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Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: The centre‐periphery hypothesis (CPH) states that peripheral populations exhibit lower genetic diversity, abundance and size, and higher differentiation compared to central populations, due to a decline in environmental suitability towards range margins. Here, we tested if neutral genetic diversity and functional leaf trait diversity fit the predicted patterns of the CPH. Location: Cerrado, Brazil. Taxon: Qualea grandiflora (Vochysiaceae) and Annona crassiflora (Annonaceae). Methods: Variation in eight functional leaf traits and nine or eight microsatellite loci were analysed in 37 populations (777 individuals) of Q. grandiflora and 21 populations (397 individuals) of A. crassiflora. We tested CPH using three distinct centres of species' range: geographical (centre of species' geographic occurrence), historical (centre of species' refugia) and ecological (centre of species' current suitability areas). Generalised linear regressions were performed between genetic diversity and differentiation, coefficients of variation and means of leaf metamer traits of populations and their distances from each centre. Results: A decrease in allele richness was observed from central towards peripheral populations for ecological (both species) and geographical centres (Q. grandiflora). Overall, the results for both species pointed to a decrease in metamer vigour towards marginal populations, pattern consistent with a decrease in environmental suitability towards periphery as predicted by CPH. Besides geographical and ecological centres, leaf traits fitted CPH considering historical centre. Main Conclusions: Results for leaf traits and genetic diversity of two phylogenetically distant species indicate the consistency of the CPH for Cerrado species. Our results highlight the importance of considering distinct centres and a great number of populations along species' range to better determinate the processes underlying the distribution of genetic diversity and functional traits. The low genetic diversity and metamer vigour in marginal populations can explain the Cerrado endemism of studied species and suggest that the ongoing climatic changes can be critical for their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gesunde Pflanzen is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Establishing new animal models for the study of inflammation is very important in the process of discovering new drugs, since the inflammatory event is the basis of many pathological processes. Whereas rodent models have been the primary focus of inflammation research, we defend the zebrafish (Danio rerio) test as a feasible alternative for preclinical studies. Moreover, despite all the technological development already achieved by humanity, nature can still be considered a relevant source of new medicines. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of a substance isolated from the medicinal plant Annona crassilfora Mart, the peltatoside, in an inflammatory model of zebrafish. It was determined: (i) total leukocyte count in the coelomate exudate; (ii) N-acetyl-β-d-glucuronidase (NAG); (iii) myeloperoxidase (MPO); (iv) and the histology of liver, intestine and mesentery. Peltotoside (25, 50 and 100 μg) and dexamethasone (25 μg) were administered intracelomatically (i.c.) 30 min before carrageenan (i.c.). Pretreatment with peltatoside at three doses significantly inhibited leukocyte recruitment in the coelomic cavity, and inhibited NAG and MPO activity against the action of Cg, in a similar manner as dexamethasone. However, some microlesions in the evaluated organs were detected. The dose of 25 μg showed an anti-inflammatory effect with lower undesirable effects in the tissues. Our results suggest that the zebrafish test was satisfactory in performing our analyzes and that the peltotoside has a modulatory action in reducing leukocyte migration. • Zebrafish is an important model to study inflammation. • The peltatoside isolated from Annona crassiflora Mart is a potential anti-inflammatory agent. • Researching new medicaments from natural sources is a promising field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop a fermented dairy beverage flavored with araticum pulp, assess its physicochemical characteristics, microbiological quality, and sensory preference by the consumer. Araticum pulp was prepared using two different methods: with or without bleaching (50 ºC/5 minutes). Formulations of fermented dairy beverages consisting of whey (50%), standardized pasteurized milk (50%), and seven different concentrations of bleached araticum pulp (5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5, and 20.0% w/v) were prepared. In addition, seven formulations of fermented dairy beverage, without adding araticum pulp, and consisting of varying proportions of whey (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100%) were developed. In all formulations, thickeners/stabilizers were added. All araticum pulp samples (with and without bleach) and fermented dairy beverages (with and without araticum pulp) were analyzed for the relevant physicochemical properties: pH, titratable acidity, acidity of pulp, acidity of fermented beverage, moisture, ash, fat, protein, crude fiber, ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, total solids, and caloric values. Microbiological counts of coliforms at 35 °C and 45 °C in the pulp and beverage, and molds and yeasts and Salmonella sp. in the pulp were obtained. Additionally, sensory analysis regarding preferences of the different fermented dairy beverage formulations was also performed. The araticum pulp samples without bleach, showed higher values of pH, moisture, protein, total fiber, and ascorbic acid, as compared to bleached pulp samples, while bleached araticum pulp showed higher values for other physicochemical parameters. Microbiological results showed that all pulps and fruit-dairy beverages were suitable for consumption. It was found that there was no significant consumer preference between different fermented beverage formulations, according to the different percentages of pulp. However, the formulations consisting of 40, 50, 60, and 70% whey were preferred over the one consisting of 100% whey.

