a esta planta(AU)

Introduction: Cnidoscolus chayamansa Mc Vaugh is a species native of southern Mexico which is known and grown in Mesoamerica. Despite being valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, few preclinical studies have been referenced about this species. Objective: Determine the pharmacognostic indices attesting to the quality of extract from the leaves of this plant, as well as the secondary metabolites contained in it using phytochemical screening. Methods: The dry drug was processed in the form of powdery solids, and drying was standardized in two ways: in the shade and with a stove. Residual humidity was determined by the gravimetric method. Maceration at rest was the methodology applied for extraction. Three solvents were used: petroleum ether, ethanol and distilled water. Soxhlet continuous extraction methodology was used for phytochemical characterization of the extract obtained. Quality control was performed of the hydroalcoholic extracts. Numerical indices were determined with branch standard NRSP 309, 1992. Phytochemical screening was conducted by Miranda and Cuéllar analytical methodology. Results: The best results were obtained by stove drying, due to its lower residual humidity indices. Residual humidity was within the limits established. Secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponins, were found to be present. Total ash determination was 10.7 percent. Conclusions: The plant meets the pharmacognostic parameters established for residual humidity, relative density, refractive index, pH and total solids. The presence of tannins and flavonoids correlates with previous studies about the plant(AU)

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Piper arboreum Aubl. var. arboreum and P. tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae), both known as "pimenta-longa", are frequently misidentified. Despite the fact that both species are sold as traditional phytotherapeutic products, there are no reports on their quality control. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize leaf and stem herbal drugs of both species using standard methods aiming to establish parameters for botanical authentication and purity degree for their quality control. Size, shape, color, taste, texture, fracture surface and transection characteristics, and leaf venation patterns are macroscopic diagnostic characters useful to distinguish the herbal drugs when they are not powdered. The following characters are useful for diagnostic purposes of the powdered herbal drugs: cuticular and epicuticular wax patterns, types of trichomes, and wall thickening of the tracheary elements, and shape of the hilum of the starch grains. Emergences are key morphological markers for P. tuberculatum herbal drugs. Physicochemical parameter values were similar in herbal drugs of both species, except acid-insoluble ash value which was higher in the P. arboreum var. arboreum stem herbal drugs. Piper arboreum var. arboreum herbal drugs had the highest metal concentrations. Al, Cu, Mn and V concentrations were the highest, whereas Cd, Co and Hg concentrations were the lowest in the herbal drugs of both species. The results obtained can be used as quality control parameters for the herbal drugs of both species.

Piper arboreum Aubl. var. arboreum e P. tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae), conhecidas como pimenta-longa, são comercializadas como produtos tradicionais fitoterápicos e, frequentemente, identificadas erroneamente, não havendo relatos sobre controle de qualidade dessas espécies. O objetivo do trabalho foi preparar e caracterizar drogas vegetais foliares e caulinares dessas espécies para estabelecer-lhes parâmetros de autenticidade botânica e grau de pureza para o controle de qualidade. Foram utilizados métodos padrões para o preparo e análises estrutural e físico-química das drogas vegetais. São caracteres diagnósticos macroscópicos para distinguir as drogas vegetais íntegras: tamanho, forma, cor, sabor, textura, características da superfície de fratura e da secção transversal e os padrões de venação foliar. São caracteres diagnósticos para distinguir as drogas vegetais pulverizadas: padrões de cutícula e cera epicuticular, tipos de tricoma e espessamento parietal dos elementos traqueais e a forma do hilo dos grãos de amido. Emergências são marcadores morfológicos chave para as drogas vegetais de P. tuberculatum. Os valores dos parâmetros físico-químicos foram similares nas drogas vegetais das espécies, exceto o de cinzas ácido-insolúveis que foi maior nas drogas vegetais caulinares de P. arboreum var. arboreum. As maiores concentrações de metais ocorreram nas drogas vegetais de P. arboreum var. arboreum. As concentrações mais elevadas foram de Al, Cu, Mn e V e as mais baixas de Cd, Co e Hg. Os resultados obtidos poderão ser utilizados como parâmetros de controle de qualidade para as drogas vegetais de ambas as espécies.

