Duguetia furfuracea, popularly known as “araticum-seco,” is traditionally used in folk medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition and investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the alkaloid fraction obtained from the leaves of D. furfuracea (DfFAlk). The chemical composition of DfFAlk was characterized using ultra-fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (UFLC/ESI). In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model. The effects of DfFAlk on polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were also evaluated in mouse footpads. In addition, the antinociceptive effect was investigated using the abdominal writhing test, formalin test, and thermal hyperalgesia models, and motor and balance performance were assessed using the rota-rod test. Thirty-four alkaloids were annotated belonging to the aporphine, tetrahydroprotoberberine, benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline, (bis)benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline, and proaporphine classes. Oral treatment with DfFAlk (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited paw oedema, from 2 to 6 h post inflammatory stimulus. The alkaloid fraction (300 mg/kg) attenuated the tissue inflammatory infiltrate 4 and 6 h after carrageenan injection, and decreased TNF-α production, 4 h post carrageenan. The fraction (300 mg/kg) also significantly attenuated the acetic acid-induced writhing response and the formalin-induced licking in both phases. Furthermore, in the hot-plate model, the DfFAlk (300 mg/kg) increased the latency to response from 1 to 3 h after oral treatment. Additionally, DfFAlk-treated mice did not show any alteration of motor and balance performances. The data indicate that DfFAlk has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.

The recent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases highlighted the pivotal importance of mosquito vector control in tropical areas worldwide. Several strategies have been developed to control vector populations and disease transmission in endemic areas. The steps to obtain natural active compounds involve the pre-selection in a biological model and subsequently evaluation on specific models. The present study reports the evaluation of 35 extracts, fractions, and essential oils obtained from five species from the Annonaceae family on Artemia salina and Culex quinquefasciatus. The A. salina results were used as a pre-screening for larvicidal test about mosquitoes. A correlation of biological activity in both bioassays was observed for the hydroethanolic extracts and their respective hexane and chloroform fractions of the leaves of Annona species, except A. nutans. The same correlation was also observed for all tested essential oils and petroleum ether extracts from Duguetia species. It was possible to limit an interval of lethality about A. salina, which has a corresponding range to the larvicidal test against the mosquito. The main components present in D. lanceolata essential oil or enriched fraction were α-selinene, aristolochene, (E)-caryophyllene, and (E)-calamenene. For D. furfuracea, the main components present of the underground parts were (E)-asarone, 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene, spathulenol, and bicyclogermacrene for aerial parts. The A. salina test could be used as a model for the pre-screening of larvicidal activity.

The speciesAnnona nutans(R. E. Fries) is a plant found in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and the Brazilian cerrado. Considering the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the hydrometanolic fraction (FHMeOH) ofA. nutansleaves previously reported, the present study aimed to evaluatein vivoanti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of a subfraction obtained from FHMeOH, the butanolic fraction (FBuOHf). Intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with FBuOHf(50 and 100 mg center dot kg(-1)) inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan. Moreover, FBuOHf(100 mg center dot kg(-1), i.p.) also suppressed polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte migration in the footpad. Regarding the antinociceptive activity, FBuOHf(50, 100, and 200 mg center dot kg(-1), i.p.) inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. In the formalin test, this fraction (200 mg center dot kg(-1), i.p.) reduced licking time only in the inflammatory phase. The FBuOH(f)contents flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives, such as quercetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-apio-furanosyl-(1 -> 2)-galactopyranoside and chlorogenic acid, identified and quantified by LC-MS. The FBuOH(f)possesses anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activities.

