Antimicrobial activity of Brazilian copaiba oils obtained from different species of the Copaifera genus

Brazilian plants with antimalarial activity: A review of the period from 2011 to 2022

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Malaria continues to be a serious global public health problem in subtropical and tropical countries of the world. The main drugs used in the treatment of human malaria, quinine and artemisinin, are isolates of medicinal plants, making the use of plants a widespread practice in countries where malaria is endemic. Over the years, due to the increased resistance of the parasite to chloroquine and artemisinin in certain regions, new strategies for combating malaria have been employed, including research with medicinal plants.

AIM

This review focuses on the scientific production regarding medicinal plants from Brazil whose antimalarial activity was evaluated during the period from 2011 to 2022. 2.

METHODOLOGY

For this review, four electronic databases were selected for research: Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scielo and Periódicos CAPES. Searches were made for full texts published in the form of scientific articles written in Portuguese or English and in a digital format. In addition, prospects for new treatments as well as future research that encourages the search for natural products and antimalarial derivatives are also presented.

RESULTS

A total of 61 publications were encountered, which cited 36 botanical families and 92 species using different Plasmodium strains in in vitro and in vivo assays. The botanical families with the most expressive number of species found were Rubiaceae, Apocynaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae (14, 14, 9 and 6 species, respectively), and the most frequently cited species were of the genera Psychotria L. (8) and Aspidosperma Mart. (12), which belong to the families Rubiaceae and Apocynaceae. Altogether, 75 compounds were identified or isolated from 28 different species, 31 of which are alkaloids. In addition, the extracts of the analyzed species, including the isolated compounds, showed a significant reduction of parasitemia in P. falciparum and P. berghei, especially in the clones W2 CQ-R (in vitro) and ANKA (in vivo), respectively. The Brazilian regions with the highest number of species analyzed were those of the north, especially the states of Pará and Amazonas, and the southeast, especially the state of Minas Gerais.

CONCLUSION

Although many plant species with antimalarial potential have been identified in Brazil, studies of new antimalarial molecules are slow and have not evolved to the production of a phytotherapeutic medicine. Given this, investigations of plants of traditional use and biotechnological approaches are necessary for the discovery of natural antimalarial products that contribute to the treatment of the disease in the country and in other endemic regions.

Synthesis of copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) oil nanoemulsion and the potential against Zika virus: An in vitro study

Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread all over the world since its major outbreak in 2015. This infection has been recognized as a major global health issue due to the neurological complications related to ZIKV infection, such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Zika virus Congenital Syndrome. Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments for ZIKV infection, which makes the development of specific therapies for its treatment very important. Several studies have been developed to analyze the potential of compounds against ZIKV, with the aim of finding new promising treatments. Herein, we evaluate the ability of a copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) oil nanoemulsion (CNE) to inhibit ZIKV. First, the highest non-cytotoxic concentration of 180 μg/mL was chosen since this concentration maintains 80% cell viability up to 96h after treatment with CNE in VERO cells resulted from MTT assay. The intracellular uptake assay was performed, and confirmed the internalization of the nanoemulsion in cells at all times analyzed. VERO cells were infected with ZIKV and simultaneously treated with CNE and the nanoformulation without oil (ENE) at the highest non-toxic concentration. The results evaluated by plaque assay revealed a viral inhibition of 80% for CNE and 70% for ENE. A dose-dependence assay revealed that the CNE treatment demonstrated a dose-dependent response in the viral RNA levels, whereas all ENE tested concentrations exhibited a similar degree of reduction. Taken together, our results suggest CNE as a promising nano-sized platform to be further studied for antiviral treatments.

Zinc(II) complexes bearing N,N,S ligands: Synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic analysis, molecular docking and biological investigations about its antifungal activity

In the present work, the synthesis, characterization, antifungal activity, molecular docking study and in silico approach of five thiosemicarbazone derivatives and their corresponding zinc(II) complexes are described. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopic measurements, molar conductivity measurements, emission spectra, high-resolution mass spectrometry and X ray study. The antifungal activity of the free ligands and synthesized compounds was preliminarily evaluated against Candida albicans (ATCC 90028), Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803) and Candida glabrata (ATCC 2001), by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Two complexes, 4 (MIC = 3.18 to 6.37 μM) and 5 (MIC = 25.95 μM for all) showed promising results, being highly active against all strains evaluated. The X-ray analyses shown that the complex 2 crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group P2₁/c of the monoclinic system and the coordination sphere around zinc(II) atom is better described as slightly distorted octahedral. The Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis showed that non-classical H···H and C···H/H···C contacts contribute with 65.9% while the S···H and N···H (21%) and Cl···H and O···H interactions (12%) complete the HS area. The molecular docking results, performed against CYP51 enzyme (sterol 14α-demethylase) of C. albicans and C. glabrata shows that the complexes 4 (ΔG = -10.75 and - 12.90 kcal/ mol) and 5 (ΔG = -11.12 and - 14.53 kcal/ mol) showed the highest binding free energies of all compounds. The ADME-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) in silico parameters evaluated showed promising results for all compounds.

Natural therapeutics and nutraceuticals for lung diseases: Traditional significance, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infections like influenza, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma and pneumonia lung cancer (LC) are common causes of sickness and death worldwide due to their remoteness, cold and harsh climatic conditions, and inaccessible health care facilities.

PURPOSE

Many drugs have already been proposed for the treatment of lung diseases. Few of them are in clinical trials and have the potential to cure infectious diseases. Plant extracts or herbal products have been extensively used as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Indian Ayurveda. Moreover, it has been involved in the inhibition of certain genes/protiens effects to promote regulation of signaling pathways. Natural remedies have been scientifically proven with remarkable bioactivities and are considered a cheap and safe source for lung disease.

METHODS

This comprehensive review highlighted the literature about traditional plants and their metabolites with their applications for the treatment of lung diseases through experimental models in humans. Natural drugs information and mode of mechanism have been studied through the literature retrieved by Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Scopus and Medline PubMed resources against lung diseases.

RESULTS

In vitro, in vivo and computational studies have been explained for natural metabolites derived from plants (like flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids) against different types of lung diseases. Probiotics have also been biologically active therapeutics against cancer, anti-inflammation, antiplatelet, antiviral, and antioxidants associated with lung diseases.

CONCLUSION

The results of the mentioned natural metabolites repurposed for different lung diseases especially for SARS-CoV-2 should be evaluated more by advance computational applications, experimental models in the biological system, also need to be validated by clinical trials so that we may be able to retrieve potential drugs for most challenging lung diseases especially SARS-CoV-2.

