Search

We present a case study focusing on collection methods and phenological data analyses. Qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative approaches were compared in terms of their efficiencies for describing flowering and fruiting intensities and phenophase synchrony in Himatanthus drasticus growing in a gallery forest in the Chapada Diamantina mountains, Brazil. Our results showed that phenophase intensity and synchrony were respectively each best. Determined using quantitative and qualitative methods We reinforce the importance of clearly defining research aims, as quantitative data collections require considerably greater field efforts than qualitative evaluations, especially concerning forest trees.

The secondary metabolites present in plants often have antibiofilmactivity, this property attributed to plant compounds is of great importance, given the formation of biofilms in biomaterials, which further boosts the search for natural substances capable of minimizing this type of formation. Himatanthusdrasticus(Mart.) Plumel is a tree species popularly known as janaguba, this is found in areas of caatinga, cerrado, rupestrian fields and rainforest. Community empirical knowledge attributes to this plant species therapeutic action against tumors, hemorrhoids, respiratory tract infections, digestive tract and urogenital tract. Considering the reduced number of scientific findings on the biological activities of H. drasticus latex, the objective of the present study was to verify the antibiofilm activity of its latex. The latex was extracted from H. drasticus specimens, where a small area of the vegetal bark (5x30cm) was removed, later the latex was dissolved in water and lyophilized. For the microbiological assays, the ATCC standards of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were cultured in BHI broth for 24 hours at 37 ?C. The assay was performed with flat-bottomed 96 well plates, and the latex extracted from H. drasticus and bacterial suspensions were added to the BHI broth. Negative Control (NC) was used as broth BHI and Positive Control (PC), the PA01 strain of P. aeruginosa as this strain is indicated as a positive control for biofilm assays. The plates were then incubated at 37 ?C for 24 hours. After this period, the absorbance was read in an ELISA reader with wavelength of 570 nm, then the samples were classified. The antibiofilm activity of the latex extracted from H. drasticus was classified as non-adherent on the species P. aeruginosaand S. aureus. Thus, the study revealed that H. drasticus latex has a potential antibiofilmaction, however, additional studies should be carried out in order to evaluate other aspects associated with the biological activities performed by this plant species.

Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel belongs to the Apocynaceae family and the latex from its trunk bark (Hd) is known as “janaguba milk”. This latex is widely used in Northeast Brazil, mainly in the Cariri region, for its gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. The objective of this study was to investigate a triterpene-rich fraction (FJNB) from H. drasticus latex on acute models of nociception and inflammation and to clarify its mechanisms of action. Wistar rats or Swiss mice were subjected to the carrageenan-induced paw edema test or the formalin test, respectively, after the acute oral treatment with FJNB. The inflamed paws from the carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin tests were processed for histological and immunohistochemical assays, respectively. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and considered significant at P

The South American genus Himatanthus (Apocynaceae) includes nine species. Himatanthus drasticus, known in Brazil as “janaguba,” is used in popular medicine to treat inflammation, gastric ulcers and tumors. Scientific studies have confirmed that its latex, popularly referred to as “leite de janaguba” (janaguba milk), exhibits some important therapeutic activities.

