The genus Eugenia (Myrtaceae) is widely distributed in Brazil and is known for producing diverse secondary metabolites with various biological activities, although several species remain poorly explored. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves of seven Eugenia species (E. brasiliensis, E. involucrata, E. longipedunculata, E. myrcianthes, E. neoverrucosa, E. pyriformis, and E. uniflora), compare their chemical profiles using multivariate analysis, and evaluate their insecticidal activity against the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis. EOs were obtained from dried leaves by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to compare chemical compositions, and contact bioassays were conducted to assess insecticidal activity against adult fleas. The EOs showed distinct chemical compositions, with major constituents including α-pinene, (E)-caryophyllene, viridiflorene, β-selinene, limonene, and germacrone, depending on the species. PCA revealed clear differences among species, particularly highlighting oils dominated by α-pinene and sesquiterpene-derived compounds. In the bioassays, E. uniflora showed the highest insecticidal activity, reaching 95.1% mortality at 800 µg·cm⁻² and presenting an LC₅₀ of 9.12 µg·cm⁻², whereas E. brasiliensis showed moderate activity (LC₅₀ = 157.82 µg·cm⁻²). These findings expand the chemical knowledge of the genus and indicate the potential of E. uniflora EO as a natural source of compounds with insecticidal activity against C. felis felis.

Abstract Styrax leprosus Hook. & Arn. known as “cuia-do-brejo, estoraque-do-campo, pau-de-remo, caujuja”, is a species of Styracaceae and can be found in South America. Reports on the medicinal use of the species have demonstrated its application in the treatment of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this work was to investigate the anatomy of leaves and stem, using the standard light and scanning electron microscopy techniques, and histochemical tests. The leaf is hypostomatic, dorsiventral, and present anomocytic stomata. Peltate trichomes are on abaxial side of leaf, petiole and stem. Midrib is flat-convex shaped with collateral vascular system arranged in open arch with a plate V-shaped. Petiole is concave-convex shaped with collateral vascular bundle in an open arc with invaginated ends. The stem has a circular shape, showing brachysclereids, styloids, prismatic crystals, and druses of calcium oxalate. Lipids, lignified and phenolic compounds, starch grains, and alkaloids were detected in the histochemical tests. Therefore, these data are relevant for the identification and differentiation of species within the genus, providing essential taxonomic information that acts as auxiliary tools in species identification.

Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae Juss.) is widely distributed in Brazil and holds notable medicinal, nutritional, and economic relevance. This study expands the morpho-anatomical, micromorphological, and histochemical characterization of eight species: E. brasiliensis, E. involucrata, E. longipedunculata, E. myrcianthes, E. neoverrucosa, E. punicifolia, E. pyriformis, and E. uniflora. Morphological analyses revealed diagnostic variations in leaf blade dimensions, petiole structure, and margin traits, including the wavy margin of E. neoverrucosa. Foliar epidermal cells ranged from polygonal to sinuous, and cuticular ornamentation varied from slightly to strongly striated. Nonglandular trichomes occurred in E. myrcianthes, E. punicifolia, and E. pyriformis, with sand crystals found exclusively in E. myrcianthes. All species exhibited a uniseriate epidermis, and only E. myrcianthes showed a hypodermis. Secretory cavities were present but not uniformly distributed among organs. Stem anatomy showed brachysclereids in most species and fibers in E. involucrata and E. myrcianthes. Histochemical tests detected lipids, lignin, phenolics, and starch in all species. Various types of calcium oxalate crystals were recorded, including platy aggregate crystals reported for the first time in E. pyriformis. These integrated data provide novel structural and chemical markers relevant for species delimitation and chemotaxonomic studies within Eugenia.

