Combretum Leprosum Research Articles

FITOSSOCIOLOGIA E ESTRUTURA DE UM FRAGMENTO FLORESTAL DA CAATINGA, CEARÁ, BRASIL

O nordeste do Brasil tem a maior parte de seu território ocupado por caatinga que é caracterizada por vegetação xerófita com diferentes fitofisionomias e considerada o bioma mais sensível à interferência humana e climática. Esse estudo teve o objetivo de caracterizar a composição florística e estrutura de um fragmento de caatinga localizado na Chapada Moura na Fazenda Elmo Moreno em Iguatú, Ceará. Foram estabelecidas 45 parcelas de 10x20 m e foram medidos todos os indivíduos com diâmetro ao nível do solo > 3 cm e altura > 1 m. Foram observados 2256 indivíduos vivos ha-1 e 165 mortos, representando 36 espécies, 29 gêneros e 13 famílias. A diversidade de espécies foi baixa em relação a outras fitofisionomias com Índice de Shannon de 1,59. Croton sonderianus e Combretum leprosum foram as espécies com maior DoR, DR, F, IVC e IVI seguidas de Pityrocarpa moniliformis. O significativo número de espécies vegetais lenhosas exclusivas e raras demonstra que os trabalhos realizados até o momento ainda não amostraram considerável número de espécies presentes nas diferentes regiões do bioma caatinga. Com 70 anos de conservação, a área ainda se encontra em estágio inicial de sucessão ecológica evidenciada pela baixa riqueza florística e maior ocorrência de espécies do gênero Croton.

Anthelmintic effect of Cassia fistula and Combretum leprosum protein fractions against goat gastrointestinal nematodes

In this study, we evaluated the ovicidal and larvicidal activity of protein preparations obtained from Cassia fistula L. and Combretum leprosum Mart. leaves on the gastrointestinal parasites of goats. Protein preparations were obtained after the extraction of C. fistula L. and C. leprosum Mart. leaves, followed by protein fractionation (with ammonium sulfate saturation percentages of 30%, 30%-60%, and 60%-90%) and dialysis, which resulted in protein fractions (called F1, F2, and F3, respectively). The fractions were evaluated by egg hatching (the eggs were recovered in stool samples from naturally infected goats) and larval development tests. The results reveled that the inhibition of hatching of eggs caused by the protein fractions of C. fistula (38%) were similar to that of the control drug, thiabendazole. In addition, the fractions of C. fistula caused significant inhibition (61-69%) of larval development also. However, C. leprosum did not reveal significant inhibition of egg hatching and larval development. We conclude that C. fistula L. showed better ovicidal and larvicidal activity against endoparasites.

Discrimination of wood and charcoal from six Caatinga species by near-infrared spectroscopy

Correct identification of species in wood and charcoal commerce is important, and rapid and nondestructive evaluation based on near-infrared techniques can be a good alternative. Four trees from Combretum leprosum, Croton argyrophylloides, Jatropha mutabilis, Luetzelburgia auriculata, Mimosa tenuiflora and Poincianella bracteosa, were cut in a natural forest in the municipality of Coremas, Paraiba state and stem discs with thickness of about 80 mm were taken at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of commercial height. For charcoal production, each sample was wrapped in aluminum foil and carbonized in a muffle furnace, with a final temperature of 450 °C and a heating rate of 1.66 °C min-1. Spectra were collected directly from sample surface. The best pretreatment was second derivative, while the best classification method was PCA-LDA, and the analysis of full spectra (4000-10000 cm-1) was indicated. In classification, there was no difference between surfaces where spectra was collected, so in practice, in commercial control for example, the information can be obtained from any surface. For rapid analysis for purposes of control of forest practices or illegal commerce, spectra collected directly from wood and charcoal can be applied to distinguish these six Caatinga species.

