Sorocea Bonplandii Research Articles

Comprehensive high-performance thin-layer chromatography analysis of Monteverdia ilicifolia leaf and its adulterants

The leaves of Monteverdia ilicifolia (syn. Maytenus ilicifolia) are widely used in traditional South American medicine to treat gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis and ulcers. Several herbal products containing the leaves of M. ilicifolia can be found in the market. However, other species with similar leaf morphology are confounding materials, e.g. Monteverdia aquifolia (Celastraceae), Citronella gongonha (Cardiopteridaceae), Jodina rhombifolia (Santalaceae), Sorocea bonplandii (Moraceae) and Zollernia ilicifolia (Fabaceae). This study aimed to identify M. ilicifolia and distinguish it from its potential adulterants using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique. Comprehensive HPTLC analysis revealed specific fingerprints that can be used to assess the minimum content of epicatechin and the quality of commercial espinheira-santa samples. The results of the study demonstrated that the HPTLC method is capable of detecting adulterations and distinguishing M. ilicifolia from all confounding materials in commercial products available on the market, showing that most of the products are of poor quality due to adulterations.

Authentication and Quality Control of the Brazilian Traditional Herb "Espinheira-Santa" (Monteverdia ilicifolia) by Morpho-Anatomy and Microscopy.

The leaves of Monteverdia ilicifolia (syn. Maytenus ilicifolia), commonly called espinheira-santa, are widely used in South American traditional medicines to treat gastritis and ulcers. Several products labeled as espinheira-santa are sold as dietary supplements in retail stores and via e-commerce. Many different species with similar leaf morphology are often mistaken for Monteverdia ilicifolia and used as espinheira-santa, including Monteverdia aquifolia (Celastraceae), Citronella gongonha (Cardiopteridaceae), Jodina rhombifolia (Santalaceae), Sorocea bonplandii (Moraceae), and Zollernia ilicifolia (Fabaceae). This study aimed to characterize M. ilicifolia and distinguish it from adulterants using morphological and microscopic techniques. In addition, foreign matter and powder characteristics of botanical materials sold as "espinheira-santa" were analyzed. The morphoanatomical studies of the leaves and stems of M. ilicifolia and its five adulterant species have revealed noteworthy features that can help species identification and quality control of commercial espinheira-santa. This study showed that many commercial espinheira-santa materials were adulterated and of inferior quality.

Pharmacobotanical characterization of Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reiss.) Biral leaves and its adulterants sold as medicinal tea in Brazil: a contribution to quality control

Leaves of Monteverdia ilicifolia (“espinheira-santa”) are considered a medicinal tea by the Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), by their anti-dyspeptic, anti-acid and protective of the gastric mucosa properties. Their spiny margins are similar to those of other botanical species, which may lead to misidentifications. The aim of this work was to evaluate the authenticity of 32 samples of herbal drugs commercialized as “espinheira-santa” in the formal trade in Brazil, by macro and microscopic morphological studies of the leaves. The evaluation of the botanical authenticity was based on leaf venation patterns, shape and anatomy of the petiole and midrib region in cross section, vascular system arrangement and epidermal characters. Analysis of these characters compared to literature data suggests that 34% of the samples are M. ilicifolia and the remaining 66% are Sorocea bonplandii, a species with no clinical studies assuring its effective and safe use, representing thus a potential risk to public health.

Contributions to melissopalynology studies in southern Brazil: pollen analysis in the honeys from Apis mellifera, Tetragonisca angustula, Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata, Scaptotrigona bipunctata, Plebeia remota and Plebeia droryana

