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Plants of the species Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann (Bignoniaceae), which are widely distributed in Brazil and named crajiru in the state of Amazonas, are known in folk medicine as a traditional medicine in the form of a tea for the treatment of intestinal colic, diarrhea, and anemia, among other diseases. The chemical analysis of extracts of the leaves has identified phenolic compounds, a class of secondary metabolites that provide defense for plants and benefits to the health of humans. Several studies have shown the therapeutic efficacy of F. chica extracts, with antitumor, antiviral, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities being among the therapeutic applications already proven. The healing action of F. chica leaf extract has been demonstrated in several experimental models, and shows the ability to favor the proliferation of fibroblasts, which is essential for tissue repair. The anti-inflammatory activity of F. chica has been clearly demonstrated by several authors, who suggest that it is related to the presence of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, which is capable of inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways such as the kappa B (NF-kB) nuclear transcription factor pathway. Another important effect attributed to this species is the antioxidant effect, attributed to phenolic compounds interrupting chain reactions caused by free radicals and donating hydrogen atoms or electrons. In conclusion, the species Fridericia chica has great therapeutic potential, which is detailed in this paper with the objective of encouraging new research and promoting the sum of efforts for the inclusion of herbal medicines in health systems around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil has the most incredible biodiversity globally and has a vast storehouse of molecules to be discovered. However, there are no pharmacological and phytochemical studies on most native plants. Parts of Schinopsis brasiliensis Engler, a tree from the Anacardiaceae family, are used by several traditional communities to treat injuries and health problems. The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the pharmacological information about S. brasiliensis, from ethnobotanical to phytochemical and biological studies. Data collection concerning the geographical distribution of S. brasiliensis specimens was achieved through the Reflora Virtual Herbarium. The study's protocol was drafted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search strategy used the keyword "Schinopsis brasiliensis" in the databases: PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Web of Science, SciFinder, and SciELO. Rayyan was used for the selection of eligible studies. In total, 35 studies were included in the paper. The most recurrent therapeutic indications were for general pain, flu and inflammation. The bark was the most studied part of the plant. The most used preparation method was decoction and infusion, followed by syrup. Phytochemical investigations indicate the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and polyphenols. Most of the substances were found in the plant's leaf and bark. Important biological activities were reported, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. S. brasiliensis is used mainly by communities in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil to treat several diseases. Pharmacological and phytochemical studies together provide scientific support for the popular knowledge of the medicinal use of S. brasiliensis. In vitro and in vivo analyses reported antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, cytotoxic, photoprotective, preservative, molluscicidal, larvicidal, and pupicidal effects. It is essential to highlight the need for future studies that elucidate the mechanisms of action of these phytocompounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A great variety of bioactive natural products has been reported for different Palicourea and Psychotria species (Rubiaceae). However, few of them as well as few of species of these botanical genera have been evaluated for antiplasmodial activity. Objective: To assess the antiplasmodial activity of 24 extracts from Palicourea and Psychotria genera, along with the targeted LC–MS metabolite profiling, as well as identification of the main metabolites in the bioactive extracts. Methods: Twenty four ethanol and acid–base extracts from Palicourea and Psychotria genera collected in the Amazonia and Atlantic Forest, Brazil, were evaluated against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum W2 strain by PfLDH. The metabolite profiling and putative identification of metabolites from bioactive extracts were determined by LC-DAD-ESI–MS and LC-HRMS, respectively. Results: The ethanol extracts disclosed low antiplasmodial activity (% GI < 50%). High antiplasmodial effect was observed for the acid–base extracts from Psychotria apoda and Psychotria colorata with 100% inhibition of parasite growth inhibition. Fragment ions related to pyrrolidinoindoline alkaloids were observed by LC-DAD-ESI–MS mainly in the most bioactive extracts. The results of the in vitro screening associated with the LC-DAD-ESI–MS and LC-HRMSn data allowed to predict, for the first time, the pyrrolidinoindoline alkaloids as possible antiplasmodial representing, then, new potential natural antimalarial hits. In addition, other metabolite classes such as flavanones, lignans and chalcones were also putatively identified in the bioactive extracts of Psychotria apoda, Psychotria capitata, and Psychotria poeppigiana. Conclusion: The present results point to Palicourea and Psychotria species