Croton Campestris Research Articles

Croton campestris A. St.-Hill Methanolic Fraction in a Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity Model in Drosophila melanogaster: Protective Role of Gallic Acid.

Croton campestris A. St-Hill popularly known as “velame do campo” is a native species of the savannah from northeastern Brazil, being used in folk medicine due to its beneficial effects in the treatment of many diseases, inflammation, detoxification, gastritis, and syphilis; however, its potential use as an antidote against organophosphorus compound poisoning has not yet been shown. Here, the protective effect of the methanolic fraction of C. campestris A. St.-Hill (MFCC) in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to chlorpyrifos (CP) was investigated. Flies were exposed to CP and MFCC during 48 h through the diet. Following the treatments, parameters such as mortality, locomotor behavior, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Exposure of flies to CP induced significant impairments in survival and locomotor performance. In parallel, increased reactive oxygen species and lipoperoxidation occurred. In addition, the activity of acetylcholinesterase was inhibited by CP, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activity was induced. Treatment with MFCC resulted in a blockage of all CP-induced effects, with the exception of glutathione S-transferase. Among the major compounds found in MFCC, only gallic acid (GA) showed a protective role against CP while quercetin and caffeic acid alone were ineffective. When in combination, these compounds avoided the toxicity of CP at the same level as GA. As far as we know, this is the first study reporting the protective effect of MFCC against organophosphate toxicity in vivo and highlights the biotechnological potential of this fraction attributing a major role in mediating the observed effects to GA. Therefore, MFCC may be considered a promising source for the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of organophosphate intoxications.

Light-enhanced antibiotic activity of Brazilian medical plants (Croton campestris A, Ocimum gratissimum L and Cordia verbenaceae DC)

Background: Although broad-band ultraviolet (UV)-A has been described as a therapeutic option for various skin diseases, there are few studies investigating the efficacy of UV-A irradiation in treating diseases related to infectious agents. Objective: Evaluate the light-enhanced antibacterial activity of Brazilian medical plants, Croton campestris A (Euphorbiaceae), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae), and Cordia verbenaceae DC (Boraginaceae). Methods: Hexane extracts of Croton campestris A., Ocimum gratissimum L., and Cordia verbenaceae DC were assayed using a UV-A exposure method against strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Assays were performed in triplicate with and without exposure to UV-A radiation to test for light-activated or lightenhanced antibacterial activity. Results: All extracts showed activity against the S. aureus strain. Extracts of O. gratissimum and C. verbenaceae were the most active after exposure to UV-A light, with an increase in antibacterial activity of 140 and 100%, respectively. No extract showed light-activated antibacterial activity against E. coli. Conclusion: C. campestris, O. gravissimum and C. verbenaceae showed light-enhanced antibiotic activity. This suggests that phytochemical investigations may be warranted.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-edematogenic action of the Croton campestris A. St.-Hil (Euphorbiaceae) essential oil and the compound β-caryophyllene in in vivo models

