Abstract Macroalgae or seaweed essential oils (SEOs) are promising yet underexplored sources of bioactive volatile compounds with potential applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Unlike terrestrial aromatic plants, their chemical profiles are shaped by unique marine conditions. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, analyzed 26 peer-reviewed studies to assess chemical composition, biological properties, and methodological challenges of SEOs. Main sources were species from Ochrophyta, Rhodophyta, and Chlorophyta, yielding terpenes, phenylpropanoids, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, halogenated volatiles, and nitrogenous volatiles. Hydrodistillation with a Clevenger apparatus was the most common extraction method, followed by steam distillation and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation. Across 32 species, 457 compounds were reported, revealing notable chemodiversity. Reported bioactivities included antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, and chemical signaling functions, underscoring ecological and biotechnological relevance. However, inconsistencies in extraction protocols, compound classification, and pharmacopeial definitions hinder meaningful comparison across studies. Additionally, most studies focused on the Northern Hemisphere, leaving biodiversity-rich Southern Hemisphere regions underexplored. Standardizing methodologies and expanding geographic coverage are crucial for fully realizing SEOs’ biotechnological potential.
Abstract Plant tissue culture enables the clonal propagation of economically valuable species under controlled and aseptic conditions. Among in vitro methods, micropropagation remains the most widely applied for large-scale plant production, relying on both direct and indirect regeneration pathways for commercial purposes. Nevertheless, the high costs associated with these regeneration systems continue to limit their broader use. Bioreactor technology has emerged as a promising alternative to enhance plant biomass multiplication and reduce expenses related to culture media and manual handling, bridging the gap between traditional micropropagation and industrial-scale production. But is this approach really practical? This question was addressed by reviewing scientific publications from 2000 to 2024 retrieved from ScienceDirect (SD) and The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), platforms recognized for extensive peer-reviewed coverage and strong indexing standards, as well as by analyzing patent filings from the European Patent Office database, which covers a wide range of countries, to evaluate whether bioreactors are contributing to the broader adoption of plant tissue culture techniques in commercial applications. This review highlights bioreactors as a promising strategy for cost-effective large-scale plant propagation, while underscoring the need for further research to optimize culture conditions and enhance species adaptability to bioreactor systems.
Abstract This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract of Myrcia splendens leaves. In vitro, neutrophil chemotaxis and LPS-induced inflammatory mediators were assessed in neutrophils or macrophages treated with M. splendens, salicylic acid, or gallic acid. Inflammation resolution was evaluated via efferocytosis. In vivo effects were tested using the air pouch model. M. splendens impaired macrophage secretion of TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, and NO following LPS stimulation. Neutrophils treated with LPS and incubated with the extract showed reduced migration and NO secretion. Likewise, salicylic and gallic acids decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated neutrophils. The extract enhanced efferocytosis, increased IL-10, and decreased TNF levels. In vivo, similar effects were observed, including reduced neutrophil migration and NO production. These findings suggest that M. splendens modulates neutrophil and macrophage functions, likely due to the presence of salicylic and gallic acids. This highlights its potential as a treatment for inflammatory conditions.
Abstract The freshwater red macroalga Compsopogon caeruleus is ubiquitously distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and has been reported in many Brazilian states. Here, we report the first record of this species in the state of Bahia, constituting the third record of this species in the northeast region. This population was found on an oyster farm in the Graciosa Quilombola Fishing Community, Taperoá, Bahia, Brazil. We conducted a detailed morphological assessment and analyzed of the sequences of the molecular markers COI-5P and rbcL.
