AbstractLeishmaniasis and fungal infection treatment efficacy is limited by toxicity and ever increasing resistance to available drugs, requiring development of alternative compounds. The richness of Cerrado plant antimicrobial secondary metabolites justifies screening of Fabaceae species extracts: Enterolobium ellipticum Benth., Sclerolobium aureum (Tul.) Baill. and Vatairea macrocarpa(Benth.) Ducke, against Leishmania(Leishmania) amazonensis, yeasts and dermatophytes. Among the 26 extracts tested, more than 50% of the total demonstrated significant antifungal activity in comparison to the drug controls (minimal inhibitory concentration 0.12 to ≤31.25 µg/ml). Six extracts capable of complete parasitic growth inhibition had the inhibitory concentration index for 50% values from 9.23 to 78.65 µg/ml. The results led to the selection of the V. macrocarpa ethyl acetate root bark extract for chemical fractionation. This plant, traditionally referred to as angelim-do-cerrado or maleiteira, is used to treat superficial mycoses in Amazonia. A previously unreported pterocarpan vatacarpan together with the known compound musizin was isolated. Vatacarpan demonstrated a minimal inhibitory concentration value of 0.98 µg/ml against Candida albicans ATCC 10231, and thus comparable or superior to fluconazole and amphotericin B. The results add to literature's information the ability of pterocarpans to act as antimicrobial agents.

A análise fitoquímica do extrato acetato de etila da casca do caule de Clusia pernambucensis G. Mariz, Clusiaceae, uma espécie do Cerrado brasileiro, conduziu ao isolamento e caracterização completa de uma nova xantona, 1,7-dihidróxi-2-(3-metil-2-butenil)-6',6'-dimetilpirano(2',3':3,4) xantona, denominada clusiaxantona. Quatro tocotrienóis ainda não relatados nesta espécie também foram isolados. Um derivado foi obtido a partir da clusiaxantona, 1-hidróxi,7-metóxi-2-(3-metil2-butenil)-6',6'-dimetilpirano(2',3':3,4)xantona (7-O-metil-clusiaxantona), e um segundo derivado foi obtido a partir do ácido Z- δ -tocotrienolóico. As estruturas foram estabelecidas com base em dados de ressonância magnética nuclear de ¹H e 13C (NMR 1D e 2D), espectrometria de massa com ionização por electrospray de alta resolução (HRESIMS) e espectroscopia no infravermelho. No controle da infecção de macrófagos com amastigotas de Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, os compostos ativos foram clusiaxantona e seu derivado (CI50 = 66,9 e 57,4 µM, respectivamente). A citotoxicidade dos compostos foi determinada em macrófagos peritoneais de camundongos BALB/c.

Phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate extract from the stem bark of Clusia pernambucensis G. Mariz, Clusiaceae, a Brazilian Cerrado species, led to the isolation and full characterization of a new xanthone, 1,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-6',6'-dimethylpyrano(2',3':3,4)xanthone, namely clusiaxanthone. Four previously unreported tocotrienols from this species were also isolated. A derivative was obtained from clusiaxanthone, 1-hydroxy,7-methoxy-2-(3-methyl2-butenyl)-6',6'-dimethylpyrano(2',3':3,4)xanthone (7-O-methylclusiaxanthone), and an additional derivative was obtained from Z- δ -tocotrienoloic acid. The structures of these compounds were established based on data from ¹H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (1D and 2D NMR), high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and infrared spectroscopy. The clusiaxanthone and its derivative were able to control macrophage infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis amastigotes (IC50 = 66.9 and 57.4 µM, respectively). The cytotoxicity of the compounds was assessed in BALB/c mouse peritoneal macrophages.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos dos extratos etanólicos de Aspidosperma pyrifolium sobre lagartas da traça-das-crucíferas (Plutella xylostella). Os extratos etanólicos da casca do caule, do fruto e da raiz de A. pyrifolium foram obtidos pelos métodos fitoquímicos clássicos, e as subfrações resultantes foram testadas contra P. xylostella, nas dosagens 4 e 5 mg L-1. O extrato bruto etanólico da casca do caule foi mais letal. A subfração aquosa rica em alcalóides, derivada do extrato da casca do caule, causou 100% de mortalidade larval a 4 mg L-1. A atividade inseticida foi associada à presença dos alcalóides monoterpenóides indólicos aspidofractinina, 15-demetoxipirifolina e N-formilaspidofractinin. Estes alcalóides apresentaram excelente propriedade inseticida contra P. xylostella.

