Pectis brevipedunculata is native species and widely available in dry and semi-arid ecosystems showing high biotechnological potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the circadian and seasonal chemical variation of the essential oil (EO) of P. brevipedunculata, as well as its acaricide effect on Rhipicephalus microplus larvae. Aerial parts were collected and submitted to the hydrodistillation process, and the chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For the assays with R. microplus, the larval immersion test was performed. The main constituents were citral (75% of the EO), followed by α-pinene and limonene. In the seasonality analysis, the highest yields were in the months of April (2.08%) and August (2.05%), while in the study of circadian rhythm, the percentage was 2.0% at 6 p.m. in the rainy season, and 1.2%, dry season at 6 p.m. Concerning acaricidal activity (50% lethal concentration (LC50)), the April (1.17 mg mL-1), March (1.28 mg mL-1), June (1.37 mg mL-1), and October (1.27 mg mL-1) oils obtained were the most active and assays performed with circadian rhythm revealed in the rain season (April) at 6 p.m. and dry season (September) at 12 a.m. LC50 values of 1.75 and 1.75 mg mL-1, respectively. Additionally, this EO is selective to non-target organisms, i.e., ladybeetles and lacewing.

Encyclia cordigera is native from Central America tropical region, and Encyclia randii occurs at Brazilian Amazon environment domains. Floral concentrates from both Encyclia species were extracted, analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and identified compounds belong to terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and fatty acid derivatives classes. Primary constituents of the E. cordigera floral scent were β-ionol (45.4%), terpinen-4-ol (12.4%), benzyl benzoate (5.6%), and indole (5.0%). (2E,6Z)-Farnesol (24.9%), heptanal (11.8%), (E)-nerolidol (9.4%), nonanal (6.4%), p-vinyl-guaiacol (6.0%), and phenylethyl benzoate (5.3%) have predominated in the floral scent of E. randii. From the olfactory standpoint, E. cordigera scent was previously characterized as a blend of ionone-floral and aromatic-floral notes. Very likely, E. randii scent presents the woody fragrance due to sesquiterpenes (2E,6Z)-farnesol and (E)-nerolidol and the fruity note from the aldehydes heptanal and nonanal. Floral perfume plays a fundamental role in attracting pollinating insects, whose symbiosis contributes to the appearance of chemical variations in orchid species.

Pimenta-de-macaco é uma espécie que possui propriedades que permitem o desenvolvimento de defensivos agrícolas naturais e medicamentos, apresentando, portanto, grande potencial de uso pela humanidade. Com o objetivo de determinar a variabilidade fenotípica, foram estudadas 41 matrizes amostradas nos Estados do Pará e Amazonas. Utilizou-se análises de componentes principais e critério de Jolliffe para descarte de variáveis, subsidiado pela correlação de Pearson. Foram necessários sete componentes para explicar 80% da variação. O rendimento de óleo essencial e o número de folhas por ramo foram sugeridos para descarte por serem as características que menos contribuíram para a variação total. A dispersão gráfica 3D formou um grupo relativamente homogêneo e contínuo, permitindo identificar um par divergente: PA-020 (Marabá-PA) e PA-035 (Santa Isabel-PA). Concluiu-se que os caracteres analisados possuem variabilidade potencialmente capaz de discriminar as matrizes, com 83,3% de tais caracteres podendo ser utilizados para este objetivo. Os genótipos divergentes, identificados na análise gráfica 3D, podem ser usados em programas de melhoramento para obtenção de genótipos superiores. A comparação com os dados moleculares, previamente existentes, de alguns desses genótipos permite concluir, também, que a caracterização molecular, apesar de apresentar certo grau de concordância com a caracterização morfológica, teve maior poder discriminatório, utilizando um menor número de genótipos e procedências, identificando grupos dissimilares e genótipos divergentes, embora analisado por método estatístico multivariado diferente.