BackgroundInflammation makes up a set of vascularized tissue reactions acting in the defense of the body against harmful stimuli. Natural products are a lower cost alternative with better benefit, often used in popular medicine in the treatment of inflammatory processes. Several species from the genus Croton have scientifically proven anti-inflammatory action. PurposeThis study aims to analyze the chemical composition of the Croton campestris A. St.-Hil essential oil (EOCC), derived from fresh leaves, as well as to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential and the possible mechanisms of action of the EOCC and its constituent β-caryophyllene. MethodsThe assays were performed in in vivo models of acute and chronic inflammation. Initially, the chemical composition of the EOCC was determined and its oral toxicity was evaluated, followed by the evaluation of its topical antiedematogenic effect through acute and chronic ear edema induced by Croton oil. For the systemic verification of an anti-inflammatory action, the abdominal contortions, formalin test, paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine and arachidonic acid models, as well as a peritonitis test, vascular permeability and granuloma assays were performed. ResultsThe evaluation of the essential oil chemical composition revealed the presence of β-caryophyllene (15.91%), 1,8-cineol (16.98%) and germacrene-D (14.51%) as its main constituents. The EOCC had no relevant clinical toxicity on oral administration, with an LD50 of more than 5000 mg/kg. The tested substances showed anti-inflammatory action in the abdominal contortions, paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine and arachidonic acid models, the formalin test, peritonitis test and vascular permeability; however, β-caryophyllene had no significant effect on the granuloma assay. This suggests as a hypothesis that both substances tested showed significant influence on the arachidonic acid and histamine pathway reducing edema in these models. ConclusionThe tested substances have a clinically safe profile, additionally the EOCC and β-caryophyllene presented relevant anti-inflammatory activity. This study supports the hypothesis that β-caryophyllene, in association with other constituents present in the EOCC such as 1,8-cineole, contributed to the anti-inflammatory effect observed, in addition to suggesting that one of the mechanisms of action probably involves the inhibition of cytokines with the involvement of the arachidonic acid and histamine pathways.

Chemical composition and antiproliferative activity of Croton campestris A.St.-Hil. essential oil

Herein, the antiproliferative potential of the essential oil obtained from fresh leaves of Croton campestris against human tumour cell lines was investigated for the first time. Furthermore, the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation had the composition determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Ten major components were identified that comprised 91.59% of the total content, with 23.8% consisting of (Z)-caryophyllene and 16.08% consisting of γ-elemene as main components. The cytotoxic activity was observed mainly for breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) human tumour cell lines, with GI50 (50% growth inhibition) concentration of 8.61 and 9.94 μg/mL, respectively. The results of this study showed that the essential oil obtained from Croton campestris A.St.-Hil. represents a potential source for the search of new antitumour agents.

English

Nematodes are obligatory parasites that compromise agricultural production worldwide. The use of alternative methods to replace the chemical pesticides in the control of this pest is increasingly growing, due to its pollution to the environment. In order to evaluate the biocidal effect of plant extracts, combinations of extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica), croton (Croton campestris) and manioc (Manihot esculenta) were used in the control of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in tomato plants. The extracts were obtained from dried leaves and exposed to cold extraction with ethanol, under reduced pressure, with the aid of rotaevaporador. The application of the treatments took place 72 h after inoculation of suspension with 4,000 eggs/juveniles in the region of the root. Extracts from croton and cassava promoted plant height in the order of 26.75 and 34.50%, respectively; while neem extract inhibited the numbers of nematode juveniles in the root (51.34%), croton (50.85%), and manioc (41.31%). As for juveniles in the soil, only 47.33% was reduced in cassava. However, the mix of the extracts potentiated the effects on improvement of growth parameters and reduction of nematode parasitism. Key words: Alternative control, Meloidogyne incognita, Solanum lycopersicum.

Oxidant effects and toxicity of Croton campestris in Drosophila melanogaster

Context: Croton campestris A.St.-Hil. (Euphorbiaceae) is a species native to Northeast Brazil used by traditional communities for the treatment of a variety of health problems. However, potential toxicological effects of this plant are unknown.Objective: The potential toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract of C. campestris leaves on Drosophila melanogaster insect model, additionally with phytochemical constitution and cellular mechanisms mediating the action of extract were analysed in this study.Materials and methods: Constituents of the extract were evaluated by HPLC. In vitro antioxidant potential of extract was analysed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. Flies injected culture medium mixed with extract (0.1–50 mg/mL) for 72 h. After, ROS production was evaluated by DCF-DA oxidation. Phosphorylation of MAPK signalling pathway was investigated by Western blotting method. Activity of antioxidant enzymes was analysed in homogenates.Results: Major components of the extract include quercetin (38.11 ± 0.06 mg/g), caffeic acid (20.06 ± 0.17 mg/g) and kaempferol (15.45 ± 0.05 mg/g). Consumption of the extract impaired locomotor performance and induced fly death of flies (LC50 of 26.51 mg/mL). Augmented ROS formation and SOD, CAT and GST activity were observed from 0.1 mg/mL. JNK and p38 kinases phosphorylation was modulated and Paraquat-induced toxicity was augmented by extract.Discussion and conclusion: Our data show important toxicological effects of C. campestris leading to increased mortality and impaired locomotor performance accompanied by induction of cell stress markers in flies. The study draws attention to the indiscriminate use of plant extracts.