The genus Eugenia (Myrtaceae) is widely distributed in Brazil and is known for producing diverse secondary metabolites with various biological activities, although several species remain poorly explored. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves of seven Eugenia species (E. brasiliensis, E. involucrata, E. longipedunculata, E. myrcianthes, E. neoverrucosa, E. pyriformis, and E. uniflora), compare their chemical profiles using multivariate analysis, and evaluate their insecticidal activity against the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis. EOs were obtained from dried leaves by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to compare chemical compositions, and contact bioassays were conducted to assess insecticidal activity against adult fleas. The EOs showed distinct chemical compositions, with major constituents varying by species, including α-pinene, (E)-caryophyllene, viridiflorene, β-selinene, limonene, and germacrone. PCA revealed clear differences among species, particularly highlighting oils dominated by α-pinene and sesquiterpene-derived compounds. In the bioassays, E. uniflora showed the highest insecticidal activity, reaching 95.1% mortality at 800 µg·cm−2 and presenting an LC50 of 9.12 µg·cm−2, whereas E. brasiliensis showed moderate activity (LC50 = 157.82 µg·cm−2). These findings expand the chemical knowledge of the genus and indicate the potential of E. uniflora EO as a natural source of insecticidal compounds against C. felis felis.

Primulaceae are distributed all over the world, encompassing around 2590 species. The genus Lysimachia is also part of this family. Lysimachia nummularia L., popularly known as moneywort or creeping Jenny, has been used in Europe to treat many diseases. However, there are no reports of a complete morpho-anatomical description for this species. The aim of this study was to characterize the morpho-anatomical features of the plant, as well as to establish High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)-fingerprints of extracts prepared from the plant by decoction and infusion as well as the organic fractions obtained from these extracts. Standard techniques of light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as histochemical tests, were used; a standard method of HPTLC was applied. The species shows simple, opposite, membranaceous leaves, with rounded roots containing a central medulla and a ribbed stem with endoderm. Amphistomatic leaves bear glandular trichomes on the abaxial surface, also found on the petiole, midrib, petal, and filament. Histochemical analyses confirmed the presence of lipophilic compounds, proteins, starch, phenolics, tannins, and lignin. HPTLC analysis showed some differences in the fingerprints of the organic fractions examined, yet it highlighted the need for further studies regarding the chemical composition of the plant.

