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INTRODUÇÃO: O babaçu é fruto de um de um tipo de palmeira facilmente vista nos estados do Piauí e Maranhão e a farinha obtida de seu mesocarpo tem sido consumida empiricamente no tratamento de gastrite, vaginite e cicatrização de feridas. Análises prévias demonstraram diferentes teores de polifenóis de partes do babaçu, incluindo o mesocarpo, porém sem especificidade para os flavonoides totais, os quais são um potencial meio exógeno de reduzir o efeito deletério provocadopelo estresse oxidativo. OBJETIVO: analisar o teor de flavonoides após a elaboração do extrato do mesocarpo de babaçu e investigar seu potencial de toxicidade e efeito antioxidante. MÉTODOS: preparação de extrato hidroetanólico por maceração, rotaevaporação e liofilização, e análise do teor de flavonoides totais por espectrofotometria. O teste de letalidade foi determinado em Artemia salina em concentrações seriadas de 31,75 a 1000 μg/mL com determinação da concentração letal (CL50). O ensaio de viabilidade celular e potencial antioxidante foi determinado pelo teste do disco central em cepas selvagem e com mutação para enzimas antioxidantes em Saccharomyces cerevisiae tratadas com peróxido de hidrogênio e classificado de acordo com a mensuração dos halos de inibição para concentrações de 50, 100 e 200 μg/mL de extrato. RESULTADOS: o extrato apresentou rendimento de 7,0 g após liofilização e teor de flavonoides totais de 9,85 mg ER/g. Foi considerado não tóxico para A. salina (CL50 >1000 μg/mL), não inibitório para o crescimento, ou seja, não apresentandoefeitos oxidantes. Porém, com potencial antioxidante contra o peróxido de hidrogênio nas concentrações testadas. CONCLUSÃO: com o método de extração utilizado obteve-se extrato em pó hidrossolúvel e aplicável a testes de toxicidade e letalidade em organismos inferiores. Nas concentrações aplicadas, o extrato mostrou-se não tóxico e com potencial antioxidante, abrindo perspectiva para novos testes de citotoxicidade, mutagenicidade e atividade antioxidante dos flavonoides presentes no extrato.

The growing number of bacterial strains resistant to therapeutic agents has been surpassing the various antibiotics developed by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. This problem has driven the development of research using agents with antimicrobial potential, with an emphasis on plant-derived natural products. This study evaluated the chemical compounds present in Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil (EOEc) cultivated in northeastern Brazil and its properties as an antibacterial agent and resistance modifier against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and β-lactamase-producing strains. The EOEc was obtained using the hydrodistillation method, later analyzed by GC/MS, presenting a total of twelve compounds, with citronellal (65.45%); citronellol (14.87%); isopulegol (11.80%) and citronellyl acetate (2.51%) as its main constituents. The microdilution test was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the bacterial resistance modulation of the essential oil. The EOEc did not present significant activity against the tested strains (MIC > 1000 µg mL-1). However, when evaluating the capacity of the EOEc to modify the resistance of S. aureus and E. coli strains to different antimicrobials, synergistic effects were obtained with reduced MIC values for all tested antibiotics being obtained. The EOEc showed antimicrobial and β-lactam optimizing potential against resistant strains, presenting itself as a possible alternative for the use of these drugs at concentrations lower than those indicated against resistant strains.

The methanolic extract of the fungus Lentinus crinitus was submitted to biological assays, identification of the chemical composition by LC-MS, and in silico study by molecular docking with all identified compounds. The test against Artemis salina reached LD50 > 1000 μg/mL within 24h, and total mortality within 48 hours; the antioxidant test 62.4% inhibition in 1.0 mg/mL was obtained. Only 16 compounds were identified from the LC-MS analysis based on the comparison of reports already recorded in the literature. Most of the compounds identified here are described for the first time in the genus Lentinus. These results showed that the fungus is a producer of different classes of secondary metabolites biologically active. The results of the molecular docking simulation of the identified phytochemicals presented 1,13,4-di-O-Caffeoylquinic, as the leading promising candidate in the inhibition of the Zika virus.

