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The essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) has several biological activities, among them the insect repellent action. Some studies showed that cinnamic acid esters can be applied as natural pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the production of esters from citronella essential oil with cinnamic acid via enzymatic esterification. Besides, the essential oil toxicity before and after esterification against Artemia salina and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti was investigated. Esters were produced using cinnamic acid as the acylating agent and citronella essential oil (3:1) in heptane and 15 wt% NS 88011 enzyme as biocatalysts, at 70 °C and 150 rpm. Conversion rates of citronellyl and geranyl cinnamates were 58.7 and 69.0% for NS 88011, respectively. For the toxicity to Artemia salina LC50 results of 5.29 μg mL-1 were obtained for the essential oil and 4.36 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with NS 88011. In the insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, was obtained LC50 of 111.84 μg mL-1 for the essential oil of citronella and 86.30 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with the enzyme NS 88011, indicating high toxicity of the esters. The results demonstrated that the evaluated samples present potential of application as bioinsecticide.

A laboratory experiment was developed to introduce undergraduate chemistry students to the chemical characterization of agroindustrial waste extracts by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The students prepared hexane and dichloromethane extracts from black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) waste. GC–MS analysis revealed the possible presence of sesquiterpenes and piperine, compounds commonly found in P. nigrum fruits. During postlab discussion, the students were encouraged to search for information about the biological properties of the putatively identified compounds. Most students found that piperine shows larvicidal activity. Thus, an experiment was conducted by a postgraduate research group to investigate the larvicidal potential of P. nigrum waste extracts. From the results, the students concluded that the hexane extract had higher larvicidal activity than the dichloromethane extract. We also provided students with the opportunity to identify piperine using (+)-APCI FT-ICR MS spectra. The proposed experiment helped students to learn and practice GC–MS and stimulated them to search the scientific literature for solutions to environmental problems.

Flowers from Dendranthema x grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. are grown in Brazil for floristic trade, and residues from different cultivars are generated, containing flowers, leaves and stems. These residues can be used to produce larvicidal products. To confirm this hypothesis, 27 dichloromethane extracts were produced from Dendranthema x grandiflorum agricultural residues. All were analyzed by GC–MS and FT-ICR MS with two different ionization sources, APCI and ESI. The spectra and chromatograms were converted to matrices, which were used as input for PCA analyses. Simultaneously, the extracts at concentrations of 5 and 15 ppm were submitted to larvicidal assays on Aedes aegypti larvae, the etiological agent of dengue, chikungunya and zika diseases. High larvicidal activity (larvae mortality > 80%) was found for 14 samples, medium larvicidal activity (70% > larvae mortality > 40%) for 4 samples and low larvicidal activity (larvae mortality

This study aimed to investigate the accumulation of phthalates in the leaf epicuticular wax of Avicennia schaueriana and Rhizophora mangle. Leaves were collected from plants situated in three mangr...

The chemical composition and biological properties of citronella essential oil were modified by enzymatic esterification reaction of the major monoterpenic alcohols with cinnamic acid. The almost complete conversion of geraniol and citronellol present in the citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) essential oil, into geranyl (99%) and citronellyl (98%) cinnamates was obtained after 48 hours of reaction using a molar ratio of 3:1 (cinnamic acid/alcohol), lipase concentration (Novozym 435) of 15% (w/w) and 70 °C. The esterified oil showed higher antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria resistant to oxacillin and penicillin and also greater larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae compared to unesterified oil. The results concerning the evaluation of toxicity against Artemia salina and cytotoxicity against monkey kidney epithelial cells also showed the superiority of the esterified oil.

This work aimed to investigate the main components of methanol fractions (MFSC and MFSCf) from Saccharum officinarum L. juice and their in vivo antinociceptive potential. After LC-ESI-MS and ESI-MS...