Antibacterial effect on mature biofilms of oral streptococci and antioxidant activity of 3β,6β,16β-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene from Combretum leprosum

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effect and antibacterial activity of the triterpene 3β,6β,16β-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene (CLF1) isolated from Combretum leprosum leaves on mature biofilms from Streptococcus mutans and S. parasanguinis, both involved in dental caries. In order to determine the bacterial death time curve promoted by CLF1, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were also assessed. The susceptibility of mature biofilms from both species to CLF1 was investigated through total biomass quantification and enumeration of biofilm-entrapped colony forming units. Moreover, the effect of CLF1 on S. mutans biofilm architecture was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of CLF1 were assessed by scavenging of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, ferrous ion chelating assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and β-carotene bleaching assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of CLF1 for both species were 3.9 and 15.6 μg/mL, respectively, and no bacterial growth was detected at 24 h treatment. Moreover, CLF1 reduced the biomass and viability of biofilms from both species. Electron micrographs of S. mutans biofilms confirmed such results and showed damages on bacterial surface. Regarding antioxidant activity, CLF1 showed efficient antioxidant ability in scavenging DPPH radical and inhibiting β-carotene oxidation. In summary, CLF1 should be considered as an effective molecule against infections caused by S. mutans and S. parasanguinis biofilms, as well as a natural antioxidant.

Diets based on plants from Brazilian Caatinga altering ruminal parameters, microbial community and meat fatty acids of Santa Inês lambs

Strategies for the sustainable intensification of ruminant production suggest breeding animals adapted to the environment in which they live using local fodders to maximize efficient ruminal fermentation. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of using Orbignya phalerata (Babassu) and Combretum leprosum (Mofumbo) leaves in ruminal short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and microbial community, as well as finishing performance, carcass characteristics and meat fatty acid profile of Santa Inês hair lambs. The experimental treatments were diets with 50:50 forage:concentrate ratios, using the leaves of the experimental plants as a 33g/100g of dry matter (DM) replacement of Cynodon dactylon (Tifton-85) hay, with three groups: Control (no hay replacement), Babassu and Mofumbo. Twenty-four Santa Inês lambs (body weight=20.0±5.2kg) were used in a randomized experimental design with eight repetitions (5 males and 3 female) per treatment. Ruminal fluid samples of each animal were collected to determine SCFA and microbial community. The male animals were evaluated for finishing performance and carcass characteristics while longissimus lumborum muscle samples were used for determination of fatty acid profile. Interaction between treatment and sex was observed for total SCFA (P<0.05). Treatment affected (P<0.05) propionate, isobutyric, isovaleric and valeric fatty acids. Mofumbo showed a greater relative abundance of rumen fungi and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and lower Archaea. There was no difference between treatments (P>0.05) for finishing performance and carcass characteristics but meat fatty acid characteristics were affected by treatments. A redundancy analysis based on microbial abundance profile demonstrated two clusters, one cluster with Babassu and Control treatments, and other cluster with Mofumbo, with some variables associated to dissimilarity between clusters. These results indicated that the inclusion of these plants in lamb diets affects ruminal short chain fatty acids and microbial population, without compromising the production potential, carcass characteristics and meat fatty acid profile.

Individual variability in morphometry and emergence of seeds of Combretum leprosum

Individual variability in morphometry and emergence of seeds of Combretum leprosum

IN VITRO ANTIPLASMODIAL ACTIVITY OF FLOWER EXTRACTS FROM COMBRETUM LEPROSUM MART (MOFUMBO)

Malaria is the cause of hundreds of deaths per year , besides putting billions of people at risk of developing disease. When it comes to its therapy, the drugs used currently are losing its efficacy due to increase inn the frequency of resistant strains of the parasite, highlight the importance for the serach of new classes of molecules prsentign antiplasmodial activity. In the present work, the antiplasmodial activities of five extracts from the flowers of Comretum leprosum are described. The method employed for obtaingine the extracts was silica gel column chromatography, and the techniques used for the analysis of antiplasmodial activity and citotoxicity were ELISA and MTT respectively, were a selectivitu index was calculated after the obtainign of these two values. The extract presenting the highest antiplasmodial activity was the chloroform extract, however, this extrac also presented the higther cytotoxicity and therefore the extract presenting the best overall activity was the hexane extract. The study deminstrated the plant Combretum leprosum has active substances against P. falciparum and therefore is a potential to be expored in funther pharmacological studies.

Anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of 3β,6β,16β-Trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene on cutaneous inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevance3β,6β,16β-Trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene (TTHL) is a triterpene isolated from the flowers of Combretum leprosum, a plant used in folk medicine in the north of Brazil for the treatment of skin disorders. Aim of the studyIn the present study, TTHL was evaluated as a potential topical anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agent through in vivo and in vitro models. Material and methodsAnti-inflammmatory and anti-proliferative effects of TTHL were assessed using Swiss mice in acute and chronic models of skin inflammation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate (TPA) application. Anti-proliferative activity was proved through in vitro experiments with the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line. ResultsTreatment with TTHL inhibited inflammatory parameters such as oedema formation and cellular infiltration in acute and chronic models. In the chronic model, TTHL also inhibited epidermal hyperproliferation, as evidenced by reduction of epidermis thickness and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression. The anti-proliferative effect was confirmed by the capability of TTHL in reducing the proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis of HaCaT cells. Suggesting a mechanism of action, TTHL showed activation of corticosteroid receptors, but without the induction of corticosteroid-related cutaneous side effects. ConclusionOur results demonstrate consistent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity and assign TTHL as a valuable tool in the development of a new treatment for skin inflammatory and proliferative diseases, such as psoriasis.

Performance, metabolic variables and enteric methane production of Santa Inês hair lambs fed Orbignya phalerata and Combretum leprosum.

In this study, the possibility of using Babassu (Orbignya phalerata) and Mofumbo (Combretum leprosum) leaves for lambs feed was verified. Performance, biochemical and haematological parameters, microbial protein synthesis, nutrient apparent digestibility and enteric production of methane (CH4 ) were evaluated. The experimental treatments included diets with forage-to-concentrate ratios of 50:50, with the leaves of the experimental plants replacing 33% of the Cynodon dactylon (Tifton-85) hay with three treatments: control (no hay replacement) and substitution with Babassu or Mofumbo. For the performance study, 24 Santa Inês lambs were used, in a randomized experimental design with eight repetitions (5 male and 3 female) for each treatment and 48days of experimental trial. After this period, for nine days, six animals from each treatment were allocated in metabolic cages to determine the apparent nutrient digestibility, microbial protein synthesis and nitrogen balance. Simultaneously, enteric CH4 was measured invivo. The control group showed higher (p<0.05) apparent digestibility of acid detergent fibre. Enteric CH4 production of lambs fed Mofumbo leaves did not differ from that of the control group, but was lower (p<0.05) than in those fed with Babassu. The inclusion of Babassu and Mofumbo leaves showed no negative effects on animal health and did not compromise performance. Mofumbo also presented CH4 mitigating potential, indicating that those plants can be used as ingredients in the composition of lamb diets with the advantage of reducing methane production.

Estrutura da Vegetação em Dois Fragmentos de Caatinga Antropizada na Paraíba

RESUMO Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar as diferenças florísticas e estruturais entre dois fragmentos contíguos de caatinga sujeitos a intervenções antrópicas na Paraíba. Foram alocadas 25 parcelas de 20 m × 20 m, em duas áreas (A e B) e medidos todos os indivíduos com circunferência ao nível do solo ≥ 10 cm e com altura ≥ 1 m. A área A apresentou 2.226 indivíduos, 21 espécies, 21 gêneros e 11 famílias. A área B, 1.930 indivíduos, 17 espécies, 16 gêneros e 9 famílias. Os índices de Shannon-Wienner e a equabilidade de Pielou foram 1,92 nats/ind. e 0,63 (área A) e 1,76 nats/ind. e 0,62 (área B). A similaridade de Sørensen entre as áreas foi de 79%. Famílias mais ricas em espécies: Fabaceae e Euphorbiaceae. Espécies mais abundantes: Poincianella pyramidalis, Mimosa tenuiflora, Aspidosperma pyrifolium, Croton blanchetianus e Combretum leprosum. Houve diferenças nos parâmetros estudados obtidos, o que explica processos de regeneração distintos.

