Ageratum Fastigiatum Research Articles

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of the toxic potential of ethanolic extract and fractions of Ageratum fastigiatum

Os extratos etanólico e hidroalcoólico de Ageratum fastigiatum são usados ​​na medicina popular como agentes antiinflamatório e analgésico. Neste estudo, o extrato etanólico da parte aérea da planta e suas frações foram avaliados quanto à sua toxicidade em Artemia salina e nas células do tecido conjuntivo de camundongos (L929). O extrato foi particionado e suas fases hexânica, diclorometânica e hidroalcoólica foram submetidas ao mesmo teste. A triagem fitoquímica das fases do extrato foi realizada por meio de testes visando a detecção de classes de metabólitos secundários e GC-MS. Em relação a A. salina, a fase hidroalcoólica apresentou a maior toxicidade (CL50, 1,33 mg/mL) e o extrato etanólico bruto foi o menos tóxico (CL50, 4,81 mg / mL). No ensaio de células L929, a fase de diclorometânica foi a mais tóxica (95,48% de redução na viabilidade celular; LC50, 11,39 μg / mL), enquanto a fase hidroalcoólica foi a menos tóxica (porcentagem de morte celular, 55,67% –19,38%; LC50 , 174,20 μg / mL). O estudo fitoquímico indicou a provável presença de alcalóides, cumarinas, saponinas, triterpenos / esteróides e taninos. A análise por GC-MS identificou a presença de terpenóides e um derivado de licopsamina (alcalóide pirrolizidínico). Esses resultados sugerem que o extrato etanólico de A. fastigiatum possui constituintes (ou seja, compostos fenólicos) que corroboram seu uso na medicina popular como agente antiinflamatório. No entanto, a toxicidade detectada e a presença da 3¢-acetil licopsamina (um marcador quimiotaxonômico do gênero, que é hepatotóxico) indicam que essa planta medicinal deve ser usada com cautela.

Biological Activities of Extracts from Ageratum fastigiatum: Phytochemical Study and In Silico Target Fishing Approach

AbstractIn the present study, the ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Ageratum fastigiatum was evaluated in vitro against epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (Y strain), promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis (PH8 strain), and L. chagasi (BH400 strain). The extract was also evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25 923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11 775), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10 145), and Candida albicans (ATCC 36 802). The phytochemical screening was performed by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The extract was fractionated using flash preparative chromatography. The ethanolic extract showed activity against T. cruzi, L. chagasi, and L. amazonensis and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. The phytochemical screening revealed coumarins, terpenes/sterols, and flavonoids in the ethanolic extract. In addition, the coumarin identified as ayapin was isolated from this extract. We also performed in silico prediction of potential biological activities and targets for compounds previously found in A. fastigiatum. Several predictions were confirmed both retrospectively and prospectively by experimental results described here or elsewhere. Some activities described in the in silico target fishing approach were validated by the ethnopharmacological use and known biological properties. Some new activities and/or targets were predicted and could guide future studies. These results suggest that A. fastigiatum can be an interesting source of substances with antiparasitic and antimicrobial activities.

Background autofluorescence induced by plant extracts in human lymphocytes: A flow cytometric analysis of a critical bias

The presence of background autofluorescence sources is considered as an important problem when performing fluorometric methods, due to the possible spectral overlap between it and the fluorescence emission of probes. Regarding that, we evaluated the presence of background autofluorescence in human lymphocytes after the treatment with extracts from three medicinal plants, including ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Ageratum fastigiatum, ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Eriosema campestre and the ethanolic extract from stem of Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with each extract in vitro during 24 h, followed by flow cytometric analysis. Additionally, the fluorescence emission of plant extracts was evaluated by fluorometry, using the same concentrations used in cell cultures. We identified that plant extracts treatment on lymphocytes induced background autofluorescence detectable in several wavelength ranges. Isolated extracts showed no expressive fluorescence emission in fluorometric analyses, suggesting that background autofluorescence was induced in lymphocytes by interactions between cellular components and extracts compounds. Here we discuss the importance to perform previous tests to evaluate a possible background autofluorescence induction after cell treatments with plant extracts or any other substance. In spite of being mandatory, background autofluorescence analysis of cells after treatments and stimulations is still underestimated on literature. In summary, following the precautions herein established should help to reduce the incidence of false positive results.

