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In many places of the world, medicinal plants represent the only form of treatment for various diseases. This work aimed to determine and correlate minerals of infusions and leaves of medicinal plants grown in Northeastern Brazil. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis and Pearson correlation were performed. The higher content of Na was for Ocimum basilicum L. (94.3 mg/100g) and Datura stramonium L. (91.6 mg/100g). The plants examined had low levels of K in infusions. All samples contain Mg at significant levels. The cluster analysis divided the medicinal plants into three groups, associated with Passiflora edulis, Capraria biflora and Phyllanthus amarus. Ca and Al were the minerals that contributed most to an association between the plants in principal component 1; while K, Na and Mg contributed most in principal component 2. Furthermore, the high percentage of extraction, mainly Ca and Mg, suggests these plants could be used as potential mineral supplements.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T10:51:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 In this study, we investigated the phenolic and antioxidant content, cytotoxic, and anticholinesterase activities of flower extracts of Senna spectabilis var. excelsa and Senna macranthera. The antioxidant activities performed by the DPPH and ABTS methods showed that the extracts possess good antioxidant activity, with emphasis on the S. macranthera extract, which obtained results very similar to the rutin pattern. In the evaluation of the cytotoxic activity, the species S. spectabilis var. excelsa presented expressive cytotoxicity against the cellular lines PC3 and HL60 with IC50 values 21.08 and 31.37 μg mL−1, respectively. The results of anticholinesterase activity showed that both the plants induced enzyme inhibition, reaching 14 mm of inhibition in the case of S. spectabilis var. excelsa. The good results obtained in this work may be related to the presence of compounds such as apigenin-7-apioglucoside, quercetin 3,4'-diglucoside, cassine and spectaline identified in the extracts in our previous work. Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry/Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical-Chemistry Federal University of Ceará Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Federal University of Ceará Chemistry Institute São Paulo State University - UNESP Chemistry Institute São Paulo State University - UNESP

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effect of chrysophanol (CHRY), isolated from hexane extract of Senna cana stem and its possible mechanism of action. CHRY was obtained through chromatographic treatments and its identity was confirmed by uni and bidimensional RMN1H and RMN13C. Adult zebrafish (n = 6/group) were treated (with CHRY (4.0 or 12.0 or 40.0 mg/Kg; 20 µL; intraperitoneally) and submitted to acute toxicity and open field tests. Subsequently, other groups (n = 6/each) received CHRY for the analysis of its effect on the Light & Dark Test. The participation of the GABAergic system was also assessed using the diazepam (GABAA receptor agonist) and flumazenil (GABAA receptor antagonist). CHRY was considered non-toxic, it did not reduce the locomotor activity, and showed an anxiolytic-like effect. This effect was reduced by pre-treatment with flumazenil. The results suggest that CHRY is an anxiolytic-like agent mediated via the GABAergic system.

The prickly pear is a cactaceae that have chemical compounds that act as natural antioxidants. In addition, the prickly pear is a plant widely used in semiarid region as it’s considered very important forage for animal feed, especially in the dry season. The objectives of this research were to characterize the main classes of phytochemicals, determine the phenols content, flavonoids and anthocyanins and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the prickly pear cultivars Opuntia and Nopalea grown in the semiarid region of Pernambuco in two collection periods (dry and rainy). In the work crude ethanol extracts from cladodes of cultivars (IPA-20, Elephant Ear Mexican, F-08, V-19, Small palm, F-21 and IPA-Sertânia) were used. As for the class of phytochemical compounds from ethanol extract only the flavonoids and steroids were detected in all prickly pear cultivars, in both periods analyzed. The content of phenolic compounds ranges from 1.24 to 5.41 mg GAE g-1 DM, flavonoids 0.90 to 3.43 mg QE g-1 DM, anthocyanins from 0.05 to 0.34 µg QE 100 g-1 DM and antioxidant activity 39.59 to 217.17 µM TEAC g-1 DM. The occurrence of chemical variability and antioxidant activity were observed, both among the botanical cultivars studied and among the collection periods.

