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Propolis is a honey bee product containing chiefly beeswax and resins originated from plant buds or exudates. Propolis resin exerts a diversity of biological activities, such as antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and defense of the hive against pathogens. Chemical standardization and identification of botanical sources is crucial for characterization of propolis. Types of Brazilian propolis are characteristic of geographical regions and respective biomes, such as savannas (Cerrado), mangroves, dry forest (Caatinga), rain forests (Amazon, Atlantic, and Interior forests), altitudinal fields ("Campos Rupestres"), Pantanal, and Araucaria forests. Despite the wide diversity of Brazilian biomes and flora, relatively few types of Brazilian propolis and corresponding resin plant sources have been reported. Factors accounting for the restricted number of known types of Brazilian propolis and plant sources are tentatively pointed out. Among them, the paper discusses constraints that honey bees must overcome to collect plant exudates, including the characteristics of the lapping-chewing mouthpart of honey bee, which limit their possibilities to cut and chew plant tissues, as well as chemical requirements that plant resins must fulfil, involving antimicrobial activity of its constituents and innocuity to the insects. Although much still needs to be done toward a more comprehensive picture of Brazilian propolis types and corresponding plant origins, the prospects indicate that the actual diversity of plant sources of honey bee propolis will remain relatively low.

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) is a Brazilian native plant that has excellent antioxidant properties. This work aimed to develop an active biodegradable packaging for food using B. dracunculifolia leaf powder as a natural antioxidant. Biodegradable films were produced by blown extrusion with cassava starch, poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), glycerol, and leaf powder of B. dracunculifolia (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 wt.%), and the films were tested as active packaging for different food simulants. The B. dracunculifolia improved the tensile strength and elongation of the films. The films’ antioxidant activities were proportional to the B. dracunculifolia content with the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and TPC (Total Phenolic Compounds), reaching 3.95 μmol of Trolox g film−1, 10.60 μmol of TEAC g film−1, and 0.97 mg GAE g film−1, respectively. B. dracunculifolia is an excellent font of natural antioxidants, and it can be used in active biodegradable packaging for food products.

Inflammatory and oxidizing factors are important for the triggering of diseases such as arthritis, lupus, and currently, the serious effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has an increase in inflammatory factors during its development and, consequently, can be mitigated by the beneficial effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia (Bd) and Brazilian Green Propolis (BGP). A literature search through PubMed, ResearchGate and HOLLIS Harvard Library Online Catalog was performed from the date of inception until 01/07/2021. A combination of the following keywords was used: propolis and baccharis dracunculifolia, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulation. The results of inflammatory and oxidizing factors shown by the study are important for the medical field, in addition to understanding how there are numerous compounds that are not yet known and mainly due to their possible treatments for various diseases. We conclude that BD and BGP are important for the reduction of inflammatory and oxidizing factors, which can be beneficial in immunological diseases and in exorbitant inflammatory factors as observed in COVID-19. Los factores inflamatorios y oxidantes son importantes para el desencadenamiento de enfermedades como la artritis, el lupus y, actualmente, los graves efectos de la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19), que tiene un aumento de los factores inflamatorios durante su desarrollo y, en consecuencia, puede ser mitigado por los efectos beneficiosos de Baccharis dracunculifolia (Bd) y Propóleo Verde Brasileño (BGP). Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica a través de PubMed, ResearchGate y HOLLIS Harvard Library Online Catalog desde la fecha de inicio hasta el 07/01/2021. Se utilizó una combinación de las siguientes palabras clave: propóleo y baccharis dracunculifolia, antiinflamatorio, antioxidante e inmunomodulador. Los resultados de factores inflamatorios y oxidantes que arroja el estudio son importantes para el campo médico, además de entender cómo existen numerosos compuestos que aún no se conocen y principalmente por sus posibles tratamientos para diversas enfermedades. Concluimos que BD y BGP son importantes para la reducción de factores inflamatorios y oxidantes, lo que puede ser beneficioso en enfermedades inmunológicas y en factores inflamatorios exorbitantes como se observa en COVID-19. Fatores inflamatórios e oxidantes são importantes para o desencadeamento de doenças como artrite, lúpus e, atualmente, os graves efeitos da doença do coronavírus (COVID-19), que apresenta aumento de fatores inflamatórios durante seu desenvolvimento e, consequentemente, pode ser amenizado por os efeitos benéficos da Baccharis dracunculifolia (Bd) e da própolis verde brasileira (BGP). Uma pesquisa bibliográfica através do PubMed, ResearchGate e HOLLIS Harvard Library Online Catalog foi realizada desde a data de início até 01/07/2021. Foi utilizada uma combinação das seguintes palavras-chave: própolis e baccharis dracunculifolia, anti-inflamatório, antioxidante e imunomodulação. Os resultados dos fatores inflamatórios e oxidantes mostrados pelo estudo são importantes para a área médica, além de entender como existem inúmeros compostos que ainda não são conhecidos e principalmente devido aos seus possíveis tratamentos para diversas doenças. Concluímos que BD e BGP são importantes para a redução de fatores inflamatórios e oxidantes, o que pode ser benéfico em doenças imunológicas e em fatores inflamatórios exorbitantes como observado na COVID-19.

Introducao: A “vassourinha”, ou “alecrim do campo”, conhecida cientificamente por Baccharis dracunculifolia , e uma planta da familia Asteraceae, presente no Brasil, Uruguai, Argentina, Paraguai e Bolivia. Ela destaca-se pela presenca de varios metabolitos secundarios, produzidos como mecanismo proprio de defesa dos vegetais contra agentes externos. Com o recente aumento na incidencia da resistencia bacteriana aos antimicrobianos, busca-se encontrar novos prototipos antibioticos de origem natural, que sejam eficazes do ponto de vista clinico, no tratamento de enfermidades causadas por bacterias, e com isso ofertar novos metodos de tratamento que visam reduzir os casos de resistencia bacteriana. Metodologia: foram realizados a partir das folhas pulverizadas os extratos aquoso, hidroalcoolico, oleo essencial e tambem como pesquisa colaborativa os extratos metanolicos referente as quatro estacoes do ano, todos estes extratos testados contra duas cepas bacterianas sendo uma gram positiva e outra gram negativa. Resultados: Foram encontrados resultados satisfatorios para Staplylococcus aureus, que corroboram com outros autores indicando que a planta produz metabolitos capazes de inibir o crescimento in vitro desta bacteria em questao. Discussoes: Quando comparados os resultados com outros autores e possivel perceber a importância de estudos mais completos sobre a planta, uma vez que a maioria dos resultados vieram de encontro com o que se tem na literatura. Conclusao: Analisando os resultados e comparando com outros autores, pode-se concluir que a planta testada apresentou atividade antimicrobiana a partir dos extratos metanolicos das fracoes de primavera e inverno e tambem para seu oleo essencial.

Biodegradable active films incorporated with lyophilized extract of Baccharis dracunculifolia, source plant of Brazilian green propolis, were prepared by casting method. The extraction conditions of the bioactive compounds were optimized to generate a lyophilized product that was added to the starch: poly(vinyl alcohol) (1:1 w/w) film at concentrations of 0%, 1.0%, and 1.5% (w/w). The addition of B. dracunculifolia extracts promotes a reduction in the mechanical properties and an increase in the opacity of the active biodegradable films, directly related to the B. dracunculifolia contend added. For the migration tests in the films, using different food simulants solvents, the antioxidant activity (DPPH) and the TPC were performed, and ranged from 71.64 to 215.06 μmol Trolox and from 14.57 to 40.95 mg GAE (Gallic acid equivalent), per gram of film, respectively. The active biodegradable films were efficient against the pathogenic microorganisms Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. The HPLC analysis showed that the major components in B. dracunculifolia extract were catechin, followed by ferulic acid. According to the characteristics presented, B. dracunculifolia lyophilized extract is a promising product for incorporation in food or pharmaceutical formulas, or as an active food packaging, due to its antioxidant and bactericidal activities.

The antimicrobial activities of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC essential oil (EO) and hydroalcoholic extract (HE) were evaluated. The EO showed broad antimicrobial activity and its synergistic combination with nisin was tested. Major components of EO were nerolidol, beta-pinene and D-limonene, while artepillin C, rutin and cafeic acid were major phenolics of HE. EO and HE were tested by agar diffusion assay against several strains of bacteria and yeasts, and mixed cultures of bacterial strains. The EO presented the largest spectrum of antimicrobial activity inhibiting all Gram-positive bacteria tested. Yeasts were not inhibited. The effect of EO against mixtures of sensitive and non-sensitive bacteria was tested on milk agar, being the inhibitory effect only observed on mixtures containing susceptible strains. The combination of EO and nisin at ½ MIC was evaluated on the growth curve of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis during 24 h at 37 °C. The combination EO-nisin was effective and no viable counts of B. cereus, L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis was observed, while the individual antimicrobials caused no inhibition. The counts of S. aureus were about 4 log CFU/mL lower in comparison with EO or nisin alone. B. dracunculifolia DC may be a potential source of natural antimicrobials, and its synergistic effect with nisin would reduce the working concentration, minimizing the organoleptic effects associated with this plant antimicrobial.

