Croton Cajucara Benth Research Articles

Croton cajucara: Patents and Nanotechnological Advances.

Croton cajucara Benth showed several pharmacological properties such as: antiinflammatory, antinociceptive hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, antiulcer, antiestrogenic, antitumor, antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, and cardiovascular. The 19-nor-clerodane diterpene transdehydrocrotonin (t-DCTN or DCTN) is the major bioactive constituent extracted from the bark of this Croton. Patents for Croton cajucara Benth in the period 2015 to 2022 comprises 14 published documents. Among them 4 patents are colloidal systems (SM/SNEDDS) loading t-DCTN for pharmacological applications. Patent registrations highlighted the huge promising biotechnological potential of Croton cajucara Benth especially in the phytotherapy field, and the correlation with its bioactive constituents of which t-DCTN showed the foremost results, so this herbal could become an alternative in the treatment of COVID-19. However, investigation of more recently published patents for clerodane diterpenes with similar chemical structure of t-DCTN, who previously showed antiviral property must be carried out and should be searched on several patent data bases.

Molecular Docking in silico Analysis of Brazilian Essential Oils Against Host Targets and SARS-CoV-2 Proteins

The inhibitory activity of thirty-one sesquiterpenes identified from Brazilian essential oils (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf., Croton cajucara Benth. and Siparuna guianensis Aublet.) were analyzed by in silico molecular docking. The compounds were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID), and then, applied against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) proteins and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Applying molecular docking and AutoDock Vina software, a total of 496 individual interactions were detected for sesquiterpenes along with SARS-CoV-2 proteins and hACE2 human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 protein. The findings showed considerable binding affinity of sesquiterpenes with the tested macromolecules. In that, β-selinene from C. langsdorffii displayed the best energy (-7.2 kcal mol-1) and showed strong interactions with the amino acids of the SARS-CoV-2 M-Pro protein. Spathulenol from C. cajucara strongly interacted with human ACE2, with a binding energy of -7.1 kcal mol-1. Meanwhile, γ-eudesmol from S. guianensis presented the lowest binding energy (-7.5 kcal mol-1) by interacting with the SARS-CoV-2 M-Pro complex. Additionally, measurements were performed aiming to evaluate the best sesquiterpenes binding interactions with the main proteins and its homologue files. According to results, these Brazilian essential oils hold antiviral potential being a rich source for further in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on herbal therapeutic adjuvants against SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Croton cajucara benth and its 19-nor-clerodane chromatographic fractions

Context: Croton cajucara Benth has been widely used in folk medicine, especially in the Amazonian region of Brazil, to treat several illnesses. Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the stem bark hydroalcoholic extract (CC-EHA) of C. cajucara and their clerodane-type diterpene fractions (F1-7, F25-27, and F28) on promastigotes and axenic amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and trypomastigotes and epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Materials and Methods: The extract was obtained in ethanol: water and the fractions with solvents of increasing polarity. The antiparasitic activities were assessed by 3,4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method against promastigotes and axenic amastigotes from L. amazonensis in 24-h cultures and trypomastigotes and epimastigotes of T. cruzi in 72-h cultures. The experiments in triplicate were made in quadruplicate way in each time. The statistical tests used were t-Students and ANOVA. Results: Among those evaluated samples, the CC-EHA extract showed the higher antileishmanial activity of promastigote cultures (IC50 = 18.00 ± 0.01 μg/mL at 24 h). However, against axenic amastigotes, the polar fraction (F28), rich in diterpene transdehydrocrotonin (t-DCTN), showed the highest effect with an IC50 = 6.18 ± 0.02 μg/mL in culture of 24 h. In the T. cruzi assays, F28 also showed the greatest effect against trypomastigotes and epimastigotes, IC50 = 0.43 ± 0.02 μg/mL and 0.27 ± 0.02 μg/mL, respectively, at 72 h of culture. The results showed that the diterpene t-DCTN is the most important antiparasitic component in the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from C. cajucara, specifically against L. amazonensis and T. cruzi. Conclusion: Our results contribute to knowledge of these folk medicinal species as a promising antiparasitic phytotherapeutic alternative.

