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To support the identification of species and control illegal charcoal production, this study aimed to anatomically characterize the carbonized wood of species native to the Araucaria forest areas, including Nectandra megapotamica, Ocotea indecora, Ocotea diospyrifolia, Ocotea puberula, Balfourodendron riedelianum, Chrysophyllum marginatum and Zanthoxylum rhoifolium. The samples were collected in the Planalto Catarinense region (high plains of the state of Santa Catarina). Three disks were removed from three trees of each species, selected randomly. All discs were sectioned to obtain samples close to the different parts of the trunk (near bark, intermediate and near pith). These sample were then carbonized for 392 minutes in a muffle furnace using a ramp regime with a maximum temperature of 450 °C. Following carbonization, there was no significant degradation of the anatomical structure and cell arrangement, enabling the characterization and identification of species through comparison with wood description references. The position of samples in the trunk did not influence the anatomical characteristics, facilitating species identification. Wood from the Lauraceae family exhibited greater vessel diameter and lower vessel frequency compared to samples from the Rutaceae and Sapotaceae families. Discrimination of Chrysophyllum marginatum from the other evaluated species was possible based on vessel grouping, ray width and ray frequency. The results obtained contribute to a charcoal database of Atlantic Forest species, providing valuable information for practical applications in forestry supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiouea Aubl. is a genus of the Lauraceae family restricted to the Neotropics. Most species occur in tropical and mountainous forests of Central America, the Andes, and Brazil, from sea level to 2800 m. Recent field investigations in southeastern Brazil, as well as my study of 237 herbarium specimens, revealed a new species that I describe here as Aiouea albopunctata Brotto. The new species is mainly characterized by its whitish-punctuated fruits – hence the name – and is restricted to the mountains of eastern Brazil at altitudes between 600 and 1700 m. I provide a complete description of the new species, including illustrations, a distribution map, and key features distinguishing it from other species in the Atlantic Rain Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Dactylodiplosis petibaurum Maia, sp. nov., that induces galls on axillary buds of Ocotea pulchella is described from Brazil (larva, pupa, male, female, and gall), based on material collected at restinga areas of the Atlantic Forest. A key to segregate the known species is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamomum verum (Lauraceae), also known as "true cinnamon" or "Ceylon cinnamon" has been widely used in traditional folk medicine and cuisine for a long time. The systematics of C. verum presents some difficulties due to genetic variation and morphological similarity between other Cinnamomum species. The present work aimed to find chemical and molecular markers of C. verum samples from the Amazon region of Brazil. The leaf EOs and the genetic material (DNA) were extracted from samples cultivated and commercial samples. The chemical composition of the essential oils from samples of C. verum cultivated (Cve1-Cve5) and commercial (Cve6-c-Cv9-c) was grouped by multivariate statistical analysis of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The major compounds were rich in benzenoids and phenylpropanoids, such as eugenol (0.7–91.0%), benzyl benzoate (0.28–76.51%), (E)-cinnamyl acetate (0.36–32.1%), and (E)-cinnamaldehyde (1.0–19.73%). DNA barcodes were developed for phylogenetic analysis using the chloroplastic regions of the matK and rbcL genes, and psbA-trnH intergenic spacer. The psbA-trnH sequences provided greater diversity of nucleotides, and matK confirmed the identity of C. verum. The combination of DNA barcode and volatile profile was found to be an important tool for the discrimination of C. verum varieties and to examine the authenticity of industrial sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe anatomical characteristics of wood known as 'louros' from the Brazilian Amazon. The species is also known in Portuguese as preciosa, louro preto, louro pimenta, louro rosa, itauba, itauba amarela, louro branco and louro vermelho. Wood samples were collected in the extractivist communities of Paraíso and Arimum, located in the Verde Para Sempre Extractivist Reserve in Pará State, Brazil. All evaluated wood had diffuse porosity, simple perforate plate, alternate intervessel pits and non-storied rays. The anatomical characteristics indicated that louro branco had lower average ray frequency values (1.23), while preciosa, itauba and itauba amarela had higher mean ray frequency (6.70, 6.43 and 6.60), respectively. Samples of louro vermelho and louro branco had higher values for ray height (1994.36 and 5579.81) and width (511.21 and 506.40). Regarding vessel dimensions and frequency, itauba and itauba