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Dyslipidemia is a metabolic condition linked to increased morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two new nutraceuticals derived from annatto (Bixa orellana), açaí (Euterpe oleracea), and soybean germ or red clover isoflavones (Trifolium pratense) against high-fat-induced dyslipidemia in female Wistar rats. The formulations were assessed through GC-MS and HPLC-UV/Vis. Next, female Wistar rats received daily administrations of coconut oil and were treated with Ormona® SI (OSI), Ormona® RC (ORC), soybean germ (SG), simvastatin (simv.), simvastatin + Ormona® SI (simv. + OSI), or only distilled water (control). Biochemical tests were performed using the animals’ blood, and their arteries were screened for atheroma formation. The results show abnormal TC, TG, LDL, and HDL levels caused by the high-fat diet, increased glucose levels, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and atherogenesis. The nutraceuticals significantly ameliorated all conditions, with results that are similar to the group treated with simvastatin. Notably, the groups treated with either Ormona® or simvastatin + Ormona® had better liver protection than those treated only with SG or simvastatin; additionally, the nutraceuticals could prevent atherogenesis, unlike SG. The results indicate a high efficacy of the nutraceuticals in preventing dyslipidemia and its complications.

The class Myxozoa consists of microscopic spores that typically present uniform morphological simplifications, containing one or two sporoplasms surrounded by valve cells. The present study analysed the morphological and phylogenetic characteristics of what proved to be a new species of Ceratomyxa found in the gallbladder of Mesonauta festivus Heckel, 1840 captured on the Piririm River in the municipality of Macapa, in Amapa state, Brazil. The fish were collected in gillnets, and were transported alive to Amapa State University in Macapa for the analysis of the organs. Crescent- or arch-shaped free spores were observed under light microscopy, containing two polar capsules and a suture line, which is typical of the morphology of the genus Ceratomyxa, contained within plasmodia that had snake-like movements. The gallbladder was conserved in 80% alcohol for the analysis of the 18S rDNA gene, and in Davidson solution for standardhistology. Ceratomyxa spores (n = 20) were observed in 11 of the 50 samplesanalysed, and thus had a prevalence of 22%, and had a mean length of 4.2 ± 0.5 µm, mean thickness of 22.75 ± 0.3 µm, and two polar capsules, 1.86 ± 0.3 µm long and 1.63 ± 0.1 µm thick. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the new species forms a cluster with other freshwater Amazonian Ceratomyxa species, described previously. The new species represents the first description of a taxon of the genus Ceratomyxain fish from the Brazilian state of Amapa.

This work describes the chemical composition of the essential oil from Annona acutiflora and its larvicidal nanoemulsion. The volatile oil was extracted by hydrodistillation. The chemical character...

The zebrafish is a popular organism to test the toxicity of compounds. Here, we evaluate the acute and reproductive toxicity of Ormona SI

The species

Valeriana procera Kunth, Caprifoliaceae, is a medicinal plant used in Mexican traditional medicine as a mild sedative, tranquilizer, and sleep-aid agent. This species possesses several pharmacological effects including sedative, anxiolytic, and vasorelaxant. The chemical investigation of this plant has led to the isolation of an iridoid xyloside from the ethanol extract prepared with roots which were named valeiridoside, a β-d-xyloside of the iridolactone patriscabrol. This compound, paradoxically, showed an anxiogenic effect in mice at 10 mg/kg (i.p.), which was inhibited by ketanserin (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and WAY 100635 (5 mg/kg, i.p.), but not for diazepam (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or NECA (0.00547 mg/kg, i.p.). These results suggest the participation of 5-HT2 and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, but not the involvement of GABAA or adenosine receptors in the anxiogenic effect of valeiridoside.

Endophytic fungi are those that present part of their life cycle in healthy tissues of different plant hosts in symbiosis without causing harm. At the same time, fungus-plant symbiosis makes it possible for microorganisms to synthesize their own bioactive secondary metabolites while in stationary stage. Such microorganism-derived secondary metabolites contribute. Therefore, this work aimed to. To accomplish this, the endophytic fungus Trichoderma asperellum was isolated from Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) almonds. The fungus was cultivated and extracted with ethyl acetate, obtaining AM07Ac. Then, using HPTLC (High-performance thin-layer chromatography) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), β-amyrin, kaempferol, and brucine were identified as major compounds. Further in vivo assays in Zebrafish demonstrated the activity of AM07Ac on melanogenesis by producing a concentration-response inhibitory effect, which, through an in silico study, proved to be related to the noted major compounds known to inhibit tyrosinase activity. The inhibition of tyrosinase prevents melanin accumulation in skin. Therefore, these results imply the importance of investigating microorganisms and their pharmacological activities, in particular the endophytic fungus Trichoderma asperellum as a generator of active metabolites for melanogenesis modulation.

Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen (Asteraceae) is a plant species widely used in traditional Amazonian medicine to treat sexual dysfunction. The use of this plant has gained popularity because of its sensory properties, such as a tingling sensation. In this study on patients with premature ejaculation, we evaluated the clinical action of a nano-formulation containing an ethanolic extract of A. oleracea inflorescences. Major constituents in the extracts were identified based on gas chromatographic analysis. Participants used a spray preparation based on the A. oleracea extract for 12 weeks, during which they were instructed to apply the product 5 min prior to sexual intercourse. To assess therapeutic efficacy, participants were required to record the mean intravaginal latency time for ejaculation (IELT). During the period of spray treatment, the nano-formulation of A. oleracea increased participant IELT values ( M = 293 s) compared with the baseline values (193 s). This nano-formulation reported clinical action in patients with premature ejaculation. It is accordingly considered to have potential application as a therapeutic alternative with benefits for both patients and their partners. Given the small number of participants in this study, further multicenter studies involving a larger number of participants are needed to confirm these observations.

