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The objective of the present work was to analyze the influence of zinc doses on biomass production, root biometry and photosynthesis in Pfaffia glomerata plants. A genotype of the species was used to obtain the seedlings through in vitro propagation. In a greenhouse, the plants were cultivated, using four doses of Zn as treatment: 0.5; 50 75 and 100 µM. The nutrient solutions were applied for 84 days, at the end of which photosynthetic parameters and biomass production were analyzed. From the root system, 25% were frozen for further analysis of root biometry. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Scott-Knott test with a 5% significance level. It was observed that the production of fresh biomass was reduced mainly in the aerial part for the treatments of 75 and 100 µM. Root length, surface area and volume were reduced in the 50 and 75 µM treatments. The transpiration and assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, carboxylation efficiency, were the affected photosynthetic parameters. Visibly, the plants showed variation in leaf color. It is concluded that P. glomerata tolerates small excesses of Zn, managing to survive under these conditions, despite showing small changes in its growth and development.

lt;bgt;Background and Objective:lt;/bgt;lt;igt;Phyllanthus tenelluslt;/igt; Roxb. is a medicinal species widely used in Brazil for diseases of the urinary tract, kidney stones, infections and as a diuretic. The therapeutic property of this species is due to the production of phenolic compounds by secondary metabolism. However, cultivation conditions can alter the production of phenolic compounds and compromise the medicinal use of the species. The aim of this research was the evaluation of the genotoxic and cytotoxic activity of aqueous extracts of the specieslt;igt;Phyllanthus tenelluslt;/igt; Roxb. grown with and without shading, on thelt;igt;Allium cepalt;/igt; cell cycle and also, determine the phenolic compounds present in the aqueous extracts in each of the cultivation conditions.lt;bgt;Materials and Methods:lt;/bgt; For thelt;igt;Allium cepalt;/igt; test three concentrations of 5, 10 and 15 g Llt;supgt;lt;/supgt;lt;supgt;1lt;/supgt; of the aerial part of the plant were used for the preparation of aqueous extracts, referring to the two forms of cultivation, with and without shading.lt;bgt;Results:lt;/bgt; The aqueous extracts oflt;igt;Phyllanthus tenelluslt;/igt; Roxb. have cytotoxic activity, except for the 5 g Llt;supgt;lt;/supgt;lt;supgt;1lt;/supgt; concentration of the cultivation with shading, which is the only concentration that has a genotoxic effect.lt;bgt;Conclusion:lt;/bgt; The incidence of light stimulates the increase in the concentration of phenolic compounds (total polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins) in the species when cultivated in full sun.

The use of homeopathy in the cultivation of medicinal plants promotes fluctuations in the production of secondary metabolites, but there is no scientific reference to its effect on the productivity...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of natural subpopulations of Paspalum rawitscheri (Parodi) Chase ex G.H. Rua & Valls using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. Four natural subpopulations from State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were evaluated, using six ISSR primers. A total of 131 fragments were amplified, 34 of which were polymorphic. The genetic diversity (h) for the subpopulations was considered low, with values ranging from 0.130 to 0.217. The Vacaria subpopulation presented the lowest diversity among populations. The Shannon (I) diversity indices were also low, with values ranging from 0.187 to 0.334, with the Vacaria subpopulation also presenting the lowest values. The molecular variance (AMOVA) analysis showed, in general, the highest variation occurred within subpopulations rather than between subpopulations. The Bayesian Inference analysis separated the individuals into four genetic clusters, mixing individuals from different municipalities in the clusters. The results indicate that the species has low genetic diversity and low population structure, requiring conservation plans. Ex situ conservation becomes a necessary effort, since populations of this species are found in grasslands remnants affected by fires and implantation of crops, and is not present in any protected area of the Brazilian Conservation Units system.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary), is a medicinal and aromatic species used in the cosmetics and food processing industries. The present study aimed to evaluate the biomass production, content, ...

