Abstract Essential oils from four Ocotea species collected in southern Brazil were evaluated for chemical composition using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The primary compound identified in O. acutifolia essential oil was an unsaturated tetracyclic diterpene, phyllocladene (67.7%), followed by a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, β-selinene (18.0%). The sesquiterpene fraction was predominant in oils from two collections of O. puberula; β-caryophyllene (25.2%) and globulol (22.6%) were the major compounds identified in collections 1 and 2, respectively. O. silvestris essential oil contained predominantly germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene. These compounds were also predominant in essential oil from O. indecora leaves collected from shady habitats. By contrast, essential oil extracted from O. indecora grown under direct sunlight contained mainly oxygenated sesquiterpenes, such as guaiol (30.2%), α-eudesmol (27.6%), and β-eudesmol (12.7%). Chemotaxis assays showed that Ocotea essential oils had no significant inhibitory activity on leukocyte migration compared with a chemotactic stimulant (lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli). However, the oils exhibited antifungal activity against Candida parapsilosis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 500 µg/mL. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the in vitro antifungal and antichemotactic activities of essential oils from Ocotea species native to southern Brazil.

Abstract: Aristolochia triangularis Cham., is one of the most frequently used medicinal plant in Southern Brazil. Preparations containing the leaves and/or stems are traditionally used as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, as well as antidote against snakebites. This study screened A. triangularis extracts, fractions and isolated compounds for different bioactivities. A weak antiproliferative activity against human lung cancer cell line (A549) was observed only for chloroform fraction obtained from stems (CFstems - CC50: 2.93 µg/mL). Also, a moderate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was detected just for chloroform fraction obtained from leaves (CFleaves -13-16 mm inhibition zone). Additionally, two semi-purified fractions (CFstems-4 and CFleaves-4) selectively inhibited HSV-1 replication (IC50 values of 0.40 and 2.61 µg/mL, respectively), while only CFleaves showed promising results against Leishmania amazonensis. Fractionation of extracts resulted in the isolation of one neolignan (-) cubebin and one lignan (+) galbacin. However, these compounds are not responsible for the in vitro bioactivities herein detected. The presence of aristolochic acid I and aristolochic acid II in the crude ethanol extract of stems (CEEstems) and leaves (CEEleaves) was also investigated. The HPLC analysis of these extracts did not display any peak with retention time or UV spectra comparable to aristolochic acids I and II.

Resumo A dispersão de sementes é um processo fundamental à manutenção de ecossistemas florestais, favorecendo o sucesso germinativo de plantas em locais adequados ao seu crescimento, minimizando a competição, a ação de patógenos e a predação por herbívoros. Variações intra-específicas e sazonais no consumo de frutos por Didelphis albiventris, bem como sua contribuição à dispersão e germinação de sementes endozoocóricas foram avaliados em Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. O estudo foi realizado no Morro do Coco, localizado no município de Viamão, RS às margens do Lago Guaíba (30º16’15”S, 51º02’54”W), entre junho de 2013 a maio de 2014, resultando em um esforço amostral de 2992 armadilhas-noite. Foram capturados 18 indivíduos e coletadas 24 amostras fecais. Frutos estiveram presentes em 96% das amostras e corresponderam a 18 espécies vegetais, pertencentes a 10 famílias. As espécies mais frequentes foram Ficus cestrifolia e Syagrus romanzoffiana, que ocorreram em 66% das amostras, seguidas de Banara parviflora e Cecropia pachystachya, ambas com 25% de ocorrência. Machos e fêmeas não diferiram quanto à riqueza de frutos consumidos (t = 0.083; DF = 32; p = 0.934), o que também não variou sazonalmente (H = 3.165; p = 0.367). A maior amplitude de nicho trófico ocorreu no verão, registrando-se duas vezes mais frutos na dieta do que no outono, estação com a menor amplitude. Tanto a porcentagem quanto a velocidade de germinação das sementes de Ficus cestrifolia e Psidium sp. aumentaram após a passagem pelo trato digestório do animal (a porcentagem de germinação aumentou mais de 40% e a velocidade foi até 7 vezes maior). Didelphis albiventris pode ser considerada uma espécie frugívora-onívora, uma vez que frutos representam um item importante na dieta, e contribui para a dispersão de grande quantidade de sementes endozoocóricas pequenas, aumentando tanto o percentual quanto a velocidade de germinação de algumas espécies.