Effects of plant extracts from Stryphnodendron adstringens (mart.) coville, Lafoensia pacari a. st.-hil, copaifera spp., and Pterodon emarginatus Vogel on in vitro rumen fermentation

The effects of doses CTL (0 mg), 30, 300 and 3000 mg/L of extracts from Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (SA), Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil (LP), Copaifera spp. (CO) and Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (PE) on ruminal fermentation were investigated in eight experiments conducted in randomized complete block designs. The in vitro system contained four fermentation vessels. Each treatment was allocated in one vessel in each run. Incubation was run four and five times with diets 50:50 and 10:90 (roughage to concentrate ratio) respectively. Incubation vessel was the experimental unit, and each incubation run was a block. All plant extracts negatively affected DM degradation at 3000 mg/L. In diet 50:50, SA-3000 increased the molar proportion of propionate (p < 0.05), yet it decreased the concentration of fermentation products (p < 0.05); LP-300 reduced ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH₃ -N; 98 vs. 120 mg/dl for LP-300 and average of CTL and LP-30, respectively) and isobutyrate (p < 0.05); CO-300 reduced (p < 0.05) NH₃ -N (98 vs. 123 mg/dl for CO-300 and average of CTL and CO-30, respectively); and P. emarginatus had no positive effects on rumen fermentation (p > 0.05). In diet 10:90, SA-300 reduced (p < 0.001) NH₃ -N and total volatile fatty acids (VFA); LP-30 increased (p < 0.05) total VFA (85 vs. 63 mM for LP-30 and CTL, respectively), molar proportions of acetate and propionate, and had lower C₂ :C₃ than CTL (3.6 vs. 4.3, respectively); CO-300 decreased acetate and increased propionate, reducing C₂ :C₃ (p < 0.001; 2.8 vs. 3.6 for CO-300 and average of other doses, respectively); PE-30 and PE-300 reduced NH₃ -N by 14% and increased total VFA by 29% compared with CTL (p < 0.05). Further in vivo investigations may consider L. pacari (LP-30), Copaifera spp. (CO-300) oleoresin and P. emarginatus oleoresin (PE-30 and PE-300) in diets with high inclusion of concentrate.

Inhibitory Effect of Nepeta deflersiana on Climax Bacterial Community Isolated from the Oral Plaque of Patients with Periodontal Disease

BACKGROUND

The red-complex bacteria are one of the most significant complexes found simultaneously in subgingival plaque next to the periodontal pocket. The current antibacterial treatment is not adequate, and multidrug resistance to it is developing. Henceforth, the antibacterial effect of the ethanolic extract of Nepeta deflersiana was put to test against red-complex bacteria in patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Well diffusion and micro broth dilution procedure by Alamar blue were applied to assess the zone of inhibition (ZOI), the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Anti-virulence efficacies of the plant extract that comprise of adherence and formation of biofilms were examined by the process of adherence and biofilm production assay.

RESULTS

The crude extract of Nepeta deflersiana exhibited significant inhibitory outcome against periodontopathic bacteria with noteworthy MIC (0.78-3.12 mg/mL), inhibitory zone (12-20 mm), as well as MBC (3.12-12.50 mg/mL). The N. deflersiana extract inhibited bacterial adhesion ranging from 41% to 52%, 53% to 66%, and 60% to 79% at the given MIC × 0.5, MIC × 1, and MIC × 2 in succession. Substantial suppression was also developed in the biofilm production of the investigated periodontopathic strains following exposure to numerous concentrations of N. deflersianan extract for a period of 24 and 48 h.

CONCLUSION

These outcomes divulge a new concept that N. deflersiana extract can be utilized to manufacture valuable antibacterial compounds to treat chronic and acute periodontitis. This identifies N. deflersiana as an essential natural source for future drug development.

Evaluation of essential oils as an ecological alternative in the search for control Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a significant problem for livestock, causing losses of billions of dollars per year. This work aimed to determine the chemical composition of essential oils obtained from Laurus nobilis and Copaifera officinalis and evaluate activity against engorged R. microplus females. Chemical composition analyzed by GC-MS revealed the presence of 39 components accounting for 95.38% of the oil in L. nobilis, the most abundant being 1,8-cineol (25.7%), trans-sabinene-hydrate (20.8%), and α-terpinil acetate (15.0%). Chemical analysis of C. officinalis oil identified 25 components corresponding to 80.5% of the total constituents, where the major compounds were β-caryophyllene (21.1%), caryophyllene oxide (10.7%), and α-trans-bergamotene (9.3%). Adult immersion test (AIT) showed that L. nobilis essential oil at 5% or 10% caused 80.5% mortality of engorged females after 24 h and reached 96.9% and 100% mortality on the third day after treatment, respectively. While the essential oil from C. officinalis caused 84.7% mortality after six days at 10% and at 5%, achieved approximately 100% mortality rate at the end of the experiment (day 15). Both essential oils and the combination significantly inhibited egg-laying; however, the combination treatment showed higher effectiveness than the isolated oils at 2.5%. A possible synergic action of L. nobilis and C. officinalis against the cattle tick R. microplus is therefore suggested. The present work introduces a potential alternative for the development of a formulation environment-friendly (green pesticide) used to control cattle tick infestations.

Antimicrobial Activity and GC-MS Profile of Copaiba Oil for Incorporation into Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott Starch-Based Films

The present study evaluated the effect of the incorporation of copaiba oil, in direct and in microencapsulated form, into films based on Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott starch. Initially, the characterization of copaiba oil by gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and its antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was performed. The films were produced by the casting technique and characterized in relation to physical, chemical, structural, and antimicrobial activity. Sesquiterpenes, mainly β-caryophyllene, were the predominant compounds in copaiba oil, showing antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis and S. aureus. The films showed forming capacity, however, was observed a decrease in solubility and revealed an increase in hydrophobic characteristics. However, the oil reduced the tensile strength and elongation, while the microcapsules did not influence the mechanical properties in comparison to the control film. From microstructure analysis, changes in the films roughness and surface were observed after the addition of oil both directly and in microencapsulated form. Films incorporated with microparticles were able to inhibit the gram-positive bacteria tested, forming inhibition zones, indicating that the encapsulation of copaiba oil was more efficient for protecting bioactive compounds from the oil, suggesting the possible application of mangarito starch-based films incorporated with copaiba oil as biodegradable packaging.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil From Euphorbia helioscopia L

The chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the aerial parts of Euphorbia helioscopia L. were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), GC, and microdilution methods. Thirty-five compounds, representing 83.51% of the total oil, were identified. 1,6-Dihydrocarveol (31.39%), carvone (16.79%), menthol (8.23%), and trans-dihydrocarvone (5.53%) were the principal constituents of the oil. The essential oil exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against strains of the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, and a strain of the fungus Candida albicans with a minimal inhibitory concentration value of 31.25 μg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration values of 31.25 μg/mL ( S. aureus), 62.50 μg/mL ( E. faecalis), >62.50 μg/mL ( E. coli), >62.50 μg/mL ( S. dysenteriae), and >62.50 μg/mL ( C. albicans). These results indicated that the essential oil from the aerial parts of E. helioscopia could be used to control diseases caused by these microbes.

