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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.

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.

The weevils Sitophilus oryzae L. and Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. are stored-product pests that are mainly controlled with synthetic insecticides. Insecticides made from essential oils (EOs) from bioactive plants can provide alternative control options that are safer and less environmentally damaging. This study investigated the chemical composition and insecticide activity of the EOs of Tagetes minuta L., Baccharis uncinella DC, Baccharis dracunculifolia DC, Salvia officinalis L., Mentha arvensis L., and Melaleuca alternifolia C. against S. oryzae and S. zeamais. The number of compounds we identified in the EOs studied ranged between 10 for T. minuta and 21 for B. uncinella. Only the EOs of T. minuta and M. arvensis showed insecticidal activity. Fumigation was more effective than the contact method for both EOs. The EO of M. arvensis had the highest level of toxicity in the contact method, with an LC50 of 71.58 μL/L for S. oryzae and 67.31 μL/L for S. zeamais. It also had the highest toxicity in the fumigation method (LC50 of 56.41 μL/L for S. oryzae and 47.03 μL/L for S. zeamais) with the lowest lethal time (LT50 of 8.9 h for S. oryzae and 8.1 h for S. zeamais). The EO of M. arvensis, therefore, has the greatest potential for development as a new botanical insecticide for the control of stored-product adult weevils.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:27:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-06-01 The ethanolic extract of propolis, especially the Brazilian green type, is widely and mainly used for therapeutic purposes despite the lack of knowledge about its effects and its cellular mode of action. This type of propolis, derived from Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim-do-campo), has been extensively commercialized and the consumers use it to enhance health. This work aimed to assess the genotoxic/mutagenic and antigenotoxic/antimutagenic potentials of the ethanolic extracts of Brazilian green propolis and of B. dracunculifolia, on mammalian cells. It was not observed genotoxic and mutagenic effects by both extracts. After evaluate the exposure of the cells to each extract with a recognized mutagen, simultaneously, the results showed a significant reduction on DNA damage. The experiment carried out with a pre-incubation period was more effective than without incubation test, showing that the tested extracts were able to inactivate the mutagen before it could react with the DNA. Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Avenida 24-A, 1515, CP199 Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Centro de Ciências Humanas e Naturais UFES - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514 Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas Centro de Ciências da Saúde UFES - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Avenida Marechal Campos, 1468 Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Avenida 24-A, 1515, CP199