Little information about the contribution of plants to the production of honey by bees exists for southern Brazil. Information on this dynamic is crucial to maintaining the health of bees, the pollination of forests and assisting in the management of apiaries and meliponaries. The objective of the study was to elucidate which plants the bees visit for the production of honey in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil. 43 honey samples were selected from Apis mellifera, Tetragonisca angustula, Melipona quadrifasciata, Scaptotrigona bipunctata, Plebeia remota and Plebeia droryana. The honey samples were submitted to acetolysis. 110 pollen types were found in all honey samples from bees of Apis mellifera (97 pollen types), Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata (14 pollen types), Tetragonisca angustula (46 pollen types), Scaptotrigona bipunctata (8 pollen types), Plebeia remota (17 pollen types) and Plebeia droryana (8 pollen types). The high pollen percentage of tree species in the samples stands out, ranging from 16.8% to 99.8%. The samples were grouped into seven groups by CONISS, called Melis-1, Melis-2, Melis-3, Melis-4, Melis-5, Melis-6 and Melis 7, and these are related to the floral resources of the studied bees. Some pollen types showed high percentages in honeys from Apis mellifera (pollen types of Eucalyptus sp. Myrcia type, Casearia sylvestris, Hovenia dulcis, Mimosa scabrella, Lamanonia ternata, Clethra scabra, Baccharis type and Weinmannia paulliniifolia), Tetragonisca angustula (pollen types of Eryngium sp./Petroselinum crispum, Handroanthus sp., Sorocea bonplandii and Parapiptadenia rigida), Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata (pollen types of Myrcia type, Eucalyptus sp. and Mimosa bimucronata), Scaptotrigona bipunctata (pollen types of Allophylus edulis, Butia type and Parapiptadenia rigida), Plebeia remota (pollen types of Myrcia type, Butia type and Sebastiania sp.) and Plebeia droryana (pollen types of Myrcia type). The different types of vegetation in RS accounts for the different pollen spectra in honeys from southern Brazil.

Phytosociology as a tool for forest restoration: a study case in the extreme South of Atlantic Forest Biome

The biodiversity loss, due to anthropic activities, has generated the necessity of studies that enable the ecosystem conservation. Nevertheless, the majority of studies restrict themselves to the floristic composition and phytosociological structure from determined pre-established diameter, neglecting attributes of the species, such as its (their) niche (s) of occurrence in the forest, thus, making it difficult to identify potential species for restoration. In this way, the present study aimed to evaluate the structure of a forest fragment in the extreme South of Atlantic Forest Biome, through identification of species in the different layers. There were used 18 parcels of 10 m × 20 m, distributed systematically, where the vegetation was evaluated in four size classes. The characterization of the structure of the arboreal-shrub of the forest was performed by the data comparison of the floristic composition and phytosociological structure. In the fragment of forest studied, there were sampled a total of 2.176 individuals. The floristic composition of the area includes 74 species, belonging to 58 genera and 28 botanical families. We observed differences in relation of richness and diversity of species among the analyzed layers, the intermediate layer presented the lowest richness of species, being the pioneers and initial secondaries the least representatives. Trichilia claussenii, Sorocea bonplandii, Actinostemon concolor, Apuleia leiocarpa and Nectandra megapotamica were the most abundant species and well distributed in the different size classes, and they can be used in the enrichment of areas in process of restoration in the scope of the Deciduous Seasonal Forest in the extreme South of Atlantic Forest Biome. Ocotea puberula, Allophylus edulis, Cedrela fissillis and Machaerium paraguariense formed a group of species with expressive representativeness in the arboreal layer, thus they can be used in the moment of planting as species to the fast covering of the area.

Trichomes that secrete substances of a mixed nature in the vegetative and reproductive organs of some species of Moraceae

This study aimed to obtain new information about the distribution, morphology and content of secretory trichomes present in the vegetative and reproductive organs of four species of Moraceae: Artocarpus heterophyllus, Dorstenia cayapia, Maclura tinctoria and Sorocea bonplandii. Stem, leaf, flower and inflorescence samples were processed for scanning electron and light microscopy. The species have secretory trichomes on the leaf blade, petiole and stem and also on the inflorescence and flowers of D. cayapia and S. bonplandii and on the peduncle of the inflorescence in A. heterophyllus. These trichomes are of the capitate type in all species, but A. heterophyllus also possess peltate secretory trichomes. Both trichome types exhibit a multicellular head and a unicellular peduncle. Peduncle size and head cell number varies according to species. Peltate trichomes located in depressions were found only in species of Artocarpus, and so should be of diagnostic value for the genus. In all species the trichomes secrete polysaccharides, alkaloids and lipids; phenolic compounds occur in A. heterophyllus and M. tinctoria trichomes. These trichomes probably act in the protection against herbivores, pathogens, desiccation and/ or UV radiation. Moreover, the trichomes found in the inflorescence of D. cayapia may exert a function in pollen grain adhesion.

