RESUMEN En el trabajo se estudió un consorcio microbiano metanogénico de una mina de carbón de la cuenca de Bogotá en Colombia. Se establecieron cultivos de enriquecimiento de carbón ex situ para el crecimiento y la producción de gas de novo. El gas biogénico producido por los cultivos se analizó mediante cromatografía de gases con detectores de ionización de llama y conductividad térmica. Los cultivos se utilizaron para aislar estirpes microbianas y para generar bibliotecas del gene 16S rARN empleando de cebadores de bacteria y de arquea. El análisis de cromatografía de gases mostró producción de metano a 37 oC, pero no a 60 oC, donde el CO2 fue el componente principal del gas biogénico. El análisis de la secuencia del gen 16S rARN de estirpes microbianos y de las bibliotecas de clones, estableció que el consorcio microbiano metanogénico estuvo formado por especies de bacterias de los géneros Bacillus y Gracilibacter más la arquea del género Methanothermobacter. El consorcio microbiano metanogénico identificado es potencialmente responsable de la generación de gas biogénico en la mina de carbón La Ciscuda. Los resultados sugirieron que los metanógenos de este consorcio producían metano por vía hidrogenotrófica o de reducción de CO2.

ABSTRACT The work studied the methanogenic microbial consortium in a coal mine from the Bogotá basin in Colombia. Ex situ coal-enrichment cultures were established for in vitro growth and de novo gas production. Biogenic gas produced by cultures was analyzed by gas chromatography using thermal conductivity and flame ionization detectors. Cultures were used to isolate microbial specimens and to generate 16S rRNA gene libraries employing bacterial and archaeal primer sets. The gas chromatographic analysis showed methane production at 37 oC, but not at 60 oC, where CO2 was the major component of the biogenic gas. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of microbial isolates and clone libraries established that the methanogenic microbial consortium was formed by bacteria species from Bacillus and Gracilibacter genera plus archaea from the Methanothermobacter genus. This meth-anogenic microbial consortium was potentially responsible for biogenic gas generation in La Ciscuda coal mine. The results suggested that these methanogens produced methane by hydrogenotrophic or CO2 reduction pathways.

RESUMO: Esta pesquisa descreve um protocolo de micropropagação eficiente para Lippia origanoides (Verbenaceae). Sementes estéreis foram utilizadas para a obtenção de mudas germinadas em meio Murashige e Skoog (MS) suplementado com sacarose e ágar. Os segmentos nodais obtidos das mudas foram cultivados em meio MS, suplementado com diferentes concentrações de ácido giberélico (GA), benzilaminopurina (BAP) e ácido 1-naftalenacético (ANA) com BAP. Foram analisados a indução de calo, comprimento de brotação, número de brotação e comprimento de raiz. Os tratamentos mostraram alta porcentagem de formação de calo com 0,5 a 1,5 mg L-1 de BAP sozinho ou em combinação com ANA (0,1 mg L-1). O maior valor de número de brotações por segmento nodal foi obtido com 1,5 mg L-1 de BAP (4,3 ± 0,8). As mudas obtidas apresentaram melhor enraizamento in vitro na ausência de reguladores de crescimento vegetal (PGRs) e demonstraram taxa de aclimatação de 90%. Contudo, relata-se um protocolo para propagação in vitro e aclimatação de L. origanoides para quimiotipos A da Colômbia.

ABSTRACT: This research described an efficient micropropagation protocol for Lippia origanoides (Verbenaceae). Sterile seeds were used to obtain germinated seedlings in Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with sucrose and agar. The nodal segments obtained from seedlings were grown on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA), benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1-naphthalenacetic acid (NAA) with BAP. The callus induction, shoots length, shoots number and root length, were analyzed. The treatments showed high percentage of callus formation at 0.5 to 1.5 mg L-1 of BAP alone or in combination with NAA (0.1 mg L-1). The highest value of shoot number per nodal segments was obtained at 1.5 mg L-1 of BAP (4.3 ± 0.8). The obtained plantlets were better rooted in vitro in the absence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and they showed acclimatization rate of 90%. We reported a protocol for in vitro propagation and acclimatization of L. origanoides for A chemotypes from Colombia.

