Abstract in English:

Abstract Mutisia L. f. (Mutisiinae, Mutisieae, Mutisioideae, Asteraceae) is a South American genus that contains several medicinal species. Mutisia acuminata Ruiz & Pav. and M. orbignyana Wedd. are known sources of the 12-dihydroxy-5-methylcoumestan and 5-methylcoumarin-4-glucoside respectively. The 12-dihydroxy-5-methylcoumestan exhibited notable antihepatotoxic activity in a previous study. In the present work, 5-methylcoumarin-4-glucoside and 12-dihydroxy-5-methylcoumestan were isolated from a Peruvian collection of M. orbignyana. Additionally, the relative concentrations of those two isolated compounds in six Peruvian species of Mutisia (M. acuminata, M. cochabambensis Hieron., M. lanata Ruiz & Pav., M. orbignyana, M. venusta S.F. Blake and M. wurdackii Cabrera) were determined by an HPLC method. The highest concentrations of both constituents were observed in the sample of M. orbignyana.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is an aromatic plant of great significance in industries due to its essential oil characteristic aroma. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that evaporate when in contact with air and have low chemical stability, which can improve encapsulation techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal influence in the concentration of the predominant component citral of the essential oil of C. citratus and develop microparticles by spray drying containing this vegetal matrix. The lemongrass leaves were collected in the four seasons, and the essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation. The chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled with the mass spectrometry technique (GC-MS). Different proportions of arabic and guar gums were evaluated as encapsulating agents. Physicochemical analyses characterized the microparticle powder. GC-MS showed higher citral in the spring and summer (84.89% and 79.39%, respectively), and it was possible to identify a high amount of citral in the microparticles. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed agglomerate and collapsed microparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested the essential oil encapsulation due to a band at 1675 cm-1 used as a reference, related to the acyclic monoterpenes of citral. X-ray diffraction showed the amorphous structure of the microparticles. Thermogravimetric curves of microparticles showed higher Tonset in microparticles than those observed for pure lemongrass essential oil, inferring that microencapsulation improved the thermal stability. This result confirms the lemongrass essential oil microencapsulation and its potential application in food products, drugs, or cosmetics.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers., popularly known as carqueja, carquejinha or carqueja-doce, is a plant widely used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, digestive and antidiabetic. Due to its similar morphology with other species of the "carqueja group", especially Baccharis pentaptera (Less.) DC., it can be easily confused even by specialists. Thus, this study aimed to characterize micromorphology of the crystals present in B. articulata to show botanical markers that can help differentiate this species from other carquejas. Eleven crystalline morphotypes, including druses, styloids and various shapes of prismatic and sand crystals, were evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the elemental chemical composition and the degree of hydration of the crystals were analyzed by EDS and Raman spectroscopy. The results of this study would aid in the authentication of B. articulata and serve as a basis for future studies of other species of Baccharis.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Eugenol is a phenolic compound with numerous biological activities. It is widely used in dentistry to treat toothache and pulpitis. In particular, eugenol may be used for tooth whitening procedures to minimize dental sensitivity in patients. However, eugenol has some disadvantages such as its volatility, its photosensitivity, and immediate effect, which can be avoided by using pharmaceutical nanotechnology. The aim of the present study was to obtain, characterize, quantify, and evaluate the physicochemical stability of eugenol-loaded Eudragit RS100 nanocapsules. The nanocapsules (NCs) were prepared by interfacial deposition of the preformed polymer method. The NCs were characterized through morphological and spectroscopic studies. The encapsulation efficiency was achieved by quantifying the non-encapsulated eugenol using a previously developed and validated analytical method. The physicochemical stability of NCs was assessed at predetermined time intervals for 90 days after preparation. The nanocapsules were successfully prepared by the chosen method and had a predominantly spherical shape with a smooth surface. The mean size, the polydispersion index, and the zeta potential were in agreement to literature data. Infrared spectra ensured that the nanoencapsulation process did not result in chemical reactions between the drug and the polymer. The formulations showed encapsulation efficiency higher than 90% and remained stable after 60 days of preparation. Thus, eugenol-loaded Eudragit RS100 nanocapsules may be further considered as an alternative formulation for dental sensitivity in order to provide a controlled release, a decreased toxicity, and a better dental sensitivity relief.