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Phenolic compounds are natural substances that are produced through the secondary metabolism of plants, fungi, and bacteria, in addition to being produced by chemical synthesis. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, among others. In this way, Brazil represents one of the most promising countries regarding phenolic compounds since it has a heterogeneous flora, with the presence of six distinct biomes (Cerrado, Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Pantanal, and Pampa). Recently, several studies have pointed to an era of antimicrobial resistance due to the unrestricted and large-scale use of antibiotics, which led to the emergence of some survival mechanisms of bacteria to these compounds. Therefore, the use of natural substances with antimicrobial action can help combat these resistant pathogens and represent a natural alternative that may be useful in animal nutrition for direct application in food and can be used in human nutrition to promote health. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) evaluate the phenolic compounds with antimicrobial properties isolated from plants present in Brazil, (ii) discuss the compounds across different classes (flavonoids, xanthones, coumarins, phenolic acids, and others), and (iii) address the structure–activity relationship of phenolic compounds that lead to antimicrobial action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In Brazil, grassland ecosystems of the Pampa are restricted to Rio Grande do Sul State (RS) and constitute the largest temperate natural grassland in the world. There are no recent data to indicate how much of these fields was lost in the state, but excursions made in recent years have pointed to a high conversion of native fields into crops. This situation has alerted to the intensification of biodiversity loss and the biological impoverishment of these fields. In view of the above, this study characterizes plant diversity in fields of the southern and western portion of RS. The study was based on publications of recent years that indicate the problems that effectively threaten this diversity. Pampa fields are natural and have a great diversity, constituting a considerable genetic heritage, ensuring the provision of ecosystem services to human populations. The few bioprospecting studies on species from these fields suggest that much remains to be discovered and that actions need to be taken to inhibit field destruction. These fields have never been treated as priority areas for conservation, but it is our commitment to reverse this transformation and destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Campomanesia aurea O. Berg is a native plant of the biome Pampa , which belongs to the family Myrtaceae. The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilme activity of the essential oil of Campomanesia aurea (EOCA) against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19114, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. An analysis of the chemical composition of the EOCA was realized through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis for in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity was realized by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and that of the antibiofilm through utilization of 96-well plates with crystal violet, respectively. The action of standard (E) –nerolidol (major compound of the EOCA) was also tested. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of the sesquiterpene (E)- nerolidol (56.04%) as the main compound in the EOCA. Antimicrobial activity of the EOCA against L. monocytogenes (MIC 5.0 mg mL−1) and S. aureus (MIC 0.7 mg mL−1) was observed. Inhibition of biofilm formation against L. monocytogenes , S. aureus and S. enteritidis could be observed for EOCA and (E)- nerolidol. The results demonstrate that the EOCA was efficient against inhibition of biofilm formation for most of the tested pathogens. Highlights • Essential oil of Campomanesia aurea O. Berg is inhibitor of L. monocytogenes biofilm. • Essential oil of Campomanesia aurea O. Berg can be used against food pathogens. • Essential oil of Campomanesia aurea O. Berg can be a promising source for bioprospection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]