Pouteria Ramiflora Research Articles

Development of tree species in an agroforest system in Nova Xavantina, Mato Grosso, Central Brazil

As the arrangement of the species is fundamentally important to guarantee the effectiveness of agroforestry systems, it is important to test different combinations of species with varying levels of economic potential. The study was based on the analysis of the initial development of an agroforestry system formed by native tree species and other plants of economic interest, intercropped with green manure species under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Nova Xavantina in Mato Grosso, central Brazil. The study was conducted in an experimental plot on the Nova Xavantina campus of Mato Grosso State University. The plot was arranged in randomized blocks, in a simple agroforestry system of the alley type, with the plants arranged in rows, in a 4x2 factorial design (four fruit species x two legumes). The fruiting species included five trees – Bixa orellana, Spondias lutea, Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Rich, Pouteria ramiflora, and Theobroma grandiflorum, and the banana, Musa sp. (the “BRS Princesa” cultivar). Two combinations of legume species were tested – (i) Cajanus cajan and Vigna unguiculata,and (ii) Mucuna aterrima and Canavalia ensiformis. Tree growth was assessed based on four phytometric parameters – plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, and percentage survival, while for Musa, the parameters were height and pseudostem circumference, and the number of active leaves and shoots. Bixa orellana and S. lutea were the species best adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions found in the experimental plot, with all (100%) of the Bixa plants surviving throughout the study, and a survival rate of over 70% in S. lutea.

Pouteria ramiflora

This datasheet on Pouteria ramiflora covers Identity.

Pouteria ramiflora leaf extract on emulgel in wound healing activity in diabetic rats.

The genus Pouteria has been studied because it presents various activities, among which is its anti-inflammatory potential. The effects of Pouteria ramiflora Carbopol gel on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic rats were evaluated by microscopic imaging. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally in animals that had fasted for 12 hours, a situation confirmed by the glycemic index (˃ 240 mg dL-1). An excision on the back of the animals was performed and three groups were formed: Control (Gel), Ethanolic extract (Ext) and Gel + extract 2% (Ext+gel); the histopathological evaluation occurred on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th days after the post-operative period. The results of the phytochemical prospecting of P. ramiflora extract demonstrated the major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate on the 7th day was higher on group Ext and Ext+gel when compared to group Control; on the 14th day control and Ext (p<0.05). The quantification of fibroblasts was higher on the 7th day among the three treatments, control and Ext (p<0.05), on the 21st day. Angiogenesis showed a higher number of vessels in Ext+gel group (p<0.05) on the 7th day; in Control, Ext and Ext+gel (p<0.05) on the 14th day; and Control and Ext (p<0.05)on the 21st day. The histopathological results showed that the formulation Ext+gel was efficient in tissue reparation and decrease in inflammatory cells on the diabetic's animals.

Composição nutricional de frutos do Cerrado mato grossense: cajuzinho do cerrado (Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil.), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk.) e inharé (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul)

This study aimed at performing the nutritional characterization (moisture, protein, lipid, ashes andtotal sugar), quantification of the Total Energy Value (TEV) and determination of carotenoid content ofcajuzinho do cerrado (Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil.), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk) and inhare(Brosimum gaudichaudii Trecul), of the Midwestern Cerrado. Aiming at offering a nutritious alternative ofdiet and motivating the reuse of foods, the pulps and peels of fruits were analyzed. Cajuzinho do cerradoshowed expressive amount of total carotenoids in the pulps (5.95 mg/100g) and peels (6.55 mg/100g). Thecurriola presented a considerable amount of ash (0.66%) in the pulps and a significant amount of TotalEnergy Value (80.96 Kcal/100g). On the other hand, the inhare had a high amount of protein in the peels(3.76%) and pulps (3.19%). These results showed that pulps and peels of the analyzed fruits can be used assource of nutrients or as ingredients in the manufacture of new functional foods. This is the first reportwhich evaluates the nutritional potential and total carotenoids in peels of fruits from Midwestern Cerrado.

