Abstract Background: The composition of the venom from solitary wasps is poorly known, although these animals are considered sources of bioactive substances. Until the present moment, there is only one proteomic characterization of the venom of wasps of the family Pompilidae and this is the first proteomic characterization for the genus Pepsis. Methods: To elucidate the components of Pepsis decorata venom, the present work sought to identify proteins using four different experimental conditions, namely: (A) crude venom; (B) reduced and alkylated venom; (C) trypsin-digested reduced and alkylated venom, and; (D) chymotrypsin-digested reduced and alkylated venom. Furthermore, three different mass spectrometers were used (Ion Trap-Time of Flight, Quadrupole-Time of Flight, and Linear Triple Quadruple). Results: Proteomics analysis revealed the existence of different enzymes related to the insect’s physiology in the venom composition. Besides toxins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), hyaluronidase, and Kunitz-type inhibitors were also identified. Conclusion: The data showed that the venom of Pepsis decorata is mostly composed of proteins involved in the metabolism of arthropods, as occurs in parasitic wasps, although some classical toxins were recorded, and among them, for the first time, ACE was found in the venom of solitary wasps. This integrative approach expanded the range of compounds identified in protein analyses, proving to be efficient in the proteomic characterization of little-known species. It is our understanding that the current work will provide a solid base for future studies dealing with other Hymenoptera venoms.

This study aimed to evaluate the anticholinesterase activities of extracts and fractions of Ocotea daphnifolia in vitro and characterize its constituents. The effects of hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanolic extracts on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity were determined with a spectrophotometry assay. All extracts inhibited cholinesterase activity, and the ethanolic extract (2 mg/mL) exhibited the highest inhibition of both enzymes (99.7% for BuChE and 82.4% for AChE). The ethanolic extract was fractionated by column chromatography resulting in 14 fractions that were also screened for their anticholinesterase effects. Fraction 9 (2 mg/mL) showed the highest activity, inhibiting AChE and BuChE by 71.8% and 90.2%, respectively. This fraction was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry which allowed the characterization of seven glycosylated flavonoids (containing kaempferol and quercetin nucleus) and one alkaloid (reticuline). In order to better understand the enzyme-inhibitor interaction of the reticuline toward cholinesterase, molecular modeling studies were performed. Reticuline targeted the catalytic activity site of the enzymes. Ocotea daphnifolia exhibits a dual cholinesterase inhibitory activity and displays the same pattern of intermolecular interactions as described in the literature. The alkaloid reticuline can be considered as an important bioactive constituent of this plant.

Resumo A atividade carrapaticida in vitro do extrato metanólico (EM) e da fração de alcaloides (FA) de Prosopis juliflora foi investigada, frente ao Rhipicephalus microplus, e relacionada com a inibição da enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE). A predição in silico das interações de alcaloides dessa fração com a AChE1 de R. microplus (RmAChE1) foi realizada por acoplamento molecular. A atividade carrapaticida foi avaliada, utilizando-se os ensaios de imersão de adultos e larvas. Maior efeito sobre parâmetros reprodutivos de teleóginas foi verificado para a FA, com valor de Concentração Efetiva 50% (CE50) (31.6 mg/mL), quatro vezes menor do que o valor do EM (121 mg/mL). A FA induziu mortalidade de larvas (Concentração Letal de 50% - CL50 = 13,8 mg/mL). A inibição da atividade da AChE de larvas do carrapato foi observada para EM e FA, sendo a FA mais ativa (Concentração Inibitória 50%- CI50 de 0,041mg/mL). As análises químicas da FA permitiram a identificação dos alcaloides prosopina (1), juliprosinina (2) e juliprosopina (3). No ensaio in silico, observou-se que esses alcaloides podem interagir com o sítio ativo da RmAChE1, principalmente por ligações de hidrogênio e interações cátion-pi. Os alcaloides de P. juliflora têm atividade carrapaticida contra R. microplus, atuando através do mecanismo anticolinesterásico.

