Search

Objective: To validate the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) in Brazilian Portuguese for hypertensive patients., Methods: The GMAS-English was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and adapted for cultural appropriateness by a translation process and expert panel. A cross-sectional study was conducted in northeast Brazilian cardiology divisions of public and private hospitals, interviewing hypertensive patients. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation, and Pearson's correlation. Convergent validity was tested against the BMQ using chi-square. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing GMAS with blood pressure control using chi-square., Results: The GMAS was translated and adapted according to standard procedures. In a validation study with 167 hypertensive patients, Cronbach's alpha was 0.79, and Pearson's correlation showed significant test-retest reliability ( p  < 0.001). Convergent validity with BMQ was significant (p < 0.001), with 89.4 % sensitivity for behaviors considered adherent (High adherence and good adherence), but between the strata that measure low adherence (Partial adherence, low adherence and very low adherence), the specificity rate was 50 %. Criterion validity between GMAS and blood pressure control was not observed., Conclusion: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the GMAS exhibited good consistency and reproducibility, modest agreement with BMQ scale and did not demonstrate acceptable criterion validity for hypertensive patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Purpose: Our study aimed to explore real-world treatment scenarios for children and adolescents with neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK)-fused tumors, emphasizing access, responses, side effects, and outcomes., Patients and Methods: Pooled clinical data from 17 pediatric cases (11 soft-tissue sarcomas, five brain tumors, and one neuroblastoma) treated with larotrectinib and radiologic images for 14 patients were centrally reviewed. Testing for gene fusions was prompted by poor response to treatment, tumor progression, or aggressiveness., Results: Six different NTRK fusion subtypes were detected, and various payment sources for testing and medication were reported. Radiologic review revealed objective tumor responses (OR) in 11 of 14 patients: Complete responses: two; partial responses: nine; and stable disease: three cases. Grades 1 or 2 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events adverse effects were reported in five patients. Regarding the entire cohort's clinical information, 15 of 17 patients remain alive (median observation time: 25 months): four with no evidence of disease and 11 alive with disease (10 without progression). One patient developed resistance to the NTRK inhibitor and died from disease progression while another patient died due to an unrelated cause., Conclusion: This real-world study confirms favorable agnostic tumor OR rates to larotrectinib in children with NTRK-fused tumors. Better coordination to facilitate access to medication remains a challenge, particularly in middle-income countries like Brazil.

Aim: We investigated a proteome profile, protein-protein interaction and morphological changes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis after different times of eupomatenoid-5 (EUP-5) induction to evaluate the cellular response to the drug-induced damages., Methods: The bacillus was induced to sub-minimal inhibitory concentration of EUP-5 at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. The proteins were separated by 2D gel electrophoresis, identified by LC/MS-MS. Scanning electron microscopy and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins analyses were performed., Results: EUP-5 impacts mainly in M. tuberculosis proteins of intermediary metabolism and interactome suggests a multisite disturbance that contributes to bacilli death. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the loss of bacillary form., Conclusion: Some of the differentially expressed proteins have the potential to be drug targets such as citrate synthase (Rv0896), phosphoglycerate kinase (Rv1437), ketol-acid reductoisomerase (Rv3001c) and ATP synthase alpha chain (Rv1308).

Setting: Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Parana, Brazil., Objective: To evaluate the in vitro interaction between eupomatenoid-5 (EUP-5), extracted from Piper solmsianum C. DC. var. solmsianum, and first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H₃₇Rv and 20 clinical isolates., Design: Resazurin drugs combination microtiter assay (REDCA) was performed to determine the interaction between EUP-5 and isoniazid, rifampicin (RMP) and ethambutol (EMB)., Results: Synergism was observed in M. tuberculosis H₃₇Rv and eight clinical isolates with EUP-5+RMP, and in M. tuberculosis H₃₇Rv and 17 clinical isolates with EUP-5+EMB combinations., Conclusion: EUP-5 is a promising compound for further studies on the development of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

The antinociceptive properties of some fractions and two pure compounds, conocarpan and orientin, obtained from P. solmsianum leaves were investigated in several models of pain in mice. The results indicated that this plant exhibits a promising antinociceptive profile, as it produces active principles which are several times more active than some reference drugs used for comparison. The main compound tested, orientin, caused potent and dose-dependent effects against acetic acid-induced writhing and capsaicin- and glutamate-induced nociception, being more effective against the first one, with an ID(50) value of 6.5 mg/kg (14.5 micromol/kg). Orientin was about 20-fold more potent than acetylsalicylic acid and 3.5-fold more active than indomethacin. The antinociceptive effects of this plant may be attributed, at least partially, to the presence of conocarpan and, in particular, to the flavonoid orientin.