Saccharum officinarum L., Poaceae (sugarcane), occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the planet, and Brazil stands out as the largest producer of sugar and ethanol from sugarcane. In addition, it is rich in phenolic substances, which have antioxidant potential, generating interest in its use in the cosmetic area. The objective of this work was to develop and characterize an emulsion and a nanoemulsion containing S. officinarum fraction. S. officinarum fraction was analyzed through liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-ESI-MS) analysis and in vitro cytotoxicity. The formulations were developed with 10% Tween™ 80, 8% diethylamino hydroxybenzoylhexylbenzoate, 10% octylmethoxycinnamate, 0.3% conserv™, 1% aristoflex™ AVC, 0.4% of S. officinarum fraction, and distilled water. The emulsion was developed by the fusion-emulsification method and nanoemulsion by processing on the Hielscher UP100H Ultrasound for 5 min. The macroscopic aspects, pH, viscosity, mean droplet size, and in vitro FPS were analyzed. Through LC-ESI-MS analysis, it was possible to verify the presence of phenolic substances in the composition of methanol fraction from sugarcane juice and the IC50 estimated was 21.08 ± 6.43 mg/ml. All formulations presented pH around 5. The emulsion, emulsion with S. officinarum fraction, nanoemulsion, and nanoemulsion with S. officinarum fraction showed a size of 1.68 ± 0.12 μm, 0.58 ± 0.08 μm, 222 ± 1.58 nm, and 195.0 ± 0.53 nm, respectively. The in vitro sun protection factor of the emulsion, emulsion with S. officinarum fraction, nanoemulsion, and nanoemulsion with S. officinarum fraction was 20 ± 5, 30 ± 3, 24 ± 2, and 35 ± 5.6, respectively. The UVA/UVB ratio of all formulations was moderate and presented λc of 370 nm, which is considered a broad-spectrum product. Substances with photoprotective potential can be found in tailings from the sugarcane industry, suggesting that it can be converted into raw materials or innovative cosmetic products.

This study aimed to investigate the leaf epicuticular wax and the presence of heavy metals in leaves of Avicennia shaueriana, a halophyte found in Brazilian mangroves. We evaluated plants collected in mangroves located around Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro State. Heavy metals were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS or EDX) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Chemical analysis of epicuticular wax was made by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We also evaluated the micromorphology of leaf surface using scanning electronic and light microscopy. The leaves from each mangrove presented alterations in wax layer. Fagarasterol (lupeol) in high quantity was the main triterpene identified in the leaf wax from plants collected in all mangroves: Coroa Grande (76.43%), Pedra de Guaratiba (38.91%), and Marambaia (62.56%). Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn were the main heavy metals detected in leaves from the three mangroves by ICP-OES. Thus, we show that that plants able to survive in the mangrove swamp can adapt to the exposure of heavy metals, accumulate them in their leaves, and be used in coastal area recovery projects as a phytoremediator.

Residues of the chrysanthemum agroindustry from different cultivars of Dendranthema x grandiflorum are sold in the Vitoria (Espirito Santo State, Brazil) marketplaces. Because of the large of varieties of this hybrid species, this study aimed to confirm the chemical similarity of the residual material collected in one year at the commercial places in neighborhoods of the city (Vitoria) for using it as an homogenous raw material to prepare larvicidal products. Dichloromethane and methanol extracts were produced from 27 samples. Medium infrared (MIR) spectra were obtained in triplicate for the 54 extracts. MIR data were analyzed by principal components analysis (PCA), which divided the samples into two groups (GA1 and GA2) for dichloromethane extracts and into four groups (GB1, GB2, GB3 and GB4) for methanol extracts. The methanol extracts, we could see clear separation among the groups based on their classes of substances. The dichloromethane ones, it was possible to identify separation between GA1 and GA2 by classes of triterpene esters and diacylglycerols based on their mass peak intensities. Mixtures obtained from dichloromethane extracts (FA) and methanol extracts (FB) were assayed on Aedes aegypti larvae at the concentration 15 ppm. FB mixtures no larval mortality was observed, but FA mixtures were 100% active, possibly by the presence of fatty acids, triterpenes, steroids and alkamides in the samples of this group. These results show that residues of different varieties of the hybrid Dendranthema x grandiflorum generate chemically similar extracts, particularly for the lipophilic ones (FA), which can be used as a homogeneous raw material to obtain biologically active products, notably larvicides products.