This research aimed to assess the effect of perillyl alcohol (PA) on convulsive behavior in vivo using adult zebrafish (Danio rerio, both sexes). The seizures were induced with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) intraperitoneally at 170 mg/kg, and diazepam (DZP) was used as the control anticonvulsant (2 mg/kg, oral); PA was tested at 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg orally. The groups had ten animals per group (total n = 60), observed for 10 minutes after seizure induction. We manually appraised typical seizure phenotypes for quantification and used an animal tracking software (Toxtrac) to assess the motor parameters. Next, we sought to find a mechanism of action for PA anticonvulsant activity in silico using a structure-based activity prediction server and molecular docking. The results show that PTZ induced seizure-like behavior in all untreated animals with hyperlocomotion episodes, seizure itself, posture loss, and immobility. DZP inhibited the seizures in all animals of the positive control group. PA, in turn, inhibited the occurrence of seizures in a dose-dependent manner, with frequencies of 90%, 70%, and 40% (for 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively). The PA treatments also decreased several seizure endpoints in a dose-dependent manner. Also, the difference of the group treated with highest dose of PA was statistically significant compared with the negative control group for all the endpoints assessed (p < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis). The in silico analyses suggested that PA can affect the GABAergic system, which might be involved in its anticonvulsant activity, but other mechanisms cannot be ruled out. Overall, our results suggest an anticonvulsant potential in perillyl alcohol.

Dyslipidemias are lipid metabolism alterations that cause increased levels of serum lipoprotein, cholesterol, and triglycerides. These alterations are associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases and are a risk factor for atherosclerosis development. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EORO, 100 mg/kg) and its nanoemulsion (NEORO, 500 µg/kg) on Triton and coconut saturated-fat-induced (CSF) dyslipidemias using Wistar rats. The phytochemical evaluation of EORO performed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) revealed 1,8-cineole (33.70%), camphor (27.68%), limonene (21.99%), and α-pinene (8.13%) as its major compounds. Triton-induced dyslipidemia significantly increased total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides levels. On the other hand, the groups treated with EORO and NEORO had significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides compared to the group treated only with Triton. Similar results were observed on the positive control treated with simvastatin. Dyslipidemia induced with coconut saturated-fat (CSF) caused abdominal fat gain, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increased LDL levels, and atherogenesis in the aorta. In contrast, the groups treated with EORO, NEORO, and simvastatin had significantly reduced hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, reduced abdominal fat gain, and absence of atherogenesis in the vascular endothelium. Overall, in the Triton-induced dyslipidemia model, EORO treatment had superior values than NEORO's (and simvastatin), although the differences were not too high, while in the CSF model, the values were mixed. In this manner, our results show an anti-dyslipidemic and anti-atherogenic activity effect by EORO and NEORO.

Bothrops moojeni snake venom (VBm) has toxins that cause pronounced tissue damage and exacerbated inflammatory reaction. Cannabis sativa L. is a plant species that produces an oil (CSO) rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Nano-emulsions have several advantages, such as better stability and higher penetrating power in membranes. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of a nano-emulsion based on this herbal derivative (NCS) against VBm-induced inflammation in Wistar rats. The CSO and NCS were submitted to physicochemical characterization. The inflammatory process was induced by the VBm (0.10 mg/kg) as follows: rat paw edema, peritonitis, analysis of leukocyte infiltrate in gastrocnemius muscle of rats and formation of granulomatous tissue. No significant changes were observed when the NCS was submitted to the centrifugation and thermal stress tests. There was no phase separation, changes in density (0.978 ± 0.01 g/cm3) and viscosity (0.889 ± 0.15). The droplet diameter ranged from 119.7 ± 065 to 129.3 ± 0.15 nm and the polydispersity index ranged from 0.22 ± 0.008 to 0.23 ± 0.011. The results showed that treatments with CSO (200 and 400 mg/kg) and NCS (100 mg/kg) were able to decrease significantly (p

Oil in water nano-emulsions are drug delivery systems constituted by liquid lipophilic nano-droplets dispersed through the external aqueous phase, often reaching the kinetic stability with surfactant as stabilizers. Essential oils can be the oily phase or the source of bioactive compounds. In this study, the essential oil of Aeollanthus suaveolens-a plant used in folk medicine due to its psychopharmacological effects-was used for preparation of fine nano-emulsions by a low-energy titrating method. Monodisperse small nano-droplets (ca. 70 nm; PdI 0.200) were assembled by using blends of non-ionic surfactants, indicating modulation on surfactant system lead to altering the physical property. In a separate set of experiments, we investigated the role of this modulation on biological properties of the optimal nano-emulsion. The zebrafish embryos were more susceptible to the nano-emulsion than the bulk essential oil, showing the improved bioactivity due to nano-sizing. Therefore, adult zebrafish was treated, and paralysis was observed in the groups treated with the nano-emulsion, being this finding in accordance with hypnosis. At the same essential oil dose, another behavior was observed, suggesting that expected dose-dependent effects associated to sedative-hypnotics can be achieved by nano-sizing of psychoactive essential oils. This paper contributes to the state-of-art drug delivery systems by opening perspectives for novel sedative-hypnotics nano-emulsified essentials oils that can reach hypnotic effects at considerably lower dose, when compared with bulk materials, being useful for further completed dose-response studies.Graphical abstract.

The co-administration of 3α-hydroxymasticadienoic acid (3α-OH MDA) and diligustilide (DLG) generates a synergist gastroprotective effect on indomethacin-induced gastric damage. However, the related protective activities of the compounds alone (or in combination) remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities, as well as the potential modulation of important gasotransmitters of each compound individually and in combination using the indomethacin-induced gastric damage model. Male Wistar rats were treated orally with the 3α-OH MDA, DLG, or their combination (at a fixed ratio of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1) 30 min before the generation of gastric mucosal lesions with indomethacin (30 mg/kg, p.o.). Three hours later, the gastric injury (mm2) was determined. Results from these experiments indicate, in addition to maintaining basal levels of PGE2, the gastroprotective effect of the pre-treatment with 3α-OH MDA (70%), DLG (81%), and their combination (72%) which was accompanied by significant decreases in leukocyte recruitment, as well as decreases in TNF-α and LTB4 gastric levels (p

The roots of Ligusticum porteri J.M. Coult. & Rose, Apiaceae, are used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The dimeric phthalide (Z´)-diligustilide found in their organic extracts is associated with the gastroprotective properties. In this study, the gastroprotective effect of nanoemulsion of the volatile oil from the roots of L. porteri (at doses of 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) in the indomethacin-induced gastric damage model was tested, and nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gastric levels were determinate. The volatile oil obtained by steam distillation (0.63% yield) contained 37 constituents, as assessed by GC-MS analysis, where the significant compounds were 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol (20.54%) and (Z)-3-butylidenephthalide (20.54%) that correspond to phthalide monomers. These results demonstrate that nanoemulsion of the volatile oil from L. porteri (at 10 and 30 mg/kg) shows a significant gastroprotective effect (72 and 92% respectively) against indomethacin-induced gastric damage, which is not different from the gastroprotective effect of omeprazole (69%) (p

