Paullinia Cupana Var Research Articles

Endophytic Colletotrichum siamense for Biocontrol and Resistance Induction in Guarana Seedlings.

Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis, known in Brazil as guarana plant, is an important plant and a major traditional crop in the State of Amazonas. It is a native Brazilian species of great economic and social importance, particularly in the Amazon region. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. is the main challenge for this crop. Therefore, the present study verified whether C. siamense, an endophytic fungus infected with a mycovirus, could protect the seedlings and reduce or eliminate the characteristic symptoms. Total proteins and enzymatic activities of pathogenesis-related proteins (PRPs), including peroxidase (POX), chitinase (CHI), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), were quantified. Guarana seedlings of cultivar Maués were sprayed with a C. siamense conidia suspension (5.0 × 103 conidia/mL). After ten days, the seedlings were sprayed with a suspension of the phytopathogen's conidia (1.0 × 106 conidia/mL). One group of these seedlings received the fungicide indicated for this crop. The fungicide was applied twice with an interval of 15 days between applications. Negative control seedlings did not receive any treatment (except water and fertilization), and positive control seedlings were treated only with the phytopathogen. The experiment was conducted between December 2019 and February 2020 in a greenhouse. The treatments were applied at an average temperature of 25°C and 85% relative humidity. Leaflets were randomly collected from each treatment group at 0, 48, 72, and 96 hours after pathogen inoculation and analyzed for total protein and enzyme production (POX, PAL, and CHI). After 28 days, the percentage of leaf lesions on the seedlings was evaluated. C. siamense inoculation reduced lesions. There were differences in total proteins and PRPs at different timepoints after inoculation, except for CHI activity, among treatments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of resistance induction in guarana plants.

<p><strong><em>Arcopilus amazonicus</em></strong><strong> (Chaetomiaceae), a new fungal species from the Amazon rainforest native plant <em>Paullinia cupana</em></strong></p>

Arcopilus is a genus recently proposed after the taxonomic restructuring of Chaetomium with only seven described species so far. During the characterization of the microbiome of the Amazonian guarana plant (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis), nine red pigment-producing strains of fungi were isolated. These strains were identified through morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S large subunit (LSU), partial second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and β-tubulin (TUB2) regions. Moreover, chemical profiles were obtained via high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), in which the isolated strains were able to produce significant amounts of the polyketide oosporein. The obtained results indicate the occurrence of a new fungal species, A. amazonicus. Chemical analyses showed that oosporein is overproduced by these strains under laboratory culture conditions.

Fungal Endophytic Community Associated with Guarana (Paullinia cupana Var. Sorbilis): Diversity Driver by Genotypes in the Centre of Origin.

Guarana plant is a native of the Amazon region. Due to its high amount of caffeine and tannins, the seed has medicinal and stimulating properties. The guarana industry has grown exponentially in recent years; however, little information is available about associated mycobiota, particularly endophytic fungi. The present study aimed to compare the distribution and diversity of endophytic fungi associated with the leaves and seeds of anthracnose-resistant and susceptible guarana plants produced in Maués and Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. A total of 7514 endophytic fungi were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar, Sabouraud and Czapek media, and grouped into 77 morphological groups. Overall, fungal communities in guarana leaves and seeds were mainly composed by Colletotrichum and Fusarium genera, but also by Chondrostereum, Clonostachys, Curvularia, Hypomontagnella, Lentinus, Neopestalotiopsis, Nigrospora, Peroneutypa, Phyllosticta, Simplicillium and Tinctoporellus. Obtained results indicate that some members of Colletotrichum and Fusarium genera may have experienced dysbiosis during the guarana domestication process, suggesting that some individuals may behave as latent pathogens. The susceptible guarana genotype cultivated in Manaus presented higher fungal diversity. The relative abundance of taxa and diversity among samples suggests that communities are structured by genotype and geographic location. This is the first report of mycobiota in both guarana leaves and seeds.