amarela had higher vessel frequency (11.43 and 11.83). Overall, strong uniformity of wood structure was observed at macroscopic and microscopic levels in the evaluated species. However, there were some slight differences. The anatomical characteristics, effective for discrimination, were axial parenchyma type, presence of septate fibres, type and grouping of vessels, presence of oil cells and starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Lauraceae as a study case, we aimed in this article to: (i) delimit areas of endemism in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil; (ii) compare these areas of endemism with those previously delimited, as well as with the centres of endemism; (iii) evaluate the association between areas of endemism and vegetation types; and (iv) classify the areas of endemism according to the International Code of Area Nomenclature (ICAN). Based on a recent survey of 99 species from the Espinhaço Range, our dataset consisted of 34 endemic species belonging to nine genera. Following previous studies, we performed parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) using a grid square size of 0.5° × 0.5°. We delimited four areas of endemism of Lauraceae: (i) Antônio dos Santos, (ii) Conceição do Mato Dentro, (iii) Itambé do Mato Dentro, and (iv) Rio de Contas; and confirmed six previously delimited areas of endemism: (i) Southern MG, (ii) Southern Mountains Complex, (iii) Conceição do Mato Dentro, (iv) Diamantina Plateau, (v) Serra do Cabral, and (vi) Chapada Diamantina. The areas of endemism Conceição do Mato Dentro, Serra do Cabral, Diamantina, and Serra do Cipó were classified as subdistricts in the Diamantina Plateau district of the Southern Espinhaço province. We summarized and mapped all areas of endemism corresponding to the provinces, districts, and subdistricts that cover the Espinhaço Range. Areas of endemism and centres of endemism are contrasted. Finally, we highlight that the biogeographic studies along this mountain range should embrace higher taxa with representative species in different types of vegetation in order to enrich the majority of the endemism studies mainly concentrated on the campo rupestre. Unusual distribution patterns, diversity of vegetation types, and the presence of restricted species and monophyletic groups open up opportunities to carry out integrative studies concerning the biogeographic regionalization of the ER at multiple spatio‐temporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this exploratory work was to analyze the yield and chemical composition of essential oils (EO) from Blepharocalyx salicifolius [BS] and from two pools of EO obtained from Nectandra megapotamica [NM1 and NM2], as well as to evaluate their antifungal properties against the fungi Pycnoporus sanguineus (whiterot) and Gloeophyllum trabeum (brown-rot). The EO were obtained by hydrodistillation and its components were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and quantified with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). For the evaluation of antifungal activity, the mycelial growth index (MGI) and the mycelial growth inhibition (GI) of BS were determined at concentrations of 1, 2 and 5 µL.mL-1, and 0.25; 0.5 and 1 µL.mL-1 for MN1 and NM2. The yield of EOs was 2.29% (BS), 0.14% (NM1) and 0.17% (NM2). The major components of BS EO were eucalyptol (63.44%) and β-caryophyllene (13.68%), from NM1 were bicyclogermacrene (16.14%) and α-pinene (15.93%), and for NM2, α-pinene (19.04%) and sabinene (16.66%). EO NM1 (1μL.mL-1 ) showed the best result for antifungal activity, inhibiting about 57.55 ± 0.68 % of P. sanguineus growth and 58.82 ± 0.78 % in the test with G. trabeum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocotea minarum (Nees & Mart.) Mez., a native species of Brazil, is used in the treatment of infections and oxidative stress; however, there is no scientific evidence of its toxicological characteristics. We assessed the cytotoxicity, mutagenic activity, and acute oral toxicity of the aqueous extract isolated from O. minarum leaves. The cytotoxicity of this extract was evaluated in tumour and non-tumour cell lines, while the Ames test with a Salmonella Typhimurium was used to determine the mutagenic activity. Wistar rats received a single 2 g/kg dose as part of an LD50 toxicity assessment. Our results showed that the aqueous extract of O. minarum leaves did not present cytotoxic and mutagenic properties and was not toxic, with an LD50 greater than 2 g/kg. Therefore, the O. minarum extracts are pharmacologically safe and can continue to be investigated for the development of new drugs and herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Ocotea from the Brazilian state of Bahia, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 55 species, 21 of them being described and illustrated for the first time. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters and 36 states, which allowed to distinguish the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Lauraceae from the Reserva Natural Vale, Linhares, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 20 species belonging to 11 genera. The venation patterns of 12 species are described and illustrated for the first time here. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters with 38 states, which allowes to distinguish the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Lauraceae from the Brazilian state of Bahia, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 56 species belonging to 14 genera (excluding Ocotea), 30 of them described and illustrated for the first time. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters and 36 states, which allowed to distinguish the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persea psammophila, a new species of Lauraceae collected near the border between the states of Bahia, municipality of Maiquinique, and Minas Gerais, municipality of Jordânia, Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to Persea subg. Eriodaphne. It is distinguished from other Neotropical Persea species by the treelet habit in combination with sparsely pubescent twigs, elliptic to mainly obovate leaves, adaxially glabrous, abaxially sparsely pubescent and papillose, sparsely pubescent inflorescences, pubescent, relatively small flowers, and floral parts smaller than congeneric species in the Atlantic rainforest. Its putative relationships within the genus are discussed. Illustrations and comments on micromorphological and anatomical features of leaves of this new species are provided, comparing them to those of congeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Ocotea from the Reserva Natural Vale, Linhares, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 31 species, 13 of them being described and illustrated for the first time. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters and 36 states, which allowed to distinguish the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lauraceae family has one of the highest values of importance in the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF). The commercial value of some of its species was a reason for intense forest exploitation in the southern region of Brazil. Considering the hypothesis that it provides an essential subsidy for the constitution of this forest type, the aim of this study was to identify and quantify the influence of Lauraceae family in the dynamics of a 15.2 ha MOF remnant. Census data were collected every three years, since 2007, in which all trees with a circumference at 1.3 m height equal to or greater than 30 cm were identified and measured. Dynamics were analyzed by periodic increment in diameter, recruitment, and mortality through the measurement periods, while cluster multivariate analysis and canonical correlation were applied for grouping species and assessing their importance on the forest remnant dynamics. Diameter distribution prognosis of Lauraceae and its species was obtained through a transition matrix. Eleven tree species of Lauraceae family were identified, which showed decreasing diameter distribution and value of importance equals to 9.51%. Using cluster analysis, five groups were obtained, while the canonical correlation of 0.551 was considered moderate and statistically significant by Wilks' Lambda test. By the projection of diameter distribution, it was verified that the study community is stable and self-regenerative. Although it is considered moderate, the influence of family on the forest remnant tends to increase with the advance of ecological succession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nectandra megapotamica is a tree species that naturally occurs in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. This paper aims to investigate the chemical composition and in vitro antibacterial, antileishmanial and antiproliferative activities of essential oil from N. megapotamica leaves (NM-EO). It displayed high antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, Prevotella nigrescens and Bacteroides fragilis. NM-EO also exhibited high antileishmanial activity against promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis. Its antiproliferative activity was evaluated against the following cells: GM07429A (normal cell), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), HeLa (human cervical adenocarcinoma) and M059J (human glioblastoma). Its major components, which were determined by GC-FID and GC-MS, were α-bisabolol (13.7%), bicyclogermacrene (10.9%), (E,E)-farnesene (10.6%), Z-caryophyllene (9.5%) and (E)-β-farnesene (7.0%). These results suggest that N. megapotamica, a Brazilian plant, shows initial evidence of a new and alternative source of substances of medicinal interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the first treatment of this series, twenty‐one species of 12 genera of Lauraceae (excluding Ocotea) were reported for the Reserva Natural Vale. In the present treatment, thirty‐two species of Ocotea are reported from the area. Descriptions, an identification key, commentary and illustrations of the species are presented. Pistillate flowers of Ocotea aniboides and O. kostermansiana are described for the first time, and lectotypes are designated for six names: Aydendron nitidum, Ocotea