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Piper arboreum Aubl. var. arboreum and P. tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae), both known as "pimenta-longa", are frequently misidentified. Despite the fact that both species are sold as traditional phytotherapeutic products, there are no reports on their quality control. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize leaf and stem herbal drugs of both species using standard methods aiming to establish parameters for botanical authentication and purity degree for their quality control. Size, shape, color, taste, texture, fracture surface and transection characteristics, and leaf venation patterns are macroscopic diagnostic characters useful to distinguish the herbal drugs when they are not powdered. The following characters are useful for diagnostic purposes of the powdered herbal drugs: cuticular and epicuticular wax patterns, types of trichomes, and wall thickening of the tracheary elements, and shape of the hilum of the starch grains. Emergences are key morphological markers for P. tuberculatum herbal drugs. Physicochemical parameter values were similar in herbal drugs of both species, except acid-insoluble ash value which was higher in the P. arboreum var. arboreum stem herbal drugs. Piper arboreum var. arboreum herbal drugs had the highest metal concentrations. Al, Cu, Mn and V concentrations were the highest, whereas Cd, Co and Hg concentrations were the lowest in the herbal drugs of both species. The results obtained can be used as quality control parameters for the herbal drugs of both species.(AU)

Piper arboreum Aubl. var. arboreum e P. tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae), conhecidas como pimenta-longa, são comercializadas como produtos tradicionais fitoterápicos e, frequentemente, identificadas erroneamente, não havendo relatos sobre controle de qualidade dessas espécies. O objetivo do trabalho foi preparar e caracterizar drogas vegetais foliares e caulinares dessas espécies para estabelecer-lhes parâmetros de autenticidade botânica e grau de pureza para o controle de qualidade. Foram utilizados métodos padrões para o preparo e análises estrutural e físico-química das drogas vegetais. São caracteres diagnósticos macroscópicos para distinguir as drogas vegetais íntegras: tamanho, forma, cor, sabor, textura, características da superfície de fratura e da secção transversal e os padrões de venação foliar. São caracteres diagnósticos para distinguir as drogas vegetais pulverizadas: padrões de cutícula e cera epicuticular, tipos de tricoma e espessamento parietal dos elementos traqueais e a forma do hilo dos grãos de amido. Emergências são marcadores morfológicos chave para as drogas vegetais de P. tuberculatum. Os valores dos parâmetros físico-químicos foram similares nas drogas vegetais das espécies, exceto o de cinzas ácido-insolúveis que foi maior nas drogas vegetais caulinares de P. arboreum var. arboreum. As maiores concentrações de metais ocorreram nas drogas vegetais de P. arboreum var. arboreum. As concentrações mais elevadas foram de Al, Cu, Mn e V e as mais baixas de Cd, Co e Hg. Os resultados obtidos poderão ser utilizados como parâmetros de controle de qualidade para as drogas vegetais de ambas as espécies.(AU)

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ABSTRACT Studies on native medicinal plants strengthen initiatives to preserve the environments where those species naturally occur, many of them already strongly menaced even before their potential to humankind is known. Root and stem barks, leaves, and pericarps samples of Solanum agrarium Sendtn., S. lycocarpum A. St.-Hil., S. palinacanthum Dunal, S. paniculatum L., and S. stipulaceum Roem. & Schult., species that occur in the Cerrado (Brazililan savanna) were processed according to common light microscopy techniques for structural analysis, and histochemical tests were performed to locate and identify classes of chemical compounds. The distinctive features identified were low concentration of crystal sand in the root and stem, presence of terpene resin in the root, and absence of hypodermis in the leaf, in S. agrarium; bright spots (group of sclereids) in the root, isobilateral mesophyll, thickened cell walls with hemicelluloses and strong aroma in the fruit, in S. lycocarpum; high concentration of crystal sand in the root and stem, oval-shaped limb, presence of isolated crystals in the exocarp, in S. palinacanthum; strong sclerification and rays with great height in the root and stem, in S. paniculatum; and accumulation of soluble protein in the root and stem, presence of conspicuous membranaceous stipules, absence of spiniform trichomes, in S. stipulaceum. This work identifies distinctive structural features, its ecological importance, and determines the distribution of secondary compounds associated with the medicinal properties reported for these species and contributes to the conservation of the natural environments where they occur.

