Resumo O uso de produtos naturais obtidos de plantas, por exemplo, as plantas invasoras, oferece uma variedade de aleloquímicos com potencial fungicida. Tendo isso em vista, objetivou-se avaliar o potencial fungicida de extratos etanólicos de plantas do Cerrado sobre Rhizoctonia solani e Macrophomina phaseolina. Foi preparado o extrato hidroalcoólicos etanólico das 12 plantas apontadas como invasoras no Cerrado brasileiro (Anacardium humile Saint Hill; Baccharis dracunculifolia DC.; Cenchrus echinatus L; Commelina erecta L.; Erigeron bonariensis L.; Digitaria horizontalis Willd.; Digitaria insularis L.; Porophyllum ruderale Jacq. Cass; Richardia brasiliensis Gomes; Sida rhombifolia L.; Turnera ulmifolia L.; Smilax fluminensis Steud) e foi realizado o screening fitoquímico e a determinação de fenóis e flavonoides totais. Para avaliar a atividade antifúngica in vitro, as soluções hidroalcóolicas nas concentrações de 800, 1200, 1600, 2000 e 2400 µL 100 mL-1 foram incorporadas, separadamente, em ágar BDA, e vertidas em placa de Petri, seguido do disco de micélio do fungo. Como controle, foram preparadas duas soluções, uma solução etanólica adicionada ao meio BDA (2400 µg 100 mL-1), e outra somente com meio BDA, a testemunha. Foram vertidas em placas de Petri, seguido um disco de 0,5 cm de diâmetro de micélio do fungo, incubados (23±2 ºC), com fotoperíodo de 24 horas. Dentre os constituintes encontrados nas plantas, 75% estão os compostos fenólicos, 58,3% estão os heterosídeos cardiotônicos, 50% estão os esteroides, 33,3% estão os flavonoides, 16,7% estão as antraquinonas e 8,3% estão os alcaloides, saponinas e açúcares redutores. Das 12 espécies, apenas os extratos de C. erecta e R. brasiliensis foram ativos para M. phaseolina e R. solani. Desse modo, conclui-se que o extrato etanólico de C. erecta apresenta potencial fungicida para controle de doenças causadas por fungos habitantes do solo. Das demais espécies, a A. humille, B. dracuncufolia, D. insulares, C. erecta, D. insulares, P. ruderale e R. brasiliensis possuem potencial fungitóxicos naturais por destacarem nos teores de polifenóis eficientes na redução do crescimento micelial de M. phaseolina e R. solani.

Abstract The use of natural products obtained from plants, for example, invasive plants, offers a variety of allelochemicals with fungicidal potential. With this in perspective, the objective was to evaluate the fungicidal potential of ethanolic extracts of Cerrado plants on Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. The ethanolic hydroalcoholic extract of the 12 plants identified as invaders in the Brazilian Cerrado was prepared (Anacardium humile Saint Hill; Baccharis dracunculifolia DC.; Cenchrus echinatus L; Commelina erecta L.; Erigeron bonariensis L.; Digitaria horizontalis Willd.; Digitaria insularis L.; Porophyllum ruderale Jacq. Cass; Richardia brasiliensis Gomes; Sida rhombifolia L.; Turnera ulmifolia L.; Smilax fluminensis Steud)) and phytochemical screening and determination of total phenols and flavonoids were performed. To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity, the hydroalcoholic solutions at concentrations of 800, 1200, 1600, 2000, and 2400 µL 100 mL-1 were separately incorporated into BDA agar and poured into Petri dishes, followed by the mycelium disk of the fungus. As a control, two solutions were prepared, one ethanolic solution added to the BDA medium (2400 µg 100 mL-1) and the other with BDA medium only. They were poured into Petri dishes, followed by a 0.5 cm diameter disk of mycelium of the fungus, incubated (23±2 ºC), with a 24-hour photoperiod. Among the constituents found in the plants, 75% are phenolic compounds, 58.3% are cardiotonic heterosides, 50% are steroids, 33.3% are flavonoids, 16.7% are anthraquinones, and 8.3% are alkaloids, saponins, and reducing sugars. Out of the 12 species, only the extracts of C. erecta and R. brasiliensis were active for M. phaseolina and R. solani. Thus, it is concluded that the ethanolic extract of C. erecta has the fungicidal potential to control diseases caused by fungi that are soil inhabitants. Of the other species, A. humille, B. dracuncufolia, D. insulares, C. erecta, D. insulares, P. ruderale, and R. brasiliensis have natural fungitoxic potential because they stand out in the content of polyphenols efficient in reducing the mycelial growth of M. phaseolina and R. solani.