Graphical abstract, Highlights • E. uchi stem bark hydroethanolic extract in zebrafish. • Evaluating the in silico pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters. • Behavioral, biochemical and histopathological changes was dose dependent. • In silico bergenin and its metabolites showed high intestinal absorption. • Bergenin inhibited CYP2C9, CYP3A4 and CYP2C19., Endopleura uchi, is used for the treatment of inflammatory disease and related to the female reproductive tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of the Endopleura uchi stem bark hydroethanolic extract (EEu) in zebrafish, emphasizing the histopathological and biochemical parameters, as well as evaluating the in silico pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters of the phytochemical/pharmacological marker, bergenin, as their metabolites. The animals were orally treated with EEu at a single dose of 75 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg. the oral LD50 of the EEu higher to the dose of 3000 mg/kg. Behavioral, biochemical and histopathological changes were dose dependent. In silico pharmacokinetic predictions for bergenin and its metabolites showed moderate absorption in high human intestinal absorption (HIA) and Caco-2 models, reduced plasma protein binding, by low brain tissue binding and no P-glycoprotein (P-Gp) inhibition. Their metabolism is defined by the CYP450 enzyme, in addition to bergenin inhibition of CYP2C9, CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. In the bergenin and its metabolites in silico toxicity test it have been shown to cause carcinogenicity and a greater involvement of the bergenin with the CYP enzymes in the I and II hepatic and renal metabolism’s phases was observed. It is possible to suggest that the histopathological damages are involved with the interaction of this major compound and its metabolites at the level of the cellular-biochemical mechanisms which involve the absorption, metabolization and excretion of these possible prodrug and drug.

Some significant compounds present in annatto are geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols. These compounds have beneficial effects against hyperlipidemia and chronic diseases, where oxidative stress and inflammation are present, but the exact mechanism of action of such activities is still a subject of research. This study aimed to evaluate possible mechanisms of action that could be underlying the activities of these molecules. For this, in silico approaches such as ligand topology (PASS and SEA servers) and molecular docking with the software GOLD were used. Additionally, we screened some pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters using the servers PreADMET, SwissADME, and ProTox-II. The results corroborate the antidyslipidemia and anti-inflammatory activities of geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols. Notably, some new mechanisms of action were predicted to be potentially underlying the activities of these compounds, including inhibition of squalene monooxygenase, lanosterol synthase, and phospholipase A

Some significant compounds present in annatto are geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols. These compounds have beneficial effects against hyperlipidemia and chronic diseases, where oxidative stress and inflammation are present, but the exact mechanism of action of such activities is still a subject of research. This study aimed to evaluate possible mechanisms of action that could be underlying the activities of these molecules. For this, in silico approaches such as ligand topology (PASS and SEA servers) and molecular docking with the software GOLD were used. Additionally, we screened some pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters using the servers PreADMET, SwissADME, and ProTox-II. The results corroborate the antidyslipidemia and anti-inflammatory activities of geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols. Notably, some new mechanisms of action were predicted to be potentially underlying the activities of these compounds, including inhibition of squalene monooxygenase, lanosterol synthase, and phospholipase A2. These results give new insight into new mechanisms of action involved in these molecules from annatto and Chronic®.

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson, Verbenaceae, is considered a great source of a bioactive volatile oil. Due to the wide range of known chemotypes, its chemical analysis is very important. Among the several activities of this volatile oil, a potential larvicidal action against Culicidae species is highlighted. However, the low water miscibility of volatile oils limits their application in aqueous media. Oil in water nano-emulsions are in the spotlight of novelty to solve this main problem. Thus, the aim of the present study was to obtain this nanostructured system with L. alba volatile oil (citral chemotype) and evaluate its larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. The major compounds were geranial (30.02%) and neral (25.26%). Low mean droplet size (117.0 ± 1.0 nm) and low polydispersity index (0.231 ± 0.004) were observed and no major changes were observed after seven days of storage. LC50 values against C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti third-instar larvae were respectively 38.22 and 31.02 ppm, while LC90 values were, respectively, 59.42 and 47.19 ppm. The present study makes use of a low energy, solvent-free and ecofriendly method with reduced costs. Thus, this paper contributes significantly to phyto-nanobiotechnology of larvicidal agents, opening perspectives for the utilization of L. alba volatile oil in integrated practices of vector control. Keywords: Colloidal system, Droplet size distribution, Miniemulsion, Larvicide

Kefiran is a polysaccharide present in kefir grains that have been widely explored due to its potential health benefits. The objective of this work was to characterize and quantify the components present in the ethanolic extract of milk kefir grains; to study its pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties in silico and evaluate the acute toxicity of the kefiran in zebrafish. The prediction of pharmacokinetic properties was performed by QikProp software. In silico toxicity assessment was performed using the DEREK (deductive estimate of risk from existing knowledge) software. In the chromatographic, kefiran was identified as the major component. Results showed that the kefiran had low human oral absorption and intestinal absorption its due poor solubility profile; low logP value, indicating its lipophilicity and the low MDCK and Caco-2 cells permability, and unable to cross the blood–brain barrier. Kefiran did not present any structural warning for in silico toxicity. In zebrafish, the dose of 2,000 mg/kg of kefiran produced nonsignificant alterations in the analyzed organs. It can be said then that kefiran has an acceptable degree of safety for use in the development of drugs or functional foods. Further research such as in vivo testing to confirm its pharmacological potential is currently underway.

The zebrafish is a popular organism to test the toxicity of compounds. Here, we evaluate the acute and reproductive toxicity of Ormona SI® (OSI) and RC® (ORC), two herbal products developed for menopausal women with tocotrienols, geranylgeraniol, isoflavones, and anthocyanins. The acute toxicity was evaluated by behavioral alterations, lethality, and tissue changes (intestine, liver, kidney) after oral treatment with high product doses (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg). The reproductive toxicity was evaluated after 21 days of oral treatment with OSI and ORC at 200 mg/kg. Our results show that the LD50 could not be assessed due to the low mortality rate even with the highest dose; the behavioral alterations were not different from those of the group treated only with the vehicle (2% DMSO). The tissue changes were minor in OSI and more severe in ORC at the highest (2000 mg/kg) dose, while no tissue abnormality was observed at 500 mg/kg. In the reproductive assessment, continuous treatment could decrease the maturation of the reproductive cells, which also significantly decreases the egg spawning. This effect was attributed to the estrogenic activity of the isoflavones. In conclusion, the acute toxicity analysis shows that the products did not elicit lethal or sublethal effects observed in the model when used up to 500 mg/kg. Regarding the reproductive toxicity, decreased fertility was observed, which was expected due to the presence of isoflavones (phytoestrogens). Considering that the product is intended for menopausal and postmenopausal women, the presence of isoflavones is beneficial. Further studies should be performed to corroborate these results in mammals.