We investigated the antidiarrhoeic effect of the aqueous extract of Annona crassiflora leaves (AEAC). The AEAC decreased the diarrhoeic stools and enteropooling induced by castor oil, without altering total faecal output; moreover, the distance travelled by charcoal meal in the intestine was increased. Twenty-eight compounds were identified by LC-DAD-MS in the AEAC, including flavonoids, alkaloids and proanthocyanidins. In addition, two oligomeric series of condensed tannins of up to nine flavan-3-ol units were characterised by MALDI-MS. These data suggest that the antidiarrhoeic effect of the AEAC is related to its ability to inhibit intestinal secretion and/or to increase intestinal absorption. Moreover, the prokinetic effect of AEAC, together with its inhibitory effect on enteropooling induced by castor oil, explains why this extract decreased diarrhoeic faeces without altering the total faecal output. All these effects are in agreement with the pharmacological activity reported in the literature for many of the secondary metabolites identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The aim of this work was to investigate the potential nematicidal activity of Annona crassiflora leaf extract against Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods The hydroalcoholic leaf extract and its fractions (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) were submitted to mobility assay against the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. GC-MS and NMR analysis were performed in order to identify metabolites. Results The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed to be the most active among the hydroalcoholic leaf extracts and its four fractions. The percentages of C. elegans larvae immobility were 98.13 and 89.66%, respectively, at a concentration of 1000 μg.mL−1. Besides some amino acids, palmitic acid methyl ester, 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, oleic acid methyl esther, stearic acid methyl ester, quercetin and kaempferol were also identified in these fractions. Conclusion The results indicated that of A. crassiflora leaf ethanolic extract has a good potential as a source for natural nematicide.

Annona crassiflora (Annonaceae) is a protogynous beetle-pollinated savannah tree species, widely distributed in the savannahs of the Cerrado biome. Studies on the mating system and pollen dispersal of protogynous species are very scarce. Here, we used six microsatellite loci to assess the mating system and pollen dispersal of A. crassiflora in a savannah remnant in Central Brazil. We mapped and sampled leaves of 112 adult trees and collected 74 fruits from 20 mother trees (1-4 fruits per plant) to obtain the seeds used (460) for mating system and parentage analyses. Annona crassiflora has predominantly allogamous mating systems, with a high multilocus outcrossing rate (tm = 0.974, SE = 0.011) that did not differ among mother trees (F = 1.32, p = 0.165). However, tm-ts was variable among seed trees, indicating that some seeds were produced by mating among relatives. Our results also showed multiple paternity within fruits. Multilocus correlation of outcrossed paternity was high (rp = 0.302, SE = 0.045), indicating that for each mother tree, the probability that the same pollen donor sired two random sibs was 30.2%, and the mean number of pollen donors per mother tree was high (6.3). We detected a maximum pollen dispersal distance of 360.7 m and an average of 124.3 m (SD = 80 m), but most pollination events (73%) occurred at shorter distances (< 160 m), indicating short-distance pollen dispersal, most likely due to the pollinator behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial antioxidante, o teor de compostos fenólicos e de carotenoides de polpa de araticum in natura e pasteurizada, e avaliar o efeito da pasteurização nas suas características físico-químicas. A polpa de araticum in natura foi adquirida em Aragarças/GO e dividida em dois lotes: polpa in natura e polpa