Jacaranda--an ethnopharmacological and phytochemical review

Fabrication of intelligent/active films based on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol matrices containing Jacaranda cuspidifolia anthocyanin for real-time monitoring of fish freshness

The present work describes the natural anthocyanin from Jacaranda cuspidifolia (JC) flower immobilized within a biopolymer matrix composed of chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gave novel intelligent/active packaging films (CPC). We introduced microwave irradiation to prepare polymeric composite films noticed faster mixing of the polymers and extract take place than the conventional method. The prepared composite films are characterized by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The smooth SEM images demonstrated CS/PVA matrix miscibility and compatibility with anthocyanin for the film formation. The addition of anthocyanin to the CS/PVA films significantly reduced UV-Vis light transmission, while causing a slight decrease in the films transparency. An increased anthocyanin concentration on polymer films showed improved oxygen permeability (77.09 %), moisture retention capacity (11.64 %), and water vapor transmission rate (43.10 %) substantially. Additionally, the prepared CPC smart films exhibited strong antioxidant (97.92 %) as well as antibacterial activities against common foodborne pathogens such as S. aureus, and E. coli. Furthermore, the prepared smart films demonstrated pink color in acidic, while grey to yellowish in basic solvent. Further, the color response of the freshness label was consistent with the spoilage Total Volatile Basic-Nitrogen (TVB-N) content determined in the fish samples with varied time period. The CPC smart films also showed promising application in terms of monitoring freshness of the fish fillets at room temperature. The obtained results suggested that, the prepared CPC smart films have potential to be used as quality indicator in the marine food packaging system.

Treating leishmaniasis in Amazonia, part 2: Multi-target evaluation of widely used plants to understand medicinal practices

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Leishmaniasis are widely distributed among tropical and subtropical countries, and remains a crucial health issue in Amazonia. Indigenous groups across Amazonia have developed abundant knowledge about medicinal plants related to this pathology.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We intent to explore the weight of different pharmacological activities driving taxa selection for medicinal use in Amazonian communities. Our hypothesis is that specific activity against Leishmania parasites is only one factor along other (anti-inflammatory, wound healing, immunomodulating, antimicrobial) activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The twelve most widespread plant species used against leishmaniasis in Amazonia, according to their cultural and biogeographical importance determined through a wide bibliographical survey (475 use reports), were selected for this study. Plant extracts were prepared to mimic their traditional preparations. Antiparasitic activity was evaluated against promastigotes of reference and clinical New-World strains of Leishmania (L. guyanensis, L. braziliensis and L. amazonensis) and L. amazonensis intracellular amastigotes. We concurrently assessed the extracts immunomodulatory properties on PHA-stimulated human PBMCs and RAW264.7 cells, and on L. guyanensis antigens-stimulated PBMCs obtained from Leishmania-infected patients, as well as antifungal activity and wound healing properties (human keratinocyte migration assay) of the selected extracts. The cytotoxicity of the extracts against various cell lines (HFF1, THP-1, HepG2, PBMCs, RAW264.7 and HaCaT cells) was also considered. The biological activity pattern of the extracts was represented through PCA analysis, and a correlation matrix was calculated.

RESULTS

Spondias mombin L. bark and Anacardium occidentale L. stem and leaves extracts displayed high anti-promatigotes activity, with IC₅₀ ≤ 32 μg/mL against L. guyanensis promastigotes for S. mombin and IC₅₀ of 67 and 47 μg/mL against L. braziliensis and L. guyanensis promastigotes, respectively, for A. occidentale. In addition to the antiparasitic effect, antifungal activity measured against C. albicans and T. rubrum (MIC in the 16-64 μg/mL range) was observed. However, in the case of Leishmania amastigotes, the most active species were Bixa orellana L. (seeds), Chelonantus alatus (Aubl.) Pulle (leaves), Jacaranda copaia (Aubl.) D. Don. (leaves) and Plantago major L. (leaves) with IC₅₀ < 20 μg/mL and infection rates of 14-25% compared to the control. Concerning immunomodulatory activity, P. major and B. orellana were highlighted as the most potent species for the wider range of cytokines in all tested conditions despite overall contrasting results depending on the model. Most of the species led to moderate to low cytotoxic extracts except for C. alatus, which exhibited strong cytotoxic activity in almost all models. None of the tested extracts displayed wound healing properties.