glaziovii, O. kostermansiana, Oreodaphne maranhana, Oreodaphne pallida, and Oreodaphne spectabilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the external morphology and natural history of the immature stages of the turquoise‐banded shoemaker Archaeoprepona amphimachus pseudomeander (Fruhstorfer, 1906) (Charaxinae: Preponini), found in a forest fragment in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Immature stages of this species use two species of Cinnamomum (Lauraceae) as host plants. We also provide morphological descriptions and illustrations and discuss morphological characteristics of taxonomic significance of immature stages of other species of Preponini known to date. These data support the synonymisation of Noreppa Rydon, 1971 with Archaeoprepona Fruhstorfer, 1844 and the close relationship between species formerly included in Agrias Doubleday, 1844 and the other species of Prepona Boisduval, [1836]. Our results agree with recent morphological and molecular findings, supporting the assertion that immature stages are an important source of information for systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerambycidae beetles limit production and establishment of forest and fruit trees. Oncideres cervina Thomson, 1868 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is one of the most important species. The objective was to record O. cervina girdling branches of Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae) for the first time, check the number of oviposition incisions (Noi) as a function of the diameter of branch sections, period of emergence, and describe the larval-pupal chamber. Individuals of O. cervina were observed, for the first time, in P. americana orchards in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The middle section of branches (40-60 cm interval) had higher number of incisions. Girdled branches with a diameter of 40-50 mm had higher number of them. Adults emerged from November through January. Larval-pupal boreholes had diameters between 9 and 11 mm, and average tunnel length was 28 mm, with a mean volume of consumed wood of 4.3 mL. This information is useful for establishing integrated pest management practices against O. cervina in P. americana since this crop has a high added value and can be significantly compromised by attack by Cerambycidae beetles.

Nectandra grandiflora Nees (Lauraceae) is a Brazilian native tree recognized by its durable wood and the antioxidant compounds of its leaves. Taking into account that the forest industry offers the opportunity to recover active compounds from its residues and by-products, this study identifies and underlines the potential of natural products from Nectandra grandiflora that can add value to the forest exploitation. This study shows the effect of three different extraction methods: conventional (CE), ultrasound-assisted (UAE) and microwave-assisted (MAE) on Nectandra grandiflora leaf extracts (NGLE) chemical yields, phenolic and flavonoid composition, physical characteristics as well as antioxidant and antifungal properties. Results indicate that CE achieves the highest extraction phytochemical yield (22.16%), but with similar chemical composition to that obtained by UAE and MAE. Moreover, CE also provided a superior thermal stability of NGLE. The phenolic composition of NGLE was confirmed firstly, by colorimetric assays and infrared spectra and then by chromatographic analysis, in which quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside was detected as the major compound (57.75–65.14%). Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of the NGLE was not altered by the extraction methods, finding a high radical inhibition in all NGLE (>80% at 2 mg/mL). Regarding the antifungal activity, there was observed that NGLE possess effective bioactive compounds, which inhibit the Aspergillus niger growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez. (Lauraceae) is a well-known Brazilian medicinal plant that has been used in folk medicine to treat several diseases. In continuation of our ongoing efforts to discover new bioactive natural products from the Brazilian flora, this study describes the identification of cytotoxic compounds from the MeOH extract of N. megapotamica (Lauraceae) leaves using bioactivity-guided fractionation. This approach resulted in the isolation and characterization of eight tetrahydrofuran neolignans: calopeptin (1), machilin-G (2), machilin-I (3), aristolignin (4), nectandrin A (5), veraguensin (6), ganschisandrin (7), and galgravin (8). Different assays were conducted to evaluate their cytotoxic activities and to determine the possible mechanism(s) related to the activity displayed against human leukemia cells. The most active compounds 4, 5 and 8 gave IC50 values of 14.2 ± 0.7, 16.9 ± 0.8 and 16.5 ± 0.8 µg/mL, respectively, against human leukemia (HL-60) tumor cells. Moreover, these compounds induced specific apoptotic hallmarks, such as plasma membrane bleb formation, nuclear DNA condensation, specific chromatin fragmentation, phosphatidyl-serine exposure on the external leaflet of the plasma membrane, cleavage of PARP as well as mitochondrial