Evidence of particle-particle interaction quenching in nanocomposite based on oleic acid-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles after over-coating with essential oil extracted from Croton cajucara Benth

This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of oleic acid (OA)-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@OA) and AO plus essential oil (EO)-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@OA/EO). The EO was extracted from Croton cajucara Benth (CCB) leaves; a plant from the Brazilian Amazon region. Structural and morphological characterizations were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, respectively. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis and magnetization measurements (hysteresis cycle, zero field-cooled-ZFC, field-cooled-FC, and AC susceptibility) were used to assess thermal and magnetic properties of the as-fabricated samples. Rietveld refinement of XRD pattern confirmed the formation of magnetite phase with no extra phases, whereas TEM images revealed spherically-shaped nanoparticles in the Fe3O4@OA and (Fe3O4@OA/EO) samples with a mean physical size of 8.5 nm and 10.1 nm, respectively. ZFC and FC curves revealed the occurrence of blocked/frozen state below the maximum peak (Tmax) at ∼81 K and ∼40 K for the Fe3O4@OA and (Fe3O4@OA/EO) samples, respectively. Moreover, low-temperature AC susceptibility vs. T curves recorded in the range of 0.2–1000 Hz showed that the OA coating of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles leads to a spin-glass-like behavior credited to the strong particle-particle interactions; meanwhile, the double layer (AO + EO) coating of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles remarkably quenches the particle-particle interaction leading to a superparamagnetic-like behavior.

Magnetite-based nanobioplatform for site delivering Croton cajucara Benth essential oil

Surface coating magnetic nanoparticles can be realized using organic moieties, such as essential oil (EO) extracted from Croton cajucara Benth leaves, a common plant from the Brazilian Amazon region successfully used for infusion in popular medicine. Although, there are reports in the literature indicating the protective and healing actions of the EO on gastric lesions, the inclusion of the magnetic core to control (targeting and retaining) the MNPs in specific sites can improve the performance of the EO molecules for the treatment of gastric disorders. Therefore, in this work, we report on fabrication and characterization of surface-coated magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), aiming thermal-assisted site delivering EO. Firstly, oleic acid (OA) coated MNPs (sample M1) were fabricated using a thermal decomposition route. Secondly, the OA-coated MNPs were dressed with EO (sample M2). Meanwhile, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy data confirmed formation of spherically-shaped magnetite core while successful single OA coating and double OA + EO coating of MNPs was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA results indicated release of the EO at ∼50 °C, whereas the OA is released only above ∼380 °C. Blocking (TB) and irreversible (TIRR) temperatures of samples M1 (TB = 210 K; TIRR = 210 K) and M2 (TB = 35 K; TIRR = 215 K) were assessed from magnetic measurements data analysis. In sample M2, the difference TB-TIRR (180 K) was related to inhomogeneous partial shifting of OA molecules by EO molecules whereas the remarkable reduction of MS with respect to sample M1 was assigned to a dead surface layer dominated by ferrous ions in low-spin state. Moreover, the lower TB value we have found in sample M2 (∼35 K) indicates negligible particle-particle interactions due to the successful double coating (OA plus EO) of the MNPs, in contrast to that obtained in sample M1. In sample M2 weakening of particle-particle interaction warrants superparamagnetic properties which can be used to obtain magnetic resonance image and for guiding the MNPs to targeting sites using gradients of external magnetic field. Therefore, the combination of the improved magnetic properties plus the detachment of EO at ∼50 °C (while keeping stable the OA coating) via magnetohyperthermia makes the double coated system (sample M2) a very promising candidate for site delivering of EO to treat gastrointestinal disorders.

Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory evaluation of compounds from an aqueous extract of Croton cajucara Benth.

Croton cajucara Benth. is a medicinal plant popularly used in the Brazilian Amazonia, where it is known as sacaca, being consumed as tea, decoction or infusion of the leaves and stem bark. From a decoction of the leaves, a comprehensive phytochemical analysis was developed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Many compounds were identified for the first time in C. cajucara, such as O-glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin, flavonoid-C-glycosides, tannins and cinnamic acid derivatives. These compounds were fractionated by polarity and assayed for their anti-inflammatory activity, using a model of mice edema, induced by an intraplantar injection of carrageenan. All fractions exhibited anti-inflammatory properties.