Propolis is a viscous resin consisting of plant material (shoots, flowers, and plant exudates), salivary secretions and waxes produced by Apis mellifera bees. Its popular use aroused the interests of scientific research, which proved to be a potential source of various bioactive substances. The chemical composition of propolis depends on several factors, such as the different types of plant sources collected by bees, geographic origin, and the time of year in which they are produced, but it is known that phenolic represent the main bioactive constituents of propolis. Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) is the most important botanical source of propolis and a native to southeastern Brazil. It is widely known as the green propolis because of its deep green color. One of its major phenolic acids is artepillin C (Art-C), a diprenyl-p-hydroxycinnamic acid derivative. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the pharmacological effects of Art-C. The limited number of publications on this topic over the past two decades have been collected from databases and summarized. Numerous biological activities have been described for the Art-C, such as gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor. This article describes aspects of occurrence, synthesis, biological activities and pharmacokinetic approaches.

Extracts of a sample of brown propolis produced in the district of Itapará (Southern Brazil) were obtained with solvents with increasing polarity. The extracts were analyzed by RPHPLC–DAD–ESI–MS/MS and evaluated toward activity against Mycoplasma bovis, M. gallisepticum, M. genitalium, M. hominis, M. hyorinis, M. penetrans and M. pneumonieae. Typical components of “alecrim-do-campo” propolis (e.g. prenylated phenylpropanoids and caffeoyl-quinic acids) were characterized in the analyzed extraccts, in addition to several flavonols. Less polar extracts showed higher anti-mycoplasma activity (MIC value commonly 3.9 μg/mL) than alcoholic and aqueous extracts (MIC value often 7.8–250 μg/mL). The results indicate that Itapará propolis is a promising source for the development of therapeutic drugs.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the leading cause of canine pyoderma. Honeybee products are common to treat this and other types of infections. High average annual population loss of bees has been observed. This study evaluated antibacterial and antibiofilm profile of Green Propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia against S. pseudintermedius and the chemical similarities among both. Ethanolic extracts were produced and chemically characterized. The isolates were subjected to treatment with the extracts in both planktonic and sessile forms. Green propolis minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.156 mg / mL, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 0.312mg / mL. Baccharis dracunculifolia extract MIC and MBC was 0.312mg / mL and 2.5 mg / mL, respectivelly. Both extracts reduced SD55 formation of biofilm at minimum inhibitory concentration and at 1/8 minimum inhibitory concentration. The results observed in relation to ED99, were similar for both extracts. Besides that, similar chemical indicators between both extracts, including the presence of Artepellin C, suggest that the Baccharis dracunculifolia extract could be an alternative to the Green Propolis extract in the treatment of staph infections.

Rationale: Disuse colitis is frequent in our country and the most effective treatment is high cost and there is a need for effective and low cost therapy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia (field rosemary) in the treatment of exclusion colitis in rats. Method: Eighteen Wistar rats were anesthetized and submitted to colostomy; they were then distributed into two groups: Control Group, receiving intrarectal saline infusion (n = 8) and Group BD receiving intrarectal infusion ofBaccharis dracunculifolia extract (n = 10); after 21 days of treatment they were euthanized, the intestinal segment excluded from intestinal transit was resected and submitted to histopathological study, classifying the degree of inflammation and degree of vascular congestion from 0 to 3. Results: Mean inflammation was 2.7 in Control Group versus 2.1 in BD Group (p = 0.049), while mean vascular congestion was 2.3 and 2, respectively, in Control and BD groups (p = 0.1642). Conclusion: Intra-rectal infusion ofBaccharis dracunculifolia extract significantly minimized the inflammatory process in the exclusion colitis of rats submitted to colostomy, without altering the degree of vascular congestion. Resumo: Racional: A colite de desuso é frequente em nosso meio e o tratamento de maior eficácia é de alto custo, havendo necessidade de se encontrar uma terapêutica eficaz e de baixo custo. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim-do-campo) no tratamento da colite de exclusão em ratos. Método: Utilizou-se 18 ratos Wistar, os quais foram anestesiados e submetidos à colostomia; em seguida distribuídos em 2 grupos: Grupo Controle, recebendo infusão intrarretal de solução salina (n = 8) e Grupo BD, recebendo infusão intrarretal de extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia (n = 10); após 21 dias de tratamento foram submetidos a eutanásia, o segmento intesinal excluso de trânsito intestinal foi ressecado e submetido a estudo histopatológico classificando-se o grau de inflamação e grau de congestão vascular de 0 a 3. Resultados: Verificou-se média de inflamação 2,7 no Grupo Controle vs. 2,1 no Grupo BD (p = 0,049), enquanto as médias de congestão vascular foram 2,3 e 2, respectivamente, nos grupos controle e BD (p = 0,1642). Conclusão: A infusão intrarretal do extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia minimizou significantemente o processo inflamatório na colite de exclusão de ratos submetidos à colostomia, sem alterar o grau de congestão vascular. Keywords: Baccharis dracunculifolia, Asteraceae, Colitis, Anti-inflammatory, Rats, Colostomy, Palavras-chave: Baccharis dracunculifolia, Asteraceae, Colite, Anti-inflamatórios, Ratos, Colostomia

The botanical source of Brazilian green propolis (BGP) is Baccharis dracunculifolia DC, which interacts not only with Apis mellifera, but also with galling insects. In the last decade, because of green propolis´ important biologic activities, the international demand for BGP overcame the production capacity, consequently, new approaches are required to increase this production. Hence, the understanding of the chemical ecology interactions of B. dracunculifolia with galls and bees in field conditions may provide insights to increase BGP's production. A "bee pasture" experiment aiming to better understand this plant-insect interaction was therefore performed. For that, 48 B. dracunculifolia individuals, being 24 females and 24 males, were cultivated and investigated for the following parameters: (1) phenolic and volatile compounds in both B. dracunculifolia leaves and green propolis, (2) environmental variables, (3) visiting rate by bees, (4) time of resin collection, and (5) number of galls. Regression analyses by independent linear mixed-effect models were run to correlate phenolic and volatile compounds concentration with the environmental and field variables. Significant differences in chemical profile and field variables were observed between male and female plants. Male plants showed higher infestation by galling insects while female plants showed higher number of visiting bees, time of resin collection and terpenes concentration, contributing to the differences observed in the field. The obtained results suggest that increasing the percentage of female B. dracunculifolia plants in the field may attract more bees and therefore enhance propolis production.

Insect–plant interactions occur in several ways and have considerable environmental and ecological importance. Many feeding strategies have evolved among herbivorous insects, with host–herbivore systems likely being influenced by trophobionts with ants. We investigated how these interactions vary across elevation gradients by evaluating the structure of the herbivorous insect community and ants associated with Baccharis dracunculifolia at three distinct elevations (800, 1100, and 1400 m a.s.l.) on a mountain in southeastern Brazil. Moreover, we evaluated the diversity and specialisation of interactions between herbivores and host plants along the elevational gradient. We sampled herbivores and ants on 60 plants at each elevation (totalling 180 plant individuals). Herbivore species composition differed among elevations, as did interaction diversity and specialisation. Richness and abundance of chewing insects increased with elevation, while β‐diversity among patches of the host plant was higher at the lowest elevation, probably due to the patchy occurrence of B. dracunculifolia. Richness and abundance of sap‐sucking insects were higher at the intermediate elevation, possibly due to local environmental conditions. We observed a positive relationship between ant and herbivore trophobiont richness on B. dracunculifolia. We found that interactions were more specialised and less diverse at higher elevations compared to the lowest elevation. Changes in vegetation and environmental variables shaped species distributions and their ecological interactions along the elevation gradient. Our study demonstrates that increased elevation changes the structure and patterns of interactions of the herbivore insect guilds associated with the host plant B. dracunculifolia. Ant effects depend on the context, the environment, and the species of ants involved, and are essential for the presence of insect trophobionts.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T00:54:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 The species Baccharis dracunculifolia, known as alecrim-do-campo is very rough, of great economic importance, recommended for recovery of degraded areas, but is little explored by propagation through seeds. In order to understand aspects of reproductive biology of B. dracunculifolia of achenes, this study aims to verify the influence of pre-germination treatment and the influence of different germination temperatures in the performance of seed germination. The seeds were placed in translucent germination boxes, with four replicates of 30 seeds for each treatment. Germination was carried out with pre-germination treatment stratification (5°C) for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days, with a photoperiod of 14 h with light and 10 h in dark, in a germination chamber B.O.D. The 15°C treatment was carried out with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days with pre-germination treatment stratification (5°C) and successively for all treatments. After this period, the same photoperiod of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C remained. The germination was evaluated for 30 days, considering the number of germinated seeds; those showing radicle protrusion of less than 2 mm, the speed index, the average time and average speed of germination. The temperature of 20°C without pre-germinative treatment provided 17.8% of germination. The highest speed of germination was obtained at 30°C with pre-germination treatment stratification (5°C) for 4 days. The temperature of 35°C inhibited germination and there was no significant effect on mean germination time. The pre-germinating treatment for three days, combined with the temperature of 20°C, provided a higher average speed of germination. Thus, it appears that the pre-germination treatment stimulated germination of achenes, suggesting that longer periods of chill accumulation increased seed germination subjected to high temperatures. Sao Paulo State University - UNESP Sao Paulo State University - UNESP