Abstract The Brazilian Campos Rupestres are highly biodiverse, yet many areas remain unexplored, even those near research centers. We present the first floristic survey of 291 hectares of Campos Rupestres in Serra do Frazão, a previously under-sampled area in the eastern Quadrilátero Aquífero-Ferrífero (QAF), in Minas Gerais (MG). Botanical specimens were collected from 2022 to 2024 and deposited in herbarium collections. We compared our findings with those from Itacolomi State Park and RPPN Santuário do Caraça, identifying patterns of geographic distribution and species threat status. 410 tracheophyte species across 97 families and 261 genera were identified. Among these, 335 are new records for Frazão, 18 for Ouro Preto municipality, and two for MG. Fifty-one species are endemic to MG, eleven of which are exclusive to the QAF. We expanded the known distribution of seven of these species and proposed two new endemics: Aristolochia marianensis and Pleroma decemcostatum. Two microendemic species from Serra do Frazão, Barbacenia beauverdii and Paepalanthus atrovaginatus, are critically endangered. In total, thirty-three threatened species were recorded. Frazão’s flora is unique, with 21.2% of species exclusive to the area, showing greater floristic similarity with Caraça. Our findings underscore the urgency of establishing Frazão as a conservation unit.
Abstract We examined the knowledge held by urban residents regarding tree species as well as their preferences and perceptions of green areas within their city. Pedestrians in Fortaleza, Ceará state, Brazil, were interviewed regarding the tree species they know and value, and the tree species present in the square where the interviews were recorded. We expected higher mentions of exotic species and a preference for them over native species, reflecting global urbanization trends and the fact that most trees in the city studied are exotic. We also hypothesized that urban green areas would be positively evaluated by citizens, linked to perceptions of green spaces as beneficial to human well-being and health. The interviewees cited 100 ethnospecies, representing 97 biological species. Participants showed greater familiarity with, and preference for, exotic species. These results aligned with our expectations, as exotic trees are much more common in Fortaleza than native species. The number of species cited was influenced by the interviewee’s age and origin (urban vs. rural). Despite recognizing the importance of urban trees, many interviewees associated them with drawbacks like leaf clutter and infrastructure damage. Our findings suggest that promoting planting native fruit trees and implementing proper management could foster the appreciation of native species in urban settings and help preserve local knowledge and ecosystem services. This underscores the potential for integrating native species into urban green spaces to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health and to counteract the impacts of urbanization and the loss of traditional ecological knowledge.
Abstract During the analysis of herbarium collections from northeastern Brazil, and fieldwork to study the Capparaceae flora of Rio Grande do Norte state, a new species of Capparidastrum was discovered. Capparidastrum atlanticum sp. nov. is recognized by the leaves usually clustered in sets of three with very short internodes between them and a long internode to the next cluster of three leaves, less frequently a single leaf along the branches, short petioles (0.5-1 cm long), lacking pulvini, a long pedicel (2.5-3 cm long), long gynophore in fruit (3.5-5.5 cm long), and filaments white, purple or purple at base and whitish at apex. Descriptions, illustrations, distribution map, and comments about the affinities of this species with similar taxa are provided.
Abstract Vernonieae is a notable tribe within Asteraceae, and it is well represented in the mountain landscapes of the Atlantic Forest. However, research on the systematics of Vernonieae in these environments remains limited. We conducted a systematic study of Vernonieae in the Caparaó National Park, including descriptions, an identification key, photographs, taxonomic comments, and notes on distribution and conservation. We documented a total of 27 species and nine genera, with Vernonanthura (8 spp.) and Lepidaploa (7 spp.) being the richest. The greatest diversity of Vernonieae was found at Montane Semidecidual Seasonal Forest. Seven species were documented for the first time in the Caparaó, with Hololepis pedunculata also being a new record for the Atlantic Forest and the state of Espírito Santo. A recently described and rare species, Lepidaploa urceolata, was found at the park. We documented two micro-endemic species to the Caparaó mountains (Critoniopsis bradeana and Lepidaploa urceolata) and we noted that seventeen species (63% of the total species) have a restricted distribution. Our findings corroborate the importance of systematic treatments for biodiversity studies, providing a rapid means to investigate the local flora and expanding the documentation of the biodiversity in the herbarium collections.
Abstract Passiflora is one of the main genera of the family Passifloraceae. It is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions, with 157 species found in Brazil, 84 of them in the Atlantic domain. The Serra da Bocaina mountain range is fully contained within this domain, in the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The present work was designed to examine the diversity patterns of Passiflora species in Serra da Bocaina and contribute to knowledge concerning ecological aspects and their influence on species distributions. Bibliographic surveys and scientific collection expeditions were carried out in three protected areas within the Serra da Bocaina Range. Statistical analyses were undertaken to establish the richness patterns within the altitudinal classes and phytophysiognomies in the range, and examine similarities among the different areas. Twenty-three species belonging to the genus Passiflora were recorded. High species richness was encountered at low elevations and in the hillside forest phytophysiognomy. Similarity analyses generated groups that were segregated by restinga species, rare species, and generalist species, related to the phytophysiognomies along the altitudinal gradient. The data were not consistent with other altitudinal gradient studies and suggested the preference of lianas for specific phytophysiognomies.
