Espinheira-santa Research Articles

Monteverdia ilicifolia as a Herbal Medicine for Treating Gastric Disorders: An Insight into its Quality Control

Background: Monteverdia ilicifolia, popularly known as “espinheira santa”, is a plant native to southern Brazil and is widely used in popular therapeutics to treat gastric disturbances. M. ilicifolia is commonly adulterated, intentionally or not, with the plant species Zollernia ilicifolia and Sorocea bonplandii due to the morphological similarity of their leaves. Objective: The aim of this review was to search for changes in the quality control method of M. ilicifolia products to support the correct identification of the botanical species. In addition, the search covered clinical studies, patents, and registered products of herbal medicines based on M. ilicifolia. Methods: This study is an integrative literature review that was developed using databases, indexed articles, and books. The bibliographic searches were performed using Scopus®, SciFinder®, Scielo®, and Science Direct®. Patent documents and herbal medicines containing M. ilicifolia were searched in the INPI and WIPO databases. Results: The pharmacological activities of M. ilicifolia, the main chemical constituents, and leaf morpho-anatomical characteristics of Monteverdia spp., Z. ilicifolia, and S. bonplandii were summarized. The results also demonstrated herbal medicines based on M. ilicifolia marketed in Brazil, patents in Brazil, and patents in the world market. Conclusion: Quality control for the species M. ilicifolia presents opportunities for improvement. The officially recommended method presents weaknesses concerning species identification. Other chemical markers should be included in the chromatographic analyses. There are seven medicines with valid registrations in Brazil. Furthermore, patents filed in Brazil and at WIPO demonstrate that M. ilicifolia has therapeutic potential in the world market.

Multielement Determination in Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines Containing Cynara scolymus L., Harpagophytum procumbens D.C., and Maytenus ilifolia (Mart.) ex Reiss from Brazil Using ICP OES

Worldwide, medicinal plants and herbal medicines are widely consumed. The aim of this study was to determine macro- (Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P) and microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn) in medicinal plants and herbal medicines: "globe artichoke" - Cynara scolymus L., "devil's claw" - Harpagophytum procumbens D.C., and "espinheira santa" - Maytenus ilifolia (Mart) ex Reiss. Concentrations of 24 (essential and toxic potentially) elements in samples from Brazil were determined using a sequential optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after acid digestion, assisted by microwave radiation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to carry out an exploratory analysis of samples. The elements were quantified (in μg/g): Al (20.24-1261.64), Ba (18.90-63.18), Ca (2877.6-19,957.40), Cr (0.28-1.38), Cu (4.16-21.99), Fe (8.54-627.49), K (1786.12-32,297.19), Mg (505.82-6174.52), Mn (0.40-205.64), Na (1717.23-18,596.45), Ni (< LoQ-0.99), P (35.12-2899.91), Se (1.52-3.71), Sn (1.53-12.43), Sr (52.33-84.31), V (< LoQ-0.24), and Zn (2.60-30.56). As, Cd, Co, Mo, Pb, and Sb, in all the investigated samples, were found to be below the limit of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) values of ICP OES. These medicinal plants and herbal medicines can be sources of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn. All samples showed considerable levels of Al. PCA and HCA showed that the samples separated into two large groups.

Medicinal plants used in street markets in different regions of Brazil

In Brazil, markets and street markets emerged in 1841 as a solution for the regional supply of products. Street markets and municipal markets constitute a privileged space for traditional expressions and cultures about their ethnobotanical heritage since these places are centers of large numbers of information, underlying an environment of intense cultural exchanges. Bibliographic surveys were carried out on medicinal plants used in Street markets in different regions of Brazil. Where the objectives were to identify the families and species of medicinal plants used in different regions of Brazil, the common names and frequency of citations were identified regarding the mode of use of medicinal plants in the Street markets and it was verified which parts of the most cited plants in Street markets in different regions of Brazil were verified, the most cited therapeutic indications were verified. The most cited medicinal plants were “stonebreaker” plants Phyllanthus niruri, “elderberries” Sambucus nigra, “macela” Achyrocline satureioides and “espinheira santa” Maytenus ilicifolia. The modes of use of these plants were more cited as medicinal uses 71% and ritualistic baths 27%. The most used parts were leaves 60.1%, flower 13.5%, and bark 9.0%, the families that had a higher citation were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Malvaceae. Regarding the therapeutic indications, stomach diseases, flu-like symptoms, skin problems, and healing, inflammation, and diuretics were more cited. It is concluded then that the use of medicinal plants is used for various therapeutic indications.

