Anacardium Humile Research Articles

INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF ANACARDIUM HUMILE (ANACARDIACEAE) NUT SHELL LIQUID AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

This work investigated the insecticidal activity of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) extracted from the species Anacardium humile, a native plant in the Cerrado biome, against Aedes aegypti. A. humile fruits were collected and kept in a forced ventilation kiln at 40oC for seven days for CNSL extraction. Mortality tests were performed on third stage larvae, pupae and adults. In addition, female oviposition behavior, egg viability, and the residual effect of the solution on 3rd stage larvae were observed. The CNSL was diluted in decreasing gradient concentrations to obtain the Lethal Concentration (LC). In oviposition LC99 was used for larvae. Residual effect and oviposition tests were performed with LC99, LC 50 and LC90 were respectively obtained, 6.63 and 11.23 ppm for larvae. No mortality was observed in adults. The residual effect of the CNSL was five days in LC99. A repellent effect of CNSL on the females was noted, with a significant reduction of egg numbers and a change in egg stratification patterns in the oviposition substrate. The larval hatching rate of the eggs exposed to the substrate moistened with CNSL was significantly lower when compared to the control. The results evidenced the insecticidal activity of A. humile CNSL, suggesting it as a promising product in the quest for new botanical insecticides.

In vitro antibacterial activities of the bark and leaf extracts of Anacardium humile (St.) Hil against multidrug resistant strains

Current next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies allow unprecedented insights into the mutational profiles of tumors. Recent studies in myeloproliferative neoplasms have further demonstrated that, not only the mutational profile, but also the order in which these mutations are acquired is relevant for our understanding of the disease. Our ability to assign mutation order from NGS data alone is, however, limited. Here, we present a strategy of highly multiplexed genotyping of burst forming unit-erythroid colonies based on NGS results to assess subclonal tumor structure. This allowed for the generation of complex clonal hierarchies and determination of order of mutation acquisition far more accurately than was possible from NGS data alone.

CAN PHYTOHORMONES STIMULATE INITIAL GROWTH OF BRAZILIAN SAVANNA TREES?

The initial growth of Cerrado tree species is slow, what impairs large scale seedling production for planting. The effect of plant hormones is well known for crop species, in this study we aimed to test the effect of two commercial biostimulants on the initial growth of six native tree species widely distributed and abundant in Cerrado. We applied nine treatments using foliar spray: T0 - control (water); commercial Progibbí® (gibberellic acid) T1 - 0,8 mL.L-1; T2 - 1,6 mL.L-1; T3 - 2,4 mL.L-1 and T4 - 3,2 mL.L-1; commercial Stimulateí® (gibberellic acid, cytokinin and auxin): T5 - 6,0 mL.L-1; T6 - 8,0 mL.L-1; T7 - 12,0 mL.L-1; T8 - 18,0 mL.L-1 and T9 - 24,0 mL.L-1. We measured plant height and diameter every other week and recorded root and shoot biomass and leaf area after 111 growing days. No treatment significantly increased plantsââ?¬â?¢ initial growth, which may only happen after higher and/or repeated use of these two biostimulants, especially Progibbí® for Anacardium humile and Jacaranda cuspidifolia and Stimulateí® for Hymenaea stignocarpa and Copaifera langsdorfii.

Biometria do hipocarpo, fruto e semente e desenvolvimento das plântulas de Anacardium humile A. St. Hil. (Anacardiaceae)

The ‘cajuzinho-do-cerrado’ (Anacardium humile) is a forest species with economic potential for the food, drug and cosmetic industries. The objective of this study was to determine and correlate the main biometric characteristics of hipocarps, fruits, seeds (cashew nuts) and the identification of the ideal substrate, as well as to correlate the biometric characteristics of the ‘cajuzinho-do-cerrado’ seedlings. In 100 fresh hipocarps and 100 fruits the following biometric characteristics were analyzed: for length, width, thickness, fresh mass, dry mass, volume, water content and dry mass of the nuts. For the determination of the ideal substrate, the test was a completely randomized design, with two treatments (substrates) and 10 replicates, each plot was composed of 20 seeds. The substrates evaluated were washed sand and commercial substrate (Plantmax HT®). Plant height, root length, shoot diameter, dry mass of roots and shoot, total dry mass and morphological indexes were evaluated: ratio between shoot dry mass/roots, robustness quotient and the Disckson Quality Score. The hipocarps, fruits and seeds (cashew nuts) of the ‘cajuzinho-do-cerrado’ have large biometric variations, as well as a significant and positive correlation between them. For the initial development of ‘cajuzinho-do-cerrado’ plants of the substrate used may be washed sand or commercial substrate.

