Search

This article describes the morpho-anatomies of the leaves and stems of Ocotea paranaensis Brotto, Baitello, CerviSantos (Lauraceae) using light and scanning electron microscopy. The main anatomical features characterizing the species are the presence of simple non-glandular trichomes in the leaves and stems, large secretory cells in the leaves, flat-convex petioles with two small lateral ribs, brachysclereids in the stem cortex and pith, and the presence of starch grains and various types of calcium oxalate crystals in the pith. Histochemical tests indicated the presence of lignin in stone cells, fibers, and xylem. Lipophilic contents were found in the secretory cells. Phenolic compounds were detected in the epidermis, hypodermis, phloem, and xylem. The present study's findings can contribute to the taxonomy and authentication of O. paranaensis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This article is the first morpho-anatomical study of Ocotea paranaensis. Anatomy and histochemistry of the leaves and stems were studied by light microscopy, FESEM and EDS. The findings of this study would aid in the species identification and taxonomy.

This paper studied the chemical profile, cytotoxicity, and insecticidal activity of the volatile oil, as well as provided a detailed anatomy of the leaves and stems from Eugenia involucrata DC., Myrtaceae. Its volatile oil was identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The insecticidal activity was performed using the volatile oil against two strains of Cimex lectularius L., using topical, residual, and fumigant methods. Cytotoxicity was verified against B16F10, MCF7, and McCoy cell lines. The cytotoxic mechanism was studied by the morphology feature changes. The microscopic analysis was performed by usual microscopy techniques. The main volatile compounds of E. involucrata were germacrene B (22.17%), bicyclogermacrene (19.76%), and β-elemene (10.86%). Volatile oil demonstrated low toxicity against two strains of the bed bug in the topical test and did not present toxicity in fumigation and residual methods. Cytotoxicity for the B16F10 murine melanoma cells was demonstrated. Moreover, the volatile oil induces morphological characteristic changes of the cell death process of apoptosis. The microscopic data of the leaf and stem provided information to support the identification of E. involucrata.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi desenvolver, caracterizar e quantificar micropartículas de poli(ԑ-caprolactona) contendo extrato de Ruta graveolens L. para posterior veiculação em um xampu infantil para o combate seguro da pediculose. O extrato hidroalcóolico foi obtido da planta seca através do método de turbólise. As micropartículas foram obtidas pelo método da emulsão simples seguida da evaporação do solvente modificando a proporção de extrato e polímero. Os sistemas poliméricos foram caracterizados por meio de estudos morfológicos e espectroscópicos. A eficiência de encapsulação foi verificada pelo método indireto de quantificação. Uma formulação de xampu infantil foi desenvolvida, verificando as características organolépticas e físico-químicas. As micropartículas poliméricas foram obtidas com sucesso pelo método escolhido e apresentaram um rendimento médio de 49,7% e eficiência de encapsulação acima de 82,26%. Os sistemas apresentaram formato esférico e borda lisa, tamanho médio entre 686,9 e 2973,6 nm, baixo índice de polidispersão e potencial zeta negativo. Os espectros de infravermelho demonstraram bandas distintas para os materiais isolados em comparação com as formulações de micropartículas. A formulação de xampu infantil desenvolvida apresentou coloração branca, fragrância e textura condizentes à formulação de xampu. A densidade encontrada foi de 1,0025 g/mL e viscosidade de 47,78 cP, enquanto o pH da formulação foi próximo ao pH lacrimal. Com isso, o presente estudo obteve com sucesso as micropartículas de PCL contendo o extrato de R. graveolens L. e desenvolveu de maneira eficaz uma formulação de xampu infantil para veicular as micropartículas como alternativa segura ao tratamento da pediculose. The aim of the present study was to develop, to characterize and to quantify Ruta graveolens L. extract-loaded poly(ԑ-caprolactone) microparticles for application in a children's shampoo for the safe combat of pediculosis. The hydroalcoholic extract was obtained from the dried plant through the turbolysis method. Microparticles were obtained by the emulsification solvent evaporation technique, modifying the proportion of extract and polymer. The polymeric systems were characterized through morphological and spectroscopic studies. The encapsulation efficiency was verified by the indirect method of quantification. A children's shampoo formulation was developed, verifying the organoleptic and physical-chemical characteristics. The polymeric microparticles were successfully obtained by the chosen method and showed an average yield of 49.7% and encapsulation efficiency above 82.26%. The systems had a spherical shape and smooth edge, average size between 686.9 and 2973.6 nm, low polydispersion index and negative zeta potential. Infrared spectra demonstrated distinct bands for isolated materials compared to microparticle formulations. The developed children's shampoo formulation presented white coloration and fragrance and texture consistent with the shampoo formulation. The density found was 1.0025 g/mL and viscosity of 47.78 cP, while the pH of the formulation was close to the tear pH. Thus, the present study successfully obtained R. graveolens L. extract-loaded PCL microparticles and effectively developed a children's shampoo formulation for microparticles vehiculation to use as a safe alternative for the treatment of pediculosis. El objetivo del presente estudio fue desarrollar, caracterizar y cuantificar micropartículas de poli(ԑ-caprolactona) cargadas con extracto de Ruta graveolens L. para su aplicación en un champú infantil para el combate seguro de la pediculosis. El extracto hidroalcohólico se obtuvo de la planta seca mediante el método de turbólisis. Las micropartículas se obtuvieron mediante la técnica de emulsificación por evaporación del solvente, modificando la proporción de extracto y polímero. Los sistemas poliméricos se caracterizaron mediante estudios morfológicos y espectroscópicos. La eficiencia de encapsulación se verificó por el método indirecto de cuantificación. Se desarrolló una formulación de champú infantil, verificando las características organolépticas y físico-químicas. Las micropartículas poliméricas se obtuvieron con éxito por el método elegido y mostraron un rendimiento promedio de 49,7 % y una eficiencia de encapsulación superior al 82,26 %. Los sistemas tenían forma esférica y borde liso, tamaño promedio entre 686,9 y 2973,6 nm, bajo índice de polidispersión y potencial zeta negativo. Los espectros infrarrojos demostraron bandas distintas para los materiales aislados en comparación con las formulaciones de micropartículas. La formulación de champú para niños desarrollada presentó coloración blanca y fragancia y textura consistente con la formulación de champú. La densidad encontrada fue de 1.0025 g/mL y la viscosidad de 47.78 cP, mientras que el pH de la formulación fue cercano al pH de la lágrima. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio obtuvo con éxito micropartículas de PCL cargadas con extracto de R. graveolens L. y desarrolló de manera efectiva una formulación de champú para la entrega de micropartículas para niños como una alternativa segura para el tratamiento de la pediculosis.

