Abstract This study assessed the inhibitory potential of the probiotics Lactobacillus (LB) exopolysaccharides (EPS) with or without extracts of Satureja calamintha on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEc) responsible for gastroenteritis. Methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts were prepared by cold maceration and subjected to phytochemical screening. The compounds of the extracts were determined with the colorimetric assays and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Antioxidant activities of the extracts were also evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging. Antibacterial effect on EPEc was evaluated by using both agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The in vitro test of auto-aggregation was investigated. Microbiological analysis showed that 63% of the isolated LB were producing EPS, with the amount ranging from 8.21 to 43.13 mg/L. Chemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids, more abundant in the hydromethanolic extract, which presented the highest content with 2.11 mg EGA/g of polyphenol and 1.64 mg EC/g of flavonoids and 1.71 mg EGA/g of polyphenol and 1.15 mg EC/g of flavonoids in the methanolic extract. Hydromethanolic extracts and EPS exhibited a more important activity than did the methanolic extract against EPEc. The combined action of EPS and extracts reduced the aggregation ability of EPEc and decreased the rate of their adhesion.

Abstract Hymenaea martiana is a native medicinal plant from the Caatinga, but biochemical studies of the fruit have not yet been reported. Thus, this study aimed to determine sugars and secondary metabolites, as well as assess the sunscreen potential of H. martiana fruits. The fruits were collected in Petrolina and separated into pulp and seeds. The sugar analysis investigated the presence of glucose, xylose, cellobiose, arabinose and xylitol. The determination of secondary metabolites was made through phytochemical screening and sunscreen activity was assessed with the spectrophotometric method. In the fruit pulp, carbohydrates with a great biotechnological potential were identified. The substances found in the phytochemical screening showed great antioxidant, photoprotective and medicinal potential. With the pulp extract, the sun protection factor values obtained were not significant and for the extract from the seeds, the values were 4.54 ± 0.11. Although the values found are below the recommended, the fruit extracts of H. martiana could be used in future development of sunscreen products providing several benefits to the formulation.

Resumo Fundamento: O D-limoneno (DL) é um monoterpeno e o principal componente do óleo essencial de frutas cítricas. Ele apresenta atividades anti-hiperglicêmicas e vasodilatadoras. Objetivos: Este estudo avaliou os efeitos cardiovasculares e antiarrítmicos potenciais do DL em ratos. Métodos: Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e eletrocardiográficos (ECG) foram mensurados em ratos Wistar machos que, sob anestesia, tiveram a aorta abdominal e a veia cava inferior canuladas e receberam eletrodos implantados subcutaneamente. Na abordagem in vitro, o coração foi removido e perfundido utilizando a técnica de Langendorff. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados: DL, nas doses de 10, 20 e 40 mg/kg (i.v), produziu bradicardia intensa e persistente associada à hipotensão. A bradicardia com QTc prolongado foi observada no registro in vivo do ECG. No modelo in vivo de arritmia induzida por Bay K8644, DL (10 mg / kg) houve diminuição do escore da arritmia de 15,33 ± 3,52 para 4,0 ± 2,64 u.a (p < 0,05, n = 4). Em corações perfundidos isolados, o DL (10-3 M) promoveu reduções significativas na frequência cardíaca (de 228,6 ± 8,5 ms para 196,0 ± 9,3 bpm; p < 0,05) e na pressão desenvolvida do ventrículo esquerdo (de 25,2 ± 3,4 para 5,9 ± 1,8 mmHg; n = 5, p < 0,05). Conclusões: O DL produz bradicardia e atividade antiarrítmica no coração de ratos.

Abstract Background: D-limonene (DL) is a monoterpene and is the major component in the essential oil of citrus fruit. It presents antihyperglycemic and vasodilatation activities. Objectives: This study evaluated the cardiovascular effects and potential antiarrhythmic of DL in rats. Methods: Hemodynamic and electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters were measured in male Wistar rats, which under anesthesia had been cannulated in the abdominal aorta and lower vena cava and had electrodes subcutaneously implanted. In the in vitro approach, the heart was removed and perfused using the Langendorff technique. The significance level adopted was 5% (p < 0.05). Results: DL, in doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg (i.v), produced intense and persistent bradycardia associated with hypotension. Bradycardia with prolonged QTc was observed in the ECG in vivo recording. In the in vivo model of arrhythmia induced by Bay K8644, DL (10 mg/kg) decreased the arrhythmia score from 15.33 ± 3.52 to 4.0 ± 2.64 u.a (p < 0.05, n = 4). In isolated perfused hearts, DL (10-3 M) promoted significant reductions in heart rate (from 228.6 ± 8.5 ms to 196.0 ± 9.3 bpm; p < 0.05) and left ventricular development pressure (from 25.2 ± 3.4 to 5.9 ± 1.8 mmHg; n = 5, p < 0.05). Conclusions: DL produces bradycardia and antiarrhythmic activity in rat heart.