Abstract Seed dispersal is a process that is fundamental to maintenance of forest ecosystems, enabling plants to successfully germinate in sites that are favorable to their growth, minimizing risks of competition, the action of pathogens and predation by herbivores. Intraspecific and seasonal variations in fruit consumption by Didelphis albiventris, and its contribution to dispersal and germination of endozoochorous seeds were analyzed in a Semideciduous seasonal forest. The study was conducted at Morro do Coco, which is a hilly area in the municipal district of Viamão, RS, Brazil, bordering the shore of Guaíba lake (30º16’15”S, 51º02’54”W), between June 2013 and May 2014, with a total sampling effort of 2992 trap-nights. A total of 18 individuals were captured and 24 fecal samples were collected. Fruits were identified in 96% of the samples, corresponding to 18 plant species, belonging to 10 families. The most common species were Ficus cestrifolia and Syagrus romanzoffiana, which occurred in 66% of the samples, followed by Banara parviflora and Cecropia pachystachya, both with a 25% rate of occurrence. There were no differences between the richness of fruit consumed by males and females (t = 0.083; DF = 32; p = 0.934) and there were no seasonal variations (H = 3.165; p = 0.367). The greatest breadth of dietary niche occurred during the summer, when twice as many fruit species were recorded in the diet than during the autumn, which was the season with the smallest breadth. Both germination percentage and germination velocity of Ficus cestrifolia and Psidium sp. seeds increased after passage through the animals’ digestive tracts (percentage germination increased more than 40% and velocity was up to 7 times highest). Didelphis albiventris can be considered a frugivorous-omnivorous species, since fruit are an important item of its diet, and it contributes to dispersal of a large quantity of small endozoochorous seeds, increasing both germination percentage and germination velocity of some species.

RESUMO No presente estudo foi avaliada a eficácia da anestesia e possíveis efeitos dos óleos essenciais (EOs) de Cunila galioides (EOC) e Origanum majorana (EOO) sobre a taxa ventilatória (VR) e regulação iônica em Rhamdia quelen. Nas avaliações de anestesia, as concentrações de 50, 100, 200 e 300 μL L-1 EOC e 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 e 500 μL L-1 EOO foram testadas, e os tempos para a indução às fases de sedação e de anestesia, assim como recuperação, foram mensurados. Um segundo ensaio empregou concentrações mais baixas de ambos EOs: 10, 25, 50 e 100 μL L-1 a fim de verificar a VR e o fluxo líquido corporal dos íons Na+, K+ and Cl- . A sedação foi alcançada para ambos os óleos em 100 μL L-1, e a anestesia em concentrações ≥ 200 µL L-1. Não houve diferença significativa entre o controle e grupos tratados com EOs em relação a VR, mas todos os peixes submetidos a 100 µL L-1 do EOC morreram dentro de 2 h de exposição. No geral, a perda iônica declinou na presença dos EOs. O EOC em 200 - 300 μL L-1 e o EOO em 400 - 500 μL L-1 apresentam potencial para anestesia rápida em R. quelen.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated anesthetic efficacy and possible effects of the essential oils (EOs) of Cunila galioides (EOC) and Origanum majorana (EOO) on ventilatory rate (VR) and ionoregulation in Rhamdia quelen. In the anesthesia assessments, 50, 100, 200 and 300 μL L-1 EOC and 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 μL L-1 EOO were tested, and time for induction to sedation and anesthesia stages, as well as recovery, were taken. A second trial employed lower concentrations of both EOs, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μL L-1, in order to verify VR and Na+, K+ and Cl- whole body net fluxes. Sedation was achieved with both oils at 100 µL L-1, and anesthesia at ≥ 200 µL L-1. There was no significant difference between control and EO-treated groups regarding VR, but all fish subjected to 100 µL L-1 EOC died within 2 h of exposure. Overall, ionic loss declined in the presence of the EOs. The EOC at 200 - 300 μL L-1 and EOO at 400 - 500 μL L-1 present the potential to promote fast anesthesia in R. quelen.

ABSTRACT Banara parviflora (A. Gray) Benth. is a species that belongs to Salicaceae family and is native to Southern Brazil. Fractionation of the ethanolic extract from Banara parviflora leaves afforded, a new compound identified as N 1,N 8-dibenzoylspermidinyl-N 4-acetamide, a spermidine alkaloid. The structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, MS, 1H, 13C and 2-D NMR).