RESUMO Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel, janaguba, produz um látex em seu caule que é usado para o tratamento de alguns tipos de câncer, vermes intestinais, febre, menstruações irregulares, infertilidade feminina e úlceras gástricas. Estudos fitoquímicos revelaram a presença de acetato de lupeol e proteínas; e estudos farmacológicos, os efeitos antiúlcera, antitumoral, imunomodulador, analgésico e anti-inflamatório. O presente trabalho objetivou realizar levantamento etnobotânico e etnofarmacológico sobre H. drasticus como contribuição ao conhecimento científico da referida espécie. Foi elaborado um questionário, que foi aplicado em entrevista a 21 raizeiros nos mercados das cidades de Crato, Fortaleza e Pacajus do estado do Ceará (CE). Observou-se que 38,1% dos raizeiros têm mais de 10 anos de serviço e 47,6%, estão na faixa etária de 40 a 59 anos, o que representa um fator positivo quanto à experiência com plantas medicinais. Aproximadamente 85,7% dos raizeiros relataram o uso do látex da H. drasticus para tratamento de úlcera; 66,7% para inflamação; 66,7% para câncer. Verificou-se que as principais indicações terapêuticas relatadas pelos raizeiros sobre esta espécie estão de acordo com as informações científicas. Os levantamentos etnobotânicos e etnofarmacológicos exercem um papel primordial no resgate do conhecimento tradicional, nos meios rurais e urbanos, tanto por seu valor histórico-cultural, como também pela necessidade de confirmação das indicações de uso. ABSTRACT The Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel, janaguba, produces a latex whose stem is used to treat some types of cancer, intestinal worms, fever, irregular menses, female infertility and gastric ulcers. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of lupeol acetate and proteins in the latex; and pharmacological studies indicated antiulcer, anti-tumor, immunomodulating, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to conduct surveys on ethnopharmacological and ethnobotanical species H. drasticus as a contribution to the scientific knowledge about the species. A questionnaire and interviews were made with 21 healers in the markets of the cities of Crato, Fortaleza and Pacajús, in state of Ceara (CE). It was observed that 38.1% of the healers have more than 10 years of service, and 47.6% are between 40-59 years old, which is a positive factor about the experience with medicinal plants. Approximately 85.7% of the healers reported to apply latex H. drasticus for the treatment of ulcers, 66.7% for inflammation, and 66.7% for cancer. It was found that the main therapeutic indications mentioned by the healers about this species are consistent with the scientific information available. The ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological surveys play an essential role on keeping the traditional knowledge in rural and urban areas, both for its historical and cultural value, but also for the need of confirmation of the intended use.

The harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFP) can influence the pattern of resource allocation in plants, affecting their growth, survival, and reproduction. However, only a small number of studies have addressed the impacts of NTFP harvesting on the reproductive phenology of the exploited species. The aim of this observational study was to assess the effects of harvesting and climatic variables on the reproductive phenology of Himatanthus drasticus, a highly exploited medicinal tree from the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado). We evaluated the effects of two different debarking levels (50 and 100%) in comparison to a control (no harvesting). We performed monthly counts of the number of buds, flowers in anthesis, unripe and ripe fruits in each sampled tree (intensity index), as well as the number of trees in each phenophase (activity index), over 2 yr. We used circular statistics tools to compare the effects of each treatment on flower and fruit production and to test whether the reproductive peaks were related to climatic variables. Both the activity and intensity indexes exhibited the same patterns; flower and fruit production were lower in the control, intermediate in the 50 percent debarking group and higher in the 100 percent debarking group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of NTFP to demonstrate an increase in reproductive activity after several years of harvesting. All phenophases were positively correlated with higher temperature and precipitation, as it is common in the Cerrado. Resumo O extrativismo de produtos florestais nao-madeireiros (PFNM) pode influenciar o padrao de alocacao de recursos em plantas, afetando seu crescimento, sobrevivencia e reproducao. Entretanto, apenas um pequeno numero de estudos tem abordado os impactos do extrativismo de PFNM na fenologia reprodutiva das especies exploradas. O objetivo desde estudo observacional foi avaliar os efeitos do extrativismo e das variaveis climaticas na fenologia reprodutiva de Himatanthus drasticus, uma especie arborea medicinal do Cerrado brasileiro altamente explorada. Nos avaliamos os efeitos de dois niveis de remocao da casca (50% e 100%) em comparacao a um controle (sem extrativismo). Nos realizamos contagens mensais do numero de botoes, flores em antese, frutos verdes e frutos maduros em cada arvore amostrada (indice de intensidade), assim como do numero de arvores apresentando cada fenofase (indice de atividade) durante dois anos. Nos usamos ferramentas de estatistica circular para comparar os efeitos de cada tratamento sobre a producao de flores e frutos e para testar se os picos reprodutivos estavam relacionados as variaveis climaticas. Ambos os indices apresentaram os mesmos padroes: a producao de flores e frutos foi menor no controle, intermediaria no grupo com remocao de 50% da casca e maior no grupo com remocao de 100% da casca. Ate onde sabemos, este e o primeiro estudo a demonstrar um aumento na atividade reprodutiva apos varios anos de extrativismo. Todas as fenofases foram correlacionadas positivamente com temperatura e precipitacao, o que e esperado em areas de Cerrado.