Morpho-Anatomical and Molecular Characterization of the Oversprouting Symptoms Caused by Fusarium decemcellulare in Guarana Plants (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis)

Oversprouting is a poorly studied disease of guarana plant (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis), a native species from Amazon Rainforest caused by Fusarium decemcellulare (FDC) that affects the plant growth and reproduction, severely compromising productivity. The sorbilis variety of guarana is anciently cultivated and is used today for the industry of soft drinks, cosmetic and pharmaceutical. Transcriptome, proteome, light and electron microscopy were used to compare symptomatic and asymptomatic tissues and reveal anatomical, histological and cytological alterations resultant from the disease. Disease symptoms described here include a marked reduction in the longitudinal axis and the formation of “capsules”, named as this for the first time here, which display hard thickened external walls and contain extremely malformed floral organs and/or poorly differentiated vegetative primordia when occurring isolate in individual branching points. The aggregate of multiple “capsules” in a same branch point produces galls. The production of indol-acetic acid (IAA) in vitro by F. decemcellulare was for the first time reported and the comparative transcriptome and preliminary proteome data from symptomatic and asymptomatic tissues, support the occurrence of hormonal imbalance identified through several plant hormone-related genes and proteins differentially expressed only in symptomatic tissues. Auxin signaling mechanism, as well as auxin-responsive genes associated to cell cycling, division and proliferation also occurred differentially in infected tissues. Oversprouting and the reduction of the longitudinal axis in malformed cells and organs are related to hormonal unbalance are discussed in this paper.

Diversity of parasitoid wasps in conventional and organic guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) cultivation areas in the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT We surveyed parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera) in two guarana plantations in the central Brazilian Amazon (one conventionally, and one organically managed), as well as in adjacent forest and edge areas between crop and forest. We evaluated differences between management systems in parasitoid diversity and abundance, and assessed the importance of the surrounding matrix as a source of parasitoid wasps for guarana cultivation. Parasitoid wasp richness, abundance and taxonomic composition (at family level) were compared between plantations, and among habitats within plantations. Wasps were sampled using Malaise and Moericke traps. A total of 25,951 parasitoid wasps (10,828 in the conventional, and 15,123 in the organic crop area) were collected, and were distributed in 11 superfamilies and 38 families. In the conventional management area, the greatest abundance and richness of parasitoids were recorded in the adjacent forest, while, in the organic management area, the greatest abundance and richness were recorded in the crop-forest edge. Parasitoid wasp family richness was not influenced by management system and habitat but varied significantly between trap types. Average wasp abundance varied significantly between management systems. The presence of adjacent forest in both cultivation areas likely contributed to a greater abundance and richness of parasitoid wasps, showing the importance of preserving forest areas near the plantations.

Characterization and comprehensive analysis of the ecological interaction networks of bacterial communities in Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding.

Endophytes improve the host performance in areas of high plant endemicity. Paullinia cupana is an Amazonia plant species of economic and social importance due to the high caffeine concentration in its seeds. An interesting strategy to identify endophytic microorganisms with potential biotechnological application is to understand the factors that influence the endophytic community to rationalize the host management programs. We used the next-generation sequencing for bacterial 16S rRNA gene to examine how the P. cupana organ, genotype, and geographic location influenced its endophytic bacterial community. We obtained 1520 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) distributed in 19 phyla, 32 classes, 79 orders, 114 families and 174 genera. The P. cupana roots and leaves were specifically colonized by the bacterial genera Acidothermus and Porphyromonas, respectively, with high relative frequency. The plant organ type influenced the endophytic community's richness, diversity, OTUs composition, relative abundance of phyla and genera, and genera interaction network. However, the host plant genotype and geographic location influenced the composition and interaction among genera in the network analysis. Prevotella is a super-generalist genus in the interaction network of endophytic bacteria of P. cupana. This study revealed endophytic bacterial groups of importance to P. cupana and stressed that the host plant organ modulates the structure and interactions within this community. Our results indicated that the microbial community adapted to colonize P. cupana by adjusting to its composition and interaction network. The isolation of abundant and super-generalist bacterial genera shall help to examine their functionality to the composition and fitness of the endophytic community of P. cupana.