Dichorisandra thyrsiflora J.C.Mikan, an important species of the largest genus within Commelinaceae, is traditionally used to treat infections and renal disorders, yet lacks detailed morpho-anatomical and histochemical characterization. This study aimed to investigate the morphology, anatomy, and histochemistry of leaves, stems, and roots of D. thyrsiflora using light microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and histochemical assays. Morphological observations confirmed typical monocot features, including alternate-spiral leaves, an atactostele stem, and tuberous roots. Morpho-anatomical analyses revealed non-glandular trichomes, phenolic idioblasts, collateral vascular bundles, and specialized tissues such as exodermis and fibrous parenchymatous sheaths. Calcium oxalate crystals of varied morphologies were distributed across vegetative organs; their composition was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The tuberous root exhibited abundant starch reserves and lacked lignification in vascular bundles, distinguishing it from non-tuberous roots. Histochemical assays detected polysaccharides, lipids, phenolic compounds, starch, lignin, and alkaloids. These results provide novel data relevant to species taxonomy, pharmacobotanical quality control, and future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of hospitalization and death worldwide. The use of complementary therapies, particularly medicinal plants, has become increasingly prevalent as a therapeutic option. Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) is a prominent species widely distributed across Brazil. Regarding its ethnopharmacological application, studies involving folk healers have documented the use of this species to treat various disorders of the cardiovascular system. AIM OF THE STUDY:To investigate the cardioprotective effects of an ethanol-soluble fraction obtained from the aerial parts of P. alliacea in hypertensive rats subjected to isoprenaline-induced cardiac stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Aerial parts of P. alliacea were collected, and an aqueous extract was prepared via infusion. This extract was subsequently treated with ethanol to yield the ethanol-soluble fraction of P. alliacea (ESPA). Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were assigned to the following experimental groups: naïve, negative control (vehicle), metoprolol (10 mg/kg), and ESPA (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg). All hypertensive groups received isoprenaline (4.5 mg/kg, s.c.) once daily for four consecutive days. After a 28-day treatment period, renal function, electrocardiographic parameters, blood pressure, and mesenteric vascular bed reactivity were assessed. Biochemical markers, histopathology, and cardiac morphometry were also evaluated. Additionally, intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were measured in SHR aortic rings. RESULTS:On the first day, treatment with ESPA (30 mg/kg) induced a significant natriuretic response, increasing urinary Na+ excretion by ∼ 18% compared to the negative control group; after 28 days, animals treated with 100 and 300 mg/kg of ESPA showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure by ∼ 21%, diastolic blood pressure by ∼ 31%, and lipid peroxidation by ∼ 93%, while nitrite levels rose by ∼ 49% compared to negative control animals. Furthermore, treatment with doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg attenuated plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme activity by approximately 38% and aldosterone levels by ∼26%, restoring them to values comparable to the naïve group. Additionally, ESPA (100 and 300 mg/kg) prevented increases in relative heart weight, left ventricular wall thickness, and interventricular septum thickness, specifically reducing left ventricular wall thickness by ∼ 67% compared to the negative control rats. Finally, incubation with ESPA (0.1 and 1 mg/mL) increased intracellular cGMP levels by approximately 42% and 102%, respectively, in SHR rat aortic rings, evidencing an activation of the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway. CONCLUSION:Long-term treatment (28 days) with ESPA exerts significant cardioprotective effects in isoprenaline-induced hypertensive rats. This effect appears to be dependent on the activation of the NO/cGMP pathway, coupled with the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Rhamnaceae), known as the Chinese or Japanese raisin tree, is a medicinal plant widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with all plant organs traditionally employed for therapeutic purposes. However, morpho-anatomical standards for authentication and quality control of its raw materials remain limited. This study investigated the morpho-anatomy of vegetative and reproductive organs of H. dulcis using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphologically, the species presents glossy, glabrous leaves, a fleshy peduncle, dry capsular fruits, and seeds with a linear hilum. Anatomically, the stem shows a narrow, continuous ring of sclerenchyma surrounding the vascular cylinder. Leaves are homogenous with atypical palisade mesophyll, hypostomatic, and anomocytic and actinocytic stomata, and display marginal extrafloral nectaries. The edible fleshy peduncle contains a cylindrical vascular bundle and numerous amyloplasts. Flowers present a perigynous hypanthium and an inferior ovary with anatropous ovules. Seeds are oblong-elliptic, oily, and albuminous. Mucilaginous cavities occur in all organs except roots and seeds, and several types of inorganic crystals with distinct morphology and composition were observed in tissues. These anatomical and micromorphological traits provide useful parameters for the authentication and quality control of H. dulcis raw materials and contribute to systematic studies within the Rhamnaceae family.