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Acmella bellidioides (Asteraceae), commonly known as "arnica-do-campo", is a South American native medicinal plant mainly found in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The indigenous people in these regions use the flowers of this plant to treat diseases of the digestive, musculoskeletal and sensory systems. Many Acmella species are morphologically similar, and there are a few anatomical studies available in the literature that can be used to identify and distinguish them. Several other members of Asteraceae, such as Calea uniflora, Chaptalia nutans, Porophyllum ruderale, Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis and Solidago chilensis, are also called "arnica-do-campo" or "arnica". Applying the same common name to several other species makes it difficult to identify the plant correctly and allows it to be more easily adulterated. The present study characterizes A. bellidioides using microscopy and microchemical techniques to provide pharmacobotanical data to support the authentication of the species. The notable anatomical markers identified in A. bellidioides are hypostomatic leaves, anomocytic stomata, peltate glandular trichomes on the leaf abaxial surface, midrib vascular system with three collateral bundles in an open arch, and the presence of prismatic crystals in the leaves and stems. These characteristics can help species identification and differentiation of A. bellidioides from other Acmella species and Asteraceae species known as arnica-do-campo.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have extensive applications in nanomedicine due to their physicochemical properties and interactions with biomolecules. One way of obtaining them is through green synthesis with plant extracts containing reducing and capping agents, such as Catharanthus roseus (L.) G Don. This plant has pharmacological applications due to its phytocompounds with biological activity. The C. roseus flowers are rich in alkaloids and phenolic compounds, and have the potential to synthesize AgNPs but have never been used with this purpose. In this study, AgNPs were synthesize with the aqueous extract from the C. roseus flowers, and their cytotoxicity evaluated on A549 lung tumor cells through MTT assay. The AgNP synthesis could be seen visually from the solution's color change and through UV-visible spectroscopy to detect a peak between 400 - 530 nm. FEG microscopy showed AgNPs with variable shapes and sizes. In vitro cytotoxicity assay against A549 cells showed that the C. roseus extract have low toxicity to the lineage, and AgNPs reduced half the viable cells at the 1.5% concentration, demonstrating high cytotoxicity. Therefore, AgNPs from C. roseus were successfully obtained and showed significant cytotoxic activity on A549 lung cancer cells.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The kidneys are organs of vital importance for the organism since they oversee maintaining the hydro-electrolytic balance and therefore the homeostasis of the organism. Therefore, damage to this organ, such as acute kidney injury, endangers people's lives, can become a long-term problem, and represent an excessive spending for health systems Medicinal plants, among them Allophylus edulis, are used in folk medicine to treat kidney and liver conditions. This research aimed to evaluate the activity of the ethanolic extract of Allophylus edulis (Sapindaceae), on gentamicin-induced nephritis in mice. The experiments were carried out in female mice, 135 mg/kg (i.p.) of gentamicin was used to induce kidney damage. Silymarin was used as a control drug for renal protection. Ethanolic extract of A. edulis was administered per os, at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. To estimate renal functionality, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were determined in serum. Also, in urine were determined creatinine, urea, and uric acid, besides sodium, potassium, and chloride. A. edulis induced a reduction in the serum levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid (p<0.05) in mice with renal damage induced by gentamicin when these animals were previously treated with 50 mg/kg of the extract. The reduction was significant compared to the pathological group, and these values were close to the group treated with silymarin. Also, creatinine and urea in urine of mice treated with the extract showed lower level than gentamicin treated group. Therefore, in the model used, the ethanolic extract of Allophylus edulis showed a nephroprotective effect.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae), commonly known as “yerba mate” or “erva-mate”, is a shrub or tree native to South America. The leaves of the plant are traditionally used to prepare a caffeine-rich infusion with several medicinal properties, including antirheumatic, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, diuretic, and hypocholesterolemic. Ilex paraguariensis is adulterated with several other species of Ilex, such as I. brevicuspis, I. dumosa, and I. theezans. It is also commonly adulterated with unrelated species, such as Citronella gongonha of Cardiopteridaceae. The latter species, commonly called “false-mate”, is one of the most frequent adulterants due to its similar habit and leaf morphology. Comprehensive studies on authentication and quality control of erva-mate are still scarce. This study provides a detailed comparative anatomy of the leaves and stems of I. paraguariensis and C. gongonha by light and scanning electron microscopy. The main distinguishing characteristics are the epidermal cell wall shape, type of stomata, crystal morphotypes, stem shape, presence or absence of glandular trichomes, and sclerenchymatous sheath. This data can help in the authentication and quality control of erva-mate raw materials.