Bark and exudates are widely commercialized non-timber forest products. However, the ecological impacts of the harvesting of these products have seldom been studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of tree resilience to harvesting intensity in Himatanthus drasticus, a tree that is highly exploited in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) for its medicinal latex. Although the traded product is the latex, the traditional harvesting systems involve the removal of the bark of the trees to allow exploitation. A 3-year experiment was conducted in two different Cerrado ecosystems (open savanna and savanna woodland). Trees were debarked at four debarking intensities to simulate the effects of traditional management systems. Measurements of bark growth were taken every 6 months, and quantitative and qualitative indexes of bark regeneration were obtained. The mortality of the debarked trees was low and could not be related to the intensity of harvesting. No signs of attack by fungi or insects were recorded. Compared with other species exploited for bark, H. drasticus is very resilient to harvesting; however, bark regeneration is relatively slow. In both analyzed ecosystems, the regeneration indexes showed higher values in the controls than in the treatments, indicating that 3 years is not sufficient for total recovery of the rhytidome. Bark regeneration occurred primarily by sheet growth and was more rapid in open savanna than in savanna woodland. No differences in the rate of bark recovery were found among management treatments. Based on the results, sustainable harvesting guidelines are suggested for the species.

Latex fractions from Calotropis procera, Cryptostegia grandiflora, Plumeria rubra, and Himatanthus drasticus were assayed in order to prospect for new plant peptidases with milk-clotting activities, for use as rennet alternatives. Only C. procera and C. grandiflora latex fractions exhibited proteolytic and milk-clotting activities, which were not affected by high concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2. However, pre-incubation of both samples at 75 °C for 10 min eliminated completely their activities. Both proteolytic fractions were able to hydrolyze k-casein and to produce peptides of 16 kDa, a similar SDS-PAGE profile to commercial chymosin. RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry analyses of the k-casein peptides showed that the peptidases from C. procera or C. grandiflora hydrolyzed k-casein similar to commercial chymosin. The cheeses made with both latex peptidases exhibited yields, dry masses, and soluble proteins similar to cheeses prepared with commercial chymosin. In conclusion, C. procera and C. grandiflora latex peptidases with the ability to coagulate milk can be used as alternatives to commercial animal chymosin in the cheese manufacturing process., Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales

RESUMO Os fitoterápicos à base de leite de janaguba (Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel), usados para o tratamento de câncer, úlcera gástrica e outras doenças, são muito vendidos em mercados públicos de Fortaleza (CE). No entanto, registros mencionam que é comum a troca deste leite por látex de mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes). O trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade físico-química, química e microbiológica de amostras comerciais do leite de janaguba. Dez amostras comerciais foram adquiridas de um mercado de Fortaleza; quatro amostras autênticas de látex de janaguba foram obtidas da chapada do Araripe e uma amostra de látex de mangabeira foi obtida em Paracuru (CE). Foram determinados o aspecto geral, densidade, pH, resíduo seco, volume de sedimentação, perfil cromatográfico e qualidade microbiológica das amostras. Os resultados mostraram elevada contaminação microbiológica nas preparações comerciais e adulteração em seis destas amostras, o que aponta a urgente implantação de uma efetiva farmacovigilância dos fitoterápicos a fim de tornar seu consumo mais seguro e racional. ABSTRACT The herbal medicines made from janaguba milk (Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel), used to treat gastric ulcer, cancer and other diseases, and arewidely sold in the public markets of Fortaleza (CE). However, records mention that it is common to make fake copies of the milk by using mango tree latex (Hanconia speciosa Gomes). This study aimed to evaluate the chemical, physical-chemical and microbiological quality of commercial samples of janaguba milk. Ten commercial samples were purchased from a Fortaleza market; four authentic samples of janaguba latex were obtained from the Araripe plateau, and one mango tree latex sample was obtained in Paracuru (CE). We determined the general appearance, density, pH, dry residue, sedimentation volume, chromatographic profile and microbiological qualities. Results showed high microbiological contamination in the commercial preparations and evidence of tampering in six of these samples, which indicates the need for an urgent implementation of an effective pharmacovigilance strategy for herbal medicines in order to make its consumption more secure and rational.