Can transplantation of forest seedlings be a strategy to enrich seedling production in plant nurseries?

Transplanting individual seedlings is a tool used in restoration studies, which helps to select species that are adapted to particular bioclimatic regions. We aimed to identify forest and physiological patterns in seedlings from extant areas of the Atlantic forest biome in southern Brazil. Individual tree and shrub seedlings from 5 to 55cm in height were selected from an extant area of approximately 20ha, transplanted to a nursery and separated into groups by size. Survival and growth rates were assessed periodically over ten months and physiological variables (chlorophyll a and b content, carotenoid content and chlorophyll a fluorescence) were measured at the end of the experiment. In total, 1018 seedlings were transplanted, belonging to 23 families and 50 species. The survival rate, which was on average 74.5%, varied among the height groups, with the highest mortality rate occurring shortly after transplantation. Some physiological characteristics of Eugenia rostrifolia, Cupania vernalis, Nectandra megapotamica, Trichilia claussenii, Sorocea bonplandii, Actinostemon concolor, Trichilia elegans and Cordia trichotoma change when they are transplanted to a plant nursery. However, an assessment of their growth rates confirmed that these species can develop metabolic strategies that increase their carbon uptake. The main adaptations to increase survival rates were an accumulation of carotenoids and the loss of excess energy in the form of chlorophyll a fluorescence. We conclude that species displayed physiological adaptations that support metabolic activities and survival after transplantation. In light of the higher survival rates and favorable plant development, we consider transplantation to be a potential complementary strategy for native species seedling production. Transplantation could increase the growth potential of species that are difficult to produce in plant nurseries and consequently support greater diversity in restoration efforts. However, further studies are needed to assess the survival rate of these transplanted seedlings in restoration plantations in comparison with non-transplanted seedlings.

Estrutura e Conservação de um Trecho de Floresta Estacional em Piraí, RJ

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi a caracterização florística e estrutural de um fragmento de floresta estacional em Piraí, RJ, visando a determinação de seu estágio sucessional. O Parque Municipal da Mata do Amador (22º37’S e 43º53’W) abrange 16,4 ha, constituindo um importante remanescente florestal urbano. Foram instaladas 15 parcelas de 10 × 10 metros, sendo o diâmetro de inclusão dos indivíduos maior ou igual a 5 centímetros. Foram mensurados 176 indivíduos, reunidos em 24 famílias, 46 gêneros e 51 espécies. A família com maior riqueza foi Fabaceae, os gêneros mais abundantes foram Cupania L., Casearia Jacq e Eugenia L. e a espécie com maior valor de importância foi Sorocea bonplandii. Ficou demonstrado que a Mata do Amador apresenta diversidade considerável de espécies (H’ = 3,517 natsind-1) e equabiliadade elevada (J’ = 0,884), sendo classificada como fragmento de floresta secundária em estágio médio de regeneração.

Florística e estrutura do componete arbustivo-arbóreo de mata de restinga arenosa no Parque Estadual de Itapeva, Rio Grande do Sul

