Lippia Gracilis Research Articles

Taxonomic Revision of Lippia in Paraguay

Lippia L. is the largest genus in Verbenaceae, with ca. 140 species distributed mainly in temperate and tropical South America and the Caribbean, and some lineages in Africa and Asia. A complete taxonomic revision of Lippia in Paraguay is here provided, based on the study of almost 700 herbarium specimens. As a result, 27 taxa, 25 species (two endemic), and two varieties are here recognized. A key for species identification is provided, plus detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, photographs, updated synonymy with eight new synonyms, discussion about the relationships among closely related taxa, notes on geographic distribution and ecology, distribution maps, and a list of selected specimens analyzed. Fifteen lectotypes are designated for Lantana aristata Schauer var. brachypoda Briq., Lantana aristata (Schauer) Briq. var. latiuscula Briq., Lippia aristata Schauer f. pluripedunculata Kuntze, Lippia balansae Briq., Lippia calliclada Briq., Lippia citrata Cham., Lippia globiflora (L’Hér.) Kuntze f. lilacina Kuntze, Lippia gracilis Schauer, Lippia heterophylla Briq. var. ciliatifolia Briq., Lippia lasiocalycina Cham., Lippia recolletae Morong, Lippia tegulifera Briq. var. parvifolia Briq., Lippia turnerifolia Cham. var. camporum Griseb., Lippia villafloridana Kuntze, and Verbena globiflora L’Hér. Four second-step lectotypes are designated for Lippia lupulina Cham., Lippia morongii Kuntze, Lippia obscura Briq., and Lippia phryxocalyx Briq.

Synthetic Carvacrol Derivatives for the Management of Solenopsis Ants: Toxicity, Sublethal Effects, and Horizontal Transfer

Ants belonging to the genus Solenopsis are highly significant invasive pests worldwide. The control of these insects has historically relied on the use of synthetic insecticides, which, unfortunately, has led to a range of ecological repercussions. In light of these challenges and the limited availability of registered products for managing these pests, our study set out to synthesize and assess the insecticidal properties of carvacrol derivatives. The lethal and sublethal effects caused by these derivatives were compared to the essential oil of Lippia gracilis (50.7% carvacrol) and to the base molecule—carvacrol. Carvacryl benzoate was the most toxic derivative to Solenopsis sp., with an LD50 of 3.20 μg/ mg. This compound was about 2 and 7.6 times more toxic than carvacrol at the doses needed to kill 50 and 90% of populations, respectively. The workers of Solenopsis sp. showed a rapid reduction in survival when exposed to carvacrol (LT50 = 8.43 h) and carvacryl benzoate (LT50 = 8.87 h). Insects treated with sublethal doses of the compounds did not show significant effects on self-cleaning, allogrooming and aggregation, with the exception of those treated with L. gracilis essential oil. The oil increased self-cleaning and reduced allogrooming and aggregation. Ants treated with carvacrol and carvacryl benzoate travelled greater distances and had higher movement speeds when compared to the control. These compounds exhibited decreased meanders and angular velocities. When live workers were exposed to dead individuals at the LD90 of the compounds, carvacryl benzoate was the derivative that most reduced survival due to horizontal transfer. These findings underscore the considerable potential of carvacrol derivatives, specifically carvacryl benzoate, as an alternative approach to managing ants of the Solenopsis genus.

Impact of Colored Shade Nets on Biomass Production, Essential Oil Composition and Orientin and Isoorientin Content in Lippia gracilis Schauer.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ChromatiNet on vegetative growth, total antioxidant capacity, phenolic and essential oils (EOs) composition of Lippia gracilis. The plants were cultivated under full sunlight, black, blue and red ChromatiNet. The flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were quantified spectrophotometrically. The C-glycosylflavone isomers (orientin and isoorientin) were isolated and identified by conventional spectroscopic techniques and measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection. The EO was analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Environment influenced growth, total antioxidant capacity and phytochemical levels. Shoot dry weight, thymol, carvacrol and (E)-caryophyllene were favoured under red and black ChromatiNet. Root growth, EOs, caryophyllene oxide, p-cymene, flavonoids, orientin and isoorientin were favoured in sunlight. Growth and accumulation of EOs, flavonoids and photosynthetic pigments increased under blue ChromatiNet. Therefore, Lippia gracilis plants have plasticity related to the spectral quality of light and it cultivate depends of the phytochemicals of interest.