Essential oils are an important natural source of pesticides and can be suitable used in ectoparasite control. The goal of this paper was to investigate the chemical composition of the volatile oils obtained from leaves and stems of Philodendron meridionale Buturi & Sakur by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and to evaluate their insecticidal effect against Ctenocephalides felis Bouché adult insects and their cytotoxicity on human Jurkat leukemic T-cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5diphenyltetrazoluim bromide (MTT) reduction method. The main compound was ent-kaur-16-ene at concentrations of 20.78 and 22.46% for volatile oils from leaves and stems, respectively. These volatile oils provided insecticidal effect against C. felis with an average knockdown time of 9.61 and 7.35 min for fumigant test performed with the leaves and stems samples, respectively. Considering the topical application, these P. meridionale volatile oils extracted from leaves and stems demonstrated average knockdown values of 14.70 and 20.0 min, respectively. A very low cytotoxic effect of 9.48 and 11.32% was observed for P. meridionale volatile oils from leaves and stems even at the highest tested concentration of 400 μg.mL-1, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to propose a biological selectivity to the volatile oils under study, which guarantees, at the same time, effect against this insect with no evident damage to human biological system. Los aceites esenciales son una importante fuente natural de pesticidas y pueden usarse de manera adecuada en el control de ectoparásitos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar la composición química de los aceites volátiles obtenidos de hojas y tallos de Philodendron meridionale Buturi & Sakur por cromatografía de gases / espectrometría de masas y evaluar su efecto insecticida contra insectos adultos Ctenocephalides felis Bouché y su citotoxicidad em línea celular Jurkat - células-T leucêmicas humanos- por el método de reducción de bromuro de 3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5difeniltetrazoluim (MTT). El compuesto principal fue ent-kaur-16-eno en concentraciones de 20,78 y 22,46% para aceites volátiles de hojas y tallos, respectivamente. Estos aceites volátiles proporcionaron un efecto insecticida contra C. felis con un tiempo de remoción promedio de 9,61 y 7,35 min para la prueba de fumigante realizada con las muestras de hojas y tallos, respectivamente. Considerando la aplicación tópica, estos aceites volátiles de P. meridionale extraídos de hojas y tallos mostraron valores promedio de caída de 14,70 y 20,0 min, respectivamente. Se observó un efecto citotóxico muy bajo de 9,48 y 11,32% para los aceites volátiles de P. meridionale de hojas y tallos, incluso a la concentración más alta probada de 400 μg.mL-1, respectivamente. Por tanto, es posible proponer una selectividad biológica a los aceites volátiles en estudio, lo que garantiza, al mismo tiempo, efecto contra este insecto sin daño evidente al sistema biológico humano. Os óleos essenciais são uma importante fonte natural de pesticidas e podem ser usados de forma adequada no controle de ectoparasitas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a composição química dos óleos voláteis obtidos de folhas e caules de Philodendron meridionale Buturi & Sakur por cromatografia gasosa / espectrometria de massa e avaliar seu efeito inseticida contra insetos adultos Ctenocephalides felis Bouché e sua citotoxicidade em linhagem celular Jurkat - células T leucêmicas humanas - pelo método de redução de brometo de 3- (4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il) -2,5-difeniltetrazoluim (MTT). O principal composto majoritário foi o ent-kaur-16-eno em concentrações de 20,78 e 22,46% para óleos voláteis de folhas e caules, respectivamente. Esses óleos voláteis proporcionaram efeito inseticida contra C. felis com um tempo médio de remoção de 9,61 e 7,35 min para o teste de fumigação realizado com as amostras de folhas e caules, respectivamente. Considerando a aplicação tópica, esses óleos voláteis de P. meridionale extraídos de folhas e caules apresentaram valores médios de queda de 14,70 e 20,0 min, respectivamente. Um efeito citotóxico muito baixo de 9,48 e 11,32% foi observado para os óleos voláteis de P. meridionale de folhas e caules, mesmo na maior concentração testada de 400 μg.mL-1, respectivamente. Portanto, é possível propor uma seletividade biológica aos óleos voláteis em estudo, o que garante, ao mesmo tempo, um efeito contra este inseto sem danos evidentes ao sistema biológico humano.

