Brazilian Flora Research Articles

Phytochemical determination and antimicrobial activity of plant extracts from Cinnamomum amoenum (Ness) Kosterm. (Lauraceae) against salmonella spp. of poultry importance

Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease that affects commercial birds and causes major economic and productivity losses in the poultry sector. Belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, the Gram-negative bacillus of the genus Salmonella has presented itself as a health problem in recent years, as there has been a considerable increase in bacterial resistance, due to the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials as growth promoters. Given this context, bioactives from Brazilian flora, considered one of the most abundant in biodiversity, emerge as an alternative to the use of synthetic products. Thus, this work aimed to determine the chemical compounds of the native species Cinnamomum amoenum (Ness) Kosterm, as well as evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aqueous, ethyl acetate, hexane and ethanolic extracts against different serovars of the genus Salmonella. To obtain the extracts, the plant leaves were dried at 40°C and ground in a knife mill. Subsequently, sterilized by vacuum filtration and roto-evaporated, to completely remove the solvent. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (CBM) were performed using the broth microdilution method, with serial concentrations ranging from 200-0.09 mg/mL of the extract. As a positive control, gentamicin was used at a concentration of 200 mg/mL. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids and tannins, the latter present only in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the ethanolic, hexane and ethyl acetate extracts showed inhibitory/bactericidal activity for all tested serotypes and the aqueous extract showed no activity on the tested serotypes. The ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate presented MIC ranging between 25 and 50 mg/mL and MBC ranging between 50 and 100 mg/mL. The hexane extract presented MIC ranging between 50 and 100 mg/mL and MBC with 100 mg/mL. The most susceptible serotypes for the ethyl acetate extract were S. Newport, S. Gallinarum, S. Montevideo, while for the ethanolic extract the most susceptible serotypes were S. Typhimurium, S. Mbandaka, S. Infantis, S. Heidelberg and S. Enteritidis. The results suggest that C. amoenum extracts have antimicrobial potential and could be a viable alternative to be used in poultry farms, thus being a more sustainable and less harmful approach to the consumer, who will be free from overdoses of synthetic antimicrobials that are commonly used. Furthermore, it is essential that new studies regarding the biological activities of C. amoenum are carried out, in order to validate its use in the control of poultry Salmonella.

Does the Ethnomedicinal Use of Pequi Oil for the Treatment of Infections Reveal its Antifungal Potential?

In Brazil, the use of medicinal plants has been on the rise over the years, especially as an alternative for the treatment of diseases caused by fungal infections. Fungal infections have become a major public health problem, primarily due to the indiscriminate and prolonged use of antibiotics. In this context, among the various species of the Brazilian flora, an endemic species stands out, Caryocar coriaceum, popularly known as "pequi," is widely used in nutrition and is also employed by the population for medicinal purposes to treat infectious diseases. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the chemical composition, antifungal action of the medicinal oil from Caryocar coriaceum, test the combined effect with the drug Fluconazole, and finally determine the chemical constituents present in the oil of pequi fruits. Initially, the fruits of this species were subjected to boiling in broth microdilution, and the combined effect with Fluconazole was assessed at sub-inhibitory concentrations (1/8 MIC), followed by spectrophotometric readings used to determine the IC50. The C. coriaceum species is composed of four fatty acids, of which two were more prevalent, oleic acid and palmitic acid. The fixed oil showed low antifungal activity when evaluated individually for Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis strains, with IC50 values of 593.8 μg/mL, exhibiting greater modification for the standard drug with IC50 values for C. albicans at 16.07 μg/mL and C. tropicalis at 4.77 μg/mL. However, for the Candida krusei strain, the fixed oil exhibited more potent antifungal activity than Fluconazole at concentrations of 32 μg/mL and 64 μg/mL, while Fluconazole had intensified activity at concentrations from 2 μg/mL up to 128 μg/mL. Regarding the potentiating action for Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei strains, the oil associated with Fluconazole enhanced the antifungal effect with IC50 values of 0.02792 μg/mL for C. albicans, 0.09903 μg/mL for C. tropicalis, and 15.15 μg/mL for C. krusei. Thus, the oil contains promising compounds in its composition for the development of medications to treat infectious diseases.

