Baccharis Trimera Research Articles

Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Activity of Equisetum arvense and Baccharis trimera Fractions

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to defend itself against potential threats and can be reduced through physical activity, proper nutrition, and the use of herbal medicines, which are medicinal plants. In the study, we aim to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of the volatile and ethanolic fractions of two commonly used medicinal plants, Equisetum arvense, and Baccharis trimera. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of the fresh leaves of the plants, while the ethanolic extracts were obtained using classical methodologies. All fractions were tested for anti-inflammatory activity, evaluating their ability to stabilize the red blood cell membrane and inhibit the spreading, and phagocytosis by macrophages, at concentrations varying from 200 to 600 µg mL-1. The results of the experiments suggest that the ethanolic fraction of B. trimera shows promising results compared to the positive controls. Our investigations thus contribute to the specialized literature on the use of herbal medicines around nutrition, providing guidance for future studies on these fractions.

Suppression of inflammation by Baccharis punctulata and Baccharis trimera through modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses

Inflammatory processes, involving both innate and adaptive responses, are essential for controlling pathogens and maintaining homeostasis. However, excessive inflammation can cause chronic conditions including autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Alternative treatment options for inflammation are crucial, and exploring plants with anti-inflammatory properties holds significance. The genus Baccharis (Asteraceae family) is widespread across the Americas and is traditionally used to treat various disorders, including inflammatory diseases. Several biological activities of Baccharis species have been described; however, their immunomodulatory effects have not been widely evaluated. In this study, we analyzed the immunomodulatory activity of two Baccharis species, Baccharis punctulata, and Baccharis trimera, using an in vitro inflammation model involving monocytic cells and splenocytes to evaluate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Both B. punctulata and B. trimera reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory mediators, including soluble CD14 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, they suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production in splenocytes, demonstrating a dampened innate immune response. In addition, both species attenuated concanavalin A (ConA)-induced splenocyte proliferation, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect on the adaptive immune response. In summary, the extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, affecting both innate and adaptive immune responses, and underscoring their potential as treatments for inflammatory diseases and sources of anti-inflammatory molecules.

Cytogenotoxicity evaluation of heavy metals detected in extracts and infusion of Baccharis trimera, potential bioaccumulator plant

ABSTRACT Heavy metals (HMs) are natural components of the Earth’s crust that might originate from natural and anthropogenic sources. In excess quantities, the presence of these metals is harmful for both environment and human health. Taking this into account, various investigators examined bioaccumulator species in order to reduce environmental toxicity, among these Baccharis trimera. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the capacity of B. trimera to bioaccumulate HMs and assess consequent cytogenotoxicity following exposure. B. trimera vegetative parts were collected from two groups (1) control, in which plants were cultivated in soil exposed to distilled water, and (2) exposed, in which plants were cultivated in soil exposed to HMs including manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), and chromium (Cr). HMs were quantified in cultivation soil and extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) as well as infusion of B. trimera vegetative parts. Root lengths and cytogenotoxic effects were determined using Allium cepa test. Results demonstrated that all HMs studied were absorbed and bioaccumulated by B. trimera. Root lengths were decreased when exposed to ethanolic extract of B. trimera cultivated in soil exposed to HMs solution, which was the extract that exhibited the highest cytogenotoxicity values. Thus, data demonstrated that B. trimera might serve as a bioaccumulator for the reduction of environmental toxicity associated with the presence of certain HMs.

Natural Antioxidants of the Underutilized and Neglected Plant Species of Asia and South America