Ocotea porosa (Nees & Mart.) Barroso, commonly known as “imbuia”, “canela-imbuia” or “imbuia-amarela” in Brazil, is a tree of the Southern Atlantic Forest. The present study investigates the anatomy of leaf and stem, volatile oil chemistry, as well as cytotoxicity and insecticidal activities of the essential oil of O. porosa. Species identification was achieved by anatomy features, mainly due to paracytic and anomocytic stomata; non-glandular trichomes; biconvex midrib and petiole with a collateral open arc vascular bundle; presence of a sclerenchymatous layer, starch grains and crystal sand in the stem; and the presence of phenolic compounds in the epidermis, phloem and xylem of the midrib, petiole and stem. The main volatile components of the essential oil were α-pinene (19.71%), β-pinene (13.86%) and bicyclogermacrene (24.62%). Cytotoxicity against human cancer cell (MCF-7), mouse cancer cell (B16F10) and mouse non-tumoral cell (McCoy) was observed as well as insecticidal activity of the essential oil against susceptible ‘Ft. Dix’ bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) by topical application.

We report for the first time the presence of cluster crystals of calcium oxalate within the glandular trichomes and oil bodies in the mesophyll for Baccharis species. Moreover, the comparative leaf anatomy and micro-morphology of six species of Baccharis, namely B. illinita, B. microdonta, B. pauciflosculosa, B. punctulata, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla is investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. The studied species exhibited differences in their leaf anatomical features such as the morphology of the cuticle, type and occurrence of the stomata, presence or absence of glandular trichomes, shape of the flagelliform trichomes, and the arrangement of the mesophyll tissues. These differences can be helpful in the species identification and classification and could represent informative characters for the reconstruction of the evolution of the genus.

