Dimorphandra Mollis Benth Research Articles

Genetic Parameters Estimated in the Early Growth of Dimorphandra mollis Benth. Progenies

The extractivism of Dimorphandra mollis Benth., which is a native tree from the Brazilian Cerrado biome, popularly known as fava d’anta, combined with the reduction in native vegetation area in the country over the years may result in a decrease in the specie’s natural populations. The objective of this study was to estimate the quantitative genetic parameters in nursery, hardening, and field phases, based on a progeny test. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks (six blocks for the nursery and hardening phases, and four blocks for the field phase with 5 plants/plot and 72 mother trees), with evaluations of the collar diameter and seedling height at 30, 90, 150, 480, and 570 days after sowing, between the production and planting phases. Among the coefficients of variance, the phenotypic and additive ones showed the highest values. Heritabilities for height ranged from moderate to high (0.15 to 0.43), indicating good genetic control of the traits, high potential for selection, and possibility of genetic gains. The genetic divergence of the progenies resulted in division into five groups, confirming the existence of genetic variability among the evaluated progenies and the potential for conservation and breeding programs.

Yield and diametric structure of Dimorphandra mollis Benth

ABSTRACT Dimorphandra mollis is native to the Brazilian Savanna and has social, economic and environmental importance. This study aimed to evaluate the yield and diametric distribution of Dimorphandra mollis Benth. in the Pandeiros River Environmental Protection Area, in Bonito de Minas, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Five areas were assessed, totaling five hectares (50 plots of 1,000 m2). The total number of plants, yield per plant (2018, 2019 and 2020) and diameter at breast height were recorded, considering all trees from the plots in diametric classes. The average diameter at breast height of all plants was 6.05 ± 3.07 cm, and that of the plants that produced in at least one of the evaluated years was 7.46 ± 3.15 cm. The diametric distribution showed classes with no individuals, indicating imbalance, as well as a trend to inverted “J” shape. The maximum annual yield was 8.08 kg ha-1 of dry fruits (2019), the minimum 0.42 kg ha-1 (2018), and the average 2.74 kg ha-1, with biennial characteristic.

Seed germination and seedling recruitment of Dimorphandra mollis Benth. in a Neotropical savanna subjected to prescribed fires

Recruitment in savanna environments represents a high-risk step in a plant’s life cycle. Dimorphandra mollis Benth (Fabaceae) is a savanna tree species which produces dry fruits holding coat-imposed dormant seeds dispersed late in the dry season. We investigated fire effects on fruit dehiscence, seed dormancy breaking and seed viability, and also monitored seedling recruitment and survival for 44 months in a savanna area subjected to biennial controlled fires in central Brazil. Fruits were laid aboveground, and seeds were buried before and after an experimental fire set in August 1999. Fruits started to open after the experimental fire up to the following rainy season. Around one fourth of the seeds removed from these fruits were viable but required scarification to imbibe, indicating that fruits do not totally insulate seeds, and fire does not break seed dormancy. No seedling emerged from buried seeds during the first rainy season after the fire, but fourteen seedlings emerged during the second rainy season. Half of the seedlings died and the other half resprouted after a second experimental fire set during the third dry season. In the third rainy season, thirteen new seedlings emerged, but two died in the fourth dry season. We found that fire was a more determinant constraint to seedling survival than the dry season itself. After 44 months we recovered 27 viable seeds from those initially buried, suggesting that seeds of D. mollis have the potential to establish a persistent seed bank. As expected for savanna trees, we found that D. mollis seeds and seedlings may persist in environments periodically disturbed by fires.

In vitro SPF and Photostability Assays of Emulsion Containing Nanoparticles with Vegetable Extracts Rich in Flavonoids.

The aim of study was to determine the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) and the photostability profile of a topical formulation composed of nanoparticles loaded with vegetable extracts and to assess its physicochemical properties. Chitosan/tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles loaded with flavonoids-enriched vegetable extracts (Ginkgo biloba L., Dimorphandra mollis Benth, Ruta graveolens, and Vitis vinifera L.) were produced and characterized for their morphology, mean particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. A final topical formulation was obtained by dispersing chitosan/TPP nanoparticles in an o/w emulsion. Results showed that nanoparticles dispersion exhibited yellowish color, spherical shape, and uniform appearance. Extract-loaded chitosan/TPP nanoparticles showed a mean particle size of 557.11 ± 3.1nm, polydispersity index of 0.39 ± 0.27, zeta potential of + 11.54 ± 2.1mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 75.89% of rutin. The recorded texture parameters confirm that the developed formulation is appropriate for skin application. The SPF obtained was 2.3 ± 0.4, with a critical wavelength of 387.0nm and 0.69 UVA/UVB ratio. The developed formulation exhibited photostability, allowing the release of flavonoids from nanoparticles while retaining rutin into the skin in a higher extension.

