Abstract This study reports the first phytochemical and anticancer investigation of the Brazilian orchid Epidendrum cristatum. Classical chromatography led to the isolation of the steroids sitosterol (1) and stigmasterol (2), the phenolic compound vanillin (3), and the flavone tricin (4). Additionally, the compounds moupinamide (5), corchoionoside (6), phytosphingosine (7), syringaresinol (8), and 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2-butanyl β-D-glucopyranoside (9) were putatively identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QToF-HR-MS/MS) analyses. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted against HeLa (human colon cancer cells modified by HPV) and VERO (non-cancerous green monkey kidney cells) cell lines. The crude extract of the plant (CE), the acid chloroform fraction (CAF), and the basic chloroform fraction (CBF) were tested. These fractions exhibited activity against HeLa cells, with cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) of 1.88, 5.69, and 5.04 µg mL-1, respectively, and showed activity against non-cancerous VERO cells, with CC50 values of 1.33, 0.75, and 1.46 µg mL-1, respectively. Finally, the chemophenetic and ecological relevance of the isolated and putatively identified compounds from E. cristatum was discussed based on the available literature.
Abstract In light of the diversity of botanical families native to mixed ombrophilous forest stands, we compared the behavior of colorimetric characteristics and the visible and near-infrared spectra of wood and charcoal samples from 11 species of the families Fabaceae (3), Lauraceae (4) and Myrtaceae (4). For each species, three trees were evaluated, and the same wood samples were previously evaluated and afterward carbonized. Visual spectral analysis, mean comparisons of colorimetric parameters, principal component analysis and k-nearest neighbors discriminant analysis (k-NN) were applied to verify the accuracy in distinguishing the analyzed materials among species and families. As a result, in the visible spectra accuracy of discrimination varied from 93% (for species) to 98% (for family). For the colorimetric parameters, the chromatic coordinate b* and h had higher potential to distinguish species. In the case of near-infrared spectra of wood, k-NN accuracy was 99% for both families and species. For charcoal, the test performed was not adequate, with accuracy only ranging from 43 to 68%. The results reinforce the potential of colorimetry and near-infrared spectroscopy to differentiate botanical families/species native to mixed ombrophilous forests, increasing the spectral database and contributing to advances in the study and applications of nondestructive methods for control of wood product commerce.
Abstract The Namaceae family exhibits considerable diversity in leaf trichomes. This study meticulously analyzed the leaves of five species, including two Eriodictyon species, two Nama species, and one Wigandia species using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal the type and structure of their trichomes. Only non-glandular trichomes were observed, with distinct variations in shape and type among the three genera. Additionally, species distribution maps were prepared using data from GBIF, and an identification key based on trichome characteristics was developed. These findings enhance our understanding of the taxonomic relationships within the Namaceae family. Additionally, the study underscores the potential of trichomes as valuable taxonomic tools for this family and the broader Boraginales order. Furthermore, this study underscores the necessity of using electron microscopy to examine the trichomes of more species within this family to draw more general conclusions.
Abstract Founded in 1808, the Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden is an important area to scientific research, despite not being founded with this objective. Several studies have been realized in this institute, like the survey of species that occur in the area. Currently, there are many aroid species in this collection, however there is a need to update several details of all specimens, even though there is a preliminary study. The Araceae family is recognized by its spadix inflorescence associated with a spathe. The objectives in this study were to survey all aroid species in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, update the database JABOT Arboreto, contribute to the RB herbarium and disseminate the studied species by the publication of a booklet. The gathering of specimens was followed by the annotation of morphological characteristics, identification and inclusion in the RB herbarium. Sixty-eight species were found, distributed in 19 genus, with 35 native and 12 endemic to Brazil. Here, we present an identification key, descriptions, comments and pictures of all species, allowing the update of the species that occur in the area.
Abstract The study was conducted in Serra da Tiririca, located on the municipalities of Niterói and Maricá, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is part of Serra da Tiririca State Park (PESET), protecting 3,514 ha of Atlantic Forest. It is characterized by Submontane Dense Ombrophylous Forest and vegetation on rocky outcrops (inselbergs). The objective was to inventory native Araceae species in Serra da Tiririca, indicate preferred environments, point out exotic species, and suggest conservation measures. The collected material was registered in the RFFP herbarium. 34 species were recorded, and classified into 12 genera. Among these, Philodendron and Anthurium stood out, each represented by 11 species. Asterostigma and Thaumatophyllum presented two species each and Caladium, Heteropsis, Landoltia, Lemna, Monstera, Pistia, Syngonium, and Wolffia, one species each. Anthurium lucidum, Anthurium luschnathianum, Philodendron hatschbachii and Philodendron nadruzianum are threatened with extinction. About a third of the species are considered new occurrences in the park. Four exotic invasive species were found: three hemiepiphytes (Epipremnum aureum, Philodendron hederaceum, and Syngonium podophyllum) and one terrestrial (Dieffenbachia seguine). The conservation of Araceae is threatened by urban expansion, deforestation, intense tourism, climbing, wildfires, invasive species, and the overcollection of ornamental species.
