Celtis Iguanaea Research Articles

Celtis iguanaea

This datasheet on Celtis iguanaea covers Identity.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of extract of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent leaves in mice.

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of crude ethanolic extract of Celtis iguanaea leaves and their active fractions are reported. The oral treatment with crude ethanolic extract (CEE; 100, 300 or 1000 mg/Kg) inhibited the number of writhings in a dose-dependent manner. The intermediate dose also inhibited formalin-induced nociception in both phases. The oral treatment with dichloromethane fraction (DF; 9 mg/Kg) produced antinociceptive effect in both phases of formalin test; however, the treatment with ethyl acetate fraction (EAF; 16 mg/Kg) reduced pain only in the second phase of this test. The oral treatments with CEE (300 mg/Kg) or DF (9 mg/Kg) reduced the nociception induced by capsaicin and pre-treatment with naloxone did not change these effects. The oral administration of CEE (300 mg/Kg), DF (9 mg/Kg) or ethyl EAF (16 mg/Kg) reduced ear edema, leukocytes migration and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, the oral treatment with CEE (300 mg/Kg) or EAF (16 mg/Kg) reduced the level of Tumor Necrosis Factor - Alpha (TNF-α) in the pleurisy test. In conclusion, the DF showed antinociceptive activity that involves the vanilloid system as well as anti-inflammatory effect and the EAF showed anti-inflammatory activity involving the reduction of TNF-α cytokine.

A Description of the Immature Stages and Natural History of Doxocopa laurentia cherubina (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1867) with Comparison to Doxocopa laure laure (Drury, 1773) (Nymphalidae: Apaturinae)

Doxocopa laurentia cherubina, was reared in order to document its immature stages and behavioral features. A cohort of 22 eggs of D. l. cherubina was bred in captivity in San Pedro, San José on Celtis iguanaea as host plant. The eggs, all larva instars and the pupa were described and measured; the total time from egg laying to butterfly emerging was 58 ± 3 days. The larva of D. l. cherubina, like the other known larvae of the genus, shows a well-developed cryptic pattern on the Celtis host, especially in the third, fourth and fifth instars when the larvae flatten their head (which is green posteriorly) against the leaf surface. The mature larva and the pupa of D. l. cherubina are very similar to those of D. clothilda, D. excelsa, and D. l. laure. Morphological comparison of immature stages were done with the sympatric D. l. laure and photographs of both life cycles are presented. Notes on habitat and ecology are given and data show that this species is present as adults mainly during the rainy season.

Feeding ecology of the Green-cheeked Parakeet, Pyrrhura molinae (Psittaciformes, Psittacidae), in a subtropical forest of Argentina

Although there are studies on certain aspects of the feeding ecology of several species of Neotropical parrots, there is scarce ecological information about Pyrrhura molinae – a Psittacidae species which is widely distributed in South America and abundant in the Yungas of Argentina. For two years (May 2014 to June 2016), the composition and seasonal variation in the Green-cheeked Parakeet diet in the Yungas Piedmont forest in Jujuy, Argentina were examined. Furthermore, fruiting phenology transects were established to evaluate food resource availability and the patterns of food resource used by the Green-cheeked Parakeet. In 214 food plant trees, it was found that flower and dry fruit availability was highest in the dry season, and fleshy fruit production peaked in the wet season, but these phenology patterns for aged plant species suggest that there were no significant differences in food availability. The consumption of 18 plant species was recorded, being Celtis iguanaea (30.73%) and Trema micrantha (22.01%) the most consumed species. In terms of food items, fruits were the most consumed items, followed by seeds and flowers and, to a lesser extent, nectar and leaves. Levins’ niche breadth showed varying levels of diet specialisation amongst seasons, which was narrower (B = 0.28) in the wet season, indicating specialisation in diet during this season. There was a medium overlap in parakeet diet between seasons (Morisita Index = 0.59). We did not find a statistically significant relationship between resource availability and food use, but expansion and contraction in Levins Index and variation in food items consumed throughout the year and season demonstrate high flexibility in the diet. Like other congeners, the Green-cheeked Parakeet has a flexible diet that could be adjusted to the seasonal availability of food resources. These data may contribute to the design of conservation plans for the species and its habitat.

Evaluation of Gastroprotective Activity of Linoleic Acid on Gastric Ulcer in a Mice Model.