The objective of this work was to assess the effects of Aspidosperma pyrifolium ethanol extracts on cabbage moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae. The ethanol extracts of the stem bark, fruits and roots of A. pyrifolium were obtained by classical phytochemical methods, and the resulting subfractions were tested on P. xylostella, using 4 and 5 mg L-1. The crude ethanol extract of the stem bark was more lethal. The alkaloid-rich aqueous subfraction derived from the stem bark extract caused 100% larval mortality at 4 mg L-1. Insecticidal activity was associated with the presence of the monoterpenoid indole alkaloids aspidofractinine, 15-demethoxypyrifoline, and N-formylaspidofractinine. These alkaloids presented excellent insecticidal properties against P. xylostella.

The side effects and the emerging resistance to the available drugs against leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis led to the urgent need for new therapeutic agents against these diseases. Thirty one extracts of thirteen medicinal plants from the Brazilian Cerrado were therefore evaluated in vitro for their antiprotozoal activity against promastigotes of Leishmania donovani, and amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Among the selected plants, Casearia sylvestris var. lingua was the most active against both L. donovani and T. cruzi. Fifteen extracts were active against promastigotes of L. donovani with concentrations inhibiting 50% of parasite growth (IC50) between 0.1-10 µg/ml, particularly those of Annona crassiflora (Annonaceae), Himatanthus obovatus (Apocynaceae), Guarea kunthiana (Meliaceae), Cupania vernalis (Sapindaceae), and Serjania lethalis (Sapindaceae). With regard to amastigotes of T. cruzi, extracts of A. crassiflora, Duguetia furfuracea (Annonaceae), and C. sylvestris var. lingua were active with IC50 values between 0.3-10 µg/ml. Bioassay fractionations of the more active extracts are under progress to identify the active antiparasite compounds.

Foram estudadas as características anatômicas da madeira de 7 espécies ocorrentes na floresta Amazônia com vistas a geração de energia ou produção de papel. Para qualificação de madeira para produção de papel consideraram-se, dentre outros parâmetros, o coeficiente de rigidez e de flexibilidade, densidade, índice de Runkel, percentual de fibras, vasos, parênquima axial e de raios. Para produção de energia determinaram-se a densidade, a fração parede (%) das células em relação a área ocupada por cada tipo de células, percentual de fibras, de vasos e de parênquima axial e radial. O estudo foi baseado em 3 áreas de seções transversais, orientadas do centro em direção ao alburno. Com base nas características anatômicas e na densidade, Bellucia grossularioides, Cecropia palmata, Duguetia cauliflora, Eschweilera matamata e Parkia multuijuga podem ser usadas para polpa destinada a produção de papel, e Myrocarpus frondosus, Sloaneagrandis podem ser usadas na produção de carvão.

The wood anatomy of 7 species from the Brazilian Amazon forest was studied to evaluate them for energy production (charcoal and alcohol) and for paper production. Transverse. For paper production, the wood was qualified according to the coefficient of rigidity and flexibility, density, Runkel index, the percent of fibers, vessel, axial parenchyma and percent of area occupied by rays. For energy production, wall fraction in relation to the area occupied by cells (%), percent of fibers, vessel, and both axial and ray parenchyma, as well as wall density were considered. The study was based on 3 areas of the cross section of the trunk, from the center towards the sapwood. On the basis of anatomy and density, Bellucia grossularioides, Cecropia palmata, Duguetia cauliflora, Eschweilera matamata and Parkia multijuga can be used for pulp for paper production, and Myrocarpus frondosus, Sloanea grandis can be used for charcoal production.

