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La quinua originaria de Sudamérica ha tomado importancia en los últimos años dentro de los sistemas de producción debido a su importancia económica y valor nutricional. En la región andina del Ecuador se encuentran materiales de quinua con características potenciales para ser usados. En este contexto, la provincia de Bolívar tiene condiciones edafoclimáticas para producción, por lo que es importante la caracterización agromorfológica de germoplasma que permitan la diversificación de los sistemas productivos en esta provincia. La investigación se realizó con el objetivo de caracterizar accesiones potenciales de quinua por sus características agromorfológicas. El diseño estadístico utilizado fue de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones. Los resultados evidenciaron que las variables como la altura de planta, peso del grano por planta y de mil granos están relacionadas con el rendimiento. El mayor rendimiento fue para el cultivar LPQ-4 con 1444 kg ha-1 con un contenido medio de saponina, grano de color blanco, forma redonda y tamaño grande. Se seleccionaron a las accesiones LPQ-4, CQ-407 Pasankalla y Quinua Negra como germoplasma promisorio para diversificar los sistemas de producción de la provincia de Bolívar para abastecer el mercado local, nacional e internacional.

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga 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.)

This study evaluated the changes caused by cooking presoaked aged carioca beans in the autoclave steam, focusing on its bioactive components, antioxidant activity, and nutritional compounds. Additionally, to identify which carioca bean cultivar could preserve the most quantity of bioactive compounds in cooked flour. The cooked flours from Imperador had the highest antioxidant activity (DDPH: 10.58 µmolTrolox·g-1, ABTS: 18.71 µmolTrolox·g-1), anthocyanins (8.08 µg·g-1), and total phenolic content (TPC) (36.69 mg·g-1). The cultivar Gol also retained part of these compounds after cooking. The phenolic and saponin profiles of cooked flours revealed a reduction in phenolic compounds such as catechin, epicatechin, and kaempferol and an increase in soyasaponin-Ba and Bb. The samples Notavel, Dama, and Madreperola, presented the highest amount of soyasaponin-A0. Thus, the cooked flours from Imperador and Gol stood out due to their retention of part of their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and group B saponins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción. La quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) es un cultivo estratégico e importante en la seguridad y soberanía alimentaria. Es el único alimento vegetal que proporciona todos los aminoácidos esenciales. Su amplia diversidad varietal constituye un acervo genético valioso, se adapta a diferentes condiciones agroecológicas y es tolerante a heladas, sequías y salinidad. Objetivo. Caracterización morfoagronómica de la quinua nativa tipo Chimborazo en Ecuador. Materiales y métodos. La investigación se realizó en la provincia de Chimborazo, cantón Colta, parroquia Sicalpa, comunidad de Ocpote Tablarumi en Ecuador entre enero y julio de 2021. Se emplearon semillas pertenecientes a una familia andina que las ha seleccionado y conservado ciclo tras ciclo de cultivo durante generaciones familiares. El cultivo se estableció con siembra a chorro continuo a razón de 12 kg/ha en un área total de la parcela de 640 m2 (estimado de 10 240 plantas). Después de la emergencia se seleccionaron al azar y se marcaron 100 plantas que se tomaron como unidades básicas para la caracterización de la población. Se utilizaron descriptores fenotípicos del cultivo establecidos a nivel internacional y se evaluaron caracteres cualitativos (16) y cuantitativos (12). Resultados. Los resultados evidenciaron variabilidad fenotípica. El color del tallo, el color de las estrías, el diámetro de la panoja, longitud de la panoja y días a la cosecha fueron las características que más contribuyeron a la variabilidad observada. Conclusiones. La población de plantas de quinua nativa tipo Chimborazo evaluada a través de 100 individuos, mostró variabilidad fenotípica tanto en características cuantitativas como cualitativas, y con mayor frecuencia en el diámetro de la panoja, la longitud de la panoja, la longitud del peciolo, la altura de la planta, el ancho de la hoja, el rendimiento, el color del tallo y el color de las estrías.

A curricularização da extensão possibilita a preparação dos acadêmicos para sua atuação no mercado de trabalho, a partir da realização das atividades de extensão nas disciplinas da matriz curricular do curso. O objetivo do estudo foi promover uma oficina como curricularização da extensão demonstrando como obter o extrato da C. arborea e usá-lo como bioherbicida, uma vez que metabólitos secundários encontrados na espécie podem ser utilizados como substitutos para os herbicidas sintéticos. A oficina contou com dois momentos sendo o primeiro teórico de maneira dialogada sobre o que são aleloquímicos e seu efeito nas plantas e qual dessas substâncias se encontra na espécie em estudo. O segundo momento foi prático, onde os alunos realizaram todas as etapas do experimento desde a produção do extrato até avaliação e interpretação dos dados. Verificou-se que o extrato da C. arborea reduziu a germinação da C. fistula, confirmando assim seu efeito bioherbicida.

The action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a determining factor in the presence of arterial hypertension, which is why various drugs to control it base their efficiency on their capacity to inhibit this enzyme. Drugs such as enalapril or captopril have been widely used; however, they are associated with multiple side effects. For this reason, the use of natural substances is of great relevance. The objective of this work was to evaluate by in vitro tests, if the bioactive compounds (antioxidants and saponins) present in the sap concentrate of A. salmiana, inhibit the action of ACE. The antioxidant capacity of the sap was evaluated by ABTS (129.6 μmol ET/g) and DPPH (121.5 mmol ET/g) methods, the concentration of total phenols (103.2 mg EAG/g) and saponins (833.3 mg/g) was determined. In addition, methanolic (ME) and butanolic (BE) extracts were made and the percentage of ACE inhibition was measured for each one. EM showed 90.63 % inhibition and EB 98.18 % at concentrations of 156 and 245 ppm respectively. Finally, the IC50 was 32.61 ppm for ME and 44.109 for BE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco 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.)

Copyright of Revista Ciencia y Tecnología Agropecuaria is the property of Agrosavia 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.)

