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Human schistosomiasis is an important neglected tropical disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma and is responsible for more than 280,000 deaths annually. Treatment for this disease relies currently on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Concerns regarding PZQ resistance and insensitivity of juvenile schistosomes have increased the interest in resorting to medicinal plants for alternative drug therapies. This study aimed to perform an in vivo schistosomicidal activity evaluation of crude hexanic (HE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts obtained from Phyllanthus amarus in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni (BH strain). Mice were treated orally with a single dose of 100 or 250 mg/kg, on two different infection periods, 30 and 45 days post-infection (dpi). Parameters such as worm recovery, faecal egg count, intestinal tissue egg count and liver histopathology were evaluated. Treatment against young adult (30 dpi) and adult (45 dpi) worms were more effective compared to the control group treated with PZQ. At a concentration of 250 mg/kg (30 dpi) EE showed a 54.4% female reduction and a 61.2% total worm reduction whilst at a concentration of 100 mg/kg (45 dpi) HE showed a 40.6% female worm reduction and a 45.3% total worm reduction. Histopathological examination showed a granuloma decrease in both number and size for groups treated with 250 mg/kg of HE (45 dpi) or EE (30 or 45 dpi). From these results, it can be concluded that both hexanic and ethanolic extracts have antischistosomal activities, however, act differently according to the parasites age. The schistosomicidal activity results in groups treated 30 days post infection is extremely important since praziquantel does not show activity against the juvenile forms of Schistosoma.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:11:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-13 Background: Although multiple studies advocate the advantages of participatory research approaches for ethnoscience, few provide solid contributions from case studies that involve residents in all of the project phases. We present a case study of a participatory approach whose aim is to register ethnobotanical knowledge on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (maroon communities), an important biodiversity hotspot in the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil. Our aim is to provide tools that will empower decision-making related to sustainable use and management among residents. Methods: In phase I, the objectives and activities were defined in meetings with residents to carry out ethnobotanical surveys between two quilombola communities-the Quilombo da Fazenda (QF) and Quilombo do Cambury (QC). In phase II, we offered community partners training courses on how to collect plants and ethnobotanical data. In coordination with the university team and using ethnobotanical methods, community partners interviewed specialists on plants and their uses. In phase III, using the participatory mapping method, residents indicated plot locations and collected plants to calculate the Conservation Priority Index for native species recorded in phase II. Results: In 178 days of fieldwork, two community partners from the QF and three from the QC selected 8 and 11 respondents who reported 175 and 195 plant species, respectively, corresponding to 9 ethnobotanical categories. Based on requests from the local community, booklets and videos with these data were collaboratively produced. A large percentage of species were found to be of great conservation priority-82.1% in the QC and 62.5% in the QF. Virola bicuhyba, Cedrela fissilis, Plinia edulis, and Tabebuia cassinoides are the species most at risk and will be the focus of phase IV, when a participatory management plan will be carried out. Additionally, we present both challenges and opportunities with the hope that others can learn from our successes and failures. Conclusions: Our experience shows that it is possible to train community members who wish to document their knowledge to support the process of ensuring that local knowledge is highly regarded, further ensuring its perpetuation. In this context, the project may be of great interest to development programs in promoting community-based management strategies for useful plants. Center for Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies (CEE) Department of Environmental Sciences Universidade Federal de Saõ Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Professor Artur Riedel, 275 Associacąõ dos Remanescentes de Quilombo do Cambury Herbário Municipal (PMSP) Secretaria Municipal do Verde e do Meio Ambiente Associacąõ da Comunidade dos Remanescentes de Quilombo da Fazenda Centro Pluridisciplinar de Pesquisas Químicas Biológicas e Agrícolas [CPQBA] UNICAMP Institute of Biosciences Saõ Paulo State University (UNESP) Amerindian Studies Center Universidade de Saõ Paulo CEstA-USP Instituto de Botânica (IBt) Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro Department of Botany University of Hawai'i at Manoa Institute of Biosciences Saõ Paulo State University (UNESP)

Guaco, a native and perennial Brazilian liana, is one of the medicinal plants most widely commercialized in the Brazilian market. The major bioactive compounds in guaco leaves are coumarin and o-coumaric acid, along with kaurene-type diterpenes. Two Mikania species, M. laevigata and M. glomerata, are both treated as guaco in the Brazilian pharmacopeia and are commercialized indiscriminately, although they can be distinguished by the shape of the leaves and by the characteristic coumarin aroma of M. laevigata. We used DNA barcoding, chromosome counting and chemical analysis to study guaco germplasm accessions from collections in 10 Brazilian states. ETS and ITS sequences failed to distinguish most guaco accessions identified as M. glomerata and M. laevigata regardless of geographical origin, suggesting that M. glomerata and M. laevigata are recently diverged species. The chromosome number 2n = 36 was observed in all guaco accessions. In guaco accessions grown under experimental conditions, two chemical phenotypes were found: phenotype G-I, containing moderate coumarin content (644–755 mg/100 g) and high levels of kaurenoic acid (771–881 mg/100 g) and phenotype G-II, containing high levels of coumarin (1123–1309 mg/100 g) and low levels of kaurenoic acid (160–334 mg/100 g). None of the M. glomerata accessions produced coumarin in satisfactory levels (all