Antibacterial Activity and Anxiolytic Effect in Adult Zebrafish of Genus Lippia L. Species.

Species belonging to the genus Lippia are used worldwide as foods, beverages, and seasonings. Studies have demonstrated that these species have antioxidant, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. This work aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and anxiolytic effect by different pathways of essential oils and ethanolic extracts of three species of Lippia (Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, and Lippia gracilis). The ethanolic extracts were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and their phenolics were quantified. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration and modulation of antibiotic activity, and toxic and anxiolytic effects were evaluated in the zebrafish model. The extracts showed compositions with a low ratio and shared compounds. L. alba and L. gracilis showed higher amounts of phenols and flavonoids, respectively. All extracts and essential oils presented antibacterial activity, especially those obtained from L. sidoides. On the other hand, L. alba extract presented the most significant antibiotic-enhancing effect. The samples were not toxic after 96 h of exposure, but showed an anxiolytic effect through modulation of the GABAA receptor, while L. alba extract acted via modulation of the 5-HT receptor. This new pharmacological evidence opens horizons for therapeutic approaches targeting anxiolytic and antibacterial therapies and food conservation using these species and their constituents.

Acute toxicity of essential oils of Aloysia triphylla (L'Hér.) Britton, Lippia gracilis Schauer, and Piper aduncum L. in Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818).

The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of the essential oils (EOs) of Aloysia triphylla, Lippia gracilis and Piper aduncum in juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), and evaluate the possible histopathological alterations in their gills. For the acute toxicity tests, juvenile tambaqui (n=24/treatment) were distributed in six treatments with three replicates, which comprised the control and five EO concentrations of A. triphylla (60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 mg L-1), L. gracilis (35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 mg L-1) and P. aduncum (42.5, 45, 47.5, 50 and 52.5 mg L-1), with an exposure period of 4 h. The mortality rate and severity of damage to the tambaqui gills were proportional to the increase in the concentration of the EO, with LC50-4 h values estimated at 109.57 mg L -1 for A. triphylla, 41.63 mg L -1 for L. gracilis and 48.17 mg L -1 for P. aduncum. The main morphological damages observed in the gills of the tambaqui exposed to the three EOs, were Grade I: hypertrophy and hyperplasia of lamellar epithelial cells, lamellar fusion, epithelial detachment, capillary dilation and constriction, proliferation of chloride cells and mucosal cells and edema; in low frequency Grade II damage as epithelial rupture and lamellar aneurysm. Necrosis (Grade III damage) was observed only in gill lamellae exposed to P. aduncum EO (47.5, 50.0 and 52.5 mg L-1). Concentrations of EOs below LC50-4 h can be used sparingly, for short periods of exposure for the treatment of diseases in tambaqui breeding.

Efficacy of the essential oils of Aloysia triphylla, Lippia gracilis and Piper aduncum in the control of Piscinoodinium pillulare (Shaperclaus, 1954) in Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818)

The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of essential oils (EO) of Aloysia triphylla, Lippia gracilis and Piper aduncum in the control of P. pillulare in juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), as well as the safety of treatment through the analysis of hematological, biochemical and enzymatic values, after application of therapeutic baths. Seven treatments were evaluated, with three repetitions: control, EO of A. triphylla (40 and 50 mg L−1), EO of L. gracilis (20 and 30 mg L−1) and EO of P. aduncum (10 and 20 mg L−1). The fish were exposed to three 15-min baths with the EOs, every 24 h. To assess the physiological state of the fish, hematocrit, number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, glucose, and total proteins were determined, as well as the activity of the enzymes aspartate aminostransferase (AST), alanine aminostransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The efficacy of the EOs in the control of P. pillulare ranged from 63.8 to 83.8%, with the highest values obtained with the use of EO of P. aduncum. Regarding the hematological and biochemical parameters, no significant differences were observed between treatments with the EOs, although the P. pillulare infection promoted a reduction in hematocrit and hemoglobin values, as well as an increase in plasma glucose and total proteins. There was a significant reduction in ALT values with P. aduncum and A. triphylla EOs compared to L. gracilis EO treatments, but they did not compromise the liver function of fish. Therefore, the use of EOs of A. triphylla, L. gracilis and P. aduncum is clinically safe for the treatment of tambaqui infested by P. pillulare, and the EO of P. aduncum, at a concentration of 20 mg L−1, had the highest efficacy (83.8%) among the oils tested here.

