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This study aimed to chemically characterize the essential oils (EOs) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) and Eremanthus erythropappus (candeia) and evaluate their acaricidal activity, together with that of their major compounds and cinnamyl acetate derivative, against Rhipicephalus microplus. Essential oil compounds were identified through gas chromatography. The larval packet test (LPT) at concentrations ranging from 0.31 to 10.0 mg/mL and the adult immersion test (AIT) at concentrations between 2.5 and 60.0 mg/mL were performed. (E)-cinnamaldehyde and α-bisabolol were the major compounds in cinnamon (86.93%) and candeia (78.41%) EOs, respectively. In the LPT, the EOs of cinnamon and candeia and the compounds (E)-cinnamaldehyde, α-bisabolol and cinnamyl acetate resulted in 100% mortality at concentrations of 2.5, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 10.0 mg/mL respectively. In the AIT, percentage control values > 95% were observed for cinnamon and candeia EOs, (E)-cinnamaldehyde and α-bisabolol at the concentrations of 5.0, 60.0, 20.0, and 20.0 mg/mL, respectively, whereas cinnamyl acetate showed low activity. We conclude that EOs and their compounds showed high acaricidal activity, whereas the acetylated derivative of (E)-cinnamaldehyde presented less acaricidal activity on R. microplus engorged females. Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar quimicamente os óleos essenciais (OE) de Cinnamomum zeylanicum (canela) e Eremanthus erythropappus (candeia) e avaliar sua atividade acaricida, juntamente com a de seus principais compostos e do derivado de acetato de cinamila, sobre Rhipicephalus microplus. Os compostos do óleo essencial foram identificados por cromatografia gasosa. Foram realizados o Teste de Pacote de Larvas (TPL), em concentrações variando de 0,31 a 10,0 mg/mL, e o Teste de Imersão de Adultos (TIA), em concentrações entre 2,5 e 60,0 mg/mL. (E)-cinnamaldeído e α-bisabolol foram os principais compostos nos OE da canela (86,93%) e da candeia (78,41%), respectivamente. No TPL, os OEs de canela e candeia, e os compostos (E)-cinnamaldeído, α-bisabolol e acetato de cinamila resultaram em 100% de mortalidade nas concentrações de 2,5, 2,5, 5,0, 10,0 e 10,0 mg/mL, respectivamente. No TIA, valores percentuais de controle >95% foram observados para OE de canela e candeia, (E)-cinnamaldeído e α-bisabolol nas concentrações de 5,0, 60,0, 20,0 e 20,0 mg/mL, respectivamente, enquanto o acetato de cinamila apresentou baixa atividade. Conclui-se que os OEs e seus compostos apresentaram alta atividade acaricida, enquanto o derivado acetilado do (E)-cinnamaldeído apresentou menor atividade acaricida em fêmeas ingurgitadas de R. microplus.

[SPA] La mayoría de los alimentos representan un entorno fértil para el crecimiento de bacterias patógenas. En condiciones poco higiénicas, la contaminación causada por estos microorganismos podría resultar en brotes de enfermedades de transmisión alimentaria que afecten a la salud pública. Además, esta contaminación puede causar importantes pérdidas económicas a las industrias al tener que retirar el producto del mercado, lo cual afectará notablemente a su reputación. Por esta razón, las buenas prácticas de higiene deben mantenerse y controlarse desde la granja hasta la mesa. En otras palabras, se debe aplicar una desinfección adecuada, una buena manipulación y se debe cumplir la normativa durante la producción, procesado, transporte, distribución, venta y consumo. Listeria monocytogenes y Salmonella Enteritidis son dos de los retos más importantes para la industria alimentaria por diferentes razones. La listeriosis tiene una de las tasas de mortalidad más alta respeto a otros patógenos alimentarios y podría llegar a ser letal para los grupos más vulnerables. Otro problema asociado con L. monocytogenes, es su capacidad de multiplicarse a temperaturas de refrigeración. Salmonella spp. ha sido vinculada con la mayoría de los brotes de intoxicación alimentaria en la Unión Europea, siendo S. Enteritidis la serovariedad más predominante. Además, la salmonelosis puede llegar a ser grave poniendo en peligro a los humanos. Ambos patógenos pueden introducirse en la cadena alimentaria a través de materias primas, trabajadores y otras fuentes, ya que viven en varios hábitats. Además de eso, pueden formar biofilms sobre diferentes superficies, lo que hace que su presencia sea muy preocupante. Los biofilms son comunidades microbianas complejas unidas entre sí por una matriz extracelular polimérica. Las células que forman parte de un biofilm son más resistentes que sus formas planctónicas. Por lo general, los biofilms se forman en zonas inaccesibles de las plantas de procesado, ya que estas áreas no siempre se limpian bien. Por lo tanto, pueden persistir durante mucho tiempo provocando problemas y contaminación. Se ha aplicado protocolos de limpieza y desinfección empleando varios productos comerciales con el objetivo de eliminar los biofilms. Sin embargo, el uso de estos productos está cuestionado, ya que acarrea algunos problemas adicionales. Primero, su uso repetido y especialmente la exposición a concentraciones subletales pueden generar resistencia. En segundo