Lucinéia de Pinho

Atividade antimicrobiana de extratos hidroalcoolicos das folhas de alecrim- pimenta, aroeira, barbatimão, erva baleeira e do farelo da casca de pequi

This study evaluated the phytochemical profile of standardized hydroalcoholic extracts (EAPs) obtained from leafs of rosemary (Lippia sidoides), peppertree (Myracrodruon urundeuva), barbatimao (Stryphnodendron adstringens), erva baleeira (Cordia verbenacea) and from the meal of pequi fruit peel (Caryocar brasiliense) and the activity of different levels of these EAPs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. After collection and identification of the species, plant leaves and pequi peel were separated to prepare the EAPs. The EAPs underwent phytochemical screening. The antimicrobial activity of the EAPs at different dilutions (200, 300, 400 and 500mg mL-1) was tested using the disk diffusion method. The phytochemical screening detected components with antimicrobial potential in the EAPs tested. The disk diffusion test showed that peppertree (≥200mg mL-1), barbatimao (≥300mg mL-1) and erva-baleeira (≥400mg mL-1) extracts inhibited S. aureus growth, but not E. coli development. The EAPs did not affect E. coli development, but the leaves from peppertree, barbatimao and erva-baleeira exhibited potential to inhibit S. aureus growth. The leaves and bark of the studied plants may consist in a sustainable, affordable and feasible alternative to treat microbial infections.

Toxicidade aguda dos extratos hidroalcoólicos das folhas de alecrim-pimenta, aroeira e barbatimão e do farelo da casca de pequi administrados por via intraperitoneal

This study aimed to conductpre-clinical toxicology testing to investigate the toxicity of Lippia sidoides Cham., Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All., Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville and Caryocar brasiliense Camb., by determining the 50% (LDL50) lethal dose. In the investigation of the LD50, groups of Swiss mice of the same sex were used (n=150; 30 animals per plant and all inoculated intraperitoneally with serial dilutions of the aqueous fraction obtained from the leaves of plants. After inoculation, the animals were observed along a period of 14 days in order to observe the dead, sick and survivors rate. In mice inoculated intraperitoneally, the acute pre-clinical toxicology testing demonstrated toxicity equal to 0,31mg mL-1 LD50 mL-1 for all plants. The exception was for Stryphnodendron adstringens, which presented toxicity equal to a 0,25mg mL-1DL50 mL-1 and values expressed in terms of dilution. Research should be conducted to obtain data on toxicity of the plants in other ways to ensure the use in human and animal health. Therefore, the studied plants should be used with caution. They present a relatively mild toxic potential, but it may be harmful to users if they are not properly utilized.

Nutritional properties of cherry tomatoes harvested at different times and grown in an organic cropping

The physicochemical characteristics of the cherry tomato cultivated in organic and conventional production systems and harvested at either 30 or 45 days of cropping were evaluated using a randomized, 2x2 factorial design (2 cropping systems x 2 harvesting times) with five repetitions. The parameters analyzed were color, centesimal composition, total energetic value, carotenoids and bioactive amine content. Tomatoes harvested at 30 days had higher total soluble solid (TSS) content when grown conventionally, but when harvested at 45 days, both conventional and organic tomatoes had similar TSS values, probably due to increased N availability in the soil. Organic cherry tomatoes had higher contents of β-carotene, lycopene and bioactive amine. On the other hand, tomatoes from conventional cropping were more alkaline and brighter. In conclusion, organic tomatoes are more nutritious than conventional varieties, and if allowed to ripen for up to 45 days, contain higher levels of TSS, carotenoids and total bioactive amines.

Color and chemical composition and of green corn produced under organic and conventional conditions

The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical properties of green corn, grown in both organic and conventional farming systems, using a completely randomized factorial design. Four corn varieties (AG 1051, BR 106, SWB 551 and VIVI) of green corn kernels were evaluated for color, proximate composition, total calories, carotenoids and bioactive amines. The farming system affected some chemical and physical characteristics of green corn, but this effect was dependent upon variety. In general, organic green corn kernels were reddish (a* color component) and had higher levels of β-carotene compared to the conventional ones, suggesting that these characteristics are related. Moreover, organic green corn had higher levels of total carbohydrates and total energy compared to conventional varieties. On the other hand, crude fiber levels were higher in conventional grains - an unexpected result that deserves further investigation. Finally, the levels of cadaverine and spermine bioactive amines were not affected either by the corn variety or by the farming system.