Extracts Of Different Organs Research Articles

Chemical Investigation and Regulation of Adipogenic Differentiation of Cultivated Moringa oleifera.

Background/Objectives: Moringa oleifera is a matrix plant with the high potential to cure several diseases with its medicinal and ethnopharmacological value and nutraceutical properties. In this study, we investigated the chemical and biological properties of this plant cultivated in our local region. Methods: Leaves, roots, seeds, stem bark, and twigs of oleifera were extracted and evaluated bioactivities targeting intracellular lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS/MS-Based molecular networking guided isolation and dereplication of metabolites from these extracts. Results: Five extracts of different organs of M. oleifera significantly stimulated intracellular lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. These extracts markedly increased the expression of genes related to adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Notably, these extracts promoted peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activity and the expression of its target genes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, fatty acid-binding protein 4, and perilipin-2. These adipogenic and lipogenic effects of Moringa extracts through the regulation of PPARγ activity suggests their potential efficacy in preventing or treating type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, chemical investigation revealed high contents of phytonutrients as rich sources of secondary metabolites including glycosides, flavones, fatty acids, phenolics, and other compounds. In addition, in silico studies on major components of these extracts revealed the bioavailability of major components through their binding affinity to respective proteins targeting adipocyte differentiation.

Phytochemical Diversity and Related Bioactivity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Different Organs and Provenances of the Edible Halophyte Crithmum Maritimum L.

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a facultative halophyte from the Apiaceae family. The variation of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of different extracts of different organs of sea fennel were investigated. The roots, stems, leaves and seeds were collected from three bioclimatic stages of Tunisia. Solvent fractionation method (using aqueous acetone, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate) was adopted to separate the extract ingredient and to concentrate phenolics. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins significantly varied between organs and localities. In leaves, the highest level of phenols was detected in the upper and sub-humid zones. However, in stems the high amounts of phenols were observed in semiarid climate. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through four different methods and the antimicrobial activity was assessed against five human pathogenic bacteria and a fungal strain. Multivariate analysis showed significant effect of organ and locality on the antioxidant properties. Results of the antibacterial activities showed significant differences among extracts and was reflected by a large spectrum of activity ranging from totally not active (Zones of inhibition (zi) < 1 mm) to very high activity (zi >16 mm). Combined statistical results allowed to select the more potent fraction to be analyzed using reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC). The flavanol epigallocatechin was identified as a major phenolic compound which contributed greatly to the antioxidant capacity. The results established in this study highlighted the importance of this halophyte cash crop in the human diet as natural source of active components.

Larvicidal and repellent potential of Ageratum houstonianum against Culex pipiens.

Mosquitoes are unquestionably the most medic arthropod vectors of disease.Culex pipiens, usually defined as a common house mosquito, is a well-known carrier of several virus diseases. Crude ethanol extracts of different organs ofAgratum houstonianumare tested withCulex pipiensLinnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae) to determine their larvicidal, antifeedant, and repellency effects. Alongside biochemical analysis, the activity of the AChE, ATPase, CarE, and CYP-450 is detected in the total hemolymph of theC. pipienslarvae to examine the enzymatic action on the way to explain their neurotoxic effect and mode of action. Through HPLC and GC-MS analysis of the phytochemical profile ofA. houstonianumaerial parts is identified. The larvicidal activity of aerial parts; flower (AF), leaf (AL), and stem (AS) ofA. houstonianumextracts are evaluated against the 3rd instar larvae ofC. pipiensat24-, 48- and 72-post-treatment.A. houstonianiumAF, AL, and AS extracts influenced the mortality of larvae with LC50 values 259.79, 266.85, and 306.86ppm, respectively after 24h of application. The potency of AF and AL extracts was 1.69- and 1.25-folds than that of AS extract, respectively. A high repellency percentage was obtained by AF extract 89.10% at a dose of 3.60mg/cm2.A. houstonianiumAF prevailed inhibition on acetylcholinesterase and decrease in carboxylesterase activity. Moreover, a significant increase in the ATPase levels and a decrease in cytochrome P-450 monooxegenase activity (- 36.60%) are detected. HPLC analysis prevailed chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid as the major phenolic acids in AL and AF, respectively. GC-MS analysis ofA. houstonianumresults in the identification of phytol as the major makeup. Precocene I and II were detected in AF. Linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acid were detected in comparable amounts in the studied organs. Overall, results suggest that the A. houstonianum flower extract (AF) exhibits significant repellent, antifeedant, and larvicidal activities.