Resumo O presente estudo refere-se ao impacto do uso de agrotóxicos sobre a saúde humana no Submédio do Vale do São Francisco. Por meio de entrevistas objetivou-se analisar a influência dos condicionantes sociais, culturais e econômicos no processo saúde-doença dos trabalhadores expostos a agrotóxicos. Para a coleta de dados foram entrevistados 339 trabalhadores rurais de perímetros irrigados dos municípios de Juazeiro-BA e Petrolina-PE. Todos do sexo masculino, sendo 182 (53,7%) proprietários rurais e 157 (46,3%) empregados, predominando indivíduos entre 40 e 59 anos entre os proprietários e abaixo de 39 anos entre os trabalhadores. Mais de 50% apresentou baixo nível de escolaridade e 55,2% tinha rendimentos mensais menor ou igual a 2 salários mínimos. Muitos sabem da importância do uso de EPIs e da obrigatoriedade do receituário agronômico para a utilização e a compra de agrotóxicos, entretanto cerca de 40% não usam EPIs ou fazem uso de forma incompleta e 28,9% não apresentam receituário durante a compra. Mais de 9% dos participantes relataram casos de intoxicação, no entanto, menos de 7% procuraram atendimento especializado. Os trabalhadores sabem que o uso de agrotóxicos nas lavouras os expõem a situações de risco, mas essa informação não é suficiente para alterar a conduta no exercício laboral.

Abstract This study refers to the impact of the use of pesticides on human health in the São Francisco River Valley region, in which, through semi-structured interviews, the objective was to analyze the influence of social, cultural and economic determinants on the health-disease process of workers exposed to agrochemicals. For data collection, 339 rural workers from irrigated perimeters of the cities of Juazeiro, in the State of Bahia, and Petrolina, in the State of Pernambuco, were interviewed. All were male, of which 182 (53,7%) were rural owners and 157 (46,3%) were employees, predominantly between 40 and 59 years of age among owners and under 39 among workers. Over 50% have a low level of schooling and 55.2% of them have monthly incomes less than or equal to 2 minimum wages. Many of them know about the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and the mandatory license for the use and purchase of agrochemicals. However, about 40% do not use PPE or use it inadequately and 28.9% do not have a license to purchase. More than 9% of participants reported cases of intoxication, however, less than 7% sought specialized care. Workers are aware of the risks that the use of agrochemicals expose them to risk situations, but this does not encourage them to change their worksite behavior.

Resumo O presente estudo refere-se ao impacto do uso de agrotóxicos sobre a saúde humana no Submédio do Vale do São Francisco. Por meio de entrevistas objetivou-se analisar a influência dos condicionantes sociais, culturais e econômicos no processo saúde-doença dos trabalhadores expostos a agrotóxicos. Para a coleta de dados foram entrevistados 339 trabalhadores rurais de perímetros irrigados dos municípios de Juazeiro-BA e Petrolina-PE. Todos do sexo masculino, sendo 182 (53,7%) proprietários rurais e 157 (46,3%) empregados, predominando indivíduos entre 40 e 59 anos entre os proprietários e abaixo de 39 anos entre os trabalhadores. Mais de 50% apresentou baixo nível de escolaridade e 55,2% tinha rendimentos mensais menor ou igual a 2 salários mínimos. Muitos sabem da importância do uso de EPIs e da obrigatoriedade do receituário agronômico para a utilização e a compra de agrotóxicos, entretanto cerca de 40% não usam EPIs ou fazem uso de forma incompleta e 28,9% não apresentam receituário durante a compra. Mais de 9% dos participantes relataram casos de intoxicação, no entanto, menos de 7% procuraram atendimento especializado. Os trabalhadores sabem que o uso de agrotóxicos nas lavouras os expõem a situações de risco, mas essa informação não é suficiente para alterar a conduta no exercício laboral.

