Astronium Urundeuva Research Articles

ESTUDO IN SILICO DOS CONSTITUINTES DO MEL DA AROEIRA (Astronium urundeuva) E A CAPACIDADE DE INTERAÇÃO COM A PROTEINASE GP63 DA LEISHMANIOSE

Neglected tropical diseases represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, representing a global health challenge. Honey produced by bees is an organic food, composed of a mixture rich in nutrients, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, minerals and vitamins. Depending on flowering, honey may contain phenolic compounds, flavorings and flavonoids, which may exhibit biological activities. In this in silico study on the constituents of mastic honey (Astronium urundeuva), we sought to predict the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties, considering the interaction capacity of the constituents with the GP63 receptor, from Leishmaniasis. To this end, a systematic review of the literature was carried out and the molecular structures of the constituents were obtained, predicting ADMET properties and evaluating the binding affinity with molecular docking. Thus, information was obtained on the in silico physicochemical and pharmacological properties of the identified compounds, highlighting the potential biological activity for the treatment of Leishmaniasis, through the ability to interact with the GP63 protease. This focus will enable new investigations and therapeutic advances in the area.

Wood properties of three south american species planted in consortium

The use of tropical wood species in reforestation can be an alternative resource to meet the demand from the industrial wood sector. However, this strategy remains very limited, even while tropical forests continue to be deliberately exploited for the selective extraction of native species of highly commercial value. To test the potential of tropical species in reforestation, it is first necessary to evaluate the production and quality of the wood produced. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the quality Astronium urundeuva, Astronium fraxinifolium and Terminalia argentea woods, all aged 22 years, from a heterogeneous plantation located in the municipality of Selvíria-MS. From each species, 15 trees were selected. A 10 cm thick disc was removed from the base of each tree. Samples were taken from the discs near the bark region to evaluate the anatomical characteristics and the physical and mechanical properties of the wood. According to the results, it was found that only compressive strength did not differ significantly among the species. Astronium urundeuva presented the highest values for basic density and apparent density, and Terminalia argentea presented the highest values for fiber length, fiber wall thickness and vessel element diameter. The best Pearson correlations were found for basic density and apparent density, both for Astronium fraxinifolium and Astronium urundeuva. The best regression equations obtained were correlations between basic density and apparent density for Astronium fraxinifolium and Astronium urundeuva. The linear model best fits the data for these correlations. The greater growth of Terminalia argentea trees caused lower wood density owing to the lower rate of competition among trees. Based on the results and according to wood strength standards, the three species can be classified in the D40 strength class. According to the obtained results, these can support information to be compared with some species used commercially for structural purposes and other uses.

Antibacterial Evaluation in vitro of the Essential Oil of Astronium urundeuva (M.Allemão) Engl. Against Multidrug-Resistant Strains

Given the current disastrous situation of bacterial resistance resulting in deaths worldwide due to the misuse of antibiotics, it is necessary to explore natural means that can reverse this situation. Thus, the essential oil of Astronium urundeuva, which possesses properties directly related to its antibacterial effects, was the focus of this research. The objective was to analyze the antibacterial activity of the essential oil from A. urundeuva leaves, as well as its antibiotic-enhancing action. Initially, approval was obtained from the Biodiversity Authorization and Information Systems (SISBio) and the National System for Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge (SisGen). Subsequently, collections were made, and extracts from A. urundeuva leaves were obtained. In addition, in vitro tests were conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oil, along with tests to identify any modifying activity on antibiotic action. Bacterial strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were used for these tests. It was found through the minimum inhibitory concentration that the essential oil (EO) alone could not prevent bacterial growth, considering that its result was > 512 µg/mL. However, it was observed that the essential oil, in conjunction with certain antibiotics, had a potentiating effect on its antibacterial action. The most significant enhancers were Norfloxacin, as it achieved higher action against all three tested strains when combined with the EO, and Gentamicin, which, when combined with the EO, strengthened its action against E. coli and S. aureus. However, Ampicillin, when combined with the EO, showed significance only against S. aureus. Therefore, this study revealed that the essential oil of A. urundeuva may be promising, as it can enhance the action of antibiotics against bacterial growth.