Spiked pepper is a plant species with properties that allow the development of natural agrochemicals and medicines, showing large potential of use by humanity. With aim to ascertain the phenotypical variability, 41 parentals were analyzed, sampled in the States of Pará and Amazonas. Principal Component analysis and Jolliffe's criterion were utilized for discarding of variables, subsidized by the Pearson's Correlation. It took seven components to explain 80% of the variation. The essential oil yield and number of leaves per branch were suggested to be discarded because they are the characteristics that have contributed least to the total variance. The 3D scatter diagram constituted a relatively homogeneous and continuous clustering, identifing a divergent pair: PA-020 (Marabá-PA) and PA-035 (Santa Isabel-PA). The analyzed traits have variability potentially able to discriminate the parentals, whereas 83.3% of such traits can be used for this purpose. The divergent genotypes identified on 3D scatter diagram analysis can be used in breeding programs for the development of superior genotypes. A comparison with preexisting molecular data of some genotypes permited to conclude that there was one certain agreement degree between morphological and molecular characterizations and that molecular characterization presented higher discriminatory power, using a smaller number of genotypes, identifying dissimilar genotypes and clusters, although analyzed by different multivariate statistic methods.

The leaves and thin branches of Lippia grandis Schauer, Verbenaceae, are used for flavoring of food in the Brazilian Amazon, as substitute for oregano. In this study the constituents of the essential oil were identified and the antioxidant capacity and larvicidal activity of the oil and methanol extract and its sub-fractions were evaluated. A sensory evaluation was determined in view of absence of toxicity. The oil showed a yield of 2.1% and its main constituents were thymol (45.8%), p-cymene (14.3%), γ-terpinene (10.5%), carvacrol (9.9%) and thymol methyl ether (4.8%), totalizing 85%. The DPPH radical scavenging activity showed values for the EC50 between 9.0 and 130.5 µg mL-1 and the TEAC/ABTS values varied from 131.1 to 336.0 mg TE/g, indicating significant antioxidant activity for the plant. The total phenolic content ranged from 223.0 to 761.4 mg GAE/g, contributing to the antioxidant activity observed. The crude extracts inhibited the bleaching of β-carotene and the oil showed the greatest inhibition (42.5%). The oil (LgO, 7.6±2.4 µg mL-1) showed strong larvicidal activity against the brine shrimp bioassay. The sensory evaluation was highly satisfactory in comparison to oregano. The results are very promising for the use of L. grandis in seasoning and antioxidant products.

Pimenta-de-macaco é uma espécie com elevado teor de óleo essencial em que se constatam propriedades biológicas utilizáveis na agricultura e saúde humana. Com o objetivo de avaliar a variabilidade morfoagronômica e selecionar genótipos, visando ao melhoramento genético e cultivo em sistemas de produção, foram propagados treze clones de pimenta-de-macaco. As estacas foram enraizadas em casa de vegetação, transferidas para viveiro e local definitivo. A tomada de dados realizou-se em duas épocas de colheita. Os caracteres morfoagronômicos avaliados foram número de folhas por ramo, comprimento da folha, largura da folha, diâmetro do ramo mais velho, altura da planta, número de ramos ortotrópicos, número de ramos plagiotrópicos, comprimento do entrenó, massa da matéria fresca, massa da matéria seca, rendimento de óleo essencial e teor de dilapiol. Utilizou-se de análise de variância e teste de Scott-Knott, além de comparações entre matrizes e clones por meio dos coeficientes genético e experimental de variação. Os caracteres massa da matéria fresca (primeira época), número de ramos ortotrópicos e diâmetro do ramo mais velho (segunda época) foram os que mostraram variabilidade. O teste de Scott-Knott detectou diferença na massa da matéria fresca, teor de dilapiol (primeira época), diâmetro do ramo mais velho e número de ramos ortotrópicos (segunda época). O rendimento de óleo e o teor de dilapiol apresentaram, nos clones, médias superiores às médias das matrizes. Concluiu-se que os clones mostraram adaptabilidade às condições edafoclimáticas de Belém; a época de colheita influiu sobre a produção de óleo e teor de dilapiol; a análise de variância e agrupamentos de médias evidenciaram uniformidade e produtividade nos clones examinados, podendo ser recomendados, nas condições edafoclimáticas de Belém, para cultivo em sistemas de produção, em pequena escala

