Lafoensia Pacari Research Articles

Influence of Lafoensia pacari (Lythraceae) against the neuromuscular blockade-induced by bothropstoxin-I

The Lafoensia pacari A.St.-Hil. (Lythraceae) species, popularly known as “pacari”, is native to the Cerrado and has numerous medicinal properties. On the other hand, snakebites caused by Bothrops jararacussu cause symptoms such as inflammation, oedema, necrosis in the bite region with extensive local tissue damage, haemorrhages, in vitro neurotoxic and myotoxic effects – caused by bothropstoxin-I (BthTX-I), the myotoxin which corresponds to 15% of the total snake venom. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Lafoensia pacari extract on the neuroblocking effect of BthTX-I. The study was approved by the Animal Use Ethics Committee according to Protocol 159/2019. Pharmacological assays (preincubation and post-myotoxin models) were performed on mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations (ex vivo), using conventional myographic technique. The results were statistically analyzed by comparing the neutralizing capacity of pacari extract (40 µg/mL) against the neuromuscular blockade induced by BthTX-I (40 µg/mL), as well as the controls Tyrode and pacari extract and BthTX-I only. The venom alone caused a blockade of around 80% ± 8. The extract, which does not change the basal response of the neuromuscular preparation, protected against the blockade induced by myotoxin in a preincubation model (102% ± 2 of functioning fibres) and, partially, in a post-myotoxin model (60% ± 8 of functioning fibres). It is concluded that the plant extract has high antivenom potential and the participation of tannins, in addition to other constituents, in eliminating the toxic effect of neuromuscular blockade induced by BthTX-I is suggested.

Lafoensia pacari alleviates intestinal damage by modulating cyclooxygenase-2: In silico and in vivo evaluation in a colitis model.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a worldwide health problem and mainly affect young people, consequently affecting the workforce. Available treatments are often associated with side effects, and new therapeutic options are needed. For centuries, plants have represented important substrates in the field of drug development. Lafoensia pacari (L. pacari) is a plant whose pharmaceutical potential has been described, and may have biological activity relevant to the treatment of IBD symptoms. To investigate the activity of keto-alcoholic extracts of L. pacari with respect to ameliorating the inflammatory and nociceptive symptoms of acute experimental colitis in mice. Keto-alcoholic extracts of L. pacari leaves and bark were administered to male and female Swiss mice weighing 25 g to 30 g (n = 8 male mice and n = 8 female mice). The effect of these extracts was observed in an acetic acid-induced acute experimental model of colitis with regard to antinociception/analgesia and inflammatory tissue damage. Recorded macroscopic indices included the Wallace score and the colon weight obtained using a precision scale. Mechanical hyperalgesia was determined using an electronic analgesimeter. Behavior related to overt pain was determined by quantifying the number of writhing instances within 20 min of administration of acetic acid. Molecular docking was performed using human and murine cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) with 3 flavonoids (ellagic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin) on the AutoDock Vina software. Analysis of variance followed by Tukey's posttest was used with P < 0.05 indicating significance. In this murine model of colitis, administration of extracts from L. pacari ameliorated acetic acid-induced writhing and colitis-associated inflammatory pain. These improvements may be attributable to the reduction in edema, inflammation (e.g., ulcers, hyperemia, and bowel wall damage), and the intensity of abdominal hyperalgesia. The keto-alcoholic extracts of L. pacari leaves and bark administered at a dose of either 100 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of writhing events when compared to the negative control (P < 0.05). Additionally, extracts of L. pacari bark also performed better than Dipyrone. Leaf extracts administered at 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg and bark extracts administered at 30 mg/kg significantly reduced or prevented the development of edema in the colon of treated mice, while mesalazine did not. Moreover, using molecular docking, we observed that the flavonoids present in L. pacari extracts bind to COX-2, an event not unique to ellagic acid. The results of this study demonstrate a potential novel application of L. pacari extracts for the reduction of inflammation and promotion of antinociception/analgesia as demonstrated by our findings in a murine model of colitis. These findings were also corroborated by in silico analyses, and suggest that L. pacari extracts may be a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of IBD.

