Cerrado Plant Research Articles

Campina Experimental do Cerrado: uma pesquisa-ação na Unesp, Câmpus de Bauru

The aim of this article is to present the planning, design, and execution of the action research project titled "Campina Experimental do Cerrado." This project involves a garden featuring herbaceous and shrub species native to the São Paulo Cerrado and other flowering plants cultivated or naturalized in Brazil. The garden is located in the courtyard of the Central Laboratory of the Faculty of Architecture, Arts, Communication, and Design at São Paulo State University (FAAC-UNESP), Bauru Campus. The Campina involves both undergraduate and graduate students and faculty from the Architecture and Urbanism and Biological Sciences programs. The aim of the project is to gain greater knowledge about the landscaping potential of the tested species to introduce them into landscaping practices and provide support for the implementation of new gardens utilizing native flora, thereby increasing visibility, particularly of the Cerrado biome.

In vitro culture of Campomanesia pubescens under different light qualities: a morphoanatomical and physiological characterization

Campomanesia pubescens (gabiroba) is a fruit tree that is native to the Cerrado and that has commercial potential and medicinal properties. It has recalcitrant seeds that do not tolerate desiccation and storage. Here, C. pubescens plants were grown in vitro under different light qualities. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used at wavelengths for white (W) and blue in combination with red in the proportions BR (1:1), BR (1:3) and BR (3:1), at 100 ± 5 μmol m-2 s-1 over a 16-hour photoperiod. The leaf anatomy, chlorophyll a fluorescence, chloroplast pigments and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were evaluated. Studies on Cerrado plants grown in vitro focusing on light quality and its effects on plant development and growth are scarce. Records of anatomical and physiological C. pubescens characteristics when grown in vitro under different lighting qualities using LEDs are nonexistent. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze the anatomical and physiological responses of C. pubescens seedlings from in vitro cultivation under different light qualities, to support future studies on the propagation and conservation of this species. This work is a pioneer for this species. When the plants were cultivated in combinations of blue/red LEDs 1:1 and 3:1, they yielded higher biomass, presenting higher epidermis and chlorenchyma values with greater stomatal density and functionality, better photosynthetic efficiency, higher Y(II) values, qP and higher total chlorophyll concentrations, and thus these lights did not cause oxidative damage compared to the white (control) LEDs. This study contributed to a better understanding of the anatomical and physiological changes in C. pubescens plants grown in vitro under different light qualities. C. pubescens plants exhibited varied anatomical and physiological characteristics depending on the spectrum of light used here. The combinations of BR (1:1) or BR (3:1) LEDs are promising for the propagation of the species, given their positive influence on most of the studied traits.

Activity of Brazilian Cerrado Plants in Tumor Cell Lines: A Systematic Review

Activity of Brazilian Cerrado Plants in Tumor Cell Lines: A Systematic Review

Untangling biodiversity interactions: A meta network on pollination in Earth's most diverse tropical savanna.

Pollination is vital for ecosystem functioning, especially in biodiversity-rich regions like the Brazilian Cerrado. Our research establishes a comprehensive meta network of pollinator-plant interactions within this biome. We quantified the importance of different pollinator groups, identifying keystone species. We examined potential biases in sampling effort and the spatial behavior of interactions within the heterogeneous Cerrado plant physiognomies. Our investigation uncovered 1499 interactions among 293 plant species and 386 visitor species, with legitimate pollination accounting for 42.4% of the interactions. The network exhibited modularity, driven by bees and insects, with vertebrates bridging diurnal and nocturnal modules. While a generalized pattern emerged, high specialization existed within modules due to habitat diversity. Bees, particularly Apis mellifera (exotic) and Trigona spinipes (native), played central roles as network hubs. Hummingbirds and bats, engaged in specialized interactions showing strong connectivity within and between modules. Interestingly, invertebrate-vertebrate modules were more prevalent than expected in the meta network. However, a bias was evident, primarily within specific biogeographical districts with fragmented landscapes and intrusion from other biomes. Variations in plant species and endemism rates influenced pollinator occurrence and the Cerrado network topology. Our study offers valuable insights into pollinator-plant interactions within the Cerrado, encompassing both invertebrates and vertebrates. The modeled network represents a significant step in understanding the structural complexity of pollination networks, integrating partial networks from diverse pollination systems within heterogeneous habitats. Nevertheless, a biogeographical bias could limit a comprehensive understanding of network functionality across the Cerrado.