The success of sericiculture greatly depends on the availability of mulberry cultivars with agronomic characteristics that maximize the production and quality of silkworm, Bombyx mori L., cocoons. The effect of the cultivars Miura (standard) and Korin, and the hybrids SM 14, SM 63, SK 1, SK 4 and FM 86 was evaluated on silkworm development, and on cocoon production and quality, at the Instituto Agronômico do Paraná, IAPAR, in Londrina, PR, Brazil (23 +/- 3 degrees C; 61 +/- 8% RH). The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with four replicates. Larvae feeding either on 'SK 4' or on 'Korin' showed a higher weight compared to that of larvae feeding on 'Miura'. Cocoon weight (both sexes) and pupae weight (male) obtained with larvae fed on SK 4 were higher compared with that of insects that fed on Miura; there was no difference among the remaining treatments. Silk net weight was independent of the cultivar used. Cocoon shell weight was similar amongst insects raised on 'Miura' and on the other mulberry materials. The percentage of cocoon spinning was higher than 90% in all treatments, with the spinning concentrating in the first two days. The proportion of first grade cocoons varied from 80% (SK4) to 90%. The results obtained with the studied cultivars were either similar or superior to that of the standard cultivar Miura with emphasis to 'SK 4', thus showing the potential use of these cultivars in sericulture in the state of Paraná.

We have studied the crude methanolic extract (CME), some fractions (hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate) and four pure compounds: eupomatenoid-3 (1), eupomatenoid-5 (2), conocarpan (3) and orientin (4), from Piper solmsianum, for possible antifungal activity against 12 pathogenic fungi. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined and the experiments showed that the CME exhibited antifungal action against all the dermatophytes tested, with MIC values of between 20 microg/ml to 60 microg/ml. Similar activity also was verified for the hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. However, the starting material (CME), and all the fractions, did not exert inhibitory effect against hyaline hyphomycetes and were only discretely active against the zigomycetes and yeasts. Compounds 2, 3 and 4 also exhibited pronounced activity against all the dermatophytes tested (MIC< or =1 to 9 microg/ml) with potency as high as the standard antifungal drug (ketoconazole). Compound 3 also exhibited activity against all the yeasts tested. In conclusion, the antifungal activity of P. solmsianum seems to be related mainly to the presence of compounds 2, 3 (neolignans) and 4 (flavonoid), however it was verified that another active compound, as yet unidentified, exists in the plant.

The objective of this work was to test and compare different techniques used in tests for compatibility between the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuill and phytosanitary products, in order to develop a protocol for in vitro tests. Four modes of contact were studied between B bassiana (CG432) and the fungicides iprodione (Rovral) 500 g litre(-1) SC) and azoxystrobin (Amistar) 500 g kg(-1) WG), and the insecticide endosulfan (Thiodan) 350 g litre(-1) EC), at three rates. The techniques consisted in incorporating the products into the culture medium (IM), combining the conidia into the products mix (MP) and spraying the products before (SB) and after (SA) inoculation of the fungus on Petri dishes. The fungitoxic effect of the products was studied on the basis of parameters such as germination, colony-forming units (CFUs), vegetative growth and sporulation. The effect of azoxystrobin on conidial germination was significantly higher in the IM technique than in the other techniques. With regard to CFUs, the IM and SB techniques showed the greatest differences relative to the control. Vegetative growth and sporulation were more affected when azoxystrobin was sprayed before the fungus was applied. At the commercial rate, iprodione had a greater effect on the CFU parameter in the IM and MP techniques, and on vegetative growth in the IM technique, than the other techniques used; however, there was no significant difference occurred between the techniques at the commercial rate with respect to germination and sporulation. Endosulfan was more toxic to germination in techniques SB and SA, and to the CFUs parameter in techniques IM and MP. As to vegetative growth and sporulation, regardless of rate, a more pronounced effect was observed in IM than in the other techniques. It can be inferred that there are differences between techniques and that a standardization of the compatibility tests is necessary. Another inference is that these techniques should reflect realistic exposure of the fungus to chemical formulations under field conditions., (Copyright 2005 Society of Chemical Industry)

The present study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and investigate the antinociceptive effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora cincinnata leaves (HEPCL) in different animal models of nociception. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of compounds such as orientin, rutin, vitexin, quercetin, apigenin, epicatechin, catechin, and gallic acid in the chemical of the chemical composition of the extract. The oral administration of HEPCL induced significant analgesia in different nociception models, including acetic acid-induced abdominal contortions, licking response induced by formalin, capsaicin, and glutamate, hot-plate test, tail-flick test, and mechanical nociception, which suggests that the extract components might act through multiple antinociceptive mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile 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.)