Piper amalago L. is a medicinal plant traditionally used as a healing agent for wounds, burns, abscesses, boils, and insect bites. The current study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of the aqueous crude extract obtained from P. amalago leaves, in different concentrations and in different incubation times, using the in vitro model of mouse fibroblasts (3T3). The extract was tested in different concentrations at the 24 h incubation time for analysis of cell viability, cytotoxicity, proliferation, cell morphology, immunostaining, adhesion and cell spreading assays, as well as to determine the hydroxyproline concentration and activity of the metalloproteinase MMP2. Morphologically, after exposure to the concentrations of 15 and 150 µg/mL, the cells maintained the morphology, yet a greater number of cells with more expansions of the cell body and larger than the control cells were observed. The treated cell culture also showed a greater number of cells, larger cells, a greater expansion of the cell body, adherent cells spread over the substrate, and a more juxtaposed, central and spherical nucleus. The treatment induced greater cell adhesion to the polymer, fibronectin, and collagen I. Biochemical results showed a significant increase in the hydroxyproline amino acid after exposure for 96 h. The extract did not induce loss of cell viability until the concentration reached 150 µg/mL, positively modulating proliferation, morphology, adhesion, degree of spreading, and organization of microfilaments. The extract also promoted a significant increase in the hydroxyproline amino acid. Piper amalago L. es una planta medicinal utilizada tradicionalmente como agente cicatrizante de heridas, quemaduras, abscesos, furúnculos y picaduras de insectos. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los posibles efectos del extracto crudo acuoso obtenido de las hojas de P. amalago, en diferentes concentraciones y en diferentes tiempos de incubación, utilizando el modelo in vitro de fibroblastos de ratón (3T3). El extracto se probó a diferentes concentraciones en el tiempo de incubación de 24 horas para el análisis de viabilidad celular, citotoxicidad, proliferación, morfología celular, inmunotinción, ensayos de adhesión y propagación celular, así como para determinar la concentración de hidroxiprolina y la actividad metaloproteinasa de MMP2. Morfológicamente, tras la exposición a concentraciones de 15 y 150 µg/mL, las células mantuvieron su morfología, pero se observó un mayor número de células con más expansiones del cuerpo celular y más grandes que las células control. El cultivo celular tratado también mostró un mayor número de células, células más grandes, mayor expansión del cuerpo celular, células adherentes difundidas sobre el sustrato y núcleos más yuxtapuestos, centrales y esféricos. El tratamiento indujo una mayor adhesión celular al polímero, fibronectina y colágeno I. Los resultados bioquímicos mostraron un aumento significativo en el aminoácido hidroxiprolina después de 96 h de exposición. El extracto no indujo pérdida de viabilidad celular hasta que la concentración alcanzó 150 µg/mL, modulando positivamente la proliferación, morfología, adhesión, grado de diseminación y organización de los microfilamentos. El extracto también promovió un aumento significativo del aminoácido hidroxiprolina. Piper amalago L. é uma planta medicinal tradicionalmente usada como agente de cura para feridas, queimaduras, abcessos, furúnculos e picadas de insetos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os possíveis efeitos do extrato bruto aquoso obtido das folhas de P. amalago, em diferentes concentrações e em diferentes tempos de incubação, utilizando o modelo in vitro de fibroblastos de camundongo (3T3). O extrato foi testado em diferentes concentrações no tempo de incubação de 24 horas para análise de viabilidade celular, citotoxicidade, proliferação, morfologia celular, imunomarcação, adesão e ensaios de propagação celular, bem como para determinar a concentração de hidroxiprolina e atividade da metaloproteinase MMP2. Morfologicamente, após exposição às concentrações de 15 e 150 µg/mL, as células mantiveram a morfologia, porém foi observado um número maior de células com mais expansões do corpo celular e maiores que as células controle. A cultura celular tratada também apresentou maior número de células, células maiores, maior expansão do corpo celular, células aderentes espalhadas pelo substrato e núcleo mais justaposto, central e esférico. O tratamento induziu maior adesão celular ao polímero, fibronectina e colágeno I. Os resultados bioquímicos mostraram um aumento significativo no aminoácido hidroxiprolina após exposição por 96 h. O extrato não induziu perda de viabilidade celular até a concentração atingir 150 µg/mL, modulando positivamente a proliferação, morfologia, adesão, grau de disseminação e organização dos microfilamentos. O extrato também promoveu um aumento significativo no aminoácido hidroxiprolina.

This paper provides a comparative account of the essential oil chemical composition and biological activities of five Brazilian species of Baccharis (Asteraceae), namely B. microdonta, B. pauciflosculosa, B. punctulata, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla. The chemical compositions of three species (B. pauciflosculosa, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla) are reported for the first time. Analyses by GC/MS showed notable differences in the essential oil compositions of the five species. &alpha, Pinene was observed in the highest concentration (24.50%) in B. reticularioides. Other major compounds included &alpha, bisabolol (23.63%) in B. punctulata, spathulenol (24.74%) and kongol (22.22%) in B. microdonta, &beta, pinene (18.33%) and limonene (18.77%) in B. pauciflosculosa, and &beta, pinene (15.24%), limonene (14.33%), and spathulenol (13.15%) in B. sphenophylla. In vitro analyses for antimalarial, antitrypanosomal, and insecticidal activities were conducted for all of the species. B. microdonta and B. reticularioides showed good antitrypanosomal activities, B. sphenophylla showed insecticidal activities in fumigation bioassay against bed bugs, and B. pauciflosculosa, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla exhibited moderate antimalarial activities. B. microdonta and B. punctulata showed cytotoxicity. The leaves and stems of all five species showed glandular trichomes and ducts as secretory structures. DNA barcoding successfully determined the main DNA sequences of the investigated species and enabled authenticating them.