Brazilian Copaifera Species: Antifungal Activity against Clinically Relevant Candida Species, Cellular Target, and In Vivo Toxicity

Plants belonging to the genus Copaifera are widely used in Brazil due to their antimicrobial properties, among others. The re-emergence of classic fungal diseases as a consequence of antifungal resistance to available drugs has stimulated the search for plant-based compounds with antifungal activity, especially against Candida. The Candida-infected Caenorhabditis elegans model was used to evaluate the in vitro antifungal potential of Copaifera leaf extracts and trunk oleoresins against Candida species. The Copaifera leaf extracts exhibited good antifungal activity against all Candida species, with MIC values ranging from 5.86 to 93.75 µg/mL. Both the Copaifera paupera and Copaifera reticulata leaf extracts at 46.87 µg/mL inhibited Candida glabrata biofilm formation and showed no toxicity to C. elegans. The survival of C. glabrata-infected nematodes increased at all the tested extract concentrations. Exposure to Copaifera leaf extracts markedly increased C. glabrata cell vacuolization and cell membrane damage. Therefore, Copaifera leaf extracts are potential candidates for the development of new and safe antifungal agents.

Glycosmis pentaphylla (Rutaceae): A Natural Candidate for the Isolation of Potential Bioactive Arborine and Skimmianine Compounds for Controlling Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Several multidrug-resistant organisms have emerged, which increases the threat to public health around the world and a limited number of therapeutics were available to counteract these issues. Thus, researchers are trying to find out novel antimicrobials to overcome multidrug-resistant issues. The present study aimed to isolate antibacterial principles against the clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus from the ethyl acetate extract of Gycosmis pentaphylla. The isolation and structural characterization of bioactive compounds were carried out using various chromatographic techniques (TLC, column, HPLC, and LC-MS) and spectral studies such as FT-IR, CHNS analysis, ¹H-NMR, and ¹³C-NMR. The antimicrobial potential of isolated compounds was assessed according to the standard methods. The isolated compounds were identified as arborine and skimmianine, which exhibited a significant antibacterial effect with the lowest MIC and MBC values against MDR S. aureus and in vitro kinetic and protein leakage assays supported the antimicrobial activity. Significant morphological changes such as uneven cell surfaces and morphology, cell shrinkage, and cell membrane damages were observed in the MDR S. aureus upon the treatment of arborine and skimmianine. The present investigation concludes that the isolated arborine and skimmianine compounds from G. pentaphylla harbor a strong antibacterial activity against MDR S. aureus and may be used as alternative natural drugs in the treatment of MDR S. aureus.

Investigation of Copaifera genus as a new source of antimycobaterial agents

AIM

This paper reports on the antimycobacterial activity of the oleoresins and extracts obtained from Copaifera spp.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and fractional inhibitory concentration index techniques helped to evaluate the effect of these oleoresins and extracts against six strains of mycobacteria that cause tuberculosis.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION

Among the assayed oleoresins and plant extracts, the Copaifera langsdorffii, Copaifera duckei, Copaifera reticulata and Copaifera trapezifolia oleoresins provided the lowest MIC values against some of the tested strains. The combination of Copaifera spp. samples with isoniazid did not evidence any synergistic action. Some Copaifera spp. oleoresins may represent a future source for the discovery of new antimycobacterial drugs due to their low MIC values.

Copaiba oleoresin has topical antinociceptive activity in a UVB radiation-induced skin-burn model in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Copaiba oleoresin, extracted from Copaifera L., is used as a wound healing, analgesic, antimicrobial and, mainly, anti-inflammatory agent. Thus, in this study we investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of a topical formulation containing Copaiba oleoresin (3%) in a UVB radiation-induced skin burn model (0.75 J/cm²) in mice and performed a cream-formulation stability study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical composition of Copaiba oleoresin was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC-MS). The topical antinociceptive (evaluated through mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia) and the anti-inflammatory (dermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration) effects of treatments were assessed. The cream-formulation stability study was performed after two months, and organoleptic characteristics, pH, spreadability and rheological characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS

Copaiba oleoresin cream was able to prevent UVB radiation-induced mechanical allodynia on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th day after UVB radiation exposure with a maximum inhibition (I_max) of 64.6 ± 7% observed on the 2nd day; it also reduced the thermal hyperalgesia on the 1st and 2nd days post UVB radiation, with a I_max of 100% observed on the 2nd day. Moreover, topical treatment with Copaiba oleoresin cream inhibited the inflammatory cell infiltration, but did not reduce the dermal thickness. Such effects can be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of biological components, such as β-caryophyllene and other sesquiterpenes identified by GC-MS.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that the topical formulation containing Copaiba oleoresin presented antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice subjected to a UVB radiation and that the cream-formulation was stable for two months. Thus, use of Copaiba oleoresin is a promising strategy for the treatment of inflammatory pain associated with sunburn.

Use of Natural Products in Asthma Treatment

Asthma, a disease classified as a chronic inflammatory disorder induced by airway inflammation, is triggered by a genetic predisposition or antigen sensitization. Drugs currently used as therapies present disadvantages such as high cost and side effects, which compromise the treatment compliance. Alternatively, traditional medicine has reported the use of natural products as alternative or complementary treatment. The aim of this review was to summarize the knowledge reported in the literature about the use of natural products for asthma treatment. The search strategy included scientific studies published between January 2006 and December 2017, using the keywords "asthma," "treatment," and "natural products." The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) studies that aimed at elucidating the antiasthmatic activity of natural-based compounds or extracts using laboratory experiments (in vitro and/or in vivo); and (ii) studies that suggested the use of natural products in asthma treatment by elucidation of its chemical composition. Studies that (i) did not report experimental data and (ii) manuscripts in languages other than English were excluded. Based on the findings from the literature search, aspects related to asthma physiopathology, epidemiology, and conventional treatment were discussed. Then, several studies reporting the effectiveness of natural products in the asthma treatment were presented, highlighting plants as the main source. Moreover, natural products from animals and microorganisms were also discussed and their high potential in the antiasthmatic therapy was emphasized. This review highlighted the importance of natural products as an alternative and/or complementary treatment source for asthma treatment, since they present reduced side effects and comparable effectiveness as the drugs currently used on treatment protocols.

