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Highlights • Vicilins from Anadenanthera colubrina seeds (AcVs) interfered with the development of cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) larvae. • AcVs present a strong effect at low concentrations on adult emergence (ED50 of 0.096%), on larvae, showing a marked reduction in mass (WD50 of 0.32%) and lethality (LD50 of 0.33%) (w:w). • AcV is a chitin-binding protein with approximately 230 kDa. • AcV chitin-binding fragments are associated with deleterious effects in larvae., Vicilins are seed proteins, and they constitute 70–80% of the total protein in leguminous seeds; with amolecular mass between 150 and 190 kDa, they are composed of subunits without disulfide bridges, with high affinity for chitin-binding. They are also associated with seed defense against insect pests. The chitin-binding vicilin from Anadenanthera colubrina seeds was purified by ammonium sulfate, followed by affinity chromatography on a chitin column, molecular exclusion on Superdex 75 Tricorn in FPLC system and Phenomenex C8 chromatography in HPLC system. The A. colubrina vicilin, named AcV, is a tetrameric glycoprotein composed of 1.55% carbohydrates and molecular weight determined by SDS-PAGE, consisting of 70, 73, 43 and 41 kDa. The AcV homogeneity was confirmed in native PAGE, where it was observed to be a unique band with slow mobility in this gel, with approximately 230 kDa. AcV added to the Callosobruchus maculatus diet in the bioassays resulted in a strong effect on adult emergence (ED50 of 0.096%), and in larvae caused a marked reduction in mass (WD50 of 0.32%) and lethality (LD50 of 0.33%) (w:w). The digestibility of AcV was evaluated in vitro with the digestive enzymes of larvae of C. maculatus of fourth instar, showing major fragments of 10 and 30 kDa. AcV showed reactivity against the anti-EvV antibody from Erythrina velutina vicilin. The deleterious effects of AcV are likely to be associated with the chitin-binding fragments generated by proteolysis in the bruchid gut, similarly to that found for vicilins from other leguminous plant species, Enterolobium contortisiliquum and Vigna unguiculata. AcV might be a candidate protein for a possible bioinsecticidal control of the bruchid weevil, C. maculatus.

RESPOSTAS FISIOLÓGICAS DE MULUNGU SUBMETIDA A ESTRESSE SALINO E APLICAÇÃO DE ÁCIDO SALICÍLICO FRANCISCO ROMÁRIO ANDRADE FIGUEIREDO1; MARIA DE FÁTIMA QUEIROZ LOPES2; RONIMEIRE TORRES DA SILVA2; JACKSON SILVA NÓBREGA2; TOSHIK IARLEY DA SILVA3 E RISELANE DE LUCENA ALCÂNTARA BRUNO2 1 Departamento de Ciências Vegetais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Rua Francisco Mota, 572, Presidente Costa e Silva, 59625-900, Mossoró - RN, Brasil. E-mail: romarioagroecologia@yahoo.com.br 2 Departamento de Fitotecnia e Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Rodovia PB-079, 58397-000, Areia-PB, Brasil. E-mails: fatimaqueiroz0@gmail.com; ronimeiretorres@hotmail.com; jacksonnobrega@hotmail.com; lanebruno.bruno@gmail.com 3 Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Avenida Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n - Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa – MG, Brasil. E-mail: iarley.toshik@gmail.com 1 RESUMO O mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) é uma espécie florestal nativa da região Nordeste do Brasil, sendo utilizada para fins econômicos e medicinal. No entanto, o seu desempenho fisiológico pode ser comprometido por diversos fatores bióticos e abióticos, dentre estes, o estresse salino. Nesse sentido, a aplicação do ácido salicílico, fitohormônio de origem fenólica, torna-se uma estratégia promissora na busca de minimizar esses efeitos deletérios. Assim, o objetivou-se conhecer as respostas fisiológicas do mulungu irrigado com água salina associado a aplicação de ácido salicílico. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial incompleto 5x5, gerados a partir da matriz Composto Central de Box com cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (0,5; 1,74; 4,75; 7,76 e 9,0 dS m-1) e cinco doses de ácido salicílico (0,0; 0,29; 1,0; 1,71 e 2,0 mM L-1), com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as trocas gasosas, fluorescência e índice de clorofila aos 60 dias após a irrigação com água salina. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, nos casos de significância foi realizada análise de regressão polinomial. A salinidade da água de irrigação ocasiona efeitos deletérios nas trocas gasosas de Erythrina velutina Willd. Os índices de clorofila foram afetados positivamente pelos níveis salinos aplicados e a fluorescência inicial das plantas foi atenuada pela aplicação de ácido salicílico. Palavras-chave: Erythrina velutina Willd, caatinga, salinidade, trocas gasosas FIGUEIREDO, F. R. A.; LOPES, M. F. Q.; SILVA, R. T.; NÓBREGA, J. S.; SILVA, T. I.; AND BRUNO, R. A. L. PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF MULUNGU SUBMITTED TO SALT STRESS AND APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID 2 ABSTRACT Mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) is a forest species native to the Northeast region of Brazil, being used for economic and medicinal purposes. However, its physiological performance can be compromised by several biotic and abiotic factors, among them, saline stress. That way, the application of salicylic acid, phytohormone of phenolic origin, becomes a promising strategy in the search to minimize these deleterious effects. Thus, the objective was to learn the physiological responses of mulungu irrigated with saline water associated with the application of salicylic acid. The design was a randomized complete block, in an incomplete factorial scheme, using the Box Central Composite (CCB) matrix with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.5; 1.74; 4.75; 7.76 and 9.0 dS m-1), and five salicylic acid doses (0.0, 0.29, 1.0, 1.71 and 2.0 mM), with four replicates. Gas exchange, fluorescence and chlorophyll indices were evaluated 60 days after irrigation with saline water. Data were submitted to analysis of variance by the F test, in cases of significance polynomial regression analysis was performed. The salinity of irrigation water causes deleterious effects on the gas exchange of Erythrina velutina Willd. The chlorophyll indices were positively affected by saline levels applied and the initial fluorescence of the plants was attenuated by the application of salicylic acid. Keywords: Erythrina velutina Willd, caatinga, salinity, gas exchange