Abstract We investigated the in vitro acaricide activity of the methanolic extract (ME) and alkaloid-rich fraction (AF) of Prosopis juliflora on Rhipicephalus microplus and correlated this effect with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The acaricide activity was evaluated using adult and larval immersion tests. Also, we studied the possible interaction mechanism of the major alkaloids present in this fraction via molecular docking at the active site of R. microplus AChE1 (RmAChE1). Higher reproductive inhibitory activity of the AF was recorded, with effective concentration (EC50) four times lower than that of the ME (31.6 versus 121 mg/mL). The AF caused mortality of tick larvae, with lethal concentration 50% (LC50) of 13.8 mg/mL. Both ME and AF were seen to have anticholinesterase activity on AChE of R. microplus larvae, while AF was more active with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.041 mg/mL. The LC-MS/MS analyses on the AF led to identification of three alkaloids: prosopine (1), juliprosinine (2) and juliprosopine (3). The molecular docking studies revealed that these alkaloids had interactions at the active site of the RmAChE1, mainly relating to hydrogen bonds and cation-pi interactions. We concluded that the alkaloids of P. juliflora showed acaricide activity on R. microplus and acted through an anticholinesterase mechanism.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro do ácido succínico (AS) isolado do resíduo de sisal sobre nematódeos gastrointestinais de caprinos, utilizando os ensaios de inibição da eclosão de ovos e motilidade larval. Além disso, a citotoxicidade do AS em culturas de células Vero foi investigada empregando-se o teste de MTT (brometo de 3-4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-ilo, brometo de 2,5-difeniltetrazólio). O AS promoveu redução significativa no percentual de eclosão de ovos (P<0,05) em todas as concentrações testadas (60 a 250μg mL-1). As médias (± desvio padrão) da CE50 e CE90 (Concentração efetiva 50% e 90%) sobre ovos foram de 90.3±2.8 e 130±3.5μg mL-1, respectivamente. O AS não apresentou atividade larvicida. O AS foi menos tóxico para as células Vero, com média do percentual de viabilidade celular igual a 85±6.2% na concentração de 130μg mL-1. Os resultados sugerem que o AS tem potencial efeito anti-helmíntico, embora sejam necessários a realização de estudos in vivo para confirmar seu uso terapêutico.