Para ampliar o conhecimento sobre as matas de Restinga arenosa no Rio Grande do Sul, foi realizado estudo florístico e fitossociológico do componente arbustivo-arbóreo de um capão de Restinga do Parque Estadual de Itapeva (PEVA). Neste estudo foi usado o método de parcelas, incluindo todos os indivíduos com DAS (diâmetro a altura do solo) mínimo de 2,5 cm e totalizando uma área de 0,5 ha. A composição florística resultou em riqueza total de 81 espécies. A densidade total arbustivo-arbórea no capão foi de 4.240 ind/ha. A família com maior riqueza específica foi Myrtaceae e, entre as espécies com maior valor de importância, estão Myrsine umbellata Mart. e Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) W. C. Burger. Na regeneração natural as 10 primeiras espécies acumularam 54% da regeneração natural total, com índices que variaram de 13,5% a 0,2%. A elevada riqueza observada evidenciou a contribuição da "Porta de Torres" como importante corredor migratório das espécies atlânticas na vegetação do Rio Grande do Sul, agregando novas informações sobre a florística e estrutura comunitária da Restinga do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados apresentados contribuirão para posteriores estudos de dinâmica no PEVA e para programas de manejo, preservação e recuperação ambiental.

Antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Jacaranda puberula Cham. (Bignoniaceae) and Sorocea bonplandii Baill. (Moraceae)

The search for new substances with antimicrobial properties has become necessary due to the bacterial capacity of resistance. Medicinal plants have become an important alternative since many plants exhibit antimicrobial activity. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest contains a huge diversity of plant species, many of which have not been thoroughly investigated.Jacaranda puberula Cham. (Bignoniaceae) and Sorocea bonplandii Baill. (Moraceae) are used popularly to treat conditions associated with bacterial infection such as syphilis, as well as, infections of the skin, kidneys and bladder. In this study, the antibacterial activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of leaves from J. puberula and S. bonplandii was investigated by the agar-well method. The results obtained show that the hydroalcoholic extracts of J. puberula and S. bonplandii presented a bacteriostatic action against Staphylococcus aureus. J. puberula also exhibited bactericidal activity towards S. aureus at a concentration of 100 mg/ml. Therefore, these species represent a potential tool for the production of new phytomedicines with antibacterial action against important agents with high resistance to drugs in current use. Key words: Ethnopharmacology, antibacterials, Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Staphylococcus aureus, agar-well method.

Slope variation and population structure of tree species from different ecological groups in South Brazil

Size structure and spatial arrangement of 13 abundant tree species were determined in a riparian forest fragment in Paraná State, South Brazil (23°16'S and 51°01'W). The studied species were Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., Astronium graveolens Jacq. and Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms (emergent species); Alseis floribunda Schott, Ruprechtia laxiflora Meisn. and Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (shade-intolerant canopy species); Machaerium paraguariense Hassl, Myroxylum peruiferum L. and Chrysophyllum gonocarpum (Mart. & Eichler ex Miq.) Engl. (shade-tolerant canopy species); Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Bürger, Trichilia casaretti C. Dc, Trichilia catigua A. Juss. and Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. (understory small trees species). Height and diameter structures and basal area of species were analyzed. Spatial patterns and slope correlation were analyzed by Moran's / spatial autocorrelation coefficient and partial Mantel test, respectively. The emergent and small understory species showed the highest and the lowest variations in height, diameter and basal area. Size distribution differed among emergent species and also among canopy shade-intolerant species. The spatial pattern ranged among species in all groups, except in understory small tree species. The slope was correlated with spatial pattern for A. polyneuron, A. graveolens, A. floribunda, R. laxiflora, M. peruiferum and T. casaretti. The results indicated that most species occurred in specific places, suggesting that niche differentiation can be an important factor in structuring the tree community.

Estructura de las principales especies arbóreas en el parque cruce caballero y su similitud floristica con areas de Argentina y de Brasil.