CONCLUSIONS

We highlighted pharmacologically active extracts either on the parasite or on associated pathophysiological aspects, thus supporting the hypothesis that antiparasitic activities are not the only biological factor useful for antileishmanial evaluation. This result should however be supplemented by in vivo studies, and attracts once again the attention on the importance of the choice of biological models for an ethnophamacologically consistent study. Moreover, plant cultural importance, ecological status and availability were discussed in relation with biological results, thus contributing to link ethnobotany, medical anthropology and biology.

Mapping the distribution and tree canopy cover of Jacaranda mimosifolia and Platanus × acerifolia in Johannesburg's urban forest

This study investigated the distribution and the tree canopy cover (TCC) of the two most prominent street trees (Jacaranda mimosifolia and Platanus × acerifolia) in Johannesburg, using the multispectral SPOT 6 satellite data and field survey GPS points. The importance of the spectral bands (Blue, Green, Red and NIR) and the NDVI index in discriminating between the tree species was quantified using five separability indices (Divergence, Bhattacharyya, Transformed Divergence, Jeffries-Matusita and M-statistic). The visual comparison of the Blue band and the NDVI histograms between the two species and other vegetation type showed the lowest feature overlap, suggesting the highest separability between paired classes. This was further supported by the highest Divergence value for the Blue band (3.68) and NDVI index (2.48) followed by the M-statistic (0.8 and 0.73, respectively) indicating good to moderate separability between the two species, respectively. The results were also consistent with the RF classification where the Blue band and NDVI index were the most important variables for the discrimination between the two species with an overall accuracy of 88% (kappa = 8). The TCC of J. mimosifolia and P. × acerifolia constituted 38% of the total vegetation cover in the city. These findings not only would help prioritize the increase of targeted vegetation cover in low cover areas, but will also provide a valuable information for assessment and protection of vulnerable species such as P. × acerifolia from the threat of the polyphagous shot hole borer, Euwallacea fornicatus in Johannesburg.

The use of medicinal plants by Paraguayan migrants in the Atlantic Forest of Misiones, Argentina, is based on Guaraní tradition, colonial and current plant knowledge

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Information on the use of medicinal plants in the daily life by Paraguayan people is scarce in mainstream scientific literature. The study on the Paraguayan diaspora in the Provincia de Misiones, Argentina, gives an insight into Guaraní traditions, colonial legacy and current search for new medicinal plants to address new health challenges.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To document the use of medicinal plants by Paraguayan mestizo migrants who moved into a new country, yet within the same ecological region. The present and past uses of medicinal plants were compared to understand the continuity and change in the Paraguayan herbal pharmacopoeia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fieldwork based on ethnographic and ethnobotanical techniques was carried out in the Provincia de Misiones, Argentina, in 2014, 2015, and 2019. Eighty-five Paraguayan migrants and their descendants from eastern Paraguay took part in the study. The list of recorded plants was compared with the information in historical sources from Paraguay, to examine the continuity and changes in Paraguayan herbal medicine, and with the present-day ethnobotanical studies from Paraguay. Ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies on the medicinal plants with the highest consensus of uses were reviewed.

RESULTS

Altogether, 204 medicinal plant species were recorded. The most frequently mentioned species represented a combination of plants native to the New and Old World. Nearly 40% of the present-day Paraguayan pharmacopoeia shows continuity from colonial and post-colonial periods. Plants were used for 19 medical categories, of which digestive, circulatory and those belonging to humoral medicine were the most prevalent. The ongoing search of plants to treat new health problems is illustrated by reports of 40 species used for hypertension, 26 for diabetes and 18 to lower cholesterol. There is still little evidence for the effectiveness of these plants in the pharmacological literature. Paraguayan migrants were able to continue their traditional plant medicine in Misiones, Argentina, in a substantial way.

CONCLUSION

This study was carried out in a geographic area with a long-standing tradition of Guaraní medicine. Paraguayan migrants in Misiones integrate pre-Hispanic Guaraní names and uses of plants and old humoral concepts with current adaptation of plants to meet new health challenges. Several of the uses described in early colonial times are still practiced, giving a solid background for in-depth studies of the local pharmacopoeia.