Insect galls of the Chapada Diamantina, Rio de Contas, Bahia, Brazil

We surveyed insect galls and their host plants in areas of Caatinga and Cerrado in the municipality of Rio de Contas, in the extreme south of the Chapada Diamantina (Bahia state), between 703 and 1,897 m altitude, in order to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of local biodiversity. The survey was conducted in eight locations, adopting the random walking methodology for sampling, four in Caatinga and four in Cerrado, covering distinct phytophysiognomies (cerrado sensu stricto, gallery forest, shrubby caatinga, riparian forest, and rocky field). Eighty-four different insect gall morphotypes were reported, 48 (57.14%) of them on 42 host species in Cerrado and 36 (42.86%) on 24 host species in Caatinga. Most galls occurred on leaves (48.72%) and were globoid (53.76%), glabrous (52.92%), isolated (55.44%), usually one-chambered (61.32%), and brown (25.2%). The gall-inducing insects identified belonged to Lepidoptera (n = 1), Thysanoptera (n = 1), Hemiptera (n = 2), and Diptera (Cecidomyiidae) (n = 16). This was the first inventory of galls in the Chapada Diamantina, so all records are new for the region. We also recorded the first occurrences of galls on two Cerrado plant species and on two in the Caatinga. We found a significant positive correlation between gall richness and plant species richness, suggesting that radiation of gall-inducing insects may be associated with plant species richness.

Cytoprotective Effect of Gallic Acid against Injuries Promoted by Therapeutic Ionizing Radiation in Preosteoblast Cells.

Gallic acid (GA) is a powerful antioxidant extracted from plants of the Brazilian Cerrado. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the occurrence of radiation-induced osteonecrosis in patients treated for head and neck cancer. There is a need to develop research aimed at developing complementary therapies to prevent or reverse bone damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of GA in preosteoblasts exposed to therapeutic ionizing radiation. MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells were treated with 10 µM GA and exposed to 6 Gy ionizing radiation. We performed in vitro assays of cell proliferation, oxidative stress analysis by detection of reactive oxygen species, and alkaline phosphatase assay. GA at lower concentrations was able to significantly increase proliferation and inhibit radiation-induced generation of reactive oxygen species in osteoblast precursor cells, despite ionizing radiation-induced injury. Furthermore, GA significantly increased alkaline phosphatase at a dose of 6 Gy. The findings suggested that GA could attenuate ionizing radiation-induced injuries in osteoblast precursor cells. Moreover, in vivo studies are needed to better investigate the role of GA in osteonecrosis, especially in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy or taking antiresorptive drugs.

Fungitoxic effect and phytochemical characteristics of Brazilian Cerrado weeds against Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina fungi.

The use of natural products obtained from plants, for example, invasive plants, offers a variety of allelochemicals with fungicidal potential. With this in perspective, the objective was to evaluate the fungicidal potential of ethanolic extracts of Cerrado plants on Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. The ethanolic hydroalcoholic extract of the 12 plants identified as invaders in the Brazilian Cerrado was prepared (Anacardium humile Saint Hill; Baccharis dracunculifolia DC.; Cenchrus echinatus L; Commelina erecta L.; Erigeron bonariensis L.; Digitaria horizontalis Willd.; Digitaria insularis L.; Porophyllum ruderale Jacq. Cass; Richardia brasiliensis Gomes; Sida rhombifolia L.; Turnera ulmifolia L.; Smilax fluminensis Steud)) and phytochemical screening and determination of total phenols and flavonoids were performed. To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity, the hydroalcoholic solutions at concentrations of 800, 1200, 1600, 2000, and 2400 µL 100 mL-1 were separately incorporated into BDA agar and poured into Petri dishes, followed by the mycelium disk of the fungus. As a control, two solutions were prepared, one ethanolic solution added to the BDA medium (2400 µg 100 mL-1) and the other with BDA medium only. They were poured into Petri dishes, followed by a 0.5 cm diameter disk of mycelium of the fungus, incubated (23±2 ºC), with a 24-hour photoperiod. Among the constituents found in the plants, 75% are phenolic compounds, 58.3% are cardiotonic heterosides, 50% are steroids, 33.3% are flavonoids, 16.7% are anthraquinones, and 8.3% are alkaloids, saponins, and reducing sugars. Out of the 12 species, only the extracts of C. erecta and R. brasiliensis were active for M. phaseolina and R. solani. Thus, it is concluded that the ethanolic extract of C. erecta has the fungicidal potential to control diseases caused by fungi that are soil inhabitants. Of the other species, A. humille, B. dracuncufolia, D. insulares, C. erecta, D. insulares, P. ruderale, and R. brasiliensis have natural fungitoxic potential because they stand out in the content of polyphenols efficient in reducing the mycelial growth of M. phaseolina and R. solani.

