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Myracrodruon urundeuva, popularly known as 'aroeira-do-sertão', a large tree, with a tall trunk. Belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, it occurs in the 'caatinga' and dry forests of Brazil, from Ceará to the states of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul. The present study aimed to analyse the whitening and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Myracrodruon urundeuva (AELMU). Inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme, as well as its copper chelating capacity and antioxidant effect were evaluated. The AELMU (at 2000 µg/mL) showed excellent inhibitory action (83.76%) on tyrosinase by chelating the copper ion while kojic acid at the same concentration inhibited 97.81%. Moreover, the extract displayed important antioxidant activity (inhibited 76,46% of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical - DPPH; 49,59% of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and 51,07% of the hydroxyl radical). Thus, the extract under study is promising for use in cosmetics, given its multifactorial action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2) is the causative agent for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It raises serious biosecurity questions due to its high contagious potential, thereby triggering rapid and efficient responses by the scientific community to take necessary actions against viral infections. Cumulative scientific evidence suggests that natural products remain one of the main sources for pharmaceutical consumption. It is due to their wide chemical diversity that they are able to fight against almost all kinds of diseases and disorders in humans and other animals. Knowing the overall facts, this study was carried out to investigate the chemical interactions between the active constituents of a promising medicinal plant, Myracrodruon urundeuva, and some specific proteins of SARS-CoV-2. For this, we used molecular docking to predict the most appropriate orientation by binding a molecule (a ligand) to its receptor (a protein). The best results were evaluated by screening their pharmacokinetic properties using the online tool pkCSM. Findings suggest that among 44 chemical compounds of M. urundeuva, agathisflavone, which is abundantly present in its leaf, exhibited excellent molecular affinity (−9.3 to −9.7 kcal.mol−1) with three functional proteins, namely, Spike, MPro, and RBD of SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, M. urundeuva might be a good source of antiviral agents. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds of M. urundeuva acting against SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2) is the causative agent for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It raises serious biosecurity questions due to its high contagious potential, thereby triggering rapid and efficient responses by the scientific community to take necessary actions against viral infections. Cumulative scientific evidence suggests that natural products remain one of the main sources for pharmaceutical consumption. It is due to their wide chemical diversity that they are able to fight against almost all kinds of diseases and disorders in humans and other animals. Knowing the overall facts, this study was carried out to investigate the chemical interactions between the active constituents of a promising medicinal plant, Myracrodruon urundeuva, and some specific proteins of SARS-CoV-2. For this, we used molecular docking to predict the most appropriate orientation by binding a molecule (a ligand) to its receptor (a protein). The best results were evaluated by screening their pharmacokinetic properties using the online tool pkCSM. Findings suggest that among 44 chemical compounds of M. urundeuva, agathisflavone, which is abundantly present in its leaf, exhibited excellent molecular affinity (−9.3 to −9.7 kcal.mol−1) with three functional proteins, namely, Spike, MPro, and RBD of SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, M. urundeuva might be a good source of antiviral agents. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds of M. urundeuva acting against SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular markers are important tools in the characterization of plant genetic diversity and can provide support for conservation strategies for endangered populations. The different molecular techniques involve the evaluation of many individuals; therefore, it is crucial to have fast, efficient, and inexpensive methods for DNA extraction. Given the importance of the Aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All.) it is pertinent to optimize a protocol that allows the obtainment of intact and pure DNA, aiming to assist conservation strategies for this species that is threatened with extinction. Thus, this study aimed to compare five DNA extraction methods: Dellaporta et al. (1983), Doyle and Doyle (1987) modified, Ferreira and Grattapaglia (1995), Romano and Brasileiro (2015), and Khanuja et al. (1999) and optimize the most efficient protocol for M. urundeuva. The modified DNA extraction protocol proposed by Doyle and Doyle (1987), using 100 mg of leaf tissue and 6 µl of ß-mercaptoethanol was the protocol that presented the sharpest bands after DNA electrophoresis and after the reactions of amplification employing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Therefore, it is suggested to use the protocol described by Doyle and Doyle (1987) modified for the extraction of DNA from young M. urundeuva leaves to carry out techniques involving molecular markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rapid tests that allow the assessment of physiological potential are essential parameters for quality seed and seedling production programs. The aim of this work was to establish parameters of a method for evaluating the vigor of seeds of native species through the analysis of ethanol production, measured with a modified alcohol meter. Six lots of Myracrodruon urundeuva were tested, and for each lot 1.0 g and 2.0 g of seeds were soaked for two, four, six, eight and 24 hours. Seven lots of Cenostigma pyramidale and five lots of Amburana cearensis were tested, where 20 seeds were soaked for two, four, six, eight and 24 h. The physiological quality of the seeds was also evaluated by germination and electrical conductivity tests. The use of 1.0 g of seeds soaked in 0.5 mL of water and evaluation of ethanol at six hours distinguished lots of M. urundeuva in terms of vigor. For C. pyramidale and A. cearensis, 20 seeds soaked in 1.0 mL of water and ethanol evaluation at six hours proved to be more efficient. The ethanol test proved to be fast and accurate, allowing differentiation of lots, as well as germination and electrical conductivity tests.