Development of aromatic soluble tea from the pulp of Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. with health benefits

The pulp of Pouteria Ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk presents potential for developing a soluble tea due to its functional and organoleptic properties. This paper had the objective developed a soluble tea from the pulp of P. ramiflora fruit, as well as to optimize the process of obtaining tea using spray dryer through factorial planning. Besides, the chromatographic profile and antioxidant potential of the infusion from pulp were investigated. The chromatographic profile (HPLC/DAD) revealed gallic acid as the main component of the pulp. The aqueous extract of pulp had good antioxidant activity response by the phosphomolybdenum complex reduction method (116.3 μg of ascorbic acid equivalent per mL of sample). The influence of the independent variables air inlet temperature and maltodextrin concentration on the variable response yield (%), through a 22 full factorial design, was determined. The optimization of the process generated a mathematical equation that provided an approximation to the true system, with a strong correlation. The analysis of response surface indicated optimal conditions for the drying process. The results highlight the potential future of the soluble tea of P. ramiflora pulp with good acceptability and functional appeal.

Effects of processing and packaging on bioactive compounds of curriola jelly [Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk.] during storage

The objective herein was to evaluate the effect of processing, packaging type (with and without exposure to light) and storage time on the quality of functional attributes of jelly prepared from curriola pulp. The experimental design was a completely randomized 2 × 5 factorial design, with two levels of packaging (transparent and amber) and five storage periods (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months). In general, the processing of curriola pulp determined a slight increase in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity and a reduction in vitamin C content of freshly prepared jelly. The amber package and storage time promoted higher retention of bioactive compounds, mainly gallic acid, besides reducing the percentage of jelly oxidation, determined by the β-carotene / linoleic acid antioxidant method. A reduction in phenolic compounds and vitamin C was observed, which caused a reduction in the antioxidant capacity of curriola jelly. Of the five phenolic compounds identified in freshly prepared curriola jelly, gallic acid was identified as the major compound. In addition, the use of amber packaging, which prevents the incidence of light, may favor the maintenance of bioactive compounds during storage period of curriola jelly under environmental conditions.

Phytochemical Profile, and Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects of Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. Leaf Extract, and Its Synergism with Cisplatin in HepG2 Cells.

Different species of the genus Pouteria have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation, fever, ulcers, diabetes, and diarrhea. We analyzed the phytochemical profile of the hydroethanolic extract from Pouteria ramiflora leaves by electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection, and examined whether it alone and in combination with cisplatin interfered with cell proliferation and death processes in HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and FGH (human gingival fibroblasts) cells. Five compounds were identified in the extract: gallic acid, myricetin-3-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-β-d-galactopyranoside, myricetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, and myricetin-3-O-β-d-galactopyranoside. The extract was cytotoxic to both cell lines by inducing apoptotic cell death and acted in synergy with cisplatin; such effect was stronger in HepG2 cells than in FGH cells, demonstrating some selectivity to tumor cells. In HepG2 cells, the extract exerted antiproliferative effect mediated by induction of cell cycle arrest at the S and G2/M phases. Association of the extract with cisplatin enhanced the latter's antiproliferative effect, arrested the cell cycle at the S phase by CDK2 modulation, and reduced the number of anti-cyclin D1-stained HepG2 cells. Simultaneous treatment with the extract and cisplatin increased the latter's cytotoxicity, apoptotic cell death, and BAX expression in HepG2 cells. Altogether, the results reported herein indicate that P. ramiflora extract is a possible adjuvant to cancer therapy, which can circumvent the cisplatin-mediated resistance mechanisms in cancer cells.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Native Species of Sapotaceae Juss. in Paraná, Brazil&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Sapotaceae is a large family of angiosperms which has predominantly tree species, and worldwide distribution in subtropical and tropical regions. The Neotropics are one of the greatest centers of diversity of Sapotaceae, and in Brazil, the family comprises 12 genera and 234 species, of which 103 species are endemic. We present here a taxonomic treatment for the native species of Sapotaceae from the State of Paraná, with an identification key, descriptions, geographic distribution, phenology, illustrations, and current conservation status for all taxa. Twenty-two species were documented in Paraná, belonging to seven genera. The richest genus was Pouteria with 11 species, followed by Chrysophyllum with five species and Pradosia with two species. The genera Diploon, Ecclinusa, Manilkara, and Sideroxylon have only one species each. Pouteria guianensis and Pouteria ramiflora are new records for the state. The Atlantic Rain Forest is the richest vegetation type with six genera and 13 species, followed by the Seasonal Forest with three genera and nine species. The Araucaria Forest and Cerrado have two genera each, the former with three species and the latter with two species. Out of 22 species, one has been mentioned as endangered (EN), one is vulnerable (VU), one is near threatened (NT), nine are least concern (LC), and ten have not been evaluated (NE).