Abstract Cactaceae comprises 150 genera and 1,851 species, distributed across the tropical and subtropical Americas, with one species found outside these continents. Brazil is the third-largest center of diversity and endemism for this family, where representatives are found in all Brazilian biomes. Rhipsalis, with approximately 40 species, predominantly exhibits epiphytic habits, rupicolous and rarely terrestrial habits, occurring in almost all of Brazil except Piauí, Tocantins and Distrito Federal. This study addresses the taxonomic treatment of Rhipsalis in Minas Gerais, a state in southeastern Brazil that includes three biomes: Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga. Specimens deposited in herbaria in the southeastern region were analyzed, and expeditions were conducted for collection and observation. Morphological analyses enabled species descriptions and the development of a taxonomic key, while georeferenced records facilitated the creation of species occurrence maps. A total of 16 taxa were identified in the state, seven of which are endangered species, especially in the Atlantic Forest biome, including new occurrence records. The inclusion of R. neves-armondii in the Flora and Funga of Brazil for Minas Gerais is proposed, while R. burchellii, R. floccosa subsp. floccosa, and R. grandiflora are excluded due to the lack of evidence in herbaria and corrections of erroneous identifications.
Abstract Piper tuberculatum contains volatile substances in its essential oils (EO) with ecological and medicinal properties. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between sabinene content and abiotic factors. Leaves (90-100 g) were collected monthly, from January to December 2023, from three adult individuals (A, B and C) at different sites within the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ) and surrounding areas, with microclimate data recorded. The samples were subjected to hydrodistillation and analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MS) and GC coupled with Flame Ionization Detector (FID). Sabinene was identified and quantified in the samples and showed a relative percentage ranging from 8.00% to 32.05%. Spearman correlations (p ≤ 0.05) showed a positive correlation between sabinene content and the rainfall index at all collection sites. Light intensity showed a significant negative correlation, suggesting that higher light intensity reduces the relative percentage of sabinene. This pioneering study with P. tuberculatum reveals that abiotic factors may influence the biosynthesis of sabinene.
Abstract The timber used by human societies serves as a material testament to knowledge about biodiversity and its appropriation, potentially revealing important information about historical and cultural aspects, as well as the implications of its use in biodiversity conservation. Despite the growing global recognition of the importance of studies on historical woods, the lack of standardized protocols undermines scientific analysis and the heritage value of artifacts. This article proposes a systematic set of guidelines for collecting historical wood, aiming to standardize data collection and recording for the various categories of cultural wood use. It establishes requirements for collecting wooden artifacts to ensure multiple approaches and research questions concerning wood heritage. By aligning with heritage conservation principles set by international organizations such as UNESCO and ICOMOS, it provides practical guidelines that ensure precision and ethics in handling historical woods.
Abstract The Euterpeae tribe of palms (Arecaceae) is a key structural element in South American rainforests. In the most recent revisional study of the genus Euterpe, Euterpe longevaginata was treated as a variety of E. precatoria, even though the authors of that revision did not find the type specimen of the first binomial. Our survey of available records in virtual repositories indicated that both taxa are predominantly allopatric and occur in distinct environments. Additionally, there are recent data on population genetics and molecular phylogeny suggesting that E. precatoria var. longevaginata forms a lineage more closely related to two species other than E. precatoria var. precatoria. These findings support the recognition of E. longevaginata as a separate species from E. precatoria, as we propose herein. We clarified that a previously selected lectotype for E. precatoria fixes the application of this name. Since our search for the E. longevaginata type specimen (d’Orbigny 48, Bolivia, Cochabamba) in European herbaria was unsuccessful, we have designated one of the illustrations from the protologue as lectotype and proposed an epitype to fix the application of this name. This study shows that controversial taxonomic circumscriptions may be greatly improved through reassessment with new geographical, ecological, and molecular data.