Gastric ulcer has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it has been linked to factors such as nutritional deficiency, smoking, stress, and continuous intake of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The search for new anti-ulcer therapeutic agents has been the subject of several studies. Recently, the gastroprotective effect of Celtis iguanaea has been reported, with linoleic acid (LA) responsible for many of the therapeutic effects of this medicinal plant. This study aims to investigate the gastroprotective activity and the possible mechanisms in which LA may be involved through different experimental assays in mice. The gastroprotective activity of LA was evaluated in the ulcer induced by indomethacin, HCl/EtOH, hypothermic-restraint stress and pyloric ligation. For the investigation of gastroprotective mechanisms, the quantification of the volume (mL), pH and total acidity of gastric secretion were considered. The oral administrations of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of body weight of LA were capable of protecting the gastric mucosa against HCl/ethanol (10 mL/kg p.o.), and oral/intraduodenal treatment administrations of 50 mg/kg LA showed protection from ulcers induced by indomethacin, hypothermic-restraint stress and pyloric ligation. The results of this study show the gastroprotective role of LA in gastric mucosal damage induced by all assayed distresses. The observed gastroprotection possibly occurs due to the mediated increase of mucosal defensive factors.

Avaliação de ecossistemas florestais – estudo de caso da mata ciliar do Pajeú

Faltam informações básicas sobre as florestas de galeria da Caatinga. Os objetivos do estudo foram obter informações básicas da floresta de galeria do Pajeú (Pernambuco, Brasil) e oferecer diferentes maneiras de restaurá-las e conservá-las. Foi realizada a caracterização do estado de conservação e seu banco de sementes. A caracterização foi feita usando um índice de qualidade (índice QBR) e uma avaliação do uso do solo por meio de imagens de satélite. Em seguida, foi realizado um inventário sobre as plantas nativas das matas ciliares da caatinga, a fim de testar métodos ativos de restauração no campo. Para isso, foi construída uma análise multicritério que incluiu todas as espécies de árvores e arbustos, com base em pesquisas prévias locais e citadas na literatura. Após essa análise, algumas espécies foram cultivadas em um viveiro de plantas para testar sua germinação, sobrevivência e taxas ALde crescimento para diferentes solos e frequências de irrigação. Finalmente, o transplante na floresta de galeria foi avaliado mediante a observação das taxas de sobrevivência e crescimento de diferentes espécies nativas que foram plantadas diretamente na floresta. Nossos resultados mostram que o QBR global foi de 43,73 e que 73% das terras tinham qualidade insuficiente (64%) ou ruim (9%), no entanto algumas áreas mantiveram alta biodiversidade. Foram observadas 23.651 sementes germinadas no banco de sementes, em que a maioria das germinações (53%) veiodo local preservado. Os solos recolhidos durante a estação seca também ofereceram mais plântulas (60%) do que os seus homólogos da estação chuvosa (40%). Quanto à restauração ativa, observou-se que algumas plantas são mais adequadas para viveiros e transplantes de árvores como Sapindus saponaria, Vitex gardneriana e Celtis iguanaea e que, selecionando as plantas e técnicas corretas, o ecossistema pode ser restaurado. Há ainda um longo caminho para a restauração da floresta de galeria do Pajeú. Estudos como este são essenciais para aumentar o conhecimento desse ecossistema. Esta pesquisa servirá como referência para orientar estratégias de manejo/restauração, priorizando ações e o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas de conservação a longo termo que garantam a integridade do ecossistema e suas funções.

Vegetación arbórea del Cerro Tres Puntas de Pilasca, (Salas-Motupe), Lambayeque, Perú