Fitossociologia e estrutura diamétrica de um fragmento de Cerrado sensu stricto, Formoso do Araguaia, Tocantins

O Cerrado Brasileiro é composto por diferentes fitofisionomias, onde observa-se vegetação campestre, savânica e florestal. Assim, objetivou-se realizar um levantamento fitossociológico para avaliar a estrutura diamétrica de um fragmento de Cerrado sensu stricto, Formoso do Araguaia – TO. Foram instaladas, aleatoriamente, seis parcelas retangulares de 500 m² cada (10x50 m), totalizando 0,3 ha de área amostral. Nas parcelas amostrou-se todos os indivíduos arbustivos-arbóreos vivos e mortos em pé com Circunferência à Altura do Peito (CAP) ≥ 10 cm. Foram 508 indivíduos arbustivos-arbóreos amostrados, sendo 480 vivos e 28 mortos em pé, distribuídos em 49 espécies e 27 famílias. As principais famílias foram Vochysiaceae, Fabaceae, Malpighiaceae, Sapotaceae e Melastomataceae. A Qualea parviflora Mart., Qualea grandiflora Mart., Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk., Byrsonima coccolobifolia Kunth e Sclerolobium paniculatum Vogel apresentaram os maiores Valores de Importância. O diâmetro médio dos indivíduos foi de 9,38 cm, a área basal de 4,71 m² ha-1 e densidade de 1.693,33 indivíduos ha-1. O índice de diversidade de Shannon Wiener (H’) foi de 3,21 e a equabilidade de Pielou (J) de 0,83. Com base nos resultados obtidos observou-se que o fragmento tem elevada diversidade com baixa dominância ecológica e o padrão de distribuição diamétrica “J” invertido foi observado na comunidade evidenciando-se populações estáveis e auto regenerativas.

Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. extract: Flavonoids quantification and chemopreventive effect on HepG2 cells

ABSTRACTPouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk., popularly known as curriola, is commonly used in Brazil as medicinal plant to treat worm infections, dysentery, pain, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. At present the safety of this extract when used therapeutically in human remains to be determined. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, and antimutagenic actions of this extract. The hydroalcoholic extract from P. ramiflora leaves consisted of flavonoids identified and quantified as myricetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (13.55 mg/g) and myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (9.61 mg/g). The extract exhibited cytotoxicity at concentrations higher than 1.5 µg/ml in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2)and 2.5 µg/ml in non-tumoral primary gastric (GAS) cells using the MTT assay, and at concentrations higher than 3 µg/ml in HepG2 and 3.5 µg/ml in GAS cells by the neutral red assay. The extract did not show antiproliferative effect as evidenced by the nuclear division index (NDI). However, in the presence of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (positive control), an enhanced cytostatic effect in the NDI and flow cytometry was noted. It is of interest that when the extract was co-incubated with BaP a significant decrease in DNA damage was observed indicating an antimutagenic action. This protective effect might be attributed to myricetin and gallic acid found in P. ramiflora extract. The low cytotoxicity action and protective effect observed in the present study encourage further studies regarding other biological effects of P. ramiflora, as well as its potential use as a chemopreventive agent.

&lt;b&gt;Phytochemistry and antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of three medicinal plants against food pathogens

This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical compositions of three medicinal Brazilian plants’ leaves and bast extracts, and to determine their antibacterial activity on three foodborne and waterborne bacterial pathogens. Parkia platycephala , Pouteria ramiflora and Lophanthera lactescens leaves and basts were collected and aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared. Qualitative screening of the phytochemical extracts was performed with three replicates and in triplicate in order to identify the bioactive compounds. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration and Minimal Bactericide Concentration were determined by microdilution in broth and Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus growth was observed on agar plates. Phytochemical composition analysis allowed for the identification of anthraquinones, catechins, saponins, tannins, sesquiterpenlactones and other lactones in the three plants’ leaves and bast aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts. Eighty-three percent of the plant extracts showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus , and P. platycephala extracts were the only ones that inhibited E. coli and S. typhimurium growth. The present study contributes significantly to the phytochemical composition characterization of three plant species commonly used in Brazilian traditional medicine. The plant extracts’ in vitro antibacterial activity was demonstrated and catechins present in the extracts are, most likely, the bioactive compounds responsible for this action.

