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The present study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oil from Garcinia gardneriana (Planchon & Triana) Zappi leaves and fruits, and to determine its acaricidal activity on Rhipicephalus microplus by larval packet test and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti by larval immersion test. The chemical analysis of the essential oil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes in bacupari leaves and fruits, and α-cedrene, α-chamigrene, α-trans-bergamotene, and β-curcumene as major compounds. Essential oil from leaves of G. gardneriana presented acaricidal activity on R. microplus (LC50 = 4.8 mg/mL; LC99 = 10.8 mg/mL) and larvicidal effect on A. aegypti (LC50 = 5.4 mg/mL; LC99 = 11.6 mg/mL), whereas essential oil from the fruits of G. gardneriana showed LC50 = 4.6 mg/mL and LC99 = 8.9 mg/mL against R. microplus and LC50 = 6.4 mg/mL and LC99 = 13.9 mg/mL against A. aegypti. These results thus demonstrate the potential acaricidal and larvicidal activity of essential oil of G. gardneriana, offering new perspectives for the realization of bioassays from this essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Nursing UFPE / Revista de Enfermagem UFPE is the property of Revista de Enfermagem UFPE and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Eletrônica de Enfermagem is the property of Revista Eletronica de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Essential oils from fresh Piperaceae leaves were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and a total of 68 components were identified. Principal components analysis results showed a chemical variability between species, with sesquiterpene compounds predominating in the majority of species analyzed. The composition of the essential oil of Piper mosenii was described for the first time. The cytotoxicity of the essential oils was evaluated in peritoneal macrophages and the oils of P. rivinoides, P. arboretum, and P. aduncum exhibited the highest values, with cytotoxic concentration at 50% (CC50) > 200 μg/mL. Both P. diospyrifolium and P. aduncum displayed activity against Leishmania amazonensis, and were more selective for the parasite than for the macrophages, with a selectivity index (SI) of 2.35 and >5.52, respectively. These SI values were greater than the 1 for the standard drug pentamidine. The antileishmanial activity of the essential oils of P. diospyrifolium and P. aduncum was described for the first time. P. rivinoides, P. cernuum, and P. diospyrifolium displayed moderate activity against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv bacillus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/mL. These results are relevant and suggests their potential for therapeutic purposes. Nevertheless, further studies are required to explain the exact mechanism of action of these essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calophyllum brasiliense is a rich source of bioactive coumarins, xanthones and biflavonoids. The aim of the study was to compare the phenol contents and the antioxidant activity of C. brasiliense extracts obtained by conventional and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) methods, as well as the quantification of crude extracts and (-)-mammea A/BB yields. Dichloromethane and hexane were used as solvents for the conventional extractions and SFE was developed using supercritical CO2; the kinetic curves were modeled using a second-order empirical model. The dichloromethane extract presented the best total yield, although it showed the lowest content of (-)-mammea A/BB. The concentration of the coumarin was considerably higher in extracts obtained by the supercritical fluid method and a higher antioxidant activity was assigned to extracts obtained by this technique. Concerning the total phenolic contents, both the dichloro-methane and the supercritical extractions produced satisfactory amounts. The SFE method proved to be more promising than conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The Asteraceae family has been of interest to researchers due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, which demonstrated antiviral activity. Objective: The hydroethanol extract of the aerial parts of Acanthospermum australe (Loefl.) Kuntze (Asteraceae) and its fractions, were evaluated in vitro for their potential cytotoxic and antiviral activity against bovine herpesvirus and human poliovirus. Materials and methods: The sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay were used to evaluate the capacity of the hydroethanol extract and fractions to inhibit the lytic activity of herpes and poliovirus in infected cell cultures and their influence on the viability of uninfected cell cultures. Results and discussion: A progressive increase in the antiviral effect against herpesvirus was observed in the course of the purification process of the extract. The hydroethanol extract had a 50% antiviral effective concentration (EC50) at 70 μg/mL and 36 μg/mL for herpes and poliovirus, respectively, and it exhibited no cytotoxicity. The fractions F3 (dichloromethane) and F4 (dichloromethane: ethyl acetate (1:1 v/v)) both showed EC50 at 6.25 μg/mL against herpesvirus, and these fractions showed cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) at 12.7 and 11.7 μg/mL, respectively. These fractions had no effect against poliovirus in the concentrations tested. From the bioactive F3, a diterpene lactone (acanthoaustralide-1- O-acetate) was isolated at a concentration of 0.5% and from F4 two flavonoids (quercetin and chrysosplenol D) were isolated at concentrations of 0.14 and 0.24%, respectively. Conclusion: The present study reports for the first time the antiviral activity of extracts and fractions from A. australe aerial parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal variation of the chemical composition of the essential oil from fresh leaves of Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd grown in southern Brazil was analyzed by GC-MS, and the analgesic and antimicrobial activities of this oil were assayed. The yield of essential oil ranged from 0.17% to 0.26%, with the maximum amount in winter and the minimum in spring. The results