Resumo em Inglês:

Eugenia pyriformis Cambess., known as uvaia, is a species of Myrtaceae native to Brazil. Its leaves are used in folk medicine to treat gout because they possess the property of inhibiting xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of xanthine into uric acid. The objective of this work was to study the leaf and stem morpho-anatomy of E. pyriformis, in order to contribute to what is known about the Brazilian flora, and this medicinal plant and potential vegetal drug. Samples of mature leaves and young stems were fixed and sectioned by freehand, or embedded in glycol methacrylate and sectioned with a microtome, and then stained. In addition, microchemical tests and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The leaf is simple, symmetric, elliptic-lanceolate, with an acute apex and base, and an entire margin. The epidermis is uniseriate and coated with a moderately thick cuticle. The stomata are anomocytic and inserted at the same level as the adjacent cells. Unicellular non-glandular trichomes are abundant on the abaxial surface. The mesophyll is dorsiventral. In transverse section, the midrib is plano-convex and the petiole is circular, and both of these structures have a single bicollateral vascular bundle. In the stem, the vascular cylinder consists of external phloem, xylem and internal phloem, traversed by narrow rays. Phenolic compounds, druses and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate are also present in the leaf and stem.

Resumo em Inglês:

Anatomical and histochemical investigations of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski, Asteraceae, secretory structures in leaves and stems and the seasonal variation of essential oils were carried out. Histochemical techniques enabled the specific location of the essential oil accumulation in the internal (canals) and external structures (trichomes). Histochemical analysis showed that the secretory trichomes produced steroids. The highest yield was obtained from plants collected in winter, when it was registered low temperature and precipitation. The essential oil was characterized by high percentage of hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes, hydrocarbon monoterpenes and low levels of oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The major components were germacrene D (11.9-35.8%), α-phellandrene (1.4-28.5%), α-pinene (7.3-23.8%), E-caryophyllene (4.6-19.0%), bicyclogermacrene (6.0-17.0%), limonene (1.8-15.1%) and α-humulene (4.0-11.6%). The percentage of most of the individual constituents present in S. trilobata essential oil changed significantly during the months.

Resumo em Inglês:

The phytochemical study of flowering shoots of Caragana bungei Ledeb., Fabaceae, collected in Tuva Republic (Russian Federation) resulted in the isolation of sixteen compounds identified as β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, umbelliferone, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, isoquercitrin, rutin, narcissin, nicotiflorin, caffeic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, gallic acid and sucrose. The structures of the compounds were established by spectral analyses. This is the first phytochemical investigation of C. bungei. The nicotiflorin, phenylpropanoids and gallic acid were isolated from the Caragana genus for the first time.

Resumo em Inglês:

The aim of this work was to analyze terpene oil production and terpene synthases (TPS) gene expression from leaves at different developmental stages of different chemotypes of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson, Verbenaceae. Hydro-distilled essential oil were used for chemical analysis and gene expression of three monoterpene synthase genes called LaTPS12, LaTPS23 and LaTPS25 were used for analyses of gene expression associated to oil production. The putative genes were associated to TPS-b gene class. Semi-quantitative PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis were used to investigate the expression profile of those three putative genes in different leaf stages and different chemotypes. Additionally, total oil production and gene expression of putative TPS genes cloned from L. alba chemotype linalool were evaluated at different stages of leaf development. The expression level of those three genes was higher when the highest oil production was observed, mainly in young leaves at the fourth nodal segment for all evaluated chemotypes. Total oil production was higher at leaves that had unopened trichomes. We also observed that the 1mM of MeJA treatment increased the gene expression in all chemotypes after 24 h elicitation.

Resumo em Inglês:

Chemical investigation of the leaves of Solanum sordidum Sendtn., Solanaceae, resulted in the isolation and identification of sitosterol, stigmasterol, 3β-O-β-glycopyranosyl stigmasterol, 3β-O-β-glycopyranosyl sitosterol, kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6)-α-glycopyranoside, rutin, and N-trans-feruloyltyramine. The structures of these compounds were established by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectrometric data and comparison with data in the literature. The evaluation of antioxidant activity showed an IC50 of 159.5 ppm for the chloroformic fraction and IC50 of 77.5 ppm for the hydromethanolic fraction.