Protective effect of guarana-loaded liposomes on hemolytic activity

Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke, popularly known as guarana, is one of the most promising plants in Brazilian flora and has attracted considerable interest from the scientific community owing to its numerous therapeutic activities and less side effects. Hence, using nanotechnology is a viable alternative to primarily improve the physicochemical characteristics and bioavailability of guarana. The objective of the present study was to develop, characterize, and evaluate the stability of liposomes containing guarana powder and to evaluate their antioxidant and hemolytic activity in vitro. Three different concentrations of guarana powder and two methods of liposome preparation were tested. Liposomes were developed and characterized, and their stability was analyzed by evaluating physicochemical parameters. Hemolytic activity of guarana liposomal formulation (G-Lip) was compared with that of guarana in its free form (FG) and of liposome without guarana (W-Lip). Red blood cells from rats were exposed to these different formulations dissolved in phosphate buffer solution (PBS; pH 7.4). The best stability was achieved for the formulation containing 1 mg mL−1 guarana powder produced by the reverse phase evaporation method. FG showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity, which was maintained in G-Lip. W-Lip showed high hemolytic activity in PBS at pH 7.4 possibly because of the presence of polysorbate 80, and on addition of guarana to these structures, the hemolytic process was reversed. The same protective effect was observed for FG. It is believed that the complex structure of guarana, primarily the presence of polyphenols, exerts a powerful antioxidant action, helping to protect erythrocytes.

Rizobacteria Isolated in the Amazon and Its Influence on the Growth of Guarana Seedlings

Guarana (Paullinia cupana var. Sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke) is a species native from Amazon which has high caffeine concentration. The interactions between guarana and microorganisms in Amazonian soils need to be investigated, especially in relation to the seedling production process, due to its beneficial relationships such as biosynthesis and the supply of stimulating substances, which may result in shortening of the nursery garden or increased productivity. Thus, this research had the objective of evaluating the potential of growth caused by rhizobacteria (Burkholderia ambifaria and Bacillus sp.) in rooting of guarana seedlings. The root length, volume, dry matter of the aerial part, height, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter of shoot were evaluated at 180 days after planting emergence. Were also determined the carbohydrate and proline content of the aerial part. The rhizobacteria did not influence the growth of the seedlings, however, the carbohydrate contents were higher when the inoculation of the rhizobacteria was carried out with the Burkholderia ambifaria bacteria in the cultivar BRS-Amazonas, with the best results. The proline levels were higher in the control treatment of the two cultivars.

Anti-Aging and Antioxidant Potential of Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis: Findings in Caenorhabditis elegans Indicate a New Utilization for Roasted Seeds of Guarana.

Background: Roasted seeds of Amazonian guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis; Sapindaceae) are popular in South America due to their stimulant activity on the central nervous system (CNS). Rich in purine alkaloids, markedly caffeine, the seeds are extensively used in the Brazilian beverage industry for the preparation of soft drinks and as additives in energy drinks. Methods: To investigate the putative anti-aging and antioxidant activity of guarana, we used the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Chemical analyses were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Results: When tested in the model system Caenorhabditis elegans, the water extract from roasted guarana seeds enhanced resistance against oxidative stress, extended lifespan and attenuated aging markers such as muscle function decline and polyQ40 aggregation. Conclusions: In the current study, we demonstrate that guarana extracts can work as a powerful antioxidant in vivo; moreover, guarana extracts exhibit anti-aging properties. Our results suggest that the biological activities of guarana go beyond the extensively reported CNS stimulation.