Impacts of the Use of Brazilian Fauna and Flora in Food and Medicinal Use

Objective: To describe the main repercussions of the use of Brazilian fauna and flora for food and medicinal purposes. Method: This is an integrative literature review with a descriptive and qualitative approach. Searches were conducted in the Virtual Health Library system of the Ministry of Health using the following descriptors: medicinal teas, phytotherapeutic medication, and medicinal plants. Initially, 415 results were found without filters, and after applying the filters, the number of studies reduced to 74. From these, the titles from the database search were read, resulting in a final sample of only 15 articles for qualitative synthesis. Results and conclusion: Through the conducted searches, it was found that the use of plants as medicines dates back to prehistoric times when humans began to utilize nature to cure their illnesses. Currently, medicinal plants are widely used in different parts of the world and are important sources of new bioactive molecules that can be used in the development of new medicines, dietary supplements, and natural cosmetics. Research implications: The study highlights the richness and diversity of Brazilian flora, emphasizing the importance of preserving these natural resources. This is crucial for the conservation of unique plant and animal species in Brazil. Originality/value: The study emphasizes the need for policies for the preservation and sustainable use of Brazilian fauna and flora resources. This is essential to ensure the survival of these species and to provide safe and effective treatments for people.

Inventory of road arborization on the urban section of BR-153 Gurupi-TO

Roadside tree planting involves integrating the road into the landscape. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the tree vegetation in the urbanized, duplicated section of BR-153 highway in Gurupi, Tocantins. Permanent plots were systematically established along the central and lateral medians, each measuring 10x10m (100m²) in size, totaling 146 plots in the central median (CM), 54 in the right lateral median (RLM), and 49 in the left lateral median (LLM). Within these plots, all tree individuals with a minimum height of 4.0m from the ground and a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5cm were sampled.In the inventory, a total of 260 individuals were counted in the central median, distributed across 24 species and 7 families, with a Shannon diversity index (H') of 1.98 and Pielou's evenness index (J') of 0.62. In the right lateral median, 92 individuals were recorded, representing 13 species and 5 families, with (H') of 2.13 and (J') of 0.83. In the left lateral median, 68 individuals were registered, comprising 15 species and 6 families, with (H') of 2.06 and (J') of 0.76, which is consistent with studies conducted in the region. The average height of the vegetation was 6.6m, and the mean diameter along the stretch was 29.99 cm. The species with the highest importance values were Tabebuia roseo alba (Ridl.) Sandwith, Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., and Syagrus harleyi Glassman. The families with the highest importance values were Bignoniaceae, Anacardiaceae, Fabaceae, and Arecaceae. Of the species found, 57.14% are recommended tree species for highway tree planting. However, it is worth noting that the high number of individuals of the exotic species Delonix regia (flamboyant) may be considered a negative aspect, as it may compromise the diversity of the Brazilian flora by outcompeting native species.

Morpho-anatomy of in vitro germination and cryopreservation of the orchid Cattleya crispa (Orchidaceae)