In vitro Potentiation of the Aminoglycoside Antibiotic Activity by Croton campestris A. Against Multiresistant Bacteria

Croton campestris A., popularly known as “Velame do campo” (Euphorbiaceae), is a shrub originating from Brazil, mainly present in the Southeast and Northeast regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract (EECC), hexane (HFEECC) and dichloromethane fractions (DFEECC), obtained from the ethanol extract of Croton campestris A. leaves. Antibacterial and modulating activity (on bacterial resistance) was determined by micro dilution method to identify the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration). In the antibacterial activity tests the fractions showed a MIC of ≥ 1024 µg/mL (where ≤ 128 µg/mL for MIC is considered clinically relevant). In regards to modulation of bacterial resistance, all products showed synergism when combined with antibiotic against bacterial strains. It was observed that all products potentiated the antibiotic action of all antibiotics assayed against all bacterial strains. The results indicate that the extracts and fractions obtained from Croton campestris leaves could represent an alternative source of natural products capable of modifying and interfering with bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides.

Antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activity of fraction containing terpenes from Croton campestris A. St.-Hil. (Euphorbiaceae)

Croton campestris A. St.-Hil. (Euphorbiaceae) has been used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory and antitumor treatment [1]. Our aim was evaluate anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of the fraction CFqb14 obtained from C. campestris on in vitro and in vivo experimental models respectively. C. campestris leaves were extracted with ethyl acetate and crude extract was fractionated by column chromatograph (silica gel 1:10) with gradients of polarity solvents. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated on 8 human cancer cell lines. After 48h of treatment, cell viability was determined by sulforhodamine B assay. Fraction CFqb14 was evaluated in paw edema model by inoculation of carrageenan in the right hind paw of balb/C female mice. Five groups were treated intraperitoneally with vehicle (NaCl 0.9%), indomethacin 20 mg/kg (positive control) and CFqb14 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg 30 min before carrageenan inoculation. The edema was measured 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 24, 48, 72 and 96h after edema induction. Early inflammation phase inhibition was observed and, considering the high expression of COX-2 of NCI-H460 (lung) and relating anti-proliferative activity with selectivity mainly for that cell line (GI50= 0.21 µg/mL), the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity may be related to COX-2 inhibition and consequently reduction of prostaglandin production, a fundamental mediator of early phase of inflammation process. Fraction's composition was screened by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) via exposure to chemical reagents as cerium sulfate and Liebermann-Burchard specific for terpenes. The phytochemical reagents analysis identified terpenes as major compounds in the CFqb14, suggesting that these compounds are related to anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity observed. Further studies to identify the mechanism of action and the active principles are in progress. All protocols were approved by Committee for Ethics in Animal Research at the State University of Campinas protocol 3026 – 1.

Rheological and some physicochemical characteristics of selected floral honeys from plants of caatinga

The aim of this paper was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics and rheological behavior of some floral honeys from species of wild plants found in the Caatinga biome, as well as, correlate honey viscosities with its chemical composition. Thus, five honeys with floral predominance of typical plants foraged by honeybees in Caatinga were analyzed. Results showed that moisture content of honeys ranged from 17.45 to 21.50 g/100g. The samples exhibited higher fructose content (37.58 - 43.95 g/100g) and lower glucose content (27.41- 33.80 g/100g). The glucose-water ratio ranged from 1.55 to 1.80. Sucrose contents, excluding Croton campestris honey sample, exhibited values above the highest sucrose content (6.0 g/100g) allowed by Brazilian norm. The ash content ranged from 0.02 to 0.19 %. The insoluble solids content were above 0.1 g/100 g. The electrical conductivity ranged between 144.90 and 412.55 µS.cm-1. All the honey samples behaved as Newtonian fluids. The viscosity values, measured at 293 K, varied from 1.90 to 8.55 Pa.s. An empirical mathematical model adapted from the Arrhenius model provides a good description of honey viscosity as a function of combined effects of temperature and moisture content.