Background: Plants have played an essential role in the search for new compounds for the most diverse therapeutic purposes. Recently, more attention has been paid to natural antioxidants because of the possible insecurity of synthetic antioxidants. Objective: The review is aimed at summarizing the most important and common natural antioxidants and their resources from medicinal plants. Methods: The research was performed using data bases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis, etc. to search for all collected scientific publications. Results: The most important medicinal plants with antioxidant activities in Iran are Artemisia, berberry fruit, borage, calendula, coriander, cumin, green tea, hawthorn, jujube, pomegranate, rose, rosemary, black zira, tea, and thyme. Important traditional medicinal plants with antioxidant activities in China are Asparagus, bindii, blueberries, camellia, Chinese bayberry, Chinese bitter melon, Chinese cabbage, Chinese cherry, Chinese jujube, Chinese olive, pomegranate, Chinese rose tea, Chinese toon, Chinese watermelon, black tea, knotweed, Chinese quince, Chinese rhubarb, sumac, wolfberry, dendrobium, drumstick tree, Fiscus species, ginger, ginkgo, goji berry, grape, Jerusalem thorn, kiwifruit seed oil, and liquorice root. Anacardium occidentale L., Ananas comosus (L.) Merril, Baccharis trimera (Less) DC., Carapa guianensis Aubl., Casearia sylvestris Sw., Cordia verbenacea DC., Croton lechleri Müll. Arg., and Eugenia uniflora L. are the main medicinal plants with antioxidant activities in Brazil. Conclusion: Antioxidants are those molecules that are involved in the scavenging of these reactive species causing oxidative stress and are defined as those substances which could prevent the oxidation of the substrate at low concentrations. The main derived exogenous natural antioxidants are derived from medicinal plants, fruits, foods, flowers, and traditional herbal medicines in different parts of the world

Biological and phytochemical potential of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC leaf extract on swine clinical isolates

Phytochemical studies have shown extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and the potential to treat some diseases. This study investigated the phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and phytochemical potential of B. trimera leaf extract obtained by decoction on ATCC standard bacterial strains and 23 swine clinical isolates. Water was used as an extraction solvent based on the principles of green chemistry and at a low cost. The decoction process resulted in an extract rich in phenolic compounds and a high capacity for scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extracts was performed using HPLC-DAD, and high concentrations of chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic, and cinnamic phenolic acids were found. Antimicrobial activity was observed against gram-negative bacteria. B. trimera aqueous extract may be a promising low-cost agent for prophylactic treatment against swine enteropathogens and contribute to reducing production costs.

Strong inhibition of xanthine oxidase and elastase of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC stem extract and analysis of biologically active constituents.

Introduction: In the present study, strong xanthine oxidase and elastase activities of Baccharis trimera (Less) DC stem (BT) were evaluated and active ingredients were identified to determine the possibility of using BT extract as an anti-hyperuricemia (gout) and cosmetic functional material. Methods: Hot water, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% ethanolic extracts of BT were prepared. The hot water extract had the highest extraction yield whereas the 100% ethanolic extract had the lowest yield. Results and discussion: Antioxidant effects were investigated based on DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and total phenolic contents. The 80% ethanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activity. However, the 100% ethanol BT extract showed strong xanthine oxidase and elastase inhibitory activities. Functional substances were thought to be caffeic acid and luteolin. Minor active substances such as o-coumaric acid, palmitic acid, naringenin, protocatechoic acid, and linoleic acid were identified. Through this study, we firstly reported evidence that BT stem extract could be used as functional materials with anti-hyperuricemia and skin disease improving effects. BT stem extract could be used as an anti-hyperuricemia (gout) natural drug or cosmetic material. For further study, practical studies such as optimizing BT extraction and functional experiments for hyperuricemia (gout) and skin wrinkle improvement are considered necessary.

Cytotoxic Activity of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. Essential Oil in Tumor Cell Lines and its Role in Associated Death Mechanisms

This study evaluated the potential of Baccharis trimera essential oil (EO) and its components in cancer therapy through the application of cytotoxicity and cell death assays. Using gas chromatography analysis, the major components of the aerial parts of the essential oil were identified as (E)-caryophyllene (18.9%), bicyclogermacrene (15.6%), and germacrene D (10.5%). Baccharis trimera essential oil (5.8 μg/mL) and α-humulene (7.8 μg/mL) presented strong cytotoxic activity, while (E)-caryophyllene (11.5 μg/mL) and caryophyllene oxide (> 100.0 μg/mL) showed moderate and low activities, respectively, against MCF-7 cell lines. Against HepG2 cell lines, B. trimera essential oil (10.4 μg/mL), α-humulene (17.1 μg/mL), and caryophyllene oxide (19.4 μg/mL) exhibited moderate activity, while (E)-caryophyllene (52.3 μg/mL) displayed low activity against HepG2 cell lines. The selectivity index values of EO (MCF-7 and HepG2), α-humulene and (E)-caryophyllene (MCF-7), and caryophyllene oxide (HepG2) were found between 1.1 and 2.8, compared with MCF-10A cells. The annexin-V and Hoechst / propidium iodide assays performed with essential oil, (E)-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and caryophyllene oxide showed apoptosis and necrosis mechanisms for all cell lines. Based on these findings, B. trimera essential oil and its components can be considered as potential therapeutic agents against cancer.