damage, which as a whole could be related to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil is currently comprised of small fragments due to the history of conversion and degradation in the last five centuries. The rainforest trees, Ocotea catharinensis, O. odorifera and O. porosa have been heavily harvested because of the high economic value of their timber and essential oils. Their respective habitats have undergone substantial reduction in area due to continuing anthropogenic pressures. As a consequence, these species have suffered large declines in population size and are now considered to be potentially vulnerable to extinction. This study investigated the patterns and levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding of these species using eight microsatellite markers in order to define priority populations for conservation management actions focusing on population enhancement and ex situ germplasm collections. High genetic diversity was found for each of the species with moderate genetic differentiation among populations. Most populations displayed significant inbreeding and isolation by distance. The results provide important information to choose priority populations for both in situ and ex situ conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the morpho-anatomies of the leaves and stems of Ocotea paranaensis Brotto, Baitello, Cervi & Santos (Lauraceae) using light and scanning electron microscopy. The main anatomical features characterizing the species are the presence of simple non-glandular trichomes in the leaves and stems, large secretory cells in the leaves, flat-convex petioles with two small lateral ribs, brachysclereids in the stem cortex and pith, and the presence of starch grains and various types of calcium oxalate crystals in the pith. Histochemical tests indicated the presence of lignin in stone cells, fibers, and xylem. Lipophilic contents were found in the secretory cells. Phenolic compounds were detected in the epidermis, hypodermis, phloem, and xylem. The present study's findings can contribute to the taxonomy and authentication of O. paranaensis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This article is the first morpho-anatomical study of Ocotea paranaensis. Anatomy and histochemistry of the leaves and stems were studied by light microscopy, FESEM and EDS. The findings of this study would aid in the species identification and taxonomy., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Essential oils from the leaves of Ocotea nigrescens Vicentini and Ocotea splendens (Meisn.) Baill collected in Manaus, Amazonas-Brazil, were obtained by hydrodistillation, analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS, and evaluated for platelet aggregation. A total of 33 constituents were identified in the essential oils of these two species. β-caryophyllene was the substance with the highest percentage in both Ocotea nigrescens (37.9%) and Ocotea splendens (51.0%). Other components detected were α-pinene (6.7%), β-pinene (6.9%), linalool (5.5%) and α-copaene (6.2%), in Ocotea nigrescens; and caryophyllene oxide (9.9%), linalool isovalerate (5.7%), α-humulene (6.2%) and α-guaiene (4.5%) in Ocotea splendens. The essential oils of both species showed a low anti aggregant factor with 10.8% for Ocotea nigrescens and 11.74% for Ocotea splendens, as compared with the positive standard acetylsalicylic acid which strongly inhibits platelet aggregation (100%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Medicinal plants are well known for their use in traditional folk medicine as treatments for many diseases including infectious diseases. Objective: Six Brazilian medicinal plant species were subjected to an antiviral screening bioassay to investigate and evaluate their biological activities against five viruses: bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BHV-5), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), murine hepatitis virus type 3, porcine parvovirus and bovine respiratory syncytial virus. Materials and methods: The antiviral activity was determined by a titration technique that depends on the ability of plant extract dilutions (25 or 2.5 µg/mL) to inhibit the viral induced cytopathic effect and the extracts' inhibition percentage (IP). Results: Two medicinal plant species showed potential antiviral activity. The Aniba rosaeodora Ducke (Lauraceae) extract had the best results, with 90% inhibition of viral growth at 2.5 µg/mL when the extract was added during the replication period of the aMPV infection cycle. The Maytenus ilicifolia (Schrad.) Planch. (Celastraceae) extracts at a concentration of 2.5 µg/mL exhibited antiviral activity during the attachment phase of BHV-5 (IP = 100%). Discussion and conclusion: The biomonitored fractionation of the active extracts from M. ilicifolia and A. rosaeodora could be a potential tool for identifying their active compounds and determining the exact mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing taxonomic work on Mezilaurus has revealed two new species of the genus in Brazil, which are here described and illustrated. The first one, Mezilaurus glabriantha, from