Copaifera Species Research Articles

Characterization of the Phytotoxic Potential of Seven Copaifera spp. Essential Oils: Analyzing Active Compounds through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Molecular Networking.

In recent years, there has been a need for environmentally friendly compounds for weed management in agriculture. This study is aimed to assess the phytotoxic constituents of oils obtained from oleoresins of seven Copaifera species (known as copaiba oils). Copaiba oils were separated from the resins by hydro-distillation, and the distillates were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize their chemical compositions. Multivariate analyses and molecular networking of GC-MS data were conducted to discern patterns in the chemical composition and phytotoxic activity of the oils, with the aim of identifying key compounds associated with phytotoxic activity. Seed germination bioassay revealed strong or complete germination inhibition against the monocot, Agrostis stolonifera but not the dicot Lactuca sativa. GC-MS analysis showed variations in composition among Copaifera species with some common compounds identified across multiple species. Caryophyllene oxide and junenol were associated with the observed phytotoxic effects. Automated flash chromatography was used to isolate the major compounds of the oils. Isolated compounds exhibited differing levels of phytotoxicity compared to the oils, suggesting the importance of interactions or synergism among oil components. These findings highlight the potential of copaiba oils as natural herbicidal agents and underscore the importance of considering species-specific responses in weed management strategies.

Antibacterial and antibiotic-modifying activity of the commercialized essential oil of Copaifera spp. Associated with LED lights against a Staphylococcus aureus strain

Copaiba oil is widely used in medicine due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, healing, antiviral, antiseptic and analgesic properties. Thus, the main objective of the study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity and modifier of the antibiotic action of the commercialized essential oil of four species of Copaifera spp. in combination with Ampicillin and LED lights against the multidrug-resistant strain of S. aureus (SA 10). The essential oil was obtained commercially through the dōTERRA® company. The evaluation of the antibacterial and modulating activity was performed using the microdilution methodology in a 96-well plate, using blue 415 nm, red 620 nm and yellow 590 nm LEDs and Ampicillin at an initial concentration of 1.024 µg/mL. The experiments were carried out in triplicate and submitted to ANOVA statistical analysis, considering a significant value of p < 0,05. The essential oil of Copaifera spp. did not show antibacterial activity alone, but showed significant modifying activity when combined with Ampicillin in the absence of LED and with red LED. However, the yellow LED and the blue LED had no significant modulating effect. The results suggest the presence of an enzymatic mechanism of resistance, indicating relevance for the development of future scientific research, aiming to help in the treatment of lesions caused by multiresistant pathogens.

Applicability of NMR in combination with chemometrics for the characterization and differentiation of oil-resin extracted from Copaifera langsdorffii and Copaifera spp.

Copaiba oil-resin is a natural product widely used in popular medicine and as raw material for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Differences between species or extraction sites can cause changes in the product composition, which highlights the importance of its quality control regarding purity and identification of the Copaifera species from which the oil-resin was extracted. Thus, this work proposes to use the NMR technique associated with chemometric to differentiate and characterize samples of copaiba oil-resin obtained from different species and regions of Brazil. For this, 1H and 13C NMR spectra of 26 samples of copaiba oil-resin were acquired and submitted to chemometric analysis, which allows the recognition of patterns between the samples, as well as indicate the main variables responsible for the clustering. Based on these results, two-dimensional NMR experiments were carried out to identify the structure of the molecules that can be used as chemical markers to differentiate the oil-resin extracted from the Copaifera langsdorffii from other Copaifera species (Copaifera spp.). The structural elucidation of three terpenes (hardwickic acid, caryophyllene oxide, and kaurenoic acid) was successfully achieved, thus showing a decisive role in distinguishing the Copaifera langsdorffii samples.

Contrasting patterns of host selection and performance of insect seed predators on three sympatric host plant species