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pre-treatment with ethanolic solutions of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) at varying concentrations on the dentin collagen matrix, specifically focusing on its biomodification potential. This was assessed through evaluations of the modulus of elasticity and changes in mass. Methods Seventy dentin collagen matrices (demineralized sticks) were prepared to receive treatments with ethanolic solutions of CAPE at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, or 2.5%, or with control treatment solutions (distilled water or ethanol) for one hour. The dentin matrices were evaluated for modulus of elasticity and mass before (baseline), immediately after treatment (immediately), and after storage in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) for time intervals of 1 and 3 months. Results Generalized linear models for repeated measures over time indicated no significant differences between groups (p=0.7530) or between different time points (p=0.4780) in terms of the modulus of elasticity. Regarding mass variation, no differences were observed in the time interval between 1 month and the immediate time (p=0.0935). However, at the 3-month mark compared to the immediate time, the 0.1% CAPE group exhibited less mass loss compared to the water group (p=0.0134). Conclusion This study concludes that various concentrations of CAPE in an ethanolic solution did not affect the modulus of elasticity of dentin, suggesting that CAPE lacks biomodifying potential in this context. However, it was observed that 0.1% CAPE positively influenced the variation in mass over different evaluation time intervals. pretreatment pre (CAPE matrix demineralized sticks 005 0 05 0.05% 01 5 0.5% 25 2 2.5% distilled ethanol hour baseline, baseline , (baseline) immediately, (immediately) SBF (SBF months p=0.7530 p07530 p 7530 (p=0.7530 p=0.4780 p04780 4780 (p=0.4780 p=0.0935. p00935 p=0.0935 . 0935 (p=0.0935) However 3month 0.1 p=0.0134. p00134 p=0.0134 0134 (p=0.0134) context 00 0.05 0.5 2.5 (baseline (immediately p=0.753 p0753 753 (p=0.753 p=0.478 p0478 478 (p=0.478 p0093 p=0.093 093 (p=0.0935 0. p0013 p=0.013 013 (p=0.0134 0.0 2. p=0.75 p075 75 (p=0.75 p=0.47 p047 47 (p=0.47 p009 p=0.09 09 (p=0.093 p001 p=0.01 (p=0.013 p=0.7 p07 7 (p=0.7 p=0.4 p04 4 (p=0.4 p00 p=0.0 (p=0.09 (p=0.01 p=0. p0 (p=0. (p=0.0 p=0 (p=0 p= (p= (p

Abstract In this research, aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Justicia pectoralis Jacq and Croton Jacobinensis Baill were characterized. The UPLC-QTOF-MSE analysis was performed on the extracts identified, predominantly, flavonoids, tannins and acids. The extracts did not indicate toxicity in human epithelial cells. C. jacobinensis presented a concentration of phenolics 60.5% higher than J. pectoralis in all scenarios evaluated and, for both samples, the hydroalcoholic extract at 70% exhibited the best efficiency in the extraction (14501.3 and 32521.5 mg GAE 100 g-1 for J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis, respectively). The antioxidant activity presented a positive correlation with the concentration of phenolics, being 1.186,1 and 1.507,9 μM of Trolox for J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis at 70% of ethanol; however, it was not verified statistical difference between the ethanolic solutions (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial activity of J. pectoralis extracts was highlighted once was the most effective against gram-positive bacteria. The results suggest that both J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis extracts present the potential to be applied as natural additives due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and safety. Thus, it is suggesting the development of studies that could investigate the interaction of these plant extracts with food matrices is required. research characterized UPLCQTOFMSE UPLC QTOF MSE identified predominantly flavonoids acids cells C 605 60 5 60.5 J samples 70 14501.3 145013 14501 3 (14501. 325215 32521 32521. 10 g1 g 1 g- respectively. respectively . respectively) 11861 186 1.186, 15079 507 9 1.507, ethanol however p 0.05. 005 0.05 0 05 0.05) grampositive gram bacteria safety Thus required 6 60. 7 14501. 1450 (14501 3252 1186 18 1.186 1507 50 1.507 00 0.0 145 (1450 325 118 1.18 150 1.50 0. 14 (145 32 11 1.1 15 1.5 (14 1. (1 (