Effect of essential oil from Ageratum fastigiatum on beta-integrin (CD18) expression on human lymphocytes stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate in vitro

Agareratum fastigiatum is a Brazilian medicinal plant used as anti-inflammaroty and for wound healing by the folk medicine. In vitro and in vivo studies involving A. fastigiatum essential oil (EOAF) showed indications of anti-inflammatory activity, however, its effect on membrane integrins involved on cell migration is still unclear. Hence, it was evaluated in the present study the effect of EOAF on CD18 frequency on human lymphocytes. By using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry it was identified 9 compounds on EOAF: α-pinene; β-pinene; β-myrcene; d-limonene; β-ocimene; sesquiterpenes; α-copaene; 4,8-β-epóxi-caryophyllene; germacrene and bicyclogermacrene. On in vitro tests, 6.25 × 10−3 and 12.5 × 10−3 µL/mL EOAF reduced CD18 frequency on phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated lymphocytes. Such cells were obtained from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers, and were treated or not with EOAF. They were stained with fluorescent anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies, after 24 hours incubation. Our data corroborates previous findings, indicating a possible anti-inflammatory activity of EOAF.

EFFECT OF TOPSOIL STOCKPILING ON THE VIABILITY OF SEED BANK IN FIELD PHYTOPHYSIOGNOMIES CAMPOS DE ALTITUDE

ABSTRACT The viability of propagules during topsoil stockpiling is a limiting factor in ecological restoration projects and little is known about the species distributed in the campos de altitude. This work was carried out to investigate the viability of propagules present in the topsoil under campos de altitude vegetation, stockpiled for up to 12 months after the stripping of areas to be mined. In the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between November 2011 and November 2012, four collections of the seed bank were carried out, considering three depths (0 to 10, 90 to 100, and 190 to 200 cm) of the plot of stockpiled topsoil. Using the multivariate analysis, it was verified that the depth factor does not statistically affect the abundance of emerged individuals, while the factor time of stockpiling negatively affects the viability of the seeds. Some species were affected by the stockpiling conditions, only emerging in some collections, while others (Achyrocline satureioides, Ageratum fastigiatum, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Borreria capitata, Echinolaena inflexa and Melinis minutiflora) had individuals emerged in all collection periods. This study points out the need for the return of the topsoil until the fourth month of stocking, under the risk of monodominance, with a prevalence of species more adapted to predominant conditions of campos de altitude.

ESPÉCIES VEGETAIS POTENCIAIS PARA RECUPERAÇÃO DE ÁREAS SOB A INFLUÊNCIA DA MINERAÇÃO DE BAUXITA EM CAMPOS DE ALTITUDE NA REGIÃO DE POÇOS DE CALDAS - MG

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento das principais espécies provenientes de propágulos na camada superficial do solo sobre minas de bauxita, em “Campos de Altitude de Mata Atlântica”, como forma de sugerir espécies potenciais para recuperação de áreas degradadas. Foram realizadas amostragens dos cinco primeiros centímetros de substratos contendo o material propagativo da área. As amostras foram acompanhadas em viveiro e realizou-se a contagem da emergência de plantas a cada 24 horas, sendo identificados os indivíduos no final do experimento. Foram calculados os índices de abundância e diversidade. Neste estudo, três das espécies de maior ocorrência foram comuns nos dois períodos (seco e chuvoso): Ageratum fastigiatum, Echinolaena inflexa e Borreria latifolia. O valor do Índice de Shannon (H’) encontrado para as espécies provenientes da camada superficial do solo em vegetação de “Campos de Altitude de Mata Atlântica” no período seco correspondeu a 2,79 nats.ind-1 e 2,23 nats.ind-1 no período chuvoso. Já a equabilidade de Pielou (J’) observada para o período seco foi igual a 0,72 e 0,63 para o período chuvoso. A similaridade entre os dois períodos foi de 0,36. Comparando a variável resposta, número de indivíduos entre os dois períodos, identificou-se diferença estatística com maior média para o período seco. De acordo com as condições que este trabalho foi realizado, é possível afirmar que existem espécies com potencial para recuperação de áreas mineradas em vegetação de Campos de Altitude. Portanto, sugere-se que sejam realizados estudos complementares de ecologia dessas espécies e de tecnologia de sementes como forma de fundamentar a aplicação desses conhecimentos em práticas de recuperação de áreas mineradas.

