Montrichardia Linifera Research Articles

Chemical characterization, assessment of acute oral toxicity, and antinociceptive potential of the methanolic extract of Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott leaves from Brazil.

Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott is popularly known as "aninga," "aningaçu," "aningaíba," and "aninga-do-igapó." Compresses and plasters made from the leaves of this medicinal plant are used to treat abscesses, tumors, and pain caused by stingray stings. This study aimed to chemically characterize the methanolic extract of M. linifera leaves (MEMLL), as well as to verify their acute oral toxicity and antinociceptive potential. The leaves were collected during the rainy season, and the methanolic extract was obtained after gradient extraction using different solvents. MEMLL was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Acute oral toxicity testing followed the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 423. Subsequently, acetic acid, hot plate, and formalin tests were used to evaluate the analgesic effects. In the chemical characterization of MEMLL by HPLC, three flavonoids were identified: rutin, quercetin, and epicatechin. In addition, when NMR spectroscopy was performed, rutin and quercetin were again identified, as well as the chemical compounds luteolin and chrysoeriol. In the acute oral toxicity test, MEMLL showed no physiological or behavioral changes. In the nociceptive study, MEMLL showed an effect at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg in the 0.6% acetic acid test, i.e., 51.46% and 75.08%, respectively. In the hot plate test, the MEMLL group at a dose of 50mg/kg was effective at times of 30 and 60min, i.e., 164.43% and 122.95%, respectively. Similarly, the MEMLL group at a dose of 100mg/kg was also effective in increasing latency at times of 30 and 60min, i.e., 162.62% and 136.68%, respectively. In the formalin test, MEMLL showed an antinociceptive effect on neurogenic pain at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg when compared to the control group, 35.25% and 52.30%, respectively. In the inflammatory phase, inhibition was observed in the MEMLL at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg, i.e., 66.39% and 72.15%, respectively. MEMLL has analgesic properties and is non-toxic, validating the Brazilian ethnopharmacological use of this plant for pain treatment. The leaves of the species M. linifera showed central and peripheral antinociceptive effects.

Characterization of the natural fibers extracted from the aninga's stem and development of a unidirectional polymeric sheet.

A unidirectional sheet was made with oriented fibers in an epoxy matrix. Natural fibers were extracted from the stem of Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott., traditionally known as aninga, characterized and used to produce a unidirectional polymeric sheet. FTIR, XRD, SEM, TG, and DTG analyses were performed to characterize these cellulose fibers. Peaks observed at 1024cm- 1, 1600cm- 1, and 3328cm- 1 revealed the stretching vibration of the O-H bond, the stretching of the carbonyl in hemicellulose, and the vibration of aromatic rings, respectively. XRD analysis demonstrated a crystallinity index of 62.21%. Morphological analysis revealed the microstructural quality of the fiber surface, with grooves for mechanical anchoring, as well as its interior, which is composed of microfibrils. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of the main elements composing natural fibers, with carbon being the major component (70%). The thermal stability of aninga fibers was up to 450 ºC for the degradation of 50% of their initial mass. The mechanical properties of untreated aninga fibers showed a tensile strength of 332MPa and an elastic modulus of 13.000MPa. The unidirectional sheet had a tensile strength of 4.5MPa and an elasticity modulus of 332.9MPa. These outcomes ensured that aninga fiber is considered high-performance (> 200MPa) and can be used for internal automobile components.