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência como antioxidante, incluindo a percepção sensorial, de extratos livres e encapsulados de alecrim-do-campo e própolis verde, aspirando seu uso em alimentos. Foi realizada inicialmente uma otimização do processo de extração de compostos antioxidantes de botões florais de alecrim-do-campo (Baccharis dracunculifolia) com uso do ultrassom, aplicando-se delineamento experimental e ajuste de modelos matemáticos para identificação de valores preditos e desejabilidade. Dessa forma foram produzidos extratos em condições otimizadas, avaliados quanto à capacidade antioxidante em comparação a extratos da própolis verde. As variáveis utilizadas nesse processo foram tempo de extração e concentração de etanol na solução extratora, com as respostas teor de fenólicos totais (Total Phenolic Content - TPC) e capacidade antioxidante pelos métodos de DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila) e FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power). A condição otimizada foi definida com uso de etanol 99% durante 120 minutos de extração. Os extratos de Baccharis dracunculifolia e de própolis verde foram utilizados para obtenção de micropartículas por meio de spray drying. Os dados indicaram que a microencapsulação foi eficiente para proteger e liberar progressivamente os compostos de interesse. Os resultados de caracterização e análise de shelf life dos extratos livres e das micropartículas indicaram que o produto encapsulado obtido a partir da própolis verde se destacou quanto à liberação gradual dos compostos, por isso foi utilizado nos ensaios de aplicação em matriz lipídica, comparado ao antioxidante sintético TBHQ (Terc-butilhidroquinona). Verificou-se que o extrato encapsulado de própolis verde (200 ppm) apresentou desempenho similar ao TBHQ em reduzir o processo oxidativo ao final dos 25 dias de ensaio. Além dos ensaios para avaliação do efeito antioxidante em condições controladas, foram realizados ensaios de aplicação de extratos líquidos e em pó (produzidos a partir de própolis verde e alecrim-do-campo) em maionese para análise sensorial utilizando o método Check-all-that-apply (CATA). Constatou-se que, tanto as amostras com adição de antioxidante a base de própolis verde quanto aquelas adicionadas de antioxidante a base de alecrim-do-campo apresentaram peculiaridades percebidas pelos consumidores. Além disso, alguns atributos verificados nas amostras com antioxidante de própolis verde foram relacionados ao incremento no índice de aceitação da maionese. Os resultados evidenciam que os ingredientes produzidos nessa tese são alternativas tecnicamente viáveis ao antioxidante sintético TBHQ para aplicação em emulsão alimentícia. Dentre as duas matérias primas avaliadas, as micropartículas de própolis verde mostram-se mais promissoras para uso como antioxidante natural pela indústria de alimentos, dado seu poder antioxidante e aceitação sensorial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency, antioxidant capacity and sensory perception of free and encapsulated extracts of rosemary-of-field and green propolis, aspiring their use as antioxidants in food. Initially, an optimization of antioxidants compounds from rosemary-of-field (Baccharis dracunculifolia) by ultrasound extraction process was performed, applying experimental design and adjustment of mathematical models to identify predicted values and desirability. Thus, extracts were produced under optimized conditions, and assessed for antioxidant capacity compared to data of green propolis extracts. The variables used in this process were extraction time and concentration of ethanol in the extraction solution to obtain responses of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity by the methods of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power). The optimizated condition was defined using 99% ethanol during 120 minutes of extraction. Baccharis dracunculifolia and green propolis extracts were spray dried for micro-particles production. Micro-encapsulation was efficient to the protection and progressively releasing of compounds. The results of characterization and shelf-life analysis of the extracts and micro-particles indicated that the encapsulated product obtained from green propolis stood out regarding the gradual release of the compounds. For this reason, it was used for the application tests in food matrix, compared to the synthetic antioxidant TBHQ (Terc-butylhydroquinone). It was verified that the green propolis encapsulated extract (200 ppm) showed a performance similar to TBHQ in reducing the oxidative process at the end of the 25 days of experiments. In addition to the evaluation trials of the antioxidant effect under controlled conditions, application studies (liquid and powder extracts produced from green propolis and rosemary-of-field) were performed in mayonnaise for sensory analysis using the Check-all-that-apply (CATA) method. Both the samples (with added antioxidant based on green propolis and with the antioxidant based on rosemary-of-field) presented peculiarities perceived by consumers. In addition, some attributes verified in the samples with green propolis antioxidant were related to the increase in the acceptance of the mayonnaise. The results showed that the ingredients produced in this thesis are a technically feasible alternative to the synthetic antioxidant TBHQ for application in food emulsions. Among the two raw materials evaluated, the green propolis micro-particles show to be especially attractive for use as a natural antioxidant by the food industry, due to its antioxidant power and sensorial acceptance.

Orientador: Fernando Antonio Cabral Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos Resumo: Extratos de folhas de Baccharis dracunculifolia foram obtidos usando como solventes, o dióxido de carbono supercrítico (SC-CO2), o etanol e o metano. Coletou-se também em alguns ensaios de SC-CO2, a fração + voláteis do óleo essencial pela captura em armadilha com adsorvente Porapak-Q. Os ensaios com SC-CO2 foram realizados em triplicata nas pressões de 200, 300 e 400 bar e nas temperaturas de 40, 50 e 60°C. Mediram-se o rendime nto global de extração (Xo), a atividade antioxidante por seqüestro do radical DPPH e a atividade antimicrobiana pelo método de difusão em disco. Cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência em fase reversa (CLAE-FR) foi utilizada para determinação de quatro compostos fenólicos: ácido 3,5-diprenil-4-hidroxicinâmico (DHCA, também conhecido como Artepillin C), ácido 3-prenil-4-hidroxicinâmico (PHCA), ácido 4-hidroxicinâmico (ácido p-cumárico); 4¿-metoxi-3,5,7-triidroxiflavona (canferide). A composição dos óleos essenciais foi obtida por análise de cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massa (CG-EM). Os rendimentos globais de extração (Xo) obtidos pelos métodos convencionais com etanol e metanol foram respectivamente 6,11 e 10,94%, sendo maiores que os valores entre 2,40 e 4,71% obtidos por SC-CO2. Observou-se que a concentração dos componentes fenólicos analisados nos extratos supercríticos obtidos a 60oC e 400 bar foi maior que nos extratos alcoólicos, exceto para o ácido p-cumárico e os rendimentos de extração de canferide, Artepillin C e PHCA foram 156%, 98% e 64%, respectivamente, maiores nos ensaios com SC-CO2 que nos extratos alcoólicos. O rendimento médio dos voláteis foi de 0,17% e esses voláteis apresentaram teores de monoterpenos entre 16,5 e 26,5%, teores de hidrocarbonetos sesquiterpênicos de 60,8 a 74,3% e teores de álcoois sesquiterpênicos de 5,1 a 10,7%. Os melhores resultados de atividade antioxidante foram encontrados no extrato etanólico (ED50 = 26,68 µg/mL) e no extrato supercrítico obtido a 50ºC e 300 bar com 5% de etanol na matriz (ED50 = 23,88 µg/mL). Todos os extratos, exceto o metanólico, apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana contra Staphylococcus aureus Abstract: Extracts from Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves were obtained using the following solvents: supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2), ethanol and methanol. The most fraction + volatiles of essential oil of some SC-CO2 trials was obtained by trapping it on adsorbent Porapak-Q. Supercritical extraction was carried out in triplicate at temperatures of 40, 50 and 60ºC and pressures of 200, 300 and 400 bar. The global extraction yields (X0), the antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging and the antimicrobial activity using the disk diffusion method were determined. Four phenolic compounds were analyzed in the extracts by reversed phase highperformance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC): 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (DHCA or Artepillin C); 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (PHCA); 4- hydroxycinnamic acid (p-coumaric acid) and 4¿-methoxy-3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (kaempferide). The essential oils' composition was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The global extraction yields (X0) obtained by the conventional methods with ethanol and methanol were 6.11 and 10.94%, respectively. These results were higher than the ones obtained by SC-CO2 (between 2.40 and 4.71%). In the supercritical extracts obtained at 60ºC and 400 bar, the concentration of analysed phenolic compounds were higher than in the alcoholic extracts (except to p-coumaric acid), and the extraction yields of kaempferide, artepillin C and PHCA, were 156%, 98% and 64% higher, respectively, than in the alcoholic extracts. The average yield of volatiles obtained from supercritical extration was 0.17%. These volatiles presented monoterpenes contents between 16.5% and 26.5%, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons contents 60.8% and 74.3%, and sesquiterpene alcohols between 5.1% and 10.7%. The ethanolic extract (ED50 = 26.68 µg/mL) and the supercritical extract obtained at 50ºC and 300 bar with 5% of ethanol in the matrix (ED50 = 23.88 µg/mL) were shown to have the higher antioxidant activities among all the studied extracts. All extracts, except the methanolic one, presented antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus Mestrado Mestre em Engenharia de Alimentos