In dioecious, bee‐pollinated tree species, male and female flowers offer different resources. It is unclear how this unbalanced quantity and quality of floral resources affects flower visits and pollen transfer to female flowers. We asked, what characteristics of flowering and dynamics of resource production by trees favour flights of bees between male and female trees.We quantified the floral resources produced by individual flowers and entire trees of Myracrodruon urundeuva (Anacardiaceae), measured pollen flow to female flowers, fruit set of naturally pollinated flowers and determined the effective pollinators.Crown volume of male trees was four‐fold, flower number 15‐fold and nectar volume 60 times higher than in female trees. While ~70% of male flowers opened in the morning, ~70% of female flowers opened in the afternoon. Fruit set was 27%. Stingless bee species were the main pollinators, while honeybees were common only on male flowers.Strongly unbalanced production of floral resources, high potential lifespan of female flowers and anticipated opening of male flowers favour pollinator movement and pollen deposition on female flowers, albeit low (0.003% of pollen that reached stigmas), but sufficient to produce thousands of fruits per tree. Besides being an astonishing pollen and nectar source for numerous social bee species, only a few of them were effective pollinators. Our quantitative approach to floral resource production of each gender provides new insights, such as the proportion of resources allocated to each gender and the corresponding behaviour of flower visitors, for understanding the reproductive strategy of dioecious tropical mass‐flowering trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study aimed to obtain and evaluate thermodynamic properties and hygroscopic equilibrium isotherms of urunday seeds as a function of air relative humidity and temperature, as well as identify the best-fitted mathematical models for adsorption phenomenon. A static-gravimetric method was used to obtain hygroscopic equilibrium moisture content. Seeds were placed in airtight containers with different saturated saline solutions for relative humidity control. These were then kept in BOD incubator chambers at 10, 20, 30, and 40 °C. Hygroscopic equilibrium moisture content decreased as temperature increased, for the same water activity. The Sigma-Copace model best-fitted seed adsorption data for equilibrium water activity intervals between 0.1129 and 0.8232 (dry basis). Both vaporization latent-heat and differential sorption entropy increased with decreasing hygroscopic equilibrium moisture content. Adsorption process in urunday seeds was controlled by enthalpy.

Copyright of Journal of Seed Science is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Tecnologia de Sementes and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Myracrodruon urundeuva heartwood is resistant to termite and fungal attack. • Moringa oleifera seeds are susceptible to attack by termites and fungi. • Methanolic (ME) and saline (SE) extracts from M. urundeuva were prepared. • Moringa seeds were sprayed with ME and SE and infested by termites. • Perforations made by termites and seed vigor and sanity were evaluated. • SE promoted protection against termite attack. • The extracts did not improve seed sanity. Moringa oleifera seeds contain several biotechnologically-relevant molecules but are susceptible to termite attack. On the other hand, Myracrodruon urundeuva is strongly resistant to deterioration and it was previously reported the termiticidal activity of preparations from its heartwood against Nasutitermes corniger. This work evaluated whether methanolic (ME) and saline (SE) extracts from M. urundeuva heartwood would be able to protect M. oleifera seeds against N. corniger and improve seed sanity. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis was used to identify the chemical profile of the extracts. Seeds were sprayed for 5 days with ME (S ME), SE (S SE), or positive control 1% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite (S SH) and then infested by workers and soldiers. Controls were also performed using seeds not treated with the extracts and infested (S T control) or not (S control). After death of all termites, the seeds were analyzed for vigor (by measurements of electric conductivity in the exudates) and sanity. The representative 1H NMR spectra showed phenolic compounds among the main components of the extracts. Mortality rate of workers and soldiers after 7 days was 100% in S ME , S SE , and S SH while it was 50% in S T control. Perforations made by termites were observed in seeds from S T control and S ME treatment but not in seeds treated with SE. Analysis of vigor revealed that seeds from control S T or those treated with ME or sodium hypochlorite were damaged by termites while SE promoted protection against N. corniger. Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma harziamum were identified in treatments and controls, revealing that the extracts did not improve seed sanity. In conclusion, SE from M. urundeuva heartwood conferred protection against N. corniger attack when sprayed on M. oleifera seeds and this effect can be related with lectin presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Wood Science / Revista Ciência da Madeira is the property of Brazilian Journal of Wood Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wound healing is a natural regenerative response to tissue injury and the conventional treatments consists of the use wound dressings with local administration of medicines, but, in some cases, are only partially effective and limited by toxicity or ineffective anti-microbial protection. Medicinal plants such as Lippia sidoides and Myracrodruon urundeuva have shown interesting pharmacological activities, allied to this, the association of these medicinal plants and nanotechnology, could mean an advantage in relation to classical approach. This study investigated the effect of a nanogel