This work investigated the content of total polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids as well as their toxicity and larvicidal and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. The antioxidant activities of two medicinal Senna species extracts (Senna cana and Senna pendula) were also investigated. The ethanol extract of the leaves of S. cana and the ethanol extract of the branches of S. pendula presented the best performance in the DPPH/FRAP and ABTS/ORAC assays, respectively. For the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, the hexane extract of the flowers of S. pendula presented the lowest IC50 value among the ethanol extracts of the leaves of S. cana and showed the best performance in some assays. The hexane extract of the leaves of S. pendula and the hexane extract of the branches of S. cana were moderate to Artemia salina Leach. In the quantification of phenols and flavonoids, the ethanol extract of the leaves of S. cana presented the best results. The ethanol extracts of the leaves of S. cana were found to be rich in antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. These results indicate the antioxidant potential of the extracts of Senna species and can be responsible for some of the therapeutic uses of these plants.

Comprehensive NMR data for the previously presumed structure of the procyanidin (2 R ∗ ,3 S ∗ ,4 S ∗ ,2″ R ∗ ,3″ S ∗ )-guibourtinidol-(4α→8)-catechin, isolated in this case from the roots of the medicinal plant Senna macranthera , is reported. Earlier reports provided a basic plausible structure based on mass spectrometry data but lacked confirmation by NMR. Therefore the 3D structure of the compound in terms of its full relative configuration and conformational preference in CD 3 OD solution was established by molecular modeling using DFT in conjunction with both chemical shift, δ H and δ C , and NOE contact, η H,H , NMR data.

With the increase of microbial diseases and many reports of resistance of microorganisms to antifungal drugs, the importance of studies on bioprospecting of natural products with antimicrobial properties also increases. The aim of this study was to find new antifungal agents among essential oils from five Brazilian Ocimum species: Ocimum americanum, Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens, O. basilicum var. minimum, Ocimum micranthum and Ocimum selloi. Plant leaves were steam distilled and the obtained essential oils composition was determined by means of GC–MS analysis. The main constituents for O. americanum oil were 1,8-cineole (25.9%) and (Z)-methyl cinnamate (29.4%), for O. basilicum var. purpurascens linalool (41.5%) and α-muurulol (11.8%), for O. basilicum var. minimum linalool (44%) and 1,8-cineole (15.5%), for O. micranthum and eugenol (64.11%) and β-caryophyllene (14.3%) and for O. selloi, linalool (16.8%) and anethole (52.2%). The antifungal activity of essential oils was evaluated against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida krusei by the broth microdilution method. Among the five plants O. micranthum and O. selloi showed the best results, with MIC ranging from 312.5 to 1250 μg mL−1. The Ocimum essential oils, mainly O. micranthum and O. selloi are active in vitro against the Candida species showing to be promising sources for new phytotherapeutic agents to treat mycosis due to the presence of effective antifungal compounds as eugenol and anethole.

Until recently, there was a lack of information on the phytochemical composition of the taxon Senna. Recent reports show that Senna splendida, Senna gardneri, and Senna georcica are characterized by profiles dominated by flavonoids, naphthapyrones, and stilbenes. Here, we studied the phytochemical composition of Senna macranthera var pudibunda (Benth) Irwin & Barneby for comparison. A total of 26 polyphenolic compounds were identified in methanol extracts of various botanical parts of Senna macranthera var pudibunda (Benth.) Irwin & Barneby. The higher concentration (on a dry weight basis) of polyphenolic compounds was detected in the leaves (48.55 g/kg), bark (21.26 g/kg), and roots (17.08 g/kg), whereas a lower concentration of polyphenolic compounds was detected in the fruits (6.67 g/kg). The polyphenolic profiles of the various botanical parts were dominated by flavan-3-ols and flavan-3-ol dimers. The bark and roots contained only these components (100%), whereas flavonoids were also identified as minor components in the leaves (15.7%) and the fruits (5.6%), respectively. The flavan-3-ol conjugates comprised the well-known procyanidins, along with the rarely reported afzelechin, giobourtinidol and procassinidin dimers.