En Perú, sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) tiene un gran potencial de producción y de industrialización; sin embargo, aún no se conoce el valor real de la semilla y sus subproductos para uso en alimentación animal. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la composición nutricional y contenido de antinutrientes (saponinas y taninos) de las tortas de Plukenetia volubilisy Plukenetia huayllabambana, así como la composición proximal de las semillas y de las cáscaras. Para ello, se determinó el contenido de humedad, proteína cruda, fibra cruda, extracto etéreo, extracto libre de nitrógeno, cenizas, fibra detergente neutro (FDN) y fibra detergente ácido (FDA), así como el contenido de taninos, saponinas, perfil de ácidos grasos y digestibilidad in vitrode la materia orgánica (DIVMO) de torta de sacha inchi. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas (p>0,05) para los componentes nutricionales evaluados en semilla, cáscara y torta de ambas especies de sacha inchi. Sin embargo, las semillas de P. huayllabambanapresentaron mayor cantidad de extracto etéreo, pero menor contenido de proteínas que P. volubilis. Asimismo, en P. volubilisel contenido de proteína de la torta fue menor queP. huayllabambana. La cáscara de P. volubilispresenta un menor contenido de fibra que P. huayllabambana. Los DIVMO de torta P. volubilisy P. huayllabambanano mostró diferencias estadísticas (p>0,05). La concentración de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados fue superior en P. volubilis (p

Contexto: Las saponinas corresponden a un grupo de mol´eculas con aplicabilidad industrial, especialmente para el sector alimenticio como estabilizante de espuma en bebidas gaseosas. En el per´ıodo comprendido entre el 2013 y 2017, su mercado increment´o aproximadamente un 50 %, convirti´endose en un sector econ´omico importante que ha promovido un marcado inter´es en la optimizaci´on de diversos procesos de extracci´on desde diferentes fuentes naturales. M´etodo: Se realiz´o una revisi´on bibliogr´afica evaluando aplicabilidad, extracci´on y aspectos econ´omicos de las saponinas a nivel mundial. Se realiz´o el dise˜no conceptual de una planta piloto para la extracci´on de saponinas de jugo de fique con base en los resultados obtenidos del an´alisis de una matriz de decisi´on. Resultados: Una alternativa viable para extraer saponinas de jugo de fique es la floculaci´on, cuyas ventajas radican en su simplicidad tecnol´ogica, bajo consumo energ´etico, aplicabilidad directa a la matriz de inter´es y uso de solventes como agua y etanol. Conclusiones: Al utilizar como floculante el policloruro de aluminio (PAC), debido a su capacidad de remover materia org´anica y a su selectividad, se favorece la recuperaci´on de las saponinas en el clarificado. En el dise˜no conceptual, se presenta una planta piloto con una capacidad de 67.462 L/h y una eficiencia de 87,45 %.

El uso de frutos de especies arbóreas tropicales se plantea como una opción de alimentación en particular en la época de sequía (Palma y Román, 2013), en donde es común el fruto de Enterolobium ciclocarpum. Sin embargo, algunos productores del trópico húmedo manifiestan problemas sanitarios en el ganado por la ingestión de este fruto.

Esta investigación comprendió el estudio de jugo de Agave fourcroyde L, se realizó un trabajo que tuvo como objetivo determinar metabolitos secundarios que pudieran tener potencialidades insecticida contra las larvas de lepidópteros. Se realizó una extracción sucesiva con solventes de polaridad ascendente (agua) posteriormente se procedió a la identificación del tipo cualitativo, haciendo uso de reactivos de coloración y precipitación. Para ello se partió de 50 mL de la solución. Luego se filtró para la obtención de los extractos correspondientes. Se les aplicó la técnica de tamizaje fitoquímico establecida por el MINSAP. Se encontró la presencia de aminoácidos libres, coumarinas, saponinas, azúcares reductores, triterpenos esteroides, taninos y/o fenoles en extracto acuoso. Se considera que las saponinas, triterpenos esteroides, fenoles y taninos presentes pudieran tener efecto insecticida contra las larvas de Plutella xilostella L por lo que el jugo de A fourcroyde resulta un buen candidato para el manejo de plagas por su potencial como insecticida.

Os fatores antinutricionais são substâncias que mesmo em estado vestigial, reduzem ou impedem a utilização de um elemento nutritivo. Estes fatores antinutricionais, em sua maioria são metabólitos secundários, que podem ser definidos como compostos que não têm papel reconhecido na manutenção de processos vitais fundamentais da planta que os sintetizam, em contrapartida, têm um papel importante na interação da planta com seu meio ambiente. Fatores antinutricionais normalmente não são vistos com “bons olhos”. Apesar de a denominação fatores antinutricionais remeter apenas às características “ruins” dessas substâncias, vale lembrar que elas não são responsáveis apenas por gerar efeitos adversos. Pelo contrário, praticamente todas elas, senão todas, são capazes de conferir, também, possíveis efeitos benéficos ao organismo animal. Alguns compostos fenólicos de maior representatividade na alimentação animal, são; taninos, ligninas e gossipol. Entretanto também existem as saponinas, mimosinas, fitato, lectinas, inibidores de protease e glicosídeos cianogênicos. Todos presentes nas plantas, cada um com sua particularidade que serão explanadas ao longo desta revisão.

Cada vez, toma mayor importancia la producción de la quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) en diferentes regiones del mundo, debido a que se ha buscado posicionar el cultivo como una alternativa de seguridad alimentaria. Sin embargo, esta planta presenta metabolitos como taninos y saponinas que son sustancias químicas que sirven de barreras de protección a factores bióticos y abióticos. En el caso de las saponinas, se reconocen 31 estructuras químicas, presentes en hojas, tallos, panojas, cascarilla y semillas de diferentes especies y genotipos. Al respecto, esta revisión busca describir características generales de las saponinas presentes en la quinua y su relación con el suelo y el clima. Encontrando que las edafoclimáticas propias de cada lugar, así como las características genéticas de cada variedad son determinantes en el contenido de compuestos saponínicos, estimulados principalmente por estrés de tipo hídrico y salino.