Opioid receptors mediate antinociceptive effects. Methanolic fractions from sugarcane varieties (MFSCf) were evaluated in classic nociception models. Interactions between bioactive compounds and the µ-opioid receptor (µOR) through docking analysis were also studied. Five methanolic fractions of sugarcane juice were obtained and analysed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The fractions and standards of phenolic compounds were evaluated in a nociception model using the formalin test. All MFSCfs exhibited antinociceptive activity in the first phase of the formalin test. Docking analyses corroborates with the

Biodiversity is a hallmark of the Asteraceae family. Several species are known for their pharmacological potential. The search for new substances has permeated the chemistry of natural products for years. However, the development of a final product is still a challenge. Plant extracts have physicochemical characteristics that sometimes hinder administration, requiring a formulation. In this context, nanotechnology emerges as a tool to improve the pharmacokinetic parameters of several pharmacologically active substances. Nanoemulsions, liposomes, and nanoparticles are used to carry the active ingredients and thus improve therapeutic action, especially for substances with solubility and absorption problems. This paper aimed at compiling all the studies that used nanotechnology to develop formulations from species of the Asteraceae family from 2010 to 2021 in a literature review. The search showed that nanoemulsions are the most developed formulation associated with essential oils. The use of nanotechnology promoted an improvement in the pharmacokinetic parameters of active substances.

Opioid receptors mediate antinociceptive effects. Methanolic fractions from sugarcane varieties (MFSCf) were evaluated in classic nociception models. Interactions between bioactive compounds and the µ-opioid receptor (µOR) through docking analysis were also studied. Five methanolic fractions of sugarcane juice were obtained and analysed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The fractions and standards of phenolic compounds were evaluated in a nociception model using the formalin test. All MFSCfs exhibited antinociceptive activity in the first phase of the formalin test. Docking analyses corroborates with the in vivo test results, suggesting that the phenolic substances are able to activate µOR. These results, for the first time, implicate phenolic constituents from sugarcane juice and other phenolic compounds in the activation of µOR. The antinociceptive activity of fractions from sugarcane juice suggests the potential pharmacological use of this species, widely cultivated in Brazil.

Alkylamides are secondary metabolites in Acmella oleracea and display wide applications in treating several diseases. Since alkylamides can inhibit pain, this work aims to evaluate the antinociceptive profile of A. Oleracea methanolic extracts used in vivo and in silico assays. The extracts inhibited the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test, ratifying the antinociceptive effect of alkylamides. Furthermore, the results from molecular docking demonstrated the interaction of A. oleracea alkylamides with the CB1/CB2 and TRPV1 receptors. Additionally, the crude methanolic extract of flowers did not induce potential side effects related to the classical cannabinoid tetrad: hypolocomotion and catalepsy. In conclusion, this work confirms the potential of the alkylamides of A. Oleracea as antinociceptive agents and, for the first time, correlates its effects with the endocannabinoid and vanilloid systems through in silico assays.

Leaves of Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. f. were collected from the following mangroves along Brazil’s southeastern Atlantic coast: Coroa Grande (CG), Pedra de Guaratiba (PG) and Marambaia (M). This work aimed to evaluate the presence of minerals by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES); the chemical composition of epicuticular waxes by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the leaf morphoanatomical features. Results revealed variation in metal contents among mangroves in the following ranges: Al (0.307–0.73), Cd (0.004–0.016) and Pb (0.095–0.325) mg/mL by ICP-OES. Leaf epicuticular wax contained more than 50% of triterpenes, in particular the pentacyclic triterpenes lupeol (41.61–55.63%) and β-amyrin (8.81–16.35%), as well as n-alkanes, such as hentriacontane and tetratetracontane. In particular, we observed differences in the micromorphology of the epicuticular wax in the leaves of plants from each of the three evaluated sites, especially around stomatal entrances. Histochemical reaction indicated the presence of zinc in fiber cell walls and druse crystals of leaves.