De marzo a junio de 2018 se estudió el bosque estacionalmente seco en Cerro Tres Puntas de Pilasca (Salas-Motupe, Lambayeque, Perú) con la finalidad de obtener información sobre su estructura y composición florística. En un transecto lineal de 11.4 ha, aproximadamente, se evaluaron especímenes de plantas leñosas con DAP ≥ 5.0 cm. Se registraron 410 individuos que representan a 17 especies, 17 géneros y 10 familias. Los taxones más abundantes fueron Vachellia macracantha (Fabaceae 154 individuos) y Celtis iguanaea (Cannabaceae 55 individuos) y las familias mejor representadas corespondieron a Fabaceae, con siete especies y Malvaceae, con dos. El área basal total fue de 343.86 m2 ha-1, en la que destacan Ficus obtusifolia con 139.23 m2 ha-1 y Beilschmiedia sulcata con 120.90 m2 ha-1. El Índice de Valor de Importancia alcanzó los mayores valores en F. obtusifolia (49.34), V. macracantha (46.75) y C. ruizii (41.57); en tanto que el Índice de Valor de la Familia fue más alto para Fabaceae, con 111.86, seguida de Moraceae (46.74) y Lauraceae (45.33). Si bien, los resultados muestran que este bosque es una versión precaria de los existentes en la región, todavía se identificó la presencia de individuos de F. obtusifolia entre 35 - 39.9 m de altura y DAP de 210 a 219.9 cm. El presente estudio contribuirá a desarrollar un programa de conservación, y de reforestación eficaz para mejorar el bosque del Cerro Tres Puntas, ubicado en una de las áreas más pobres del país.

Comparative floral development reveals novel aspects of structure and diversity of flowers in Cannabaceae

AbstractSpecies of Cannabaceae are wind pollinated, have inconspicuous and reduced flowers that are pistillate, staminate and apparently perfect on the same individual or on different individuals, with a single-whorled perianth and a pseudomonomerous gynoecium. Our objective is to understand the developmental processes that lead to such a reduced flower morphology and polygamy in Cannabis sativa, Celtis iguanaea and Trema micrantha. Floral buds and flowers were processed for surface, histological examinations and 3D reconstructions of vasculature. The single-whorled perianth is interpreted as a calyx because the organs are robust, have a broad base, an acute apex and quincuncial aestivation and are opposite the stamens. Petals are absent from inception. The dicliny is established at different development stages: stamens or carpels are absent from inception (Cannabis sativa), initiated and aborted during early (Trema micrantha, before sporo/gametogenesis) or late (Celtis iguanaea, after sporo/gametogenesis) development. Furthermore, in all species studied the carpels are congenitally united and the pseudomonomerous nature of the gynoecium is confirmed. Glandular trichomes are distributed on the bracts, sepals, anther connective and receptacle. Special floral features shared by species of Cannabaceae include precocious ovule development and sepals that are each vascularized by one bundle. The reduced flowers of Cannabaceae are the result of the absence from inception and/or abortion of organs and even of a whole whorl at different developmental stages, which were probably selected in response to pressures exerted by the similar pollination mechanism.

In vitro Antiproliferative Potential of Celtis iguanaea against Ovarian (OVCAR-3) and Colon (HT-29) Tumor Cell

Natural products have been reported as a main source of anticancer molecules. The species Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg., (Cannabaceae) is widely distributed in Brazil where it is known as “esporão-de-galo or taleira”. The leaves are popularly used as anti-inflammatory, in the treatment of body pain and urinary infections. However, the antiproliferative potential against human cancer cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, extracts and different fractions from the leaves of C. iguanaea were tested in vitro, against a panel tumor cell lines. The hydroalcoholic extract was inactive, while dichloromethane extract showed promisor antiproliferative effects. In turn, the dichloromethane fraction showed potent cytostatic activity against ovarian cell line (OVCAR-3, GI50 = 4.65 mg/ml). However, the stronger antiproliferative effects with high selectivity were observed for the hexane fraction that exhibited activity against ovarian (GI50 = 3.99 mg/ml) and colon (HT-29, GI50 = 3.16 mg/ml). The antiproliferative effects observed are probably related to the presence of 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol and gamma-sitosterol present in the hexane fraction and detected by GC/MS. This is the first report of antiproliferative activity of C. iguanaea and the results suggested that the molecules of fraction hexane are promising chemotherapeutic compounds, especially against tumor cell of ovarian and colon.

Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Celtis iguanaea on markers of cardiovascular diseases and glucose metabolism in cholesterol-fed rats

Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg., Cannabaceae, is popularly used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, chemical and pharmacological investigations are lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from C. iguanaea on markers of cardiovascular diseases and the glucose metabolism in cholesterol-fed rats. Therefore, hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol) were orally treated with C. iguanaea extract (C-150, CI-300, or CI-600mg/kg) or simvastatin (4mg/kg) (n=6) once a day (30 days) with a hypercholesterolemic diet. A control group (C) was given saline. C. iguanaea extract showed significant decreases in serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HMG-CoA-reductase, interleukin-1 and 6, TNF-α and IFN-γ when compared to group C (p<0.001). Hypoglycemic effects were observed along with a decrease of the activity of sucrase (CI-600), maltase (CI-150, CI-300), and an increase in muscle glycogen levels (CI-300). Antioxidant effects were observed in plasma by the decrease of TBARS and increase of nonprotein thiols levels (CI-600). The histopathological analysis showed a significant decrease in the liver fat area for C. iguanaea extract compared to group C (p<0.001). Our results suggest that the biological effects of C. iguanaea extract could be related to the flavonoids that possibly exert antioxidant, enzymatic inhibitory, and insulin-mimetic effects.

New species of Rhagoletotrypeta (Diptera: Tephritidae) from the Dominican Republic and southern Brazil and Paraguay.

Rhagoletotrypeta chapecensis Norrbom & Savaris, new species, and R. gelabertae Norrbom & Savaris, new species, are described and illustrated from specimens from southern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina) and Paraguay, and from the Dominican Republic, respectively. The larvae of R. chapecensis develop in fruits of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. (Ulmaceae). A key to the species of the xanthogastra species group is provided.

Safety Assessment of Esporão de Galo (Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent) Crude Extract from Leaves: Acute and Subacute Toxicity Studies in Male Rats

Celtis iguanaea is popularly known as “Esporao-de-galo” in Portuguese and its leaves are traditionally used in infusion forms as analgesic, antiasthmatic, digestive and diuretic. The aim of this study was to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the crude extract from the Celtis iguanaea leaves in male rats. The toxicity studies were based on the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD-guidelines 423 and 407). In the acute study, a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of C. iguanaea was administered orally. In the sub-acute study, the extract was administered orally to male rats with doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Behavioral changes and biochemical, hematological, and histological analysis were evaluated. The acute administration of C. iguanaea did not cause changes in behavior or mortality. At the sub-acute toxicity study, we observed an increase of glucose and a decrease of the aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) enzyme. Celtis iguanaea, after acute administration, may be classified as safe (category 5), according to the OECD guide. However, the alterations observed after sub-acute administration with high doses of crude extract from the C. iguanaea leaves suggest that more studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of action.

Seleção de espécies autóctones da Caatinga para a recuperação de áreas invadidas por algaroba

&lt;p class="Resumo"&gt;O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a sociabilidade de espécies autóctones da Caatinga com a exótica invasora &lt;em&gt;Prosopis&lt;/em&gt; sp. (algaroba) para o emprego em projetos de recuperação de áreas invadidas. Foram instaladas 20 parcelas de &lt;br /&gt; 100 m², onde todas as espécies lenhosas com altura ≥ 15 cm tiveram contabilizados o número de indivíduos. Para avaliar a associação das espécies nativas com a algaroba foi utilizado o coeficiente de Jaccard. Para inferir sobre a correlação de &lt;em&gt;Prosopis &lt;/em&gt;sp. com os demais táxons, foi empregado o coeficiente de Pearson e para a categorização do desempenho das espécies nativas foi feita a média aritmética da somatória do índice de associação e do coeficiente de Pearson. Foram amostradas 28 espécies associadas a &lt;em&gt;Prosopis&lt;/em&gt; sp., das quais 14 apresentaram pelo menos cinco indivíduos e estavam em mais de duas unidades amostrais. A espécie com melhor desempenho foi &lt;em&gt;Lantana camara &lt;/em&gt;(0,62 – muito bom), seguida por &lt;em&gt;Herissantia crispa&lt;/em&gt; (0,41 - bom), &lt;em&gt;Cynophalla hastata &lt;/em&gt;(0,32 - médio), &lt;em&gt;Ipomoea carnea &lt;/em&gt;e &lt;em&gt;Celtis iguanaea &lt;/em&gt;(0,27 - médio) e &lt;em&gt;Mimosa pseudosepiaria&lt;/em&gt; (0,2 - médio). Em vistas dos resultados obtidos e dos atributos ecológicos das espécies, conclui-se que as espécies listadas nesse estudo são as mais indicadas para o plantio consorciado em áreas invadidas por &lt;em&gt;Prosopis &lt;/em&gt;sp.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Medicinal species with gastroprotective activity found in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Peptic and/or duodenal ulcers are characterized by diverse acute and chronic ulcerative lesions that commonly arise in any portion of the gastric mucosa that is exposed to the aggressive action of gastric acid. The pathophysiology of peptic ulcers has been attributed to an imbalance between aggressive and protective factors. In Brazil, medicinal plants are commonly used to treat this ailment. A country with great biodiversity, Brazil is considered a rich source of therapeutic products. There have been popular and pharmacological reports on the medicinal relevance of the Brazilian cerrado plant species, including Ananas ananassoides, Celtis iguanaea, Encholirium spectabile, Hymenaea stigonocarpa, Lafoensia pacari, Qualea grandiflora, Qualea parvifora, Mouriri pusa, Solanum lycocarpum, Solanum paniculatum, Serjania erecta, and Vochysia tucanorum, in the treatment of stomach disorders. The aim of the present review was to report on some of the Brazilian cerrado plants that are used in folk medicine because of their gastroprotective potential and to encourage novel studies in the search and preservation of plants with this therapeutic potential.