Erythrina velutina é uma espécie endêmica da região Nordeste do Brasil, conhecida por exibir propriedades farmacológicas e potencial madeireiro. Entretanto, seu crescimento pode ser comprometido por fatores abióticos como escassez hídrica e excesso de sais. A utilização de reguladores de crescimento como o ácido salicílico está entre os métodos usados para mitigar os efeitos negativos de estresse nos vegetais. Com isso, objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento de mudas de Erythrina velutina submetida ao estresse salino e aplicação de ácido salicílico. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial incompleto 5 x 5, gerados a partir da matriz Composto Central de Box com cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa= 0,5; 1,74; 4,75; 7,76 e 9,0 dS m-1) e cinco doses de ácido salicílico (AS= 0,0; 0,29; 1,0; 1,71 e 2,0 mM L-1), com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as variáveis: altura da planta, número de folhas, diâmetro do caule, taxa de crescimento relativo e absoluto da altura e diâmetro do caule, massa seca de raiz, do caule, da parte aérea e total e o índice da qualidade de Dickson. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, nos casos de significância foi realizada análise de regressão polinomial. A salinidade promove sérios danos ao crescimento das plantas de Erythrina velutina, sendo mais acentuado nos níveis crescentes de condutividade elétrica. A aplicação de ácido salicílico nas concentrações utilizadas não atenua os efeitos da salinidade.

Graphical abstract, Introduction Natural products of pharmaceutical interest often do not reach the drug market due to the associated low yields and difficult extraction. Knowledge of biosynthetic pathways is a key element in the development of biotechnological strategies for plant specialized metabolite production. Erythrina species are mainly used as central nervous system depressants in folk medicine and are important sources of bioactive tetracyclic benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), which can act on several pathology-related biological targets. Objectives In this sense, in an unprecedented approach used with a non-model Fabaceae species grown in its unique arid natural habitat, a combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses (seeds and leaves) is presented. Methods The Next Generation Sequencing-based transcriptome (de novo RNA sequencing) was carried out in a NextSeq 500 platform. Regarding metabolite profiling, the High-resolution Liquid Chromatography was coupled to DAD and a micrOTOF-QII mass spectrometer by using electrospray ionization (ESI) and Time of Flight (TOF) analyzer. The tandem MS/MS data were processed and analyzed through Molecular Networking approach. Results This detailed macro and micromolecular approach applied to seeds and leaves of E. velutina revealed 42 alkaloids, several of them unique. Based on the combined evidence, 24 gene candidates were put together in a putative pathway leading to the singular alkaloid diversity of this species. Conclusion Overall, these results could contribute by indicating potential biotechnological targets for modulation of erythrina alkaloids biosynthesis as well as improve molecular databases with omic data from a non-model medicinal plant, and reveal an interesting chemical diversity of Erythrina BIA harvested in Caatinga.

Salinity is one of the problems that limit plant development, with the germination, growth, and initial establishment stages being the most sensitive to saline stress. Erythrina velutina, popularly known as “mulungu” in Brazil, is a species native to the Caatinga biome, which grows in conditions of soil rich in salts. The damage caused by salinity to the quality of its seeds and the use of techniques that mitigate such effects are little known. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate salicylic acid as a mitigator of saline stress in the physiological quality of mulungu seeds. The quality of two seed lots from two Brazilian states (L1: Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, and L2: Pentencostes, Ceará) was evaluated. A completely randomized design in a 2 (seed soaking with salicylic acid (SA) - distilled water and 1.0 mM SA) × 4 (electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw - 0.0, 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 dS m-1) factorial scheme with four replications of 50 seeds each was used. Saline stress reduces the quality of mulungu seeds and seedlings. SA increases the vigor of the seeds, promoting improvements in germination under saline conditions. RESUMO A salinidade é um dos problemas que limitam o desenvolvimento das plantas, sendo as fases de germinação, crescimento e estabelecimento inicial as mais sensíveis ao estresse salino. Erythrina velutina, popularmente conhecida no Brasil como “mulungu”, é uma espécie nativa do bioma Caatinga, que cresce em condições de solo rico em sais. Os danos causados pela salinidade à qualidade de suas sementes e a utilização de técnicas que mitiguem esses efeitos são pouco conhecidos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o ácido salicílico como mitigador do estresse salino na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de mulungu. A qualidade de dois lotes de sementes de dois estados brasileiros (L1: Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, e L2: Pentencostes, Ceará) foi avaliada. O delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 (embebição de sementes com ácido salicílico (SA) - água destilada e 1,0 mM SA) × 4 (condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - ECw - 0,0, 3,0, 6,0 e 9,0 dS m-1) com quatro repetições de 50 sementes cada foi usado. O estresse salino reduz a qualidade das sementes e mudas de mulungu. SA aumenta o vigor das sementes, promovendo melhorias na germinação em condições salinas.

Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae) is a Brazilian native tree with economic, ecological and social potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate isoenzyme activity and changes in DNA integrity during germination of E. velutina at different temperatures. The seeds were placed to germinate at 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45 °C, evaluating isoenzyme activity and degradation of the DNA during germination. Isoenzyme expression occurs differently for seed germination under different temperatures, with varied expression between seedlings and cotyledons. The esterase enzyme was more sensitive to express the response of the E. velutina germination seeds at different temperatures. DNA repair is more efficient during the germination of E. velutina seeds when submitted to a temperature of up to 25 °C, with damage to the genetic apparatus with an increase higher than this temperature. RESUMO: Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae) é uma espécie nativa brasileira com potencial econômico, ecológico e social. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade de isoenzimas e as alterações na integridade do DNA durante a germinação de E. velutina em diferentes temperaturas. As sementes foram colocadas para germinar a 5, 15, 25, 35 e 45 °C, avaliando-se atividade isoenzimática e a degradação do DNA durante a germinação. A expressão isoenzimática ocorre de maneira diferente para a germinação das sementes sob diferentes temperaturas, com expressão variada entre plântulas e cotilédones. A enzima esterase foi mais sensível para expressar a resposta de sementes de E. velutina sob diferentes temperaturas de germinação. O reparo do DNA é mais eficiente durante a germinação das sementes de E. velutina quando submetidas à temperatura de até 25 °C, com prejuizo ao aparato genético em temperaturas superiores.