Atributos das árvores hospedeiras, e não a diversidade da comunidade, conduzem a abundância de epífitas em florestas tropicais sazonais

Abstract Epiphytes are considered indicators of forest ecological integrity, but the factors that explain their abundance are still not well understood. We here evaluated tree colonization by epiphytes in old-growth monospecific reforestation stands of Astronium urundeuva (M.Allemão) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) and Eucalyptus saligna Sm. (Myrtaceae), in comparison to a neighbor seasonal tropical forest fragment under similar environmental conditions. In each forest type, we identified and measured all trees (planted and colonizers) from 5-cm stem diameter in five 200 m² plots and quantified all vascular epiphytes per tree. Tree species were categorized by bark roughness, canopy deciduousness and growth rate. The abundance of epiphytes and the frequency of host trees were higher in the A. urundeuva plantation than in the native forest, with the E. saligna stand in an intermediate position. Also, we found that host traits influenced the abundance of epiphytes in their trunks. Host trees had average stem perimeter and height both higher than non-hosts, which indicates that colonization is more likely to occur in older trees. The average abundance of epiphytes per tree was higher in species with rough bark, but no relationship was found with canopy deciduousness or tree growth rate. We evidenced, therefore, that forest plantations, even if monospecific, can provide habitat for epiphytes. However, at community level, colonization success, either in native or restored forest, depends on the relative abundance of species whose bark type favors epiphytes establishment.

Anti-Candida sp. activity of Astronium urundeuva derivatives free and loaded into a nanostructured lipid system

Anti-Candida sp. activity of Astronium urundeuva derivatives free and loaded into a nanostructured lipid system

Production of a phenolic-rich extract of aroeira honey and characterization of its antimicrobial, antitumoral and antioxidant activities

Objective: a phenolic-rich extract of Astronium urundeuva honey (PhEAH) wasproduced and its pharmacological proprieties were determined. Method: PhEAHwas prepared using a solid-phase extraction column. Next, antibacterial and antifungalactivities were evaluated by broth microdilution method and the antioxidanteffect was investigated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Urethralcatheter sensitized with PhEAH were produced and its anti-adhesive and anti-biofilmeffect determined. Finally, antitumoral and antiviral activities were studded using3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Results:PhEAH showed an elevated total phenol concentration (PhEAH: 18.7±0.4 mg GA/g vs. fresh honey: 0.99±0.005 mg GA/g). Although PhEAH did not show significantantifungal and antiviral effects, it was moderately active against Gram-negative bacilli(Klebsiella aerogenes, K. pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa andEnterobacter cloacae) and showed increased antibacterial activity against salmonellosispathogens (Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis). PhEAH-impregnatedurethral catheters inhibited the growth of various pathogenic bacteria andimpaired the ability of P. aeruginosa to colonize and adhere to it. In addition to its antimicrobialactivity, PhEAH presented antioxidant properties and reduced the viabilityof human glioblastoma cells. Conclusion: in conclusion, our study shows that PhEAHcontains large amounts of phenolic compounds, which are associated with its antibacterial,anti-adhesive, antioxidant, and antitumor effects.

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN DIASPORES OF Astronium urundeuva (M.Allemão) Engl. FOR QUALITY MAINTENANCE DURING STORAGE

The success of seed production and marketing depends on ideal conditions for storage. Some forest species have seed conservation problems due to the high incidence of fungi that reduce physiological quality. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of bioactive compounds in diaspores of Astronium urundeuva (M.Allemão) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) to maintain physiological quality and reduce the incidence of fungi during storage. For this, two factorial trials were set up: (i) application of four essential oils (cinnamon, clove, orange and melaleuca) at five concentrations (0.00, 1.25, 2.50, 3.75 and 5.0 mL.kg-1); and (ii) five plant extracts (clove, cinnamon, quina, garlic and lemongrass) at five concentrations (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). Diaspores were evaluated at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days for germination, seed vigor and fungal incidence. The essential oils of clove (4.6 mL.kg-1) and melaleuca (3.7 mL.kg-1) and plant extracts of clove (71%) and lemongrass (73%) can be applied to maintain physiological quality and reduce the incidence of fungi during the storage of A. urundeuva diaspores. In addition to these, the essential oils of cinnamon (3.8 mL.kg-1) and orange (4.0 mL.kg-1) and plant extracts of cinnamon (72%) and quina (74%) can be used as an alternative to synthetic fungicide. Therefore, the application of products based on natural bioactive compounds is an alternative to the use of chemicals in sanitary control during the storage of A. urundeuva seeds.