EFFECT OF FIRE ON FLOWERING AND FRUITING OF ANACARDIUM HUMILE (ANACARDIACEAE) IN CERRADO STRICTO SENSU

ABSTRACT Knowledge about the effects of fire on sexual reproduction of Cerrado woody species is fundamental for elaborating public policies and management plans for its conservation. The present study evaluated the effect of a controlled burning on flowering and fruiting of Anacardium humile in an Cerrado stricto sensu environment, in Cavalcante, GO. An area with no fire records for five years was submitted to controlled burning in May 2016, used as the experimental area and its adjacent areas protected from fire as control area. In each area, 16 reproductive individuals were selected and their production of floral buds, flowers and fruits, followed up for 17 months. In 2016 the production of reproductive structures was higher in the control area, since the majority of individuals of the burned area invested in the recovery of vegetative structures (branches) damaged by fire. Only three individuals flowered in the burned area in 2016 and presented greater effort in the production of buds and flowers per panicle than the individuals in the control area, however, the fruit set was equal between the areas. One year after fire, the production of reproductive structures became equal between areas. The control area presented higher fruit production in 2017 in comparison to 2016, indicating a variable pattern in annual fruit production. The impact of fire on the reproductive structures of A. humile is greater in the same year of fire and its reproductive potential can be normalized in the subsequent year.

Structure and genetic diversity of Anacardium humile (Anacardiaceae): a tropical shrub.

Anacardium humile Saint Hilaire is a tropical shrub native to the Cerrado biome. It is a fruiting species with biological, medicinal, and socioeconomic significance. Thus, knowing how the genetic variability of natural populations is organized allows for the establishment of strategies for conservation and the sustainable use of the species and its biome. Six microsatellite loci previously developed from Anacardium occidentale were used to investigate the spatial genetic structure and genetic diversity of eight natural A. humile populations based on analyses of 242 adult plants. The results obtained indicate that these populations show a high level of genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity = 0.710). The endogamy coefficient was positive and significant for most populations, with a mean of 0.142 (P = 0.001). The genetic differentiation between populations was low (θ = 0.075 and GST = 0.066) but significant (P = 0.0001). The genotypes of five of the eight populations were non-randomly distributed with clusters of related plants for which the coancestry values were positive and significant. These populations exhibited high and significant endogamy indices. The results obtained for A. humile populations show that genetic conservation programs should be implemented to maintain this species.

English

Screening of native plants with therapeutical effects constitutes a valuable way to enhance biological attributes of medicinal herbs and discover new drugs. Therefore, ethanol and methanol extracts from ten plants collected from Brazilian Cerrado were tested to inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) through disc diffusion. The crude extracts that showed antibacterial activities from Anacardium humile, Psidium guineense and Myracrodruon urundeuva, were tested on the standard strain S. aureus ATCC 25923. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined and the interactions between the plant extracts and the main groups of secondary compounds present were investigated. The MICs of P. guineense, M. urundeuva and A. humile were all 4.1 mg/L for S. aureus. P. guineense and A. humile extracts tested against P. aeruginosa were 8.2 mg/L, whereas the extract from M. urundeuva had a MIC of 4.1 mg/L for the same strain. In addition, the observed MBCs were equivalent to the corresponding MICs. There were synergistic interactions in combinations of these plant extracts and tannins and flavonoids were identified in phytochemical analyses. These metabolites may be related to the biological activities that were found, indicating possible candidates for the development of strategies for treatment of infections caused by bacteria tested. Key words: Crude plant extracts, biological activity, disc diffusion, traditionally use, popular medicine, Cerrado biome.