Pharmacological Activities of Punicalagin: A Review

Traditional medicine was becoming more popular as a component of complementary and alternative medicine around the world. The ability to provide information on the pharmacological effects of plants requires a thorough understanding of the chemical components found in plants. One of the chemical compounds reported having pharmacological activity was punicalagin. Punicalagin was a polyphenol compound found in Punica granatum, Lafoensia pacari, and genus Terminalia. This review provides information on the pharmacological activities of punicalagin. The bibliographic databases used as the sources of information were PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The pharmacological activities of punicalagin have been reported as anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antivirus, neuroprotective, antiinflammation, gastroprotective, pre-eclampsia, antidiabetic, and anti hyperlipidemia.&#x0D; Keywords: Punicalagin, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antivirus.

Atividade antimicrobiana de extrato fenólico de Lafoensia pacari contra ftopatógenos de feijoeiro

ABSTRACT Lafoensia pacari represents an alternative to control phytopathogens and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) diseases. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of L. pacari phenolics-containing extract obtained from leaves and assess its in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli, Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. fuscans, Xanthomonas sp., Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina. The microbial susceptibility screening and the extract’s potential to reduce the anthracnose severity and the common bacterial blight were examined. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified, eight of which were described for the first time in L. pacari leaves: gentisic, caffeic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic and vanillic acids, luteolin, naringenin and quercetin. The L. pacari extract completely inhibited bacterial growth at the concentration of 0.62-1.25 %, as well as the mycelial growth of the C. lindemuthianum (BRM 007626) isolate at the concentration of 5 % (v/v). Under greenhouse conditions, the extract led to the control of the common bacterial blight caused by X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli (BRM 25302) in the Pérola bean cultivar and to a low efficiency in the control of anthracnose caused by C. lindemuthianum (BRM 007447) in the IPA 7419 cultivar.

Molecular docking studies and evaluation of the antiretroviral activity and cytotoxicity of the species Lafoensia pacari Saint-Hilaire.

Interest in antiviral plant species has grown exponentially and some have been reported to have anti-HIV properties. This research aims to perform the bio-guided phytochemical fractionation by antiretroviral activity of Lafoensia pacari stem barks. This in vitro experimental study involved the preparation of plant material, obtention of ethanolic extract, fractionation, purification, identification and quantification of fractions, acid-base extraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, HIV-1 RT inhibition test and molecular docking studies. From the bio-guided fractionation by the antiretroviral activity there was a higher activity in the acetanolic subfractions, highlighting the acetate subfraction - neutrals with 60.98% of RT inhibition and ellagic acid with 88.61% of RT inhibition and absence of cytotoxicity. The macrophage lineage cytotoxicity assay showed that the chloroform fraction was more toxic than the acetate fraction. The analysis of the J-resolved spectrum in the aromatic region showed a singlet at 7.48 and 6.93 ppm which was identified as ellagic acid and gallic acid, respectively. The 5TIQ enzyme obtained better affinity parameter with the ellagic acid ligand, which was confirmed by the HSQC-1H-13C spectra. Gallic acid was also favorable to form interaction with the 5TIQ enzyme, being confirmed through the HSQC-1H-13C spectrum. From the PreADMET evaluation it was found that ellagic acid is a promising molecule for its RT inhibition activity and pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters.

Ethnopharmacology of the angiosperms of Chapada of Araripe located in Northeast of Brazil

The Chapada of Araripe located in the Northeast of Brazil, presents a great vegetal diversity. Associated with this, the region presents a great cultural plurality, which reflects in several popular knowledge, such as the use of medicinal plants in the region. The objective of this work was to carry out an ethnopharmacological bibliographic survey of angiosperms present in the region. The scientific name of species was associated with the keywords "traditional use", "traditional medicine" "traditional knowledge" and "Brazil" to collect information published and available on Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo and Scopus Platform. Subsequently, the species with the greatest versatility of use were selected and their relative importance (RI) indexes were calculated. As a result, 92 species with medicinal potential were identified in the Chapada of Araripe, corresponding to 81 genera and 44 botanical families, with Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae and Rubiaceae being the taxa that presented the highest number of species with 16, 6, 5 and 5 respectively. The 10 most versatile species were Anacardium occidentale (RI: 1.38), Astronium urundeuva (1.86), Copaifera langsdorffii (2.00), Hancornia speciosa (1.81), Himatanthus drasticus (1.62), Hymenaea stigonocarpa (1.89), Lafoensia pacari (1.83), Libidibia ferrea (1.43), Scoparia dulcis (1.71) and Ximenia americana L. (1.46). Finally, we emphasize that Chapada of Araripe is a region of great biological and cultural value, being important actions for the preservation of local flora and traditional knowledge.