Because there is a dearth of data on the taxon Senna, the aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition of various botanical parts of Senna gardneri Irwin & Barneby and Senna georgica Irwin & Barneby. A total of 24 polyphenolic compounds were identified in methanol extracts. The higher concentration (on a dry weight basis) of polyphenolic compounds, was detected in the leaves (29.3 g/kg) and roots (17.3 g/kg) of S. gardneri. By contrast, a lower concentration of polyphenolic compounds were detected in the roots of S. georgica (11.8 g/kg), followed by the bark (5.8 g/kg), leaves (0.7 g/kg) and fruits (0.3 g/kg). Flavonoids comprised the major polyphenolic compounds in leaves of S. gardneri (98 %) and S. georgica (100 %) and the bark of S. georgica (86 %). Whereas the composition was quite different in the roots, of which the major components were stilbenes and naphthapyrones at 87 % and 13 % in S. georgica roots and 64 % and 28 % in S. gardneri roots. The fruits of S. georgica contained only one anthraquinone. In conclusion the roots of S. gardneri (11.023 g/kg) and S. georgica (10.285 g/kg) are a rich source of stilbenes, which have promising cancer chemopreventive capacities.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-12T17:26:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-10-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2018-11-12T17:34:14Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0103-50532016001001872.pdf: 603487 bytes, checksum: 1a80e75a91eaacf2d75c96dc9aabe75c (MD5) Methanolic, diethyl ether and n-hexane extracts of leaves of four species of Senna (S. gardneri, S. macranthera, S. splendida and S. trachypus) were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Using linear retention indices and mass spectral data, 34 compounds were identified, including fatty acids, flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids that were not reported previously for these species. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the extracts against different tumor cell lines was determined. The cytotoxicity was then correlated with the chemical composition of the extracts by partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The n-hexane extract of S. gardneri and the ethyl ether extract of S. splendida were the most active against human colon (59.75 and 31.37%, respectively) and human glioblastoma (52.85 and 48.28%, respectively) cell lines. Universidade Federal do Ceará Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica Universidade Estadual de São Paulo Instituto de Química Universidade Federal do Ceará Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia

Esta revisao foi realizada com o proposito de identificar o perfil quimico e potencial biofarmacologico de 44 especies de Senna nativas do Nordeste do Brasil, empregando a ferramenta de busca www.scopus.com (1971-2014) . Esta colecao compreende quase mil coletas realizadas em todos os estados do nordeste, durante 73 anos em areas de Caatinga, Cerrado, Mata Atlântica e zonas de transicao entre estes sistemas. Entre as especies pesquisadas, 61% permanecem sem nenhum relato de estudos quimico e farmacologicos. A composicao quimica das e species pesquisadas apresentou-se estruturalmente diversificada. Foram identificados 183 compostos de diversas classes como poliois, alcaloides, flavonoides, esteroides, estilbenos e triterpenos, sendo que antraquinonas e cromenos nas formas livres e glicosiladas sao os compostos mais frequentemente relatados (54%). Foram registradas para as especies de Senna pesquisadas, 68 atividades biofarmacologicas comprovadas, destacando-se as atividades antioxidante e antitumoral. DOI: 10.5935/1984-6835.20160012

O presente trabalho relata a investigacao realizada em uma turma do Ensino Medio de uma escola publica na cidade de Maracanau – CE. Foram utilizados mapas conceituais (MCs) como ferramenta facilitadora da aprendizagem do ensino de Quimica. Este estudo foi norteado pela teoria da aprendizagem significativa desenvolvida por David Ausubel, produzindo resultados satisfatorios com o uso dos MCs como ferramenta na construcao da aprendizagem do conteudo abordado. Este estudo confirma que a relacao entre conceitos apresentados atraves de MCs pode ser assimilada pelos estudantes, promovendo a aprendizagem significativa.