Bioactivity of aqueous extract of Jacaranda spp. (Bignoniaceae) on Plutella xylostella L. 1758 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Abstract The high consumption rate of vegetables stimulates the cultivation and increases the demand regarding the adequacy of the production processes. The attack of the pest Plutella xylostella causes high losses by reducing product quality, typifying a phytosanitary problem. This study aimed to verify the bioactivity of aqueous extracts of leaves of Jacaranda decurrens and Jacaranda mimosifolia at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15% on the insect. The choice test was carried out at the laboratory to determine the food effect of plant extracts and evaluate changes in the life cycle of insects exposed to active compounds through the analysis of biological parameters. Plant extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia presented with phagodeterrent classification in the choice experiments. The three J. decurrens extract concentrations promoted a prolongation of larval and pupal duration, while the duration of individuals treated with J. mimosifolia at 10% was significantly reduced. Occurred reduction in larval survival of individuals treated with aqueous extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia. Eggs from treatments with aqueous extract of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia had reduced survival. Pupal survival of individuals treated with extract at 15% showed a significant reduction compared to the treatments at 5% and 10%. Pupae from the treatment with aqueous extract of Jacaranda mimosifolia showed a reduction in biomass in the treatment at 15% differing from the control e 5%. Thus, the aqueous extracts of the species J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia show insecticidal potential in the tests performed on P. xylostella.

Induction of defense-related enzymes and enhanced disease resistance in maize against Fusarium verticillioides by seed treatment with Jacaranda mimosifolia formulations

Fusarium verticillioides is an important fungal pathogen of maize, causing stalk rot and severely affecting crop production. The aim of this study was to characterize the protective effects of formulations based on Jacaranda mimosifolia leaf extracts against F. verticillioides in maize. We compared different seed treatments comprising J. mimosifolia extracts, chemical fungicide (mefenoxam) and salicylic acid to modulate the defense system of maize host plants. Both aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of J. mimosifolia (1.2% w/v) resulted in 96-97% inhibition of mycelial growth of F. verticillioides. While a full-dose (1.2%) extract of J. mimosifolia provided significant protective effects on maize plants compared to the inoculated control, a half-dose (0.6% w/v) application of J. mimosifolia in combination with half-strength mefenoxam was the most effective treatment in reducing stalk rot disease in pot and field experiments. The same seed treatment significantly upregulated the expression of genes in the leaves encoding chitinase, glucanase, lipid transfer protein, and pathogenesis-related proteins PR-1, PR-5 and PR-10, 72 h after inoculation. This treatment also induced the activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, protease, acid invertase, chitinase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase. We conclude that seed pre-treatment with J. mimosifolia extract with half-strength chemical mefenoxam is a promising approach for the management of stalk rot in maize.

Jacaranda flower (Jacaranda mimosifolia) as an alternative for antioxidant and antimicrobial use

Antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics is a serious health problem worldwide, for this reason, the search for natural agents with antimicrobial power against pathogenic microorganisms is of current importance. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity (ABTS+ and DPPH), antimicrobial activity, and polyphenol compounds of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Jacaranda mimosifolia flowers. The antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 51299, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, was determined using the Kirby Bauer technique. The results of polyphenolic compounds showed a high amount of total flavonoids in the methanolic and aqueous extracts (503.3 ± 86.5 and 245. 7 ± 27.8 mg Rutin Equivalents/g DW, respectively). Quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin were identified by the HPLC-DAD technique, while in the GC-MS analysis, esters, fatty acids, organic compounds, as well as monosaccharides were identified. Higher antioxidant capacity was detected by the ABTS technique (94.9% and 62.6%) compared to DPPH values (52.5% and 52.7 %) for methanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The methanolic extract showed a greater inhibitory effect on gram-positive bacteria, with a predominant higher inhibition percentage on Listeria monocytogenes and Streptococcus mutans (86% for both). In conclusion, Jacaranda flower extracts could be a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant alternative due to the considerable amount of polyphenolic compounds, and serve as a sustainable alternative for the isolation of active ingredients that could help in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, pharmaceutics, and other industrial sectors, to remediate problems such as oxidative stress and antimicrobial abuse.

Chemical Characterization and Wound Healing Property of Jacaranda decurrens Cham. (Bignoniaceae): An Experimental Study Based on Molecular Mechanisms

Background

Jacaranda decurrens Cham., known as carobinha, is prevalent in the Cerrado biome and presents popular use in treatment of dermatological diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the healing action of topical formulation of Jacaranda decurrens Cham. (FtEHJ) in mice cutaneous lesions.