Micropropagation, myristicin production enhancement, and comparative GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane extracts of different organs of Daucus pumilus (Gouan), family Apiaceae.

ABSTRACTAim:This work aimed to study the somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis of endangered Daucus pumilus (Gouan) for the conservation of this plant and improving the production of secondary metabolites of medicinal value.Materials and Methods:The callus formation and in vitro propagation of D. pumilus (Gouan) by using a different combination of naphthalene acetic acid and benzylaminopurine were established. Various embryogenic stages were tracked using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The volatile constituents of the n-hexane extracts of D. pumilus (Gouan) that extracted by ultrasonic-assisted technique were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.Results and Discussion:Somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis of endangered D. pumilus (Gouan) were established for the first time. Myristicin and elemicin were successfully increased during micropropagation to 70.89% and 2.19%, respectively. Furthermore, the induction of compounds such as 6-methoxymellein, eugenin, methyl behenate, and 1,6-dimethylnaphthalene was also detected.Conclusion:Commercially, this protocol decreases the dependence on wild medicinal plants, enhances the manufacturing of valuable phytochemicals to meet the great demands of the pharmaceutical industries, and acts as a mean for genetic transformation of this plant.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) as a promising nematicidal and antifungal agent: Chemical composition, comparison of extraction techniques and bioassay-guided isolation

The ethyl acetate, ethanol and water extracts of different organs (flowers, leaves, stems and roots) of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) were investigated to examine nematicidal and antifungal activities in an effort to promote future agricultural applications of the wormwood and its potential as an industrial crop. The results showed that highest concentration of total thiophene content (TTC), as well as nematicidal and antifungal activities were found in ethyl acetate extract of roots. TTC and biological activities were highly correlated, indicating that thiophenes played an important role in nematicidal and antifungal activities. Furthermore, four extraction techniques (Maceration, Soxhlet extraction, Supercritical fluid extraction and Ultrasound-assisted extraction) were compared by evaluating the yield of thiophenes. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) appeared to be the best method for extracting thiophenes with the highest TTC and superior activities. In addition, eight thiophenes (1–8) including two new compounds (1 and 2) were isolated from the SFE extract by the bioassay-guided method. All thiophenes showed potent nematicidal activities. In particular, 1–4 (50% lethal concentration (LC50) values of 2.69, 4.17, 6.13 and 7.65 mg/L, respectively) were more effective than commercial nematicide abamectin (LC50, 9.47 mg/L). Also, these thiophenes showed antifungal activities against four soil-borne fungi at different degrees, especially for compounds 1 and 2 which exhibited noticeable antifungal effects (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 8–16 mg/L). Findings of this work suggest that wormwood root and its thiophenes could be used in nematicide and fungicide agent industry.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activities of different parts of Ficus sur

Introduction: Ficus sur is a plant widely used in traditional pharmacopoeia in Togo. So, this study aimed the assessment of antioxidant properties and identification of some compounds from the ethanolic extracts of different parts of the plant (leaves, fruits, roots, and barks).Methods: The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the ethanolic extracts of different organs of Ficus sur were assessed using conventional known methods. The DPPH radical scavenging and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to highlight the antioxidant activities. The different extract samples were also analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole-time of flight mass detector (ESI-QTOF).Results: Total phenolic contents (TPCs) for 1 mg of dry extract ranged from 489.40 ± 7.48 μg GAE (gallic acid equivalents) for the bark to 62.34 ± 2.66 μg GAE for unripe fruits. The bark exhibited the highest flavonoid content, which was closed to 90.20 ± 3.72 μg QE (quercetin equivalents)/mg of dry extract. The radical scavenging activities of the bark and unripe fruits were 56.50 ± 0.29 and 7.3 ± 0.30 μg QE/mg of dry extract, respectively. In the same order, the FRAP values of the two organs were 104.57 ± 4.75 and 19.61 ± 0.22 μmol FeSO4 Eq/mg of dry extract. Many compounds including notoginsenoside R10; 4’,5,7-trihydroxyflavan-3-ol; catechin; and boviquinone 4 were identified.Conclusion: The various organs of Ficus sur are a source of bioactive compounds especially phenolic compounds and flavonoids with antioxidant activity.

Allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of different organs of three sunflower cultivars on germination of radish

Allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of different organs of three sunflower cultivars on germination of radish

Allelopathy by extracts of Caatinga species on melon seeds

The melon crop is of great socioeconomic importance in Brazil and some species from the Caatinga biome show allelopathic effects on other species. The aim of this study was to assess leaf and seed extracts of cumaru (Amburana cearensis (Allemao) A.C. Sm.), the jujube tree (Zizyphus joazeiro Mart.), Jucá (Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. Ex. Tul. Var. Ferrea) and mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) on the emergence of melon seeds (Cucumis melo L.). Leaves and seeds were used to produce extracts for each species at concentrations of a) 1%, b) 0.5% c) 0.25%, d) 0.125% and e) 0% (control). The experiment was conducted with each extract type and its respective concentrations in a completely randomized design, with four replicates, each of 20 seeds. The percentage emergence and rate index, percentage of abnormal seedlings, seedling dry matter and seedling shoot and root length were assessed. Seed extracts of A. cearensis prevented melon germination, whereas the other extracts had no effect on this variable. Leaf extracts of A. cearensis and leaf and seed extracts of Z. joazeiro, C. ferrea and E. velutina resulted in abnormal melon seedlings. The percentage of abnormal melon seedlings exceeded 30% when treated with C. ferrea seed extract at the highest concentration. Most extracts did not affect seedling dry matter, but E. velutina leaf and seed extract increased the dry matter accumulation of melon seedlings and Z. joazeiro seed extract decreased dry matter accumulation at a concentration of 0.25%. The highest concentrations of mulungu and jucá leaf extracts promoted the shoot growth of melon seedlings. The extract from E. velutina seeds negatively affected root length compared to the control, similar to the effect of C. ferrea and E. velutina leaf extracts at the highest concentrations. Extracts of different organs of Caatinga plants can affect the emergence and characteristics related to seedling growth, depending on the concentration. Most extracts did not affect germination or the emergence rate index, but affected seedling growth.

Phenylpropanoid metabolism and pharmacology of the blood lily, Scadoxus puniceus, a highly traded South African medicinal plant

The current study utilised ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to quantify the phenolic compounds in different organs of Scadoxus puniceus (Amaryllidaceae), an important South African medicinal plant. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities of this species were also evaluated. UHPLC-MS/MS revealed a greater profusion of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), accounting for 69.5% of the total phenolic acids as opposed to hydroxybenzoic acids (HBAs). Chlorogenic acid (CGA; 3-caffeoyl-D-quinic acid) was highly abundant (49.6% of HCAs) in the aerial organs suggesting a functional role of the compound against herbivory from the Amaryllis leaf borer which infested many of the stock plants. In addition to CGA, the current study is the first to report the presence of sinapic, gallic and m-hydroxybenzoic acids in the Amaryllidaceae. The accumulation of CGA in the leaves of S. puniceus substantiated the fact that leaf extracts exhibit significantly improved antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 0.07 mg/mL) as compared to the bulb. CGA, a known antifungal agent conferred potent antifungal activity (minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC < 0.10 mg/mL) of leaf extracts against Candida albicans. Furthermore, ethanolic extracts of different organs of S. puniceus revealed AChE inhibitory activity in excess of 90% (IC50 = 0.07 – 0.15 mg/mL), with no significant difference between bulb and leaf extracts.