Medicinal plants are an important therapeutic option for a large share of the world's population. To establish an in vitro culture system for the production of secondary metabolites from Hovenia dulcis, we studied the effect of auxins, cytokinins, absence of light, and silver nitrate on the development of friable callus. Callus cultures were established for the first time and used to obtain cell suspension cultures. Supplementation with KIN (Kinetin) produced calli with both compact and friable areas, while the addition of TDZ (Thidiazuron) only produced compact callus. The maintenance of cultures in the dark induced a slight enhancement on friability when the auxin PIC (Picloram) was present in the culture medium. The addition of silver nitrate promoted the formation of friable calli. Dry weight analysis showed no significant differences in biomass growth, and, therefore, 2.0 mg.L-1 was considered the most suitable treatment. The presence of silver nitrate was not required for the establishment of cell suspension cultures. Dry weight analysis of cell suspensions showed higher biomass production in the absence of silver nitrate. PIC promoted 100% of cell suspension culture formation in the absence of silver nitrate, and higher biomass production was observed with the lowest concentration (0.625 mg.L-1). No morphological differences were observed among the different concentrations of PIC. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, flavonols and catechins in the extracts obtained from H. dulcis calli. These results show that the cell cultures herein established are potential sources for the production of H. dulcis secondary metabolites of medicinal interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Agave brittoniana Trel species. subsp. brachypus is characterized by its high content of steroidal saponins and these metabolites have anti-inflammatory properties. However, no previous studies indicate that extracts rich in saponins from this species have anti-inflammatory effect in vivo models. Method: Steroidal saponins in n-butanolic extract were obtained from a hydroalcoholic extract of Agave brittoniana. Phytochemical studies were used to verify the saponins presence. Doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg were used in the acute model of edema induced by carrageenan and in the chronic model of cotton pellet-induced granuloma. Five groups of six male Sprague-Dawley rats each were designed by each in vivo study: three groups for saponin-enriched fraction at different doses, a normal control group and a positive control, which was treated with indomethacin. The inhibition percentage of the inflammatory reaction was the major answer variable. Results: The acute model of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema indicated that the groups corresponding to the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg of saponin-enriched fraction showed the highest percentages of inhibition, after three hours of treatment. According to the chronic model results, saponins-enriched butanolic extract showed anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the dry weight of the granuloma and increasing the inhibition percentage. Conclusions: Saponin-enriched fraction from Agave brittoniana T. subsp. brachypus, have an anti-inflammatory effect in acute and chronic experimental models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Passiflora quadrangularis L. has antihypertensive and anxiolytic properties observed in experimental models. Objectives: The aim of this work was to establish the vascular effects exerted by two known monodesmosidic triterpene saponins, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloleanolic acid (Compound 1) (not previously described for this plant) and, 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid (Compound 2), isolated from the ethanolic extract of Passiflora quadrangularis L. leaves. Methods: The structural elucidation was achieved by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). Aortic rings from Wistar rats, previously stimulated with phenylephrine (PE, 1µM) and washed, were exposed to cumulatively concentrations of compound 1 and compound 2 (10 to 400 µM). Ethanolic extract from leaves of P. quadrangularis L. (10 to 320 µg/mL) and clonidine (1nM to 100µM) were also used for comparison. Concentration response curves of compounds 1 and 2 were examined in presence and absence of: endothelium, the alpha-2 antagonist yohimbine (1 and 100 µM), the alpha non selective antagonist phentolamine (1µM), the alpha-1 antagonist prazosin (1µM) and the calcium channel blocker verapamil (10 and 100 µM). In addition, cumulatively response curve of acetylcholine (ACh, 10nM to 10µM) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 1nM to 100µM) were assayed in rings precontracted with compounds 1 and 2 (400 µM). Results: Compounds 1 and 2 elicited a vasoconstriction response in intact aorta rings in similar way (pEC50: 3.92±0.01 and 4.09±0.01, respectively), effect that did not change in denuded rings (pEC50: 3.90±0.01 and 4.11±0.01). The potency order (pEC50) of compounds 1 and 2 decreased according to the following: verapamil (3.53±0.01 and 3.90±0.02; p<0.05) < yohimbine (3.65±0.01 and 3.94±0.02; p<0.05) < prazosin (3.86±0.01 and 4.30±0.02) < phentolamine (4.05±0.02 and 4.05±0.01). SNP but not ACh, was able to decrease the vasopressor effect of compounds 1 and 2 (pIC50: 8.61±0.01 and 8.24 ± 0.15, respectively). Conclusions: Compounds 1 and 2 are key metabolites responsible for the ex vivo vasoconstrictor response induced by P. quadrangularis L. Activation of voltage-dependent calcium channels and/or a2-adrenergic receptors stimulation could be mechanisms implicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are valuable sources of pharmacologically active substances against many diseases, including cancer. The extracts of Sapindus saponaria L. contain saponins which concentration can be measured and correlated with their pharmacological activity. Numerous studies have been published on the in vitro cytotoxic action of extracts of S. saponaria L. against cell lines of different types of tumors. The saponins of other plants are used as components of adjuvants for vaccines. Our objectives were to evaluate different parts of the plant S. saponaria L., as a source of saponins by measuring the hemolytic activity of aqueous extracts of fruits, seeds and stems and to explore their in vitro antiproliferative potential in the cell line of human prostate cancer PC3. The quantitative determination of saponins in the extracts was carried out using the modified Pape W. technique that measures the hemolytic potential in red blood cells. The concentration of hemoglobin released by lysis of erythrocytes was measured spectrophotometrically. The effect of the extracts, rich in saponins, on the viability of the human tumor line of prostate cancer PC3, was determined by the High Cell Density Test. The concentration of saponins in terms of µg/ml of extract was: 757.0 ± 1.34 in the fruits, reaching the highest values; 173.0 ± 1.11 in seeds and 30.5 ± 0.13 in stems. The extracts of the three sources studied had a marked cytotoxic-antiproliferative effect against the human tumor line PC3. The inhibition of cell proliferation was similar to that shown by the positive control, paclitaxel. Very low concentrations of the extract (0.01 µg/mL) exerted antiproliferative action. It is possible to conclude that fruits, seeds and stems of Sapindus saponaria L. are good sources of saponins and that their extracts can stop the proliferation of the tumor cell line PC3, even at low levels of concentration and hemolytic potential. Analysing together that saponins themselves are important substances as vaccine adjuvants and that they show an antitumor potential, the authors believe that the plant Sapindus saponaria L. has a potential antitumor effect to take into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los metabolitos secundarios presentes en la harina de forraje de Stizolobium aterrimum (mucuna), para su uso en la alimentación animal; esta se elaboró a partir de las hojas y los tallos tiernos de plantas que fueron cultivadas en un suelo Ferralítico Rojo, y los metabolitos secundarios se evaluaron mediante un tamizaje fitoquímico. Para determinar el perfil de compuestos fenólicos se cuantificó el contenido de polifenoles totales (PT), el de taninos condensados libres (TCL), el de taninos condensados acomplejados con la proteína (TCP) y el de taninos condensados acomplejados con la fibra (TCF). El contenido de oligosacáridos se determinó por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC), y estos se expresaron como equivalentes de rafinosacáridos. Se encontraron en mayor cuantía los taninos, los alcaloides y las sustancias reductoras; mientras los flavonoides, las saponinas, los aminoácidos, las antocianidinas y los triterpenos/esteroides se hallaron en cantidades moderadas y leves. La concentración de PT fue de 2,32 %. Hubo diferencias (p < 0,001) entre las fracciones de TCL (0,25 %), TCP (0,22 %) y TCF (0,08 %). En la fracción de los carbohidratos solo se encontró fructosa (0,006 mg/kg MS) en una baja concentración. La presencia cualitativa de diferentes metabolitos secundarios en la harina de forraje de S. aterrimum, en concentraciones apropiadas, permite considerarla una planta con potencialidades de uso para la alimentación animal.