HIGHLIGHTS Essential oils from populations of B. dracunculifolia were investigated. β-pinene and (E)-nerolidol were the main compounds in B. dracunculifolia populations. The difference in the chemical profile of the essential oils is quantitative only. There is a negative correlation between the antioxidant activity and spathulenol.

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. and Baccharis microdonta DC. (Asteraceae) are woody species morphologically similar growing in Uruguay, where not taxonomists people often confuse them in field conditions. As the essential oil of B. dracunculifolia ('vassoura' oil) is highly prized by the flavor and fragrance industry, the correct differentiation of the two species is a key factor in exploiting them profitably and reasonably. To differentiate both Baccharis species, in this work their volatile expression profiles were studied as an alternative tool to determine authenticity and quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were monthly extracted during an entire year from aerial parts of wild populations by simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE), and studied by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS; identification) and conventional gas chromatography (GC-FID; component abundances determination). Enantioselective gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Es-GC/MS) was applied in the search of parameters able to ensure genuineness of each species extract. Qualitative VOCs profiles were found to be similar for both species, being β-pinene, limonene, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, and viridiflorol the main components. However, the abundance of those VOCs were two to ten times higher in B. dracunculifolia than in B. microdonta during the year of study. These Baccharis spp. showed species-specific patterns of VOCs expression according to the seasonality, and interestingly, oxygenated compounds (trans-pinocarveol and myrtenal) increased their abundances at full-flowering stages. The enantiomeric distribution of selected monoterpenes (α- and β-pinenes, limonene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol) presented differential values for both Baccharis spp., meaning that Es-GC might be a useful tool for differentiating chemically both species in Uruguay for genuineness determination purposes.

This study aimed to investigate the phytoremediation potential promoted by Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. and Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. in copper mining tailing area, in the Southern part of Brazil. The plants were selected considering their spontaneous growth in tailing area. The phytoremediation indexes including translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), metal extraction ratio (MER), and plant effective number (PEN) were assessed. Both species showed higher concentrations of heavy metals in the roots than to the shoots. B. trimera has potential for phytoextraction of Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb and phytostabilization of Ba and Ni, whereas B. dracunculifolia demonstrated potential for phytoextraction of Pb and phytostabilization of Cu, Zn, and Ba. B. trimera showed higher potential in phytoremediation of the metals such as Cu > Zn > Cr > Ni and Cd than the B. dracunculifolia plants. A smaller number B. trimera plants was required to remove 1 g of Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Cd than B. dracunculifolia plants, and implies that B. trimera is more efficient for decontamination of the metals. Both species showed potential for phytoremediation of metals in the mining tailing area under study.

Endophytic fungi are important mediators of ecological interactions with herbivores, other microorganisms, and plants. These fungi produce metabolites that may reduce or prevent damage caused by pathogens and herbivores on plants and exhibit extensive biological properties with agronomic and pharmacological potential. This chapter evaluated the antipathogenic and deleterious potential of extracts of three species of endophytic fungi (Aureobasidium pullulans, Preussia africana, and Xylaria arbuscula) commonly found in Baccharis dracunculifolia. The extracts, prepared from each of the three endophytic fungi, had different concentration (50, 25, 12.5, 7.5, 5.0, 2.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 0.25 mg mL−1) and were tested on four phytopathogens (Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, Penicillium digitatum, and Pestalotiopsis longisetula) and the major sap-sucking insect herbivore on B. dracunculifolia (Uroleucon erigeronensis). The extract of Preussia showed the highest inhibitory activity against the all tested pathogens, while the extracts of A. pullulans and X. arbuscula inhibited the growth of B. cinerea (50, 25, 12.5, 7.5 mg mL−1). The deleterious enormous potential of the three extracts was also recorded against the aphid R. erigeronensis, showing 100% mortality of individuals at a concentration of 1 mg mL−1. The characterization of the classes of secondary metabolites present in the extracts was performed using thin layer chromatography, having detected the presence of phenols and triterpenes in extracts of A. pullulans and X. arbuscula. Nonpolar components of P. africana extract were evaluated by gas chromatography, revealing the production of some important groups of fatty acids. These results indicate that these endophytic fungi from B. dracunculifolia have biological and economic significance that merit further investigation.

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. (Asteraceae) is an aromatic plant species widely distributed across and along South American countries where it grows in different environments, even being considered, in some cases, as a hard to control weed. Its essential oil is highly appreciated in the fragrance/perfumery industry by its woody, floral, and green notes; mainly attributed to (E)-nerolidol and other sesquiterpene alcohols. Recent research has demonstrated a wide range of applications for the essential oil besides its aromatic properties. Although B. dracunculifolia cannot be considered as a medicinal plant for most of the indigenous communities in South America (except for Brazil), modern pharmacological research has demonstrated its high potential for the development of new therapeutic drugs, mainly with antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and anticancer effect. The special literature regarding B. dracunculifolia is profuse and thus, this chapter attempts to summarize the principal knowledge about this species.

Baccharis dracunculifolia or rosemary-of-field is the principal botanical source used by Africanized bees Apis mellifera L. to produce green propolis in Southeastern Brazil. The phenolic compounds present in the plant and green propolis have been reported to be responsible for biological activities such as antioxidant capacity. This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction of antioxidants compounds from rosemary-of-field using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD), and compare results to green propolis extract. An experimental design was performed to obtain responses of total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. The results allowed observing that the optimum condition for both Baccharis dracunculifolia floral bud and raw green propolis antioxidant extraction was obtained with 99% ethanol solution. In this condition, Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) values were 612.14 mg GAE. g&minus, 1 sample, 534.39 &micro, M ferrous sulfate g&minus, 1 sample, and 72.37 &micro, mol TEAC. g&minus, 1 sample, respectively, for floral buds. These results have confirmed that optimization is a key step for effective and sustainable extraction processes to be feasible on an industrial scale. The proposed process can be easily adopted on a larger scale, as it uses very few inputs and presents straightforward steps, with the advantage of high efficiency in the extraction of phenolic compounds from the studied matrices compared to the results from the literature. The high concentration of antioxidants indicates that the products obtained can be considered as a sustainable bioactive source for food and cosmetic purposes.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi testar o efeito tóxico de diferentes concentrações de extrato hidroalcoólico da planta Baccharis dracunculifolia, utilizando larvas de zebrafish (Danio rerio) de 8 dias pós-fertilização. No primeiro ensaio 50,0, 25,0, 12,5, 6,25, 3,125, 1,563 e 0,781 mg/mL de extrato foram diluídos em H2O e foram realizadas observações em 0, 1 e 2 horas das larvas expostas ao extrato. No segundo ensaio, as diluições foram 2,0; 1,0; 0,40 e 0,20 mg/mL do extrato em H2O e exposição das larvas no extrato em 0, 4, 8 e 12 horas. A partir do desenvolvimento dos dois testes pode-se verificar que quando as larvas foram expostas a extratos de B. dracunculifolia com diluições superiores a 2,0 mg/mL, obteve-se 100% de mortalidade assim que a larva foi exposta. A exposição de larvas de zebrafish (Danio rerio) aos oito dias após-fertilização nos diferentes níveis de diluição do extrato hidro alcoólico de B. dracunculifolia apresentou efeitos letais. Porém, quando foram testadas diluições a partir de 0,40 mg/mL, obteve-se um baixo percentual de mortalidade.