Determination of bioactive phenolics in herbal medicines containing Cynara scolymus, Maytenus ilicifolia Mart ex Reiss and Ptychopetalum uncinatum by HPLC-DAD

In this study, an HPLC-DAD method was developed and validated for the quantification of bioactive phenolics in herbal medicines containing Cynara scolymus (Globe artichoke), Maytenus ilicifolia Mart ex Reiss “Espinheira santa” and Ptychopetalum uncinatum “Marapuama”. The samples were lyophilized and 5.0g of solid were extracted with 30mL of methanol acidified with 100μL of concentrated HCl, under magnetic stirring at 40°C for 30min. Separation was carried out on a C18 column with analytical solvents constituting a binary elution mixture, consisting of (A) ultrapure water (Millipore, USA), containing 1.0% acetic acid (v v−1) and (B) methanol (HPLC grade). Spectrophotometric detection was performed at a wavelength of 260nm for vanillic acid; 280nm for (+) – catechin and 330nm for chlorogenic acid. The method to determine bioactive phenolics in herbal medicines showed adequate linearity, repeatability and accuracy. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.025μgg−1 and 0.031μgg−1, respectively. The concentrations (minimum–maximum in mgg−1) of chlorogenic acid (in samples containing C. scolymus) and vanillic acid (in herbal medicines containing P. uncinatum “Marapuama”) ranged from 71.28 to 925.99 and 17.35 to 19.21, respectively. The catechin content was 0.69mgg−1 in Maytenus ilicifolia Mart ex Reiss “Espinheira santa”. Therefore, the results showed that the developed method is simple, less toxic, fast and reliable for the determination of bioactive phenolics in herbal medicines.

Determination of metals in medicinal plants highly consumed in Brazil

In this work, samples of the medicinal plants: Boldo (Peumus boldus), Castanha da Índia (Aesculus hippocastanum), Chá Verde (Camelia sinensis), Erva Cidreira (Melissa officinalis), Espinheira Santa (Maytenus ilicifolia), Guaraná (Paullinia cupana), Maracujá (Passiflora sp.), Mulungu (Erythrina velutina), Sene (Cassia angustifolia) and Valeriana (Valeriana officinalis) were evaluated BY using the Neutron Activation Analysis technique (NAA- k0) in order to determine the levels of metals and other chemical contaminants. The results showed the presence of non essential elements to the human body. The diversity of chemical impurities found even at low concentration levels, considering the potential for chronic toxicity of these elements, reinforces the need to improve the implementation of good practices by growers and traders, and the hypothesis of lack of quality control in plant products.

Maytenus ilicifolia dry extract protects normal cells, induces apoptosis and regulates Bcl-2 in human cancer cells

Maytenus is the largest genus of the family Celastraceae and the species Maytenus ilicifolia (popularly known as 'Espinheira Santa'). It is widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine to treat stomach conditions including nausea, gastritis, and ulcers. In this study, the apoptotic effects of a spray-dried extract of M. ilicifolia (SDEMI) was evaluated using human hepatocellular cells (HepG2), colorectal carcinoma cells (HT-29), and normal keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cells were treated with SDEMI for 4 and 24 h, then were assayed for levels of apoptosis, caspase-3, and Bcl-2 by flow cytometry, immunostaining, and Western blot, respectively. Significant differences between groups were determined using analysis of variance (P < 0.05). For HepG2 and HT-29 cells treated with SDEMI, various cytotoxic effects were observed compared with control cells at all timepoints assayed (P < 0.001). Furthermore, positive caspase-3 staining and down-regulation of Bcl-2 were observed, consistent with the induction of cell death detected in these cell lines. In contrast, treatment of HaCaT cells with SDEMI was associated with a protective effect compared with control cells at both timepoints (P < 0.001). For example, increased expression of Bcl-2 and negative caspase-3 staining were detected. Taken together, these results suggest that SDEMI protects normal cells, while SDEMI mediates induction of apoptosis via down-regulation of Bcl-2 and involvement of caspase-3 in human carcinoma cells.