O presente trabalho apresenta o resultado da vivencia de estudantes do ensino medio da cidade de Quixada-CE com atividades de aprendizagem cooperativa aplicadas ao ensino de quimica. Quatro tecnicas distintas de aprendizagem cooperativa (jigsaw, metodo dos pares, fila cooperativa e teste cooperativo) foram empregadas como estrategias de ensino-aprendizagem. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados no que diz respeito a apreensao dos conteudos e observou-se um ambiente menos competitivo e mais colaborativo entre os estudantes, contribuindo assim para o desenvolvimento de aprendizagem significativa. O trabalho inclui descricao das tecnicas de aprendizagem cooperativa, apresentacao de todo o percurso metodologico utilizado, bem como a avaliacao dos resultados.

A total of 27 polyphenolic compounds were detected, identified and quantitated in methanol extracts of various botanical parts of Senna splendida (Vogel) H.S. Irwin & Barneby. On a dry weight basis, the higher concentration of polyphenolic compounds was detected in the leaves (28.524 g/kg) and roots (13.884 g/kg). By contrast, the values in the flowers (6.331g/kg) and bark of Senna splendida (2.736 g/kg) were considerably lower. The major component in Senna splendida leaves was quercetin diglucoside, (7.887 g/kg), in the roots methoxy oxyresveratrol (4.485 g/kg), in the flowers quercetin-3- O-rhamnoside-4′- O-glucoside (2.885 g/kg), and in the bark quercitrin (quercetin rhamnoside; 0.881 g/kg). The composition of the polyphenolic compounds in the flowers, leaves and bark were dominated by flavonoids at > 98%, whereas the composition was quite different in the roots, of which the major components were napththapyrones (54 %) and stilbenes (39 %) with a very low contribution from flavonoids (5 %) and phenolic acids (2 %).

Ethnopharmacological relevance Validate the popular use of Plectranthus grandis in gastric disorders through the active components. Aims Isolation of barbatusin (BB) and 3β-hydroxy-3-deoxibarbatusin (BBOH), diterpenes from Plectranthus grandis , and evaluation of their gastroprotective effect and possible mechanisms of action. Materials and methods Isolation and chemical characterization of diterpenes from Plectranthus grandis by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods and evaluation of gastroprotective action of the diterpenes through ethanol-induced gastric injury in mice model. It was evaluated the effect of capsazepine, indomethacin and the role of nitric oxide and K ATP− channels on the gastroprotective effect of BBOH and BB. Additionally it was measured the concentrations of gastric mucus, non-proteic-sulfhydryl groups and total thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Results Orally administered BBOH and BB at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, markedly reduced the gastric lesions by 59 and 96%, and 32 and 76%, respectively, with superior results as compared to N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg, i.p.), reference compound that caused 85% lesion suppression. Although BBOH presented a higher gastroprotection than BB they act by similar mechanisms in relation to N-acetylcysteine, and prevent the depletion of gastric mucus, gastric mucosal non-proteic-sulfhydryl groups as well as the increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive species. Moreover, the gastroprotective effect of BB was effectively blocked in mice pretreated with TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine, by the non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, or by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l -NAME but not by K + ATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide. In contrast, the gastroprotective effect of BBOH was blocked only by indomethacin and glibenclamide pretreatments. Conclusion The protective role for BBOH and BB affording gastroprotection against gastric damage induced by ethanol indicates that these compounds contribute for the activity of Plectranthus species. The different modes of action are probably related to differences in their chemical structure.