Gastroprotective effect and chemical characterization of a polysaccharide fraction from leaves of Croton cajucara

Croton cajucara Benth. is a tree from the Amazon Forest, where it is known as sacaca. Its leaves and barks are used in medicinal preparations to treat different diseases, including gastric ulcers. The crude polysaccharide fraction (CCP), obtained from the hot aqueous extract of C. cajucara leaves, was able to promote gastroprotection on an ethanol induced gastric ulcer model. Therefore, a bioguided fractionation was performed to isolate the active polysaccharide fraction. After freezing-thawing, ultrafiltration and dialyses at 100, 50, and 25kDa cut-off membranes, fraction 25R was obtained. It contained glucose, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, galacturonic acid and mannose in a 7:5:5:3:1:1 molar ratio approximately, and had a Mw of 42,840g/mol. Methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy indicated that 25R is a very complex polysaccharide fraction containing type I rhamnogalacturonan, arabinan, type I arabinogalactan, type II arabinogalactan, rhamnan, starch and mannan. It was able to reduce ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, through preservation of mucus and GSH levels.

Antioxidant activity of flavonoids from Croton sphaerogynus Baill.

Since the early days of medicine, chemical substances derived from animals, plants, and microorganisms have been used for treatment of various diseases. Among these, products derived from plants have dominated the pharmacopoeias for thousands of years, providing an inexhaustible source of medicinal resources. Croton L. is the second largest genus of Euphorbiaceae, comprising about 1300 species of trees, bushes, and herbs. Croton sphaerogynus Baill. belongs to the same clade of Croton cajucara Benth, used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to characterize the antioxidant activities of extracts and isolated flavonoids obtained from leaves of C. sphaerogynus. Chemical composition of leaf extracts and its fractions (flavonoid contents) and in vitro antioxidant properties were examined. Two flavonoids were isolated: quercetin 3-O-methyl ether and kaempferol 3-O-methyl ether. Antioxidant activity was higher, especially for fractions composed mainly by quercetin 3-O-methyl ether compared to crude extract and other fractions. For those fractions, EC50 values were found to be close to the ones presented by quercetin when they were analyzed for their radical scavenging activities.

A Study of the Interaction Betweentrans-Dehydrocrotonin, a Bioactive Natural 19-nor-Clerodane, and Serum Albumin

The interaction between 19-nor-clerodane trans-dehydrocrotonin (from Croton cajucara Benth.) and bovine serum albumin was studied, applying spectroscopic techniques (fluorescence and circular dichroism), combined with molecular modeling. Fluorescence quenching of albumin by the nor-clerodane (kq ca. 1011 mol L-1 s-1 and Stern-Volmer, KSV, increase with temperature) indicates a combination of static and dynamic quenching mechanism. The binding constant (Kb ca. 103 mol L-1) and circular dichroism data suggest that this association is weak and causes only a moderate change in the α-helix content of the protein. Thermodynamic parameters indicate a spontaneous (Gibbs free energy, ΔGo, ca. -21.28 kJ mol-1 at 310 K) and probably entropy-driven (ΔSo = 0.072 kJ mol-1 K-1) association, typical of hydrophobic interactions. The number of binding sites (n ca. 1) indicates one main binding site and molecular modeling suggests subdomain IIIA (Sudlow's site II) as the main binding site to the nor-clerodane, which is able to make hydrophobic interactions with leucine (Leu)-24, phenylalanine (Phe)-36, valine (Val)-40 and tryptophan (Trp)-134 residues.

Antileishmanial activity and trypanothione reductase effects of terpenes from the Amazonian species Croton cajucara Benth (Euphorbiaceae)