Medicinal plant Combretum leprosum mart ameliorates motor, biochemical and molecular alterations in a Parkinson's disease model induced by MPTP

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCombretum leprosum is a popular medicinal plant distributed in north and northeastern regions of Brazil. Many different parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine to treat several inflammatory diseases. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a disorder associated with inflammatory toxic factors and the treatments available provide merely a delay of the neurodegeneration. Aim of the studyWe investigated the potential neuroprotective properties of the C. leprosum ethanolic extract (C.l.EE) in a murine model of PD using the toxin 1-methyl-4 phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Materials and methodsThe mice were split into four groups: V/S (vehicle/saline), E/S (extract/saline), V/M (vehicle/MPTP) and E/M (extract/ MPTP). Mice received MPTP (30mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (10ml/kg, i.p.) once a day for 5 consecutive days and vehicle (10ml/kg) or C.l.EE (100mg/kg) orally by intra-gastric gavage (i.g.) during a 14-d period, starting 3 days before the first MPTP injection. All groups were assessed for behavioural impairments (amphetamine-induced locomotor activity and muscle strength), dopamine content in striatum using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) gene expressions using qPCR. ResultsAnimals were injected with d-amphetamine (2mg/kg) and the activity was recorded. Amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion was observed in all groups; however animals treated with MPTP showed exacerbated hyperlocomotion (approximately 3 fold increase compared to control groups). By contrast, mice treated with MPTP that received C.l.EE exhibited attenuation of the hyperlocomotion and did not differ from control groups. Muscle strength test pointed that C.l.EE strongly avoided muscular deficits caused by MPTP (approximately 2 fold increase compared to V/M group). Dopamine and its metabolites were measured in the striatum. The V/M group presented a dopamine reduction of 80%. On the other hand, the E/M group exhibited an increase in dopamine and its metabolites levels (approximately 3 fold increase compared to V/M group). Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) gene expressions were significantly reduced in the V/M group (60%). Conversely, C.l.EE treatment was able to increase the mRNA levels of those genes in the E/M group (approximately 2 fold for TH and DAT). ConclusionsThese data show, for the first time, that C. leprosum ethanolic extract prevented motor and molecular changes induced by MPTP, and partially reverted dopamine deficit. Thus, our results demonstrate that C.l.EE has potential for the treatment and prevention of PD.

Dew absorption by the leaf trichomes of Combretum leprosum in the Brazilian semiarid region

Dew formation is common in several regions of the world, but in arid and semiarid regions dew may represent an important water source for plants. In this study, we tested whether the leaves of a common shrub in the semiarid region of Brazil, Combretum leprosum Mart. (Combretaceae) absorb dew. We also identified the leaf anatomical structures that are involved in this process and tested whether dew absorption favours hydration of leaf tissues in both field and greenhouse experiments. The translucent and shiny leaf trichomes of C. leprosum absorbed dew. Leaf water absorption through hydrophilic trichomes and the presence of hydrophilic polysaccharides in C. leprosum increased its leaf water status. The presence of paraveinal mesophyll and the role of this tissue in the redistribution of water in the leaf are shown for the first time in Combretaceae.

ESTRUTURA DO COMPONENTE ARBUSTIVO-ARBÓREO DE UM REMANESCENTE DE CAATINGA NO ESTADO DO CEARÁ, BRASIL.

RESUMO O Nordeste do Brasil tem a maior parte de seu território ocupado pela caatinga que se caracteriza por ser uma vegetação xerófita considerada por especialistas o bioma brasileiro mais sensível à interferência humana e às mudanças climáticas globais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a caracterização da composição florística e estrutura em um remanescente de caatinga localizado na Reserva Particular de Patrimônio Natural (RPPN) da Fazenda Trussú em Iguatú, Ceará. Foram estabelecidas 45 parcelas de 10x20 m e amostrados todos os indivíduos vivos e mortos com diâmetro do caule ao nível do solo &gt; 3 cm e altura total &gt; 1 m. A densidade estimada foi de 5.602 indivíduos ha-1 distribuídos em 52 espécies, 41 gêneros e 23 famílias. A área estudada apresenta diversidade do componente lenhoso semelhante ao encontrado em outras áreas da caatinga, com índice de diversidade Shannon de 2,19 nats/ind e a equitabilidade 0,50. As espécies Croton sonderianus, Combretum leprosum, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia e Mimosa tenuiflora apresentaram maior índice de valor de importância. A área de estudo esta bem preservada e em processo de recuperação.