Two new Erythrina alkaloid glycosides, 1 and 2, and three new diarylpropanoid glycosides 12–14 together with nine known compounds were isolated from the MeOH extracts of the seeds of Erythrina velutina. The structures and absolute configurations of these new compounds were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses as well as experimental and calculated ECD data. The inhibitory potency of these compounds against nitric oxide production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and the cytotoxicity of these compounds against the HeLa and HL-60 human cancer cell lines were also discussed.

Objectives To study the effects of the standardized extract from the leaves of Erythrina velutina in behavioural and oxidative parameters in the ketamine-induced schizophrenia model. Methods Mice received ketamine (KET) or saline for 7 days. From 8th to 14th day, the animals received Erythrine (Eryt) (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) or olanzapine (Olanz), 1 h after KET administration. At 14th day, 30 min after the last administration of KET, the open-field and pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) tests were performed. Then, the animals were sacrificed and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC) and striatum (ST) were dissected for the oxidative tests. Key findings Ketamine increased spontaneous locomotor activity and grooming. KET decreased the PPI, which was reversed by combining it with Eryt or olanzapine. KET decreased GSH concentration in PFC and ST this was reversed by Eryt. KET increased MDA concentration in PFC and HC this was reversed by Eryt. Eryt and Olanzapine reduced MDA concentration in ST when compared to KET group. Nitrite concentration was reduced by administration of KET in the PFC. Conclusions These results demonstrate that the standardized extract of E. velutina can prevent behavioural symptoms and oxidative stress induced by repeated doses of KET.

Chemical analysis involving gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry of the essential oils of red and orange flowers from E. velutina revealed a predominance of phenylpropanoids in both samples. However, qualitative and quantitative differences were found in the compositions. (E)-Asarone (16.22 ± 0.23%) and (E)-caryophyllene (12.22 ± 0.11%) were identified as the major constituents of the essential oil from the red flowers, whereas (E)-caryophyllene (41.72 ± 1.65%) and eugenol (20.99 ± 0.21%) were identified as the major constituents of the oil from the orange flowers. Seventeen fatty acids were characterized in the red and black seeds. The fatty acid composition in the two chromatic variations had a high degree of similarity. Oleic acid (41.56 ± 1.33% and 46.12 ± 1.90% in the red and black seeds, respectively), palmitic acid (15.39 ± 0.16% and 12.33 ± 0.41%) and behenic acid (9.95 ± 0.14% and 12.10 ± 0.42%) were identified as the main fatty acids. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) enabled identifying significant differences in the chemical profile of the essential oils from the red flower and orange flower varieties of E. velutina. In contrast, PCA and HCA analysis revealed no significant differences in the fatty acid profile of the red and black seeds.

The objective of this study was to verify a possible neuroprotective effect of the ethanolic extract of Erythrina velutina (EEEV). Male Swiss mice were submitted to transient cerebral ischemia by occlusion of both carotid arteries for 30 min and treated for 5 days with EEEV (200 or 400 mg/kg) or Memantine (MEM) 10 mg/kg, with initiation of treatment 2 or 24 h after Ischemia. On the 6th day after the induction of ischemia, the animals were submitted to evaluation of locomotor activity and memory and then sacrificed. The brains were dissected for the removal of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC) and striatum (ST) for determination of amino acid concentrations. In the step down and Y-maze tests, ischemia caused damage to the animals and treatment with EEEV or MEM reversed this effect. The animals submitted to ischemia also showed memory deficit in the object recognition test, an effect that was reverted by EEEV400 and MEM10. Amino acid dosage showed an increase in excitatory amino acid concentrations in the PFC of the ischemic animals and this effect was reversed by the treatment with EEEV400/24H. Regarding the inhibitory amino acids, ischemia caused an increase of taurine in the PFC while treatment with MEM10/24H or EEEV400/24H reversed this effect. In HC, an increase in excitatory amino acids was also observed in ischemiated animals having treatment with EEEV200/2H or EEEV400/24H reversed this effect. Similar effect was also observed in the same area in relation to the inhibitory amino acids with treatment with MEM10/24H or EEEV400/24H. In the ST, ischemia was also able to cause an increase in excitatory amino acids that was reversed more efficiently by the treatments with MEM10/24H and EEEV200. Also in this area, an increase of taurine and GABA was observed and only the treatment with EEEV200/2H showed a reversion of this effect. In view of these findings, EEEV presents a neuroprotective effect possibly due to its action on amino acid concentrations, and is therefore a potential therapeutic tool in reducing the damage caused by ischemia.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar substratos orgânico-minerais na produção de mudas de Erythrina velutina Willd. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com 10 repetições. Utilizaram-se cinco substratos (S), sendo S1 = solo; S2 = solo + esterco bovino curtido (20%); S3 = solo + superfosfato simples (300 g m-3); S4 = solo + superfosfato simples + micronutrientes (300 g m-3, 50 g m-3); S5 = solo + superfosfato simples + micronutrientes (300 g m-3, 50 g m-3) + esterco bovino curtido. O substrato foi composto de solo e esterco bovino curtido na proporção 4: 1, de acordo com cada tratamento. As coletas de mudas foram realizadas em intervalos de 14, 28, 42, 56 e 70 dias após semeadura. As variáveis analisadas foram: comprimento da parte aérea, número de folhas, diâmetro de coleto, área foliar, massa seca de caule, de folhas, da parte aérea, das raízes, total e relação massa seca da parte aérea e das raízes. Houve efeito significativo dos substratos orgânicos-minerais para as variáveis analisadas. O substrato composto por solo com adição de superfosfato simples (300 gm -3 ), micronutrientes (50 gm -3 ) e 20% de esterco bovino curtido e indicado para produção de mudas de Erythrina velutina .