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Nanoemulsions (NEs), emulsified systems with diameter between 20 and 500 nm, are promising in cosmetic science due to stability and efficient transportation of lipophilic substances, such as volatile oils, favoring the skin penetration to carry out the biological activity. Volatile oil of Matricaria recutita L. (VOMR) has several therapeutic effects, but the lability of the volatile oils requires appropriate vehiculation in NEs. Besides, the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) parameter for VOMR is not described in the literature. Therefore, NEs composed of Span® 80, Tween® 80, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, glycerin and water were developed by the high-energy method. The NEs were characterized by organoleptic, physicochemical and morphological evaluations as well as the stability evaluation was conducted at different temperatures for 60 days. The NEs obtained with and without VOMR exhibited translucent aspect, pH of 4.82 and 5.62; average diameter of 104.97 ± 4.03 and 92.32 ± 6.17 nm; polydispersity index of 0.27 ± 0.06 and 0.31 ± 0.04, and zeta potential of -28.37 ± 3.06 and -36.48 ± 6.56 mV, respectively. The encapsulation of VOMR was around 83% into the NE and confirmed by visualization through scanning electron microscopy - field emission gun. The stability study demonstrated that refrigeration is the optimal storage condition because the conservation of the NEs characteristics. As a result, the present study describes for the first time HLB value near 7 for VOMR. Thus, NE with this volatile oil was developed with suitable characteristics, contributing to technology development of phytopharmaceuticals for topical application to the skin.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Historically, phenol/croton oil deep chemical peeling has been very effective and has generated excellent results compared to other formulas used in dermatological clinics. However, it can cause serious side effects in patients sensitive to phenol. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a liquid crystalline structure containing croton oil (without phenol) as well as to evaluate the physical characteristics and cytotoxicity of this new system. Rational proportions of the croton oil, purified water, and polyethylene glycol hexadecyl ether were designed through a partial phase diagram to obtain 26 formulations. After macroscopic analysis and polarized light microscopy evaluation, formulations with lamellar liquid crystalline phase (4 samples) were identified and chosen to determine pH, size, polydispersion index (PDI), zeta potential, and rheological behavior. After 48 hours, three samples presented phase separation. Formulation 8 remained stable, but hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC, 0.5%, w/w) was added to the aqueous phase, to prevent coalescence. Sample 8A exhibited a pH compatible with the skin, nanometric size, narrow PDI, negative zeta potential, and stability throughout the study period. The addition of HEC improved the organization of the system, making the formulation more stable. The oil, fractions of the oil, and the sample exhibited increasing cytotoxicity, respectively. This result could be attributed to the fractionation process of the vegetal matrix, and the surfactant present in the formulation increased the cell membrane permeability. The proposed approach successfully achieved a physically stable liquid crystal system containing croton oil.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The plant species identification process is one of the most critical stages of quality control of plant raw material. Microscopy serves as the most accessible means for this purpose. Epidermal appendages, such as trichomes, are important botanical markers of plant drugs, taking into account their presence or absence and micromorphology. Trichomes are useful in detecting adulterants or substitutes and in authenticating plant raw materials. The genus Solidago includes two morphologically similar South American species, S. chilensis Meyen and S. microglossa DC. (syn. S. chilensis var. megapotamica). The two species belong to the “S. chilensis” complex and are commonly called arnica-do-mato or arnica. They are morphologically separated primarily on the basis of the average length of the non-glandular trichomes present in the stems. The objective of this study was to search for microscopic markers for the identification and differentiation of these two species to support species identification and quality control of the vegetable raw material. For this purpose, the usual techniques of light and scanning electron microscopy were used. Five types of trichomes were found in this study: I. Simple non-glandular trichome, II. Uniseriate non-glandular trichome, III. Biseriate non-glandular trichome, IV. Flagelliform glandular trichome, and V. Capitate glandular trichome. S. chilensis has simple non-glandular, flagelliform glandular, and rarely capitate glandular trichomes. Whereas, in addition to its glandular trichomes, S. microglossa has two types of non-glandular trichomes: biseriate and uniseriate. Thus, the two South American species of Solidago can be microscopically identified and differentiated based on the presence and absence of the characteristic trichomes. These differences can serve as pharmacognostic subsidies for quality control of the evaluated species.