lugar, este tipo de sustancias químicas no son muy respetuosas con el medio ambiente, lo que las convierte en poco deseables. Así pues, la investigación y la búsqueda de alternativas naturales se ha ido incrementando año tras año para responder a las demandas del consumidor. Entre estas alternativas, los aceites esenciales (AE) se consideran una opción natural y ecológica. La actividad de estas sustancias volátiles y aromáticas se ha descrito ampliamente en la literatura. Entre los AE, los de canela, clavo, cebolla y ajo han sido utilizados en diferentes culturas, en forma de aditivos naturales, para prevenir el deterioro de los alimentos. Además, varios estudios indican su actividad antimicrobiana frente a varios microorganismos. En cambio, su actividad anti-biofilm no ha sido completamente investigada, lo que los hace muy interesantes de explorar. El objetivo de esta tesis fue estudiar la capacidad inhibitoria de diferentes aceites esenciales sobre diferentes etapas de la formación de los biofilms por parte de L. monocytogenes y S. Enteritidis. Para lograr este objetivo general, se establecieron varios objetivos parciales: 1) evaluar la actividad antibacteriana de los cuatro aceites esenciales frente a L.monocytogenes y S. Enteritidis; 2) establecer la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CIM) de cada AE frente a ambos microorganismos; 3) evaluar el efecto de las diferentes dosis (0,5CMI, CMI y 2CMI) sobre la etapa inicial de formación del biofilm; 4) evaluar el efecto de las diferentes dosis (0,5CMI, CMI y 2CMI) sobre la erradicación de los biofilms; 5) realizar el análisis químico de los diferentes AE para caracterizar sus compuestos mayoritarios. Los AE se analizaron mediante cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas (GC-MS) para identificar los principales componentes presentes. La actividad antibacteriana se determinó mediante dos ensayos con el fin de evaluar la sensibilidad de los microorganismos a los AE seleccionados. El primero fue el método de difusión en agar, con el que se midieron los halos de inhibición (HI). El diámetro del HI se relacionó después con la susceptibilidad de la cepa al AE. El segundo experimento fue la determinación de la CMI. Para este ensayo, las bacterias se incubaron durante 18 horas con concentraciones decrecientes del AE. La concentración más baja del AE que inhibió el crecimiento de las bacterias, se consideró como la CMI. Posteriormente se investigó la actividad anti-biofilm. Para empezar, se efectuó el estudio del efecto de los AE sobre la adhesión inicial. Los AE se incubarona 37°C durante 24 horas junto con los cultivos a diferentes dosis (0,5CMI, CMI y 2CMI) en placas de poliestireno de 96 pocillos. Luego, se realizó el ensayo de los mismos AE pero sobre los biofilms previamente formados. Para este ensayo, L. monocytogenes y S. Enteritidis se dejaron crecer previamente para obtener una adherencia, más o menos fuerte. Posteriormente, se añadieron los AE a diferentes dosis (0,5CMI, CMI y 2CMI) a los pocillos y se midió la densidad óptica tras1, 5 y 20 horas de incubación con los aceites esenciales. Finalmente, la biomasa de los biofilms se midió mediante tinción con cristal violeta. Los análisis cromatográficos realizados han mostrado que los tiosulfatos son los principales componentes presentes en los aceites esenciales de ajo y cebolla, mientras que el cinamaldehído fue el componente mayoritario del AE de canela y el eugenol el del AE de clavo. En el método de difusión en agar, el AE de cebolla fue el más inhibidor frente a L. monocytogenes, exhibiendo el HI más alto (37,8 ± 0,4 mm) y el AE de clavo para S. Enteritidis (HI = 12,3 ± 0,4 mm). Para la CMI, en el caso de L. monocytogenes, el AE de canela y el AE de ajo exhibieron el mismo valor (0,1 mg mL−1), mientras que el AE de cebolla y el de clavo tuvieron respectivamente valores de 0,025 y 0,05 mg mL-1. Para S. Enteritidis, el AE de cebolla y el de ajo mostraron el mismo valor: 0,4 mg mL−1. Por otro lado, el AE de canela y el de clavo mostraron un valor de 0,2 y 0,1 mg mL1 respectivamente. La inhibición de la adhesión inicial fue muy alta a una dosis CMI, oscilando entre el 61% y el 100% para L. monocytogenes, mientras que para S. Enteritidis varió del 50% al 65%. Tras una hora de incubación con los AE, la inhibición de los biofilms preformados se encontró entre el 67,7% y el 52,5% para L. monocytogenes, mientras que para S. Enteritidis estaba entre el 40,2% y el 20,3%. Las conclusiones más significativas de esta tesis fueron: 1) el efecto de los aceites esenciales fue mayor sobre L. monocytogenes que sobre S. Enteritidis en todos los casos; 2) el efecto antibiofilm dependió de la dosis; 3) el porcentaje de inhibición fue más alto sobre la adhesión inicial que sobre los biofilms previamente formados. En definitiva, esta investigación ha revelado el potencial de estos aceites esenciales como agentes anti-biofilm, lo cual puede resultar de gran ayuda para la industria alimentaria. [ENG] Most foods represent a fertile environment for pathogenic bacteria growth. When the hygienic conditions are missing, the contamination caused by these microorganisms can result in foodborne diseases and outbreaks affecting public health. Also, this contamination can cause important economic losses to food industries in terms of recalls affecting their reputation in the market. For this reason, good hygienic practices have to be held and controlled from farm to fork. In other words, proper disinfection, careful manipulation and the respect of regulations have to be applied during production, processing, shipping, distribution, retail and consumption. Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis represent two of the most challenging pathogens for food processing environments for different reasons. Listeriosis has a higher fatality rate than other foodborne illnesses and could be mortal for vulnerable groups. Another problem associated with L. monocytogenes, is its ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures, which poses a challenge to food manufacturers and consumers. Salmonella spp. have been predominant in food poisoning outbreaks with S. Enteritidis being the most reported serovar. Also, this microorganism can lead to mild to severe symptoms in humans. Both food pathogens can be introduced in the food chain through raw material, workers and other sources as they habit a wide range of niches. Added to that, they are able to form biofilms on different surfaces making their presence yet very challenging. Biofilms are complex microbial communities formed into an extracellular matrix and they are more resistant forms than their planktonic counterparts. They are formed usually in inaccessible parts of manufacturing plants, as these areas are not well cleaned. Therefore, they can persist for a long time causing problems and contamination. In order to get rid of biofilms, many different cleaning and disinfection protocols have been applied with the use of a wide range of commercial products. However, many of these products can be controversial as they can have various side effects. First, the repetitive use and especially the exposition to sub-inhibitory concentrations can generate resistance by modifying some genes and leading to an increased tolerance. Second, the environmental impact of this kind of chemicals makes them undesirable. Therefore, the investigation for natural alternatives has been increasing every year in order to respond to the consumer’s demands. Among these alternatives, essential oils (EOs) are considered as an eco-friendly and natural option. The activity of these volatile and aromatic products has been widely described in literature. Among them, the essential oils of cinnamon, clove, onion and garlic have been used in different cultures, as well as in the food industry as natural flavorings and preservative agents against food spoilage. Also, they have been reported for their antimicrobial action against several foodborne pathogens. However, their anti-biofilm activity has not been fully investigated, which make them interesting to explore. The objective of this thesis was to explore the capacity of different essential oils to inhibit different stages of biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis. To achieve this general aim, several goals were established: 1) evaluate the antibacterial activity of the four essential oils against L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis; 2) establish the minimal inhibitory concentration of every EO against both microorganisms; 3) assess the effect of MIC-related doses on the initial cell attachment; 4) assess the effect of the MIC-related doses on biofilm eradication; 5) perform the chemical analysis of the different EOs in order to characterize the bioactive compounds. The analysis of the EOs was done by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to identify the major components implicated. The antibacterial assays were performed by two experiments in order to assess the sensibility of the microorganisms to the EOs selected. The first one consisted in the disc diffusion assay where the inhibition zones (IZ) were measured. The second experiment was the determination of the MIC. During this step, the bacteria were incubated overnight with different concentration of the different EOs. So, the lowest concentration that prevented the pathogen growth was considered as the MIC. Afterwards, the antibiofilm assays were performed. Firstly, the effect of the EOs was experimented against the inhibition of the initial cell attachment. The EOs were pipetted together with bacterial cultures at different doses (0.5 MIC, MIC and 2MIC) into the 96- well plates. Then, they were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Secondly, the eradication assay was done in order to explore the effect of EOs on preformed biofilms. L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis were left to grow for initial cell attachment. Afterwards, the EOs were added at different doses (0.5 MIC, MIC and 2MIC) to the wells and left for 1, 5 and 20 hours. Finally, the biofilm’s biomass was assessed by the crystal violet assay. The chemical analysis carried out revealed that thiosulfates were the major compounds present in the EOs of garlic and onion. Added to that, E-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol were the major compounds for cinnamon and clove respectively. Concerning disk diffusion assay, the EO of onion was the most inhibitory for