El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo estudiar la estructura fitosociológica y la similitud florística entre áreas con selvas estacionales y mixtas de Misiones, Argentina y de Brasil. El Parque Cruce Caballero tiene 522 hectáreas donde se utilizó el método de las parcelas múltiples de 20 x 10 m para árboles a partir de 5 cm de diámetro a la altura de 1,30 (DAP). Se registraron e identificaron todas las especies arbóreas midiéndose el DAP y altura en tres compartimientos ambientales considerados: Latossolo vermelho, Neossolo litólico y Gleissolo Melánico. La Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze domina el estrato superior en el primer compartimiento acompañada de Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) W.C.Burger, Lanj. & Boer, Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart., Ocotea lancifolia Mez y Apuleia leiocarpa J.F.Macbr.. La araucaria está ausente en el Neossolo Litólico donde predominan Gymnanthes concolor Müll.Arg., Trichilia claussenii C.DC., Apuleia leiocarpa, Pilocarpus pennatifolius Lem. y Sorocea bomplandii. La araucaria está escasamente representada en Gleissolo Melánico donde predominan Parapiptadenia rigida (Benth.) Brenan, Alchornea triplinervia Müll.Arg., Luehea divaricata Mart., Erythrina falcata Benth. y Myrsine gardneriana A.DC.. Comparando la similitud florística con otras áreas de la región se encontró que Cruce Caballero se asemeja a áreas con Selvas estacionales y presenta escasa similitud con a las selvas mixtas con araucaria de Brasil.

REGENERAÇÃO NATURAL DE UM FRAGMENTO DA FLORESTA ESTACIONAL DECIDUAL NA RESERVA BIOLÓGICA DO IBICUÍ-MIRIM (RS)

A regeneração natural formada abaixo do estrato inferior da Floresta Estacional na Reserva Biológica do Ibicuí-Mirim (29°32’27” S e 53°48’35” W), no município de São Martinho da Serra (RS), foi inventariada em diferentes condições de declividade em um gradiente topográfico, com o propósito de avaliar a dinâmica e as correlações ambientais existentes na distribuição das espécies. Para isso, foram alocadas 28 parcelas de 10x10 m, distribuídas no gradiente de topografia, para amostrar todos os indivíduos entre 5–29,9 cm de perímetro à altura do peito (PAP). Também foram coletados dados topográficos e amostras de solo superficiais (0–20 cm) para análise química e textura do solo. Foram registrados 698 indivíduos, distribuídos em 28 famílias, 49 gêneros e 59 espécies. A regeneração natural apresentou elevado índice de diversidade de Shannon (H’= 3,21 nats./indivíduo), correlacionado à baixa dominância ecológica pela equabilidade de Pielou (J’= 0,78). As principais espécies do estudo foram Trichilia elegans A. Juss., árvores mortas em pé, T. claussenii C.DC., Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) W. C. Burger, Lanj. & Wess. Boer e Cupania vernalis Cambess., com 44,1% do VI acumulado. A análise de correspondência canônica (CCA) constatou variação na heterogeneidade ambiental do fragmento, tendo a declividade como principal característica na condição de exposição da pedregosidade, profundidade do solo e estabilidade do terreno, assim, influenciando na abundância de algumas espécies na regeneração natural.

VARIACIONES ESTRUCTURALES DE LA VEGETACION ARBOREA EN TRES AMBIENTES DE UNA SELVA CON ARAUCARIA EN MISIONES, ARGENTINA

Con el propósito de evaluar la estructura de la vegetación arbórea del Parque Provincial Cruce Caballero, fueron instaladas 82 parcelas de 10 x 20 m, distribuidas en tres compartimientos ambientales diferenciados por tipo de suelo, hidromorfismo y grado de pendiente. Fueron evaluados todos los individuos arbóreos a partir de 4,8 cm de diámetro a la altura del pecho. Se registraron en el total 116 especies en los tres compartimientos. La estructura horizontal presentó como característica una notable diferencia en densidad de árboles de gran porte entre los tres compartimientos. En la selva sobre el Latossolo Vermelho, los descriptores estructurales denotan una distribución bastante equitativa de las principales especies, siendo el porcentual de importancia de las principales especies: Sorocea bonplandii (6,46%), Cabralea canjerana (6,44%), Ocotea lancifolia (5,43%), Araucaria angustifolia (5%) y Apuleia leiocarpa (4,77%). Araucaria angustifolia presento la mayor densidad absoluta en este compartimiento (6,48 ind./ha), siendo muy baja comparada con selvas con araucaria de Brasil. Sobre el Neossolo Litólico hay pocas especies que se reparten el espacio horizontal: Gymnanthes concolor (14,20%), Trichilia claussenii (8,51%), Apuleia leiocarpa (3,71%) y Pilocarpus pennatifolius (3,65%) son las principales. En el compartimiento Gleissolo el espacio horizontal es compartido por siete especies: Parapiptadenia rigida (10,21%), Alchornea triplinervia (8,22%), Luehea divaricata (7,95%), Erythrina falcata (6,68%), Myrsine lorentziana (6,53%), Nectandra lanceolata (5,44%) y Cabralea canjerana (4,91%). La vegetación arbórea en los tres compartimientos presentan una baja similaridad entre ellas. Se concluye que la naturaleza del suelo, el regimen hídrico y la pendiente afecta directamente las características estructurales de la vegetación que se desarrolla en cada sitio.