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the proliferative and genotoxic activity of juices from fruits of Psidium cattleianum, also known as strawberry guava, using the Allium cepa test. Fruits were collected and frozen for subsequent juice preparation at a concentration of 125 g l−1. The treatments consisted of T1: distilled water (negative control), T2: juice of yellow strawberry guava collected in Arroio Grande, T3: juice of yellow strawberry guava collected in Palma, T4: juice of red strawberry guava collected at UFSM, and T5: 1% glyphosate solution (positive control). Eight thousand cells per treatment were analysed and the mitotic indices (MI) were calculated. The juice samples were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The results show irregularities in the cell division, mainly during metaphase, and an antimitotic effect in addition to an increase in the MI in treatments containin...

Entre os principais problemas relacionados ao manejo da vegetação nessa região, merece destaque a expansão da gramínea exótica Eragrostis plana Ness, que apresenta elevada capacidade de colonização dos campos naturais e tendência de exclusão da comunidade vegetal nativa. Algumas plantas são capazes de sintetizar determinados metabólitos secundários, liberados no ambiente e que podem interferir no ciclo de vida de outras plantas. A espécie Luehea divaricata Martius tem grande potencial para ser utilizada no controle do capim-annoni. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito de extratos de L. divaricata sobre a germinação, a emergência e o crescimento de plântulas de capim-annoni. Foram realizados dois experimentos: um em casa de vegetação para a avaliação da porcentagem de emergência (%E), índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE), comprimento da parte aérea e massa seca total de plantas; e outro em laboratório para a avaliação da porcentagem de germinação (%G), índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), comprimento do sistema radicular. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: T1- água destilada; T2- extrato de L. divaricata 40 g.L-1 , T3- extrato de L. divaricata 80 g.L-1 e T4- extrato de L. divaricata 120 g.L-1 e o delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualisado. Os extratos de L. divaricata diminuem o índice de velocidade de emergência e comprimento do sistema radicular e aumentam o comprimento da parte aérea e massa seca total, não interferindo na porcentagem de germinação, porcentagem de emergência e índice de velocidade de germinação.

The economic potential of the germplasm of medicinal species is a rich resource that should be preserved and used. The medicinal species Echinodorus grandiflorus and Sagittaria montevidensis belong to the family Alismataceae. Depurative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antivenin, and anti-rheumatic actions have been associated with E. grandiflorus, where the leaves are the main part used. Sagittaria montevidensis does not yet have its medicinal properties known and has a wide morphological variability, and is sometimes confused with E. grandiflorus. The present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic and antiproliferative potential of extracts of dry leaves of E. grandiflorus and S. montevidensis on the cell cycle of Allium cepa, as well as undertake analysis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) for the quantification of the compounds from the extracts. A. cepa bulb rootlets were submitted to the extracts for 24 h, prepared from plant material at two concentrations, 6 g dm−3 and 24 g dm...