Essential oils (EOs) are complex natural mixtures of secondary plant metabolites that function as biocides and therapeutic agents. They are extensively used in bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, antiparasitic, insecticidal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. However, certain characteristics, such as the volatility of EOs, hinder their widespread use. To mitigate this limitation, several studies have investigated combinations of EOs with natural materials, including clay minerals. Clay minerals are abundant in nature, biocompatible, and non-toxic to the environment and humans. Clay minerals such as montmorillonite possess available sites where EO molecules can interact. The combination of EOs with clay minerals produces new materials for various applications including antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal/repellent, and active packaging materials. Therefore, this review focuses on the immobilization of several types of EOs in raw and modified montmorillonites. The applications of the described systems were evaluated and demonstrated the synergism of the properties of the isolated components as a function of different EOs incorporated in the silicate matrix.

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is a well-established target for the design of anti-inflammatory intermediates. Celecoxib was selected as a template molecule to perform ligand-based virtual screening, i.e. to search for structures with similarity in shape and electrostatic potential, with a gradual increase in accuracy through the combined fitting of several steps using eight commercial databases. The molecules ZINC408709 and ZINC2090319 reproduced values within the limits established in an initial study of absorption and distribution in the body. No alert was fired for possible toxic groups when these molecules were subjected to toxicity prediction. Molecular docking results with these compounds showed a higher binding affinity in comparison to rofecoxib for the COX-2 target. Additionally, ZINC408709 and ZINC2090319 were predicted to be potentially biologically active. In in silico prediction of endocrine disruption potential, it was established that the molecule ZINC2090319 binds strongly to the target related to cardiovascular risk in a desirable way as a non-steroidal antagonist and ZINC408709 binds strongly to the target that is associated with the treatment of inflammatory pathologies and similar to celecoxib. Metabolites generated from these compounds are less likely to have side effects. Simulations were used to evaluate the interaction of compounds with COX-1 and COX-2 during 200 ns. Despite the differences, ZINC408709 molecule showed better stability for COX-2 during molecular dynamics simulation. In the calculations of free energy MM/PBSA, the molecule ZINC408709 ΔGbind value has a higher affinity to celecoxib and rofecoxib COX-2. This demonstrates that the selected substances can be considered as promising COX-2 inhibitors. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Microdilution assays were performed in order to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the ethanoic extract from the leaves of Bauhinia forficate (EEBF) against different microorganisms. The extract did not present inner antimicrobial activities against the tested strains. However, EEBF was able to modulate the norfloxacin-resistance against Staphylococcus aureus SA1199-B that overproduce the NorA efflux pump, once sub-inhibitory concentrations of EEBF reduced the minimal inhibitory concentratio of the norfloxacin in 87.5%. This modulatory effect was also found when the antibiotic was replaced by ethidium bromide, suggesting that EEBF acts probably by inhibition of NorA, allowing the antibiotic accumulation intracellularly, and making the line more sensitive. These results point out the EEBF potential as a source of NorA inhibitors that could be used in combination with norfloxacin for treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant S. aureus.

Polystyrene is a thermoplastic that is widely used in industry to manufacture of various materials. In this work, the objective was to investigate the effect of the Crystal Violet (CV) dye on polystyrene films under visible light. The films were produced by the casting method. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and viscosimetry were used to monitor the effect of radiation and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) was employed to evaluate the interaction between the polymer and the dye. Carbonyl Index confirmed that oxygenated species were formed during exposure to light and photo-oxidation is the major mechanism involved in CV-sensitized PS degradation. The variations in relaxation times indicated that electrostatic attraction is the main form of interaction between the materials involved and molecular dynamics calculations confirm the 1H-NMR results. The CV dye could initiate degradation reactions and acted as an efficient photosensitizer in PS matrices.

Polystyrene is commercial polymer of extensive use in industrial scale due to great physical and chemical properties and low cost. Lifespan of polymer materials can be changed by incorporation of additions to polymeric matrix.The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of crystal violet dye in polystyrene matrices when irradiated by visible radiation. The samples were studied in the form of films, in which solution of crystal violet (5.0x10-4mol.L-1) was added to the PS solution (8% w / w). The films were irradiated with commercial lamp for 150 hours and analyzed with UV-Vis and FTIR. The results showed that the dye degraded at a rate of 16%, however the FTIR analysis revealed that polystyrene did not degrade under the conditions studied, since no formation of carbonyl compounds was observed.