The Genetic Structure of Sorocea bonplandii in Southern Brazilian Forest Fragments: AFLP Diversity

AbstractTo analyse possible genetic erosion due to fragmentation in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest ecosystem, we investigated the genetic diversity within and among one large and six small populations of one of the key species of this ecosystem, Sorocea bonplandii, using AFLP analyses of 468 plants. Eight primer pairs yielded 299 polymorphic fragments for analysis. S. bonplandii was characterized by an unusually high genetic diversity within the species and also within individual populations, around 94% of the total genetic diversity occurred within populations. Genetic distances between populations were low in spite of extensive fragmentation. Genetic distance was significantly correlated with geographical distances between fragments, but these differences may have existed before fragmentation. Our results have direct implications for sustainable management of S. bonplandii, indicating that conservation strategies might be based on a random sample of trees taken throughout the Atlantic forest. However, the minimum population size required for maintaining the huge genetic diversity of this species is unknown. In order to establish a sustainable management plan for the species, further ecological studies are needed.

Comparação florística de florestas inundáveis das regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil

This study evaluated the variation of tree species composition of 35 wetland forest areas in Southeast and South Brazil. The analysis of the floristic composition was based on a floristic checklist containing 602 species of 23 alluvial forests (seasonally inundated) and 12 swamp forests (permanently waterlogged). The species were classified, using a c2 test, according to the habitat preference in: 1) swamp forest species, e.g. Magnolia ovata (A. St.-Hil.) Spreng., Dendropanax cuneatus (DC.) Decne & Planch. and Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess.; 2) alluvial forest species, e.g. Sebastiania commersoniana (Baill.) L.B. Sm. & Downs, Ocotea pulchella Mart. and Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) W. Burger et al. and 3) non preferential species, e.g. Luehea divaricata Mart. & Zucc., Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman and Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. Multivariate gradient analysis (Detrended Correspondence Analysis) showed higher clustering of swamp forest areas than aluvial forest areas, indicating close florist similarity in the first group. The results indicated that the environmental heterogeneity associated to different flood regimes is determinant in defining the phytogeographic patterns of wetland forest areas.

Identificação de tipos polínicos não registrados nos estudos aeropalinológicos do Brasil

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram realizar um monitoramento aerobiológico, identificando e quantificando os tipos de grãos de pólen da atmosfera da cidade de Caxias do Sul, RS. Este estudo teve início em janeiro de 2001 e término em dezembro de 2002. As coletas foram realizadas através do captador volumétrico de sucção (HIRST, 1952) modelo Burkard®, instalado no telhado do Hospital Geral da Universidade de Caxias do Sul, a uma altura aproximada de 20 metros, não apresentando obstáculos que possam bloquear as massas de ar em nenhuma direção. Durante o período de estudo, foram identificados 40 tipos polínicos. Foram selecionados os tipos polínicos Carya, Melastomataceae, Mimosa scabrella, Myrsine e Sorocea bonplandii por não apresentarem referência nos estudos aeropalinológicos brasileiros consultados, sendo citados pela primeira vez no Calendário Polínico de Caxias do Sul (VERGAMINI, 2003). Temperatura, vento e precipitação foram responsáveis diretos pelas grandes mudanças quantitativas do pólen na atmosfera. Os tipos polínicos Carya e Melastomataceae ocorreram predominantemente na primavera. Mimosa scabrella apresentou maiores concentrações nos meses de inverno e foi considerado o segundo tipo polínico mais incidente. O tipo polínico Myrsine ocorreu principalmente nos meses de outono. O pólen de Sorocea bonplandii ocorreu em todos os meses, sendo mais incidente na primavera e no verão.