as sources of new antimalarial hits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent use of acaricides against the tick Rhipicephalus microplus increases the risk of development of resistance. Recent studies have revealed that Neoglaziovia variegata, an indigenous plant species known in Brazil as 'caroá', has a deleterious effect against R. microplus. In the current study, extracts of N. variegata were studied for their possible acaricidal properties. A hexane extract of N. variegata leaves was fractionated in a chromatography column and the fractions were tested in adult tick immersion tests in triplicate using three concentrations (5, 10 and 25 mg/ml). All the fractions had harmful effects on the ticks. However, three fractions were more efficaceous. Phytochemical analysis indicated that stigmast-5-en-3-ol and stigmastanol were most abundant; they might be responsible for the acaricidal effects, making them potentially useful as alternative agents to control the tick R. microplus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annona coriacea Mart., popularly known as "marolo", "araticum" and "araticum-liso" is a species distributed in Paraguay and Brazil, and easily found in Caatinga, Cerrado, and Pantanal biomes. The araticum has been used in folk medicine to treat stomatitis, neuralgia, rheumatism, headaches, furuncle, ulcers, and dermatitis. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity of A. coriacea. A search for scientific articles of electronic databases (Science Direct, PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus, Google Scholar, Scielo, and Web of Science) was performed identifying studies published until November 2020. All papers considering traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties were included. Forty-six articles (n = 212 subjects) met the inclusion criteria set for this review. Of the 46 articles reviewed, 34 were focused on biological activity investigations, while 12 were limited to phytochemical studies. These studies showed the presence of a diversity of secondary metabolites such as acetogenins, sesquiterpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, and diterpenes. To date, pharmacological tests have demonstrated significant biological activities of this plant, being the most promising anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and insecticide activities. Additionally, the medicinal utilization of A. coriacea appears to be promising, supporting its possible uses for human health with antioxidant, anxiolytic, antiulcer, insecticide, and antiparasitic activities. Ultimately, comprehensive studies involving clinical trials are required to validate the existing traditional practices and their related health benefits scientifically. • The ethnobotany records several medicinal properties of leaves, seeds and roots of Annona coriacea. • Phytochemical constitution of A. coriacea is little explored. • Several bioactivities reported, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory. • Clinical trial studies have not yet been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) LP Queiroz (Fabaceae) is an endemic tree in the Northeast of Brazil. Its flowers, leaves, stem bark and root have been used over the years to treat infections, abdominal pain, inflammation, diarrhea, heartburn, and dyspepsia. The present study is a critical assessment of the state-of-the-art concerning traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of P. pyramidalis performed through the application of a robust research strategy to explore the therapeutic potential of P. pyramidalis extracts and isolated compounds for the treatment of human disorders. Information related to this review was systematically collected from scientific literature databases for P. pyramidalis , including papers and patents (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar, INPI, WIPO, EPO and USPTO), published books (e.g. Plantas Forrageiras das Caatingas), dissertations and theses. Plant taxonomy has been confirmed in the "The Plant List" database (www.theplantlist.org). Phytochemical analysis of P. pyramidalis shows several constituents such as flavonoids, triterpenoids and phenylpropanoids. The extract and isolated constituents exhibited a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and neuroprotective activities. In addition, toxicity studies showed that the administration of P. pyramidalis extract was safe in non-pregnant rats but displayed teratogenic effects in rats and goats. On the other hand, the search in patent databases reported a single filing, which highlights the disparity between a large number of published scientific articles versus the almost nonexistent filing of patents. This fact evidences a still little explored technological potential of the species. P. pyramidalis represents an important therapeutic resource for the population from the Northeast of Brazil. Pharmacological studies confirmed the effectiveness of the extract or isolated compounds in the treatment of various pathologies traditionally treated with P. pyramidalis. The authors emphasize the need for in-depth research and future clinical trials in order to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of P. pyramidalis. Image 1 • P. pyramidalis has been used to treat infections, inflammation and dyspepsia. • Phytochemical analysis shows flavonoids, triterpenoids and phenylpropanoids. • P. pyramidalis extract exhibited antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. • P. pyramidalis extract showed gastroprotective and neuroprotective activity. • P. pyramidalis displayed teratogenic effects in rats and goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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