Novel and miniaturized technique, a dynamic sonication-assisted solvent extraction before the analysis by high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet visible (HPLC-UV-Vis) for isolation, identification and quantification of rutin and quercetin metabolites in alcoholic extracts from Bidens pilosa Linné, was developed. The results showed that the flowers have a greater quantity of both analytes than other parts of the plant (e.g., leaves, stem and roots), the results were corroborated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In addition, the developed extraction technique against traditional methods for metabolites extraction such as solid-liquid extraction, Soxhlet and rotating-disk sorptive extraction was compared. Under optimal conditions of extraction such as 0.3 mL min-1 of solvent flow, ethanol:water (1:1) as solvent type and 0.5 g of sample amount, it was possible to reach 85% of recovery percentage of target analytes and a limit of detection close to 0.1 µg g-1 with a linear range of 50-400 µg g-1 were also obtained. Finally, the antibacterial evaluation of the flower extract of Bidens pilosa Linné, obtained under above optimal conditions against Gram-positive bacteria, was performed. The higher values of the inhibition diameters when using 1000 mg L-1 and significant differences among Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes were observed. The tests were performed with different microorganisms inoculated from three different absorbance levels (0.05, 0.5 and 0.1 absorbances), at a lower absorbance of these microorganisms in the growth medium used for evaluating the inhibitory effect of the B. pilosa Linné extract, when using this extract at the concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg L-1, statistically higher inhibition diameters were noticed.

Resumen Introducción: la consulta de un particular que trajo un producto fitoterapéutico a base de caléndula cuyo consumo le causó fuertes reacciones adversas, originó esta investigación sobre la composición de este producto. Objetivo: caracterizar la composición química de muestras de lotes diferentes de un producto comercial denominado fitoterapéutico a base de caléndula (Calendula officinalis) (PFC) comercializado en Colombia. Metodología: se analizaron tabletas de ocho cajas del PFC de cuatro lotes diferentes de producción (2017 y 2018). Se llevó a cabo el análisis de espacio de cabeza (HS) de tabletas por microextracción en fase sólida (SPME), con una fibra PDMS/DVB (65 µm), expuesta al HS de la muestra durante 30 min a 50 °C. Las fracciones volátiles se analizaron por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (GC/MS). Los extractos de tabletas obtenidos con mezcla de metanol:agua (1:1, v/v) se analizaron por cromatografía líquida (LC) de alta (HPLC) y ultra-alta eficiencia (UHPLC), con detectores de arreglo de diodos (DAD) y espectrometría de masas de alta resolución (HRMS), respectivamente; la cuantificación de diclofenaco se hizo por calibración con patrón externo y por adición de estándar. Los espectros de masas de baja y alta resolución y patrones de fragmentación de las sustancias detectadas se estudiaron, usando GC/HRMS y LC/HRMS-Orbitrap. Resultados: en tabletas analizadas por HSSPME, se encontraron monoterpenoides y sesquiterpenoides de origen vegetal, ftalatos, residuos de solventes (2-cloroetanol, etilenglicol) y sustancias químicas intermediarias en la síntesis de diclofenaco (2,6-dicloroanilina y 2,6-cloro-N-fenil-bencenamina). En los cromatogramas, obtenidos por GC/MS de los extractos de tabletas obtenidos con diclorometano, se detectaron diclofenaco, sus impurezas A, B y C, los ésteres de diclofenaco y algunas otras impurezas. Diclofenaco en cantidad ca. 40 mg (7-8%) se cuantificó por HPLC en tabletas (> 70 analizadas) escogidas al azar de ocho cajas del PFC, adquirido en el mercado local de Bucaramanga (Colombia). Conclusión: en cada tableta analizada se determinaron alrededor de 40 mg del compuesto sintético diclofenaco (sustancia no declarada en la etiqueta del producto) y en ninguna se detectaron ésteres de los triterpenoides oleanano o faradiol, constituyentes del extracto de caléndula que poseen actividad antiinflamatoria; se encontraron algunos flavonoides comunes a muchas plantas, en cantidades mil veces menores que la de diclofenaco.