Se determinó la calidad nutricional de las arbóreas Payandé (Pithecellobium lanceolatum MART.), Guácimo (Guazuma ulmifolia LAM.), Caña fístula (Cassia fistula L.), Chiminango (Pithecellobium dulce MART.) y Samán (Samanea saman JACQ.) en zona de bosque muy seco tropical (bms-T) del Valle del Patía y el efecto como suplemento en la alimentación de bovinos mestizos tipo cebú. Se evaluaron seis tratamientos: T0 (100% pastoreo), T1(90% pastoreo +10% P. lanceolatum); T2 (90% pastoreo +10% P.dulce); T3 (90% pastoreo +10% S.saman); T4 (90% pastoreo +10% C. fistula) y T5(90% pastoreo +10% G. ulmifolia), distribuidos en un diseño de Bloques Completos al Azar. Se valoró la fenología, composición nutricional y metabolitos secundarios de las arbóreas. Los mayores contenidos de Materia Seca (47,1%), Proteína Cruda (23,5%), Fibra Detergente Neutro (58%) y Energía Bruta (523 Kcal/100g) los presentó P. saman. La FDA fue superior (p

Copyright of Ingeniería (0121-750X) is the property of Ingenieria 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.)

Copyright of Revista CIENCIA UNEMI is the property of Universidad Estatal de Milagro (UNEMI) 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.)

Abstract: This study was designed to assess the influence of genetic resistance against brachiaria poisoning in sheep. Two groups of sheep, one identified as susceptible (formed by two ewes and one ram) and the other as resistant against brachiaria poisoning (formed by three ewes and one ram) were selected. Sheep considered susceptible were those that presented clinical signs of brachiaria poisoning at any time of their life; resistant sheep were those that even raised on Brachiaria spp. pastures, did not developed any sign of the poisoning during their life. The offspring of the two flocks (15 lambs from the sensitive flock and 9 lambs from the resistant flock) were placed into brachiaria pasture (initially Brachiaria decumbens and B. brizantha,and only B. decumbens after weaning) and followed up during two years (2013-2014). The determination of protodioscin levels in B. decumbens pasture was performed only in 2014 and revealed significant amounts of the toxic principle. Eleven lambs of the susceptible group were affected to some degree of brachiaria poisoning and six died; no lamb of the resistant group was affected. Clinical signs consisted of varying degrees of subcutaneous edema of the face and, erythema and loss of hair of the ears, crusts on the skin of ears, around the eyes and on planum nasale, scar deformation of the ears, and bilateral ocular discharge; affected lambs also sought for shadowy shelters and they were poor doers. Several sheep recovered from the condition and then relapsed. Necropsy findings in six lambs included pale mucous membranes, emaciation, dermatitis, scar deformation of the ears, large yellow livers with marked lobular pattern, and moderate infestation by Haemonchus contortus. Histologically the liver lesions were similar in all necropsied lambs but with varying degrees of severity; they were consistent with brachiaria poisoning and included architectural disruption of hepatocellular trabecula, clusters of foamy macrophages occasionally forming multinucleated giant cells, swollen and vacuolated hepatocytes, crystals or negative images of crystals in the biliary system, bilestasis, bile duct proliferation and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in portal triads. The skin lesions were those of photodermatitis and included epidermal necrosis, hyperkeratosis and dermal neutrophilic infiltrate. The results of this study allow to conclude that there is a genetic related resistance to brachiaria poisoning in sheep since the progeny of resistant sheep did not manifest the poisoning. The use of resistant flocks in brachiaria pastures is suggested as a valuable option for the prevention of brachiaria poisoning in sheep.

Abstract: An outbreak of Brachiaria decumbens poisoning in goats in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, is described. Out of a herd of about 1,000 goats, seven goats died after showing photosensitivity (3 out 7 goats) and icterus (4/7). Other clinical signs included lethargy, dehydration and weight loss (7/7). At necropsy there was either hepatomegaly or liver atrophy; orange, yellow or gray discoloration - were observed in the liver of six goats. Two had accentuation of lobular pattern and punctate, linear or stellar fibrous depressions were randomly distributedover the capsular surface. Macroscopic changesattributedto liver failure consisting of hydropericardium (2/7) and ascites (2/7) were observed. Histologically, there was accumulation of refringent crystals in the bile ducts and infiltration of foamy macrophages in the liver of all goats. Foamy macrophages were also present in the hepatic and mesenteric lymph nodes of two goats. The diagnosis of B. decumbens poisoning was based on epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy findings and histopathology.

En el departamento del Cauca, municipio de Puracé vereda El acuario, localizado a 3023 m.s.n.m., en el marco del proyecto Cadena productiva de la quinua se evaluó el ciclo fenológico de 4 ecotipos de quinua y su rendimiento con el fin de seleccionar y determinar la duración de las etapas del ciclo productivo que determinan su manejo agronómico en alturas superiores a 3000 m.s.n.m. El propósito es buscar una opción para rotación de cultivo de papa que aporte a la seguridad alimentaria regional. Este estudio se realizó durante el 2016 bajo condiciones de campo, en el resguardo indígena de Paletará. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques completos al azar con 3 repeticiones donde los tratamientos fueron los ecotipos, se registraron etapas fenológicas, se evaluó contenido de saponinas y el rendimiento. Se determinó que la quinua presenta dos etapas fenológicas bien marcadas, etapa vegetativa con 6 fases y etapa reproductiva con 7 fases; la duración del ciclo productivo de los 4 ecotipos estuvo entre 154 y 213, permitiendo clasificarlos como semiprecoces y semitardios, el contenido de saponinas estuvo entre 0,005 y 0,012%. Se concluyó que de los 4 ecotipos evaluados se recomienda aurora por precocidad, sabor dulce y mejor rendimiento.