There is a growing public concern on the use of antibiotics and ionophores in livestock and emerging antimicrobial resistance. Plant extracts and essential oils are natural alternatives having antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the effects of a mixture of baccharis (Baccharis dracunculifolia) leaves and stems, tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed, cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell liquid, and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil on animal performance, feed intake, feed efficiency, apparent digestibility, molar concentration of volatile fatty acids and feeding behavior of bulls finished in the feedlot and fed high-grain diets. A total of 32 bulls (½ Angus vs. ½ Nellore) with a mean age of 24 ± 2.0 months and a mean body weight of 418 ± 4.51 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with four diets and eight replications per diet. The four experimental diets were as follows: CONT – basal diet; MIX2 – basal diet and 2 g/animal/d of extracts from baccharis, tamarind, cashew nut shell liquid, and clove; MIX4 – basal diet and 4 g/animal/d of extracts from baccharis, tamarind, cashew nut shell liquid, and clove; MIX6 – basal diet and 6 g/animal/d of extracts from baccharis, tamarind, cashew nut liquid shell liquid and clove. Animal performance, dry matter, and other nutrients intake were similar among diets. Dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and organic matter digestibilities were greater for the MIX2 when compared to other diets. There was an increase in propionate and a decrease in the acetate/propionate ratio when MIX6 was used. A similar effect was observed when orthogonal contrasts comparing the CONT diets with the addition of MIX was used. Feeding behavior was similar among the four diets. Our findings indicated that supplementation of baccharis, tamarind, cashew nut shell liquid, and clove oil (2, 4, and 6 g/animal/d) may be fed to beef cattle once it showed no adverse effects on feed intake and nutrient digestibility. Moreover, it was observed a higher concentration of propionate, a reduction in acetate/propionate ratio, and a greater digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and organic matter. However, more studies should be carried out to determine the effect of higher levels of MIX aiming to use it as a feed additive to improve animal performance and ruminal fermentation in beef cattle finished in feedlot.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae) is a commonly used plant in traditional medicine known as “alecrim-do-campo”. Popularly it has been used as an immunostimulant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory among other applications. So far, only a few studies have investigated the B. dracunculifolia anti-inflammatory effect and none has investigated the effectiveness of essential oil on skin diseases. Aim of the study The study aimed at evaluating the topical anti-inflammatory activity of B. dracunculifolia essential oil (BdEO) in mice models of acute and chronic skin inflammation. Materials and methods BdEO was obtained from leaves and it was analyzed with Gas Chromatograph. Topical anti-inflammatory activity of BdEO (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/ear) was evaluated in Arachidonic Acid or TPA-induced acute and chronic skin inflammation in mice. Parameters such edema, cell migration and keratinocytes proliferation were evaluated. In addition, safety and a possible mechanism of action for BdEO essential oil were also investigated. Results Our results indicate that mainly terpenoids compounds compose BdEO. In addition, topical treatment with BdEO inhibited inflammatory parameters in both acute and chronic models of skin inflammation. This protective effect was associated with reduced edema formation, smaller cellular influx into the inflamed tissue and reduction of keratinocytes hyperproliferation. Although BdEO appears to exert its anti-inflammatory effect through a corticosteroid pathway, no local or systemic side effects were observed. Conclusion Taken together, the present results showed that the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from B. dracunculifolia leaf samples exhibit remarkable topical anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, our study demonstrated evidence for BdEO topical anti-inflammatory efficacy and safety, suggesting that it could be considered for developing of a new phytotherapeutic formulation as treatment for skin diseases.

To evaluate the effects of the bed geometry on the scale-up of fixed bed extractors and on the cost of supercritical extracts from Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves (local name in Brazil: alecrim-do-campo), supercritical CO2 (scCO2) extraction curves at 50 °C and 300 bar at different heights (H) and bed diameter (D), at H/D ratio ranging from 1.86 to 5.2 were obtained. The global yield in all experiments was around 4.6%, and the scale-up criterion adopted was maintain constant the solvent flux. Five phenolic compounds of interest, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, trans-cinnamic acid, artepillin C, and kaempferide were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The fractions exhibited high kaempferide levels, which varied from 29.07 to 46.47 mg kaempferide per gram of extract. The optimal manufacturing cost has been estimated at US $ 171.12/kg at 80 min, which shows the possibility of obtaining B. dracunculifolia extracts at an industrial level.

The chemical nature and nutritional quality of leaves influence microbial colonization, microbial activity and consequently leaf breakdown rates. In the present study, we compared the decomposition of Baccharis concinna and Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves and the influence of leaf quality on the microbial activity during the decomposition process. This investigation was conducted in a Brazilian savanna headwater stream with a riparian zone composed predominantly of herbaceous and shrubs. The breakdown coefficient was higher in B. dracunculifolia than in B. concinna; for both species, increases in leaf mass were observed after the 60th day. The secondary compounds were quickly leached in the first seven days, but the structural compounds persisted longer and served as the main carbon source for the detritus-associated microorganisms. The highest values of ergosterol were observed in the final stages of leaf breakdown and indicated the difficulty of colonization on the detritus; these values were related to the increase in leaf mass. The ATP content increased without corresponding increase in ergosterol content, suggesting a biofilm formation during leaf breakdown. These results indicated that the total microbial biomass can assimilate organic compounds released from detritus by the enzymatic action of fungi, demonstrating the importance of this group for releasing the energy stored in small leaves.