The effect of 3β, 6β, 16β-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene lupane compound isolated from Combretum leprosum Mart. on peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

BackgroundThe Combretum leprosum Mart. plant, popularly known as mofumbo, is used in folk medicine for inflammation, pain and treatment of wounds. From this species, it is possible to isolate three triterpenes: (3β, 6β, 16β-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene) called lupane, arjunolic acid and molic acid. In this study, through preclinical tests, the effect of lupane was evaluated on the cytotoxicity and on the ability to activate cellular function by the production of TNF-α, an inflammatory cytokine, and IL-10, an immuno regulatory cytokine was assessed. The effect of lupane on the enzymes topoisomerase I and II was also evaluated.MethodsFor this reason, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained and cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT method at three different times (1, 15 and 24 h), and different concentrations of lupane (0.3, 0.7, 1.5, 6, 3 and 12 μg/mL). The cell function was assessed by the production of TNF-α and IL-10 by PBMCs quantified by specific enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). The activity of topoisomerases was assayed by in vitro biological assays and in silico molecular docking.ResultsThe results obtained showed that lupane at concentrations below 1.5 μg/mL was not toxic to the cells. Moreover, lupane was not able to activate cellular functions and did not alter the production of IL-10 and TNF-α. Furthermore, the data showed that lupane has neither interfered in the action of topoisomerase I nor in the action of topoisomerase II.ConclusionBased on preclinical results obtained in this study, we highlight that the compound studied (lupane) has moderate cytotoxicity, does not induce the production of TNF-α and IL-10, and does not act on human topoisomerases. Based on the results of this study and taking into consideration the reports about the anti-inflammatory and leishmanicidal activity of 3β, 6β, 16β-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene, we suggest that this compound may serve as a biotechnological tool for the treatment of leishmaniasis in the future.

Long-lasting endothelium-dependent relaxation of isolated arteries caused by an extract from the bark of Combretum leprosum.

Objective To describe and to characterize the relaxing effect of an extract of the bark of Combretum leprosum on isolated arterial rings from different animals.Methods Rings (3 to 4mm) from rabbit, rat, or porcine arteries rings were suspended in an organ bath (Krebs, 37°C, 95%O2/5%CO2) to record isometric contractions. After the stabilization period (2 to 3 hours) contractions were induced by the addition of phenylephrine (0.1 to 0.3µM) or U46619 (10 to 100nM), and Combretum leprosum extract was added on the plateau of the contractions. Experiments were performed to determine the potency, duration, reversibility, and to get insights on the potential mechanism involved in extract-induced relaxations.Results In all rings tested, Combretumleprosum extract (1.5μg/mL) was able to cause relaxations, which were strictly endothelium-dependent. In rabbit or rat thoracic aorta rings, the relaxations were reversed by vitamin B12a or L-NG-nitroarginine. In porcine right coronary arteries and rabbit abdominal aorta, extract caused both L-NG-nitroarginine-sensitive and L-NG-nitroarginine-resistant relaxations. In rabbit thoracic aorta, the extract was relatively potent (EC50=0.20µg/mL) and caused relaxations; intriguingly the endothelium continued to produce relaxing factors for a long period after removing the extract. The magnitude of extract-induced relaxations was significantly reduced in the absence of extracellular Ca2+; in addition, the TRPs channels blocker ruthenium red (10µM) was able to revert extract-induced relaxations. Phytochemical analyses indicated that the extract was rich in polyphenol-like reacting substances.Conclusions Combretum leprosum extract contains bioactive compounds capable of promoting Ca2+-dependent stimulation of endothelial cells which results in a prolonged production of relaxing factors.

A lupane-triterpene isolated from Combretum leprosum Mart. fruit extracts that interferes with the intracellular development of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis in vitro.