Endothelial dysfunction in obesity plays a key role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, and it is characterized by increased vascular tonus and oxidative stress. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the vasodilatory and antioxidant activities of Mandevilla moricandiana ethyl acetate fraction and subfractions. Vascular effects were investigated on aorta isolated from control and monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced-obese Wistar rats, and antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods. The ethyl acetate fraction (MMEAF) induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation on aortic rings through the NO pathway, with the involvement of histamine H1 and estrogen ERα receptors and showed potent antioxidant activity. In aorta of MSG obese rats, maximal relaxation to acetylcholine was increased in the presence of MMEAF (3 µg/mL), indicating that MMEAF ameliorated obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction. Quercetin and kaempferol aglycones and their correspondent glycosides, as well as caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, A-type procyanidin trimer, ursolic and oleanolic triterpenoid acids were identified in subfractions from MMEAF and seem to be the metabolites responsible for the vascular and antioxidant activities of this fraction.

The mosquito family (Diptera: Culicidae) contains several species of great public health relevance due to their role as vectors of human diseases. Aedes aegypti, is responsible for transmitting some of the most important vector-borne viruses that affect humanity, including Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. The widespread and intensive use of chemical insecticides has caused significant adverse environmental effects and contributed to the emergence of populations, reducing their efficiency. Therefore, it becomes urgent to develop new alternative tools for vector control. In this context, our study aimed to trace the profile of the main secondary metabolites, followed by determining the larvicidal action against the A. aegypti mosquito lineage; and in vitro safety, through cytotoxicity in eukaryotic cells. The extracts were obtained by maceration with better yields for leaves, in relation to the phytochemical profile, the presence of different classes of secondary metabolites was identified, such as triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Low larvicidal lethality was observed at the concentrations tested (250-1000 ppm). The analysis of the cytotoxic potential showed a low toxic activity after direct exposure of the extracts to Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, even though the species was classified as toxic. The study presented results not determined in previous research of this species, providing an innovative, relevant and significant character for future research. La familia de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) contiene varias especies de gran relevancia en salud pública por su papel como vectores de enfermedades humanas. Aedes aegypti, es responsable de transmitir algunos de los virus más importantes transmitidos por vectores que afectan a la humanidad, incluidos el Dengue, el Chikungunya y el Zika. El uso generalizado e intensivo de insecticidas químicos ha causado importantes efectos ambientales adversos y ha contribuido al surgimiento de poblaciones, reduciendo su eficiencia. Por lo tanto, se vuelve urgente desarrollar nuevas herramientas alternativas para el control de vectores. En este contexto, nuestro estudio tuvo como objetivo trazar el perfil de los principales metabolitos secundarios, seguido de la determinación de la acción larvicida contra el linaje de mosquitos A. aegypti; y la seguridad in vitro, a través de la citotoxicidad en células eucariotas. Los extractos se obtuvieron por maceración con mejores rendimientos por hojas, en relación al perfil fitoquímico se identificó la presencia de diferentes clases de metabolitos secundarios, como triterpenos, flavonoides, taninos, saponinas y alcaloides. Se observó una letalidad larvicida baja a las concentraciones probadas (250-1000 ppm). El análisis del potencial citotóxico mostró una actividad tóxica baja después de la exposición directa de los extractos a las células de Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a pesar de que la especie fue clasificada como tóxica. El estudio presentó resultados no determinados en investigaciones previas de esta especie, otorgando un carácter innovador, relevante y significativo para futuras investigaciones. A família dos mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) contém várias espécies de grande relevância para a saúde pública devido ao seu papel como vetores de doenças humanas. Aedes aegypti, é responsável pela transmissão de alguns dos mais importantes vírus transmitidos por vetores que afetam a humanidade, incluindo Dengue, Chikungunya e Zika. O uso generalizado e intensivo de inseticidas químicos tem causado efeitos ambientais adversos significativos e contribuído para o aparecimento de populações, reduzindo sua eficiência. Portanto, torna-se urgente desenvolver novas ferramentas alternativas para o controle de vetores. Nesse contexto, nosso estudo teve como objetivo traçar o perfil dos principais metabólitos secundários, seguido de determinar a ação larvicida frente à linhagem do mosquito A. aegypti; e segurança in vitro, através da citotoxicidade em células eucarióticas. Os extratos foram obtidos por maceração com melhores rendimentos para folhas, em relação ao perfil fitoquimico foi identificada a presença de diferentes classes de metabolitos secundários, tais como os triterpenos, flavonoides, taninos, saponinas e alcaloides. Baixa letalidade larvicida foi observada nas concentrações testadas (250-1000 ppm). A análise do potencial citotóxico mostrou uma baixa atividade tóxica após a exposição direta dos extratos frente células de Saccharomyces cerevisiae mesmo a espécie sendo classificada como tóxica. O estudo apresentou resultados não determinados em pesquisas anteriores desta espécie, proporcionando um caráter inovador, relevante e significativo para futuras pesquisas.

