Revista Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais
The Revista Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais (RBPM)/Brazilian Journal of Medicinal Plants (BJMP) (Rev Bras Plantas Med) was launched in October 1998 (v.1, n.1) as a biannual publication until 2003, and was published three times a year in 2004 and 2005. From 2006, it became a quarterly journal. Since 2008, the Journal is also available at CAPES journals (www.periodicos.capes.gov.br) and at the portal of Summaries of Brazilian Journals, in the Multidisciplinary field.
Sociedade Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais
Effects of "boldo chinês", coconut soap and cipermethrin in the mortality of fleas on pet dogs
The present work intends to evaluate and compare the elimination rate of pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) due to use of Plectranthus ornatus extract shampoo, Cipermetrin shampoo and coconut soap. Pure bathing water had no effects whatever over the fleas population. The use of coconut soap resulted in a low elimination rate of 27%. Single use of Cipermetrina and P. ornatus has showed rates of 76.59% and 80.83%, respectively. But the best results were achieved by double bathings, first with coaconut soap and after with Cipermetrin or P. ornatus. Thus, the rates boosted up to 97,98% and 97,78%, respectively.
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Callus induction and morphogenetic aspects of Pfaffia tuberosa (Spreng.) Hicken
Different explants of Pfaffia tuberosa (Spreng.) Hicken were cultivated on medium supplemented with benzylaminopurine (1.0mM) combined with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D) or α-naphthalene acetic acid (ANA) (1.0 or 10.0mM) aiming to study the morphogenetic potential of callus. Forty days after inoculation, both callus formation as well as either the organogenetic or embryogenetic induction route were dramatically dependent on the explant type and on phytoregulador combination used. The best results for the production of friable callus and regeneration of shoots using indirect organogenesis were obtained from nodal segments cultivated on media supplemented with 10.0 and 1.0mM 2,4-D, respectively. Explants from roots formed embryogenetic callus in the presence of 1.0 or 10.0mM 2,4-D or 10.0mM ANA. The actual study included the best explant and combination of phytoregulators for studies that aim to obtain friable callus and the regeneration of plants via organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis.
Use and diversity of medicinal plants at the "Quilombo Olho D'água dos Pires", Esperantina, Piaui State, Brazil
The present study was carried out at the community "Quilombola de Olho D'água dos Pires", located in the micro-region of the lower Parnaiba, in the town of Esperantina, Piaui, Brazil. Field excursion was carried out, between the period from April/2003 to February/2004; questionnaires were applied to all family groups belonging to the community, the ones which indicated the key-informants with recognizable knowledge, who followed and indicated the ethnospecies of medicinal use to be collected. After this phase, the species were identified in a laboratory and their use value (VU) was calculated for each species. The material was incorporated to the "Herbário Graziela Barroso" (TEPB/UFPI). It was observed that out the 33 family groups interviewed, only 5 people above 60 years of age, one 55 years old and tree people between 21 and 30 years of age had full knowledge of the use and properties of the plants for medicinal purposes. 82 species were identified, belonging to 69 genders and 41 botanic families. It is mentioned in the community the use of medicinal plants mainly for the treatment of respiratory diseases and intestinal infections, drunk as tea mixed with "garrafada" (kind of different tree barks syrup) and the rest as lollypops, juices, baths, and macerations, among others. The most utilized parts in the preparation of the medicines are the leaves and barks. The species that deserves special attention in relation to the frequency and coherent citations is "janaguba" (Hymatantus sucuuba (Spruce ex Müll. Arg) Woodson), being this cited in 100% of the questionnaires applied for the cure of influenza, sore throat, cough, as blood depurative and inflammations in general.
Leaf amounts and indolebutyric acid on Laurus nobilis L. cuttings propagation
Four doses of indolebutyric acid (IBA) and three leaf amounts were tested in the propagation of laurel through semi-woody cuttings in experiment conducted in a misted greenhouse in the Departamento de Horticultura e Silvicultura, Faculdade de Agronomia, UFRGS. Treatments of the cuttings with zero, two or four leaves and treated with zero, 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 mg L⁻¹ of IBA were arranged in completely ramdomized blocks with a factorial design 3x4. The number of dead and rooted cuttings was transformed to percentage. The number, length, and fresh weight of roots were recorded. The best response was obtained using semiwooded cuttings with four leaves and treated with 2,000 mg L⁻¹ of IBA.