Abstract Characterising host selection mechanisms and the performance of seed‐predating insects on different hosts has broad implications for ecology and applied entomology. We assessed host selection and performance of endophagous seed‐predating insects on three species of Copaifera, testing two hypotheses: (i) large‐sized trees produce larger seeds and have higher levels of seed predation than their smaller congeneric relatives, and (ii) endophagous seed‐predating insects that develop in larger‐seeded trees exhibit higher body mass, lipid content, and muscle mass as they obtain higher amount of food resources. Unpredated seeds of the large‐sized Copaifera langsdorffii showed greater mass than their smaller congeneric relatives C. arenicola and C. oblongifolia. Two species of endophagous seed‐predating beetles (Rhinochenus brevicollis and Apion sp.) were found attacking seeds of the three Copaifera species. Rhinochenus brevicollis preyed on a higher percentage of seeds than Apion sp. The shrub C. oblongifolia had the highest percentage of seed predation, contradicting our original hypothesis that larger species have a higher percentage of seed predation. Rhinochenus brevicollis preyed on a higher percentage of seeds of larger‐sized species than Apion sp. The higher dispersal ability of R. brevicollis associated with different patterns of plant species distribution may be the mechanism driving differential seed predation among Copaifera species. Adult insects that emerged from C. langsdorffii seeds showed higher body mass and lipidic content. It is likely that insects developing in larger seeds obtain a higher amount of food resources during their development. Finally, we observed a positive relationship between body weight and lipidic content in adults of R. brevicollis. We suggest that studies shedding light onto insect performance in different host‐sized seeds are necessary to understand host selection by beetles.

Morphology and architectural analysis of Copaifera pubiflora seedlings (Detarioideae, Leguminosae)

AbstractCopaifera L. is a woody legume genus with 42 species that produce valuable terpenoid oleoresins used in medicine and industrial activities. Copaifera belongs to the Detarieae (Detarioideae) and is part of a clade together with five other genera. We describe the seedling morphology of Copaifera pubiflora Benth. based on plant architectural analysis to shed light on its post‐seminal shoot development. Seeds of this species were collected from a wild population in Roraima State, Brazil. Seedlings of C. pubiflora have preformed shoots with determinate and rhythmic growth. Each growth unit has two reduced leaf scales that correspond to a pair of prophylls followed by two or three scale‐like stipules and one distal eophyll. Besides, C. pubiflora has a monochasial sympodial branching with delayed branches. Current evidence indicates that most Copaifera species, including C. pubiflora, have phanerocotylar, epigeal, reserve seedlings with a cataphyll‐free epicotyl and scale‐like structures on the first internode after the epicotyledonary axis. Based on the available data, a comprehensive view of Copaifera seedlings from both the Old and New Worlds is also presented.

A lovely new, and potentially medicinal, species of Copaifera (Detarioideae, Fabaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado supported by anatomical and morphological data

A new species of Copaifera from a diversity hotspot in the Brazilian Cerrado is described. Copaifera appendiculata M.J. Silva appears to be endemic of the northern portion of Goiás State, Brazil, and its conservation status is classified as Critically Endangered. It is a dwarf species and can be recognized by a set of characteristics that include: foliar rachis spiny and conspicuously prolonged (the first such report for the genus), leaflets similar in size, usually glabrescent on both surfaces, with planar margins, with discreet or conspicuous translucent points, sepals indumented on both surfaces, fruits glabrous, and seeds with an orange aril. It is compared with similar dwarf species of the genus present in the Cerrado, especially with Copaifera marginata, its closest congener. Also furnished are illustrations, images, information concerning its flowering and fruiting seasons, geographical distribution, as well as preliminary conservation assessments. Examinations of the leaf anatomies of the new species, as well as that of C. marginata, revealed the numbers of layers of palisade parenchyma, the presence of a hypodermis, the numbers of vascular bundles in the petiole, rachis and midrib, as well as their contours, and aspects of the leaf margins. All of those features constitute useful characters to separate the two species. Histochemical tests demonstrated that chemical compounds (e.g., alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and lipids) present in the leaf tissues of both species have potential medicinal properties.

Oleoresins and naturally occurring compounds of Copaifera genus as antibacterial and antivirulence agents against periodontal pathogens

Invasion of periodontal tissues by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans can be associated with aggressive forms of periodontitis. Oleoresins from different copaifera species and their compounds display various pharmacological properties. The present study evaluates the antibacterial and antivirulence activity of oleoresins obtained from different copaifera species and of ten isolated compounds against two causative agents of periodontitis. The following assays were performed: determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), determination of the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and determination of the antibiofilm activity by inhibition of biofilm formation and biofilm eradication tests. The antivirulence activity was assessed by hemagglutination, P. gingivalis Arg-X and Lis-X cysteine protease inhibition assay, and A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin inhibition assay. The MIC and MBC of the oleoresins and isolated compounds 1, 2, and 3 ranged from 1.59 to 50 μg/mL against P. gingivalis (ATCC 33277) and clinical isolates and from 6.25 to 400 μg/mL against A. actinomycetemcomitans (ATCC 43717) and clinical isolates. About the antibiofilm activity, the oleoresins and isolated compounds 1, 2, and 3 inhibited biofilm formation by at least 50% and eradicated pre-formed P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilms in the monospecies and multispecies modes. A promising activity concerning cysteine protease and leucotoxin inhibition was also evident. In addition, molecular docking analysis was performed. The investigated oleoresins and their compounds may play an important role in the search for novel sources of agents that can act against periodontal pathogens.