Bidens pilosa L., Bidens alba (L.) DC., and Bidens subalternans DC., Asteraceae, are often misidentified because of their morphological similarities. The present study provides a comparative analysis of the morpho-anatomical characteristics, histochemical, and chemical fingerprints obtained by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for these three species. Light microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize diagnostic structures. Histochemical assays and LC-MS were applied to obtain chemical information from leaf, stem, and root extracts, and multivariate chemometrics including principal component analysis were used to classify the datasets. The morpho-anatomical and histochemical analysis allowed the identification and differentiation of the three species; also, the LC-MS analysis revealed that the main compounds in Bidens extracts are phenolics, and using chemometrics methods was possible to discriminate by species and plant parts. Together, these complementary approaches provide a robust basis for distinguishing closely related Bidens species and support more reliable pharmacognostic identification.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. (Asteraceae) is an aromatic and medicinal species that is native to Brazil and other South American countries. It is popularly known as "alecrim-do-campo", "alecrim-de-vassoura", and "vassourinha", being used as infusions for various ailments. Moreover, in Brazil, this species is commonly utilized for treating cardiovascular disorders. Despite its common use , there is no evidence in the literature demonstrating the effects of B. dracunculifolia leaves on the cardiovascular system. AIM OF THE STUDY:We aimed to investigate the cardiorenal properties of the aqueous extract (ESBD) and essential oil (EOBD) of B. dracunculifolia aerial parts on Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS:First, the plant material was collected and identified, its essential oil (EOBD) was extracted by hydro-distillation, while an ethanolic fraction was prepared after the obtention of the aqueous extract by infusion (ESBD). The chemical compositions of EOBD and ESBD were determined by GC-MS and LC-DAD-HRMS, respectively. The acute toxicity test was performed on female Wistar rats to determine the toxic effects after a single administration. Finally, the potential diuretic and hypotensive effects of ESBD and EOBD (doses at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) were evaluated on normotensive male Wistar rats. RESULTS:Thirty-eight compounds were annotated in EOBD by GC-MS (thirty-one identified), which was mainly composed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (81.9 %), highlighting α-pinene (14.2 %), β-pinene (39.8 %), and limonene (21.3 %). LC-DAD-HRMS analysis from ESBD revealed twenty-three compounds, including flavonoids (C-glycosylated flavones, O-glycosylated flavonols, and an aglycone flavanonol), and phenolic acid derivatives such as caffeoylquinic (chlorogenic), coumaroylquinic, and feruloylquinic acids. No signs of toxicity were observed after acute treatment with ESBD and EOBD, and it was suggested that the oral median lethal dose (LD50) of the extracts is above 2000 mg/kg. In addition, a 7-day oral treatment with ESBD at a dose of 300 mg/kg was able to significantly increase urinary volume (thus, acting as diuretics) and renal excretion of sodium and chloride (saluretic action). CONCLUSIONS:The findings of this study showed that a fraction derived from of the ethanol-soluble fraction of the aqueous extract (ESBD) and essential oil (EOBD) of B. dracunculifolia leaves is safe for acute administration on female Wistar rats. Additionally, oral treatment with ESBD (dose at 300 mg/kg) showed potential diuretic and saluretic effects in normotensive male Wistar rats.

Commelina benghalensis L., Commelinaceae, a species widely distributed in Brazil where it is commonly known as 'trapoeraba'. Ethnobotanical surveys in Lesotho and Cameroon have documented the use of aqueous stem extracts from C. benghalensis for their purported diuretic activities. Nevertheless, the cardiorenal effects attributed to this plant have not yet been scientifically substantiated. This study aimed to evaluate the cardiorenal effects and safety of an ethanol-soluble fraction obtained from the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of C. benghalensis in Wistar rats. The work also included the morphological characterization of the plant's aerial parts and the phytochemical characterization of the aqueous extract of C. benghalensis. The morphological features of the plant's aerial parts were characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical constituents of the aqueous extract of C. benghalensis were putatively identified by liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector and mass spectrometry. An acute oral toxicity study of the aqueous extract of C. benghalensis was conducted in female Wistar rats. Subsequently, its diuretic, hypotensive, and electrocardiographic effects were investigated following acute and 7-day oral administration. Serum biochemical markers of renal function and oxidative stress were also measured. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the roles of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, carbonic anhydrase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, prostaglandins, bradykinin, and nitric oxide in the ESCB-induced diuresis were investigated. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous extract of C. benghalensis is rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids. No signs of acute toxicity were observed. Aqueous extract of C. benghalensis (30 mg/kg) elicited significant diuretic and antioxidant effects, as evidenced by a significant reduction in serum levels of malondialdehyde, a well-established biomarker of oxidative stress. The diuretic response appears to be mediated by a prostaglandin-dependent pathway, as the effect was abolished by treatment with indomethacin and 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine. In conclusion, our results indicate that the 30 mg/kg dose of aqueous extract of C. benghalensis has potential diuretic efficacy in the model studied. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm its therapeutic potential.