RESUMO A utilização de óleos voláteis extraídos de frutos quiropterocóricos vem sendo investigada com o propósito de potencializar a chuva de sementes provocada por morcegos frugívoros em áreas degradadas. Como filostomídeos utilizam principalmente o olfato para localizar frutos maduros, teve-se, por objetivo, testar o efeito de óleos voláteis extraídos de frutos e folhas de Piper amalago L., espécie frequentemente consumida por esses animais, como atrativo para a captura. Os óleos voláteis foram extraídos por meio de aparelho Clevenger, usando-se a técnica de hidrodestilação. A eficiência do atrativo foi testada em uma área de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual no sul do Brasil. Dez redes de neblina, divididas em dois grupos, controle (sem atrativos) e teste (com atrativos), foram expostas mensalmente, de março a junho de 2012, durante três noites consecutivas. O esforço amostral correspondeu a 33.284m².h. Obteve-se 78% (39 capturas) do total de capturas para o período no grupo teste e 22% (11 capturas) no grupo controle. Os óleos voláteis de frutos e folhas de Piper amalago atraíram morcegos da espécie Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810), corroborando os estudos pioneiros realizados no Paraná.

ABSTRACT The use of volatile oils extracted from chiropterochoric fruits has been investigated so that the great number of seeds spread by fruit-eating bats in degraded areas may be potentialized. Since Phyllostomidae mainly use smell to locate ripe fruits, this current experiment tested the effect of volatile oils from the fruit and leaves of Piper amalago L., frequently consumed by these animals, as bait for their capture. The volatile oils were extracted by Clevenger apparatus by hydrodistillation technique. Attraction efficiency was tested in a Semidecidual Seasonal Forest in southern Brazil. Ten mist nets in two groups, control (without any bait) and test (with bait) were exposed every month between March and June 2012, during three consecutive nights. Sample effort was equal to 33,284m².h. Thirty-nine captures (78%) occurred for the test group during the period and 11 captures (22%) for the control group. The volatile oils from the fruit and leaves of Piper amalago attracted bats of the species Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810), confirming pioneer studies in the state of Paraná, Brazil.

ABSTRACTMale, female, pupa, and last-instar larva of Palaeomystella beckeri (Moreira and Basilio) a new species from the Atlantic forest, southern Brazil, are described and illustrated with the aid of optical and scanning electron microscopy. Larvae induce galls on apical branches of Tibouchina trichopoda (DC.) Baill. (Melastomataceae) within which pupation occurs. Gall description and preliminary data on life history are also provided.

AbstractThis study uses high performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis as analytical tools to evaluate flavonoids in hydrolyzed leaves extracts of Rubus erythrocladus Mart., Rosaceae, and Morus nigra L., Moraceae. For phytochemical analysis, the extracts were prepared by acid hydrolysis and ultrasonic bath and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography using an ultraviolet detector and by capillary electrophoresis equipped with a diode-array detector. Quercetin and kaempferol were identified in these extracts. The analytical methods developed were validated and applied. Quercetin and kaempferol were quantified in R. erythrocladus, with 848.43 ± 66.68 μg g-1 and 304.35 ± 17.29 μg g-1, respectively, by HPLC-UV and quercetin, 836.37 ± 149.43 μg g-1, by CE-DAD. In M. nigra the quantifications of quercetin and kaempferol were 2323.90 ± 145.35 μg g-1 and 1446.36 ± 59.00 μg g-1, respectively, by HPLC-UV and, 2552.82 ± 275.30 μg g-1 and 1188.67 ± 99.21 μg g-1, respectively, by CE-DAD. The extracts were also analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector and mass spectrometer (MS), UPLC-DAD/MS.

Lyroglossa e Pteroglossa(Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae) são registradas pela primeira vez para o Rio Grande do Sul. Descrições, ilustrações, notas taxonômicas e distribuição são apresentadas. Nós também fornecemos uma chave artificial para distinguir os gêneros do “Clado Stenorrhynchos” registrados até o momento para o Rio Grande do Sul.

Lyroglossa and Pteroglossa(Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae) are first recorded for Rio Grande do Sul. Descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes and distribution are presented. We also provide an artificial key to distinguish the genera of the “Stenorrhynchos Clade” reported so far in Rio Grande do Sul.

The genus Drimys presents the widest geographical distribution of the Winteraceae family, which comprises seven genera and about 120 species. In Brazil, the genus is found from Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul and occur in two species, Drimys angustifolia Miers, and D. brasiliensis Miers, Winteraceae, popularly known as "casca-de-anta", characterized by the presence of flavonoids and essential oils. It is used in folk medicine as an antiscorbutic, stimulant, antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal, antipyretic, antibacterial, and against asthma and bronchitis, besides having insecticidal properties. In addition to the known biological activities, it is very important to explore new applications in the treatment of physiological disorders or diseases caused by parasites. Based on this information, in this study we propose to evaluate volatile oils of the species D. brasiliensis and D. angustifolia, as an antioxidant, using the model of the DPPH radical as an antiviral against human herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and acute toxicity in vivo. The two species were not able to reduce the DPPH radical and showed interesting antiviral activity, significantly reducing the virus titers in vitro assays. Regarding the in vivo toxicity in female Wistar rats, treatment with the two species showed interesting signs in animals such as salivation, ptosis, tremor, decreased motor activity. In addition the oils of D. brasiliensis to other signs, some animals showed increased urination and diarrhea.