Structure and floristics of the plant community in Lagoa do São Bento, Maricá, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

Abstract Lagoa do São Bento is a coastal restinga wetland, remnant of a paleolake, located in Maricá, RJ. The study aimed to inventory native aquatic plants, make a floristic comparison with other coastal lagoons and analyze the regeneration of this community after anthropic impacts. In the floristic analysis of aquatic plants, 45 species were listed, 39 of which are Angiosperms and six are Ferns. Aeschynomene paniculata, Hymenachne amplexicaulis, Montrichardia linifera and Torenia thouarsii are new records for the municipality and Tabebuia cassinoides is threatened. Emerging plants (21 spp.) stand out, followed by amphibians (16 spp.), free floating (4 spp.), fixed floating (3 spp.) and tolerant (1 sp.). The comparison showed greater similarity with the Jacarepiá lagoon, in Saquarema, sharing 21 species. The phytosociological inventory listed 87 species, 83 of which were Angiosperms and four Ferns. The species with the highest IVI were: Fuirena umbellata, Pleroma gaudichaudianum, Xyris jupicai, Typha domingensis, Salvinia aff. auriculata, Eleocharis interstincta, Rhynchospora gigantea, Nymphoides humboldtiana, Nymphaea caerulea and Clitoria laurifolia. Shannon, Simpson and equity indexes were 3.83, 0.03 and 0.85, respectively. Native aquatic species represent the majority of the total inventoried (54%), with a considerable supply of exotic and ruderal, whose colonization reflects the anthropic interventions.

Which variables influence the herbivory amount on Montrichardia spp. (Araceae) in aquatic ecosystems?

Introduction: The study of herbivory is fundamental in ecology and includes how plants invest in strategies and mechanisms to reduce herbivore damage. However, there is still a lack of information about how the environment, plant density, and functional traits influence herbivory in aquatic ecosystems. Objective: To assess if there is a relationship between herbivory, environmental variables, and plant traits two species of Montrichardia, a neotropical aquatic plant. Methods: In September 2018, we studied 78 specimens of Montrichardia arborescens and 18 of Montrichardia linifera, in 18 sites in Melgaço, Pará, Brazil. On each site, we measured water depth, distance to the margin, and plant density. From plants, we measured plant height and leaf thickness, and photographed the leaves to calculate the specific leaf area and percentage herbivory. To identify anatomical structures, we collected fully expanded leaves from three individuals per quadrat. Results: For M. arborescens, plants with thicker leaves and higher specific leaf area have less herbivore damage. For M. linifera, plants from deeper sites and with thicker leaves had more herbivore damage, while plants that grew farther from the margin had less damage. We found anatomical structures related to defense, such as idioblast cells with phenolic compounds, and cells with solid inclusions that can contribute to avoiding severe damage. Conclusions: Herbivory in these Montrichardia species canbe explained by a combination of plant and environmental traits (patch isolation and water depth). The main plant traits are leaf thickness and area, but chemical compounds and solid inclusions also help Montrichardia to sustain less damage than other macrophytes.

Phytochemical investigation and biological activities of extracts obtained from Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott leaves collected in different localities from Piauí coast

Montrichardia linifera is an aquatic macrophyte widely used by the population, presenting antibacterial, antioxidant, antiplasmodic, insecticidal and antimalarial activities. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and biological activities of extracts obtained from M. linifera leaves collected in different locations. Hexanic (HXE), hydroalcoholic (HAE) and methanolic (ME) extracts were prepared from leaves from four collection points in the state of Piauí, Brazil: Porto dos Tatus (PT), Lagoa do Bebedouro (LB), Galego (G) and Morros da Mariana (MM). Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assays, evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity against three tumor cell lines (HL-60, HCT-116 and B16-F10), evaluation of antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and analysis of antioxidant potential by DPPH were carried out and ABTS. The extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, organic acids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins, with their presence varying according to the place of collection. The HXE-G sample had the highest percentage of flavonoids. The ME-G and HAE-G samples had the highest levels of phenolic compounds. The HXE-G, HAE-G and ME-G extracts showed a high percentage of inhibition against the three tumor strains tested. HXE-MM had a bacteriostatic effect against both strains of bacteria tested. The samples that showed better antioxidant activity were ME-G and HAE-G. These results demonstrate that the plant has a phytochemical variability, depending on the geographic location and the type of solvent used in the extraction process. Thus, the extracts obtained from M. linifera leaves present a variety of secondary metabolites with potential biological activity.

Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Antischistosomal Activity of Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Araceae) Leaf Extracts

With a broad ethnopharmacological tradition in Brazil, Montrichardia linifera has been reported as a potent antirheumatic, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoan agent. However, there is a lack of studies on its effect on bacterial biofilm formation and Schistosoma mansoni worms. This study reports the effects of antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antischistosomal properties of leaf extracts of M. linifera. Phytochemical screening and identification of the main compounds of the extracts were performed. All the extracts evaluated showed antibacterial activity at the concentrations tested. We checked for the presence of flavonoids and derivatives of phenolic acids by the presence of spectra with bands characteristic of these classes in the sample analyzed. The antibacterial assays showed that the best MICs corresponded to 125 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 in all fractions. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts showed the ability to inhibit biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25123. For the antischistosomal activity, only the acetone and ethyl acetate extracts had a significant effect against helminths, with potent activity at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, killing 100% of the worms after 72 h of incubation. The M. linifera leaf extracts showed antibacterial activity, biofilm inhibition capacity, and anthelmintic activity against S. mansoni.

Anti-leishmania activity of extract and fractions from the stem and leaf of Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) schott (Araceae) against Leishmania amazonensis

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-leishmania activity of extracts and fractions from stem and leaf of Montrichardia linifera against Leishmania amazonensis. The stem (EES) and leaf (EEL) extracts were obtained by maceration of powders with 96º GL alcohol. The extracts were subjected to exhaustive extraction using a reflux system and solvents of increasing polarity, obtaining 4 fractions for each extract: hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The extracts and fractions were submitted to a phytochemical prospecting study. The antipromastigote activity and cytotoxicity in macrophages (J774) were performed using the cell viability test (MTT). In the extract and fractions of the stem, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, flavonic heterosides, tannins, polyphenols and saponins were detected. In the extract and fractions of the leaves, coumarins, steroids, terpenes, flavonic heterosides, tannins, polyphenols and saponins were detected. In the anti-leishmania evaluation, the hexane fraction of the leaf (HFL) showed promising activity (IC50=38.56 µg/mL), and the hexane fraction of the stem (HFS) showed moderate activity (CI50=179.3 µg/mL), the extracts and the other fractions were inactive (IC50>200 µg/mL). In the cytotoxicity test, EES and HFS were cytotoxic (CC50 54.82 µg/mL and 26.95 µg/mL, respectively). EEF and HFL showed moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 of 162.7 µg/mL and 347.1 µg/mL). As for the selectivity index, the HFL showed high selectivity (SI=90). In summary, fractionation contributed to increase anti-leishmania activity and the selectivity of HFS, such activity may be related to steroids or terpenes.

The emergent macrophyte Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Alismatales: Araceae), a rekindled old friend from the Pacific Slope of lower Central America and western Colombia

The genus Montrichardia are among the most remarkable emergent macrophytes in tropical wetlands. It occurs exclusively in the Neotropics and contains two living species, M. linifera (Arruda) Schott and M. arborescens (L.) Schott. Montrichardia linifera has been reported mainly in the Amazon basin (southern Venezuela to Guyana, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru), whereas M. arborescens occurs in Central America (Mexico to Panama), the Lesser Antilles and northern South America. Based on our review of herbarium specimens from Central America and Colombia, as well as field documentation in Panama, we hereby provide the first report of the occurrence of M. linifera in Panama, Central America and western Colombia. Furthermore, this finding represents the first record on the Pacific Slope for this species in the Neotropics. The habitat, ecology, life‐form, taxonomic remarks and morphological characteristics of the species are presented, discussed and illustrated. Additionally, a key for the species of the genus Montrichardia is included; we also provide a discussion about the helophyte concept for the genus Montrichardia.