Leaf anatomy of american wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Chenopodiaceae)
Chenopodium ambrosioides L. is an herbaceous species distributed throughout the world and it was described as a medicinal plant and a powerful anthelmintic. The objective of this work was to search for useful characters in the identification of the species using its leaf anatomy. Leaf architecture was determined according Hickey. Transversal cuts of leaf blade and petiole and epidermal peels were mounted in semi-permanent slides with glycerine. Results show that presence of scythe-shaped and bladelike glandular hairs and crystal-sand present in bundle-sheath cells are useful characters for the species identification.
Floral biology, microsporogenesis and chromosome number in five species of plants used in popular medicine in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil
Eleven population of five species of plants used in Rio Grande do Sul State as popular medicine had been observed for three years regarding to the flower period and studied cytogenetically. Discaria americana and Matricharia chamomilla flower during winter while Foeniculun vulgare and Symphytum officinale flower in warmer stations and Plectranthus barbatus during temperated clime. In the microsporogenesis, there were formed 11 bivalents in D. americana and F. vulgare; 9 bivalents in M. chamomilla; 14 bivalents in P. barbatus and 21 bivalents in S. officinale. Despite of the fact that the species P. barbatus and S. officinale have vegetative reproduction, they kept the gametogenesis cycle. Plant like M. chamomilla cultivated inside a house green showed 20.8% of meiotics irregularities, 65.2% of meiotic index and 56.7% of pollen viability, while plants cultivated at room temperature showed only 5.8% of irregular cells, 88.6% of meiotic index and 97.5% of pollen viability. In S. officinale 25.9% of the cells showed irregularities with bridge formation and the presence of 2, 3, 4 and 5 belated chromosome that reflect in the meiotic index around 60% and pollen viability 53.21%. The chromosome number of the studied species were: 2n=2x=22 in D. americana, 2n=2x=22 in F. vulgare, 2n=2x=18 in M. chamomilla, 2n=2x=28 in P. barbatus and 2n=2x=42 in S. officinale.
Chemical characterization of erva cidreira's essential oil (Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Br.) grown in Ilheus, Bahia State, Brazil
The essential oil of Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Br. collected in Ilheus was extracted by hydrodistillation for one hour using a Clevenger apparatus. The average yield was 0.16%. Twenty four compounds were identified by GC and GC-MS analysis. Citral was the main components of the oil (70.6-79.0%). Linalool (1.7-2.2%), geraniol (0.8-2.9%), nerol (0.5-2.5%) and β-myrcene (0.3-2.6%) were identified in low percentage. Lippia alba gave a higher yield of oil during spring.
Weather factors affecting arthropods abundance in medicinal plants in the Minas Gerais State, Brazil
The objective of this work was to study the arthropods associated as well as the weather effects on them, during a period of two years covering more than 80 species of medicinal plant. Higher densities of Aphis sp. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were found on Foeniculum vulgare and Pimpinella anysium plants; Frankliniella sp. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Uroleucon ambrosiae f. lizerianum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Calendula officinalis plants; Coccus sp. (Hemiptera: Coccidae) on Chamomilla recutita and on F. vulgare plants; Aetalium reticulatum (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae) on Vernonia condensata "NCA" plants; Lagria villosa (Coleoptera: Lagriidae) on Bryophyllum pinnatum in the periods with milder temperatures (r = -0.11, P = 0.0257); Cycloneda sanguinea and Eriopsis conexa Germar (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) on Artemisia absinthium and F. vulgare plants, respectively, feeding on aphids (r = 0.35, P = 0.0017) were observed. Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was affected, mainly, by temperature (B. tabaci = 2.56 + 0.11xTemperature + 0.0037xPluviosity - 0.12xSunlight - 0.0654xUmidity, R² = 0.21 and P = 0.0000); Empoasca sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) by pluviosity (r = -0.14, P = 0.0056) and Pentatomidae (Hemiptera) by temperature (r = -0.13, P = 0.0103).