Pro-Apoptotic and Anti-Cancer Activity of the Vernonanthura Nudiflora Hydroethanolic Extract

The mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) protein is involved in several essential cancer hallmarks, including energy and metabolism reprogramming and apoptotic cell death evasion. In this study, we demonstrated the ability of hydroethanolic extracts from three different plants, Vernonanthura nudiflora (Vern), Baccharis trimera (Bac), and Plantago major (Pla), to induce cell death. We focused on the most active Vern extract. We demonstrated that it activates multiple pathways that lead to impaired cell energy and metabolism homeostasis, elevated ROS production, increased intracellular Ca2+, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. The massive cell death generated by this plant extract's active compounds involves the induction of VDAC1 overexpression and oligomerization and, thereby, apoptosis. Gas chromatography of the hydroethanolic plant extract identified dozens of compounds, including phytol and ethyl linoleate, with the former producing similar effects as the Vern hydroethanolic extract but at 10-fold higher concentrations than those found in the extract. In a xenograft glioblastoma mouse model, both the Vern extract and phytol strongly inhibited tumor growth and cell proliferation and induced massive tumor cell death, including of cancer stem cells, inhibiting angiogenesis and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, the multiple effects of Vern extract make it a promising potential cancer therapeutic.

Baccharis trimera Infusion Reduces Macrophages Activation and High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Disorders in Mice.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis trimera infusion on high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders in mice and macrophages activation. This study evaluated obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet in Swiss mice. Cellular parameters in macrophages, such as cell viability (MTT), the production and release of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), cell spreading, cell adhesion and phagocytosis were determined. Our results showed that treatment with B. trimera prevented the mentioned conditions, except for the production of hydrogen peroxide. B. trimera prevented the development of obesity and associated comorbidities, as well as activation of macrophages. In conclusion, B. trimera is able to prevent obesity and metabolic disorders and macrophages activation, minimizing inflammation and validating the popular use of this plant tea.

Antioxidant Baccharis trimera Leaf Extract Suppresses Lipid Accumulation in C. elegans Dependent on Transcription Factor NHR-49.

Obesity is a global public health problem that is associated with oxidative stress. One of the strategies for the treatment of obesity is the use of drugs; however, these are expensive and have numerous side effects. Therefore, the search for new alternatives is necessary. Baccharis trimera is used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of obesity. Here, B. trimera leaf extract (BT) showed antioxidant activity in seven in vitro tests, and it was not toxic to 3T3 murine fibroblasts or Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, BT reduces the intracellular amount of reactive oxygen species and increases C. elegans survival. Moreover, these effects were not dependent on transcription factors. The inhibition of fat accumulation by BT in the C. elegans model was also investigated. BT reduced lipid accumulation in animals fed diets without or with high amount of glucose. Furthermore, it was observed using RNA interference (iRNA) that BT depends on the transcription factor NHR-49 to exert its effect. Phytochemical analysis of BT revealed rutin, hyperoside, and 5-caffeoylquinic acid as the main BT components. Thus, these data demonstrate that BT has antioxidant and anti-obesity effects. However, further studies should be conducted to understand the mechanisms involved in its action.

Prescription patterns of herbal medicines at a Brazilian Living Pharmacy: The Farmácia da Natureza experience, 2013–2019

IntroductionHerbal medicines are an important part of healthcare worldwide. In Brazil, the national authorities issued the concept of “living pharmacies”, that produce and offer herbal medicines in the Brazilian unified public health system. Farmácia da Natureza (Nature’s Pharmacy) is a living pharmacy and a single, not-for-profit institution that integrates traditional and scientific knowledge on medicinal plants, along with the preservation of Brazilian biodiversity, with benefits to the health of the population that uses herbal drugs. A six-year experience of medical prescription of herbal medicines at Farmácia da Natureza is reported MethodsA retrospective, descriptive analysis of data on medical prescriptions of herbal medicines was conducted (September 2013 to December 2019) retrieved from a computerized database. ResultsA total of 47,418 prescription items for 4739 patients were analyzed. The most frequent pharmaceutical forms were tinctures (39.6%); capsules containing powdered plant material (20.7%); creams, ointments, or gels (12.3%); and aqueous extracts (11.7%). The five most frequently prescribed single-constituent herbal medicines were: Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae); Valeriana officinalis L. (Caprifoliaceae); Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke (Verbenaceae); Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (Asteraceae); and Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. (Asteraceae). Nearly half of the plants were naturally occurring in Brazil, while more than 80% of the products were not present in Brazilian official documents. ConclusionAt Farmácia da Natureza, herbal medicines are usually prescribed as tinctures and capsules containing powdered plant material, but other pharmaceutical forms are also prescribed. Half of the plants are of Brazilian origin and almost all preparations are galenic formulations.