Background3beta,6beta,16beta-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene is a lupane triterpene isolated from Combretum leprosum fruit. The lupane group has been extensively used in studies on anticancer effects; however, its possible activity against protozoa parasites is yet poorly known. The high toxicity of the compounds currently used in leishmaniasis chemotherapy stimulates the investigation of new molecules and drug targets for antileishmanial therapy.MethodsThe activity of 3beta,6beta,16beta-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene was evaluated against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis by determining the cytotoxicity of the compound on murine peritoneal macrophages, as well as its effects on parasite survival inside host cells. To evaluate the effect of this compound on intracellular amastigotes, cultures of infected macrophages were treated for 24, 48 and 96 h and the percentage of infected macrophages and the number of intracellular parasites was scored using light microscopy.ResultsLupane showed significant activity against the intracellular amastigotes of L. (L.) amazonensis. The treatment with 109 μM for 96 h reduced in 80 % the survival index of parasites in BALB/c peritoneal macrophages. At this concentration, the triterpene caused no cytotoxic effects against mouse peritoneal macrophages. Ultrastructural analyses of L. (L.) amazonensis intracellular amastigotes showed that lupane induced some morphological changes in parasites, such as cytosolic vacuolization, lipid body formation and mitochondrial swelling. Bioinformatic analyses through molecular docking suggest that this lupane has high-affinity binding with DNA topoisomerase.ConclusionTaken together, our results have showed that the lupane triterpene from C. leprosum interferes with L. (L.) amazonensis amastigote replication and survival inside vertebrate host cells and bioinformatics analyses strongly indicate that this molecule may be a potential inhibitor of topoisomerase IB. Moreover, this study opens major prospects for the development of novel chemotherapeutic agents with leishmanicidal activity.

Effect of the triterpene 3β, 6β, 16β-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene isolated from the leaves of Combretum leprosum Mart. on cutaneous wounds in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCombretum leprosum Mart. is a native species of the Caatinga, an important biome in the Brazilian semi-arid region. This species is commonly used in Brazil as a healing agent, as well as for the treatment of skin diseases. Aim of the studyThis study investigated the healing potential of the ethanolic extract (EECL) and the bioactive triterpene 3β, 6β, 16β-trihydroxylup-20 (29)-ene (CLF-1) isolated from the leaves of C. leprosum. Materials and methodsSkin wounds (1cm2) were created in the dorsal zone of mice with a scalpel blade number 15. The treatment consisted in a daily topical application of 100μl of 150mM NaCl, EECL and CLF-1 (at 10μg/100μl) for 12 days. The lesions were then macro and microscopically evaluated. ResultsOn postoperative day (POD) 2, the lesions treated with EECL and CLF-1 showed a moderate presence of vessels of the granulation tissue progressing in the dermis. The same effect was not observed in the control group. The treatment with EECL and CLF-1 stimulated angiogenesis, resulting in a rapid deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Moreover, the animals treated with EECL and CLF-1 showed smaller lesions on POD 7, primarily due to the contraction in the reticular dermis induced by organization of myofibroblasts, which was not observed in the group treated with NaCl. In addition, the lesions treated with EECL and CLF-1 showed ECM restructuration and presence of epithelium coating, which was not observed in the group treated with NaCl, in which the lesions showed no epithelial lining, suggesting delayed healing. ConclusionCLF-1 isolated from the leaves of C. leprosum may be considered to be an important molecule for the treatment of skin lesions. However, further investigations are necessary to establish its role in chronic lesions and to elucidate the mechanism of action involved in the cutaneous healing process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the pro-healing activity of the ethanolic extract and the triterpene 3β, 6β, 16β-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene isolated from leaves of C. leprosum.

Trace metal/metalloid concentrations in waste rock, soils and spontaneous plants in the surroundings of an abandoned mine in semi-arid NE-Brazil

This study aims to determine the concentrations of trace metals/metalloid in waste rock, soils and plants in three different environments of an abandoned mine in Brazil. Waste rocks (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffractometry and SEM–EDS), soils (general characterization and potentially bioavailable nutrients and metals) and plants (total metal contents in shoots) were analyzed. Studied plant species included Bidens pilosa, Pityrogramma calomelanos, Ruellia paniculata, Combretum leprosum, Ziziphus joazeiro, Psidium guajava and Mangifera indica. The results showed that copper is the unique potentially toxic element in waste rocks, with concentrations up to 350,000 mg kg−1 in some rocks. The higher proportion of carbonates relative to sulphides naturally attenuates acidification due to sulphide oxidation, preventing acid drainage and soil acidification. Total Cu concentration in soils exceeded the reference values for soil quality in Brazil by 185, 78 and 18 times in the ore processing, waste rock and border areas, respectively, indicating a high contamination of soils even after 25 years of mine abandonment. Bioavailable Cu was positively correlated with inorganic carbon and phosphorus and negatively correlated with organic carbon in soils. Despite high Cu concentration in soils, the Cu levels in plant shoots were within the usual range, except for Bidens pilosa and Pityrogramma calomelanos, which showed 267 and 46 mg kg−1, respectively. Nevertheless, these concentrations are below the levels required to be considered hyperaccumulator species. This indicates that the ability to immobilize Cu in the roots/rhizosphere should be further studied due to its potential to remediate by immobilization and/or revegetate Cu-contaminated soils.