Azospirillum brasilense INOCULATION ON SEED GERMINATION AND INITIAL GROWTH OF SEEDLINGS OF NATIVE FOREST SPECIES

Inoculation of rhizobacteria in seeds and plants has been documented as a stimulant and promoter of germination and growth of agricultural crops, but there is little information on native forest species. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the potential of Azospirillum brasilense inoculation in the germination of seeds and initial growth of seedlings of native forest species. The following experiments were carried out: (I) germination of seeds in germination chamber, and (II) initial growth of seedlings in nursery, both with four forest species (Cassia leptophylla, Lafoensia pacari, Mimosa flocculosa and Schinus terebinthifolius). For the four species, in both experiments, two treatments were used: inoculation of seeds with concentrated solution of A. brasilense and no inoculation of seeds (control). Physiological aspects of seed germination and seedling vigor were evaluated in the first experiment (germination speed, and length and dry weight of seedlings), and seedling growth was evaluated in the second experiment (height, collar diameter and dry weight of seedlings). Inoculation of A. brasilense in seeds of C. leptophylla, L. pacari, M. flocculosa and S. terebinthifolius did not promote beneficial or promising results for seed germination and initial growth of seedlings, so its use to produce seedlings of these species is not recommended.

Hepatotoxic Effect of Lafoensia pacari A. St. Hil. (Lythraceae) on a Diet-Induced Obese Mice Model.

Brazilian flora is rich in plants with medicinal properties, which though popular, has contributed to the development of a range of phytotherapic products that use plants to treat and cure diseases. However, studies that use Brazilian plants in the treatment of metabolic disorders are still scarce in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of hepatotoxicity Lafoensia pacari on the metabolism of mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet and to verify the phytochemical difference between the Lafoensia pacari bark of the trunk, leaves, and branches. The plant material was collected from April to May in the municipality of Bonito de Minas, MG, Brazil. Qualitative tests for the presence of secondary metabolite classes were performed for leaves, branches and bark of the trunk. Through histological analysis, we evaluated hepatocytes and cell lesions in the liver. The comparative phytochemical analysis of the plant did not reveal alterations between the different plant parts. The phytochemical test showed that is preferable to use the leaves to make the extract to be applied, aiming to reduce the plant aggression. After treatment, greater changes were observed in the animals that received the high-fat diet and the hydroethanolic extract; the levels of AST, ALT, albumin and creatinine that were increased, thus demonstrating a possible toxicity. There were no significant differences in body weight. In the histological analysis, the animals without plant treatment displayed decreased liver weight and reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate. We conclude that Lafoensia pacari should be better evaluated for oral consumption and may cause liver damage.

Enhanced Skin Permeation of Punicalagin after Topical Application of Pluronic Micelles or Vesicles Loaded with Lafoensia pacari Extract.

Punicalagin, the principal ellagitannin of Lafoensia pacari leaves, has proven antioxidant activity, and standardized extracts of L.pacari can be topically used for skin aging management. We hypothesized that Pluronic nanomicelles or vesicles could solubilize sufficiently large amounts of the standardized extracts of L.pacari and provide chemical stability to punicalagin. The standardized extracts of L.pacari were obtained with an optimized extraction procedure, and the antioxidant activity was characterized. Formulations containing Pluronic at 25% and 35% were obtained with or without Span 80. They were characterized by average diameter, polydispersity index, punicalagin content, physicochemical stability, and rheology. A release and skin permeation study was carried out in vertical diffusion cells. The extraction procedure allowed quantifying high punicalagin content (i.e., 141.61 ± 3.87 mg/g). The standardized extracts of L.pacari showed antioxidant activity for all evaluated methods. Pluronic at 25 and Pluronic at 35 with standardized extracts of L.pacari showed an average diameter of about 25 nm. The addition of Span 80 significantly increased the mean diameter by 15-fold (p < 0.05), indicating the spontaneous formation of vesicles. Pluronic formulations significantly protected punicalagin from chemical degradation (p < 0.05). Pluronic at 25 formulations presented as free-flowing liquid-like systems, while Pluronic at 35 resulted in an increase of about 44-fold in |ƞ*|. The addition of Span 80 significantly reduced the Pluronic sol-gel transition temperature (p < 0.05), indicating the formation of vesicles. Formulations with Span 80 significantly enhanced punicalagin skin permeation compared to formulations without Span 80 (p < 0.05). Formulations with Span 80 were demonstrated to be the most promising formulations, as they allowed significant permeation of punicalagin (about 80 to 315 µg/cm2), which has been shown to have antioxidant activity.