pasteurizada. As polpas foram analisadas em triplicata, em relação às variáveis: pH, acidez titulável (AT), vitamina C, sólidos solúveis (SS), relação entre SS/AT, atividade de água, cor, atividade antioxidante radicalar, compostos fenólicos e carotenoides, além da composição centesimal da polpa pasteurizada. A polpa in natura apresentou 0,98 de atividade de água e 9,57 °Brix de sólidos solúveis, e a polpa pasteurizada apresentou valores de 0,99 e 9,23 °Brix para atividade de água e sólidos solúveis, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que as polpas apresentaram relevantes propriedades antioxidantes, expressas na capacidade de reduzir em 50% o radical DPPH (IC50 mg/mL). Com relação aos compostos fenólicos, ambas apresentaram valores próximos de 227,13 e 207,18 mg GAE/100 g ‒ para polpa in natura e pasteurizada, respectivamente. A polpa pasteurizada apresentou 8,21 µg/g de β caroteno e 4,97 µg/g de α caroteno. Conclui-se que as polpas analisadas apresentam um elevado conteúdo de compostos bioativos e que o processo de pasteurização não interferiu nas características físico-químicas nem nos compostos bioativos analisados da polpa in natura.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a produção de frutos de araticum no Cerrado do Estado de Goiás. Foram selecionadas, para a realização do trabalho, 14 áreas de ocorrência natural do araticum no Estado de Goiás, de janeiro de 2000 a julho de 2002. Em cada área, foram selecionadas de 30 a 40 plantas adultas de araticum. O delineamento experimental adotado corresponde ao modelo hierárquico, para produção de frutos, sendo os dados obtidos submetidos à análise de variância. A estrutura espacial da variação fenotípica entre as populações das áreas analisadas foi investigada a partir do critério de ligação UPGMA. Os resultados demonstraram que a produção de frutos de araticum é baixa e variável entre as áreas e entre os anos, sendo a média de 2,97 aproveitáveis e de 1,37 frutos inaproveitáveis por planta. A variação fenotípica de caracteres morfológicos entre populações de araticum do Estado de Goiás não apresenta um padrão de estruturação espacial. A produção de frutos por planta é muito variável, sendo que algumas plantas apresentam características produtivas e de qualidade aparente de frutos que as credenciam com potencial para plantas-matrizes. As principais pragas que atacam os frutos de araticum são: Spermologus funereus, Cerconota anonella e Bephratelloides pomorum. A pressão antrópica sobre os ambientes naturais de produção de araticum tem reduzido a produção atual e pode inviabilizar as produções futuras.This study had the objective to evaluate the production of araticum fruits in the Cerrado of the Goiás State. Fourteen areas with high natural occurrences of araticum in the whole state were selected from January 2000 to July 2002. In each area, thirty to forty mother trees were selected. The experimental research corresponds to the hierarchical model for the fruit production, and that means that the original data was submitted to an analysis of variance. The spatial phenotypic structure variation among populations was investigated through dendrograms by the UPGMA linking criterion. The results demonstrated that the production of araticum fruits is low and changeable in areas and years, and the average corresponds to 2.97 usable fruits and 1.37 not usable fruits per plant. The phenotypic variation of morphologic characters between populations of araticum of the Goiás state does not present a standard of space arrangement. The production of fruits per plant is very changeable, since some plants present productive and apparent quality characteristics of fruits that make them potential plants matrix. The main pests that attack the fruits of araticum are: Spermologus funereus, Cerconota anonella and Bephratelloides pomorum. The anthropic pressure on natural environments of production of araticum has reduced the current production and can make the future productions impracticable.

