•The anatomy of the leaves is useful for species delimitation in Varronia.•Trichomes are the most relevant characters in differentiating Varronia species.•The occurrence of crystalline sand is a ...putative synapomorphy for the genus.•New types of trichomes are reported in the genus for the first time.
Varronia (Cordiaceae, Boraginales) is a Neotropical genus of approximately 125 species. In Brazil, it is represented by 36 species, of which 21 are endemic. Regarding the vegetative organs, their species are morphologically similar, and despite recent revision studies on the genus, the identification and delimitation of some species are still problematic. In this perspective, we here investigate the leaf anatomy of ten species of Varronia recorded in Brazil, to detect diagnostic taxonomic characters and putative synapomorphies for the genus. The types and distribution of secretory and non-secretory trichomes were identified as one of the most relevant characters in differentiating the studied species. Three types of non-secretory and one type of secretory trichomes are reported in the genus for the first time. The occurrence of crystalline sand in the mesophyll was identified as a putative synapomorphy for the genus, as well as the occurrence of globular and elongated glandular trichomes, isobilateral mesophyll, hypostomatic leaves, and the occurrence of cystoliths.
ENT-ABIETANE DITERPENES FROM Euphorbia phosphorea (EUPHORBIACEAE). Phytochemical study of the roots of Euphorbia phosphorea Mart. (Euphorbiaceae) was carried out through chromatographic techniques, ...resulting in the isolation of a new ent-abietane diterpene named 11β,12β-dihydroxy-ent-abieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12α-olide (1), and of nine known ent-abietane diterpenes jolkinolide A (2), jolkinolide E (3), euphorin H (4), euphopilolide (5) jolkinolide F (6), ent-12-hydroxy-12R-abieta8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12-olide (7), ent-11α-hydroxyabieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12α-olide (8), 17-hydroxyjolkinolide B (9) and caudicifolin (10). The structures of all compounds were established using spectroscopic techniques such as 1D and 2D NMR, and the structure of the compound 1 was established also with MS, IR and ECD. All compounds were submitted to an in silico study through of a predictive model and then submitted to in vitro tests against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. smegmatis for evaluation of their antimycobacterial activity. Compounds 5 and 9 showed mycobacterial growth inhibition with MIC values of 62.5 μM against M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis, respectively.
This study presents 3 new records of the Tabebuia Alliance (Bignoniaceae) for the state of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil: Godmania dardanoi (J. C. Gomes) A. H. Gentry, Handroanthus umbellatus (Sond.) ...Mattos and Tabebuia stenocalyx Sprague & Stapf. These species were found in preserved areas of Atlantic rain forest, growing in swampy areas, on sandy and clay soils, and flowering between December and June. For each new record for the state of Paraiba, we present detailed descriptions, taxonomic notes, geographic distribution and photographs.
Display omitted
The secondary metabolites of the aerial parts of Zornia brasiliensis Vogel, Fabaceae, and the biological activity of one of these secondary metabolites were characterized in this ...study. A phytochemical investigation was performed using chromatographic techniques including analytical and preparative reverse-phase HPLC column sequences, which resulted in the isolation of fourteen compounds: one previously undescribed C-glycosylated dihydrochalcone (zornioside), one cyclitol (D-pinitol), one glycosylated megastigmane (roseoside) and eleven phenolic compounds: 7-methoxyflavanone, 7,4′-dimethoxyisoflavone, medicarpin, 2′-4′-dihydroxychalcone, onionin, isoorientin-3′-O-methyl ether, isovitexin, glycosylated (Z)-O-coumaric acid, glycosylated (E)-O-coumaric acid, dihydromelilotoside, and isoorientin. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on 1D and 2D-NMR, HRESIMS, IR and CD spectroscopic analyses. The cytotoxic activity of zornoside was assessed against tumor cell lines (MCF-7, HCC1954, T-47D, 4T1, HL60), and a non-tumor cell line (RAW264.7) using MTT assay. The compound zornioside was selectively cytotoxic for HL60 leukemia cells (IC50: 37.26μM).
Mandevilla Lindl. is an important genus of the Apocynaceae family, not only as ornamental plants but also for its medicinal uses. In Brazil, Mandevilla species are indicated to treat asthma and skin ...infections, their anti-inflammatory potential and wound healing properties are also reported in the literature. Concerning their chemical composition, this group of plants is a conspicuous producer of pregnane glycosides. Mandevilla dardanoi is an endemic species from the Brazilian semiarid region not studied by any phytochemical methods. In view of the medicinal potential of Mandevilla species, this study aimed to isolate new pregnane glycosides from M. dardanoi. To achieve this main goal, modern chromatography techniques were employed. Five new pregnane glycosides, dardanols A-E, were isolated from the roots of M. dardanoi by HPLC. Their structures were determined using extensive 1D and 2D-NMR and mass spectrometry (MSn and HRESIMS) data. The cytotoxicity and the anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds were evaluated. The first was evaluated by measuring proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide production by stimulated macrophages. Dardanols were able to inhibit the production of nitric oxide and reduce IL-1β and TNF-α. The current work demonstrates the chemodiversity of Brazilian semiarid species and contributes to amplifying knowledge about the biological potential of the Mandevilla genus.