loaded with Lippia sidoides essential oil and Myracrodruon urundeuva extract (NAA) in an excisional wound healing model in rats. Animals were anesthetized and skin wounds were made using a metal punch. The groups were treated with vehicle, NAA or collagenase gel, for 7, 14 or 21 days and then sacrificed for tissue analysis. NAA did not show acute dermal irritation, further significantly reduced (p<0.05) the final wound area, accelerated the wound contraction and organization of collagen in the group treated for 14 days. The data presented here demonstrate the therapeutic potential for the use of nanotechnology associated with medicinal plants and provides evidence that corroborate with the use of L. sidoides and M. urundeuva as healing medicinal plants., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Phytotherapy based on plant-derived compounds is an alternative medicinal strategy for the relief of symptoms and the curing of diseases. The leaves of Myracrodruon urundeuva a medicinal plant also known as "aroeira", has been used in traditional medicine as healing, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory to treat skeletal diseases in Brazil, but its role in bone cell toxicity, as well as in bone formation, remains to be established. We sought to determine the in vitro osteogenic effects of a hydroalcoholic M. urundeuva leaves extract in primary human osteoblasts. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and matrix mineralization were evaluated by MTT assay, DCFH-DA probe, colorimetric-based enzymatic assay and Alizarin Red-staining, respectively. Besides, the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and progressive ankylosis protein homolog (ANKH) gene expression were determined by real-time RT-qPCR and MMP-2 activity by zymography. Exposure of osteoblasts to M. urundeuva extract significantly decreased viability and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, regardless of the extract concentration. The M. urundeuva extract at 10 μg/mL also downregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, while upregulating progressive ankylosis protein homolog (ANKH) gene expression. By contrast, the MMP-2 activity was unchanged. The M. urundeuva extract at 10 μg/mL also reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization. Overall, our findings suggest that the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization promoted by M. urundeuva may be due more to an increase in oxidative stress than to the modulation of MMP-2 and ANKH expression. Image 1 • Influence of osteogenic differentiation in primary human osteoblasts by Myracrodruon urundeuva extract is demonstrated. • High concentration of Myracrodruon urundeuva extract decreases cell viability, and MMP-2 expression while increases ROS and ANKH gene expression. • High concentration of Myracrodruon urundeuva extract reduces in vitro mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Technosols created to reclaim degraded soils is a promising solution that needs further research. The objectives of the study were: i) to create a Technosol with a very high capacity to immobilize copper from mining, ii) to assess the capacity of the Technosol to immobilize copper after planting two tropical native tree species, and iii) to analyse the capacity of the native trees for extracting copper from polluted soils. Myracrodruon urundeuva (aroeira) and Cedrela fissilis (pink cedar) were planted in pots with Technosol spiked with copper at concentrations of 125, 1525 and 3050 mg Cu kg−1. Height and stem diameter were measured over 90 days. Biomass and Cu concentration in leaves, stem and roots were determined. Copper was analysed in soils by sequential extraction, as well as in leached water. The Technosol showed a very high capacity to immobilize copper, since 60–80% of the added copper was strongly retained in the soil, mainly by bentonite and carbonates. The Technosol with trees showed the same capacity to immobilize copper as the control, since concentration in shoots was higher than 300 mg Cu kg−1 and concentration in roots was even higher. These results show that Technosol and both species are useful tools to immobilize copper in polluted soils. Further studies are necessary to determine the total capacity of these trees to immobilize and/or extract copper in the long term and under field conditions. Graphical abstract Image 1023690 Highlights • Bentonite in Technosols keeps high capacity to sorb Cu with compost. • Myracrodruon urundeuva and Cedrela fissilis have a high availability to accumulate Cu. • Technosol-trees system has a high potential to remediate Cu-polluted soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O cultivo de espécies florestais nativas com fins comerciais em plantios monoespecíficos vem sendo estudado há algumas décadas no Brasil. A silvicultura por meio de plantios consorciados, porém, raramente tem sido objeto de estudo. Avaliou-se o desempenho de duas espécies nativas de interesse comercial: a aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) e o angico vermelho (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil), em consorciação com uma espécie pioneira, o capixingui (Croton floribundus), para verificar a influência de diferentes proporções da espécie pioneira na sobrevivência e crescimento das espécies de interesse comercial. Testaram-se as hipóteses de que diferentes proporções no plantio consorciado resultam em diferenças no crescimento das espécies e que a resposta ao plantio consorciado é diferente entre as espécies-alvo. O presente estudo foi realizado em dois experimentos, um para cada espécie-alvo, instalados em blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições de cada tratamento (25, 50, 75 e 85% da espécie pioneira), em Paraguaçu Paulista, SP. Quinze anos após o plantio, os sistemas consorciados apresentaram alguns padrões: 1) a mortalidade superior para a espécie pioneira em comparação com as espécies-alvo, 2) crescimento mais rápido das árvores das espécies-alvo