The botanical insecticide market is growing because of limitations placed on the use of certain synthetic chemical insecticides. In this sense, the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the main poultry pest. The insect causes weight loss and damage to the digestive system of poultry, and it is a vector and reservoir of pathogens. Consequently, this study explored the following hypotheses: (i) essential oils (EOs) derived from Mentha spp. are toxic to A. diaperius; (ii) these EOs are compatible with Beauveria bassiana, the natural enemy of the poultry pest, that parasite A. diaperinus; (iii) these EOs also exhibit activity against bacteria that are pathogenic to poultry. In topical applications and ingestion tests, EOs from Mentha arvensis, Mentha spicata, and Mentha piperita were toxic to A. diaperinus. Chromatographic analyses revealed that menthol is the predominant compound in M. arvensis and M. piperita, whereas carvone is the major compound in M. spicata. Both (-)- and (+)-menthol, along with (-)- and (+)-carvone, underwent testing with A. diaperinus. Nevertheless, their activity was not as potent as those of the EOs, suggesting a possible synergistic and/or additive effect. The EOs did not have any adverse effects on the conidial germination, vegetative growth, or conidia production per colony of the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. Consequently, these EOs are compatible with this natural enemy. The EO extracted from M. spicata exhibited significant toxicity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), whereas the remaining EOs displayed moderate toxicity against this bacterium. The EOs derived from Mentha spp., as assessed in this study, hold promise for the development of botanical insecticides tailored for the control of A. diaperinus. These insecticides are selective in favor of the natural enemy B. bassiana and can also serve as effective sanitizers, thanks to their antibacterial properties., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

This study evaluated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Vitex polygama. Ethyl acetate and butanol fractions (10-30 mg/kg), obtained from the hydroalcoholic leaf extract, showed an antinociceptive effect in the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test, formalin test and modified hot plate test in mice, indicating a peripheral anti-inflammatory action. Ethyl acetate and butanol fractions were effective in inhibiting nitric oxide and TNF-α production, respectively, in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Both fractions (10-30 mg/kg) showed an acute analgesic effect in mice with vincristine-induced neuropathic pain exposed to a thermal stimulus. Through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-UV-MS/MS) it was possible to identify seven major compounds: isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, isovitexin, O-p-hydroxybenzoyl orientin, O-caffeoyl-orientin, and di-caffeoylquinic acid. Orientin and isoorientin were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction and had their identity confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Glucosyl flavones appear to be the main metabolites responsible for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities observed for V. polygama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rice is one of the most consumed cereals in the world. Productivity losses are caused by different biotic stresses. One of the most common is the phytophagous mite Schizotetranychus oryzae Rossi de Simons (Acari: Tetranychidae), which inhibits plant development and seed production. The identification of plant defense proteins is important for a better understanding of the mite-plant interaction. We previously detected a high expression of Osmotin1 protein in mite-resistant rice cultivars, under infested conditions, suggesting it could be involved in plant defense against mite attack. We therefore aimed to evaluate the responses of three rice lines overexpressing Osmotin1 (OSM1-OE) and three lines lacking the Osmotin1 gene (osm1-ko) to mite attack., Results: The numbers of individuals (adults, immature stages, and eggs) were significantly lower in OSM1-OE lines than those in wild-type (WT) plants. On the other hand, the osm1-ko lines showed larger numbers of mites per leaf than WT plants. When plants reached the full maturity stage, two out of the three infested OSM1-OE lines presented lower plant height than WT, while the three osm1-ko lines (infested or not) presented higher plant height than WT. The reduction in seed number caused by mite infestation was lower in OSM1-OE lines (12-19%) than in WT plants (34%), while osm1-ko lines presented higher reduction (24-54%) in seed number than WT plants (13%)., Conclusion: These data suggest that Osmotin1 is involved in rice resistance to S. oryzae infestation. This is the first work showing increased plant resistance to herbivory overexpressing an Osmotin gene. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.)

The ethyl acetate fraction of the dried aerial parts of Senecio glaucus L. exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against some of selected bacteria and fungi. Also, it showed potent cytotoxicity against PANC-1 cancer cell lines under glucose deficient medium. The ethyl acetate fraction was subjected to different chromatographic techniques for isolation of the bioactive compounds. A new benzofuran glucoside; 2,3-dihydro-3β-hydroxyeuparin 3-O-glucopyranoside (1) was isolated. Additionally, two known flavonoid compounds isorhamentin 3-O-β-D-glucoside (2), and isorhamentin 3-O-β-D-rutinoside (3) were first identified in S. glaucus. Compound 1 exhibited potent antimicrobial activities against two Gram-positive bacteria, one Gram-negative bacteria, and two fungi. Also, it displayed potent cytotoxic activity against PANC-1 cancer cell lines under glucose deficient medium (IC50 7.5 μM). However, the isolated flavonoid glycosides (2 & 3) showed moderate antimicrobial activities against two Gram-positive bacteria, two Gram-negative bacteria, four fungi, and did not show any cytotoxic activity against PANC-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis, is one of the most destructive pests of vegetables, fruits and ornamental crops worldwide, causing extensive damage by direct