Modeling of the overal kinetic extraction from Maytenus aquifolia using compressed CO2

In Brazil, the species Maytenus aquifolia and Maytenus ilicifolia are widely used in popular medicine in the form of teas for stomach and ulcer illness treatment. Despite the great interest in Maytenus aquifolia therapeutic properties and the fact that it is an abundant and native plant growing in Brazil, there is a lack of information in the literature concerning the extraction at high pressures. In this context, this work is focused on the mathematical modelling of the packed-bed extraction of Maytenus aquifolia with compressed CO2. Three mathematical models were used to represent the experimental data. The experiments were performed in a laboratory-scale unit, evaluating the effects of temperature (293 to 323 K), pressure (100 to 250 bar), and extraction time on the yield of the extracts. Results show that the extraction temperature and solvent density exerted a pronounced effect on yield. The mathematical model of Sovova was the most suitable to represent the experimental extraction data of M. aquifolia.

Co-processing Plant Extracts for Improvement of Their Pharmacotechnic Properties

ABSTRACT: The herbal Espinheira Santa (Maytenus ilicifolia) can ingested in capsules for treatment of injuries from digestive tract, such as gastritis. However, the large amount of drug administered dose medication adherence difficult, so this study sought an alternative by formulating effervescent granules facilitating drug intake. The obtained granules made by wet and effervescent mixture of citric acid, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate at different concentrations, totaling eight formulations, in addition to lactose as diluent and disintegrant in the composition. The granules were produced in sizes from 1 and 2mm. Rheological tests were compared against the dry extract, analyzed the average particle sizes of beads, mapped its surface by scanning electron microscopy and evaluated their behavior effervescent. The flow properties of the granules showed better values than the dry extract. The co-processed formulations showed average particle sizes distributed closed, where 1mm time effervescence had smaller, respecting all formulations, pharmacopeial limits of maximum 5 minutes. The preparation of effervescent granules Espinheira Santa proved to be a good alternativel, once that have easy preparation, low cost, excellent flow and rapid disintegration. Keywords: Espinheira Santa, effervescent granules, dry extract.

CZE/PAD and HPLC-UV/PAD Profile of Flavonoids from Maytenus aquifolium and Maytenus ilicifolia “espinheira santa” Leaves Extracts

This paper describes the application of HPLC and CZE to analyze flavonoids in the leaves of Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus aquifolium, which are species widely used in Brazilian folk medicine. The two species showed different flavonoid profiles, but acidic hydrolysis of the Maytenus extracts confirmed that all these compounds are quercetin or kaempferol derivatives. A comparison of the CZE and HPLC profiles of Maytenus extracts showed numerous flavonoid peaks using HPLC. However, the advantages of CZE such as analysis without requiring clean-up and less generation of chemical waste than with HPLC point to the potential of the CZE technique for the quality control (routine analysis) of “espinheira santa” phytopharmaceuticals.

CRESCIMENTO E SINTOMAS EM MUDAS DE ESPINHEIRA-SANTA COM OMISSÃO DE NITROGÊNIO, FÓSFORO E POTÁSSIO

A procura por espécies medicinais é crescente no Brasil, demandando, entre outras necessidades, pesquisas relacionadas à nutrição mineral de plantas. O objetivo foi avaliar o crescimento e caracterizar sintomas visuais de deficiência em mudas de espinheira-santa (Maytenus ilicifolia), em solução nutritiva sob condições de omissão de nutrientes. Os tratamentos foram omissão de N, P e K, solução completa e H2O desionizada. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, utilizando-se mudas de cinco meses de idade, mantidas por 105 dias em contato com solução nutritiva. As variáveis altura e diâmetro foram medidas mensalmente, para cálculo das taxas de crescimento. Avaliou-se a produção de matéria seca aérea e radicular, o volume radicular e os sintomas visuais de deficiência. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. A omissão de K não interferiu no crescimento em altura; a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea e da matéria seca total diminuiu com a omissão de N; na omissão de N as plantas apresentaram clorose generalizada e baixo crescimento; na omissão de P ocorreu apenas menor expansão do limbo foliar; para o K verificou-se necrose em ponta e bordas das folhas mais velhas.