Himatanthus drasticus (Apocynaceae), a laticifer plant, is popularly known as janaguba. This latex has been widely used in traditional folk medicine to treat diseases such cancer and ulcer. This st...

Himatanthus drasticus (Apocynaceae) is traditionally used in folk medicine in Northeastern Brazil. The plant is wildly distribuited from Guianas until Southeast Brazil. Latex obtained by cutting its stem bark is mixed with water and extensively sold in public markets. People use Janaguba milk (“Leite de Janaguba”- LJ) to treat or prevent different inflammatory disorders such as gastritis, ulcers as well as cancer, among other uses. Despite, there is not enough scientific data confirming these pharmacological properties. In this work, Janaguba milk was preliminarily investigated in an attempt to validate its anti- inflammatory activity. Its major protein fraction (HdLP) was assessed for the presence of anti- inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and toxicological effects. LJ inhibited the inflammatory response induced by carrageenan in rats (98%, p < 0.05), whereas HdLP did it independent of the route of administration. HdLP significantly reduced the infiltration of neutrophils into the peritoneal cavity (96%, p < 0.05) concomitant with increased nitric oxide synthesis in plasma and decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL- 1 and TNF-α in peritoneal fluid. This fraction also prevented vacuolization and Kupfer cell hyperplasia caused by carrageenan in liver. Further, the anti-inflammatory properties were shown to be associated with the protein fraction of LJ. HdLP exhibited anti-inflammation, even after heat-treatment (100 C, 30 min) or proteolysis. Moreover, a pro-inflammatory effect was observed after HdLP treatment. It also suppressed abdominal constrictions in acetic acid-treated mice and reduced paw licking induced by formalin, both in a dose-dependent manner. An acute toxicological evaluation demonstrated no toxic effects after 14 days from LJ and HdLP administration by oral route even when high doses were tested. A qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the absence of lupeol and presence of saponinas, tannins and free steroids in HdLP. However, pharmacological properties are probably not related to them. It is therefore concluded that the latex of Himatanthus drasticus exhibits both the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities claimed by its users. The protein fraction of the latex is an important contributor to the pharmacological properties of LJ. Resistance to heat and proteolytic treatment can explain the effectiveness of HdLP even when administered orally. The absence of toxic effects by oral route confirms the potential use of this plant as a phytotherapic agent. Himatanthus drasticus (Apocynaceae) é uma espécie tradicionalmente utilizada na medicina popular da região nordeste deste país. Sua distribuição ocorre das Guianas ao sudeste do Brasil. O látex desta planta é obtido após uma injúria no caule e amplamente comercializado em mercados públicos. As pessoas ingerem o látex, conhecido como Leite de Janaguba (LJ), para o tratamento e/ou prevenção de diferentes doenças inflamatórias, gastrite, úlcera, câncer, entre outras. Apesar das diversas informações oriundas da medicina popular, não existem relatos científicos suficientes confirmando tais propriedades farmacológicas. Neste trabalho, LJ foi investigado com o propósito de validar sua tão popularmente relatada atividade anti-inflamatória. A fração proteica deste látex (HdLP) também foi investigada quanto à presença de atividades anti-inflamatória, antinociceptiva, além de seus efeitos toxicológicos. LJ inibiu a resposta inflamatória induzida por carragenina em ratos (98%, p < 0.05), assim como o fez a fração HdLP, independente da rota de administração. HdLP reduziu a infiltração de neutrófilos na cavidade peritoneal (96%, p < 0.05). Paralelamente a isto, ocorreu o aumento da síntese de óxido nítrico no plasma e a redução de citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IL-1 e TNF-α) no fluido peritonal. Esta fração também preveniu a vacuolização e hiperplasia das células de Kupfer, causadas pelo efeito da carragenina no fígado. Atividade anti-inflamatória está provavelmente associada com a fração proteica de LJ. HdLP exibiu um efeito anti-inflamatório mesmo após aquecimento (100 C, 30 minutos) ou proteólise. Além desta atividade, um efeito pró-inflamatório foi observado após o tratamento com HdLP. Esta também suprimiu contrações abdominais induzidas por ácido acético e reduziu a lambedura de pata induzida por formalina, ambos de maneira dose-dependente. A avaliação da toxicidade aguda demonstrou a ausência de efeitos tóxicos após tratamento com LJ e HdLP (v.o.) mesmo utilizando doses 5000 vezes maiores que as recomendadas. Uma dosagem qualitativa de fitoquímicos em HdLP mostrou a ausência de lupeol e presença de saponinas, taninos e esteróides livres. Entretanto, as propriedades farmacológicas provavelmente não estão relacionadas com estas moléculas. Desta forma, concluímos que o látex de H. drasticus exibe duas das atividades farmacológicas relatadas por seus usuários e a fração proteica deste látex é um importante contribuinte para tais propriedades medicinais. A resistência ao aquecimento e à proteólise pode explicar a efetividade de HdLP quando administrada oralmente. A ausência de efeitos tóxicos por via oral torna esta planta uma potencial candidata a fitoterápico.