Background: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may cause photoaging, unsightly marks, or dangerous lesions, such as carcinomas and/or melanomas. Sun filters are substances capable of absorbing, reflecting, or refracting UV radiation and thus protect the skin from direct exposure to sunlight. The current trend in the cosmetics industry, in Brazil, is to rationally explore local biodiversity as a way of developing products of natural origin, especially derived from plants. Objective: The present study aims to determine the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 species from the Caatinga region used in popular medicine as anti-inflammatories. Materials and Methods: Samples of duly identified plant species were dried and ground and hydroethanolic extracts were obtained (80:20). Spectrophotometric analyses were carried out to determine the SPF, antioxidant activity, and quantification of secondary metabolites. In vitro calculation of SPF was based on the method developed by Mansur. Results: Erythrina velutina Willd. had the best SPF of 9.71 ± 1.29 at a concentration of 100 mg/L. Conclusion: The study showed that native species to the Caatinga used by the local population to treat inflammatory disorders have good photoprotective potential and could be used for pharmaceutical preparations to this end. Abbreviations used: ANOVA: Analysis of variance; AOA: Antioxidant activity; CC: Coumarin content; CE: Coumarin equivalent; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; IC50: Inhibitory concentration 50%; LEA-UFPE: Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Social-ecological Systems-Federal University of Pernambuco; RE: Rutin equivalent; SPF: Sun protection factor; TAE: Tannic acid equivalent; TFC: Total flavonoid content; TPC: Total phenolic content; TTC: Total tannin content; UFPE: Federal University of Pernambuco; UFRPE: Federal Rural University of Pernambuco; UV: Ultraviolet; UVA: Ultraviolet type A; UVB: Ultraviolet type B; UV-VIS: Ultraviolet-visible

Objectives We studied the effects of ethyl acetate fraction (EAcF) obtained from Erythrina velutina leaves on mammalian myocardium. Methods The effect of EAcF on the contractility was studied using guinea-pig left atria mounted in a tissue bath (Tyrode's solution, 29°C, 95% CO2, 5% O2) and electrically stimulated (1 Hz). Concentration-response curves of EAcF were obtained in the presence of propranolol (1 μm), nifedipine (1 μm) and in reserpinized animals (5 mg/kg). The involvement of l-type calcium current (ICa,L) on the EAcF effect was observed in cardiomyocytes of mice assessed using patch-clamp technique. Key findings EAcF (550 μg/ml) had a positive inotropic effect, increasing the atrial force by 164% (EC50 = 157 ± 44 μg/ml, n = 6), but it was less potent than isoproterenol (EC50 = 0.0036 ± 0.0019 μg/ml, n = 8). The response evoked by EAcF was abolished by propranolol or nifedipine. Reserpine did not alter the inotropic response of EAcF. Furthermore, an enhancement of the ICa,L peak (31.2%) with EAcF was observed. Chemical analysis of EAcF revealed the presence of at least 10 different flavonoid glycoside derivatives. Two were identified as vicenin II and isorhoifolin. Conclusions We conclude that EAcF increases the cardiac contractile force by increasing the l-type calcium current and activating the adrenergic receptor pathway.

The effect of plasma applied to mulungu (Erythrina velutina) seeds was studied to verify its influence on the germination, water absorption, wettability and structure of the seeds. The plasma jet used in this study was produced by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in a helium gas flow of 0.03 L/s at a distance of 13 mm for 60 s. The plasma treatment significantly affected the seed germination rate, which was approximately 5% higher than that of the untreated group. Micropyle and hilum contributed a greater proportion to uptake. When sealed in the hilar or micropyle regions the amount of water absorbed into the seed decreased approximately 75% compared to the unsealed seed. This difference suggests that these two regions together act cooperatively in the water absorption. However, when plasma treated seed was blocked in the micropyle region, water absorption was higher higher than in seeds blocked hilum. This difference suggests that the plasma treatment changed the wettability of the hilum more effectively than it changed the micropyle. These results indicate that plasma can significantly change the hydrophilicity, water absorption and percentage of seed germination in E. velutina.

This research was done to examine the interaction of lectins with glycoconjugates expressed on Primary CNS tumors using lectins from marine algal Bryothamnion seaforthii(BSL) and seeds of Erythrina velutina (EVL) Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled. Samples of different tumor types obtained from the Neurology Service of Sobral-Brazil were processed for histopathologic analysis. Samples were marked with complex lectin-FITC as follows: without any marking (G-I); or incubated with BSA-FITC (G-II), EVL-FITC (G-III), BSL-FITC (G-IV), EVL-FITC + 0.1 M galactose (G-V) or BSL-FITC denatured by heat (G-VI). The quantification of tumor marking was performed by fluorescence intensity. EVL-FITC became the images, more fluorescent than the negative control. There was difference (p 0.05) when comparing G-II/G-V or G-IV/G-VI. These lectins have a potential as prognostic marker in primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor. Key words: Marine algal lectins, central nervous system (CNS) tumor, protein-carbohydrate interactions.