Desorption isotherms and isosteric heat of 'cajuzinho-do-cerrado' achenes

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the desorption isotherms of 'cajuzinho-do-cerrado' achenes (Anacardium humile St. Hil.) in various conditions of temperature and water activity, as well as to select the one that best represents the phenomenon and to determine the isosteric heat of desorption. The fruits were collected at the Emas National Park, in the municipality of Mineiros-GO, Brazil, pulped and then subjected to drying in silica gel at temperature of 25 ± 2 °C until the moisture contents of 17.6, 13.6, 11.1, 8.7 and 5.3 (d.b.%). After drying, the desorption isotherms were determined by the indirect static method. The water activity (Aw) was determined at different temperatures, and the achenes were placed in a B.O.D. chamber, regulated at 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C. Data of hygroscopic equilibrium moisture content were fitted to different mathematical models through non-linear regression analysis, using the Gauss-Newton method. The Copace model was the one that best represented the hygroscopicity of 'cajuzinho-do-cerrado' achenes, while the integral isosteric heat of desorption of 'cajuzinho-do-cerrado' achenes for the moisture content range of 4.51 to 13.40 (% d.b.) varied from 2,734.82 to 2,548.49 kJ kg-1.

Presumed domatia are actually extrafloral nectaries on leaves of Anacardium humile (Anacardiaceae)

Presumed domatia are actually extrafloral nectaries on leaves ofAnacardium humile (Anacardiaceae), a species from the Brazilian savannah, is associated with foraging ants, which leads to the description of the structure of its leaves as domatia. However, the ants collect secretions on the leaves, a phenomenon that inspired us to elucidate this structure. To this end, we conducted an analysis of the distribution, micromorphology, anatomy and histochemistry of these supposed domatia. They are located in the axil of thicker leaf veins and are composed of glandular trichomes which exude glucose; they are, therefore, described here as extrafloral nectaries (EFNs). The nectariferous trichomes are located at the same level as the other epidermal cells on young leaves, while in mature leaves they were found in depressions of the leaf blade. The secretory activity of EFNs is limited to juvenile phases, becoming degenerated in mature leaves. Carbohydrates and lipophilic compounds were detected in the produced secretion. It can be concluded that the presence of ants foraging leaves to collect from EFNs indicates a mutualistic interaction, with the plant providing a sugar resource to the ants in return for protection against herbivory since they are present in developing leaves.

Divergência genética por análise multivariada de caracteres fenotípicos de Anacardium humile (St. Hilaire)1

RESUMO A espécie Anacardium humile (St. Hilaire) é uma fruteira nativa do Cerrado, utilizada tradicionalmente, tanto no consumo in natura como na forma de sucos, doces e geleias, mas ainda pouco explorada economicamente. Em uma área de cerrado campo sujo, com transição para cerrado campo rupestre, localizada no município de Patrocínio, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 38 genótipos de uma população dessa espécie foram estudados; com o objetivo de avaliar a diversidade fenotípica, estimada por análise multivariada, bem como características morfológicas promissoras para programas de melhoramento e conservação. Assim, o estudo mostrou variabilidade genética satisfatória dentro da população estudada, destacando-se os genótipos 6, 10, 24, 36 e 38 por elevada produção de frutos e maiores pedúnculos e por se apresentarem distantes geneticamente, sendo indicados para futuros trabalhos de melhoramento genético, para serem multiplicados e utilizados em plantios comerciais e de conservação da espécie.

Anatomy, Histochemistry, and Antifungal Activity of Anacardium humile (Anacardiaceae) Leaf.

Leaves of Anacardium humile are used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of intestinal disturbances and skin lesions. This study aimed to define leaf diagnostic structural characters, to propose a new method of phytochemical analysis of secretions, prospect flavonoids and alkaloids, and to evaluate their inhibitory activity on Candida albicans. Common anatomical, phytochemical, and microbiological methods were used. Leaves of Anacardium occidentale were used as a reference for the structural analyses. The main structural characters were closed vascular system, absence of ducts at the medulla, bilateral mesophyll, absence of bundle sheath extension, and secretory idioblasts at the xylem. The ducts present schizogenous origin, and secreting activity is restricted to the initial phases of leaf blade expansion. The proposed new phytochemical method is practical and inexpensive and has potential for wide application. The abundance of tannins and flavonoids is related to medicinal use. A single peak in high-performance liquid chromatography indicated the presence of a pure substance not previously reported. The extract had a strong inhibitory effect on C. albicans. The obtained results confirm the potential of A. humile for the prospection of new bioactive compounds.