Effects of plant extracts from Stryphnodendron adstringens (mart.) coville, Lafoensia pacari a. st.-hil, copaifera spp., and Pterodon emarginatus Vogel on in vitro rumen fermentation.

The effects of doses CTL (0mg), 30, 300 and 3000mg/L of extracts from Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (SA), Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil (LP), Copaifera spp. (CO) and Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (PE) on ruminal fermentation were investigated in eight experiments conducted in randomized complete block designs. The in vitro system contained four fermentation vessels. Each treatment was allocated in one vessel in each run. Incubation was run four and five times with diets 50:50 and 10:90 (roughage to concentrate ratio) respectively. Incubation vessel was the experimental unit, and each incubation run was a block. All plant extracts negatively affected DM degradation at 3000mg/L. In diet 50:50, SA-3000 increased the molar proportion of propionate (p<0.05), yet it decreased the concentration of fermentation products (p<0.05); LP-300 reduced ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N; 98 vs. 120mg/dl for LP-300 and average of CTL and LP-30, respectively) and isobutyrate (p<0.05); CO-300 reduced (p<0.05) NH3 -N (98 vs. 123mg/dl for CO-300 and average of CTL and CO-30, respectively); and P. emarginatus had no positive effects on rumen fermentation (p>0.05). In diet 10:90, SA-300 reduced (p<0.001) NH3 -N and total volatile fatty acids (VFA); LP-30 increased (p<0.05) total VFA (85 vs. 63mM for LP-30 and CTL, respectively), molar proportions of acetate and propionate, and had lower C2 :C3 than CTL (3.6 vs. 4.3, respectively); CO-300 decreased acetate and increased propionate, reducing C2 :C3 (p<0.001; 2.8 vs. 3.6 for CO-300 and average of other doses, respectively); PE-30 and PE-300 reduced NH3 -N by 14% and increased total VFA by 29% compared with CTL (p<0.05). Further in vivo investigations may consider L. pacari (LP-30), Copaifera spp. (CO-300) oleoresin and P. emarginatus oleoresin (PE-30 and PE-300) in diets with high inclusion of concentrate.

Lauriomyces acerosus: a new record for the Americas

The genus Lauriomyces is characterized by solitary or synnematous pigmented conidiophores containing acropetal chains of unicellular and hyaline conidia formed in an adherent head. The aim of the present study was to report a new record of Lauriomyces acerosus growing on the litter of Lafoensia pacari in southern Bahia, Brazil. The collections were carried out from October 2018 to July 2019. Twenty fallen leaves were collected in different stages of decomposition. The leaf samples were carefully washed in running water and incubated in humid chambers. The structures of the fungus were assembled in PVLG resin and observed under a light microscope. The identification was carried out by specific bibliographies. And based on morphology, it was possible to identify the fungus as L. acerosus, a new report of this species for the American continents&#x0D;

Punicalagin triggers ergosterol biosynthesis disruption and cell cycle arrest in Cryptococcus gattii and Candida albicans : Action mechanisms of punicalagin against yeasts.

Punicalagin is a phenolic compound extracted from Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil (Lythraceae) leaves. It has demonstrated interesting activity against pathogenic fungi, e.g., Cryptococcus gattii and Candida albicans, by inhibiting fungi growth in a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 4μg/mL. However, the mechanisms behind its antifungal action are not well understood. In this study, certain parameters were investigated, by transmission electron microscopy, ergosterol synthesis inhibition, and flow cytometry analyses, to gain insight into the possible biological targets of punicalagin (4 or 16μg/mL) against yeast cells. Data showed that, in contrast to untreated cells, punicalagin triggered severe ultrastructural changes in C. gattii and C. albicans, such as disorganization of cytoplasmic content and/or thickened cell walls. In addition, it caused a decrease in yeast plasma membrane ergosterol content in a concentration-dependent manner. However, it was unable to bring about significant fungal cell membrane rupture. On the other hand, punicalagin (16μg/mL) significantly arrested C. albicans and C. gattii cells at the G0/G1 phase, with a consequent reduction in cells at the G2/M phase in both fungi isolates, and thereby prevented progression of the normal yeast cell cycle. However, these alterations showed no involvement of reactive oxygen species overproduction in C. albicans and C. gattii cells, although punicalagin triggered a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in C. albicans. These findings suggest that punicalagin is a promising plant-derived compound for use in developing new antifungal therapies.