Amorphophallus titanum (Becc.) Becc., commonly known as titan arum, corpse flower or carrion flower, is famous for having the largest inflorescence in the world. In addition to mimicking rotting meat with its flesh-colored floral parts and thermogenesis features, the bloom produces a variety of odorous chemical compounds that give the inflorescence its characteristic rotting animal smell when blooming, in order to attract a specific group of pollinators. This study analyses the volatile chemical profiles of the odors emitted during various stages of blooming. The floral odor samples were collected at different times of the bloom using HS-SPME fibers, and the samples were analyzed by GC/Q-ToF. A total of 66 volatile compounds were identified in the bloom, representing 31.62-96.92% of the volatile composition. Several malodorous compounds were detected, including trimethylamine, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl tetrasulfide, and indole. We also analyzed the nonvolatile phytochemical constituents of various floral and vegetative organs of the plant for the first time using LC/Q-ToF and identified 40 compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, amino acids, xanthones, C-glycosylflavones, and organic acids in different organs of the plant. The main constituents of anthocyanins were cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside. Leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and methionine were the major amino acids found in the plant's organs. We observed that A. titanum emits distinct odor compounds from different parts of the inflorescence at various stages of blooming.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition and potential fungicidal and phytotoxic effects of the essential oil (EO) extracted from Piper crassinervium. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed a diverse array of bioactive compounds, with myristicin (30.3%) as the predominant constituent, followed by elemicin (8.6%), epi-beta-caryophyllene (7.7%), and beta-caryophyllene (5.4%). The EO's antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro against several plant pathogens, including Colletotrichum fragariae, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum acutatum, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium oxysporum. A bioassay-guided fractionation approach was employed to isolate the EO's antifungal constituents, which were subsequently characterized using 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Among the isolated compounds, elemicin exhibited impressive antifungal activities against C. fragariae and B. cinerea, with IC50 values of 13.23 and 25.88 mu g/mL, respectively. Herbicidal activity was evaluated using Arabidopsis thaliana and Lemna paucicostata seed assays. Apiole and myristicin exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on A. thaliana than elemicin, with IC50 values of 68.3, 248.9, and 360.7 mu M, respectively. Apiole and myristicin also demonstrated notable inhibitory activity against L. paucicostata, with IC50 values of 166.5 and 285.1 mu M, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the significant antifungal activity of P. crassinervium EO and its isolated pure compounds against C. fragariae and B. cinerea, as well as their moderate phytotoxic effects on A. thaliana and L. paucicostata. These findings highlight the potential of plant-derived EOs as natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides, offering promising solutions for sustainable agricultural practices and effective pest management strategies.

Although frequently used for anti-ulcerogenic and analgesic purposes, the Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reissek) Biral, popularly known as espinheira-santa, demonstrates scarcity of scientific evidence to confirm its efficacy. This study sought to answer the question "What is the scientific evidence on M. ilicifolia in relation to phytochemical, clinical, and technological development aspects?" by filling the information gaps regarding pre-clinical, clinical, and technological development perspectives through a scoping review involving articles and patents. Following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and recommendations of PRISMA-ScR, the articles searches were carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, while patents were searched on Google Patents, Espacenet, Derwent Innovations Index, and The Lens. All the studies found were checked for suitability to the topic. Approved studies went on a data extraction step, while the ones that did not fit the inclusion criteria had their exclusion reasoning recorded. 13 articles and three patents fitted the inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction. Studies showed that M. ilicifolia can be used in the form of aqueous, alcoholic, hydroalcoholic extracts, gels, creams, gel-creams, parenteral solutions, with doses of 0.1 to 500 mg/kg, one to five times a day, and showed safety up to 3000 mg/kg. Therapeutic properties included antimicrobial, antiulcer, spasmolytic, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, natriuretic, diuretic, hypotensive and antimutagenic, with no observed toxicity or teratogenicity. Those effects were attributed to polyphenolic compounds, triterpenes, tannins, flavonoids, gallic and caffeic acids, exhibiting a variety of modes of action. Espinheira-santa shown promising evidence about its biological activities.