Desempenho de progênies de diferentes matrizes de cajuzinho-do-cerrado mediante o armazenamento e o peso das núculas

O cajuzinho-do-cerrado (Anacardium humile A. ST-HIL.) possui uma ampla distribuição no Cerrado do Centro-Oeste Brasileiro, seus frutos carnosos são amplamente utilizados pelas populações regionais de forma extrativista. Apesar do promissor potencial agro econômico, raros estudos foram desenvolvidos visando à domesticação da espécie. O trabalho objetivou avaliar vinte diferentes matrizes de cajuzinho-do-cerrado, verificando como o peso e o armazenamento de núculas se relacionam com o porcentual de emergência e variáveis biométricas de plântulas recém-formadas. Foram coletados 50 frutos de diferentes matrizes de Anacardium humile, dentro do Parque Nacional das Emas, Mineiros, GO. Todos os frutos coletados apresentaram pedicelos maduros, desenvolvidos e amarelos. Sete matrizes apresentaram um número excedente de frutos, para estas, colheram-se outras 50 núculas, que foram armazenadas em câmara fria e seca, por um período de seis meses. O porcentual de emergência de plântulas mostrou-se satisfatório, tanto no experimento geral, como por progênie. A reprodução de Anacardium humile através de núculas mostrou-se promissora. O peso das núculas não influenciou o porcentual de emergência ou a biometria das plântulas. O armazenamento das núculas, por seis meses, para o plantio no outono, mostrou-se ineficiente.

Ethanol extract of plants from biome 'cerrado' active against bacteria related to respiratory disease in pets

Disorders of the respiratory tract occur in pets and signs of illness may include sniffling, difficulty breathing and discharge from the nose. Infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or sometimes by different microorganisms. Bacteria obtained from several pets as cats and dogs, presenting clinical signs were collected, cultured and then tested by in vitro assays (Kirby Bauer method) using ethanol extract from leaves of Anacardium humile, Byrsonima crassiflora, Eugenia dysenterica and Annona crassiflora, which were harvested in the Brazilian federal district. Brazilian savannah (cerrado) comprises high diversity of species well adapted to fire and to the seasonal contrast between the dry and the rainy seasons. The material was dried at 37 °C, transformed to powder by a grinder and used in maceration with ethanol for five days, under constant shaking, at room temperature. After, the extracts were filtered using a filter paper and concentrated using an evaporator at 50 °C. Here, bacteria obtained from different clinical cases in pets were tested by in vitro assay of agar diffusion method (Kirby Bauer modified). 30 µl of concentrated ethanol extract from all plants mentioned above were used in all tests. After 24h all extracts were able to inhibit the growth of all bacteria tested (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Rhodococcus equi). A. humile and B. crassiflora extracts presented greater efficiency against B. bronchiseptica (halo of 20 mm and 14 mm, respectively). E. dysenterica extract was more effective against S. aureus (halo of 10 mm) and A. crassiflora extract inhibited more effectively R. equi (halo of 17 mm). Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria that cause infection. However, in this process we can observe that some strains are highly resistant to most antibiotics available. Thus, this work contributes to the search for new agents effective against bacteria causing respiratory disease in pets.

Caracterização físico-química e atividade antioxidante (in vitro) de frutos do cerrado Piauiense

Informações a respeito das características químicas e do valor nutritivo dos frutos do cerrado são ferramentas básicas para a avaliação do consumo e para a formulação de novos produtos. No entanto, poucos dados estão disponíveis na literatura especializada com relação à composição química destes frutos e sua aplicação tecnológica, ressaltando a necessidade de pesquisas científicas sobre o assunto. Realizou-se o presente estudo com o objetivo de caracterizar físico-quimicamente e determinar a atividade antioxidante in vitro, pelo método DPPH, da cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica), cajuzinho-do-cerrado (Anacardium humile), chichá (Sterculia striata Naud.), jatobá-do-cerrado (Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart.) e macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata Mart.). Os frutos foram colhidos na EMBRAPA - MEIO NORTE - PI, e na Cidade de Corrente-PI. Analisaram-se as características físicas (peso, comprimento e diâmetro), químicas (umidade, cinzas, lipídeos, proteínas, carboidratos), Valor Energético Total (VET), conteúdo de compostos fenólicos totais, flavonoides, antocianinas, β-caroteno, licopeno, vitamina C e atividade antioxidante pelo método DPPH. As amostras foram analisadas em dois lotes, e cada análise, em triplicata. Para a análise dos dados, foi elaborado um banco de dados, utilizando-se do programa estatístico EPI INFO, versão 6.04b, e o programa EXCEL. Os resultados obtidos para os compostos bioativos estudados demonstraram que todos os frutos apresentaram quantidade elevada de vitamina C (mg/100g), destacando-se o cajuzinho-do-cerrado (500). Os frutos que apresentaram maior capacidade antioxidante, expressos em capacidade de reduzir em 50% a atividade do radical livre DPPH (EC50mg/L), foram cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica Dc.) e cajuzinho-do-cerrado (Anacardium humile). Concluiu-se, portanto, que os frutos pesquisados apresentaram bom valor nutritivo, um elevado conteúdo de compostos bioativos e demonstraram atividade antioxidante.

