Claudia Andrea Lima Cardoso

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antimycobacterial activities of the essential oil of Psidium guineense Sw. and spathulenol

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEnLeaves from Psidium guineense Sw. are used in popular medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disease. However, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating this activity.nnnAIM OF THE STUDYnTo evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antimycobacterial activities of the essential oil of P. guineense and spathulenol (a major constituent). The study was conducted in part to provide evidence supporting the ethnobotanical use of the leaves of this species.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnThe essential oil (EOPG) was extracted from the leaves of P. guineense by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major compound, spathulenol (PG-1), was isolated in a chromatographic column and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). EOPG and PG-1 were evaluated in vitro for antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS and MDA methods; anti-inflammatory potential was assessed using two models, including pleurisy and oedema, in mice. The impact of EOPG and PG-1 on cell proliferation was determined via spectrophotometric quantification of the cellular protein content using a sulforhodamine B assay, and anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity was determined using the REMA method.nnnRESULTSnA total of 38 components were identified from the EOPG, with the sesquiterpenic alcohol spathulenol (PG-1) (80.7%) being the major constituent. EOPG and PG-1 exhibited the highest antioxidant activities in the DPPH and MDA system compared with reference standard, with IC50 values ranging from 26.13 to 85.60μg/mL. Oral administration of EOPG and PG-1 showed significant inhibition in the Cg-induced mice paw oedema and pleurisy model. The EOPG (GI50 = 0.89μg/mL) and PG-1 (GI50 = 49.30μg/mL) were particularly effective against the ovarian cancer cell line. Both showed moderate antimycobacterial activity.nnnCONCLUSIONnFor the first time, this study demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antimycobacterial properties of the essential oil of P. guineense (leaves were collected in Dourados-MS) and spathulenol, collaborating the etnhopharmacologycal use of this plant due to its an anti-inflammatory effect.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity of viridiflorol: the major constituent of Allophylus edulis (A. St.-Hil., A. Juss. & Cambess.) Radlk.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEnThe leaves of Allophylus edulis (A. St.-Hil., A. Juss. & Cambess.) Radlk. (Sapindaceae) are traditionally used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent; however, there are no scientific studies demonstrating its activity essential oil. The content of essential oil in A. edulis may be the chemical basis to explain its ethnobotanical uses, since infusions of this plant are used to treat inflammation in the traditional medicine in Brazil.nnnAIM OF THE STUDYnThis study evaluated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-mycobacterial activities of the essential oil (EOAE) and viridiflorol, its main compound.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnEssential oil from fresh leaves of A. edulis (EOAE) was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. Forty-one compounds, accounting for 99.10% of the oil, were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major constituent of the oil was viridiflorol (30.88%). Additionally, the essential oil and viridiflorol were evaluated using an in vitro test against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Both EOAE (30 and 100mg/kg) and viridiflorol (3 and 30mg/kg) by oral administration were assayed in carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema and pleurisy using subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (0.5mg/kg) as the positive control.nnnRESULTSnEOAE and viridiflorol displayed moderate in vitro activity in the M. tuberculosis assay. In all tests, EOAE and viridiflorol showed moderate antioxidant activity compared with reference standards. Both EOAE and viridiflorol showed significant inhibition in the carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema via oral administration of the oil (30 and 100mg/kg), compound (3 and 30mg/kg), and subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (0.5mg/kg, reference drug). Also EOAE and viridiflorol significantly inhibited carrageenan (Cg) induced pleurisy, reducing the migration of total leucocytes in mice by 62±5% (30mg/kg of oil), 35±8% (100mg/kg of oil), 71±5% (3mg/kg of viridiflorol) and 57±3% (30mg/kg of viridiflorol).nnnCONCLUSIONnFor the first time, the results from this work corroborate the literature, showing that A. edulis can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Moreover, both EOAE and viridiflorol exhibited biological activities, such as anti-mycobacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Erythrocyte Nuclear Abnormalities in Astyanax lacustris in Response to Landscape Characteristics in Two Neotropical Streams

The objective of this research was to evaluate land use and occupation in the landscape surrounding two neotropical streams of the Upper Paraná River in Brazil and to investigate if the water from these streams induces erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities in Astyanax lacustris. We observed that the areas surrounding the streams are predominantly used for agricultural purposes (73.46% of the total area), followed by buildings (15.21%). Only 8.78% of the area consisted of forest fragments. We observed higher frequencies of micronuclei in erythrocytes of A. lacustris exposed to water from impacted sites (IMP) compared with less impacted sites and the negative control (NC) (pxa0<xa00.05). Analysis of nuclear alterations in A. lacrustis erythrocytes showed significant differences in the frequency of notched nuclei and nuclear pyknosis only between the NC and the IMP sites (pxa0<xa00.05). Our results indicate that water from the most impacted sites of the microbasin can induce mutagenic and genotoxic effects in A. lacustris.