obtained from principal components analysis (PCA) revealed the existence of high chemical variability in the different seasons. The samples were clearly discriminated into three groups: winter, autumn, and spring-summer. Samples collected during winter contained the highest percentages of calyculone (24.70%), abietadiene (13.54%), and viridiflorol (4.20%). In autumn, the major constituents were ledol (8.74%) and cis-muurolol-5-en-4-α-ol (13.78%). Samples collected in spring-summer contained the highest percentages of fenchone (12.67%), 14-hydroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene (24.36%), and α-cadinol (8.33%). Oxygenated sesquiterpenes were predominant in all the samples analyzed. The observed chemovariation might be environmentally determined by a seasonal influence. The essential oil, when given orally at a dose of 200 mg//kg, exhibited good analgesic activity on acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, inhibiting the constrictions by 38.94% to 46.13%, and this effect was not affected by seasonal variation. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil against the bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii, and Enterobacter cloacae, and the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans was assessed by the disc diffusion method and determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration. The results obtained, followed by measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), indicated that S. aureus, B. subtilis, and Candida albicans were the most sensitive microorganisms, showing largest inhibition, and the lowest MIC values varied from 15.6 to 31.2 μg//mL, 7.8 to 15.6 μg//mL, and 31.2 to 62.5 μg//mL, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dermatophytes are filamentous fungi that cause cutaneous fungal infections because they use keratin as a nutrient source. For this study the antidermatophyte activity of the extracts and derivates from leaves of Piper regnellii was analyzed. From the dichloromethane extract (EBD) neolignans such as eupomatenoid-3 and eupomatenoid-5 were obtained, and it was submitted to fractionation to remove the green residue, designated as the chloroform fraction (FF). Extracts, chloroform fraction and compounds were tested against Trichophyton rubrum ATCC 28189 to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The chloroform fraction was incorporated to nail lacquer that was analyzed by photoacoustic spectroscopy, in vitro assay and scanning electronic microscopy. For antifungal activity in solid medium the dichloromethane extract and chloroform fraction were used. The compounds eupomatenoid-3 and eupomatenoid-5 were less active than the dichloromethane extract against T. rubrum. EBD and FF showed moderate activity in hyphal growth inhibition in solid medium and EBD did not link to ergosterol. Nail lacquer containing the chloroform fraction showed good penetration through the nail as determined by photoacoustic spectroscopy. From in vitro studies it was observed that nail lacquer concentrations above 20 mg/mL prevented the growth of fungi, but concentrations up to 2.5 inhibited the growth. Scanning electronic microscopy was used to confirm the in vitro nail lacquer activity results. The specie P. regnellii showed great antifungal activity against T. rubrum, and nail lacquer containing its chloroform fraction has great potential to treat onychomycosis caused by these microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piper regnellii (Miq.) C. DC. var. pallescens (C. DC.) Yunck (Piperaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil to treat infectious diseases. The extracts obtained of the leaves from P. regnellii were investigated for their antibacterial activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The ethyl acetate extract presented a good activity against MRSA, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 16 μg/mL. Based on this finding, the ethyl acetate extract was fractionated by silica gel column chromatography into nine fractions. The hexane fraction was active against MRSA (MIC at 4 μg/mL). Further column chromatography separation of the hexane fraction afforded the pure compound eupomatenoid-5. The structure of the compound was established by spectral data (1H and 13C NMR HSQC, HMBC, gNOE, IR and MS). Eupomatenoid-5 was the only compound active on the bacterium. The antibacterial property of P. regnellii extract provides preliminary scientific validation for the traditional medicinal use of this plant. The active compound eupomatenoid-5 should be further studied in animal models to verify in vivo efficacy and toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we evaluated the activity of extracts and (-)mammea A/BB from the leaves of Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. (Clusiaceae), against Leishmania braziliensis. The dichloromethane extract and the coumarin (-)mammea A/BB showed significant activity against the promastigote forms of L. braziliensis, with a 50% lethal dose (LD50) at concentrations of 60 and 23.2 μ g/mL, respectively. However, the aqueous extract from the leaves and amentoflavone showed no activity against promastigote forms. For the intracellular amastigote form, the dichloromethane extract and the coumarin (-)mammea A/BB reduced by 50% the infection index of parasites in macrophages at concentrations of 22 and 29 μ g/mL, respectively. In addition, the dichloromethane extract did not show cytotoxic effects against mouse peritoneal macrophages at concentration up to 1000 μ g/mL. On the other hand, the coumarin (-)mammea A/BB showed more cytotoxicity than the dichloromethane extract. The compounds were characterized by one and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR analyses, and LC/UV/MS was used to identify (-)mammea A/BB and amentoflavone in the dichloromethane extract. These results provide new perspectives on the development of novel drugs with leishmanicidal activities obtained from natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: to verify the cognitive ability, style and quality of life of elderly primary care users. Method: a cross-sectional, correlational, analytical and descriptive study with a quantitative approach. A total of 252 