Introduction: The traditional antimalarial tea Artemisia annua, indicated for centuries in China to treat fevers, is again arousing interest for the treatment of malaria due to improvements attained in the plant composition by a few Institutions throughout the world, including the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil, increasing its principal component by more than 100 times as from standard varieties, giving 1% in artemisinin and an expressive biomass yield such as 2 tons of dried leaves/hectare. Clinical trials carried out with this material in African countries have proven its therapeutic potential for a new generation of Artemisia tea in the treatment of falciparum malaria. In addition to artemisinin, recent studies have identified and quantified other compounds present in the crude extract and characterized their contributions to the anti-malarial efficacy, including their action against chloroquine-resistant strains. The majority of the clinical trials carried out with Artemisia tea in African countries have shown that the control of the parasitaemia is efficient in the initial treatment period, but few trials have followed the patients up to the 28th day. This first clinical trial carried out in Brazil with the A. annua infusion, after toxicological trials that defined the safety of this form of medication. Methods: The therapeutic efficacy of the tea was measured in patients with falciparum malaria over 28 days, comparing it with the current first-line treatment namely artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem?). The trial was carried out in controlled groups according to official protocol approved by the National Ethics in Research Committee (CONEP: 77/ 2011) and a rigorous control of the 17 patients with non-serious cases of falciparum malaria, recruited in the following three municipalities of the State of Para, Brazil: Tucurui, Goianesia do Para and Anajas. The tea group received the infusion prepared in the proportion of 1.25 g of dry leaves of the variety CPQBA with 1% artemisinin for 250 mL of just boiled water, taken every 6 hours for 7 days, giving a total of approximately 175 mg of artemisinin, whilst the artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem?) group received a total of 525 mg of artemisinin equivalent to artemether. Results: The parasitaemia by the tea treatment became negative in the first days, even though it was administered with a dose that was one third of the recommended dose of artemisinin. However, as in the case artemisinin or artesunate monotherapies, 57.1% of the patients treated with the A. annua tea presented type I resistance, with a return of the parasitaemia around the 14th or 21st day. The other patients in the tea group showed type II/III resistance without manifestation of any serious signs or symptoms. In these cases, according to the protocol, the patients were redirected for treatment with artemether-lumefantrin (Coartem?) with subsequent negativity of the parisitaemia. Discussion: The fact that the efficacy of the tea with 1/3 of the dose of artemisinin was similar to that of the full dose of this medication infers that other compounds present in the crude extract, probably flavonoids, had contributed to the negativity of the parasitaemia at the start of the treatment. Considering that the positive control group, where the compound derived from artemisinin (artemether) was associated with another antimalarial agent (lumefantrine), presented excellent efficacy throughout the entire control of the cure, future trials with the A. annua tea should use the same strategy of association with another antimalarial agent, preferably from A. annua itself, in order to extend its therapeutic action during the whole control period. The Artemisia annua tea in the form standardized and used in this research, should not substitute the most efficient treatment, but could be considered as an emergency therapeutic resource in the first hours of symptoms as a function of its availability, anti-inflammatory action and lack of side effects. Other regimes and standardizations deserve investigation, mainly those with a high content of arteannuin B, as occurs in the initial cultivation phase.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) presents medical importance, being the principal vector of Rickettsia conorii, the causative agent of Botonous fever, occurring in various regions of Europe and Africa. In the Americas, has been reported as a vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Mountain Spotted Fever. It presents veterinary importance because is responsible by the transmission of zoonosis like babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, hepatozoonosis and others. The resistance that these ticks show to some of the active principles used in acaricides has risen wildly. In other hand, the use of herbal medicines has been outstanding recently. Among the advantages of phytotherapics that justify their use are synergistic effects of its components and easy degradation in the environment. In this scenario, Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae) appears as a species with great biocide potential. The phytochemical investigation of T. patula has resulted in the isolation of several chemical constituents such as benzofurans, carotenoids, flavonoids and thiophenes. This study aimed to test the effect of the ethanolic extract obtained from aerial parts of T. patula against eggs of R. sanguineus by Egg hatchability test and to verify, for the first time, the action of this sample on ovary cells of engorged females submitted to the Adult Immersion Test. The extract was very effective, inhibiting egg hatching in 96.98% (±0.025) with LD50 = 6.312 mg/mL (4.064–8.497 mg/mL). Microscopic analysis of the structure of the ovaries showed significant morphological changes in the structure of oocytes II–V and pedicel cells, interfering directly in its normal embryogenesis, impairing or impeding the formation of healthy larvae, breaking the life cycle of this ticks in the beginning. Despite the difficulty to control adult populations of ticks, these findings are important and provide an alternative to disrupt development on the environment.

The present chapter is a short review providing information about the chemical constituents of some South American plant species used by local communities in countries of this continent except the Falkland Islands and Surinam. Many plants found in the countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela have valuable phytotherapeutic applications in alternative medicine. This chapter presents information reported in the scientific literature concerning the most significant plant families used in folk medicine, considering their chemical compositions and highlighting the following categories: alkaloids, an important class of biologically active compounds; phenolics, especially flavonoids; and essential oils.

Hebanthe eriantha (Poir.) Pedersen (Amaranthaceae), which is known as Brazilian ginseng is widely used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac and antidiabetic tonic. The anti-tumor activity, attributed to the pfaffic acid present in roots of H. eriantha, is responsible for the great interest in the commercialization of this species. In Brazil, the species H. eriantha is mainly used in commercial preparations, although other plants of the genus Pfaffia and Hebanthe have been marketed as Pfaffia paniculata or Brazilian ginseng. The pfaffic acid present in the roots is mainly conjugated with sugars (pfaffosides) and can be used as an active marker of H. eriantha, which helps to differentiate this species from others marketed as Brazilian ginseng. The main objective of this study was to develop and validate a liquid chromatographic method to quantify pfaffic acid in the roots of H. eriantha. The extraction and hydrolysis conditions were optimized using an univariate and experimental design, respectively, and the quantification of pfaffic acid by high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) was validated. This method was used to evaluate the pfaffic acid content in 30 different genotypes of the species from a germplasm collection. The content of pfaffic acid ranged from 0.97 to 4.29% (w/w) on a dry weight basis.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus, commonly known as the brown dog tick, is one of the most widely distributed species of tick. In dogs, it can cause anemia and provide the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms such as Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, Anaplasma platys, and Mycoplasma haemocanis. To man, it can transmit the intracellular parasites Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia conorii, the causative agents of the Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the Americas and Mediterranean and spotted fever in Europe and North Africa. Its control is performed by applying synthetic formulations composed of pyrethroids; however, continued use of these products results in environmental damage and acquisition of resistance. Alternatively, studies with botanical insecticides have been increasingly recurrent. Therefore, this study aimed to test the efficacy of essential oil of Tagetes patula, a ruderal species widely described in the literature for its insecticidal properties, in engorged females of R. sanguineus by the adults immersion test (AIT) and impregnated paper disk test (IPDT). The essential oil used, through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, revealed the presence of 55 compounds, being the 4-vinyl guaiacol and gamma terpinene the majority ones. The AIT compared to the IPDT was more efficient in inhibiting oviposition of tick; however, the eggs laid by the females submitted to saturated atmosphere with essential oil, from IPDT, not hatched, interrupted their development cycle. Besides being a pioneer work, the results presented here contributes to new researches, aiming the incorporation of essential oil in an acaricide for use in the environment.