Climate fluctuation impacts in Astronium urundeuva (M. Allemão) Engl. silvicultural characters in the Brazilian Cerrado

Currently, mankind is responsible for changing our planet’s conditions. These changes are usually catastrophic, and yet, mankind does not develop preventative strategies to reduce their impacts. However, a species present in the Brazilian Cerrado, Astronium urundeuva, can be very economically logged and has a known landscape distribution, but lacks information regarding the impacts of climate change on its silviculture. This research aimed to verify A. urundeuva’s silvicultural behavior under current environmental conditions. Progenies from three populations (Cerrado and Atlantic Forest/Cerrado transition) were measured for silvicultural characters: height (HT) and diameter at breast height (DBH), in 2019. Climatic data (temperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration and soil available water, averages and accumulated) were also measured between 1996 and 2018. Descriptive and sequential water balance analysis, descriptive statistics, collinearity tests and a multiple linear regression were performed. There was water deficit in all years (−12.7 mm) researched, which showed an irregular rainfall distribution in Selvíria-MS, concentrated mostly in summer. Average HT ranged from 8.02 m to 10.69 m, while average DBH ranged from 0.10 m to 0.12 m, with high variability (CVs between 21.99% and 34.77%). There was significant correlation between HT, DBH, , and and between , and , which highlighted the importance of water availability . Multiple linear regression showed has a direct and negative relationship with silvicultural characters, implying productivity losses while evapotranspiration increases. Even though it is not a typical Cerrado species, A. urundeuva may have adapted to phytogeographic domain conditions, with slow growth due to water deficit for its survival, considering that, in Brazil, climate change has resulted from annual variations.

Trichoderma as a growth promoter in Astronium urundeuva (M. Allemão) Engl.

The low growth is one of the biggest problems encountered in the production of native forest seedlings. Fungi of the genus Trichoderma are microorganisms capable of potentialize the plant growth. Thereby, this article aims to evaluate the efficiency of Trichoderma inoculation, as a plant growth promoter of Aroeira seedlings (Astronium urundeuva (M. Allemão) Engl.), in the greenhouse. The isolated ones, at the approximate concentration of conidia at 1 x 109 per colonized gram of rice, were individually mixed with the soil in a homogeneous form in the experiments with and without phosphate fertilization. For the control treatment, sterilized rice without Trichoderma was used. Two experiments were carried out, at 50 and 100 days after the sowing (DAS). Were evaluated the biomass characteristics of the selected crop through the dry mass of aerial part, the root dry mass and the total dry mass, as well as the relative efficiency and quality index of Dickson. The experiment whose received the natural fertilizer phosphate, occurred a variation of 25.4 to 925% in growth promotion, compared to the control treatment. The experiment without fertilizer showed a variation of 26.5 to 425.4% in growth, compared to the control treatment. The results demonstrate the capacity of isolated Trichoderma to promote an initial growth with or without natural fertilize phosphate to Aroeira.

Seed germination of Astronium urundeuva (M. Allemão) Engl. and Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan in different substrates

The present study evaluated the effect of different substrates on the germination and initial development of Astronium urundeuva and Anadenanthera colubrina. The substrates were: washed sand, vegetable soil, and vermiculite for A. urundeuva experiment; washed sand and vermiculite for A. colubrina experiment. The following variables were analyzed: percentage of emergence, emergence speed index, average emergence time, average emergence speed, synchronization index, first emergency count, and the relative frequency of emergence. For initial development, shoot and root length, number of leaves, and shoot, root and total dry mass were evaluated. The highest percentages of emergence for A. urundeuva (52%) and for A. colubrina (50.5%) were observed in vermiculite substrate. The use of vermiculite as substrate favored germination and initial development of A. urundeuva and A. colubrina.

Reference values for germination and emergence measurements

Why should we care about reference values for germination and emergence measurements? Because they can help in the conservation of species and thus the recovery or restoration of altered areas. Therefore, for the first time, we evaluated the germination and emergence processes of diaspores of five Cerrado species to propose reference values for the germination and emergence measurements to enable species comparison, and consequently, facilitate better conservation decisions. The five species have diaspores with high physiological quality and intraspecific variability in relation to most of the germination and emergence measurements, showing that they still retain their reproductive potential. The processes of seed germination and seedling emergence in Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan and Ceiba speciosa (A.St.-Hil.) Ravenna and seedling emergence in Astronium urundeuva Engl. were faster and more synchronised than those of Cedrela fissilis Vell. (emergence) and Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (germination and emergence), indicating the presence of dormancy in the diaspores of the last two species. However, considering the reference values determined here, all the species could be considered very slow and very asynchronous. This means that all the species use large environmental windows to establish themselves, where the spreading of seed germination and seedling emergence over time is an important survival advantage.