The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Ocimumsanctum and its saponin rich fraction in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats. The chronic constriction injury was induced by placing four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve, proximal to its trifurcation. The mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, paw heat hyperalgesia and cold tail hyperalgesia were assessed by performing the pinprick, acetone, hot plate and cold tail immersion tests, respectively. Biochemically, the tissue thio-barbituric acid reactive species, super-oxide anion content (markers of oxidative stress) and total calcium levels were measured. Chronic constriction injury was associated with the development of mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, heat and cold hyperalgesia along with an increase in oxidative stress and calcium levels. However, administration of Ocimumsanctum (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) and its saponin rich fraction (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) for 14 days significantly attenuated chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain as well as decrease the oxidative stress and calcium levels. It may be concluded that saponin rich fraction of Ocimum sanctum has ameliorative potential in attenuating painful neuropathic state, which may be attributed to a decrease in oxidative stress and calcium levels.

Copyright of Revista Nutrición Clínica y Dietética Hospitalaria is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Dietetica y Ciencias de la Alimentacion 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.)

Copyright of Informador Técnico is the property of Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje SENA 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.)

At Cauca, municipality of Puracé, sidewalk The Aquarium, located at 3023 meters above sea level, within the framework of the Quinoa production chain project, the phenological cycle of 4 quinoa ecotypes and their yield were evaluated in order to select and determine the duration of the stages of the productive cycle that determine their agronomic management at heights greater than 3000 meters above sea level. The purpose is to look for a potato crop rotation option that will contribute to regional food security. This study was carried out during 2016 under field conditions, in the indigenous reservation of Paletará. We used a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates where treatments were ecotypes, phenological stages were recorded, saponin content and performance were evaluated. It was determined that quinoa presents two well marked phenological stages, vegetative stage with 6 phases and reproductive stage with 7 phases; the duration of the productive cycle of the 4 ecotypes was between 154 and 213, allowing to classify them as semiearly and semidelayed, the content of saponins was between 0,005 and 0,012%. It was concluded that of the 4 ecotypes evaluated, aurora is recommended for precocity, sweet taste and better yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA 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.)

Fruits from some species of yucca are consumed as dietary complement in the arid and semiarid zones of México, although their nutritional information is unknown, which is why it is difficult to understand their nutritional contribution. Yucca mixtecana is distributed in the state of Oaxaca, México, but the fruits together with the rest of the plant are not used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional properties of mature fruits of Y. mixtecana through a descriptive statistical analysis. The variables in mature fruits of Y. mixtecana were: 1) the partial chemical composition (raw protein, method AOAC 960.52; total sugars, norm NMX-F-132; and lipids, method AOAC 823.03); 2) some specific nutritional properties (total phenols, Folin-Ciocalteu method; and saponins, afrosymmetric method). The content of raw protein (RP) was 2.29 % and of total sugars 1.70 % (dry base). The content of total phenols was 0.63 mg g-1 equivalents of gallic acid, and of saponins 0.01 mg g-1. The concentration of total sugars was lower than the fruits of other species of Opuntia (11 %) and of Prosopis alba (2.70 %). The protein content was higher than that of the fruit of Opuntia analyzed (0.39 %), but lower than the fruit of P. alba (7.70 %). The high concentration of RP and the low concentration of total sugars in the fruits of Y. mixtecana, compared to most fruits, make it a fruit with great dietary potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild tubers of the genus Dioscorea sold for medicinal use were collected for the purpose of achieving its establishment under in vitro conditions. First we taxonomically identified the species and through phytochemical analysis demonstrated pharmaceutical potential. The material collected was identified as Dioscorea coriacea, D. lehmannii, D. meridensis, D. polygonoides and the edible species D. trifida. Tubers collected from wholesale distributors and from the field were washed, disinfected, sprayed with Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and planted in substrate BM-2®, in a greenhouse at 18 ° C during the day and 10 ° C overnight. Whole tubers or sections thereof were stored in sealed bags at room temperature. Subsequently plant material of the species D. coriacea, D. lehmannii, D. meridensis and D. polygonoides was disinfected and healthy buds (D. coriacea / laboratory) were selected for in vitro establishment. Three different culture media were evaluated for establishment; that which presented the best results was the Murashige & Skoog (1962) medium, supplemented with BAP 1 mL / L, GA3 1 mL / L and Putrescin 2 mL / L. For the collection and analysis of secondary metabolites, tubers of D. coriacea, D. lehmannii and D. polygonoides were used, using methanol as the extraction solvent. The highest concentration of plant extract, 54%, was found in D. coriacea, a higher value than that of D. polygonoides, which had been reported previously; the presence of saponins was confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). These results will enable more advanced analysis of the present compounds and enhance their mass propagation under in vitro conditions.