Association between drugs and herbal products: In vitro enhancement of the antibiotic activity by fractions from leaves of Croton campestris A. (Euphorbiaceae)

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of methanol (MFEECC) and ethyl acetate (AFEECC) fractions, obtained from the ethanol extract of Croton campestris A. leaves. MethodsAntibacterial and modulating activity (on bacterial resistance) was determined by micro dilution method to identify the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration), performed in triplicate and statistical significance tested by ANOVA (two-way) with Bonferroni post hoc test (p<0.001). ResultsIn the antibacterial activity tests the fractions showed a MIC of ≥1024μg/mL. In regards to modulation of bacterial resistance, MFEECC showed synergism when combined with antibiotic against bacterial strains. In the modulation tests, AFEECC potentiated the effects of amikacin against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but had an antagonistic effect against Escherichia coli. AFEECC combined with gentamicin displayed antagonism against S. aureus and E. coli and an antagonistic effect against P. aeruginosa. When AFEECC was combined with Neomycin it resulted in antagonism against P. aeruginosa but did not affect S. aureus and E. coli. ConclusionsThe results indicate that the extracts and fractions obtained from C. campestris leaves could represent an alternative source of natural products capable of modifying and interfering with bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides.

Protective effects of Croton campestris A. St-Hill in different ulcer models in rodents: Evidence for the involvement of nitric oxide and prostaglandins

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCroton campestris A. St.-Hill., popularly known as “velame do campo”, is a species native from savannah area of Northeast Brazil, which is used by traditional communities in folk medicine for a variety of health problems, especially detoxification, inflammation and gastritis. The present study investigates the possible gastric antiulcer activity of Croton campestris root extract (CCRE) and mechanisms of action underlying this effect. Materials and methodsGastric lesions were induced in mice by ethanol, acidified ethanol and indomethacin. CCRE was previously administered orally in doses ranging from 50 to 750mg/kg. Stomach lesions were measured. The involvement of Nitric Oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PGEs), ATP-dependent K+ channel and adrenergic receptor was investigated through specific inhibitors. ResultsCCRE produced significant antiulcer activity against absolute ethanol, acidified ethanol and indomethacin induced gastric lesions. The pretreatment with L-NAME (10mg/kg, p.o.), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis and indomethacin (10mg/kg, s.c.), an inhibitor of prostaglandin production, reversed the antiulcer action of CCRE. ConclusionTaking together, these results suggest that the antiulcer activity of CCRE is dependent of NO and prostaglandin pathways possibly due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of NO, and activation of endogenous prostaglandin production. Therefore, the use of CCRE in traditional Brazilian medicine against gastric disorders has a scientific basis.

Chemical composition, antibacterial and antibiotic modulatory effect of Croton campestris essential oils

In this study, essential oils from fresh leaves (EOFL) and branches (EOB) from Croton campestris were investigated for their chemical composition and antimicrobial and antibiotic modulatory activities. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatographic–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The major components found were β-cariophylene (17.0%) and biyclogermacrene (16.2%) – EOFL, β-cariophylene (11.3%) and spathulenol (14.7%) – EOB. The antibacterial evaluation was performed using three methods: gaseous contact, MIC and modulatory activity. In the gaseous contact assay, EOB potentialized gentamicin activity (↑56.2%) against the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12624. The modulatory activity analyzed by the contact direct assay revealed that EOFF increased the activity of all aminoglycosides tested, except gentamicin. EOFF antagonized the antibacterial effect of gentamicin against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The results suggest that the essential oils from leaves and branches of C. campestris could be used as a source of natural products with resistance-modifying antibacterial activity.