Abstract Introduction: The consultation of a person who brought a marigold-based phytotherapeutic product whose consumption caused strong adverse reactions, originated this investigation of the composition of this product. Objective: to characterize the chemical composition of samples of different lots of a commercial product called calendula-based phytotherapeutic product (Calendula officinalis) (PFC) commercialized in Colombia. Methodology: Tablets of eight packs of the phytotherapeutic product from four different production batches (2017 and 2018) were analyzed. Headspace analysis (HS) of tablets by solid phase microextraction (SPME) was carried out with a PDMS/ DVB fiber (65 µm), exposed to the HS of the sample for 30 min at 50 °C. Volatile fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Tablet extracts obtained with methanol:water mixture (1:1, v / v) were analyzed by liquid chromatography (LC) of high (HPLC) and ultra-high performance (UHPLC) with diode array (DAD) and high-resolution mass spectrometric (HRMS) detectors, respectively; diclofenac was quantified by external calibration and standard addition. Low- and high-resolution mass spectra (MS, HRMS) and fragmentation patterns of detected substances were studied, using GC/HRTOF-MS and LC/HRMS-Orbitrap. Results: in tablets analyzed by HS-SPME, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids of plant origin, phthalates, solvent residues (2-chloroethanol, ethylene glycol) and intermediary chemicals in diclofenac synthesis (2,6-dichloroaniline and 2,6- chloro-N-phenyl-benzenamine) were found. In the chromatograms (GC/MS) of the extracts of tablets obtained with organic solvent (dichloromethane), diclofenac, its impurities A, B and C, diclofenac esters, and some other compounds were detected; diclofenac quantification by HPLC found amounts of ca. 40 mg (7 - 8%) in tablets (> 70 analyzed) chosen at random from eight packs of the calendula-based phytotherapeutic product, purchased in the local market in Bucaramanga (Colombia). Conclusion: each analyzed tablet contained around 40 mg of the synthetic compound diclofenac (substance not declared in the product’s label) and no tablet contained detectable amounts of esters of the triterpenoids oleanane or faradiol, which are calendula extract constituents that possess antiinflammatory activity; a few flavonoids that are common to many plants were found in amounts a thousand times smaller than that of diclofenac.

Abstract The search for new insecticides to control dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika vectors has gained relevance in the past decades. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the larvicidal action of essential oils (EOs) from Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis, Lippia origanoides, Eucalyptus globulus, Cymbopogon nardus, Cymbopogon martinii, Lippia alba, Pelargonium graveolens, Turnera diffusa, and Swinglea glutinosa on Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti. The EOs were extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The chemical components of the EOs were identified by linear retention indices and mass spectra. Lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC95) were determined by probit analysis using larvae of Ae. aegypti between the third and the fourth instars. All EOs achieved larvicidal activity at LC50 values lower than 115 mg/L. The lowest LC50 value (45.73 mg/L) corresponded to T. vulgaris EO, whereas C. martinii EO showed the highest LC50 (LC50 = 114.65 mg/L). Some EO mixtures showed lower LC50 than oils used individually, such as the mixtures of L. origanoides + S. glutinosa (LC50 = 38.40 mg/L), T. diffusa + S. glutinosa (LC50 = 63.71 mg/L), and L. alba + S. glutinosa (LC50 = 48.87 mg/L). The main compounds of the EOs with highest larvicidal activity were thymol (42%) and p-cymene (26.4%).

Many Gram-negative pathogens have the ability to produce N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) as signal molecules for quorum sensing (QS). This cell-cell communication system allows them to coordinate gene expression and regulate virulence. Strategies to inhibit QS are promising for the control of infectious diseases or antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) and antibacterial potential of five essential oils isolated from Lippia alba on the Tn-5 mutant of Chromobacterium violaceum CV026, and on the growth of the gram-positive bacteria S. aureus ATCC 25923. The anti-QS activity was detected through the inhibition of the QS-controlled violacein pigment production by the sensor bacteria. Results showed that two essential oils from L. alba, one containing the greatest geranial:neral and the other the highest limonene:carvone concentrations, were the most effective QS inhibitors. Both oils also had small effects on cell growth. Moreover, the geranial/neral chemotype oil also produced the maximum zone of growth inhibition against S. aureus ATCC 25923. These data suggest essential oils from L. alba have promising properties as QS modulators, and present antibacterial activity on S. aureus.