Resumo em Inglês:

The pantropical genus Bauhinia, Fabaceae, known popularly as cow's foot, is widely used in folk medicine as antidiabetic. Behavioral effects of the ethanolic extract and ethereal, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions from B. platypetala Benth. ex Hemsl. leaves were studied in male Swiss mice. The ethanolic extract and fractions were administered intraperitoneally and its effects on spontaneous motor activity (total motility, locomotion, rearing and grooming behavior) were monitored. Anxiolytic-like properties were studied in the elevated plus-maze test and the possible antidepressant-like actions were evaluated in the forced swimming test. The results revealed that only the highest dose of the ethereal fraction (50 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a significant decrease in total motility, locomotion and rearing. Sole dose injected (50 mg/kg) of ethanolic extract and ethereal fractions increased the exploration of the elevated plus-maze open arms in a similar way to that of diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.). In the forced swimming test, the ethanolic extract and their fractions (12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg) was not as effective as paroxetine (10 or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) and imipramine (25 or 50 mg/kg, i.p.) in reducing immobility. These results suggest that some of the components of the ethanolic extract and of the ethereal fraction from B. platypetala, such as p-cymene, phytol, D-lactic acid, hexadecanoic acid, among others, may have anxiolytic-like properties, which deserve further investigation. Furthermore, the results obtained indicate that ethanolic extract from B. platypetala and their fractions do not present antidepressive properties. However, these properties cannot be related to the chemical constituents identified in this specie.

Resumo em Inglês:

Dengue is a tropical disease caused by an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes aegypti. Since no effective vaccine is available for treating dengue, the present study focused on population vector control through investigating the use of the lignan grandisin, isolated from Piper solmsianum C. DC., Piperaceae, against the larvae of A. aegypti. Grandisin caused larval (L3) mortality at LC50 150 µg/mL. Histological analysis on A. aegypti larvae treated with grandisin (LC50 50 µg/mL) showed changes in the anterior-middle midgut, with intense tissue destruction and cell disorganization.

Resumo em Inglês:

We investigated the in vitro effect of the essential oil of Croton nepetifolius Baill., Euphorbiaceae (EOCN), on spontaneous or induced contractions of circular and longitudinal muscles from the ovine cervix during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The relaxant effect of EOCN was expressed as a percentage of the contraction recorded before the addition of the oil and calculated relative to the preparations exposed only to the vehicle. The IC50 (concentration of oil required to produce a 50% maximal reduction in muscle contraction) for relaxation of spontaneous contractions in circular and longitudinal muscles was significantly lower than the IC50 for blockade of K+-induced contraction (27.19 µg mL-1 versus 262.72 µg mL-1 and 40.92 µg mL-1 versus 222.47 µg mL-1, respectively). Interestingly, there was a high degree of selectivity in the action of EOCN on cervix layers concerning the inhibition of acetylcholine-induced contraction in circular (IC50 277.10 µg mL-1) and longitudinal (IC50 52.56 µg mL-1) muscles. In conclusion, EOCN is able to relax ovine cervix during the luteal phase. This work opens the perspective of applying EOCN in ovine embryo transfer.

Resumo em Inglês:

Chagas disease is one of the main public health problems in Latin America. Since the available treatments for this disease are not effective in providing cure, the screening of potential antiprotozoal agents is essential, mainly of those obtained from natural sources. This study aimed to provide an evaluation of the trypanocidal activity of 92 ethanol extracts from species belonging to the families Annonaceae, Apiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Moraceae, Nyctaginaceae, and Verbenaceae against the Y and Bolivia strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. Additionally, cytotoxic activity on LLCMK2 fibroblasts was evaluated. Both the trypanocidal activity and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the MTT method, in the following concentrations: 500, 350, 250, and 100 µg/mL. Benznidazole was used for positive control. The best results among the 92 samples evaluated were obtained with ethanol extracts of Ocotea paranapiacabensis (Am93) and Aegiphila lhotzkiana (Am160). Am93 showed trypanocidal activity against epimastigote forms of the Bolivia strain and was moderately toxic to LLCMK2 cells, its Selectivity Index (SI) being 14.56, while Am160 showed moderate trypanocidal activity against the Bolivia strain and moderate toxicicity, its SI being equal to 1.15. The screening of Brazilian plants has indicated the potential effect of ethanol extracts obtained from Ocotea paranapiacabensis and Aegiphila lhotzkiana against Chagas disease.