Spiked pepper presents a high yield of essential oil with useful biological properties for human health and agriculture. In order to evaluate the morphoagronomic variability and, afterwards, to select genotypes for plant breeding and cultivation, thirteen clones were propagated. Thus, spiked pepper cuttings were rooted under greenhouse, transferred to a nursery and, afterwards, planted at the experimental area. The evaluations were carried out in two harvest seasons. The evaluated morphoagronomic traits were number of leaves per branch, leaf length, leaf width, diameter of the oldest branch, plant height, number of orthotropic branches, number of plagiotropic branches, internode length, fresh and dry matter, yield of essential oil and dillapiole content. The analysis of variance and the Scott-Knott test were utilized for data analysis and comparisons among clones and parentals were carried out through genetic and experimental variation coefficients. Fresh matter (first season), number of orthotropic branches and diameter of the the oldest branch (second season) presented variability. The Scott-Knott test detected variability for fresh matter, dillapiole content (first season), diameter of the oldest branch and number of orthotropic branches (second season). The yield of essential oil and the dillapiole content were higher for the clones than for the parentals. In conclusion, the clones showed adaptability to the soil and climate conditions of Belém, Pará State, Brazil; the harvest time influenced the oil yield and the dillapiole content; the variance analysis evidenced uniformity and productivity for the evaluated clones, suggesting they can be recommended for cultivation on small-scale production systems in this location.

Piper aduncum L. é uma planta que ocorre na Amazônia Brasileira com elevado teor de óleo essencial e que apresenta propriedades biológicas utilizáveis na agricultura e saúde humana. Com o objetivo de avaliar germoplasma visando ao melhoramento genético e cultivo econômico, realizaram-se coletas (inflorescências, estacas, folhas e ramos finos) em dez municípios da Amazônia Brasileira (Manaus, Marabá, Goianésia, Moju, Belém, Santa Izabel, Americano, Bonito, Santarém Novo e Aveiro). Tomaram-se dados do ambiente, populações e de doze caracteres morfoagronômicos (número de folhas por ramo, comprimento da folha, largura da folha, circunferência do ramo mais velho, altura da planta, número de ramos ortotrópicos, número de ramos plagiotrópicos, comprimento do entrenó, número de espigas por ramo, rendimento de óleo, teor e produção de dilapiol). As inflorescências e estacas foram identificadas e encaminhadas para a UFRA em Belém-PA e, as folhas e ramos finos, para o Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi-MPEG, para extração do óleo essencial (hidrodestilação). Utilizaram-se estimadores de média, desvio padrão, coeficiente de variação e amplitude total para estudo da variabilidade fenotípica. As matrizes prevalenceram em ambientes antropizados, solos argilosos, condições de drenagem variáveis, terrenos planos e clima Ami, como também predominaram populações definíveis pela agregação dos indivíduos, em terra alta e a pleno sol, serrapilheira, tamanho das populações e presença de plântulas no chão muito variáveis. Os caracteres de maior variabilidade foram número de ramos ortotrópicos, número de espigas por ramo, circunferência do ramo mais velho (morfológicos), teor e produção de dilapiol (agronômicos). Concluiu-se que a espécie apresenta adaptação a diferentes ambientes com relação à vegetação, solo, clima, relevo e drenagem, facilitando o cultivo e domesticação. Há variabilidade morfoagronômica favorecendo a seleção e fitomelhoramento.

Spiked pepper (Piper aduncum L.) is an aromatic plant species with high essential oil production. It is a species that occurs abundantly in the Brazilian Amazon. Its essential oil has exploitable biological properties in the human health and agriculture. Aiming to study its germplasm toward future use in genetic breeding programs, collecting was carried out (inflorescences, cuttings, leaves and thin branches) in ten provenances from the Brazilian Amazon. Twelve morphoagronomic traits were determined to take the data: number of leaves by branch, length of leaf, width of the leaf, circumference of the older branch, height of the plant, number of orthotropic branches, number of plageotropic branches, length of the internodes, number of spikes per branches, yielding of oil, content and production of dillapiole, as well as data on the environment and populations of spiked pepper. The inflorescences and cuttings were encoded and sent for the Federal Rural University from Pará State (UFRA), Brazil, for propagation. The leaves and thin branches were sent for the Emílio Goeldi Museum, from Pará State (MPEG) for extraction of essential oil (hydrodistillation). Estimators of amplitude of variation, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were utilized to study the phenotypical variability. The morphoagronomic traits of largest variability were number of orthotropic branches, number of spikes per branch, circumference of the older branch and the content and production of dillapiole. This species has adapted to many different environments of vegetation, soil, climate, relief and drainage becomming easy the domestication and cropping. There is morphoagronomic variability pleasing the selection and genetic breeding.