The chemical composition and biological properties of citronella essential oil were modified by enzymatic esterification reaction of the major monoterpenic alcohols with cinnamic acid. The almost complete conversion of geraniol and citronellol present in the citronella (

The specie

Utilization of marine algae has increased considerably over the past decades, since biodiversity within brown, red and green marine algae offers possibilities of finding a variety of bioactive compounds. Marine algae are rich sources of dietary fibre. The remarkable positive effects of seaweed dietary fibre on human body are related to their prebiotic activity over the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota. However, dietary modulation of microorganisms present in GIT can be influenced by different factors such as type and source of the dietary fibre, their molecular weight, type of extraction and purification methods employed, composition and modification of polysaccharide and oligosaccharide. This review will demonstrate evidence that polysaccharides and oligosaccharides from marine algae can be used as prebiotics, emphasizing their use in human health, their application as food and other possible applications. Furthermore, an important approach of microbial enzymes employment during extraction, modification or production of those prebiotics is highlighted.

Glycosylated flavonoids, caffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid have been identified in the ethyl acetate partition from the crude ethanol extract of Tocoyena bullata (Rubiaceae) leaves. The fraction containing the mixture of flavonol rutin and a tetraglycosylated flavonoid showed 89.2% inhibition and the mixture of isoquercitrin and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid showed 88.5% inhibition of mast cell degranulation. These results demonstrated that the tetraglycosylated flavonoid, rutin, isoquercitrin and 3,5-dicaffeioylquinic acid were the most promising phenolics for inhibition of mast cell degranulation. For the first time the identification of phenolic constituents and their correlation with inhibitory effect on mast cell degranulation were reported in this work

The specie Ocotea notata (Nees & Mart). Mez is a tree with 5 meters high, that can be found in restinga regions in the Brazilian coast. This study describes a phytochemical investigation, total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions by DPPH and ORAC. Phenolic content revealed equivalent concentration between evaluated samples, similar to found in the leave extract (66.4 mEq GA/g). By DPPH, extracts and fractions showed effective concentration (EC50) lower than the standards Ginkgo biloba 761® (23.60 ± 0.64 µg/ml) and quercetin (6.06 ± 0, 92 µg/mL); for the ORAC method, ethyl acetate partition showed a value of 2.06 mmol Trolox equivalent g−1 better than obtained in Ginkgo biloba (1.03 ± 0.25 mmol.Trolox equivalent g−1. The butanol partition (0.52 mmol.Trolox equivalent g−1) and the aqueous residue (0.74 mmol Trolox equivalent g−1) have a lesser ORAC potential than ethyl acetate partition. The butanolic partition, investigated by LC-DAD-MS/MS and QTOF-MS, revealed six major compounds: miquelianin (1), isoquercitrin (2), quercitrin (3), kaempferol-3-O-pentose (4), afzelin (5) and isorhamnetin-glucuronide (6).