L. monocytogenes, exhibiting the highest IZ (37.8 ± 0.4 mm) and the EO of clove for S. Enteritidis (IZ = 12.3 ± 0.4mm). For the MIC, in the case of L. monocytogenes, EO of cinnamon and EO of garlic displayed an identical value (0.1 mg mL−1). On the other hand, EO of onion and EO of clove, had respectively a value of 0.025 and 0.05 mg mL-1. For S. Enteritidis, EO of onion and EO of garlic displayed the same value: 0.4 mg mL−1. On the other hand, the EO of cinnamon and the EO of clove showed a value of 0.2 and 0.1 mg mL−1 respectively. The inhibition of initial cell attachment was high at MIC dose, ranging from 61% till 100% for L.monocytogene, while for S. Enteritidis ranged from 50% to 65%. At one hour incubation with the EOs, the inhibition of preformed biofilms at MIC ranged from 67.7% till 52.5% for L. monocytogenes while for S. Enteritidis ranged from 40.2% to 20.3 %. The most significant conclusions from this thesis were: 1) the effect of essential oils was higher on L. monocytogenes than in S. Enteritidis in all cases; 2) the antibiofilm effect was dose dependent; 3) the inhibition rate was high on initial cell attachment, but lower on preformed biofilms. This research has revealed the potential use of these essential oils as antibiofilm agents for the food industry. Escuela Internacional de Doctorado de la Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Programa de Doctorado en Técnicas avanzadas en investigación y desarrollo agrario y alimentario

Objective. Due to the increased parasitic resistance, there is a need to explore alternative insecticides, including natural products, such essential oils. In this sense, the aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the insecticidal and repellent effect of Cinnamomun zeylanicum (free and nanoemulsion forms) in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods. For that, the insecticidal effect of the free form was tested at 1.0, 5.0 and 10%, while the nanoemulsion form was tested at 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0% against adult house flies, Musca domestica. For validation of the test, the flies were sprayed with the diluent (water and triton 10%) and with blank nanoemulsion (without C. zeylanicum essential oil). Moreover, in vivo test was performed using cows naturally infested with Haemotobia irritans. Results. The results demonstrated that cinnamon oil (10%) and the nanoemulsion (5%) were 100% effective against M. domestica after 90 minutes of exposure. The repellent effect was tested in vivo using 5% of cinnamon oil on Holstein cows naturally infested by Haemotobia irritans. The flies were counted at 0, 1, 2, 3, 9 and 24 h after cinnamon oil treatment. It was verified significant decrease (p, Objetivo. Debido a la mayor resistencia parásita, hay una necesidad de explorar insecticidas alternativos, incluidos los productos naturales, tales como aceites esenciales. En este sentido, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar, para el primer equipo, el efecto insecticida y repelente de Cinnamomum zeylanicum (formas libres y nanoemulsión) in vitro e in vivo. Materiales y métodos. Para ello, el efecto insecticida de la forma libre se ensayó a 1.0, 5.0 y 10%, mientras que la forma nanoemulsión se ensayó a 0.5, 1.0 y 5.0% frente a las moscas domésticas adultas, Musca domestica. Para la validación de la prueba, las moscas fueron rociados con el diluyente (agua y triton 10%) y con nanoemulsión en blanco (sin aceite esencial de C. zeylanicum). También, fueron realizados pruebas in vivo usando vacas naturalmente infestadas con Haemotobia irritans. Resultados. Los resultados demostraron que el aceite de canela (10%) y la nanoemulsión (5%) fueron 100% eficaz contra M. domestica después de 90 minutos de exposición. El efecto repelente se ensayó in vivo usando 5% de aceite de canela en vacas Holstein, naturalmente infestados por Haemotobia irritans. Se contaron las moscas a las 0, 1, 2, 3, 9 y 24 h después del tratamiento el aceite de canela. Se verificó disminución significativa (p

The study evaluates alternative methods to control Botrytis cinerea in strawberry crops (Fragaria vesca) with the use of plant extracts of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.). The research carried out in an established strawberry culture of 8 months of age, Albion variety, applying the extracts obtained by the steam distillation method. The doses evaluated were 250ml / liter, 500ml / liter, 750ml / liter and 1000ml / liter respectively, measuring the inhibitory effect of B. cinerea in the field 40 days after the first application. The analyzed variables were severity, incidence and weight of the fruit, finding a better fungicidal effect with cinnamon extract with a dose of 1000ml / liter, being a new alternative for fungal control taking advantage of the use of the secondary metabolites of the plants and having a less harmful effect on environmental pollution that does not affect the health of the farmer. El estudio evalúa los métodos alternativos para controlar Botrytis cinerea en cultivos de fresa (Fragaria vesca) con el aprovechamiento de los extractos vegetales de canela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) y cola de caballo (Equisetum arvense L.). La investigación se realizó en un cultivo establecido de fresa de 8 meses de edad,variedad Albión, aplicando los extractos obtenidos por el método de destilación por arrastre de vapor. Las dosis evaluadas fueron 250ml/lt, 500ml/lt, 750ml/lt y 1000ml/lt respectivamente, midiendo el efecto inhibitorio de B. cinerea en el campo a los 40 días de la primera aplicación. Las variables analizadas fueron severidad, incidencia y peso del fruto, encontrando un mejor efecto fungicida con extracto de canela con una dosis de 1000ml/lt, siendo una nueva alternativa para el control fúngico aprovechando el uso de los metabolitos secundarios de las plantas y teniendo un efecto menos nocivo en la contaminación ambiental que no afecta la salud del agricultor