Abstract This study refers to the impact of the use of pesticides on human health in the São Francisco River Valley region, in which, through semi-structured interviews, the objective was to analyze the influence of social, cultural and economic determinants on the health-disease process of workers exposed to agrochemicals. For data collection, 339 rural workers from irrigated perimeters of the cities of Juazeiro, in the State of Bahia, and Petrolina, in the State of Pernambuco, were interviewed. All were male, of which 182 (53,7%) were rural owners and 157 (46,3%) were employees, predominantly between 40 and 59 years of age among owners and under 39 among workers. Over 50% have a low level of schooling and 55.2% of them have monthly incomes less than or equal to 2 minimum wages. Many of them know about the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and the mandatory license for the use and purchase of agrochemicals. However, about 40% do not use PPE or use it inadequately and 28.9% do not have a license to purchase. More than 9% of participants reported cases of intoxication, however, less than 7% sought specialized care. Workers are aware of the risks that the use of agrochemicals expose them to risk situations, but this does not encourage them to change their worksite behavior.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar a triagem fitoquímica preliminar e testar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato hidroalcoólico bruto das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata. A identificação das classes de metabólitos secundários presentes no extrato foi realizada através da cromatografia em camada delgada analítica (CCDA). Para determinar a quantidade de fenóis e flavonoides totais foram utilizados os métodos espectrofotométricos de Folin-Ciocalteu e complexação com AlCl3, respectivamente. Para avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana foram testadas culturas de Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae isoladas de pele humana e culturas de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de pele de cães pelo método de microdiluição em caldo. Na triagem fitoquímica foi verificada reação positiva para a presença de derivados antracênicos, mono, sesqui e diterpenos. As análises colorimétricas mostraram conteúdos de fenóis totais e flavonoides totais de 21,7 ± 0,009 miligramas de equivalentes de ácido gálico por grama de amostra e 0,23 ± 0,005 miligramas de equivalentes de catequina por grama de amostra, respectivamente. Na análise microbiológica, o extrato hidroalcoólico das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata apresentou atividade antimicrobiana frente às culturas de Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens e Enterococcus faecalis. Todas as culturas de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de pele de cães foram sensíveis ao extrato. Conclui-se que o extrato hidroalcoólico bruto das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata possui entre seus metabólitos secundários os flavonoides e terpenoides que contribuíram com a atividade antimicrobiana frente às bactérias isoladas de pele de diferentes origens.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to perform phytochemical analysis and to test the antimicrobial activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata. Classes of secondary metabolites present in the extract were identified through phytochemical screening using analytical thin-layer chromatography. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by testing cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from human skin and those of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dog skin using the broth microdilution method. In the phytochemical screening, classes of anthracenic derivatives and mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenes were identified. Colorimetric analysis showed total phenol and total flavonoid contents of 21.7 ± 0.009 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of sample and 0.23 ± 0.005 mg of catechin equivalents per gram of sample, respectively. Microbiological analysis revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract of S. trilobata exhibited antimicrobial activity against cultures of Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, S. marcescens, and E. faecalis isolated from human skin and those of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dog skin. Thus, crude hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of S. trilobata contained flavonoids and terpenoids as secondary metabolites, which contributed to its antimicrobial activity against skin bacteria isolated from different sources.