Abstract Snakebite envenomation (SBE) is a neglected disease that causes approximately 140,000 deaths annually worldwide. Antivenoms save lives; however, the muscle damage and physical sequelae associated with SBE are not effectively treated by this therapy. This study assessed the effect of 16 thiophene-triazole hybrids (6a-h and 7a-h) against the in vitro toxic activities of Bothrops jararacussu venom, which is responsible for most SBE events in Brazil. The compounds were incubated with venom, and the proteolytic, plasma coagulation, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities were assessed. Regarding proteolytic activity, compound 7g inhibited 97%, 7a and 7h inhibited ~85%, 6a, 6c, 6d, 7b, and 7c inhibited 58%-65%, 6b, 6e, 6f, and 7f inhibited 30%-40%, and 6g and 7f inhibited 25%. Compounds 6e, 6g, 7b, 7c, and 7e delayed venom-induced plasma coagulation. Regarding PLA2 activity, 6a, 6b, 6h, 7a, 7c, and 7h achieved 100% of inhibition, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 7b, 7d, 7e, 7f, and 7g achieved 80%-90% and 6c achieved approximately 30%. None of the compounds inhibited all of the assessed toxic effects. These findings suggest that triazole-thiophene hybrids are promising candidates for the development of complementary treatments for B. jararacussu envenomation.
Abstract Passiflora suberosa, commonly known as corky passionflower or corky stem passion fruit, is a wild passion fruit species with agronomic, ornamental, and medicinal potentials. In a previous study, we developed an efficient protocol for long-term conservation of P. suberosa through the cryopreservation of shoot tips, using the V-Cryo-plate technique, and identified osmoprotection and cryoprotectant exposure as the critical stages influencing post-freezing recovery. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidants on recovery rates and the metabolic stability of plants derived from cryopreserved shoot tips. The addition of different concentrations of ascorbic acid or glutathione during the osmoprotection and cryoprotection stages did not improve the recovery rates. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis of in vitro plants derived from cryopreserved materials indicated that the biosynthetic capacity of the recovered plants was unaffected by the cryopreservation process. Furthermore, no significant changes were observed in the antioxidant potential of the recovered plants, as assessed by their ability to scavenge DPPH radicals and chelate metal ions. These results confirm that cryopreservation is an effective long-term conservation strategy for P. suberosa and provide new insights into the cellular responses of tropical plants to the stress induced by the procedures involved in V-Cryo-plate protocols.
Abstract The genus Peperomia (Piperaceae) encompasses approximately 1,700 species and has pantropical distribution, being most diverse in the Neotropics. Despite its taxonomic richness, many species remain chemically uncharacterized, limiting our understanding of their potential applications. This study provides the first chemical profile of volatile compounds of Peperomia mendanhensis, a recently described species endemic to Serra do Mendanha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (22°49’21”S-43°32’33”W). Essential oil (EO) was obtained from the aerial parts by hydrodistillation in a modified Clevenger apparatus for 2h. Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) allowed the identification of 24 compounds, with sesquiterpenes comprising 97.69% of the total composition. The predominant constituents were β-selinene (18.6%), α-selinene (11.02%), allo-aromadendrene (9.48%), and γ-cadinene (8.08%), followed by β-elemene (7.44%), δ-elemene (6.22%), β-copaen-4-α-ol (5.51%), and selina-3,7(11)-diene (5.05%). The chemical profile of P. mendanhensis differs from other Peperomia species reported in the literature, highlighting its unique metabolic traits. Given the biological activities associated with EO rich in sesquiterpenes, our findings provide a foundation for further pharmacological and ecological investigations. This study expands the knowledge of Peperomia chemical diversity and underscores the bioprospecting potential of this newly identified species.