The experimental activities for undergraduate chemistry students play an important role to develop skills and expertise in that science thus, the practice-experimental classes are so important to achieve this purpose. This work deals with a demonstrative experience for dye separation from food coloring sample using liquid column chromatography. Beyond the experimental practice and the facility in visualizing the separation, this demonstration shows how a simple experiment involving alternative and easy access materials can promote a meaningful learning once it is possible to handle the acquired data, trace and analyze the results themselves, thus developing skills rather than the operational procedure. This proposal could be implemented in initial chemistry classes in Brazilian universities. Sea and river sands were used as stationary phases and aqueous ethanolic solutions were used as mobile phases. A food coloring (a mixture of 3 dyes) was chosen as sample to be studied. Chromatographic separation was followed by spectrophotometric measurements. A set of analyses were carried out to discuss the solubility of the food coloring, granulometric studies of the stationary phases used and electronic microscopy images of the sands studied here. As alternative materials were used in this work, a chromatographic column was also constructed with low-cost materials. practiceexperimental purpose chromatography data themselves procedure universities dyes measurements here lowcost low cost

Abstract The objective of the study was to qualitatively identify secondary metabolites and evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effect of Bidens pilosa and Eryngium foetidum plants against Staphylococcus aureus (C44-02), Escherichia coli (D31-12) and Salmonella typhimurium (D31-15). This activity was observed by the modified well diffusion technique in Müeller Hinton agar, using 5 and 10 mg/mL of extract per plant species. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by agar diffusion, with solutions of the plant extract at concentrations of 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25 and 15.62 mg/mL for MIC. The highest percentage extract yield was with B. pilosa of 1.3% and for E. foetidum of 0.21%. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of secondary metabolites alkaloids, glucids, saponins, sterols, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. The ethanolic extract of E. foetidum (10 mg/mL) showed higher antimicrobial activity against S. aureus with inhibition halo of 21.0 ± 2.0 mm and was more sensitive with MIC 15. 62 mg/mL and CMB 31.25 mg/mL, For B. pilosa against S. aureus with MIC 62.5 mg/mL and CMB 125 mg/mL E. coli and S. typhimurium were more resistant with MIC 125 mg/mL and CMB 125 and 250 mg/mL respectively. This finding suggests that the active principles present in the plants may play a significant role in the inhibitory action against S. aureus and that the ethanol present as solvent is not responsible for such effect.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue identificar cualitativamente los metabolitos secundarios y evaluar el efecto antimicrobiano in vitro de las plantas Bidens pilosa y Eryngium foetidum frente a Staphylococcus aureus (C44-02), Escherichia coli (D31-12) y Salmonella typhimurium (D31-15). Esta actividad se observó mediante la técnica modificado de difusión en pocillos en agar Müeller Hinton, se utilizó 5 y 10 mg/mL de extracto por especie vegetal. Se determinó la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) y la concentración mínima bactericida (CBM) mediante difusión en agar, con soluciones del extracto vegetal en concentraciones de 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25 y 15.62 mg/mL para la CMI. El mayor porcentaje de rendimiento del extracto fue con B. pilosa de 1.3% y para la E. foetidum de 0.21%. El análisis fitoquímico reveló la presencia de metabolitos secundarios alcaloides, glúcidos, saponinas, esteroles, fenoles, terpenoides, flavonoides y taninos. El extracto etanólico de E. foetidum (10 mg/mL) presentó mayor actividad antimicrobiana frente aS. aureus con halo de inhibición de 21,0 ± 2,0 mm. y fue más sensible con una CMI 15.62 mg/mL y CMB 31.25 mg/mL, Para B. pilosa frente aS. aureus con CMI 62.5 mg/mL y CMB 125 mg/mL E. coli y S. typhimurium fueron más resistentes con CMI 125 mg/mL y CMB 125 y 250 mg/mL respectivamente. Esta búsqueda sugiere que los principios activos presentes en las plantas pueden jugar un rol significativo en la acción inhibitoria contra elS. aureus y que el etanol presente como solvente no es el responsable de tal efecto.