Autotoxicity as a cause for natural regeneration failure inNyssa yunnanensisand its implications for conservation

Autotoxicity is known to regulate density-dependent intraspecific competition in plants, but at the same time due to the effects on regeneration and hence population size, it may have implications for conservation. Nyssa yunnanensis is an endangered plant species with extremely small populations. There are only eight wild individuals left in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. The mechanism governing the restricted ability for surviving in their natural environment is not known. In order to understand the causes of endangerment and take effective conservation measures, in situ and laboratory experiments were carried out to examine the autotoxicity of N. yunnanensis. In situ field experiments demonstrated that seed germination of N. yunnanensis was significantly inhibited by both litter and seed capsule. Extracts of different organs of N. yunnanensis had significant negative effects on its seed germination, and the inhibition rate of root extracts (80.9%) was significantly higher compared with the leaves and stems. Seedling growth also was suppressed by extracts of different organs, whereas no significant differences were found in the root/shoot ratio. The degree of inhibition of both germination and seedling growth increased with extract concentration. Soil experiments demonstrated also that seed germination and seedling growth were suppressed in soil where N. yunnanensis had previously grown. The results suggest that N. yunnanensis may negatively affect its natural regeneration through autotoxic effects on seed germination and seedling growth. Conservation strategies should be dedicated to ameliorating the autotoxic effects and enhancing natural regeneration. These may include litter clearance, activated carbon addition, and managed relocation.

Neurotoxicity in rats induced by the poisonous dreamfish (Sarpa salpa)

Context: Consumption of Sarpa salpa Linn. (Sparidae) in certain periods of the year is inadvisable because it can cause central nervous system disorders resulting in sea food poisoning.Aims: The present study assesses the cytotoxic effects of compounds, not-yet identified, present in the organ extracts of S. salpa, collected in autumn, the period corresponding to the peak in human health problems.Materials and methods: The toxicity was assessed by mouse bioassay of aqueous extract of the fish organs. Wistar rats received daily extracts of different organs of S. salpa by gastric gavage for 7 d (0.3 mL of extract/100 g body weight BW). The dose of tissue extracts of viscera, liver, brain, and flesh of S. salpa administered to rats was as follows: 172, 313, 2050, and 2660 mg/kg BW, respectively. No deaths occurred during the period of treatment.Results: The lethal dose (LD50) determined for the crude ciguatoxin (neurotoxins) extracts of viscera, liver, brain, and flesh of S. salpa was as follows: 1.2, 2.2, 14.4, and 18.6 g/kg mouse, respectively. Changes in locomotor activity during the first 2 h and failure in breathing and no evident signs of gastrointestinal problems were recorded. We observed (1) induction of oxidative stress, indicated by an increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in groups that received extracts of liver (+425%) or viscera (+433%), and a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GPx) in cerebral cortex tissue by 13%, 25%, and 25% (LT: animals receiving liver extracts) and by 16%, 26%, and 27% (VT: animals receiving viscera extracts), respectively. In contrast, the administration of extracts of flesh and brain induced an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GPx) in cerebral cortex tissue by 26%, 23%, and 44% (FT: flesh extract) and 28%, 24%, and 46% (BT: brain extract), respectively; (2) a significant decrease for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in cerebral cortex was recorded in FT, BT, LT, and VT by 27, 34, 58, and 78%, respectively. Moreover, a significant decrease of AChE activity in plasma was recorded in FT, BT, LT, and VT by 16, 21, 38, and 48%, respectively; (3) the histological findings confirmed the biochemical results.Conclusions: Liver and especially the visceral part of S. salpa presented toxicity, which clearly indicates the danger of using this fish as food.

A pharmacognostical study of Vernonia cinerea Less (Asteraceae) and evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of stem