feeding of the crop and transmitting economically important viruses. Despite the successes of biocontrol agents to control WFT, more efficient and cost-effective ways must be found to encourage grower adoption of integrated pest management. A sustainable fungal treatment was developed to preserve fungal inoculum in potting soil and reduce thrips populations. Combining cooked, oven-dried millet with BotaniGard® (a commercial form of Beauveria bassiana strain GHA) to potting soil increased spore production and persistence of the fungus in the soil. In treated pots with millet, spore concentrations were 3–4 times greater after 30 days compared with spore yields at 10 days. The number of WFT adults was significantly lower in the marigold pots treated with GHA mix + millet than untreated controls, 12% and 10% in treated pots and 70% and 68% in untreated pots in sterile and non-sterile soil, respectively. Incorporation of millet in the potting mix enhanced the effect of the fungal treatments by providing a nutritive substrate on which the fungus could become established. This method is relatively inexpensive and easy for growers to use in greenhouses because granular formulations of B. bassiana are not commercially available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infection with Mycobacterium abscessus is usually chronic and is associated with clarithromycin resistance. Increasing drug resistance is a major public-health problem and has led to the search for new antimycobacterial agents. We evaluated the antimycobacterial activity, toxicity, and synergistic effects of several plant secondary metabolites against M. abscessus. Methods: Twenty-three compounds were evaluated for antimycobacterial activity against thirty M. abscessus clinical isolates by broth microdilution to determine their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Toxicity was evaluated using red and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs). The compounds were used in combination with clarithromycin to investigate the possibility of synergistic activity. Results: Five out of twenty-three compounds (RL008, RL009, RL011, RL012 and RL013) exhibited interesting antimycobacterial activity against M. abscessus, with MIC values ranging from <1 to >128 mg/mL. These extracts did not induce hemolytic effect on RBCs and displayed low toxicity against WBCs. The five least-toxic compounds were tested for synergism with clarithromycin against seven isolates with inducible clarithromycin resistance and seven with acquired clarithromycin resistance. The best synergistic results against these isolates were observed for RL008 and RL009 (8/14 isolates; 57%). Conclusions: This study demonstrated antimycobacterial and synergistic activities of pure compounds extracted from medicinal plants against clarithromycin-resistant M. abscessus. This synergistic action, together with clarithromycin, may be effective for treating infections and should be further studied for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Piperaceae family is recognized for its diverse biological properties such as antifungal, antibacterial, cytotoxic and insecticidal activities. Phytochemical investigation of inflorescences from P. cumanense led to the isolation and identification of a new 4-chromanone called oxocumanensic acid, along with five known benzoic acid derivatives. The antifungal activity was evaluated against six phytopathogenic fungi by a mycelium growth inhibition test. All compounds were active against the phytopathogenic fungi, showing a greater activity against fungi of Fusarium genus. Finally, phytotoxicity was evaluated in the extract and its chemical constituents, finding that the natural substances are less toxic than the positive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mikania laevigata leaves are used worldwide as herbal medicines. Our study investigates the production differences among three different genotypes of this herb: the genotypes' influence on the essential oil yield, chemical composition, and the plant tissues involved in the secretion of the chemical compounds produced by the leaves. The study performed the analysis during the summer and winter seasons. Plants were grown under an organic cultivation system in Oratórios, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometer. The analysis highlighted substantial genetic variability among the genotypes. The genotype CENARGEN showed higher biomass production, oil yield, and a high concentration of major constituents detected by chromatographic analysis in essential oils, such as germacrene D and caryophyllene oxide. The season affected the chemical composition of the essential oils. Germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene were the major constituents in the winter-essential-oils; spatulenol and caryophyllene oxide were the major constituents in the summer-essential-oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: 4‐Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) plays an important role in addressing the issue of plant protection research. This study sheds new light on the differences in molecular scaffold from commercialized HPPD inhibitors. RESULTS: The compounds A1‐A18 and B1‐B27 were synthesized for in vitro and greenhouse experiments. The greenhouse experiment data indicated that compounds B14 and B18 displayed excellent herbicidal activity, which was higher compared to that of mesotrione. In vitro testing indicated that the compounds were HPPD inhibitors. Moreover, molecular simulation results show that the compounds B14, B18, and mesotrione shared similar interplay with surrounding residues, which led to a perfect interaction with the active site of Arabidopsis thaliana HPPD. Based on crop selectivity results, compounds B14 and B18 were selected for maize studies (injury≤10%), indicating its potential for weed control in maize fields. CONCLUSION: These results showed that the pyrazole‐benzofuran structure could be used as possible lead compounds for the development of HPPD inhibitors. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Defence responses of cyst nematode and/or wheat curl mite infested barley engage the altered reactive oxygen species production, antioxidant machinery, carbon dioxide assimilation and photosynthesis efficiency. The primary aim of this study was to determine how barley responds to two pests infesting separately or at once; thus barley was inoculated with Heterodera filipjevi (Madzhidov) Stelter (cereal cyst nematode; CCN) and Aceria tosichella Keifer (wheat curl mite; WCM). To verify hypothesis about the involvement of redox metabolism and photosynthesis in barley defence responses, biochemical, photosynthesis efficiency and chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements as well as transmission electron microscopy were implemented. Inoculation with WCM (apart from or with CCN) brought about a significant suppression in the efficiency of electron transport outside photosystem II reaction centres. This limitation was an effect of diminished pool of rapidly reducing plastoquinone and decreased total electron carriers. Infestation with WCM (apart from or with CCN) also significantly restricted the electron transport on the photosystem I acceptor side, therefore produced reactive oxygen species oxidized lipids in cells of WCM and double infested plants and proteins in cells of WCM-infested plants. The level of hydrogen peroxide was significantly decreased in double infested plants because of glutathione–ascorbate cycle involvement. The inhibition of nitrosoglutathione reductase promoted the accumulation of S-nitrosoglutathione increasing antioxidant capacity in cells of double infested plants. Moreover, enhanced arginase activity in WCM-infested plants could stimulate synthesis of polyamines participating in plant antioxidant response. Infestation with WCM (apart from or with CCN) significantly reduced the efficiency of carbon dioxide assimilation by barley leaves, whereas infection only with CCN expanded photosynthesis efficiency. These were accompanied with the ultrastructural changes in chloroplasts during CCN and WCM infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canarium patentinervium leaves are used by the local indigenous people of Malaysia for wound healing. The current study is undertaken to screen the comprehensive antibacterial activity of the leaves and barks extracts, fractions and isolated compounds from this plant. Bioassay guided fractionation was also undertaken to deeply evaluate the antibacterial activity of the water fraction of the leaves extract. This is to provide preliminary scientific evidence to the ethnopharmacology usage of this plant by investigating antibacterial properties of the plant and its isolated constituents. Methods: Bio-assay guided fractionation and subsequent isolation of compounds using open column chromatography. The antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative ATCC strain and resistant clinical strains were evaluated using microtiter broth dilution method to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and time-kill assay. The chemical structure of the isolated compounds from the water fraction of the ethanol extract of leaves was elucidated using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Results: The ethanol extract of the leaves and barks showed antimicrobial activity against all four ATCC and eight clinical isolates. The ethanol extract of the leaves and the corresponding water fraction had good activity against MRSA S. aureus. (MIC: 250 μg/ml) and had bactericidal effect on eight of the clinical strains (MSSA,MRSA, oxacillin-resistant CONS, oxacillin-sensitive CONS, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiela species, Kleb pneumoniae ESBL and Candida parapsilosis). Further phytochemical investigation of the water fraction of the crude ethanol extract of leaves afforded compound 7 (hyperin) and compound 8 (cynaroside) that had bactericidal activity against tested bacterial species (MIC 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml). The two compounds were isolated from this genus for the first time. Conclusions: These results may provide a rational support for the traditional use of Canarium patentinervium Miq. in infections and wound healing, since the antimicrobial compounds isolated were also present in the leaves extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocimum, commonly known as Tulsi, is a huge genus within family Lamiaceae, comprising about 64 species of annual to perennial aromatic medicinal herbs with a long history of traditional uses. The aromatic plants of the genus Ocimum have long been used as flavouring agents, as well as diverse medicinal applications. Our comprehensive review covers the published literature through the period from 1961 to April 2019 and provides a complete survey of nearly all the studied species up to date. Additionally, all related taxonomic data, geographical distribution as well as different traditional uses are discussed here in details. The major chemical classes within the genus Ocimum include flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenes. The bioactivities of various extracts or individual compounds, both in vitro and in vivo, include antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic and antioxidant. This comprehensive review will serve as a database for future research and drug development from the genus Ocimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the use of synthetic herbicides has been increasing, mainly in emerging countries. However, their intensive and indiscriminate application is a major cause of environmental pollution and human health injury. Therefore, there is an increasing need to develop new herbicides with safer toxicological and environmental profiles. A promising strategy is to synthesize new molecules containing the core of natural products as a template for the production of 'bio‐inspired' or 'natural‐like' herbicides. RESULTS: The potential herbicidal activity of some benzofuran‐2‐acetic esters was assessed in vitro on Arabidopsis thaliana, a model species. All five molecules (M1‐M5) showed significant phytotoxic activity, reducing both shoot and root system at low concentrations. In particular, methyl 2‐(5‐methoxybenzofuran‐2‐yl)hexanoate (M3) exhibited the highest phytotoxicity displayed against two crops and weeds, monocots (Zea mays L. and E. crus‐galli) and dicots (Lactuca sativa L. and Amaranthus retroflexus L.). The M3 activity was also compared with glyphosate, a common herbicide, showing a lower but similar activity. Moreover, the results evidenced that M3 was more effective in post‐emergency. CONCLUSION: Readily synthesizable benzofuran‐2‐acetic esters possessing the benzofuran ring as 'bio‐inspired' core, show significant herbicidal activity making them very efficient even at low concentrations. They can be sprayed in liquid form, and the addition of adjuvants can improve penetration through the leaf cuticle. These results confirm the importance of these molecules as models for the development of new natural‐like herbicides. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajuga chamaepitys is a small herbaceous annual or biannual plant that belongs to Lamiaceae family. It grows in Europe and Eastern parts of the Mediterranean. One of the ethno-pharmacological uses of this plant is its use as a painkiller. In the present experimental work, the antinociceptive effect of the methanolic extract of A. chamaepitys collected from Jordan was investigated using chemical and thermal models of pain in mice. A. chamaepitys extract decreased significantly the number of writhes that were induced in mice by the injection of 1% acetic acid compared to negative control group. The inhibitory effect produced by 300 mg/kg of the extract given i.p was comparable to that of 300 mg/kg aspirin. The i.p administration of 450 mg/kg A. chamaepitys caused a remarkable decrease in paw licking time during the early and late phases of formalin test. Furthermore, the latency time increased in hot plate test but not in tail flick test in animals that were treated i.p with 300 mg/kg A. chamaepitys extract compared to control animals. The involvement of opioid receptor was proven in formalin and hot-plate tests by abolishing the effect of A. chamaepitys extract by pretreatment with naloxone, an opioid antagonist. LC-MS analysis resulted in the identification of 19 compounds. Isovitexin, orientin, flavonol, and cyanidin were the major compounds. Our results suggest that the methanolic extract of A. chamaepitys has pronounced antinociceptive effects, which provide the scientific basis of the traditional therapeutic use of A. chamaepitys in folk medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green mould disease causes serious economic losses in Pleurotus ostreatus crops worldwide, including in Italy, where prochloraz is the only chemical fungicide allowed to control the disease. The effectiveness of the doses 0.01, 0.05, 0.25 and 1.25 μL L−1 (field dose) of prochloraz (Sponix Flow, 450 g L−1), against colony growth rate and spore germination of Trichoderma pleuroti, T. pleuroticola and T. guizhouense strains on wheat straw extract agar plates were evaluated. Complete inhibition of Trichoderma pleuroti and T. pleuroticola growth was shown by the field dose of prochloraz, and also by the 0.25 μL L−1 dose for T. pleuroti. Complete inhibition of spore germination occurred for all Trichoderma strains at field dose, and at 0.25 μL L−1 for T. pleuroti strains. In in vivo assays, the effect of prochloraz doses 0.05, 0.25 and 1.25 μL L−1 on colonization of straw substrate by T. pleuroti, T. pleuroticola and T. guizhouense inoculated at two spore densities (102 and 105 spores mL−1) immediately after P. ostreatus spawn was studied. Trichoderma pleuroti and T. pleuroticola were both responsible for green mould disease, whereas T. guizhouense was not pathogenic. Trichoderma pleuroti was more aggressive than T. pleuroticola. Prochloraz was effective against T. pleuroti at the field dose, and against T. pleuroticola at 0.25 and 1.25 μL L−1. The study on Trichoderma × Pleurotus interaction type showed that Trichoderma species were active against the mycelial growth of P. ostreatus by competition for space and nutrients, and neither hyphal interaction nor effect by volatile or nonvolatile metabolites occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of finding new antifungal natural compounds against plant pathogens, the methanol extract of Desmodium triflorum was investigated phytochemically. From n -butanol-soluble fraction, seven compounds ( 1 - 7 ) were isolated and structurally elucidated. Of which, six compounds belong to flavone 6- or 8- C -glycoside class ( 1 - 6 ). Three major compounds ( 1 - 3 ) exhibited moderate in vitro antifungal activity against Sclerotium rolfsii , Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense , and Phytophthora palmivora. Compound 1 (IC 50 = 162.1 μg/mL) was most active against S. rolfsii in a dose-dependent manner. At 300 μg/mL, compounds 1 and 2 significantly inhibited P. palmivora , whereas compound 3 lacked effectiveness. In addition, the nanoemulsion of the methanol extract with a droplet size of 12.2 nm displayed an excellent inhibition against S. rolfsii and P. palmivora compared with the normal extract. The presence of 1 (0.846%) and 2 (0.759%) in the methanol extract may attribute to the antifungal activity of D. triflorum . These results proved the potential of D. triflorum and its C-glycoside flavonoids against phytopathogenic fungi for the first time. Besides, an enhancement in the effectiveness of nanoemulsion containing D. triflorum extract against the fungi was confirmed. The structural characteristics of 1 and 2 could be considered to develop new fungicidal substances in the future., (© 2022 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Spider mites, a cosmopolitan pest of agricultural and landscape plants, thrive under hot and dry conditions, which could become more frequent and extreme due to climate change. Recent work has shown that neonicotinoids, a widely used class of systemic insecticides that have come under scrutiny for non-target effects, can elevate spider mite populations. Both water-stress and neonicotinoids independently alter plant resistance against herbivores. Yet, the interaction between these two factors on spider mites is unclear, particularly for Banks grass mite (Oligonychus pratensis; BGM). We conducted a field study to examine the effects of water-stress (optimal irrigation = 100% estimated evapotranspiration (ET) replacement, water stress = 25% of the water provided to optimally irrigated plants) and neonicotinoid seed treatments (control, clothianidin, thiamethoxam) on resident mite populations in corn (Zea mays, hybrid KSC7112). Our field study was followed by a manipulative field cage study and a parallel greenhouse study, where we tested the