Abstract Zeaxanthin, an abundant carotenoid present in fruits, vegetables and algae was reported to exert antiproliferative activity and induce apoptosis in human uveal melanoma cells. It also inhibited uveal melanoma tumor growth and cell migration in nude mice xenograft models. Here we report that zeaxanthin purified from the rhodophyte Porphyridium purpureum (Bory) K.M.Drew & R.Ross, Porphyridiaceae, promotes apoptosis in the A2058 human melanoma cell line expressing the oncogenic BRAF V600E mutation. Zeaxanthin 40 µM (IC50) induced chromatin condensation, nuclear blebbing, hypodiploidy, accumulation of cells in sub-G1 phase, DNA internucleosomal fragmentation and activation of caspase-3. Western blot analysis revealed that zeaxanthin induced up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic factors Bim and Bid and inhibition of NF-κB transactivation. Additionally, zeaxanthin sensitized A2058 melanoma cells in vitro to the cytotoxic activity of vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor widely used for the clinical management of melanoma, suggesting its potential interest as dietary adjuvant increasing melanoma cells sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a toxicidade letal e subletal dos extratos hexânico e metanólico das folhas de Annona vepretorum (Annonaceae) sobre Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). A toxicidade do extrato metanólico foi avaliada por meio da aplicação em torre de Potter (efeito tópico + residual) e por imersão de discos de folhas de Canavalia ensiformis na solução do extrato (efeito de contato residual). A toxicidade do extrato hexânico foi avaliada unicamente por meio do efeito de contato residual. Os efeitos subletais do extrato metanólico foram avaliados por meio da CL50 sobre as fêmeas. A preferência do ácaro por alimentação e oviposição foi avaliada por testes de múltipla escolha, entre o tratamento controle e as concentrações dos extratos, com os extratos hexânico e metanólico. A CL50 estimada do extrato metanólico foi de 10,96 mg mL-1 para o efeito tópico + residual e de 22,07 mg mL-1 para o efeito residual. A CL50 estimada para o extrato hexânico foi de 50,61 mg mL-1. O extrato metanólico na CL50 previamente estimada interferiu na fecundidade e na longevidade das fêmeas e diferiu significativamente do tratamento controle. Nos testes com múltipla escolha, para ambos os extratos, os ácaros apresentaram preferência significativa pelo controle, quanto à alimentação e à oviposição. Annona vepretorum apresenta efeito acaricida e constitui uma fonte botânica de grande potencial no controle de T. urticae.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the lethal and sublethal toxicity of hexane and methanolic extracts from the leaves of Annona vepretorum (Annonaceae) on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). The methanolic extract toxicity was evaluated by Potter tower application (topical + residual effect) and by immersion of Canavalia ensiformis leaf disks in the extract solution (residual contact effect). The hexane extract toxicity was evaluated exclusively through residual contact effect. Sublethal effects of the methanolic extract were evaluated through LC50 on the females. Mite preference for feeding and oviposition was evaluated by multiple choice tests, between the control and the extract concentrations, using the hexane and methanolic extracts. Estimated LC50 for the methanolic extract was 10.96 mg mL-1 for the topic + residual effect and 22.07 mg mL-1 for the residual effect. Estimated LC50 for the hexane extract was 50.61 mg mL-1. The methanolic extract at the previously estimated CL50 interfered in the fecundity and longevity of females, differing significantly from the control treatment. In the multiple choice tests, for both extracts, mites showed a significant preference for the control, both for feeding and oviposition. Annona vepretorum has acaricide effect and constitutes a botanical source with great potential for controlling T. urticae.

Abstract Purpose: To realize a morphological examination of the musculoskeletal tissue, assessing the effect of a contusion method for the production in rat gastrocnemius, comparing the inflammatory responses generated by different impacts. Methods: For the analysis of a contusion method, twelve female Wistar rats were distributed into four groups. The lesion was generated by 324 g of mass that was dropped from different predetermined heights for each group (30, 45, 60 and 70 cm). Results: In the analysis of musculoskeletal tissue, the response to injury varied according to the mass of the height drop onto the muscle. Only the group that was injured from 70 cm responded with uniform and severe inflammation, whereas the groups 30, 45 and 60 cm showed inflammation in some regions of the tissue with mild and moderate infiltrates. Conclusion: The method with the 324-gram mass dropped from a 70-cm height onto the gastrocnemius muscle of rats seems to be the most suitable for the production of muscle injury in these animals after 72 hours, showing an important inflammatory infiltrate.

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.

Annona vepretorum Mart. é uma espécie endêmica do bioma Caatinga, conhecida no Nordeste do Brasil como "araticum". Neste trabalho, o conteúdo de fenóis totais foi determinado pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteu. O teor de flavonoides totais também foi medido. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos foi analisada pelos métodos do sequestro do radical DPPH e inibição da auto-oxidação do β-caroteno, e comparada com o ácido ascórbico, BHA e BHT, utilizados como compostos de referência. A análise de citotoxidade foi realizada frente a linhagens de células HCT-116, OVCAR-8 e SF-295. O efeito antibacteriano foi avaliado pelo método de microdiluição. O conteúdo de fenóis totais do extrato etanólico (Av-EtOH) foi de 76,60 ± 5,57 mg de equivalente de ácido gálico/g. O conteúdo de flavonoides foi de 194,50 ± 11,72 mg de equivalente de catequina/g para o extrato hexânico. O extrato EtOH exibiu boa atividade antioxidante (IC50 = 98,87 ± 11,24 mg/mL) no método do DPPH. Os extratos mostraram atividade citotóxica e antibacteriana contra a maior parte das células e microrganismos testados. Pesquisas adicionais serão realizadas para o isolamento e a identificação dos principais constituintes fenólicos dos extratos.