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Pombalia calceolaria L., Violaceae, popularmente conhecida por ipeca-da-praia, ipecabranca, ipecacunha dos raizeiros é uma Pombalia calceolaria L., Violacea e, popularmente conhecida por ipeca-da-praia, ipecabranca, ipecacunha dos raizeiros é uma herbácea perene, predominante no sertão nordestino. Embora não existam dados na literatura comprovando sua atividade farmacológica, pordécadas, suas raízes são preparadas na forma de decocto, lambedor e maceração, cujas principais indicações populares são para tosse, expectoração, como vermífugo, antidiarréico epara dentição. O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar a caracterização farmacognósticadas raízes de P. calceolaria nos aspectos botânicos, químicos e farmacológicos. Aimportância da caracterização morfoanatômica está no fato de que não há registro em literatura descrevendo o perfil botânico desta espécie vegetal. Assim, as raízes recém coletadas de P. calceolaria foram caracterizadas morfologicamente com vista desarmada e em seguida realizada a caracterização anatômica através de secção histológica, reação histoquímica, registro fotomicrográfico em campo de luz claro, onde foi evidenciado que araiz em estudo apresenta o xilema secundário oriundo do câmbio com dimorfismo no tamanho dos vasos e floema secundário constituído de poucas camadas circundando o xilema. Noparênquima cortical foi visualizado e fotomicrografado, sob luz polarizada, a presença decristais de inulina...

Early diagnosis of HIV in Brazil still represents a challenge. It is estimated that about 30% of people living with HIV do not know their HIV status. 43% of the population comes to health services with late diagnosis in clinical conditions as AIDS-related. In this scenario, female sex workers - SW, are considered the most vulnerable, with HIV prevalence rate of 4.8%, while among women in the general population, the prevalence is 0.4%. Thus, the aim of this work was to understand what incentives and barriers that involve performing diagnostic testing of HIV among female sex workers in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. It built an analysis of their realities which tried to contribute to the reduction of vulnerabilities associated with HIV/AIDS infection. We used a qualitative approach using the methodology "Rapid Assessment" (RA) from the anthropological presuppositions. We conducted interviews with 36 SW women, field observation, and document analysis. The decision to perform an HIV test is determined by the intersection of individual, social, programmatic factors, linked to social inequalities. The disconnection between common sense and scientific knowledge, linked to the influence of religious beliefs, constituted as a barrier to testing. The prenatal was configured as a process that enables the test but does not encourage its regularity in nonpregnant time. Most respondents spoke of continued use of condom with their clients, however, do not use it with their steady partners. Women often want to do the test, however the main barrier is the difficulty of access to services. The integration of the populations most vulnerable to HIV in health care depends on the mode of organization of the health system. It is necessary to consider their demands and needs, strategically and collectively with their