A previous study reported the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of essential oil of the underground stem bark of Duguetia furfuracea, termed EODf. This study aimed to obtain a phenylpropanoid-enriched fraction from the D. furfuracea (EFDf) essential oil and to investigate its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. The chemical composition of the EFDf was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced paw oedema model. The effects of the EFDf on the polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression were evaluated in mice footpads. Moreover, the in vivo antinociceptive effect was assayed using the formalin test and the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. In the EFDf, 8 major compounds were identified, with α-asarone (36.4%) and 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene (27.8%) the main constituents. A higher concentration of phenylpropanoid derivatives was found in the EFDf, 64.2% compared to the EODf (38%). The oral (p.o.) treatment with the EFDf at a dose of 3 mg/kg significantly attenuated the paw oedema, polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration, iNOS expression, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production. The EFDf (10 and 30 mg/kg) also inhibited both phases of the formalin test and caused a significant increase in the reaction time in the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. Finally, EFDf-treated animals did not show any alteration of motor coordination. The results suggest that the enrichment of 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene and α-asarone enhances the anti-inflammatory activity of the EFDf compared to the EODf. In contrast, the antinociception promoted by the EFDf was similar to the EODf and was mediated via activation of adenosinergic and opioidergic receptors.

Benzoxazinoids (BXs), alkaloids frequently found in Gramineae species, are natural defensives that can potentially be exploited to the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Here, BXs analogs were synthesized from 2-nitrophenol (benzoxazinone series) and 3-hydroxy-2-nitropyridine (pyridoxazinone series) and tested against fungal and bacteria of medical interest. The starting materials were submitted to adequate nucleophilic substitution in order to functionalize of analogs, followed by a reductive cyclization catalyzed by palladium on carbon. Next, the biological assays showed that pyridoxazinone serie has a good antibacterial activity, especially against Enterococcus faecalis (Minimum inhibitory concentration-MIC: 7.8-15.6 mu g.mL(-1)) and Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC 31.25-125 mu g.mL(-1)). Antifungal activity, in turn, was related to compound 2e which showed a MIC of 62.5 mu g.mL(-1) against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis. All analogs complied with Lipinski's rules and were predicted to have a low toxicity. [GRAPHICS]

Alpha-asarone has been found to possess many pharmacological activities, which can improve cognitive function and exert anti-oxidant, anxiolytic, anti-epileptic and protective effects against endothelial cell injury. The anti-inflammatory activity of α-asarone was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced paw oedema. Moreover, leukocyte migration, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were quantified in footpads. Formalin and LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia models were generated using adenosinergic, opioidergic, serotonergic and muscarinic receptor antagonists. The effects on motor coordination were evaluated by means of the rota-rod test. Oral treatment (p.o.) with α-asarone (3 mg/kg) significantly inhibited paw oedema by 62.12 and 72.22%, 2 and 4 h post LPS injection, respectively. Alpha-asarone (3 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated the inflammatory infiltrate 1, 3 and 6 h after LPS injection. Furthermore, α-asarone (3 mg/kg, p.o.) suppressed iNOS expression and TNF-α production, 6 and 1 h after inflammatory stimulus, respectively. Alpha-asarone (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited both phases of formalin-induced licking. In the hot-plate test, α-asarone (10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the latency to response 3 and 5 h post LPS stimulus. Caffeine and naloxone abolished the central anti-nociceptive effect of α-asarone (neurogenic phase of formalin and hot plate tests), suggesting the participation of the adenosinergic and opioidergic systems. Furthermore, naloxone reversed the peripheral activity of α-asarone (inflammatory phase of formalin test), indicating the possible involvement of the opioidergic pathway. In the rota-rod test, α-asarone did not change motor coordination. These findings suggest that α-asarone has anti-inflammatory, peripheral and central anti-nociceptive effects and could represent a promising agent for future research.

Purpose: Here, we aim to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of compounds with a benzoxazinoid (BX) skeleton, previously synthesized by our group, against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum promastigotes. Methods: Anti-promastigote activity, as well as cytotoxicity, were determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assays. The selectivity index (SI) for each compound was calculated using a ratio of the cytotoxicity of compounds and the geometric mean (GM) of antileishmanial concentrations to each species tested. The comparisons between groups were carried out using a t test or analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: All the compounds tested were active, with IC50 falling between 92±6.19 µg/mL and 238±6.57 µg/mL for L. braziliensis, and 89±6.43 µg/mL and 188±3.58 µg/mL against L. infantum. Bex2, Bex3, Pyr1, Pyr2, and Pyr4 were compounds that showed activity similar to the drug Glucantime®, exhibited low cytotoxicity against splenic hamster cells (CC50 raging between >400 and 105.7±2.26 µg/mL) and had favorable selectivity indices (SI 1.12 to 3.96). Conclusion: The analogs in question are promising prototypes for the pharmaceutical development of novel, safer and more effective leishmanicidal agents.