Genetic diversity and conservation of native populations of Maytenus Ilicifolia Mart. ex Reiss

The aim of this work was to analyze genetic variability in 18 populations of Maytenus ilicifolia, and representatives of Maytenus aquifolia and Maytenus evonymoidis, collected in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, using RAPD molecular markers. Considering total samples of the three species, 263 amplified fragments were identified, of which 72.2% showed to be polymorphous. The index of similarity (Jaccard coefficient) was on average 0.64 between M. ilicifolia and M. aquifolia; 0.47 between M. ilicifolia and M. evonymoidis; and 0.44 between M. aquifolia and M. evonymoidis. The analysis of groupings by the UPGMA algorithm allowed to clearly separate the three analyzed species. In determining the variability in M. ilicifolia, 222 bands were identified, on average 11.1 bands per primer, being 43.2% polymorphous. The index of similarity (Jaccard coefficient) in the bulks of each population in M. ilicifolia was, on average, 0.92 and the index of similarities among the populations was 0.83. The analysis of groupings with the UPGMA algorithm and the analysis of the main coordination (PCO), allowed the separation of the analyzed populations into three groups, the populations from the south of Rio Grande do Sul and the population from Mato Grosso do Sul standing out. A relation between the groupings found and the edaphoclimatic conditions of the collecting places was observed.

Chemical variation of tannins and triterpenes in Brazilian populations of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. Ex Reiss

Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus aquifolia species are widely used as a cicatrisation agent, an anti-spasmodic, contraceptive, antiulcerogenic, diuretic and analgesic. Considering the importance of these species in popular medicine, this work is focused on the determination of the chemical content of tannins and the triterpenes friedelan-3-one, friedelan-3-ol and friedelin in 15 native populations of Maytenus ilicifolia distributed in the south and mind-west regions of Brazil. Correlation of the concentration of these compounds with the environmental parameters such as average annual temperature, climate, vegetation, geomorphology, latitude and altitude was determined using Pearson's coefficient. Results showed that average annual temperature and climate have significant effect on tannin content at a 95% confidence level. The highest tannin concentration was found in Ponta Porã population, and for the triterpenes investigated, a significant correlation between their concentrations with the environmental variables studied was not verified.

Bioprospecting highly diverse endophytic Pestalotiopsis spp. with antibacterial properties from Maytenus ilicifolia, a medicinal plant from Brazil

Thirteen endophytic fungal strains of the genus Pestalotiopsis were isolated from the medicinal plant Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex. Reiss (commonly known as "espinheira santa") and their antimicrobial properties were investigated. Two isolates were successful in inhibiting the growth of the tested microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)) using the technique of bioautographic thin-layer chromatography (TLC) agar overlay assay. An analysis based on a polyphasic approach integrating taxonomic information, morphological traits, RAPD markers, and the sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 of the rDNA led to the assignment of the isolates as belonging to the species Pestalotiopsis microspora, Pestalotiopsis vismiae, and Pestalotiopsis leucothoes. Therefore, the present study presents a new approach to the study of endophytic fungi of the genus Pestalotiopsis.

Identification of flavonols in leaves of Maytenus ilicifolia and M. aquifolium (Celastraceae) by LC/UV/MS analysis

A comparative analysis of the flavonoid components of the leaves of two medicinal plants known in Brazil as “espinheira santa”, namely, Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reiss. and M. aquifolium Mart. (Celastraceae), and a hybrid plant, M. aquifolium × M. ilicifolia, has been carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array UV detection and mass spectrometry. One methoxyflavonoid glycoside and 18 flavonol-3- O-glycosides were identified in the extracts on the basis of their on-line UV spectra (measured in the absence and presence of shift reagents) and multiple stage mass spectral data. Fingerprint analysis of the flavonoid extracts revealed significant differences in the profiles of the two Maytenus species, while the hybrid plant contained flavonoids found in both parent species.

Variabilidade sazonal de constituintes químicos (triterpenos, flavonóides e polifenóis) das folhas de Maytenus aquifolium Mart. (Celastraceae)

The chemical seasonal variability of Maytenus aquifolium Mart. (Celastraceae), a Brazilian medicinal plant known as espinheira santa, was investigated on specimens cultivated at Ribeirao Preto SP, Brazil, at the four seasons of two years. The content of total phenolics, flavonoids and triterpenes varied from 21.96 to 45.92 mg total phenolics (expressed as tanic acid) / g dried leaves, 55.88 - 93.20 mg total triterpenes / g dried leaves, and 1.349 - 3.859 mg flavonoid / g dried leaves. Sample Spring 92 had the higher content of flavonoids and total phenolics, while sample Winter 94 had the highest content of triterpenes.

Effect of X- and gamma-rays on phenolic compounds from Maytenus aquifolium Martius

The effect of irradiation using several doses of X- and γ-rays (10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 kGy), upon total phenolic compounds contained in the leaves of Maytenus aquifolium Martius (Celastraceae) "espinheira santa", was investigated. The content of phenolic compounds (measured by the Folin-Denis spectrophotometric method) was unaffected by X- or γ-ray irradiation, at any dose.