RESUMEN Ganoderma lucidum es un hongo medicinal con gran demanda en el mercado mundial, reconocido por poseer numerosos compuestos bioactivos con potencial antioxidante, principalmente por sus polifenoles, triterpenos y polisacáridos. En el presente estudio se determinó el contenido de polifenoles totales mediante el método de Folin-Ciocalteu y la evaluación de grupos funcionales estructurales mediante espectroscopía infrarroja por transformada de Fourier (FTIR) en extractos etanólicos y acuosos del cuerpo fructífero de G. lucidum obtenidos del cultivo en sustrato lignocelulósico de aserrín de Pandala talaumanariñensis y paja de Avena sativa. El contenido de polifenoles totales fue mayor en los extractos acuosos (32,44 ± 0,7023 mg EAG/g) lo que indicaría que otros compuestos bioactivos de G. lucidum con actividad antioxidante podrían ser arrastrados en el agua caliente, enriqueciendo el extracto. Los espectros IR de G. lucidum presentaron bandas de absorción en el rango de 3372,59 a 670,27 cm-1, las cuales resultaron comparables con información espectral IR de productos comerciales del género Ganoderma. Los resultados encontrados muestran un interesante potencial de G. lucidum como fuente de antioxidantes naturales que pueden usarse en la industria alimentaria y medicinal, dado su contenido de polifenoles totales.

ABSTRACT Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal fungus that has a worldwide demand due to its numerous bioactive components such as polyphenols, triterpenes, and polysaccharides, which have antioxidant potentials. This study assessed the total polyphenol content through the Folin-Ciocalteu method and analyzed structural functional groups using Fourier-transmform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Ethanolic and aqueous solutions were extracted from fruiting bodies of G. lucidum growing in lignocellulosic substrates of sawdust and straw obtained from Pandala talaumanariñensis and Avena sativa, respectively. The total polyphenol content was higher in the aqueous solutions (32,44 ± 0,7023 mg GAE/g), which would indicate that other bioactive compounds of G. lucidum can be extracted with hot water, enriching this solution. The IR spectra of G. lucidum showed absorption bands between the 3372,59 to 670,27 cm-1 range, which were similar to IR spectral information of the genus Ganoderma. These results demonstrate an interesting potential of G. lucidum as a source of natural antioxidants that can be used for the food and medicinal industry, given its total polyphenol content.

Resumo Atualmente, os anestésicos disponíveis para peixes podem produzir efeitos colaterais importantes, incluindo parada respiratória e sofrimento. Alternativas de fácil implementação e baixa toxicidade são necessárias para garantir a saúde dos peixes, bem como para auxiliar a pesca artesanal e os vendedores de pescado no manuseio e transporte do pescado, e as plantas nativas parecem ser a melhor alternativa. Nosso objetivo foi implementar um protocolo anestésico utilizando extratos etanólicos brutos de flores e folhas de duas plantas amazônicas, Acmella oleracea e Piper alatabaccum. Primeiro testamos os extratos para anestesia, usando o peixe-zebra como modelo. Embora em alguns tratamentos os animais aparentemente tenham entrado em anestesia profunda, muitos deles apresentaram comportamentos aberrantes e até morreram. Assim, realizamos novos experimentos testando os efeitos dos extratos em epilepsia dos peixes. Apenas o extrato de folhas de A. oleracea tem efeitos potenciais para anestesia de peixes. Tanto o extrato de flores desta planta quanto o extrato de folhas de P. alatabaccum induziram um comportamento semelhante a convulsões nos animais. Em conclusão, além de trazer um possível novo protocolo anestésico para peixes, nosso trabalho chama a atenção para os efeitos neurotóxicos que as soluções anestésicas podem causar, uma vez que vários estudos defendem outras espécies de Piper como anestésico para peixes e o extrato de flores de A. oleracea já foi apontado como anestésico para peixe.

Abstract Currently, available fish anesthetics can produce important side effects, including respiratory arrest and distress. Easy-to-implement alternatives with low toxicity are needed to ensure fish health as well as to help artisanal fisheries and fish sellers in handling and transporting fishes, and native plants seems to be the best alternative. We aimed to implement an anesthetic protocol using crude ethanolic extracts from flowers and leaves of two Amazonian plants, the Acmella oleracea and Piper alatabaccum. We first tested the extracts for anesthesia, using the zebrafish as model. Even though in some treatments the animals apparently entered deep anesthesia, many of them presented aberrant behaviors and even died. Thus, we performed new experiments testing the extracts effects on seizure-like behaviors of the fish. Only the leaf extract of A. oleracea has potential effects for fish anesthesia. Both the flower extract from this plant and the leaf extract from P. alatabaccum induced seizure-like behavior in the animals. In conclusion, besides bringing a possible new anesthetic protocol for fish, our work draws attention for the neurotoxic effects the anesthetic solutions may cause, since several studies defend other Piper species as anesthetic for fish and A. oleracea flowers’ extract was already pointed as fish anesthetic.