In search of promising antimalarial drugs: Detection of heme-based adducts induced in complex matrixes from Brazilian plants using HPLC-DAD

The development of fast and efficient detection and HPLC separation methods on a bioprospection program is crucial for speeding-up the selection of natural matrixes. Based on this goal, the induction of an in situ heme adduct in crude plant extracts from Brazilian Cerrado and Atlantic Forest turned out to be a powerful tool, foretelling if a crude extract contains promising molecules that may have antimalarial or antileishmanial properties. Studies of heme adducts were reported using known drugs such as quinine and artemisinin. We initially selected 75 plants from our bank of extracts based on chemosystematics, reported antimalarial activities as well as ethnopharmacological data. Species such as Arrabidaea samydoides (Cham.) Sandwith (Bignoniaceae), Strychnos pseudoquina St. Hil. (Loganiaceae), Garcinia gardineriana Miers ex Planch. Et Triana (Clusiaceae), Zanthoxyllum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae), Sorocea bonplandii Baill. Burg. (Moraceae) and Bidens segetum Mart. ex Colla (Asteraceae) were some of the matrixes that showed adduct formation when incubated with hemine. Through the observation of retention time shifts and comparison of UV spectra after adduct induction, we were able to pin-point the responsible molecules and thus select plant extracts for further specific studies. C-glucosylxanthones isolated from A. samydoides were the metabolites responsible for adduct formation.

Potencial alelopático de espécies nativas na germinação e crescimento inicial de Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae)

A alelopatia caracteriza-se pelos efeitos danosos ou benéficos sobre o desenvolvimento da vegetação, causados por substâncias químicas produzidas e liberadas para o ambiente por uma planta. Com o objetivo de avaliar o potencial alelopático de espécies brasileiras, foram testados extratos foliares de Cecropia pachystachya Trec. (Urticaceae), Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub. (Fabaceae), Psychotria leiocarpa Cham. & Schltdl (Rubiaceae), Sapium glandulatum (Vell.) Pax (Euphorbiaceae) e Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Burg., Lanj. & Boer (Moraceae), utilizando-se bioensaios de germinação e crescimento e alface (Lactuca sativa L.) como planta alvo. Nesses bioensaios, foram usados extratos foliares aquosos nas concentrações de 2 e 4%, preparados por maceração estática com água fria e quente. Os extratos das cinco espécies causaram atraso na germinação dos aquênios da alface, bem como efeitos tóxicos no crescimento das plântulas, com redução e enfraquecimento das raízes. Os resultados obtidos mostraram a presença de substâncias químicas inibidoras nos extratos, revelando potencial alelopático para as cinco espécies avaliadas.

Morfo-anatomia do fruto em desenvolvimento de Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Burger, Lanjow & Boer (Moraceae)

Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Burger, Lanjow e Boer is a species of ecological and medicinal importance that occurs in forest remnants in the northwest region of Parana. The doubt about the origin of the fleshy pulp of the fruit and the difficulty of seed classification motivated the ontogenetic study of the pericarp and seed coat of this species. Flowers and fruits in several developmental stages were collected from “Horto Florestal de Maringa, Parana”, fixed in FAA 50, and sectioned freehand or in rotation microtome, according to the usual techniques. Perigone and hypanthium together form the fruit. The hypanthium is very reduced in the flower and participates about 2/3 of the ripe fruit. Hypanthium presents collenchyma and epidermis with trichomes and stomata. Fruit is pomaceous. The single seed originates from anatropous, bitegmic, and crassinucellate ovule. Mature seed is exotestal and presents curved embryo and cotyledons with starch reserve