ABSTRACT: In Brazil, at least 16 poisonous plant species can affect the central nervous system of livestock. Recently in the state of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, Brunfelsia uniflora was reported as a cause of nervous signs in donkeys, cattle, and small ruminants. In order to assess the toxicity of B. uniflora extracts, 20 Swiss mice were distributed into four groups (n=5) receiving by gavage alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, or saline (control group). After administration of the extracts in a single dose (5g kg-1), all mice were observed daily for clinical signs. Mice that received the extracts showed moderate to severe clinical signs, including piloerection, vocalization, and seizures. All mice dosed with saponins died between 10 and 20min after administration. Serum biochemical evaluation of animals that received saponins revealed slight increases in total protein levels and decreased magnesium and chlorite levels. In conclusion, saponins of B. uniflora leaves induced acute toxic neurological effects and death in mice.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the secondary metabolites present in the meal of Stizolobium aterrimum forage, for its use in animal feeding; the meal was elaborated from the leaves and fresh stems of plants which were cultivated on a Ferralitic Red soil, and the secondary metabolites were evaluated through phytochemical sieving. To determine the profile of phenolic compounds the content of total polyphenols (TP), free condensed tannins (FCT), protein-bound condensed tannins (PCT) and fiber-bound condensed tannins (FBCT), was quantified. The content of oligosaccharides was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and they were expressed as raffinosaccharide equivalents. Tannins, alkaloids and reducing substances were found in higher quantity; while flavonoids, saponins, aminoacids, anthocyanidins and triterpenes/steroids were found in moderate and low quantities. The concentration of TP was 2,32 %. There were differences (p < 0,001) among the fractions of FCT (0,25 %), PCT (0,22 %) and FBCT (0,08 %). In the carbohydrate fraction only fructose was found (0,006 mg/kg DM) in low concentration. The qualitative presence of different secondary metabolites in the meal of S. aterrimum forage, in appropriate concentrations, allows to consider it a plant with potential to be used in animal feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Um levantamento etnobotânico realizado em comunidades quilombolas de Oriximiná, Pará, destacou a saracuramirá (SAR), Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke, com vasto uso popular no tratamento da malária, como tônica e depurativa. Por este motivo, o presente trabalho objetivou realizar um estudo etnofarmacognóstico da SAR nas respectivas comunidades. Por meio de uma análise etnobotânica quantitativa, foi verificado que SAR apresentou-se dentre as 10 espécies mais versáteis pela elevada importância relativa (1,3), dentre as cinco espécies com maior importância cultural pelo elevado índice de saliência (0,311) e a espécie com maior concordância de uso principal para malária (85,7%). Uma análise do índice de espuma e do índice de hemólise para SAR demonstra a presença de saponinas com elevado índice de espuma (833) e uma baixa atividade hemolítica (CH50 2,6 mg mL-1). Para realizar uma análise das agliconas das saponinas de SAR, a bebida preparada pelo método tradicional quilombola (BMT) foi hidrolisada e, após reação com diazometano, foi analisada por cromatografia gasosa. Dois sinais majoritários foram caracterizados por espectrometria de massas, um referente a um triterpeno de esqueleto damarânico, característico das saponinas da SAR, e outro referente ao éster metílico do ácido betulínico. Partindo das informações de uso popular da SAR, foi avaliada in vitro a atividade inibidora da acetilcolinesterase. Apesar de BMT não ter mostrado atividade neste ensaio, é possível supor que as indicações de uso desta planta pelos quilombolas como fortificante e contra malária podem estar relacionadas a uma possível atividade adaptógena e imunoestimulante, dada à presença das saponinas e do ácido betulínico em BMT.In an ethnobotanical survey conducted within "Quilombola" communities of Oriximiná, Pará State, "saracuramirá" (SAR), Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke, stood out as one of the most cited species with wide popular use, especially for malaria, as tonic and depurative. The aim of this paper was to carry out an ethnopharmacognostic study of SAR in these communities. Quantitative ethnobotanical analysis of the data showed that SAR stands out as one of the 10 most versatile species with a high relative importance (1,3); it remains among the five species with the greatest cultural importance, demonstrated by the high salience index (0,311), being the species with the highest major use agreement to malaria (85,7%). Analysis of the foam and hemolysis indexes of SAR shows the presence of saponins with high foam index (833) and low hemolytic activity (HD50 2,6 mg mL-1). In order to analyze SAR saponin aglycones, the drink was prepared by the traditional quilombola method (BMT), was hydrolyzed, and analyzed by gas chromatography after reaction with diazomethane. Two major peaks were characterized by mass spectrometry, one referring to a dammarane triterpene skeleton, characteristic from the SAR saponins, and the other identified as the methyl ester of betulinic acid. Owing to the popular usage of SAR, its in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was evaluated, but with negative results. However, it is possible to suggest that the indications of this plant as a tonic and for treating malaria may be related to an adaptogen and immunostimulant effect due to the presence of saponins and betulinic acid in BMT.

Infiltração por macrófagos espumosos e outras lesões podem ser encontradas em bovinos clinicamente sadios em pastagens de Brachiaria spp. Com o objetivo de determinar as alterações histológicas do fígado e linfonodos mesentéricos em búfalos no Pará foram estudadas as alterações histológicas de fragmentos desses órgãos de 142 búfalos da raça Murrah e de 15 bovinos da raça Nelore, coletados em frigoríficos. As coletas foram separadas em grupos de animais de acordo com sua origem e tempo de permanência na pastagem de Brachiaria spp., sendo o Grupo (G) 1 composto por 79 búfalos provenientes da Ilha de Marajó, criados em pastagens de campo nativo; o G2 composto por 17 búfalos mantidos desde o nascimento em pastagens de Brachiaria brizantha; o G3 composto por 29 búfalos adquiridos na Ilha do Marajó e introduzidos em pastagem de B. decumbens por aproximadamente 12 meses; o G4 composto por 17 búfalos adquiridos na Ilha de Marajó e introduzidos em pastagem de B. brizantha por aproximadamente 18 meses; e o G5 composto por 15 bovinos mantidos em pastagem de B. brizantha por aproximadamente 12 meses. Para avaliar a gravidade da lesão hepática foram estabelecidos graus de acordo com a quantidade e tamanho dos grupos de macrófagos espumosos, seguindo uma escala de 0 a 4. Nos animais do G1, provenientes da Ilha de Marajó, não foram observadas alterações histológicas significativas no fígado e linfonodos mesentéricos. Em todas as amostras dos grupos G2, G3 e G4 foram observados quantidades variáveis de macrófagos espumosos no fígado e linfonodos mesentéricos. Os animais dos grupos G2 e do G4, que permaneceram um período maior em pastagens de Brachiaria spp, apresentaram lesões mais acentuadas (PInfiltration by foamy macrophages and other lesions are reported in healthy cattle held in Brachiaria spp. pastures. With the objective to study histologic lesions in the liver and mesenteric lymph nodes in buffalo in the state of Pará, samples of liver and lymph nodes of 142 buffalo Murah and 15 Nelore cattle were studied histologically. The samples were collected in an slaughterhouse and divided into groups of animals according to their origin and period of grazing Brachiaria spp. pastures. Group (G) 1 consisted of 79 buffalo from Marajó Island, raised in native pastures free of Brachiaria spp.; G2 was composed of 17 buffalo kept since birth in Brachiaria brizantha pastures; G3 was composed of 29 buffalo purchased in Marajó Island and introduced in B. decumbens pastures where they stayed for nearly 12 months; G4 consists of 17 buffalo purchased in Marajó Island and introduced in B. brizantha pastures where they stayed for nearly 18 months. G5 was composed of 15 Nelore cattle grazing B. brizantha during one year period. To assess the degree of liver injury, grades following a scale of 0 to 4 were established according to the quantity and size of groups of foamy macrophages. In G1, from the Marajó Island, there were no significant histological changes in liver and lymph nodes. Foamy macrophages and other lesions were observed in liver and lymph nodes of all samples from G1, G2, G3, and G4. The animals from G2 and G4, which remained a longer period in Brachiaria spp., showed more pronounced infiltration of foamy macrophages (P