Due to consumers' increasingly negative perceptions of synthetic preservatives, interest and research on plants and their natural compounds have increased as a particularly attractive starting point for use in food preservation, new medicines, and replace additives and synthetic compounds added in cattle feed. In the present study were evaluated chemical profile, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract against bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative). Twelve compounds were quantified by UHPLC-HRMS, Germacrene B, Naringenin, Kaempferol, Artepillin C, α-Pinene, Hydroxycinnamic acid, Apigenin, Kaempferide, Limonene, Phenylethanol and β-caryophyllene were confirmed. The extract showed no toxicity at the concentrations evaluated, presented better antimicrobial action, against Gram-positive bacteria, for both bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis the values in MIC/MBC (125 and 250 μg/mL) and Bacillus cereus MIC/MBC (250 and 500 μg/mL), when evaluated the concentration of 4x MIC, we got achieved significant reductions between 5.00 the 5.58 log CFU/mL. This is the first report investigating the potential of the extract of Baccharis dracunculifolia, collected in the city of Maringa, Parana. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of this extract providing evidence for further studies and increased application by industries.

Postharvest diseases cause considerable losses during transportation and storage. Synthetic fungicides are primarily used to control postharvest disease loss, however the development of new and alternative agrochemicals is necessary. In this study, the effect of Baccharis trimera and Baccharis dracunculifolia essential oils (EOs) to control of postharvest fungal rots in grapes was evaluated. The chemical composition and the antifungal activity of B. trimera and B. dracunculifolia EOs and the effect of EOs against Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum acutatum was determinate in vitro by mycelial growth (contact and volatile phase) and conidia germination. The in vivo efficacy study consisted of spraying the EO in harvested grapes of Vitis labrusca × Vitis vinifera cv. “Isabela” followed by inoculation with the fungus. The major compound found in B. trimera essential oil (BtEO) was carquejyl acetate and in B. dracunculifolia essencial oil (BdEO) were β-pinene, ledol, spathulenol and limonene. For in vitro tests, BdEO showed a fungistatic action, whereas as BtEO showed fungicidal action. For this reason, the later was selected for in vivo testing. For in vivo test, the all concentrations of EO (200, 400 and 600 ppm) (μL mL−1) were efficient, reducing the incidence and severity of disease caused by B. cinerea and C. acutatum, both as preventive and curative treatments. These results are promising and indicate that the BtEO might be further investigated as natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for the control of rots on grapes diseases.

One and two step extraction processes were used to obtain extracts from two samples of alecrim do campo leaves ( Baccharis dracunculifolia L.). In the one step process, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ), ethanol and water were used as solvents. In the two step process, scCO 2 was used as a solvent in the first step followed by ethanol or water as the solvent in a second step on the residue resulting from scCO 2 extraction. Extraction yields, total polyphenol, total flavonoid and Artepillin C contents, antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching methods were measured in all extracts. The supercritical extract showed a higher concentration and yield of Artepillin C, low antioxidant activity by the DPPH method and high antioxidant activity by the β-carotene method. In general the aqueous and ethanol extracts were more concentrated in polyphenol compounds and a second extraction step produced high yields with high concentrations of phenolic compounds.

The impact of Candiota coal-fired thermal power plant on air quality was evaluated during two years by means of passive biomonitoring. The monitoring consisted of the quarterly collection of leaf samples of Baccharis dracunculifolia, Elephantopus mollis, Eryngium horridum, Paspalum notatum and Piptochaetium montevidense or the shoot of Baccharis trimera at five sites located in the area around the power plant. The element load of these plants was used as indicator for atmospheric pollution. In the samples collected, sulphur and heavy metal cadmium contents were measured. Among the species evaluated, E. mollis presented the highest potential to accumulate metal, followed by B. trimera. The Aeroporto and AFUCAN sampling sites, located in the prevailing wind directions, presented the highest level of metal contamination.