Psidium cattleianum é uma espécie nativa do Brasil valorizada pelo seu uso na medicina popular. O trabalho visou avaliar a atividade genotóxica e antiproliferativa do extrato aquoso de P. cattleianum usando o teste de Allium cepa, bem como testar sua capacidade de reverter mutações ocasionadas pela exposição ao glifosato e ainda determinar os compostos fenólicos presentes nesse extrato. Folhas foram coletadas em quatro acessos: Cerro Largo, Segredo, Tupanciretã e Silveira Martins. Os extratos foram preparados por decocção das folhas em duas concentrações: 15 g.L-1 e 75 g.L-1. Água destilada foi utilizada como controle negativo e glifosato 2% como controle positivo. Foram analisadas 8000 mil células de raízes de cebola por tratamento. Amostras dos extratos aquosos foram analisadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência – CLAE. A análise estatística foi realizada pelos testes Qui-quadrado e Scott-Knott (p < 0,05). Os resultados mostraram que os extratos inibiram a divisão celular de raízes de cebola. Apenas o acesso de Cerro Largo na concentração 15 g.L-1 apresentou genotoxicidade. Os extratos testados na recuperação reverteram parcialmente as alterações cromossômicas. A CLAE mostrou a predominância de quercitrina em um acesso e quercetina nos demais. Conclui-se que os extratos aquosos de araçá possuem atividade antiproliferativa sobre a divisão celular de A. cepa, o que pode ser extrapolado para outros tipos celulares eucarióticos.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Chamomilla recutita (Asteraceae) is used worldwide as a soothing, anti-inflammatory and aromatherapy. In Brazil, it is one of the most cultivated medicinal species. However, the cultivation form may alter the production of compounds in the secondary metabolism and compromise the therapeutic purpose of this species. Aim of the study Evaluation of antiproliferative and genotoxic effects of infusions and essential oil of chamomile, cultivated with homeopathy, on the cell cycle of Allium cepa, as well as the determination of the phenolic compounds present in the infusions of the chamomile inflorescences. Material and methods For the Allium cepa test, two concentrations of 10 and 40 g L−1 of inflorescences of chamomile were used for the preparation of the infusions and essential oil diluted to 0.10%, referring to the six treatments obtained in field cultivation, in which were carried out the applications of homeopathy from the emergence to the harvest of the plants. Distilled water and ethanol were used as negative control and glyphosate 2% as a positive control. The determination of phenolic compounds present in the infusions was carried by liquid chromatography in a UHPLC apparatus. Results Chamomile infusions at concentrations of 10 and 40 g L−1 of inflorescence reduced mitotic index and emphasized antiproliferative activity on the cell cycle of Allium cepa. However, the treatments related to essential oil diluted to 0.10% showed a response variation dependent on the dynamization used, as well as for apigenin concentration. Conclusions Therefore, cultivation with homeopathy does not induce a genotoxic effect in the use of infusions and essential oil of chamomile and it emphasize antiproliferative activity on the cell cycle of Allium cepa, favoring the sustainable cultivation and the safe use of this medicinal species when cultivated with homeopathy.

Several studies have been developed to understand the physiology of seed deterioration, however, the initial steps of the deterioration process are not completely clear. Seed vigor and viability losses are also associated with genetic material damage. This study was carried out to detect cytogenetic and physiological alterations occurring during the deterioration process of wheat seeds, due to artificial aging stress. Two cultivars, Ônix and Fundacep Campo Real, were submitted to six different treatments: control (T1), 24 (T2), 48 (T3), 72 (T4), 96 (T5) and 120 (T6) hours under artificial aging conditions: 42 °C and 100% relative humidity. Germination and vigor tests (First Count of Germination, Electrical Conductivity, Seedling Emergence in the Field and Emergence Speed Index) were performed. Cytogenetic evaluations were performed through smear technique for root tips, stained with 2% acetic orcein. Total number of cells under division and mitotic index (MI) were determined. According to results, vigor and mitotic index were affected due to deterioration process induced by artificial aging stress. A reduced number of dividing cells were observed in seeds submitted to prolonged period of aging. Chromosomal abnormalities in mitotic cells of aged seeds were detected with the occurrence of micronuclei, chromosome breaks and bridges. Inúmeros estudos têm sido desenvolvidos visando entender a fisiologia da deterioração de sementes, entretanto, as etapas iniciais desse processo ainda não estão completamente elucidadas. A perda do vigor e da viabilidade das sementes também têm sido associada aos danos no material genético. Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar alterações citogenéticas e fisiológicas no processo de deterioração de sementes de trigo , submetidas ao envelhecimento artificial. Duas cultivares foram utilizadas, Ônix e Fundacep Campo Real, submetidas a seis tratamentos: controle (T1), 24 (T2), 48 (T3), 72 (T4), 96 (T5) e 120 (T6) horas, sob envelhecimento artificial a 42 °C e aproximadamente 100% de UR. Foram efetuados os testes de germinação e vigor (Primeira Contagem, Condutividade Elétrica, Emergência de Plântulas e Indice de Velocidade de Emergência). Avaliações citogenéticas foram realizadas em tecidos de pontas de radículas. Determinou-se o número de células em divisão e o índice mitótico. O número de células em divisão e o índice mitótico foram afetados em função da deterioração induzida, pelo envelhecimento artificial. Menor número de células em divisão foi observado em sementes submetidas ao envelhecimento por períodos prolongados. Foram detectadas anormalidades cromossômicas em células mitóticas de sementes envelhecidas artificialmente, como ocorrência de micronúcleos, quebras e pontes cromossômicas.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of commercial formulations of biological products on mitotic index and root growth, as well as on the initial development of soybean crop. A soybean cultivar Nidera 5909 was used, composed of four commercial bioformulates that had in its composition Trichoderma harzianum , Trichoderma sp. Bradyrhizobium japonicum . The products used were tested in combination or isolated for soybean seed inoculation in a randomized experimental design. In the variable length of shoot using Trichoderma sp., B. japonicum peat and Trichoderma sp. associated with B. japonicum peat did not differ from the control treatment but differed from the others. There was an increase in root length of soybean seedlings for the treatments T. harzianum + B. japonicum liquid and T. harzianum + B. japonicum peat compared to the control, as well as an increase in the mitotic index for the same treatments. The treatments T. harzianum + B. japonicum liquid and T. harzianum + B. japonicum provided higher root growth of soybean seedlings and higher initial plant growth.