Plant-derived compounds can be an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticide use for pest management. Essential oils (EOs) in several plant families have been found to be toxic to various pest species of insects through topical application, ingestion, and as fumigants. Previous studies revealed that, among various environmentally friendly insecticides, the EOs of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Pinus elliottii and an ethanol extract of Solanum granulosoleprosum plus Ricinus communis, were toxic to Ceratitis capitata and Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) when applied topically to pupae or when ingested by adults. Here, we aimed to examine the potentially toxic effects of these plant-derived compounds when these two pestiferous fruit fly species were exposed to their vapors. We also examined their fumigant effect on female fecundity and fertility and compared it with water and ethanol controls. Exposure of C. capitata and A. fraterculus sexually mature adults to volatiles and vapors of both B. dracunculifolia and P. elliottii EOs resulted in lower longevity (half-life), survivorship, and female fecundity than the water vapor control. Toxicity of C. capitata was greater for P. elliottii than for B. dracunculifolia while the reverse was true for A. fraterculus. Exposure to vapors of S. granulosoleprosum + R. communis (S + R) had no effect on longevity but reduced survivorship of adults of both species. Interestingly, exposure to vapors of S + R, 50% (v/v) and pure ethanol resulted in greater fecundity of females of both frugivorous fly species than the water control. By contrast, fertility (% egg hatch) was in all cases high (>85%) and not different than the water control. Exposure to ethanol vapors appears to have similar effects on frugivorous tephritids as those reported on saprophagous and frugivorous species of Drosophila, a novel finding that may have important practical implications. Fil: Oviedo, Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; Argentina Fil: Van Nieuwenhove, Guido Alejandro. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; Argentina. Fundación Miguel Lillo; Argentina Fil: Van Nieuwenhove, Carina Paola. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; Argentina Fil: Rull Gabayet, Juan Antonio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; Argentina

In a climate change context, the buildup of CO2 will affect plant communities worldwide. This study evaluated the effects of CO2 enrichment on the development and defense of two Cerrado native species Baccharis dracunculifolia and B. platypoda and their associated endophytic fungi richness. The study took place in Open-Top Chambers, two with ambient CO2 concentration (~400 ppm) and two in an enriched environment (~800 ppm). Baccharis platypoda developed 20% more leaves under enriched CO2 conditions, whereas B. dracunculifolia was 30% taller and showed 27% more leaves than those under ambient conditions. In both species, leaf polyphenol concentration did not differ between treatments. Nevertheless, polyphenol content had a positive correlation with plant height on both species’ individuals grown under CO2 enriched conditions. Endophytic fungi richness and colonization rate on both plant species did not differ between ambient and enriched conditions. Our results show the positive effect of CO2 fertilizer in at least one of the measured growth parameters. An important new finding was a synergistic increase in growth and chemical defense in both studied species under enriched CO2 conditions, suggesting higher carbon assimilation and accumulation. This study suggests that the effects on primary productivity and secondary metabolites of Baccharis species will potentially reflect on the diversity and distribution of Cerrado plants and their associated animal communities.

Artepillin C (ARC), a prenylated derivative of p-coumaric acid, is one of the major phenolic compounds found in Brazilian green propolis (BGP) and its botanical source Baccharis dracunculifolia. Numerous studies on ARC show that its beneficial health effects correlate with the health effects of both BGP and B. dracunculifolia. Its wide range of pharmacological benefits include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer effects. Most studies have focused on anti-oxidation, inflammation, diabetic, and cancers using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Mechanisms underlying anti-cancer properties of ARC are apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and the inhibition of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a protein characterized in many human diseases/disorders including COVID-19 infection. Therefore, further pre-clinical and clinical studies with ARC are necessary to explore its potential as intervention for a wide variety of diseases including the recent pandemic coronaviral infection. This review summarizes the comprehensive data on the pharmacological effects of ARC and could be a guideline for its future study and therapeutic usage.

The p-coumaric acid is a phenolic compound present in large quantities in the extract of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC, a Brazilian medicinal plant used to treat gastric ulcer. Given the necessity for finding new chemical components capable of accelerating gastric healing, in this study, the effects of the p-coumaric acid were evaluated in the acetic acid–induced ulcer model in rats, where histological, inflammatory, and oxidative parameters were analyzed. The healing property was also evaluated in the scratch assay on fibroblast cells (L929) and the cytotoxicity of p-coumaric acid was assessed in both L929 and human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells by MTT assay. The treatment with p-coumaric acid (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days, twice a day, decreased by 44.6% the acetic acid–induced gastric ulcer compared with the vehicle-treated group. The vehicle control–treated group showed a larger extension of the ulcer base and an extensive damage into the mucosa and submucosa layers, which were mitigated by the treatment with p-coumaric acid. This beneficial effect was also associated with increased levels of mucin and reduced glutathione, decreased amount of lipid hydroperoxides, and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities without interfering with the activity of myeloperoxidase in the gastric tissue. The compound promoted the restructuring of the cell monolayer in the scratch test and did not show toxicity in the L929 cell line, while reduced the viability of the AGS, a lineage of human gastric adenocarcinoma. Thus, p-coumaric acid may be considered a natural source for the treatment of gastric ulcers, by reinforcing protective factors of gastric mucosa and by accelerating gastric healing.

The suitability of a protocol for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from plant biomass is of extreme importance for the standardization of extraction of compounds of industrial interest. The objective of this work was to study the best conditions for the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity (AA) of the Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Bd) plant using response surface methodology (RSM). A full factorial design (FFD) 23 was conducted to analyze the effects of time, temperature, and solvent concentration for ethanol and acetone solvents and an FFD 22 for time and temperature, using water as a solvent. The total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) were the dependent variables analyzed for all FFD. There was a variation for TPC from 19.81 to 37.22 mg (GAE) g−1 (Gallic acid equivalent), for DPPH from 64.68 to 222.07 (μmol Trolox g−1), for ABTS from 140.26 to 399.67 (μmol TEAC g−1), and for FRAP from 308.62 to 704.56 (mmol Fe2+ g−1). The optimal extraction conditions determined by FFD were: 90 min at 80 °C in water, 90 min at 80 °C in 40% ethanol, and 90 min at 80 °C in 40% acetone. The extracts with a greater quantity of TPC presented higher AA, and there was a strong and positive correlation between TPC and the AA assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). The EC50 value, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) of the extracts at their optimal points were determined. The compounds extracted with 40% ethanol demonstrated higher inhibitory activity against the tested bacteria (MIC and MBC) and better values of EC50. The HPLC analysis showed that among all phenolic acids identified and quantified, ferulic acid was the major component. Therefore, the compounds extracted from the Bd plant, through the optimum extraction points determined by the FFD, present potential for industrial application.

The present study had as its objective to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiotic modulatory activity of the Baccharis dracunculifolia (DC) essential oil (EOBD), a species commonly known as “Alecrim do campo”. The essential oil chemical composition analysis and the direct in vitro antibiotic activity evaluation, as well as in combination with the antibiotics Ampicillin, Gentamicin, and Norfloxacin against standard Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 strains, as well as E. coli 06, P. aeruginosa 24, and S. aureus 10 resistant strains, were performed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed the major terpenoids: Germacrene D (18.4%), (E)-Nerolidol (14.0%), Mustacone (11.2%), Spathulenol (11%), β-pinene (9.5%) and Bicyclogermacrene (8.4%). A direct B. dracunculifolia essential oil antibacterial activity against S. aureus 25923 with a MIC of 102 μg/mL and one of 512 μg/mL against S. aureus 10 were observed. The EOBD synergistically modulated the Norfloxacin antibiotic against P. aeruginosa 24, with a MIC reduction from 50.8 to 6.35 μg/mL, a Gentamicin MIC reduction from 20.16 to 4 μg/mL, and an Ampicillin MIC reduction from 645.1 to 512 μg/mL. The essential oil synergistically modified Norfloxacin activity against E. coli 06 with a MIC reduction from 40.32 to 3.17 μg/mL, and a Gentamicin MIC reduction from 50.8 to 25.4 μg/mL. The essential oil also showed synergism against S. aureus 10 when associated with Norfloxacin, with a MIC reduction from 322.54 to 203.2 μg/mL, whilst when associated with Ampicillin, it demonstrated synergism by reducing the MIC from 80.6 to 20.16 μg/ml. Results from this research revealed that the EOBD is a promising natural product with antimicrobial potential, both directly and in combination with antibiotics, for clinical use against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Green propolis is produced by Apis mellifera honeybees using Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae) as substrate. This Southern Brazilian native plant and green propolis have been used in traditional medicine to treat gastric diseases, inflammation and liver disorders. Aim of the study Investigate the effects of baccharin (Bac) or p-coumaric acid (pCA) isolated from B. dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae) over the inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vivo. Materials and methods Inflammation was induced by LPS injection into air-pouches in mice, which were subsequently treated with Bac or pCA. Lavage fluid was collected from air pouches for the quantification of cellular influx via microscopy, and quantification of inflammatory mediators via colorimetric methods, ELISA and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results LPS-induced inflammation increased cellular influx and increased the levels of parameters related to vascular permeability and edema formation, such as nitric oxide (NO) and protein extravasation. Moreover, LPS increased the levels of cytokines and eicosanoids in the air-pouches. Importantly, both Bac and pCA suppressed the infiltration of neutrophils, production of NO and protein extravasation. Notably, the compounds promote differential regulation of cytokine and eicosanoid production. Conclusions Our results suggest that Bac from green propolis directly affects inflammation by inhibiting the production of cytokines and eicosanoids, while pCA may exert direct, but also indirect effects on inflammation by stimulating the production of regulatory effectors such as interkeukin-10 in vivo.