Use of cerrado plants as an alternative in the control of bacterial contamination in the alcoholic fermentation process.

Bacterial contamination causes irreparable losses in the performance of alcoholic fermentation. Antibiotics are used to control these microorganisms, but they generate residues and cause microbial resistance. Today the only commercial product used by the mills is hops, but it is very expensive. As an alternative, the objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of using extracts from plants grown in the Cerrado for antimicrobial control during an alcoholic fermentation to replace antibiotics. Hydraethanolic extracts of leaves and essential oil of the following species were tested: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Serjania erecta, Serjania marginata, Campomanesia adamantium and Syzygium cumini. Only the extract of Serjania marginata did not show any activity against the bacterium Bacillus sp. Both the essential oils as well as the hydroalcoholic extracts of S. terebinthifolius and C. adamantium and the extract of S. erecta showed antibacterial activity without harming the yeast, with potential to replace the hops.

Isolation and molecular identification of endophytic fungi associated with Campomanesia adamantium, a Brazilian Cerrado plant.

This work presents the isolation of endophytic fungi from the leaves of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae), a native species found in Brazil and popularly known as "guabiroba-do-campo", with abundant distribution in the Brazilian Cerrado. It has been popularly used for its anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, blood cholesterol-reducing, urinary antiseptic, and depurative properties. Theese fungi are microorganisms that live inside higher plants, at least for a period of their life cycle, occupying the intercellular spaces of plant tissues such as leaves and stems. These fungi are harmless to the host plant, and their secondary metabolites promote protection, regulate growth, combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and promote resistance to abiotic stress, as well as insecticidal effects. Endophytic fungi associated with the leaves of C. adamantium were isolated using the culture medium isolation technique. After growth, the fungi were divided into groups based on morphotypes. Fungal genomic DNA was extracted, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to amplify the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions of rRNA, and the nucleotide sequences obtained were compared with those available in the GenBank database for molecular identification of the isolates. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA 11 software. The results showed representatives of the Ascomycota phylum, and it was possible to identify at the genus level 18 fungi of the genera Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, Epicoccum, and Neofusicoccum.

Preferência alimentar de Phylloicus sp. (Insecta: Trichoptera): trabalho experimental com espécies vegetais do Cerrado

Abstract The aquatic insects of the genus Phylloicus play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, shredding leaves and contributing to nutrient cycling in streams. Therefore, this genus is often used in laboratory experiments. However, in Cerrado regions such as Araguaia, these studies are impractical due to a lack of knowledge about basic aspects, such as their feeding preferences for local plants. Hence, our objective is to determine the native plant species in the Araguaia region preferred as food by Phylloicus. We conducted an experimental study comparing the consumption of three native Cerrado plant species: Casearia sylvestris, Astronium fraxinifolium, and Ficus guaranítica by Phylloicus. To assess differences in consumption, we performed an Analysis of Variance. The results revealed that Phylloicus larvae exhibited a feeding preference for Casearia sylvestris (F = 9.71; p = 0.004). This finding will contribute to the development of future experimental studies using Phylloicus in the Araguaia region, as understanding the feeding preferences of animals used in experiments is essential for their maintenance in the laboratory.

New Therapeutic Strategies for Obesity and Its Metabolic Sequelae: Brazilian Cerrado as a Unique Biome.

Brazil has several important biomes holding impressive fauna and flora biodiversity. Cerrado being one of the richest ones and a significant area in the search for new plant-based products, such as foods, cosmetics, and medicines. The therapeutic potential of Cerrado plants has been described by several studies associating ethnopharmacological knowledge with phytochemical compounds and therapeutic effects. Based on this wide range of options, the Brazilian population has been using these medicinal plants (MP) for centuries for the treatment of various health conditions. Among these, we highlight metabolic diseases, namely obesity and its metabolic alterations from metabolic syndrome to later stages such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several studies have shown that adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction leads to proinflammatory cytokine secretion and impaired free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation and oxidative status, creating the basis for insulin resistance and glucose dysmetabolism. In this scenario, the great Brazilian biodiversity and a wide variety of phytochemical compounds make it an important candidate for the identification of pharmacological strategies for the treatment of these conditions. This review aimed to analyze and summarize the current literature on plants from the Brazilian Cerrado that have therapeutic activity against obesity and its metabolic conditions, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Structural and Anticancer Studies of Methoxyflavone Derivative from Strychnos pseudoquina A.St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae) from Brazilian Cerrado.