The objective of this study was to evaluate stomatal and pollen grain size and to estimate pollen viability of individuals from different populations of Paspalum rawitscheri (Parodi) Chase ex G.H. Rua & Valls . To analyze stomatal size, slides were made of the adaxial leaf epidermis using the epidermal impression method. The height and width of 100 stomata per population were analyzed. Pollen was obtained from inflorescences to evaluate pollen grain size and pollen viability. Pollen grains were stained with 2% acetic orcein, 2% acetic carmine, or Alexander’s reactive stain. Per population, 1600 grains of pollen were observed for viability, and 50 grains of pollen were measured. There were significant differences between populations in stomatal height and pollen grain height and width. The populations also differed in pollen viability, with the Santa Maria population showing the lowest viability. The differences in stomatal and pollen grain size suggest genetic variability in the evaluated populations. Moreover, low pollen viability in one population indicates that its decline may be related to low fertility. Keywords: Grass. Ploidy. Fertility. Threatened species.

Peltodon longipes é utilizada como estimulante e emenagoga. Objetivou-se realizar análises genotóxica e cromatográfica dos extratos de duas amostras de P. longipes, coletadas nos municípios de Santa Maria e Tupanciretã, RS, Brasil. O teste de Allium cepa foi utilizado para análise da genotoxicidade e a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, para determinação dos compostos fenólicos. O experimento de genotoxicidade constou de nove grupos de quatro bulbos de A. cepa. Os bulbos foram enraizados em água destilada e após transferidos para os tratamentos, por 24 horas, permanecendo o controle negativo em água. Os tratamentos foram: extratos aquosos nas concentrações de 5 e 15 g L-1 de cada amostra, além de quatro grupos tratados com glifosato 1%, um deles usado como controle positivo e outros três para testar a recuperação de danos ao DNA, utilizando água e os extratos de P. longipes da amostra de Santa Maria. Todos os extratos de P. longipes demonstraram potencial antiproliferativo, porém o efeito foi significativamente maior para os extratos da amostra de Tupanciretã. Essa amostra também apresentou maior quantidade de ácido rosmarínico e canferol, o que pode estar relacionado com os efeitos encontrados nesses extratos. Somente extratos da amostra de Santa Maria demonstraram potencial genotóxico. Peltodon longipes is used as a stimulant and emmenagogue. The objective of this study was to perform genotoxic and chromatographic analyses of the extracts of two samples of P. longipes, collected from the cities of Santa Maria and Tupanciretã, RS, Brazil. The Allium cepa assay was used to analyze genotoxicity while high-performance liquid chromatography was employed to determine phenolic compounds. The genotoxicity experiment consisted of nine groups each comprising four A. cepa bulbs. Bulb roots were developed in distilled water and then transferred for the treatments, for 24 hours, and the negative control remained in water. The treatments were: aqueous extracts at concentrations of 5 and 15 g L-1 for each sample, plus four groups treated with 1% glyphosate, one of which was used as a positive control and the other three for testing DNA damage recovery using water and the extracts of P. longipes from Santa Maria. All extracts of P. longipes exhibited anti-proliferative potential, although the effect was significantly greater for the extracts from the Tupanciretã sample. This sample also contained the highest amount of rosmarinic acid and kaempferol, which may confer the effects found in these extracts. Only extracts from the Santa Maria sample exhibited genotoxic potential.

Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as red aroeira, occurs naturally in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. It has medicinal properties and is one of the species most sought by avifauna, so it is useful in heterogeneous reforestation intended for the recomposition of degraded areas of permanent preservation. Information about chromosomes, from simple chromosome counting to detailed molecular cytogenetics, is relevant in systematic and evolutionary studies. This study aimed to perform chromosomal characterization of 22 accessions of S. terebinthifolius native to Rio Grande do Sul, aiming to verify the intraspecific variability in this species, besides the conservation and sustainable use of this species. For the determination of chromosome number, tissues of root tips were subjected to a cold pretreatment (± 4°C) for 18 h. Afterwards, the roots were fixed in Carnoy 3:1 (ethanol/acetic acid) for 24 h at room temperature and stored under alcohol (70%) under cooling. The slides wer...

Eugenia uniflora (Surinam cherry tree) is an important species in traditional medicine and is used to decrease blood pressure and prevent heartburn, bronchitis, colic and stomachaches. The tealeaves have antirheumatic, anti-dysenteric, and febrifuge properties and are used to treat diabetes. This study aimed to assess the antiproliferative, mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of the leaves and fruits of E. uniflora through the Allium cepa test. The infusions were prepared using dried leaves (6.l−1 and 24 gl−1) and the oil extraction was undertaken using hydrolyzation (0.25%, in ethanol). For juice preparation, fruit pulp with and without seeds was used. Allium cepa root tips were used for slide preparation following the squashing technique. Analysis of 500 cells for each bulb was undertaken, 250 of each root, summing 2500 cells per treatment, a total of 17,500 and 10,000 cells in the first and second experiments, respectively. The mitotic index was calculated and statistical analyses were performed. We fo...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. aqueous extracts on the cell cycle of Allium cepa L. as well as determine the phenolic compounds in such extracts. S. australis inflorescences and leaves of two accessions were used for aqueous extract preparation at concentrations: 0.003 g/ml and 0.012 g/ml. A. cepa bulbs were rooted in distilled water and, subsequently, placed in treatments for 24 hours. Rootlets were collected and fixed in modified Carnoy’s solution for 24 hours and kept. The squash technique was performed for slide preparation. Root tips were smashed and stained with 2% acetic orcein, and a total of 4000 cells per treatment were analyzed. The phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and data was analyzed using the Scott-Knott test. The results show that S. australis aqueous extracts have antiproliferative potential. Besides, the extracts prepared from S. australis leaves of both accessions at a concentration of 0.012 g/ml have shown antigenotoxic activity. The phytochemical analysis allowed us to determine the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, of which kaempferol and chrologenic acid were the most predominant compounds in the extracts from the inflorescences and leaves, respectively.

Tricyclazole is currently one of the fungicides recommended for the treatment of diseases in irrigated rice. However, there is relatively little information on its cytotoxic and genotoxic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of rice crop water after apllication of the tricyclazole fungicide through the Allium cepa L. test. The rice crop water samplings were collected before and 1, 15 and 30 days after application of the fungicide in rice plant shoots. The Allium cepa roots were placed in contact with the rice crop water to check for possible chromosomal abnormalities and mitotic index of the bioindicators meristematic cells. The data obtained by the Allium cepa test indicates that the application of the tricyclazole fungicide leads to an increase in the genotoxic activity in the rice crop water, through the appearance of chromosomal abnormalities, without, however, causing significant effects on the mitotic index. The major chromosomal alterations observed were anaphasic and telophasic bridges and laggard chromosomes.