Purpose To develop an anesthetic mucoadhesive film containing Acmella oleracea (jambu) extract for topical use on oral mucosa. Methods Ethanolic extracts from aerial parts of jambu were prepared by maceration. Pigment removal was obtained by adsorption with activated carbon. Three mucoadhesive films were developed using a film casting method: 10 or 20% of crude jambu extract (10% JB and 20% JB), and 10% of crude jambu extract treated with activated carbon (10% JBC). The mucoadhesive films were characterized regarding their uniformity, thickness, pH, and spilanthol content, and their stability was evaluated during 120 days. Gas chromatography was used to quantify the amount of spilanthol. In vitro tests determined the permeation of spilanthol across pig esophageal epithelium mucosa in Franz diffusion cells. Topical anesthetic efficacy was assessed in vivo using a tail flick test in mice. Results The three mucoadhesive films showed physical stability and visual appearances suitable for use on oral mucosa. The permeation study revealed that the spilanthol from 10% JBC presented higher flux and permeability coefficient values, compared to 10% or 20% JB (p < 0.001). Moreover, 10% JBC showed better topical anesthetic efficacy than the other films (p < 0.01). Conclusion Mucoadhesive film containing crude extract of jambu treated with activated carbon is a potential alternative for oral, topical use, encouraging future clinical studies.

Demand for new chemotherapies against malaria is increasing as Plasmodium , the causative organism of the disease, has shown a high degree of resistance against most standard anti-malarial drugs. One of the few highly effective compounds is artemisinin, the major sesquiterpene for the production of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). This antimalarial drug is extracted from the leaves of Artemisia annua , a plant that is mainly cultivated under cool (temperate) climate and high altitudes. The current study examined the possibility of introducing A. annua germplasm into the agricultural landscape of the lowland humid tropics in field experiments and identified promising accessions that are capable of producing high leaf biomass and artemisinin yields. Differences amongst seed origin, planting season and soil moisture availability had highly significant ( P A. annua in the humid tropics. Two non-photoperiodic hybrid lines evaluated in the trials had suitable agronomic potential, including the production of fresh leaf biomass yield in excess of 30 tonnes/ha with up to 1.0975% artemisinin concentration. This study shows that with improved management practices and using the right accessions, there is an inspiring possibility that the cultivation of A. annua can be optimized in the humid tropics for commercial production of the life saving artemisinin drug, which is most needed in these regions where malaria is endemic.

Despite numerous studies with the Piper genus, there are no previous results reporting in vitro or in vivo Piper regnellii (Miq.) C. DC. var. regnellii anticancer activity. The aim of this study was to investigate P. regnellii in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity and further identify its active compounds. In vitro antiproliferative activity was evaluated in 8 human cancer cell lines: melanoma (UACC-62), breast (MCF7), kidney (786-0), lung (NCI-H460), prostate (PC-3), ovary (OVCAR-3), colon (HT29), and leukemia (K-562). Total growth inhibition (TGI) values were chosen to measure antiproliferative activity. Among the cell lines evaluated, eupomatenoid-5 demonstrated better in vitro antiproliferative activity towards prostate, ovary, kidney, and breast cancer cell lines. In vivo studies were carried out with Ehrlich solid tumor on Balb/C mice treated with 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg of P. regnellii leaves dichloromethane crude extract (DCE), with 30 and 100 mg/kg of the active fraction (FRB), and with 30 mg/kg of eupomatenoid-5. The i. p. administration of DCE, FRB, and eupomatenoid-5 significantly inhibited tumor progression in comparison to control mice (saline). Therefore, this study showed that neolignans of Piper regnellii have promising anticancer activity. Further studies will be undertaken to determine the mechanism of action and toxicity of these compounds.

The use of antibiotics in agriculture is limited when compared to their applications in human and veterinary medicine. On the other hand, the use of antimicrobials in agriculture contributes to the drug resistance of human pathogens and has stimulated the search for new antibiotics from natural products. Essential oils have been shown to exert several biological activities including antibacterial and antifungal actions. The aim of this study was to determine the activity of 28 essential oils from medicinal plants cultivated at CPMA (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Collection), CPQBA/UNICAMP, against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc., the anthracnose agent in yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deg), as well as evaluating their effect in the control of post-harvest decay. The oils were obtained by water-distillation using a Clevenger-type system and their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) determined by the micro-dilution method. According to the results, 15 of the 28 essential oils presented activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and the following four oils presented MIC values between 0.25 and 0.3 mg/mL: Coriandrum sativum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Lippia alba. The evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in the control of post-harvest decay in yellow passion fruit showed that the disease index of the samples treated with the essential oil did not differ (P < 0.05) from that of the samples treated with fungicide. The present study shows the potential of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in the control of the anthracnose agent in yellow passion fruit.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:06:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The Brazilian forests have one of the world's biggest biodiversities. Achyrocline satureioides (macela) and Acmella oleracea (jambu) are native species from Brazil with a huge therapeutic potential, with proved anti-inflammatory and anesthetic action, respectively. The jambu's crude extract after depigmentation with activated charcoal and macela's essential oil were incorporated in a film made with hydroxyethyl cellulose. Those films were evaluated by mechanical test using a texturometer and anti-inflammatory and anesthetic activities by in vivo tests: wound healing and antinociceptive. The film containing the highest concentration of depigmented jambu's extract and macela's essential oil obtained an anesthesia time of 83.6 (+/- 28.5) min longer when compared with the positive control EMLA (R); the same occurred with the wound healing test; the film containing the highest concentration had a higherwound contraction (62.0%+/- 12.1) compared to the positive control allantoin and the histopathological analysis demonstrated that it increases collagen synthesis and epidermal thickening. The results demonstrate that the films have a potential use in skin wounds, pressure sore, and infected surgical wounds treatment. Univ Estadual Campinas, Chem Biol & Agr Res Ctr CPQBA, Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biochem & Tissue Biol, Biol Inst, Campinas, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Dept Biol, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Dept Biol, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2016/13776-5