Con el fin de contribuir al conocimiento de su actividad a nivel celular, se evaluó el mecanismo de acción del aceite esencial de Eucalyptus citriodora (Fam. Myrtaceae) sobre la bioenergética mitocondrial, su efecto sobre la velocidad de consumo de oxígeno de mitocondrias energizadas (estados 3 y 4) y su coeficiente de control respiratorio (CCR). Además, se analizó la actividad de los complejos de la cadena respiratoria usando técnicas espectrofotométricas. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el aceite esencial de E. citriodora aumenta la velocidad del consumo de oxígeno en los estados 3 y 4, disminuye el CCR, desacopla la fosforilación oxidativa, aumenta la actividad de la citocromo c oxidasa y aumenta la actividad ATPasa en mitocondrias íntegras, a partir de la concentración de 10 µg/mL. Estos resultados sugieren que el aceite esencial o sus metabolitos afectan el funcionamiento normal del transporte de electrones de la cadena respiratoria y la síntesis de ATP.

In order to contribute to the knowledge of its activity at the cellular level, the mechanism of action of the essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora (Fam. Myrtaceae) on mitochondrial bioenergetics, the rate of oxygen consumption of energized mitochondria (states was assessed 3 and 4), and respiratory control ratio (CCR) were evaluated. The activity of the respiratory chain complexes was analyzed using spectrophotometric techniques. The results indicate that the essential oil of E. citriodora increases the rate of oxygen consumption in states 3 and 4, reduces the CCR, uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, increases the activity of cytochrome c oxidase, and increases the ATPase activity in mitochondria intact at concentrations ≥ 10 mg/mL. These results suggest that the essential oil or its metabolites affect the normal operation of the electron transport in the respiratory chain and ATP synthesis.

Com o fim de contribuir ao conhecimento da sua atividade a nível celular, foi avaliado o mecanismo de ação do óleo essencial de Eucalyptus citriodora (Fam. Myrtaceae) sobre a bioenergética mitocondrial, o efeito sobre a taxa de consumo de oxigênio de mitocôndrias energizadas (estados 3 e 4) e o coeficiente de controle respiratório (CCR). Usando técnicas espectrofotométricas, foi analisada a atividade dos complexos da cadeia respiratória. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o óleo essencial de E. citriodora aumenta a velocidade do consumo de oxigênio nos estados 3 e 4, reduz o CCR, desacopla a fosforilação oxidativa, aumenta a atividade da citocromo c oxidase e aumenta a atividade ATPase em mitocôndrias intatas, a partir da concentração de 10 µg / mL. Estes resultados sugerem que o óleo essencial ou seus metabolitos afetam o funcionamento normal do transporte de elétrons na cadeia respiratória e na síntese de ATP.

Se obtuvieron extractos de hojas y tallos de salvia (Salvia officinalis, Fam. Labiatae) y romero (Rosmarinus officinalis, Fam. Labiatae) y de hojas de guayaba (Psidium guajava Fam. Myrtaceae), empleando CO2 en estado supercrítico. Se obtuvieron modelos polinómicos para relacionar el rendimiento de extractos con las condiciones de su obtención. La composición de la fracción volátil de los extractos se determinó por medio de GC-MS. Se midieron la capacidad antioxidante (ORAC) de los extractos y el grado de protección que ofrecen al agregarse a una base cosmética sometida a oxidación lipídica por acción de la radiación UV. El extracto de romero mostró el mayor porcentaje de inhibición de la oxidación lipídica (88%), seguido por el de salvia (76%) y el de hojas de guayaba (43%). Los extractos de romero y salvia exhibieron una capacidad antioxidante alta (1,9 µmol Trolox®/mg), similar a la del BHT y la vitamina E (2,8 y 3,0 µmol Trolox®/mg), mayor que la del extracto de hojas de guayaba (0,7 µmol Trolox®/mg).

Extracts from stems and leaves of sage (Salvia officinalis, Labiatae Fam.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, Labiatae Fam.) and from guava leaves (Psidium guajava, Myrtaceae Fam.), were obtained using supercritical CO2. Polynomic models were formulated to relate yield with extraction conditions. The compositions of the volatile fractions of these extracts were determined using GC-MS. Their antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and the protection resultant from their addition to a cosmetic base subjected to lipid peroxidation as a result of its exposure to UV radiation were also measured. The extract from rosemary imparted the highest lipid peroxidation inhibition (88%), followed by those obtained from sage (76%) and guava leaves (43%). Rosemary and sage extracts exhibited a high antioxidant capacity (1,9 µmol Trolox®/mg), similar to those of BHT and vitamin E (2,8 and 3,0 µmol Trolox®/mg), respectively, and higher than that of the guava leaves extract (0,7 µmol Trolox®/mg).