The ethnobotanical uses of Brazilian plants for different injuries and diseases conjoined with local rich biodiversity represent an important resource for research and development. This study aimed to characterise BDEO and its in vitro activity on the third instar larvae (L3) of Cochliomyia macellaria. Groups of 20 L3 were placed on filter paper impregnated with increasing concentrations of 5–30% (v/v), equivalent to 0.79–4.77 μL/cm2, solubilised in ethanol or acetone. The major constituents of BDEO were β-pinene (9.94%), D-limonene (9.59%), β-nerolidol (7.93%), caryophyllene (7.69%), spathulenol (6.69), α-muurolene (6.74%) and α-pinene (5.31%). Lethal concentrations of 50% for BDEO on C. macellaria (LC50) after 24 and 48 h of exposure were 2.63 and 2.47 μL/cm2 for ethanol and 9.58 and 8.11 μL/cm2 for acetone, respectively. Furthermore, larvae cuticle abnormalities and adult deformity were observed. Our data confirm the effectiveness of BDEO as an ecofriendly product against blowflies.

Objectives To examine whether the hydroalcoholic extract from Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves (BdE) modulates the human neutrophil oxidative metabolism, degranulation, phagocytosis and microbial killing capacity. Methods In-vitro assays based on chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, flow cytometry and polarimetry were used, as well as docking calculations. Key findings At concentrations that effectively suppressed the neutrophil oxidative metabolism elicited by soluble and particulate stimuli ( Conclusions BdE selectively modulates the effector functions of human neutrophils, inhibits the activity of key enzymes and scavenges physiological oxidant species. Caffeic acid contributes to lower the levels of oxidant species. Our findings help to unravel the mechanisms by which these natural products exert immunomodulatory action towards neutrophils.

The viability of propagules during topsoil stockpiling is a limiting factor in ecological restoration projects and little is known about the species distributed in the campos de altitude. This work was carried out to investigate the viability of propagules present in the topsoil under campos de altitude vegetation, stockpiled for up to 12 months after the stripping of areas to be mined. In the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between November 2011 and November 2012, four collections of the seed bank were carried out, considering three depths (0 to 10, 90 to 100, and 190 to 200 cm) of the plot of stockpiled topsoil. Using the multivariate analysis, it was verified that the depth factor does not statistically affect the abundance of emerged individuals, while the factor time of stockpiling negatively affects the viability of the seeds. Some species were affected by the stockpiling conditions, only emerging in some collections, while others (Achyrocline satureioides, Ageratum fastigiatum, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Borreria capitata, Echinolaena inflexa and Melinis minutiflora) had individuals emerged in all collection periods. This study points out the need for the return of the topsoil until the fourth month of stocking, under the risk of monodominance, with a prevalence of species more adapted to predominant conditions of campos de altitude. RESUMO A viabilidade dos propágulos durante a estocagem de topsoil é um fator limitante em projetos de restauração ecológica, e pouco se sabe sobre as espécies distribuídas nos campos de altitude. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de investigar a viabilidade de propágulos presente no topsoil sob vegetação de campos de altitude, estocado por até 12 meses após o decapeamento de áreas a serem mineradas. Entre o período de novembro de 2011 a novembro de 2012 foram realizadas quatro coletas do banco de sementes, sendo consideradas três profundidades (0 a 10, 90 a 100 e 190 a 200 cm) da leira de topsoil estocada. Utilizando a análise multivariada, verificou-se que o fator profundidade não afeta estatisticamente a abundância de indivíduos emergidos, enquanto o fator tempo de estocagem afeta negativamente a viabilidade das sementes. Algumas espécies foram afetadas pelas condições de estoque do topsoil, emergindo somente em algumas coletas, enquanto outras (Achyrocline satureioides, Ageratum fastigiatum, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Borreria capitata, Echinolaena inflexa e Melinis minutiflora) tiveram indivíduos emergidos em todos os períodos de coleta. Este estudo aponta a necessidade do retorno do topsoil até o quarto mês de armazenamento, sob o risco de ocorrer monodominância, com predominância de espécies mais adaptadas as condições campestres.

Dry powder extracts are the most suitable pharmaceutical forms of phytomedicines due to their greater physical and chemical stability in the solid state, in addition to the possibility of easy preparation of tablets and capsules. Recently, Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. crops have been stimulated in Brazil to obtain the green propolis, which is derived from pollen harvesting of Baccharis by the Apis mellifera, and develop new phytomedicines from this plant. The aim of this work was to obtain stable powdered Baccharis dracunculifolia leaf extracts dried by fluidized-bed atmospheric spray-freeze-drying and study the stability of its chemical markers in the solid state. The drying was performed using D-mannitol, modified corn starch and their mixture as adjuvants. Physical characterization was performed by determining the dried extract powder size, morphology, flow and packing. Their chemical stability was evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography quantification of p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, artepillin C and baccharin. The antioxidant activity of the dried extract was determined using the stable free radical 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazil. The results showed that the four prenylated compounds are sensitive to drying at freezing temperatures, but D-mannitol could efficiently prevent their loss. The Baccharis spray-freeze-dried extracts showed a high yield, low moisture and excellent pharmacotechnical properties. The stability tests demonstrated a high loss of polyphenols at 40, 60 and 80 °C, especially artepillin C (the main marker) and showed high instability. The kinetics of polyphenols losses were measured, and their rates were used to fit three-dimensional diffusion models and the Arrhenius equation. The results demonstrate that the Baccharis dracunculifolia dried extract, using artepillin C as a reference, could achieve a shelf life as long as 10 years when stored at 4 °C and protected from light. The process of fluid-bed atmospheric spray-freeze-drying was shown to be an attractive alternative for drying of heat-sensitive and high value-added materials such as medicinal plant extracts.

Baccharis dracunculifolia is a plant native to Brazil, rich in phenolic compounds such as 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (artepillin C), a derivative of cinnamic acid, and 4-methoxy-3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (kaempferide), a flavonoid. This study evaluated the performance of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) as solvent for selective fractionation by precipitation from a supercritical extract of B. dracunculifolia using scCO 2 pressure reduction in a sequence of separators to obtain different extract fractions in relation to its composition. The extracts and fractions were analyzed in terms of overall yield, antioxidant activity and concentration of protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, sinapic acid, chrysin, p-coumaric acid, kaempferide and artepillin C. High concentrations were observed of the two major compounds (kaempferide and artepillin C) in the extract fractions of the first two separators. However, the aqueous extract obtained in the third step presented better antioxidant activity when compared the other fractions. Also obtained was a volatile fraction composed mainly of sesquiterpenes.