quanto maior a proporção da espécie pioneira, 3) quanto maior a proporção de pioneiras, menor densidade final do sistema, resultando em menor competição e favorecendo o crescimento individual das espécies-alvo, e 4) não houve variação volumétrica por hectare das espécies-alvo que possa ser explicada pela proporção de pioneiras para nenhuma das duas espécies. Assim, embora a consorciação com espécies pioneiras favoreça o crescimento individual das espécies-alvo, não há nenhum efeito da consorciação no volume de madeira produzido por hectare. The growth of native forest species for commercial purposes in monospecific plantations has been studied for decades in Brazil. However, forestry through mixed stands has rarely been studied. We evaluated the performance of two native species of commercial interest: the aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) and the angico vermelho (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) in mixed stands with a pioneer species, the capixingui (Croton floribundus), to verify the influence of different proportions of the pioneer species in the survival and growth of the commercial species. The tested hypothesis was that intercropping in different ratios results in differences in their growth and that the response to the intercropping is different among the target species. The study was conducted in two experiments, one for each target species, installed in randomized blocks, with five repetitions of each treatment (25, 50, 75 and 85% of pioneer species) in Paraguaçu Paulista, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Fifteen years after planting, the intercropped systems showed some patterns and differences. Among the patterns: 1) pioneer species presented higher mortality in comparison to the target species, 2) the higher the proportion of pioneer species, the faster was tree growth of the target species, 3) the higher the proportion of pioneers, the lower the final density of the system, resulting in less competition and favoring growth of the target species and 4) the timber volume per hectare could not be explained by the proportion of pioneer species used in the system for none of the two focal species. So while intercropping with pioneer species favors the individual growth of the target species, there is no effect of intercropping on timber volume produced per hectare.

Myracrodruon urundeuva ("aroeira") is a dioecious tree of the seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) of Brazil and source of a unique unifloral honey. To discriminate this honey by its pollen spectra, we compared melissopalynological analysis of reference honey samples with those of other samples collected in the SDTF belt. Reference honeys had on average 99% of aroeira pollen, while the other honey samples averaged 84% of this pollen. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, applied here for the first time in honey analysis, for determining the cut-off value of at least 93% of Myracrodruon pollen in a sample for classifying unifloral aroeira honey. The over-representation of aroeira pollen in this honey reflects that honeybees visited ten times as many staminate flowers as pistillate flowers. We conclude that unifloral aroeira honey has uniform pollen spectra, as a byproduct of the preference of honeybees for staminate flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the influence of Azospirillum lipoferum on the growth of Myracroduon urundeuva (Anacardiaceae) plants under drought stress, by means of biometric, physical-chemical and biochemical parameters. The association of A. lipoferum with the roots of the plants provided increases of 30% root length, 50% root dry weight, 34% shoot dry weight and 10% soluble protein content. The inoculated plants still maintained 5% higher leaf water potential than those not inoculated and lower membrane damage. Furthermore, the inoculated plants shown less leaf fall and dark green leaves, confirmed by maintenance of the highest levels of chlorophyl a, b and total. On the other hand, superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower in the inoculated plants, possibly due to the induction of a non-enzymatic protective feature. In this way, the inoculation of PGPR in M. urundeuva can be an alternative for the production of plants that are more tolerant to drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Seed exudates are plant-derived natural bioactive compounds consisting of a complex mixture of organic and inorganic molecules. Plant seed exudates have been poorly studied against parasite nematodes. This study was undertaken to identify proteins in the Myracrodruon urundeuva seed exudates and to assess the anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus, an important parasite of small ruminants. M. urundeuva seed exudates (SEX) was obtained after immersion of seeds in sodium acetate buffer. SEX was fractionated with ammonium sulfate at 0–90% concentration to generate the ressuspended pellet (SEXF1) and the supernatant (SEXF2). SEX, SEXF1, and SEXF2 were exhaustively dialyzed against distilled water (cut-off: 12 kDa) and the protein contents determined. Mass spectrometry analyses of SEX, SEXF1, and SEXF2 were done to identify proteins and secondary metabolites. The seed exudates contained protease, protease inhibitor, peptidase, chitinase, and lipases as well as the low molecular weight secondary compounds ellagic acid and quercetin rhamnoside. SEX inhibited H. contortus larval development (LDA) (IC50 = 0.29 mg mL-1), but did not affect larval exsheathment (LEIA). On the other hand, although SEXF1 and SEXF2 inhibited H. contortus LEIA (IC50 = 1.04 and 0.93 mg mL-1, respectively), they showed even greater inhibition efficiency of H. contortus larval development (IC50 = 0.29 and 0.42 mg mL-1, respectively). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to show the anthelmintic activity of plant exudates against a gastrointestinal nematode. Moreover, it suggests the potential of exuded proteins as candidates to negatively interfere with H. contortus life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study evaluated the effect of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Myracrodruon urundeuva All. and Qualea grandiflora Mart. leaves (alone or combined) on the viability of Streptococcus mutans biofilm and on the prevention of enamel demineralization. Methods Strain of S. mutans (ATCC 21175) was reactivated in BHI broth. Minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum inhibition biofilm concentration and minimum eradication biofilm concentration were determined in order to choose the concentrations to be tested under biofilm model. S. mutans biofilm (5 × 10 5 CFU/ml) was produced on bovine enamel, using McBain saliva under 0.2% sucrose exposure, for 3 days. The biofilm was daily treated with the extracts for 1 min. The biofilm viability was tested by fluorescence and the enamel demineralization was measured using TMR. Results Myracrodruon urundeuva All. (Isolated or combined) at the concentrationsc ≥0.625 mg/ml was able to reduce bacteria viability, while Qualea Grandflora Mart. alone had antimicrobial effect at 5 mg/ml only (p < 0.05). On the other hand, none of the extracts were able to reduce enamel demineralization. Conclusions The hydroalcoholic extracts of Myracrodruon urundeuva All. and Qualea grandiflora Mart. leaves (isolated or combined) have antimicrobial action; however, they do not prevent enamel caries under S. mutans biofilm model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoanalytical techniques have been applied in studies of herbal products. Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Anacardiaceae) is a native of Brazil with medicinal properties. This study aimed to characterize the dry extracts of M. urundeuva Allemão and to assess the compatibility of extracts with pharmaceutical excipients in physical mixtures using thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The TG curve of M. urundeuva dry extract (ES) showed the occurrence of four mass loss events. The most significant mass loss of extract was observed between 193.5 and 267.0 °C with a loss of 29.7%. The DTA curve showed the endothermic nature of this event with a peak at 235.8 °C (ΔH = 568.5 J g−1). This event is associated with the thermal decomposition of carbohydrates and other organic compounds present in the plant. The SEM image showed the particles of dry extract with spherical shapes, irregular sizes and rough surfaces. SEM analysis of physical mixtures showed that extract dry particles maintained their spherical morphology and appeared uniformly dispersed in the excipient particles. The TG and DTA curves showed no thermal incompatibility between the ES and the excipients lactose, cellulose and starch, but indicated a possible interaction with maltodextrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lectins, carbohydrate‐binding proteins, from the bark (MuBL) and leaf (MuLL) of Myracrodruon urundeuva are termiticidal agents against Nasutitermes corniger workers and have been shown to induce oxidative stress and cell death in the midgut of these insects. In this study, we investigated the binding targets of MuBL and MuLL in the gut of N. corniger workers by determining the effects of these lectins on the activity of digestive enzymes. In addition, we used mass spectrometry to identify peptides from gut proteins that adsorbed to MuBL–Sepharose and MuLL–Sepharose columns. RESULTS: Exoglucanase activity was neutralized in the presence of MuBL and stimulated by MuLL. α‐ l‐Arabinofuranosidase activity was not affected by MuBL but was inhibited by MuLL. Both lectins stimulated α‐amylase activity and inhibited protease and trypsin‐like activities. Peptides with homology to apolipophorin, trypsin‐like enzyme, and ABC transporter substrate‐binding protein were detected from proteins that adsorbed to MuBL–Sepharose, while peptides from proteins that bound to MuLL–Sepharose shared homology with apolipophorin. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that digestive enzymes and transport proteins found in worker guts can be recognized by MuBL and MuLL. Thus, the mechanism of their termiticidal activity may involve changes in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This systematic review was carried out to identify which naturally-occurring agents and constituents isolated therefrom have effects in preventing bone loss in a ligature-induced periodontitis model. Materials and methods Eight databases were systematically searched for studies of experimental periodontitis. The data were extracted, analyzed, and the treatment outcomes were given scores based on the level of bone destruction as compared to their untreated induced-periodontitis control. Results 294 articles were found, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies tested a multi-herbal formulation; extracts (leaves, barks or fruit) of different plant species; and propolis. The most usual dosing protocol consisted of 3-times-a-day, 11-day treatment. The combined gel of Myracrodruon urundeuva (5%) and Lippia sidoides (0.5%) was the most active treatment, reducing 45–65% bone loss in the region of molars as compared to 73.4% of doxycycline (gold-standard). Ginkgo biloba extract (28–56 mg/kg) and propolis (100–200 mg/kg) prevented bone destruction by 50% and 40–44%, respectively. The other tested samples showed intermediate/weak activity in modulating bone resorption. Conclusions The gel of M. urundeuva and L. sidoides , and G. biloba and propolis extracts showed strong alveolar bone protective effectiveness in induced-periodontitis in rats. Further translational research should bridge the gap between the rat study outcomes and the clinical efficacy and long-term toxicity of these formulations in humans. The compilation of the vast literature database presented herein may drive further in vivo and clinical studies with the selected efficacious formulations to subsidize their pharmaceutical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical woody species occurring in limestone outcrops are frequently exposed to particulate material from cement factories. The effects of 60-day cement dust exposure on physiological traits and enzymatic antioxidant system of young plant leaves of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão and Trichilia hirta L. were investigated. Cement dust (2.5 or 5 mg cm −2 ) was applied to the leaf surface or soil or both (leaf plus soil) and plants were maintained at greenhouse. Cement dust barely affected the mineral nutrient levels, except for iron whose content was decreased in leaves/leaflets of all species studied. The incident light was partly blocked in cement dust-treated leaves, regardless of the plant species, causing a decrease in the photosynthetic pigments in M. urundeuva. The chlorophyll b content, however, increased in G. ulmifolia and T. hirta leaves upon cement dust treatment. The potential quantum yield of photosystem II in challenged leaves of G. ulmifolia was 3.8% lower than that of control plants, while such trait remained unaffected in the leaves of the other species. No changes in leaf stomatal conductance and antioxidant enzymes activities were observed, except for M. urundeuva , which experienced a 31% increment in the superoxide dismutase activity upon 5 mg cm −2 cement dust (leaf plus soil treatment), when compared with control plants. Overall, the mild changes caused by cement dust in the in physiological and biochemical traits of the species studied indicate that such species might be eligible for further studies of revegetation in fields impacted by cement factories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: This study evaluated the in vitro activity of essential oil extracted from the leaves of Myracrodruon urundeuva. Methods: The oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and characterized by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the broth microdilution technique and the MIF was determined by using growth indicator CTT (2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium) and CBM in BHI agar. The oil's cytotoxicity was evaluated in HeLa, HEK-293, and Vero E6 cells using MTT, 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium. Results: The oil showed chemical markers, including α-pinene (87.85%), trans-caryophyllene (1.57%), limonene (1.49%) and β -pinene (1.42%), and activity against all strains: Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = MBC = 0.22 mg/mL), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC = 0.11 mg/mL and MBC = 0.22 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC = 0.88mg/mL and MBC = 1.75 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = MBC = 7 mg/mL) and Salmonella Enteritidis (MIC = MBC = 0.44 mg/mL). In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed that the oil is not toxic and has slight antitumor activity. Conclusions: We conclude that the M. urundeuva oil results are promising, with prospects of being pharmacologically viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Myracrodruon urundeuva is a hardwood tree, and its bark, heartwood and leaf contain lectins (MuBL, MuHL and MuLL respectively) with termiticidal activity against Nasutitermes corniger. In this work, the effects of these lectins on the midgut of N. corniger workers were evaluated. RESULTS The insects were supplied with an artificial diet containing the lectins at their respective LC50 (previously determined). At 48 h after treatment, the midguts were dissected and fixed for histopathology analyses. Toluidine-blue-stained midguts from lectin-treated workers showed disorganisation, with the presence of debris in the lumen and the absence of brush border. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that the numbers of digestive and proliferating cells were lower in lectin-treated individuals than in the control, and caspase-3 staining confirmed the occurrence of cell apoptosis. Enteroendocrine cells were not seen in the treated individuals. The midguts from treated insects showed greater staining for peroxidase than the control, suggesting that the lectins caused oxidative stress. Staining with wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to FITC revealed that the lectins interfered with the integrity of the peritrophic matrix. CONCLUSION This study showed that termiticidal lectins from M. urundeuva cause severe injuries, oxidative stress and cell death in the midgut of N. corniger workers. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myracrodruon urundeuva (Engl.) Fr. All., commonly known as “aroeira-do-sertão”, is a medicinal plant from Anacardiaceae family. In this study, the chemical composition of M. urundeuva essential oil (MuEO) was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), as well as its anti- Leishmania potential, cytotoxicity, and macrophage activation capability as possible antiprotozoal mechanism of action were assessed. Fourteen compounds were identified, which constituted 94.87% of total oil composition. The most abundant components were monoterpenes (80.35%), with β-myrcene (42.46%), α-myrcene (37.23%), and caryophyllene (4.28%) as the major constituents. The MuEO inhibited the growth of promastigotes (IC 50 205 ± 13.4 μg mL −1 ), axenic amastigotes (IC 50 104.5 ± 11.82 μg mL −1 ) and decreased percentage of macrophage infection and number of amastigotes per macrophage (IC 50 of 44.5 ± 4.37 μg⋅mL −1 ), suggesting significant anti- Leishmania activity. The cytotoxicity of MuEO was assessed by MTT test in Balb/c murine macrophages and by human erythrocytes lysis assay and low cytotoxicity for these cells was observed. The CC 50 value against macrophages were 550 ± 29.21 μg mL −1 , while cytotoxicity for erythrocytes was around 20% at the highest concentration assessed, with HC 50 > 800 μg mL −1 . While MuEO-induced anti- Leishmania activity is not mediated by increases in both lysosomal activity and nitric oxide production in macrophages, the results suggest the