Allagoptera arenaria (Arecaceae), commonly known as “guriri,” is a palm that occurs only along the sandy coastal environments of Brazil. This work carries out a thorough analysis of A. arenaria leaf anatomy, including histochemistry and micromorphology, with special emphasis on leaf epicuticular waxes. Several common features of palms were identified, as well as characters not yet reported for the family or the species. Allagoptera arenaria pinnae possess a one-layered epidermis, hypodermis with two adaxial layers and one abaxial layer, homogeneous mesophyll composed of palisade cells, three different types of collateral veins, a prominent adaxial midrib, and silica inclusions. Although both margins of A. arenaria pinnae have a similar appearance, the shape of the leaf margins can vary. Scales or ramenta were found on the abaxial surface of the midrib on the median and basal portions of the pinnae. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, lignin, and neutral and acidic lipids. The most distinctive character of A. arenaria pinnae is the presence of a thick layer of epicuticular waxes covering both the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. These results suggest the potential for exploiting A. arenaria as an alternative source of industrial waxes.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the fourth most consumed oleaginous plant in the world, producing seeds with high contents of lipids, proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates. Biological activities of different extracts of this species have already been evaluated by many researchers, including antioxidant, antitumoral, and antibacterial. In this work, the allelopathic activity of extracts from different Brazilian peanut cultivars against lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and two weed plants (Commelina benghalensis and Ipomoea nil) was studied. Aerial parts, roots, seeds, and seed coats were used for the preparation of crude extracts. Seed extract partitioning was performed with n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous residue. Germination and growth of hypocotyls and rootlets were evaluated after one and five days of incubation with plant extracts, respectively. Crude seed extract and its dichloromethanic partition displayed highest allelopathic activity. These results contribute for the study of new potential natural herbicides.

In vitro conservation of Mandevilla moricandiana was performed by slow-growth storage and encapsulation–dehydration. For slow-growth storage, half- and full-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and Woody Plant Medium, with or without sorbitol, mannitol, or glucose, were used to test the development of nodal segments and maintenance of plant viability after 6 mo. Recovery was performed using MS medium. The basal medium and carbon source did not interact, and only the carbon source had a significant effect on slow-growth storage and recovery. Sorbitol and glucose, individually or in combination, promoted development of plants with a low multiplication rate during the slow-growth period and a high multiplication rate during the recovery period. For encapsulation–dehydration, nonencapsulated and sodium alginate-encapsulated nodal segments were evaluated to determine their viability after storage at different temperatures. Nonencapsulated nodal segments gave 16.6% recovery after 60 d at 25°C. The effects of preculturing encapsulated nodal segments in MS medium with 0.4 or 0.75 M sucrose followed by dehydration were also tested. Capsules precultured for 48 h in the presence of 0.40 M sucrose and dehydrated to 40% moisture content showed 93.3% recovery. These conditions were then used to store capsules under different temperatures and for different lengths of time. The precultured capsules showed ca. 30% recovery after storage for 30 d at 4°C. Well-developed plantlets regenerated from encapsulated, stored nodal segments were rooted and acclimatized successfully, with 100% survival.

Ethanol extracts obtained from Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi fruits and leaves were active against Escherichia coli with MIC of 78 μg mL−1 for both extracts. Phytochemical analyses revealed a major presence of phenolic acids, tannins, fatty acids and acid triterpenes in the leaves and phenolic acids, fatty acids, acid triterpenes and biflavonoids in the fruits. Major compounds isolated from the plant, such as the acid triterpene schinol, the phenolic acid derivative ethyl gallate and the biflavonoids agathisflavone and tetrahydroamentoflavone, showed very little activity against E. coli. Bioautography of the ethanol extracts on silica gel plate showed inhibition zones for E. coli. They were removed from the plate and the compounds identified as a mixture of myristic, pentadecanoic, palmitic, heptadecanoic, stearic, nonadecanoic, eicosanoic, heneicosanoic and behenic fatty acids.