Phytochemical analysis and fungicide potential of Pouteria ramiflora against Lasiodiplodia theobromae

ABSTRACT The use of plant extracts can be an alternative to reduce the use of pesticides, to control diseases and pests that affect agricultural production. The aim of this study was the chemical characterization of the extract and fractions of Pouteria ramiflora leaves and to determine its fungistatic potential on Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The ethanolic extract of dried and crushed leaves was obtained by maceration. Part of this extract was sequentially partitioned and the following fractions were obtained: hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butyl, and hydromethanol for subsequent bioassay, and qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis. Experimental development comprises of adding a L. theobromae mycelial disk (5 mm), obtained from pure colonies, in the middle of Petri dishes with PDA culture growth (potato-dextrose-agar) plus the aforementioned substances in different concentrations (800; 1,200; 1,600; 2,000, and 2,400 µg/mL), and a control treatment (PDA). The plates were incubated in B.O.D. (25±2°C), and the assessment was performed by measuring the diameter of the colonies until it reaches the edge of the board. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replications, and the treatments were constituted of a factorial of seven extracts/fractions and six concentrations. For the Mycelial Growth Rate Index (MGRI) obtained, the analysis of variance was performed, and when significant, the regression analysis was performed. All extract/fractions decreased MGRI of L. theobromae, as the concentrations were increased. The best MGRI reduction occurred in n-butanolic fraction, and the efficiency of this fraction may be related to the presence of flavonoids and anthraquinones. The extract and fractions of P. ramiflora, a tree from the Cerrado biome in Mato Grosso do Sul, was effective in the control of L. theobromae, which can be used as a control option in organic farming or in integrated management systems.

Triterpenes from Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. Leaves (Sapotaceae)

Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. (Sapotaceae) is a species used by inhabitants from the Cerrado for its edible fruits and medicinal value. Hexane crude extracts from leaves and fractions were evaluated for in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity and antioxidant potential. The fraction with the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity was submitted to a phytochemical study. Three triterpenes were isolated, friedelin, epi-friedelanol, and taraxerol. This is the first report of these compounds isolated from P. ramiflora. Moreover, this is the first report of friedelin isolated from Pouteria sp. Epi-friedelanol was present in significant amounts, suggesting that this compound could be a candidate marker for this species.

Activity of crude extracts from Brazilian cerrado plants against clinically relevant Candida species.

BackgroundMedicinal plants have traditionally been used in many parts of the world as alternative medicine. Many extracts and essential oils isolated from plants have disclosed biological activity, justifying the investigation of their potential antimicrobial activity. In this study, the in vitro antifungal activity of six Brazilian Cerrado medicinal plant species were evaluated against clinically relevant Candida species.MethodsThe crude extract plants were evaluated against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) standard strains of Candida spp. using disk diffusion method and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The chemical study results were confirmed by HPLC method.ResultsAll six plant species showed antifungal activity. Among the species studied, Eugenia dysenterica and Pouteria ramiflora showed significant inhibitory activity against C. tropicalis at lowest MIC value of 125 and 500 μg/disc, respectively. The Eugenia dysenterica also disclosed MIC value of 125 μg/disc against C. famata, 250 μg/disc against C. krusei and 500 μg/disc against C. guilliermondii and C. parapsilosis. Pouteria torta, Bauhinia rufa, Erythroxylum daphnites and Erythroxylum subrotundum showed activity against the yeast strains with MIC value of 1000 μg/disc. The chemical study of the most bioactive extracts of Eugenia dysenterica and Pouteria ramiflora revealed catechin derivatives and flavonoids as main components.ConclusionsAll six evaluated plant species showed good antifungal potential against several Candida strains. However, E .dysenterica and P. ramiflora showed the higher inhibitory effect against the non-albicans Candida species. Our results may contribute to the continuing search of new natural occurring products with antifungal activity.