Seasonal migratory birds return to the same breeding and wintering grounds year after year, and migratory long-distance shorebirds are good examples of this. These tasks require learning and long-term spatial memory abilities that are integrated into a navigational system for repeatedly locating breeding, wintering, and stopover sites. Previous investigations focused on the neurobiological basis of hippocampal plasticity and numerical estimates of hippocampal neurogenesis in birds but only a few studies investigated potential contributions of glial cells to hippocampal-dependent tasks related to migration. Here we hypothesized that the astrocytes of migrating and wintering birds may exhibit significant morphological and numerical differences connected to the long-distance flight. We used as a model the semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla, that migrates from northern Canada and Alaska to South America. Before the transatlantic non-stop long-distance component of their flight, the birds make a stopover at the Bay of Fundy in Canada. To test our hypothesis, we estimated total numbers and compared the three-dimensional (3-D) morphological features of adult C. pusilla astrocytes captured in the Bay of Fundy (n = 249 cells) with those from birds captured in the coastal region of Braganca, Brazil, during the wintering period (n = 250 cells). Optical fractionator was used to estimate the number of astrocytes and for 3-D reconstructions we used hierarchical cluster analysis. Both morphological phenotypes showed reduced morphological complexity after the long-distance non-stop flight, but the reduction in complexity was much greater in Type I than in Type II astrocytes. Coherently, we also found a significant reduction in the total number of astrocytes after the transatlantic flight. Taken together these findings suggest that the long-distance non-stop flight altered significantly the astrocytes population and that morphologically distinct astrocytes may play different physiological roles during migration.

Se evaluó la acción antiséptica de un jabón líquido utilizando como activo aceitesesenciales de Eugenia caryophyllata T. (clavo de olor) y Cinnamomum verum J.(canela). Se formularon y elaboraron jabones líquidos usando como activo aceitesesenciales a concentraciones de 1,5% y 2%, posteriormente se evaluaron parámetrosfisicoquímicos, sensoriales, así como también microbiológicos sobre cepas bacterianasde Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 y Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Se encontróque las formulaciones idóneas son aquellas en las que los aceites esenciales de clavo ycanela se encuentran a concentraciones del 2%, puesto que presentan actividad contralas cepas bacterianas en cuestión y mejor estabilidad fisicoquímica; siendo elegidoentre los evaluadores de las propiedades organolépticas el jabón líquido preparadocon aceite esencial de canela como el favorito con respecto al de clavo, por presentar mejor aroma y aspecto. Se concluye que los jabones líquidos antisépticos a partir de 2%de aceite esencial de Eugenia caryophyllata T. y Cinnamomum verum J. presentaronresultados promisorios; igualmente, todos los indicadores fisicoquímicos y químicosevaluados se mantuvieron, lo que nos brinda un indicio de la correcta formulacióndesde el punto de vista galénic. The antiseptic action of a liquid soap was evaluated using as essential oils of Eugeniacaryophyllata T. (clove) and Cinnamomum verum J. (cinnamon). Is formulated andproduced soaps liquids using as active oils essential to concentrations of 1.5% and 2%,subsequently is evaluated parameters physicochemical, sensory, as well as also microbiologicalon strains bacterial of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcusaureus ATCC 25923. Finding is that the formulations suitable are those in whichthem oils essential of clove and cinnamon is found to concentrations of the 2%, sincepresent activity against them strains bacterial in question and best stability physicochemical;being chosen among the evaluators of the organoleptic properties liquidsoap prepared with essential oil of cinnamon as the favorite on the nail, by presentingbetter aroma and appearance. Concluding that the antiseptic liquid soaps from 2% ofessential oil of Eugenia caryophyllata T. and Cinnamomum verum J. presented promisingresults; also, all the indicators physicochemical and chemical evaluated werekept, which gives us an indication of the correct formulation from the pharmaceuticalpoint of view.