Erythrina velutina (EV) Willd (Fabaceae-Faboideae) is a medicinal tree that is commonly used in Brazil for the treatment of several central nervous system disorders.The anticholinesterase activity of EV is described in this work.Concentration-response curves (0-1.6 mg/mL) for EV leaf aqueous extract (AE) and alkaloid-rich extracts (AKEs) were performed in vitro. Cholinesterase inhibition was examined in mouse brains, as the cholinesterase source, and in pure acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Mice were treated with AE or AKE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and their brains were used for the measurement of cholinesterase activity (CA) ex vivo.CA was inhibited by AE (IC(50) = 0.57 [0.43-0.75] mg/mL) and AKE (IC(50) = 0.52 [0.39-0.70] mg/mL) in brain homogenates in a concentration-dependent manner. The ex vivo experiments indicated that AE (400 mg/kg, p0.05, 32.2 ± 3.9% of inhibition) and AKE (all doses: p0.05-p0.001, 29.6 ± 3.2% as the maximum inhibition) significantly inhibited CA in the central nervous system after oral administration. AE and AKE inhibited AChE and BuChE activities in a concentration-dependent manner (AE: IC(50AChE) = 0.56 [0.38-0.81] mg/mL, IC(50BuChE) = 2.95 [1.51-5.76] mg/mL, AKE: IC(50AChE) = 0.87 [0.60-12.5] mg/mL, IC(50BuChE) = 2.67 [0.87-8.11] mg/mL).These data indicated that AE and AKE crossed the blood-brain barrier to inhibit CA in the brain. AE and AKE also exhibited a dual inhibitory action on acetyl- and BuChE.

Erythrina velutina (mulungu) is an endemic species of caatinga found in Northeast Brazil. As a result of its rapid plant growth, the species may be an alternative for the recovery of degraded areas. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the effects of irrigation with different field capacilities (FC): 20, 50 and 80% on plant growth, antioxidative enzyme activities, membrane lipid peroxidation and organic solute contents in mulungu seedlings under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was carried out at Instituto Federal Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará (IFCE)-Campus Maracanaú, Ceará, Brazil. Under the presented experimental conditions, E. velutina plants showed higher growth variables (dry matter yield and leaf area) when submitted to daily irrigation of 50% of FC. Irrigation at 20% of FC caused a small water deficit. However, 80% of FC watering may have resulted in an excess of water. In general, despite the reduction in plant growth in plants irrigated at 20% of FC, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes did not differ substantially between treatments. In general, the lowest organic solute contents were detected in irrigations at 20 or 80% of FC.

Este trabalho utilizou extrato etanólico e respectivas frações de Erythrina velutina em ensaio alelopático com sementes de Lactuca sativa. Observou-se que, com exceção da fração acetato de etila, o extrato etanólico e frações foram capazes de influenciar a germinação e crescimento das sementes de L. sativa. This work has used ethanol extract and respective fractions from Erythrina velutina in allelophatic rehearsal with seeds from Lactuca sativa. It was observed that, except for the ethyl acetate fraction, the ethanol extract and fractions has been capable to influence the germination and growth of the seeds from L. sativa.

This work studied the antinociceptive effects of the hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) from Erythrina velutina (Ev) and Erythrina mulungu (Em) in three experimental models of nociception in mice. The extract was administered intraperitoneally to female mice at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Inhibitions of abdominal contractions were observed with the doses of 200 (88.6%; 86.8%) and 400 (95.5%; 83.5%) mg/kg of E. velutina and E. mulungu, respectively, as compared to controls. E. velutina and E. mulungu, at both doses, reduced the nociception produced by formalin in the 1st and 2nd phases and this effect was not reversed by the pretreatment with naloxone. In the hot plate test an increase of the reaction time was observed only at 60 (Ev=18.0+/-2.2; Em=20.8+/-2.52) and 90 min (Ev=20.4+/-1.71; Em=23.7+/-2.32) after the treatment with E. velutina and E. mulungu at the dose of 400 mg/kg as compared to controls (T60=11.1+/-0.74; T90=11.9+/-0.86). This effect was not reversed by naloxone. We conclude that E. velutina and E. mulungu presents antinociceptive effects, which are independent of the opioid system.

We investigated the effect of acute oral treatment with a water-alcohol extract of the inflorescence of Erythrina mulungu (EM, Leguminosae-Papilionaceae) (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) on rats submitted to different anxiety models: the elevated T-maze (for inhibitory avoidance and escape measurements), the light/dark transition, and the cat odor test. These models were selected for their presumed capacity to demonstrate specific subtypes of anxiety disorders as recognized in clinical practice. Treatment with 200 mg/kg EM impaired avoidance latencies (avoidance 1 - 200 mg/kg EM: 18 +/- 7 s, control group: 40 +/- 9 s; avoidance 2 - 200 mg/kg EM: 15 +/- 4 s, control group: 110.33 +/- 38 s) in a way similar to the reference drug diazepam (avoidance 1: 3 +/- 0.79 s; avoidance 2: 3 +/- 0.76 s), without altering escape. Additionally, the same treatments increased the number of transitions (200 mg/kg EM: 6.33 +/- 0.90, diazepam: 10 +/- 1.54, control group: 2.78 +/- 0.60) between the two compartments and the time spent in the lighted compartment in the light/dark transition model (200 mg/kg EM: 39 +/- 7 s; diazepam: 61 +/- 9 s; control group: 14 +/- 4 s). The dose of 400 mg/kg EM also increased this last measurement (38 +/- 8 s). These results were not due to motor alterations since no significant effects were detected in the number of crossings or rearings in the arena. Furthermore, neither EM nor diazepam altered the behavioral responses of rats to a cloth impregnated with cat odor. These observations suggest that EM exerts anxiolytic-like effects on a specific subset of defensive behaviors, particularly those that have been shown to be sensitive to low doses of benzodiazepines.