Reliance on broad spectrum insecticides for pest control has led to significant environmental damage, human health problems and rapid evolution of insect resistance. These shortcomings have caused a renewed interest in exploring biologically based pest control methods. Among these, the use of plant essential oils, hydrolates and other natural products offer a promising alternative to broad spectrum pesticides. Here, we explored the effect of several bioproducts on pupal and adult mortality (through contact and ingestion) of the two most important pest species of fruit production in South America, South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus and Medfly, Ceratitis capitata. Topical application of different bioproducts produced different effects on pupal mortality of A. fraterculus and C. capitata. Essential oils of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Pinus elliottii, both containing high proportions of α and β-pinene and limonene (among other compounds), caused 100% mortality on C. capitata pupae and strongly suppressed adult eclosion of A. fraterculus in comparison with controls. Extracts of Solanum granulosum plus Ricinus communis also caused a moderate yet significant reduction in adult eclosion when compared with the control. All other tested products had no effect on adult emergence. Toxicity on adults through ingestion was greatest for extracts of S. granulosum plus R. communis, followed by Spinosad (Flipper®) and B. dracunculifolia oil (although in these two cases survival was above 40%), while other tested products had no effect on adult mortality. We discuss future research and the potential use of some of the tested products as a component for rational pest management strategies.

Background Propolis has been used as a natural health product mainly due to the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic aldehydes, amino acids, vitamins and others bioactive constituents. To this natural substance are attributed different biological and pharmacological properties which are influenced by its chemical composition and organoleptic properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and parameters of green propolis collected during a period of six years (2008-2013) in the state of Minas Gerais, located at the southeastern region of Brazil. Methods The methodology were in accordance with Brazilian legislation on the identity and quality standards of propolis. The evaluated parameters of hydroalcoholic from green propolis were total flavonoids, antioxidant activity - DPPH method, oxidation index, wax content, humidity and insoluble impurities. Results Propolis samples collected in different seasons during the years 2008 to 2013 presented mean values of total flavonoids (3.4 ± 0.11 mg/g), antioxidant activity DPPH (4.76 ± 0.16 μg/mL), oxidation index (3, 4 ± 0.33 seconds) and wax (15.14 ± 0.78% m/m), which are in accordance with Brazilian legislation. Conclusion Green propolis did not show abrupt seasonal changes during the six years of investigation, and may be considered as an adequate functional ingredient.

Aims This study investigates the antimicrobial activity in Staphylococcus aureus isolates (methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)) and antioxidant activity of green propolis, Baccharis dracunculifolia DC extracts and Artepillin C™. Methods and Results The amount of Artepillin C in different extracts was determined by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Minimum inhibitory concentration 90 (MIC90) was determined using 40 isolates of S. aureus inoculated in Mueller–Hinton agar culture medium containing the green propolis and B. dracunculifolia DC extracts. PVEE (green propolis ethanolic extract) and BDEH (B. dracunculifolia hexanic extract) showed the greatest antimicrobial activity with MIC90 values of 246·3 and 295·5 μg ml−1 respectively. Green propolis ethanolic and hexanic extracts (PVEE and PVEH respectively) showed the greatest antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical) with IC50 values of 13·09 and 95·86 μg ml−1 respectively. Conclusions Green propolis ethanolic displays better antimicrobial and antioxidant activities compared to other extracts. These activities may be related to the presence of Artepillin C in synergism with the other constituents of the extracts. Significance and Impact of the Study In this study, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of green propolis and B. dracunculifolia DC demonstrated in MRSA and MSSA clinical isolates indicated that they can be important tools to treat infections caused by these bacteria.

Bees generally use different botanical sources of resins for the production of propolis. The elucidation of botanical sources of propolis and identification of the effects of seasonality on the chemical profile of propolis are recognized as two important aspects in the development of a high quality product. Thus, our objective was to elucidate the botanical source and identify the effect of the seasons on the chemical profile of propolis produced in southern Brazil. The chemical profile of the samples was analysed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques and the results were coupled to multivariate analysis. Field observation of the foraging behaviour of Apis mellifera L. revealed its preference for the Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. species. p-Coumaric acid, 3, 4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, drupanin, and artepillin C which were identified in both plant and propolis samples. Moreover, higher artepillin C amounts have been detected in samples collected in the summer and autumn, while the main compounds of p-coumaric acid and quercetin were available in spring and winter sampled propolis, respectively. Baccharis dracunculifolia has been identified as a plant species preferred by A. mellifera in foraging resin for the production of propolis in southern Brazil. The contents of balsam, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoids varied significantly over the seasons, with values above the minimum required by the legislation, thus assuring a quality pattern for this biomass., The financial support by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) is acknowledged (Process n° 473494/2013-2). This study was partially funded by Project PropMine, funded by the agreement between Portuguese Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia and Brazilian CNPq (Process n° 490383/2013-0). The owners of the Apiário Real® Com-pany are also acknowledged for their logistical support and the supply of propolis samples. The authors also wish to thank the “Financiamento do Plano Estratégi-co de Unidades de I&D” of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit. The researcher fellowship from CNPq on behalf of M. Maraschin is also acknowledged., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Fusarium graminearum Schw. is associated with diseases in seeds and seedlings, mainly in maize, and causes damage to crops and food production. We determined the chemical compositions of essential oils from Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth and Baccharis dracunculifolia DC., and evaluated their antioxidant and antifungal activity against F. graminearum. The oils were applied to the fungus using disc diffusion technique at concentrations of 8.0, 4.0, 2.0 and 1.0 μL mL−1. Fungistatic effects of P. cablin oil were detectable at 8.0 μL mL−1, with 80.0% inhibition of fungal growth. This oil contains mono and sesquiterpenes that may be toxic to fungal cell structures. P. cablin oil also had antioxidant activity in free radical sequestration experiments, where as oil from B. dracunculifolia had limited effects. We conclude that essential oil from P. cablin has greater anti-phytopathogenic and antioxidant activity than that from B. dracunculifolia.

Propolis is a resinous substance collected and processed by Apis mellifera from parts of plants, buds and exudates. In Minas Gerais (MG) state, Brazil, green propolis is produced from the collection of resinous substance found in shoot apices of Baccharis dracunculifolia. This paper aims to investigate the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant, anti-Helicobacter pylori, antimycobacterial and antiproliferative activities of essential oil (EO) from Brazilian green propolis (BGP-EO). The oil showed high antibacterial activity against H. pylori (MIC = 6.25 µg/mL), Mycobacterium avium (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL) and M. tuberculosis (MIC = 64 µg/mL). Its antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro by both DPPH (IC50 = 23.48 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 = 32.18 µg/mL) methods. The antiproliferative activity in normal (GM07492A, lung fibroblasts) and tumor cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa and M059J) was analyzed by the XTT assay. BGP-EO showed inhibition of normal cell growth at 68.93 ± 2.56 µg/mL. Antiproliferative activity was observed against human tumor cell lines, whose IC50 values were 56.17, 66.43 and -65.83 µg/mL for MCF-7, HeLa and M059J cells, respectively. Its major constituents, which were determined by GC-FID and GC-MS, were carvacrol (20.7 %), acetophenone (13.5 %), spathulenol (11.0 %), (E)-nerolidol (9.7 %) and β-caryophyllene (6.2 %). These results showed the effectiveness of BGP-EO as a natural product which has promising biological activities.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia do extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia no tratamento de fístulas anais em ratos. Métodos: vinte ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à confecção de fístula anal e, após 30 dias, foram distribuídos em três grupos: Grupo Controle, com cinco animais; Grupo Carbopol, com cinco animais; e Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, com dez animais. No Grupo Controle, não se realizou nenhum tratamento. No Grupo Carbopol, realizou-se infusão diária de carbopol, e no Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, infusão de extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia com carbopol, ambos por 30 dias. Foram retirados espécimes para análise histológica após a eutanásia. Resultados: não houve fechamento completo do trajeto fistuloso em nenhum dos animais. A média da área do trajeto resultante foi de 847,2µm2, 565,6µm2 e 372,7µm2, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,001). A média do escore de processo inflamatório foi de 2,4, 2,4 e 2,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,285), enquanto a média de congestão vascular foi de 1,6, 1,4 e 1,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,031). Conclusão: o extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia foi capaz de reduzir o lúmen dos trajetos fistulosos e a congestão vascular, sem reduzir, no entanto, o processo inflamatório local ou fechar totalmente os trajetos fistulosos. ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract in the treatment of anal fistulas in rats. Methods: twenty male Wistar rats were submitted to anal fistula and, after 30 days, were divided into three groups: Control Group, with five animals; Carbopol Group, with five animals; and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, with ten animals. In the Control Group, no treatment was performed. In the Carbopol Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol was performed for 30 days. In the Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol plus Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was performed for 30 days. Specimens were taken for histological analysis after euthanasia. Results: there was no complete closure of the fistulous tract in any of the animals. The mean area of the remaining tract was of 847.2µm2, 565.6µm2 and 372.7µm2, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.001). The mean of the inflammatory process score was of 2.4, 2.4, and 2.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.285), while the mean values of vascular congestion were of 1.6, 1.4, and 1.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.031). Conclusion: Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was able to reduce the lumen of the fistulous tracts and the degree of vascular congestion, without, however, reducing the local inflammatory process or totally closing the fistulous tracts.