Introduction: Cattleya crispa is an ornamental epiphytic orchid with geographic distribution restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Due to predatory extractivism and human-induced habitat loss, this species appears on the Red List of Brazilian Flora. Objective: To characterize morpho-anatomical aspects regarding germination and post-seminal development from C. crispa seeds; as well as studying the effect of cryopreservation on these seeds. Methods: We used light microscopy and electron microscopy to describe the microstructure of a 100 ripe seeds. We evaluated seed viability, seed germination, survival rate and protocorm weight in cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved material, with four replicas per treatment using 20 mg of plant material. Results: The seeds are fusiform, whitish yellow with a length from 700 to 900 µm and a water content of 5 %. Germination began seven days after sowing, the formation of the globular protocorm at 30 days and the formation of the seedling occurred 150 days. The persistent seed coat can compress the protocorm and cause it to collapse. The cryopreserved seeds presented 87.15 % viability, 78.32 % germination, 8.48 % survival and protocorms with 104.27 mg five months after sowing. Data wasn’t different to non-cryopreserved seeds. Conclusions: The cryocapability of the seeds shows that cryopreservation can be used for long-term conservation. The results of this work contribute to the overall biology of C. crispa and to the propagation and storage of genetic material for conservation purposes. Objective: To characterize morpho-anatomical aspects regarding germination and initial development from C. crispa seeds; as well as studying the effect of cryopreservation on these seeds. Methods: Mature capsules of C. crispa were collected from the ex-situ conservation collection of the Orquidário Frederico Carlos Hoehne - Institute of Botany (São Paulo-Brazil). We used light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Seed viability (%), seed germination (%), survival rate (%) and protocorms weight (mg) were evaluated. Results: Our analyses showed that the globular embryo has a homogeneously early germination that occurs by the 7th day. The germinating protocorm shows bipolarity, with shoot apex and basal region. The embryo is composed mostly of lipid and protein bodies and contains a few small grains of starch. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed a persistent seed coat that does not influence the onset of germination, however, can compress the protocorm and lead to its collapse. The initial water content of the seeds was 5 %. Seeds submitted to cryopreservation resulted in a high germination rate (81.14 %). However, the survival rate of non-cryopreserved (8.48 %) and cryopreserved (11.12 %) protocorms, evaluated five months after sowing, was reduced. Conclusions: The cryocapability of the seeds shows that cryopreservation can be used for long-term conservation. The results of this work contribute to the overall biology of C. crispa and to the propagation and storage of genetic material for conservation purposes.

Enyne acetogenins from Porcelia macrocarpa displayed anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity and cause a reduction in the intracellular calcium level

Natural products are a promising source of new compounds with a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including antiprotozoal activities. Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is one of several neglected tropical diseases with reduced options for treatment, which presents limitations such as toxicity and ineffectiveness in the chronic stage of the disease. Aiming to investigate the Brazilian flora for the discovery of new anti-T. cruzi compounds, the MeOH extract from Porcelia macrocarpa R.E. Fries (Annonaceae) fruit peels displayed potent activity against trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes and was subjected to bioactivity-guided fractionation. Using different chromatographic steps, a fraction composed of a mixture of four new chemically related acetogenins was obtained. The compounds were characterized as (2S*,3R*,4R*)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(n-octadeca-13′,17′-dien-11′-inil)butanolide (1), (2S*,3R*,4R*)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(n-eicosa-13′,19′-dien-11′-inil)butanolide (2), (2S*,3R*,4R*)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(n-octadec-13′-en-11′-inil)butanolide (3), and (2S*,3R*,4R*)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(n-eicosa-13′-en-11′-inil)butanolide (4) by NMR analysis and UHPLC/ESI-HRMS data. The mixture of compounds 1–4, displayed an EC50 of 4.9 and 2.5 µg/mL against trypomastigote and amastigote forms of T. cruzi, respectively, similar to the standard drug benznidazole (EC50 of 4.8 and 1.4 µg/mL). Additionally, the mixture of compounds 1–4 displayed no mammalian toxicity for murine fibroblasts (CC50 > 200 µg/mL), resulting in a SI > 40.8 and > 83.3 against trypomastigotes and amastigotes, respectively. Based on these results, the mechanism of action of this bioactive fraction was investigated. After a short-time incubation with the trypomastigotes, no alterations in the cell membrane permeability were observed. However, it was verified a decrease in the intracellular calcium of the parasites, without significant pH variations of the acidocalcisomes. The intracellular damages were followed by an upregulation of the reactive oxygen species and ATP, but no depolarization effects were observed in the mitochondrial membrane potential. These data suggest that the mixture of compounds 1–4 caused an irreversible oxidative stress in the parasites, leading to death. If adequately studied, these acetogenins can open new insights for the discovery of new routes of death in T. cruzi.