antiamastigote activity is associated with an immunomodulatory activity of macrophages due to an increase of phagocytic capability induced by MuEO. Thus, MuEO presented significant activity against Leishmania amazonensis , probably modulating the activation of macrophages, with low cytotoxicity to murine macrophages and human erythrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A espécie florestal Myracrodruon urundeuva (Fr. All.) figura desde 1992 na lista de espécies da flora brasileira ameaçadas de extinção e, contudo, manifesta comportamento monodominante em algumas regiões do Estado de Minas Gerais, sobretudo na região do Médio Rio Doce. Este trabalho teve por objetivo comparar métodos de classificação supervisionada de imagens Rapideye para mapeamento de fragmentos florestais monodominados por Myracrodruon urundeuva em Tumiritinga, MG. Foram avaliadas a classificação pelo algoritmo da Maximaverossimilhança (Maxver) e a classificação por Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNA). Foram testadas 19 combinações envolvendo diferentes bandas, componentes principais e o índice de vegetação da diferença normalizada para a classificação da imagem Rapideye. O treinamento da rede foi realizado variando-se a taxa de aprendizado, o número de interações e o número de neurônios na camada interna. A avaliação dos mapas temáticos produzidos foi realizada através dos índices Kappa e Kappa condicional para a classe de uso do solo "aroeira" e pela análise das Matrizes de Confusão. O método que apresentou melhor desempenho foi a classificação de todas as bandas da imagem Rapideye pelo algoritmo Maxver, apresentando coeficientes Kappa 80 e Kappa condicional 90. O mapa temático gerado teve exatidão do usuário igual a 93% e exatidão do produtor igual a 90%, sendo as maiores confusões do classificador para a classe Aroeira Monodominante acometidas entre as classes Mata Nativa e Pasto Manejado. Da imagem temática produzida, extraiu-se a informação de que 22% do Município de Tumiritinga se encontrava sob ocupação da aroeira em monodominância. A análise do uso e cobertura do solo no município não retrata, na região de estudo, o quadro anunciado de espécie ameaçada de extinção, no qual M. urundeuva se encontra.M. urundeuva (Fr. All.) is a tree currently listed as endangered species of Brazilian Flora since 1992. However, it manifests monodominance in some regions of Minas Gerais state, especially in middle Rio Doce. The objective of this work was to compare supervised methods of classification of Rapideye images for forest fragments monodominated by Myracrodruon urundeuva mapping, in Tumiritinga, MG. The maximum likelihood (Maxlike) and the artificial neural networks (ANN) classification were assessed. Nineteen combinations involving different bands, the principal components and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were tested for classification of Rapideye image. The neural network training was conducted by varying the learning rate, the number of interactions and the number of neurons in the hidden layer. The thematic maps were evaluated by Kappa and conditional Kappa index for "aroeira" soil use class and by the analysis of the Confusion Matrix. The best performance was achieved by the Maxever algorithm using all bands of Rapideye image, getting a Kappa index of 80 and conditional Kappa index of 90. The thematic map presented user's accuracy equal to 93% and producer's accuracy equal to 90%. The greatest errors of classification for "aroeira monominant" class were related to the "native forest" and "managed pasture" classes. The thematic map produced shows that 22% of the town is under occupation of M. urundeuva in monodominance and this specie is not endangered in Tumiritinga, Minas Gerais.

This study assessed the antiproliferative and cytotoxic potential against tumor lines of ethanolic seed extracts of 21 plant species belonging to different families from Northeastern Brazil. In addition, some underlying mechanisms involved in this cytotoxicity were also investigated. Among the 21 extracts tested, the MTT assay after 72 h of incubation demonstrated that only the ethanolic extract obtained from Myracrodruon urundeuva seeds (EEMUS), which has steroids, alkaloids and phenols, showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells, being 2-fold more active on leukemia HL-60 line [IC50 value of 12.5 (9.5-16.7) μg/mL] than on glioblastoma SF-295 [IC50 of 25.1 (17.3-36.3) μg/mL] and Sarcoma 180 cells [IC50 of 38.1 (33.5-43.4) μg/mL]. After 72h exposure, flow cytometric and morphological analyses of HL-60-treated cells showed that EEMUS caused decrease in cell number, volume and viability as well as internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent way, suggesting that the EEMUS triggers apoptotic pathways of cell death.Este estudo avaliou o potencial antiproliferativo e citotóxico contra linhagens de células tumorais de extratos etanólicos de sementes de vinte e uma espécies vegetais pertencentes a diferentes famílias do Nordeste brasileiro. Além disso, alguns mecanismos subjacentes envolvidos nesta citotoxidade também foram investigados. Dentre os 21 extratos testados pelo ensaio do MTT após 72 h de incubação, apenas o extrato etanólico obtido a partir de sementes de Myracrodruon urundeuva (EEMUS), o qual apresentou traços de esteróides, alcalóides e fenóis em sua composição, demonstrou atividade citotóxica in vitro contra células tumorais humanas, sendo 2 vezes mais ativo sobre a linhagem leucêmica HL-60 [IC50 valor de 12,5 (9,5-16,7) μg/mL] do que sobre células de glioblastoma SF-295 [IC50 de 25,1 (17,3-36,3) μg/mL] e de sarcoma 180 [IC50 de 38,1 (33,5-43,4) μg/mL]. Após 72 h de exposição, as análises morfológicas e por citometria de fluxo de células HL-60 tratadas com EEMUS mostraram diminuição no número de células, seu volume e viabilidade, assim como fragmentação internucleosomal do DNA de forma dose-dependente, sugerindo que a ação antiproliferativa de EEMUS pode ser ativada por vias apoptóticas.