On the distribution of two species of Copaifera L. (Leguminosae) from the Brazilian Cerrado, and the first record of C. malmei Harms in S&amp;atilde;o Paulo state, Brazil

Copaifera L. is a pantropical genus with great diversity in the Cerrado. Fieldwork in western S&amp;atilde;o Paulo revealed the first record of C. malmei Harms in this state, and this is only the second time that this species has been found in the Southeast Region of Brazil. Additional analyses of a related species, C. marginata Benth. revealed the same rare pattern of distribution in the region. We provide morphological descriptions, comments on geographical distribution, assessment of conservation status, phenology, and an identification key to the species of Copaifera in the Cerrado in southeastern Brazil.

Brazilian Copaifera Species: Antifungal Activity against Clinically Relevant Candida Species, Cellular Target, and In Vivo Toxicity.

Plants belonging to the genus Copaifera are widely used in Brazil due to their antimicrobial properties, among others. The re-emergence of classic fungal diseases as a consequence of antifungal resistance to available drugs has stimulated the search for plant-based compounds with antifungal activity, especially against Candida. The Candida-infected Caenorhabditis elegans model was used to evaluate the in vitro antifungal potential of Copaifera leaf extracts and trunk oleoresins against Candida species. The Copaifera leaf extracts exhibited good antifungal activity against all Candida species, with MIC values ranging from 5.86 to 93.75 µg/mL. Both the Copaifera paupera and Copaifera reticulata leaf extracts at 46.87 µg/mL inhibited Candida glabrata biofilm formation and showed no toxicity to C. elegans. The survival of C. glabrata-infected nematodes increased at all the tested extract concentrations. Exposure to Copaifera leaf extracts markedly increased C. glabrata cell vacuolization and cell membrane damage. Therefore, Copaifera leaf extracts are potential candidates for the development of new and safe antifungal agents.

Copaifera oleoresins as a novel natural product against acanthocephalan in aquaculture: Insights in the mode of action and toxicity

Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum is the main South American fish in continental aquaculture. However, its production has been hampered by acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae. In this study, we evaluated the antiparasitic potential of five oleoresins (ORs): Copaifera duckei, Copaifera pubiflora, Copaifera reticulata, Copaifera paupera and Copaifera multijuga, as a novel treatment against N. buttnerae, describing their mode of action by histology of the parasite and their toxicity to the host. In in vitro assays, parasites were exposed to three concentrations (0.0467, 0.0934 and 0.1868 mg/ml) of ORs. At the lowest concentration tested (0.0467 mg/ml), none of the ORs had a significant effect on acanthocephalans (p > .05). At the intermediate concentration (0.0934 mg/ml), C. duckei, C. pubiflora and C. reticulata were significantly (p < .05) more effective than C. paupera and C. multijuga. At the highest concentration (0.1868 mg/ml), all species of Copaifera resulted in 100% mortality of the parasites after 24 hr, except C. multijuga. Acanthocephalans killed by the ORs showed generalized vacuolization in the tissues with abnormal accumulation of fluid (remarkable body swelling). We were able to relate the antiparasitic effect of ORs to their composition (ORs with highest concentration of diterpenes were most effective). In toxicity testing, tambaqui were exposed to the three most effective ORs (C. duckei, C. pubiflora and C. reticulata). All were classified as moderately toxic. In vitro and in vivo tests showed that Amazon ORs have the potential to be included in a list of products for therapeutic purposes in aquaculture.