the state of Espírito Santo, represents the third endemic species known from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and Mezilaurus microphylla occurs in seasonally dry forests from the central Brazilian state of Tocantins. A key to distinguish the extra-Amazonian species of Mezilaurus from Brazil is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Lauraceae, Beilschmiedia vestita, from the Brazilian Atlantic forest, in Minas Gerais state, is described and illustrated. Its morphological similarities and differences in relation to other species of Beilschmiedia are discussed. Distribution, habitat, phenology, etymology, and the IUCN Red List category are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to evaluate the sassafras (Ocotea odorifera) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus viminalis) essential oils on the control of larvae and adults of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus), comparing their insecticide potential. The essential oils were produced through water vapor extraction in a semi industrial scale. Contaminated paper filter technique was applied to evaluate the insect mortality. In the current experiment twelve concentrations were included for evaluation and among them one control (solvent) in order to settle the mortality rate and LC50 of the two tested essential oils. The larvae were more susceptible then the adults to sassafras essential oil exposure and less susceptible than the adults, when exposed to eucalypt essential oil. Larvae as well as adults of A. diaperinus were more susceptible to the sassafras (LC50 adults 0.26mL l-1 and larvae 0.12mL l-1) than the eucalyptus essential oil (LC50 adults 1.37mL l-1 and larvae 1.72mL l-1), by contact intoxication (Ocotea odorifera: Larvae y=3,3916+1,4699logx; Adult y=0,9486+2,8576logx; e Eucaliptus viminalis: Larvae y=1,3643+1,6254logx; Adult y=1,4487+1,6623logx). It is concluded that the essential oils of sassafras and eucalyptus can be used to control lesser mealworm and used as a new integrated strategy for management of this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X-ray test is an important technique to evaluate seed quality, mainly because it is a non-destructive method. The objectives of this study were to adapt the X-ray method to verify the occurrence of alteration in the internal morphology and its effects on the seed quality of the species of Lauraceae which grow in the south of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The seeds were submitted to different times and intensities of radiation exposure, using X-ray equipment. The intensity of 25kV for two minutes allowed clear visualization of alteration in internal morphology of the seeds of Ocotea pulchella and Persea pyrifolia. In seeds of Nectandra grandiflora, Nectandra lanceolata and Nectandra nitidula, the intensity of 30kV for two minutes gave better results. Internal damage, irrespective of its origin, affected seed viability, with exception of the smaller injuries located far from the embryonic axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a forthcoming systematic treatment of Brazilian species of Cryptocarya, almost all known herbarium collections were examined, and as a result, eight validly published species names are recognized. Types are cited for accepted names and synonyms. Several lectotypes and an epitype are newly designated. One new combination is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lauraceae species are known as excellent essential oil (EO) producers, and their taxa are distributed throughout the territory of Brazil. This study presents a systematic review of chemical composition, seasonal studies, occurrence of chemical profiles, and biological activities to EOs of species of Licaria, Nectandra, and Ocotea genera collected in different Brazilian biomes. Based on our survey, 39 species were studied, with a total of 86 oils extracted from seeds, leaves, stem barks, and twigs. The most representative geographic area in specimens was the Atlantic Forest (14 spp., 30 samples) followed by the Amazon (13 spp., 30 samples), Cerrado (6 spp., 14 samples), Pampa (4 spp., 10 samples), and Caatinga (2 spp., 2 samples) forests. The majority of compound classes identified in the oils were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenoids. Among them, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, caryophyllene oxide, α-bisabolol, and bicyclogermacrenal were the main constituents. Additionally, large amounts of phenylpropanoids and monoterpenes such as safrole, 6-methoxyelemicin, apiole, limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor were reported. Nectandra megatopomica showed considerable variation with the occurrence of fourteen chemical profiles according to seasonality and collection site. Several biological activities have been attributed to these oils, especially cytotoxic, antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal potential, among other pharmacological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently there is a high prevalence of humor disorders such as anxiety and depression throughout the