The use of medicinal cacti by locals at the semi-arid in Bahia State, Brazil
The survey of species of cacti utilized for medicinal purposes by locals was carried out in five municipalities of the semi-arid region of Bahia (Valente, Queimadas, Santaluz, Sao Domingos and Canudos). The methodology included 40 semi-informal interviews with 32 people, who related their knowledge relating the use of cacti as medicine. The interviews were registered in tape, and transcribed verbatim. The individuals sampled were found through opportunistic meetings, which permitted an increase by a 'snow ball' progression, and the sample was considered sufficient based on the effect of progressive inclusion. The specimens were collected, herborized and deposited as vouchers at the HUEFS herbarium. Six species were listed as having medicinal importance, with indications of 21 different uses. The nopal, or 'palma-de-gado' (Opuntia ficus-indica) is one of the examples of multiple therapeutic use: interviews listed diverse complaints including fevers, vaginal inflammation, flu, stomach ache, dryness, rheumatism and urinary infection. The cladode and the root were the plant parts more often cited for preparation of medicines, which include a variety of types, from infusions to baths. The ethnomedical use of cacti by the studied community is considered as an important therapeutic alternative, as the locals grow, and keep the cacti in their backyards for several purposes, including the preparation of medicines. Considering that there are few studies related to the popular medicine of cacti in Brazil, it is necessary to develop in-depth research about their properties based on this inside, non-scientific information, because the data collected during this work has proven to be recurrent, thus demonstrating a strong connection between man and cacti.
Growth regulators in biomass production and essential oil in Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, in different seasons
The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators in biomass production and essential oil yield content in lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf), in different seasons. The experiment was conducted on São Manuel Experimental Farm, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, UNESP - Botucatu. Which plants were randomly assigned into blocks to treatments with three repetitions. The treatments consisted of GA₃ (50 and 100 mg L⁻¹); Ethrel (100 and 200 mg L⁻¹); CCC (500 and 1000 mg L⁻¹); Alar 85 (1000 and 2000 mg L⁻¹); Accel (20 and 40 mg OL⁻¹) and control. Four applications of plant growth regulators were realized every three months. After 40 days of each foliar spray, the plants were cut to determine the fresh weight and essential oil yield. The application of plant growth regulators did not increase the biomass production, showing difference among collect periods when the major production was detected at the fourth collect (summer). The greatest essential oil yield was found at the second collect (winter). In the present study, the used concentrations of plant growth regulators did not increase biomass neither essential oil yield.
Effect of the Allium sativum L. aqueous extract on biochemical parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Many plants are used in Brazil as hypoglycemic even without scientific confirmation. The aim of the present work was to study the influence of the treatment with Allium sativum L., plant popularly known as garlic, on biochemical parameters in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Female Wistar rats received 40 mg kg⁻¹ of streptozotocin (STZ). Oral administration of A. sativum aqueous extract was given to diabetic animals in 2 doses: 200 and 400 mg kg⁻¹ (n=6 animals/group). The diabetic rats that received distilled water constituted the control group. After 28 days of treatment, the rats were anesthetized and killed by decapitation to collect blood for biochemical determinations and to remove liver and muscle samples for glycogen analysis. The results showed that the treatment with A. sativum aqueous extract did not change the body weight, but reduced the water and food intake of the treated diabetic rats with the two doses. The treatment with both doses reduced the glycemia and increased the level of liver and muscle glycogen. The concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides was reduced only by the 400 mg kg⁻¹ dose. It was concluded that the Allium sativum aqueous extract presented hypoglycemic and hypolipemic effect, however the administered doses were not sufficient to restore the normal levels of the parameters analyzed in diabetic rats.