There are reports that the production of panels with various mixtures is quite feasible. However, the knownlogment of production of panels with other residues is litle, except wood. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of water absorption on panels produced with elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureumSchum.) andEucalyptussp. leaves, Consolidated with urea-formaldehyde adhesive. For the production of the panels, the elephant grass (CA) was used, without particle size reduction, andEucalyptussp. (EU), freshly collected and crushed as powder. Two panels were produced, one consisting of 100% elephant grass (CA) and another in the proportion (1: 1, from CA: EU), with urea-formaldehyde adhesive. From each panel, 4 specimens were removed and the water absorption test was carried out for 2 hours, in addition to the determination of the apparent density. Panel test specimens (CA) showed, on average, an initial apparent density of 0.5953 g.cm-3and final (water absorption) of 0.5465 g.cm-3, while those of CA + EU showed an apparent density of 0.5478 g.cm-3and 0.6881 g.cm-3. The panels (CA) and (CA + EU) produced showed good consolidation after pressing, but It was verified that there are possibilities of improvement in order to minimize water absorption and improve the stability of this product.

Soil-cement bricks are sustainable and economically viable alternatives due to the possibility of residue utilization. CNSL (Cashew nut shell liquid ) is an example of residue from the cashew industry that can be reused in many applications. Therefore, the present work had as its objective to produce soil-cement bricks having CNSL as a constituent of the formulation. The samples were obtained from the mixture of pure CNSL, soil and cement (1:10). The soils used in the research were extracted from the south of the state and the mixture was pressed in a modular manual press. The samples were submitted to resistance and permeability tests and the results related to resistance and compression showed that the bricks presented an average of 2,3 MPa and were in accordance with what is suggested by NBR 8491/12. The presence of CNSL also altered the permeability of the material which was obtained. Hence, one may conclude that the presence of CNSL satisfactorily influences upon the properties of soil-cement bricks.

The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria is a serious worldwide health problem which has promoted the search for strategies aimed at tackling these pathogens. Among such strategies, the development of new antimicrobial drugs and the discovery of optimizing agents related to the existing ones stand out. This study evaluated the chemical composition of the Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn essential oil (EOEc) and its potential as an antimicrobial agent, as well as its potential a resistance modifier of β-lactamase-producing and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains to β-lactam antibiotics. The EOEc was obtained through hydro-distillation and its chemical profile through GC/MS presenting a total of five compounds with 1,8 cineole (76.93%), β-pinene (11.49%) and α-pinene (7.15%) as its major constituents. The microdilution test was carried out in order to determine the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the bacterial resistance modulation of the EOEc. The oil presented antimicrobial activity over the S. aureus 29 and MRSA strains (MIC = 1000 μg mL−1). Mixtures of the essential oil and antibiotics resulted in synergistic effects, mainly with amoxicillin and ampicillin for S. aureus 29 and MRSA, and cephalexin and cefuroxime for E. coli. The EOEc presented antimicrobial and β-lactams optimizer potential against resistant strains, thus constituting a new therapeutic resource against resistant bacterial strains.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar “in vitro” o efeito acaricida do extrato etanólico das folhas de Hyptis suaveolens sobre fêmeas ingurgitadas de Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Foram coletadas manualmente, 150 fêmeas ingurgitadas de carrapatos, de cães naturalmente infestados, da microrregião de Bom Jesus-PI, Brasil. Para realização do teste de imersão sobre fêmeas ingurgitadas, foram testadas 3 diluições do extrato etanólico nas concentrações de 0.1, 1.0 e 10.0%, obtidas a partir do teste de toxicidade frente a Artemia salina. Foram utilizadas 10 fêmeas ingurgitadas para cada tratamento. Os testes foram realizados em triplicata. Para o controle negativo, foi utilizado água destilada e, para o controle positivo, Cypermetrina. Foi observado, nas concentrações testadas, eficácia de 29,93%, 32,71%, e 30,63% respectivamente. Os dados obtidos nesse estudo revelaram que o extrato etanólico das folhas de H. suaveolens, nas concentrações testadas, não apresenta atividade acaricida para fêmeas de Rhipicephalus sanguineus, segundo padrões do Ministério da Agricultura.