effects of water-stress and neonicotinoids on BGM and plant responses. We found that water-stress and clothianidin consistently increased BGM densities, while thiamethoxam-treated plants only had this effect when plants were mature. Water-stress and BGM herbivory had a greater effect on plant defenses than neonicotinoids alone, and the combination of BGM herbivory with the two abiotic factors increased the concentration of total soluble proteins. These results suggest that spider mite outbreaks by combinations of changes in plant defenses and protein concentration are triggered by water-stress and neonicotinoids, but the severity of the infestations varies depending on the insecticide active ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased incidence of fungal infections, associated with the widespread use of antifungal drugs, has resulted in the development of resistance, making it necessary to discover new therapeutic alternatives. Among fungal infections, dermatophytoses constitute a serious public health problem, affecting 20-25 % of the world population. Medicinal plants represent an endless source of bioactive molecules, and their volatile and non-volatile extracts are clearly recognized for being the historical basis of therapeutic health care. Because of this, the research on natural products with antifungal activity against dermatophytes has considerably increased in recent years. However, despite the recognized anti-dermatophytic potential of natural products, often advantageous face to commercial drugs, there is still a long way to go until their use in therapeutics. This review attempts to summarize the current status of anti-dermatophytic natural products, focusing on their mechanism of action, the developed pharmaceutical formulations and their effectiveness in human and animal models of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Rubiaceae family has played a significant role in drug discovery by providing molecules with potential use as templates for the development of therapeutic drugs. This study was designed to study the in vitro synergistic effect of six Rubiaceae species in combination with a known anti-TB drug. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of these species were also evaluated to investigate additional benefits in antimycobacterial treatment. Methods: The checkerboard method was used to determine the antimycobacterial synergistic activity of plant extracts combined with rifampicin. The antioxidant activity of extracts was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production was performed in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages using the Griess assay. Results: Combination of rifampicin with the crude extracts resulted in a 4 to 256-fold increase of activity of extracts. The crude extract of Cremaspora triflora produced the best synergistic effect with rifampicin, with a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.08 against Mycobacterium aurum. Extracts of Psychotria zombamontana had the best antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 1.77 µg/mL, lower than the IC50 of trolox and ascorbic acid (5.67 µg/mL and 4.66 µg/mL respectively). All the extracts tested inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in a concentration dependent manner with the percentage of inhibition varying from 6.73 to 86.27 %. Conclusion: Some of the Rubiaceae species investigated have substantial in vitro synergistic effects with rifampicin and also good free radical scavenging ability and anti-inflammatory activity. These preliminary results warrant further study on these plants to determine if compounds isolated from these species could lead to the development of bioactive compounds that can potentiate the activity of rifampicin even against resistant mycobacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Electronic Journal of Pharmacy / Revista Eletrônica de Farmácia is the property of Revista Eletronica de Farmacia 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.)

In Poland Scorzonera hispanica L. is rare in the wild. This species is used as a vegetable and medicinal plant. Currently, attempts are being made to introduce this plant into cultivation in Poland. In this study, comparative analyses were conducted of the epidermis surface micromorphology and anatomical structure of the leaves of S. hispanica 'Maxima' and 'Meres'. The investigations were performed using fluorescence, light and scanning electron microscopy. The cuticle on the surface of epidermal cells is smooth or striated. In the epidermis, there are anomocytic stomata. The stomatal index in the epidermis of the studied cultivars is 9.3-11%. In the midrib of the leaf, there is an aerial cavity which occupies a substantial area. In this place, cracking and breaking of the leaf blade were observed. Over the aerial cavity under the adaxial epidermis, there is a single layer of collenchyma cells and 1-2 rows of parenchyma cells. Tangential collenchyma is also present between the abaxial epidermis and large vascular bundles located in the midrib and on both sides of the large vascular bundles in the lamina. This tissue strengthens the leaf margin. The mesophyll cells located in the abaxial epidermis of the midrib form protrusions surrounding the large vascular bundles. The leaves of S. hispanica represent the equifacial type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel series of dihydro benzofuro[3,2- e]isoxazolo[4,5- b]azepin-5(5 aH)-ones 6 have been synthesized from 3,5-dimethyl-4-nitroisoxazole 1. Compound 1 on treatment with salicyl aldehydes afforded the corresponding nitrostyrylisoxazoles 3, which upon reaction with ethyl bromo acetate followed by cyclization with triethylamine furnished ethyl 2,3-dihydro-3-[(3-methyl-4-nitro-5-isoxazolyl)methyl]benzofuran-2-carboxylates 5. Reductive cyclization of compounds 5 was effected with SnCl-MeOH to give the title compounds 6. Compounds 4- 6 were characterized by IR, H NMR, C NMR and Mass spectral data. The title compounds 6a- g were evaluated for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, LOX-5 inhibitory, and analgesic activity. Compounds 6b and 6c exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities as that of standard drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tree-step computational approach has been