Inclusion of a blend of copaiba, cashew nut shell and castor oil in the protein-energy supplement for grazing beef cattle improves rumen fermentation, nutrient intake and fibre digestibility

Context Essential oils are secondary plant compounds extracted from plants, with potential for the modulation of rumen fermentation. Aims Two experiments, namely one in vivo and another in vitro, were conducted to analyse the effects of a commercial blend of essential oils (EO; copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii), cashew nut shell (Anacardium occidentale) and castor oil (Ricinus communis) and monensin as dietary feed additives in protein–energy supplements (PES) provided to grazing beef cattle, on ruminal fermentation, intake, total nutrient digestibility and protein dietary efficiency. Methods In the in vivo experiment, four entire Nellore bulls cannulated in the rumen (374 ± 15.66 kg; mean ± s.d.) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin-square design to evaluate the effects of EO concentration and monensin on voluntary intake, digestibility, and rumen and metabolic characteristics of grazing beef cattle provided with supplementation during the rainy season. Treatments were as follows: control (CON; PES without additives); monensin (MON; PES with inclusion of monensin at 20 mg/kg DM consumed); EO150 (PES with inclusion of EO at 150 mg/kg DM consumed); EO300 (PES with inclusion of EO at 300 mg/kg DM consumed). In the in vitro experiment, the effects EO150, EO300 and EO450, MON and CON on DM and neutral detergent-fibre (NDF) digestibility, and total gas production, were evaluated in four consecutive runs using a gas-production (GP) system. Key results In the in vivo experiment, DM intake, forage DM intake, crude protein intake and NDF intake were similar (P &gt; 0.05) between EO150 and MON, but both were greater than those in EO300 and CON (P &lt; 0.05). A lower EO concentration (EO150) increased (P &lt; 0.05) NDF digestibility and improved nitrogen utilisation efficiency. In the in vitro experiment, the addition of MON and EO150 did not modify (P &gt; 0.05) GP, DM and NDF digestibility compared with the control, but EO300 and EO450 decreased GP at 12 and 24 h and decreased DM and NDF digestibility at 48 h compared with the control, MON and EO150. Conclusions In vivo and in vitro results suggested that EO (copaiba oil, cashew nut shell and castor) at low doses (150 mg/kg DM) has the potential to improve ruminal fermentation in grazing beef cattle receiving supplements, but medium and high doses of EO can have adverse effects. Implications EO blends could be an alternative to MON for grazing beef cattle with access to supplements.

Hydrogel Containing Oleoresin From Copaifera officinalis Presents Antibacterial Activity Against Streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a leading cause of neonatal infections worldwide; and the maternal vaginal-rectal colonization increases the risk of vertical transmission of GBS to neonates and development of infections. This study reports the in vitro antibacterial effect of the oleoresin from Copaifera officinalis Jacq. L. in natura (copaiba oil) and loaded into carbomer-hydrogel against planktonic and sessile cells of GBS. First, the naturally extracted copaiba oil was tested for the ability to inhibit the growth and metabolic activity of planktonic and sessile GBS cells. The time-kill kinetics showed that copaiba oil exhibited a dose-dependent bactericidal activity against planktonic GBS strains, including those resistant to erythromycin and/or clindamycin [minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged from 0.06 mg/mL to 0.12 mg/mL]. Copaiba oil did not inhibit the growth of different Lactobacillus species, the indigenous members of the human microbiota. The mass spectral analyses of copaiba oil showed the presence of diterpenes, and the kaurenoic acid appears to be one of the active components of oleoresin from C. officinalis related to antibacterial activity against GBS. Microscopy analyses of planktonic GBS cells treated with copaiba oil revealed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, displaying disruption of the cell wall, damaged cell membrane, decreased electron density of the cytoplasm, presence of intracellular condensed material, and asymmetric septa. Copaiba oil also exhibited antibacterial activity against established biofilms of GBS strains, inhibiting the viability of sessile cells. Low-cost and eco-friendly carbomer-based hydrogels containing copaiba oil (0.5% – CARB-CO 0.5; 1.0% – CARB-CO 1.0) were then developed. However, only CARB-CO 1.0 preserved the antibacterial activity of copaiba oil against GBS strains. This formulation was homogeneous, soft, exhibited a viscoelastic behavior, and showed good biocompatibility with murine vaginal mucosa. Moreover, CARB-CO 1.0 showed a slow and sustained release of the copaiba oil, killing the planktonic and sessile (established biofilm) cells and inhibiting the biofilm formation of GBS on pre-coated abiotic surface. These results indicate that carbomer-based hydrogels may be useful as topical systems for delivery of copaiba oil directly into de vaginal mucosa and controlling S. agalactiae colonization and infection.

Effects of copaiba oil on dermonecrosis induced by Loxosceles intermedia venom

Background:

Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles constitute an important public health problem in Brazil. The venom of Loxosceles sp induces dermonecrosis at the bite site and systemic disease in severe cases. Traditional medicine based on plant-derived products has been proven to reduce the local effects of envenomation. The present study verified the healing effects of copaiba oil on lesions induced by the venom of L. intermedia.

Methods:

Cutaneous lesions were induced on the backs of rabbits by intradermal injection of L. intermedia venom. Copaiba oil was applied topically 6 hours after injection; the treatment was repeated for 30 days, after which animal skins were removed and processed for histopathological analysis. Blood samples were also collected before and 24 hours after venom inoculation to measure the hematological parameters.

Results:

Compared to the control group, the platelet count was reduced significantly in all groups inoculated with venom, accompanied by a decreased number of heterophils in the blood. The minimum necrotic dose (MND) was defined as 2.4 μg/kg. Topical treatment with copaiba oil demonstrated a differentiated healing profile: large skin lesions were observed 10 days after venom inoculation, whereas formation of a thick crust, without scarring was observed 30 days after venom inoculation. Histopathological analysis showed no significant difference after treatment. Nevertheless, the copaiba oil treatment induced a collagen distribution similar to control skin, in marked contrast to the group that received only the spider venom injection.