As plantas com potencial medicinal têm sido muito utilizadas para o tratamento de doenças no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito genotóxico e antiproliferativo de infusões de Mikania cordifolia (L.F.) Willd. sobre o ciclo celular de Allium cepa L. Foram coletadas duas populações no município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, e, para cada uma, foram preparados dois tratamentos em duas concentrações: 4g/500mL e 16g/500mL, além de um controle positivo composto por 10% de glifosato em 90% água, um herbicida amplamente utilizado com conhecido potencial genotóxico, e de um controle negativo composto por água destilada. Após período de 24 horas, as radículas foram coletadas das infusões, fixadas em etanol-ácido acético (3:1) por 24 horas e estocadas em etanol 70%. Foram analisadas células em todas as fases do ciclo celular de A. cepa, totalizando 2500, para cada grupo de bulbos. Os índices mitóticos (IM) foram calculados e submetidos à análise estatística pelo teste χ² a 5%. Os resultados mostraram que, em ambas as populações de M. cordifolia, houve redução do IM de todos os tratamentos em relação ao controle negativo. Em ambas as populações, obteve-se aumento nos valores dos índices mitóticos em função do aumento da concentração da infusão. Ocorreram aberrações cromossômicas em ambas as populações estudadas. Concluiu-se que as infusões de M. cordifolia, nas concentrações estudadas, possuem efeito antiproliferativo e mutagênico sobre o ciclo celular de A. cepa. Potential medicinal plants have been widely used for the treatment of diseases in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic and antiproliferative effects of infusions of Mikania cordifolia (LF) Willd. on the cell cycle of Allium cepa L. Two populations were collected in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. For each one, two treatments were prepared in different concentrations: 4g/500mL and 16g/500mL. A positive control consisting of 10% glyphosate in 90% water, which is an herbicide widely used and known for its genotoxic potential, was also prepared. Distilled water was used as negative control. After a 24-hour period, the infusion of the root tips was collected, fixed in ethanol-acetic acid (3:1) for 24 hours and stored in 70% ethanol. Cells were analyzed in all phases of the cell cycle of A. cepa, a total of 2500, for each group of bulbs. The mitotic index (MI) was calculated and statistically analyzed by the χ² test at 5%. Results showed that, in both populations of M. cordifolia, a reduction of the MI in all treatments compared with the negative control was observed. In both populations, an increase in the mitotic index values was obtained with increasing concentration of the infusion. Chromosomal aberrations were observed in both populations studied. In conclusion, infusions of M. cordifolia possess antiproliferative and mutagenic effects for the concentrations tested on the cell cycle of A. cepa.

The aims of this study were to determine the meiotic behavior and to estimate pollen grains via- bility in bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars. Flower buds were collected during different developmental stages of the Mesoamerican bean cultivars IAPAR 44, Guapo Brilhante, BRS Expedito, BRS Valente, Guateian 6662 and Perola, and the Andean bean cultivar Irai, grown in a greenhouse. The meiotic index was determined by anther squashing of material fixed in absolute ethanol-glacial acetic acid (3:1) and stained with acetic orcein. No meiotic abnormalities were observed and the meiotic indices were high for all cultivars, indicating that the mismatch generated during crosses is not related to any meiotic changes. Estimation of pollen viability was made by comparing acetic orcein staining vs. Alexander's reactive: pollen viability was high in all cultivars with either stain, but was significantly higher when using the acetic orcein stain (>99%). Though some cultivar showed a significantly smaller pollen size, the range of variation among cultivars was low (means' range 51-66 μm).