O estudo objetivou realizar ensaio toxicológico pré-clínico inicial para investigar a toxicidade das folhas de alecrim-pimenta (Lippia sidoides Cham.), aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All.) e barbatimão [Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville] e do farelo da casca de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), por meio da determinação da dose letal 50% (DL50). Na investigação da DL50, foram utilizados grupos de camundongos Swiss de mesmo sexo (n=150, sendo 30 animais por tratamento) inoculados, por via intraperitoneal, com diluições seriadas do extrato hidroalcoólico das folhas de alecrim, aroeira e barbatimão e do farelo da casca de pequi. Após a inoculação, os animais foram observados por um período de 14 dias, para determinar a quantidade de mortos, doentes e sobreviventes. O estudo toxicológico pré-clínico agudo demonstrou, em camundongos por via intraperitoneal, toxicidade igual a 0,31mg mL-1 DL50 mL-1 para todas as plantas, exceto para o barbatimão, que apresentou toxicidade igual a 0,25mg mL-1. Pesquisas devem ser realizadas visando a obter dados de toxicidade das plantas em outras vias para assegurar o uso em saúde humana e animal.This study aimed to conductpre-clinical toxicology testing to investigate the toxicity of Lippia sidoides Cham., Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All., Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville and Caryocar brasiliense Camb., by determining the 50% (LDL50) lethal dose. In the investigation of the LD50, groups of Swiss mice of the same sex were used (n=150; 30 animals per plant and all inoculated intraperitoneally with serial dilutions of the aqueous fraction obtained from the leaves of plants. After inoculation, the animals were observed along a period of 14 days in order to observe the dead, sick and survivors rate. In mice inoculated intraperitoneally, the acute pre-clinical toxicology testing demonstrated toxicity equal to 0,31mg mL-1 LD50 mL-1 for all plants. The exception was for Stryphnodendron adstringens, which presented toxicity equal to a 0,25mg mL-1DL50 mL-1 and values expressed in terms of dilution. Research should be conducted to obtain data on toxicity of the plants in other ways to ensure the use in human and animal health. Therefore, the studied plants should be used with caution. They present a relatively mild toxic potential, but it may be harmful to users if they are not properly utilized.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanolic "aroeira" (Myracrodruon urundeuva) extract on the viability of human gingival fibroblast. For this, fibroblasts (2x103 cells/well) were plated in a 96-well plate and incubated for 24 h; the medium (Eagle's medium modified by Dulbecco - DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum was replaced by DMEM with different ethanolic extract concentration (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000μg / mL). The fibroblast viability was analyzed after 48,72, and 96 h by the neutral red capture test and violet crystal. The "aroeira" extract, at high concentrations (100 and 1000 µg/mL) caused decrease in both cellular viability tests (p

Cement industries located nearby limestone outcrops in Brazil have contributed to the coating of cement dust over native plant species. However, little is known about the extent of the response of tropical woody plants to such environmental pollutant particularly during the first stages of plant development and establishment. This work focused on the investigation of possible alterations in leaf structural and ultrastructural traits of 5-month-old Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (Malvaceae), 6-month-old Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Anacardiaceae), and 9-month-old Trichilia hirta L. (Meliaceae) challenged superficially with cement dust during new leaf development. Leaf surface of plants, the soil or both (leaf plus soil), were treated (or not) for 60 days, under controlled conditions, with cement dust at 2.5 or 5.0 mg cm. After exposure, no significant structural changes were observed in plant leaves. Also, no plant death was recorded by the end of the experiment. There was also some evidence of localized leaf necrosis in G. ulmifolia and T. hirta, leaf curling in M. urundeuva and T. hirta, and bulges formation on epidermal surface of T. hirta, after cement dust contact with plant shoots. All species studied exhibited stomata obliteration while T. hirta, in particular, presented early leaf abscission, changes in cellular relief, and organization and content of midrib cells. No significant ultrastructural alterations were detected under the experimental conditions studied. Indeed, mesophyll cells presented plastids with intact membrane systems. The high plant survival rates, together with mild morphoanatomic traits alterations in leaves, indicate that G. ulmifolia is more resistant to cement dust pollutant, followed by M. urundeuva and T. hirta. Thus, the three plant species are promising for being used to revegetate areas impacted by cement industries activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]