Conclusions:

We conclude that copaiba oil may interfere in the healing process and thus propose it as a possible topical treatment for cutaneous lesions induced by L. intermedia venom.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of the Copaifera reticulata oleoresin and its main diterpene acids

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The oleoresin of Brazilian Copaifera reticulata is a traditional remedy used for the treatment of skin and urinary tract infections, respiratory diseases, rheumatism, ulcer and tumours; thus, playing an important role in the primary health care of the indigenous population.

AIM

As most previous pharmacological tests used the crude oleoresin and only a few studies so far dealt with enriched fractions or pure chemically defined compounds, the aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of the Copaifera reticulata oleoresin and to assign traditional uses to specific secondary metabolites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The oleoresin, as well as its neutral and acidic fractions were tested for their activity against six cancer cell lines, two clinically relevant bacterial strains, and two dermatophytes. Both fractions were analysed by GC-MS and UHPLC-ELSD, respectively. The antibacterial acidic phase was further fractionated by preparative chromatography to purify and characterize the compounds responsible for the observed pharmacological effect.

RESULTS

Whereas no cytotoxic activity was detected, the crude oleoresin and its acidic fraction showed antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecium (IC₅₀ values 4.2 and 4.8 µg/mL, respectively) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, IC₅₀ values 5.3 and 7.2 µg/mL, respectively). Purification of the acidic fraction of the C. reticulata oleoresin yielded two dicarboxylic diterpene acids and the four main diterpene acids, comprising three different diterpene scaffolds. Interestingly, the activity was not restricted to a particular diterpene-type but rather depended on the compounds' lipophilicity, with the most active constituent showing IC₅₀ values of 1.6 (E. faecium) and 2.5 µg/mL (MRSA), respectively. Furthermore, ent-polyalthic acid, the major diterpenoid, was significantly active against dermatophytes with IC₅₀ values of 6.8 µg/mL (Trichophyton rubrum) and 4.3 µg/mL against (T. mentagrophytes).

CONCLUSION

The present study proved the antimicrobial effects of the C. reticulata oleoresin and its diterpenoid constituents, confirming its wide use in folk medicine for the treatment of skin and urinary tract infections. The inhibitory activity of copaiba diterpenoids against dermatophytic fungi as well as the gram-positive bacteria E. faecium and MRSA is being reported for the first time, providing potential lead structures for the treatment of these clinically relevant bacterial strains.

Copaifera langsdorffii Novel Putative Long Non-Coding RNAs: Interspecies Conservation Analysis in Adaptive Response to Different Biomes

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in multiple regulatory pathways and its versatile form of action has disclosed a new layer in gene regulation. LncRNAs have their expression levels modulated during plant development, and in response to stresses with tissue-specific functions. In this study, we analyzed lncRNA from leaf samples collected from the legume Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (copaíba) present in two divergent ecosystems: Cerrado (CER; Ecological Station of Botanical Garden in Brasília, Brazil) and Atlantic Rain Forest (ARF; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). We identified 8020 novel lncRNAs, and they were compared to seven Fabaceae genomes and transcriptomes, to which 1747 and 2194 copaíba lncRNAs were mapped, respectively, to at least one species. The secondary structures of the lncRNAs that were conserved and differentially expressed between the populations were predicted using in silico methods. A few selected lncRNA were confirmed by RT-qPCR in the samples from both biomes; Additionally, the analysis of the lncRNA sequences predicted that some might act as microRNA (miRNA) targets or decoys. The emerging studies involving lncRNAs function and conservation have shown their involvement in several types of biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, the conservation of lncRNAs among Fabaceae species considering their rapid turnover, suggests they are likely to have been under functional conservation pressure. Our results indicate the potential involvement of lncRNAs in the adaptation of C. langsdorffii in two different biomes.

Antibacterial, Preservative, and Mutagenic Potential of Copaifera spp. Oleoresins Against Causative Agents of Foodborne Diseases

Foodborne diseases (FBDs) are a serious public health concern worldwide. In this scenario, preservatives based on natural products, especially plants, have attracted researchers' attention because they offer potential antimicrobial action as well as reduced health impact. The genus Copaifera spp., which is native of tropical South America and West Africa, contains several species for which pharmacological activities, including antibacterial effects, have been described. On the basis of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), antibiofilm activity (inhibition and eradication), preservative capacity, and Ames test, we evaluated the antibacterial, preservative, and mutagenic potential of Copaifera spp. oleoresins against the causative agents of FBDs. The Copaifera duckei, Copaifera reticulata, Copaifera paupera, and Copaifera pubiflora oleoresins displayed promising MIC/MBC values-from 12.5 to 100 μg/mL-against Staphylococcus aureus (American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] 29213), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 15313), and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579). C. duckei, C. reticulata, C. paupera, and C. pubiflora oleoresin concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 μg/mL and from 100 to 400 μg/mL inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated biofilms, respectively. The oleoresins did not exert mutagenic effects and had superior food preservative action to sodium benzoate (positive control). In conclusion, Copaifera oleoresins exhibit potential antibacterial activity and are not mutagenic, which makes them a promising source to develop novel natural food preservatives to inhibit foodborne pathogens.

Assessment of genotoxic activity of oleoresins and leaves extracts of six Copaifera species for prediction of potential human risks

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Copaifera species are used in folk medicine for a wide variety of pharmacological properties. This paper reports the cytotoxic and genotoxic analyses of oleoresins and leaves extracts of Copaifera species: C. duckei, C. multijuga, C. paupera, C. pubiflora, C. reticulata and C. trapezifolia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro assays were performed using Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells). The clonogenic efficiency and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays were employed for the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assessment, respectively. The mouse bone marrow micronucleus test was used for in vivo studies.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity results using the clonogenic efficiency assay showed IC₅₀ values ranging from 9.8 to 99.2 µg/mL for oleoresins and 66.4-721.5 for leaves extracts. However, no cytotoxic effect was observed in the in vivo studies. Additionally, the treatments with oleoresins and leaves extracts did not significantly increase the frequency of micronuclei in both in vitro and in vivo mammalian cells. The UPLC-MS/MS and CG/MS analyses of Copaifera oleoresins allowed the identification of 10 acid diterpenes and 11 major volatile sesquiterpenes. Leaves are rich in phenolic compounds including two flavonoid heterosides and 16 galloylquinic acid derivatives.