¿Innovar para resistir? La territorialización del Guaraná en la Amazonia (Brasil)

En los últimos años, Brasil ha conocido importantes transformaciones entre las cuales se encuentra el refuerzo de la participación ciudadana en la elaboración de políticas públicas e instrumentos innovadores para el desarrollo rural como son por un lado, “los territorios ciudadanos” conformados en 2008 y por otro lado el acceso al sistema de indicaciones geográficas creado en 2002. Consideraremos a estos mecanismos como favorables a la institucionalización de territorios específicos donde la gobernanza rompería con políticas tradicionales de manera que la valorización de recursos agrícolas localizados garantice un acceso seguro al mercado. Analizaremos el caso particular de la región de Maués (Amazonas), conocida originalmente como la tierra del guaraná (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis). Esta planta forestal amazónica fue domesticada por las tribus Satéré Mawé para luego difundirse en la región y en otros Estados . A parte de su valorización en el marco de cadenas productivas, mostramos que el guaraná es el objeto de luchas de apropiación por parte de distintos colectivos con el objetivo de su reinscripción en su territorio de origen. El acceso a las indicaciones geográficas se encuentra en el corazón de un proceso multiforme de territorialización de Guaraná donde diversos actores se enfrentan, se excluyen o se coordinan para defender su especialización.

Diversity of wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in conventional and organic guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) crops in the Brazilian Amazon

Diversity of wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in conventional and organic guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) crops in the Brazilian Amazon. The present study aimed to determine the diversity of wasp species associated with the guaraná crop and the difference in composition of species associated to organic and conventional crops, as well as among environments established in each management (adjacent forest, crop edge and guaraná crop). We collected 977 individuals and 59 species, in 23 genera of Vespidae, sixteen of Polistinae (52 species) and seven Eumeninae (seven species). Polybia was the most abundant and rich genus with 553 specimens and 15 species, followed by Agelaia (139, nine) and Protopolybia (103, five). In organic management crop, 686 individuals allocated in 18 genera and 47 species were collected, whereas in conventional management crop 291 individuals allocated in 18 genera and 41 species were collected. According to the three sampling points, in both management types, the edge of the crop field shows the highest abundance of wasps with a total of 519 individuals allocated in 19 genera and 45 species. Given the intense use of both environments (forest and crop) by the wasps, it is important to grow crops in regions near native forests, where the chances of social wasp colonies to be founded are increased.

Endophytic cultivable bacterial community obtained from the Paullinia cupana seed in Amazonas and Bahia regions and its antagonistic effects against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) is a plant from the Amazonas region with socio-economic importance. However, guarana production has been increasingly affected by unfavorable conditions resulting from anthracnose, caused by the Colletotrichum fungal genus, which primarily affects mainly the Amazonas region. The aim of the present study was to isolate bacterial endophytes from the seeds of guarana plants obtained from Amazonas region and the Northeast state of Bahia, a region where this disease is not a problem for guarana plantations. The number of bacterial Colony Forming Units (CFU/g seeds) was 2.4 × 104 from the Bahia and 2.9 × 104 from the Amazonas region. One hundred and two isolated bacteria were evaluated in vitro against the phytopathogenic strain Colletotrichum gloeosporioides L1. These isolates were also analyzed for the enzymatic production of amylase, cellulase, protease, pectinase, lipase and esterase. Approximately 15% of isolates, showing high antagonistic activity, and the production of at least one enzyme were identified through the partial sequencing of 16S rDNA. The genus Bacillus was the most frequently observed, followed by Paenibacillus, Ochrobactrum, Microbacterium and Stenotrophomonas. Proteolytic activity was observed in 24 isolates followed by amylolytic, pectinolytic and cellulolytic activities. No esterase and lipase production was detected. Most of the isolates, showing antagonistic effects against C. gloeosporioides and high enzymatic activities, were isolated from the anthracnose-affected region. A biocontrol method using the endophytes from guarana seeds could be applied in the future, as these bacteria are vertically transferred to guarana seedlings.