Conteúdo de compostos fenólicos em mel monofloral de aroeira e no tecido do nectário floral

Abstract The objective of this work was to quantify the content of total phenolic compounds in monofloral honey from aroeira (Astronium urundeuva) trees and to verify, through histochemical tests, if these compounds are present in the floral tissues. The apiary, with Apis mellifera bees, was installed among aroeira trees in the semiarid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From the anatomy of the flowers and of the inflorescence rachis, an ornamented epidermis, tector and glandular trichomes, idioblasts, and a developed secretory system were observed. Aroeira honey has an average phenolic content of 142.5±22.6 mg 100 g-1, a value considered very high when compared with those of other monofloral honeys from Brazil and around the world. Histochemical tests detected the presence of phenolic substances in the idioblasts and secretory ducts associated with the phloem in the floral tissues, especially in the nectar parenchyma, epidermis, and glandular trichomes. Phenolic compounds are present in the floral tissue of both floral morphs, mainly in the nectary where honeybees collect nectar. The obtained results are the first, in the literature, indicative that the phenolic compounds produced by aroeira trees are transferred through the nectar to the honey. This study contributes to the establishment of quality standards for monofloral aroeira honey and to the identification of its botanical origin.

The influence of herbaceous vegetation on the colonization of native and invasive trees: consequences for semiarid forest restoration

We evaluated the influence of herbaceous vegetation on the colonization of an invasive and two native tree species in a degraded area located at the Caatinga semiarid forest in Northeastern Brazil. Seedlings of the native trees Anadenanthera colubrina and Astronium urundeuva were planted in nine paired blocks with intact and removed herbaceous vegetation. In addition, seeds of the invasive tree species Leucaena leucocephala were sown in the same paired plots. Growth, germination, establishment, and survival of the tree species were monitored for 8 months. The results showed that herbaceous vegetation hampered native seedling growth in respect to leaf number, leaf size, height, and stem diameter. Conversely, herbaceous vegetation had a neutral effect on the germination, establishment, and growth of the invasive species L. leucocephala. Dominant ruderal herbaceous species strongly prevent the natural succession of native trees in this semiarid forest, while not affecting the establishment of an invasive tree. Management of herbaceous vegetation cover in degraded areas might be a key step for successful restoration in this dryland.

Ethnopharmacology of the angiosperms of Chapada of Araripe located in Northeast of Brazil

The Chapada of Araripe located in the Northeast of Brazil, presents a great vegetal diversity. Associated with this, the region presents a great cultural plurality, which reflects in several popular knowledge, such as the use of medicinal plants in the region. The objective of this work was to carry out an ethnopharmacological bibliographic survey of angiosperms present in the region. The scientific name of species was associated with the keywords "traditional use", "traditional medicine" "traditional knowledge" and "Brazil" to collect information published and available on Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo and Scopus Platform. Subsequently, the species with the greatest versatility of use were selected and their relative importance (RI) indexes were calculated. As a result, 92 species with medicinal potential were identified in the Chapada of Araripe, corresponding to 81 genera and 44 botanical families, with Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae and Rubiaceae being the taxa that presented the highest number of species with 16, 6, 5 and 5 respectively. The 10 most versatile species were Anacardium occidentale (RI: 1.38), Astronium urundeuva (1.86), Copaifera langsdorffii (2.00), Hancornia speciosa (1.81), Himatanthus drasticus (1.62), Hymenaea stigonocarpa (1.89), Lafoensia pacari (1.83), Libidibia ferrea (1.43), Scoparia dulcis (1.71) and Ximenia americana L. (1.46). Finally, we emphasize that Chapada of Araripe is a region of great biological and cultural value, being important actions for the preservation of local flora and traditional knowledge.

Allelopathic effect of <i>Azadirachta</i> indica fresh leaves on the germination of native plants in the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest

Allelopathic potential, which is characterized by harmful or beneficial effects on a species, is a hypothesis that could explain the success of a vegetable species in process of invasion. For that reason, this study aims to investigate the allelopathic effect of the fresh leaf extract from Azadirachta indica on the germination and early growth of native species (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, Pityrocarpa moniliformis, Astronium urundeuva, Cenostigma pyramidale, and Libidibia ferrea) in the seasonally dry tropical forest (caatinga). The raw extract was prepared with 200g of fresh leaves in 1L of distilled water, diluted in six treatments. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD), with four repetitions of 25 seeds, and paper towel moistened with extract as substrate. The number of germinated seeds was counted daily. At the end of the experiment, radicle length (RL), germination percentage (GP), germination speed index (GSI), and average germination time (AGT) were evaluated. P. stipulacea’s GP and GSI averages and A. urundeuva’s AGT decreased as extract concentration increased. As far as RL is concerned, in intermediate concentrations the extract hindered P. moniliformis and L. ferrea’s growth but favored C. pyramidale and A. urundeuva’s. Results allow us to infer that A. indica has an allelopathic effect on native species and might interfere with their rooting in the field, which in turn would affect the succession and balance of the forest over time, since the community structure and the ecosystemic processes would be impacted.