The Cerrado is the largest South American savanna and encompasses substantial species diversity and environmental variation. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the influence of the environment on population divergence of Cerrado species. Here, we searched for climatic drivers of genetic (nuclear microsatellites) and leaf trait divergence in Annona crassiflora, a widespread tree in the Cerrado. The sampling encompassed all phytogeographic provinces of the continuous area of the Cerrado and included 397 individuals belonging to 21 populations. Populations showed substantial genetic and leaf trait divergence across the species' range. Our data revealed three spatially defined genetic groups (eastern, western and southern) and two morphologically distinct groups (eastern and western only). The east-west split in both the morphological and genetic data closely mirrors previously described phylogeographic patterns of Cerrado species. Generalized linear mixed effects models and multiple regression analyses revealed several climatic factors associated with both genetic and leaf trait divergence among populations of A. crassiflora. Isolation by environment ( IBE) was mainly due to temperature seasonality and precipitation of the warmest quarter. Populations that experienced lower precipitation summers and hotter winters had heavier leaves and lower specific leaf area. The southwestern area of the Cerrado had the highest genetic diversity of A. crassiflora, suggesting that this region may have been climatically stable. Overall, we demonstrate that a combination of current climate and past climatic changes have shaped the population divergence and spatial structure of A. crassiflora. However, the genetic structure of A. crassiflora reflects the biogeographic history of the species more strongly than leaf traits, which are more related to current climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian Cerrado is the most diverse savanna in the world. Phylogeographical patterns for Cerrado tree species are relatively congruent; however, the causes of these patterns are not clear. Ours aims were to investigate phylogeographical patterns in two co-distributed Annona spp. in the Cerrado and identify the factors responsible for their genetic structure. We sequenced non-coding plastid DNA regions and estimated divergence times using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method implemented in BEAST. Generalized linear mixed models ( GLMMs) were used to relate genetic divergence with spatial, climatic and phytogeographic data. Annona crassiflora possessed only one haplotype, whereas A. coriacea possessed nine haplotypes constituting two groups: western and eastern. Haplotype diversification first occurred in the Pliocene; the split between eastern and western groups was dated to the Early Pleistocene. GLMMs detected a weak association of genetic distance with current climatic factors, represented mainly by precipitation in the warmest months. In A. coriacea, the north of central Cerrado (around Serra Geral de Goiás) is suggested as a putative Pleistocene refugium. The current climate and dispersal and local adaptation processes probably contribute to maintaining the east-west genetic structure in A. coriacea. Both Annona spp. show idiosyncratic population histories, reminiscent of the complex biogeography of the Cerrado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the morfhology of seeds araticum helps identify the peculiarities of the species. The formulation of rules in the field of culture are botanical by species, by which the morphology of implies on the seed germination, storage, viability, sowing methods, the establishment of seedling survival and regeneration. Thus, the work aims to describe the morphological seeds of Annona crassiflora from breeders Palminópolis of GO. Seeds were separated from the fruit manually and running water. The requirements assessed were length, width, thikness, moisture content and mass of 1000 seeds. The seed had a mean araticum 18,86 mm long by 10,64 mm wide and 7,38 mm thick mass of 1.000 seeds, freshly collected, was, on average, 639,40 g with 13,84 % of moisture content, corresponding to approximately 1.564 seeds per kilogram; coats are hard, permeable, ruminated endosperm, oily mass, whitish and immature embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this work was to investigate the potential nematicidal activity of Annona crassiflora leaf extract against Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods: The hydroalcoholic leaf extract and its fractions (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) were submitted to mobility assay against the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. GC-MS and NMR analysis were performed in order to identify metabolites. Results: The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed to be the most active among the hydroalcoholic leaf extracts and its four fractions. The percentages of C. elegans larvae immobility were 98.13 and 89.66%, respectively, at a concentration of 1000 μg.mL-1. Besides some amino acids, palmitic acid methyl ester, 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, oleic acid methyl esther, stearic acid methyl ester, quercetin and kaempferol were also identified in these fractions. Conclusion: The results indicated that of A. crassiflora leaf ethanolic extract has a good potential as a source for natural nematicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O araticum (Annona crassiflora M.) é uma espécie frutífera da família Annonaceae, nativa da região dos cerrados, com ocorrência em todo o Estado de Goiás. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a germinação de sementes de frutos de araticum coletados de populações naturais de plantas localizadas em cinco áreas de Cerrado do Estado de Goiás, tratadas com ácido giberélico (GA3). Determinou-se a velocidade de emergência a cada três dias e o percentual de germinação de sementes, de frutos de 75 plantas. O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro blocos e 75 tratamentos. Cada parcela foi composta por 50 sementes de uma mesma planta, totalizando 15.000 sementes. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e aplicando-se o teste F. Houve germinação da maioria das sementes das plantas de cada área, mostrando que, independentemente do vigor, a dosagem utilizada de ácido giberélico foi adequada. Em média a percentagem de germinação variou de 12,81% em Vila Propicio a 28,81% em Campos Belos. Na planta 10 de Campos Belos observou-se a maior média para germinação (66%) e a menor média de dias necessários para a emergência (49 dias). As sementes provenientes de frutos de araticum das cinco áreas de Cerrado em estudo, apresentam diferenças na percentagem de germinação e na velocidade de emergência. As diferenças de germinação ocorrem entre plantas na área e entre áreas.