Simulating Sustainable Forest Management Practices Using Crown Attributes: Insights for Araucaria angustifolia Trees in Southern Brazil

Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, commonly known as Brazilian pine, is a significant tree species in the Brazilian flora that once covered an area of 200,000 km2 in the Southern region. During the 1970s, high-quality timber logs from this conifer became the primary export product of the country. However, the species is endangered due to uncontrolled exploitation and is subject to a harvesting ban. It is crucial, therefore, to explore sustainable cultivation methods for this species, which necessitates urgent research and scientific insights. In this study, we present a simulation of a management strategy for in situ conservation by manipulating growth space and crown size dynamics. Forest inventory data and mixed forest regression equations were employed to describe the horizontal dimensions of average and maximum potential crown growth, resulting in two management scenarios. The results presented in management diagrams show that both approaches required logging numerous trees to ensure adequate space for healthy tree growth and provide soil coverage and forest protection. Therefore, the absence of effective forest management initiatives for Araucaria forests may have further implications for the structure, production, conservation, and overall development. To address these challenges, we propose two hypotheses: firstly, that tree diameter depends on crown dimensions, which are in turn influenced by tree growth space, and, secondly, that crown dimensions serve as a reliable indicator of existing competition and can be utilized to simulate forest management practices. We urge that implementing sustainable forest management initiatives for Araucaria angustifolia at selected locations can contribute to expanding natural forest areas, mitigate deterioration caused by high competition, discourage illegal logging, and prevent overexploitation of their edible seeds, which hinders regeneration. Our results underscore the significant implications of the lack of forest management initiatives in rural properties, potentially resulting in irreversible deterioration. The exact consequences of this deterioration remain unclear, emphasizing the need for further studies to understand its eventual effects on the growth reaction of trees of different diameters, ages, and crown conditions after the liberation of their crowns.

Arrojadoa flava (Cactaceae, Cactoideae), a new yellow flowered species from the Brazilian flora

Arrojadoa flava is described on the basis of living collections and herbarium specimens. The new species is considered endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga (Municipality of Ibitiara, Bahia State). Comments on its morphology in comparison with the similar taxa, as well as geographical distribution, phenology, habitat, conservation status, and original photographs are provided. In terms of conservation, it was assessed according to IUCN criteria as Data Deficient (DD).

Ferns and lycophytes: an ethnobotany review for Brazil

Background: Ferns and lycophytes comprise all vascular plants with no flowers, fruits, or seeds, grouped under the artificial name Pteridophytes. This group presents a broad range of ethnobotanical uses, being those medicinal, ornamental, ritual, edible, or others, but there are few studies that register the uses of this specific group and no comprehensive gathering of this data under one study in Brazil. This review aimed to gather, analyze, and organize existing data on the historical and present ethnobotany of Pteridophytes in Brazil. Methods: This study was conducted through a literature review, regarding historical and current data in order to understand how the human populations in Brazil utilize these plants. Species were also updated when necessary to generate a taxonomic correct listing. Results: We gathered data regarding 367 species, within 702 valid citations in 124 different sources, dating from the 16th century until today. Another 118 imprecise citations were registered, making up to a total of 820 species’ citations. The most reported uses were medicinal and ornamental, followed by those of ritual and food uses. Almost all Pteridophyte families have recorded uses, and the species are used in all regions of the country, by diverse human groups. Conclusion: This survey brings to surface the broad use of Pteridophyte species in the country, compiling this information in an unprecedented way for Brazil, and highlighting their importance for human groups. Keywords: brazilian flora; brazilian biodiversity; useful plants; traditional knowledge.