Gastroprotective activity of punicalagin and Lafoensia pacari in mice

Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil., Lythraceae, is used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat ulcer and gastritis; thus, it is important to conduct research so as to better understand its medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to assess the antisecretory and antiulcerogenic activities of lyophilized aqueous fraction and punicalagin isolated from leaves of L. pacari. Antisecretory gastric acid activity and antiulcerogenic activity were investigated by pyloric ligation-induced and indomethacin-induced gastric lesion models, respectively. Results show that the lyophilized aqueous fraction of L. pacari and punicalagin reduced the volume of gastric secretion, free acidity, and total acidity in mice 4 h after pyloric ligation, as well as the rate of gastric damage following the indomethacin administration model. Reduction percentages varied according to the dose of each treatment and showed statistical difference. This finding indicates that the lyophilized aqueous fraction of L. pacari and punicalagin exert an antiulcerogenic effect due to their acid antisecretory activity.

Endophytic fungi isolated from Brazilian medicinal plants as potential producers of antioxidants and their relations with anti-inflammatoryactivity.

In this study, 19 endophytic fungi were isolated from Lafoensia pacari, Guazuma ulmifolia, Campomanesia xanthocarpa and Siparuna guianensis. Seventeen strains were molecularly identified as belonging to the genera Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, Bjerkandera, Talaromyces, Cochliobolus, Phaeophlebiopsis, Curvularia, and Xylaraceae. Assays for detecting antioxidant activity were performed by free radical scavenging activity using the DDPH and ABTS + methods. Based on the results with DPPH, two strains were selected to evaluate the presence of flavonoids and anti-inflammatory activity. A strong positive correlation was found between these activities and the presence of flavonoids. The anti-inflammatory activity of endophytic fungi is under explored; however, the Talaromyces obtained the best result of 87.33% protection of erythrocytes and Colletotrichium of 60.71%. This study demonstrated that endophytic fungi associated with selected plants are potential sources of novel antioxidant products.

Cytotoxicity and Uptake of Lafoensia pacari Extract in Mammary Carcinoma Cells

Cancer is among the top five causes of death worldwide and is considered a public health problem. Therefore, this study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of different extracts of Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil., Lythraceae, stem bark on tumor cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) to determine the most selective combination of solvent extracts and to assess uptake of components of these extracts into tumor and non-tumor (McCoy) cells. Extracts were produced using different solvents (water, methanol, acetone, and ethanol) in their pure forms or in mixtures. Chromatographic profiles to monitor cell uptake were obtained using LC-DAD-MS. The extracts were subjected to cytotoxicity and clonogenic assays and to chemometric studies to determine the main bioactive components. MDA-MB-231 cells were more sensitive than MCF-7 to L. pacari extracts. The selected extracts demonstrated anticlonogenic effects in both tumor lines at concentrations of 2 μg/ml and higher. The cytotoxic potential of the extracts was not attributed exclusively to ellagic acid, but to the mixture of compounds present. MDA-MB-231 captured and metabolized components of L. pacari extracts. This effect was not observed in normal cells. Methanol:ethanol resulted in L. pacari extracts with the greatest cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells. Future studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms of action and internalization characteristics of these extract components.

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-induced pro-inflammatory responses mediated via STAT3 and NF-kappaB signaling pathways in human bronchial epithelial cells – Inhibitory effects of Lafoensia pacari and ellagic acid

The house dust mite allergen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) is a major driver of allergic asthma. Studies from our group demonstrated anti-eosinophilic effects of ethanolic extract of Lafoensia pacari stem bark (and ellagic acid, isolated from L. pacari extract), used as traditional medicine in Brazil to naturally treat inflammatory conditions. Here, we extended these results through performing phytochemical analysis of the constituents of L. pacari using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of both L. pacari and ellagic acid in the human BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cell line stimulated with Der p. Ellagic acid (major constituent), gallic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid, but not flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin), were found in the L. pacari. Pro-inflammatory mediators, IL-6, IL-8 and CCL-2 production were increased in BEAS-2B stimulated with Der p (10 μg/mL, 24 h) compared to control. L. pacari (250 μg/mL) and ellagic acid (100 μM) significantly reduced the concentration of these mediators. L. pacari increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. These results were associated with the downregulation of NF-κB and STAT3 pathways. These findings indicate a novel anti-inflammatory action for L. pacari and ellagic acid in the airways allergic inflammatory response.