RESUMO Este trabalho consiste no levantamento taxonômico e florístico de Ocotea Aubl. no Núcleo Curucutu, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, São Paulo, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Chaves de identificação, descrições morfológicas, ilustrações, distribuição geográfica e fenologia são apresentados. O gênero está representado na área por oito espécies: Ocotea curucutuensis J.B. Baitello, Ocotea dispersa (Nees & Mart) Mez, Ocotea laxa (Nees) Mez, Ocotea nutans (Nees) Mez, Ocotea pulchella (Nees & Mart) Mez, Ocotea pulchra Vattimo -Gil, Ocotea serrana Coe-Teix, Ocotea venulosa (Nees) Baitello. ABSTRACT This paper consists of the taxonomic and floristic survey of the species of Ocotea Aubl. in Núcleo Curucutu, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil. Identification keys, morphological descriptions, illustrations, geographic distribution, and phenology are presented. The genus is represented in the area by eight species: Ocotea curucutuensis J.B. Baitello, Ocotea dispersa (Nees & Mart.) Mez, Ocotea laxa (Nees) Mez, Ocotea nutans (Nees) Mez, Ocotea pulchella (Nees & Mart.) Mez, Ocotea pulchra Vattimo-Gil, Ocotea serrana Coe-Teix, Ocotea venulosa (Nees) Baitello

Avaliou-se a atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais de orégano (Origanum vulgare), tomilho (Thymus vulgaris) e canela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) frente a 60 amostras de Salmonella enterica distribuídas entre 20 sorovares, todos isolados de carcaças de aves. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e a concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) foram determinadas para cada isolado, utilizando-se a técnica de microdiluição em caldo. O óleo essencial de orégano evidenciou forte atividade antibacteriana (CIM média = 529mig ml-1 e CBM média= 661mig ml-1), seguido do tomilho (CIM média=961mig ml-1 e CBM média= 1074mig ml-1), com atividade moderada, enquanto que a menor atividade foi observada com o óleo essencial de canela (CIM média= 1335mig ml-1 e CBM média = 1979mig ml-1). Apesar deste claro padrão de atividade, os sorovares de Salmonella enterica evidenciaram significativas variações de suscetibilidade, embora nenhuma, em particular, pudesse ser classificada como totalmente sensível ou resistente aos três óleos essenciais avaliados. Assim, no momento em que os antibacterianos utilizados como promotores de crescimento estão sendo substituídos. E os óleos essenciais de temperos e condimentos se constituem numa alternativa importante, os resultados aqui apresentados sinalizam dois pontos: os óleos essenciais de orégano e tomilho são efetivos contra Salmonella, mas as variações de suscetibilidade entre os sorovares deverão também ser consideradas. Essential oils from oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and cinnamom (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) were tested for their inhibitory activity against sixty Salmonella sp. isolates. These microorganisms were distributed in 20 serovars, all of them isolated from broiler chickens. Based on microdilution technique, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The strongest antibacterial activity was obtained for oregano (MIC mean = 529mug ml-1 and MBCmean = 661mug ml-1), followed by a moderate activity for thyme (MICmean=961mug ml-1 and MBCmean=1074mug ml-1) and the lowest obtained activity observed for cinnamon (MICmean= 1335mug ml-1 and MBCmean= 1979mug ml-1). Despite of this activity pattern, the serovars of Salmonella enterica showed significant susceptibility variations. However none of them could be classified as sensitive or resistant to the three essential oils tested. At the moment, when the antibiotics, as growth promoters, are being replaced, the essential oils from spices could be a very reasonable choice and the present results show us two points: the essential oils from oregano and thyme are effective against Salmonella isolates but the variations among the serovars must be considered.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae) é cultivada para produção de folhas, cascas e raízes, devido as suas propriedades aromáticas e condimentares. Mas apesar de ser uma planta resistente, C. zeylanicum está sujeita ao ataque de vários insetos e ácaros durante o seu desenvolvimento, sendo estas pragas responsáveis por uma redução considerável no rendimento dos cultivos. O objetivo desse estudo foi registrar e caracterizar o ataque por formigas cortadeiras em plantas de C. zeylanicum em Braço do Trombudo, Santa Catarina, Brasil entre janeiro e março de 2010. Os danos caracterizaram-se pelo corte de folhas novas e brotações em plantas de C. zeylanicum com altura entre 1,0-1,5 m e desfolha total de plantas menores que 1,0 m. O ataque em plantas adultas não foi observado. Este é o primeiro registro da formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex disciger Mayr danificando plantas de C. zeylanicum no Brasil. Registration of Acromyrmex disciger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Lauraceae) in Braço do Trombudo’s District, Santa Catarina State, Brazil Abstract. Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae) is cultivated for production of leaves, bark and roots, due to its aromatic and spice proprieties. But despite being a resistant plant, C. zeylanicum is subject to attack by various insects and mites during their development, and these pests are responsible for considerable reduction in crop yields. The aim of this study was to record and characterize the attack by leaf-cutting ants in plants of C. zeylanicum in Braço do Trombudo, Santa Catarina State, Brazil between January and March 2010. Damage were characterized by cutting young leaves and shoots of plants of C. zeylanicum with height between 1.0 to 1.5 m and total defoliation of plants less than 1.0 m. The attack in adult plants was not observed. This is the first record of leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex disciger Mayr damaging plants of C. zeylanicum in Brazil.

Objetivou-se neste estudo caracterizar quimicamente e avaliar as atividades antioxidante e antibacteriana dos óleos essenciais de citronela (Cymbopogon nardus), canela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) e gengibre (Zingiber officinale). A obtenção do óleo essencial foi realizada utilizando a técnica de hidrodestilação por meio do aparelho de Clevenger modificado e a identificação e quantificação dos constituintes pelas análises em CG/EM e CG-DIC. A avaliação da atividade antibacteriana foi realizada por meio da técnica difusão cavidade em ágar, utilizando os microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19117, Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, Salmonella Cholerasuis ATCC 6539 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada utilizando sistema β-caroteno/ácido linoléico e o método de seqüestro de radicais DPPH. Nas análises cromatográficas, os constituintes majoritários encontrados no óleo essencial de C. nardus foram citronelal (47,12%), geraniol (18,56%) e citronelol (11,07%), no óleo essencial de C. zeylanicum foram identificados (E)- cinamaldeído (77,72%), acetato de (E)-cinamila (5,99%) e o monoterpenóide 1,8-cineol (4,66%) e, para Z. officinale os majoritários foram geranial (25,06%), neral (16,47%), 1,8-cineol (10,98%), geraniol (8,51%), acetato de geranila (4,19%) e o canfeno (4,30%). Os óleos essenciais apresentaram atividade antibacteriana tanto para bactérias Gram-negativas como para bactérias Gram-positivas, sendo que o óleo essencial de C. zeylanicum foi o mais eficiente. A atividade antioxidante foi evidenciada pelo teste β-caroteno/ácido linoléico, respectivamente, para C. nardus, seguido de Z. officinale e C. zeylanicum, e pelo teste do DPPH foi observada apenas para C. nardus. The aims of this study were to chemically characterize and to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oils. The essential oil extraction was performed by the using of hydrodistillation through the modified Clevenger apparatus, and identification and quantification of the constituents by the GC/MS and GC-FID analysis. Evaluation of antibacterial activity was performed by using agar well diffusion method, with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19117, Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, Salmonella Cholerasuis ATCC 6539 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by using β-carotene/linoleic acid system and the radical scavenging DPPH method. In chromatographic analysis the major constituents of C. nardus essential oil were citronellal (47.12%), geraniol (18.56%) and citronellol (11.07%), in the C. zeylanicum essential oil were identified (E)-cinnamaldehyde (77.72%), acetate (E)-cinnamyl (5.99%) and the monoterpenoid 1,8-cineole (4.66%) as major components, and in Z. officinale the majority were geranial (25.06%), neral (16.47%), 1,8-cineole (10.98%), geraniol (8.51%), geranyl acetate (4.19%) and camphene (4.30%). The essential oils showed antibacterial activity for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms, and the most efficient was C. zeylanicum essential oil. The antioxidant activity was observed, when using β-carotene/ linoleic acid system, for C. nardus, followed by Z. officinale and C. zeylanicum and, when using DPPH test, activity was observed only for C. nardus.