Resumo em Inglês:

Monoterpenes have been identified as responsible of important therapeutic effects of plant-extracts. In this work, we try to compare the cytotoxic effect of six monoterpenes (carvacrol, thymol, carveol, carvone, eugenol and isopulegol) as well as their molecular mechanisms. The in vitro antitumor activity of the tested products, evaluated against five tumor cell lines, show that the carvacrol is the most cytotoxic monoterpene. The investigation of an eventual synergistic effect of the six natural monoterpenes with two anticancer drugs revealed that there is a significant synergy between them (p<5%). On the other hand, the effect of the tested products on cell cycle progression was examined by flow cytometry after DNA staining in order to investigate the molecular mechanism of their cytotoxic activity. The results revealed that carvacrol and carveol stopped the cell cycle progression in S phase; however, thymol and isopulegol stopped it in G0/G1 phase. Regarding carvone and eugenol, no effect on cell cycle was observed.

Resumo em Inglês:

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of aqueous extract from aerial parts Linaria genistifolia (L.) Mill. subsp. genistifolia, Plantaginaceae (Lg-ext) were investigated by using both Allium cepa root meristematic cells and bacterial reverse mutation assay in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 with or without metabolic activation system (S9), respectively. In Allium root growth inhibition test, EC50 value was determined approximately 15 g/L and 0.5xEC50, EC50 and 2xEC50 concentrations of Lg-ext were introduced to onion tuber roots and distilled water and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS, 10 ppm) used as a negative and positive control, respectively. The characteristic effect caused by tested preparations was an increase of mitotic index (MI) in 7.5 g/L and 15 g/L (except 24 and 96 h) and simultaneous decrease of MI in 30 g/L and in MMS. While stickiness, bridges, chromosome laggards and disturbed anaphase-telophase were observed in anaphase-telophase cells, c-metaphase, pro-metaphase, polyploidy and binuclear cells were observed in other cells. Lg-ext was not found to be mutagenic on S. typhimurium TA 98 and TA100 with or without S9. The results were also analyzed statistically by using SPSS for Windows, and Duncan's multiple range tests were performed respectively. These results indicate that Lg-ext exhibits genotoxic activity in A. cepa root meristematic cells but not mutagenic activity in Ames test system

Resumo em Inglês:

Amongst other botanical sources, Annona muricata L., Annonaceae, seeds and Piper nigrum L., Piperaceae, fruits are particularly enriched with acetogenins and piperine-related amides, respectively. These crude ethanolic extracts are potent Aedes aegypti bioactives that can kill Aedes aegypti larvae (dengue fever mosquito). A. muricata displayed a 93.48 µg/mL LC50 and P. nigrum an 1.84 µg/mL LC50. An uncommon pharmacognostical/toxicological approach was used, namely different combinations of both extracts to achieve an improved lethal effect on the larvae. The independence test (χ²) was utilized to evaluate the combination of the two crude extracts. All of the tested combinations behaved synergistically and these novel results were attributed to the completely different biochemical mechanisms of the differentiated chemical substances that were present in the two botanical sources. Besides the two above selected plants, Melia azedarach L., Meliaceae, Origanum vulgare L., Lamiaceae, and Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., Aquifoliaceae, in order of decreasing toxicity, may also be sought as potential extracts for the sake of synergic combinations.

Resumo em Inglês:

This investigation aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor potential of a Moroccan propolis extracts. For in vitro assays, three mammalian tumor cell lines were used: BSR (hamster renal adenocarcinoma), Hep-2 (human laryngeal carcinoma) and P815 (murin mastocytoma). The propolis ethanolic extract as well as the ethyl acetate extract, exert an in vitro cytotoxic activity in dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values were ranging from 15 µg/mL to 38 µg/mL. This activity depends not only on the extract's chemical composition (analysed by HPLC/ESI-MS), but also on the target tumor cells. Interestingly, the cytotoxic effect of these extracts on the normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was weak when compared to that induced on tumor cells. On the other hand, oral route treatment of P815 tumor-bearing mice (DBA2/P815) with propolis ethanolic extract (5 mg per mouse every fourth day, five times for group A, and 2.5 mg per mouse every fourth day, five times for group B) significantly reduced the tumor volume (1.2 cm³ for group A and 2.7 cm³ for group B at the 22nd day after tumor graft). These effects are statistically significant as compared to those obtained with the control untreated mice (tumor volume 3.5 cm³ at day 22).