O óleo essencial das folhas e ramos finos frescos e secos de Hyptis crenata forneceu os seguintes rendimentos, 1,4% e 0,9%. Os constituintes voláteis principais foram ±-pineno (22,0%; 19,5%), 1,8-cineol (17,6%; 23,2%), ²-pineno (17,0%: 13,8%), cânfora (4,7%; 11,6%), limoneno (5,4%; 4,4%) e ³-terpineno (3,5%; 2,4%), totalizando mais de 70% nos óleos. A atividade de seqüestro do radical DPPH para o extrato metanólico (CE50, 16,7 + 0,4 µg/mL) foi comparável ao do BHT (19,8 ± 0,5 µg/mL) mostrando uma significante atividade antioxidante. Os óleos apresentaram baixa atividade. O teor de fenólicos totais (TP, 373,0 + 15,9 mg GAE/g) e equivalente trolox (TEAC, 226,8 + 0,5 mg TE/g) confirmaram a atividade antioxidante do extrato metanólico, que pode ser atribuída à presença de compostos fenólicos polares. No teste com larvas de camarão as concentrações letais para o óleo e extrato metanólico foram 6,7 + 0,2 µg/mL e 13,0 + 3,7 µg/mL, respectivamente, fornecendo importante evidência de suas atividade biológicas.

The essential oils of fresh and dried leaves and fine stems of Hyptis crenata furnished the following yields: 1.4% and 0.9%. The main volatile constituents were ±-pinene (22.0%; 19.5%), 1,8-cineole (17.6%; 23.2%), ²-pinene (17.0%; 13.8%), camphor (4.7%; 11.6%), limonene (5.4%; 4.4%) and ³-terpinene (3.5%; 2.4%), totalizing more than 70% in the oils. The DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50, 16.7 + 0.4 µg/mL) of the methanol extract was comparable to BHT (19.8 ± 0.5 µg/mL) showing a significant antioxidant activity. The oils showed low activities. The amount of total phenolics (TP, 373.0 + 15.9 mg GAE/g) and trolox equivalent (TEAC, 226.8 + 0.5 mg TE/g) confirmed the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract that can be attributed to the presence of polar phenolic compounds. In the brine shrimp bioassay the lethal concentrations (LC50) for the oil and methanol extract were 6.7 + 0.2 µg/mL and 13.0 + 3.7 µg/mL, respectively, providing important evidence of their biological activities.

Os óleos essenciais da planta sub-aquática Conobea scoparioides (fresca e previamente seca) apresentaram rendimentos de 3,4 e 3,3%, respectivamente. Os principais constituintes identificados foram o éter metílico do timol (39,6 e 47,7%), timol (40,0 e 26,4%), α-felandreno (12,1 e 14,3%) e p-cimeno (1,5 e 1,7%), totalizando mais de 90% nos referidos óleos. A concentração de seqüestro do radical DPPH (CE50) dos óleos e extrato foi de 46,7 ± 3,6 µg mL-1 para a planta fresca (CsO-f), de 56,1 ± 2,4 µg mL-1 para a planta seca (CsO-d), e de 23,0 ± 2,2 µg mL-1 para o extrato metanólico (CsE-d). O valor do extrato é comparável ao BHT (19,8 ± 0,5 µg mL-1), usado como padrão antioxidante. O valor médio dos óleos é duas vezes menor, mas igualmente importante como agente antioxidante. O teor de Fenólicos Totais (TP, 124,6 ± 8,7 mg GAE per g) e o Trolox Equivalente (TEAC, 144,1 ± 4,9 mg TE per g) do extrato metanólico confirmaram a significativa atividade antioxidante de C. scoparioides. Da mesma forma, nos bioensaios com larva de camarão (Artemia salina) o valor médio da concentração letal dos óleos (CL50, 7,7 ± 0,3 µg mL-1) foi dez vezes maior que no extrato metanólico (CL50, 77,6 ± 7,1 µg mL-1) mostrando importante atividade biológica.