CONCLUSIONS

The oleoresins and leaves extracts of studied Copaifera species were not cytotoxic in vivo, as well as not genotoxic in both in vitro and vivo assays, under the experimental conditions used. Therefore, the obtained results should be sufficient to demonstrate the absence of significant genotoxic risk of these Copaifera products for human use in the evaluated concentrations range.

Evidence of traditionality of Brazilian medicinal plants: The case studies of Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (barbatimão) barks and Copaifera spp. (copaíba) oleoresin in wound healing

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the potential of plants used in secular traditional medicine and considers this an important source of evidence to assess their effectiveness and safety. Brazil is rich in biodiversity and traditional uses based on the Amerindian culture. However, many processes started with the arrival of the Portuguese in the year 1500. The successive economic cycles, for example, led to destruction of native vegetation and an intense cultural erosion. As a consequence, the information about the use of plants in the past centuries are dispersed and without interpretation. In this study a methodology to evidence the traditionality of Brazilian plants was demonstrated using data about barbatimão barks (Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville - Fabaceae) and Copaiba oleoresin (Copaifera spp. - Fabaceae) in wound healing, was established.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data about use of the plants were recovered from bibliography published between 1576 and 2011. The books (101) were classified using weights, considering the date of publication and the source of Information. Older books that describe primary information received weight 10, while books written more recently and with secondary information received weight 0.4. A score for each category of medicinal use was calculated based on the books weights and the frequency of citation. A review about the current use of both plants was also performed from ethnobotanical studies published in journals.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The traditional secular use of barks of barbatimão and oleoresin of copaiba to treat wounds was confirmed based on the historic bibliographic research. The most frequent use of barbatimão in a timeline of 500 years of Brazil's history, was as astringent, whereas for copaíba was as healing of skin and mucosal lesions. The continuous and current use of these plants to treat wounds, confirmed by recent ethnobotanical studies, is an indicative of the resilience of these remedies and their effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

The use of preparations containing barbatimão barks and copaiba oleoresin can be considered effective in the treatment of wounds. Nonetheless, it is necessary to improve the quality of the formulas as established by WHO.

Copaifera of the Neotropics: A Review of the Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

The oleoresin of Copaifera trees has been widely used as a traditional medicine in Neotropical regions for thousands of years and remains a popular treatment for a variety of ailments. The copaiba resins are generally composed of a volatile oil made up largely of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, such as β-caryophyllene, α-copaene, β-elemene, α-humulene, and germacrene D. In addition, the oleoresin is also made up of several biologically active diterpene acids, including copalic acid, kaurenoic acid, alepterolic acid, and polyalthic acid. This review presents a summary of the ecology and distribution of Copaifera species, the traditional uses, the biological activities, and the phytochemistry of copaiba oleoresins. In addition, several biomolecular targets relevant to the bioactivities have been implicated by molecular docking methods.

In vitro studies of the antibacterial activity of Copaifera spp. oleoresins, sodium hypochlorite, and peracetic acid against clinical and environmental isolates recovered from a hemodialysis unit

Background

Patients submitted to hemodialysis therapy are more susceptible to infection, especially to infection by Gram-positive bacteria. Various research works have attempted to discover new antimicrobial agents from plant extracts and other natural products.

Methods

The present study aimed to assess the antibacterial activities of Copaifera duckei, C. reticulata, and C. oblongifolia oleoresins; sodium hypochlorite; and peracetic acid against clinical and environmental isolates recovered from a Hemodialysis Unit. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and the Fractionated Inhibitory Concentration Index were determined; the ability of the tested compounds/extracts to inhibit biofilm formation was evaluated by calculating the MICB50 and IC50.

Results

C. duckei was the most efficient among the assayed Copaifera species, and its oleoresin was more effective than peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite. Copaifera oleoresins and disinfectants did not act synergistically at any of the tested combinations. Certain of C. duckei oleoresin, peracetic acid, and sodium hypochlorite concentrations inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated 50% of the biofilm population.

Conclusion

C. duckei oleoresin is a potential candidate for disinfectant formulations. Based on these results and given the high incidence of multi-resistant bacteria in hemodialysis patients, it is imperative that new potential antibacterial agents like C. duckei oleoresin, which is active against Staphylococcus, be included in disinfectant formulations.

Extracts of Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke show strong antiviral activity against the sexually transmitted pathogen herpes simplex virus type 2

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke have been traditionally used by women of the Tacana tribe in the Bolivian Amazonas for genital hygiene and for treatment of genital infection/inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the ability of extracts from Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke to block genital viral infection by herpes simplex virus type 2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke were collected from the Amazon region of La Paz, Bolivia. Extracts were prepared and screened for anti-viral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) using both in vitro and in in vivo models of infection.

RESULTS

Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke efficiently blocked HSV-2 infection of cell cultures without major cell cytotoxic effects. Extracts of Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke could prevent HSV-2 disease development when administered together with virus in a mouse model of genital HSV-2 infection. In vitro analyses revealed that both plant extracts exerted their anti-HSV-2 effects by interfering with viral cell attachment and entry, but could not block viral replication post entry.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show that extracts of Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke have potent antiviral activities against HSV-2 comparable to those two previously identified plants, Croton lechleri Müll. Arg. and Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC. These studies confirm that plants used by the Tacana tribe could be explored further for the development of novel topical antiviral microbicides.

Antimicrobial activity of copaiba oil (Copaifera ssp.) on oral pathogens: Systematic review

Copaifera ssp. produces an oil-resin that presents antiinflammatory, antitumor, antiseptic, germicidal, antifungal, and antibacterial activity. This systematic review aimed to analyze the antimicrobial action of Copaiba oil against oral pathogens, when compared to that of control substances. A search on Medline/PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were performed up to March 2017. To be included, the studies needed to perform any antimicrobial activity essay, using copaiba oil and a control substance. The antimicrobial effect of each substance, in each study, was extracted. Eleven studies were included, and several copaiba species were used. All studies showed that copaiba oil, regardless of its species, presented a bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic effect in in vitro analyzes. Only one study showed that the antimicrobial effect of the Copaifera officinalis was similar to the one found in chlorhexidine. A higher risk of bias was detected in most of the included studies. The studies demonstrated that the antimicrobial activity of copaiba oil, in most cases, is lower than chlorhexidine, which is considered the gold standard. However, there is great potential against oral bacteria. Further high quality studies are warranted in order to assess the efficacy of copaiba oil on oral pathogens.