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of the succinic acid (SA) isolated from sisal waste against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats, using the egg hatching and larvae motility assays. In addition, potential cytotoxicity of SA on Vero cell cultures was investigated by means of MTT (3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl, 2,5diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test. The SA induced a significant inhibition of egg hatching (P<0.05) at all concentrations tested (60 to 250µg mL-1), and the concentrations to inhibit 50% (EC50) and 90% (EC90) values (mean ± standard deviation) were 90.3±2.8 and 130.6±3.5µg mL-1, respectively. The SA has not shown larvicidal activity. The SA was less toxic to the Vero cells, with the mean percentage of cell viability equal to 85±6.2% at the concentration of 130µg mL-1. The results suggested that SA has potential anthelmintic effect; although, more research is needed to confirm its activity in vivo.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial antibacteriano de plantas do bioma Caatinga do semi-árido pernambucano contra Staphylococcus spp. isolados de casos de mastite subclínica em pequenos ruminantes. Foram utilizados seis extratos etanólicos de plantas existentes no bioma Caatinga do semiárido Pernambucano, como Encholirium spectabile Mart., Bromelia laciniosa Mart., Neoglaziovia variegata Mez., Amburana cearensis (Fr. Allem.) A.C.Smith, Hymenaea martiana Hayne. e Selaginella convoluta Spring. Observou-se a presença de compostos fenólicos, flavonoides, esteroides e terpenoides em todos os extratos avaliados neste estudo. Observou-se que os extratos da E. spectabile, B. laciniosa e N. variegata apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, com as seguintes médias para a concentração bactericida mínima: 11.379, 11.405 e 11.995 µg/ mL, respectivamente. Observou-se maior atividade inibitória para as espécies A. cearensis e H. martiana, que inibiram 88,1 e 99,4 % dos isolados, respectivamente. O extrato etanólico da S. convoluta apresentou o menor percentual de inibição, sendo igual a 15% (n=24/160). Considerando o potencial antibacteriano destas plantas do bioma Caatinga frente à Staphylococcus isolados de casos de mastite subclínica em caprinos e ovinos, outros estudos sobre a atividade in vivo devem ser realizados.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study is to assess the antibacterial potential of plants from the Caatinga biome of the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, against Staphylococcus spp. isolates from cases of subclinical mastitis in small ruminants, such as goats and ewes. Ethanolic extracts of the following plants from the Caatinga biome were used: Encholirium spectabile Mart., Bromelia laciniosa Mart., Neoglaziovia variegata Mez., Amburana cearensis (Fr. Allem.) A. C. Smith, Hymenaea martiana Hayne, and Selaginella convoluta Spring. The presence of phenolic components, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids was verified for all the tested extracts. The mean minimal bactericide concentrations of the extracts of E. spectabile, B. laciniosa, and N. variegate were 11,379, 11,405, and 11,995 µg/mL, respectively. The highest inhibitory activities were observed for A. cearensis and H. martiana, which inhibited 88.1 and 99.4% of the isolates, respectively. Other studies focusing on in vitro and in vivo activities should be undertaken.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade acaricida in vitro de Amburana cearensis contra fêmeas ingurgitadas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. O extrato etanólico bruto das folhas de A. cearensis foi submetido à partição com solventes orgânicos (hexano, clorofórmio e acetato de etila) em ordem crescente de polaridade. Foram realizadas três diluições, nas concentrações de 5, 10 e 25mg ml-1. Para avaliar a atividade carrapaticida, fêmeas teleóginas foram submetidas ao teste de imersão de fêmeas ingurgitadas. Os parâmetros analisados foram peso das fêmeas, peso da massa de ovos, porcentagem de eclosão, eficiência reprodutiva, índice de reprodução esperada e eficácia. Para cada extrato, fração e concentração, os testes foram realizados em triplicata. Dentre as frações, a hexânica (2,5%) apresentou os melhores resultados para todos os parâmetros analisados, alcançando 52,7% de inibição da oviposição; 39,0% de porcentagem de eclosão; 3.271 de índice de eficiência reprodutiva; e 67% de eficácia. O extrato obteve uma dose resposta gradual com o aumento da concentração; podendo ser utilizado como terapia auxiliar no controle do R. (B.) microplus.

ABSTRACT: This experiment was carried out to study the bioacaricidal activity of Amburana cearensis against engorged females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The crude ethanolic extract from the leaves of A. cearensis was submitted to partition with organic solvents (hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate) in order of increasing polarity; and evaluated using three treatments at concentrations of 5, 10 and 25mg ml-1. To evaluate the acaricidal activity, engorged females were submitted to the adult immersion test. Parameters analyzed were the weight of females; weight of egg mass; percentage of hatch; reproductive efficiency; expected rate of reproduction; and efficacy. For each extract and concentrating fraction, tests were performed in triplicate. Among all fractions, the hexane (2.5%) achieved the best results in all parameters analyzed: 52.7% of inhibition of oviposition; 39% of hatching rate; 3,271 index of reproductive efficiency; and 67.0% effectiveness. The extract obtained gradual dose response with increasing concentration; and could be used as an aid in the control of R. (B.) microplus therapy.