O estudo tem por escopo somar subsídios biológicos e dendrométrios com vistas à prática de manejo de rendimento sustentado em matas riparias (ciliares) da região Centro-Oeste brasileira. Dentre outros parâmetros, foram considerados o volume de madeira do fuste por hectare, incremento, número de árvores por classes de diâmetro e área basal. Nos 3 525 hectares estudados ocorrem 1 416 indivíduos arbóreos, ou seja, 402 indivíduos por hectares e 282 672 m³ de madeira.

This study is a contribution to the dendrometrical and ecological knowledge of gallery forests of the Brazilian Mid-West region. Its objective is to add biological information to the practice of sustained ecological handling. Among other parameters, the volume, basal areas and number of trees/ha are considered. A total of 1,416 trees was found in 3,525 hectares corresponding to 402 units per hectare and 282,672 m³ of wood.

Os 102 aparelhos digestivos analisados foram provenientes de espécimes capturados no Pantanal de Mato Grosso, nos municípios do Poconé e Barão de Melgaço. O estudo da vegetação aquática, ciliar e de áreas inundáveis foi conduzido nas áreas onde os espécimes de "pacu" foram capturados. Foram considerados também dados biométricos do "pacu", tais como: comprimento total do esôfago, do intestino e do estômago.

This study is part of the "pacu" (Colossoma mitrei Berg 1895) project of biotecnology. The studies were conducted in areas of Pantanal, municipalities of Poconé and Barão de Melgaço (Mato Grosso, Brasil). In conjunction with the vegetation study, the stomach contents od 102 espécimes of "pacu" were analized. The results indicate that Colossoma mitrei's custom feeding is herbivorous.

Resumo Foram analisadas madeiras de vinte espécies típicas da Amazônia. Com base nas características estruturais das madeiras em apreço, no comprimento, espessura da parede e diâmetro total das fibras e na relação de Runkel, apresenta-se aqui uma pré-qualificação das referidas madeiras, com vistas à fabricação de papel e outros empregos.

Summary The present work represents a continuation of a series of studies of the wood of the Amazon region, in relation to pulp and paper applications. Twenty species were studied with respect to structural characteristics: the length, total diameter, thickness of the wall of the fibers and Runkel's relation of the wood. Based on the results, seventeen of the species studied are good for making paper.

Resumo Analisadas a estrutura do lenho secundário da raiz, da madeira e algumas de suas propriedades físicas, bem como a estrutura da casca. Foram realizados testes histoquímicos para detectar elementos minerais ocorrentes na madeira e na casca. Paralelamente estabelecida, através de pesquisas bibliográficas, a grafia correta do gênero Annona.

Summary The root of Annona glabra L. is extremely soft, light in weight and spongy, morphologically like cork. The secondary wood has few vessels, no fibers, and has a great deal of axial aerenchyma. The aerenchyma cells are pitted and appear like vessel elements. The bark when cut gives off an abundant volatile perfume. The roots are used by fishemen in Pernambuco (Brazil) and Florida (USA) as floats for their nets. The wood of the trunk is lightweight and soft. In transverse section and in disassociated cells, crystals of silica, calcium carbonate and calcium carbonate and calcium oxalate can be noted, aill in same vessel element. The rays are homogenous of Kribs type II. The bark is perfumed and contains many crystals of calcium oxalate. The spelling of "Annona" should have two n's because of the origin of the word as used by Linnaeus and also according to the list of Nomina Conservanda.

Resumo Continuação de uma série de estudos sobre Bombacaceae. Considerada aqui, a anatomia da raiz, do caule, do pecíolo, da lâmina foliar e da semente. Catostemma albuquerquei Paula ocorre nas matas da terra firme da região de Manaus e municípios limítrofes.

Summary This paper is a continuation of series of studies of the Bombacaceae. A study of the anatomy of the root, stem, and seed of Catostemma albuquerquei Paula, a species which ocurs only in the Amazon region, is presented. Calcium crystals, in the process of being redissolved, were observed in various sclerocytes, parallel to the lignification. There were also vestiges of calcium crystals in fully differentiated sclerocytes. The crypts of the leaf blade are hairy and bear stomates. The crypts along the mid-vein of the leaf blade bear nectaries.