Inclusion Complexes of Copaiba (Copaifera multijuga Hayne) Oleoresin and Cyclodextrins: Physicochemical Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs) is a technique that has been extensively used to increase the aqueous solubility of oils and improve their stability. In addition, this technique has been used to convert oils into solid materials. This work aims to develop inclusion complexes of Copaifera multijuga oleoresin (CMO), which presents anti-inflammatory activity, with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) by kneading (KND) and slurry (SL) methods. Physicochemical characterization was performed to verify the occurrence of interactions between CMO and the cyclodextrins. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in mice was carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of CMO alone as well as complexed with CDs. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the formation of inclusion complex of CMO with both β-CD and HP-β-CD by KND and SL methods. Carrageenan-induced paw edema test showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of CMO was maintained after complexation with β-CD and HP-β-CD, where they were able to decrease the levels of nitrite and myeloperoxidase. In conclusion, this study showed that it is possible to produce inclusion complexes of CMO with CDs by KND and SL methods without any change in CMO’s anti-inflammatory activity.

Insecticidal activities of their components derived from the essential oils of Cinnamomum sp. barks and against Ricania sp. (Homoptera: Ricaniidae), a newly recorded pest

BACKGROUND

Insecticidal activities of Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum oils and their components are not known against Ricania sp. Insecticidal activities of major components derived from C. cassia and C. zeylanicum oils were examined in spray and leaf-dipping bioassays against Ricania sp. nymphs and adults.

RESULTS

The LC₅₀ value of C. cassia and C. zeylanicum oils was 37.66 and 72.62 mg L^-1 , respectively, in leaf-dipping bioassays against Ricania sp. nymphs, and 77.38 and 134.86 mg L^-1 in spray bioassays against Ricania sp. adults. The insecticidal activity of C. cassia oil was 1.74-1.93 times greater than that of C. zeylanicum oil. When examined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, the cinnamaldehyde content of C. cassia and C. zeylanicum oils was 80.20% and 46.32%, respectively. Based on the LC₅₀ values of cinnamaldehyde, hydrocinnamaldehyde and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamaldehyde against Ricania sp. nymphs and adults, cinnamaldehyde (LC₅₀ , 31.25 and 62.43 mg L^-1 ) demonstrated the most potent insecticidal activity, followed by 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamaldehyde (172.19 and 212.77 mg L^-1 ) and hydrocinnamaldehyde (275.05 and 318.63 mg L^-1 ).

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that C. cassia oil, C. zeylanicum oil and cinnamaldehyde have potential value in the management of Ricania sp. and could be valuable as effective insecticides. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Ultrasound Treatment on Physiochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of Whey Protein-Totarol Nanoparticles

Totarol is a natural antimicrobial compound extracted from the heartwood of Podocarpus totara, a conifer native to New Zealand. The effects of whey protein-totarol nanoparticles treated with ultrasound on the physiochemical properties and the growth of Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. The particle size of whey protein-totarol nanoparticles was reduced by ultrasound treatment from 31.24 ± 5.31 to 24.20 ± 4.02 nm, and the size distribution was also narrowed by the treatment. Viscosity and modulus data indicated that the flow behaviors of whey protein-totarol nanoparticles seemed to be Newtonian and exerted a typical viscoelastic fluid at protein content of 15% (w/v). Rheological properties were more insensitive to ultrasonic time. Time-killing assays, agar diffusion tests, the cell membrane damage analysis, and microstructure were exploited to study the antibacterial properties of whey protein-totarol nanoparticles. The MIC of whey protein-totarol nanoparticles after ultrasound treatment decreased from 4 to 2 μg/mL compared with that without ultrasound treatment. Whey protein-totarol nanoparticles treated with ultrasound resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in time killing after 24 h. The agar diffusion results showed that the inhibition zones of whey protein-totarol nanoparticles were 12 and 36 mm for untreated and treated with ultrasound, respectively. The cell membrane damages and the microstructure changes also proved that whey protein-totarol nanoparticles treated with ultrasound had strong antibacterial activities against S. aureus and that the antibacterial effectiveness enhanced with the increasing of ultrasonic time. These findings suggested that whey protein-totarol nanoparticles treated with ultrasound were more effective against S. aureus than untreated nanoparticles.

Therapeutic ultrasound associated with copaiba oil reduces pain and improves range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects millions of Brazilians.Therapeutic ultrasound has been used in its treatment, either alone or associated with drugs. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultrasound (US) associated with Copaiba oil (CO) on knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Patients were divided into three different groups: US, US+CO, CO.Ten treatment sessions were held twice a week, 30 minutes each.Pain intensity was assessed through the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Range of Motion (ROM) by goniometry, and muscle strength was assessed by means of the Medical Research Council Scale. Statistical analysis was performed by Cohen’s d test, student’s t test and ANOVA, considering p<0.05 as significant. Results: Pain reduced in all groups.The US+CO group (d = -3.50) presented larger effect size when compared to the other groups. Regarding ROM, the largest effect size was observed in the US+CO group for flexion (d = 0.86) and extension (d = 0.97) in comparison with the remainder groups. Muscle strength increased in the US (d = 1.54) and US+CO (d = 1.60) groups for flexion.Regarding extension, the US group presented the largest effect size (d = 1.80). Conclusion: Therapeutic ultrasound associated with copaiba oil is a practical and effective therapy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Copaiba oil-resin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) modulates the inflammation in a model of injury to rats' tongues

Background

The regeneration of integrity and tissue homeostasis after injury is a fundamental property and involves complex biological processes fully dynamic and interconnected. Although there are medications prescribed to accelerate the process of wound healing by reducing the exaggerated inflammatory response, comes the need to search for different compounds of Amazonian biodiversity that can contribute to the acceleration of the healing process. Among these products, the copaiba oil-resin is one of the most prominent feature in this scenario, as they have been reported its medicinal properties.

Methods

Aiming to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and healing effect of copaiba oil-resin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) in transfixing injury of rats’ tongues first proceeded up the copaiba oil-resin oral toxicity test in 5 male mice to stipulate the therapeutic dose which was established at 200 mg/kg/day. Then it was induced transfixing injury in a total of 15 Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into three groups based on the treatment: control group, dexamethasone group and copaiba oil-resin group. After 7 days of treatment, histological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin was prepared. Immunohistochemistry for CD68 (macrophage marker) was performed and analyzed by the cell counter Image J.

Results

The acute toxicity test showed that the oil-resin copal has low toxicity. Furthermore, copaiba oil-resin therapy modulates the inflammatory response by decreasing the chronic inflammatory infiltrate, edema and specifically the number of macrophages.

Conclusions

The results indicate the potential of the Amazon region and showed up relevant because therapy with this extract modulates the inflammatory process.