The chemical composition and the phytotoxicity potential of the essential oil from leaves of Unonopsis guatterioides (A.DC.) R.E.Fr. (Annonaceae) was investigated. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses revealed 16 constituents representing 99.50% of the total essential oil, composed mainly of sesquiterpenes. α-copaene, bicyclogermacrene and trans-caryophyllene were the major components (15.7% each), followed by α-humullene, allo-aromadendrene and (+)-spathulenol (9.0, 8.4 and 7.3%, respectively). The essential oil inhibited seed germination and growth in both monocotyledon (Allium cepa) and dicotyledon (Lactuca sativa) models, pointing to a promising application of this oil obtained from the leaves of U. guatterioides as a new bioherbicide.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Duguetia furfuracea (A. St. -Hil.) Saff. (Annonaceae) is commonly known in Brazil as "araticum-seco," and its root is used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory and painful disorders. However, no studies have been performed to evaluate these therapeutic activities. AIM OF THE STUDY:Investigate the chemical composition, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and elucidate the possible antinociceptive mechanisms of action from the essential oil of D. furfuracea (EODf) underground stem bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The paw edema induced by LPS, formalin-induced nociception, LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia and rota-rod tests in vivo were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in addition to the alteration on motor coordination. Histological analyses and an immunohistochemistry assay for iNOS were performed on mouse footpads of naive, control, 10 mg/kg EODf, and 10 mg/kg indomethacin (Ind) groups. The samples were removed at 1, 3, and 6 h after subplantar injection of LPS. In addition, the involvement of the adenosinergic, opioidergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic systems were investigated, in order to elucidate possible antinociceptive mechanisms. RESULTS:Twenty-four volatile constituents were detected and identified. (E)-asarone (21.9%), bicyclogermacrene (16.7%), 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene (16.1%), α-gurjunene (15%), cyperene (7.8%), and (E)-caryophyllene (4.6%) were major compounds found in EODf. Oral treatment (p.o.) with EODf (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the paw edema induced by LPS. At 10 mg/kg EODf promoted inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production, recruitment of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in paw tissue. EODf (10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) also reduced licking time in both phases of the formalin test and it had a significant effect on the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. The administration of caffeine (Caf) and naloxone (Nal) reversed the antinociceptive activity of EODf, in the first phase of the formalin test and in the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. Moreover, Nal was also able to abolish the antinociception caused by EODf, in the second phase of formalin test. In the rota-rod test, EODf-treated animals did not show any alteration of motor coordination. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings indicate that EODf underground stem bark produces anti-inflammatory and both central and peripheral antinociceptive effects. Furthermore, the antinociceptive activity of EODf underground stem bark is possibly mediated by adenosinergic and opioidergic pathways, and its properties do not induce effects on motor coordination. These results support the use of the folk medicine, D. furfuracea root, to treat inflammation and painful conditions.

The control of mosquitoes by means of chemical insecticides has been a problem, mainly due to the possibility of resistance developed by insects to xenobiotics. For this reason, demand for botanical insecticides has increased. In this sense, the present work aims to verify the susceptibility and morphological and biochemical alterations of Culex quinquefasciatus larvae after exposure to essential oil (EO) of leaves of Baccharis dracunculifolia. To observe the larvicidal action, larvae were exposed to EO at concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L, until their emergence to adults. The control group was exposed to deionized water and dimethyl sulfoxide. Morphological analyses were also carried out using hematoxylin and eosin, mercury bromophenol blue, Nile blue, and periodic acid Schiff. Biochemical analyses of total glucose, triacylglyceride (TAG), protein, and acetylcholinesterase levels were performed. The phytochemical analysis of the EO showed (E)-nerolidol as the major compound (30.62%). Larvae susceptibility results showed a LC50 of 34.45 mg/L for EO. Morphological analysis showed that there were histological changes in midgut. For biochemical analyses, the glucose level in the larvae exposed to EO for 24 h decreased significantly, unlike the TAG levels, which increased. The total protein level of the larvae also increased after exposure for 24 h, and acetylcholinesterase levels decreased significantly. Taking all our data into account, we can conclude that EO causes destabilization in larva, leading to histological changes, metabolic deregulation and, consequently, their death.