AbstractThe species Marcetia taxifolia (A. St.-Hil.) DC., Melastomataceae, which is endemic of the rupestrian fields of northeastern Brazil, contains a significant amount of flavonoids. In this work, the potential of the ethanolic extract of M. taxifolia as the active principle in a sunscreen photoprotection (UV-A and UV-B) formulation was investigated. The Liquid Chromatography High Performance-Diode Array Detector quantification (quercetin), total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity through 2.2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazil method, photoprotective activity against UV-B and UV-A radiation in vitro (spectrophotometric method) and potential for eye irritation using the methodology of the hen egg test-chorioallantoic membrane were performed in the extract. After that, the formulations were prepared using different concentrations of active ethanolic extract (5, 10, 20 and 30%) and the evaluation of the sun protection factor was carried out using the same methodology used for the crude extract. The crude extract showed UV-A photoprotection and low eye irritation in the hen egg test-chorioallantoic membrane test. All formulations containing M. taxifolia extract had ≥ 6 sun protection factor. Its shows the possibility to use this extracts as a sunscreen in pharmaceutical preparations.

O gênero Leuconostoc pertence a um grupo de bactérias lácticas normalmente isoladas de vegetais fermentados, que inclui espécies envolvidas na produção de exopolissacarídeos (EPS). Esses biopolímeros possuem potencial comercial considerável. Devido à grande variedade de aplicações industriais, de EPS, o presente estudo teve como objetivo produzir e caracterizar o nativo exopolissacarídeo cepa Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides R2, que foi isolado de repolho coletado em uma região semi-árida da Bahia. Utilizamos as seguintes condições para a produção de EPS: 10,7% de sacarose, pH 8,2, sem agitação e incubação a 28º C por 30 horas. O caldo fermentado foi tratado com etanol, gerando dois tipos de substâncias de polissacarídeos (EPS I e EPS II). A identificação do EPS I e EPS II foi realizada através das técnicas espectroscópicas de FT-IR e RMN de ¹H, 13C e DEPT 135. As duas substâncias foram identificadas como dextrano polissacarídeos lineares (1 → 6), indicando características diferentes no que diz respeito à análise térmica e densidade de empacotamento sem viscosidade e tempo de solubilização. Ambas as dextranas são de baixa densidade, possuem alta estabilidade térmica e apresentaram comportamento característico de polímeros pseudoplásticos.

The genus Leuconostoc belongs to a group of lactic acid bacteria usually isolated from fermented vegetables, which includes species involved in the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS). These biopolymers possess considerable commercial potential. Because of the wide variety of industrial applications of EPS, this study aimed to produce and characterize the native exopolysaccharide strain Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides R2, which was isolated from cabbage collected in a semi-arid region of Bahia. We employed the following conditions for the production of EPS: 10.7% sucrose, pH 8.2, without agitation and incubation at 28ºC for 30 hours. The fermentation broth was treated with ethanol and generated two types of polysaccharide substances (EPS I and EPS II). The identification of EPS I and EPS II was conducted using FT-IR, ¹H, 13C and DEPT-135 NMR spectra. The two substances were identified as linear dextran α polysaccharides (1 → 6) which indicated different characteristics with respect to thermal analysis and density of free packaging, viscosity and time of solubilization. Both dextrans are of low density, possess high thermal stability and exhibited the behavior characteristic of pseudoplastic polymers.

2-acetil-fisciona (2-acetil-1, 8-di-hidróxi-6-metóxi-3-metil-9, 10-antraquinona, 2), uma antraquinona rara, foi isolada de Senna acranthera var. nervosa (Vogel) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (Fabaceae). estrutura química foi elucidada e todos os deslocamentos químicos de RMN ¹H e 13C foram atribuídos através de RMN uni- (RMN¹H, {¹H}-RMN-13C e APT-RMN13C) e bi- (COSY, NOESY, HMQC e HMBC) dimensional deste composto natural. Adicionalmente, as antraquinonas minoritárias crisofanol (3), crisofanol-8-metil éter (4) e fisciona (5) foram caraterizadas pela análise de CG-EM. A ocorrência das antraquinonas 3-5 confirma que S. macranthera é uma típica representante do gênero Senna.