Foram estudados dois surtos e realizado um experimento de fotossensibilização associada à ingestão por Brachiaria brizantha em ovinos mestiços de Santa Inês e Dorper, com idade variando de dois a três meses, em uma fazenda no município de Santa Luzia do Pará. Esses animais foram mantidos desde o nascimento até aproximadamente dois meses de idade, em apriscos suspensos do chão, recebendo capim-elefante roxo (Pennisetum purpureum cv. roxo), concentrado, sal mineral e água ad libitum. Após esse período foram introduzidos em um piquete de B. brizantha. Na ocasião dos surtos e do experimento a fazenda foi visitada para observação dos dados epidemiológicos, avaliação clínica dos animais, colheita de amostras de sangue para dosagem de GGT, AST, BD, BI, BT, ureia e creatinina e colheita de pastagem para pesquisa de Pithomyces chartarum e saponinas. Também foi realizada necropsia com colheita de material para estudo histológico. O surto 01 ocorreu na época de escassez de chuva, com taxa de morbidade e letalidade de 43,4% e 81,6%, respectivamente. O surto 02 aconteceu no início da época chuvosa, com taxas de morbidade e letalidade de 16,3% e 76,9%, respectivamente. Em ambos os surtos o capim encontrava-se com massa residual reduzida e senescente. Dos 50 animais do experimento, 10 receberam 200ml de fluido ruminal retirado de ovelhas mães do mesmo lote, a primeira administração foi feita um dia antes da introdução desses animais na pastagem, e mais duas subsequentes com intervalo de uma semana. Após 15 dias de pastejo, os animais começaram a apresentar inquietação, procura por sombra, edema nas orelhas, mucosas amareladas, apatia, anorexia e desprendimento da pele seguido por formação de crostas em algumas áreas do corpo. Tanto os animais dos surtos quanto do experimento apresentaram aumento nos níveis de GGT, AST, BD, BI, BT, ureia e creatinina. Os valores de ureia e GGT dos animais que receberam fluido ruminal e dos que não receberam foram semelhantes, já os valores de creatinina, AST e bilirrubinas foram menores nos animais que receberam fluido ruminal em comparação aos que não receberam. Foram determinados dois tipos de saponinas nas amostras de B. brizantha dos surtos e do experimento, a metilprotodioscina e a protodioscina. O nível de saponina no surto 01 e 02 foi 0,92% e 0,88%, respectivamente. Os níveis de saponinas no experimento variaram de 1,13% a 1,62%. A quantidade de Pithomyces chartarum, tanto nos surtos quanto no experimento, foi insignificante. Na necropsia foi verificada icterícia generalizada, fígado com consistência aumentada de coloração amarelada e com padrão lobular acentuado. Nos rins foi observada coloração amarelo-esverdeado e aumento de tamanho. As alterações histológicas ocorreram principalmente no fígado e consistiram de leve proliferação das vias biliares nos espaços porta, presença de hepatócitos binucleados, presença de macrófagos espumosos, necrose incipiente de hepatócitos isolados, colangite, presença de cristais em macrófagos e hepatócitos.Two outbreaks of photosensitization by Brachiaria brizantha were studied and an experiment was performed in Santa Inês and Dorper crossbred sheep, two to three months old, on a farm in Santa Luzia do Pará municipality. These animals were kept from birth until about two months of age in a suspended stall floor, fed purple elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. purple), and had minerals and water ad libitum. After this period they were placed into a paddock of B. brizantha. At the time of the outbreaks and the experimental studies, the farm was visited for epidemiological assessment and clinical examination of the sheep, collection of blood samples for measurement of gamma glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, conjugated bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. Pasture samples were collected for saponin determination and count of Pithomyces chartarum spores. Necropsies with collection of material for histopathological studies were performed. Outbreak 1 occurred at the time of low rainfall, when the grass was scarce and mature, and morbidity and lethality was 43.4% and 81.6%, respectively. Outbreak 2 occurred at the beginning of the rainy season, with morbidity and lethality rates of 16.3% and 76.9%, respectively. From the 50 animals in the experiment, 10 received three times 200ml of rumen fluid taken from mother sheep of the same batch. The first of these administrations was given one day before the sheep were introduced into the pasture and the other two at weekly intervals. After 15 days in the pasture, the animals were unquiet, looked for shade, had edema of the ears, yellowish mucosae, were apathic, had anorexia and showed sloughing of the skin followed by crusting in some areas of the body. Both, the sheep of the outbreaks as those from the experiment, showed increased levels of GGT, AST, BD, BI, BT, urea and creatinine. In sheep which received ruminal fluid the values of urea and GGT were similar to those which did not receive the ruminal fluid. The creatinine, AST and bilirrubine values were lower in sheep that received the ruminal fluid. Two types of saponins, methylprotodioscin and protodioscin, were detected in the samples of B. brizantha from the outbreaks and the experiment. The level of saponins in Outbreak 1 and 2 was 0.92% and 0.88% respectively. The levels of saponins in the experiment ranged from 1.13% to 1.62%. The numbers of spores of Pithomyces chartarum in both outbreaks and in the experiment were negligible. At necropsy there was widespread jaundice, the liver was brown-yellow with marked lobular pattern and increased consistency and the kidneys were enlarged yellowish-green. Histological changes occurred mainly in the liver and consisted of mild proliferation of bile ducts in portal tracts, presence of binucleate hepatocytes, foamy macrophages, necrosis of isolated hepatocytes, cholangitis, presence of crystals in hepatocytes and macrophages.