Este trabalho objetivou caracterizar física e quimicamente frutos de araticum coletados de populações naturais de plantas localizadas em cinco áreas de Cerrado do estado de Goiás. O trabalho foi realizado na Escola de Agronomia e Engenharia de Alimentos da Universidade Federal de Goiás. Os frutos maduros foram avaliados individualmente, por área e por planta. Determinaram-se: massas do fruto, da polpa e da casca, diâmetro e altura do fruto, número total de sementes e de sementes defeituosas por fruto, massa das sementes, cores do fruto, da casca e da polpa, textura da casca e teor de sólidos solúveis totais. As características físicas mostraram variação significativa entre frutos de plantas das diferentes áreas. A massa média do fruto foi de 872,06 g. A polpa, parte de importância econômica, representou cerca de 47% dessa massa, cuja variação por região foi de 44% a 49%. O número de sementes foi elevado, em média 108, representando 15,8% da massa do fruto. Há tendência para a cor marrom da casca, assim como para a cor amarelada ou creme da polpa. Observou-se uma variação de textura da casca, desde lisa até rugosa. Do total de 219 frutos avaliados, 15,5% apresentaram o orifício de saída de Bephratelloides pomorum. Houve diferenças significativas entre áreas e entre plantas dentro de áreas para todas as variáveis físicas. A massa média dos frutos de araticum foi de 872,06 g com rendimento médio de polpa, casca e sementes de: 46,8%, 37,4% e 15,8%, respectivamente.

Annona crassifloraand Annonaceae plants are known to be used to treat malaria by traditional healers. In this work, the antimalarial efficacy of different fractions ofA. crassiflora, particularly acetogenin, alkaloids and flavonoid-rich fractions, was determinedin vivousingPlasmodium berghei-infected mice model and toxicity was accessed by brine shrimp assay. TheA. crassiflorafractions were administered at doses of 12.5 mg/kg/day in a 4-day test protocol. The results showed that some fractions from woods were rich in acetogenins, alkaloids and terpenes, and other fractions from leaves were rich in alkaloids and flavonoids. The parasitaemia was significantly (p < 0.05,p < 0.001) reduced (57–75%) with flavonoid and alkaloid-rich leaf fractions, which also increased mean survival time of mice after treatment. Our results confirm the usage of this plant in folk medicine as an antimalarial remedy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Annona crassiflora, a native tree from Brazilian Cerrado, is reported to possess several ethnomedical uses. Here, we report the isolation and unambiguous characterisation of the flavonoids quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosil(1 → 6)-O-α-L-arabinoside (1), known as peltatoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (2), quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (3), quercetin-3-O-β-L-arabinopiranoside (4) and the ( − )-epicatechin (5) from the hydroalcoholic portion of the leaf ethanolic extract. Their structures were elucidated by using 1D and 2D NMR, ESI-MS, UV/Vis spectroscopy, optical rotation analysis and literature data comparison. The leaf ethanolic extract and its isolated compounds were evaluated by using antimicrobial, antioxidant and larvicidal assays, expressing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This is the first report on flavonoid isolation fromA. crassiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two-dimensional view of the main interactions carried out by the aporphine alkaloids in the catalytic site of the enzymes AChE and BChE. [Display omitted] • Annona crassiflora is an interesting source of aporphine alkaloids. • The alkaloids were isolated from Annona crassiflora fruit peels. • Structural elucidation were made by spectrometric and spectroscopic analysis. • Anticholinesterase activity of the alkaloids were compared with galantamine. • In silico evaluation were made to predict the binding mode of the ligands. Annona crassiflora Mart. is an endemic plant from Brazilian Cerrado (savanna) biome, commonly employed in traditional medicine to treat wounds, diarrhea, and scalp infections. The pulp of the fruits is edible and has a characteristic taste, being employed to prepare sweets like jam, cakes, and ice cream by the people who live in the region of the Cerrado, although the peels are discarded. In this way, the A. crassiflora fruit peels ethanol extract was prepared and subjected to liquid–liquid extraction, which yielded the alkaloidal fraction (CH 2 Cl 2). Subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography separations, this fraction allowed the purification of the aporphine alkaloids stephalagine (1), liriodenine (2), and atherospermidine (3), that were structurally characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses. Aporphine alkaloids are recognized for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, an important target in Alzheimer's disease therapy. Thus, the ethanol extract, alkaloidal fraction, and compounds 1 , 2 , and 3 were evaluated for acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities. Compound 1 (IC 50 104.2 µmol L–1) exhibited better BChE inhibitory activity than the standard compound galanthamine (IC 50 162.7 µmol L–1), while 2 had a comparable result (and IC 50 167.3 µmol L–1). Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to predict the compound's binding mode to the human AChE at a molecular level. Semiempirical calculation results show that the enthalpy interaction energy (ΔH int) between AChE and BChE active sites and all ligands were favorable for both enzymes, with the ligands interacting even more strongly with AChE, corroborating with IC 50 results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The Brazilian Cerrado presents a wide vegetable diversity, which is used for different purposes, especially in human feeding. Among the various fruits of the Cerrado, the araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) stands out, due to its high nutritional value and technological potential. The physical characteristics, chemical composition (titratable acidity, pH, moisture, ash, total dietary fiber, lipids and proteins), occurrence and content of vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene), vitamin E (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and tocotrienols) and folates (tetrahydrofolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) were evaluated in araticum from the Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. Vitamin C and carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and vitamin E and folates by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results and discussion. Araticum pulp presented a high energy value (95.12 kcal·100 g–1), as well as elevated contents of dietary fiber (6.80 g·100 g–1), carotenoids (4.98 mg·100 g –1) and vitamin A value (288.79 RAE·100 g–1). The contents of vitamin C, folates and vitamin E were 5.23 mg·100 g –1, 27.36 μg·100 g–1 and 494.04 μg·100 g–1, respectively. Conclusion. Araticum presented high energy value and high dietary fiber content. It is a source of vitamin C and folates, and an excellent source of vitamin A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The total content and profile of alkaloids in foliar samples of Annona crassiflora from eight different Brazilian Cerrado regions were investigated. Alkaloids were quantified and identified by GC/FID and GC/MS, respectively. Significant quantitative differences were found in these samples. Total alkaloid concentration varied from 221.1 ± 17.14 ug/g in Mogi-Guaçu (SP) to 2986.89 ± 367.1 ug/g (dry mass basis) in Brasília (DF). The alkaloids anonaine, annoretine, romucosine and xylopine were detected at different concentrations across regions. Alkaloid concentration and profile varied in A. crassiflora populations, indicating extensive phenotypic plasticity of these individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Marolo (Annona crassiflora), an exotic fruit from the Brazilian savanna, has been used for many culinary preparations such as jelly and jam. In this study we have compared physicochemical properties, color analysis, dietary fiber and triacylglycerol analysis of marolo flour and carpels dehydrated by freeze-drying and convective hot-air drying. The experiments were analyzed by Tukey''s test (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between fresh and dehydrated marolo as shown by the analysis of moisture, Aw, and the centesimal composition (except for the ashes).The dehydrated products showed to be sources of alimentary fiber and derivatives from oleic and palmitic acids and can be used during periods between harvests of marolo fruits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Brazilian savanna constitutes a valuable ecoregion that contributes to the supply of fruit known worldwide for its nutritional value and peculiar flavors. Among them, the Marolo ( Annona crassiflora Mart.) fruit is known for its use in folk medicine. In order to establish the safety of Marolo for human consumption, this study evaluated the following: the chemical composition of Marolo pulp; its mutagenic and antimutagenic activities using micronucleus test; and the oxidative stress induced in the livers of mice fed a diet containing 1%, 10% or 20% pulp. It was observed that the chemical composition of marolo pulp was similar to that of common fruit; nevertheless, its lipidic content and energetic values were higher. In the mice fed experimental diets, the biochemical parameters of the blood serum showed normal levels of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The micronucleus test indicated neither mutagenic nor antimutagenic