Identification of the time for collecting the oil-resin of copaiba (Copaifera spp.) in the city of Moju, Pará state, Brazil
Identification of the time for collecting the oil-resin of copaiba (Copaifera spp.) in the city of Moju, Pará state, Brazil. In the process of extraction of the oil-resin of copaiba, it is not considered the most appropriate time of the year. Normally, the collector extracts it at any time not taking into consideration the climatic factors as the pluviometric precipitation, which in the Amazon region is directly related with the production of some cultures. The chemical substance presence in one determined species can be on the climatic factors. Considering the presence of these chemical composites in the species of copaiba and the lack of information in the literature consulted on the indicated time more for extraction of the oil, the present work had as objective to identify the most adequate time for collecting the oil for the city of Moju, Para State, Brazil, through the quantification and correlated qualification of the oil with the pluviometric precipitation. Oil-resin of Copaifera duckei, Copaifera martii and Copaifera reticulata were collected in the Experimental Field of the Moju of the Embrapa Eastern Amazon, located in the city of Moju, Para State, Brazil. The period of collection began in September 2003 and finished in August of 2004. In the months of September and October, the biggest productions of oil for the species C. reticulata and of September had occurred in November for the species C. duckei, coinciding with the period of lesser pluviometric precipitation. The lesser oil production occurred in the period from January to May 2004, mainly for species C. reticulata and C. duckei, coinciding with the rainiest period. Species C. duckei and C. reticulate have produced, respectively, an oil resin of liquid aspect and intense and yellow red coloration. While the C. martii produced a dense oil-resin of brown coloration. The concentration of the sesquiterpene, β-bisabolene in the C. duckei was superior to the β-caryophyllene one in every month of the year, occurring variations in the percentages of independent substances of the period of rains. In the C. reticulata, the concentration of the sesquiterpene, β-caryophyllene were superior to the independent β-bisabolene one during the period of pluviometric precipitation. The sesquiterpene α-caryophyllene in the C. martii was superior to the Δ-cadinene, occurring variations in the percentages of independent substances of the period of rains.
Experimental study of topical use of Triticum vulgare cream in induced skin wounds in horses
Many studies demonstrated that use of Triticum vulgare, a Poaceae plant, stimulates fibroblasts mitoses and motility, reducing the wound healing time. To evaluate the Triticum vulgare cream healing effect in horses, circular skin wounds were made in the lumbar and metacarpal regions of six animals. The right wounds were treated with cream and the left wounds were used as control groups. Triticum vulgare cream intensified repaired cells migration, beyond stimulates fibroblast multiplication and collagen production, reducing the wound healing time.
Chemical constituents and biological study of Aspidosperma nitidum
Chemical constituents and biological study of Aspidosperma nitidum. This work describes the phytochemical study as well as the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions of the ethanolic extract of the Aspidosperma nitidum Benth ex Müll. Arg. (Apocynaceae) wood, species very used in the Amazonian popular medicine for the anti-inflammatory treatment, besides fever and malaria. The phytochemical study of A. nitidum has led to the isolation of the mixture of steroids (β-sitosterol and stigmasterol), pentacyclic triterpenes (β-amirine and lupeol), L-2-O-methyl-chiro-inositol and a β-carbolinic alkaloid, the harman-3-carboxylic acid. The ethanolic extract has showed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.
Popular use and pharmacological actions of Plectranthus barbatus Andr. (Lamiaceae): revision of the works published from 1970 to 2003
Despite the main use of Plectranthus barbatus Andr. for gastric disturbances, a great number of pharmacological actions were tested and confirmed for this species, involving compounds from leaves, stem and roots. Among the pharmacological aspects already studied and confirmed are: hypotensive, positive inotropic, cardiovascular, bronchodilator, adenylate cyclase activation, platelet aggregation inhibition, antitumoral, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory. In order to contribute for a better knowledge of this species we present a revision of the main publications involving chemical and pharmacological studies published from 1970 to 2003.
Hydrodistillation time for essential oil extraction of seven medicinal plant species
A little is known about the hydrodistillation time necessary to obtain maximum essential oil volume and optimize the extraction process. In such case, the aim of this work was to evaluate the time necessary for essential oil extraction of seven aromatic plant species: Hyptis fruticosa, Lippia sidoides, Cymbopogon winterianus, Cymbopogon citratus, Aristolochia, Eucalyptus globulus and Hyptis pectinata. It was observed that the studied species presented different hydrodistillation times.
In vitro study of the acaricide action of the essential oil of the grass Citronella of Java (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) on the tick Boophilus microplus
In this article the in vitro experimental tests of the acaricide action of the essential oil extracted from the grass Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt (Citronella of Java) are described, against engorged females and larvae of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus (Canestrini, 1887), as well as on the laying and hatching of its eggs. The results indicated that the treatment with the mentioned oil presents a LD₅₀ in the concentration of 6.1% against engorged females and of 4.1% against the larvae. There was no laying when the engorged females were treated with this oil in the concentration of 10% and neither hatching of the eggs of these engorged females when treated in the concentration of 7.14%. Comparative tests were also made between commercial acaricides and the Citronella of Java oil. The results of the treatments were similar, the treatment with the Citronella of Java inhibited totally the laying of the engorged females when used in the concentration of 20%. The results of this study indicate that the Citronella of Java oil presents a strong acaricide action on the cattle tick Boophilus microplus.