Aspectos germinativos e bioquímicos de diásporos de aroeira-do-sertão, armazenados e submetidos ao condicionamento fisiológico

RESUMO: Em ambientes semiáridos as chuvas irregulares dificultam o processo germinativo das sementes das espécies endêmicas, sendo necessário o uso de tratamentos pré-germinativos que acelerem e uniformizem a germinação. Dessa maneira, esse trabalho de pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho fisiológico de diásporos de A. urundeuva quando armazenados em diferentes condições (ambiente controlado – câmara refrigerada e não-controlado – ambiente) e submetidos posteriormente à diferentes tratamentos pré-germinativos de condicionamento fisiológico. Adotou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições de 25 diásporos, sendo empregadas duas condições de armazenamento (controlada – câmara refrigerada e não-controlada – ambiente), quatro períodos de armazenamento (0; 45; 90 e 180 dias) e quatro tratamentos pré-germinativos utilizados após os períodos de armazenamento, estabelecendo-se um esquema fatorial 4×4 (períodos de armazenamento × tratamentos pré-germinativos de condicionamento fisiológico). Antes do armazenamento e após cada período de armazenamento e condicionamento foram avaliados: grau de umidade, porcentagem e índice de velocidade de germinação (protrusão da raiz), condutividade elétrica e danos de membranas dos diásporos. O armazenamento dos diásporos de A.urundeuva por 180 dias reduz o potencial fisiológico, independente da temperatura e UR do ar. A condutividade elétrica e os danos de membranas são testes bioquímicos eficientes para acompanhar a redução da qualidade fisiológica dos diásporos armazenados por 180 dias, independente da temperatura e UR do ar. O condicionamento fisiológico realizado após o armazenamento dos diásporos acelera o processo germinativo, podendo ser visto como uma técnica vantajosa no estabelecimento inicial das mudas.
 PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Astronium urundeuva, Caatinga, priming.

Tree Use, Niche Breadth and Overlap for Excavation by Woodpeckers in Subtropical Piedmont Forests of Northwestern Argentina

Studies dealing with the selection of tree species and characteristics for cavity-nesting birds are important to evaluate the abundance and quality of available resources in the environment. The aim of this study is to characterize the use of trees by woodpecker species in the subtropical piedmont forests of northwestern Argentina by using the analysis of niche selection, breadth and overlap in a total of five woodpecker species of different body size found in these subtropical forests: White-barred Piculet Picumnus cirratus (small woodpeckers), Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus, Golden-green Woodpecker Piculus chrysochloros, Dot-fronted Woodpecker Veniliornis frontalis (medium-sized woodpeckers), and Cream-backed Woodpecker Campephilus leucopogon (largest woodpeckers). From a total of 54 tree species, only 15 were used by these woodpecker species. Primary excavator species were moderate specialists in tree use (Levin's index), and they showed selection according to their availability (Ivlev's index) of four of the fifteen tree species (Calycophyllum multiflorum, Amburana cearensis, Cedrela balansae, Astronium urundeuva) and snags. There was a high overlap (Morisita's overlap index) in the use of tree species between Picumnus cirratus and medium-sized woodpeckers, while less overlap was found between Campephilus leucopogon and other woodpecker species. Both living trees and snags were used by the woodpeckers, although snags were more important for small and medium-sized woodpeckers, whereas living trees were more important for Campephilus leucopogon. Both snags and living trees had a large diameter at breast height (DBH) in > 50 cm. Results show the existence of different cavity-excavation niches for woodpecker species in subtropical forests of Argentina, and they allow us to identify the important relationships between these birds and the available tree species. Thus, the results of this work may be useful to develop sustainable forest management guidelines for this group of birds.

Nanostructured lipid system as a strategy to improve the anti-Candida albicans activity of Astronium sp.