Resumo Estimular a formação de raízes é a chave para a propagação de estacas bem-sucedida. Os estimuladores de raízes naturais são ferramentas ecologicamente corretas, bio-degradáveis e sustentáveis que evitam a poluição do meio ambiente. Horticultores têm dado pouca atenção ao papel dos solventes nos extratos naturais. Portanto, o objetivo deste es-tudo foi estudar o efeito de três soluções de extrato (aquoso, em vinagre e etanol) para dez extratos naturais (húmicos, raiz de alcaçuz, raiz de gengibre, casca de canela, bulbo de alho, fermento de pão, folha de moringa, folha de salgueiro broto de salgueiro e controle) na concentração de 20% no enraizamento de estacas de oliveira Coratina. Em relação ao efeito do solvente no desempenho de enraizamento de estacas de oliveira Coratina, tanto o etanol quanto o vinagre e o solventes melhoraram a eficiência do extrato natural no comporta-mento de enraizamento, em comparação à água como solvente. Em relação ao efeito dos extratos naturais, os extratos de gengibre geralmente registraram os maiores percentuais de enraizamento em comparação com os outros extratos naturais. Quanto ao efeito de intera-ção, o extrato de vinagre de alcaçuz registrou o maior percentual de enraizamento (25%;32,77%) seguido pelo extrato húmico etanólico (27,07%; 24,67%) e de vinagre (25,03%;19,67%) e extrato de vinagre de gengibre, (20,83%; 18%) para ambas as estações, respectivamente. De acordo com o regulamento de fazenda orgânica, o extrato de vinagre de gengibre pode ser recomendado, seguido pelo extrato de vinagre de alcaçuz.

Abstract Stimulating root formation is the key to successful cutting propagation. Natural root stimulators are eco-friendly, biodegradable and sustainable tools that prevent the environment from pollution. Horticulturists have given the role of sol-vents in natural extracts little attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the effect of three extract solutions (aqueous, vinegary and ethanol) for ten natural extracts (humic, licorice roots, ginger roots, cinnamon bark, garlic bulbs, bread yeast, moringa leaves, willow leaves, willow shoots and control at a concentration of 20% on rooting of Coratina hardwood olive cuttings. Regarding the effect of solvent on rooting performance of Coratina olive cuttings, both ethanol and vinegar as a sol-vent improved the efficiency of the natural extract in rooting behavior compared to the water as solvent. Regarding the effect of the natural extracts, ginger extracts generally recorded the highest root charcgters compared to the other natural ex-tracts. As for the interaction effect, licorice vinegar extract recorded the highest root-ing percent (25%, 32.77%) followed by both humic ethanolic (27.07%, 24.67%) and vinegary (25.03%, 19.67%) extract then ginger vinegar extract (20.83%, 18%) for both seasons, respectively. According to organic farm regulation, ginger vinegar extract can be recommended followed by licorice vinegar extract.

ABSTRACT In order to use native plant extracts in medicinal, cosmetic, anticorrosive and other applications; the objective of these work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, as well as the content of flavonoids and total phenolic compounds of the ethanolic and extracts of the leaves of Buddleja inkana (quisuar), Oreocallis grandiflora (cucharilla) and Chuquiraga spinose (huamanpinta). The measurement of antioxidant activity: FRAP, DPPH and ABTS·+, as well as the content of flavonoids and total phenolic compounds, was carried out by the microplate reader method. The results when evaluating the antioxidant activity of ethanolic and hydroalcoholic solutions at 75 and 50 % (v/v) in ethanol extracts showed that the extracts of Oreocallis grandiflora showed a higher antioxidant activity than Buddleja inkana and Chuquiraga spinosa, and that the hydroalcoholic extracts at 75 % (v/v) ethanol were the extracts with high antioxidant activity, probably associated with the solvent, since these extract also presented the highest concentrations of total phenolic compounds.