In vitro and in vivo Methods for the Evaluation of Natural Products against Dermatophytes

Dermatomycoses are infections caused by fungi called dermatophytes; these affect 20–25% of the world population and the incidence continues to grow each year. Recently, an alternative for the treatment of these diseases is the use of natural products, thanks to the fact that they possess great chemical diversity and thus biological activity. However, to understand the therapeutic potential of natural products, their microbiological assessment presents certain limitations. Currently, there is no established reference method to determine the antifungal capacity in vitro and in vivo of natural products (i.e., essential oils). This review focuses on describing the various microbiological methods as well as the many adaptations used to evaluate the antifungal activity of natural products both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the antifungal evaluation of natural products formulated in creams, gels, nanoemulsions, nanocapsules and solid lipid nanoparticles is included.

In vitro and in vivo antimalarial potential of oleoresin obtained from Copaifera reticulata Ducke (Fabaceae) in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest

BACKGROUND

In view of the wide variety of the flora of the Amazon region, many plants have been studied in the search for new antimalarial agents. Copaifera reticulata is a tree distributed throughout the Amazon region which contains an oleoresin rich in sesquiterpenes and diterpenes with β-caryophyllene as the major compound. The oleoresin has demonstrated antiparasitic activity against Leishmania amazonensis. Because of this previously reported activity, this oleoresin would be expected to also have antimalarial activity.

PURPOSE

In this study we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antimalarial potential of C. reticulata oleoresin.

METHODS

In vitro assays were done using P. falciparum W2 and 3D7 strains and the human fibroblast cell line 26VA Wi-4. For in vivo analysis, BALB/c mice were infected with approximately 10⁶ erythrocytes parasitized by P. berghei and their parasitemia levels were observed over 7 days of treatment with C. reticulata; hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed at the end of experiment.

RESULTS

The oleoresin of C. reticulata containing the sesquiterpenes β-caryophyllene (41.7%) and β-bisabolene (18.6%) was active against the P. falciparum W2 and 3D7 strains (IC₅₀ = 1.66 and 2.54 µg/ml, respectively) and showed low cytotoxicity against the 26VA Wi-4 cell line (IC₅₀ > 100 µg/ml). The C. reticulata oleoresin reduced the parasitemia levels of infected animals and doses of 200 and 100 mg/kg/day reached a rate of parasitemia elimination resembling that obtained with artemisinin 100 mg/kg/day. In addition, treatment with oleoresin improved the hypoglycemic, hematologic, hepatic and renal parameters of the infected animals.

CONCLUSION

The oleoresin of C. reticulata has antimalarial properties and future investigations are necessary to elucidate its mechanism of action.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF COPAIFERA SPP. AGAINST BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM MILK OF COWS WITH MASTITIS

Abstract The antimicrobial activities of the oleoresin (OR) and the essential oil (EO) of Copaifera spp. were checked against microorganisms isolated from milk samples of cows diagnosed with grade III subclinical mastitis. The OR had good antimicrobial activity (MIC ≤ 100 µg/mL) against samples of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Streptococcus of groups C, F, and G, and Corynebacterium spp. Meanwhile, the EO had good antimicrobial activity (MIC≤100 µg/mL) against coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium spp. The OR and the EO were inactive and weak to inactive, respectively, against Escherichia coli. Overall, the OR had better antimicrobial activity than the essential oil against the 55 bacterial isolates (p<0.0001). The GC/MS analysis identified sesquiterpenes in EO and by the ESI FT-ICR MS method, the identification of diterpenic acids in OR was possible. Therefore, this raw plant material is promising for the development of phytotherapeutic drugs against bovine mastitis.

Comparative analysis of the effects of Copaifera multijuga oil-resin and nitrofurazona in the cutaneous wound healing process

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate, histologically and macroscopically, the influence of Copaifera multijuga (Copaíba) oil-resin on the healing process of cutaneous wounds, comparing it with nitrofurazone. Methods: we divided 36 rats into three groups of 12 animals, according to the treatment to be administered. Group SL (control) received saline on the lesion; the Group OIL received topical treatment with Copaíba oil; and the Group NITRO was treated with Nitrofurazone. We inflicted a circular wound of 8mm in diameter on the back of each animal. We subdivided each of the three groups of 12 animals into three subgroups, according to treatment time and euthanasia (7, 14 and 21 days). All animals received the proposed treatment daily. We photographed the lesions for area measurement, as well as for evaluation of macroscopic aspects. We resected and stained the scars to quantify and qualify elastic fibers, collagen, degree of epithelization, neovascularization and inflammation. Results: although the saline solution provided a faster wound closure in its initial phase, after 14 days the wound size of the three groups tested was the same. Levels of inflammation and neovascularization were similar in all three groups. The amount of collagen and elastic fibers was higher in the Nitrofurazone and Copaíba oil groups. Conclusion: in male Wistar rats, Copaifera multijuga oil-resin positively influences the healing process, but it is less effective than nitrofurazone in healing by secondary intention.

Assessment of the antibacterial, cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of the phenolic-rich hydroalcoholic extract from Copaifera trapezifolia Hayne leaves

Copaifera trapezifolia Hayne occurs in the Atlantic Rainforest, which is considered one of the most important and endangered tropical forests on the planet. Although literature works have described many Copaifera spp., their biological activities remain little known. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate (1) the potential of the hydroalcoholic extract from C. trapezifolia leaves (CTE) to act against the causative agents of tooth decay and apical periodontitis and (2) the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of CTE to ensure that it is safe for subsequent application. Concerning the tested bacteria, the MIC and the minimum bactericidal concentration of CTE varied between 100 and 400 µg ml-1. The time-kill assay conducted at a CTE concentration of 100 µg ml-1 evidenced bactericidal activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC 33277) and Peptostreptococcus micros (clinical isolate) within 72 h. CTE at 200 µg ml-1 inhibited Porphyromonas gingivalis and Peptostreptococcus micros biofilm formation by at least 50 %. A combination of CTE with chlorhexidine dichlorohydrate did not prompt any synergistic effects. The colony-forming assay conducted on V79 cells showed that CTE was cytotoxic at concentrations above 156 µg ml-1. CTE exerted mutagenic effect on V79 cells, but the micronucleus test conducted on Swiss mice and the Ames test did not reveal any mutagenicity. Therefore, the use of standardized and safe extracts could be an important strategy to develop novel oral care products with antibacterial action. These extracts could also serve as a source of compounds for the discovery of new promising biomolecules.