Methods

Phytochemical analysis of J. decurrens hydroalcoholic extract was carried out by using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS and FIA-ESI-IT-MSn. Swiss mice were treated topically with formulation base (FtB) or Fibrinase® or ointment FtEHJ (15 mg/g; 50 mg/Kg). At the end of treatment periods, the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the lesions were measured by using ELISA and gene expression of TGF-β, Collagen I, and Collagen III was demonstrated by RTqPCR method and histological evaluation.

Results

Ten compounds were identified in the extract, distributed among the classes of flavonoids and triterpenes. Treatment with FtEHJ increased the wound contraction in 24 hours, such as reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (pg/mL) cytokines in the lesion. The TGF-β and collagen gene expression was increased and the wound closure accelerated to nine days, with discrete inflammation, collagenization, and accented reepithelialization. Conclusions. The results obtained suggest chemical compounds present in the FtEHJ accelerates wound healing by being a gene expression modulator, and protein content of different molecules are involved in tissue repair.

Aqueous Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers extract attenuates allergen-induced asthma in a mouse model via an antioxidant mechanism

Objective: Pyrostegia venusta (Ker-Gawl.) Miers (Bignoniaceae) is a perennial invasive vine, distributed worldwide. In folk medicine, its parts are used for the treatment of inflammatory respiratory diseases. Extracts of P. venusta have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antinociceptive properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two extracts (aqueous and hydroethanolic) of P. venusta in the treatment of asthma in an animal model.Methods: Balb/c mice were sensitized twice with ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneally (ip), one week apart, and after one week, challenged with OVA intranasally on four alternate days. Mice were treated ip with 300 mg/kg of aqueous or hydroethanolic extracts for seven consecutive days. Control groups received saline on the same days. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, lung and airway inflammation, and antioxidant activity in lung tissue were assessed.Results: Treatment with aqueous extract significantly decreased bronchial hyperresponsiveness, measured by total and tissue resistance and elastance. The administration of hydroethanolic extract did not reduce bronchial hyperresponsiveness. In addition, both extracts significantly reduced total cell and eosinophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage. Both extracts did not change significantly IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, IFN-gamma, and TGF-beta levels. Of note, only the aqueous extract significantly increased the total antioxidant activity and reduced lung inflammation.Conclusion: Aqueous extract of P. venusta reduced bronchial hyperresponsiveness, lung and airway inflammation, probably via an antioxidant mechanism. These results demonstrate that P. venusta may have potential for asthma treatment.

Phylogeny of the Neotropical tribe Jacarandeae (Bignoniaceae)

PREMISE

The tribe Jacarandeae includes Jacaranda (49 species) and Digomphia (3 species), two genera of trees and woody shrubs with Neotropical distribution. Jacarandeae is sister to the rest of the Bignoniaceae, but not much is known about interspecific and intergeneric relationships within this group.

METHODS

We reconstructed the phylogeny of Jacarandeae using chloroplast (ndhF, rpl32-trnL, trnL-F) and nuclear (ETS, PPR62) markers. Evolutionary relationships within Jacarandeae were inferred using Bayesian, Maximum Likelihood, and species tree approaches. The resulting phylogenetic framework was used as the basis to interpret the evolution of key morphological character states (i.e., stamen and calyx traits) and revise the infra-generic classification of the group.

RESULTS

Jacaranda and Digomphia belong to a well-supported clade, with Digomphia nested within Jacaranda. We propose the necessary taxonomic changes to recognize monophyletic taxa, including a broadly circumscribed Jacaranda divided into four sections: (1) Jacaranda sect. Nematopogon, species previously included in Digomphia and united by divided staminode apices and spathaceous calyces; (2) Jacaranda sect. Copaia, species with monothecal anthers and cupular calyces; (3) Jacaranda sect. Jacaranda, species with monothecal anthers and campanulate calyces; and (4) Jacaranda sect. Dilobos, species with dithecal anthers and cupular calyces, and including more than half of the species of the genus, all restricted to Brazil.

CONCLUSIONS

As circumscribed here, Jacarandeae includes only a broadly defined Jacaranda divided into four sections. Each section is defined by a unique combination of anther and calyx morphologies.

Leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activity from plants used in Tacana traditional medicine (Bolivia)

ETNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thirty-eight Tacana medicinal plant species used to treat skin problems, including leishmania ulcers, skin infections, inflammation and wound healing, were collected in the community of Buena Vista, Bolivia, with the Tacana people. Twenty two species are documented for the first time as medicinal plants for this ethnic group living in the northern area of the Department of La Paz.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the leishmanicidal effect (IC₅₀) and cytotoxicity (LD₅₀) of the selected plants. To carry out bioguided studies on the active extracts. To assess the potential of Bolivian plant biodiversity associated with traditional knowledge in the discovery of alternative sources to fight leishmaniasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy three ethanol extracts were prepared from 38 species by maceration and were evaluated in vitro against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and L. braziliensis. Active extracts (IC₅₀ ≤ 50 μg/mL) were fractionated by chromatography on Silica gel column and the fractions were assessed against the two Leishmania strains. The most active fractions and the crude extracts were evaluated against reference strains of L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, L. aethiopica, two native strains (L. Lainsoni and L. braziliensis) and for cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. The chromatographic profile of the active fractions was obtained by reverse phase chromatography using HPLC.

RESULTS

From the 73 extracts, 39 extracts (53.4%) were inactive and 34 showed activity. Thirteen species were sselected for bioguided studies. The crude extracts and their 36 fractions were evaluated against two Leishmania strains. The most active fraction were tested in a panel of five leishmania strains and for cytotoxicity. The Selective Index (SI = LD₅₀/IC₅₀) was calculated, and were generally low. Retention time and UV spectra were recorded for the active fractions by HPLC-DAD using a reverse phase column. Profiles were very different from each other, showing the presence of different compounds.

CONCLUSION

Bolivian traditional knowledge from the Tacanba was useful to identify plants with effect on Leishmania promastigotes. Chromatographic bioguided studies showed stronger leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activity for the medium polar fraction. HPLC analysis showed different chromatographic profiles of the active fractions.

Antiobesity Effects of Hydroethanolic Extract of Jacaranda decurrens Leaves

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that reduces life expectancy; therefore, the search for new alternative and effective treatments is ongoing. The aim of the present investigation was to identify the chemical compounds in the hydroethanolic extract of leaves of Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata and to evaluate their toxicity and antiobesity effects. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the chemical constituents, and acute toxicity was evaluated in rats treated with doses of 2 and 5 g·kg-1 body mass. The antiobesity effect was determined in rats with hypercaloric diet-induced obesity. Our results revealed the presence of compounds, such as jacaric, ursolic, and oleic acids, as well as luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol, in the extract. The acute toxicity tests revealed that rats treated with elevated doses of the extract showed no signs of toxicity. The extract induced reduction in total body mass and the white adipose tissue depots. The obese rats treated with the extract showed an increased fluid intake and feces excretion while their serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased compared to those in the controls, without any hematological changes. Taken together, the results showed that the constituents of J. decurrens extracts included phenolic compounds and exhibited antiobesity effects with no toxicity.

Antimalarial plants used by indigenous people of the Upper Rio Negro in Amazonas, Brazil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This is the first intercultural report of antimalarial plants in this region. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plants used against malaria by indigenous people in the Upper Rio Negro region and to review the literature on antimalarial activity and traditional use of the cited species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and ethnobotanical walks were conducted with 89 informants in five indigenous communities between April 2010 and November 2013 to obtain information on the use of medicinal plants against malaria. We reviewed academic databases for papers published in scientific journals up to January 2014 in order to find works on ethnopharmacology, ethnobotany, and antimalarial activity of the species cited.

RESULTS

Forty-six plant species belonging to 24 families are mentioned. Fabaceae (17.4%), Arecaceae (13.0%) and Euphorbiaceae (6.5%) account together for 36.9% of these species. Only seven plant species showed a relatively high consensus. Among the plant parts, barks (34.0%) and roots (28.0%) were the most widely used. Of the 46 species cited, 18 (39.1%) have already been studied for their antimalarial properties according to the literature, and 26 species (56.5%) have no laboratory essays on antimalarial activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Local traditional knowledge of the use of antimalarials is still widespread in indigenous communities of the Upper Rio Negro, where 46 plants species used against malaria were recorded. Our studies highlight promising new plants for future studies: Glycidendron amazonicum, Heteropsis tenuispadix, Monopteryx uaucu, Phenakospermum guianensis, Pouteria ucuqui, Sagotia brachysepala and notably Aspidosperma schultesii, Ampelozizyphus amazonicus, Euterpe catinga, E. precatoria, Physalis angulata, Cocos nucifera and Swartzia argentea with high-use consensus. Experimental validation of these remedies may help in developing new drugs for malaria.