Phenology and arthropods of Copaifera langsdorffii in the cerrado (Brazilian Savannah)
There was evaluated the phenology and arthropods as well as the effect of weather on copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.) (Leguminoseae). The emission of new leaves and inflorescences as well as the opening of them occurred in the rainy period. There were observed the higher diversity and abundance of insects, principally galling insects.
Number of chromosomes, microsporogenesis and pollen viability in populations of carqueja [Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC.] from Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina
The objective of this work was to search for information regarding the number of chromosomes, the formation of male gametes (microsporogenesis) and the pollen viability in eight populations of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. (carqueja) native from the states of: Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina (Sourthern Brazil) under several edaphic-climatic and vegetational conditions. As for chromosome counting, an average of 10 metaphasic cells were analyzed by population. The dye used was Giemsa 2% (v/v). In the analysis of microsporogenesis, comparisons were established between the phases of association and distribution of chromosomes during meiosis, the formation of tetrads and the pollen viability by the χ² (α=0,01) test. The dye used to identify the cells was propionic carmine 2% (m/v), and three different dyes were tested to estimate pollen viability: propionic carmine 2% (m/v), orcein acetic 2% (m/v) and alexander reaction. The populations under analysis are diploid with 2n=2X=18 chromosomes. In all the eight populations of Baccharis trimera, both during meiosis I and meiosis II, the percentage of normal cells, the meiotic rate, and the pollen viability were above 85%. The results support the thesis that the populations analyzed have normal microsporogenesis in the evolutionary process of the species, not presenting any problems for being introduced into programs of selection, crossing and seed production. As for the comparison between the three dyes, significant differences were observed suggesting alexander reaction as being the most reliable in estimating pollen viability for the species.
Micropropagation of Calendula officinalis L.
Micropropagation of Calendula officinalis L. is usually propagated through seeds and therefore shows high diversity in flower size and colour, what causes quantitative and qualitative chemical variability. A micropropagation protocol was established for clonal propagation of this species to achieve homogeneous biomass, more appropriate for the production of phytotherapics. Explants harvested from capitula were the most appropriate for the micropropagation process. MS culture medium supplemented with 1.0 mgL⁻¹ BAP and 6.0 gL⁻¹ Phytagel™ enhanced shoot proliferation, while MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mgL⁻¹ Kinetin and 6.0 gL⁻¹ Phytagel™, increased shoot elongation. Plantlets (80%) cultured in MS/2 medium supplemented with 1.0 mgL⁻¹ de IBA rooted.
Micropropagation of a brazilian species Baccharis tridentata Vahl. (Asteraceae)
Baccharis tridentata Vahl is an aromatic, medicinal plant, which essential oil is constituted mainly of nerolidol and spathulenol. The aim of this study was to establish a protocol for micropropagation of this species. Shoot tips of a single greenhouse grown plant were used as explants. They were washed in running water for 3 hours, sterilized with NaOCI (1%) and inoculated in Murashige & Skoog (MS) basal medium, containing activated charcoal (1% p/v). No growth regulators were added to the medium. During the five initial days after inoculation, explants were maintained in darkness to overcome oxidation, and were cultivated at 25-27°C under 16 hour photoperiod. Half strength MS (1/2MS) and half strength B5 media were also tested. Full strength MS medium resulted in taller plants with greater values of shoot and root dry matter. Rooting was induced in the same medium, without addition of growth regulators. Acclimatization gave 80% plant survival. This protocol constitutes an efficient method that could potentially produce one thousand and five hundred (1500) homogeneous plants from a single matrix plant in a period of six months.