Abstract Phorbol esters are diterpenoids found in the genus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae). Synagrantol A (Phorbol-3,4,12,13-tetraacetate-20-phenylacetate) and G (20-deoxyphorbol-3,4,12-triacetate-13-phenylacetate) are phorbol esters from Euphorbia umbellata latex that are under investigation for their anti-HIV properties. This study describes their isolation using chromatographic techniques and their inhibitory effects on four cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme subfamilies extracted from mouse liver microsomes after induction by β-naphthoflavone (CYP1A, CYP2A), phenobarbital (CYP2B), or dexamethasone (CYP3A). After euthanasia and liver extraction, enzyme activity was assessed in treated and untreated animal’s samples via the dealkylation of ethoxyresorufin (CYP1A1), methoxyresorufin (CYP1A2), pentoxyresorufin (CYP2B), and N-methyl-erythromycin (CYP3A). Synagrantol A or G (100 µM) and α-naphthoflavone (CYP1A1/2 positive control) were added to microsomal suspensions, followed by substrate addition. Inhibition was measured by the production of resorufin in a spectrofluorometer or formaldehyde in a spectrophotometer (specific for CYP3A). The induction factor (IF) was 2.9 (CYP1A1), 2.43 (CYP1A2), 2.4 (CYP2B), and 1.2 (CYP3A). Synagrantol A and G significantly inhibited CYP1A1 (>90%), followed by CYP1A2 (84% and 64%, respectively). CYP2B inhibition was lower (34% and 49%), and CYP3A inhibition was the least significant (18% and 32%). Since these CYPs metabolize up to 60% of marketed drugs, further research on their metabolic interactions with phorbol esters is essential to ensure the safety of products containing these compounds.
Abstract The Piperaceae family comprises approximately 4,300 species with a pantropical distribution. Piper multinodum a species endemic to the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, has shown promising bioactivity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in preliminary studies of its volatile components. This study used Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and molecular networking by the GNPS platform to elucidate the metabolomic profile of ethanolic extracts and solvent fractions from P. multinodum organs and assessed activity against M. tuberculosis. Static maceration yielded extracts, which were fractionated using n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate. GC-MS analysis resulted in the annotation of 45 metabolites arranged into eight molecular families, including phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenes, steroids, long-chain aldehydes, and tocopherol derivatives. Notably, α-spinasterol was the major steroid in the n-hexane partition of stems, while eupomatenoid-5 isomers were predominant in the dichloromethane fractions. The antimycobacterial screening against M. tuberculosis H37Rv revealed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values above 128 μg/mL, classifying the extracts as moderate candidates according to literature benchmarks (100-200 μg/mL). These findings contribute to the phytochemical characterization of P. multinodum, reinforcing its chemical diversity and potential as a source of antimycobacterial lead compounds for further pharmacological investigation.
Abstract The Piper subg. Macrostachys comprises around 200-250 species with a Neotropical distribution, occurring mainly in Central America, the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and more restrictedly in the Atlantic Forest. The objective of this study was to describe a new species of Piper in the Macrostachys subg. found in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Although Piper lobasiifolium resembles P. obtusilimbum, they differ mainly because of the presence of long-villous trichomes on the adaxial surface of the leaf blade and the absence of a long style.
Abstract Metallic nanoparticles have a wide range of applications due to their size-dependent properties. Their synthesis usually uses hydroxides as reducing agents; however, sustainable approaches are exploring the use of plant-derived bioactive compounds as greener alternatives. Umbu is a native fruit from the Brazilian Caatinga biome with significant socioeconomic importance. Its depulping process generates approximately 25% of waste, which is rich in antioxidant compounds that can be used for nanoparticle synthesis. Therefore, this work aims to develop a green synthesis route for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), using umbu seed extract as both reducing and stabilizing agent. The antioxidant compounds extraction was performed via microwave-assisted extraction at 100 °C for 15 minutes, using 70% ethanol as solvent. Various parameters were investigated in the synthesis process, including AgNO3 concentration (0.004 to 0.1 M), extract-to-precursor ratio (1:1 to 10:1 v/v), stirring speed (0-600 rpm), temperature (25 to 40 °C) and reaction time (1 to 6 h). The best synthesis conditions were found to be 0.01 M AgNO3, extract-to-AgNO3 ratio of 10:1 v/v, stirring at 600 rpm, room temperature, and a reaction time of 6 h. Under these conditions, a conversion of 97.1% was achieved, producing AgNPs with an average size of 10.7 nm, mainly composed of silver oxides.