TRAP and SRAP markers to find genetic variability in complex polyploid Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis

The guarana plant (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) is a polyploid rich in natural caffeine, used as a source for producing industrial soft drinks. Embrapa Western Amazon maintains an Active Germplasm Bank (BGA) with 270 clones, which represents the genetic basis of the species conservation and breeding programs. The BGA evaluations conducted using phenotypic traits and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers indicated low genetic variability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of the clonal germplasm of the guarana plant using Target Region Amplification Polymorphism (TRAP) and Sequence-Related Amplification Polymorphism (SRAP) markers. Sixty clones of the guarana plant were analyzed; 18 were cultivars, eight were similar clones according to morpho-agronomic traits, and 34 were clones of a different origin. The percent polymorphism found was 79% for TRAP and 74.5% for SRAP. The Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values for both markers ranged from 0.29 to 0.37, with an amplified fragment size between 100 and 800bp. No genotypes with genetic similarity of one were found in the three germoplasm samples analyzed, which ruled out the possibility of the occurrence of duplicates. In the cluster analysis, the dendrogram generated by the SRAP marker added three additional groups when compared with TRAP and distinguished two genotypes in the sample comprising morpho-agronomically similar clones. The TRAP and SRAP markers yielded complementary information on the genetic variability of the guarana germplasm. Therefore, the combination of the two markers has the potential to broaden genetic characterizations and facilitate parental selection in breeding programs.

A scientific note on new insights in the pollination of guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis)

Guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke, Sapindaceae family) is an important and traditional crop of significant economic and social importance in the Amazon region. It is a Brazilian native plant, cultivated by largeand small-scale producers (Embrapa 2005). Its fruits are dehiscent capsules that contain one or three dark brown seeds, with 2.3 to 5 % caffeine. The seeds need to be processed to obtain the powder, syrup, or extract (Angelo et al. 2008), which is used in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products worldwide. The guarana plant is a monoecious species, with male and female flowers opening at different times (dichogamy) on the same plant (see Supplementary Material ESM1). Several studies have been conducted since the 1970s on the pollinators and floral biology of the guarana plant (Schultz and Valois 1974; Gondim 1978; Carranza et al. 1981; Erickson et al. 1984; Escobar et al. 1984; Ferreira 2003). The flowering period of P. cupana var. sorbilis varies yearly and appears to be related to rainfall patterns (Erickson et al. 1984; Escobar et al. 1984). Generally, the flowering period in the Amazon region begins in late July and ends in November when there is less rainfall. There is a gap in observations on floral visitors between 2 a.m. (at the beginning of anthesis) and 6 a.m., the time when observations began in previous studies by Schultz and Valois (1974), Gondim (1978), Escobar et al. (1984), and Ferreira (2003). According to these authors, the most effective pollinator species, based on flower observations, are the stingless bees of the genus Melipona. This preliminary study aims to answer two fundamental questions regarding the pollination ecology of P. cupana var. sorbilis as follows: (1) are there nocturnal/crepuscular flower visitors? and, if there are, (2) who are these visitors/pollinators? To evaluate the occurrence of floral visitors from the beginning of anthesis, which begins at 2 a.m., surveys were conducted between 2 and 9 a.m. for 8 days, totaling 64 h of sampling. All the censuses/surveys were conducted on clear nights during all moon phases, on nonconsecutive days. Preliminary surveys to collect and identify nocturnal and crepuscular species were made in experimental and commercial fields of flowering guarana in the counties of Manaus (21 and 29/08/2011) and Maues (28 and 29/10/2011), respectively. Additional samples, to quantify (census) the nocturnal, crepuscular, and diurnal visitors, were collected in Manaus (04, 12, 19, and 26/09/2012). Sunrise occurred from 5:37 to 6:07 a.m. during the study. Surveys were made every 30 min and each lasted 10 min. During each survey, the researcher walked slowly along the rows of guarana plants, counting the number of each type of bee (nocturnal, crepuscular, and diurnal) on the flowers in an area of 1 ha, which was surrounded by native vegetation. Due to easy recognition, the bee types were only counted as nocturnal (Megalopta spp.), crepuscular (Ptiloglossa sp.), or diurnal (all the other bees). Sampling was done using entomological nets. The flower visitors were observed and voucher specimens of the insects/bees were collected (authorization number 32357-1 MMA/ICMBio) and Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13592-014-0304-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The protective effects of guaraná extract (Paullinia cupana) on fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells exposed to sodium nitroprusside