2-acetyl physcion (2-acetyl-1,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methyl-9,10-anthraquinone, 2), a rare anthraquinone, was isolated from Senna macranthera var. nervosa (Vogel) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (Fabaceae). The chemical structure was elucidated and all ¹H and 13C NMR chemical shifts were assigned by NMR one- (¹HNMR, {¹H}-13CNMR, and APT-13CNMR) and two (COSY, NOESY, HMQC and HMBC) dimensional of this natural compound. Furthermore, the minor anthraquinones chrysophanol (3), chrysophanol-8-methyl ether (4) and physcion (5) were characterized by GC-MS analysis. The occurrence of the anthraquinones 3-5 confirms that S. macranthera is a typical representative of the genus Senna.

Foi avaliada a atividade anti-helmíntica do suco de Agave sisalana (sisal) contra nematódeos gastrintestinais e possíveis efeitos tóxicos em caprinos. Nos testes in vitro, encontrou-se redução superior a 95% na contagem de larvas do gênero Haemonchus spp. nas concentrações entre 86,5 e 146,3 mg.mL-1. In vivo, o percentual de redução de larvas de quarto (L4) e quinto (L5) estágios de Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum e Trichostrongylus foi inferior a 95% para o GI e GII, e entre 80 e 90% para o GIII. O suco de A. sisalana nas concentrações testadas in vitro foi efetivo contra nematódeos gastrintestinais de caprinos, apresentando, no entanto, reduzida eficácia anti-helmíntica quando administrado nos animais.

It was evaluated the anthelmintic activity of Agave sisalana (sisal) juice against gastrointestinal nematodes and its potential toxic effects in goats. In vitro tests showed more than 95% reduction in larval counts of the genus Haemonchus spp. at concentrations between 86.5 and 146.3 mg.mL-1. In vivo the percent reduction of larvae of the fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) stages of Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus was less than 95% in groups GI and GII, and between 80 and 90% in group GIII. A. sisalana juice at the concentrations tested in vitro was effective against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats; however, its anthelmintic efficacy was reduced when administered to animals.

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo morfoanatômico das folhas e caules de Microlicia hatschbachii Wurdack, Melastomataceae. Esta espécie possui folhas elípticas a oval-elípticas, margem inteira, ápice agudo e base simétrica e arredondada. A lâmina foliar é anfiestomática, com estômatos do tipo anisocítico e anomocítico, a epiderme é uniestratificada, com células isodiamétricas em secção transversal, e presença de inúmeros tricomas glandulares. O mesofilo é do tipo isobilateral com feixe vascular bicolateral envolvido por algumas células esclerenquimáticas na nervura central. O caule tem secção quadrangular a circular e epiderme unisseriada, com tricomas similares aos da folha. Drusas de oxalato de cálcio foram encontradas nas folhas e no caule.

This work shows the morpho-anatomical study of leaf and stem of Microlicia hatschbachii Wurdack (Melastomataceae). Its leaves are elliptic to oval-elliptic, with entire margin, acute apex and rounded symmetrical base. The leaf blade is amphistomatical with anisocytic and anomocytic stomata, in transection the epidermis is uniseriate with isodiametric cells and presence of several glandular trichomes. The mesophyll is isobilateral with bicollateral vascular bundles surrounded by some sclerenchymatic cells in midrib. The stem has a quadrangular to circular transection and uniseriate epidermis with trichomes like ones of leaf. Several druses of calcium oxalate are found in the leaf and stem.

Este trabalho descreve o efeito inibitório de rubrofusarina (5,6-diidroxi-8-metoxi-2-metilbenzo[g]cromen-4-ona, 1) sobre a enzima DNA topoisomerase II-α humana. Rubrofusarina mostrou total inibição da enzima topisomerase II-α na concentração de 120 µM. Este resultado é semelhante ao observado com etoposida, utilizada como controle positivo. Para a realização deste teste, rubrofusarina foi isolada de Senna macranthera var. nervosa (Voguel) Irwin & Barnebyem e caracterizada por métodos espectroscópicos, incluindo RMN 2D, do produto natural bem como de seu derivado monoacetilado.