BackgroundLeishmaniasis comprises several infectious diseases caused by protozoa parasites of Leishmania genus. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic use of natural products to treat parasitic diseases. Among them Croton cajucara Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant found in the Amazonian region with a history of safe use in folk medicine. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of clerodane diterpenes, trans-dehydrocrotonin (DCTN), trans-crotonin (CTN) and acetylaleuritolic acid (AAA) obtained from powdered bark of C. cajucara against promastigotes, axenic and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. Furthermore, the effects of DCTN and CTN on the trypanotiona reductase enzyme were also investigated. The extraction of the terpenes was carried out as previously reported (Maciel et al., 1998; 2003). MethodsThe effect of the isolated compounds (DCTN, CTN and AAA) from the bark of C. cajucara was assessed in vitro against promastigotes, axenic amastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of L. amazonensis by counting of remaining parasites in a Neubauer chamber in comparison to pentamidine used as standard drug. The action of natural products on trypanothione reductase was assessed using soluble protein fraction of promastigotes. The assays were performed by incubation with HEPES, EDTA, NADPH and trypanothione disulfide to quantify the NAPH consumption by TryR. ResultsThe results showed very high efficacy, especially of the diterpene DCTN, against promastigotes (IC50 = 6.30 ± 0.06 µg/ml) and axenic amastigotes (IC50 = 19.98 ± 0.05 µg/ml) of L. amazonenesis. The cytotoxic effect of the best active natural product was evaluated on mouse peritoneal infected macrophages (IC50 = 0.47 ± 0.03 µg/ml in 24 h of culture), and the treatment revealed that DCTN never reaches toxic concentrations while reducing the infection and, most importantly, with no toxicity (>100 µg/ml with 0% of macrophage kill) when compared to pentamidine (37.5 µg/ml with 100% of macrophage kill). Furthermore, all of the natural products assayed on the trypanothione reductase enzyme inhibited the enzyme activity compared to the control. ConclusionClerodane diterpenes from C. cajucara showed promising in vitro antileishmanial effects against L. amazonensis, specially the DCTN with no macrophage toxicity up to the assayed concentration. In addition, the action on trypanothione reductase enzyme revealed a possible mechanism of action.

Anti-HIV activity of flavonoids from Croton sphaerogynus Baill

Since the early days of medicine, chemical substances derived from animals, plants, and microorganisms have been used for treatment of various diseases. Among these, products derived from plants have dominated the pharmacopoeias for thousands of years, providing an inexhaustible source of medicinal resources. Croton L. is the second largest genus of Euphorbiaceae, comprising about 1300 species of trees, bushes, and herbs. Croton sphaerogynus Baill. belongs to the same clade of Croton cajucara Benth, used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to characterize the antioxidant activities of extracts and isolated flavonoids obtained from leaves of C. sphaerogynus. Chemical composition of leaf extracts and its fractions (flavonoid contents) and in vitro antioxidant properties were examined. Two flavonoids were isolated: quercetin 3-O-methyl ether and kaempferol 3-O-methyl ether. Antioxidant activity was higher, especially for fractions composed mainly by quercetin 3-O-methyl ether compared to crude extract and other fractions. For those fractions, EC50 values were found to be close to the ones presented by quercetin when they were analyzed for their radical scavenging activities.

Experimental and NMR Theoretical Methodology Applied to Geometric Analysis of the Bioactive Clerodanetrans-Dehydrocrotonin

trans-Dehydrocrotonin (t-DCTN) a bioactive 19-nor-diterpenoid clerodane type isolated from Croton cajucara Benth, is one of the most investigated clerodane in the current literature. In this work, a new approach joining X-ray diffraction data, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and theoretical calculations was applied to the thorough characterization of t-DCTN. For that, the geometry of t-DCTN was reevaluated by X-ray diffraction as well as 1H and 13C NMR data, whose geometrical parameters where compared to those obtained from B3LYP/6-311G++(d,p) level of theory. From the evaluation of both calculated and experimental values of 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts and spin-spin coupling constants, it was found very good correlations between theoretical and experimental magnetic properties of t-DCTN. Additionally, the delocalization indexes between hydrogen atoms correlated accurately with theoretical and experimental spin-spin coupling constants. An additional topological analysis from quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) showed intramolecular interactions for t-DCTN.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of 7-Hydroxy-calamenene-Rich Essential Oils from Croton cajucara Benth.

Croton cajucara is a shrub native to the Amazon region locally known as “sacaca”. Two morphotypes are known: white and red “sacaca”. The essential oils (EO) obtained by hydrodistillation from leaves of the red morphotype were, in general, rich in 7-hydroxycalamenene (28.4%–37.5%). The effectiveness of these EO regarding the antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms was initially investigated by the drop test method, showing significant inhibition zones. Among the microorganisms tested, the essential oils rich in 7-hydroxycalamenene were more effective against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, Mucor circinelloides and Rhizopus oryzae. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the oils were determined using the broth dilution assay. It was possible to observe that 7-hydroxycalamenene-rich oils presented high antimicrobial activity, with MIC of 4.76 × 10−3 μg/mL for MRSA, 4.88 μg/mL for M. tuberculosis, 39.06 μg/mL for M. smegmatis, and 0.152 μg/mL for R. oryzae and 3.63 × 10−8 μg/mL for M. circinelloides. The antioxidant activity of this EO suggests that 7-hydroxycalamenene provides more antioxidant activity according with EC50 less than 63.59 μg/mL. Considering the bioactive potential of EOs and 7-hydroxycalamenene could be of great interest for development of antimicrobials for therapeutic use in treatment of bacterial and fungal infections in humans and/or veterinary practice.

Antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of two morphotypes of Croton cajucara Benth

Croton cajucara Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) is a shrub native to Amazon region and locally known as sacaca. Two morphotypes are known, namely white ‘sacaca’ and red ‘sacaca’. The essential oils from the leaves of these morphotypes are rich in linalool and 7-hydroxycalamenene, respectively. The effectiveness of the oils from forty individuals from a germplasm bank regarding the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans was investigated by drop diffusion (or agar diffusion) method. Expressive inhibition zones for both microorganisms tested were observed. Essential oils rich in 7-hydroxycalamenene were more effective against S. aureus while linalool-rich essential oils acted inhibiting C. albicans. The minimal inhibitory (MIC) and microbicidal concentrations of the main constituents of the oils were also determined, using broth dilution assay. It was observed that isolated 7-hydroxycalamenene presented high bactericidal activity, with a MIC of 0.3 μg/mL, while for fungicidal activity a MIC of 45 μg/mL was recorded. For S. aureus, the isolated 7-hydroxycalamenene was more active than the whole oil, whereas the linalool-rich essential oil presented higher bactericide activity than pure linalool. For C. albicans, however, pure linalool was more active than the whole essential oil.

Effectiveness of Croton cajucara Benth on corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in saline medium

AbstractApplication of corrosion inhibitors is one of the most common practices for the protection of steel structures and their alloys in industry. Since metallic corrosion is a major cause of economic losses in the oil industry, the use of natural inhibitors is an alternative for sustainable technological development. In the present study the effectiveness of the hydroalcoholic extract of the plant species Croton cajucara Benth (CC) dissolved in a microemulsion system (MES‐CC) as well as in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO‐CC) was evaluated as corrosion inhibitor on carbon steel AISI 1020 in saline medium. Surface tension measurements of the MES‐CC confirmed micelle formation, and rheological data showed that viscosity varies with temperature. According to potentiodynamic technique and Tafel extrapolation, maximum inhibition efficiencies were effective (93.84% for MES‐CC and 64.73% for DMSO‐CC) with predominant control of cathodic reaction. The adsorption of MES‐CC on carbon steel surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm, while DMSO‐CC was found to follow the Frumkin isotherm.

Treatment with Aqueous Extract fromCroton cajucaraBenth Reduces Hepatic Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Croton cajucara Benth is a plant found in Amazonia, Brazil and the bark and leaf infusion of this plant have been popularly used to treat diabetes and hepatic disorders. The present study was designed to evaluate the oxidative stress as well as the therapeutic effect of Croton cajucara Benth (1.5 mL of the C. cajucara extract i.g.) in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Croton cajucara Benth was tested as an aqueous extract for its phytochemical composition, and its antioxidant activity in vitro was also evaluated. Lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase activities were measured in the hepatic tissue, as well as the presence activation of p65 (NF-κB), through western blot. Phytochemical screening of Croton cajucara Benth detected the presence of flavonoids, coumarins and alkaloids. The extract exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in the DPPH-scavenging and the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assays. Liver lipid peroxidation increased in diabetic animals followed by a reduction in the Croton-cajucara-Benth-treated group. There was activation of p65 nuclear expression in the diabetic animals, which was attenuated in the animals receiving the Croton cajucara Benth aqueous extract. The liver tissue in diabetic rats showed oxidative alterations related to the streptozotocin treatment. In conclusion the Croton cajucara Benth aqueus extract treatment effectively reduced the oxidative stress and contributed to tissue recovery.