Aim This study aimed to establish the pharmacognostical characteristics of leaf, stem and root of Vernonia cinerea, Asteraceae (ash-coloured fleabane), and to verify the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of various extracts of the stem. Background V. cinerea (Asteraceae) is traditionally used to treat inflammation, diarrhoea, cough, smoking cessation, asthma, Parkinson's disease and leprosy. Materials and methods Leaf, stem and root and their powders were examined microscopically, and pharmacognostic standardization parameters were determined according to WHO guidelines. Extracts of different organs of the plant in petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, ethanol (50%) and water were prepared and examined by thin-layer chromatography. An antibacterial assay of the stem extracts for Staphylococcus aureus was performed. The anti-inflammatory activity of the same extracts was studied using a carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in Wistar rats. Results and conclusion Microscopic characterization of the different organs of the plant indicated the presence of trichomes, arrangement of vascular bundles (stem: radial, root: scattered), anomocytic and diacytic stomata, and wavy epidermal cells in stomata. The antibacterial assay indicated a zone of inhibition of 20 ± 0 and 19.33 ± 0.33 mm with alcoholic and chloroform extracts of V. cinerea leaf, respectively (extracts of stem showed a zone of inhibition of 21.00 ± 0.57 and 21.00 ± 0.57 mm, respectively). Diclofenac sodium and chloroform extract showed 11.11% inhibition of inflammation, whereas 16.66 and 13.33% inhibition were observed with alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts, respectively. Microscopic and pharmacognostic parameters aid in the identification and characterization of different organs of the plant. Traditional claims of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of the stem have been verified. Various extracts showed significant results for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action.

Inhibitory Effect of the Plant Clusia fluminensis against Biological Activities of Bothrops jararaca Snake Venom

The ability of extracts of the plant Clusia fluminensis Planch & Triana (Clusiaceae Lindl.) to neutralize proteolysis, clotting, hemolysis, hemorrhagic and lethality activities of Bothrops jararaca snake venom was studied. Clusianone and lanosterol from the flower and fruit extracts, respectively, were also tested. The extracts of different organs of C. fluminensis inhibited proteolysis and hemolysis induced by B. jararaca venom, but with different potencies. Only the stems prevented blood clotting. Only the acetone extract of the fruit protected mice from hemorrhage while the acetone or methanol extracts prevented mice from death. Clusianone and lanosterol did not inhibit clotting or hemorrhage, but the former inhibited proteolysis and the latter hemolysis.

Inorganic mass spectrometry-based metallomics for environmental monitoring of terrestrial ecosystems affected by metal pollution using Mus spretus as bioindicator

A metallomic approach based on the use of size-exclusion chroma tography coupled to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SECICP-MS) has been used to characterize the bio logical response in liver, brain, kidneys, lungs and plasma of the free-living mou se Mus spretus in polluted areas located in Donana National Park (southwest Spain) and the surroundings, mainly affected by agriculture, mining and industry activities, which are responsible for the presence of metallic contaminants. It is remarkable the high presence of Cu, Z n, Cd, As, Pb and Ni in the cytosolic extracts of different organs and plasma, especially in co ntaminated areas. In liver extracts, high intensity peaks traced by Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd at 7 kDa (matching with metallothionein I standard) are triggered by the presence of contaminants. In kidn ey, similar Cu and Cd-peaks at 7 kDa were observed but the equivalent Zn-peak was depleted by the competitiv e interactions of Cu-Cd-Zn for the active sites of these molecules. In addition, peaks traced by Cu and Zn at about 32 kDa in liver extract match with superoxide dismuta se standard (Cu,Zn-SOD), which increase in accordance to contamination. An analogous behavior was observed for a Zn,Cu-peak at about 67 kDa that can be related with the bovine serum albumin standard (Cu,Zn-BSA ) or other carrier protein such as transferrin (Cu-Tf) present in liver and plasma. Finally, low molecular mass arsenic metabolites were detec ted in mice captured in MAT site affected by mine waste.

Hepatotoxicity in rats induced by the poisonous dreamfish (Sarpa salpa)