Varronia curassavica Jacq. is a medicinal and aromatic plant from Brazil with significant economic importance. Studies on genetic diversity in active germplasm banks (AGB) are essential for conservation and breeding programs. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of V. curassavica accessions of the AGB of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), using inter-simple sequence repeat molecular markers. Twenty-four primers were tested, and 14 were polymorphic and informative, resulting in 149 bands with 97.98% polymorphism. The UPGMA dendrogram divided the accessions into Clusters I and II. Jaccard similarity coefficients for pair-wise comparisons of accessions ranged between 0.24 and 0.78. The pairs of accessions VCUR-001/VCUR-503, VCUR-001/VCUR-504, and VCUR-104/VCUR-501 showed relatively low similarity (0.24), and the pair of accessions VCUR-402/VCUR- 403 showed medium similarity (0.78). Twenty-eight accessions were divided into three distinct clusters, according to the STRUCTURE analysis. The genetic diversity of V. curassavica in the AGB of UFS is low to medium, and it requires expansion. Accession VCUR-802 is the most suitable for selection in breeding program of this species, since it clearly represents all of the diversity present in the AGB.

Premise of the study: Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae) is a native plant of the Atlantic Forest that is used for the production of essential oil. Microsatellite markers were developed for this species to investigate the genetic diversity of three natural populations. Methods and Results: Seventeen out of 27 microsatellite loci identified in a genomic library used for the characterization of 315 individuals derived from three natural populations of B. dracunculifolia resulted in successful amplifications. Eleven polymorphic loci, ranging from two to seven alleles per locus, were obtained with expected and observed heterozygosity values ranging between 0.068 and 0.775 and 0.046 and 0.667, respectively. Conclusions: The microsatellite loci described in this study are tools that can be used for further studies of population genetics of B. dracunculifolia with a focus on deforested areas and conservation of natural populations.

Essential oils and ethanolic extracts from the leaves and/or roots of 35 medicinal plants commonly used in Brazil were screened for anti-Candida albicans activity. The oils were obtained by water-distillation using a Clevenger-type system. Essential oils from 13 plants showed anti-Candida activity, including Aloysia triphylla, Anthemis nobilis, Cymbopogon martini, Cymbopogon winterianus, Cyperus articulatus, Cyperus rotundus, Lippia alba, Mentha arvensis, Mikania glomerata, Mentha piperita, Mentha sp., Stachys byzantina, and Solidago chilensis. The ethanol extract was not effective at any of the concentrations tested. Chemical analyses showed the presence of compounds with known antimicrobial activity, including 1,8-cineole, geranial, germacrene-D, limonene, linalool, and menthol.

Essential oils from aerial parts of Mentha piperita, M. spicata, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, O. applii, Aloysia triphylla, Ocimum gratissimum, O. basilicum were obtained by steam destillation using a Clevenger-type system. These oils were screened for antibacterial and anti-Candida albicans activity using bioautographic method. Subsequently, minimal inhibitory concentration from oils was determined by microdilution method. Most essential oil studied were effective against Enterococcus faecium and Salmonella cholerasuis. Aloysia triphylla and O. basilicum presented moderate inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus while only A. tryphila and M. piperita were able to control the yeast Candida albicans. The oils were analyzed by GC and GC-MS techniques in order to determine the majoritary compounds.Óleos essenciais foram obtidos a partir das partes aéreas de Mentha piperita, M. spicata, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, O. applii, Aloysia triphylla, Ocimum gratissimum e O. basilicum através de arraste de vapor em sistema tipo Clevenger. Os óleos foram avaliados quanto à atividade antimicrobiana contra bactérias e contra a levedura Candida albicans pelo método de bioautografia. A concentração mínima inibitória dos óleos com atividade positiva foi em seguida determinada pelo método da microdiluição. De acordo com os resultados, a maioria dos óleos essenciais estudados foram efetivos contra Enterococcus faecium e Salmonella cholerasuis. A.triphylla e O. basilicum apresentaram inibição moderada contra Staphylococcus aureus enquanto apenas A. tryphila e M. piperita foram capazes de inibir a levedura Candida albicans. Os óleos foram analisados quimicamente por técnicas de CG e CG-EM de modo a determinar os compostos majoritários presentes.

The essential oils (EO) and bioactive fractions (BF) fromAloysia gratissima, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Coriandrum sativum, Cyperus articulatus,andLippia sidoideswere proven to have strong antimicrobial activity on planktonic microorganisms; however, little is known about their effects on the morphology or viability of oral biofilms. Previously, we determined the EO/fractions with the best antimicrobial activity againstStreptococcus mutansandCandidaspp. In this report, we used a confocal analysis to investigate the effect of these EO and BF on the morphology ofS. mutansbiofilms (thickness, biovolume, and architecture) and on the metabolic viability ofC. albicansbiofilms. The analysis of intact treatedS. mutansbiofilms showed no statistical difference for thickness in all groups compared to the control. However, a significant reduction in the biovolume of extracellular polysaccharides and bacteria was observed forA. gratissimaandL. sidoidesgroups, indicating that these BF disrupt biofilm integrity and may have created porosity in the biofilm. This phenomenon could potentially result in a weakened structure and affect biofilm dynamics. Finally,C. sativumEO drastically affectedC. albicansviability when compared to the control. These results highlight the promising antimicrobial activity of these plant species and support future translational research on the treatment of dental caries and oral candidiasis.