The genus Astronium (Anacardiaceae) includes species, such as Astronium fraxinifolium, Astronium graveolens, and Astronium urundeuva, which possess anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, healing, and antimicrobial properties. Nanostructured lipid systems are able to potentiate the action of plant extracts, reducing the required dose and side effects and improving antimicrobial activity. This work aims to evaluate a nanostructured lipid system that was developed as a strategy to improve the anti-Candida albicans activity of hydroethanolic extracts of stems and leaves from Astronium sp. The antifungal activity against C. albicans (ATCC 18804) was evaluated in vitro by a microdilution technique. In addition to the in vitro assays, the Astronium sp. that showed the best antifungal activity and selectivity index was submitted to an in vivo assay using a model of vulvovaginal candidiasis infection. In these assays, the extracts were either used alone or were incorporated into the nanostructured lipid system (comprising 10% oil phase, 10% surfactant, and 80% aqueous phase). The results indicated a minimal inhibitory concentration of 125.00 µg/mL before incorporation into the nanostructured system; this activity was even more enhanced when this extract presented a minimal inhibitory concentration of 15.62 µg/mL after its incorporation. In vivo assay dates showed that the nanostructure-incorporated extract of A. urundeuva leaves was more effective than both the unincorporated extract and the antifungal positive control (amphotericin B). These results suggest that this nanostructured lipid system can be used in a strategy to improve the in vitro and in vivo anti-C. albicans activity of hydroethanolic extracts of Astronium sp.

Characterization of Gallotannins from Astronium Species by Flow Injection Analysis-Electrospray Ionization-Ion Traptandem Mass Spectrometry and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

The species Astronium urundeuva (Allemao) Engl. and Astronium graveolens Jacq., which are used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat allergies, inflammation, diarrhea and ulcers, were investigated for their composition. The aim of this study was to define a rapid and reliable analytical approach, based on the flow-injection analysis-electrospray ionization-ion trap-tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-ESI-IT-MS-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS), to investigate the full range of hydrolyzable tannins present in the extracts of these Astronium species. The MALDI-ToF-MS analysis allowed us to ascertain the presence of hydrolysable tannins in both Astronium species as a series of gallotannins with degrees of polymerization of 7 to 13 galloyl units. Moreover, the analysis by FIA-ESI-IT-MS-MS, as well as confirming this result and chemically defining gallotannins as galloylglucose compounds, highlighted the presence of further classes of hydrolysable tannins, such as hexahydrodiphenoyl esters of glucose and some gallic acid derivatives, providing information about their structure by a careful study of their fragmentation patterns. Finally, the evaluation of the number of positional isomers of gallotannins occurring in both Astronium species was obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-IT-MS). This is the first mass spectrometric evidence relating to the existence of gallotannins in Astronium genus.

Plants used in popular medicine for treatment of infectious diseases in Central South America

In communities there are people reference and popular trust, which are sought to guide the needy. This happens also for the treatment of health problems. In the capital (Cuiabá) from Mato Grosso, Brazil (geodesic center of South America) the people who lead and trading medicinal plants are known as healers (raizeiros). They have points of service specific and home-made to meet its demand. To know what are the major medicinal plants listed the treatment of infectious diseases in general, a study was done in the city of Cuiaba, the following species are mentioned for twelve healers: Angico (Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg.-Fabaceae), Arnica (Arnica montana L.- Asteraceae), Arnica do campo (Camarea ericoides A. St.-Hil.- Malpighiaceae), Aroeira (Astronium urundeuva (Allemão) Engl.-Anacardiaceae), Bálsamo da mata (Dicliptera pohliana Nees – Acanthaceae), Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville -Fabaceae), Cancerosa (Maytenus ilicifolia (Schrad.) Planch.- Calastraceae), Copaíba (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.- Fabaceae), Jequitibá (Cariniana rubra Gardner ex Miers – Lecythidaceae), Malva branca (Waltheria americana L. – Sterculiaceae), Mangava brava (Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil. – Lythraceae), Marapuama (Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth.- Olacaceae), Nó de cachorro (Heteropterys aphrodisiaca Mach. – Malpighiaceae), Pau doce (Vochysia rufa Mart. -Vochysiaceae), Sucupira (Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth – Fabaceae), Vassourinha (Scoparia dulcis L. – Plantaginaceae). It was also mentioned other plant species suitable for specific infections: intestinal (2), renal (4), urinary (7), uterus and ovaries (3). It is observed predominance of species rich in tannins, and has antiseptic and disinfectant power, which may partly explain the indication of these plants to combat infectious diseases.