In this work, the toxicity and genotoxicity of organic solvents (acetone, carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane, dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol, ether and methanol) were studied using the SOS chromotest. The influence of these solvents on the direct genotoxicity induced by the mutagens mitomycin C (MMC) and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) were also investigated. None of the solvents were genotoxic in Escherichia coli PQ37. However, based on the inhibition of protein synthesis assessed by constitutive alkaline phosphatase activity, some solvents (carbon tetrachloride, dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol and ether) were toxic and incompatible with the SOS chromotest. Solvents that were neither toxic nor genotoxic to E. coli (acetone, dichloromethane and methanol) significantly reduced the genotoxicity of MMC and 4-NQO. When these solvents were used to dissolve vitamin E they increased the antigenotoxic activity of this compound, possibly through additive or synergistic effects. The relevance of these results is discussed in relation to antigenotoxic studies. These data indicate the need for careful selection of an appropriate diluent for the SOS chromotest since some solvents can modulate genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity.

The present work evaluated the chemical composition and the DNA protective effect of the essential oils (EOs) from Lippia alba against bleomycin-induced genotoxicity. EO constituents were determined by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis. The major compounds encountered being citral (33% geranial and 25% neral), geraniol (7%) and trans-β-caryophyllene (7%) for L. alba specimen COL512077, and carvone (38%), limonene (33%) and bicyclosesquiphellandrene (8%) for the other, COL512078. The genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of EO and the compounds citral, carvone and limonene, were assayed using the SOS Chromotest in Escherichia coli. The EOs were not genotoxic in the SOS chromotest, but one of the major compound (limonene) showed genotoxicity at doses between 97 and 1549 mM. Both EOs protected bacterial cells against bleomycin-induced genotoxicity. Antigenotoxicity in the two L. alba chemotypes was related to the major compounds, citral and carvone, respectively. The results were discussed in relation to the chemopreventive potential of L. alba EOs and its major compounds.

INTRODUCTION: the use of plants for therapeutic purposes in traditional medicine is an important legacy that previous generations have left and a part of the culture of peoples. There are numerous studies on essential oils, in which its usefulness in various areas such as the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetics, flavors, pharmaceutical industry, etc. are highlighted. Several researches reported on the various biological activities having essential oils (insecticides, antioxidant, antibacterial effect, etc.). Croton malambo H. Karst. belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, it is an aromatic small tree growing in the Colombian northern coast and in eastern Venezuela. This species has cytotoxic activity, proapoptosis and anti-inflammatory activity. OBJECTIVE: to study the volatile chemical composition of essential oil of C. malambo and to evaluate the possible antioxidant activity of essential oil. METHODS: the essential oil was obtained from the Croton malambo H. Karst bark. by hydrodistillation, the volatile chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). The antioxidant potential of essential oil of C. malambo was determined by decoloration assay of stable radical cation ABTS+. RESULTS: the major components found in the essential oil of C. malambo were methyl eugenol (63,5 %) and linalool (5,6 %). The TAA obtained was 2,2 mmol trolox/kg essential oil. CONCLUSIONS: the essential oil of C. malambo is formed by chemical compounds widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. It did not provide a strong antioxidant activity compared with the activity of BHA, BHT, a-tocopherol.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el uso de las plantas con fines terapéuticos en la medicina tradicional es un importante legado que han dejado generaciones anteriores y una parte de la cultura de los pueblos. Existen numerosos estudios sobre los aceites esenciales, en los cuales se destaca su gran utilidad en diversas áreas como productos cosméticos y perfumes, saborizantes, en la industria farmacéutica, etc. Varias investigaciones reportan las diferentes actividades biológicas que presentan los aceites esenciales (insecticidas, antioxidante, efecto antibacteriano y otros). Croton malambo H. Karst., pertenece a la familia Euphorbiaceae, es un árbol pequeño, de corteza aromática que crece en la costa norte colombiana y en la región oriental venezolana. Esta especie ha presentado actividad citotóxica, proapoptótica y actividad antiinflamatoria. OBJETIVO: estudiar la composición química volátil del aceite esencial del C. malambo y evaluar la posible actividad antioxidante de su aceite esencial. MÉTODOS: el aceite esencial fue obtenido de la corteza de C. malambo por hidrodestilación, la composición química volátil fue determinada mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a detector de espectrometría de masas. La capacidad antioxidante del aceite esencial de C. malambo se realizóa través del ensayo de decoloración del catión radical ABTS+. RESULTADOS: el compuesto mayoritario encontrado en el aceite esencial de C. malambo fue el metil eugenol (63,5 %) y el linalool (5,6 %). La actividad antioxidante total obtenida fue de 2,2 mmol trolox/kg de aceite esencial. CONCLUSIONES: el aceite esencial de C. malambo está formado por compuestos químicos de amplio uso en la industria farmacéutica. No presentó una marcada actividad antioxidante comparadas con las del BHA, BHT, a-tocoferol.