Medicinal plants of the Achuar (Jivaro) of Amazonian Ecuador: ethnobotanical survey and comparison with other Amazonian pharmacopoeias

AIM OF THE STUDY AND ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This paper presents the first ethnobotanical survey conducted among the Achuar (Jivaro), indigenous people living in Amazonian Ecuador and Peru. The aims of this study are: (a) to present and discuss Achuar medicinal plant knowledge in the context of the epidemiology of this population (b) to compare the use of Achuar medicinal plants with the uses reported among the Shuar Jivaro and other Amazonian peoples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The author conducted field research in 9 indigenous villages in the region of Morona Santiago and Pastaza in Ecuador. Semi-structured interviews on local illnesses and herbal remedies were carried out with 82 informants and plant specimens were collected and later identified in Quito. A literature research was conducted on the medicinal species reported by Achuar people during this study.

RESULTS

The most reported medicinal plants are species used by the Achuar to treat diarrhoea, parasites infection, fractures, wounds, and snakebites. Informants reported the use of 134 medicinal species for a total of 733 recorded use-reports. Of these 134 species, 44 are reported at least 3 times for one or more specific disease condition for a total of 56 uses. These species are considered a core kit of medicinal plants of the Achuar of Ecuador. Most of these medicinal species are widely used in the Amazon rainforest and in many other parts of Latin America.

CONCLUSION

The author documented a core kit of 44 medicinal plants used among the Achuar of Ecuador and found that this core set of medicinal plants reflects local epidemiological concerns and the pharmacopoeias of the Shuar and other Amazonian groups. These findings suggest that inter-group diffusion of medicinal plant knowledge had a prominent role in the acquisition of current Achuar knowledge of medicinal plants.

Profile of Volatile Components of Hydrodistilled and Extracted Leaves of Jacaranda acutifolia and their Antimicrobial Activity Against Foodborne Pathogens

Volatile constituents of the essential oil and n-hexane extract of Jacaranda acutifolia Humb. and Bonpl. (Bignoniaceae) leaves were determined, and their antimicrobial activities were investigated using an agar diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined and compared with those of standard antibiotics (penicillin, gentamicin and nystatin). The chemical composition of the oils was analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GLC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GLC-MS). Thirty-four components, comprising almost 93.8% of the total peak area, were identified in the leaf essential oil. The main components were methyl linolenate (26.7%), 1-octen-3-ol (10.8%), methyl phenyl acetate (9.9%), β-linalool (5.5%) and palmitic acid (4.7%). The n-hexane extract revealed similar oil constituents, but also p-benzoquinone, phenyl acetic acid, resorcinol and homogentisic acid. The oil showed some activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with MIC values of 2.2 and 2.9 mg/mL, respectively, and moderate activity against Candida albicans, Salmonella typhimurium and Shigella flexneri. The n-hexane extract showed moderate activities against all tested microorganisms, with MIC values ranging from 3.5 to 10.2 mg/mL. The antimicrobial activities of the hydrodistilled and extracted leaves make their local traditional uses rational.

The chemistry and biological activities of natural products from Northern African plant families: from Aloaceae to Cupressaceae

Traditional medicinal practices play a key role in health care systems in countries with developing economies.

The globalization of traditional medicine in northern peru: from shamanism to molecules

Northern Peru represents the center of the Andean "health axis," with roots going back to traditional practices of Cupisnique culture (1000 BC). For more than a decade of research, semistructured interviews were conducted with healers, collectors, and sellers of medicinal plants. In addition, bioassays were carried out to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of plants found. Most of the 510 species encountered were native to Peru (83%). Fifty percent of the plants used in colonial times have disappeared from the pharmacopoeia. Market vendors specialized either on common and exotic plants, plants for common ailments, and plants only used by healers or on plants with magical purposes. Over 974 preparations with up to 29 different ingredients were used to treat 164 health conditions. Almost 65% of the medicinal plants were applied in these mixtures. Antibacterial activity was confirmed in most plants used for infections. Twenty-four percent of the aqueous extracts and 76% of the ethanolic extracts showed toxicity. Traditional preparation methods take this into account when choosing the appropriate solvent for the preparation of a remedy. The increasing demand for medicinal species did not increase the cultivation of medicinal plants. Most species are wild collected, causing doubts about the sustainability of trade.