Tissue oxidative stress has been associated with low productivity of beef cattle. Supplementation of animals with natural antioxidants added to the diet may be an alternative to improve the tissue oxidative status and the productivity of steers at finishing phase. The present study evaluated whether the addition to the diet of a blend (Mix) containing Baccharis dracunculifolia (40%), Tamarindus indica seed (40%), cashew nutshell oil (10%) and clove oil (10%) modifies the oxidative state in the plasma and liver of steers (Angus x Zebu) in finishing phase. Forty animals were randomly distributed into four groups (ten animal per group), which received Mix respectively at the daily dose of 0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 g per animal during 84 days. Blood and liver were taken at slaughter of the animals. Blood samples were also taken before starting the supplementation and served as control. The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), thiol groups and protein carbonyl groups were measured as plasma parameters of oxidative stress. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl groups, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione and the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured as hepatic parameter of oxidative stress. Plasma levels of protein carbonyl groups were 30% lower in the animals supplemented with 4.0 and 6.0 g Mix and FRAP was 20% higher in the animals supplemented with 6.0 g Mix (P < 0.05; compared to the 0.0 g). Hepatic levels of TBARS were 38% lower in animals supplemented with 6.0 g Mix (P < 0.05). The other parameters were not modified. In conclusion, the supplementation of steers with Mix improved the systemic oxidative status and may be a complementary alternative to the diet of these animals in the termination phase.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:44:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-08-22 Background: Chronic hepatic diseases are serious problems worldwide, which may lead to the development of fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Despite the significant number of people affected by hepatic fibrosis, no effective treatment is available. In the liver, hepatic stellate cells are the major fibrogenic cell type that play a relevant function in chronic liver diseases. Thus, the characterization of components that control the fibrogenesis in the hepatic stellate cells is relevant in supporting the development of innovative therapies to treat and/or control liver fibrosis. The present study investigated the effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. and Plectranthus barbatus Andrews medicinal plant extracts in LX-2 transdifferentiation. Methods: LX-2 is a human immortalized hepatic stellate cell that can transdifferentiate in vitro from a quiescent-like phenotype to a more proliferative and activated behavior, and it provides a useful platform to assess antifibrotic drugs. Then, the antifibrotic effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Plectranthus barbatus medicinal plants on LX-2 were evaluated. Results: The results in our cellular analyses, under the investigated concentrations of the plant extracts, indicate no deleterious effects on LX-2 metabolism, such as toxicity, genotoxicity, or apoptosis. Moreover, the extracts induced changes in actin filament distribution of activated LX-2, despite not affecting the cellular markers of transdifferentiation. Consistent effects in cellular retinoid metabolism were observed, supporting the presumed activity of the plant extracts in hepatic lipids metabolism, which corroborated the traditional knowledge about their uses for liver dysfunction. Conclusion: The combined results suggested a potential hepatoprotective effect of the investigated plant extracts reinforcing their safe use as coadjuvants in treating imbalanced liver lipid metabolism. Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus Rio Claro Laboratório de Mutagênese Ambiental Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Universidade Do Vale Do Paraíba Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus Rio Claro Laboratório de Mutagênese Ambiental Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista

&beta, Glucans are biomacromolecules well known, among other biological activities, for their immunomodulatory potential. Similarly, extracts of Baccharis dracunculifolia also possess biological properties and are used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation, ulcers, and hepatic diseases. Microparticles containing (1&rarr, 6)-&beta, d-glucan (lasiodiplodan) and B. dracunculifolia extract were produced and characterized. A 23 factorial design was employed to define the conditions of production of microparticles by atomization. Lasiodiplodan associated with maltodextrin and gum arabic was studied as a matrix material. Microparticles of 0.4 &mu, m mean size and high phenolics content (3157.9 &mu, g GAE/g) were obtained under the optimized conditions. The microparticle size ranged from 0.23 to 1.21 &micro, m, and the mathematical model that best represented the release kinetics of the extract was the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Diffusional exponent (n) values of 0.64 at pH 7.7 and 1.15 at pH 2.61 were found, indicating particles with a non-Fickian or anomalous transport system, and Super Case II transport, respectively. Thermal analysis indicated that the microparticles demonstrated high thermal stability. The X-ray diffraction analyses revealed an amorphous structure, and HPLC-DAD analysis showed microparticles rich in phenolic compounds: caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and catechin. The microparticles obtained comprise a new biomaterial with biological potential for applications in different fields.

One manner in which plant-derived compounds exert their antibiotic potential is the synergism, a positive interaction between two compounds. Studies indicate that the use of plant extracts combined with antimicrobials may promote a significant reduction of the minimum inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics for bacterial strains. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of plant extracts and antibiotics as well as their combination on Staphylococcus aureus. The activity of 15 plant extracts was evaluated using diffusion assay. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the interactions between the extracts and antibiotics as well as compound emodin were evaluated with the checkerboard method. The active extracts were a hexane extract of the leaves of Baccharis dracunculifolia and the ethanol extracts of the leaves of Plectranthus ornatus, Inga edulis, Salvia officinalis and Senna macranthera. The Plectranthus ornatus extract displayed synergism with ampicillin (a β-lactam), kanamycin and gentamicin (aminoglycosides), with 8-fold reductions in the MIC. The same reduction was observed for the extracts of Salvia officinalis and Senna macranthera, which displayed the lowest MIC. Using these combinations resulted in a reduction in the minimum dose required for effective antimicrobial effects, which is interesting because it may decrease both the risk of side effects and the costs of treatment.

O presente trabalho visa o estudo do efeito de extratos hidroalcóolicos de três espécies de carqueja (Baccharis trimera, Baccharis dracunculifolia e Baccharis gaudichaudiana) em diferentes concentrações sobre a germinação e crescimento inicial de alface (Lactuca sativa) e a identificação de compostos voláteis presentes nessas espécies. As sementes de alface foram distribuídas em gerbox contento papel germitest. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC) em esquema bifatorial (3x5), representando três espécies de carquejas e cinco concentrações dos extratos: 0,00, 0,02, 0,03, 0,04 e 0,05%, com quatro repetições. O experimento foi mantido por um período de sete dias em B.O.D. com temperatura de 17,5 ºC. A análise química dos constituintes pertencentes às três espécies analisadas foi realizada por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa (CG/EM - Shimadzu, modelo QP 5050A). A composição química das carquejas resultou em 29 compostos químicos diferentes, cada espécie de Baccharis possui um composto específico que representa entre 24 e 25% de sua composição química total, sendo eles (-)-Spathulenol (24%), Alloaromadendrene oxide (25%) e 3-Cyclohexen-1-one, 3,5,5-trimethyl- (24,63%) para B. dracunculifolia, B. gaudichaudiana e B. trimera, respectivamente. Os resultados indicam que B. trimera apresenta potencial alelopático de favorecer a germinação da alface. As espécies B. dracunculifolia e B. gaudichaudiana não influenciaram na germinação das sementes de alface nas concentrações analisadas. Os extratos das B. trimera, B. dracunculifolia e B. gaudichaudiana, influenciaram negativamente o comprimento de raiz e o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG) com o aumento nas concentrações dos extratos.

Alternaria rot, caused by Alternaria alternata, is one of the most destructive diseases of pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.). We investigated the effect of the essential oil of Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae) (EOB) in the control of A. alternata. Two studies were performed in Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar medium amended with concentrations of the EOB ranging from 5 to 1,000 µg mL-1 (first study) and from 30 to 2,000 µg mL-1. The diameter of the fungal colony was recorded daily. These data were used to calculate the the area under the mycelial growth progress curve (AUMGPC) and mycelial growth index (MGI). In the third study, the control of Alternaria rot in pitahaya fruits by EOB was investigated by adding the EOB into an edible coat based on cassava starch and sorbitol which was prepared in Tween 20. Three treatments, containing EOB at 500, 1,000 or 2,000 µg mL-1, were assessed. Two additional treatments, one containing water and another containing only the edible coating served as controls. Pitahaya fruits were immersed in those solutions for 10 min, allowed to dry and inoculated with A. alternata 48 h later. The EOB was found to inhibit the mycelial growth and a negative and quadratic model best described the relationship of the EOB concentrations with MGI and AUMGPC. Results from the experiment performed with pitahaya fruits showed that Alternaria rot was decreased with increasing EOB concentrations. Therefore, EOB is a promising and ecofriendly method that may be included in the management of Alternaria rot in pitahya.