Aims: The present study was aimed to assess the cytotoxic effects of not-yet identified compounds present in organ extracts of Sarpa salpa, collected in autumn, the period with a peak in health problems.Methods: The toxicity was assessed by mouse bioassay of extract of the fish’s organs. Wistar rats received daily extracts of different organs of S. salpa by gastric gavage for 7 d (0.3 ml of extract/100 g body weight, BW). The dose of tissue extracts of viscera, liver, brain and flesh of S. salpa administered to rats were as follows: 17.2, 31.3, 205, 266 mg/100g BW, respectively. No deaths occurred during the period of treatment.Results: The lethal dose (LD50%) determined for the crude ciguatoxin (neurotoxins) extracts of viscera, liver, brain and flesh of S. salpa were as follows: 1.2, 2.2, 14.4, 18.6 g/kg mouse, respectively. Changes in locomotor activity during the first 2 h and failure breathing and no evident signs of gastrointestinal problems were recorded. We observed: (1) Induction of oxidative stress, indicated by an increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in groups that received extracts of liver (+490%) or viscera (+592%). Accompanied by a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) in liver tissue by 15%, 17%, 18% (LT: animals receiving liver extracts) and by 19%, 22%, 22% (VT: animals receiving viscera extracts), respectively. In contrast the administration of extracts of flesh and brain induced an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) in liver tissue by 15%, 19%, 15% (FT: flesh extract) and 18%, 55%, 55% (BT: brain extract), respectively; (2) A significant increase in total metallothionein levels in liver tissue was recorded in (FT), (BT), (LT) and (VT) by 55%, 88%, 255% and 277%, respectively, (3) The histological findings confirmed the biochemical results.Conclusions: Liver and especially visceral part of S. salpa presented toxicity, which clearly indicates the danger of using this fish as food.

Phytotoxicity induced by Phragmites australis: an assessment of phenotypic and physiological parameters involved in germination process and growth of receptor plant

This study investigated the possible phytotoxicity induced by Phargmites australis on phenotypic and physiological parameters of recipient plants with identification of major inhibitors in the donor plant. This was achieved using aqueous extracts of different organs and root exudates of P. australis in laboratory and greenhouse experiments with Lactuca sativa as the model test plant. The observed reduced liquid imbibition and altered resource mobilization in seeds of L. sativa, in particular an insufficient carbohydrate supply, demonstrated that the onset of germination might be negatively affected by phytotoxicity. Dose-response studies pointed out that oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species production could potentially cause the observed germination and seedling growth reductions. The osmotic effects by mannitol solution on germination as well as growth and physiology at a level of −0.57 and −0.45 bar, respectively, demonstrated that the results from aqueous plant extracts were partially induced by the osmotic potential on and above those levels. Overall, the relative strength of inhibition on measured parameters was the highest in leaf extract, followed by rhizome, root, stem, and inflorescence. Root exudates of P. australis also had negative impacts by reducing germination and growth of plant. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed gallic acid, a potent phytotoxin, as a major compound with an order of leaf >inflorescence>rhizome>root>stem.

Antimicrobial activity of amazonian medicinal plants

ObjectivesThe aqueous extracts of currently utilized Amazonian medicinal plants were assayed in vitro searching for antimicrobial activity against human and animal pathogenic microorganisms.MethodsMedium resuspended lyophilized aqueous extracts of different organs of Amazonian medicinal plants were assayed by in vitro screening for antimicrobial activity. ATCC and standardized microorganisms obtained from Oswaldo Cruz Foundation/Brazil were individually and homogeneously grown in agar plate, and holes previously perforated in the gel were filled with diluted plant aqueous extracts. Inhibition halos were evaluated and controlled by the use of the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin.ResultsThe Amazonian medicinal plants, Hymenelobium petraeum showed inhibitory activity over Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, Acinetobacter baumannii and Candida albicans, while Vatairea guianensis and Symphonia globulifera presented inhibitory activity exclusively for Staphylococcus aureus. Also, Ptychopetalum olacoides and Pentaclethra macroloba inhibited the growth of Klebsiella ozaenae and Acinetobacter baumannii.ConclusionThe aqueous botanic extracts that showed activity against microroganisms of ATTC and Osvaldo Cruz strains had at least 40% of antimicrobial activity when compared to halo inhibition produced by the commercial antibiotic ciprofloxacin utilized as a control. Of all plants extracts assayed, the Hymenelobium petraeum had the best performance, sometimes exhibiting higher activity than ciprofloxacin. It is not well-defined by the physicians the exact indication of the majority of medicinal plants in the Amazon area in Brazil. Natives utilize the plants according to their symptoms, based on the traditional knowledge transmitted orally from generation to generation, among Amerindians, Afrodescendents and ethnic mixed populations. A significant number of Amazonian medicinal plants are totally unknown related to their medicinal properties including mechanism of action and therapeutic effects, as very few information is reported in the scientific literature. A tiny amount of data is presented, as the preliminary antimicrobial properties of the medicinal plants here accessed, under the urgent necessity of new antibiotics in the market and in face of the increased resistance of infectious microorganisms to antimicrobials.