Acute oral toxicity of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent leaf extract (Ulmaceae) in rats and mice

RESUMO Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent is popularly used to treat urinary infections, kidneys, breast, body aches, rheumatism, asthma, cramps, poor digestion and as a diuretic medicine. This study aims to determine the acute toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent in rodents. After the collection processes, identification, drying and grinding, the lyophilized powder of the leaves produced, by infusion, the aqueous extract and it was dissolved in saline 0.9%. The administration was made by gavage at a dose of 2000 mg kg-1to rats and mice of both genders. The oral toxicity was determined according to the OECD 423 guide. Signs of toxicity were observed for 15 days and classified from 0 to 4 respectively as missing, rare, mild, moderate and severe. The weight of the animals and the physiological parameters such as food intake and excrements production were observed. All animal tissue samples were collected for histological analysis. The extract was included in Type 5 (substance with LD50 higher than 2000 mg kg-1 and less than 5000 mg kg-1), being considered of low toxicity, but the histopathologycal findings suggested nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. The absolute weight of the kidneys and the heart of the male rats and mice increased, but there was no significant raise in the relative weight of the animals’ organs.

Mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective activity of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent on gastric lesions in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCeltis iguanaea (Canabaceae) is popularly known as esporão-de-galo, stands out among the medicinal plants used for treatment of gastric ulcers. In Brazil, the leaves they are used traditionally in infusion forms as an analgesic, antiasthmatic, digestive and diuretic. Aim of the studyThe present study was aimed to investigate the antiulcer mechanisms of hexane extract Celtis iguanaea leaves (HE) in several induced-gastric ulcer and characterize its chemical composition. Materials and methodsThe HE was obtained by exhaustive extraction in Soxhlet apparatus. The chemical characterization of HE was performed by Electrospray Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS) analysis. Mice were used for the evaluation of the gastroprotective activity. HE was analyzed in the HCl/ethanol, hypothermic restraint stress ulcer and acetic acid. In the investigation of the gastroprotective mechanisms of HE, were performed the amount of adhered gastric mucus, participation of the α2-adrenoceptor, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs) using the HCl/ethanol-induced gastric mucosa lesion model. ResultsESI FT-ICR MS analysis of HE suggest the presence of compounds as lipids, sterol lipids, steroids glycosides and polyphenol glycosides. The oral administration of HE at doses of 100mg/kg or 200mg/kg was able to protect the gastric mucosa against HCl/ethanol (10mL/kg p.o.), and HE at dose of 100mg/kg protected against hypothermic-restraint stress and acetic -induced gastric lesions. The pretreatment with Yoimbine (2mg/kg, s.c.), an antagonist α2-adrenergic, L-NAME (20mg/kg, s.c.), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis or indomethacin (10mg/kg, s.c.), an inhibitor of prostaglandin production, reversed the gastroprotective activity of HE (100mg/kg, p.o.). ConclusionsOur results suggest that the Celtis iguanaea HE exhibits gastroprotective activity in different gastric ulcer models. The mechanism of gastroprotective effect of Celtis iguanaea HE suggests the participation of mucus as well as the involvement of α2-adrenergic receptors, NO and prostaglandins. The hydroxyl-linolenic acid, linoleic acids and conjugated oxo-linoleic acids are among the phytoconstituents that were identified in the Celtis iguanaea HE.