TAXONOMIC SURVEY OF THE ARACEAE JUSS. IN THE COASTAL REGION OF PIAUÍ STATE, NORTHEAST BRAZIL, INCLUDING THE RIO PARNAÍBA DELTA

This is the fi rst taxonomic study of the family Araceae in the state of Piauí, Northeast Brazil. The survey was conducted in four coastal municipalities (Ilha Grande, Luiz Correia, Cajueiro da Praia and Parnaíba) of the state. Eight species were recorded in six genera: Lemna aequinoctialis Welw., L. valdiviana Phil., Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott, Pistia stratiotes L., Wolffiella lingulata (Hegelm.) Hegelm., W. oblonga (Phil.) Hegelm., Taccarum ulei Engl. & K. Krause and Spathicarpa gardneri Schott. Of these, two are geophytes (T. ulei, S. gardneri) and the others are aquatic macrophytes. Descriptions, illustrations, phenology and habitat information are given for each species as well as a key to their identifi cation.

The role of Lithodoras dorsalis (Siluriformes: Doradidae) as seed disperser in Eastern Amazon

ABSTRACT Ichthyochory is an important process responsible for the high diversity of plant species in tropical flooded forests. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of a catfish species, Lithodoras dorsalis, as seed disperser in the flooded forests at the Amazon River mouth, Brazil. Analyzing the stomach contents of 371 individuals of Lithodoras dorsalis, the Germination Potential (GP%) and Germination Speed Index (GSI) of seeds that were removed intact were investigated. This allowed us to evaluate the germination performance of two important species of plants in Amazonia, Euterpe oleracea (Açaí) and Montrichardia linifera (Aninga), after passage through the digestive tract of this catfish species. Given that digestion by L. dorsalis reduced the germination viability of M. linifera and that seeds were often destroyed during consumption, we suggest that L. dorsalis may have a limited role as seed disperser of M. linifera and instead mostly act as seed predator. However, for the species E. oleracea, L. dorsalis was a potential disperser, since the performance of germination of these seeds was improved after digestion. In addition, the number of seeds consumed was directly proportional to the catfish’s body size, reinforcing the role of doradids as potential seed dispersers in tropical forests.

Modeling of regional- and local-scale distribution of the genus Montrichardia Crueg. (Araceae)

Knowledge of the environmental correlates of species’ distributions is essential for understanding population dynamics, responses to environmental changes, biodiversity patterns, and the impacts of conservation plans. Here we examine how environment controls the distribution of the neotropical genus Montrichardia at regional and local spatial scales using species distribution models (SDMs) and logistic regression, respectively. Montrichardia is a genus of aquatic macrophytes with two species, Montrichardia linifera and Montrichardia arborescens, and is often an important component of flooded habitats. We find that for each species, altitude, precipitation and temperature of the driest month figure in the best performing SDMs as the most important factors controlling large-scale distributions, suggesting that the range limits of both species are climatically constrained by plant water-energy balance and cold intolerance. At small spatial scales, logistic regression models indicate the species partition types of aquatic habitat along local gradients of water pH, conductivity, and water transparency. In summary, a hierarchy of factors may control Montrichardia distribution from large to small spatial scales. While at large spatial scales, evolutionarily conserved climatic niches may control the range limits of the genus, at small spatial scales niche differentiation allows individual species to grow in environmentally distinct aquatic habitats.