The essential oil (EO) of Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown (Verbenaceae) has been traditionally used to treat several diseases. In this study, the acute toxic effects of the citral chemotype of L. alba EO were evaluated in mice. Animals were treated via intraperitoneal receiving the L. alba essential oil at doses between 50 and 2500 mg/kg, and the control group received sesame oil (vehicle). The EO induced dose-dependent neurotoxic effects at doses greater than 1000 mg/kg, including decreased locomotion, motor skills and muscle strength, hypotonia, dyspnea, kyphosis and convulsions. The EO was lethal at a dose of 2500 mg/kg. Animals receiving 1000 mg/kg were euthanized at the end of the treatment period and their blood and livers were collected for analysis. Mice exposed to L. alba EO presented signifcantly greater plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities than the control group. Liver histological changes included mild infammation, in particular, an increase in nuclear size. Compared to vehicle control group, changes in expression for selected genes were signifcant for FABP5, a fatty acid transport related gene. In summary, the intraperitoneal administration of L. alba EO (citral chemotype) causes neurological damage in mice at doses equal or greater than 1500 mg/kg, whereas at 1000 mg/kg, it generates mild liver damage. Therefore, the systemic use of this EO raises concerns about its safety.

El aceite esencial (AE) de Lippia alba (Mill.) NE Brown (Verbenaceae) ha sido utilizado tradicionalmente para tratar varias enfermedades. En este estudio, los efectos tóxicos agudos del AE de Lippia alba quimiotipo citral fueron evaluados en ratones. Los animales fueron tratados por vía intraperitoneal recibiendo el AE en dosis entre 50 y 2500 mg/kg de peso, y el grupo control aceite de sésamo (vehículo). Dosis superiores a 1000 mg/kg del AE mostraron efectos neurotóxicos incluyendo disminución de la locomoción e hipotonía, disnea, cifosis y convulsiones. El AE fue letal a la dosis de 2500 mg/kg. Veinticuatro horas después de que los animales fueron tratados con 1000 mg/kg del AE se les realizó eutanasia y su sangre e hígado fueron recolectados para análisis. Los ratones expuestos al AE de L. alba, presentaron actividad alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) en plasma signifcativamente mayor que el grupo control. Dentro de los cambios histológicos hepáticos se incluyen infamación leve, en particular, un aumento del tamaño nuclear. En comparación con el grupo control, la expresión de genes seleccionados tuvo diferencias signifcativas para FABP5, un gen relacionado con el transporte de ácidos grasos. En conclusión, la administración intraperitoneal del AE de L. alba (quimiotipo citral) causa daños neurológicos en ratones a una dosis igual o superior a 1500 mg/kg, mientras que a 1000 mg/kg, genera daño hepático leve. Por lo tanto, el uso sistémico de este AE plantea preocupaciones en cuanto a su seguridad.