Em geral, o ensino de Química no nível médio ocorre através de metodologias tradicionais e que não se busca uma relação dos conteúdos abordados com a realidade do aluno. Esta dificuldade pode ser minimizada quando trabalhada com temas que relacionem os aspectos da Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade – CTS, no universo de sala de aula. A Química Forense é uma temática que desperta e motiva os alunos, pois está presente em seriados de televisão, programa de computadores, entre outros. Dessa forma, este trabalho propôs o uso da Química Forense e seus recursos diferenciados como ferramenta para uma abordagem de Ensino em CTS. O objetivo da pesquisa foi desenvolver um minicurso que trabalhe aspectos teóricos e práticos da Química de forma contextualizada com a Química Forense. Dessa forma, buscou-se favorecer o desenvolvimento da capacidade de observação, investigação, argumentação e conexão entre os fenômenos químicos estudados e os dados observados em processos de perícia, para auxiliar na construção do conhecimento de forma contextualizada e interdisciplinar. Esse trabalho foi aplicado em uma escola pública do município de Maracanaú (CE), com alunos do terceiro ano do ensino médio, num total de 25 em parceria com professores e bolsistas do Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência – PIBID do curso de licenciatura em Química do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará – IFCE, campus Maracanaú. Ademais, apontou-se como preocupação o desenvolvimento de diversas competências e habilidade para a formação do cidadão. Através dos instrumentais de avaliação aplicados, identificou-se uma maior motivação e empenho dos alunos em aprender. A aplicação do tema relacionado à CTS evidenciou eficácia para a compreensão dos conteúdos abordados, uma vez que permitiu a relação entre a química e o cotidiano do aluno, no que diz respeito aos temas relacionados à Química Forense.

Plectranthus barbatus is largely used in the Northeast region of Brazil by the local population for treatment of digestive problems as substitute of boldo (Pneumus boldus). Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extracts of Plectranthus barbatus (Labiatae) cultivated in this region yielded two abietane diterpenoids, cyclobubatusin (1) and barbatusin (2) and a new one named 7beta-acetyl-12-deacetoxycyclobutatusin (3). The structures of the isolated compounds were established by spectral analysis, using mainly mass spectra and ¹H and 13CNMR (1D and 2D). These procedures permitted the assignment of all chemical shifts in the diterpenoids.

Comprehensive NMR data for the previously presumed structure of the procyanidin (2 R ∗ ,3 S ∗ ,4 S ∗ ,2″ R ∗ ,3″ S ∗ )-guibourtinidol-(4α→8)-catechin, isolated in this case from the roots of the medicinal plant Senna macranthera , is reported. Earlier reports provided a basic plausible structure based on mass spectrometry data but lacked confirmation by NMR. Therefore the 3D structure of the compound in terms of its full relative configuration and conformational preference in CD 3 OD solution was established by molecular modeling using DFT in conjunction with both chemical shift, δ H and δ C , and NOE contact, η H,H , NMR data.

Seven residues from tropical fruit (acerola, cashew apple, guava, mango, papaya, pineapple, and sapota) processing were prospected for physicochemical parameters (pH, total soluble solids, water activity, reducing sugar, acidity, protein, moisture, ash, and lipids), functional compounds (total phenolic content, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, and free radical scavenging activity—DPPH), fatty acid profile, and mineral content. Prospection of these industrial residues aimed its use as potential sources for food supplementation. Acerola residue was found to be a valuable source of anthocyanins, phenolics, and vitamin C; cashew apple residue could be a source of unsaturated fatty acids; pineapple and papaya residues could be used, respectively, as manganese and phosphorous source.

The antioxidant capacity of essential oils obtained by steam hydrodistillation from five species of the genus Ocimum, namely Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens, Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum gratissimum, Ocimum micranthum, and Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum), were evaluated using a high-performance liquid chromatography-based hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase and the DPPH assays. The yield of oils from the leaves of the five species was variable with the greater amount obtained from Ocimum gratissimum (3.5%) and the least from Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens (0.5%). In the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assay, strong antioxidant capacity was evident in all the oils but the greater was shown by that obtained from Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum) (IC50 = 0.46 microL/mL) compared to Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens (IC50 = 1.84 microL/mL). Antioxidant capacity was positively correlated (r = 0.92, p0.05) with a high proportion of compounds possessing a phenolic ring such as eugenol, while a strong negative correlation (r = -0.77, p0.1) with other major volatiles was observed. These correlations were confirmed to a large extent in the DPPH assay. The results of a 24 h experiment with Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum) shows that the antioxidant capacity factor (amount of essential oil obtained x free radical scavenging capacity; mg x %/100) reaches a threshold between 10 and 12.00 h, corresponding to maximum sunlight intensity in Brasil and furthermore exhibits a clear diurnal variation. The data generated with Ocimum species indicates that essential oils obtained from various herbs and spices may have an important role to play in cancer chemoprevention, functional foods, and in the preservation of pharmacologic products.