Prospecting of essential oils in combination with florfenicol against motile Aeromonas isolated from tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum).

Natural products with antimicrobial activity and their association with synthetic antimicrobials are a sustainable option in fish farming. The objective of this study was to determine antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm potential and synergism of five essential oils (EOs) with florfenicol against motile Aeromonas isolated from Amazonian Colossoma macropomum. As their major constituent, the EOs of the species of Aloysia triphylla, Croton cajucara (red and white morphotype), Cymbopongo citratus and Lippia gracilis present β-pinene (22.1%), germacrene D (11.5%), linalool (23%), geranial (45.7%) and carvacrol (42.2%), respectively. The EOs of L. gracilis and C. citratus showed the best antimicrobial activities against the Aeromonas strains (5mgmL-1). All EOs interfered with biofilm formation and consolidated biofilm. The EOs of A. triphylla, C. citratus and L. gracilis showed a synergistic effect with florfenicol, reducing the amount of the chemical into the water systems while treatment.

Essential oils of Lippia gracilis and Lippia sidoides chemotypes and their major compounds carvacrol and thymol: nanoemulsions and antifungal activity against Lasiodiplodia theobromae

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antifungal activity of essential oils (EOs) of Lippia gracilis and Lippia sidoides accessions, their major compounds and nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions with 18% of EO or major compound were produced by spontaneous emulsification method. The EO of two L. gracilis accessions (LGRA-106 and LGRA-109) and two L. sidoides accessions (LSID-102 and LSID-104) were extracted by hydrodistillation and the major compounds thymol and carvacrol were purchased commercially. Antifungal activity was tested against Lasiodiplodia theobromae by calculating the percentage of inhibition of mycelial growth caused by different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mL.L-1), in relation to the control. The EOs and their respective nanoemulsions presented as major compounds thymol (LGRA-106: 61.84% and Nano-106: 63.43%; LSID-102: 64.07% and Nano-102: 83.03%) or carvacrol (LGRA-109: 54.56% and Nano-109: 45.63%; LSID-104: 69.06% and Nano-104: 38.66%). Nano-104 presented 35.91% of an unidentified compound. The fungicidal activity of the EOs was similar to that of the major compounds, with a minimum fungicidal concentration of 1.0 mL.L-1 for LGRA-106, LSID-102 as well as for thymol, and 0.5 mL.L-1 for LGRA-109, LSID-104 as well as for carvacrol. The nanoemulsions were only able to reduce the mycelial growth of the fungus except for Nano-104 that exhibited fungicidal activity at the concentration of 10 ml.L-1. It was possible to observe that the EOs exhibited greater toxicity against L. theobromae than the nanoemulsions. These results can help in the development of products for the control of this important phytopathogen.

Ovicidal effect of essential oils of Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides and Lippia gracilis on the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae (Eoacanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae).

Acanthocephalosis in tambaqui Colossoma macropomum culture is a limiting factor for the production of the species, being the most recurrent, which makes it necessary to develop strategies to control parasitosis even in the early stages of parasite development. This study aimed to elucidate the morphological characteristics of eggs of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae and the ovicidal effect of the essential oils of Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, and Lippia gracilis. The parasites were collected from hosts naturally infected with N.buttnerae, and the eggs obtained from the female 'parasites' abdominal cavity were added to 12-well plates containing the essential oils at different dilutions. After the eggs (N=300) were separated and measured (length and width) with the aid of an optical microscope coupled to a digital program, the viability of the treated eggs was monitored 24h after treatments, L.gracilis essential oil was 100% effective at the highest concentration, whereas L.sidoides essential oil showed over 50% efficacy at 2mg/ml, reaching 100% efficacy at all higher concentrations. Lippia. alba essential oil did not show satisfactory efficacy in preventing N.buttnerae egg hatching.