<b>Effect of <i>Anacardium humile</i> St. Hill (Anacardiaceae) Aqueous Extract on <i>Mahanarva fimbriolata</i> (Stal, 1854) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae)</b> - doi: 10.4025/actasciagron.v35i4.16597

The study of plant-derived substances for the control of insect pests is desirable in the attempt to discover less toxic insecticides that are safe for the environment. Indeed, extracts from the cashew of the savannah, Anacardium humile, have shown insecticidal activities against certain insects. The sugarcane root spittlebug Mahanarva fimbriolata is considered an important pest of sugarcane, causing severe damage and significant yield reductions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of A. humile (0.05, 0.4 and 1.0%) on M. fimbriolata. The application of the aqueous extract of Anacardium humile resulted in 53.1% nymphal mortality at a concentration of 1.0%, which was significantly higher than that observed in the negative control. The nymphal period and longevity of M. fimbriolata, however, were not affected by the aqueous A. humile extract.

Plant species to control diabetes used in counties in the extreme upper Basin Platinum, Alto Pantanal Portion, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Diabetes is a disease which progresses within and between age groups. Today the local people use medicinal plants as an alternative to health care. Define plants to every illness, as well as diabetes. This work shows plants used for diabetes at the upper end of the Platina Basin (P), near the southern part of the Amazon Basin (A). The study, part of Project PLAMED, included 14 municipalities of Alto Pantanal Basin Platinum (P), Mato Grosso, Brazil. In the north of P has a range of transition basins (PA = T) and going over has been the beginning of the Amazon Basin (A). Data were collected by interview in 2005, with informants recognized competence in the subject and indicated by the local community. In two counties there was no appointment of species to treat diabetes. In others (12), were given 1 – 4 esp/mun. totaling 35 indications showed 18 species used in P for diabetes: “Abacaxi”(Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.), “Calunga”(Simaba ferruginea A. St.-Hil), “Caferana”(Vernonia polyanthes Less), “Cipó da Amazônia”(Banisteriopsis caapi (Spruce) Morton), “Carambola”(Averrhoa carambola L.), “Douradinha”(Palicourea xanthophylla M. Arg,) “Insulina”(Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicholson & C.E. Jarvis), “Quebra-pedra”(Phyllanthus niruri L.), “Sai-de-mim”(?), “Tiririca”(Cyperus rotundus L.), “Caju-do-campo”(Anacardium humile A. St.-Hil), “Cebola-roxa”(Allium cepa L.), “Pedra ume-ca-á”(Myrcia sphaerocarpa DC.), “Açoita-cavalo”(Luehea divaricata Mart. et. Zucc); G2) 3 common between P and A: “Urucum”[Bixa orellana L.], “Pata-de-vaca”[Bauhinia sp], “Jucá”[Caesalpinia ferrea Mart.; G3) one kind was triple-joint (P, AP, A): “Carqueja”[Baccharis sp]. The most frequently mentioned were “Pata-de-vaca” (6/12) and “Carqueja” (7/12), and the others had one appointment each. The target plants are concentrated in two species and disperse in the others. Among the 18 species, the “Cebola” has more and "Douradinha" "has less research related to diabetes, which were available online at abr2013

Transferability and characterization of microssatellite loci to in Anacardium humile A. St. Hil. (Anacardiaceae)

Microsatellite markers were transferred from the cashew, Anarcadium occidentale, to Anacardium humile (Anacardiaceae), a Neotropical shrub from the Brazilian savanna, that produces an edible nut and pseudo-fruit. We tested 14 microsatellite primers from A. occidentale on A. humile. Polymorphism of each microsatellite locus was analyzed based on 58 individuals from three populations. Twelve loci amplified successfully and presented 2 to 9 alleles; expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.056 to 0.869. These 12 microsatellite loci provide a new tool for the generation of fundamental population genetic data for devising conservation strategies for A. humile.