The species Trattinnickia rhoifolia Willd, (T. rhoifolia), which belongs to the Burseraceae family, is widely used in ethnopharmacological cultural practices by traditional Amazonian people for anti-inflammatory purposes, sometimes as their only therapeutic resource. Although it is used in teas, infusions, macerations and in food, the species is still unexplored in regard to its pharmacophoric potential and chemical profile. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a phytochemical characterization of the hydroethanolic extract of T. rhoifolia leaves (HELTr) and to evaluate the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of this species using zebrafish (Danio rerio). The extract was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The evaluation of the acute toxicity of the HELTr in adult zebrafish was determined using the limit test (2000 mg/kg), with behavioral and histopathological evaluations, in addition to the analysis of the anti-inflammatory potential of HELTr in carrageenan-induced abdominal edema, followed by the use of the computational method of molecular docking. The phytochemical profile of the species is chemically diverse, suggesting the presence of the fatty acids, ester, alcohol and benzoic acid classes, including propanoic acid, ethyl ester and hexadecanoic acid. In the studies of zebrafish performed according to the index of histopathological changes (IHC), the HELTr did not demonstrate toxicity in the behavioral and histopathological assessments, since the vital organs remained unchanged. Carrageenan-induced abdominal edema was significantly reduced at all HELTr doses (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg) in relation to the negative control, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while the 200 mg/kg dose showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in relation to the positive control (indomethacin). With these activities being confirmed by molecular docking studies, they showed a good profile for the inhibition of the enzyme Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), as the interactions established at the sites of the receptors used in the docking study were similar to the controls (RCX, IMN and CEL). Therefore, the HELTr has an acceptable degree of safety for acute toxicity, defined in the analysis of behavioral changes, mortality and histopathology, with a significant anti-inflammatory action in zebrafish at all doses, which demonstrates the high pharmacophoric potential of the species. These results may direct future applications and drug development but still require further elucidation.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of co-treatment with purified annatto oil (PAO) or its granules (GRA, Chronic®) with that of testosterone on the orchiectomy-induced osteoporosis in Wistar rats. After surgery, rats were treated from day 7 until day 45 with testosterone only (TES, 7 mg/kg, IM) or TES + PAO or GRA (200 mg/kg, p.o.). The following parameters were evaluated: food/water intake, weight, HDL, LDL, glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), alkaline phosphatase levels, blood phosphorus and calcium contents, femur weight, structure (through scanning electron microscopy), and calcium content (through atomic absorption spectrophotometry). Our results show that orchiectomy could significantly change the blood lipid profile and decrease bone integrity parameters. Testosterone reposition alone could improve some endpoints, including LDL, TC, bone weight, and bone calcium concentration. However, other parameters were not significantly improved. Co-treatment with PAO or GRA improved the blood lipid profile and bone integrity more significantly and improved some endpoints not affected by testosterone reposition alone (such as TG levels and trabeculae sizes). The results suggest that co-treatment with annatto products improved the blood lipid profile and the anti-osteoporosis effects of testosterone. Overall, GRA had better results than PAO.

Hancornia speciosa Gomes is a tree native to Brazil and has therapeutic potential for several diseases. Ethnopharmacological surveys have reported that the plant is used as a hypoglycemic agent and to lose weight. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract from H. speciosa latex (LxHs) in a zebrafish model of diabetes. The extract was evaluated through high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HTPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). We then tested treatments with LxHs (500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg) by assessing blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic animals, and metformin was used as a control. The toxicity was evaluated through histopathology of the pancreas and biochemical assessment of serum levels of AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea. The extract was also assessed for acute toxicity through several parameters in embryos and adult animals. Finally, we performed in silico analysis through the SEA server and docking using the software GOLD. The phytochemical study showed the compounds cornoside, dihydrocornoide, and 1-O-methyl-myoinositol (bornesitol). The treatment with all doses of LxHs significantly decreased alloxan-induced hyperglycemia without any significant histological or biochemical abnormalities. No significant frequency of teratogenesis was observed in the embryos exposed to the extract, and no significant behavioral changes or deaths were observed in adult animals. In silico, the results showed a potential interaction between inositol and enzymes involved in carbohydrates’ metabolism. Overall, the results show a hypoglycemic activity of the extract in vivo, with no apparent toxicity. The computational studies suggest this could be at least partially due to the presence of bornesitol, since inositols can interact with carbohydrates’ enzymes.

Hancornia speciosa Gomes is a tree native to Brazil and has therapeutic potential for several diseases. Ethnopharmacological surveys have reported that the plant is used as a hypoglycemic agent and to lose weight. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract from H. speciosa latex (LxHs) in a zebrafish model of diabetes. The extract was evaluated through high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HTPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). We then tested treatments with LxHs (500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg) by assessing blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic animals, and metformin was used as a control. The toxicity was evaluated through histopathology of the pancreas and biochemical assessment of serum levels of AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea. The extract was also assessed for acute toxicity through several parameters in embryos and adult animals. Finally, we performed in silico analysis through the SEA server and docking using the software GOLD. The phytochemical study showed the compounds cornoside, dihydrocornoide, and 1-O-methyl-myoinositol (bornesitol). The treatment with all doses of LxHs significantly decreased alloxan-induced hyperglycemia without any significant histological or biochemical abnormalities. No significant frequency of teratogenesis was observed in the embryos exposed to the extract, and no significant behavioral changes or deaths were observed in adult animals. In silico, the results showed a potential interaction between inositol and enzymes involved in carbohydrates’ metabolism. Overall, the results show a hypoglycemic activity of the extract in vivo, with no apparent toxicity. The computational studies suggest this could be at least partially due to the presence of bornesitol, since inositols can interact with carbohydrates’ enzymes.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector of several diseases, such as dengue, malaria and the Zika virus. Synthetic insecticides such as chlorpyrifos and chlorothalonil have been used for plague control, despite causing damage to the environment and to humans. It is therefore important to study natural active compounds with a low environmental impact. The present paper developed an environmentally friendly formulation of silk fibroin (SF) associated with fatty acid esters [ethyl (FAEE-SF), propyl (FAPE-SF) and butyl (FABE-SF)] from Astrocaryum murumuru Mart. fat, which was effective against Aedes aegypti 3th instar larvae. The FABE-SF nanoemulsion induced a higher mortality rate in the larvae of the A. aegypti after 48 h (LC50 = 18.92 µg / mL). The stabilities of the nanoemulsions were monitored for 21 days, and FABE-SF exhibited greater stability throughout the monitored period, with average particle, zeta and PDI values of around 217 ± 0.85 nm, -25.6 ± 3.24 mV and 0.338 ± 0.01, respectively. This paper reported the first effective action of fatty acid esters from A. murumuru Mart. associated with silk fibroin against A. aegypti. The FABE-SF solution also had a low hemolytic index, suggesting that treatment may be safe for animal and human use.