Control of diamondback moth with Lippia gracilis essential oil

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of the essential oils of the LGRA-106 and LGR A-108 Lip pia g racili s genot y pes for the control of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). The lethal concentrations (LCs) were estimated by two routes of action (residual and spraying), using oil concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3.0% v v−1, diluted in Tween 80 (1.5%). To determine the effect of the LC to 50% (LC50) on the development of P. xylostella, two compounds of the L. gracilis genotypes, thymol, and carvacrol, were sprayed on the insects. The repellency of the LC50 was evaluated by residual action, in a free-choice behavioral bioassay. The LGRA-106 genotype showed a greater toxicity via residual action (LC50 = 8.82 mg mL−1), as well as a higher repellency index. LGRA-108 was more toxic via spraying (LC50= 9.64 mg mL−1). Larval development and viability were reduced in approximately 50% with LGRA-106 or thymol and up to 70% with LGRA-108 or carvacrol, which caused mortality from 1.70 to 1.97 days after spraying. The oils of the LGRA-106 and LGRA-108 genotypes of L. gracilis have insecticidal activity in the control of P. xylostella.

Effects of the healing activity of rosemary-of-Chapada (Lippia gracilis Schauer) on cutaneous lesions in rats.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the effects of rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments on the healing of rat skin lesions.Methods:Sixty adult male rats, with dorsal excisional skin wounds made surgically under anesthesia, were divided into three groups (n = 20): Sham group (untreated wounds); control group (CG, wounds treated with vehicle); and essential oil (EO) treated group (wounds treated with essential oil-based ointments), administered topically once daily. Skin wounds were evaluated at 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after EO or vehicle treatments. Lesions were analyzed macroscopically for the contraction degree. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of skin wounds were used for histopathological evaluation.Results:Macroscopic evaluation showed wounds edges with thin crust without firmness and yellowish color, along with an improvement in wound contraction in EO group when compared to the other groups. A reduced inflammatory reaction, along with newly formed small diameter capillaries and more organized and elongated collagen fibers, were more frequently observed in EO group than in the other groups. Moreover, blood vessel number and collagen fibers density were significantly higher in EO group.Conclusions:Skin lesion treatment with rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments accelerates the initial stages of healing, reduces inflammation, and increases angiogenesis, collagen fibers density, and wound contraction in rats.

Toxicity and repellency of the essential oil from Lippia gracilis to the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae)

ABSTRACT The essential oil (EO) from different genotypes of Lippia gracilis Schauer (Verbenaceae) present two distinctive chemotypes containing either thymol or its isomer carvacrol as major compounds, both of which have proven bioactivity against several agricultural pests. Recently, we have shown that L. gracilis accession LGRA 106 and its major compound thymol are toxic and repellent against the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae), a key pest of coconut plantations in Asia, Africa and America. Since intraspecific variation affects the chemical composition of EO and hence, its bioactivity, here we assessed the acaricidal and repellent effects of L. gracilis accession LGRA109 to A. guerreronis. Leaves of this accession contain carvacrol (49.35%) as major compound. The LC50 of the EO and of carvacrol estimated for A. guerreronis were 28.01 and 6.84 mg/mL, respectively. Carvacrol, at its LC50, as well as the EO and carvacrol at their LC99, repelled the mite. Our results indicated that carvacrol and the EO of L. gracilis accession LGRA109 were bioactive against A. guerreronis; however, the EO was less effective than its major compound.

In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of essential oils in the control of Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae, an endoparasite of Colossoma macropomum

ABSTRACT In this study, we evaluated the chemical composition and the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of the essential oils (EOs) of the plants Aloysia triphylla, Adenocalymna alliaceum, Allium sativum, Croton cajucara (white and red morphotypes), Curcuma longa, Lippia gracilis, Lippia origanoides, Ocimum gratissimum, Mentha arvensis, and Piper aduncum against the Acantocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae. The in vitro viability of worms was observed after 24 h-exposure to nine concentrations of EOs from each plant. Lower EC50 values were obtained for M. arvensis, L. origanoides, L. gracilis, C. cajucara (red and white morphotypes), O. gratissimum, and P. aduncum. All EOs showed 100% anthelmintic efficacy in vitro in 24 h. In regard to damage to the integument of helminths, edema in the lacunar spaces with formation of bubbles in the subcuticle, body swelling, increased volume of the pseudocelomatic cavity and degeneration of the reproductive organs were observed after exposure to A. triphylla OE.