The antioxidant effects of the hydro-alcoholic guaraná extract (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis Mart.) on nitric oxide (NO) and other compounds generated from the degradation of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in an embryonic fibroblast culture (NIH-3T3 cells) were evaluated. The guaraná bioactive compounds were initially determined by high-performance liquid chromatography: caffeine=12.240mg/g, theobromine=6.733mg/g and total catechins=4.336mg/g. Cells were exposed to 10μM SNP during a 6h period because the cells exhibited >90% mortality at this concentration. Guaraná was added to the cultures in five concentrations (0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 20mg/mL). The guaraná antioxidant effect was evaluated by viability assays, biochemical oxidation [lipid peroxidation, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity] and genotoxicity (DNA Comet assay) analysis. Additionally, oxidative stress was evaluated by a 2,7-dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence assay. Guaraná reverted the SNP toxicity mainly at lower concentrations (<5mg), which decreased cell mortality, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and cell oxidative stress as well as increased the SOD levels. These results demonstrate that guaraná has an antioxidant effect on NO metabolism in situations with higher cellular NO levels.

Crestamento abiótico em mudas de clones de guaranazeiro sob condições de encharcamento na região central do Estado do Amazonas

In waterlogged soils, there is an increase in the soil concentrations of available iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), which may cause abnormalities in leaves, as observed in seedling clones of Guarana [Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis (MART.) DUCKE] in Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil. The objective of this study was to detect these visual changes in different clones of Guarana (CMA 347, CMU 613, CMU 626, and CMU 871), grown in nursery conditions in the high rainfall in the Amazon region. Seedlings, with and without symptoms of blight, were selected for phytopathological, soil fertility (pH, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, Al3+, H++Al3+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+) and nutritional status (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, B, Fe, Mn and Zn) analyses. It was possible to verify that clones CMU 613 and CMU 871 were susceptible to waterlogging, resulting in abiotic blight and large accumulation of Fe and Zn in leaves. Foliar concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, B, Cu and Zn were not affected by waterlogging conditions and leaf abnormality

Development of an analytical method using reversed-phase HPLC-PDA for a semipurified extract of Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis (guaraná)

The Neotropical plant ‘guaraná’ has been widely used in medicine, cosmetics, and industry because of its versatile biological activities. These effects are mainly attributed to the presence of polyphenols. An efficient, precise, and reliable method was developed for quantification of the polyphenols catechin and epicatechin in guaraná extract solution, using HPLC-PDA detection. The ideal conditions for the analysis of a semipurified extract of guaraná (EPA), using solutions of 0.05% TFA–water (phase A) and 0.05% TFA in acetonitrile:methanol (75:25, vv−1) (phase B) as mobile phases were established. Gradient reversed-phase chromatography was performed using a guard cartridge (C18, 4.6mm×20mm, 4μm) and column (C18, 250mm×4.6mm, 4μm), flow of 0.5mLmin−1 and detection at 280nm. The main validation parameters of the method were also determined. The method was linear over a range of 18.75–300μgmL−1 for catechin and epicatechin, with detection limits of 0.70 and 0.88μgmL−1 and quantification limits of 2.13 and 2.67μgmL−1, respectively. The method also showed consistent mean recoveries of 91.3±3.8%, 2.14 RSD and 93.4±3.1, 2.74 RSD of catechin and epicatechin respectively. The relative standard deviations were relatively low: intra-day (0.72% and 0.66% for catechin and epicatechin, respectively) and inter-day (0.93% and 0.75% for catechin and epicatechin, respectively). The semipurified extract showed catechin, epicatechin, and caffeine contents of 180.75, 278.87, and 300.87μgmg−1, respectively. The results demonstrated the efficiency, precision, accuracy, and robustness of the proposed method. The solutions remained stable for a sufficient time (one week) to complete the analytical process.