Phytotherapy in the public health system (SUS) in the Sao Paulo State, Brazil
Phytotherapy is a form of familiar treatment throughout the world and recommended by the World Health Organisation to be used in all regions, especially in the poorer countries, to improve the state of health of their people. The aim of this study was to describe the use of herbal medicine as an alternative therapy in the public health system in Sao Paulo State. The fieldwork consisted in obtaining information, from all the Regional Health Authorities in the State, about which municipal health areas use this therapy and sending them a questionnaire requesting details about the application of phitotherapy: when the therapy had been adopted, which plants were used, whether the programme had been discontinued or not and if so, for what reason. The cities that use the phytotherapy are: Campinas; Canas; Guaratingueta; Herculandia; Piquete; Pindamonhangaba; Roseira e Sao Jose do Barreiro, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Lourenço da Serra, Cruzeiro e Dobrada. And the three plant more used are: Guaco (Mikania glomerata); Calendula (Calendula officinalis) e Babosa (Aloe vera) The lack of support has led some Authorities to discontinue their active in 08 programmes. Nevertheless, it is concluded that the efficacy and low cost of herbal treatments has engendered a growing interest among health professionals in placing proposals for implanting this therapy in 13 cities in the Municipal Health. Thus, there should be growing practical support for the establishment of such programmes in the future.
Tetrazolium test in wild-mangaba seeds (Lafoensia pacari St. Hil. - Lythraceae)
Lafoensia pacari seeds have longevity of over four months; however, when they are exposed to adverse weather conditions their viability is dramatically reduced. The development of quick evaluation methods for the physiological quality of seeds can help in the decision-making process of whether to use or not seeds intended for the production of seedlings. This work had the objective of studying the tetrazolium test methodology in wild-mangaba seeds in order to determine the best temperature conditions, staining period, and tetrazolium solution concentration. Pre-conditioning consisted of imbibition of the seeds in distilled water, at 25ºC, for 48 hours; in the first hour, each sample was submitted to agitation (magnetic stirrer); immediately afterward the samples remained immersed in water for another 47 hours, under the same temperature. Next, the integuments of two sub-samples of 20 seeds were removed, exposing the embryo and avoiding separation of the cotyledons. Treatments consisted of four tetrazolium concentrations (0.075; 0.1; 0.5; 1%), three incubation temperatures (30, 35, and 40ºC), and 8 evaluation periods. Staining development was evaluated at every 30 minutes, and the most suitable period for viability evaluation was determined. The results obtained demonstrated that, regardless of incubation temperature, when in a 0.075% solution, the seeds were adequately stained between one and four hours; when in the 0.1% concentration solution, they were adequately stained between one and three and a half hours; in the 0.5% solution, a satisfactory result was obtained between one and two hours; when the solution was at the concentration of 1%, 30 minutes were sufficient to develop staining. It is concluded that the pre-conditioning by immersion in water for 48 hours, with integument removal and immersion in a 0.075% tetrazolium solution, at the combination of 40ºC/60 minutes, were effective to determine the viability of L. pacari seeds.
Activity of phagocytes in the presence of the “Mais Vida” (more life) herbal remedy
Studies have demonstrated that the use of plants can stimulate cells and act as an alternative in the treatment of some diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Using popular knowledge, a mixture of seven herbs Orbignia martiana Rodr., Tabebuia avellanedae L.G., Arctium lappa L., Rosa centifolia L., Maytenus ilicifolia Mart., Vernonia condensata Baker, Thuya occidentalis L., called “Mais Vida” (more life), has yielded results, which indicate increased cell activity as well as increased resistance to tumour cells. The purpose of this work is to verify if the compound “Mais Vida” is capable of modulating the functional activity of blood phagocytes. This verification is based on the preparation of the plants extracts, selection of specific cases to obtain phagocytes through of Ficoll-Paque and Dextran sedimentation in samples of human peripheral blood and the determination of the dosage of anion superoxide. Twenty-five samples revealed that the average spontaneous activity of mononuclear cells (MN) was 19.30 and nuclearpolymorphous (NPM) 17.30. In the presence of the “Mais Vida” compound, an average of 38.19 MN and 37.56 NPM was obtained. The results obtained corroborate the popular use of this compound as an immunomodulator.