Alternative method for microenzymatic inhibition activities monitoring from Baccharis trimera extracts by CZE-UV.

Capillary zone electrophoresis with direct UV detection (CZE-UV) was used to investigate the hypothesis about the extract of Baccharis trimera enzymatic activities as an analytical approach to monitoring the phenomenon. The aim of this work was to investigate enzymatic bioactivities of the hydroalcoholic and infusion extracts of B. trimera through screening evaluation of the inhibition of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-glycosidase (α-GLY). An alternative approach using CZE-UV to hydroalcoholic and infusion extracts of B. trimera monitoring was applied to evaluate the inhibition ability of the enzymes AChE and α-GLY. The result of the reaction of acetylthiocholine (AThCh) with AChE was thiocholine (TCh) and acetic acid, and from the amount of TCh generated, the AChE inhibition was calculated. For the inhibition study of the two enzymes, the reactions of the extracts were optimised to be performed in situ, inside the capillary column, and the introduction of the solutions was performed through ordered sequential plug injections. Samples extracted with 70% ethanol presented 7.80% inhibition for AChE and 0.51% for α-GLY, while samples extracted with 96% ethanol resulted in 6.89% inhibition for AChE and no inhibition activity for α-GLY. In the present work, the potentialities of CZE-UV for the study of hydroalcoholic and infusion extracts of B. trimera were demonstrated. The experimental results were useful for the calculation of the percentage of the inhibition activities of the AChE and α-GLY enzymes.

Novel Development of Nutritive, Enhanced Bioactivities, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, DNA Protection and New Insights

Herbal remedies are widely utilized as therapeutic approaches for different medical conditions all over the globe. Various chemical herbicides and pesticides, including the organic and inorganic Sulphur compounds, benzimidazoles, imazalil, and oxidizing compounds, have just been proposed to handle the diseases in plants in recent years to achieve this goal. Anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, and oxidative, analgesics, anorexiant, plasmid curing, and antihyperglycemic properties prominent in medicinal plants. The leaves of another medicinal plant , Dracocephalum moldavica have been used for the treatment of stomach and liver disorders, headaches and congestion. Different plants also exhibit the multiple action against variety of microbial pathogens. Baccharis trimera used against the infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella gallinarum and Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus strains. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), carotenoids, tocopherol (vitamin E), and plant phenolic compounds are examples of low-molecular-weight compounds, non-enzymatic anti - oxidants obtained from nutrition. Bilirubin, serotonin, lipoic acid, ketoacids, uric acid, sex hormones, coenzyme Q, and other low-molecular-mass antioxidant chemicals are produced in vivo.

Diversity and antimicrobial potential of the culturable rhizobacteria from medicinal plant Baccharis trimera Less D.C.

Plant microbiota is usually enriched with bacteria producers of secondary metabolites and represents a valuable source of novel species and compounds. Here, we analyzed the diversity of culturable root-associated bacteria of the medicinal native plant Baccharis trimera (Carqueja) and screened promising isolates for their antimicrobial properties. The rhizobacteria were isolated from the endosphere and rhizosphere of B. trimera from Ponta Grossa and Ortigueira localities and identified by sequencing and restriction analysis of the 16S rDNA. The most promising isolates were screened for antifungal activities and the production of siderophores and biosurfactants. B. trimera presented a diverse community of rhizobacteria, constituted of 26 families and 41 genera, with a predominance of Streptomyces and Bacillus genera, followed by Paenibacillus, Staphylococcus, Methylobacterium, Rhizobium, Tardiphaga, Paraburkholderia, Burkholderia, and Pseudomonas. The more abundant genera were represented by different species, showing a high diversity of the microbiota associated to B. trimera. Some of these isolates potentially represent novel species and deserve further examination. The communities were influenced by both the edaphic properties of the sampling locations and the plant niches. Approximately one-third of the rhizobacteria exhibited antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and a high proportion of isolates produced siderophores (25%) and biosurfactants (42%). The most promising isolates were members of the Streptomyces genus. The survey of B. trimera returned a diverse community of culturable rhizobacteria and identified potential candidates for the development of plant growth-promoting and protection products, reinforcing the need for more comprehensive investigations of the microbiota of Brazilian native plants and habitats.