HPLC-UV and LC-MS analysis of quinonemethides triterpenes in hydroalcoholic extracts of "espinheira santa" (Maytenus aquifolium Martius, Celastraceae) leaves

Some quinonemethide triterpenes are known for their cytotoxicity, and the presence of these compounds has been reported in several Maytenus (Celastraceae) species, including Maytenus aquifolium Martius, one of the species known in Brazil as "espinheira santa". A quantitative HPLC-UV procedure was therefore developed with the purpose of devising a useful analytical method for evaluating the quality of "espinheira santa"-based phytomedicines. Quinonemethide triterpenes pristimerin and maitenin were quantified in hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts ("teas") prepared from the leaves and root bark of M. aquifolium. Analyses by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS), using the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) interface, provided unequivocal confirmation of the presence of maitenin and pristimerin in M. aquifolium hydroalcoholic extracts, although these compounds were below detection limits in aqueous extracts.

Occurrence and non-detectability of maytansinoids in individual plants of the genera Maytenus and Putterlickia

Individual plants belonging to different species of the family Celastraceae collected from their natural habitats in South Africa ( Putterlickia verrucosa (E. Meyer ex Sonder) Szyszyl., Putterlickia pyracantha (L.) Szyszyl., Putterlickia retrospinosa van Wyk and Mostert) and Brazil ( Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reiss., Maytenus evonymoides Reiss., Maytenus aquifolia Mart.) were investigated for the presence of maytansinoids and of maytansine, an ansamycin of high cytotoxic activity. Maytansinoids were not detectable in plants grown in Brazil. Analysis of plants growing in South Africa, however, showed clearly that maytansinoids were present in some individual plants but were not detectable in others. Molecular biological analysis of a Putterlickia verrucosa cell culture gave no evidence for the presence of the aminohydroxybenzoate synthase gene which is unique to the biosynthesis of aminohydroxybenzoate, a precursor of the ansamycins including maytansinoids. Moreover, this gene was not detectable in DNA extracted from the aerial parts of Putterlickia plants. In contrast, observations indicate that this gene may be present in microbes of the rhizosphere of Putterlickia plants. Our observations are discussed with respect to the possibility that the roots of Putterlickia plants may be associated with microorganisms which are responsible for the biosynthesis of maytansine or maytansinoids.

New and bioactive compounds from Streptomyces strains residing in the wood of Celastraceae.

Wood from three different plants of the Celastraceae growing in their natural habitats in Brazil (Maytenus aquifolia Mart.) and South Africa [Putterlickia retrospinosa van Wyk and Mostert, P. verrucosa (E. Meyer ex Sonder) Szyszyl.] was established as a source of endophytic bacteria using a medium selective for actinomycetes. Two isolates were identified as Streptomyces setonii and S. sampsonii whereas two others were not assignable to any of the known Streptomyces species. They were preliminarily named Streptomyces Q21 and Streptomyces MaB-QuH-8. The latter strain produces a new chloropyrrol and chlorinated anthracyclinone. The chloropyrrol showed high activity against a series of multiresistent bacteria and mycobacteria.

Assessment of the effect of Maytenus ilicifolia (espinheira santa) extract on the labeling of red blood cells and plasma proteins with technetium-99m

We are trying to develop a model to assess properties of products utilized in popular medicine. Maytenus ilicifolia is used in herbal medicine. Red blood cells (RBC) labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) are employed in nuclear medicine. This labeling procedure depends on a reducing agent and stannous chloride is used. There is evidence that this labeling may be altered by drugs. We have investigated the possibility of M. ilicifolia extract being capable to alter the labeling of blood elements with 99mTc. Blood was incubated with M. ilicifolia extract. Stannous chloride solution and Tc-99m were added. Blood was centrifuged and plasma (P) and blood cells (C) were isolated. Samples of P or C were also precipitated, centrifuged and insoluble (IF) and soluble (SF) were separated. The percentages of radioactivity (%ATI) in C, IF-P and IF-C was calculated. The %ATI decreased on C from 93.6±2.3 to 29.0±2.7, on IF-P from 77.6±1.2 to 7.5±1.0 and on IF-C from 80.0±3.4 to 12.6±4.8. Once in RBC labeling procedure with 99mTc depends on the presence of stannous (+2) ions, the substances of the M. ilicifolia extract could increase the valence these ions to stannic (+4). This fact would decrease the %ATI on blood elements and indicate the presence of oxidant agents in the M. ilicifolia extract.