RESUMEN A fin de poder usar extractos de plantas nativas en aplicaciones medicinales, cosméticas, anticorrosivas, entre otras; el objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la actividad antioxidante, así como el contenido de flavonoides y compuestos fenólicos totales de los extractos etanólicos e hidroalcohólicos de las hojas de Buddleja inkana (quisuar), Oreocallis grandiflora (cucharilla) y Chuquiraga spinosa (huamanpinta). La medición de la actividad antioxidante: FRAP, DPPH y ABTS·+ así como el contenido de flavonoides y compuestos fenólicos totales, se realizó por el método de lector en microplaca. Los resultados obtenidos al evaluar la actividad antioxidante de los extractos en etanol absoluto y en soluciones hidroalcohólicas al 75 y 50 % (v/v) en etanol mostraron que los extractos de la Oreocallis grandiflora presentaron una mayor actividad antioxidante comparados con los extractos de la Buddleja inkana y Chuquiraga spinosa, y que los extractos hidroalcohólicos al 75 % (v/v) de etanol fueron los extractos con la mayor actividad antioxidante, probablemente asociado al solvente y a que dichos extractos presentaron también mayores concentraciones de compuestos fenólicos totales.

Resumen Los macrohongos del género Agaricus registran, hasta el momento, gran cantidad de compuestos bioactivos con propiedades antibacterianas como producto de su metabolismo. Sin embargo, en Ecuador, A. pampeanus o “Kallamba de finados” es una especie estudiada por sus usos etnomicológicos y como parte de la biodiversidad fúngica del país. En este estudio se evaluó la actividad antibacteriana del extracto etanólico de A. pampeanus sobre cuatro cepas ATCC y se identificaron los compuestos bioactivos presentes en el extracto. Inicialmente, se realizó un extracto etanólico de A. pampeanus con la utilización de un equipo Soxhlet. Para la identificación de los compuestos extraídos se empleó un cromatógrafo de gases acoplado a un espectrofotómetro de masas. A partir del extracto madre se realizaron cuatro soluciones a diferentes concentraciones del extracto etanólico de A. pampeanus (EAP), clasificados en EAP1 (50,32 mg/mL), EAP2 (40,24 mg/mL), EAP3 (30,16 mg/mL), EAP4 (20,12 mg/mL), que posteriormente fueron empleadas en el análisis de actividad antibacteriana, mediante la técnica de Kirby-Bauer. Se identificó un total de seis compuestos químicos; entre estos se encontró al Eugenol como uno de los compuestos principales. De las cuatro concentraciones, el extracto etanólico de A. pampeanus (EAP1) fue el más efectivo frente a Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa, siendo categorizadas como sensibles, mientras que Escherichia coli no presentó ninguna actividad y se catalogó como resistente. Por su parte, el EAP4 no fue efectivo en ningún caso. Se comprobó el efecto antibacteriano del EAP. Además, A. pampeanus presentó mayor efectividad frente a bacterias Gram positivas.

Abstract The macro fungi of the genus Agaricus have so far recorded many bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties as a product of their metabolism. However, in Ecuador, A. pampeanus or “Kallamba de finados'' is a species studied for its ethnomycological uses and as part of the fungal biodiversity of the country. In this study, the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract of A. pampeanus was evaluated on four ATCC strains and the bioactive compounds present in the extract were identified. Initially, an ethanol extract of A. pampeanus was performed with the use of a Soxhlet extractor. To identify the extracted compounds, a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrophotometer was used. With the mother extract, four solutions of the A. pampeanus ethanol extract (APE) were made at different concentrations, classified in APE1 (50.32 mg/mL), APE2 (40.24 mg/mL), EPA3 (30.16 mg/mL), APE4 (20.12 mg/mL), which were subsequently used in the analysis of antibacterial activity, using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Six chemical compounds were identified; among them Eugenol was found as one of the main compounds. Out of the four concentrations, the A. pampeanus ethanol extract (APE1) was the most effective against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and categorized as sensitive, while Escherichia coli did not present any activity and was cataloged as resistant. The APE4 was not effective in any case. The antibacterial effect of APE was verified. Furthermore, A. pampeanus is more effective against Gram positive bacteria.

