Research to identify plant bioactive compounds led to the evolution of extraction methods. This study optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to extract the flavonoids of Croton grewioides Baill. species contributing to characterize the polar extract profile and understand the antioxidant potential of these plant constituents. The use of experimental design and statistical treatments enabled the determination of the ideal conditions for each technique. The extracts of five accessions of C. grewioides were obtained under the optimized extraction conditions and were analyzed using ultra high-resolution mass spectrometry (FT-Orbitrap MS) operating at negative ionization mode for flavonoids detection. The accurate experimental mass obtained to the main compounds was used to attribute the molecular formula. Chemical structures of the main compounds detected were proposed using structure data bases. Chemometric analysis were performed with two FT-Orbitrap MS spectra samples using the identified metabolites and, the antioxidant activity data, showing that for this species the MAE was most effective in extracting the antioxidant compounds. It was possible to propose the structures for forty compounds in the C. grewioides extracts, demonstrating the excellent performance of the FT-Orbitrap MS in providing information on the chemical profile of polar compounds in plant extracts. methods ultrasoundassisted ultrasound assisted UAE (UAE microwaveassisted microwave (MAE Baill constituents technique C highresolution high resolution FTOrbitrap FT Orbitrap detection formula bases

Croton grewioides Baill. popularly known as “canelinha” or “canelinha-de-cheiro” has been used for the treatment of influenza, antitussive, febrifuge and headache; however, the study of its phytochemical composition is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the extraction method and seasonality through leaf extracts of four accessions of Croton grewioides by fingerprint chromatograms aided by principal component analysis to analyze the differences and similarities among the samples. We aimed also to provide chemical characterization of isolated secondary metabolites using semi-preparative liquid chromatography. The results showed that only the chemical profile of the methanolic extracts of accessions 101 and 113 were influenced by the seasonality. For the first time, four flavonoids were isolated through semi-preparative chromatography in this species, characterized as quercetin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside-(1→6)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), quercetin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-apiopyranoside-(1→6)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-glucopyranoside (3) and 3-O-methyl-quercetin (4), the flavonoid (2) has been recognized as a new triglycosylated derivative.

The methodology developed in this study through the acquisition of fingerprint chromatograms by liquid chromatography-diode array detector (LC-DAD), aided by principal component analysis, made it possible to assess, in a rational way, the chemical differences between six accessions of Lippia alba and to verify the influence of the method of extraction, the seasonality and the individuality of each accession on chemical composition of its extracts. Among all extracts analyzed against cancer cell lines, eight of them showed to be more promising against a human leukemia cell line (HL-60), displaying cell growth inhibition percentage ranging between 40.0 and 52.0%. In the inhibitory activity assays against acetylcholinesterase enzyme, all extracts showed weak inhibitory effect, with highlight only for six of them, which displayed inhibition ranging between 27.0 and 32.0%.

The genus Lippia comprises approximately 200 species of herbs, shrubs and small trees, distributed throughout the South and Central America and tropical Africa. The species Lippia gracilis Schauer is an endemic aromatic plant of the Brazilian Northeast normally found in the states of Bahia, Sergipe and Piauí. The traditional communities of Caatinga, a semi-arid region of the Brazilian Northeast, use its leaves to treat throat and mouth infections, cutaneous diseases, ulcers, vagina disorders, acne, Pityriasis alba, dandruff, burns, wounds, sinusitis, bronchitis, nasal congestion, headache, jaundice and paralysis. Considering that the main investigations into the L. gracilis Schauer species are focused on its volatile constituents, in this report, we describe the isolation, by liquid chromatography with diode array detector-solid phase extraction/nuclear magnetic resonance (LC-DAD-SPE/NMR), of five flavonoids besides free and glycosidically bound carvacrol from an infusion of the leaves of a genotype of this species.

Insecticidal activity of essential oils of Pelargonium graveolens, Lippia alba and compounds geraniol, linalool, 1,8-cineole, limonene, carvone, citral and Azamax® were evaluated against Spodoptera frugiperda. Topical application assay showed essential oil of P. graveolens has acute toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae (third instar) with LD50 1.13 µg/mg per insect and LD90 2.56 µg/mg per insect. Three essential oils of L. alba also exhibited insecticidal activity with LD50 ranging from 1.20 to 1.56 µg/mg per insect and LD90 from 2.60 to 3.75 µg/mg per insect. Geraniol, linalool, carvone and citral caused significant mortality of 30, 90, 84 and 64% respectively, compared to negative control. The bioinsecticide, Azamax®, caused lower mortality than the compounds of the essential oils.

Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty, Poaceae, is a plant widely used in northeast Brazil in folk medicine for the treatment of various pathological conditions, including inflammatory pain. The present study evaluated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of C. zizanioides essential oil (EO) in rodents. EO was further characterized by GC/MS. The major components of EO were identified as khusimol (19.57%), E-isovalencenol (13.24%), α-vetivone (5.25%), β-vetivone (4.87%) and hydroxy-valencene (4.64%). Following intraperitoneal injection (i.p.), EO at 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of writhes (51.9 and 64.9%, respectively) and the number of paw licks during phase 2 (56.7 and 86.2%, respectively) of a formalin model when compared to control group animals. However, EO-treated mice were ineffective at all doses in hot-plate and rota-rod tests. The EO inhibited the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity in a dose-dependent manner (34.7, 35.4, and 62.5% at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively). In the paw edema test, the EO (100 mg/kg) inhibited all three phases of the edema equally well, suggesting that the EO has a non-selective inhibitory effect on the release or actions of these mediators. Our results suggest possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the EO.

Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae, is an herb with great growth prospects in the cosmetic industry due to its essential oil. In order to improve its production, it is necessary to study related agricultural practices. This study evaluated the effect of organic and mineral fertilization on the chemical composition of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) essential oil. The assay was conducted at the "Fazenda Experimental do Glória" of the Federal University of Uberlândia, and essential oil extraction and GC/MS analyses were completed by the Centre for Research and Development on Plant Genetic Resources of the Campinas Agronomic Institute. The assay was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The tested treatments were six types of fertilization (0, 1, 2, 4, 8 kg.m-2 of cattle manure and mineral fertilizing with 60 g.m-2 of NPK 4-14-8 + 4 g.m-2 of boric acid) with four replications. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation in a modified Clevenger apparatus. The chemical composition was analyzed by GC/MS. The essential oil presented the same compounds for all treatments; however, the relative proportion of some chemical constituents was altered according to the treatment. Neral, geranial, and citronellal were the major constituents.

C. citratus é utilizada na medicina popular para tratar hipertensão. Este trabalho investigou a composição química e os efeitos cardiovasculares do óleo essencial do C. citratus (OECC). Foram identificados oito constituintes no OECC, sendo geranial o majoritário (43,08%). Em ratos, o OECC (1, 5, 10 e 20 mg/kg, i.v.) induziu hipotensão e bradicardia que foram atenuadas pela atropina e tiopental sódico, mas não por L-NAME ou indometacina. Em anéis de artéria mesentérica de ratos pré-contraídos com fenilefrina, o OECC (1 a 3000 µg/mL) induziu relaxamento que não foi afetado após remoção do endotélio, após TEA ou em anéis pré-contraídos com KCl (80 mM). Além disso, o OECC (1000 µg/mL) não induziu efeito adicional sobre o relaxamento máximo da nifedipina (10 µM). Em conclusão, o OECC induz hipotensão possivelmente devido à redução da resistência vascular que pode ser causada por inibição do influxo de Ca2+, e bradicardia provavelmente devido à ativação de receptores muscarínicos cardíacos.

Cymbopogon citratus DC. Stapf, Poaceae, is used in the folk medicine for hypertension treatment. This work investigated the chemical composition and cardiovascular effects in rats of C. citratus essential oil (EOCC). A phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of eight constituents, being geranial the major compound (43.08%). In rats, EOCC (1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, i.v.) induced transient hypotension and bradycardia that were attenuated by atropine and sodium thiopental, but not by L-NAME or indomethacin. In rings of rat superior mesenteric artery pre-contracted with phenylephrine, EOCC (1 to 3000 µg/mL) induced relaxation that was not affected after removal of the endothelium, after TEA or in rings pre-contracted with KCl (80 mM). Furthermore, EOCC (1000 µg/mL) was not able to induce additional effect on maximal relaxation of nifedipine (10 µM). In conclusions, EOCC induces hypotension, possibly by reduction in vascular resistance caused by inhibition of the Ca2+ influx, and bradycardia probably due to an activation of cardiac muscarinic receptors.