Plants of the Asteraceae family have been traditionally used as medicinal plants. The species Achyrocline satureioides and Achyrocline alata present anti-inflammatory properties and great chemical similarity. However, no study has been performed to evaluate the influence of these plants on skin wound healing in vivo. Here, we have assessed the effect of these plants extracts on skin wound healing in mice. Mice were randomly arranged into three groups (n = 10), an injury was performed on the dorsal area of the animals, which received the following topical treatment: group 1, control (ointment base); group 2, A. satureioides extract; group 3, A. alata extract. The solution for treatment was prepared as 10% (w/w) concentration. The wound area was measured on days 1, 4, 9, 15 and 17 after treatment and tissues of local lesion were collected on the ninth day for histological analysis. A. alata was more effective since it induced earlier wound closure associated with decreasing initial inflammatory response, faster reepithelialization and collagen remodeling. A. satureioides improved the collagen renovation, but induced slower closure, which may be due to different concentrations of phenolic compounds among the plants here studied. Both plants did not alter the ultrastructural characteristics of cells in the healing process. In conclusion, our findings suggest the potent wound healing capacity of A. alata extracts, as demonstrated by more efficient and faster induction of wound closure. We believe this plant is a potential wound healing treatment for humans and further studies are necessary to assess its clinical practice.

Objective: To analyze a product illegally sold as herbal medicine acquired and used by a patient and to understand the reasons that led the patient to use this product. Methods: The chemical analysis was performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis with a direct infusion with a Bruker Daltonics UltroTOF-Q, in positive mode. A qualitative interview was conducted with the patient. The data obtained were submitted to thematic analysis. Results: Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of piroxicam and orphenadrine, and the complete absence of a natural product. The qualitative study revealed three themes: previous experience with the disease and the use of medicines, feelings about the care provided by health professionals, and the patient’s solution. Conclusion: The commercial availability of this kind of product raises concerns about safety and demonstrates the necessity for more intensive surveillance by health authorities. In addition, the present study showed the need for a patient-centered practice and the understanding of medication experience to provide effective care to patients who use medicines to preserve them from unsafe products.

An ethnopharmacological survey indicates that the genus Byrsonima has some medicinal species that are commonly found in the Brazilian Cerrado and has been used as an anti-inflammatory and for gastroduodenal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity along with qualitative chemical characterization of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Byrsonima verbascifolia (BvME) obtained by exhaustive percolation. The data from the chemical analyses by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry led to tentative identification of 42 compounds belonging to proanthocyanidins, galloyl quinic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and triterpene glycoside derivatives. BvME contain flavonoids and show an antioxidative activity. The methanolic extract administered intraperitoneally at doses of 50, 100, or 300 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in paw edema and modulated the neutrophil influx in a mouse model. Furthermore, the anti-edematogenic activity of the extract provided in smaller doses (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) was also demonstrated in a mouse paw edema model. The extract inhibited NO production by macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide. We presume that the anti-inflammatory effects of BvME are due to a combination of compounds present in B. verbascifolia, including catechins (procyanidins), flavonoids, and triterpene glycosides and that these anti-inflammatory actions should be mediated, at least partly, through the inhibition of NO production. This study supports and validates the ethnopharmacological uses of B. verbascifolia as an anti-inflammatory.

Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), known as the domestic mosquito, is a common and abundant species throughout the world, and a cosmopolitan species. The adults of this mosquito are important in terms of public and animal health since they display adaptability to different hosts. In humans, they are responsible for the transmission of various diseases. One manner of control of this vector is the use of insecticidal or larvicidal products, which may have the drawback of toxicity to mammals and can be harmful to the environment. The present work evaluated the larvicidal potential of the essential oil (EO) and ascaridole-enriched fraction (EF4-5) obtained from the leaves of Peumus boldus Molina (boldo). The EO, obtained by steam distillation, was analyzed by GC/MS and fractionated on silica gel. EO and EF4-5, containing 31.4% and 89.5% ascaridole, respectively, were evaluated against C. quinquefasciatus at concentrations of 100, 50 and 25 mu g/ml on the third and fourth instars. They showed lethal concentrations (LC50) of 82.14 and 41.85 mu g/ml, respectively. Larvae treated with the EF4-5 showed morphological changes in the midgut, with cells possessing a cytoplasm that contained small vacuole-like structures, as well as a nucleus with decondensed chromatin and a cell apex with a short brush border. The cells of the fat body showed larger protein granules, which were acidophilic relative to the larvae of the control group. Moreover, the enriched fraction at a dose of 50 mu g/ml showed a residual larvicidal effect according to exposure time on C. quinquefasciatus. This residual effect deserves consideration, since a long-term larvicidal product may be a useful tool for vector control. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The leaves of Byrsonima verbascifolia (Malpighiaceae) are traditionally used to treat various diseases including inflammatory conditions. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the polar constituents from the butanolic fraction of B. verbascifolia leaves (BvBF), as well as to investigate the mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory activity. The polar constituents were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD–MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization – time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to obtain a complete chemical profile of the fraction. Forty-five compounds were detected in the BvBF by LC-DAD–MS/MS, including condensed tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids (flavones and flavonols) and other compounds. In addition, several condensed tannins were identified by MALDI-MS/MS, which are composed predominantly by procyanidin units (PCY) and up to six flavan-3-ol units. The BvBF exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The BvBF inhibited paw edema and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte migration to the footpad and pleural cavity induced by carrageenan. Furthermore, a minor dose (12.50mg/kg) of BvBF effectively decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in the footpad. These findings suggest that the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action in the BvBF is linked to the inhibition of the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and PGE2 and the PMN cell migration.