semi-structured questionnaires were applied to the urban elderly, containing sociodemographic information, cognitive ability assessment and questions regarding style and quality of life. Result: there was a predominance of females with low schooling, presence of cognitive decline in 68.25% (n=172) of the elderly and a significant association between the Health Units (p=0,0351). Discussion: it should be pointed out that elderly people who do not present a decline have a better score in the nutrition component, this data emphasizes that maintaining good eating habits positively influences cognitive ability. Conclusion: the interviewees are young elderly with cognitive decline. Emphasis is given to the importance of nurses acting as health promoters, favoring active aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protozoa of the genus Phytomonas are harmful parasites to several agricultural crops of economic importance. Due to their recognized biological activity, crude extracts of Piper aduncum, P. crassinervium, P. hispidum, and P. amalago leaves, were tested using the microdilution plate technique to assess the antiparasitic potential against Phytomonas serpens. Results showed that the ethanolic crude extract of P. crassinervium and P. amalago presented the best inhibitory concentration for 50% of the cells (IC50), 16.5 μg mL-1 in chloroform phase, and 18 μg mL-1 in aqueous phase, respectively, after 48 h treatment. Cytotoxicity analyses were performed using the colorimetric method of sulforhodamine-B in LLCMK2 mammalian cells. The chloroform phase of P. crassinervium was subjected to the fractionation process, in which the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions obtained better IC50 values. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed alterations in the cell membrane of the treated parasites. The data obtained indicate a potential antiparasitic effect of the Piper species analyzed against P. serpens, being considered promising candidates for formulations of bioproducts to control the parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plants belonging to Pfaffia genus are used in folk medicine to treat gastric disturbances. This study examined the effects of an aqueous extract of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen (AEP) on the gastrointestinal tract. Wistar rats were pretreated orally (p.o.) with the AEP (125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg.kg−1) before induction of ulcers by hypothermic restraint stress (HRS, 3 h restraint stress at 4 °C), ethanol (ET, 70%; 0.5 ml/animal; p.o.) or indomethacin (IND, 20 mg.kg−1; s.c.). Control animals received water (C) or ranitidine (60 mg.kg−1) p.o. The AEP protected rats against HRS and ET-induced ulcers, but was not able to protect the gastric mucosa against IND-induced ulcers. When injected into the duodenal lumen, the AEP reduced total acidity and both basal and histamine-stimulated acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. In addition, gastric secretion from AEP-treated animals exhibited increased concentrations of nitrite and nitrate. Treatment of animals with L-NAME (120 mg.kg−1, p.o.) prevented both the reduction of total acidity and the increase in NOx levels promoted by AEP treatment. In conclusion, AEP effectively protected the gastric mucosa and inhibited gastric acid secretion in rats, probably by involving the histaminergic pathway and an enhanced production of nitric oxide in the stomach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An extract from seeds of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (quinoa), termed hydrolyzed quinoa (HQ), was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis from seeds of the quinoa variety BRS-Piabiru. Analysis of the physical and chemical properties of quinoa and HQ showed that the hydrolyzed extract is rich in essential amino acids, particularly those with branched chains (leucine, isoleucine, and valine). In addition, we evaluated the biological effects of HQ, particularly the toxicological potential. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were assigned randomly to four groups: (1) sedentary supplemented group, which received HQ (2,000 mg/kg); (2) sedentary control group, non-supplemented; (3) exercised supplemented group (i.e., rats subjected to aerobic physical exercise that received HQ [2,000 mg/kg]); and (4) exercised control group (i.e., rats subjected to aerobic physical exercise, non-supplemented). After 30 days, all groups were analyzed for levels of serum glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, and urea and activities of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Body weight gain, dietary intake, and lipid deposition were also analyzed. The results showed no hepatic and renal toxicity of HQ. Moreover, decreased food intake, body weight, fat deposition, and blood triacylglycerol level were observed in the supplemented groups (sedentary and exercised supplemented groups). These results suggest a potential use of HQ in human nutrition.

Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. (Clusiaceae), known as "Pau Santo" or "Saco de Boi" in the central Brazilian plateau region, is used to treat several tropical diseases. The present study evaluated the toxic effects of dichloromethane (DcM) extract of Kielmeyera coriacea stems, administered to rodents. In the acute toxicity tests, mice receiving doses of this extract by the oral and intraperitoneal routes, showed reversible effects, with LD50 values of 1503.0 and 538.8 mg/kg, respectively. In the repeated-dose oral (90 days) toxicity tests, male and female Wistar rats were treated by gavage with different doses of DcM extract (5, 25 or 125 mg/kg). In biochemical and haematological evaluations, the results varied widely in respect to dose and sex, with no linear profile, and did not show clinical correlations. In the histopathological examinations, the groups exhibited some changes, but there were no significant differences between the groups compared to the controls. In conclusion, these investigations appeared to indicate the safety of acute and repeated oral administration of the DcM extract of Kielmeyera coriacea stems, which can therefore be continuously used with safety.