Flavonoids content in native and cultivated populations of “carqueja” [Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC.] harvested at dry and humid season
There were performed quantitative analyses of the 5,3'-dihydroxy-4',6,7-trimethoxyflavone and 5-hidroxi-3',4',6,7-tetrametoxiflavone in native and cultivated plants of Baccharis trimera. Six harvests were done in both dry and humid seasons. The flavone 5,3'-dihydroxy-4',6,7-trimethoxyflavone showed more content in plants harvested in humid season. There were no differences when comparing cultivated and native plants from both seasons. The flavone 5-hydroxy-3',4',6,7-tetramethoxyflavone showed more content in native than cultivated plants in humid season. And there was no difference in the dry season when comparing native and cultivated plants.
Biological activities of aerial parts of Ipomoea cairica (Convolvulaceae)
The ethanol extract, fractions, and isolated compounds from the aerial parts of Ipomoea cairica were investigated for possible antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. The results showed the inhibition of the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and toxicity to Artemia salina brine shrimp. From the ethanol extract were isolated β-sitosterol 3-O-glycopyranoside (3) and tracheloside (5), which are first reported in this species.
Hydric and thermic influence on the growth and development of Ocimum gratissimum L.
The influence of different water handling (0%, 50%, 75% and 100% of water supply) and of the thermal readiness (degree-days) were verified for 10 weeks on the growth and development of Ocimum gratissimum var. macrophyllum. The individuals were weekly appraised with relationship to the cutting propagation, growth of aerial part, flowering and phytomass. From the 4th week of cultivation, the water becomes a limitante factor of the growth of O. gratissimum var. macrophyllum, taking the death all the individuals under full water deficit. With 100% of available water was verified a high cutting propagation and aerial part growth. The flowering of O. gratissimum var. macrophyllum was advanced in two weeks with 75% of water supply. The fresh weight of aerial part was significantly high in those individuals with larger water supply. Chromatographic analyses of essential oil of O. gratissimum var. macrophyllum showed the eugenol as the major compound of the variety studied.
The use of medicinal plants at Sapucaia Village, Municipality of Cruz das Almas, Bahia State, Brazil
The aim of this work was to find out the popular knowledge about the use of plants for health purposes, to compare this popular knowledge with present knowledge in the field of Pharmacology, and exchange this information with the local community. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with all 75 local families, together with plant sampling, identification, and incorporation into the “Alexandre Leal Costa” Herbarium (ALCB) located at Federal University of Bahia. It has been established that 60% of all family members show some sort of disease. Hypertension is represented by 39.3% of the community, throat problems represented by 13.1%, diabetes by 11.5% and heart diseases by 8.2% this community. Notwithstanding, 62.7% of all affected individuals do not regularly use any kind of conventional medicine due to their low income. On the other hand, local plants are largely used. From the 65 plants mentioned in the interviews, 28 were identified and their use compared with the available literature. The most utilized species were: Lippia alba, Pothomorphe umbellata, Alpinia speciosa, Plantago major and Bidens pilosa. However, 5 other species utilized by the local population, Acalypha ambiodonta, Croton lobatus, Gomphrena desertorum, Bauhinia monandra and Pilea microphylla, do not seem to posses any medicinal property. This fact reinforces the need of investment in the field of phytotherapy research. A comparison is made between the number of the plants used by local communities and the amount of literature available regarding the therapeutic properties of such plants.
Researches with plant extracts and their derivatives: what results can be protected by the patent system?
The article describes the importance of plants for current society, emphasizing the relevance of the protection of research results in this area by Patent System. It also points out the necessity to diffuse the culture about patents in Brazil and presents a summary on fundamental topics associated to the present theme. Then, this work analyzes the legislations associated to the patents in Brazil, in the United States of America, in the European Community and in Japan, in order to verify which research results concerning plant extracts and their derivatives are susceptible to protection according the aforementioned legislations. Finally, the present work observes that the same ones grant protection in different levels and that, in this area, each result should be analyzed in particular way, depending on the country wherein the protection will be requested.
Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown (Verbenaceae): survey of the publications in the chemical, agronomical and pharmacological area, published between 1974 to 2004
Widely distributed species in all the Brazilian territory, Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown is known popularly as cidreira herb. In the popular medicine it is used as analgesic for abdominal pains, hemorroids, toothache, febrifuge, in cooled and the hepatic disease. Pharmacology studies had proven analgesic activities, spasmolitic, antibacterial and the absence of toxic effect in animals. Aiming to contribute for a bigger knowledge of the species a revision involving chemical, agronomic and pharmacology studies published in the period of 1979 the 2004 is presented.