Baccharis dracunculifolia (D.C.) (Asteraceae), a native plant to Brazil known as “vassourinha” or “alecrim-do-campo”, is the most important botanical source of a Brazilian propolis called green propolis. The leaf extracts of this plant have been used to treat liver and digestive disorders. It has been recognized that green propolis can induce mutagenic effects at high doses, but no study reporting possible mutagenic effects by Baccharis dracunculifolia extracts in the maximum tolerated dose has been conducted. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of this plant in vivo . Adult CF-1 mice were treated with 0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg or 2.0 g/kg of an aqueous extract of Baccharis dracunculifolia by gavage for 3 consecutive days. Blood and liver samples were collected to detect DNA damage using the comet assay, while bone marrow samples were used to assess chromosome mutations by the micronucleus test. The extract increased the DNA damage in blood and liver tissues and the frequency of micronucleus in bone marrow. These findings suggest genotoxic and mutagenic effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia comparable to green propolis in mice.

Extracts from Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves were obtained using the following solvents: supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ), ethanol and methanol. Supercritical extraction was carried out at temperatures of 40, 50 and 60 °C and pressures of 20, 30 and 40 MPa. Four phenolic compounds were analysed in the extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography: 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 global extraction yields ( X 0 ) obtained by the conventional methods with ethanol and methanol were higher than those obtained by SC-CO 2 . However on analysing the components of interest extracted at 60 °C and 40 MPa, the extraction yields of kaempferide, DHCA and PHCA were 156%, 98% and 64% higher, respectively, than in the ethanolic extracts. Only the p -coumaric acid extraction yield was better when extracted using the conventional method.

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae), a native plant from Brazil, have been used as an antipyretic, stomachic and health tonic in Brazil. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential mutagenic effect of B. dracunculifolia ethyl acetate extract (Bd-EAE) and its influence on the mutagenicity induced by the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DXR) using the rat bone marrow and peripheral blood micronucleus test. Wistar rats were divided into 10 treatment groups. Five groups received DXR (90 mg/kg body weight, b.w., intraperitoneally) to induce mutagenicity and three of these groups received a single oral dose of Bd-EAE at a concentration of 6, 12 or 24 mg/kg b.w. prior to DXR administration. A vehicle-treated control group and Bd-EAE control groups were also included. The results showed that Bd-EAE itself was not mutagenic, in the rat micronucleus assay. In animals treated with Bd-EAE and DXR, the number of MNPCEs was significantly decreased compared to animals receiving DXR alone. HPLC analysis of the extract obtained permitted the identification of the following phenolic compounds: caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, aromadendrin-4'O-methyl ether, 3-prenyl-p-coumaric acid (drupanin), 3,5-diprenyl-p-coumaric acid (artepillin C) and baccharin. The putative antioxidant activity or the interference of one or more of the active compounds of Bd-EAE with mutagenic metabolic pathways may explain its effect on DXR mutagenicity.

Samples of the essential oil from Baccharis salicifolia, four samples from B. latifolia, and one sample from B. dracunculifolia collected in the high valleys of Bolivia in the province of Cochabamba were analysed by a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The identified products may be divided into four different groups: monoterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and various oxygenated sesquiterpenes such as germacrone and ledol. The latter compounds are characteristic constituents of the essential oils of Ledum groenlanicum. Rather unusual monooxygenated compounds with a cadinane structure were also detected, including verboccidentafuran, chromoleanin and related compounds.

Nine macrocyclic trichothecenes, thought to cause toxic effects in herbivors, were isolated from the Brazilian shrub Baccharis coridifolia. The structures of two new components, named miophytocene A and B, are described. Structure analysis was mainly accomplished by application of two-dimensional Fourier transform NMR techniques. The trichothecenes are most likely produced by the soil fungus Myrothecium verrucaria, which was isolated from soil samples around B. coridifolia. It is concluded that the plant is able to absorb and accumulate these mycotoxins. Histopathological studies on rabbits which received roridin E and A per os revealed mainly necrosis and hemorrhages of the mucosa of the colon and in the case of roridin A also of the caecum. Lethality in mice was generally low, intoxication proceeding slowly. It has to be considered, however, that all trichothecenes tested are practically insoluble in aqueous solutions and were applied as emulsions (i.p. and per os application). No trichothecenes or other toxic substances were detected from the Brazilian species Baccharis dracunculifolia, although slight toxic effects have been reported in cattle.