Bioactivities of the ethanol extract from Ageratum fastigiatum branches: antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory.

The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract from Ageratum fastigiatum branches. Phytochemical screening and total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. The antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrilhydrazin (DPPH) and iron reducing power methods. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, hot plate and tail immersion assays; while the carrageenan-induced paw edema and pleurisy tests were performed to examine the anti-inflammatory activity against acute inflammation. The extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, terpenes, sterols and saponins. Expressive levels of total phenols and flavonoids and a promising antioxidant effect were quantified. At the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, the extract inhibited the writhing, reduced both phases of paw licking time and increased the reaction time on the hot plate. In the tail immersion test, the extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) caused a significant inhibition of pain. In these doses, the paw edema, exudate volume and leucocyte mobilization were significantly reduced. These results suggest that A. fastigiatum can be an active source of substances with antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, adding scientific support to the appropriate use in the Brazilian folk medicine.

Essential oil from Ageratum fastigiatum reduces expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha in peripheral blood leukocytes subjected to in vitro stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate

Ageratum fastigiatum (Gardner) R.M. King & H. Rob., a member of the Asteraceae family popularly known in Brazil as “matapasto”, is indicated in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Despite its popular use, little is known about its potential effect on the parameters involved in an inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of the essential oil from A. fastigiatum and to evaluate the frequency of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma producing cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate in the presence of essential oil from A. fastigiatum. Non-toxic concentrations of essential oil from A. fastigiatum were evaluated in cultures of peripheral blood leucocytes using the trypan blue exclusion assay by flow cytometry. GC–MS analysis revealed that the prevalent compounds identified in the essential oil from A. fastigiatum sample were α-pinene, limonene, trans-caryophyllene, α-humulene, caryophyllene oxide, 1,2-humulene-epoxide, 1,6-humulanodien-3-ol, and α-cadinol. Results showed that exposure to essential oil from A. fastigiatum at concentrations of 0.5×10−2 and 1×10−2μl/ml caused no alterations in leukocyte viability as compared to the control group. Both concentrations lowered the percentage of tumor necrosis factor alpha (+)-lymphocytes and neutrophils. There were no changes in the percentage of lymphocytes positive for the interferon gamma cytokine. Our results suggest that part of the anti-inflammatory activity attributed to A. fastigiatum may be due to the effect of some of its components in decreasing the number of cells that produce the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha.

The effect of Ageratum fastigiatum extract on Rhodnius nasutus, vector of Chagas disease

Control of Chagas disease is based on insecticide spraying in domiciles in order to exterminate triatomine populations. However, since the vectors differ in susceptibility to currently used insecticides, the screening of the toxic potential of Brazilian flora may identify new molecules lethal to triatomines. This study evaluated the toxicity of ethanolic extract of Ageratum fastigiatum (Gardner) R.M. King & H. Rob., Asteraceae, on Rhodnius nasutus, a known vector of Chagas disease. Ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts of A. fastigiatum were prepared at 25 and 50mg/mL concentrations, and 5μL was applied to fifth-instar nymphs of R. nasutus (n=30). Controls included nymphs that were treated with 5μL ethanol (n=30) or left untreated (n=30). The percentage of dead insects in each group was observed at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120h after application. The extracts of A. fastigiatum showed a mortality rate of about 37% and 77% after 120h, at concentrations of 25 and 50mg/mL, respectively. In control groups, the mortality rate remained under 7%. The extract of A. fastigiatum contains a coumarin, a molecule with recognized toxicity in insects, and which may be responsible for killing the triatomines.

Ageratum fastigiatum essencial oil compounds decrease the expression of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha in peripheral blood leukocytes stimulated with Phorbol Myristate Acetate (PMA) in vitro.