Velamo do Campo: Its Volatile Constituents, Secretory Elements, and Biological Activity

The volatile components from Croton campestris root bark were localized by an anatomical study and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the first time. The roots of this plant showed secretory cells. These volatile constituents, isolated from the dichloromethane extract by hydrodistillation, were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We found 69 components. They were characterized, and the major constituents of crude oil root barks were spathulenol (23.3%) and borneol (18.7%). Growth inhibitory activity of the active compounds in solution was evaluated by measuring minimal inhibitory concentrations using a broth micromethod. The minimal inhibitory concentration of root bark volatile constituents was 1.56 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, 3.125 μg/mL for Candida albicans, and 6.25 μg/mL for Aspergillusniger.

Modulatory antibiotic activity and chemical composition of hydroalcoholic extract of Croton campestris

Croton campestris A. St.-Hill., known as Velame do campo (Euphorbiaceae), native of the Brazilian Northeastern region, is used in the popular medicine as decoction against several diseases as inflammations, hematological disturbances, flu and gastritis. The study analyzed the chemical composition and the antibacterial activity against bacterial strains ofEscherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of the C. campestris (HEFCC). The inhibition of the bacterial growth was demonstrated for the bacteria tested with MIC values ≥ 1024 µg/ml. When combined with aminoglycosides (gentamicin, kanamycin, amikacin and neomycin), the extract demonstrated synergistic effect. This result showed that HEFCC can be used as promisor font of new antimicrobial compounds for pathogenic diseases. Key words: Croton campestris, antimicrobial activity, modulatory aminoglycoside effect, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic, synergism.

Phytochemical Prospection and Modulation of Aminoglycoside Antibiotic Activity by Croton campestris A.

Background:Escherichia coli is known to produce enterotoxins whose properties and role in diarrheal disease have been extensively investigated; besides, this bacterium is related to several extra-intestinal problems in the intensive care unit and in surgical wound infections. Some species of Staphylococcus are recognized as etiological agents of opportunistic infections in animals and humans. This study is the first test on the modulation of antibiotic activity by Croton campestris A. against multiresistant strains of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: In this study, the hexane and methanol extract of C. campestris A. was tested for antibacterial activity alone and in combination with aminoglycosides against bacterial strains. The synergy of the methanol and hexane extract was verified by microdilution method. Results: A synergistic effect of both extracts combined with the aminoglycosides was demonstrated. Conclusions: It is suggested that the extracts from C. campestris A. could be used as a source of natural product derived from this plant with resistance-modifying antibacterial activity, providing a new weapon against the problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

In vitroAntimicrobial Activity of Brazilian Medicinal Plant Extracts against Pathogenic Microorganisms of Interest to Dentistry

This study evaluated the susceptibility of oral pathogenic microorganisms Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans to Brazilian medicinal plant extracts of Schinus terebinthifolius (aroeira), Croton campestris (velame), Lafoensia pacari (pacari), Centaurium erythraea (centáurea), Stryphnodendron adstringens (barbatimão), and Anacardium humile (cajuzinho-docerrado), as compared to standardized antimicrobial agents (nystatin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline hydrochloride). Ethanol, hexane and butane fractions from stem barks, rinds, leaves, and/or roots were extracted and tested. Antimicrobial diffusion agar test and MIC were performed according to CLSI. After 24 h of incubation at 37 °C, the diameter of inhibition zones and spectrophotometer readings were measured and compared. The results were reported as means ± standard deviation (M ± SD). With the exception of five extracts that showed no antimicrobial activity, all the extracts tested showed antimicrobial activity, in different levels. This study suggests that extracts from the plants tested could be an alternative therapeutic option for infectious conditions of the oral cavity, such as denture stomatitis, dental caries, and periodontitis.