The diruthenium(II,III)-ibuprofen (RuIbp) metallodrug shows anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. The encapsulation into lipid nanoparticles enhanced the efficacy in glioblastoma, breast and prostate cancer cells. Here we report data for RuIbp hydrophobicity, solubility in alcohol/water, and behavior in 1-5% ethanol/water and ethanol/cell culture medium. RuIbp is capable of spontaneously generate self-assembled RuIbpNP nanoparticles when drug ethanolic solutions are added to water or cell growth culture medium at 1-5% ethanol. The phenomenon was investigated, and the nanoparticles characterized. RuIbpNP nanoparticles formed at 100-200 µmol L−1 RuIbp are colloidally stable and nearly spherical showing zeta potential about +40 mV and particle size about 100 (aqueous suspension) and 180 nm (culture medium). The integrity of the [Ru2(Ibp)4] framework was confirmed by spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Significant amount of metallodrug was found in suspension (85%, culture medium; 54%, culture medium with cells). The uptake by U87MG glioblastoma cells was 6% at 24 h. The spontaneous nanosizing of RuIbp in the form of nanosuspensions may explain the biological activity of this highly hydrophobic metallodrug. The present findings expand the knowledge on the behavior of RuIbp, opening new directions to exploit the properties of the metallodrug targeting cancer therapy.

Abstract Abstract: The hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) on alcohol-induced liver steatosis were investigated in Wistar rats. Chronic alcoholic fatty liver was induced by administration of 52% alcohol to male Wistar rats at the dose of 1% body weight for 7 weeks. Then animals were simultaneously treated with 50% ethanol solutions of EEP or normal saline at the dose of 0.1% body weight for 4 further weeks. Serological analyses and liver histopathology studies were performed to investigate the development of steatosis. Microarray analysis was conducted to investigate the alterations of hepatic gene expression profiling. Our results showed that 4-week treatment of EEP helped to restore the levels of various blood indices, liver function enzymes and the histopathology of liver tissue to normal levels. Results from the microarray analysis revealed that the hepatic expressions of genes involved in lipogenesis were significantly down-regulated by EEP treatment, while the transcriptional expressions of functional genes participating in fatty acids oxidation were markedly increased. The ability of EEP to reduce the negative effects of alcohol on liver makes propolis a potential natural product for the alternative treatment of alcoholic fatty liver.

RESUMO A espécie Ceratocystis cacaofunesta é o agente etiológico do mal-do-facão, patogenia caracterizada por danos irreversíveis no sistema vascular da planta. O controle da doença é difícil e a busca por soluções alternativas e econômicas é necessária. Sabe-se que os compostos das plantas medicinais possuem atividade microbiana e podem ser uma opção alternativa no controle de C. cacaofunesta. Baseado nisso, esse trabalho se propôs a verificar in vitro o potencial antifúngico das soluções aquosa e alcóolica de Adiantum latifolium sobre C. cacaofunesta. O material vegetal foi coletado no bioma Mata Atlântica em área de plantio de cacau, no sul da Bahia. Solução aquosa foi obtida por decocção e solução etanólica por maceração em etanol 70%. As soluções foram filtradas e adicionadas ao meio de cultura em diluições de 1, 5 e 10%. Inocularam-se fragmentos de 7 mm de colônia de C. cacaofunesta no centro do meio de cultura contendo ágar Sabouraud dextrose (ASD) e se observou o crescimento do disco micelial. Os controles consistiram em SDA com água estéril ou etanol a 70% na mesma diluição de tratamentos e o antifúngico Tebuconazol a 4 μg.mL-1. Nenhuma concentração das soluções aquosa e alcóolica inibiu o crescimento micelial. Entretanto, a presença de solução aquosa induziu maior crescimento micelial. O antifúngico Tebuconazol apresentou efeito redutor importante do crescimento micelial e pode ser uma alternativa no controle da propagação do C. cacaofunesta em locais onde a seleção genética e o manejo adequado de instrumentos no momento da poda apresentam falhas.

ABSTRACT Ceratocystis cacaofunesta is the etiologic agent of “Ceratocystis wilt of cacao”, an irreversible disease that affects the vascular system of the plant. The management of the disease is difficult and economic and alternative solutions are needed. The medicinal plants compounds are known to have antimicrobial activity, and they could be an alternative choice in the C. cacaofunesta control. Considering this, this work aimed to verify the in vitro antifungal activity of aqueous and alcoholic solutions of Adiantum latifolium leaves on C. cacaofunesta. Plant material was collected at Atlantic Forest biome in cacao cultivation area in South of Bahia state. Aqueous and ethanolic solutions were made by boiling and maceration in 70% ethanol, respectively. After filtration, they were added to culture medium at 1, 5 and 10% dilution. A 7 mm disc colony of C. cacaofunesta was inoculated in the middle of the well containing Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and the mycelial growth was observed. Controls consisted on SDA with sterile water or 70% ethanol at the same dilution of treatments, and Tebuconazole at 4 μg.mL-1. Neither aqueous nor ethanolic solutions inhibited the mycelial growth. However, aqueous solution presence induced a higher mycelial growth rate. Conversely, aqueous solution treatment induced mycelial growth. Tebuconazole showed important mycelial growth inhibition and it could be considered in C. cacaofunesta propagation control in areas where genetic selection or handling management still fail.