Protective Effect of Guaraná (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) Pre-treatment on Cadmium-Induced Damages in Adult Wistar Testis

Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) is an Amazonian plant. Its antioxidant potential was demonstrated to be due to the high polyphenol concentration. On the other hand, one of the mechanisms underlying cadmium-induced cellular damage is free radical mediated, resulting in increased oxidative processes. This study investigated P. cupana's potential to attenuate cadmium-induced damages in Wistar rat testis. Adult male Wistar rats were either pre-treated with 2mg/g body weight (BW) of powdered P. cupana seed during 56days and/or injected with cadmium chloride at a dose of 1.15mg/kg BW. After cadmium exposition (48h), testes samples were evaluated by histological and stereological analyses. Both groups exposed to cadmium presented evident morphological alterations relative to control animals. A few rodents showed massive cell death in the seminiferous epithelium and intertubular space, indicating that some animals are more sensitive to cadmium. Despite the alterations observed in both groups, pre-treatment with P. cupana was effective in attenuating morphological changes in Leydig cells, as well as reducing inflammatory response, relative to animals exclusively exposed to the metal. Animals treated only with P. cupana presented a significant increase in plasma testosterone levels and a significant increase in volumetric proportions of seminiferous tubules, which are indicative of spermatogenic stimulation.

Avaliação e seleção de progênies de meios-irmãos de guaranazeiro

This work aimed to study the genetic variability, to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters predict genetic values, establishing genetic correlations between characters and construirum selection index of individuals of guarana (Paullinia cupanavar. Sorbilis) in an experiment conducted in Maues, Amazonas. Thirty eseis progenies were evaluated for 10 morphological characteristics, including resistance to anthracnose disease and witches and fruit production in three consecutive years in experimental design of randomized blocks with two replications and six plants per plot. The variance components, and genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated by the procedure REML / BLUP. There phenotypic and genetic variability among progenies for fruit production, which can be exploited in the breeding program. The genetic gains obtained in this study indicate a larger gain than the clonal selection. The selection of individuals for seed production and composition of the population of improvement should be evaluated for four more years. This work aimed to study the genetic variability, to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters and predicting breeding values of individuals of guarana (Paullinia cupana var. Sorbilis) in an experiment conducted in Maues, Amazonas. Thirty-six families were evaluated for 10 morpho-agronomic characters, including resistance to anthracnose disease and witches and fruit production in three consecutive seasons, an experimental design of randomized blocks with two replications and six plants per plot. The variance components, and genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated by the procedure REML / BLUP. The strategy of selecting progenies involving all morpho-agronomic traits proved to be more efficient in regard to genetic gains of 100% and should be adopted in the breeding program of guarana. Moreover, the selection of individuals to seed production and breeding population composition must be further evaluated for over four years since the present genetic gain, ranging from 1.38% to 2.58% did not allow taking a safe decision.

Spectrophotometric determination of tannins and caffeine in preparations from Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis

The present work was designed to quantify the caffeine and total polyphenols in the extractive solution and the granulated form from the seeds of Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis, by the spectrophotometric method. The method showed linearity for the caffeine and polyphenols in the range of 5-25 µg/ml and 2.4-5.6 µg/ml respectively. The solutions of the semipurified fraction (EPA) and granulated form (GRA) showed linear responses in the range of 0.288-0.672 and 0.4-1.2 µg/ml, respectively. The precision and accuracy were determined for the EPA solution at a concentration of 100 µg/ml. The spectrophotometric method performed well in quantifying the caffeine and total polyphenols.