Resumo em Inglês:

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the adaptogenic activity of ethanol (EtHI), ethyl acetate (EAHI) fractions of Habenaria intermedia D. Don, Orchidaceae (HI), tubers using immobilization induced acute stress (AS), chronic stress (CS) and swimming induced stress in experimental animals. The tested doses of EtHI (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and higher dose of EAHI (200 mg/kg, p.o.) normalized altered serum biochemical parameters and the severity of ulcers in both AS and CS. EAHI and EtHI restored the hyperthrophy of adrenal gland and atrophy of spleen and thymus gland in AS and CS. Greater swimming time was noted in the mice pretreated with EtHI and EAHI. Levels of adrenal ascorbic acid and cortisol were restored significantly. EAHI exhibited prominent scavenging effect of DPPH, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation in vitro. Phytochemical studies resulted in the isolation of scopoletin and gallic acid as marker compounds. Our results proved the traditional claim of HI as anti-stress/adaptogen in Ayurvdea.

Resumo em Inglês:

In this study, Annona coriacea Mart., Annonaceae, was examined for possible toxic effects on brain, liver and kidney of mice exposed to crude extract of the seeds (CESAN) of this plant. CESAN was administered by gavage for four days at doses of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day. Significant changes on liver were observed, which showed reduction in the number of hepatocytes per area and increase the apoptotic index in the exposed groups, and changes in the cytoplasm and nucleus of these cells and reduced consumption of water and feed in these animals. For the other studied areas, brain and kidneys showed no changes in the parameters used in this study. The results suggest hepatotoxic effects of CESAN, but without damage to brain and kidneys in this experiment, showing a toxic potential to this species, as to the Annonaceae family.

Resumo em Inglês:

Tephrosia toxicaria (Sw.) Pers., which is currently known as T. sinapou (Buc'hoz) A. Chev., Fabaceae, is a source of compounds such as flavonoids, however, few studies addressed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of T. sinapou. Therefore, we evaluated the antioxidant mechanisms of the T. sinapou ethyl acetate extract in vitro, and whether the extract affects leukocyte recruitment in four models of inflammation and the involvement of nitric oxide and cytokines in its mechanism. In vitro, it was observed that the extract presented hydrogen donating ability to 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH<img src="/img/revistas/rbfar/2012nahead/aop23011img01.jpg" />), 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical (ABTS+), and also efficiently inhibited iron-dependent and independent lipid peroxidation and iron chelation assays. In vivo, it inhibited the recruitment of total leukocytes and neutrophil induced by carrageenin, zymosan, glycogen and lipopolysaccharide in the peritoneal cavity of mice. Two mechanisms were detected: 1) T. sinapou effect on leukocyte recruitment depends on nitric oxide since was dose-dependently inhibited by treatment with L-NAME (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), and 2) the extract also inhibited the production of crucial cytokines for the leukocyte recruitment; tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β. Concluding, T. sinapou ethyl acetate extract reduces oxidative stress in vitro, and inflammatory leukocyte recruitment by a mechanism related to inhibition of cytokine production, and in a nitric oxide dependent manner in vivo.

Resumo em Inglês:

The antinociceptive activity of the Maytenus rigida Mart. (Celastraceae) ethanol extract and its ethyl acetate fraction as well as of (-)-4'-methylepigallocatechin (1), a previously isolated compound, was demonstrated in vivo. ED50 for 1 in the writhing test was 14.14 mg/kg. The acetic acid-induced writhing was inhibited by 98.4, 84.4, and 58.3%, respectively, when mice were treated with the ethanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction, and 1. In the hot plate test, mice pretreated with 1 showed significantly increased reaction times (60-89%). Oral administration of 1 significantly inhibited first and second phases of the formalin-induced pain (50 and 26.5%, respectively), whereas indomethacin inhibited only the second phase of the test (41.2%). Ethanol extract and its fraction showed effects on inflammatory pain, while neurogenic and inflammatory pain suppression by 1 is a strong indication of the presence of both central and peripheral effects and suggests its analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential.