Fly infestations if not properly controlled can drastically reduce the productivity of animals and harm human health. The emergence of resistant insects leads to novel pharmacological bases research on medicinal plants with high insecticidal activity. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal effect of the ethanolic extract of Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit (Lamiaceae) leaves on the third larval stage (L3) of Cochliomyia hominivorax and Musca domestica. According to the results, the ethanolic extract of H. suaveolens in the concentrations of 1.0%, 10%, 100%, and 1000% did not present effective biological activity on third-stage larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax and Musca domestica. As infestações por moscas quando não controladas adequadamente podem reduzir drasticamente a produtividade dos animais e causar danos à saúde de humanos. Com o aparecimento de insetos resistentes, tem-se buscado novas bases farmacológicas a partir de plantas medicinais com alta atividade inseticida. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar efeito larvicida do extrato etanólico das folhas de Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit (Lamiaceae) sobre o terceiro estádio larval (L3) de Cochliomyia hominivorax e Musca domestica. De acordo com os resultados, o extrato etanólico de H. suaveolens nas concentrações utilizadas de 1,0%, 10%, 100% e 1000% não apresentou atividade biológica eficaz sobre as larvas de terceiro estádio de Cochliomyia hominivorax e Musca domestica.

O complexo de lagartas desfolhadoras - Spodoptera cosmioides, Spodoptera frugiperda e Helicoverpa armigera, são responsáveis por uma considerável redução na produção de grãos. A aplicação de extratos botânicos consiste em uma alternativa viável e eficiente de controle, além de ser menos nociva ao meio ambiente e a saúde do homem. O objetivo foi avaliar o potencial inseticida do extrato bruto de folhas e casca de Anadenanthera macrocarpa, sobre as lagartas de S. frugiperda, S. cosmioides, H. armigera. Os insetos foram mantidos em dieta artificial em condições controladas. Foi avaliada a ação toxica dos extratos por aplicação tópica. Primeiramente foi estimada a concentração letal e em seguida foram determinados os parâmetros biológicos das três espécies de lepidópteros. Os extratos etanólicos de folhas e casca de A. macrocarpa foram eficientes no controle de H. armigera, S. frugiperda e S. cosmioides reduzindo a sobrevivência em 75, 60 e 50%, respectivamente, além de alterações nos parâmetros biológicos como, aumento do período larval, redução de peso das larvas e pupas. Os compostos químicos presentes nos extratos etanólicos de folhas e casca de A. macrocarpa, além de causar mortalidade direta dos insetos estudados, alteram o ciclo biológico de S. frugiperda, S. cosmoides e H. armigera.Palavras-chave: Angico-preto; Spodoptera cosmioides; Spodoptera frugiperda; Helicoverpa armigera; bioinseticidas. POTENTIAL INSECTICIDE OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Anadenanthera macrocarpa (BENTH.) IN LEPIDOPTERAN-PESTS ABSTRACT: The leafless worm complex - Spodoptera cosmioides, Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera - are responsible for a considerable reduction in grain production. The application of botanical extracts is a viable and efficient alternative of control, besides being less harmful to the environment and human health. The objective was to evaluate the insecticidal potential of the raw extract of leaves and bark of Anadenanthera macrocarpa, on S. frugiperda, S. cosmioides, H. armigera. The insects were kept on artificial diet under controlled conditions. The toxic action of the extracts was evaluated by topical application. First the lethal concentration was estimated and then the biological parameters of the three lepidopteran species were determined. The extracts of leaves and bark of A. macrocarpa were efficient in the control of H. armigera, S. frugiperda and S.a cosmioides, reducing survival in 75, 60 and 50%, respectively, as well as changes in biological parameters such as larval period increase, weight reduction of larvae and pupae. The chemical compounds present in the leaves and bark extracts of A. macrocarpa, besides causing direct mortality of the studied insects, alter the biological cycle of S. frugiperda, S. cosmoides and H. armigera.Keywords: Angico-black; Spodoptera cosmioides; Spodoptera frugiperda; Helicoverpa armígera; bioinsecticides.