Fatty amides (N-alkylamides) are a group of bioactive lipids widely distributed in microorganisms, animals, and plants. The low yield in the extraction process of spilantol, a grease amide, which has been related mainly to diverse biological effects, compromises its application on a large scale. Thus, this study proposed an alternative to the synthesis of fatty amides from Bertholletia excelsa (AGBe) oil, with a chemical structure similar to that of spilantol. In vivo models induced by carrageenan were used in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). In in vivo studies, oral AGBe produced no signs of toxicity. In the histopathological study, AGBe did not cause significant changes in the main metabolizing organs (liver, kidneys, and intestines). In the anti-inflammatory evaluation, all doses (45 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg) were effective, significantly reducing edema and producing a dose-response effect when compared to spilantol. In the in silico study, with the use of molecular docking, he showed that among the AGBe, the molecules 18:1, ω-7-ethanolamine and 18:1, ω-9-ethanolamine stood out, which had 21 interactions for COX-2 and 20 interactions for PLA2, respectively, surpassing the spilantol standard with 15 interactions for COX-2 and PLA2. The hypothesis of anti-inflammatory action was confirmed in the in silico study, demonstrating the involvement of AGBe in the process of inhibiting the enzymes COX-2 and PLA2. Therefore, based on all the results obtained and the fact that until the dose of 1000 mg/kg, orally, in zebrafish, it was not possible to determine the LD50, it can be said that AGBe is effective and safe for the activity anti-inflammatory.

The main constituents of the Euterpe oleracea Mart., Arecaceae, fruits (açaí) are anthocyanins. This paper aimed to standardize the extraction process and characterize an anthocyanin-rich dry extract obtained from this fruit. A 23 full factorial design was used. The volumes of ethanol 92% and acetic acid and the extraction time were used as factors. Total solids and anthocyanins content were used as feedback. The dry extract was obtained by freeze-drying. The content of anthocyanins was determined spectrophotometrically. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimeter, Thermogravimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry were used for characterizingthe dry extract. The DPPH method was used for evaluating radical scavenging activity. The extraction conditions were established. The most influent factor was the volume of acetic acid. The dry extract moisture content was equal to 1.39 ± 0.25%, the evaporation residue 97.25 ± 1.28%, total ashes 0.62 ± 0.12%, and the anthocyanin content was 61.75 ± 3.28%. The elemental composition shows the presence of manganese 4.85 ppm, iron 1.62 ppm, zinc 0.05, copper 1.38 ppm, calcium 1.01 ppm, cadmium 0.003 ppm, nickel 0.37 ppm, and lead 0.38 ppm. The dried extract IC50 estimated by the radical scavenging assay with DPPH was 31.25 ± 2.31 ppm. The optimal extraction conditions were: the volume of ethanol 92%: 400 ml; volume of acetic acid: 75 ml; an extraction time: 4 h. Keywords: Açai, Anthocyanins, Antioxidant, Dry extract, Extraction, Factorial design

The inhabitants of the floodplain of the Mazagão River in the State of Amapá in the Brazilian Amazon have inherited from indigenous African and Cabocla cultures indications for the use and forms of preparation of medicinal plants to cure diseases of the body and spirit. This study aimed to perform an ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants used by the riparian community of the floodplains of the Mazagão River, in the State of Amapá. In this study, we chose semistructured interviews with socioeconomic, ethnopharmacological, and ethnobotanical aims. The collection of medicinal plants occurred during guided tours. The Use Value (UV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Correction Factor (CF), and Fidelity level (FL) were calculated. There were 130 species of medicinal plants, distributed in 116 genera and 57 families; Fabaceae (16), Lamiaceae (14), Euphorbiaceae (7), and Arecaceae (6) include 33.33% of the total species sampled. All 95 native species of floodplain forests were previously described, and 35 are exotic species. The species with the highest UV (≥ 0.5) at the mouth of the Mazagão River were Carapa guianensis (0.91), Pentachlethra macroloba (0.83), Dalbergia subcymosa (0.77), Uncaria tomentosa (0.75), Otacanthus azureus (0.62), Virola surinamensis (0.62), Hura crepitans (0.58), Euterpe oleracea (0.56), and Arrabidaea chica (0.51). These species were also the ones that presented the highest ICF among the informants and 100% in FL for a specific therapeutic use. The study is comprised of 16 categories of therapeutic use, of which the majority of the plants used are related to diseases such as microbial infections (20.67%, 73 species), gastrointestinal disorders (13.31%), and inflammation (11.61%). The results showed that knowledge about the use of medicinal plants along the rivers and streams that form the mouth of the Mazagão River is evenly distributed. Most of the interviewees present diversified knowledge about the medicinal resources because they have a close relationship with the floodplain forest. Native species of this forest predominate among the most commonly used medicinal plants as subsidies for future pharmacological studies.