Annona vepretorum Mart. is an endemic species to the Caatinga biome known in Northeast Brazil as "araticum". Phenolic compounds were determined in extracts of leaves. The total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was also measured. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were assayed by DPPH radical scavenging and inhibition of β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching and compared with ascorbic acid, BHA and BHT, used as reference compounds. Cytotoxicity analysis in HCT-116, OVCAR-8 and SF-295 cells were carried out. The antibacterial effect was evaluated by the method of microdilution. The total phenolic content of ethanolic extract (Av-EtOH) was 76.60 ± 5.57 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g. The total flavonoid content was 194.50 ± 11.72 mg of catechin equivalent/g for the hexane extract. The EtOH extract exhibited good antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 98.87 ± 11.24 µg/ml. The extracts showed cytotoxic and antibacterial activities against most of the line cells and microorganisms tested. Further research will be carried out to achieve the isolation and identification of the main phenolic constituents of the extracts.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar os teores de fenóis e flavonoides totais, bem como avaliar as atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana de extratos obtidos dos talos e folhas de atemoia (A. cherimola Mill. x A. squamosa L.), que pertence à família Annonaceae. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelos métodos de sequestro dos radicais 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) e 2,2'-azinobis-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfônico (ABTS), bem como pelo método da cooxidação do β-caroteno/ácido linoleico. A avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos foi analisada contra 10 cepas de bactérias. Os resultados da atividade antioxidante dos extratos mostraram que o extrato etanólico dos talos (EEt) foi o antioxidante mais efetivo (IC50 = 10,44 ± 1,25 µg/mL) no método do sequestro do DPPH, bem como no sequestro do radical ABTS (24,81 ± 0,49%). O extrato hexânico das folhas apresentou o melhor percentual de atividade antioxidante no ensaio do β-caroteno/ácido linoleico (41,12 ± 4,35%). Os extratos etanólico dos talos e metanólico das folhas mostraram-se ativos contra cepas de Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus e Staphylococcus epidermidis.

The aim of this study was to quantify the levels of total phenols and flavonoids as well as to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts obtained from stems and leaves of atemoia (A. cherimola Mill. x A. squamosa L.), which belongs to the Annonaceae family. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavengers methods, as well as the method of co-oxidation of β-carotene/linoleic acid. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was assessed against 10 strains of bacteria. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract from the stems (EEt) was the most effective antioxidant (IC50 = 10.44 ± 1.25 mg/ml) by the DPPH method, as well as in the ABTS radical scavenger (24.81 ± 0.49%). The hexane extract of the leaves showed the best percentage of antioxidant activity by β-carotene/linoleic acid test (41.12 ± 4.35%). The ethanolic and metabolic extracts were active against strains of Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

The phytochemical investigation of Xylopia langsdorffiana led to the isolation of corytenchine, xylopinine, discretamine, xylopine, ent-atisan-16α-hydroxy-18-oic acid, 13² (S) hydroxy-17³-ethoxyphaephorbide and quercetin-3-α-rhamnoside. Their structures were assigned based on spectroscopic analyses, including two-dimensional NMR techniques. Antioxidant activities of discretamine were measured using the 1,2-diphenyl- 2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay.

INTRODUÇÃO: A epilepsia é um transtorno neurológico que chega a afetar cerca de 1% da população mundial. Muitas formas de epilepsias não conseguem ser tratadas adequadamente com os fármacos atualmente utilizados na clínica e o desenvolvimento de novas propostas terapêuticas que as tratem, não apenas de forma sintomática, mas em sua gênese, é uma busca constante de novos estudos. OBJETIVO E DISCUSSÃO: Nesse sentido, a presente revisão busca fazer um breve levantamento sobre os aspectos científicos mais consistentes acerca do papel dos canais iônicos no desenvolvimento das epilepsias, bem como correlacionar com o estudo de drogas antiepilépticas (DAEs) e mostrar as principais características farmacológicas das DAEs mais utilizadas na clínica atualmente. O papel dos canais de Na+ e Ca+2 como alvo de novas DAEs e a participação de outros receptores nesse processo são igualmente discutidos. CONCLUSÃO: A compreensão da fisiopatologia das epilepsias e dos possíveis alvos moleculares para novos fármacos é um dos principais focos para o descobrimento de tratamentos mais eficazes e com menos efeitos adversos.

INTRODUCTION: Current epidemiological studies show a prevalence rate for active epilepsy in 0,5-1% of the population. Many forms of epilepsy are intractable to current therapies and there is a pressing need to develop agents and strategies to not only suppress seizures, but also cure epilepsy. OBJECTIVE AND DISCUSSION: The aim of this review was to the recent advances in the physiology of ion channels and other potential molecular targets, in conjunction with new informations on the genetics of idiopathic epilepsies, and current antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Marketed AEDs predominantly target voltage-gated cation channels (the a-subunits of voltage gated Na+ channels and also T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels) or influence GABA-mediated inhibition. CONCLUSION: The growing understanding of the pathophysiology of epilepsy and the structural and functional characterization of the molecular targets provide many opportunities to create improved epilepsy therapies.