Microdilution assays were performed in order to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the ethanoic extract from the leaves of

Degradation of yellow bright anionic dye under ultraviolet radiation was studied using attapulgite (ATT) as a support in the immobilization of the photocatalyst semiconductor, titanium dioxide, TiO2. The photocatalytic performance of the corresponding catalyst was evaluated using the 1.0x10-4 mol L-1 concentration of the dye. The samples were irradiated with UV light for 120 minutes. The kinetics were monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The spectra absorption showed that the increased amount of photoactive material in the reaction system maximizes the efficiency of the photocatalytic process.

The objective of this study was to determine the content of free formaldehyde contained in panels of Acacia mangium clippings. The results of the analysis show that the best temperature for a Hantzschen reaction is 60°C. The panels had a linear behavior over the course of the exposure time (168 hours), whereas samples with a lower surface area showed linearity starting at 72 hours. Thus, it is possible to quantify the emission of formaldehyde panels, thereby supporting research to create measures that minimize its release.

Soil-cement bricks are good examples of environmentally friendly products. This brick is the combination of soil with compacted cement with no combustion in its production. In this work the physical chemical characteristics of the soil from Piaui for producing this material were investigated. Samples of the soil were collected in three potteries from the county of Bom Jesus and pH analysis were carried out, as well as the rate of organic matter, texture, particle density, limits of liquidity and plasticity rates. The results have shown that the soils have acid tones (pH 5,49 a 6,11), which can be neutralized by adding cement, and organic matter percentages up to 1%. The samples have shown predominantly clay-rich textures with adequate plasticity limits, however, values of liquidity limits and particle density above recommended. Altogether, these soils tend to present viability concerning soil-cement brick production, provided that corrections with additives are made in order to minimize this effect.

INTRODUCTION: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are important vectors that transmit arboviruses to human populations. METHODS: Natural products were obtained and tested against larvae collected from the field in Fortaleza, capital of Ceará state. RESULTS: The essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum (Ae. aegypti LC50 = 32.7 ppm and Ae. albopictus LC50 = 138.1 ppm) and Croton nepetaefolius (Ae. aegypti LC50 = 81.7 ppm and Ae. albopictus LC50 = 76.1 ppm) showed the most intense larvicidal activity. CONCLUSIONS: The essential oils and methyl esters showed greater larvicidal activity than did the ethanol extracts.

The presence of organic pollutants, which cannot be eliminated by conventional processes of primary and secondary treatment, can be problematic. Photocatalytic processes offer an efficient breakdown of organic pollutants into non-toxic compounds such as CO2 and H2O. This paper proposes the use of the titanium dioxide embedded in palygorskite as a photoactive material in the degradation of cationic dye, Coomassie Brilliant Blue. The system was irradiated using UV light for a maximum time of 120 minutes. The concentration of the dye used was 1.0x10-4 mol L-1 in 0.5 g L-1 of the photoactive material. The kinetics of the system was monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. In 120 minutes of radiation, the process of photocatalysis reduced the initial concentration of the Coomassie Brilliant Blue dye in half.

Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial de produtos naturais da Momordica charantia L. como agente antibacteriano e modulador da resistência de cepas de Escherichia coli a diferentes antibióticos. O extrato etanólico foi obtido a partir da maceração das folhas secas. As cepas multirresistentes utilizadas foram a E. coli 35 e E. coli 208. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi determinada pelo método de microdiluição em placas de 96 cavidades. Percebeu-se que, o extrato vegetal não apresentou efeito inibitório frente as cepas testadas (CIM > 1000 µg mL ̄ ¹). Nos ensaios de modulação frente a E. coli 35 observou-se redução significativa da CIM da Amoxicilina (99,2 para 50,0 µg mL ̄ ¹). Nos ensaios com E. coli 208 a associação do extrato com os diferentes antimicrobianos, verificou-se que houve redução da CIM da Amoxicilina (396,8 para 250,0 µg mL ̄ ¹) e Gentamicina (62,5 para 39,3 µg mL ̄ ¹), enquanto a associação com a Vancomicina não apresentou diferença significativa. Futuros estudos são necessários para identificar quais componentes do extrato foi responsável por tal ação, assim como os mecanismos envolvidos.