Characterization and pedogenesis of mangrove soils from Ilhéus - BA, Brazil

Despite its importance, studies of mangrove soils are scarce, especially from a pedological perspective. The objective of this work was to study the genesis of soils in a mangrove environment in northeastern Brazil (Ilhéus, Bahia) through a morphological, physical, chemical and mineralogical characterization. All soils presented a sandy texture, which is related to the parent material (Quaternary sand deposits). The tidal flooding and resulting hydromorphic conditions is responsible for dominance of dark grey colors, and high organic matter contents (paludization process). As well as the high values of electrical conductivity (EC) and dominance of Na+ in the saturation extract (salinization and solodization processes, respectively). Contrastingly, the M3 profile, with aninga (Montrichardia linifera) vegetation, a non-exclusive mangrove plant, showed colors with high chromas due to a lesser influence of tidal flooding. The pH values and the SO4=/Cl- ratios indicated the presence of sulfidic material and, thus, the occurrence of the sulfidization process. The soil organic matter fractionation evidenced the humin as the fraction with the highest content, probably because of removal of most soluble fractions due to tidal action. Similar to mangrove soils from southeast Brazil, the XRD analysis identified kaolinite, mica and expandable 2:1 minerals in the clay fraction.

Plants of the Araceae family for malaria and related diseases: a review

ABSTRACTIn the current work we performed a review of the Araceae family species traditionally used to treat malaria and its symptoms. The aim is to reveal the large number of antimalarial Araceae species used worldwide and their great unexplored potential as sources of antimalarial natural products. The SciFinder Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google books search engines were consulted. Forty-three records of 36 species and 23 genera of Araceae used for malaria and symptoms treatment were found. The neotropical genera Philodendron Schott and Anthurium Schott were the best represented for the use in the treatment of malaria, fevers, liver problems and headaches. Leaves and tubers were the most used parts and decoction was the most common preparation method. The extracts of Araceae species inhibit the in vitro growth of the human malaria parasite, the Plasmodium falciparum Welch, and significant median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for extracts of guaimbê-sulcado (Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott), aninga (Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott), Culcasia lancifolia N.E. Br. and forest anchomanes (Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl.) have been reported demonstrating the antimalarial and cytotoxicity potential of the extracts and sub-fractions. In the only report about the antimalarial components of this family, the neolignan polysyphorin and the benzoperoxide rhaphidecurperoxin presented strong in vitro inhibition of the D6 and W2 strains of Plasmodiumfalciparum (IC50 = 368-540 ng/mL). No live study about antimalarial activity in animal models has been conducted on a species of Araceae. More bioguided chemical composition studies about the in vitro and also thein vivo antimalarial activity of the Araceae are needed in order to enhance the knowledge about the antimalarial potential of this family.

Morphological and physiological traits of aquatic macrophytes respond to water chemistry in the Amazon Basin: an example of the genus Montrichardia Crueg (Araceae)

Species composition and occurrence of aquatic macrophytes in the Amazon Basin are associated with the hydrology and geomorphology of the catchment area. Nonetheless, the distribution of the Neotropical genus Montrichardia in the Amazon floodplains remains unclear. Three taxa of the genus were described: Montrichardia linifera (Arr.) Schott (ML), associated with nutrient-rich rivers; Montrichardia arborescens (L.) Schott (MA) and M. arborescens var. aculeata (G. Mey.) Engl., growing in nutrient-poor rivers. We hypothesize that different taxa can be discriminated according to variation in density, morphology, physiology, and biomass along environmental gradients of water characteristics and soil fertility. Samples of 55 populations of Montrichardia were taken in rivers with contrasting water types in the Amazon Basin along a gradient of declining soil fertility from Western to Eastern Amazonia spanning about 2,500 km. Local phenotypic variations and discriminant analysis separated ML and MA with MA as subset of MA. Water chemistry influenced the distribution of taxa. The nutritional soil gradient at the basin level clearly explained the distribution of ML, but not that of MA. The distribution pattern of ML was similar to that of tree species in the Amazon Basin, with higher density in West Amazon.