Effects of light availability and seed size on germination and initial growth of two congeneric species of Fabaceae

Background and Aims: Environmental factors can interact with plant life history to determinate the reproductive strategies of adult plants and seedling recruitment. We expect that widely distributed tree species produce heavier seed and with greater variation in seed size than shrubs of restricted geographic distribution. We also predict that widely distributed tree species should be capable to germinate and develop under variable range of light conditions, while sun-adapted shrubs should germinate and develop better under high light intensity. We used as models two congeneric species of Fabaceae. Copaifera langsdorffii is a widely distributed arboreal species and C oblongifolia is a shrub with restricted distribution. Methods: Seeds were collected from two plant species in a Cerrado vegetation area, northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The effects of light available on seed germination and seedling development was conducted in a germination chamber with controlled photoperiod, temperature and light intensity.Key results: The widely distributed tree (C. langsdorffii) had greater seed mass than the shrub (C. oblongifolia). Seeds of C. langsdorffii germinated faster under available high light, while the shrub C. oblongifolia seeds required less time to germinate under available low light and darkness. Under high light intensity, germination percentage of C. langsdorffii and C. oblongifolia seeds did not vary. However, seeds of the shrub showed a higher germination percentage under low light intensity and darkness. In general, seed mass showed a negative relationship with germination percentage, but this relationship varied in function of species and the availability of light. Copaifera langsdorffii seedlings had larger shoots and roots than C. oblongifolia. In contrast, the root:shoot ratio was higher in shrub than in tree species.Conclusions: Our results have important implications for understanding the patterns of distribution of two Copaifera species and explain the ability of C. oblongifolia to colonize disturbed areas.

Análise da oferta de oleorresina de copaíba (Copaifera spp.) no Brasil e do dinamismo do valor da produção

O principal produto de interesse comercial produzido pelas espécies do gênero Copaifera é o oleorresina, que se constitui como um dos mais importantes óleos vegetais comercializados na região norte do Brasil. É amplamente utilizado na medicina popular, na indústria de cosméticos e farmacêutica, e sua extração é feita através de extrativismo vegetal. Entretanto, a produção é influenciada por uma série de fatores como a baixa densidade populacional da espécie, variabilidade entre os indivíduos em termos de idade, dimensões do tronco e ainda, a existência de indivíduos produtivos e não produtivos. Assim, o estudo em questão objetivou analisar a variação da quantidade de oleorresina produzida no Brasil no período de 2001 a 2017, e seu respectivo valor de produção. Para tal, foram analisadas as informações da base de dados do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Ficou evidenciado que houve uma queda acentuada na produção nacional, no entanto o Amazonas segue destacando-se como o maior fornecedor de oleorresina do país, sendo necessários maiores estudos para identificação das causas das oscilações drásticas de produção.

Copaifera multijuga, Copaifera pubiflora and Copaifera trapezifolia Oleoresins: Chemical Characterization and in vitro Cytotoxic Potential against Tumoral Cell Lines

Copaifera species (Fabaceae) comprises approximately 70 species of large trees, from which 16 can be found in Brazil. The oleoresins obtained from their trunk are widely used in Brazilian folk medicine, which display important antitumoral potential. Chemically, these oleoresins are mainly composed of a mixture of sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. In this paper we are describing the isolation and identification of 12 already known terpenes from oleoresins obtained from three different Copaifera species (C. multijuga, C. pubiflora and C. trapezifolia) and 2 novel diterpenes (ent-16-hidroxy-3,13 clerodadien-15,18-dioic acid and ent-labda-5,13-dien-15-oic acid) from C. trapezifolia. Both new compounds were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic (1H and 13C NMR, correlation 1H-1H (COSY), heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC) and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC)) and by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS) analyses. The cytotoxic potential of these oleoresins, their main non-volatile compounds and their volatile compound fractions were evaluated against a panel of tumoral (MCF-7, ACP01, A549, HeLa) and normal cell lines (MCF-10A, GM07492-A) through XTT (tetrazolium salt) and SRB (sulforhodamine B) assays. The novel diterpene ent-labda-5,13-dien-15-oic acid displayed relevant cytotoxic effect against most of the cancer cell lines with mean inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 3.57 ± 1.12 to 22.56 ± 1.03 µg mL-1, and a high selectivity level in both assays.