FITOSSOCIOLOGIA EM COMUNIDADES ARBÓREAS REMANESCENTES DE CERRADO SENSU STRICTO NO BRASIL CENTRAL

Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o estrato arbóreo das comunidades de cerrado sensu stricto mediante avaliações da riqueza, estrutura e diversidade. Os dados da vegetação foram obtidos empregando-se o método de parcelas múltiplas, com tamanho de 20 x 20 m (400 m2). Em cada uma das 82 unidades amostrais foram obtidas a altura total e as circunferências de todas as plantas arbóreas com perímetro a 0,30 m do nível do solo (PAB) maior ou igual a 15,7 cm (DAB ³ 5,0 cm). A partir da parcela 60 (24.000 m2 da área amostrada) a curva estabilizou-se com a ocorrência de 106 espécies, distribuídas entre 81 gêneros e 36 famílias, indicando que a amostragem foi suficiente para caracterizar e avaliar as vegetações de cerrado sensu stricto estudadas. As espécies com maior VI foram: Qualea parviflora, Curatella americana, Davilla elliptica, Qualea grandiflora, Pterodon emarginatus, Lafoensia pacari, Diptychandra aurantiaca, Myrcia albo-tomentosa, Caryocar brasiliense, Byrsonima pachyphylla, Byrsonima coccolobifolia, Hymenaea stigonocarpa, Callisthene fasciculata, Luehea paniculata, Magonia pubescens, Terminalia argentea, Erythroxylum deciduum, Couepia grandiflora e Pouteria ramiflora. A diversidade da vegetação arbórea encontrada na área estudada foi de 4,033 nats/ind. pelo índice de Shannon e de 0,975 pelo de Simpson, indicando alta diversidade florística. AbstractPhytosociology of the arboreal communities remainders of sensu stricto cerrado in Central Brazil. This study has a objective to characterize the cerrado sensu stricto communities' arboreal stratum by evaluations of the richness, structures and diversity. Data of vegetation were obtained by the method of multiple plots, with size of 20 x 20 m (400 m2). In each one of the 82 patternless units were obtained the total height and the circumferences of all the arboreal plants with perimeter to 0.30 m from the level of the soil (PAB) larger or equal to 15.7 cm (DAB 5.0 cm). From the plot 60 (24.000 m2 out of the area used as sample) the curve is stabilized with the occurrence of 106 species, distributed between 81 genera and 36 families, indicating that the sampling was enough to characterize and to evaluate the vegetations of cerrado sensu stricto studied. The species with larger VI were: Qualea parviflora, Curatella americana, Davilla elliptica, Qualea grandiflora, Pterodon emarginatus, Lafoensia pacari, Diptychandra aurantiaca, Myrcia albo-tomentosa, Caryocar brasiliense, Byrsonima pachyphylla, Byrsonima coccolobifolia, Hymenaea stigonocarpa, Callisthene fasciculata, Luehea paniculata, Magonia pubescens, Terminalia argentea, Erythroxylum deciduum, Couepia grandiflora and Pouteria ramiflora. The diversity from the arboreal vegetation found in the area being studied was of 4.033 nats/ind. considering the Shannon Index and of 0.975 considering the Simpson Index, representing a great floristic diversity.Keywords: Phytosociological structures; richness; diversity.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO QUÍMICA E FÍSICA DE FRUTOS DE CURRIOLA, GABIROBA E MURICI PROVENIENTES DO CERRADO BRASILEIRO

RESUMOO bioma Cerrado apresenta uma variedade de espécies frutíferas detentoras de características sensoriais peculiares pouco exploradas científica e comercialmente. Este trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização química, física e nutricional dos frutos de curriola (Pouteria ramiflora), gabiroba (Campomanesia cambessedeana) e murici (Byrsonima verbascifolia), nativos do Cerrado brasileiro. A gabiroba apresentou elevada quantidade de vitamina C (383,33 mg/100g), bem como uma proporção significativa de polpa (81,52%). Por sua vez, a curriola apresentou teores consideráveis de fibra bruta (8,18%), enquanto o murici apresentou uma quantidade considerável de pectina (746,81 mg/100g), lipídeos (2,31%) e um expressivo potencial antioxidante (56 mg DPPH/g fruto). Desta forma, os resultados obtidos servem como base para pesquisas futuras no sentido da comprovação da presença de compostos bioativos e elaboração de produtos visando à agregação de valor aos frutos.

Pouteria ramiflora extract inhibits salivary amylolytic activity and decreases glycemic level in mice

In this study, extracts of plant species from the Cerrado biome were assessed in order to find potential inhibitors of human salivary alpha-amylase. The plants were collected and extracts were obtained from leaves, bark, and roots. We performed a preliminary phytochemical analysis and a screening for salivar alpha-amylase inhibitory activity. Only three botanical families (Sapotaceae, Sapindaceae and Flacourtiaceae) and 16 extracts showed a substantial inhibition (>75%) of alpha-amylase. The ethanolic extracts of Pouteria ramiflora obtained from stem barks and root barks decreased amylolytic activity above 95% at a final concentration of 20 µg/mL. Thus, adult male Swiss mice were treated orally with P. ramiflora in acute toxicity and glycemic control studies. Daily administration with 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg of aqueous extract of P. ramiflora for eight days can reduce significantly body weight and blood glucose level in mice. These data suggest that the crude polar extract of P. ramiflora decreases salivary amylolytic activity while lowering the blood levels of glucose.