The Cerrado biome is the world's largest and most diversified tropical savanna. Despite its diversity, there remains a paucity of scientific discussion and evidence about the medicinal use of Cerrado plants. One of the greatest challenges is the complexity of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, present in those plants and their extraction, purification, and characterization, which involves a wide range of approaches, tools, and techniques. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the search for accurately proven medicinal plants against cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide, has contributed to this growing area of research. This study set out to extract, purify, and characterize 3-O-methylquercetin isolated from the plant Strychnos pseudoquina A.St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae) and to test it for antiproliferative activity and selectivity against different tumor and nontumor human cell lines. A combined-method approach was employed using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and theoretical calculations to extensively characterize this bioflavonoid. 3-O-methylquercetin melts around 275 °C and crystallizes in a nonplanar conformation with an angle of 18.02° between the pyran ring (C) and the phenyl ring (B), unlike quercetin and luteolin, which are planar. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity of 3-O-methylquercetin was compared with data from quercetin, luteolin, and cisplatin, showing that structural differences influenced the antiproliferative activity and the selectivity against different tumor cell lines.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Four Brazilian Savanna Species on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in HepG2 Cells.

We investigated four Cerrado plant species, i.e., Cheiloclinium cognatum (Miers) A.C.Sm, Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., Hancornia speciosa Gomes, and Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne, against acetaminophen toxicity using an in vitro assay with HepG2 cells. The activity against acetaminophen toxicity was evaluated using different protocols, i.e., pre-treatment, co-treatment, and post-treatment of the cells with acetaminophen and the plant extracts. HepG2 cell viability after treatment with acetaminophen was 39.61 ± 5.59% of viable cells. In the pre-treatment protocol, the extracts could perform protection with viability ranging from 50.02 ± 15.24% to 78.75 ± 5.61%, approaching the positive control silymarin with 75.83 ± 5.52%. In the post-treatment protocol, all extracts and silymarin failed to reverse the acetaminophen damage. In the co-treatment protocol, the extracts showed protection ranging from 50.92 ± 11.14% to 68.50 ± 9.75%, and silymarin showed 77.87 ± 4.26%, demonstrating that the aqueous extracts of the species also do not increase the toxic effect of acetaminophen. This protection observed in cell viability was accompanied by a decrease in ROS. The extracts' hepatoprotection can be related to antioxidant compounds, such as rutin and mangiferin, identified using HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS/MS. The extracts were shown to protect HepG2 cells against future APAP toxicity and may be candidates for supplements that could be used to prevent liver damage. In the concomitant treatment using the extracts with APAP, it was demonstrated that the extracts do not present a synergistic toxicity effect, with no occurrence of potentiation of toxicity. The extracts showed considerable cytoprotective effects and important antioxidant characteristics.

Occurrence and Diversity of Yeast Associated with Fruits and Leaves of Two Native Plants from Brazilian Neotropical Savanna

Background: This work studied the occurrence, density, and diversity of yeast species associated with the leaves and fruits of Sabicea brasiliensis and Anacardium humile. Methods: Fragments of leaves and fruits were subjected to maceration and placed under agitation in peptone water. One hundred µL aliquots of each of the decimal dilutions were plated on YM chloramphenicol agar medium. The different morphotypes were identified through sequence analysis of the 26S rDNA. Results: A total of 83 yeast isolates were recovered from the organs sampled, 40 from fruits and 19 from the leaves of S. brasiliensis, while 14 were recovered from fruits and 10 from the leaves of A. humile. The isolates were identified as belonging to two phyla, six classes, eight orders, and eight families. Most isolates, at 71 (84.3%), belong to Ascomycota, with Saccharomycetes dominant in fruits and Dothideomycetes in leaves. The remaining 12 (15.7%) isolates belong to the phylum Basidiomycota. The most frequent genera were Aureobasidium, Candida, Rhodotorula, and Wickerhamiella. The Wickerhamiella isolates made possible the subsequent description of a new species within this genus. Conclusions: Our data reveal the yeast species that inhabit different Cerrado plant organs and indicate that these hosts can be considered an important habitat for yeast diversity, including new and/or previously unreported species in this biome.