CONTEXT. Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg. (Myrtaceae), popularly known in Brazil as guabiroba, is a plant used as antidiarrheic, anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic agents, and in stomach and hepatic disorders.The antiproliferative and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts and essential oil of C. xanthocarpa were evaluated.Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the aqueous extracts (6 and 30 mg/mL) and essential oil (0.25%, v/v) obtained from leaves of C. xanthocarpa were evaluated using the Allium cepa L. (Amaryllidaceae) assay. Mitotic index was calculated as the percentage of dividing cells of total cells observed; chromosome abnormalities were observed and counted during cell division. Additionally, the composition of the essential oil and the quantification of the main compounds of the extracts were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector, respectively.Aqueous extracts (6 and 30 mg/mL) led to a reduction of 67.7% and 34.1% of the mitotic index, respectively, whereas the treatment with essential oil caused a 48.2% reduction in the mitotic index, when compared with negative control. Chromosomal mutations were observed and included anaphase bridges, delay chromosome, break chromosome, as well as metaphase with disorganized chromosomal and binuclear cells. The main compounds of the essential oil were β-caryophyllene (8.87%), viridiflorol (6.40%), spathulenol (5.16%), δ-cadinene (4.92%), linalool (4.46%) and α-cadinol (4.25%). Gallic acid (3.19%), chlorogenic acid (1.04%), quercetin (2.97%) and rutin (4.82%) were identified in an aqueous extract (30 mg/mL).Our results demonstrated that genotoxic and antiproliferative activities are present in C. xanthocarpa infusions using the in vivo onion root-tip cell test.

Biological assays are widely used to monitor toxic and allelopathic substances. The present study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic, genotoxic, and antiproliferative potential of aqueous extracts ...

The association of vegetable products to nanostructured systems has attracted the attention of researchers due to several advantages, such as drug photoprotection, as well as the improvement of the pharmacological and therapeutic activities because of synergistic action, which can provide their topical application. In this work, lipid-core nanocapsules containing borage oil as oil core and betamethasone dipropionate were developed, and nanocapsules without the drug were prepared for comparison. The suspensions were characterized in relation to mean particle size, zeta potential, pH, drug content, and encapsulation efficiency. A photodegradation study was carried out and the in vitro release profile as well as the irritation potential of the drug after nanoencapsulation were also evaluated. In addition, the antiproliferative activity of the free borage oil as well as loaded in nanocapsules was studied. Lipid-core nanocapsules showed nanometric mean size (185-210 nm); polydispersity index below 0.10; negative zeta potential and pH slightly acid (6.0-6.2). Moreover, the drug content was close to theoretical concentration (0.50 +/- 0.03 mg/ml of betamethasone), and the encapsulation efficiency was approximately 100%. The study of the antiproliferative activity of borage oil showed ability to reduce cell growth of Allium cepa. The nanoencapsulation of betamethasone dipropionate provided greater protection against UVC light and decreased the irritation potential of the drug. The release profile of betamethasone dipropionate from nanocapsules followed monoexponential model.

The medicinal and tree species Luehea divaricata is known as ‘acoita-cavalo’ and widely used for wood, reclamation, and in popular medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and genotoxic effects of infusions of two populations of this species on the Allium cepa cell cycle. Cells of root tips of Allium cepa were used as an in vivo test system for monitoring the genotoxicity of this medicinal plant. Leaves and bark of two populations of Luehea divaricata were collected during the vegetative stage and used to prepare infusions in two concentrations: for the leaves (6 g/L and 30 g/L) and two concentrations for the bark (32 g/L and 160 g/L), using distilled water as negative control and glyphosate 3% as positive control. For this study, 10 groups of four bulbs were utilized, with one group of bulbs for each treatment. The slides were prepared by the squashing technique, scoring 4000 cells for each group of bulbs. The mitotic index (MI) was calculated and then a statistical analysis ...