Bone health nutraceuticals alter microarray mRNA gene expression: A randomized, parallel, open-label clinical study

Background and objectiveDietary intake of fruits and vegetables has been suggested to have a role in promoting bone health. More specifically, the polyphenols they contain have been linked to physiological effects related to bone mineral density and bone metabolism. In this research, we use standard microarray analyses of peripheral whole blood from post-menopausal women treated with two fixed combinations of plant extracts standardized to polyphenol content to identify differentially expressed genes relevant to bone health. MethodsIn this 28-day open-label study, healthy post-menopausal women were randomized into three groups, each receiving one of three investigational fixed combinations of plant extracts: an anti-resorptive (AR) combination of pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) and grape seed (Vitis vinifera L.) extracts; a bone formation (BF) combination of quercetin (Dimorphandra mollis Benth) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) extracts; and a fixed combination of all four plant extracts (AR plus BF). Standard microarray analysis was performed on peripheral whole blood samples taken before and after each treatment. Annotated genes were analyzed for their association to bone health by comparison to a gene library. ResultsThe AR combination down-regulated a number of genes involved in reduction of bone resorption including cathepsin G (CTSG) and tachykinin receptor 1 (TACR1). The AR combination also up-regulated genes associated with formation of extracellular matrix including heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2) and hyaluronoglucosaminidase 1 (HYAL1). In contrast, treatment with the BF combination resulted in up-regulation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and COL1A1 (collagen type I α1) genes which are linked to bone and collagen formation while down-regulating genes linked to osteoclastogenesis. Treatment with a combination of all four plant extracts had a distinctly different effect on gene expression than the results of the AR and BF combinations individually. These results could be due to multiple feedback systems balancing activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. ConclusionIn summary, this ex-vivo microarray study indicated that the pomegranate, grape seed, quercetin and licorice combinations of plant extracts modulated gene expression for both osteoclastic and osteogenic processes.

Morphology and ontogeny of tannin-producing structures in two tropical legume trees

Two legume trees largely known as tannin producers — Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Caesalpinioideae) and Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (Mimosoideae) — were used as models to elucidate the morphology and ontogeny of tannin cells. Vegetative parts of plants were processed for observation using light and electron microscopy (scanning and transmission). Idioblasts, found even in young plants of both species, and secretory trichomes, observed in vegetative buds of mature plants of S. adstringens, are responsible for tannin production. The tanniniferous idioblasts originate from protoderm and also from ground meristem cells. The ground meristem proved to be the best place to study the development of tanniniferous idioblasts at different stages of development, which allowed us to monitor the production and accumulation of tannins in the same tissue. Our data indicate that there is a relationship between the production of tannins and the process of vacuolation of tanniniferous cells. The results also indicate the probable performance of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and plastids in the production of tannins.

NPK and flavonoids affecting insect populations in Dimorphandra mollis seedlings

The study evaluated the influence of different levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and flavonoids on the population of insects in Dimorphandra mollis Benth (Leguminosae) seedlings. The treatments associated with the highest level of attacks by Frankliniella schulzei (Trybon) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) were 600 mg dm -3 of P and 50 mg dm -3 of K. The highest level of attacks by Coccidae occurred for 300 of P and 150 and 250 mg dm -3 of K. The last two treatments also exhibited the highest level of attacks by Pseudococcidae. On the other hand, the control exhibited higher levels of flavonoids and a lower level of insect attacks. We observed a small positive effect of N levels on attack by F. schulzei. The levels of N, P and K negatively affected the levels of flavonoids in the leaves of D. mollis. We detected no significant effects of flavonoid levels on the populations of Coccidae, Pseudoccocidae and F. schulzei. Higher numbers of Coccidae and Pseudococcidae were observed in the abaxial face of apical leaves. However, higher numbers of F. schulzei were observed on the adaxial face at lower heights in the canopy. The preferred treatment for the production of D. mollis seedlings is the control (without fertilization) because it showed higher flavonoid levels than other treatments and did not result in higher insect numbers.

Dormência de sementes e produção de mudas de <i>Dimorphandra mollis </i>Benth.

