Search

Cephaelis ipecacuanha is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine for the treatment of amebiasis. However, the pharmacological properties of this species remain poorly understood. Objective: Characterize chemical composition and in vitro antiprotozoal activity of Cephaelis ipecacuanha. Method: The aqueous extract was lyophilized using the Chisrt Alpha apparatus and transferred to 96-well plates at concentrations ranging from 62.5 to 1000 μg / mL. The antiprotozoal activities against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania brasiliensis, and L. infantum were evaluated after 72h incubation. Fibroblasts incubated at the same conditions for 24h were used as a cytotoxicity control. The readings were performed by spectrophotometry after staining with resazurin. The chemical composition of the extract was analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-DAD). Results: The results demonstrated that C. ipecacuanha had moderate antiprotozoal activity against T. cruzi. However, its cytotoxicity against the fibroblasts was significantly higher. Conclusion: This finding suggests that the use of this plant by the population, besides not having significant benefits, can cause associated health risks. Conclusao: Esse achado sugere que o uso dessa planta pela populacao, alem de nao apresentar beneficios significativos, pode acarretar riscos a saude associados.

The aim of this study was carry out a phytochemical characterization of Operculina hamiltonii and to assess its antiparasitic potential against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania brasiliensis and Leishmania infantum and also its cytotoxic activity. The infusion of this plant was selected on the basis of its popular use. A lyophilized infusion was analyzed by HPLC-DAD methodology. The anti-epimastigote and antipromastigote activity and cytotoxic activity were determined in vitro assay using a concentration range of 62.5–1000 μg/mL. The HPLC results showed the presence of quercetin and chlorogenic acid as the major compounds. The infusion exhibited significant leishmanicidal activity with IC50 of 236.93 μg/mL for Leishmania braziliensis and 342.90 μg/mL for L. infantum. This study showed trypanocidal activity with IC50 10.61 μg/mL, however, demonstrated significant cytotoxicity at concentrations equal to or greater than 250 μg/mL with IC50 47.62 μg/mL. Our results suggest that, due to the cytotoxic activity of this natural product, new assays should be performed to investigate this effect, mainly to evaluate O. hamiltonii for possible anticancer activity.

Medicinal plants are often the only therapeutic resource for many communities and ethnic groups. Cordia verbenacea DC., "Erva-baleeira," is one of the species of plants currently used to produce a phytotherapeutic product extracted from its leaves. The present study aimed to establish its chemical profile, antibacterial activity and resistance-modulating potential. The C. verbenacea extracts were prepared from fresh leaves using solvents as methanol and hexane. Ethyl Acetate was used for the preparation of the fraction. Phytochemical screening was carried out using HPLC-DAD for determination and quantification of the secondary metabolites present in the fractions. Antibacterial and resistance-modulation assays were performed to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using a microdilution assay. The data were subjected to statistical analysis with two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni posttests. Results of phytochemical prospecting and HPLC analysis of the fractions were in agreement with the literature. The natural products presented moderate antibacterial activity when considering the clinical relevance of a MIC of 256 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 512 μg/mL against P. aeruginosa. However, when the fractions were combined with antibiotics we observed a synergic effect, as natural products enhanced the antibacterial effect of aminoglycosides, significantly decreasing the MIC of antibiotics at 12.5%-98.4%. We believe that the data obtained from phytochemical analysis and from antibacterial and resistance modulation assays of C. verbenacea extracts new can open perspectives in the search for new alternatives for the treatment of bacterial infections and stimulate the renewed use of antibiotics with reduced effectiveness due to resistance.

Introduction “Erva-baleeira,” Cordia verbenacea DC. (Boraginaceae), is one of the species of plants currently exploited for the purpose of producing a phytotherapeutic product, which is extracted from the leaves. Methods Extracts of C. verbenacea were prepared from fresh leaves, and chloroform fractions were obtained from the different extracts for evaluation. Phytochemical screening was performed and the phytochemicals were quantified by HPLC-DAD. The microdilution assay was used to determine antibiotic and aminoglycoside-modifying activities (2.4–2500 μg/mL), and the results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-test. Results Phytochemical screening and HPLC analysis of the fractions were in agreement with the literature, which describes the presence of several tannins and flavonoids in C. verbenacea leaves. The fractions showed moderate antibacterial activity when considering clinical relevance with a MIC of 128 μg/mL against a resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus and 512 μg/mL against a resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, when they were combined with antibiotics, synergism was observed, significantly lowering the MIC of the antibiotics by 12.5 (P Conclusions Our results indicated that the fractions of C. verbenacea, when combined with an antibiotic, demonstrated significant synergistic activity. Due the extensive use and sale of products derived from C. verbenacea may exert pressure on the populations of this species. The development of management plans for rational and sustainable use of the species and more studies with emphasis on the use of such fractions in the treatment of other diseases are necessary.