Inhibitors of peptidases isolated from leguminous seeds have been studied for their pharmacological properties. The present study focused on purification, biochemical characterization and anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant evaluation of a novel Kunitz trypsin inhibitor from Erythrina velutina seeds (EvTI). Trypsin inhibitors were purified by ammonium sulfate (30-60%), fractionation followed by Trypsin-Sepharose affinity chromatography and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The purified inhibitor showed molecular mass of 19,210.48 Da. Furthermore, a second isoform with 19,228.16 Da was also observed. The inhibitor that showed highest trypsin specificity and enhanced recovery yield was named EvTI (P2) and was selected for further analysis. The EvTI peptide fragments, generated by trypsin and pepsin digestion, were further analyzed by MALDI-ToF-ToF mass spectrometry, allowing a partial primary structure elucidation. EvTI exhibited inhibitory activity against trypsin with IC50 of 2.2×10(-8) mol.L(-1) and constant inhibition (Ki) of 1.0×10(-8) mol.L(-1), by a non-competitive mechanism. In addition to inhibit the activity of trypsin, EvTI also inhibited factor Xa and neutrophil elastase, but do not inhibit thrombin, chymotrypsin or peptidase 3. EvTI was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties. Firstly, EvTI showed no cytotoxic effect on human peripheral blood cells. Nevertheless, the inhibitor was able to prolong the clotting time in a dose-dependent manner by using in vitro and in vivo models. Due to anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant EvTI properties, two sepsis models were here challenged. EvTI inhibited leukocyte migration and specifically acted by inhibiting TNF-α release and stimulating IFN-α and IL-12 synthesis. The data presented clearly contribute to a better understanding of the use of Kunitz inhibitors in sepsis as a bioactive agent capable of interfering in blood coagulation and inflammation.

A purified lectin from Erythrina velutina was found to be a dimeric glycoprotein of M r ca 62000 with a neutral sugar content of 5.8%. It agglutinated human A, B and O erythrocytes and rabbit red cells at minimal concentrations of 1.95 and 2.30 μg ml −1 , respectively. In contrast, horse or cow erythrocytes were agglutinated only after neuraminidase or trypsin treatment. The haemagglutinating activity of the lectin was inhibited by d -galactose and related saccharides. N -Acetyllactosamine, the most potent inhibitor, was 95 times more effective than either lactose or galactose. N -Acetylgalactosamine was about four times as active as lactose. Asialomucin from porcine stomach, a glycoprotein rich in N -acetyllactosamine-containing O -glycans, also acted as an inhibitor. Mitogenic activity on normal human lymphocytes was obtained at an optimal concentration of ca 125 μg ml −1 . Mononuclear cells from patients with Localized American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis proliferated in the presence of the lectin; the stimulation index was similar to that obtained with cells from healthy individuals.

Four new Erythrinan alkaloids (1—4) were isolated from the seeds of Erythrina velutina. The structures of these new compounds 1—4 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR. Three of four were found to be novel sulfated Erythrinan alkaloids.

This work studied the anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) from Erythrina velutina Willd. (Ev) and E. mulungu Mart. ex Benth. (Em) in the carrageenan- and dextran-induced mice hind paw edema models. These medicinal plants belonging to the Fabaceae family are used in some Brazilian communities to treat pain, inflammation, insomnia and disorders of the central nervous system. In the present work, the extracts were administered orally in male mice at the doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg. In the carrageenan-induced test, only Em showed anti-inflammatory activity, decreasing the paw edema, at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. No effect was observed with Ev in this model. On the other hand, in the dextran model, Ev demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect, showing decrease of the paw edema at the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24th h. Em (200 or 400 mg/kg) presented anti-inflammatory effect at the 2, 3 and 4th h after administration of dextran, as compared to control. In conclusion, the work showed that Ev and Em present anti-edematous actions, which possibly occurs by distinct mechanisms. While Ev seems to interfere especially in inflammatory processes in which mast cells have an important role, Em exerts greater activity in the inflammatory process that depends mainly on polymorphonuclear leucocytes. However, further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism of action of the species investigated.

Four new Erythrinan alkaloids (1—4) were isolated from the seeds of Erythrina velutina. The structures of these new compounds 1—4 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR. Three of four were found to be novel sulfated Erythrinan alkaloids.

Erythrina velutina (mulungu) é uma planta nativa do semiárido brasileiro que pode ser propagada via cultura de tecidos, o que poderá contribuir com a rápida multiplicação dessa espécie, além da redução de possíveis impactos ambientais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer um protocolo de micropropagação para o mulungu utilizando explantes de plântulas assépticas obtidas in vitro. Para a indução de brotos, foram utilizados como explantes hipocótilos segmentos nodais e nós cotiledonares inoculados em meio de cultura WPM acrescido de diferentes concentrações de BAP e ANA. O enraizamento dos brotos foi realizado em meio WPM suplementado com 0,0; 2,46; 4,92; e 9,88µM de AIB. A melhor resposta para a multiplicação foi obtida em meio suplementado com 17,76µM de BAP, sendo utilizado segmento nodal ou nó cotiledonar como explante. Os brotos enraizaram em todas as condições testadas, inclusive no meio de cultura sem auxina. Erythrina velutina (mulungu) is a native plant of the semi-arid region that can be propagated via tissue culture, which may contribute to the rapid multiplication of this species, reducing the possibility environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to establish a protocol for micropropagation of mulungu using aseptic explants seedlings grown in vitro. For the induction of shoots, , nodal segments and cotyledons were used as explants hypocontyl and were inoculated in a WPM culture medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP and NAA. The rooting of shoots was achieved in a WPM medium supplemented with 0.0; 2.46; 4.92; 9.88µM IBA. The best answer to the multiplication was obtained in medium supplemented with 17.76µM BAP using nodal segment or cotyledonary node explants. The shoots rooted in all conditions tested, including the culture medium without auxin.

A new Erythrinan alkaloid (1), erythodine N-oxide, was isolated from the seeds of Erythrina velutina together with seven known Erythrinan alkaloids (2-7, 9) and an indole alkaloid (8). The structure of new compound (1) was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Six of the nine compounds showed enhanced activity when combined with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Erysotrine (4) did not show cytotoxic activity by itself, but exhibited significant cytotoxicity when combined with TRAIL.