Atividade antibacteriana de extratos de folhas de Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Araceae)

RESUMO O uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de doenças é uma estratégia antiga utilizada por praticamente todas as populações do mundo, e, embora novos antibióticos tenham sido desenvolvidos para o controle de micro-organismos infecciosos, às vezes são ineficazes. Diversos extratos de plantas medicinais têm efeitos antimicrobianos, principalmente quando associados à antibióticos de uso clínico, representando alternativa terapêutica para doenças infecciosas. Montrichardia linifera, conhecida popularmente como aninga, é espécie macrófita, aquática emergente de hábito herbáceo, pertencente a família Araceae e ocorre em áreas alagáveis. A utilidade farmacológica desta espécie é diversificada tendo sido relatada como cicatrizante, antirreumático, antidiurético e expectorante. Devido à relevância no campo etnofarmacológico, ampla utilização na medicina popular e escassez de trabalhos relacionados à atividade antibacteriana desta espécie, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a atividade antibacteriana de extratos alcoólicos de folhas de Montrichardia linifera, coletadas na margem do rio Igaraçu, Parnaíba-PI. O extrato foi testado em oito cepas de bactérias: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Foram utilizadas as técnicas de verificação da formação de halos de inibição e determinação das concentrações inibitórias e bactericidas mínimas. Os testes antibacterianos evidenciaram como principais resultados que o extrato metanólico seco (EMS), extrato metanólico fresco (EMF), e o extrato etanólico seco (EES), apresentaram ação antibacteriana, enquanto o extrato etanólico fresco (EEF) não apresentou atividade para as bactérias testadas. O EMS foi o mais eficiente, inibindo o crescimento bacteriano na concentração de 200 μg/mL para E. faecalis, 400 μg/mL para S. aureus, 400 μg/mL para S. epidermidis e 2.000 μg/mL para P. aeruginosa. O EMF obteve CIM de 2.000 μg/mL para E. faecalis e EES obteve CIM de 250 μg/mL para E. faecalis. Os resultados demonstraram que M. linifera constitui fonte eficiente de compostos bioativos antibacterianos. Os estudos sobre as propriedades farmacológicas de plantas da família Araceae são escassos, e os resultados deste trabalho são pioneiros em relação a atividade antibacteriana desta espécie.

Montrichardia linifera (Araceae) biological potential, phytochemical prospection and polyphenol content

Montrichardia linifera is commonly known in Brazil as “aninga.” In November 2008 and August 2009, we collected plant samples and extracted leaves and stems using hexane or dichloromethane and methanol to evaluate its biological and chemical potential, phytochemical profile and polyphenol content. Differences in the chemical composition of the collections were evident. In the first collection, the apolar extracts were the richest in metabolite composition while the polar extracts were the richest in the second collection. In general, extracts from Aug/2009 had higher antioxidant and cytotoxic activities than extracts from Nov/2008 and the stem and leaf extracts from the Aug/2009 collection showed the highest polyphenol content. As an insecticide against Sitophilus zeamais, the hexane extract of the leaves (Aug/2009) presented concentration-dependent insecticidal activity. Only the methanolic extract of stems and leaves (Aug/2009) presented a small inhibition halo (9 and 7 mm, respectively) against Aeromonas hydrophila when evaluating its antibacterial potential. The study demonstrates that, collection period is an important factor to consider in phytochemical and biological activity studies of M. linifera.

The Araceae in Ceará, Brazil: humid forest plants in a semi-arid region

The study consists of a taxonomic treatment of the Araceae of Ceará, a state lying within Brazil's semi-arid region. The aroid flora shows greater similarity to those of central Brazil and Amazonia than to the Atlantic forest. Most species occur in humid forest fragments - the "florestas serranas". Geophytes are also found in caatinga and dry forest (Taccarum ulei) and lithophytes on rock outcrops in dry forest (Philodendron acutatum). Floating aquatics occur in ponds and lakes throughout the state (Pistia stratiotes, Lemna aequinoctialis, Lemna minuta, Spirodela intermedia, Wolffia columbiana, Wolffiella welwitschii), and freshwater helophytes (Montrichardia linifera) along river margins. 28 taxa (species and varieties) in 19 genera are described and most are illustrated:Anthurium (three spp.), Caladium (one sp.), Dieffenbachia (one sp.), Dracontium (one sp.), Lemna (two spp.), Monstera (two spp., one with two varieties), Montrichardia (one sp.), Philodendron (four spp.), Pistia (one sp.), Scaphispatha (one sp.), Spathicarpa (one sp.), Spathiphyllum (one sp.), Spirodela (one sp.), Syngonium (one sp.), Taccarum (one sp.), Wolffia (one sp.), Wolffiella (one sp.), Xanthosoma (two spp.), Zomicarpa (one sp.). New records for Ceará are Dieffenbachia aglaonematifolia, Dracontium nivosum, Monstera adansonii var. laniata, Philodendron sp. aff. ruthianum and the naturalized exotic Typhonium roxburghii. An identification key and data on geographic distribution and conservation status are provided.