Human activities are contributing to Global Climate Change through the production of Green House Gases (GHG), which result in increased air, land and ocean temperatures and extreme changes in precipitation in regions of low and high rainfall. The most important GHG's are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). It is estimated that 18 % of the annual GHG emissions come from different types of livestock and that 37% of CH4, with higher global warming potential (23) relative to CO2 (1), comes from fermentation processes in ruminants. It is possible that in the future beef and milk exports from producing countries is subject to bans if cattle systems do not comply with measures to reduce GHG. There are several alternatives available and being researched to reduce enteric CH4 emissions from cattle that range from manipulating diet composition, supplementing feed additives (i.e. ionophores, organic acids, halogenated compounds, oils) and selection of forage plants of high quality and containing secondary metabolites (i.e. tannins and saponins) to animal breeding, immunization and genetic transformation of rumen microorganisms. Results show that inhibition of enteric CH4 emission is possible through the use of ionophores, organic acids and oils. The use of ionophores can result in resistance of rumen microbes and as a result the effect is short term. The high cost of organic acids makes it unlikely that there direct supplementation in ruminant diets is economically viable. However, organic acids are present at relatively high concentrations in the leaf tissue of plants and attempts should be made to select and breed forages with higher levels of these compounds. It is argued that a more efficient strategy to reduce enteric CH4 in ruminants is through selection of grasses of high quality (i.e. high concentration of water soluble carbohydrates), of forage legumes containing secondary metabolites like tannins and of fruits/plants containing saponins, provided that they do not affect intake and digestibility. Improved nutrition of cattle through feeding high quality forages can result in high animal performance and in reductions of CH4 emitted per unit of dry matter intake and per unit of product.As atividades humanas têm contribuído para a mudança do clima global, pela produção de gases de efeito estufa, dos quais podem resultar no aumento da temperatura atmosférica e mudanças extremas de precipitação em regiões de altas e baixas pluviosidades. Os gases de efeito estufa mais importantes são o dióxido de carbono (CO2), o metano (CH4) e o óxido nitroso (N2O). Estima-se que 18% das emissões anuais de GEE são provenientes de diferentes tipos de animais e que 37% do CH4, com maior potencial de aquecimento global (23) em relação ao CO2 (1), decorrem dos processos fermentativos dos ruminantes. Possivelmente, no futuro, os países produtores de carne e leite estarão sujeitos a proibições, caso os sistemas de bovinocultura não cumpram as medidas de redução de gases de efeito estufa. Há diversas alternativas disponíveis e em estudo para reduzir as emissões de CH4 entérica de bovinos, que vão desde a manipulação da composição da dieta, suplementação com aditivos (ionóforos, ácidos orgânicos, compostos halogênios, óleos) e seleção de plantas forrageiras de alta qualidade contendo metabólitos secundários (taninos e saponinas) ao melhoramento animal, imunização e transformação genética dos microrganismos ruminais. Os resultados mostram que é possível a inibição da emissão entérica de CH4 utilizando-se ionóforos, ácidos orgânicos e óleos. O uso de ionóforos pode resultar em resistência dos microorganimos ruminais e, como resultado, o efeito é de curta duração. O custo elevado dos ácidos orgânicos torna-os economicamente inviáveis se adicionados diretamente na dieta de ruminantes. No entanto, os ácidos orgânicos estão presentes em concentrações relativamente elevadas no tecido foliar das plantas, e devem ser feitas tentativas para selecionar e produzir forragens com altos níveis destes compostos. Argumenta-se que uma estratégia mais eficiente para redução entérica de CH4 em ruminantes seja com a escolha de forragens de alta qualidade (alta concentração de carboidratos solúveis), de leguminosas contendo metabólitos secundários como taninos e de frutos e/ou plantas contendo saponinas, desde que estes não afetem o consumo e a digestibilidade. Melhora da nutrição de bovinos por meio da alimentação com forrageiras de alta qualidade pode resultar em bom desempenho dos animais e na redução da emissão de CH4 por unidade de consumo de matéria seca e por unidade de produto.

Saponins are natural compounds able to form abundant foam, a desirable quality required in some chemical, foods, cosmetic and pharmaceutical processes. Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. (Aquifoliaceae) known as mate, is a South American widely cultivated specie due to the preparation of a tea-like beverage from its leaves. Moreover, its green fruits are a rich source of non-toxic and very low haemolytic saponins. In this study, mate saponin fraction (MSF) was evaluated as a foam former, focusing on its foamability, foam lifetime, and film drainage in the presence of different electrolytes (ionic strength I = 0.024 M). Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and polysorbate 80 (Poly-80) were used as reference surfactants. The critical micelle concentration (CMC), the minimum attainable surface tension (γCMC), surface excess concentration (Γ) and cross-section molecular surface (A) values of MSF were comparable to those of Poly-80. The foamability of MSF and both reference surfactants was equivalent. The addition of MgCl2 resulted in a negative effect on MSF foamability. The salts NaCl, KBr, and KNO3 exhibited a negative influence on MSF foam lifetime. Similar behavior was observed for MSF film drainage (order of activity: Na2HPO4 > MgCl2 ≈ NaCl ≈ KNO3 > KBr), where a primary fast film drainage rate was followed by film thinning stabilization after around 5 min. The behavior described above seems to be uncorrelated to the solutions' zeta potential.As saponinas são compostos naturais capazes de formar espuma abundante, qualidade desejável exigida em alguns processos químicos, alimentícios, cosméticos e farmacêuticos. Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. (Aquifoliaceae), mais conhecida como mate, é uma espécie largamente cultivada devido ao consumo do chimarrão. Além disso, seus frutos verdes representam uma fonte rica de saponinas pouco tóxicas e pouco hemolíticas. Nesse trabalho avaliou-se a fração de saponinas de mate (MSF) como formadora de espuma, com ênfase na espumabilidade, permanência da espuma e drenagem do filme na presença de diferentes eletrólitos (I = 0,024 M). Dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS) e polissorbato 80 (Poly-80) foram utilizados como tensoativos-referência. Os valores de concentração micelar crítica (CMC), tensão superficial na CMC (γCMC), concentração de excesso de superfície (Γ) e área do grupamento polar na interface (A) referente à MSF foram comparáveis ao Poly-80. A espumabilidade da MSF e de ambos os tensoativos-referência foram equivalentes. A adição de MgCl2 resultou em um efeito negativo sobre a espumabilidade de MSF. Os sais NaCl, KBr e KNO3 tiveram influência negativa sobre a estabilidade da espuma. Em relação à drenagem do filme de MSF, após 60 min. seguiu-se a ordem Na2HPO4 > MgCl2 ≈ NaCl ≈ KNO3 > KBr, caracterizando uma drenagem inicial acelerada seguida pelo equilíbrio hidrodinâmico do filme após 5 min. O comportamento observado parece não estar relacionado com o potencial zeta das soluções.