Resumo em Inglês:

The present study was made to investigate the protective effect of methanolic extract of Ficus benghalensis L., Moraceae, on isoniazid-rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into six different groups; group 1 served as a control, group 2 received isoniazid and rifampicin (100 mg/kg, i.p.), in sterile water, groups 3, 4 and 5 received 100, 200 & 300 mg/kg bw, p.o. methanolic extract of F. benghalensis and group 6 received Liv 52. All the treatment protocols followed 21 days and after rats were sacrificed blood and liver were used for biochemical and histological studies, respectively. Administration of isoniazid and rifampicin caused a significant elevation in the levels of liver marker enzymes (p<0.05 and p<0.01) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p<0.001) in experimental rats. Administration of methanolic extracts of F. benghalensis significantly prevented isoniazid-rifampicin-induced elevation in the levels of serum diagnostic liver marker enzymes and TBARS level in experimental groups of rats. Morever, total protein and reduced glutathione levels were significantly (p<0.001) increased in treatment group. The effect of extract was compared with a standard drug, Liv 52. The changes in biochemical parameters were supported by histological profile. It is to be concluded that the methanolic extract of F. benghalensis protects against isoniazid and rifampicin-induced oxidative liver injury in rats.

Resumo em Inglês:

Diabetes is a group of syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia, altered metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, resulting in an increased risk of complications from vascular disease. The flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz, Lythraceae, have been used traditionally in the treatment of diabetes, dysentery, diarrhea, other bowel complaints, internal haemorrhages, in leucorrhoea and menorrhagia. Externally powdered flower is sprinkled over foul ulcers and wounds for diminishing their discharge and promoting granulations. In Konkan leaves are used in bilious sickness. W. fruticosa is also reported to have DNA topoisomerase inhibitor, antibacterial, antifertility, antipeptic ulcer, free radical scavenging, and hepatoprotective activity. W. fruticosa is a medicinal plant used to treat a wide range of disorder including diabetes. The present work investigates the effects of the WF in dexamethsone induced insulin resistance in mice. The results of animal study revealed that the extract at dose 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg was found to be significant (p<0.01) after 22 days of treatment. Further isolation studies afforded an anthraquinone glycoside, chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. Moreover further experiments will be required to identify their exact mechanism of action.

Resumo em Inglês:

Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Meliaceae, or Indian neem is a plant used to treat inûammatory disorders. Total polysaccharide (TPL) and FI (fractioned by ion exchange chromatography) from the seed tegument of A. indica were evaluated in models of acute inflammation (paw edema/peritonitis) using Wistar rats. Paw edema (measured by hydroplethysmometry) was induced s.c. by Λ-carrageenan (300 µg), histamine (100 µg), serotonin (20 µg), compound 48/80 (10 µg), prostaglandin (PGE2 30 µg) or L-arginine (15 µg). Peritonitis (analyzed for leukocyte counts/protein dosage) was induced i.p. by carrageenan (500 mg) or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP 50 ng). Animals were treated i.v. with TPL (1 mg/kg) or FI (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/kg) 30 min before stimuli. FI toxicity (at 0.1 mg/kg, i.v. for seven days) was analyzed by the variation of body/organ mass and hematological/biochemical parameters. TPL extraction yielded 1.3%; FI, presenting high carbohydrate and low protein content, at 0.1 mg/kg inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan (77%), serotonin (54%), PGE2 (69%) and nitric oxide (73%), and the peritonitis elicited by carrageenan (48%) or fMLP (67%), being well tolerated by animals. FI exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity, revealing to be important active component in traditionally prepared remedies to treat inflammatory states.