The species Drimys angustifolia Miers and D. brasiliensis Miers, commonly known as "casca-de-anta", have in their leaves essential oils that can confer cytotoxic effects. In this study, we evaluated the citotoxic effects of the volatile oils from these two species. We also proposed a nanoemulsion formulation for each of the species and assessed the in vitro cytotoxicity on U-138 MG (human glioblastoma) and T24 (human bladder carcinoma) cell lines. The plant chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer. Furthermore, the nanoemulsions were prepared and characterized. Our results showed that; bicyclogermacrene (19.6%) and cyclocolorenone (18.2%) were the most abundant for the D angustifolia oil and D brasiliensis oil, respectively. Both nanoemulsions, D angustifolia and D brasiliensis appeared macroscopically homogeneous and opalescent bluish liquids, with nanometric mean diameters of 168 nm for D brasiliensis and 181 nm for D angustifolia. The polydispersity indices were below 0.10, with an acid pH of 4.7-6.3, and negative zeta potentials about -34 mV. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that droplets are present in the nanometer range. Only the D brasiliensis oil was efficient in reducing the cell viability of both U-138 MG (42.5%±7.0 and 67.8%±7.8) and T24 (33.2%±2.8, 60.3%±1.6 and 80.5%±8.8) cell lines, as assessed by MTT assay. Noteworthy, similar results were obtained with cell counting. Finally, D brasiliensis oil incubation caused an increase of annexin-V and propidium iodite population, according to evaluation by cytometry analysis, what is characteristic of late apoptosis. The results presented herein lead us to consider the potential therapeutic effects of the essential oils and nanoformulations as novel strategies to inhibit tumor growth.

Um testemunho de sondagem coletado em Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foi submetido para análise polínica a fim de revelar a história vegetacional e mudanças paleoecológicas e paleoclimáticas. Um total de 98 táxons foi identificado a partir de 35 subamostras. Três datações radiocarbônicas foram obtidas ao longo de uma seção de 115 cm de profundidade, incluindo a idade basal de 4730 ± 50 anos AP. Diagramas polínicos e análises de agrupamentos foramrealizadas com base nas freqüências dos palinomorfos, demonstrando cinco fases distintas (SAP-I a SAP-V), as quais refletiram diferentes condições paleoecológicas. A predominância de plantas relacionadas à vegetação campestre na fase SAP-I sugere condições climáticas quentes e secas. Um gradual aumento nas condições de umidade foi observado principalmente no início da fase SAP-III, quando a vegetação conformou um mosaico de Campos e Floresta Atlântica. Além disso, a presença de certos táxons florestais (tipo- Acacia, Daphnopsis racemosa, tipo Erythrina e tipo Parapiptadenia rigida), a partir da fase SAP-IV, é interpretada como influência da Floresta Estacional Semidecidual na região de estudo. A partir da fase SAP-V (ca. 4000 anos AP) a vegetação tornou-se similar à moderna (atual Bioma da Floresta Atlântica), especialmente após 2000 anos AP (idade calibrada).

A sedimentar core collected at Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Rio Grande do Sul State, southmost Brazil, was submitted to pollen analysis to provide the vegetational history of this region, and the paleoecological and paleoclimatic changes. A total of 98 taxa of palynomorphs was identified from 35 subsamples. Three radiocarbonic datings were obtained along a section of 115 cm depth, including the basal age of 4730 ± 50 yr BP. Pollen diagrams and cluster analysis were performed based on palynomorphs frequencies, demonstrating five distinct phases (SAP-I to SAP-V), which reflected different paleoecological conditions. The predominance of plants associated with grasslands in the phase SAP-I suggests warm and dry climate conditions. A gradual increasing of humidity conditions was observed mainly from the beginning of the phase SAP-III, when the vegetation set a mosaic of grasslands and Atlantic rainforest. Furthermore, the presence of some forest taxa ( Acacia-type, Daphnopsis racemosa, Erythrina-type and Parapiptadenia rigida-type), from the phase SAP-IV, is interpreted as an influence of the seasonal semideciduous forest in the study region. From the phase SAP-V (ca. 4000 yrs BP), the vegetation became similar to the modern one (extant Atlantic rainforest Biome), especially after 2000 yrs BP (calibrated age).