Atividade alelopática de extratos de diferentes orgãos de Caesalpinia ferrea na germinação de alface

A alelopatia pode afetar muitos aspectos da ecologia das plantas, incluindo a ocorrência, crescimento, sucessão de plantas, estrutura das comunidades, dominância, diversidade e produtividade. Neste trabalho, o objetivo foi avaliar o potencial alelopático de diversos órgãos de jucá (Caesalpinea ferrea) sobre a germinação de sementes e desenvolvimento de plântulas de alface (Lactuca sativa). Foi usado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado no esquema fatorial 2x5, com dois métodos de extração (25 e 100°C) e cinco concentrações do extrato bruto (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%) para cada órgão avaliado: folhas, cascas e vagens maduras de C. ferrea, em quatro repetições de 25 sementes da alface 'Mônica SF FI'. As características avaliadas foram porcentagem de germinação (PG), índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), porcentagem de plântulas normais (PN) e anormais (PA), comprimentos da parte aérea (CPA) e da raiz (CR) de plântulas de alface. Os extratos de folhas e de vagens de C. ferrea obtidos a quente (100°C) reduziram a porcentagem de germinação de L. sativa em relação à testemunha (0%). Nas maiores concentrações dos extratos de todos os órgãos, houve alta PA (atrofiamento da raiz, queima e escurecimento da radícula, encurvamento do caulículo, geotropismo negativo) e menor CPA e CR, comparado à testemunha. Os extratos dos diferentes órgãos de C. ferrea apresentam atividade alelopática inibindo o desenvolvimento de plântulas de alface.

Phytotoxic evaluation of Phragmites australis: an investigation of aqueous extracts of different organs

Phragmites australis is one of the most widespread and invasive plants on earth. Allelopathic interference has been considered as a possible way associated with its invasiveness in wetlands. A series of ecologically realistic experiments was conducted to explore allelochemical phytotoxicity of Phragmites. Germination bioassays using aqueous extracts of different organs (leaf, stem, root and rhizome) of Phragmites were tested with model seeds (Lactuca sativa and Raphanus sativus) and associated plant species (Juncus pallidus and Rumex conglomeratus). These studies showed that leaf and rhizome extracts exhibited strong inhibition on germination, biometric and physiological parameters (all P ≤ 0.001). Dose–response studies confirmed LC50 (4.68% and 11.25%) of Lactuca for leaf and rhizome extracts respectively. Root growth of Juncus and Rumex was inhibited by 75% and 30%, respectively, in leaf leachate-incorporated soil. Chlorophyll content and maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) were significantly reduced with leaf and rhizome leachates. The stability and quantity of water-soluble phenolics in anaerobic versus aerobic condition may influence phytotoxic effects to other species. Phragmites organs can be ranked in order of allelopathic potentiality as follows: leaf &gt; rhizome &gt; root &gt; stem. The present study highlighted the potential impacts of allelochemicals on plant recruitment in wetlands invaded by Phragmites.

Toxicité et mode d'action des extraits de Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) sur Macrotermes bellicosus Rambur (Isoptera; Macrotermitinae)*

The pesticide characteristics of the total extracts of different organs of the papaya tree Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) were tested on the Macrotermes bellicosus termite species. The effect of these extracts, especially the alcoholic extract contained in the grains of the immature fruit and the hexane extracts contained in the pulp and the grains, are the most toxic. The three extracts have similar and the lowest LD50 (respectively 0,15 ± 0,0 mg/L, 0,16 ± 0,0 mg/L and 1,06 ± 0,0 mg/L). The use of the papaya tree in a traditional environment as a pesticide is greatly justified. The effectiveness of the extracts increases with the concentration of the extract, except in the most toxic grain alcohol extract and the pulp hexane extract, which are more effective in low concentrations. Concerning the mode of action of the papaya tree, contact and inhalation are the main factors of their effectiveness. They can also be transmitted in the colony during social tasks. They do not, however, act when ingested and they are appetite-inhibiting for termites.