Investigation of wound healing activity of Lafoensia pacari (Lythraceae) leaves extract cultivated in Goiás state, Brazil

Abstract Lafoensia pacari has been used in traditional folk medicine in Brazilian Cerrado to treat wounds. It is important to develop studies that can clarify how the biological activity of L. pacari occurs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing activity of L. pacari leaves extract in an animal model. The extract was prepared from plants cultivated in Goiania-GO, Brazil. The healing activity was assayed using cutaneous wound model in rats, and macroscopic, morphometric and histological analysis of wounds were also conducted. The presence of hydrolysable tannins was detected in thin layer chromatography and in high performance liquid chromatography analysis, may be suggested the presence of ellagitannins. In the evaluation of cutaneous wounds in rats it was possible to observe that the treatment with 10% (w/v) L. pacari extract provided a reduction in the time of cutaneous wound healing, with a significant increase in variables involved in healing, such as the number of blood vessels and collagen production. Therefore, this study shows that L. pacari wound healing potential may be related to the presence of ellagitannins and corroborates to ethnopharmacological reports regarding this plant.

Hyptis brevipes AND Paullinia pinnata EXTRACTS AND THEIR FRACTIONS PRESENTING ACTIVITY AGAINST Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense

Medicinal plants are of great interest for the discovery of new biomolecules with diversified effects. Over the last decade different outbreaks caused by Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense have been reported, evidencing it as an important emerging pathogen in underdeveloped countries. This study investigated the antimycobacterial activity of six Brazilian medicinal plant extracts and their fractions. Hyptis brevipes, Tocoyena formosa, Randia armata, Paullinia pinnata, Lafoensia pacari and Anadenanthera colubrina were evaluated against M. a. massiliense. Total extracts from the medicinal plants H. brevipes, T. formosa, P. pinnata and L. pacari presented a minimal bactericidal concentration of 1 mg/mL. After fractioning, the ethanolic fractions from H. brevipes and P. pinnata presented bactericidal activity, and the ethyl acetate fraction from H. brevipes and T. formosa presented antimycobacterial action. The best bactericidal function of all plant fractions was the ethanolic, which contained rutin and rosmarinic acid that were shown to have microbicidal activity.&#x0D; KEY WORDS: Mycobacterium abscessus; medicinal plants; Brazilian medicinal plants; HPLCand biodiversity.

Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration improves water use efficiency and growth of a widespread Cerrado tree species even under soil water deficit

Changes in atmospheric CO2 levels are accompanied by ecological interactions involving other environmental factors, such as drought, which can severely alter the water balance of plants, thereby influencing sap flow, gas exchange, and plant growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the water use economy, leaf gas exchange, and growth of young plants of the species Lafoensia pacari subjected to high concentrations of atmospheric CO2 ([CO2]) and soil water deficit. Increased vapor pressure deficit was observed from 1200 to 1800 hours. Plants under elevated [CO2] exhibited increased leaf photosynthesis, resulting in improved growth. Specific leaf area was lower in plants under high [CO2], mainly after soil water deficit treatment. Daily irrigated plants growing under ambient [CO2] had higher stem sap flow velocity (cm h-1) and hourly sap flow (kg h-1), mainly during the hottest hours of the day, than plants under high [CO2]. Improved water use by plants growing under high [CO2] may result in increased availability of water in the soil, partially offsetting future drought events and extending the growth period.

Antineoplastic Effect of Procyanidin-rich Extract of Lafoensia Pacari in Lung Carcinoma Cells

Abstract Lafoensia pacari A. St. Hill has been used in traditional medicine as an anti-ulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory. Although there is an ethnopharmacological indication for cancer treatment, only a few studies have demonstrated its possible anticancer activity. Thus, the aims of this study were: (1) to evaluate the antineoplastic effect of L. pacari ethanolic extract (LPE) in lung carcinoma cells, (2) to determine the mode of action of LPE and (3) to identify the substances present in LPE. Human and murine lung cancer cell lines were grown in vitro and treated with different concentrations of LPE. Cell cycle and caspase-3 activity assays were performed in order to verify the mode of action. LC-ESI-MS screening was performed to detect the compounds present in LPE. LPE showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, where neoplastic cells were more sensitive than non-neoplastic. The LPE induced sub-G1 cell cycle arrest in cancer cells suggesting cell death, which was confirmed as apoptosis by the activation of caspase-3. The LC-ESI-MS analysis indicated a high level of procyanidins, which could be responsible for the antineoplastic effect of LPE. Thus, we concluded that a Lafoensia pacari extract, rich in procyanidins, is cytotoxic against lung cancer cells through activation of caspase-3-dependent apoptosis.