effects of Marolo consumption on bone marrow cells but showed potentialization of cyclophosphamide (CP). The oxidative stress levels observed indicated that CP was not exerting a great influence on the induction of reactive oxygen species. As the whole fruit is a complex matrix, the interactions between its components could be responsible for its negative and positive biological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Alcoholic extracts of six Brazilian Cerrado medicinal plants were evaluated for their molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria glabrata, intermediate host of schistosomiasis. Stryphnodendron polyphyllum bark extract, rich in condensed tannins, was the most promising as molluscicide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A typical Brazilian plant, araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.), is widely used in humans as therapeutic medicine to treat several diseases such as diarrhea, rheumatism and syphilis. It contains acetogenins which present cytotoxic, antitumogenic, and antiparasitic properties. In this study, mutagenic, antimutagenic and cytotoxic effects of araticum leaves ethanolic extract were evaluated by micronucleus test in mice. To evaluate the mutagenic activity, animals were treated with ethanolic extract of araticum (EEA) using 10, 20, 50, 100 and 160 mg.kg-1. For all doses, micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) frequency was evaluated at 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment. To evaluate the antimutagenic activity, animals were treated with 10, 20, 50 and 100 mg.kg-1 of EEA and 4 mg.kg-1 of MMC simultaneously. The frequency of MNPCE was evaluated 36 hours after exposure. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by the polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes ratio (PCE/NCE). In the mutagenicity assessment, all doses of EEA resulted in no significant increase of MNPCE (P > 0.05), compared to solvent- control group. Regarding administration time, no significant difference among three evaluation periods was observed (P > 0.05). Such results indicate that EEA did not exert mutagenic activity. Cytotoxicity was evident in doses of 50, 100 and 160 mg.kg-1 at 24 and 48 hours after exposure. Concerning antimutagenicity, except the 10 mg.kg-1 co-administered with 4 mg/kg of MMC, all doses reduced significantly the frequency of MNPCE compared to the positive control group (P < 0.05). These results, therefore, indicate an antimutagenic activity of the EEA. Cytotoxicity was significantly increased (P < 0.01) at 100 mg.kg-1 EEA doses co-administered with 4 mg.kg-1 of MMC.

Although the use of medicinal plants or natural products has increased in recent decades all over the world, little information is available on their potential risk to health. Annona crassiflora Mart., a plant commonly known as araticum in Brazil, has been widely used in folk medicine for a long time since its seeds and leaves are often utilised in the treatment of cancer, snake bites, and venereal diseases, its fruits are consumed as tonic and astringent, and its bark powder has anti-fungal and anti-rheumatic properties. To evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic properties induced by the ethanolic extract of araticum leaves, we performed the prophage λ induction (Inductest) and bacterial mutagenicity assays. We used Escherichia coli WP2s(λ) and RJF013 strains in the lysogenic induction test, whereas the mutagenic studies were carried out using Salmonella typhimurium histidine auxotroph strains TA97a, TA98, TA100, and TA102. Each experiment was performed three times in duplicate and included positive and negative controls. No statistically significant (p > 0.05) positive results were obtained for any of the strains tested, which suggests that the ethanolic extract of araticum leaves did not exhibit direct mechanisms of genotoxicity or mutagenicity that could be detected by the tests used in the present work.

Summary The objective of this study was to use the pulp of the Brazilian Savannah fruits araticum and cagaita to develop new products, and to evaluate their sensory acceptance by children from 7 to 9 years of age. The products developed were: three milk caramel formulations: DP (standard), DA (araticum pulp) and DB (araticum pulp and grated coconut); three cagaita refresher formulations: RP (cagaita pulp), RA (cagaita pulp and orange juice) and RB (cagaita pulp and carrot juice); and a cagaita jam formulation. It was found that the three formulations of milk caramels were equally accepted (p>0.05), whereas the RA refresher was more accepted (p0.05) of gender on the sensory acceptability of the products evaluated. It was concluded that the products developed showed good acceptability from a sensory point of view, which suggests high market potential.