@article {341, title = {Effects of Rainfall on the Antimicrobial Activity and Secondary Metabolites Contents of Leaves and Fruits of Anadenanthera colubrina from Caatinga Area.}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {May 2017}, pages = {435-440}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {435}, abstract = {

Background: Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan var. cebil (Griseb) is a plant widely used for medicinal proposes in Brazilian Northeast. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the influence of rainfall indexes (RI) in antimicrobial activity and phytochemical constituents of extracts from leaves and fruits of A. colubrina. Material and Methods: Samples were collected in Catimbau National Park (Bu\íque, Pernambuco, Brazil) at September 2010 (RI: 75 mm) and January (RI: 65 mm), April (RI: 162 mm) and June 2011 (RI: 73 mm). The extracts were prepared by Soxhlet extraction using cyclohexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. The antimicrobial activity was determined by MIC and MBC values. Results: All extracts showed antimicrobial activity, but ethyl acetate extracts (from all periods) were more active. Strong correlations were found between the RI and the average MIC of MLE (\ρ: -0.99), EALE (\ρ: -0.81), CHFE (\ρ: -0.81), EAFE (\ρ: -0.80); while moderate and weak correlations were found for other extracts. Through a HPLC analysis was possible to reveal that the samples collected from dry periods had more chemical diversity (as they presented more peaks). Gallic acid and quercetin (and derivative compounds) were identified. The levels of quercetin were enhanced in extracts from dry months. Conclusion: Our results showed that the rainfall has a positive effect on the antimicrobial activity of leaves and fruits of A. colubrina, however these extracts showed more chemical diversity during dry months.

}, keywords = {Antimicrobial agents, Medicinal plants, Natural products, Semi arid area}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2017.4.73}, url = {/files/PJ-9-4/10.5530pj.2017.4.73}, author = {Daniel Rodrigo Cavalcante de Ara{\'u}jo and Lu{\'\i}s Cl{\'a}udio Nascimento da Silva and Wolfgang Harand and J{\'u}lia Morais Fernandes and Thaciane da Cunha Soares and Silvana Maria Zucolotto Langassner and Raquel Brandt Giordani and Rafael Matos Ximenes and Alexandre Gomes da Silva and M{\'a}rcia Vanusa da Silva and Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia} } @article {329, title = {Microscopic Characterization of Croton cordiifolius Baill. (Euphorbiaceae)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {April 2017 }, pages = {361-366}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {361}, abstract = {

Background: Croton cordiifolius Baill. is popularly known as \“quebra-faca\” in the Brazilian Northeast and is used to treat general inflammation, pain, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Objective: This paper aims to study the anatomical characteristics of C. cordiifolius. Materials and Methods: Cross-sections and paradermic sections of root, stem, petiole and leaf blade were obtained by hand and submitted to double staining with astra blue and safranin process for the anatomical study. Maceration was performed according to the method of Jeffrey. Results: The secondary root has peridermis, parenchymatic cortex, collateral vascular system surrounded by sclerenchyma. The secondary stem has peridermis, cortical region with lignified cells, isolated groups of fibers, laticifers, prismatic crystals, druses and starch. The vascular system of the stem is bicollateral. The petiole and the leaf blade have stellate, simple and glandular trichomes. The leaf blade is hypostomatic, with paracytic stomata. The mesophyll is isobilateral and the midrib shows a concave-convex contour. Laticifers occur in stem, petiole and leaf blade. Prismatic crystals and druses are found in all organs analysed. Through the maceration it was possible to identify the type of vessel elements. Conclusion: The anatomical features are useful for differentiation of other species of Croton and provide support to their quality control.

}, keywords = {Croton cordiifolius, Euphorbiaceae, Pharmacobotany, Plant anatomy, Quebra-faca}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2017.3.61}, url = {/files/PJ-9-3/10.5530pj.2017.3.61}, author = {Iasmine Andreza Basilio dos Santos Alves and Rafaela Damasceno S{\'a} and Mar{\'\i}lia Barbosa Cadena and Rafael Matos Ximenes and Karina Perrelli Randau} }