Submitted by Rosivalda Pereira (mrs.pereira@ufma.br) on 2017-05-12T21:06:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DenilsonVieira.pdf: 1857476 bytes, checksum: 07173b7d3884285218ba141bb85ab291 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-12T21:06:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DenilsonVieira.pdf: 1857476 bytes, checksum: 07173b7d3884285218ba141bb85ab291 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-31 Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel is popularly known in the North and Northeast Regions of Brazil as janaúba, janaguba, tiborna, jasmim-manga and pau-de-leite, as well. Brazilian traditional medicine knowledge attributes to the species antiinflammatory, analgesic, antitumoral and dewormer properties. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and wound-healing effects of the hidroalcoholic extract (HAE) made from Himatanthus dratiscus stem bark, which were collected in São Bento (MA) Brazil. Oral administration of HAE (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 g/kg) reduced in a dose-dependent manner both oedema’s formation and leukocyte migration in mice submitted to intraplantar injection of 1% carragenin. Similarly, HAE also reduced the number of contortions in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. However, HAE had no effect on pain’s central perception. Corroborating these data, HAE showed significant wound-healing effect since it accelerated the wound contraction time in the mice. Finally, assessment of in vitro antioxidant activity of HAE suggested that phenolic compounds found in the extract is able to scavenger DPPH radical as fast as well-known antioxidants like -tocopherol. Therefore, this study shows that HAE promotes relevant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, woundhealing and antioxidant activity. Moreover, this study contributes to validation of popular use of the species as well as open up new perspectives for future investigations. Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel é popularmente conhecida nas regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil como janaúba, janaguba, tiborna, jasmim-manga, pau-de-leite entre outras denominações. Na prática popular, esta espécie é usada como antiinflamatória, antitumoral, analgésica e vermífuga. O presente estudo investigou os efeitos analgésico, anti-inflamatório, cicatrizante e antioxidante do extrato hidroalcoólico das cascas do caule da Himatanthus drasticus (EHA) coletadas no município de São Bento - MA. Quando administrado nas doses de 0,5; 0,75 e 1,0 g/kg (v.o.), o EHA reduziu de forma dependente de dose a formação de edema e a migração leucocitária em camundongos machos, submetidos a injeção intraplantar de carragenina 1%. De forma similar, o EHA reduziu o número de contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético 1%, evidenciando a atividade antinociceptiva. Entretanto, o EHA não promoveu qualquer efeito sobre a percepção central da dor. Em consonância com estes efeitos, o EHA também mostrou significante atividade cicatrizante, uma vez que, acelerou o tempo de contração da ferida induzida por excisão de pele nos camundongos. Finalmente, a avaliação da atividade antioxidante in vitro do EHA foi sugestiva de que a mistura fenólica presente no extrato é capaz de sequestrar o radical DPPH em velocidade semelhante a antioxidantes clássicos como o α-tocoferol. Sendo assim, este estudo mostra que o EHA das cascas da Himatanthus drasticus possui importante ação analgésica, anti-inflamatória, cicatrizante e antioxidante. Ademais, este estudo contribui para a validação do uso popular da espécie e abre perspectivas para novas investigações.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:33:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-12-09Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T21:06:23Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 lima_fc_dr_jabo.pdf: 883563 bytes, checksum: 3a27c094f030ab9479767c790e7ac1cd (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Janaúba é a denominação popular mais difundida para as espécies do gênero Himatanthus que ocorrem no Estado do Maranhão. A planta é membro da família Apocynaceae, nativa do Brasil e tem ampla distribuição na região Nordeste, com várias indicações de uso popular, que vai desde o tratamento de inflamações uterinas e gastrites até o tratamento de verminoses. Para avaliar o efeito anti-helmíntico de Himatanthus ssp., contemplando os requisitos de eficácia e segurança para fitoterápicos e tendo em vista a crescente demanda por produtos agropecuários livres de resíduos químicos e a ocorrência de cepas de nematódeos resistentes aos quimioterápicos convencionais, o estudo objetivou contribuir com a investigação de tratamentos anti-helmínticos alternativos com possibilidade de uso na redução da verminose ovina. Inicialmente foi realizada a identificação botânica do vegetal, a produção do extrato bruto hidroalcoólico (EBHA), caracterização fitoquímica, ensaios de toxicidade e atividade ovicida in vitro do EBHA de janaúba sobre nematódeos gastrintestinais em ovinos. O vegetal foi classificado como Himatanthus drasticus. O extrato apresentou compostos nitrogenados, glicosídeos e fenólicos e não foi verificada registros de toxicidade. Houve atividade ovicida (p