Abstract in English:

Abstract B. palustris Heering (Asteraceae), has been previously characterized as having an unusual essential oil composition with C9-/C10-polyacetylenes as main components, and mono- and sesqui-terpenes/terpenoids at minor or trace levels. In this work, new insights into the chemical composition of this oil are presented: 1. TLC profiles using different visualization reagents for their characterization, 2. chemical analyses combining HRGC/qMS, HRGC/HRMS-TOF and HRGCxHRGC/HRMS-TOF, and 3. radical scavenging activity assay using the DPPH methodology were performed. The best TLC visualization conditions for the polyacetylenic components of the oil were obtaining using UVλ= 365 nm and vanillin/H3PO4, while the original application of NaDi (1-naphtol + N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine) demonstrated to be the best option to visualize the lachnophyllum acid methyl esters fraction. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry protocols allowed the detection of 63 components in B. palustris oil: 39 of them were identified, 6 tentatively assigned without LRI information, and 18 could not be identified. Most of the identified components were mono- and sesquiterpenes and their derivatives. Ten of them are informed for the first time in B. palustris oil [α-pinene epoxide, rosefuran, epi-cubebol, cubebol, germacrene D-4-ol, junenol, epi-α-cadinol, epi-α-muurolol, germacra-4(15),5,10(14)-trien-1-β-ol and oplopanone]. C9-/C10-polyacetylenes (baccharisdyine/lachnophyllum acid derivatives) were confirmed as the main components of the oil, while other polyacetylenes were tentatively identified and their possible structures are discussed. The deconvolution analyses on HRGCxHRGC/HRMS-TOF allowed the identification of a lachnophyllum lactone isomer (undefined stereochemistry), co-eluting with the (cis)-lachnophyllum acid methyl ester peak. Finally, B. palustris oil was found to be an inactive DPPH radical scavenger.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reissek) Biral (basionym: Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek) (Celastraceae) is popularly known as holy thorn or “espinheira-santa” in Brazil. This herb is traditionally used for gastric and digestive problems. However, similar species are often used as adulterants. Considering the pharmacological interest and the existence of adulterants, this study was devoted to characterizing M. ilicifolia samples by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) by using Citronella gongonha (Mart.) R. A. Howard as adulterant sample. Six commercial samples were purchased, and seven collected samples were obtained in the Campos Gerais region. The leaves were then dehydrated and converted to powder. The FTIR spectroscopic assay was carried out and consisted of ten different measurements for each sample with a time interval of seven days between them. The PCA was performed from these spectra. The characterization by FTIR demonstrated the presence of tannins and flavonoids in the studied samples. FTIR spectroscopy coupled with PCA was able to discriminate the commercial and the collected samples of M. ilicifolia using three principal components. The photoacoustic spectroscopy resulted in absorption bands centered at ~280, ~380, ~480, and ~630 nm. These bands presented a higher spectral resolution for the collected samples. The commercial samples showed broadening bands, which allowed the differentiation between these two sets of samples. FTIR spectroscopy coupled with PCA, and photoacoustic spectroscopy are alternative tools for the differentiation of M. ilicifolia samples.

Abstract in English:

Abstract In the quality control of herbal drugs, analysis of microscopy structures is crucial to detect any adulterants or substitutes. Microscopic analysis is considered one of the first pharmacopeial parameters of pharmacognostic identification. Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae), commonly known as “embaúba” or Ambay pumpwood, is a broadleaved tree species native to South America, from Brazil to Argentina. Cecropia pachystachya is used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, antiasthmatic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive. Due to the malpractice of adulterating botanicals with other species having similar morphology and therapeutic uses, an unrelated plant Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K. Koch (Araliaceae) is commonly used as an adulteration of C. pachystachya. Tetrapanax papyrifer was introduced into Brazil and utilized in folk medicine as an antidiarrheal, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant. This work aimed to identify and differentiate between the two species using microscopic features of the leaf epidermis. The presence or absence and the morphotype of trichomes are sufficient to identify and differentiate between these species, in whole or pulverized form.