Chemotaxonomic Profile and Intraspecific Variation in the Blow Fly of Forensic Interest Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Abstract Necrophagous insects such as blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are considered crucial in forensic entomology. Identification at species level and determination of larval stage are the basis for estimation of postmortem interval (PMI). Insect evidence can also be used in the determination of crime scenes, since body displacement is common. The aim of this study was to determine the chemotaxonomic profile and intraspecific variability of the forensically important blow fly Chrysomya megacephala (F. 1794). Adults were collected in the municipalities of Dourados-MS (Brazil) and Rio Claro-SP (Brazil), and then transferred to the laboratory for oviposition and development of the immature stages. Chemical analysis of cuticular compounds was performed by gas chromatography. Cuticular chemical profiles varied significantly between the two populations, as well as between developmental stages, supporting the use of these compounds as a complementary tool to help identify the species and its stages, along with geographical variability. This could greatly accelerate forensic investigations, eliminating the need to allow the fly larvae to develop until adult stage in order to confirm the species identity and sample origin.

DISSIPATION OF THIAMETHOXAM AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PHENOL LEVELS IN HEDYCHIUM CORONARIUM J. KOENIG

The growth of agriculture over natural environments has led to the exposition of several plant species to pesticides without the due knowledge of their effects on the physiology of these organisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of thiamethoxam on the levels of total phenols and on the chromatographic profile of Hedychium coronarium leaves and rhizomes. The plants of H. coronarium were exposed to two concentrations of thiamethoxam in a controlled environment with the application of spraying. The pesticide was detected in leaves during the first 26 days of experiment, but not in rhizomes. The levels of thiamethoxam showed an important reduction in the leaves during the experiment. The levels of total phenols were affected by the presence of thiamethoxam. The similarity in the frequency peaks in the chromatographic profile of the leaves and rhizomes showed the influence of the insecticide, in which this influence in rhizomes was more evident in the concentration of 190 mg L-1.

Cell Stress Profile During Metabolite Production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Catanduva-1 in Sugarcane Wort

During ethanol production, yeasts are subjected to a number of stress factors - among them high substrate concentrations and high temperatures - while displaying an ability to adapt to the adverse conditions found during fermentation. This study evaluated the metabolic profile exhibited by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Catanduva-1 during fermentation. Yeast cells were cultured in 2% YPD medium, incubated in a shaker at 30 °C and 250 rpm for 10 h, and subsequently centrifuged and washed in saline solution for biomass harvesting. Fermentation experiments were performed at 18, 22, and 25°Bx sterilized at 120 °C for 20 min. Biomass was reinoculated into wort and incubated in a shaker at 30 °C and 40 °C at 250 rpm. Evaluation of fermentation parameters revealed better fermentative performance at 30 °C for all substrate concentrations investigated. Under the test conditions, cellular stress was observed at 40 °C. A superior ethanol production profile was obtained at 22°Bx and 30 °C. Glycerol accumulation was highest at 25°Bx and 40 °C. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v10i1.1029

The safe use of Doliocarpus dentatus in the gestational period: Absence of changes in maternal reproductive performance, embryo-fetal development and DNA integrity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEnDoliocarpus dentatus (Dilleniaceae) is commonly used in Brazil for the treatment of inflammatory process pain and urinary retention. Previous studies of our group have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antimycobacterial action of the ethanolic extract of Doliocarpus dentatus (EEDd) as well as the safety of its use.nnnAIM OF THE STUDYnwe investigated the effects of EEDd on reproductive performance, fetal development and DNA integrity in pregnant female Swiss mice.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnthirty female Swiss mice were divided into three experimental groups (n = 10): control group treated with 1% tween-80 and EEDd1 and EEDd2 groups treated with EEDd at doses of 100 and 1000u202fmg/kg, respectively. The treatment occurred by oral gavage throughout the gestational period. At the end of pregnancy, parameters related to reproductive performance, embryofoetal development and DNA integrity was evaluated.nnnRESULTSnboth doses of the extract tested did not alter the reproductive parameters, did not present significant differences in the embryofetal development when compared to the control group and also did not induce the formation of micronuclei.nnnCONCLUSIONnthe EEDd do not alter the reproductive parameters, embryofetal development and DNA integrity, ensuring its safe use during pregnancy.