Resumo Três espécies de Guttiferae foram analisadas anatomicamente, como subsídio taxonômico e ecológico dessa família. As espécies estudadas apresentam estrutura anatômica heterogênea que possibilita a diferenciação dos gêneros.

Summary This paper is the continuation of a series of studies on Guttiferae of the Amazon Region. In this contribution is studied the petiole, the leaf-blade, and the stem of Lorostemon coelhoi, Caraipa valioi, and Clusia aff. macropoda; the wood of C. valioi and Lorostemon coelhoi, and aerial root of Clusia aff. macropoda. Among the principal results the following are the most important: secretory canals are schizolisigenous in three species, and schizogenous in the root of Clusia aff. macropoda. Caraipa valioi and Clusia aff. macropoda have sclerosed hypoderm; crystals of calcium-oxalate in redissolution appear simultaneously in process of lignification, in hypodermal cells of Clusia aff. macropoda; sub-epidermis-phellogeny in the aerial root of Clusia aff. macropoda; Clusia aff. macropoda and Caraipa valioi are sclerophyllous.

Resumo Analisadas madeiras de três espécimes de Catostemma sclerophyllum Ducke, um de Catostemma commune Sandwith e dois de Scleronema micranthum (Ducke) Ducke, todos provenientes da região amazônica.

Summary The wood anatomy of three species of Bombacaceae of the Amazon region are presented in this paper: Catostemma commune Sandwith, C. sclerophyllum Ducke and Scleronema micranthum (Ducke) Ducke, in reference to taxonomy, pulp and paper. Some data on the fibers of Catostemma albaquerquei Paula and C. milanezii Paula, presented in previous papers, are included here. The wood of Sclercnema micranthum is of the regular type for paper (Runkel Group IV), therefore can be used in paper manufacture. The wood of Catostemma milanezii, in qualitative characteristics approaches the regular paper type and so also can be used for paper. Comparatively, the wood anatomy of the five species show considerable differences which can used to seperate species and genera.

Resumo Neste trabalho são considerados os aspectos morfológicos externo e palinológico de três variedades de Antonia ovata Pohl, ocorrentes na floresta da região do rio Jari (Estado do Pará) e nos cerrados da Amazônia e do Planalto Central brasileiro.

Summary In this paper the author studies extern morphological and palinological aspects of the three varieties of the Antonia ovata Pohl: var. ovata, var. pilosa and var. excelsa. The var. excelsa from the woods of region of Jari river (Amazonia), and the var. ovata and var. pilosa from "cerrado" of Amazonia, and Central Brazil. Pollen grains of the two varieties excelsa and ovata present polymorphism. The identification of the three varieties is based on the following characteristics: presence or lack of hairs on the leaves and branches; height and diameter of the specimens; and, finally, the habitat.

Resumo Continuação de uma série de estudos sobre Bombacaceae. Versa sobre a anatomia da madeira de Catostemma albuquerquei Paula. Esta espécie ocorre em matas da terra firme da região de Manaus e municípios limítrofes.

Summary This paper is the continuation of a series of studies on Bombacaceae. In this contribution we study the wood anatomy of Catostemma albuquerquei Paula of the Amazon region.

Resumo Analisada a estrutura anatômica da raíz e folha-axial de espécimes jovens e adultos; da pina, fruto, semente e raque secundário da inflorescência. Detectadas ainda substâncias de reservas, notadamente cristais inulínicos, hemicelulose e lipídios; e corpos silicosos.

Summary This paper is a contribution to the study of the anatomy of Euterpe oleracea Mart., commonly known as "Açai". Among the principal results of this investigation I point out the following: presence of cuticle; mucilaginous schizogenous canals, and aerenchyma in the root; palisade parenchyma with 1-2 layers; lacunose parenchyma absent in the mesophyll of the pinna; silica-bodies present in the epidermal cells of the pinna; cell walls of the epidermal cells sinuous; stomata not in distinct rows; terminal subsidiary cells not differentiated from other epidermal cells; endocarp rich in silica-bodies, and poor in oil and protein; young endosperm rich in protein and inulin crystals, mature endosperm rich in oils.