Chemical compositions and herbicidal (phytotoxic) activity of essential oils of three Copaifera species (Leguminosae-Caesalpinoideae) from Amazon-Brazil

The rich and diversified Amazonian flora represents an excellent resource of new chemical structures with biological activities. This study aims to contribute with information about the phytochemical profile and phytotoxic activity of the Copaifera species essential oils: Copaifera duckei (Dwyer), Copaifera martii (Hayne), and Copaifera reticulata (Ducke) (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae). In this study, essential oils were extracted from leaves and stems by hydrodistillation process in an adapted Clevenger type device. The identification of the essential oils chemical components was performed by gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography (GC–FID). Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by the data were analyzed using F-test and the mean values were compared by the Tukey test at 5% and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). The phytotoxic activity of these extracted essential oils was tested against two species of invasive plants native to the Brazilian Amazon, namely, Mimosa pudica L. and Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby). The essential oils effects on seed germination and elongation of the radicle and hypocotyl were observed. The compounds with the highest concentrations in the essential oils were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, including germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, δ-elemene, and δ-cadinene. Inhibitory effects of the essential oils were greater on root development than on seed germination. Mimosa pudica L. tended to be more sensitive to the phytotoxic effects than Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby). Leaf oils presented greater inhibitory effects on root and hypocotyl development, whereas stem oils showed greater inhibition of seed germination, although in some cases, these differences were not statistically significant. The leaves essential oils had a greater number of constituents than those of the stem; this was especially observed in Copaifera martii (Hayne). These variations could justify the differences observed in the phytotoxic effects between the oils from the stems and the leaves. The recipient specie Mimosa pudica L. was most affected by the effects of essential oils.

Wood anatomy and growth ring boundaries of Copaifera lucens (Fabaceae)

ABSTRACT The wood anatomy of Copaifera lucens Dwyer was studied with an emphasis on its growth ring boundaries. Growth rings are visible to the naked eye and demarcated by marginal parenchyma bands and, sometimes, by thick-walled fibers in the latewood. Secretory canals are associated with marginal parenchyma bands, but not all marginal parenchyma bands are associated with canals. Paratracheal parenchyma is vasicentric to lozenge-aliform. Rays are 1–4-seriate, heterocellular and non-storied. Vessels are visible to the naked eye, diffuse, predominantly solitary, some in multiples, sometimes filled with gums. Crystals present. Wood anatomical characteristics of C. lucens are in agreement with those previously reported for other species of Copaifera. In addition to what had already been described for C. lucens, we observed gelatinous fibers, and some bifurcate fibers, and extremely rare clustered vessels. The growth ring boundaries are well-defined in mature wood but less distinctive near the pith. There are also partial and confluent (wedging) rings, which are difficult to classify by anatomy only, but which represent false rings and complicate tree-ring analysis in this species.

Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry of labdane-type acid diterpenes.

Copaifera (Leguminoseae) species produce a commercially interesting oleoresin that displays several biological activities, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Labdane-type diterpenes are the main chemical constituents of these oleoresins, and copalic acid is the only compound that has been detected in all Copaifera oleoresins. In this study, we investigate some aspects of the gas-phase fragmentation reactions involved in the formation of the product ions from the deprotonated compounds (-)-ent-copalic acid (1), (-)-ent-3β-hydroxy-copalic acid (2), (-)-ent-3β-acetoxy-copalic acid (3), and (-)-ent-agathic acid (4) by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and multiple stage mass spectrometry (MSn ). Our results reveal that the product ion with m/z 99 is common to all the analyzed compounds, whereas the product ion with m/z 217 is diagnostic for compounds 2 and 3. Moreover, only compound 4 undergoes CO2 (44 u) and acetic acid (60 u) elimination from the precursor ion. Thermochemical data obtained by computational chemistry at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory support the proposed ion structures. These data helped us to identify these compounds in a crude commercial Copaifera langsdorffii oleoresin by selective multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Finally, a precursor ion scan (PIS) strategy aided screening of labdane-type acid diterpenes other than 1 to 4 in the same Copaifera oleoresin sample and led us to propose the structures of 8,17-dihydro-ent-agathic acid (5) and 3-keto-ent-copalic acid (6), which have not been previously reported in Copaifera oleoresins.

Ent-Copalic acid antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties against Actinomyces naeslundii and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius

Diterpenes are an important class of plant metabolites that can be used in the search for new antibacterial agents. ent-Copalic acid (CA), the major diterpene in Copaifera species exudates, displays several pharmacological properties. This study evaluates the CA antibacterial potential against the anaerobic bacteria Peptostreptococcus anaerobius and Actinomyces naeslundii. Antimicrobial assays included time-kill and biofilm inhibition and eradication assays. Time-kill assays conducted for CA concentrations between 6.25 and 12.5 μg/mL evidenced bactericidal activity within 72 h. CA combined with chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (CHD) exhibited bactericidal action against P. anaerobius within 6 h of incubation. As for A. naeslundii, the same combination reduced the number of microorganisms by over 3 log10 at 24 h and exerted a bactericidal effect at 48 h of incubation. CA at 500 and 2000 μg/mL inhibited P. anaerobius and A. naeslundii biofilm formation by at least 50%, respectively. CA at 62.5 and 1.000 μg/mL eradicated 99.9% of pre-formed P. anaerobius and A. naeslundii biofilms, respectively. These results indicated that CA presents in vitro antibacterial activity and is a potential biofilm inhibitory agent. This diterpene may play an important role in the search for novel sources of agents that can act against anaerobic bacteria.