Introduction Developing resistance to antimicrobial agents is increasingly observed for many microorganisms is increasingly becoming a problem worldwide. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiotic-modifying activity of essential oils of Ocimum gratissimum and Plectranthus amboinicus (Lamiaceae), alone and combined. Methods Standard and multiresistant bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were utilized, and antibiotics of the aminoglycoside class were tested, using the microdilution technique. Results The antibacterial effect of the O. gratissimum L. and P. amboinicus L. oils alone and combined have a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 1024 μg/mL, except against E. coli ATCC10536, which showed a MIC = 128 μg/mL and against S. aureus ATCC25923 with MIC = 512 μg/mL. The drug-modifying effect of the essential oil of O. gratissimum L. resulted in an antagonism, reducing the effect of antibiotics, against all bacterial strains assayed. However, the essential oil of P. amboinicus L. showed a synergistic effect, potentiating the antibiotic activity of these drugs against the bacterial strains assayed. When the mixture of the O. gratissimum and P. amboinicus oils was combined with the antibiotic, a synergistic effect was observed. Conclusions The data obtained are promising, but further studies are needed to isolate the active compounds and to conduct pharmacological tests in vivo, making it possible to develop new therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of diseases caused by multiresistant microorganisms.

The species Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson is a subshrub belonging to the family Verbenaceae. It is widely distributed in Latin America. In Brazil, it occurs in almost all regions and is therefore known by various names, where the most common are “erva-cidreira,” “falsa-melissa,” “cha-de-tabuleiro,” “salva-do-Brasil” and “erva-cidreira-brasileira,” among others. It is an aromatic plant that contains a variety of volatile constituents including, citral, limonene, carvone, linalool, caryophyllene, myrcene, terpinene, 1,8-cineole and estragole. This variability of constituents results in a number of different chemotypes. L. alba is highly capable of adaptation to various environments as well as rapid spread and colonization, that enhance its industrial potential. Another advantage is that it grows and blooms year-round. L. alba is considered as one of the medicinal plants that is mostly used in traditional practices, in Brazil. Its pharmacological properties include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, sedative, digestive, anti-asthmatic, anti-hypertensive, antispasmodic, emmenagogue and diaphoretic, and it is used in the treatment of syphilis and gonorrhea. The leaves and roots are most frequently used in the form of infusions, alcoholic extracts, compresses, baths and syrups. Several preclinical studies have observed a variety of pharmacological activities related to its empirical use, especially antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, anti-nociceptive, muscle relaxant and antioxidant. In Brazil, L. alba is among the 66 regulated species with medicinal purposes. Clinical trials are needed, since this species has an not yet fully explored great potential for the future production of medicines.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Studies of ethnobiological nature favor the rescue of popular culture, preventing important cultural and biological information from being lost over time. Another interesting point is that it can support bioprospecting studies focusing on the discovery of new drugs. Objective of the study Our aim was to conduct a survey of plants sold for therapeutic purposes in public markets in the Crajubar Triangle in Northeast Brazil. Materials and methods Using a questionnaire, data were collected regarding the part of the plant used, method of preparation, quantity needed, instructions for use and known adverse effects. From the data obtained, we calculated the relative importance of species and informant consensus factor. Results Vendors indicated 91 useful species from a therapeutic point of view, distributed in 49 plant families. The preparation methods most frequently mentioned by informants were decoction, infusion, sauce with part of the plant in water and lozenge. The informants of this study mentioned bark, leaves, seeds and roots as parts of the plant most sold for therapeutic use. Disorders of the digestive system was the disease/disorder category with the highest consensus among the vendors, and the species Ximenia americana , Lippia gracillis , Stryphnodendron rotundifolium , Anacardium occidentale , Hymenaea courbail , Myracrodruon urundeuva , Amburana cearensis and Himatanthus drasticus were the most versatile among the plants sold in markets. Conclusions Vendors indicated 91 species belonging to 49 botanical families and 89 genera. The most frequent forms of preparation were decoction, infusion and sauce made with part of the plant in water. The most common form of administration was oral. Bark and leaves were the plant parts most used. Thirteen species showed great versatility regarding their use. We noted 291 indications for use in 13 disease/disorder categories.

This work describes the local knowledge of the medicinal use of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., Fabaceae, according to informants in two areas of the Araripe bioregion, in the Northeast Region of Brazil. We used interviews to investigate the ethnomedicinal use of the local species to determine the mode of use, frequency of administration, duration of treatment and restrictions of use. In traditional medicine, the use of S. rotundifolium is associated with the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. The part of the plant most used was the stem bark (86.11%), the predominant mode of preparation was immersion in water (52.83%), and oral administration was the most cited (48.43%). For inflammatory and infectious diseases, the treatment lasted 3-10 days and the frequency of administration was 2-3 times/day. For gastroprotective effects, treatment lasted up to 30 days, and the herb was administered 1-3 times/day. For pain complaints, the therapy varied from 2-3 days to continuous administration. The informants (46.87%) did not mention restrictions of use, except for pregnant women, with a rate of 25%. A comparison of these results with the ethnopharmacological information from other studies showed that some of the traditional indications are scientifically supported by the literature or clinical studies. Nevertheless, the results showed that pharmacologists have not fully investigated all the possible bioactivities that healers credit to this plant. Keywords: Ethnopharmacology, Ethnobotany, Stryphnodendron rotundifolium, Traditional Medicine, Medicinal use