Protective Effect of Biflavones from Platonia insignis Mart. against Ethidium Bromide-Induced Lethality in Staphylococcus aureus

Brazilian flora are highly diverse and have great potential for research into new medicines of plant origin. Platonia insignis Mart. is a fruit tree from the Amazon region with several potential pharmacological applications already demonstrated. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of a mixture of the biflavones volkensiflavone and moreloflavone obtained from P. insignis flowers against the lethality induced by ethidium bromide in efflux pump overproducer strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Microdilution tests were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of ethidium bromide in the absence or presence of biflavones. The addition of biflavones to the growth medium increased the minimum inhibitory concentration of ethidium bromide against all strains tested, indicating that biflavones protected the bacterial cells against cell damage induced by this biocide agent. Comparative analysis of the infrared absorption spectra of each isolated compound, as well as of the associated compounds, demonstrated the complexation reaction, indicating that there was a preferential interaction between the H2N- groups of primary amines of ethidium bromide with the carbonyls of biflavones that formed imines -C=NH. Such complexation could reduce the amount of free ethidium bromide molecules available for DNA intercalation, resulting in the observed protective effect. These results suggest a possible technological application of the biflavones from P. insignis as protective agents against cell damage induced by ethidium bromide.

What is being published on floristics? an overview of floristic studies carried out in the Espinhaço Range

The campo rupestre in the Espinhaço Range is subject of many floristic studies due to its high rates of species diversity and endemism. These studies are made up of critical, easily accessible data about local richness and biodiversity, which are essential for subsidizing new studies in the fields of conservation, ecology, and systematics. This study describes the results of a survey of floristic studies carried out in the Espinhaço Range and provides a checklist of the plant species listed in them. We found that 294 floristic studies were conducted in the Espinhaço Range, but they were focused only on a few areas. Likewise, we detected sampling gaps in some areas. The Floras studied provide information on 3,191 plants or 6,3% Brazilian flora, of which 2,879 are angiosperms, 247 bryophytes, and 65 lycophytes and ferns. Finally, we observed a lack of standardization regarding the habits reported for angiosperms shrubs and subshrubs which is more problematic for Espinhaço’s flora because of its grasslands or shrublands vegetation. Thereby, we reaffirm the importance and need to encourage new floristic studies in the Espinhaço Range as a means to train new taxonomists and to provide new studies and projects.

New records for different lineages of Melastomataceae in the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT We present novelties on the occurrence of species belonging to the tribes Marcetieae, Melastomateae and Pyxidantheae (Melastomataceae) derived from revision of herbarium material and recent collections in the Brazilian Amazon. We report the rediscovery of the type species of Comolia, known only from the original material, the first records of Appendicularia, Dicrananthera and Blakea in the states of Pará, Roraima and Rondônia, respectively, and the first record of Pterogastra in Brazil. We provide maps with the updated geographical distribution for each species based on the revision of herbarium collections available in online databases followed by manual data cleaning. Geographic location coordinates were obtained after reviewing the identities and locality information of all herbarium specimens. Most distribution records result from recent botanical expeditions within protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon. The first records of Pterogastra in Brazil expand the diversity of Melastomataceae in Brazilian flora to 59 genera. These novelties reinforce the importance of botanical expeditions throughout the Brazilian Amazon to cover the extensive spatial gaps in taxonomic knowledge in the region which should be prioritized as the focus of botanical fieldwork.

Nomenclatural updates on names linked to the genus Axonopus for the Brazilian flora (Poaceae, Panicoideae, Paspaleae)

Abstract A nomenclatural update for 20 names related to the genus Axonopus for the Brazilian flora is here presented. Axonopus comprises around 90, mostly New World, species characterized by having solitary spikelets in an inverted position. In order to stabilize the nomenclature and, based on thorough study of original collections and pertinent literature, we designated lectotypes for nine names, of which three are second-step lectotypes. We also corrected to lectotypes erroneous applications, in previous contributions, of the term “holotype” (for four names), clarified three cases in which lectotypification is not required, as well as discussed four situations of uncertainty.