Transboundary conservation opportunities for Cerrado's plant species

Cerrado is considered one of the world's most threatened and floristically diverse tropical savannas. Distribution of the Cerrado flora comprises three countries: Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay; consequently, opportunities to conserve it require a transboundary effort. We aimed to (i) explore the relationship between a representative portion of Cerrado flora (8611 species), natural cover loss, and three country boundaries; and (ii) identify priority areas to expand protected areas at national and transboundary levels considering the different species conservation status, countries' governance, and natural cover loss. We modeled the distribution of Cerrado species for the three countries and overlapped species ranges with country boundaries to calculate species ranges shared between countries and the degree of endemicity. We identified national and transboundary priority regions to expand protected areas. We found that the areas with the highest plant richness are distributed in the central part of the Cerrado and Campos Rupestres Mountain Savanna ecoregions in Brazil (>8500 for the whole country). Bolivia ranked second in species richness (>4300), followed by Paraguay (>3700). The most anthropized areas in Brazil overlapped with regions predicted to foster the highest biodiversity. Conversely, such patterns were opposite in Bolivia and Paraguay, which harbored regions with high opportunities for Cerrado flora conservation. Transboundary prioritization suggested slightly higher species protection, including threatened and endemic species. Restoring some regions primarily in Brazil will be necessary to protect 30 % or 50 % of the study area. Together, the three countries can support more comprehensive conservation actions for the great diversity of the Cerrado flora.

Identification and Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Lapachol, β-Lapachone and Hydroxy-hydrolapachol

Metabolites of Brazilian Cerrado species are considered an immense font of biologically active compounds The diversity of organic compounds generated by the secondary metabolism of various Cerrado plants draws attention especially because many of these compounds have the capacity to be structurally modified and, consequently, produce other very interesting derivatives for pharmacological purposes. Despite this, little is described in the literature about fast, easy, and accessible identification methods for any laboratory, such as infrared spectroscopy. In this sense, this work demonstrates the synthesis and elucidation through spectroscopic techniques of lapachol and its synthetic derivatives. Through quick and simple extractions or reactions, lapachol, β-lapachone, and hydroxy-hydrolapachol were obtained with adequate yields. From this, the main FTIR absorptions of the mentioned naphthoquinones are described, which facilitates the identification of these metabolites with high biological potential. The present work contributes could become a simpler source of data for extraction, synthesis, and spectroscopic characterization by FTIR of the compounds.

Exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonate (JA) promote metabolic regulation in Jacarandá-Pardo (Machaerium villosum Vog.) seedlings under PEG-induced water deficit

Plant hormones are essential in regulating plant responses to water deficit. However, there is little information on their effects on the growth of Cerrado plants under water deficit. This study aimed to investigate how exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA), used separately, can minimize the effects of induced water deficit by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) in Machaerium villosum seedlings. The experiment had four treatments: 1) control: half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution; (2) PEG-water deficit: Hoagland's solution supplemented with PEG (−1.0 MPa); (3) PEG-water deficit + 100 μM ABA; and (4) PEG-water deficit + 100 μM JA. Seedlings of M. villosum were collected separately at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days after treatment. At the end of 14 days, the relative water content (RWC) substantially decreased by 29.69% in the PEG treatment, followed by 14.59 and 13.83% in the PEG+ABA and PEG+JA treatments, respectively. The PSII photochemistry quantum yield (Fv/Fm) differed significantly between control and PEG treatments at seven days. Oxidative stress was detected after three days of water deficit. The superoxide anion (O₂⁻) content gradually increased in the PEG and PEG + ABA treatments, while the PEG + JA treatment interacted positively with the suppression of O₂⁻ production. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production increased by 132.2 and 66.2% at seven days and 277.4 and 131.3% at 14 days in the PEG and PEG + ABA treatments, respectively. Metabolic profiling analysis showed that ABA and JA affected common water deficit-induced metabolic pathways. PEG and PEG + ABA treatments accumulated carbohydrates and some amino acids responsible for osmotic adjustment and energy production. Conversely, the PEG + JA treatment accumulated caffeic acid, vanillic acid, and quinic acid related to secondary metabolism, antioxidant compounds, and fatty acids, important membrane repair agents.