Light-enhanced antibiotic activity of Brazilian medical plants (Croton campestris A, Ocimum gratissimum L and Cordia verbenaceae DC)

AbstractBackground: Although broad-band ultraviolet (UV)-A has been described as a therapeutic option for various skin diseases, there are few studies investigating the efficacy of UV-A irradiation in treating diseases related to infectious agents. Objective: Evaluate the light-enhanced antibacterial activity of Brazilian medical plants, Croton campestris A (Euphorbiaceae), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae), and Cordia verbenaceae DC (Boraginaceae). Methods: Hexane extracts of Croton campestris A., Ocimum gratissimum L., and Cordia verbenaceae DC were assayed using a UV-A exposure method against strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Assays were performed in triplicate with and without exposure to UV-A radiation to test for light-activated or lightenhanced antibacterial activity. Results: All extracts showed activity against the S. aureus strain. Extracts of O. gratissimum and C. verbenaceae were the most active after exposure to UV-A light, with an increase in antibacterial activity of 140 and 100%, respectively. No extract showed light-activated antibacterial activity against E. coli. Conclusion: C. campestris, O. gravissimum and C. verbenaceae showed light-enhanced antibiotic activity. This suggests that phytochemical investigations may be warranted.

Essential Oil of Leaves of Croton campestris St. Hilaire, Its Secretory Elements, and Its Biological Activity

The structure of the secretory tissues and the essential oil of the leaves of Croton campestris St Hil. were studied. The oil isolated by hydrodistillation was analyzed by GC and GC/MS and was found to contain 75 components accounting for 92.9% of the total oil, with the major components being caryophyllene oxide (29.9%) and humulene oxide II (8.0%). Growth inhibitory activity of the active compounds in solution was evaluated by measuring Minimal Inhibitory Concentration using a broth micro-method. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration of the leaf oil was 1.56 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, 6.25 µg/mL for Enterrococcus hirae and 6.25 µg/mL for Candida albicans.

Molluscicidal activity against Bulinus truncatus of Croton campestris

The bark of Croton campestris provided three furano-clerodane named, respectively, velamone, velamolone acetate and velamolone. Fractions containing these diterpenoids were investigated for their molluscicidal activity against Bulinus truncatus, one of the aquatic snail vectors of schistosomiasis. A dichloromethanic extract of root barks, rich in furano-clerodane and molluscicidal at 20 ppm was promising as natural molluscicide. Enriched fraction with velamone gave 80% mortality from 25 ppm, while its LD 100 was at 50 ppm. The LD 80 was ca. at 45 ppm, while LD 100 was at 60 ppm for the enriched fraction containing velamolone acetate. The velamolone-enriched fraction was less efficient and gave a mortality of 90% at 90 ppm. The pure compounds, velamone and velamolone acetate were active at 100% at 3 and 6 ppm, respectively. Velamolone showed a molluscicidal activity at 20 ppm.

Flavonóides O-glicosilados de Croton campestris St. Hill. (Euphorbiaceae)

Do extrato butanólico de Croton campestris St. Hill. (Euphorbiaceae) foram isolados quatro flavonóides, todos O-glicosídeos da quercetina. Estas substâncias foram identificadas como 3-O-b-D-apiofuranosil-(1®2)-galactopiranosil quercetina (1), 3-O-b-D-galactopiranosil quercetina (hiperina) (2), 3-O-a-L-arabinopiranosil quercetina (guaijaverina) (3) e 3-O-a-L-ramnopiranosil quercetina (quercitrina) (4).O presente trabalho relata a presença destas substâncias pela primeira vez para esta espécie de Croton, cuja elucidação estrutural deu-se por espectroscopia em UV, EM e RMN, incluindo as técnicas bidimensionais: ¹H-¹H (2D NOESY, 2D COSY), ¹H-13C (2D HETCOR) e 13C (APT), além de comparações com os dados da literatura.