Essential oils (EO) from leaves of Ocimum gratissimum L., Ocimum micranthum Willd. and Ocimum selloi Benth. obtained by steam distillation (SD), microwave oven distillation (MO) and supercritical extraction with CO2 (SC) showed different composition by GC/MS analysis. The main components in the three essential oils were the same but in different relative amounts. The oil from O. gratissimum obtained by SD presented eugenol (54.0%) and 1,8-cineole (21.6%) as main components, by MO eugenol (34.6%) and 1,8-cineole (22.6%), and by SC eugenol (73.1%) and 1,8-cineole (5.6%). The essential oil from O. micranthum obtained by SD showed mainly eugenol (64.8 %), (E)-β-caryophyllene (14.3%) and bicyclogermacrene (8.1%); by MO eugenol (30.6 %), trans-β-caryophyllene (19.8 %) and elemicin (19.0), and the oil obtained by SC presented eugenol (56.7%), elemicin (16.0%) and trans-β-caryophyllene (4.0%). Essential oil of O. selloi obtained by SD presented anethole (64.6%) and linalool (20.6%); by MO anethole (67.4%) and linalool (20.9%) and by SC anethole (31.9%) and linalool (23.2%) as main constituents. The type and quantitative variations of the chemical components of the analyzed oils in relation to the extraction methods were greater for O. micranthum.

From leaves of Senna spectabilis var. excelsa were isolated caffeine, the triterpenes lupeol, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, cycloeucalenol, friedelin and ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids, besides the steroids sitosterol and stigmasterol and their respective glucosides. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis including two-dimensional NMR methods and comparison with published spectral data. This paper deals with the first report of these compounds in S. spectabilis var. excelsa.

The Plectranthus species (Lamiaceae) have been used in traditional medicine in several places around the world, including Brazil, to treat different diseases. P. grandis and P. ornatus, growing in north-eastern Brazil, were collected at four different times of day and the essential oils from the leaves were analysed by GC–MS. The oil of P. grandis contained mainly trans-β-caryophyllene (31.3–40.2%), germacrene D (12.5–24.5%) and eugenol (15.4%) and the oil of P. ornatus contained trans-β-caryophyllene (9.6–62.4%), eugenol (38.0%) and thymol (14.1%) as the major components. The oils were submitted to DPPH antioxidant assay. The oil of P. ornatus showed a higher antioxidant activity than that of P. ornatus, probably due to its higher yield of the phenolic compounds eugenol and thymol. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant effects of 12-[(2R,5R,6R)-5-hydroxy-6-methylpiperidin-2-yl]dodecan-2-one (iso-6-cassine; ISO) and the anticonvulsant effects of ISO on pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats. Wistar rats were treated with 0.9% saline (i.p., control group), pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p., pilocarpine group), and the association of ISO (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) plus pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p.), 30 min after administration of ISO (ISO plus pilocarpine group). After the treatments all groups were observed for 1h. The antioxidant effect of ISO on the pilocarpine model was assessed by determining the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) as well as the levels of reactive species (RS) and lipid peroxidation (LP). In vitro, ISO (5 μM) reduced RS and LP. ISO (1.0 mg/kg) and abolished seizures and death induced by pilocarpine in rats. ISO protected against the increase in the RS and LP levels, GST activity as well as the inhibition of GPx activity caused by pilocarpine. In addition, ISO increased the catalase activity in hippocampus of seized rats. In conclusion, the dta suggest that ISO can present anticonvulsant and antioxidant properties in the pilocarpine model of seizures in rats.