The physic nut has attracted great interest for their socioeconomic promising vegetable oil production capacity that can be used in biodiesel manufacturing. However, the species is still under a domestication process and many studies are still needed to start a breeding program. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity in 29 physic nut accessions from two germplasm banks using 14 ISSR markers. Genetic characterization revealed that 86.64% of the genetic variation is present within the groups, whereas 13.36% corresponded to the variation between the groups. The total mean number of alleles per locus was 1.99 and the effective number of alleles corresponded to 1.42. The Bayesian analysis allocated the access into four clusters, showing that the clusters formed showed no relation to the origin of access. The Jaccard similarity index indicated that the extent of similarity between accessions ranged from 0.23 to 0.94. The dendrogram formed the same four access groups as those formed by the Bayesian analysis, and all groups were in agreement in both analyses. The study demonstrated the need and importance of a germplasm collection from several regions and countries in order to preserve the genetic diversity of the species and the development of Euphorbiaceae breeding programs

Background Essential oils (EO) obtained from twenty medicinal and aromatic plants were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against the oral pathogens Candida albicans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mitis. Methods The antimicrobial activity of the EO was evaluates by microdilution method determining Minimal Inhibitory Concentration. Chemical analysis of the oils compounds was performed by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (CG-MS). The most active EO were also investigated as to their actions on the biolfilm formation. Results The most of the essential oils (EO) presented moderate to strong antimicrobial activity against the oral pathogens (MIC - Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations values between 0.007 and 1.00 mg/mL). The essential oil from Coriandrum sativum inhibited all oral species with MIC values from 0.007 to 0.250 mg/mL, and MBC/MFC (Minimal Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentrations) from 0.015 to 0.500 mg/mL. On the other hand the essential oil of C. articulatus inhibited 63.96% of S. sanguis biofilm formation. Through Scanning Eletronic Microscopy (SEM) images no changes were observed in cell morphology, despite a decrease in biofilm formation and changes on biofilm structure. Chemical analysis by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) of the C. sativum essential oil revealed major compounds derivatives from alcohols and aldehydes, while Cyperus articulatus and Aloysia gratissima (EOs) presented mono and sesquiterpenes. Conclusions In conclusion, the crude oil from C. articulatus exhibited the best results of antimicrobial activity e ability to control biofilm formation. The chemical analysis showed the presence of terpenes and monoterpenes such as a-pinene, a-bulnesene and copaene. The reduction of biofilms formation was confirmed from SEM images. The results of this research shows a great potential from the plants studied as new antimicrobial sources.

Anticancer drug research based on natural compounds enabled the discovery of many drugs currently used in cancer therapy. Here, we report the in vitro, in vivo and in silico anticancer and estrogen-like activity of Psidium guajava L. (guava) extracts and enriched mixture containing the meroterpenes guajadial, psidial A and psiguadial A and B. All samples were evaluated in vitro for anticancer activity against nine human cancer lines: K562 (leukemia), MCF7 (breast), NCI/ADR-RES (resistant ovarian cancer), NCI-H460 (lung), UACC-62 (melanoma), PC-3 (prostate), HT-29 (colon), OVCAR-3 (ovarian) and 786-0 (kidney). Psidium guajava's active compounds displayed similar physicochemical properties to estradiol and tamoxifen, as in silico molecular docking studies demonstrated that they fit into the estrogen receptors (ERs). The meroterpene-enriched fraction was also evaluated in vivo in a Solid Ehrlich murine breast adenocarcinoma model, and showed to be highly effective in inhibiting tumor growth, also demonstrating uterus increase in comparison to negative controls. The ability of guajadial, psidial A and psiguadials A and B to reduce tumor growth and stimulate uterus proliferation, as well as their in silico docking similarity to tamoxifen, suggest that these compounds may act as Selective Estrogen Receptors Modulators (SERMs), therefore holding significant potential for anticancer therapy.

Premise of the study: A new set of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed for Smilax brasiliensis, which is popularly known as sarsaparilla and used in folk medicine as a tonic, antirheumatic, and antisyphilitic. Smilax brasiliensis is sold in Brazilian pharmacies, and its origin and effectiveness are not subject to quality control. Methods and Results: Using a protocol for genomic library enrichment, primer pairs were developed for 26 microsatellite loci and validated in 17 accessions of S. brasiliensis. Thirteen loci were polymorphic and four were monomorphic. The primers successfully amplified alleles in the congeners S. campestris, S. cissoides, S. fluminensis, S . goyazana, S. polyantha, S. quinquenervia, S. rufescens, S. subsessiliflora, and S. syphilitica. Conclusions: The new SSR markers described herein are informative tools for genetic diversity and gene flow studies in S. brasiliensis and several congeners.