Sloanea lasiocoma K.Schum. is a native tree species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This study aimed to characterise the morphoanatomical, histochemical, and micromorphological features of its leaves and stem. Analyses were performed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and histochemical tests. The leaf is hypostomatic with anomocytic stomata and dorsiventral mesophyll. Histochemical staining revealed phenolic compounds, lignin, starch grains and lipophilic substances. SEM-EDS analyses confirmed the presence of prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. These integrative analyses of morphoanatomy, micromorphology, and histochemistry highlight diagnostic features of S. lasiocoma that may help delimit species within the genus Sloanea, and support botanical and pharmacognostic investigations.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Complementary therapies, such as medicinal plants, have become increasingly common among treatment options. We propose to investigate the cardioprotective effects of the ethanol-soluble fraction obtained from the aerial parts of Baccharis milleflora in hypertensive rats. Cladodes of B. milleflora were collected, and the aqueous extract was obtained by infusion. The infusion was then treated with ethanol, resulting in the ethanol-soluble fraction of B. milleflora, which was analyzed by LC-DAD-MS. The MS and MS/MS data obtained from the ethanol-soluble fraction of B. milleflora was submitted to the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking platform to generate the molecular network, and three main clusters were detected. Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats were divided into different experimental groups, including naïve, control (vehicle), hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/kg), and ethanol-soluble fraction of B. milleflora (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg). The treatment lasted for 28 days. At the end of the treatment, the animals underwent evaluation of renal function, electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, mesenteric vascular reactivity, serum biochemical parameters, and histopathological analysis. The molecular pathways involved in pharmacological activity were also investigated. After 28 days, animals treated with ethanol-soluble fraction of B. milleflora 30 mg/kg showed a significant antioxidant, diuretic, and antihypertensive response, as well as reversed endothelial dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy induced by hypertension. Treatment with a non-selective NO synthase inhibitor, cGMP inhibitor, or non-selective K+ channel blocker suppressed the antihypertensive effects of ethanol-soluble fraction of B. milleflora. Our findings showed that B. milleflora is a species with cardioprotective activity when administered for a prolonged period to hypertensive rats.

Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. Ex Reissek) Biral, a member of the Celastraceae botanical family, is widely recognized for its broad-spectrum therapeutic effects in South America, particularly in Brazil, where it is commonly referred as "espinheira-santa". This study aimed to develop a chemometric and machine learning-based method for to accurately identify and differentiate M. ilicifolia from morphologically similar species used as adulterants. Fourier transform mid-infrared spectrometry (MIR-FTIR) was used to analyze leaves (n = 6 species, 3000 spectra), powders (n = 6 species, 3000 spectra) and extracts samples (n = 6 species, 600 spectra). The spectral datasets were predicted by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). The PLS-DA model was challenged with samples of other common plant species (n = 3) and commercial available M. ilicifolia (n = 10) to evaluate its predictive capability. PCA successfully distinguished between the plant species. PLS-DA achieved superior performance with extract samples, exhibiting sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 94, 100 and 99 %, respectively. Machine learning algorithms were developed to better represent the leaves and powder samples through Random Forest and 10-fold validation methodology. The model yielded high accuracy in all sample types, with low false positive rate and excellent performance across the metrics of accuracy, recall, precision, F1 Score, Kappa index and Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC). PCA and PLS-DA models presented limitations over the complexity of leaves and powders samples. Machine learning algorithms showed robustness and flexibility, proving to be effective in the detection and discrimination of M. ilicifolia.