Anti-ulcerogenic and antisecretory effects of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent hexane leaf extract

The Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Cannabaceae) is one of the native species of the Cerrado region of Brazil widely used in folk medicine to treat dyspepsia. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of the Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (HE) hexane leaf extract in the lesion and gastric secretion models.Antiulcerogenic activity of the Celtis iguanaea (HE) hexane leaf extract was observed with the experimental models, such as indomethacin and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers. In order to evaluate the antisecretory activity of this extract, isolated Rana catesbeiana mucosa and pyloric ligation in mice were used. The HE treatment reduced the lesion index of indomethacin and pyloric ligation-induced ulcer. This extract also reduced the gastric acid secretion and total acidity (increasing the gastric pH) in mice. The secretion of H+ was reduced in the basal values (15.58 ± 1.99 µEq H+/g/15 min) when isolated Rana catesbeiana mucosa was incubated with HE. Intraduodenal administration of HE reduced the gastric secretion produced by bethanecol or histamine. The antiulcerogenic and antisecretory efficacy of HE in this study suggest anticholinergic and antihistaminergic mechanism or interruption of intracellular events that are linked to acid secretion.

Assessment of the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic activities of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) in mice

Ethnobotanical surveys of Cerrado native plants show that leaves of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Cannabaceae), popularly known in Brazil as "esporão de galo", are used in folk medicine for body pain, asthma, cramps, poor digestion, urinary infection, kidney dysfunctions, as well as a stimulant and diuretic. This work aimed at evaluating possible C. iguanaea aqueous leaf extract (CALE) cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antigenotoxicity using the mouse bone marrow micronucleous test. To assess CALE genotoxicity, Swiss mice were orally treated with three different extract concentrations (100, 300, and 500 mgkg-1). To evaluate its antigenotoxicity, the same doses were used simultaneously with a single i.p. dose of mitomycin C (MMC, 4mg.kg-1). The frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) were evaluated 24 h and 48 h after administration except for the negative control (24 h). Genotoxicity was evaluated using the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE), whereas cytotoxicity was assessed by the polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes ratio (PCE/NCE). The results showed that CALE did not exhibit a significant reduction in the PCE/NCE ratio, neither a considerable increase in the frequency of MNPCE. Nonetheless, CALE reduced bone marrow toxicity (increased PCE/NCE ratio) and decreased the micronuclei frequency induced by MMC. We can conclude that CALE presented no cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, but showed antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic actions under the experimental conditions applied in this study.

Preliminary studies of gastroprotective effect of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent leaves (Ulmaceae)

Antiulcerogenic activity of crude ethanolic extract of Celtis iguanaea leaves (CEE) was observed with experimental models such as ethanol, indomethacin, stress and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers. Results obtained from indomethacin-induced ulcer showed the hexane fraction (HF) as the active fraction of CEE. This fraction inhibits the gastric acid secretion, increasing the gastric pH, decreasing the gastric acidity and total gastric contents. Neither the CEE nor the HF alters intestinal motility, thereby excluding a cholinergic antagonist mechanism. Further studies need to be conducted with HF in order to elucidate the active principle and the pharmacological mechanism involved.

Avaliação da atividade fitotóxica com enfoque alelopático do extrato das cascas de Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent Ulmaceae e purificação de dois triterpenos

A espécie Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent é popularmente conhecida como esporão de galo ou grão de galo. As folhas são indicadas pelo uso popular para o tratamento de dores no corpo e no peito, para reumatismo, asma, cólicas, má digestão e como diurético; as raízes são utilizadas para infecções urinárias e as cascas para a febre. O presente trabalho objetivou contribuir para o estudo fitoquímico e atividade fitotóxica com enfoque alelopático das cascas de Celtis iguanaea. O extrato etanólico foi submetido à partição com os solventes hexano, clorofórmio e acetato de etila. As substâncias friedelina e epifriedelinol (triterpenos) foram isoladas da fração hexano e identificadas por meio de métodos espectroscópicos de RMN de ¹H e 13C. O extrato bruto na concentração de 0,1 mg mL-1 causou inibição acentuada do hipocótilo em 34,97% e estimulou o crescimento da radícula em 29,64% de plântulas de Lactuca sativa. No ensaio de toxicidade frente à Artemia salina o extrato bruto e frações apresentaram uma CL50 superior a 1000 μg mL-1, indicando que o mesmo não possui efeito tóxico.