Currently, the research of new natural compounds with biological potential demonstrates great ethnopharmacological importance. In this study, we evaluated the biological properties promoted by saline ...extract from Malpighia emarginata DC leaves, whose objective is to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity potential. Phytochemical characterization was performed by UPLC-MS chromatography to identify the chemical compounds. For the antioxidant potential, DPPH, ATT and FRAP methods were used. The antibacterial and antifungal tests were performed evaluating the MIC50, MIC90, CMB and CMF parameters. Moreover, antibiofilm action was evaluated. Cytotoxicity and proliferation were performed using splenocytes from Balb/c mice and were evaluated by cytometry. We found a list of phenolic compounds among other bioactive compounds in the M. emarginata saline extract. In addition, higher antioxidant profile and antifungal activity against different strains of Candida spp. was promoted by the saline extract. Splenocytes showed greater cell viability (more than 90%) and showed higher proliferate index in 24 and 48 hours of incubation with the extract. Saline extract from Malpighia emarginata DC has potential action like antioxidant and antifungal agent without promote animal cell damage.
Specimens of phanerogamic plants from the Catimbau National Park, located in northeastern Brazil, were collected during extensive fieldwork and analyzed together with information gathered from the ...specialized literature. A total of 613 species was recorded, belonging to 366 genera and 85 families. The largest families were Fabaceae, Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae, Apocynaceae, Malpighiaceae, and Cyperaceae, comprising almost 60% of the species. The level of endemism found was below that projected in the literature, as only four known species are unique to the study area. The area is, however, home to a varied flora with high richness and numerous rare or threatened species, demonstrating the importance of the National Park for conserving the regional flora. Additionally, 34 new registrations are reported here for Pernambuco State.
Resumo: Espécimes de plantas fanerogâmicas do Parque Nacional do Catimbau, localizado no nordeste do Brasil, foram coletados durante um extenso trabalho de campo e analisados em conjunto com informações obtidas da literatura especializada. Foi registrado um total de 613 espécies pertencentes a 366 gêneros e 85 famílias. As maiores famílias foram: Fabaceae, Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae, Apocynaceae, Malpighiaceae e Cyperaceae, compreendendo quase 60% das espécies. O nível de endemismo encontrado foi abaixo do projetado na literatura, pois apenas quatro espécies conhecidas são exclusivas da área de estudo. A área é, no entanto, o lar de uma flora variada com alta riqueza e numerosas espécies raras ou ameaçadas, demonstrando a importância do Parque Nacional para a conservação da flora regional. Além disso, 34 novos registros são reportados aqui para o estado de Pernambuco.
Field studies of the inselberg flora of north-eastern Brazil have resulted in the discovery of much greater morphological diversity of the genus Ameroglossum, than previously envisaged. These ...enigmatic plants are endemic to isolated rock outcrops, which have long been surrounded by unsuitable habitat. The morphological forms are geographically isolated and stable in cultivation when grown under similar conditions. We here provide detailed descriptions of the two previously known species and propose an additional seven new species in the genus. A taxonomic revision of the genus, including an identification key is provided. We hypothesize that the evolution of this genus is driven by the diversity of their hummingbird pollinators. Due to the threatened nature of inselberg habitats and the small populations found for most taxa, the species described here are likely to be under threat and in need for formal redlisting.
Cordia weddellii, a species of Cordia sect. Cordia (Cordiaceae, Boraginales) endemic to South America is recorded for the first time in Brazil, growing in Cerrado vegetation in Bahia and Tocantins ...states. A distribution map, photographs, comments on the habitat and phenology, and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided for the species. Additionally, we provide a lectotype for C. weddellii.
Cordia weddellii, una especie de Cordia sect. Cordia (Cordiaceae, Boraginales) endémica de Sudamérica fue registrada por primera vez en Brasil, creciendo en la vegetación de Cerrado en los estados de Bahía y Tocantins. Se presentan un mapa de distribución, fotografías, notas sobre ambientes y fenología reproductiva, y una evaluación preliminar del estado de conservación de la especie. Además, se designa lectotipo para C. weddellii.