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in seizure-induced neurodegeneration, and there is a correlation between free radical level and scavenger enzymatic activity in the epilepsy. It has been suggested that pilocarpineinduced seizures is mediated by an increase in oxidative stress. Current research has found that antioxidant may provide, in a certain degree, neuroprotection against the neurotoxicity of seizures at the cellular level. Crysophanol has numerous nonenzymatic actions and is a powerful liposoluble antioxidant. The objective of present study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of crysophanol (CRY) in mice, against oxidative stress caused by pilocarpineinduced seizures, 30 min prior to behavioral observation, Swiss mice were treated with, 0.9% saline (i.p., control group), CRY (0.5 mg/kg, i.p., CRY 0.5 group), CRY (1.0 mg/kg, i.p., CRY 1.0 group), pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p., P400 group), or the combination of CRY (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p.). After the treatments all groups were observed for 24 h. The enzymatic activities and lipid per oxidation concentrations were measured using spectrophotometric methods and these data were assayed. In P400 group mice there was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation levels and catalase activity. In the CRY and pilocarpine co-administered mice, antioxidant treatment significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation level, as well as increased the catalase activities in mice hippocampus after seizures. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that oxidative stress occurs in hippocampus during pilocarpineinduced seizures, indicate that brain damage induced by the oxidative process plays a crucial role in seizures pathogenic consequences, and imply that strong protective effect could be achieved using crysophanol.

The depressant and anticonvulsant activities of iso-6-cassine (ISO) from Senna spectabilis (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5mg/kg) injected by oral route in mice caused a significant decrease in the motor activity of animals when compared with the control group, up to 30 days after the administration and at dose of 1.5mg/kg, it reduced the remaining time of animals on Rota-rod apparatus. Additionally, ISO at doses tested was also capable to promote an increase of latency for development of convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole and picrotoxin. These results suggest possible depressant and anticonvulsant activities in mice that need further investigation.

The essential oils of Lippia alnifolia Schau. and L. aff. gracillis H.B.K. from northeast Brazil were analyzed by GC/MS. Z. alnifolia oil was found to contain limonene (47.2%) and piperitenone oxide (44.6 %) as major components. The oil of L. aff. gracillis contained p-cymene (14.5%), γ-terpinene (10.6%) and carvacrol (38.4%) as dominant constituents.

A phytochemical investigation of the ethanolic extract of stalks of Senna martiana Benth. (Leguminoseae), native specie of northeast Brazil, resulted in the isolation and spectroscopic characterization of a new bianthrone glycoside, martianine 1 (10,10'-il-chrysophanol-10-oxi10,10'-bi-glucosyl). Its identification was established by HRMS, IR and 2D NMR experiments. The evaluation of martianine trypanocidal activity was carried out against gliceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme from Trypanosoma cruzi. Its inhibitory constant (Ki) is in the low micromolar concentration and it was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry to be 27.3 ± 2.47 µmol L-1. The non-competitive mechanism is asserted to be putative of the mode of action martianine displays against T. cruzi GAPDH. Results show that martianine has a great potential to become new lead molecule by inhibiting this key enzyme and for the development of new drugs against Chagas disease.

Lippia sidoides Cham, and L. gracillis H.B.K. (Verbenaceae) are wild aromatic small trees or shrubs of Northeast Brazil vegetation. Chemical analysis of the oils obtained from the two plants by GC/MS revealed that L. sidoides contained thymol (73.1%), while L. gracillis contained carvacrol (47.7%) and p-cymene (19.2%) as main components.

Ocimum tenuiflorum L.f. (syn O. sanctum L.) (Labiatae) is an ayurvedic medicinal plant from India that was introduced in Northeastern Brazil in 1970. Oils produced by steam distillation and microwave distillation from leaves and inflorescences were analyzed by GC/MS and retention indices. The leaf oil contained eugenol (79.0–82.7%) and β-caryophyllene (7.9–9.8%) as major constituents, whereas the inflorescence oil was rich in eugenol (17.6–60.0%), β-caryophyllene (24.5–40.7%) and caryophyllene oxide (5.9–18.5%).