The use of wood residues and their extracts as sources for bioactive molecules not only helps to reduce the environmental impacts of the wastage produced by timber industry but also provide innumerous biotechnological application opportunities, including the development of novel insecticide products. Here, the insecticidal and repellent (in gel and cream formulations) potential of wood extracts of the Neotropical plant “purple ipe”, Tabebuia heptaphylla (Bignoniaceae) against the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti are investigated. Firstly, the chemical composition of the chloroform and hexane extracts obtained from T. heptaphylla residues is analyzed and their insecticidal activities are assessed against A. aegypti larvae. Furthermore, the repellence and oviposition deterrence actions of these extracts were evaluated against adult mosquito females. Computational docking analysis was also conducted to predict the physical interactions between the major constituents of the T. heptaphylla residue extracts and the odorant binding receptor of A. aegypti. Despite the fact that the 2,6-di-tert-butylnaphthalene was the major constituent (53.3%) in the T. heptaphylla hexanoic extract, the presence of lapachol, 2-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-1,4-naphthalenedione, as major constituent in both wood extracts combined with the computational docking analysis, strongly suggest the lapachol as the major factor of the insecticidal/repellent effects of T. heptaphylla wood extracts. The computational docking analysis predicted significant binding of lapachol with the internal active pocket of the mosquito odorant binding receptor, which helps to explain the up to 3 h protection against bites of A. aegypti females provided by gel and cream formulations containing the T. heptaphylla residue extracts. Collectively, the findings demonstrated relevant biotechnological and environmentally-friend opportunities (i.e., production of biopesticides) for the wood residues produced by timber activities during the extraction and processing of T. heptaphylla trees.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect, antioxidant, α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activity, and the cytotoxicity of the Cassia grandis nanodispersion (CgND). Methods: The hypoglycemic effect was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The particle size, polydispersion index, ζ-potential, and conductivity, as well as the drug-loaded content, were monitored in shelf-live, along a year. The delivery profile was evaluated in simulated intestinal fluids at pH 6.5 and 7.4. The antioxidant effect was evaluated as DPPH and ABTS inhibition. The murine α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and the lipase-inhibitory effect were evaluated in vitro. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by the Alamar blue test. Results: CgND remained stable for a year in shelf conditions. The hypoglycemic effect in a dose of 10 mg/kg was not statistically different from glibenclamide 25 mg/kg. Nanoparticles released 100% of extract in 120 min at pH 6.5 and 7.4. Nanodispersion exhibited a potent α-glucosidase and lipase-inhibitory effect with IC50 of 3.96 and 0.58 µg/mL, respectively. A strong antioxidant activity against DPPH (IC50 0.65 µg/mL) and ABTS (0.48 µg/mL) was also observed. The hypoglycemic effect could occur, at least in part, via antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition. CgND is non-cytotoxic in MRC-5 line cell. This nanodispersion is a promising nanotechnological product that could be used in pharmaceuticals for the treatment of Type II diabetes and related complications as obesity. Keywords: Hypoglycemic, Nanodispersion, Cassia grandis, Lipase inhibitory, Alpha-glucosidase, Antioxidant

Ethnopharmacological relevance Plant species Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae; Synonyms: Salvia rosmarinus Schleid. and Rosmarinus angustifolius Mill.) is a herb widely used worldwide. In local and traditional medicine, its used for inflammation-related diseases. Currently, studies report anti-inflammatory activity in its essential oil (EORO). However, to better understand EORO’s anti-inflammatory activity its necessary to understand its phytochemistry and the signaling pathways affected by it. Hence, this review aimed to describe EORO phytochemical profile, ethnopharmacological uses, some biological activities of EORO will be described but emphasizing its anti-inflammatory potential and possible mechanisms of action involved. Materials and methods The research was performed using the databases Medline, Embase, BVS Regional Portal, Science Direct, CAPES Journals, and Scopus; using the keywords “Rosmarinus officinalis”, “anti-inflammatory” and “essential oil”. Additional information was gathered from related textbooks, reviews, and documents. Results and discussion Until now about 150 chemical compounds were identified in EORO samples, more frequently reported molecules were 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and camphor. Studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of EORO occur mainly through inhibition of NF-κB transcription and suppression of arachidonic acid cascade. Its antioxidant activity also aids by preventing injury caused by the reactive species of inflammation; its smooth muscle relaxant activity contributes to ameliorating airway inflammatory diseases. Lastly, toxicity assessments indicate low toxicity to EORO. Conclusions Current evidence indicates anti-inflammatory activity in EORO, supporting its ethnopharmacological uses in inflammatory-related diseases, and potential future applications. However, although considerable acute inflammatory models were tested, more chronic inflammatory models are needed; clinical studies are still absent, this may be due to the high doses needed for essential oils to exert pharmacological effects, but recent studies show this issue can be bypassed using the oil formulated as nanoemulsions to improve its bioavailability.

α-Sanshool is an alkamide isolated from the stem bark of Zanthoxylum liebmannianum, a Mexican medicinal plant known as Colopahtle. Our research group has reported that the intraperitoneal administration of α-sanshool induces tonic-clonic seizures in mice. In the present study, we investigated the convulsive effect of this alkamide and elucidated its mechanism of action by comparing with well-known convulsive and anticonvulsive drugs in an in vivo approach. α-Sanshool showed a potent (ED50 [CL 95%]=3.06 [2.92–3.22] mg/kg) and immediate (2±2 s) seizure effect after the intraperitoneal administration in mice. The convulsive effect of this alkamide was only observed for intraperitoneal administration; the oral route did not show any effect. α-Sanshool was less potent than strychnine (ED50 [CL 95%]=1.53 [1.44–1.62] mg/kg), but more effective than bicuculline, 4-aminopyridine, affinin, and pentylenetetrazol, in that order. The seizures induced by α-sanshool were reduced by capsazepine and diazoxide, suggesting the involvement of TRPV1 and potassium channels in the mechanism of action of this compound.

The present study describes a new species of the genus Sphaerospora found in the urinary bladder of the flag cichlid, Mesonauta festivus collected in Corre Água district of the municipality of Macapá, Amapá State (Brazil). The study includes morphological and phylogenetic analyses of the new parasite, to determine the relationship of the new species with related myxosporean species. The new species has polysporous plasmodia, which vary in size and shape. The mature myxospores are subspherical shape in valvar view. In the sutural view, the myxospores are 5.3±0.2 (5.2-5.6) μm in length and 7.0±0.7 (6.3-7.7) μm in width, with two piriform polar capsules equal size, 2.5±0.2 (2.3-2.8) μm in length and 1.8±0.2 (1.6-2.0) μm in width. The phylogenetic analyses of a partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene confirmed the status of the new species and determined the relationship of the new species and related myxosporean species.The sum of the evidence indicates that, Sphaerospora festivus n. sp. belongs to the family Sphaerosporidae, and is the first record of the genus Sphaerospora from Brazil.