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RESUMO Verbena minutiflora Briq. ex Moldenke (gervai) tem seu uso medicinal relatado popularmente para tratamento de doenças hepáticas, diarreia e outros problemas de saúde. Entretanto, pouco se conhece a respeito de seus componentes químicos e estudos que comprovem suas propriedades medicinais são escassos. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a composição química dos extratos aquosos e etanólicos de flores de V. minutiflora e otimizar processos de obtenção de extratos com maiores capacidades antioxidantes e maiores concentrações de flavonoides. O método de extração foi desenhado por planejamento fatorial, onde as variáveis para a determinação da capacidade antioxidante foram: pH, extração líquida, método e tempo de extração. Para a determinação de flavonoides totais as variáveis avaliadas por planejamento fatorial foram: concentração de hexametilenotetramina, tipo de ácido, volume de ácido e tempo de aquecimento. Os resultados das análises químicas dos extratos mostraram: aminogrupos, taninos e ácidos fixos (extrato aquoso) aminogrupos, flavonoides, triterpenos, esteroides, alcaloides e cumarinas (extrado hidroetanólico). Os resultados dos planejamentos fatoriais mostraram que o melhor método de extração para a capacidade antioxidante foi o que usou vórtex, por 35 min, com água:etanol 50:50, com pH1, obtendo 0,1899± 5,8.10-3 mmol expressos em ácido ascórbico g-1 nos extratos de V. minutiflora. Enquanto, para as dosagens de flavonoides totais as variáveis significantes foram: tipo de ácido e volume de ácido. A melhor extração obtida foi: 6,748. 10-2± 2,085 10-3% expressos em quercetina. Os resultados mostraram que o planejamento fatorial é uma importante ferramenta para a otimização de extração de componentes químicos em produtos naturais.

ABSTRACT Verbena minutiflora Briq. ex Moldenke (gervai) has its popular use reported for liver disorders treatments, diarrhea, and other health problems. However, little is known about its chemical components and studies that proves its medicinal properties are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from flowers of V. minutiflora and to optimize processes to obtain extracts with higher antioxidant capacity and greater concentration of flavonoids. The methods of extraction were designed by factorial planning, where the variables to determine the antioxidant capacity were: pH; extraction liquid; method and extraction time. To determinate the total flavonoids the variables evaluated by factorial design were: concentration of hexamethylenetetramine; type of acid; volume of acid and warming time. The results of chemical analysis of the extracts showed: amino groups, tannins and fixed acids (aqueous extract) amino groups, flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, alkaloids and coumarins (hydroalcoholic extract). The factorial designs results showed that the best extraction method for the antioxidant capacity was the one that uses vortex, for 35 min, with water: ethanol 50:50, at pH 1, getting 0,1899 ± 5,8.10-3 mmol expressed in ascorbic acid g-1 in extracts of V. minutiflora . While, for dosages of total flavonoids the significant variables were the type of acid and volume of acid. The best extraction obtained was: 6,748. 10-2± 2,085 10-3% expressed in quercetin. These data showed that the factorial design is an important tool in optimizing the extraction of chemical components in natural products.

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ABSTRACT Indigofera linnaei Ali. (Tamil Name: Cheppu Nerinjil) belongs to the family Fabaceae, used for the treatment of various ailments in the traditional system of medicine. In the present study, the beneficial effects of methanol extract of whole plant of I. linnaei (MEIL) were evaluated on inflammation and nociception responses in rodent models. In vitro nitric oxide (NO), lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygense (COX) inhibitory activities were also performed to understand the mode of action. MEIL at the dose of 200 & 400 mg/kg, p.o. significantly inhibited carrageenan induced rat paw volume and reduced the weight of granuloma in cotton pellet granuloma model. The results obtained were comparable with the standard drug aceclofenac. The anti-nociceptive effect of MEIL in mice was evaluated in hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing model. The plant extract significantly reduced the number of writhes and the analgesic effect was higher than that of the standard drug aspirin. However, the extract fails to increase the latency period in hot plate method suggesting that the extract produce nociception by peripheral activity. The extract produced inhibitory effect on NO, LOX and COX in concentration dependent manner. The extract exhibited pronounced and selective COX-2 inhibition. Altogether, these results suggested that the methanol extract of Indigofera linnaei could be considered as a potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.