Dimorphandra mollis Benth. é uma espécie florestal nativa, encontrada nos biomas Cerrado e Caatinga, de grande importância em função de sua utilidade econômica e ecológica, o que justifica a existência de programas de produção de mudas. Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar metodologias eficientes para superação da dormência das sementes e avaliar, em viveiro florestal, os efeitos de diferentes substratos e da fertilização sobre o crescimento inicial das mudas. Foram realizados os seguintes tratamentos para superação de dormência: T1 - testemunha (sementes sem escarificação); T2 - escarificação manual com lixa no50; T3 - imersão em água a 80°C e (T4) a 100ºC até atingir a temperatura ambiente; T5 - fervura em água a 100ºC durante 10, (T6) 30 e (T7) 60 segundos; T8 - escarificação química com ácido sulfúrico durante 20, (T9) 30 e (T10) 40 minutos. Para a produção de mudas, o delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 4 x 2 (quatro substratos: Tropstrato® puro, e os demais: Tropstrato®, pó de coco e vermiculita com composto orgânico; sem e com fertilização). Os melhores resultados para a superação da dormência são obtidos com a escarificação manual com lixa para metal nº50 ou fervura em água durante 10 segundos. O pó de coco e a vermiculita, combinados com composto orgânico, são bons substratos para produção de mudas de Dimorphandra mollis.

Associação micorízica em espécies arbóreas, atividade microbiana e fertilidade do solo em áreas degradadas de cerrado

A recuperação de áreas de obras das barragens, em especial de "áreas de empréstimos", é difícil e consiste em um processo lento, visto que toda a vegetação e a camada fértil do solo foram removidas. Intervenções nessas áreas poderiam acelerar o processo de revegetação. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a associação de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) em espécies arbóreas, atividade microbiana pela respiração basal e fertilidade em áreas degradadas de cerrado. Utilizou-se solo de duas áreas, solo de pastagem e subsolo exposto. Adubações orgânica e mineral, além da calagem, foram efetuadas nas covas, visando a um melhor crescimento inicial das mudas, assim como, 50 mL de solo de cerrado preservado como inoculante de microrganismos. Mudas de 11 espécies arbóreas foram plantadas ou seja: Anadenanthera falcata (Benth.) Speg. (angico-preto), Acacia polyphylla D.C. (monjoleiro), Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (barbatimão), Dimorphandra mollis Benth (faveiro), Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne (jatobá-de-cerrado), Dipteryx alata Vog. (baru), Machaerium acutifolium Vogel (jacarandá-do-campo), Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (aroeira-pimenteira), Magonia pubescens St. Hil. (tingui), Lafoensia pacari St. Hil. (dedaleira) e Tabebuia aurea (Manso) Benth. & Hook. (ipê-amarelo). Doze meses após a instalação do experimento, amostras de raízes foram coletadas na camada de 0-0,10 m para as avaliações. O subsolo, em relação ao solo de pastagem, continuou pobre em matéria orgânica e com menor atividade microbiana. As maiores porcentagens de colonização micorrízica por FMA foram observados nas espécies Acacia polyphylla D.C. (monjoleiro), Magonia pubescens St. Hil. (tingui), Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne (jatobá-de-cerrado) e Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (aroeira-pimenteira). Tais espécies podem ser indicadas para projetos de revegetação em áreas degradadas de cerrado. As plantas das duas áreas exibiam altas porcentagens de colonização micorrízica e o solo ou subsolo baixo número de esporos de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares.

Some plants rich in tannins, used as medicinal, native in Mato Grosso-state, Brazil

Tannins (polyphenols) are found in high concentrations as chemical components of extracts of some plant species. A sign of the presence of tannins is causing astringency. They are water soluble and possess the power of precipitating and complexing proteins. These characteristics provide several applications and multi-use. Beyond the direct medical application, the products of these plants are used in industries (pharmaceutical, lumber, food), in tanning and water treatment. The biological properties of tannins are the reason for its use as an insecticide, fungicide and bactericide. In folk medicine plants with high levels of tannins are mainly applied as healing (A), against inflammation (B) and infections (C). Medicinal plants species native at the heart of South America, Brazil, in cerrado areas (eg, Mato Grosso) are used extensively by the people as medicine and are rich in tannins. Among them we have: I – Caju-do-campo (Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil.), II – Aroeira-preta (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão), III – Barbatimião-preto (Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville), IV – Barbatimão-branco (Dimorphandra mollis Benth.), V – Angico1 (Anadenanthera falcata (Benth.) Speg.), VI – Angico2 (Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan), VII – Angico3 (Albizia niopoides (Spruce ex Benth.) Burkart.), VIII – Cumbaru (Dipteryx alata Vogel). Only two plant families include the 8 species listed: Anacardiaceae (I, II), Fabaceae (III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII). Besides the typical applications (A, B, C) of medicinal plants rich in tannins, species I is also used to control diabetes. For the population, the potential of these plant resources must continue to be studied more, to better orient right policy for rational exploitation and sustainable.