A new Erythrinan alkaloid (1), erythodine N-oxide, was isolated from the seeds of Erythrina velutina together with seven known Erythrinan alkaloids (2-7, 9) and an indole alkaloid (8). The structure of new compound (1) was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Six of the nine compounds showed enhanced activity when combined with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Erysotrine (4) did not show cytotoxic activity by itself, but exhibited significant cytotoxicity when combined with TRAIL.

Chitin-binding vicilin from Erythrina velutina seeds was purified by ammonium sulfate followed by affinity chromatography on a chitin column and gel filtration on Superose-6-10-300-GL. The Erythrina velutina vicilin, called EvV, is a tetrameric glycoprotein composed of 1.85% carbohydrates and M r of 216.6 kDa, consisting of two subunits of M r of 54.8 and two subunits of M r of 50.8 kDa. The EvV homogeneity was confirmed in native PAGE where it was observed to be a unique acid-protein band with slow mobility in this gel. Effect of EvV on C. capitata larvae was examined by bioassay and its mechanism of action was determined by immunodetection techniques and fluorescence localization in chitin structures that are present in C. capitata digestory system. EvV when added to diet caused strong effect on mortality (ED50 of 0.14%) and larval mass (WD50 of 0.12%). These deleterious effects were associated to the binding to chitin structures present in peritrophic membrane and to gut epithelial cells, and its low digestibility in C. capitata digestive tract. These results are the first demonstration of a proteinaceous bioinsecticide from plant origin effective against C. capitata larvae. EvV may be part of the pest management programs or an alternative in plant improvement program.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Erythrina velutina is traditionally used for sleepiness, convulsions and nervous system excitation in Brazil. Although central effects have been reported for Erythrina velutina , little is known about its mechanism of action. Aim of the study To investigate the pharmacological evidences of mechanism of action of Erythrina velutina leaves aqueous extract (AE). Materials and methods Terminal segments of the guinea-pig ileum ( n = 5–8) were mounted in an organ bath and isotonic contractions were recorded. Phytochemical screening was carried out on AE. Results AE (0.025–2.50 mg/ml) produced contractile response in the guinea-pig ileum, yielding typical concentration–response curves (EC 50 = 0.63 mg/ml). Electrically evoked contractions were significantly increased in the presence of AE. AE-elicited contractions were significantly reduced by bicuculline, tetrodotoxin, atropine, verapamil or incubation in low calcium–high potassium solution. Atropine along with verapamil abolished AE contractile response. Alkaloids, catechins, steroids, flavonols, flavononols, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, and xanthones were detected in AE. Conclusions AE contains important constituents for pharmacological activities. AE-induced contractions seem to involve GABA A receptor activation, acetylcholine release, muscarinic receptor activation, augmentation of Ca 2+ entry through L-type calcium channels, and calcium release from the intracellular stores. These findings provide further support for Erythrina velutina traditional uses.

A Erythrina velutina Willd. é conhecida popularmente como “mulungu”, suas cascas são utilizadas principalmente pela população do nordeste brasileiro devido a suas propriedades calmante, sudorífica, emoliente e anestésica local. A pesquisa teve como propósitos o isolamento de substâncias químicas, a partir de técnicas cromatográficas, presentes no extrato bruto e frações deste (hexano, diclorometano, acetato de etila e hidroalcoólica remanescente). A identificação dos compostos isolados foi realizada por meio da análise dos dados das espectroscopias de ultravioleta, infravermelho e ressonância magnética nuclear de carbono e hidrogênio; a verificação da atividade antibacteriana do extrato bruto foi realizada através dos testes de difusão em disco e concentração inibitória mínima e, da fração hexano por teste de difusão em disco, além disso também foi procedida a verificação da atividade alelopática na germinação e alteração do crescimento da radícula e hipocótilo das sementes de Lactuca sativa para diferentes concentrações do extrato bruto e frações, os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pela análise de variância e teste de comparação múltipla de médias de Scott & Knott. Na fração hexano foram identificados o ácido fênico, ácido cinâmico, a-amirina, estigmasterol, b-amirina, b-sitosterol e lupeol por cromatografia gasosa e isolados o estigmasterol em mistura com o b-sitosterol. Da fração diclorometano foram isolados dois alcalóides e as estruturas propostas são eritralina, que foi identificada por comparação de seus dados espectrais com os dados publicados e já foi isolada desta espécie, 8-oxo-11b-metoxieritralina e eritrinina (não relatadas para a espécie); da fração hidroalcoólica remanescente isolou-se um composto que exibe algumas características de açúcar monocíclico, ainda não completamente identificado. O extrato bruto e a fração hexano demonstraram atividade antibacteriana moderada, em relação aos antibióticos controle, contra o Staphylococcus aureus e Streptococcus pyogenes. A germinação das sementes de Lactuca sativa não foi inibida e o crescimento da radícula e hipocótilo destas plântulas para o extrato bruto e frações foi estatisticamente significativo e diferente dos controles com água e etanol, a fração hidroalcoólica remanescente teve a maior atividade e alterou a morfologia das plântulas causando enovelamento, ausência de pêlos radiculares e ausência de folíolos. Cabe salientar que a atividade antibacteriana, a atividade alelopática e a presença de estigmasterol e o composto isolado da fração hidroalcoólica remanescente ainda não haviam sido citadas na literatura conforme levantamento bibliográfico para Erythrina velutina. Palavras-chave: alelopatia, análise estatística, atividade antibacteriana, microbiologia, alcalóides, estigmasterol. PHITOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDY FROM ERYTHRINA VELUTINA WILLD., FABACEAE (LEGUMINASAE- PAPILIONOIDEAE) BARK. Abstract Erythrina velutina Willd. is popularly known as mulungu, and its bark is used especially by the population of the Brazilian northeast owning to its sedative, sudorific, emollient and topic anaesthetic properties. This research is aimed at isolating the chemical substances in the crude extract and its partitions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and hydro alcoholic remaining fractions), through chromatographic techniques. The analysis of the spectrum copies of ultraviolet, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance of carbon and hydrogen were used in the identification of the isolated compounds. The antibacterial activity of the crude extract was verified by using disk diffusion method and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC), and hexane fraction activity was verified through the disk diffusion method, and besides that the allelopathic activity in the germination and growth of the radicle and plantule of the Lactuca sativa seeds was checked at different concentrations of crude extract and fractions. Data were statistically examined by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scott Knott multiple comparison test. The hexane fraction GC showed fenic acid, cinnamic acid, a-amirin, stigmasterol, b-amirin, b-sitosterol and lupeol by gas chromatography; stigmasterol was isolated and identified as the major compound in the mixture with b-sitosterol. Two alkaloids were isolated from the dichloromethane fraction and the structures found were: erythraline that has been identified by comparing its spectral characteristics to its published ones and has been isolated from this gender, and 8–oxo–11(-methoxyerythraline and erythrinin which had not been related to this gender before; from the remaining hidroalcoholic fraction it was possible to segregate a compound that seems to have monocyclic sugar characteristics, but has not been thoroughly identified so far. The crude extract and the hexane fraction gave evidence of moderate antibacterial activity in relation to the antibiotics control, against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The germination of Lactuca sativa seeds was not inhibited and the growth of the radicle and hypocotyls to the amount of crude extract and fractions were statistically significant and different from the water and ethanol control. The remaining hidroalcoholic fraction was the most active and that caused the plantules morphology to show alterations such as curling, radicle hair absence and follicle absence. It seems important to emphasize that antibacterial activity, allelopathic activity, stigmasterol presence and the isolated compound from the remaining hidroalcoholic fraction had never been mentioned before in literature according to a bibliographic survey of Erythrina velutina.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-oedematogenic effects of the aqueous extract from the leaves of Erythrina velutina were tested through experimental models of nociception in mice and paw oedema induced by carrageenin in rats. The extract (300 and 600 mg/kg) did not change the carrageenin-induced paw oedema. In the hot plate test the extract also did not alter the latency time for mice liking the rear paws. Moreover, the extract (600 mg/kg) decreased by 96.5% the paw liking time in the second phase of the formalin test. This effect was antagonized by naloxone (5 mg/kg). In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract (300 and 600 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhing by 88.8% and 96.4%, respectively. Our present results demonstrated that the crude extract from the leaves of E. velutina has anti-nociceptive but not anti-oedematogenic properties.