Objective: To evaluate the effect of janaguba in inhibiting the development of lung cancer in an experimental urethane-induced model. Methods: a total of 3mg/kg urethane was injected in 51 Balb-C mice aged 7-13 weeks of life. Janaguba was administered orally daily in two doses: 0.04 mL (Group 2, G2) and 0.06 mL (Group 3, G3), for 20 weeks. After this period, the mice were sacrificed and the number of lesions counted. Results: The mean weight of Group 2 was lower than that of Group 3, and that of Group 1 (Control, G1) (G1 = 35.533 g; G2 = 33.359 g; G3 = 37.125 g). The number of nodules did not differ between groups (mean G1 = G2 = G3 = 1; p = 0.88). Conclusion: Janaguba had an effect on the growth of mice, but had no influence on the progression of lung cancer in this model. RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a ação da janaguba na inibição do desenvolvimento de câncer de pulmão em modelo experimental induzido por uretana. Métodos: Foram injetados 3 mg/kg de uretana em 51 camundongos Balb-C, com 7 a 13 semanas de vida. Janaguba foi administrada via oral diariamente em duas doses: 0,04 mL (Grupo 2, G2) e 0,06 mL (Grupo 3,G3), por 20 semanas. Após esse período, os camundongos foram sacrificados e o número de lesões, contado. Resultados: A média de peso do Grupo 2 foi menor que a do Grupo 3, e que a do Grupo 1 (Controle, G1) (G1 = 35,533 g; G2 = 33,359 g; G3 = 37,125 g). O número de nódulos não diferiu entre os grupos (média G1 = G2 = G3 = 1; p = 0,88). Conclusão: A janaguba apresentou um efeito no crescimento dos camundongos, mas não apresentou influência na progressão do câncer de pulmão neste modelo.