RESUMO Indigofera linnaei Ali pertence à família Leguminosae e é utilizada para o tratamento de várias doenças na medicina tradicional. No presente estudo, os efeitos benéficos do extrato metanólico da planta inteira de I. linnaei (MEIL) foram avaliados em respostas inflamatórias e nocicepção em modelos de roedores. Testes in vitro de atividade inibitória do óxido nítrico (NO), lipoxigenase (LOX) e ciclooxigenase (COX) também foram realizados para compreender o modo de ação. MEIL nas doses de 200 e 400 mg/kg, p.o. inibiu significativamente o volume da pata de rato induzido por carragenana e reduziu o peso do granuloma no modelo de pélete de algodão. Os resultados obtidos foram comparáveis ao do fármaco padrão, aceclofenaco. O efeito anti-nociceptivo de MEIL foi avaliado em camundongos no modelo de placa quente e de contorção induzida por ácido acético. O extrato da planta reduziu significativamente o número de contorções e o efeito analgésico foi maior do que o do fármaco padrão, ácido acetilsalicílico. Porém, o extrato não conseguiu aumentar o período de latência no método da placa quente, sugerindo que este produz nocicepção por atividade periférica. O extrato produziu efeito inibitório sobre o NO, LOX e COX dependente da concentração. O extrato exibiu inibição acentuada e seletiva da COX-2. No seu conjunto, estes resultados sugerem que o extrato metanólico de Indigofera linnaei poderia ser considerado como agente anti-inflamatório e analgésico potencial.

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ABSTRACT Cases of sporotrichosis in humans and animals without satisfactory clinical response have increased, a warning sign of strains resistant to conventional antifungal agents. The urgent search for alternative therapies was an incentive for research on medicinal plants with anti-Sporothrix spp. properties. A bibliographic survey was performed based on scientific papers about in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of essential oils and extracts of plants in differents solvents against the fungal of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. The study methodology consisted of a literature review in Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubmed, Bireme and Springer link with papers from 1986 to 2015. We found 141 species of plants that were investigated, of which 100 species were concentrated in 39 botanical families that had confirmed anti-Sporothrix activity. Combretaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae represented the botanical families with the greatest number of plants species with antifungal potential, using different methodologies. However, there are few studies with medicinal plants in experimental infection in animals that prove their activity in the treatment of sporotrichosis. It reinforces the need for further research related to standardization of in vitro methodologies and in vivo studies related to safety and to toxicity potential of these plants with anti-Sporothrix spp. activity.

RESUMO Casos de esporotricose em humanos e animais sem resposta clínica satisfatória têm aumentado, sinal de alarme para o surgimento de cepas resistentes aos antifúngicos convencionais. A urgente busca por alternativas terapêuticas tem incentivado as pesquisas em plantas medicinais com atividade anti-Sporothrix spp. Um levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado com base em artigos científicos sobre a atividade antifúngica in vitro e in vivo de óleos essenciais e extratos de plantas preparados em diferentes solventes contra o complexo Sporothrix schenckii. A metodologia do estudo consistiu em uma revisão bibliográfica em Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubmed, Bireme e Springer link com artigos desde 1986 até 2015. Foram encontradas 141 espécies de plantas já investigadas, das quais 100 espécies concentradas em 39 famílias botânicas apresentaram atividade anti-Sporothrix spp. confirmada. Combretaceae, Asteraceae e Lamiaceae representaram as famílias botânicas com maior número de espécies vegetais com potencial antifúngico, empregando diferentes metodologias. Entretanto, há poucos estudos com plantas medicinais em infecção experimental animal comprovando sua atividade no tratamento da esporotricose. Reforça-se a necessidade de mais pesquisas relacionadas à padronização de metodologias in vitro e a estudos in vivo relacionados à segurança e potencial tóxico dessas plantas com atividade anti-Sporothrix spp.