Increasing efforts have been observed for the development of eco-friendly mosquitocides against arboviruses vectors. The diseases transmitted by some mosquitoes have been of global concern, being huge problems of public health in low-income countries and recent cases in developing countries opened an alert. The control may be performed in the mature form of the mosquitoes or the immature forms, such as larvae and pupae. Growing interest is observed for the nano-based formulations, especially those prepared with natural products. Therefore, this chapter shows recent advances through a revision of the literature and summary of the researches that bring the main nanoformulations and their respective bioactivities against mosquito vectors.

The gastrointestinal tract contains thousands of microorganisms present in the mucosa, derived from several different species, and these microorganisms have a direct relationship with immunity, homeostasis, and certain systemic diseases. The microorganisms present in kefir grains interact with the gastrointestinal and immune systems as well as with the intestinal microbiota. Isoflavones are the most commonly consumed phytoestrogens, with aglycone and glycoside forms. Therefore, in this study, the content of aglycone isoflavones released from kefir associated with soybean germ (KSG) was evaluated in a gastrointestinal digestion model in vitro, and the anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of KSG and the fermentation solution of kefir (FSK) were evaluated in models of anxiety and depression in zebrafish (Danio rerio). KSG was prepared as the 4-day fermentation product of 40 g/L brown sugar, 10 g/L soy germ, and 60 g/L kefir. Isoflavone content was evaluated during the gastric, intestinal, and colon phases in simulated gastrointestinal digestion and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. KSG was administered orally to zebrafish for 30 days, at 200 mg/kg (group G1) and 400 mg/kg (G2), while G3 received 2 μL SFK. The scototaxis test (light–dark) was performed to assess anxiolytic activity, using caffeine (100 mg/kg) as an anxiolytic, buspirone (25 mg/kg) as a positive control, and distilled water as a negative control. To assess antidepressant activity, a new tank dive test was performed, using 1% ethanol as a depressant, fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) as a positive control, and distilled water as a negative control. An increase in the release of isoflavones in the gastric phase and a decrease in the intestinal and colon phases was demonstrated with KSG. Moreover, the behavioral patterns observed in the different experiments demonstrated that KSG and FSK produce anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T19:49:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-02-12 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Procad Amazonia Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The objectives of this study were to extract and purify Bixin from the seeds of Bixa orellana and to evaluate its hypoglycemic activity in vivo, as well as, to conduct an in silico study of selectivity on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Oral administration of Bixin (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced their glucose level that was alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Bixin showed in silico selectivity on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), particularly by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), which supports the hypoglycemic activity of Bixin. From the results obtained, it can be inferred that Bixin presents hypoglycemic characteristics, which was confirmed by the results obtained from the in vivo and in silico tests. Bixin may act by other pathways to control blood glucose and thus it is possible that it presents a different toxicity profile than troglitazone, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. However, more studies on the activity and toxicity of Bixin are needed to evaluate for further clinical use. Univ Fed Amapa, Dept Biol Sci & Hlth, Lab Drugs Discovery, Macapa, Brazil Univ Sierra, Div Postgrade, Ixtlan De Juarez, Mexico Univ Fed Amapa, Dept Biol Sci & Hlth, Lab Modeling & Computat Chem, Macapa, Brazil Univ Fed Amapa, Res Grp Biocatalysis & Apllied Organ Synth, Macapa, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Nat Act Principles & Toxicol, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Cellular & Mol Biol, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Fac Chem, Dept Pharm, Lab Pharmacol Nat Prod, Mexico City, DF, Mexico Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Bioinformat Grp, Dept Genet, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Nat Act Principles & Toxicol, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Araraquara, SP, Brazil CAPES: PNPD/20130076-14001012005P1 Procad Amazonia: Auxpe - 1723/2018 CNPq: 407768/2013-0

The objectives of this study were to extract and purify Bixin from the seeds of

This study reports the synthesis of fatty acid amides (FAA), analogous to anandamide, prepared from Brazil nut oil (BNO), using Amano lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens as a catalyst of direct aminolysis, with a good yield (95-68%). The anti-inflammatory effects of BNO and FAA were evaluated by the carrageenan-induced paw edema method. Analysis of the formation of edema showed that these FAA, at all dose used, significantly reduced the development of edema.

Ethnobotanical relevance Spondias mombin L. is a plant dispersed throughout the tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia, being found mainly in the North and Northeast of Brazil, where the leaves are used in preparations for neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, it is of great importance to carry out studies in different pharmacological models that can prove the traditional use of this plant species. Materials and methods the hydroethanolic extract from S. mombin leaves (HELSm) was evaluated by oral administration (25 mg/kg) and by immersion (25 mg/l) in scototaxis test in zebrafish (Danio rerio). For this study, caffeine (100 mg/kg) and buspirone (25 mg/kg) were used as standard drugs. The antidepressant action of the HELSm was evaluated assessed in the novel tank diving test (NTDT). In this study, a group with 1% ethanol, one with unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS), and another with developmental, social isolation (DSI) were used as induction groups for depression-like behavior and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) as a drug pattern. Results by the HPLC-UV fingerprint analysis, the HELSm presented several derivatives of polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids and identified ellagic acid and isoquercitrin, and by the gas-chromatographic, the majority of the identified compounds were fatty acids, esters, and alcohols. By immersion, the LC50 was 49.86 mg/l and by oral via the LD50 in 48 h, was 4.515 g/kg in zebrafish. For all spatiotemporal and behavioral variables (time spent, white compartment, latency, toggle, erratic swimming, freezing duration, thigmotaxis, and risk assessment), the treatment with HELSm produced a similar effect to buspirone and was significant when compared to the caffeine and control group (p Conclusions Our results suggest that the acute administration of the HELSm in the scototaxis and NTDT tests in a zebrafish model (Danio rerio) produced anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, devoid of hypnotic and sedative actions by immersion, and this action was improved when administered by oral via. Possibly, the presence of isoquercitrin in the leaves of Spondias mombin participates in the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) is the main vector of some neglected diseases, including dengue. It is very important to develop formulations that increase effectiveness of vector control with low toxicity. Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid that modulates the development of some insects. The low water solubility of quercetin impairs the development of water-dispersible commercial products. To circumvent this problem, the preparation of nanoformulations is considered promising. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of bulk and quercetin nanosuspension against A. aegypti larvae and also to investigate their ecotoxicity. Quercetin nanosuspension was produced by a solvent displacement method followed by solvent evaporation and was maintained in two different temperatures (4 and 25 °C). Its size distribution and zeta potential were monitored along 30 days. The influence of quercetin nanosuspension and bulk-quercetin was investigated at various concentrations against A. aegypti and the green algae Chlorella vulgaris. The quercetin nanosuspension presented higher stability at 4 °C and negative zeta potential values. Quercetin nanosuspension and bulk-quercetin adversely affected the larvae development, especially at the highest concentrations. Larvae mortality was between 44% and 100% (48 h) for quercetin nanosuspension at 100 and 500 ppm, respectively. The bulk-quercetin induced around 50% mortality regardless the concentration used at this same time-period. Absence of emerging mosquitoes from water was observed on the survival larvae of all the treated groups. Quercetin nanosuspension was less toxic than bulk-quercetin against C. vulgaris, especially at higher concentrations. These data indicate that quercetin nanosuspension may represent a potential larvicide for A. aegypti control, once they induced larvae death and inhibited the survival ones to emerge from water. In addition, it did not demonstrated ecotoxicity against a non-target organism, highlighting its better properties, when compared to the bulk-quercetin. Keywords: Culicidae, Ecotoxicity, Larvicide, Nanocarrier, Flavonoid