The essential oils of the sub-aquatic plant Conobea scoparioides (fresh and dried previously) showed yields of 3.4 and 3.3%, respectively. The main identified constituents were thymol methyl ether (39.6 and 47.7%), thymol (40.0 and 26.4%), α-phellandrene (12.1 and 14.3%) and p-cymene (1.5 and 1.7%), totalizing more than 90% of the oils. The DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50) of the oils and extract was 46.7 ± 3.6 µg mL-1 in the fresh plant (CsO-f), 56.1 ± 2.4 µg mL-1 in the dried plant (CsO-d), and 23.0 ± 2.2 µg mL-1 in the methanol extract. The extract (CsE-d)value is comparable to BHT (19.8 ± 0.5 µg mL-1) used as antioxidant standard. The mean value of the oils is twice smaller but equally important as antioxidant agent. The mean amount of Total Phenolics (TP, 124.6 ± 8.7 mg GAE per g) and the Trolox Equivalent (TEAC, 144.1 ± 4.9 mg TE per g) of the methanol extract confirmed the significant antioxidant activity of C. scoparioides. Similarly, in the brine shrimp bioassay (Artemia salina) the mean value of the lethal concentration for the oils (LC50, 7.7 ± 0.3 µg mL-1) was ten times higher than the methanol extract (LC50, 77.6 ± 7.1 µg mL-1) showing important biological activity.

The aromatic flora of the Amazon has been inventoried for 30 years. In this sense, were made over 500 field trips to collect over 2500 plants and to obtain more than 2000 essential oils and aroma concentrates, all of them submitted to GC and GC-MS. This work led to the creation of a database for the aromatic plants of the Amazon, which catalogs general information about 1250 specimens. The database has allowed the publication of the chemical composition of the oils and aromas of more than 350 species, associated with a larger number of chemical types. The essential oils of many species offer optimum conditions for economic exploitation and use in national and international market of fragrances, cosmetics, agricultural and household pesticides.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação da toxidade aguda e subaguda do óleo essencial de Piper aduncum pela determinação da DL50 em camundongos e a análise dos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos em ratos. A planta é utilizada na medicina popular da região amazônica em diversas doenças e no seu óleo essencial o constituinte majoritário é o fenilpropanóide dilapiol, com propriedades inseticida, fungicida, bactericida, larvicida e moluscicida. A DL50 foi de 2,400 ± 191,7 mg/kg. O óleo essencial não alterou de maneira significativa os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos em relação ao controle no tratamento subagudo, exceto a redução da creatinina. O valor da DL50 e os resultados observados nos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos sugerem que o óleo essencial apresenta toxidade baixa.

The aim of this work was the acute and subacute toxicological evaluation of the essential oil of Piper aduncum with the determination of the LD50 in mice and the analysis of their hematological and biochemical parameters in rats. The plant is used in the Amazon folk medicine for several diseases and the phenylpropanoid dilapiolle is the main constituent of its essential oil, possessing insecticidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, larvicidal and molluscicidal properties. The LD50 was 2.400 ± 191.7 mg/kg. The essential oil did not change the hematological and biochemical parameters in a significant manner when compared with the control in the subacute treatment, excepting the reduction of creatinine. The LD50 and the hematological and biochemical results have suggested that the essential oil presents low toxicity.

The aim of this study is to reevaluate the plant sources of the Amazon rosewood oil which have been named Aniba rosaeodora Ducke and Aniba duckei Kosterm. There is some disagreement on the exact botanical status of these species. Some Lauraceae specialists analyzing available material from both species concluded that there is no basis for regarding them as different. Based on our results we are confirming that the chemical composition of both species is quite different from that previously reported. So we are suggesting to bring back the previous botanical rosewood status as proposed by Adolph Ducke.