Background/Objectives: Allophylus edulis, known as “vacum”, is popularly used in Brazil for treating inflammatory diseases, though no scientific evidence supports the anti-inflammatory activity of its leaf infusion. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the lyophilized infusion (ILAE) of A. edulis leaves, as well as the pharmacological effects of its hydromethanolic fraction (HMf) and the isolated compound vitexin 2″-O-rhamnoside (AE-1). Histochemical analyses of the leaves and in silico toxicity prediction of AE-1 were also performed. Methods: Fresh leaves were used for histochemical analysis and preparation of ILAE. The infusion was fractionated into n-hexane (Hf), ethyl acetate (EAf), and HMf fractions. Total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, tannins, and antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometric methods. AE-1 was obtained from HMf through chromatographic methods and was evaluated by the ProTox model in relation to toxicity predictions (in silico). Anti-inflammatory effects of ILAE (3, 30, 100 mg/kg), HMf (3, 30 mg/kg), and AE-1 (3 mg/kg) were evaluated in carrageenan-induced paw edema, pleurisy, and CFA-induced inflammation in mice. Results: ILAE and its fractions were rich in total phenols (≤177 mg GAE/g) and showed potent antioxidant activity. Histochemical analysis revealed leaf secretory structures. AE-1 showed no hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or cytotoxic effects in silico. All doses of ILAE and HMf reduced edema, hyperalgesia, and leukocyte migration. ILAE (30 mg/kg), HMf (30 mg/kg), and AE-1 (3 mg/kg) reduced CFA-induced inflammatory responses. Conclusions: ILAE contains polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperalgesic properties, supporting the traditional use of A. edulis and its potential in inflammation-related therapies.

Background: Blackberry seed oil (BSO), obtained from Rubus spp. Xavante cultivar via supercritical CO2 extraction, contains bioactive lipids and antioxidants, but its cosmetic application is limited by poor solubility and stability. Nanoencapsulation with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) can overcome these limitations. Methods: BSO was characterized by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and incorporated into PCL nanocapsules (NCBSO) using the preformed polymer deposition method. Physicochemical properties, stability (at 4 °C, room temperature, and 37 °C for 90 days), cytotoxicity, and collagen production were assessed in human fibroblasts. Additionally, a predictive in silico analysis using PASS Online, Molinspiration, and SEA platforms was performed to identify the bioactivities of major BSO compounds related to collagen synthesis, antioxidant potential, and anti-aging effects. Results: NCBSO showed a nanometric size of ~267 nm, low polydispersity (PDI < 0.2), negative zeta potential (−28 mV), and spherical morphology confirmed by FE-SEM. The dispersion remained stable across all tested temperatures, preserving pH and colloidal properties. In particular, BSO and NCBSO at 100 µg.mL−1 significantly enhanced in vitro collagen production by 170% and 200%, respectively, compared to untreated cells (p < 0.01). Superior bioactivity was observed for NCBSO. The in silico results support the role of key compounds in promoting collagen biosynthesis and protecting skin structure. No cytotoxic effects were achieved. Conclusions: The nanoencapsulation of BSO into PCL nanocapsules ensured formulation stability and potentiated collagen production. These findings support the potential of NCBSO as a promising candidate for future development as a collagen-boosting cosmeceutical.

Kalanchoe species products are commercially available in local markets and by internationally accessible online retailers and may exhibit quality issues because of misidentification from similar common names and anatomical similarities among related species used as feedstock. This study proposes an approach using UPLC-MS/MSE and HPTLC, coupled with morphoanatomical analysis to establish chemical composition pattern data for five Kalanchoe species. Subsequently, the methods were validated by analyzing commercial products purported to contain 100% Kalanchoe extract. UPLC-MS/MSE and HPTLC profiles demonstrated that quercetin and kaempferol derivatives were identified as the primary flavonoids in genuine plant extracts. Chemometric analysis showed clear differences in chemical profiles and no similarities between the Kalanchoe plant extracts and commercial products. Different patterns of anticlinal epidermal cell walls and midrib of the leaves and shape and arrangement of the vascular bundles in the petiole were the primary micro-morphological differences observed. Evaluation of commercial samples revealed that products labeled as containing Kalanchoe did not match the pharmacobotanical analysis nor the chemical composition of the species. These methods can be considered important tools for quality control in commercial products derived from Kalanchoe species.