Arrabidaea chica (H&B) Verlot is a plant popularly known as Pariri and this species is a known source of anthocyanins, flavonoids and tannins. This report describes an approach involving enzymatic treatment prior to extraction procedures to enhance A chica crude extract anticancer activity. Anticancer activity in human cancer cell lines in vitro using a 48 h SRB cell viability assay was performed to determine growth inhibition and cytotoxic properties. The final extraction yield without enzyme treatment was higher (24.28%) compared to the enzyme-treated material (19.03%), with an enhanced aglycones anthocyanin ratio as determined by HPLC- DAD and LC-MS with direct infusion.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-01T18:44:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-04-01T18:50:07Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ISSN1808-8759-2013-28-04-270-276.pdf: 202457 bytes, checksum: c10457caac9a2c1edfa01e49a10f55ab (MD5) A espécie Artemisia annua, Asteraceae, nativa da China, tem a artemisinina como seu principal componente ativo, é considerado um potente antimalárico. Com o aumento do valor dos princípios ativos naturais, estudos relacionados à pós-colheita e armazenamento de material vegetal tornam-se importantes para melhor conservação de suas propriedades fitoterápicas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo definir as melhores condições de armazenamento para preservar a qualidade da droga vegetal. Folhas de A. annua secas foram armazenadas por seis meses em sacos de polietileno envolto por papel Kraft e acondicionadas em quatro tratamentos: em condição ambiente e refrigerada a 4º±2C, em embalagem normal e em embalagem sob vácuo. No tempo zero e nos períodos de 30, 90, 120 e 180 dias foram realizados as análises microbiológicas, de teor de umidade e de avaliação do teor de artemisinina. Os resultados dos ensaios microbiológicos não demonstraram contaminação significante, assim como o teor de umidade do material armazenado, que permanece entre 5% a 10%, mantendo-se dentro do parâmetro aceitável. O tratamento sem vácuo ambiente (SVA) foi o que melhor manteve estabilidade de armazenamento durante os 180 dias, no entanto, foi o sem vácuo refrigerado (SVR) que apresentou maior eficiência para a conservação do teor de artemisinina. The species Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae) is native to China and has artemisinin as its main active component, substance that is considered a potent antimalarial drug. With the increased interest in natural active principles, studies related to post-harvest and storage of vegetable material become important for better conservation of its phytotherapic properties. Therefore, the present study had as objectivedefine the best storage conditions to preserve and keep the quality of phytotherapic drugs. Leaves of A. annua dried were stored for six months in polyethylene bags wrapped in Kraft paper and packed in four treatments: at ambient condition, refrigerated at 4 ± 2 oC, using normal packing, and using vacuum packing. Samples were taken for microbiological, moisture content, and level of artemisinin analyses before the experiment begun and at 30, 90, 120 and 180 days. The results of microbiological tests showed no significant contamination, as well as the moisture content of the stored (biological) material, which remain between 5% and 10%, keeping within acceptable parameters. The ambient without vacuum treatment (SVA) was the treatment that better maintained the sample stability during 180 days, however, the refrigerated without vacuum (SVR) showed greater efficiency to conserve the content of artemisinin. Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu (IBB), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Botucatu, SP, Brasil Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Centro Pluridisciplinar de Pesquisas Químicas, Biológicas e Agrícolas (CPQBA), Paulínia, SP, Brasil Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu (IBB), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Botucatu, SP, Brasil

Com o passar dos anos, devido ao envelhecimento do organismo é bem comum o aparecimento de diversas patologias, onde o papel do uso de fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais (PM’s) é de grande relevância, principalmente para grande parcela de idosos. Entretanto, sua utilização indiscriminada pode ocasionar danos severos à saúde, sobretudo para grupos mais suscetíveis, como o dos idosos. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi conscientizar um grupo de idosos de Paulínia/SP sobre os riscos associados ao uso indiscriminado e inadequado de PM´s, através de palestras, visitas à laboratórios de pesquisa e aulas práticas de manipulação de fitoterápicos, onde foram produzidas formulações de xaropes, cremes anti-inflamatório, cicatrizante e repelente, além de práticas demonstrativas da obtenção de extratos, tinturas e extração de óleo essencial (OE) e algumas técnicas de controle de qualidade. O grupo aprendeu sobre a complexidade e o desafio do estudo com PM´s, destacando conceitos importantes quanto a aquisição, conservação, extração e controle de qualidade, além de orientações sobre o uso consciente de fitoterápicos e PMs. Aplicações dos OE’s nos ramos farmacêutico, cosmético, domissanitário e alimentício também foram exemplificadas através de aulas práticas. Desta forma, este projeto permitiu a inserção do grupo de idosos no contexto multidisciplinar das plantas medicinais e a troca mútua de conhecimentos e experiências entre os alunos envolvidos e o grupo de idosos.

Background This study evaluated the effects of C. verbenacea essential oil topically administered in a rat periodontitis model. Methods Periodontitis was induced on rats in one of the mandibular first molars assigned to receive a ligature. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: a) non-treatment group (NT) (n = 18): animals received 1mL of vehicle; b) C. verbenacea group (C.v.) (n = 18): animals received 5mg/Kg of essential oils isolated from C. verbenacea. The therapies were administered topically 3 times daily for 11 days. Then, the specimens were processed for morphometric analysis of bone loss. The ligatures were used for microbiological assessment of the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis using PCR. The gingival tissue was collected to Elisa assay of interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-10 levels. Results Bone loss was inhibited by C. verbenacea when compared to the NT group (p p P. gingivalis was found in C.v. group (p Conclusion C. verbenacea essential oil topically administered diminished alveolar bone resorption, promoting a positive local imbalance in the pro/anti-inflammatory system and reducing the frequency of detection of P. gingivalis.

Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-28T14:12:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000313219000001.pdf: 1591535 bytes, checksum: f2c5ce24fa4145acc10f5d0518b6e227 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T17:56:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 WOS000313219000001.pdf: 1591535 bytes, checksum: f2c5ce24fa4145acc10f5d0518b6e227 (MD5) WOS000313219000001.pdf.txt: 49405 bytes, checksum: b65b45bf3c1692970df3521019d8b782 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-12-17 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:54:59Z No. of bitstreams: 2 WOS000313219000001.pdf: 1591535 bytes, checksum: f2c5ce24fa4145acc10f5d0518b6e227 (MD5) WOS000313219000001.pdf.txt: 49405 bytes, checksum: b65b45bf3c1692970df3521019d8b782 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:55:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 WOS000313219000001.pdf: 1591535 bytes, checksum: f2c5ce24fa4145acc10f5d0518b6e227 (MD5) WOS000313219000001.pdf.txt: 49405 bytes, checksum: b65b45bf3c1692970df3521019d8b782 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-12-17 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Background: The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the species with the largest worldwide distribution and is proven to be involved in the transmission of pathogens such as Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia ricketsii, Rickettsia conorii, among others. Studies have demonstrated acquisition of resistance to some of the active principles used in commercial formulations of acaricides. Tagetes patula (Asteraceae) is a plant with highlighted economic and commercial importance due to the production of secondary metabolites with insecticide and acaricide potential, mainly flavonoids, thiophenes and terpenes.Methods: The in vitro acaricide action of the ethanolic 70% extract from aerial parts of T. patula, obtained by percolation, was evaluated against larvae and engorged adult females of Rhipicephalus sanguineus by immersion test for 5 minutes. The chemical characterization of this extract was done by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), using direct injection of sample.Results: Despite T. patula not proving lethal to adults in any of the concentrations tested, at 50.0 mg/mL oviposition rate decreased by 21.5% and eliminated 99.78% of the larvae. Also it was determined that the best results were obtained with 5 minutes of immersion. From the chromatographic analysis twelve O-glycosylated flavonoids were identified.Conclusions: This is the first report on the acaricidal activity of T. patula extract against Rh. sanguineus. If we consider the application of the product in the environment, we could completely eliminate the larval stage of development of the ixodid Rh. sanguineus. Univ Estadual Paulista, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Drugs & Med, UNESP, BR-14801902 Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Campinas, Chem Biol & Agr Pluridisciplinary Res Ctr CPQBA, UNICAMP, BR-13081970 Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Biol, Inst Biosci, UNESP, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Univ Fed Uberlandia, Fac Vet Med, Dept Appl Immunol & Parasitol, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Coll Agr & Vet Sci, Dept Vet Pathol, UNESP, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Organ Chem, Inst Chem, UNESP, BR-14800900 Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Drugs & Med, UNESP, BR-14801902 Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Biol, Inst Biosci, UNESP, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Coll Agr & Vet Sci, Dept Vet Pathol, UNESP, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Organ Chem, Inst Chem, UNESP, BR-14800900 Araraquara, SP, Brazil

The importance of medicinal plants and their use in industrial applications is increasing worldwide, especially in Brazil. Phyllanthus species, popularly known as "quebra-pedras" in Brazil, are used in folk medicine for treating urinary infections and renal calculus. This paper reports an authenticity study, based on herbal drugs from Phyllanthus species, involving commercial and authentic samples using spectroscopic techniques: FT-IR, 1H HR-MAS NMR and 1H NMR in solution, combined with chemometric analysis. The spectroscopic techniques evaluated, coupled with chemometric methods, have great potential in the investigation of complex matrices. Furthermore, several metabolites were identified by the NMR techniques.

This study aimed to evaluate the activity of essential oils (EOs) againstStreptococcus mutansbiofilm by chemically characterizing their fractions responsible for biological and antiproliferative activity. Twenty EO were obtained by hydrodistillation and submitted to the antimicrobial assay (minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations) againstS. mutansUA159. Thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used for phytochemical analyses. EOs were selected according to predetermined criteria and fractionated using dry column; the resulting fractions were assessed by MIC and MBC, selected as active fractions, and evaluated againstS. mutansbiofilm. Biofilms formed were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Selected EOs and their selected active fractions were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes and seven human tumor cell lines. MIC and MBC values obtained for EO and their active fractions showed strong antimicrobial activity. Chemical analyses mainly showed the presence of terpenes. The selected active fractions inhibitedS. mutansbiofilm formation (P<0.05) did not affect glycolytic pH drop and were inactive against keratinocytes, normal cell line. In conclusion, EO showed activity at low concentrations, and their selected active fractions were also effective against biofilm formed byS. mutansand human tumor cell lines.

• Premise of the study: Hebanthe eriantha (Amaranthaceae) is extensively collected and used in folk medicine. Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of germplasm collections of this species. • METHODS: and Results: Eleven highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from two to eight. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.808 and 0.455 to 0.851, respectively. • CONCLUSIONS: These results show the utility of microsatellite loci for studies of population genetics in H. eriantha, which are important for the future conservation and cultivation of this medicinal species.

The efficacy of extracts and essential oils fromAllium tuberosum, Coriandrum sativum, Cymbopogon martini, Cymbopogon winterianus,andSantolina chamaecyparissuswas evaluated againstCandidaspp. isolates from the oral cavity of patients with periodontal disease. The most active oil was fractionated and tested againstC. albicansbiofilm formation. The oils were obtained by water-distillation and the extracts were prepared with macerated dried plant material. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration—MIC was determined by the microdilution method. Chemical characterization of oil constituents was performed using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). C. sativum activity oil upon cell and biofilm morphology was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The best activities against planktonicCandidaspp. were observed for the essential oil and the grouped F8–10fractions fromC. sativum. The crude oil also affected the biofilm formation inC. albicanscausing a decrease in the biofilm growth. Chemical analysis of the F8–10fractions detected as major active compounds, 2-hexen-1-ol, 3-hexen-1-ol and cyclodecane. Standards of these compounds tested grouped provided a stronger activity than the oil suggesting a synergistic action from the major oil constituents. The activity ofC. sativumoil demonstrates its potential for a new natural antifungal formulation.

Cordia verbenacea DC (Boraginaceae) is a Brazilian coastal shrub species extensively utilized in the folk medicine and also by the pharmaceutical industry. Despite its enormous economic and pharmacological potential, little is known about its reproductive biology, genetic structure and genetic diversity of natural populations. Due to the rapid degradation of its natural habitat, this knowledge became imperative. We developed a set of eight highly polymorphic microsatellite markers for the study of genetic structure and diversity of C. verbenacea natural populations and germplasm collections. Six of them revealed a multibanded pattern typical of polyploid species. The total number of bands per locus ranged from 2 to 12 and the number of bands per locus per individual ranged from 1 to 8. The primer pairs presented here will be used to generate information to guide conservation programs and rational exploitation of C. verbenacea.