Study of the chemical composition and ecotoxicological evaluation of essential oils in Daphnia magna with potential use in aquaculture

Essential oils have been used in aquaculture due to their wide range of biological activities. However, even though they have a potentially low risk for fish, it is necessary to assess the risks to nontarget organisms to guarantee their safe use in the environment. Here, we assessed the acute toxicity on the model organism Daphnia magna of seven essential oils of interest in aquaculture (Lippia alba, Lippia gracilis, Lippia sidoides, Mentha arvensis, Mentha piperita, Ocimum gratissimum and Piper callosum). Furthermore, we also studied the chemical composition of essential oils using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to relate toxicity to the chemical composition. The half maximal effective concentration values during 48 hours of exposure (EC50-48 h) of the essential oils for D. magna showed toxicity ranging from moderately (EC50-48 h 3.59 mg/L for L. gracilis, followed by L. sidoides, L. alba and O. gratissimum) to slightly toxic (EC50-48 h 43.74 mg/L for M. piperita as the least toxic, M. arvensis and P. callosum). Thus, for the purpose of establishing ecologically safe therapeutic protocols, the correct use of these substances in aquaculture should be considered, as the toxicity of the essential oils observed indicates potential interference with the nontarget organism D. magna.

Toxicity of the Lippia gracilis essential oil chemotype, pinene-cineole-limonene, on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Lippia gracilis Schauer, Verbenaceae, is a plant popularly known as "Alecrim-da-Chapada" or “Alecrim-de-Serrote", characteristic of the savanna areas in North and Northeast Brazil. Its essential oil has been tested for pest control due to its bioactive potential. In this work, the chemical composition was analyzed and the insecticidal effect of the pinene/cineol/limonene chemotype leaf oil of L. gracilis, from Chapada das Mesas, Maranhao State, was tested against the armyworms Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). GC and GC-MS analysis identified α-pinene (24.5%), 1,8-cineole (16.2%), β-pinene (11.9%) and limonene (9.6%) as the main constituents of the oil, which presented a yield of 4.3%. For the insecticidal activity, the topical and surface contact tests were carried out with ten-days armyworm’s larvae (third instar), in different concentrations of oil and α-pinene, its main constituent. For the oil, the acute topical toxicity (LD50) was 0.09 μL/insect, and the contact surface toxicity (LC50) was 1.55 μL/cm2, while for α-pinene these values were (LD50) 0.28 μL/insect and (LC50) 2.50 μL/cm2, respectively. Thus, the oil was more active than α-pinene showing that the insecticide effect is due to the synergistic action of the mixture of its constituents. The results lead to the conclusion that the essential oil is promising as a sustainable tool in the management of S. frugiperda.

Cinética de Secagem e Equilíbrio Higroscópico de Folhas de Alecrim-de-tabuleiro

As plantas medicinais do gênero Lippia é mundialmente utilizado por suas características medicinais. Todavia há a necessidade de se estudar a cinética de secagem e equilíbrio higroscópico das folhas de Lippia gracilis mediante a variação da temperatura de secagem. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a cinética de secagem de folhas de alecrim-de-tabuleiro como também ajustar um modelo dentre os existentes na literatura que melhor representa o comportamento da isoterma de sorção. As folhas de alecrim-de-tabuleiro foram processadas e submetidas às temperaturas de ar de secagem de 40, 50, 60 e 70 ºC em secador mecânico de camada fixa. Para o estudo do fenômeno de higroscopicidade foram utilizadas as temperaturas de 20, 30, 55 e 70 ºC com atividades de água entre 0,11 e 0,81. O modelo que melhor representou as curvas de secagem foi o modelo de Midilli com R² de 99,60. O modelo que melhor representou a curva de equilíbrio higroscópico das folhas de alecrim-de-tabuleiro foi o de Sabbah com R² de 93,33%.

In vitro fungitoxic potential of Lippia gracilis (Schauer) essential oil against phytopathogens

This study evaluates the in vitro effects of Lippia gracilis essential oil on the mycelial growth of phytopathogenic fungi. Experiments were carried out using a completely randomized design to assess the effects of eight treatments. Five replicates were evaluated for each experimental group. The essential oil was incorporated into the potato dextrose culture medium and poured into Petri dishes. Treatments were comprised of different concentrations of the oil (0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2%), a negative control (0.0%), and two positive controls (commercial fungicides). The plates were inoculated with fungi including Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. musae, C. fructicola, C. asianum, Alternaria alternata, A. brassicicola, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae and were incubated for seven days at 27 ± 2°C. The following variables were measured to verify the differences observed among treatments: percentage of mycelial growth inhibition and index of mycelial growth speed. All concentrations of L. gracilis oil inhibited the mycelial growth of the fungal species evaluated. The complete inhibition was observed between concentrations of 0.0125 and 0.1%. Treatment with oil inhibited fungal growth with similar, or even greater, efficiency than commercial fungicides.. We recommend the development of in vivo tests to verify whether L. gracilis essential oil can protect against fungal disease in live plants.

Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil as a growth promoter for Japanese quail

The use of antibiotics as performance enhancers in animal feeding is declining, so Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil (LGSEO) could be used as a potential substitute for the conventionally used growth promoters. The LGSEO contains components such as carvacrol and thymol, which kill and/or control pathogenic bacteria, increase population of beneficial organisms, act against oxidative processes and onto nutrient digestibility and absorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the action and the effects of LGSEO as a growth promoter in the diet of Japanese quail by examining their productive performance, intestinal microbiology, blood biochemical parameters, hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content and intestinal gene expression. A total of 252 two-day-old quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were assigned to 3 treatments in 7 replicates, using 12 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a basal diet, basal diet + LGSEO at 400 mg/kg of diet and basal diet + chemical antimicrobial (bacitracin methylene disalicylate) at 500 mg/kg of diet. The experimental period was 34 days. The highest feed intake (P < 0.01) was found in the group receiving the conventional antimicrobial, whereas the best feed conversion (P < 0.01) was shown by the animals receiving LGSEO. Escherichia coli growth was restricted in the quail receiving the growth promoters. Salmonella spp. growth was controlled by the treatment containing the conventional antimicrobial. There was no difference between the treatments (P > 0.05) for the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzymes in the blood or hepatic TBARS content. Birds receiving negative-control treatment exhibited a higher expression of sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1), while those receiving the treatment with essential oil showed lower catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX7) expressions compared to the conventional antimicrobial and control groups, respectively. Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil is a powerful performance enhancer for Japanese quail by virtue of its abilities to improve their intestinal environment, balance the microbial population and reduce energy expenditure for oxidative processes.

Essential oils activity from plants of the Brazilian Caatinga on the vegetable leafminer

ABSTRACT Liriomyza sativae (Blanchard) is a worldwide polyphagous pest for horticultural and ornamental crops, whose chemical control is the major method adopted. However, botanical insecticides in the form of essential oils (EOs) are presented as promising alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EOs from the species Croton sonderianus Muell. Arg., Croton conduplicatus Kunth., Lippia gracilis Schauer and Lippia schaueriana Mart. on the biological aspects of L. sativae adults and immature stages (larva and pupa). The results showed larval and pupal mortality after the immersion of leaves with newly hatched L. sativae larvae in EOs solution from L. gracilis and L. schaueriana leaves. The EOs from C. conduplicatus stem bark and leaf and from C. sonderianus stem bark extended the leafminer pupal stage duration, while those from C. conduplicatus leaves and C. sonderianus stem bark decreased the oviposition and feeding punctures in no-choice tests. Only C. conduplicatus confirmed the effect in the free-choice test, showing to be the most promising in the study. This way, EOs from L. gracilis and L. schaueriana leaves show an insecticide activity on L. sativae larvae, and those from C. conduplicatus leaves reduce the leafminer oviposition and feeding punctures in melon plants.

Content and chemical composition of the essential oil of Lippia gracilis Schauer accessions in different drying times

Lippia gracilis, popularly known in Brazil as ‘alecrim-de-tabuleiro’, is used for many purposes, especially as antimicrobial and antiseptic. The drying process of aromatic and medicinal plants aims to minimize the loss of active principles and slow their deterioration, which may greatly influence the yield and chemical composition of some species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of drying times (0, 2, 4, and 8 days) on the content and chemical composition of the essential oil of L. gracilis accessions LGRA-106, LGRA-109, and LGRA-201. The leaves were dried at 40 oC, and essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation. Chemical analysis was performed by GC/MS. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. The accessions of L. gracilis LGRA-106, LGRA-109, and LGRA-201 presented higher essential oil at four days of drying time. The accession LGRA-201 showed the highest essential oil yields at four and eight days of drying, with mean values of 0.038 and 0.029 mL g-1, respectively. The drying time did not influence the contents of thymol, methyl-thymol, γ-terpinene, and carvacrol in the essential oils of L. gracilis, but affected the contents of β-caryophyllene, p-cymene, and carvacrol acetate. The essential oils of the three accessions analyzed in this study revealed different chemical profiles.