Os óleos voláteis das folhas e inflorescências de Eupatorium polystachyum DC. (Asteraceae), coletado no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foram caracterizados por CG-EM e sua atividade antioxidante foi avaliada utilizando-se o método de DPPH. Foram obtidos rendimentos de 1,6 e 0,9% de óleo em relação às folhas e inflorescências frescas, sendo identificados 34 compostos, correspondendo a 99,1 e 99,5% do óleo volátil, respectivamente. Os óleos apresentaram exclusivamente compostos terpênicos, sendo que as folhas contêm grande quantidade de monoterpenos (66,4%) enquanto que as inflorescências apresentaram quantidades equivalentes de mono e sesquiterpenos (51,8 e 47,7%, respectivamente). As amostras apresentaram-se qualitativamente muito semelhantes sendo constituídas majoritariamente por: beta-pineno (14,7 e 9,8%), beta-mirceno (15,3 e 10,8%) e limoneno (22,8 e 20,5%) entre os monoterpenos e beta-cariofileno (10,4 e 15,4%), germacreno D (7,2 e 9,4%) e biciclogermacreno (12,0 e 19,2%) entre os sesquiterpenos. As diferenças entre as amostras foram basicamente quantitativas. Os óleos apresentaram atividade antioxidante pelo ensaio com DPPH por bioautografia na diluição de 1:10 em éter etílico (v/v).

The essential oil obtained from leaves and flowers of Eupatorium polystachyum DC. (Asteraceae) collected in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, was characterized by GC-MS and its antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH assay. The yield of essential oil, relative to fresh material, was 1.6 and 0.9% for leaves and flowers, respectively. Both oils are constituted exclusively by terpenic compounds. Leaf oil contains great quantity of monoterpenes (66.4%); on the other hand, inflorescence oil contains comparable quantities of mono- and sesquiterpenes (51.8 and 47.7%, respectively). The same compounds are majority in both oils: beta-pinene (14.7 and 9.8%), beta-myrcene (15.3 and 10.8%) and limonene (22.8 and 20.5%) among monoterpenes and beta-caryophyllene (10.4 and 15.4%), germacrene D (7.2 and 9.4%) and bicyclogermacrene (12.0 and 19.2%) among sesquiterpenes. The oils had antioxidant activity by DPPH assay in 1:10 dilution in ethyl ether (v/v).

Neste trabalho foi investigado o efeito inibitório de extratos etanólicos de partes aéreas de Hypericum myrianthum e Hypericum polyanthemum sobre a germinação e o crescimento de alface (Lactuca sativa). A germinação das sementes foi reduzida em todas as concentrações avaliadas. Após sete dias, o percentual de germinação foi significativamente retardado pelos extratos de ambas as plantas, nas maiores concentrações, em comparação com o grupo controle. O comprimento das radículas foi significativamente afetado, estas apresentando alguns sinais de necrose. As duas espécies apresentam compostos fenólicos como constituintes principais, os quais podem ser responsáveis pela inibição da germinação e crescimento de Lactuca sativa.

Germination and growth inhibitory effects of ethanolic crude extracts of Hypericum myrianthum and H. polyanthemum aerial parts on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) were investigated. The germination was retarded in all the tested concentrations. After seven days the final germination percentage of the most concentrated extracts was significantly reduced by both extracts in comparison with the control. The radicles length was significantly affected showing necrosis. Both species present phenolic compounds as the main components and they could be responsible for the inhibition of the germination and growth of Lactuca sativa.

Extratos clorofórmicos ou diclorometânicos de 357 espécies vegetais de ocorrência no sul do Brasil foram testados quanto à presença de peróxidos, através de cromatografia em camada delgada, utilizando o reagente de detecção de Huber & Fröhlke. Das espécies testadas, 71 (20%) apresentaram resultado positivo, a maioria delas (56%) pertencentes à família Asteraceae. A maioria das espécies testadas pertencia a Asteraceae, mas outras 55 famílias foram também testadas, abrangendo um total de 77 gêneros.

Chloroform or dichloromethane extracts of 357 southern Brazilian plant species were tested for the presence of peroxides by thinlayer chromatography, using the spray reagent from Huber & Fröhlke. From the species tested, 71 (20%) showed positive results and most of them (56%) are Asteraceae species. The species tested were mainly from Asteraceae, but 55 more families were screened, in a total of 77 genera surveyed.