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abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the ethanolic extract of Passiflora edulis leaves on blood glucose, protein glycation, NADPH oxidase activity and macrophage phagocytic capacity after Candida albicans exposure in diabetic rats. The Passiflora edulis Sims leaves were dried to 40°C, powdered, extracted by maceration in 70% ethanol, evaporated under reduced pressure and lyophilised. The biochemical tests performed were total phenolic content (TP) as determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, trapping potential DPPH assay and total iron-reducing potential. Diabetes was induced by alloxan injection. Protein glycation was determined by AGE and fructosamine serum concentrations. Extract-treated diabetic animals demonstrated lower fructosamine concentrations compared with the diabetic group. Our results suggest that ethanolic Passiflora edulis Sims leaf extraction may have beneficial effects on diabetes and may improve glycaemic control in diabetic rats.

resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do extrato etanólico de folhas de Passiflora edulis sobre os níveis de glicose sanguínea, glicação protéica, produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO) e capacidade fagocítica de macrófagos de ratos diabéticos. As folhas de Passiflora edulis Sims foram secas a 40 °C, trituradas e o extrato preparado por maceração em solução hidroetanólica 70% (v/v) etanol foi evaporado sob pressão reduzida e liofilizado. Os testes químicos realizados demonstraram que além da presença de compostos fenólicos, determinada pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteu, o extrato apresentou potencial sequestrante de radicais DPPH e redutor de ferro. Nos animais diabéticos foi observado aumento na glicação protéica, avaliada pela concentração de frutosaminas e de produtos de glicação avançada (AGE), e redução na produção de ERO por macrófagos frente à Candida albicans, quando comparados ao grupo controle. O tratamento dos animais diabéticos com o extrato reduziu as concentrações de frutosaminas e manteve a produção de ERO em níveis semelhantes aos observados no grupo controle. Nossos resultados sugerem que o extrato etanólico de folhas de Passiflora edulis Sims pode apresentar efeitos benéficos sobre o diabetes e melhorar o controle glicêmico em ratos diabéticos.

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The present report examined the effects of essential oils (EOs) from Satureja hortensis L. and Salvia fruticosa M. on the viability and outer membrane permeability of the periodontopathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key bacteria in oral biofilms, as well as the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activities in epithelial cells exposed to such bacteria. Membrane permeability was tested by measuring the N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine uptake and bacterial viability by using the commercially available Live/Dead BacLight kit. In addition, gelatin zymography was performed to analyze the inhibition of F. nucleatum-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in HaCaT cells. We showed that 5, 10, and 25 µL/mL of Sat. hortensis L. EO decreased the ratio of live/dead bacteria and increased the outer membrane permeability in a range of time from 0 to 5 min. Treatments with 10 and 25 µL/mL of Sal. fruticosa M. also increased the membrane permeability and 5, 10, and 25 µL/mL of both EOs inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in keratinocytes induced after exposure of 24 h to F. nucleatum. We conclude that antibacterial and antigelatinolytic activities of Sat. hortensis L. EO have potential for the treatment of periodontal inflammation.

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Calendula is used widely in cosmetic formulations that present phenolic compounds in their chemical constitution. The objective of our research was to develop and evaluate the stability of topical formulations containing 5% hydro-ethanolic extract of calendula leaves, including spreadability, and in vitro photo-protective, and antioxidant capacity. To evaluate the stability, we used organoleptic characteristics, pH, and viscosity parameters. Antioxidant capacity was measured by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method, and the photo-protective capacity by SPF spectrophotometric measure. All formulations were stable. The calendula extract formulations in gel and cream showed no significant variations in pH, and the cream formulations presented lower viscosity variations than gel formulations. The spreadability of the gel formulations was superior to those in cream. The formulations also presented good antioxidant capacities and an FPS of around 1.75. In accordance with the results, the formulations can be used as antioxidants, but considering the low SPF obtained, calendula cannot be considered as a stand-alone sunscreen, yet may well be tested in future studies towards verifying enhancement of synthetic sunscreens.