INTRODUCTION: the aromatic plants are a valuable source of flavoring and/or active principles in pharmacological preparations, cosmetic, food additives, etc. Satureja brownie (Sw.) Brig (Lamiaceae) has been used in the folk medicine as flu remedie, digestive and carminative. Species of Satureja from several countries have shown a variable composition of its essential oil, particularly, in their leaves. Thus, in search of new flavours and antioxidant and effective agents we determined the volatile chemical composition of Colombian S. brownie and its antioxidant activity. OBJECTIVE: to establish the volatile chemical composition of essential oil, extracts, and volatile fractions of fresh leaves and stems of S. brownie (Sw.) Brig, by different extraction techniques and to assess the antioxidant activity of its essential oil. METHODS: we used distillation, extraction and headspace techniques to isolate the volatile secondary metabolites from leaves and stems of S. brownie. The in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil obtained was assessed by determination of hexanal, the main carbonyl compound, released by linoleic acid subject to peroxidation and by quantified method of this acid as its methyl ester using gas chromatography coupled to in flame ionization detector and of electron capture. RESULTS: the main compound found in all extracts off S. brownie was the pulegona (54-71 %). The essential oil had antioxidant activity but not more efficient than the vitamin E and the butyl-hydroxianisol, both widely used as additives. CONCLUSIONS: total characterization of volatile secondary metabolites of a plant requires the use of some extraction techniques. The in vitro antioxidant activity of S. brownie becomes interesting source of natural antioxidants and justifies a further research on fractions isolation and(or) compounds accounting for it.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las plantas aromáticas son una fuente valiosa de aromatizantes y (o) principios activos en preparados farmacológicos, cosméticos, aditivos en alimentos, entre otros. Satureja brownei (Sw.) Briq., (Lamiaceae) se ha usado en la medicina popular como antigripal, digestiva y carminativa. Especies de Satureja de varios países han mostrado composición variable de su aceite esencial, particularmente, en sus hojas. Así, por la búsqueda de nuevos sabores y efectivos agentes antioxidantes se determinó la composición química volátil de S. brownei colombiana y su actividad antioxidante. OBJETIVO: establecer la composición química volátil del aceite esencial, extractos y fracciones volátiles de hojas y tallos frescos S. brownei (Sw.) Briq., mediante diferentes técnicas de extracción y evaluar la actividad antioxidante de su aceite esencial. MÉTODOS: se emplearon técnicas destilativas, extractivas y headspace, para aislar metabolitos secundarios volátiles de hojas y tallos frescos de S. brownei. La actividad antioxidante in vitro del aceite esencial obtenido fue evaluada al determinar hexanal, el principal compuesto carbonílico, liberado por el ácido linoleico sujeto a peroxidación y por cuantificación de este ácido como su metiléster; con el uso de cromatografía de gases acoplada a detector de ionización en llama y de captura de electrones. RESULTADOS: el principal compuesto encontrado en todos los extractos de S. brownei, fue la pulegona (54-71 %). El aceite esencial presentó actividad antioxidante, pero no más eficiente que la vitamina E y el butilhidroxianisol, ambos ampliamente utilizados como aditivos. CONCLUSIONES: la caracterización completa de los metabolitos secundarios volátiles de una planta requiere el uso de varias técnicas de extracción. La actividad antioxidante in vitro de S. brownei, hace de esta planta aromática una fuente interesante de antioxidantes naturales y justifica una mayor investigación en el aislamiento de las fracciones y(o) los compuestos responsables de ella.

INTRODUCTION: within the great variety of natural resources and that different studies report its medicinal properties, is the Lippia alba (Mill) N.E. brown plant which is a aromatic bush belonging to Verbenaceae family to come from tropical America. Known in Colombia as soon relieve, it has many medicinal properties as antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, sedative, somniferous, sudoriferous, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcerative and anticonvulsant. OBJECTIVE: authors assessed the protective effect of essential oil obtained from stem and fresh leaves of L. alba on the mercurochrome toxicity on A. cepa roots. Mercurochrome (10, 250 and 500µM showed a toxic effect on the meristic cells of A. cepa. Oil (100 µM) had a protective effect demonstrated by AC decrease and an increase of the length and weight of roots exposed to mercurochrome (10 and 500 µM). METHODS: the parameters assessed include the mitotic rate alteration, radicular growth inhibition and chromosome induction in the absence and in the presence of essential oil. RESULTS: mercurochrome (10, 250 and 500 µM had a toxic effect on meristic cells from A. cepa. Oil (100 µM) had a protective effect demonstrated by decrease of chromosomal aberrations, as well as an increase of length and weight of roots exposed to mercurochrome (10 and 500 µM. CONCLUSIONS: data showed in present research suggest that there was a decrease of chromosomal aberrations appearing due to exposition of A. cepa meristic cells to mercurochrome indicating a protective or anti-genotoxic effect of essential oil of L. alba.