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the volatile constituents from resin of Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand subsp. ulei (Swat) Daly (PHU), and Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand subsp. heptaphyllum (PHH), Burseraceae were performed using GC-MS and GC-FID. The resins were collected around the city of Cruzeiro do Sul, state of Acre, Brazil. Essential oils from the two subspecies were extracted by hydrodistillation with a yield of 8.6% (PHU) and 11.3% (PHH); the main components were terpinolene (42.31%) and p-cymene (39.93%) for subspecies ulei (PHU) and heptaphyllum (PHH), respectively. As análises qualitativa e quantitativa dos óleos essenciais obtidos das resinas das espécies Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand subespécie ulei (Swat) Daly (PHU) e Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand subespécie heptaphyllum (PHH), Burseraceae, foram realizadas utilizando cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplado a um espectrômetro de massa (CG-EM) e cromatografia a gás com detector de chama (CG-DIC). As resinas foram coletadas no Município de Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brasil. O óleo essencial das oleoresinas foi extraído por hidrodestilação fornecendo rendimento 8,6% para PHU e 11,3% para PHH. Os monoterpenos terpinoleno (42.31%) e p-cimeno (39.93%) foram os constituintes principais para PHU e PHH, respectivamente.

Helindicine (1), a new pyrrolizidine alkaloid with unusual structural features, together with the known lycopsamine (2), were isolated from the roots of Heliotropium indicum (Boraginaceae). The structures were established by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR methods (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and HREIMS. This is the first report of a lactone pyrrolizidine alkaloid in the genus Heliotropium. Compounds 1 and 2 were assayed for antioxidant activity and showed moderate activity. Um novo alcalóide denominado Helindicina (1), e o conhecido licopsamina (2) foram isolados das raízes de Heliotropium indicum (Boraginaceae). As estruturas foram estabelecidas tendo como base um amplo estudo de 1D e 2D RMN (COSY, HMBC, HMQC, NOESY) e HREIMS. Este representa o primeiro relato de um alcalóide contendo um anel lacônico no gênero Heliotropium. Estes alcalóides mostraram moderada atividade antioxidante.

Biocatalysis constitutes an important tool in organic synthesis, especially for the preparation of chiral molecules of biological interest. A series of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes and two ketones were reduced using plant cell preparations from Manihot esculenta and Manihot dulcis roots. The reduced products were typically obtained in excellent yields (80-96%), and with excellent enantiomeric excess (94-98%), except for vanillin. Esters, a nitrile, and an amide were also examined, but were not reduced. Preliminary conversion rate studies are reported. This is the first attempt to perform the biotransformation of carbonyl compounds using Manihot species.

The ethanolic extract of the fruit bark from Magonia glabrata yielded shikimic acid, scopoletin, sitosterol glycoside and 2-O-methyl-l-inositol. Antioxidant, icthyotoxicity and brine shrimp lethality activities were observed in this extract. The major constituent, 2-O-methyl-l-inositol, was found to be inactive in two assays but showed moderate activity as a radical scavenger.

Due to the current predatory exploitation and consequent extinction of native medicinal plants around the world, strategies have been proposed aiming at the sustainable use of these resources. Accordingly, this study aims at verifying the differences in tannin compounds content in the bark of eleven species with high use value (UV) and also relating the amounts of tannins with their therapeutic indications. To quantify the total phenolic content in the samples the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used, and for total tannins chemical casein precipitation was applied. The amount of tannins ranged intra-specifically and the greater variation was found for Anadenanthera colubrina (angico) that displayed between 157.57 and 107.39 mg/g. The lowest variation occurred in Lafoensia replicata (mangabeira) with values ranging between 76.55 and 68.96 mg/g. There were significant differences between several of the eleven species and according to the simple regression analysis, the quantities of tannins found failed to justify their UV. Thus, it was not possible to establish whether the amount of total tannins influenced to a greater or lesser degree in the accumulation of knowledge. Moreover, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between the amount of total tannins and local botanical knowledge expressed by the UV. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Tannic compounds, Caatinga, Biodiversity conservation

An analysis of the constituents of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water from two fruit varieties (green and yellow) by hydrodistillation and solvent extraction showed the presence of alcohols, ketones, thiols, carboxylic acids, phenols, and esters. Substantial antioxidant activity was observed, using the DPPH assay, for the samples obtained by hydrodistillation and petroleum ether extraction of both coconut varieties.