Estudo taxonômico de Sapotaceae Juss. do litoral Paraense

Este trabalho consiste no tratamento taxonômico de Sapotaceae Juss. nas restingas do litoral paraense. Com auxilio de estereomicroscópio foram feitas as descrições morfológicas das partes vegetativas e reprodutivas. Utilizou-se literatura especializada, coleções identificadas por especialistas para confirmar as características diferenciais dos táxons e montada uma chave de identificação para as espécies. Foram descritas cinco espécies e quatro subespécies, distribuídas em quatro gêneros: Manilkara bidentata subsp. bidentata, M. bidentata subsp. surinamensis, M. triflora, M. paraensis; Micropholisvenulosa, M. gnaphaloclados; Pouteria ramiflora, P. reticulata subsp. reticulata and Pradosia schomburgkiana subsp. schomburgkiana. O gênero Manilkara Adans.foi o mais representativo com duas espécies e duas subespécies. A formação floresta de restinga foi o ecossistema que apresentou o maior número de táxons.

Neuroprotective effects of Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk (Sapotaceae) extract on the brains of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease involving persistent hyperglycemia, which causes an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes and results in damage to various tissues, including the brain. Many societies have traditionally employed medicinal plants to control the hyperglycemia. Pouteria ramiflora, a species occurring in the savanna biome of the Cerrado (Brazil) has been studied because of its possible ability to inhibit carbohydrate digestion. Rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes treated with an alcoholic extract of Pouteria ramiflora show an improved glycemic level, increased glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status. The extract also restored myosin-Va expression and the nuclear diameters of pyramidal neurons of the CA3 subregion and that of the polymorphic cells of the hilus. We conclude that Pouteria ramiflora extract exerts a neuroprotective effect against oxidative damage and myosin-Va expression and is able to prevent hippocampal neuronal loss in the CA3 and hilus subfields of diabetic rats. However, future studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action of Pouteria ramiflora extract in acute and chronic diabetes.

Composição e estrutura de comunidades arbóreas de cerrado stricto sensu no norte do Tocantins e sul do Maranhão

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a composição e a estrutura da comunidade arbórea de cerrado stricto sensu (s.s.) no município de Filadélfia (norte do Tocantins) e compará-la com a mesma fitofisionomia em uma área adjacente na bacia do rio Tocantins, no município de Carolina (MA), na província norte-nordeste do Cerrado. Em Filadélfia foram alocadas aleatoriamente 10 parcelas de 20 × 50m, totalizando um ha. Todos os indivíduos lenhosos com diâmetro de caule &gt; 5 cm, medidos a 30 cm do solo, foram incluídos. Os dados de composição e estrutura da vegetação em Carolina foram obtidos em literatura. Dois métodos de análise foram empregados: UPGMA, adotando-se o índice de Sørensen, e TWINSPAN, agrupando parcelas e espécies. Em Filadélfia foram encontrados 789 indivíduos, 53 espécies e 44 gêneros; H' foi igual a 3,32 nats. ind-1 e J'=0,83. Nove espécies (Qualea parviflora, Pouteria ramiflora, Curatella americana, Hirtella ciliata, Qualea grandiflora, Parkia platycephala, Diospyros sericea, Stryphnodendron sp. e Stryphnodendron rotundifolium) representaram 49,9% do VI total. Das 69 espécies encontradas nas duas áreas, 36 foram comuns. O índice de Sørensen mostrou baixa similaridade florística entre Carolina e Filadélfia. A análise por TWINSPAN também mostrou similaridade qualitativa e quantitativa reduzidas entre as áreas. Os resultados revelaram que as comunidades de cerrado s.s. são diferenciadas entre e dentre as áreas, com provável influência das diferenças de solo. Não obstante, a fitossociologia foi similar a de outros estudos na região e a composição é característica da província fitogeográfica norte/nordeste do bioma Cerrado, contendo elementos típicos como Hirtella ciliata, Platonia insignis e Caryocar coriaceum.