How Deep Can the Endophytic Mycobiome Go? A Case Study on Six Woody Species from the Brazilian Cerrado

Elucidating the complex relationship between plants and endophytic fungi is very important in order to understand the maintenance of biodiversity, equity, stability, and ecosystem functioning. However, knowledge about the diversity of endophytic fungi from species of the native Brazilian Cerrado biome is poorly documented and remains largely unknown. These gaps led us to characterize the diversity of Cerrado endophytic foliar fungi associated with six woody species (Caryocar brasiliense, Dalbergia miscolobium, Leptolobium dasycarpum, Qualea parviflora, Ouratea hexasperma, and Styrax ferrugineus). Additionally, we investigated the influence of host plant identities on the structure of fungal communities. Culture-dependent methods coupled with DNA metabarcoding were employed. Irrespective of the approach, the phylum Ascomycota and the classes Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes were dominant. Using the cultivation-dependent method, 114 isolates were recovered from all the host species and classified into more than 20 genera and 50 species. Over 50 of the isolates belonged to the genus Diaporthe, and were distributed into more than 20 species. Metabarcoding revealed the phyla Chytridiomycota, Glomeromycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota, and Zoopagomycota. These groups are reported for the first time as components of the endophytic mycobiome of Cerrado plant species. In total, 400 genera were found in all host species. A unique leaf endophytic mycobiome was identified in each host species, which differed not only by the distribution of fungal species, but also by the abundance of shared species. These findings highlight the importance of the Brazilian Cerrado as a reservoir of microbial species, and emphasize how endophytic fungal communities are diversified and adapted.

Phylogeography of Eriotheca species complex: insights into the origin and range expansion of apomictic and polyploid trees in Neotropical Savannas.

Polyploidy and whole genome duplication are major evolutionary drivers in plants. Climate variations during the Pleistocene have influenced distribution and range expansion worldwide. Similar trends have been reported for Cerrado plants, but no attempt has been made to link phylogeography with ploidy and breeding changes. Thus, we aimed to (i) assess ploidy and genome size of Eriotheca estevesiae Carv.-Sobr., and compare it with E. pubescens (Mart.) Schott & Endl. (Both included into the Eriotheca Stellate Trichome Species Complex - ESTSC). (ii) Subsequently, we investigated their phylogeography to see whether genetic structure and range expansion trends were similar to those previously described for the Cerrado biome. Finally (iii), we discuss whether ESTSC phylogeographic patterns could be associated with geographic parthenogenesis processes. Common cytogenetic techniques and flow cytometry were used to confirm chromosome number and genome size of E. estevesiae. We used three cpDNA regions to analyse 14 ESTSC Cerrado populations, for which we also obtained ploidy level and breeding information. We investigated haplotype diversity, population structure and tested neutrality, aiming to reconstruct phylogeographic scenarios. We found three ploidy levels and eight cpDNA haplotypes in ESTSC, one shared by most populations. Haplotype and ploidy distribution corroborated that E. pubescens, the widely distributed polyploid and apomictic species, may have originated from northern diploid and probably sexual E. estevesiae. Matrilinear cpDNA links support the idea that apomixis and polyploidy in ESTSC may have allowed range expansion during the Pleistocene, in a process analogous to the geographic parthenogenesis described elsewhere.

Cerrado and Pantanal fruit flours affect gut microbiota composition in healthy and post-COVID-19 individuals: an invitro pilot fermentation study.

Cerrado and Pantanal plants can provide fruits with high nutritional value and antioxidants. This study aims to evaluate four fruit flours (from jatobá pulp, cumbaru almond, bocaiuva pulp and bocaiuva almond) and their effects on the gut microbiota in healthy (HD) and post-COVID-19 individuals (PC). An invitro batch system was carried out, the microbiota was analysed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and the short-chain fatty acids ratio was determined. Furthermore, the effect of jatobá pulp flour oil (JAO) on cell viability, oxidative stress and DNA damage was investigated in a myelo-monocytic cell line. Beyond confirming a microbiota imbalance in PC, we identified flour-specific effects: (i) reduction of Veillonellaceae with jatobá extract in PC samples; (ii) decrease in Akkermansia with jatoba and cumbaru flours; (iii) decreasing trend of Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus with all flours tested, with the exception of the bocaiuva almond in HD samples for Ruminococcus and (iv) increase in Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in PC samples with bocaiuva almond flour. JAO displayed antioxidant properties protecting cells from daunorubicin-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and DNA damage. The promising microbiota-modulating abilities of some flours and the chemopreventive effects of JAO deserve to be further explored in human intervention studies.