The Response of Neotropical Fish Species (Brazil) on the Water Pollution: Metal Bioaccumulation and Genotoxicity

The streams and rivers of the Upper Paraná River Basin have been seriously affected by impacts of high population density around the basin area. Fishes are widely used as models to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems, being considered as bioindicators of environmental pollution. In this context, our objective was to assess the potential genotoxic and mutagenicxa0effects of the polluted water in three native fish species (Astyanax lacustris, Hypostomus ancistroides, and Rhamdia quelen) from Tarumã Microbasin, Upper Paraná River, Brazil. We also investigated the concentration of metals in water and in fish muscle to verify bioavailability and bioaccumulation of metals. For both less impacted sites (LI) and impacted sites (IMP) of the microbasin, the concentrations of metals were above the maximum limit allowed by Brazilian legislation (Resolution CONAMA 357/2005), except for Pb, total Cr, and Cu at LI sites and total Cr at IMP sites. A. lacustris showed a higher frequency of micronuclei (MN) at IMP sites compared with LI sites (pu2009<u20090.0001). We found no significant differences in MN frequency between site classes for H. ancistroides and R. quelen (pu2009>u20090.05). There were no significant differences between site classes regarding to nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes frequencies (pu2009>u20090.05). A. lacustris from IMP sites had higher concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Ni in muscle tissue (pu2009<u20090.05), whereas H. ancistroides from IMP sites had higher concentration of Cr, Cu, and Ni (pu2009<u20090.0001) and R. quelen showed higher concentration of Cd, Fe, and Ni at these sites (pu2009<u20090.0001). So, the chosen biomarkers are able to identify the environmental risk of the water pollution.

GC×GC/qMS analyses of Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg essential oils and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

Abstract The present study investigated the essential oil obtained from Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg, an aromatic plant used in Brazilian folk medicine. The chemical composition was performed by GC×GC/qMS. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated by DPPH and BCB and, MIC assays, respectively. Sixty-eight compounds were identified in the oil, where the major compounds were bicyclogermacrene (15%), globulol (5%) and spathulenol (5%). Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (29 compounds) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (20 compounds) were the most representative classes of terpenes. DPPH (IC50 value 26.1 ± 0.5 μg/mL) and BCB (68.3 ± 1.5%) values indicated a significant antioxidant activity. The essential oil strongly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 15 ± 0.1 μg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC 25 ± 0.2 μg/mL) and Candida albicans (MIC 5 ± 0.1 μg/mL). The results give a deeper understanding of the chemical composition and report for the first time the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of the C. guazumifolia essential oil.

Mutagenic and genotoxic effects and metal contaminations in fish of the Amambai River, Upper Paraná River, Brazil

The present study evaluated mutagenic and genotoxic effects and metal accumulation in the liver and musculature of Pterygoplichthys ambrosetti and Prochilodus lineatus in the Amambai River, a tributary of the Upper Paraná River in Brazil. We also evaluated the potential for these fish species as environmental bioindicators and performed risk assessment for conservation purposes. We found that P. ambrosetti had a higher frequency of micronuclei compared to P. lineatus (pxa0<xa00.0001). There were no significant differences between species in other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENA) (pxa0>xa00.05). For both species, the liver contained a higher concentration of metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Ni) than the musculature did (pxa0<xa00.0001). Of the two species, P. ambrosetti was more suitable to evaluate mutagenic and genotoxic effects and metal accumulation in the liver and musculature, likely due to its resident behavior; hence, we highlight the potential of this species for use as an environmental bioindicator. The concentrations of non-essential metals observed in the fish confirm conditions of environmental stress in the Amambai River, possibly related to the discharge of pollutants and exacerbated by lack of native vegetation cover along the watercourse.