Resumo em Inglês:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of alcoholic root extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum L., Sapindaceae (ARECH), on the various murine models of epilepsy. The root extract of the plant was administered p.o. to male swiss albino mice at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg before evaluation. The brain monoamine levels were determined after two days administration. ARECH at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly delayed the onset of clonus and tonus in pentylenetetrazol, isoniazid and picrotoxin-induced convulsions. Tonic hind limb extension was also decreased at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg as compared to vehicle control in maximal electroshock model. No significant motor toxicity was observed even at a highest dose administered, i.e. 900 mg/kg. Brain monoamine analysis by HPLC revealed a significant increase in GABAergic activity in C+ (in cerebellum) and C- (except cerebellum). These results suggested that ARECH possesses a significant anticonvulsant activity with a low motor toxicity profile. This activity may be attributed to an increase in GABAergic activity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Ethanolic extract of Annona muricata L., Annonaceae, leaf (AML) was used to investigate its antinociceptive and anti-ulcerogenic activities and the involvement of the mechanism of ethanolic leaves extract of AML in various animal models. Antinociceptive activity of AML extract was done using acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in mice, formalin test in rats and hot plate test in mice. Furthermore, the anti-ulcerogenic effect of AML extract was studied in ethanol-induced ulcer model in rats, ethanol-induced gastric lesions in L-NAME-pre-treated rats as well as ethanol-induced gastric lesions in NEM-pre-treated rats test model to determine its mechanism. AML exhibited significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity. It also significantly decreased the ulcerative lesion produced by ethanol in rats in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with N-ethymaleimide, a thiol blocker, including mucosal nonprotein sulfhydryl groups, reduced the anti-ulcerogenic effect of AML extract in the same ulcer model, suggesting that AML extract may have active substances such as tannins, flavanoids and triterpenes that increase the mucosal nonprotein sulfhydryl group content.

Resumo em Inglês:

Experimental studies carried out for evaluating the anti-hyperlipidemic properties of rice bran components have given interesting but often contrasting results. Therefore, the current study was initiated to investigate the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of oryzanol (OZ), a commercially-important bioactive phytochemical, isolated from crude rice bran oil (cRBO). OZ was isolated by a two-step solvent crystallization process from cRBO, which was extracted from fresh rice bran by hexane mediated soxhlet extraction. Subsequently, OZ (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated for anti-hyperlipidemic activity in Triton WR-1339-induced acute hyperlipidemic albino rats by estimating serum triacylglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels with atorvastatin as the reference standard. The degree of protection was also assessed by measuring the levels of various hepatic anti-oxidant enzymes. OZ evoked a significant decrease in the levels of serum cholesterol, triacylglycerides, LDL, VLDL and a significant increase in the level of serum HDL and hepatic anti-oxidant enzymes. It also showed a significant ameliorative action on elevated atherogenic index (AI) and LDL/HDL-C ratios. These findings indicate that OZ possesses the potential to lower plasma lipid concentrations and might be of therapeutic benefit in hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Resumo em Inglês:

The present investigation was aimed to study an anticonvulsant activity of ethanolic extract of Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC., Fabaceae, in mice. Animal models of epilepsy namely the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), isoniazid or isonicotinic hydrazide (INH) and maximal electroshock induced convulsion (MES) were used to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of the extracts. The biochemical estimation was done by measuring the lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH). In the PTZ induced convulsion, ethanolic extract of D. triflorum (EEDT) 400 mg/kg significant delayed the onset of convulsion, reduced the duration of convulsion and reduced mortality. Similarly a dose of 800 mg/kg of EDDT significantly delayed the onset of convulsion, reduced the duration of convulsion and showed 33.33% protection in mice against INH induced convulsion. Further no mortality was found. Both the doses reduced hind limb tonic extension (HLTE) phase of MES induced convulsion in mice. The pretreated EEDT showed significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation and increases the reduced glutathione level in mice brain tissue. The results revealed that D. triflorum possesses a significant dose dependent anticonvulsant activity.

Resumo em Inglês:

The aqueous and ethanol extracts of the leaves of Basella alba L. var. alba Wight, Basellaceae, were investigated for antiulcer activity on rats employing the pylorus ligation and ethanol induced ulcer models. The various gastric secretion parameters such as total acidity, free acidity, gastric acid volume, pH and histopathological parameters such as ulcer index and percent protection were comparatively examined between control, test and standard groups. The antiulcer activity of aqueous extract of B. alba (AEBA) and ethanol extract of B. alba (EEBA) were studied in rats treated with the doses of 1 mL/kg of absolute ethanol, 200 and 400 mg of test extracts and 20 mg/kg of famotidine for control, test and standard groups respectively in both the models. The animals pretreated with AEBA and EEBA showed a dose-dependent protection against gross damaging action of ethanol and pylorus ligation on gastric mucosa of animals. Histopathological evaluation also revealed that Group I treated with absolute ethanol showed severe gastric mucosal damage. The AEBA and EEBA showed 68.25 and 58.11% protection in gastric mucosal damage as compared to control group. Both the extracts of B. alba var. alba were able to decrease the gastric acidity and increase the mucosal defense in the gastric mucosal area. This study indicate that B. alba var. alba possesses significant gastroprotective effect and the same is substantiated by the histopathological examination of the ulcerated stomachs of the animals.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work presents the observed changes in Wistar rats under long treatment (thirteen weeks) with different oral doses of the ethanolic extract (EE) from Jatropha gossypiifolia L., Euphorbiaceae. The most significant toxic signs indicated a reduction of the activity in the central nervous system and digestive disturbances. The histopathological analysis shows hepatotoxity and pulmonary damages. The lethality was 46.6% among males under the higher experimental dose (405 mg/kg) and 13.3% both in females under the higher dose and among the animals treated with 135 mg/kg of the product. These data show the significant oral chronic toxicity of EE of J. gossypiifolia in rats.

Resumo em Inglês:

The present study was designed to evaluate the potency of antioxidant activity of sesame oil in-vitro model of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury of rat. Sesame oil was administered orally to Wistar albino rats (180-200 g) in two different doses (n=6), by gastric gavage at a dose of 5 mL/kg b.w. (S1) and 10 mL/kg b.w (S2) daily for thirty days. Control and sesame oil treated rat hearts were subjected to invitro global ischemic reperfusion injury (5 min perfusion, 9 min noflow and 12 min reperfusion). A significant rise in TBARS and decrease of GSH, catalase, LDH, CK and AST occurred in the hearts subjected to in-vitro myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury indicate the myocardial damage through oxidative stress. In sesame oil treated rats there was a significant decrease in TBARS and significant increase in endogenous antioxidants and myocardial marker enzymes in all the groups. In 10 mL/kg treatment group, a significant rise in the levels of GSH, SOD and catalase were observed with marker enzymes, and it shows better recovery profile than the other groups subjected to in-vitro ischemic reperfusion injury. In histological studies, control rats which subjected to IR injury show extensive myocardial damage and all the treatment groups, shows preserved myocardium. The effect of sesame oil was compared with reference compound captopril. The present study demonstrates that the sesame oil treated by the dose 10 mL/kg augments endogenous antioxidant compounds of the rat heart and also prevents the myocardium from in-vitro model of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury

Resumo em Inglês:

Aeonium species are plants rich in phenols and terpenoids and have been widely used in the Canary folk medicine. Following our project concerning bioactive compounds from Macaronesian region, a phytochemical study was carried out to investigate the constituents of the stems of Aeonium lindleyi Webb & Berthel.,Crassulaceae. Air dried and chopped stems of this plant were extracted with ethanol in a Soxhlet apparatus and the total extract was chromatographed on silica gel to afford sixteen known compounds including, one sterol, four lupane triterpenes and eleven phenolic compounds. Their structures were elucidated by means of ¹H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopic studies and comparison of their spectral data with values in the literature. Both group of isolated metabolites are known by their diverse biological activities and they have been described as antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory. Our results contribute to the knowledge of A. lindleyi as a potential source of bioactive compounds.

Resumo em Inglês:

The chemical composition of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Microlicia graveolens DC., Melastomataceae, growing wild in the mountains of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was investigated for the first time. A pale orange to colourless oil was obtained in a yield of 4.8%. The oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The main components were (+)-trans-pinocarvyl acetate (78.9%), (-)-trans-pinocarvyl acetate (5.5%) and β-pinene (3.8%).

Resumo em Inglês:

Approximately 600-700 species of Ipomoea, Convolvulaceae, are found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Several of those species have been used as ornamental plants, food, medicines or in religious ritual. The present work reviews the traditional uses, chemistry and biological activities of Ipomoea species and illustrates the potential of the genus as a source of therapeutic agents. These species are used in different parts of the world for the treatment of several diseases, such as, diabetes, hypertension, dysentery, constipation, fatigue, arthritis, rheumatism, hydrocephaly, meningitis, kidney ailments and inflammations. Some of these species showed antimicrobial, analgesic, spasmolitic, spasmogenic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, psychotomimetic and anticancer activities. Alkaloids, phenolics compounds and glycolipids are the most common biologically active constituents from these plant extracts.