Copper accumulation and changes in soil physical–chemical properties promoted by native plants in ​​an abandoned mine site in northeastern Brazil: Implications for restoration of mine sites

In this study, the copper-accumulating capacity of plants growing spontaneously in copper-contaminated soils in an ​​abandoned mine site in northeastern Brazil was evaluated by calculating enrichment (EF) and translocation (TF) factors. The effects of physical and chemical changes in the rhizosphere soil on copper mobility were determined by using different compounds (Mehlich3/MgCl2) to extract Cu from different types of soil samples (bulk/rhizosphere soil). Finally, the possible implications for the use of these plant species in restoring the area were assessed by calculating the balance between the Cu mobilized in the rhizosphere and the Cu absorbed by the plants. On the basis of the EF and TF values obtained (all <1), none of the species under study (Ruellia paniculata, Bidens pilosa, Pityrogramma calomelanos and Combretum leprosum) were classified as hyperaccumulators. However, consideration of readily bioavailable levels (extracted with MgCl2) and the rhizosphere soils (rather than total levels and bulk soils) yielded higher correlations with the levels of metal in plant tissues. This approach therefore appears more appropriate for determining the capacity of the plants to accumulate copper. The different characteristics of the bulk and rhizosphere soils have direct effects on the concentrations of copper, which were much lower in the rhizosphere soil. In general, each species responded differently to the high concentration of Cu in soils (range 3604–9601mgkg−1). By calculating the balance between the amounts of Cu mobilized in the rhizosphere and uptake by plants, we found that the presence of such plants in the field may have antagonistic effects. Two of the species (B. pilosa and P. calomelanos) contained more Cu in their tissues than mobilized in the rhizosphere. This is a desirable characteristic for restoration purposes, as the plants can reduce the bioavailable Cu content in soils and thus act as facilitators for regeneration of the site. By contrast, the other two species (R. paniculata and C. leprosum) mobilized more Cu in the rhizosphere than they were able to take up, which may led to transfer of bioavailable Cu to the ecosystem, which is undesirable in terms of site restoration.

The natural triterpene 3β,6β,16β-trihydroxy-lup-20(29)-ene obtained from the flowers of Combretum leprosum induces apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

BackgroundThe 3β, 6β, 16β-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene (TTHL) is a pentacyclic triterpene obtained from the medicinal plant Combretum leprosum Mart. In folk medicine, this plant is popularly known as mofumbo, cipoaba or mufumbo, and is used to treat several diseases associated with inflammation and pain.MethodsWe investigated the antitumor efficacy of TTHL isolated from C. leprosum. The TTHL cytotoxic effect was investigated in MRC5, MCF-7, HepG2, T24, HCT116, HT29, and CACO-2 cells after 24, 48, 72 and 120 h of treatment. The mechanisms of cell death and DNA damage induction were investigated by flow cytometry and comet assay, respectively.ResultsThe results indicated that TTHL induced a time- and concentration-dependent growth inhibition in all human cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity was more pronounced in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with an IC50 of 0.30 μg/mL at 120 h. We therefore evaluated the cell death mechanism induced by TTHL (IC20, IC50, and IC80) in MCF-7 cells at 24 h. We found that the treatment with IC50 and IC80 TTHL for 24 h induced apoptosis in 14% (IC50) and 52% (IC80) of MCF-7 cells. The apoptosis induced by TTHL was accompanied by increased levels of both cleaved caspase-9 and intracellular ROS. In order to further understand the biological mechanism of TTHL-induced cytotoxicity, we have also investigated its effect on different Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains. The mutant strains sod1Δ, sod2Δ, and sod1Δsod2Δ, which are deficient in superoxide dismutase antioxidant defenses, were hypersensitive to TTHL, suggesting that its capacity to disturb cellular redox balance plays a role in drug toxicity. Moreover, TTHL induced mutagenicity in the yeast strain XV185-14c.ConclusionsTaken together, the results suggest that TTHL forms covalent adducts with cellular macromolecules, potentially disrupting cellular function and triggering apoptosis.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-280) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.