The isolation of bioactive flavonoids from Jacaranda obtusifolia H. B. K. ssp. rhombifolia (G. F. W. Meijer) Gentry

The paper describes the bioassay-guided isolation, structure elucidation and anticancer evaluation of five flavonoids (-)-liquiritigenin (1), (-)-neoliquiritin (2), isoliquiritigenin (3), isoliquiritin (4) and formononetin (5) from the twigs of Jacaranda obtusifolia H. B. K. ssp. rhombifolia (G. F. W. Meijer) Gentry. The structures were elucidated based on ¹H, ¹³C NMR, comprehensive 2D NMR, MS analyses and comparison with previously reported spectral data. Compounds 1 and 3 were demonstrated to be inhibitory in vitro against NCI-H187 (small cell lung cancer) with IC₅₀ values of 30.1 and 16.6 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. The isolates were non-cytotoxic to Vero cells (African green monkey kidney).

New Glucose Esters from the Fresh Leaves of Jacaranda mimosaefolia

From the fresh leaves of Jacaranda mimosaefolia were isolated Phytoquinoids 1-4 established as β-D-glucopyranose 2-benzeneacetate1,6-bis(1-hydroxy-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-acetate), for which the name Jacaranoside is proposed; β-D-glucopyranose 2-(4-hydroxybenzeneacetate) 1,6-bis(1-hydroxy-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-acetate), for which the name Jacarandol is proposed; β-D-glucopyranose 2-benzeneacetate 1-(1-hydroxy-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-acetate) and β-D-glucopyranose 1,6-bis (1-hydroxy-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-acetate) respectively.

Jacaranone-derived glucosidic esters from Jacaranda glabra and their activity against Plasmodium falciparum

In a survey of plants from Ecuador with antiprotozoal activity, Jacaranda glabra was found to show promising activity against the Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain. Subsequently, activity-guided isolation of the dichloromethane extract from the leaves of J. glabra afforded four new phenylethanoid glucosides containing jacaranone-type moieties (1-4), named jacaglabrosides A-D. Their chemical structures were identified using NMR spectroscopy and MS techniques. The compounds were found to be active in vitro against the P. falciparum K1 strain (IC(50) 1, 1.02; 2, 0.56; 3, 0.56; and 4, 0.55 microg/mL) and generally possessed a low cytotoxicity toward L-6 cells, with the exception of compound 1 (IC(50) 1, 8.3; 2, >90; 3, 87; and 4, 85 microg/mL).

Isolation of jacaranone, a sedative constituent extracted from the flowers of the Mexican tree Ternstroemia pringlei

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ternstroemia pringlei represents one of the most widely employed and commercially exploited medicinal plant in Mexico, used popularly as a tranquilizer and for the treatment of insomnia.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the sedative constituents of the plant through a bio-guided fractionation of extracts derived from calyx and fruits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Crude extracts with different polarities (CHCl(3), AcOEt, MeOH, aqueous) were prepared and subjected to chromatographic fractionation, leading to the isolation of the sedative compound (1) from the MeOH crude extract. The identity of 1 was unequivocally established by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. The sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital and the elevated plus-maze models were performed on mice to determine the sedative and anxiolytic activities, respectively. Bioactivity was also investigated though in vitro GABA release experiments using mice brain slices.

RESULTS

The sedative compound was established as jacaranone (1), and its effect was clearly demonstrated through a dose-dependent response analysis (ED(50) = 25 mg/kg mouse weight). When tested in the elevated plus-maze model, none of the extracts from Ternstroemia pringlei displayed anxiolytic activity. GABA release experiments showed that the MeOH and aqueous crude extracts released this neurotransmitter at a ratio of 217 and 179 pmol/g protein, respectively, evidencing the presence of other bioactive constituents in the extracts apart of 1, whose activity was absent in this model.

CONCLUSIONS

Although 1 has been isolated and identified in a number of plant species, this is the first time that its sedative effect has been demonstrated. No previous record exists of other sedative compounds having been isolated from Ternstroemia pringlei.