INTRODUCCIÓN: dentro de la gran variedad de recursos de origen natural y que diversos estudios reportan propiedades medicinales, se encuentra la planta de Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown; es un arbusto aromático que pertenece a la familia Verbenaceae, originaria de América tropical. Conocida en Colombia como pronto alivio. Presenta numerosas propiedades medicinales como antiespasmódica, carminativa, digestiva, diurética, expectorante, laxante, sedante, somnífera, sudorífica, antimicrobiana, antioxidante, antiulcerosa y anticonvulsivante. OBJETIVO: se evaluó el efecto protector del aceite esencial obtenido de tallos y hojas frescas de L. alba sobre la toxicidad del mercurocromo en raíces de A. cepa. El mercurocromo a 10, 250 y 500 µM mostró efecto tóxico sobre las células meristemáticas de A. cepa. El aceite a 100 µM, produjo un efecto protector demostrado por la disminución de AC y aumento de la longitud y peso de las raíces expuestas a mercurocromo 10 y 500 µM. MÉTODOS: los parámetros evaluados fueron alteración del índice mitótico, inhibición del crecimiento radicular e inducción de aberraciones cromosómicas en ausencia y presencia del aceite esencial. RESULTADOS: el mercurocromo a 10, 250 y 500 µM mostró efecto tóxico sobre las células meristemáticas de A. cepa. El aceite a 100 µM, produjo un efecto protector demostrado por la disminución de aberraciones cromosómicas, así como aumento de la longitud y peso de las raíces expuestas a mercurocromo 10 y 500 µM. CONCLUSIONES: los datos presentados en esta investigación mostraron que disminuyó la aparición de aberraciones cromósomicas y cambios morfológicos producidos por la exposición de células meristemáticas de A. cepa a mercurocromo, lo cual indica un efecto protector o antigenotóxico del aceite esencial de L. alba.

Se determinó por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (GC-MS) la composición química de aceites esenciales (AE), aislados por hidrodestilación asistida por la radiación de microondas (MWHD), de las especies vegetales aromáticas Artemisia dracunculus, Foeniculum vulgare, Illicium verum, Lippia micromera, Lippia origanoides, Ocimum spp., Plectranthus amboinicus, Tagetes filifolia, Tagetes lucida y Thymus vulgaris. Los valores de capacidades antioxidantes in vitro de estos aceites esenciales, se obtuvieron usando los ensayos de decoloración del catión-radical ABTS+• (metodologías convencional y con dilución en microplacas) y la oxidación del ácido linoleico, inducida por O2 y Fe+2. El potencial inhibitorio de ABTS+• fue más alto para los aceites esenciales que contienen fenoles (carvacrol y timol), que para los aceites esenciales ricos en éteres (trans-anetol y estragol). La actividad antioxidante mediante el ensayo ABTS+• modificado en orden decreciente fue: AE Plectranthus amboinicus ≥ AE Lippia origanoides >> AE Thymus vulgaris > AE Lippia micromera >>> AE Tagetes lucida (flores) > AE Ocimum sp. > AE Tagetes lucida (hojas) > AE Illicium verum > AE Tagetes filifolia (Cenivam) > AE Foeniculum vulgare. Salud UIS 2009; 41: 287-294

Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine the chemical composition of essential oils (EO) isolated by microwave-radiation-assisted hydrodistillation (MWHD) of Artemisia dracunculus, Foeniculum vulgare, Illicium verum, Lippia micromera, Lippia origanoides, Ocimum sp., Plectranthus amboinicus, Tagetes filifolia, Tagetes lucida and Thymus vulgaris. in vitro antioxidant capacity values using ABTS+• discoloration assays (traditional and microplate methods) and the linoleic acid oxidation (with O2 and Fe+2) of these essential oils were obtained. Essential oils with phenols (carvacrol and thymol) high content showed higher total antioxidant capacity values than the essential oils rich in ether compounds (estragole and trans-anethole). The antioxidant capacity using by modified ABTS+• assay in decreasing order was as follows: EO Plectranthus amboinicus ≥ EO Lippia origanoides >> EO Thymus vulgaris > EO Lippia micromera >>> EO Tagetes lucida (flowers) > EO Ocimum sp. > EO Tagetes lucida (leaf) > EO Illicium verum > EO Tagetes filifolia (Cenivam) > EO Foeniculum vulgare. Salud UIS 2009; 41: 287-294.