world, especially concerning advanced age patients. Aniba riparia (Nees) Mez. (Lauraceae), popular known as "louro", can be found from the Amazon through Guianas until the Andes. Previous studies have already reported the isolation of alkamide-type alkaloids such as riparin III (O-methyl-N-2,6-dyhydroxy-benzoyl tyramine) which has demonstrated anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in high doses by intraperitoneal administration., Methods: Experimental protocol was conducted in order to analyze the anxiolytic-like effect of riparin III at lower doses by intravenous administration to Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) (n = 5). The experimental approach was designed to last 15 days, divided in 3 distinct periods of five days: control, anxiogenic and treatment periods. The anxiolytic-like effect was evaluated by experimental behavior tests such as open field and elevated plus-maze test, combined with urine metabolic footprint analysis. The urine was collected daily and analyzed by 1 H NMR. Generated data were statistically treated by Principal Component Analysis in order to detect patterns among the distinct periods evaluated as well as biomarkers responsible for its distinction., Results: It was observed on treatment group that cortisol, biomarker related to physiological stress was reduced, indicating anxiolytic-like effect of riparin III, probably through activation of 5-HT 2A receptors, which was corroborated by behavioral tests., Conclusion: 1 H NMR urine metabolic footprint combined with multivariate data analysis have demonstrated to be an important diagnostic tool to prove the anxiolytic-like effect of riparin III in a more efficient and pragmatic way.

Nectandra leucantha (Lauraceae) is a tree indigenous to the tropical Atlantic forests of Brazil, one of the most biodiverse flora hotspots worldwide. This plant species contains high concentrations of neolignan and dehydrodieugenol derivatives that express significant in-vitro activities against various parasite strains. These activities are however responsible for severe tropical human infections, such as Leishmaniasis (Leishmania spp.) and Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), which have been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). In order to optimize the isolation process for these target metabolites, n-hexane extract of the leaves was separated by means of semi-preparative high performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) and scale-up spiral-coil countercurrent chromatography (sp-CCC) systems. Several biphasic solvent mixtures were evaluated for their partitioning effects on neolignans, resulting in the selection of an optimized system n-hexane - ethylacetate - methanol - water (7:3:7:3, v/v/v/v). The chromatographic experiments on the HPCCC and sp-CCC were run in the head-to-tail mode with 500 mg and 16 g injections, respectively. For specific and multiple metabolite detection, the recovered CCC-fractions were off-line injected, in the sequence of recovery, to an electrospray mass-spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) device. A projection of the single ion traces of the target compounds, in the positive ionization mode at a scan range of m/z 100-1500, located chromatographic areas where the co-elution effects occurred and pure target metabolites were present. Five major target neolignans were specifically detected, which enabled the accurate pooling of CCC-fractions for an optimum recovery of the metabolites. The direct comparison of the performance characteristics of the two CCC-devices, with very different mechanical designs was achieved by the conversion of the time axis into a partition ratio (K D ) separation scale. As a result, the compound specific K D -elution values of the target neolignan were determined in high precision, while the comparison of the calculated separation factor (α) and resolution factor (R S ) values revealed a superior separation performance for the HPCCC system. Also, the reproducibility of detected metabolites in the two CCC experiments was confirmed by small variations (ΔK D  ±0.1). Neolignan target compounds with anti-parasite activities were successfully isolated in the 100 mg to 4 g range in a single lab-scale countercurrent chromatographic process step., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Endlicheria lhotzkyi is the first time recorded for the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, collected in the municipal district of Sonora, north of the state. Taxonomic comments and an identification key of Endlicheria species from Mato Grosso do Sul is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new Stenella species were found on native cerrado plants. Stenella erythroxyli-campestris, S. erythroxyli-suberosi and S. erythroxylicola were associated with plant species belonging in the family Erythroxylaceae; S. cyrtopodii was found infecting the rare Cyrtopodium eugenii (Orchidaceae), and S. ocoteae occurred on Ocotea sp. (Lauraceae). Finally Parastenella callisthenis-fasciculatae was collected on a Vochysiaceae (viz. Callisthene fasciculate) endemic to the cerrado.