Molecular phylogenetics and character evolution of the “sacaca” clade: Novel relationships of Croton section Cleodora (Euphorbiaceae)

Phylogenetic relationships of Croton section Cleodora (Klotzsch) Baill. were evaluated using the nuclear ribosomal ITS and the chloroplast trnL-F and trnH-psbA regions. Our results show a strongly supported clade containing most previously recognized section Cleodora species, plus some other species morphologically similar to them. Two morphological synapomorphies that support section Cleodora as a clade include pistillate flowers in which the sepals overlap to some degree, and styles that are connate at the base to varying degrees. The evolution of vegetative and floral characters that have previously been relied on for taxonomic decisions within this group are evaluated in light of the phylogenetic hypotheses. Within section Cleodora there are two well-supported clades, which are proposed here as subsections (subsection Sphaerogyni and subsection Spruceani). The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis identifies the closest relatives of the medicinally important and essential oil-rich Croton cajucara Benth. as candidates for future screening in phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Involvement of Glutathione, Sulfhydryl Compounds, Nitric Oxide, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, and Heat-Shock Protein-70 in the Gastroprotective Mechanism ofCroton cajucaraBenth. (Euphorbiaceae) Essential Oil

This study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective mechanism of action of the essential oil of Croton cajucara Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) stem bark in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers and its in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. The involvement of heat-shock protein-70, vasoactive intestinal peptide, glutathione, nitric oxide, and nonprotein sulfhydryl compounds in the gastroprotective effect was determined in male Wistar rats. The minimum inhibitory concentration against H. pylori was determined in vitro. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance followed by the Dunnett test, and a P value less than 0.05 was considered to represent a statistically significant difference. C. cajucara decreased ethanol-induced ulcer area in 100% of ulcers and decreased the histologic lesions. In the C. cajucara group, the area marked by heat-shock protein-70 was significantly higher than the area in the control group; this finding was not seen for vasoactive intestinal peptide. C. cajucara could not maintain glutathione levels close to those in the sham group. The gastric ulcer area of rats treated with the sulfhydryl compound blocker was decreased, but the ulcer area of rats treated with nitric oxide synthase inhibitor showed no alteration. The minimum inhibitory concentration obtained for C. cajucara was 125 μg/mL. These findings suggest that sulfhydryl compounds and heat-shock protein-70, but not nitric oxide, glutathione, or vasoactive intestinal peptide, are involved in the C. cajucara gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers.

Isolation and Identification of cis-7- Hydroxycalamenene from the Essential Oil of Croton cajucara Benth.

During agronomical and chemical studies with Croton cajucara Benth. (Euphorbiaceae), a shrub native to the Amazon area possessing an essential oil rich in linalool, it was observed that some individuals of a germplasm bank produced an oil containing a hydroxylated sesquiterpene as major component (up to 44.3%). Originally misidentified as 5-hydroxycalamenene, the compound was further isolated and properly identified by 1H and 13C NMR as cis-7-hydroxycalamenene. Measured retention indices were 1759 (Ultra-1), 1804 (HP-5), 2212 (FFAP) and 2663 (Carbowax 20M).

Hepatics alterations and genotoxic effects of Croton cajucara Benth (SACACA) in diabetic rats

Croton cajucara Benth is a plant found in Amazonia, Brazil and the bark and leaf infusions of this plant have been popularly used to treat diabetes and hepatic disorders. This study investigated effects hepatics alterations and genotoxic and antidiabetic effect of Croton cajucara Benth bark extracts treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control rats; control rats treated with Croton cajucara Benth extract during 5 and 20 days; diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with Croton cajucara Benth during 5 and 20 days. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg). Eight weeks later we measured glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and hepatic transaminases on blood. The bone marrow micronucleus assay was used to assess the genotoxic activity of Croton cajucara Benth. Treatment with aqueous extrat of Croton cajucara was able to significantly reduce levels of triglycerides in diabetic animals, however, did not modify significantly the levels of glucose and cholesterol in these animals. There was no significant elevation in liver transaminases in the control group treated with Croton cajucara Benth, as there was no genotoxic effect of treatment in this model. Our results did not show a significant effect on glucose and cholesterol reduction, the treatment was able to significantly reduce triclycerides plasmatic level. There was no significant alterations on hepatic transferase in the animals from the control group treated with Croton cajucara Benth. It was observed no genotoxic effect of the treatment in the model studied. In this study Croton cajucara bark extract showed absence of hepatotoxicity in this animal model and presented a hypolipidemic activity, and could be used to reverse dyslipidemia associated with diabetes and to prevent the cardiovascular complications that are very prevalent in diabetic patients.