Hydroethanolic preparations of the botanical species Acmella oleracea L. are used in the north of Brazil for the treatment of various diseases. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the toxicity of this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of A. oleracea L. (EHFAo) flowers in zebrafish by immersion and oral administration. The extract was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography&ndash, mass spectrometry (UPLC&ndash, MS). EHFAo was administered orally (44.457, 88.915, 199.94, 281.83, and 448.81 mg/kg) and by immersion (250, 300, 350, 400, and 450 &micro, g/L). Behavioral and histopathological analysis of gills, liver, intestine, and kidney were performed. The presence of (2E,6Z,8E)-N-isobutyl-2,6,8-decatrienamide (spilanthol) in EHFAo was identified by ultra-high-re.solution liquid chromatography&ndash, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UHPLC&ndash, ESI-MS). Treatment with EHFAo caused significant behavioral changes and death. The calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 148.42 mg/kg, and the calculated median lethal concentration (LC50) was 320 &mu, g/L. In the histopathological study, it was observed that upon oral treatment, the tissue alterations that compromised the normal functioning of the organism occurred with EHFAo doses of 88.915, 199.53, and 281.83 mg/kg, the intestine being the most affected. When the treatment was performed by immersion, the most toxic EHFAo concentrations according to the histopathological evaluation were 300, 350, and 400 &mu, g/L, with the most affected organ being the gills. Finally, EHFAo in this study was shown to be more toxic to the liver, intestine, and kidneys when administered orally and to gills, liver, and kidneys when administered by immersion in water. Therefore, considering the results obtained and the chemical characteristics of the main phytochemical marker of EHFAo, spilanthol, it can be suggested that, depending on the dose, this compound can lead to histopathological damages in the organs highlighted in this study.

The plant species Libidibia ferrea (Mart. ex Tul.) LP Queiroz var. ferrea basionym of Caesalpinia ferrea (Mart. ex Tul.) is used in various regions of Brazil in folk medicine in the treatment of several health problems, especially in acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Most of the preparations employed are alcoholic. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of fruits of Libidibia ferrea (EHEFLf) in zebrafish, emphasizing the possible changes in the organic-cellular level of the gills, liver, kidneys, and intestine and on embryos. The result obtained by LC-M/MS from EHEFLf indicated a high concentration of possible polyhydroxylated substances. EHEFLf, at a dose of 2 g/kg orally, produced non-significant alterations of the analyzed organs. However, for embryos, the treatment with different concentrations demonstrated heart toxicity that was concentration-dependent. There is no evidence of a correlation of the observed effects with the phytochemical composition, and considering the species of animal used, it can be suggested that the oral use of L. ferrea hydroethanolic extract has an acceptable degree of safety for use as an oral medicinal product. and embryo results have shown significant affinity to the heart, however, it is perceived to be related to the concentrations used.

Mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, are important vectors of diseases, such as dengue fever, chikungunya fever, Zika virus, and filariasis, and these diseases are public health problems. The present study was carried out to evaluate the larvicidal activity of the hydroethanolic extract from leaves of Acmella oleracea leaves against 3rd instar larvae of the Ae. aegypti dengue vector and the Cx. quinquefasciatus filariasis vector. The hydroethanolic extract caused significant mortality in Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus. After 24 h of exposure to the extract, it was possible to establish the LC50 values for the extract: 11.41 ppm for Ae. aegypti and LC50 32.40 ppm for Cx. quinquefasciatus. The hydroethanolic extract from leaves of A. oleracea showed very low ecotoxicity suggesting that it can be used without causing environmental damage. This is the first study that shows the use of hydroethanolic extract from leaves of A. oleracea as an alternative to synthetic larvicides to eliminate larvae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus in an easy, cheap and safe way.

The amidation of fatty acid is an important reaction for synthesis of fatty alkolamines with a variety of pharmacological activities. The objective of this paper was to demonstrate the aminolysis direct and solvent of the triglycerides from the patawa oil by heterogeneous catalysis. The results of the amidation direct free solvents were favorable using 5% Al2O3 as catalyst, with a conversion of 94% at 24 h of reaction. After spectroscopic characterization, we decided explore the antimicrobial tests of the fatty amides (FAA) against the Staphylococcus aureus strain (ATCC 33591), showing a MIC activity of 1.9612 mg/mL and the fatty ethyl esters (FAEE) a 3.4125 mg/mL MIC. Therefore, the synthesis direct free solvents of FAA by Al2O3 from patawa oil was viable and innovative.

Plant-derived products may represent promising strategies in the treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). From this perspective, it is observed that the Amazon phytogeographic region contains the tribe Canarieae of the Burseraceae family, composed of trees and shrubs supplied with resin channels. Its uses in folk medicine are related to aromatic properties, which have numerous medicinal applications and are present in reports from traditional peoples, sometimes as the only therapeutic resource. Despite its economic and pharmacological importance in the region, and although the family is distributed in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world, most of the scientific information available is limited to Asian and African species. Therefore, the present work aimed to review the secondary metabolites with possible pharmacological potential of the species Trattinnickia rhoifolia Willd, popularly known as “Breu sucuruba”. To this end, an identification key was created for chemical compounds with greater occurrence in the literature of the genus Trattinnickia. The most evident therapeutic activities in the consulted studies were antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, anesthetic and antiparasitic. An expressive chemical and pharmacological relevance of the species was identified, although its potential is insufficiently explored, mainly in the face of the NTDs present in the Brazilian Amazon.