The phytochemical investigation and evaluation of the phytotoxic effect of the extract and fractions obtained from the leaves of Annona nutans (R. E. Fr.) R. E. Fr. were performed. Phytotoxic activity was assessed on radicle and hypocotyl of Allium cepa and Lactuca sativa, where chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions proved active. Phytochemical investigation of the chloroform fraction was allowed identification of polyketides derivatives: triacontanal, 16-hentriacontane, octacosanol and triacontanol, using the H-1 NMR technique associated with data from GC/MS. Using ethyl acetate fraction, with low activity, flavonoids 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-isorhamnetin, 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-quercetin and 3-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->2)-galactopyranosyl-quercetin were identified, determined by spectrometric techniques one and two-dimensional NMR, combined with mass spectral data. All substances are being reported for the first time in Annona nutans. The phytotoxic activity of chloroform fraction may be related to the presence of triacontanol and similar substances. Triacontanol stimulates growth at very low concentrations, but can have an inhibitory effect at higher concentrations, such as those reported for auxin analogs. The toxicity assay using Artemia salina (BST) was also performed, with the chloroform fraction showing a negligible lethal dose, LD50 = 500 mg mL(-1), while the other fractions and extracts showed no activity. Thus, the presence of acetogenins was ruled out.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Achyrocline alata is a locally marketed (Mato Grosso do Sul/ Brazil) herb used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and a sedative. Evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of Achyrocline alata in both in vivo and in vitro models.Materials and methods: A hydroethanolic extract from inflorescences of Achyrocline alata (HEAa) was characterized by HPLC-DAD and compared to standards (chlorogenic acid; isoquercetrin; quercetin; 4,2 ',4 '-trihydroxy-6 '-methoxychalcone; gnaphalin; 3-O-methyl-quercetin; 3,5-dicaffeoyl-quinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoyl-quinic acid). The in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of the HEAa (4, 20 and 100 mg/kg, per os) were evaluated using the following animal models: carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, carrageenan-induced vascular permeability and peritonitis in mice and an acetic acid-induced writhing model to test antihyperalgesic activity in mice. In vitro assays were performed to study the effects of the HEAa (0.16, 0.8 and 4 mg/ml) on the cell viability, cell spreading and production of NO and H2O2 in stimulated macrophages.Results: The A. alata extract inhibited the development of edema and vascular permeability, reduced polymorphonuclear cell recruitment in the acute peritonitis assay and decreased the amount of writhing induced by acetic acid. The HEAa did not increase NO/H2O2 production, while it did inhibit production when the macrophages were stimulated by LPS or PMA at all tested concentrations. In the presence of HEAa, macrophage spreading did not increase even after stimulation with LPS. Additionally, the HEAa was nontoxic to macrophages at all tested concentrations.Conclusions: The HEAa displayed anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic effects, which supports the use of this plant in folk medicine. These effects might be due to the flavonoids and phenylpropanoids derivatives present in the HEAa. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Brine shrimp lethality test as a biological model for the preliminary selection of pediculicidal components from a natural source. In order to achieve a good correlation between pediculicidal activity and brine shrimp lethality (BSL) test, several pediculicidal substances and active essential oils were tested in BSL test, with the purpose to use the latter as convenient preliminary protocol for pediculicidal activity. Benzyl benzoate, deltametrine and essential oil of Eucalyptus were purchased and clove essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation, besides essential oils, chloroform extracts from Duguetia furfuracea were also submitted to BSL test. All of them were carried out with same protocol described to pediculicidal assay found in the literature, i.e, flask tests were examined every five minutes in the first half hour and then every ten minutes until all the naupli were dead or no movements were observed (knockdown). During the BSL test, it was possible to observe the effect of a particular lethal dose or only a knockdown in the arthropod, as occurred in the test with lice. The results of the BSL test for essential oils and other active substances are essentially in agreement with those described in literature for pediculicidal activity. Extracts and essential oil obtained from aerial parts of D. furfuracea did not present activity, but the essential oil from underground stem bark was active. -asarone has already been isolated from the underground stem and it has been previously described to possess insecticidal activity.

Cochlospermum regium (Schrank) Pilg., Bixaceae, is a Brazilian plant widely used as a folk medicine in the southwestern of the Brazil to treat inflammation and infection diseases. However, the effects of C. regium hydroethanolic extract on pregnant rats have not been assessed. To evaluate the effects of the C. regium on pregnant rats during the organogenic period, the hydroethanolic extract was administered via gavage at a dose of 11.5 mg/kg/day to rats from 6th to 15th day of pregnancy. No clinical signs of maternal toxicity were observed. The placenta's and fetuses' weight were similar in control and treated animals. The term fetuses dis not present malformations or anomalies although the number of live fetuses and birth rate were significantly decreased. In conclusion, the C. regium hydroethanolic extract is nontoxicant to the pregnant rat although it would be likely to interfere in the progress of the embryofetal development.

Brine shrimp lethality test as a biological model for the preliminary selection of pediculicidal components from a natural source. In order to achieve a good correlation between pediculicidal activity and brine shrimp lethality (BSL) test, several pediculicidal substances and active essential oils were tested in BSL test, with the purpose to use the latter as convenient preliminary protocol for pediculicidal activity. Benzyl benzoate, deltametrine and essential oil of Eucalyptus were purchased and clove essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation, besides essential oils, chloroform extracts from Duguetia furfuracea were also submitted to BSL test. All of them were carried out with same protocol described to pediculicidal assay found in the literature, i.e, flask tests were examined every five minutes in the first half hour and then every ten minutes until all the naupli were dead or no movements were observed (knockdown). During the BSL test, it was possible to observe the effect of a particular lethal dose or only a knockdown in the arthropod, as occurred in the test with lice. The results of the BSL test for essential oils and other active substances are essentially in agreement with those described in literature for pediculicidal activity. Extracts and essential oil obtained from aerial parts of D. furfuracea did not present activity, but the essential oil from underground stem bark was active. alpha-asarone has already been isolated from the underground stem and it has been previously described to possess insecticidal activity.