ABSTRACT Natural latex from Hevea brasiliensis (Wild. ex A.Juss) Müll.Arg., Euphorbiaceae, showed angiogenic action and Casearia sylvestris Sw., Salicaceae, leaf derivatives presented anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities. Therefore, an association of these effects was interesting for wound healing applications. The aims of this study were the development of membranes of natural latex incorporated with C. sylvestris leaf derivatives (ethanolic extract, diterpene concentrated fraction and casearin J), their chemical and physical characterization, and the evaluation of in vitro skin permeation and retention of C. sylvestris bioactive secondary metabolites (diterpenes and phenolic compounds). The membranes were developed mixing hydroethanolic solutions of C. sylvestris derivatives with latex and drying them in a desiccator. They were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, water vapor permeability and mechanical resistance assays, demonstrating that all membranes were permeable, resistant and homogeneous in surfaces. The permeation and retention assays demonstrated dermal penetration of phenolic compounds for ethanolic extract membrane and of casearin-like clerodane diterpenes for all membranes, indicating that these membranes have great potential for therapeutical application as a topical system for C. sylvestris components releasing.

El efecto de fracciones de extractos etanólicos de hojas jóvenes (y) y maduras (m) de Serjania lethalis A. St - Hil (Sapindaceae) fueron probados sobre el crecimiento de las plántulas y células de metaxilema de sésamo (Sesamum indicum L.). Los extractos etanólicos fueron preparados a partir del polvo de hojas jóvenes y maduras de S. lethalis y fraccionados por cromatografía en columna. Para el bioensayo de crecimiento de las plántulas germinadas se utilizaron semillas de sésamo y se mantuvo en contacto con las fracciones (F) en concentraciones de 0,8 , 0,4 y 0,2 mg mL-1. Después de siete días se midió la longitud del tallo principal y raíz. El bioensayo de crecimiento celular do metaxilema se realizó utilizando plántulas de sésamo cultivadas en soluciones que contienen fracciones en las mismas concentraciones. Los resultados indican que las fracciones ensayadas (Fy2 ; Fy3 ;Fy5 y Fm1) mostraron actividad en el crecimiento de las plántulas al interferir principalmente en crecimiento de la raíz. La fracción Fy5 mostró actividad similar a la causada por la actividad herbicida Oxyfluorofen. La misma fracción produjo la mayor inhibición del crecimiento celular de las raíces del metaxilema de sésamo a una concentración de 0,8 mg mL- 1. A partir del análisis de los resultados se concluyó que las fracciones de extracto etanolico de las hojas jóvenes son prometedoras fuentes de sustancias con propiedades fitotoxicas.

This study was designed to test the effect of different fractions of ethanolic extracts of young (y) and mature (m) leaves of Serjania lethalis A. St- Hil (Sapindaceae) on sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seedling growth and metaxylem cells. Crude ethanolic extracts were prepared from the powder of young and mature S. lethalis leaves and fractionated by means of column chromatography. For the seedling growth bioassay, sesame seeds germinated at concentrations of 0.8, 0.4 and 0.2 mg mL-1 were used. After seven days, the lengths of the aerial part and of the primary root were measured. The sesame metaxylem cell growth bioassay was performed with seedlings grown in solutions containing the different fractions in the same concentrations as above. The tested fractions (Fy2; Fy3; Fy5 e Fm1) showed inhibitory activity on seedling growth, interfering mainly in root growth. The fraction Fy5 showed similar activity to the one caused by the herbicide Oxyfluorfen. This fraction was also responsible for causing the greatest inhibition of metaxylem cell growth in sesame roots at the concentration 0.8 mg mL-1. The results permitted to conclude that the different fractions found in the ethanolic extract of S. lethalis young leaves are promising sources of substances with phytotoxic properties.