Comparison of Brazilian Plants Used to Treat Gastritis on the Oxidative Burst ofHelicobacter pylori-Stimulated Neutrophil

Ten Brazilian medicinal plants used to treat gastritis and ulcers were carefully selected on the basis of ethnopharmacological importance and antiulcerogenic activity previously described. The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts was determined in analysis conditions that simulate a real biological activity on inhibition of the oxidative burst induced in neutrophils using Helicobacter pylori as activator, by a luminol-amplified chemiluminescence assay. The extracts, at low concentration (5 μg/mL), exhibited a large variation in inhibitory effects of H. pylori-induced oxidative burst ranging from 48% inhibition to inactive, but all extracts, excluding Byrsonima intermedia, had inhibitory activity over 80% at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. The total suppressive antioxidant capacity measured as the effective concentration, which represents the extract concentration producing 50% inhibition of the chemiluminescence induced by H. pylori, varies from 27.2 to 56.8 μg/mL and was in the following order: Qualea parviflora > Qualea multiflora > Alchornea triplinervia > Qualea grandiflora > Anacardium humile > Davilla elliptica > Mouriri pusa > Byrsonima basiloba > Alchornea glandulosa > Byrsonima intermedia. The main groups of compounds in tested extracts are presented. Differences in the phytochemical profile, quantitatively and qualitatively, of these plants can explain and justify their protective effect on the gastric mucosa caused by the neutrophil-generated ROS that occurs when H. pylori displays its evasion mechanisms.

Allelopathic effect of anacardium humile mart. In the germination and growth of Lactuca Sativa l. and Raphanus Sativus l.

In this research it was evaluated the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts from Anacardium humile stems and leaves in seed germination and seedling growth of radish and lettuce. In the germination tests the aqueous extracts were used at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16% (w/v) concentration. Four replicates of thirty seeds of lettuce and radish were distributed in Petri dishes covered with filter paper moistened with 5 mL different extracts, kept at 27 oC and light absence. The counting of germinated seeds was performed daily, being calculated speed and the percentage of germination. In tests measuring the germination percentage, only radish`s seeds were affected by the aqueous extracts of leaves 8%. The speed’s germination in lettuce seeds was significantly reduced using leaves extract at all concentrations. Leaf extracts 8, 12, 16% and stems extracts 8% also caused significant reductions in the speed germination of radish seeds. Growth experiments were carried out with four replicates of eight germinated seeds of lettuce and radish, at 27 oC, ten days after the germination and having filter paper as substratum, moistened with 0%, 4% and 12% of aqueous extracts. Both, lettuce and radish, presented a significant inhibition of total length when stem extracts were used. Leaves’s extracts 4% and 12% also produced significant growth inhibition in radish seedlings. The extracts interference on seed germination and seedling growth of lettuce and radish was disassociated of pH and osmotic potential influence, indicating an allelopathic potential of the species studied.

Antibacterial activity tannin-rich fraction from leaves of Anacardium humile

In vitro tests conducted with extracts rich in tannins have identified several biological activities of this class of substance. Thus, this paper intends to evaluate the antibacterial activity of tannin-rich fraction obtained from leaf extracts of Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil. Extracts of A. humile leaves in 70% acetone were semi-purified with ethyl acetate and butanol. We quantified the total tannins of the semi-purified fractions, of the crude extract and of aqueous residues and then performed tests of the antibacterial activity of the tannins against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. All positive extracts underwent tannin isolation using a Sephadex LH-20 column. The tannins isolated from the samples were quantified and tested for the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC). The tannins from crude extracts, semi-purifications and residues showed inhibition of S. aureus growth with MIC=500 g mL-1. All tannin fractions showed MIC against all strains and MBC, except against E. faecalis. The tannin fractions from Anacardium humile have antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomononas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis and, therefore, may be promising for future synthesis of new antibacterial agents.