Himatanthus drasticus, also known as janaguba, is used popularly in Brazil's Northeastern region in the treatment of cancer. However, no scientific reports are available. The present study is the first investigation on the antitumor activity of crude methanolic extract from Himatanthus drasticus leaves against Sarcoma 180 tumor and on its side effects including acute oral toxicity. The OECD 423 methodology was used to study acute oral toxicity, and the STOCK methodology to assess antitumor activity. The crude extract showed low toxicity at the tested doses (50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg) administered orally. The histopathological analyses demonstrated alterations in liver lung, spleen and kidney. It also showed activity against Sarcoma 180 tumor in male Swiss albino mice, evidencing tumor growth inhibition of 67.7% and 68% at 300 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively.Himatanthus drasticus, conhecida popularmente como janaguba, tem uma longa história de emprego na cura do câncer no nordeste brasileiro, porém quase sem registro na literatura. O objetivo desse trabalho foi investigar a atividade antitumoral do extrato bruto metanólico das folhas de Himatanthus drasticus frente ao modelo experimental Sarcoma 180 e avaliar sua toxicidade aguda. A determinação da toxicidade aguda foi realizada segundo a metodologia da OECD 423 e o transplante do tumor sólido de sarcoma 180 foi realizado seguindo a metodologia de Stock. O extrato apresentou baixa toxicidade nas doses testadas (50, 300 e 2000 mg/kg) por via oral. A análise histopatológica apresentou alterações em nível hepático, pulmonar, baço e renal. A atividade antineoplásica apresentou inibição tumoral significativa em relação ao grupo controle nas doses de 300 mg/kg e 400 mg/kg de peso do animal com um percentual de inibição de 67.7% e 68% respectivamente. Na menor dose analisada, 200 mg/kg, o percentual de inibição tumoral foi apenas de 32.8%.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico As plantas contêm princípios ativos capazes de curar diversas doenças, no entanto, são poucos os estudos que possibilitam uma visão ampla da grande diversidade das espécies com propriedades terapêuticas. Himatanthus drasticus (Janaguba) pertence à família Apocynaceae, é de ocorrência restrita ao Brasil, é usada popularmente como antitumoral, antifúngica, vermífuga, antianêmica e diversos males estomacais. No Nordeste é bastante utilizado no tratamento do câncer, porém quase sem registro na literatura. Este estudo avaliou o perfil fitoquímico, a toxicidade aguda e a atividade antitumoral in vivo frente aos tumores Sarcoma 180 e Carcinoma de Ehrlich do látex e do extrato metanólico das folhas de Himatanthus drasticus. O material foi coletado na Chapada do Araripe no município de Jardim-CE. A determinação da toxicidade aguda foi realizada segundo a metodologia da OECD 423 e o transplante dos tumores sólidos Sarcoma 180 e Carcinoma de Ehrlich foram realizados de acordo com Stock. Todos os ensaios foram realizados por via oral. No estudo fitoquímico para o extrato metanólico das folhas constatou-se a presença de flavonóides (quercetina e rutina), terpenos, proantocianidinas condensadas e leucoantocianidinas. No látex, foi encontrado terpenos (-sitosterol e -amirina). No ensaio de toxicidade aguda tanto para o extrato metanólico das folhas como para o látex foram verificadas reações estimulantes seguidas por reações depressoras sobre o Sistema Nervoso Central. Não houve óbitos em nenhuma das doses testadas. A atividade antineoplásica frente ao Sarcoma 180 do extrato metanólico das folhas apresentou uma inibição tumoral significativa em relação ao grupo controle nas doses de 300mg/Kg e 400mg/Kg de peso do animal com um percentual de inibição de 67,7% e 68% respectivamente. Já para o Carcinoma de Ehrlich apresentou inibição tumoral significativa para todas as doses testadas chegando a 86,8% para a dose de 300mg/Kg. Para a avaliação antitumoral frente ao Carcinoma de Ehrlich, apenas os animais tratados com a maior dose do látex apresentou redução significativa dos tumores chegando a um percentual de 76,9% de inibição. Para o Sarcoma 180, apesar de ter apresentado uma redução dos pesos médios dos tumores, o látex não apresentou resultado estatisticamente significativo. Na análise histológica foram observadas alterações a nível renal e hepático principalmente para os animais tratados com o látex