Ethanol extract obtained from dried leaves of Acmella oleracea afforded after a liquid/liquid partition procedure a larvicidal hexane fraction (LC50 = 145.6 ppm) and a non larvicidal dichloromethane one. From the inactive fraction, three amides were identified, two new structures, named deca-6,9-dihydroxy-(2E,7E)-dienoic acid isobutylamide (1), deca-8,9-dihydroxy-(2E,6Z)-dienoic acid isobutylamide (2) and the known nona-2,3-dihydroxy-6,8-diynoic acid 2-phenylethylamide (3). Bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation of the hexane partition led to the identification of an amide mixture, nona-(2Z)-en-6,8-diynoic acid 2-phenylethylamide (4) and deca-(2Z)-en-6,8-diynoic acid 2-phenylethlylamide (5). This mixture was active against Aedes aegypti larvae at LC50 = 7.6 ppm. Low toxicity of crude extracts and derived fractions on Artemia salina nauplies showed the possibility of using them to control the A. aegypti mosquito larvae. This is the first report on larvicidal activity of acetylenic 2-phenylethylamides and their identification in A. oleracea leaves.

In hybrid cultivated form, Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam., Asteraceae, flowers (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) were utilized in the production of extracts, which were analyzed for larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti third instar larvae. Methanol and dichloromethane extracts showed LC50 values of 5.02 and 5.93 ppm, respectively. Using GC–MS, phytochemical analyses of the dichloromethane extract showed the presence of triterpenoids and fatty acids, while flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids were shown to occur in the methanol extract by ESI Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR-MS). Triterpenoids and fatty acids are well known insecticidal compounds. From this study, it can be concluded that D. grandiflorum grown for floriculture, as an agribusiness, can have additional applications as raw material for the production of insecticidal products. Keywords: Aedes aegypti, Caffeoylquinic acids, Agribusiness, Fatty acids, Larvicidal activity, Triterpenoids

A protocol was developed for micropropagation of Mandevilla moricandiana (A.DC.) Woodson, a native plant from Brazil. Shoots, obtained from in vitro plantlets were used as source of nodal segments for shoot production from axillary buds. The nodal segments were grown on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine and/or indole-3-acetic acid to induce axillary bud elongation. After a 2-mo culture period, the medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 6-benzyladenine gave the largest number of nodal segments per explant. The nodal segments obtained from plants developed under these conditions were grown on medium supplemented with different concentrations indole-3-acetic acid, α-naphthaleneacetic acid, and indole-3-butyric acid. The use of the medium supplemented with indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-buryric induced shoot elongation and shoot development, formation of basal callus, and/or indirect organogenesis of roots. Following transfer of shoots to soil, the plants with only basal callus showed 10% survival and developed roots from callus, while in vitro-rooted plants had a maximum 40% survival rate ex vitro. Regardless of the auxin added to the rooting medium, the acclimatization period allowed the plants rooted in vitro to develop their shoots fully. The protocol developed here is suitable for the production of shoots and rooted plantlets of M. moricandiana.

Objectives An aqueous extract and fraction from the marine sponge Petromica citrina have antibacterial activity. We performed a chemical and biological characterization of the antibiotic substance from P. citrina and investigated its mode of action on Staphylococcus aureus cells. Methods The inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract of P. citrina was determined against 14 bacteria belonging to type strains and clinical antibiotic-resistant strains. The aqueous extract was fractionated under bioassay guidance and the bioactive substance was identified by its (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR and mass spectra. The MIC and the MBC of this substance were determined. This substance was also subjected to cytotoxic bioassays. The mode of action on S. aureus cells was investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Results P. citrina showed a large spectrum of activity against type strains and resistant-bacteria such as S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium fortuitum and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The aqueous extract was fractionated and halistanol trisulphate (24e,25-dimethylcholestane-2β,3α,6α-triol trisodium sulphate) was isolated for the first time from P. citrina. Halistanol trisulphate had a bactericidal effect on exponentially growing S. aureus cells at the MIC (512 mg/L). Cytotoxicity biossays showed moderate toxicity against cancer cell line L929 (fibrosarcoma). This substance apparently acts by damaging the cell membrane, with subsequent cell lysis. Conclusions Halistanol trisulphate is a broad-spectrum antibiotic isolated from P. citrina with a mode of action involving disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane. It is a new candidate for research on antibacterial substances.