Atividade antifúngica dos óleos essenciais Baccharis trimera e Foeniculum vulgare para o controle da podridão amarga em maçã

The present study aimed was to determine the chemical composition of Baccharis trimera and Foeniculum vulgare essential oils (EOs) and their in vitro and in vivo effect against Colletotrichum fructicola, the causal agent of bitter rot in apple. Chemical composition of EOs was determined by GC-MS and their effect against C. fructicola was evaluated in vitro by mycelial growth and conidia germination and in vivo by reducing disease symptoms on postharvest apples. The major compound found in B. trimera EO was carquejyl acetate (74.71%) and in F. vulgare EO was estragole (88.47%). In the in vitro tests, B. trimera EO showed a fungistatic action, while F. vulgare EO presented fungicidal action against mycelial growth. Both EOs showed complete inhibition of conidia germination. In the in vivo assay, both EOs tested were inefficient in reducing disease severity caused by C. fructicola, in preventive and curative treatment. These results are promising and indicate that the EOs might be further investigated as a natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for apple bitter rot control due to their in vitro fungicidal effect.

Baccharis trimera aqueous extract modulates inflammation and nociception in mice

BackgroundThe aerial parts of Baccharis trimera (Less.) are frequently used as a tea to treat several diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the constituents of an aqueous extract of B. trimera, focusing on their antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antinociception activities and properties. For that, the researchers performed in vivo assays using the formalin test and Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA) to measure the acute and chronic inflammatory pain in mice. Moreover, the myeloperoxidase enzyme (MPO) was analyzed in the subcutaneous tissue after the FCA injection, together with the counting of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of the mice.ResultsThe qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids and saponins in the B. trimera aqueous extract. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses showed the presence of phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, rosmarinic acid, as well as flavonoids, such as rutin, quercetin, and luteolin. The DPPH assay was used in order to measure the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of B. trimera and this showed an IC50 of 118.18 ± 1.02 μg/mg. The data from the formalin test demonstrated that a single dose of the aqueous extract of B. trimera was not able to decrease the nociceptive behavior during the neurogenic phase, at any of the tested doses (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg p.o.). However, during the inflammatory phase of this test, the aqueous extract of B. trimera at 80 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly decreased the nociceptive behavior, showing more effectiveness when compared to the other tested doses (p < 0.05). Importantly, in the chronic inflammatory model on the 5th day of treatment, the aqueous extract of B. trimera (80 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced mechanical allodynia (p < 0.01), heat thermal hyperalgesia (p < 0.001), and paw edema (p < 0.05). There were no changes in the MPO activity, but the data exhibited an equivalent decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the blood of the mice that were treated with B. trimera (80 mg.kg− 1 p.o.) and diclofenac sodium.ConclusionTaken together, the present data reinforces the potential of the B. trimera aqueous extract as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic compound.

Analysis of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Baccharis trimera for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals in Copper Mining Tailings Area in Southern Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate the phytoremediation potential promoted by Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. and Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. in copper mining tailing area, in the Southern part of Brazil. The plants were selected considering their spontaneous growth in tailing area. The phytoremediation indexes including translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), metal extraction ratio (MER), and plant effective number (PEN) were assessed. Both species showed higher concentrations of heavy metals in the roots than to the shoots. B. trimera has potential for phytoextraction of Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb and phytostabilization of Ba and Ni, whereas B. dracunculifolia demonstrated potential for phytoextraction of Pb and phytostabilization of Cu, Zn, and Ba. B. trimera showed higher potential in phytoremediation of the metals such as Cu > Zn > Cr > Ni and Cd than the B. dracunculifolia plants. A smaller number B. trimera plants was required to remove 1g of Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Cd than B. dracunculifolia plants, and implies that B. trimera is more efficient for decontamination of the metals. Both species showed potential for phytoremediation of metals in the mining tailing area under study.

Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC responses to water restriction

Climate change can cause imbalances in plants. Baccharis trimera is a specie usually found in harsh conditions and has medicinal and agricultural properties. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and physiological responses of this plant under water restriction (WR) levels. B. trimera samples were identified and collected in Erechim/RS and propagated in a greenhouse. When acclimated, they were subjected to 0, 25, 75 and 100% WR, determined according to the water saturation in the soil by capillary action. After 30 days of treatment, the physiological responses: growth, and fresh and dry biomass; and the biochemical responses: activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GP) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes, proline, protein and hydrogen peroxide content, and lipid peroxidation, were determined. Data were submitted to regression analysis and Pearson correlation. The WR of 27.37%, on average, induced an increase in physiological parameters, but the root growth was impaired in conditions above 50% of WR. With the increase in WR there was an increase in the activity of SOD in the shoot and APX in the root. In low WR conditions, proline contents were maintained. Therefore, with low levels of WR, around 27%, B. trimera has increase in root growth and root and shoot biomass. Proline, and SOD and APX activity are a pathway that scavenging the stress generated by WR on B. trimera.

Baccharis genistelloides (Lam.) Pers. "carqueja": a review of uses in traditional medicine, phytochemical composition and pharmacological studies

Background: Baccharis genistelloides (Lam.) Pers. "carqueja" is a species native to South America. The best-known synonyms are B. trimera and B. crispa, used mainly against diabetes, obesity, gastrointestinal and liver problems. The objective of this review is to collect information on its uses in traditional medicine, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological studies.Method: 104 papers, 5 books and 11 theses were obtained from different scientific databases and search engines, referring to Baccharis genistelloides and 13 synonyms, between 1996 and 2020, mainly in English.Results: B. genistelloides is traditionally used in diabetes and obesity. More than 107 compounds have been found in its essential oil, with carquejil acetate as the main compound. 12 flavonoids, 8 clerodan diterpenes and 5 derivatives of caffeoylquinic acid have been reported. The most studied pharmacological activities are the antioxidant capacity and the antibacterial effect.Conclusions: Carquejil acetate is the phytochemical marker for B. genistelloides. Rutin, quercetin, β-pinene, α-humulene and trans-caryophyllene have pharmacological activity. It is necessary to carry out pharmacological studies to support its traditional use in diabetes and obesity.Keywords: Traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, Baccharis genistelloides, Baccharis trimera, Baccharis crispa.

Floral food resources for Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in a mountain forest area in Uruguay

Knowing the blooms is useful to predict the behavior of Apis mellifera (honeybee) colonies. The objective was to determine the floristic characteristics of a mountain forest in Uruguay from the beekeeping point of view. We made eight visits in every three sites surrounding the apiary, at 10-20 m, 500 m and 1500 m distance. The first visit determined the species, families, origin (native or exotic), and frequency of each taxon. In subsequent visits, we censed which ones remained in bloom (presence or absence). We assigned each species a value of one to five for abundance (A) and the duration of flowering (P), during two years. Using the Shannon Index the floristic diversity was established. A generalized linear model was employed to analyze flowering through the response variables: presence of flowering in winter, spring, summer and autumn, as well as flowering duration. We calculated a Shannon Index of 3.6, indicating high biodiversity. Then we correlated the findings of the survey and literature reports on the occurrence of each species in melissopalynological studies in mature and immature honey. The expression “Convertible Flora” was coined to identify the floral resources whose pollen is stored when no flower is available. These were Lithraea brasiliensis, Baccharis articulata, Baccharis trimera, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Eugenia uniflora, Colletia Paradoxa, Oxalis sp., Scutia buxifolia, Jodina rhombifolia, Aloysia gratissima for the spring and autumn seasons (P &lt;0.05). The expression “Support Flora” (P &lt;0.05) is used to classify those resources that are found in immature honey and are almost absent in mature honey, and are used as nutrients during the colony expansion: Schinus engleri, Maytenus ilicifolia, Eryngium pandanifolium, Baccharis punctulata, Abutilon pauciflorum, Daphnopsis racemosa, Allophylus edulis, and Celtis tala. This flora classification allows planning the expected developments and yields of honey from a region to establish technological useful and efficient packages of honey harvests.