Avaliação do uso de espécies da flora brasileira na inibição da corrosão do aço carbono em meio ácido: uma revisão

ABSTRACT Inhibitors are one of the oldest methods of mitigating corrosion, which is still a current challenging and costly problem. However, traditional inhibitors are toxic and non-biodegradable, which goes against the principles of Green Chemistry, so named for valuing the use of biodegradable and environmentally friendly products. They can be obtained from plants and their residues that, when subjected to some type of processing, generate extracts or oils with important inhibitory potential. In most cases, green inhibitors are organic compounds classified relating to the mechanism as mixed, having polar functional groups that act as adsorption centers on the metallic surface. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the literature on inhibitors from species of Brazilian flora and used in an acid environment to prevent corrosion in carbon steel in a specific medium. Brazil presents a rich biodiversity of flora, with more than 46,200 species cataloged in 2020, which provides a wide field of research in this area. The review included 28 different plant species. The results found were promising, with emphasis on the use of parts of vegetables that are normally discarded and show the potential for development and improvement of green inhibitors for future application on an industrial scale.

Fungal biocompounds as strategy to control infection associated with urinary catheter

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections continue to be of concern, given the growth of epidemiological data, costs, bacterial resistance, and complications and morbidity. Bioprospection of plants as a strategy to control pathogenic microorganisms has gained space in the literature, due to the wide diversity existing in the Brazilian flora, which allows the exploration of endophytic fungi and various compounds, to be used in planktonic cells or to inhibit the formation of biofilms. This review aims to address the formation of biofilm in bladder catheters and perspectives with endophytic fungi, secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds against pathogenic microorganisms. The present data demonstrate a favorable use of endophytic fungi in the control of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. The metabolites extracted from endophytic fungi with antibacterial action can be categorized especially among the class of phenolic compounds. In addition, they can be used to control the formation of biofilms in medical devices, such as indwelling bladder catheters, which are very susceptible to microbial colonization, being responsible for severe and persistent infections.

Some interesting desmids (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae): first records, taxonomic notes, and distribution for the Amazon Brazilian flora

We report nine interesting desmid taxa, which five were recorded for the first time for the Amazon Bra-zilian flora, including first records of two infraspecific taxa from Brazil. The material was collected from an Ama-zon flooded area in the state of Amapá, Brazil. A description, geographical distribution in Brazil, water conditions, and frequency of occurrence are provided for each taxon. Our study expands the knowledge of desmids by provid-ing taxonomic notes and information on geographic distribution.

A Critical Appraisal of the Most Recent Investigations on the Hepatoprotective Action of Brazilian Plants.

Conventional treatments for liver diseases are often burdened by side effects caused by chemicals. For minimizing this problem, the search for medicines based on natural products has increased. The objective of this review was to collect data on the potential hepatoprotective activity of plants of the Brazilian native flora. Special attention was given to the modes of extraction, activity indicators, and identification of the active compounds. The databases were Science direct, Pubmed, and Google Academic. Inclusion criteria were: (a) plants native to Brazil; (b) studies carried out during the last 15 years; (c) high-quality research. A fair number of communications met these criteria. Various parts of plants can be used, e.g., fruit peels, seeds, stem barks, and leaves. An outstanding characteristic of the active extracts is that they were mostly obtained from plant parts with low commercial potential, i.e., by-products or bio-residues. The hepatoprotective activities are exerted by constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamin C, phytosterols, and fructose poly- and oligosaccharides. Several Brazilian plants present excellent perspectives for the obtainment of hepatoprotective formulations. Very important is the economical perspective for the rural producers which may eventually increase their revenue by selling increasingly valued raw materials which otherwise would be wasted.