This work describes the inhibitory effect of rubrofusarin (5,6-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[g]cromen-4-one, 1) against human DNA topoisomerase II-α. The results for relaxation assays showed total inhibition of topisomerase II-α by rubrofusarin at 120 µM. This result is comparable to the one observed with etoposide as positive control. For this study, rubrofusarin was isolated from Senna macranthera var. nervosa (Voguel) Irwin & Barnebyem and characterized by spectral data, including 2D NMR, as well as its acetylated derivative.

Antibacterial and antifungal properties of wax and hexane extracts of Citrus spp. peels were tested using bioautographic and microdilution techniques against three plant pathogenic fungi (Penicillium digitatum, Curvularia sp., and Colletotrichum sp.), two human pathogens (Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis), and two opportunistic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). Two polymethoxylated flavonoids and a coumarin derivative, were isolated and identified from peel extracts, which presented antimicrobial activity especially against M. canis and T. mentagrophytes: 4',5,6,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone (tangeritin) and 3',4',5,6,7,8-hexamethoxyflavone (nobiletin) from C. reticulata; and 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (also known as escoparone, scoparone or scoparin) from C. limon.

Os flavonóis 8-hidroxi-3, 4', 5, 6, 7-pentametoxiflavona (1) e 8-hidroxi-3, 3', 4', 5, 6, 7-hexametoxiflavona (2) foram isolados em mistura a partir de uma amostra comercial de Citrus aurantifolia. A determinação estrutural e a inequívoca atribuição dos sinais de deslocamento químico dos átomos de hidrogênio e carbono destes compostos naturais foram realizadas através da análise dos espectros de RMN 1D e 2D, incluindo COSY, NOESY, HMQC e HMBC. Em adição, a atividade antifúngica destes compostos contra fungos patogênicos também foiinvestigada.

A mixture of the two new flavonols 8-hydroxy-3, 4', 5, 6, 7-pentamethoxyflavone (1) and 8-hydroxy-3, 3', 4', 5, 6, 7-hexamethoxyflavone (2) was isolated from a commercial sample of Citrus aurantifolia. An array of one- (¹HNMR, {¹H}-13C NMR, and APT-13C NMR) and two-dimensional NMR techniques (COSY, NOESY, HMQC and HMBC) was used to achieve the structural elucidation and the complete ¹H and 13C chemical shift assignments of these natural compounds. In addition, the antifungal activity of these compounds against phytopathogenic and human pathogenic fungi was investigated.

Dos extratos em hexano e em acetato de etila obtidos a partir de caules, raízes e bainhas foliares de Vellozia graminifolia foram identificados hidrocarbonetos lineares, uma mistura de triterpenos pentacíclicos, cinco flavonóides monoisoprenilados e um diterpeno com esqueleto labdano, o ácido (-) -ent-3beta-hidroxi-8(17)-labdeno-15-óico. Este é o primeiro diterpeno com esqueleto labdano isolado da família Velloziaceae. A identificação dos hidrocarbonetos lineares e dos triterpenos minoritários presentes nas duas misturas isoladas foi realizada por Cromatografia Gasosa de Alta Resolução (CGAR) e CGAR acoplada a espectrometria de massas. A determinação estrutural dos triterpenos pentacíclicos majoritários e do diterpeno foi realizada por dados espectrais, incluindo RMN 2D, e transformações químicas. As estruturas dos flavonóides monoisoprenilados são discutidas em artigos anteriores.

From the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts obtained from stems, roots and leaf sheaths of Vellozia graminifolia, a mixture of linear hydrocarbons, a mixture of pentacyclic triterpenes, five monoisoprenylated flavonoids and one labdane diterpene, (-)-ent-3beta-hydroxy-8(17)-labden-15-oic acid, were isolated. The linear hydrocarbons and minor triterpenes were identified in their corresponding mixtures by High Resolution Gas Chromatography (HRGC) and HRGC coupled to mass spectrometry. The major pentacyclic triterpenes and the diterpene were characterized by spectral data, including 2D NMR experiments, and chemical transformations.