Based on its essential role in the life cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi, the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) has been considered a promising target for the development of novel chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of Chagas' disease. In the course of our research program to discover novel inhibitors of this trypanosomatid enzyme, we have explored a combination of structure and ligand-based virtual screening techniques as a complementary approach to a biochemical screening of natural products using a standard biochemical assay. Seven natural products, including anacardic acids, flavonoid derivatives, and one glucosylxanthone were identified as novel inhibitors of T. cruzi GAPDH. Promiscuous inhibition induced by nonspecific aggregation has been discarded as specific inhibition was not reversed or affected in all cases in the presence of Triton X-100, demonstrating the ability of the assay to find authentic inhibitors of the enzyme. The structural diversity of this series of promising natural products is of special interest in drug design, and should therefore be useful in future medicinal chemistry efforts aimed at the development of new GAPDH inhibitors having increased potency.

Essential oils from the leaves and inflorescences of Ocimum basilicum L. var purpurascens Benth, were obtained by steam distillation and using microwave distillation. Oils were investigated by GC and GC/MS. The main constituent in the leaf oils and inflorescence oil was linalool (39.3–79.6% and 81.5%).

Na busca por controle químico alternativo contra Aedes aegypti L., muitas pesquisas são desenvolvidas e estimuladas no intuito de se descobrirem novas substâncias inseticidas de origem vegetal. Neste trabalho, o efeito larvicida de dez óleos essenciais foi avaliado contra A. aegypti. Os óleos foram obtidos por arraste a vapor e sua composição química foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massa. Os óleos essenciais foram diluídos em solução aquosa de dimetil sufóxido nas concentrações: 100, 50, 10 e 1 mg/ml. A atividade larvicida, baseada na percentagem de larvas mortas, foi avaliada 24h após o tratamento. O óleo essencial de Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker induziu a maior atividade larvicida, com CL50 de 15,9 mg/ml e CL90 de 28,5 mg/ml., enquanto o de O. gratissimum L. apresentou a menor atividade com CL50 de 95,80 mg/ml e CL90 de 102,86 mg/ml. Os resultados indicam que os óleos essenciais avaliados, principalmente o de V. arborea, são compostos por substâncias com efeito larvicida contra A. aegypti. In the search for alternative chemical control against Aedes aegypti L., many researches are developed and encouraged in order to find new insecticidal plant substances. In this work, the larvicidal effect of ten essential oils was tested on A. aegypti. The oils were extracted by steam distillation and their chemical composition determined by GL-chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. The essential oils were diluted in aqueous solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide with concentrations of: 100, 50, 10, and 1 mg/ml. The larvicidal activity, based on the percentage of larval mortality, was evaluated after 24h exposure to the treatments. The essential oil of Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker presented the highest larvicidal activity, with CL50 of 15.9 mg/ml and CL90 of 28.5 mg/ml. On the other hand the essential oil of O.gratissimum L. showed the lower activity with CL50 de 95,80 mg/ml and CL90 de 102,86 mg/ml.The results indicate that the tested essential oils, and particularly the V. arborea, are composed by substances with larvicidal properties for A. aegypti.

Twenty-seven compounds have been characterized by GC/MS and Kovats indices in the essential oil of Tagetes erecta L. (Compositae). The major compounds are terpinolene (12.4%), (E)-β-ocimene (13.1%), piperitone (20.0%) and limonene (11.0%). The presence of indole among the minor compounds is somewhat surprising, since it was not reported before in this genus.

The essential oils obtained from the leaves of Wedelia paludosa DC. and Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitch., were analyzed by GC/MS. α-Pinene was the chief constituent found in all samples of both oils in a yield above 30%. W. paludosa oil was also rich in β-pinene (10.3%), limonene (21.3%) and γ-muurolene (11.8%), while α-phellandrene (17.4%) and limonene (16.3%) were the other major components of W. trilobata oil.

Ocimum basilicum L. occurs everywhere in several forms, varieties and chemotypes whose essential oils presents marked variation on chemical composition. A new analysis of O. basilicum, O. basilicum var. minimum L. and O. basilicum var. purpuracens Benth. growing in north-eastern Brazil showed that O. basilicum var. minimum represented a true estragole chemotype, while the other two species analysed may be considered linalool chemotypes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.