The allelopathic potential of Terminalia catappa L. Combretaceae fruits and leaves on Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce), Euphorbia heterophylla L. and Commelina benghalensis L. was studied. Bioassays indicated the highest activity for dichloromethane and ethyl-acetate fractions of ethanolic extracts from fruits, and the mean effective concentration (EC50) was determined. 2-Pentadecanone; vanillic, siringic, ferulic, p-coumaric, palmitic and stearic acids were characterized in the dichloromethane fraction, and 3,4,4′-tri-O-methyl ellagic acid and β-sitosterol-3-O-β- d -glucoside were isolated from it. No allelopathic effects were observed when the dichloromethane extracts of T. catappa fruit or leaf extracts were applied to the weeds E. heterophylla and C. benghalensis. Bioassays with seasonal sampling revealed an influence on the allelochemical potential of T. catappa. Considering the methodology adopted and the experimental results, the allelopathic activity of T. catappa seems to be related to the interaction of different groups of substances, some of them identified and characterized in this work.

This work describes the phytochemical study of the methanol extract obtained from leaves of Guarea macrophylla, leading to the isolation and identification of three flavonoid glycosides (quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-b-D-galactopyranoside, kaempferol 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) and a neolignan glucoside, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-4-β-D-glucoside. All compounds were identified by a combination of spectroscopic methods (¹H, 1D, 2D NMR, 13C and UV), ESI-MS and comparison with the literature data. This is the first report of flavonoids in the genus Guarea and of a neolignan glucoside in the Meliaceae family.

The chemical composition of epicuticular waxes of Mandevilla guanabarica and Mandevilla moricandiana was comparatively analyzed by extraction in n-hexane and chloroform. The mean wax content per unit of leaf area in the n-hexane extract was about 13–30 m gc m �2

In models of metabolic disorders, cinnamon improves glucose and lipid metabolism. This study explores the effect of chronic supplementation with aqueous cinnamon extract (CE) on the lipid metabolism of rats. Male adult Wistar rats were separated into a control group (CTR) receiving water and a CE Group receiving aqueous cinnamon extract (400 mg of cinnamon per kg body mass per day) by gavage for 25 consecutive days. Cinnamon supplementation did not change the food intake or the serum lipid profile but promoted the following changes: lower body mass gain (P = 0.008), lower relative mass of white adipose tissue (WAT) compartments (P = 0.045) and higher protein content (percentage of the carcass) (P = 0.049). The CE group showed lower leptin mRNA expression in the WAT (P = 0.0017) and an important tendency for reduced serum leptin levels (P = 0.059). Cinnamon supplementation induced lower mRNA expression of SREBP1c (sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c) in the WAT (P = 0.001) and liver (P = 0.013) and lower mRNA expression of SREBP2 (P = 0.002), HMGCoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase) (P = 0.0003), ACAT1 (acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1) (P = 0.032) and DGAT2 (diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2) (P = 0.03) in the liver. These changes could be associated with the reduced esterified cholesterol and triacylglycerol content detected in this tissue. Our results suggest that chronic ingestion of aqueous cinnamon extract attenuates lipogenic processes, regulating the expression of key enzymes and transcriptional factors and their target genes, which are directly involved in lipogenesis. These molecular changes possibly promote adaptations that would prevent an increase in circulating cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels and prevent lipid accumulation in tissues, such as liver and WAT. Therefore, we speculate that cinnamon may also be useful for preventing or retarding the development of lipid disorders.