applied to determine the lowest-energy conformers of luteolin-4′-O-β-D-glucoside (L4′G). Fifty-seven starting structures of the L4′G have been built, and then by performing with density functional theory (DFT) optimizations and second-order Møller-Plesset (MP2) calculations, the preferred conformations of L4′G are predicted. In order to test the accuracy of the computational approach, a hybrid Monte-Carlo multiple minimum (MCMM)/quantum mechanical (QM) approach is applied to determine the favorable conformers of L4′G. The alternative classification is employed to put similar conformations into the same catalogue according to the dihedral angles among the luteolin rings, glycosidic dihedral angles, and the orientations of hydroxyl and hydroxymethyl groups. The low-energy conformations are located after the optimizations at the HF/6-31G(d) and B3LYP/6-311+G(d) levels. Compared with the hybrid MCMM/QM approach, the tree-step computational approach not only remains accurate but also saves a lot of computing resources. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The in vitro effect of six commonly used herbicides viz., amidosulfuron, dicamba, metribuzin, pyridate, S-metolachlor and tembotrione on mycelial growth of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveriabassiana (ATCC 74040) was investigated. Mycelial growthrates at 15 and 25°C were evaluated on PDA plates containing 100, 75, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 0% of the recommended application rate of each selected herbicide. The tested herbicides were classified in 4 scoring categories based on reduction of mycelial growth in toxicity tests. RESULTS All six herbicides had a fungistatic effect of varying intensities, dependent on their rate in medium, on B. bassiana. The present study showed that B. bassiana is sensitive to all tested herbicides, particularly at recommended as well as lower field rates. Metribuzin, S-metolachlor and tembotrione had a strong fungistatic effect on mycelial growth even at rates 25 and 12.5%.Pyridate was slightly harmful, depending on the rate and temperature. Dicamba and amidosulfuron had slight effect on mycelial growth. Sporulation and conidial germination of B. bassiana were significantly inhibited by all tested herbicides. Amidosulfuron and dicamba, both at 100% rate, had the lowest inhibitory effect on sporulation, i.e. 24% and 44%, respectively. Other herbicides in test showed much higher inhibitory effect on sporulation (69-95%). With exception of dicamba with 33% of conidial germination inhibition all other herbicides in test inhibited conidial germination for 70-100%. At 200% dosage, inhibition rates even increased. CONCLUSION Of all tested herbicides, amidosulfuron and dicamba showed the least adverse effects and are therefore probably compatible with B. bassiana in the field.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compatibility of the Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin isolate ICIPE 69, which is being developed as a biopesticide for the control of Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, was assessed under laboratory conditions with 12 agrochemicals including 5 insecticides (thiamethoxam, L-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, diazinon), 1botanical insecticide (azadirachtin), 2 acaricides (abamectin, spiromesifen), and 3 fungicides (carbendazim, copper hydroxide, probineb) used in French bean production. The insecticides abamectin and imidacloprid were highly compatible with M. anisopliae; thiamethoxam was compatible, whereas azadirachtin and L-cyahalothrin were toxic to the fungus, adversely affecting vegetative growth and sporulation. The acaricide spiromesifen was moderately toxic, while the fungicides carbendazim, probineb, and copper-hydroxide were very toxic to the fungus. The combination of the M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 with imidacloprid or thiamethoxam did not result in any synergistic or antagonistic effects to larvae of F. occidentalis. However, the combination of lower concentrations of the fungus with thiamethoxam resulted in a shorter lethal time (LT50) compared with individual treatments. Our results suggest that application of the fungus with agrochemicals has to be assessed carefully prior to any field intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The antinociceptive properties of some fractions and two pure compounds, conocarpan and orientin, obtained from P. solmsianum leaves were investigated in several models of pain in mice. The results indicated that this plant exhibits a promising antinociceptive profile, as it produces active principles which are several times more active than some reference drugs used for comparison. The main compound tested, orientin, caused potent and dose-dependent effects against acetic acid-induced writhing and capsaicin- and glutamate-induced nociception, being more effective against the first one, with an ID value of 6.5 mg/kg (14.5 µmol/kg). Orientin was about 20-fold more potent than acetylsalicylic acid and 3.5-fold more active than indomethacin. The antinociceptive effects of this plant may be attributed, at least partially, to the presence of conocarpan and, in particular, to the flavonoid orientin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Fungal entomopathogens have been developed in numerous countries as biocontrol agents with more than 100 mycoinsecticide products commercially available in 2006. The chief, perhaps sole, use of these mycoinsecticides has been as inundative agents, within a chemical paradigm. Large numbers of propagules are applied in an attempt to overwhelm by brute force many of the factors that keep a pathogen in nonepizootic equilibrium with its host. This review attempts to summarize what we know about the abiotic and biotic factors that affect the efficacy of these mycoinsecticides in both foliar and soil applications. Sunlight, humidity, temperature, and phylloplane-associated factors can affect both immediate efficacy and persistence on plants. Likewise, soil texture-moisture interactions, temperature, and a host of biotic factors can affect mycoinsecticides in the soil. Despite much research, our understanding of these ecological aspects is imperfect, especially in a holistic, dynamic sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]