Copaifera of the Neotropics: A Review of the Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.

The oleoresin of Copaifera trees has been widely used as a traditional medicine in Neotropical regions for thousands of years and remains a popular treatment for a variety of ailments. The copaiba resins are generally composed of a volatile oil made up largely of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, such as β-caryophyllene, α-copaene, β-elemene, α-humulene, and germacrene D. In addition, the oleoresin is also made up of several biologically active diterpene acids, including copalic acid, kaurenoic acid, alepterolic acid, and polyalthic acid. This review presents a summary of the ecology and distribution of Copaifera species, the traditional uses, the biological activities, and the phytochemistry of copaiba oleoresins. In addition, several biomolecular targets relevant to the bioactivities have been implicated by molecular docking methods.

Assessment of genotoxic activity of oleoresins and leaves extracts of six Copaifera species for prediction of potential human risks

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCopaifera species are used in folk medicine for a wide variety of pharmacological properties. This paper reports the cytotoxic and genotoxic analyses of oleoresins and leaves extracts of Copaifera species: C. duckei, C. multijuga, C. paupera, C. pubiflora, C. reticulata and C. trapezifolia. Materials and methodsIn vitro assays were performed using Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells). The clonogenic efficiency and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays were employed for the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assessment, respectively. The mouse bone marrow micronucleus test was used for in vivo studies. ResultsThe cytotoxicity results using the clonogenic efficiency assay showed IC50 values ranging from 9.8 to 99.2 µg/mL for oleoresins and 66.4–721.5 for leaves extracts. However, no cytotoxic effect was observed in the in vivo studies. Additionally, the treatments with oleoresins and leaves extracts did not significantly increase the frequency of micronuclei in both in vitro and in vivo mammalian cells. The UPLC-MS/MS and CG/MS analyses of Copaifera oleoresins allowed the identification of 10 acid diterpenes and 11 major volatile sesquiterpenes. Leaves are rich in phenolic compounds including two flavonoid heterosides and 16 galloylquinic acid derivatives. ConclusionsThe oleoresins and leaves extracts of studied Copaifera species were not cytotoxic in vivo, as well as not genotoxic in both in vitro and vivo assays, under the experimental conditions used. Therefore, the obtained results should be sufficient to demonstrate the absence of significant genotoxic risk of these Copaifera products for human use in the evaluated concentrations range.

In vitro studies of the antibacterial activity of Copaifera spp. oleoresins, sodium hypochlorite, and peracetic acid against clinical and environmental isolates recovered from a hemodialysis unit

BackgroundPatients submitted to hemodialysis therapy are more susceptible to infection, especially to infection by Gram-positive bacteria. Various research works have attempted to discover new antimicrobial agents from plant extracts and other natural products.MethodsThe present study aimed to assess the antibacterial activities of Copaifera duckei, C. reticulata, and C. oblongifolia oleoresins; sodium hypochlorite; and peracetic acid against clinical and environmental isolates recovered from a Hemodialysis Unit. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and the Fractionated Inhibitory Concentration Index were determined; the ability of the tested compounds/extracts to inhibit biofilm formation was evaluated by calculating the MICB50 and IC50.ResultsC. duckei was the most efficient among the assayed Copaifera species, and its oleoresin was more effective than peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite. Copaifera oleoresins and disinfectants did not act synergistically at any of the tested combinations. Certain of C. duckei oleoresin, peracetic acid, and sodium hypochlorite concentrations inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated 50% of the biofilm population.ConclusionC. duckei oleoresin is a potential candidate for disinfectant formulations. Based on these results and given the high incidence of multi-resistant bacteria in hemodialysis patients, it is imperative that new potential antibacterial agents like C. duckei oleoresin, which is active against Staphylococcus, be included in disinfectant formulations.