A espécie conhecida como pimenta-de-macaco (Piper aduncum L.) possui grande potencial para exploração econômica em função da comprovada utilidade do seu óleo essencial na agricultura e saúde humana. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a diversidade genética de populações naturais dessa planta. Um total de dezoito acessos da planta, provenientes de quatro procedências da Amazônia Brasileira, foi examinado por meio de locos de DNA, gerados por análise RAPD (polimorfismo de DNA amplificado ao acaso). O estudo evidenciou a existência de real diversidade entre as populações examinadas, sendo provável que dentro das localidades investigadas, os padrões da diversidade genética acompanhem os padrões de distribuição geográfica.

The species known as pimenta-de-macaco (Piper aduncum L.) has great economic explotation potential based on the proved usefulness of the essential oil in agriculture and human health. The genetic diversity of their natural populations was characterized. A total of eighteen accessions of the plant, obtained from four different origins in the Brazilian Amazon, was examined by means of DNA loci, generated by RAPD analysis. Real genetic diversity was observed between the analyzed populations and it appear that the patterns of the genetic diversity follow the patterns of the geographical distribution.

Os óleos essenciais das folhas e galhos finos de Piper reticulatum e de P. crassinervium, coletados na região norte do Brasil, foram obtidos por arraste à vapor e analisados através de GC/MS. O óleo de P. reticulatum é constituido principalmente por β-elemeno (24,6%) e β-cariofileno (16,7%). Os principais compostos identificados no óleo de P. crassinervium foramβ-cariofileno (17,7%), γ-elemeno (14,4%) e β-elemeno (10,9%).

Essential oils from leaves and thin branches of Piper reticulatum and P. crassinervium collected in the north region of Brazil, were obtained by steam distillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The oil of P. reticulatum was dominated by β-elemene (24.6%) and β- caryophyllene (16.7%). The major compounds identified in the oil of P. crassinervium were β- caryophyllene (17.7%), γ-elemene (14.4%) and b-elemene (10.9%).

O aroma dos frutos de Licania tomentosa foi obtido por hidrodestilação e extração com pentano, e seus constituintes voláteis identificados através de cromatografia de gás acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG/EM). Os principais componentes identificados foram l-hexanol (11,1%), 4-heptanol (10,5%), butanoato de 3-metilbutila (7,4%), hexanal (7,1%) e mirceno (6,4%).

The aroma of Licania tomentosa was obtained by hydrodistillation and extraction with pentane and their volatiles constituents were identified by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main components identified were 1-hexanol (11.1%), 4-heptanol (10.5%), 3-methylbutyl butanoate (7.4%), hexanal (7.1%) and myrcene (6.4%).

RESUMOO presente trabalho propõe a identificação de atividade antimicrobiana em óleos essenciais de plantas odoríferas da região amazônica. As plantas que foram selecionadas, quatorze ao todo, são usadas em banhos aromáticos e como desinfetantes de roupas e armários. Entre nove bactérias patogênicas utilizadas para os ensaios, os óleos de Piper hispidinervium, Abina rosaeodora e Alpinia speciosa apresentaram atividade antibacteriana contra cinco destas bactérias, pelo menos. Separação e purificação dos componentes voláteis de P. hispidinervium e A. rosaeodora levaram a identificação de safrol e linalol, respectivamente, como sendo os responsáveis por esta atividade antimicrobiana. Quanto ao óleo de A. speciosa, face a multiplicidade de constituintes na mistura, mesmo tendo-se conhecimento de sua composição química, não foi possível relacioná-los à atividade antibacteriana observada.

SUMMARYFourteen amazonian plant species, commomly used in the preparation of aromatic waters and household desinfection agents, were selected. Their essential oils were tested for antibacterical activity. The oils of Piper hispidinervium, Aniba rosaeodora and Alpinia speciosa were found to be active against at least five out of nine pathogenic bacteria. Separation of the volatile constituents of the former two species led to safrole and linalol, respectively. The analogous analysis of the oil from Alpinia was impossible in view of the complexity of its constitution. Safrole and linalol were shown to be responsible for the antimicrobial activity of the respective essential oils.