Abstract: The lichen Cladonia salzmannii can influence the arbuscular mycorrhizal formation (AMF) of sandy soils in the Brazilian Northeast, thereby contributing to improved vascular plant growth. The objective of this work was to evaluate how C. salzmannii changes the biological processes of soil in a tropical savannah ecosystem where soils have low nutrient availability, so any lichen-induced effects would be important. The microbial activity, AMF, growth of Genipa americana and chemical-physical characteristics of the soil were analyzed. Soil samples were collected under pillows of lichen thalli or in open spaces without them. Chemical and biological soil attributes were evaluated by analysis of soluble and exchangeable cations, microbial activity and AMF colonization. The presence of barbatic acid (BAR), a major compound of C. salzmannii, was detected in the soil, which positively influenced soil properties. AMF colonization was higher in lichen-covered soil. G. americana seedlings were grown under greenhouse conditions, the experiment was done in a randomized design of 4 inoculation treatments. The inoculated plants with lichens+AMF presented greater growth parameters. The results could indicate that BAR is capable of stimulating the association between plants and AMF, linking the root and the soil system. This arrangement improves a positive feedback loop established between lichen-AMF-vascular plant.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the teratogenic and hepatotoxic potential of the usnic acid encapsulated into PLGA-microspheres. In total, 12 female Wistar rats in pregnancy were randomly distributed in the control group (n= 6) that received 1.0 mL of physiological solution and treatment group (n= 6) that received 25 mg/kg of encapsulated usnic acid by oral administration. All females were euthanized at day 20 of pregnancy and their fetuses were removed and analyzed. During the pregnancy was observed a reduction in weight gain. There was no difference in serum transaminases levels analyzed as well as any difference in liver weight in both groups. The histomorphometric analysis of the liver from the treatment group revealed an increase in number of hepatocytes and a decrease in nuclear area of these cells. Moreover, no alteration was observed in cell area of hepatocytes or number of Kupffer cells. The fetuses had an increase in total number of hepatocytes and a reduction in the amount of megakaryocytes. These results show the hepatotoxic potential of usnic acid during pregnancy. However, its toxicity can be minimized by encapsulation in microspheres.

A atividade antimicrobiana de extratos brutos de Ramalina sorediosa foi detectada pelo método de difusão em disco de papel. Dois metabólitos liquênicos de natureza fenólica foram identificados por meio de técnicas biocromatográficas. Uma dessas substâncias foi identificada por meio de cromatografia em camada delgada como sendo o ácido úsnico. A segunda substância, que se encontra presente em maior concentração em relação aos demais constituintes nos extratos, trata-se do ácido homossequicáico. As análises em cromatografia em camada delgada (CCD) e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) revelaram ainda a presença do ácido salazínico. Os dados obtidos tornam possível atribuir a atividade antibiótica observada nesta espécie a uma provável associação sinérgica destas substâncias.

The antimicrobian activity of crude extracts from Ramalina sorediosa was detected by the diffusion disc-paper method. Two phenolic compounds from the lichen considered active were detected by using biochromathograhyc technique. Two of those compounds were identified through thin layer chromatographic technique (TLC) as been usnic acid and the second one, wich is present in higher concentration when compared with the other substances, was the homosekikaik acid. The TLC and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays still detected the salazanic acid presence. The obtained data make it possible to attribute the antibiotic activity of this species to a synergic association of those two substances.

Utilizando-se o teste de difusão em meio sólido, detectou-se atividade antibacteriana em extratos de Physarella oblonga (Physaraceae) obtidos a partir de imobilização plasmodial e do plasmódio in natura. Os extratos foram ativos contra Staphylococcus aureus (halos=14 mmf) e Mycobacterium smegmatis (halos=12 mmf e 13 mmf). Menor inibição foi observada frente a Bacillus subtilis (halos=10 mmf e 9 mmf) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (halos=10 mmf e 8 mmf). Escherichia coli apresentou resistência a todos os extratos testados. O cromatograma evidenciou semelhanças na composição química dos extratos, justificando as similaridades no potencial inibitório de ambos, sendo as substâncias com Rf 0,91 e 0,82, presentes em ambas as amostras, os prováveis inibidores do crescimento bacteriano.

Diffusion solid medium test was used to detect antibacterial activity in Physarella oblonga (Physaraceae) extracts obtained from plasmodial immobilization and in natura plasmodium. The extracts presented activity against Staphylococcus aureus (halos=14 mmf) and Mycobacterium smegmatis (halos=12 mmf e 13 mmf). Slower inhibition was obtained against Bacillus subtilis (halos=10 mmf e 9 mmf) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (halos=10 mmf e 8 mmf). Escherichia coli presented resistence to all tested extracts. The chromatogram revealed likeness in the chemical composition of the extracts, explaining similarities in inhibitory potential. The substances with Rf 0,91 and 0,82, present in both extracts, could be inhibitor agents of bacterial growth.