O trabalho objetivou descrever e ilustrar aspectos morfológicos do fruto, semente e plântulas de janaguba (Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel.). Nos ensaios realizados em laboratório e casa de vegetação do Departamento de Fitotecnia do Centro de Ciências Agrárias, da Universidade Federal do Ceará, em Fortaleza-CE, foram observados nos frutos os seguintes aspectos: tipo, deiscência, tamanho, coloração e consistência do epicarpo, mesocarpo, endocarpo e placenta. Na semente, verificou-se dimensão, coloração, textura e consistência do tegumento, forma e bordo, posição do hilo, micrópila e rafe, embrião, cotilédones, eixo hipocótilo-radícula e plúmula, enquanto na plântula observou-se protrusão da raiz primária e secundária, hipocótilo, epicótilo e plúmula. As observações foram realizadas com auxílio de lupa de mesa, microscópio estereoscópico e as medidas foram tomadas com paquímetro digital. O fruto é polispérmico, possui em média 42 sementes aladas e albuminosas, com germinação faneroepígea cotiledonar. The objectives of this study were to describe and illustrate the morphological aspects of janaguba (Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel.) fruit, seed and seedlings. All the experiments were conducted at the Laboratory of Seed Analysis of the Federal University of Ceará. The following characteristics were studied in janaguba fruits: type, dehiscence, dimension, consistency and coloration of the epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp and placenta. In janaguba seeds the characteristics studied were dimension, colour, texture, consistency of the tegument, shape, edges, hilum, micropyle and rafe positions, embryo, cotyledons, hypocotyl-radicle axes, and plumule. The janaguba seedling root system, hypocotyls, epicotyls, and first leaves were evaluated. Ruler and pachimeter were used to take the measurements, as well as optical microscope and magnifying glass. The janaguba fruit is full of seeds (42 seeds in average), winged; seeds are the albumin type and present epigeous germination.

Gastric ulcer is a serious gastrointestinal disorder that requires a well targeted therapeutic strategy. A number of drugs are available for the treatment of gastric ulcer, but clinical evaluation has shown incidence of relapses, side effects, and drug interactions. The search for novel molecules has been extended to herbal drugs that offer better protection and decreased relapse. The essential oils from Croton zehntneri (EOCZ) and Vanillosmopsis arborea (EOVA), the oil from Caryocar coriaceum pulp (OCC), the latex from Himatanthus drasticus (LHD), and the extract from Stryphnodendron rotundifolium (ESR) obtained from Chapada do Araripe, Ceara (Brazil) have been evaluated for cytoprotetive activity on ethanol-induced ulcer formation in mice. EOCZ, EOVA, OCC, and ESR were administrated by gavage at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg and LDH, by the same way, at 0.2 and 0.4 mL/animal (n=8). Following 60 min, mice were given 0.2 mL of ethanol (96%) by gavage. Thirty minutes after the administration of ethanol, all groups were sacriÞ ced and the gastric ulcer index was calculated by planimetry. Preliminary results suggest that all the plants tested showed signiÞ cant activity. EOVA (6.47±1.91%*), OCC (8.86±2.45%*) and ESR (1.50±0.30%**) were the most active. Data are expressed as mean±s.e.m. of the lesioned area (%) and were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keul´s test (*P Key words: Croton zehntneri, Vanillosmopsis arborea, Caryocar coriaceum, Himatanthus drasticus, Stryphnodendron rotundifolium, gastroprotection .

In order to compile the empirical use, as well as the chemical, pharmacological and biological aspects of Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel, Apocynaceae, a review was carried out by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Online Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus and Cochrane. For that, works in English, Spanish and Portuguese, preclinical studies and revisions, addressing chemical, pharmacological, biological properties and popular uses, from 1994 to 2017, were used. The therapeutic potential of the “milk-of-janaguba” (a mixture of the latex with water) became widely known for the treatment of neoplasias, mainly lung and lymphatic cancer types, in the 1970s. The available literature presents works related to the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antitumor and gastroprotective properties of the latex from bark and leaves of H. drasticus. In addition, this review presents some of our own results with the triterpene-rich fraction from H. drasticus, attempting to clarify its action mechanisms at the molecular level. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of H. drasticus are probably associated with inhibitions of inflammatory mediators, as TNF-alpha, iNOS, COX-2 and NF-kB. Most importantly, a triterpene-rich fraction also inhibited HDAC activity, and compounds with this activity have been considered as therapeutic agents with antitumor activity. In conclusion, although the literature shows several works on species of the Himatanthus genus, including H. drasticus, dealing with some bioactive compounds as triterpenes, translational studies focusing upon the clinical uses of this medicinal species are still in great need. Keywords: Antiulcer activity, Gastroprotective properties, Anti-inflammatory effects, Laticifer plants