Melia azedarach (cinnamon) and Azadirachta indica (neem) have a variety of biologically active ingredients against virus, bacteria and protozoan parasites; however, little is known about their action on Toxoplasma gondii intracellular development. Toxoplasma gondii infects all eukaryotic cells, where it establishes and multiplies inside a modified vacuole called the parasitophorous vacuole until the cell ruptures, re-infecting other cells and establishing the infection. There are no efficient chemotherapies for the elimination of T. gondii, minimizing side effects. In this study, we performed in vitro assays with neem and cinnamon aqueous extracts against the intracellular development of T. gondii tachyzoites. After treatment with neem and cinnamon for 24 h, the percentage of infected cells and the number of intracellular parasites drastically decreased. This effect was concentration-dependent. During the incubation of the extracts, progressive morphological and ultrastructure alterations led to intense vesiculation and complete elimination of the parasite from the intracellular medium. However, during the treatment with extracts, no morphological effects were observed in the structure of the host cell. These results suggest that the aqueous extracts of neem and cinnamon were capable of interfering with and eliminating the intracellular development of Toxoplasma gondii. Melia azedarach (canela) e Azadirachta indica (nim) apresenta grande variedade de ingredientes biologicamente ativos contra vírus, bactérias e protozoários, mas nenhum efeito sobre o desenvolvimento intracelular do Toxoplasma gondii é conhecido. Toxoplasma gondii infecta todos os tipos de células Eucarióticas, onde se estabelece no meio intracelular em vacúolo modificado conhecido como vacúolo parasitóforo. Neste vacúolo ocorre a replicação levando a ruptura da célula hospedeira e reinfecção de novas células, perpetuando a infecção. A quimioterapia utilizada não é capaz de eliminar o parasita além de induzir fortes efeitos colaterais. Neste estudo, nós demonstramos o efeito in vitro de extratos aquosos da canela e nim sobre o desenvolvimento intracelular do taquizoíto do Toxoplasma gondii. Após tratamento de nim e canela por 24 h, a porcentagem de infecção e o número de taquizoítos intracelulares decaiu drasticamente. Este efeito foi concentração-dependente. Durante incubação dos extratos, uma progressiva desorganização morfológica e ultraestrutural levaram a formação de intensa vesiculação e completa destruição do parasita, que passou a uma estrutura amorfa, antes da completa eliminação do meio intracelular. No entanto durante o tratamento com os extratos, efeitos morfológicos não foram observados nas estruturas da célula hospedeira. Estes resultados sugerem que os extratos aquosos de nim e canela foram capazes de interferir e eliminar o desenvolvimento intracelular do Toxoplasma gondii.

Os óleos essenciais de cascas e folhas de canela do Ceilão (Cinnamomum verum Presl, sin. C. zeylanicum Bl.) cultivada na Estação Experimental de Morretes do IAPAR foram analisados por CGAR e CGAR-EM. As cascas e folhas foram provenientes de 12 árvores submetidas à adubação apenas com matéria orgânica (MO) ou associada com adubo químico (C). Análises do "headspace" foram utilizadas na caracterização das amostras individuais e no agrupamento para fins de extração por arraste a vapor e coobação. O rendimento médio de óleo essencial foi de 0,2% nas cascas e 2,0% nas folhas. O teor de aldeído cinâmico nos óleos essenciais das cascas foi de 54,7% (MO) e 58,4% (C). Os óleos essenciais de folhas apresentaram 94,1% (5 árvores - MO) e 95,1% (5 árvores - C) de eugenol. Entretanto, a composição dos óleos essenciais das folhas de duas árvores distintas, uma de cada tipo de tratamento, foi diferente da maioria das árvores estudadas, apresentando 58,7% (MO) e 55,1% (C) de eugenol, com teor elevado de safrol (29,6% e 39,5%, respectivamente). Não foram observadas diferenças na composição ou nos teores dos componentes em função do tipo de adubação. The bark and leaf essential oils of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Presl, syn. C. zeylanicum Bl.) grown at IAPAR (Experimental Station of Morretes) were analysed by capillary GC and GC-MS. The barks and leaves were collected from a group of 12 trees submitted to single organic manuring (MO) or conjugated with chemical fertilization (C). Samples from the individual trees were compared by headspace analysis, gathered and subjected to steam distillation. The average yields of the essential oils were 0.2% (barks) and 2.0% (leaves). The cinnamaldehyde content of the bark essential oils was 54.7% (MO) and 58.4% (C). The eugenol content of the leaf essential oils was 94.1% (5 trees - MO) and 95.1% (5 trees - C). However the leaf essential oil compositions of a single tree from each treatment were different from the other trees showing eugenol contents of 58.7% (MO) and 55.1% (C), and a high safrol amount (29.6% and 39.5%, respectively). No difference was observed in the composition or contents of individual components as a consequence of fertilization.