Germination and vigor of Dimorphandra mollis benth. seeds under different temperatures and substrates

The Dimorphandra mollis Benth. - Caesalpiniaceae is a native forest species coming from the Cerrado and Caatinga due to its economical and ecological use, which justifies the studies on seed germination. In this work, germinative performance of D. mollis seeds were studied in different conditions of temperature regime and substrate. The experimental delineation used was completely randomized in factorial 4 x 4 (4 substrates -sand, coconut fiber, vermiculite and paper towel; and 4 temperatures: 25, 30, 35 and 20-30ºC), with four replications of 25 seeds each. The following parameters were evaluated: seed moisture content, final germination, first germination count, germination speed index, length and dry matter weight. The best germination and vigor is obtained at 30 and 35ºC. The substrates paper towel and vermiculite allow satisfactory germinative performance of seeds, being suitable to evaluate the physiological quality of D. mollis seeds.

Controles físico, físico-químico, químico e microbiológico dos frutos de Dimorphandra mollis Benth., Fabaceae

Considering the quality of phytotherapic agents, it is important to point out that the concern with this subject includes rigorous attendance the different steps of development and production of these products, from the collection of the vegetable to the availability of the final product. The quality control for the plants and their extracts is essential when they are used in the development of phytotherapics. In this work, methodologies (pharmacopoeic and no pharmacopoeic) were employed to establish norms for the quality control of Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Leguminosae) fruit, popularly known as faveira. Pharmacopoeic and no pharmacopoeic methodologies were employed to physic, physic-chemical, chemical and microbiological quality control. The results obtained established the physic-chemical characters of the drug and showed that the fruits and the ethanol 70% extract present a content of flavonoids of 10.25% and 17.21%, respectively. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the D. mollis fruits evidenced tannins, saponnins and flavonoids. The microbiological analysis did not present pathogenic growth among the accomplished tests.

Variabilidade genética de populações de fava d'anta (Dimorphandra mollis) da região norte do Estado de Minas Gerais

Fava d'anta (Dimorphandra mollis Benth) é uma planta nativa do Cerrado brasileiro utilizada na extração da rutina, quercetina e ramnose, produtos usados nas indústrias farmacêuticas e de cosméticos. O norte do Estado de Minas Gerais produz cerca de 23% da rutina nacional. A obtenção dessa espécie tem sido de forma predatória pelos extrativistas, e estudos da variabilidade genética dessas populações podem fornecer subsídios para estratégias de conservação e manutenção da espécie. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a diversidade genética dessa planta por meio da técnica de RAPD. Para isso, foram coletadas folhas jovens de fava d'anta em sete localidades diferentes (Januária, Patis, Mirabela, Lontra, CAA, Jequitaí e Morro Alto) da região Norte de Minas Gerais. Nessa análise, testaram-se 43 primers. A análise de variância molecular (AMOVA) indicou que 10,3% e 89,7% da variação genética foi distribuída entre e dentro das populações, respectivamente. A diversidade genética de Nei (Ĥe) variou de 0,1736 (população de Morro Alto) a 0,2867 (população de Mirabela). Já a análise genética permitiu a construção de um dendrograma com formação de grupos distintos, cujas informações poderão ser utilizadas na criação de um banco de germoplasma e contribuir para a preservação da espécie.

Acute and chronic toxicological studies of Dimorphandra mollis in experimental animals

Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Caesalpiniaceae), known as “faveira” or “fava d’anta” is a common plant in central Brazilian cerrado that is used mainly as a vasoprotector. Its main marker is rutin. The present study aimed to evaluate the security of Dimorphandra mollis dry extract in rodents. The extract presented a rutin content of 76 ± 3%. Acute and chronic (180 days) toxicity was evaluated after per os administration. In acute toxicity, 3500 and 5000 mg/kg doses presented reversible effects. In chronic toxicity, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg doses did not provoke significant changes in body weight of the animals and in water and food consumption. Behavioral reversible changes and in blood count parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit and red cells decrease and platelets increase in male in rats) were observed only in 2000 mg/kg dose. In biochemical evaluation, the results varied a lot considering doses and sex, without a linear profile. Some parameters showed a significant difference but without a clinical correlation. In histopathological examination, lung hemorrhage was observed in 2000 mg/kg dose. In conclusion, the study suggest that the extract is safe in a 1000 mg/kg dose, whereas for 2000 mg/kg dose further studies are needed. In long-term use, caution is required.

Fruit consumption and seed ispersal of Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Leguminosae) by the lowland tapir in the Cerrado of Central Brazil

Fruit phenology observations and consumption of Dimorphandra mollis (Leguminosae) were analyzed during seven months in an area of cerrado stricto sensu. We analysed 81 fecal samples collected at six different places of lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in central Brazilian cerrado. In addition, from the feces of five tapirs at the Brasília Zoo to which fruit had been offered, seeds were collected and used in germination tests. The results suggest that the tapir is an important fruit consumer and a potential seed disperser of D. mollis. In the field, however, fruit consumption was found to be very low, probably because of both fruit palatability and the low density of frugivores, especially tapirs. The possibility that the original dispersal agents of D. mollis seeds belonged to the South American Pleistocene megafauna is discussed.