Geometric morphometrics of leaf blade shape inMontrichardia linifera(Araceae) populations from the Rio Parnaíba Delta, north-east Brazil

Leaf characters of populations of the aquatic macrophyte Montrichardia linifera were studied using geometric morphometrics to compare variation with traditional circumscriptions of the two recognized species. Two hundred and ten individuals were sampled from seven populations in the delta region of the Rio Parnaiba, north-east Brazil. Six landmarks of the leaf blade were digitized from images and analysed with MorphoJ software. Procrustes-aligned configurations were studied using principal component analysis and canonical variates analysis in the pooled data and individual populations. Sinus shape variation was studied using landmark configurations of the posterior lobe basiscopic lamina. Covariation of leaf blade shape, basiscopic lamina shape, secondary vein number and petiole ligule length was investigated with partial least squares analysis. Allometry of these variables with leaf blade centroid size was investigated using multivariate regression, linear modelling and analysis of covariance. Measured variables varied continuously over the ranges previously reported for the two species. The characters of the two species morphotypes covaried and were only partly influenced by allometric effects. Symmetric shape variables predominated, but a distinctive left- and right-handed asymmetry occurred in all populations. Genetic and ecological studies are needed to investigate the significant inter-population differences further. The study offers a methodology for a broader combined morphometric/molecular investigation. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 170, 554–572.

Estudo fitoquímico biomonitorado pelos ensaios de toxicidade frente à Artemia salina e de atividade antiplasmódica do caule de aninga (Montrichardia linifera)

Montrichardia linifera é uma planta aquática de amplo uso na medicina tradicional amazônica. Entretanto, muito pouco se conhece sobre a sua composição química, e sua atividade biológica ainda não foi comprovada. Na busca de substância(s) biologicamente ativa(s), este trabalho realizou um estudo fitoquímico biomonitorado no qual foram testados os extratos hexânico e etanólico obtidos do caule desta espécie, dos quais apenas o extrato etanólico foi selecionado para o fracionamento cromatográfico por ter apresentado toxicidade contra a Artemia salina e atividade contra o Plasmodium falciparum, parasita causador da malária. As atividades biológicas concentraram-se na fração diclorometânica que apresentou alta toxicidade contra A. salina (DL50<31μg mL-1) e alta atividade antiplasmódica (IC50<10 μg mL-1), mostrando promissora atividade antimalárica. Desta fração, o composto aromático p-hidroxibenzaldeído foi isolado pela primeira vez nesta planta.

Avaliação da composição mineral do chá da folha senescente de Montrichardia linifera (arruda) schott (araceae) por espectrometria de absorção atômica com chama (FAAS)

EVALUATION OF MINERAL COMPOSITION OF TEA FROM SENESCENT LEAF OF Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Araceae) BY FLAME ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETRY (FAAS). Levels of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn were determinated by FAAS in the tea and dry matter from senescent leaf from Montrichardia linifera, plant used in folk medicine Amazon. The content of these metals that are transferred of the leaf to the infusions have presented significant reductions, however, the Mn values in the infusion may exceed the tolerable daily intake (11 mg) if consumption of this tea is greater than 1.0 L per day. So the tea of senescent leaves of M. linifera may be considered as a toxic beverage and thus its use is not advised.