Leonardo Alcântara Alves

Constituents of the Essential Oil of Brazilian Green Propolis from Brazil

Abstract The essential oil from the green propolis from Minas Gerais, Brazil obtained by hydrodistillation process, was analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. Seventeen compounds were characterized representing 91.0% of compounds presents in the oil. The major components presents were the sesquiterpenes β-caryophyllene (13.4%), (E)-nerolidol (17.1%) and selina-3,7(11) diene (10.4%).

Chemoprevention with green propolis green propolis extracted in L-lysine versus carcinogenesis promotion with L-lysine in N-Butyl-N-[4-hydroxybutyl] nitrosamine (BBN) induced rat bladder cancer

PURPOSE To determine the effects of green propolis extracted in L-lysine (WSDP) and of L- lysine for 40 weeks on induced rat bladder carcinogenesis. METHODS The animals (groups I, II, III, IV, V and VI) received BBN during 14 weeks. Group I was treated with propolis 30 days prior received BBN, and then these animals were treated daily with propolis; Groups II and III was treated with subcutaneous and oral propolis (respectively) concurrently with BBN. The animals of Group IV were treated L-lysine; Group V received water subcutaneous; and Group VI received only to BBN. Among the animals not submitted to carcinogenesis induction, Group VII received propolis, Group VIII received L-lysine and Group IX received water. RESULTS The carcinoma incidence in Group I was lower than that of control (Group VI). The carcinoma multiplicity in Group IV was greater than in Group VI. All animals treated with L-lysine developed carcinomas, and they were also more invasive in Group IV than in controls. On the other hand, Group VIII showed no bladder lesions. CONCLUSION The WSDP is chemopreventive against rat bladder carcinogenesis, if administered 30 days prior to BBN , and that L-lysine causes promotion of bladder carcinogenesis.

Ácido canárico (3,4-seco derivado do lupano) em própolis do Ceará

Phytochemical investigation of a propolis sample from Alto Santo - Ceara, Brazil, allowed identification of triterpenes (lupeol, lupenone, germanicone, canaric acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and acacetin), which were identified by spectroscopic data (IR, MS, and NMR, including 2D techniques). This is the first report of canaric acid in propolis. Propolis extract and flavonoids showed antioxidant activity using a DPPH radical scavenging assay.

Soybean (Glycine max) as a versatile biocatalyst for organic synthesis.

A series of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes and ketones were reduced using plant cell preparations of Glycine max seeds (soybean). The biotransformation of five aromatic aldehydes in water, at room temperature afforded the corresponding alcohols in excellent yields varying from 89 to 100%. Two prochiral aromatic ketones yielded the alcohol in very low conversion, 1% and to 4%; however with good enantiomeric excess (ee) of 99 and 79%, respectively. Additionally, three prochiral and one cyclic aliphatic ketones produced the corresponding alcohols in moderate yields varying from 10 to 58% and ee varying from 73 to 99%. Hydrolysis of two aromatic esters yielded the expected carboxylic acids in 49 and 66%. Most of the obtained alcohols have commercial value as cosmetic fragrances. Although, the enzymes present in soybean (reductase/lipase) has not been defined, the reaction is an important route for the preparation of pure alcohols and carboxylic acid, with low cost and environmental impact. Keywords: Glycine max , biocatalysis, bioreduction, aldehydes and ketones, ester hydrolysis

Zingiber officinale (GENGIBRE) COMO FONTE ENZIMÁTICA NA REDUÇÃO DE COMPOSTOS CARBONÍLICOS

Various vegetables as biological catalysts were evaluated in enantioselective reduction of carbonyl compounds. The stereoselectivity of the process was in agreement with Prelogs rule for twelve of the vegetables, whereas okra and green peppers formed anti-Prelog products. Zingiber officinale exhibited the best results with 30% conversion and 89% ee. The parameters of the reaction such as time, solvent and other substrates investigated, as well as the specie, showed good chemo- and enantioselectivity.

Prospecção fitoquímica e avaliação do potencial antioxidante de Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (müll. Arg.) Pax & k.hoffm. Oriundo de apodi – RN

As principais propriedades encontradas nas plantas com beneficios a saude sao, muitas vezes, resultados dos metabolitos secundarios encontrados em seus extratos. A especie Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus, popularmente conhecida como faveleira ou favela, conta com diversos relatos na medicina popular, tais como: cicatrizante, analgesico, anti-inflamatorio, antibiotico e diuretico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar de forma qualitativa e quantitativa os metabolitos secundarios presentes nos extratos da especie C. phyllacanthus oriunda do Nordeste Brasileiro bem como avaliar a atividade antioxidante de seus extratos. Diversos grupos de metabolitos foram determinados em seus galhos, raizes e folhas, tais como: taninos, antocianinas e alcaloides. Em relacao a atividade antioxidante, as folhas da faveleira tiveram destaque, apresentado CI50 de 58,3 ppm, semelhante ao da vitamina C (43,0 ppm) utilizado como padrao positivo. O estudo serve como aporte inicial sobre o conhecimento da viabilidade de utilizacao dessa planta para fins medicinais.

INDUSTRIES WASTE OBTAINED BY APODI CITY: DISPOSAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ITS USE IN RECYCLING PRACTICE BY SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Problems generated by different forms of incorrect disposal of industrial wastes have grown considerably in recent years due to lack of managers awareness responsible for these industries. The present study aims to identify the most common industries residues originating from Apodi city as well as the disposal/correct handling of them, besides taking the class student awareness about the practice of using their own recycling waste from local industries. For this purpose, initially, a study was conducted by a preliminary waste management analysis in industries and identify them, as well as a workshop in a public school in the region.