Objetive: The purpose of the present work was to study the effects of standardized extract of Erythrina velutina (SEEV) in the determination of amino acids in mice brain undergoing global cerebral ischemia (ISQ). Methods: For this purpose, animals (swiss mice, males, 30−35 g) were subjected to transient cerebral ischemia by occlusion of both carotid arteries during 30 minutes and treated for 5 days with SEEV 200 or 400mg/kg and Memantine (MEM) 10mg/kg, 2 or 24 hours (2 or 24 h) after ischemia. The same procedure was done in false-operated group (FO) + dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) with the exception of clamping the carotid arteries. On day 6 after induction of ischemia, the animals were subjected to sacrificed and dissected brains on ice the prefrontal cortex (PFC), determination of glutamate (GLU), and gammaamino-butirico acid (GABA). Statistical analysis were performed using two-way ANOVA considering significant when p< 0.05. Results: The results show there was an increase in the amount of glutamate in the PFC of ischemic animals treated with DMSO (ISQ + DMSO: 25.6±4.6) compared to the control group (FO + DMSO: 3.28±0.9). The amount GLU was reduced by both doses of SEEV (ISQ + SEEV 200mg 24 h: 21.9±6.1) and (ISQ + SEEV 400mg 24 h: 9.6±2.1) with only 24 hours. Regarding the inhibitory amino acid in the PFC groups (ISQ + SEEV 200mg 24 h: 355.7±71.0) and (ISQ + SEEV 400mg 2 h: 606.8±45.1) showed a significant increase when compared to ischemic control. Groups (ISQ + SEEV 200mg 2 h: 263.5±37.2), (ISQ + SEEV 400mg 2 h: 235.1±52.8), (ISQ + MEM 10mg 24 h: 300.4±49.7) showed an increase in GABA concentrations compared with the control group (ISQ + DMSO: 115.6±27.4). An increase in the concentrations of this amino acid in relation to time of administration of the drug can also be seen when comparing the group (ISQ + MEM 10mg 2 h: 138.0±21.8) and (ISQ + MEM 10mg 24 h: 300.4±49.7). Conclusion: In conclusion, these results corroborate the SEEV at both doses developed a neuroprotective action, possibly by reducing the levels of excitatory amino acids and increase inhibitory amino acids after on cerebral ischemia in mice.

Dengue fever and schistosomiasis are major public health issues for which vector control using larvicide and molluscicide substances present in plants provides a promising strategy. This study evaluated the potential toxicity of the extract of hydroethanol Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl., Anacardiaceae, stem bark and its chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate, and hydromethanol fractions against Artemia salina and Aedes Aegypti larvae and snails Biomphalaria glabrata. All of the assays were performed in triplicate and the mean mortality rates were used to determine the LC50 and LC90 values using the probit method. The hydroethanol hydromethanol extract and fraction were free of toxicity towards A. salina (LC50 > 1000 μg/ml), while chloroform fraction was moderately toxic (LC50 313 μg/ml); ethyl acetate and hexane fractions displayed low toxicity, with LC50 557 and 582 μg/ml, respectively. Chloroform, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions showed larvicidal potential towards A. aegypti (LC50 values of 345, 527 and 583 μg/ml, respectively), while chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were highly toxic to B. glabrata (LC90 values of 68 and 73 μg/ml, respectively). Based on these findings, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hexane fractions should be further investigated for their potential use against the vectors of dengue and schistosomiasis. Keywords: Artemia salina, Aedes, Biomphalaria, Larvicide, Molluscicide, Schinopsis brasiliensis