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Contribution for the phytochemical studies of Ageratum fastigiatum

Organic extracts from leaves plus branches plus inflorescences of Ageratum fastigiatum (Gardner) R. M. King & H. Rob., Asteraceae, were fractionated through classic chromatography. The steroids stigmasterol, chondrillasterol and campesterol were isolated from hexane extract. The triterpenes lupeol, taraxasterol, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, pseudotaraxasterol, lupeol acetate and α-amyrin acetate were isolated from ethyl acetate extract. Steroids and triterpenes were identified by GC-MS. The coumarin ayapin was isolated from ethanol extract and identified by NMR. Essential oils of the fresh leaves and fresh inflorescences were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed for GC-MS. The main components in both essential oils were α-pinene, limonene and germacrene D.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oil from Ageratum fastigiatum

The chemical composition, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oil from Ageratum fastigiatum were investigated. The main compounds found in the essential oil were germacrene D, α-humulene and β-cedrene. The oil, with LD50 of 2.50 g/kg, inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing at the dose of 200 mg/kg. In the formalin test, the oil inhibited the first phase (200 mg/kg) and the second phase (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg). In the hot plate test, after 30 and 60 min of treatment the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg increased the reaction time. The antiedematogenic effect, reduction on the exudate volume and leukocyte mobilization were observed at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The results indicated that A. fastigiatum possessed the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that supported the popular medicinal use of the plant.

Caracterização morfoanatômica de Ageratum fastigiatum (Asteraceae)

Ageratum fastigiatum (Gardn.) R. M. King et H. Rob. (Asteraceae), known as matapasto, is a plant used in the popular medicine as cicatrizant and antimicrobial. The aim of this work was to perform a morpho-anatomical characterization of the leaves, the stems and the roots from A. fastigiatum. Transversal and paradermic sections, stained with astra safranin/blue and toluidine blue were analyzed under a microscope. The leaves are alternate or fasciculate; the inflorescence is constituted of chapters; the flowers with lilac corolla; papus is absence. The root presents secondary growth in the ramification area with secretor structures. The stem possesses epidermis unistratified, stomata, simple non-glandular trichomes and capitates glandular trichomes. The petiole exhibits concave-convex outline and the epidermis is uniseriate. The blade leaf is hypostomatic; the mesophyll is dorsiventral. The epidermis possesses cells of sinuous outline and the stomata of the anomocytic type. The morpho-anatomical characters allowed establishing parameters for identification of A. fastigiatum.

Estrutura fitossociológica em área natural e antropizada de uma vereda em Uberlândia, MG

O objetivo do estudo foi de comparar a área natural e antropizada de uma vereda quanto à estrutura fitossociológica e às características do solo. O trabalho foi realizado em uma vereda no município de Uberlândia, MG (19º11'40" S e 48º24'31" W). Para as análises químicas foram coletados solos em três profundidades: 0-1 cm, 1-16 cm e 16-32 cm. No levantamento fitossociológico utilizou-se o método transecto de linha. Duas classes de solos foram encontradas: Gleissolo Háplico e Gleissolo Melânico, que tiveram, em média, baixos valores de pH e bases disponíveis. Os maiores percentuais de matéria orgânica e umidade ocorreram no fundo da vereda. Foram amostradas 101 espécies e 29 famílias vegetais. A riqueza de espécies foi menor na vertente preservada. Poaceae, Cyperaceae e Asteraceae foram as famílias que tiveram o maior número de espécies, 33, 13 e 10, respectivamente. Schizachyrium tenerum, Echinolaena inflexa, Loudetia flammida e Erianthus asper tiveram maior frequência no ambiente preservado e Schizachyrium tenerum, Hypogynium virgatum e Ageratum fastigiatum no antropizado.

A daucanolide further farnesene derivatives from Ageratum fastigiatum

A reinvestigation of Ageratum fastigiatum afforded, in addition to known compounds, several new farnesene derivatives including some tetrahydropyrane derivatives. Furthermore a sesquiterpene lactone derived from daucane and a minor derivative of the ent-labdanes isolated previously were isolated. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Labdane and eudesmane derivatives from Ageratum fastigiatum

Several diterpenes, triterpenes, ent-labdanes, and eudesmane derivatives have been isolated from Ageratum fastigiatum. A previously unknown eud