The industrial processing of precious stones is a source of revenue for several Brazilian towns, especially in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Given the growing number of small-sized companies that process precious stones, wastewater production is inevitable and is a cause for concern inasmuch as preservation of nature is considered. The present study investigates the detoxification of the wastewater produced by the process of rhodamine B dyeing using oxidation processes. Ozonization (O3), ultraviolet irradiation (UV), and O3/UV methods were assessed. Some of the parameters used to measure the efficiency of the analyzed treatments included COD, ecotoxicity (Daphnia magna), cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity assays (Allium cepa assays). Results show predominance of negative and local environmental impacts, which are reversible in more than 70% of cases. The major proposed reversibility measures were the change in the process layout and dye wastewater segregation. Among the analyzed methods, ozonization proved to be more efficient in decolorization, with 60 min of treatment, pH = 9 and dosage of 5.705 mg O3/mg of rhodamine B. A pseudo first-order reaction, with a kinetic constant of 7.5 × 10−2 min−1, was observed. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were assessed for both raw and treated wastewaters. Despite complete decolorization, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays revealed an EC50 of 28.6, in addition to chromosome aberrations in 40% of dividing cells for the treated wastewater.

A gramínea exótica Eragrotis plana Nees, conhecida como capim-annoni, é uma das principais plantas invasoras do Sul do Brasil, com a capacidade de excluir outras plantas nativas da vegetação campestre. Há uma necessidade tanto ambiental como econômica do seu controle. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito dos extratos aquosos da espécie Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. sobre a germinação in vitro de Eragrostis plana Nees, bem como identificar os compostos presentes nesses extratos aquosos. Para preparação dos extratos foi realizada infusão de flores de A. satureioides em quatro concentrações 5, 10, 15, 25 g L-1, as quais foram avaliadas juntamente com um controle (água destilada). Todas as concentrações de extratos foram analisadas por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE-DAD). A seguir, foi realizado o teste de germinação e vigor das sementes de E. plana. Em relação à porcentagem de germinação de sementes de capim-annoni, os valores obtidos demonstraram redução da porcentagem na maior concentração do extrato de marcela. Quanto ao Índice de Velocidade de Germinação, todas as concentrações de extratos de marcela reduziram a velocidade de germinação. Para a análise dos compostos presentes nos extratos estudados, a CLAE-DAD revelou maiores teores de rutina, ácido caféico e quercitrina. Os extratos de A. satureioides reduzem a porcentagem de germinação.

Homeopathic medicines may present differentiated responses in the cultivation of medicinal plants, altering the plant metabolism. The aim was to verify and describe the pathogenic symptoms caused by the application of Phosphorus in the cultivation of chamomile, aiming at the production of flowers. Four dynamizations, 3CH, 6CH, 12CH and 30CH (centesimal scale: CH = centesimal hahnemannian), were evaluated in the Mandirituba chamomile cultivar. Control pots received only distilled water and 70% alcohol in the same amount and proportion of homeopathic medicine. The variables analyzed from the harvest of the flowers are related to the parameters of inflorescence and plant production of chamomile. There was no difference between the dynamizations applied for the number of flowers plant-1, dry mass plant-1, dry mass hectare-1, number of branches and plant height. The characters of flowers mass plant-1, and production of fresh and dried flowers did not differ from the averages presented by the witnesses; however, in the 30CH dynamization, values higher than the others were observed, as well as for fresh mass plant-1 and hectare-1. The diameter and the height of the flower expressed better results in the 3CH dynamization. The application of Phosphorus promotes pathogenesis in the cultivation of chamomile with increases in the characters related to the inflorescence.

Aloysia gratissima is used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of digestive and respiratory diseases. The infusions (6 and 24 g L-1) and essential oils (0.25%, on ethanol) were prepared and we used groups of five Allium cepa bulbs for each treatment. A total of 2500 cells per treatment were analyzed and the mitotic indexes were calculated. The antiproliferative effect of infusions and essential oils of Aloysia gratissima on the Allium cepa (onion) cell cycle was evaluated using the leaves of studied specimens. The infusions presented a significant decrease in the mitotic index (4.55% at 6 g L-1 and 2.04% at 24 g L-1) compared to the control-water (6.83%), as well as for the essential oil (2.58%), in comparison to the control-ethanol (3.65%). This investigation showed that the infusions and essential oil of Aloysia gratissima present important antiproliferative effects on the Allium cepa cell cycle.