The cytotoxicity of the dichloromethane crude extract (DCE), obtained from the aerial parts of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq (Piperaceae), was evaluated against nine human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, NCI-ADR/RES, OVCAR-3, PC-3, HT-29, NCI-H460, 786-O, UACC-62, K-562). The DCE presented antiproliferative activity with good potency against all cell lines at low concentrations (between 4.0 and 9.5 microg/mL) and with selectivity (1.55 microg/mL) for the leukemia cell line (K-652). DCE (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg, ip) was also evaluated in the Ehrlich ascites tumor model. Both the survival number and the life span of the animals that died increased by at least 45 and 50%, respectively (8 animals per group), demonstrating P. umbellata extract potential anticancer activity. The results of the in vivo antitumor activity prompted the fractionation of the crude extract. The crude extract was submitted to dry column chromatography with dichloromethane-methanol (99:1). The column effluent fractions were extracted with methanol, dried under vacuum yielding fractions FR1 (less polar), FR2 (medium polarity), and FR3 (polar), which were analyzed for their growth inhibition or cytotoxic properties by a 48-h sulforhodamine B cell viability assay by measuring the total protein content. FR1 demonstrated high potency and cytotoxicity, a result compatible with the high toxicity of oxalic acid; FR2, containing 4-nerolidylcathecol, presented the lowest cytotoxic activity compared to the other two fractions but with selectivity for prostate cancer cell line; FR3, containing a mixture of steroids described in the literature as possessing various biological activities, also presented potent anticancer in vitro activity. These results suggest that P. umbellata DCE in vivo antitumor activity may be a consequence of the activity of different active principles.

Essential oils obtained from leaves of 29 medicinal plants commonly used in Brazil were screened against 13 different Escherichia coli serotypes. The oils were obtained by water-distillation using a Clevenger-type system and their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined by microdilution method. Essential oil from Cymbopogon martinii exhibited a broad inhibition spectrum, presenting strong activity (MIC between 100 and 500 microg/mL) against 10 out of 13 Escherichia coli serotypes: three enterotoxigenic, two enteropathogenic, three enteroinvasive and two shiga-toxin producers. C. winterianus inhibited strongly two enterotoxigenic, one enteropathogenic, one enteroinvasive and one shiga-toxin producer serotypes. Aloysia triphylla also shows good potential to kill Escherichia coli with moderate to strong inhibition. Other essential oils showed antimicrobial properties, however with a more restricted action against the serotypes studied. Chemical analysis of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil performed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed the presence of compounds with known antimicrobial activity, including geraniol, geranyl acetate and trans-cariophyllene, which tested separately, indicated geraniol as antimicrobial active compound. The significant antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon martinii oil suggests that they could serve as a source for compounds with therapeutic potential.

Essential oils from aerial parts of Mentha piperita, M. spicata, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, O. applii, Aloysia triphylla, Ocimum gratissimum, O. basilicum were obtained by steam destillation using a Clevenger-type system. These oils were screened for antibacterial and anti-Candida albicans activity using bioautographic method. Subsequently, minimal inhibitory concentration from oils was determined by microdilution method. Most essential oil studied were effective against Enterococcus faecium and Salmonella cholerasuis. Aloysia triphylla and O. basilicum presented moderate inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus while only A. tryphila and M. piperita were able to control the yeast Candida albicans. The oils were analyzed by GC and GC-MS techniques in order to determine the majoritary compounds. Óleos essenciais foram obtidos a partir das partes aéreas de Mentha piperita, M. spicata, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, O. applii, Aloysia triphylla, Ocimum gratissimum e O. basilicum através de arraste de vapor em sistema tipo Clevenger. Os óleos foram avaliados quanto à atividade antimicrobiana contra bactérias e contra a levedura Candida albicans pelo método de bioautografia. A concentração mínima inibitória dos óleos com atividade positiva foi em seguida determinada pelo método da microdiluição. De acordo com os resultados, a maioria dos óleos essenciais estudados foram efetivos contra Enterococcus faecium e Salmonella cholerasuis. A.triphylla e O. basilicum apresentaram inibição moderada contra Staphylococcus aureus enquanto apenas A. tryphila e M. piperita foram capazes de inibir a levedura Candida albicans. Os óleos foram analisados quimicamente por técnicas de CG e CG-EM de modo a determinar os compostos majoritários presentes.

Quebra-Pedra é o nome popular atribuído a espécies do gênero Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae). P. niruri e P. amarus são estudadas no Brasil e no mundo quanto às suas atividades farmacológicas, decorrentes das indicações populares. O estudo de secagem a armazenamento visa fornecer parâmetros para se obter a matéria prima uniforme e de qualidade. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar o teor de umidade final das espécies e a curva de umidade de equilíbrio (UE) entre 10 e 90% de UR. As duas espécies foram cultivadas no CPQBA, colhidas a 50cm de altura e direcionadas à secagem (T = 50°C) em estufa com circulação forçada de ar. Na determinação da curva de UE utilizou-se o método estático, empregando-se soluções salinas saturadas. O peso foi controlado através de pesagens periódicas, até atingir o equilíbrio (peso constante), sendo então determinada a UF. Por meio das curvas, determinouse a umidade de equilíbrio característica de cada espécie na faixa de umidade relativa do ar estudada. Os modelos matemáticos que melhor se ajustaram a P. amarus foi o de Hasley (9,3%), e P.niruri GAB (8,9%). Species of the genus Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae) is known popularly in Brazil as "Quebra Pedra" (Break-stone) and indicated for the treatment of renal lithiasis. P. niruri and P. amarus have been studied in Brazil and around the world regarding pharmacologycal activity, due to folk uses. Drying and storage parameters intend to provide a standard raw material with high quality. The storage condition can determine the durability of raw material and relative humidity is one of the most important factors. The aim of this study was to determine the final percentage of humidity and the desorption isotherms. The species were cultivated on experimental field at CPQBA/UNICAMP. The experimental area was harvest and the aerial part was dried in 50ºC until constant weight. After dried, the final humidity was determined. The equilibrium moisture had been determined by static gravimetric method, with a range of relative humidity from 10 to 90%. The most commonly used equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) equations were compared with their ability of best fiting the published sorption data for selected medicinal and aromatic plants. The best-fitted equation identified for P. amarus was Hasley (9,3%), and for P.niruri was GAB (8,9%).