A calêndula é amplamente utilizada em formulações cosméticas, apresentando compostos fenólicos em sua constituição química. Desta forma, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi desenvolver e avaliar a estabilidade de formulações tópicas contendo 5% de extrato hidroetanólico das folhas de calêndula, bem como a espalhabilidade, capacidade antioxidante e fotoprotetora in vitro nas mesmas. Para a avaliação da estabilidade, foram usados parâmetros como a verificação das características organolépticas, pH e viscosidade. A capacidade antioxidante foi verificada pelo método do DPPH (2,2-difenil,1- picril-hidrazila) e a capacidade fotoprotetora pela medida espectrofotométrica do FPS. Para as formulações testadas, observou-se que apresentaram uma boa estabilidade. As formulações de creme e gel com extrato de calêndula não apresentaram variações significativas nos valores de pH e o creme apresentou as menores variações de viscosidade em relação ao gel. A espalhabilidade das formulações de gel foi superior à do creme. As formulações também apresentaram uma boa capacidade antioxidante e um FPS em torno de 1.75. De acordo com os resultados, a formulação pode ser utilizada com ação antioxidante, porém com o FPS obtido, a calêndula não pode ser considerada um filtro solar isolado, mas poderá ser testada em estudos futuros para verificar a potencialização de filtros solares sintéticos.

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Justicia pectoralis Jacq., Acanthaceae, is a herb known popularly in Cuba as Tilo and used traditionally as sedative. The development in a solid pharmaceutical (Tablets 100 mg) using dry extract of Justicia pectolaris aqueous extract is of interest for the development of phytomedicines, which uses this active raw material. The aim of the present study was to carry out chemical and biological stability studies to the formulation. A method of coumarin determination by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used and validated. The stability studies during different periods of time (24 months) showed a stability of the product stored at 32 ± 2 °C, and protected of the light.

Justicia pectoralis Jacq., Acanthaceae é uma erva conhecida popularmente em Cuba como Tilo e utilizada tradicionalmente como sedativo. O desenvolvimento de formas farmacêuticas sólidas (comprimido 100 mg) usando extrato aquoso seco de J. pectoralis é de interesse no desenvolvimento de fitoterápicos que empreguem esse princípio ativo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar estudos de estabilidade químicos e biológicos da formulação. Um método de determinação de cumarinas por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE) foi usado e devidamente validado. Os estudos de estabilidade durante diferentes períodos de tempo (24 meses) mostraram a estabilidade do produto preservado a 32 ± 2 °C e protegido da luz.

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Species from the Bignoniaceae Family, including the genus Tynanthus, are very prevalent in the tropical Americas, with specimens found in a large part of the Brazilian territory. These plants are commonly used in traditional medicine for several purposes, and some studies have described their chemical structure, in addition to other reports related to some species from this genus. This review aimed to gather information from published works concerning species of the genus Tynanthus, as well as to detect flaws in research related to these plants, which may have great biological and pharmaceutical importance. Also, this review points out some common chemical characteristics of these species, providing information that may help new researchers to improve their knowledge about these plants.

As espécies da família Bignoniaceae possuem grande predominância na região da América tropical e entre elas, as espécies do gênero Tynanthus, com representantes em grande parte do território brasileiro. Estas plantas são comumente utilizadas na medicina tradicional para os mais diversos fins e algumas pesquisas já descrevem a constituição química além de outros estudos relacionados a alguns integrantes deste gênero. Este trabalho de revisão teve como objetivo reunir informações de trabalhos publicados a respeito das espécies do gênero Tynanthus e permitiu detectar a deficiência nas pesquisas relacionadas a estas plantas, que podem trazer consigo grande importância biológica e farmacológica. Além disto, este trabalho tornou possível apontar algumas características químicas em comum entre as espécies, trazendo informações que podem auxiliar novos pesquisadores que procuram melhorar seus conhecimentos acerca destas plantas.

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