Essential oil was extracted from leaves of Hyptis pectinata using hydrodistillation, and its composition determined using GC-FID and GC-MS. Chemical analysis showed that there was a predominance of sesquiterpenes, of which β-caryophyllene (18.34%), caryophyllene oxide (18.00%) and calamusenone (24.68%) were measured for the first time in the genus Hyptis. Twenty-one compounds were identified, and calamusenone was isolated using preparative thin layer chromatography with a silica gel plate (60 PF254). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal microbicidal concentration (MMC) were determined for various pathogenic microorganisms. H. pectinata oil was most effective against Gram (+) bacteria and yeasts.

Citronela de Java (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) pertence à família Poaceae. Óleo volátil de citronela de Java apresenta atividade repelente, antimicrobiana e acaricida. Sabe-se que fatores agronômicos têm grande efeito sobre a qualidade e quantidade de metabólitos essenciais. Por isso é importante a determinação dos níveis ótimos dos fatores agronômicos que afetem o crescimento e a produção. Horário de colheita e secagem são fatores agronômicos muito importantes. O presente estudo foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental do Departamento de Engenharia Agronômica da Universidade Federal de Sergipe, no período de 2002-2003, usando o delineamento de blocos casualizados e um experimento em esquema fatorial com três repetições. O capim citronela foi cultivado usando espaçamento de 60 cm entre linhas e 60 cm entre plantas. Realizaram-se colheitas de manhã, meio dia e à tarde, às 9:00 h, 12:00 h e 15:00 h, nas quatro estações do ano. Usaram-se folhas frescas e secas no experimento. Para estudar os efeitos do horário de colheita e secagem avaliaram-se as seguintes características: rendimento de biomassa seca e fresca (kg/ha), umidade (%), teor (%) e rendimento (L/ha) de óleo essencial, e a composição química do óleo essencial. Mudanças sazonais apresentaram efeito significativo sobre o rendimento de biomassa fresca e seca, e teor e rendimento de óleo. Rendimentos máximos de óleo essencial foram observados às 9:00 h durante o verão, inverno e primavera. O teor de óleo essencial foi influenciado pela estação doa ano e secagem, mas não foi influenciado pelo horário de colheita.

Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) is member of the Poaceae family. Java citronella volatile oil has been reported to be among the volatile oils, showing repellent, antimycotic, and acaricide activities. It has been known that agronomical factors have a great effect on both the quality and quantity of essential metabolites. For this reason, it is necessary to determine optimum levels of agronomical factors affecting plant growth and production. Harvest time and drying are very important agronomical factors. This study has been conducted in the Research farm of the " Universidade Federal de Sergipe" , Agronomical Engineering Department along 2002-2003 on the base of factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with three replications. Java citronella was cultivated in a 60 x 60 cm space. Early, midday, and late harvest at 9:00 h, 12:00 h, and 15:00 h were conducted on four different seasons. Fresh and dried leaves were used on the experiments. In order to study the effects of harvest time and drying, yields of dry and fresh herbage (kg/ha), moisture content (%), volatile oil content (%) and yield (L/ha), and chemical composition of the volatile oil were measured. Seasonal changes had significant effect on yield of fresh herbage, yield and volatile oil content. Maximum volatile oil yields were observed at 9:00 during summer, winter, and spring. Volatile oil content was influenced by season and drying, but not influenced by harvest time.

Óleo essencial de Ocimum basilicum L. com alta concentração de linalol é valorizado no mercado internacional e amplamente usado na indústria de condimentos e cosméticos. Para garantir excelente qualidade e rendimento de óleo essencial é crucial a determinação do efeito dos fatores ambientais e de processamento na sua composição. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do horário de colheita, da temperatura e do tempo de secagem no teor e na composição química do óleo essencial de O. basilicum. Colheitas foram realizadas aos 40 e 93 dias após transplantio das mudas. Colheitas realizadas às 8:00 h e 12:00 h proporcionaram os maiores rendimentos de óleo essencial. Ao quinto dia de secagem o teor de linalol no óleo essencial subiu de 45,18% para 86,80%. O. basilicum deve ser colhido pela manhã e a biomassa deve ser seca a 40 ºC por um período de cinco dias para obter óleo essencial rico em linalol.

Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil with high concentration of linalool is valuable in international business. O. basilicum essential oil is widely used as seasoning and in cosmetic industry. To assure proper essential oil yield and quality, it is crucial to determine which environmental and processing factors are affecting its composition. The goal of our work is to evaluate the effects of harvesting time, temperature, and drying period on the yield and chemical composition of O. basilicum essential oil. Harvestings were performed 40 and 93 days after seedling transplantation. Harvesting performed at 8:00 h and 12:00 h provided higher essential oil yield. After five days drying, the concentration of linalool raised from 45.18% to 86.80%. O. basilicum should be harvested during morning and the biomass dried at 40ºC for five days to obtain linalool rich essential oil.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de recipientes e composições de substratos na produção de mudas e da altura e intervalo de cortes na produção de melissa (Melissa officinalis L.) em estufa agrícola. No ensaio de mudas empregou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, com três repetições, onde se avaliou cinco composições de vermicomposto (V) e esterco bovino (E) (nas proporções 1V:0E, 2V:1E, 1V:1E, 1V:2E e 0V:1E) e quatro concentrações das composições no pó-de-coco (0; 20; 40 e 60%). No ensaio de altura e intervalo de corte utilizou-se o delineamento blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, com três repetições, em parcelas subdivididas. Nas parcelas foram colocados os quatro intervalos de colheita (8; 9; 10 e 11 semanas após a primeira colheita) e nas subparcelas altura de corte (5 e 10 cm). No ensaio de mudas a presença de vermicomposto nos substratos resultou em mudas vigorosas. Quando se usou 60% de vermicomposto e 40% de pó de coco observou-se maior sistema radicular, seguido pelo substrato 26,7% de vermicomposto, 13,3% de esterco bovino e 60% de pó de coco, que também proporcionou mudas mais altas. No ensaio de altura e intervalo de corte, o corte a 5 cm de altura diminuiu a sobrevivência de plantas rebrotadas e não influenciou o peso seco de folha por planta. A colheita da rebrota pode ser feita 11 semanas após o primeiro corte.

The effect of recipients and substrate compositions was evaluated on seedling production, the height of cutting and harvest interval on the production of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) cultivated in greenhouse. For the transplants trial a randomized experimental design in factorial scheme 5 x 4 with three replications was used. Five compositions of vermicompost (V) and bovine manure (B) (1V:0B; 2V:1B; 1V:1B; 1V:2B; 0V:1B) and four concentrations of the compositions mixed with coconut dust (0; 20; 40; 60%). For the harvest interval essay a completely randomized block experimental design was used, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme with three replications using the split plot model. In the plots four harvest intervals (every 8; 9; 10 and 11 weeks) and in the split-plots two cutting heights (5 and 10 cm) were evaluated. In the seedling essay the presence of vermicompost on the substrate composition resulted in vigorous transplants. Better root system was observed in treatments using 60% of vermicompost and 40% of coconut dust followed by the substrate composed of 26.7% of vermicompost, 13.3% of bovine manure and 60% of coconut dust, which also proportioned highest plant height. In the regrowth essay the cutting at 5 cm of height resulted in a reduction of plant survival, and this fact did not affect the dry matter of leaves per plant. Harvesting of regrowth plants can be carried out eleven weeks after the first cutting.

O manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) pode ser considerado cultura anual ou perene, conforme o local de cultivo. Existem diversas finalidades para seu uso na culinária, como planta ornamental, medicinal e aromática, sendo o seu oleo essencial valorizado no mercado internacional pelo teor de linalol. Caracterizou-se morfológica e agronômicamente, acessos de Ocimum sp. visando a seleção de genótipos com alto rendimento de óleo essencial rico em linalol. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com duas repetições, avaliando 55 genótipos do Banco de Germoplasma de Ocimum da UFS. Avaliou-se a altura de plantas, peso da matéria seca da parte aérea, teor e rendimento de óleo essencial. Observou-se grande diversidade entre os genótipos para todas as variáveis morfológicas e agronômicas avaliadas. Houve grande amplitude entre os genótipos quanto ao teor de óleo essencial, variando de 0,202 a 2,536 ml/100g e para o rendimento de óleo essencial, variando de 1,103 a 21,817 l/ha. Avaliando as variáveis teor e rendimento de óleo essencial de O. basilicum pode-se selecionar os genótipos NSL6421, PI197442, PI358464, PI414194, PI531396 e 'Fino Verde' para o programa de melhoramento genético que visa a obtenção de novas cultivares de manjericão com alto rendimento de óleo essencial rico em linalol.

The sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), can be an annual or a perennial plant depending on the place where it is grown. This plant has several culinary, ornamental, medicinal and aromatic uses. The value of its essential oil in the international market depends on the percentage of linalool. We characterized the morphologic and agronomic qualities of the Ocimum accessions, to select genotypes with higher yield of essential oil rich in linalool. Experiment design consisted of randomized blocks with two replications, evaluating 55 genotypes of the Germplasm Bank of Ocimum from the Universidade Federal do Sergipe, Brazil. The plant height, dry matter of the aerial plant parts, essential oil content and yield were evaluated. A wide diversity among the genotypes was observed for all morphological and agronomical traits evaluated. A large amplitude occurred among genotypes regarding the content of essential oil from 0,202 to 2,536 ml/100g. For the essential oil yield an amplitude from 1,103 to 21,817 l/ha was observed. Evaluating the traits content and yield of O. basilicum essential oil the genotypes NSL6421, PI197442, PI358464, PI414194, PI531396 and 'Fino Verde' can be selected for breeding programs to obtain cultivars with a high yield of essential oil rich in linalool.

Foi avaliado o efeito de diferentes fontes e doses de cálcio sobre a produção e qualidade de frutos de melão híbrido 'Gold Mine' (Cucumis melo var. inodurus). O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, compreendendo cinco doses de cálcio (0; 2,5; 5,0; 7,5 e 10,0 kg/ha de Ca) e duas fontes de cálcio [CaCl2 P.A. (26% Ca) e CaB2 quelatizado (8% Ca)]. As pulverizações foram iniciadas na antese e dirigidas para os frutos e nas folhas próximas aos frutos. O cálcio quelatizado (CaB2) foi mais efetivo no pegamento de fruto, resultando em um número maior de frutos por planta, maior produção comercial, firmeza e espessura de polpa de frutos, quando comparado com o CaCl2. Embora os teores de cálcio na matéria seca da casca e da polpa e açúcares totais dos frutos foram superiores na dosagem de 10,0 kg/ha, esta proporcionou sintomas visuais de fitotoxidez de cálcio na folha. Não houve influência de fontes e de doses de cálcio nos caracteres de pH e sólidos solúveis totais (SST).

The effect of different calcium sources and levels on production and quality of muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) fruits, hybrid 'Gold Mine', stored at room temperature were evaluated. A randomized complete block design was used in a 5x2 factorial scheme, with four replications, consisting of five levels of calcium (0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and 10.0 kg/ha of Ca) and two sources [CaCI2 P.A. (26% Ca) and CaB2 (8% Ca)]. Sprays started at anthesis and were directed to the fruits and to the leaves close to the fruits. The chelated calcium (CaB2) was more efficient on fruit set, which resulted in a greater number of fruits per plant, and provided greater marketable fruit production, firmness and fruit pulp thickness, when compared to CaCl2. At 10 kg/ha of calcium there was higher calcium level in the flesh and skin of fruits and higher total sugar content, but calcium toxicity symptoms were observed. Calcium sources and levels did not affect fruit pH and total soluble solids (TSS).

Cordia verbenacea, popularmente conhecida como erva-baleeira, é uma planta medicinal perene com propriedade antiinflamatória. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da adubação química e da calagem no crescimento e na nutrição da erva-baleeira, mediante a técnica da diagnose por subtração. Foram utilizados no experimento mudas com 40 dias de idade após a emergência das sementes e, cultivadas em vasos com capacidade para 5 dm3 em condições de casa de vegetação. Os tratamentos usados foram: completo (adubado com N, P, K, S, B, Cu, Fe, Zn e calagem); completo sem calagem; completo exceto cada nutriente (N, P, K, S, B, Cu, Fe, Zn) e testemunha (solo natural). Após 120 dias do transplantio observou-se que, no cultivo da erva-baleeira em solos ácidos e de baixa fertilidade, a calagem e a adubação são essenciais para o seu crescimento. No solo utilizado, os nutrientes que apresentaram maiores respostas quanto ao crescimento e nutrição da espécie foram o N, K e B, bem como a calagem.

Cordia verbenacea is popularly known as ‘erva-baleeira’ and is a perennial medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of chemical fertilization and liming on growth and nutrition of C. verbenacea, using the missing element technique. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse using 40 day old seedlings, which were cultivated into 5 dm3 pots. The treatments were: complete (fertilization with N, P, K, S, B, Cu, Fe, Zn and liming); complete without liming; complete missing each nutrient (N, P, K, S, B, Cu, Fe, Zn) and control (natural soil). Evaluation was done 120 days after transplanting. Liming and fertilization are essential for C. verbenacea growth, when cultivated in poor acid soils. For the soil employed in this experiment the nutrients N, K and B, as well as liming, gave best results for C. verbenacea growth and nutrition.