Identification of compounds present in two different Caatinga medicinal plants obtained in free markets in Senhor do Bonfim – BA

Medicinal plants of Brazilian native flora are consumed with little or no proof of its pharmacological properties, based only on users’ or traders’ reports. Although they are natural and, therefore, popularly considered free of side effects, medicinal plants’ toxicity is a serious public health concern, either because of the plant’s own compounds, either by adulterations or interaction with other medicines. Since these medicinal plants are usually sold in markets and free fairs by people without formal education, there may be labeling or manipulation problems, resulting in the absence of the desired effects or presence of adverse effects. In this work, compounds present in different medicinal plants samples found in Senhor do Bonfim free market (BA) were identified: six samples of Sene (Senna occidentalis; Fabaceae) and six samples of Umburana (Amburana cearensis; Fabaceae). For the compounds extraction of S. occidentalis, hydrodestilation was used, and for A. cearensis the compounds were extracted using maceration with hexane. All extracts were analyzed by GC-MS. Compounds in both plants had a high variation among samples, which can mean either that some of the medicinal plants sold in free markets belong to a species different from the announced one or, at least, that compounds found in the sample had degraded between harvest and sale.

Prediction of pilocarpine production from soil attributes and the nutritional status of Pilocarpus microphyllus

Jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus), an endemic species of the Brazilian flora threatened with extinction, is the only natural source of pilocarpine, an alkaloid widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. This compound is extracted from the leaf tissue and may be affected by edaphic and nutritional variations. The aim of this study was to correlate soil chemical parameters and leaf nutrient contents with pilocarpine production in Pilocarpus microphyllus plants collected from areas of the Carajás National Forest. In samples collected from 83 plants, pilocarpine, leaf nutrients (N, P, K, S, Mg, Ca, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn), and soil chemical attributes (P, K, S, Mg, Ca, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, organic matter, pH, and Al) were evaluated. The mean values of pilocarpine varied between 0.4% and 2.2% of the leaf dry matter, which are rare. In general, the soils presented low nutrient availability, marked acidity, and very high Fe and Mn values. In the leaves, low concentrations of N, P, and K and high leaf concentrations of Fe (2239.13 mg kg−1) and Mn (2095.46 mg kg−1) were observed, which suggested that P. microphyllus is a metal accumulator species. Through multivariate analysis, the model that best predicted pilocarpine production was composed of leaf N, leaf Mg, soil Fe (positive predictors), soil S, and leaf P (negative predictors). The nutritional management for large-scale cultivation of P. microphyllus should be focused mainly on the amounts of N, Fe, and Mg.

Recursos fitogenéticos ornamentais brasileiros em bancos de germoplasma da Embrapa: entraves e oportunidades

Abstract Brazilian floriculture is driven by novelties, requiring the constant entry of new products into the market. This situation favors Brazil, which has, in its native flora, unique species in the world and with high potential for rational use for commercial purposes. The Brazilian flora with ornamental potential is little explored, and the use of species is restricted and, often, extractive with consequent genetic erosion. The use of native species from different ecosystems may constitute a future alternative of products for Brazilian floriculture. Despite the large amount of plant genetic resources, there are few initiatives for the conservation and domestication of species and improvement for sustainable use. For this reason, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) conserves collections of ornamental plants, and the research initiatives of these collections form the Genetic Resources of Ornamental Plants Project. In addition to conservation, it sought, in partnership with other institutions, the characterization and evaluation of the potential use of these species aiming at the completion of products for floriculture. In this way, the materials already characterized and documented make it possible to add value to genetic resources, already maintained. Currently, Embrapa has six ex situ collections of ornamental plants (Tropical species, Bromeliads, Cactaceae and species from the Pampa Biome, Amazonian Orchids and species from Cerrado) and also counts on the genetic variability of banks of other products (Passion fruit, Pineapple, Paspalum, Pepper, Pumpkin germplasm banks) that have been evaluating accessions, selecting and registering cultivars for ornamental use.