Mara Zélia de Almeida

Bio: Mara Zélia de Almeida is an academic researcher from Federal University of Bahia. The author has contributed to research in topics: Struthanthus & Antimicrobial. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 20 publications receiving 163 citations.

Uso de plantas medicinais na comunidade quilombola da Barra II - Bahia, Brasil

Abstract: Brazil has more than 3000 quilombolas communities but just a few ethnobotanical studies have been conducted with these groups witch means that we have litlle knowledge about their way oh life and relationship with flora around them, specially medicinal plants The aim of this study was to conduct an ethnobotanical survey with members of Barra II quilombola community Data was collected through semistructured interviews, direct observation and walk in the woods Most informants (91%) indicated to prefer plants over synthetic drugs in primary health care It were cited 148 species, belonging to 52 botanical families, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae being the most representatives The most commonly used plant part is leaf (45%) Preparation method most frequently is decoction (45%) Most commonly form of use are tea (44%) and bath (11%) Plants are mainly used to treat diseases of the digestive (365%) and respiratory (324%) systems Species with higher MUA were C citratus (81,3), R graveolens (50,0) and S hilariana (50,0) The high use of baths may be related to African traditions A rich diversity of medicinal plant species are used for treating different diseases in Barra II These species belong to several botanical families, some of these families abundant in the region

Antinociceptive effects of Abarema cochliacarpos (B.A. Gomes) Barneby & J.W.Grimes (Mimosaceae)

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the analgesic activity of crude aqueous and methanol extracts obtained from Abarema cochliacarpos bark in mice, and analyzed its phytochemical profile. All the extracts exhibited analgesic properties against the writhing test in mice, but the aqueous and methanol extracts were more active, and more potent than two known analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs used as reference. They were also active against the capsaicin-model, but inactive when evaluated in the hot-plate test. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins, catechins, tannins, phenols and anthraquinones.

Species with medicinal and mystical-religious uses in São Francisco do Conde, Bahia, Brazil: a contribution to the selection of species for introduction into the local Unified Health System

Abstract: We investigated the knowledge and practices of local residents in Sao Francisco do Conde, Bahia, regarding the use of medicinal and mystical plants with the aim of proposing strategies for the incorporation of phytotherapies into the local Unified Health System through local Basic Health Clinics. This municipality was founded during the early colonization of Brazil, introducing the monoculture of sugarcane and slave labor to the region, resulting in a currently largely Afro-Brazilian population. Key informants and local specialists were interviewed and workshops were undertaken at the Basic Health Clinics to collect data and information. The interviewees made 254 references to 126 plant species distributed among 107 genera and 50 families. Among the species cited with medicinal or mystical uses, 51.6% were considered autochtonous, and 42.8% were cited in at least one document of the Brazilian Health Ministry; of these, 11.1% were mentioned in four to eight documents, indicating potential for introduction to the local Unified Health System. The valorization of local knowledge and practices concerning the use of medicinal plants represents an important approach to public health efforts.

Plant-derived antimicrobials to fight against multi-drug-resistant human pathogens.

Abstract: Antibiotic resistance is becoming a pivotal concern for public health that has accelerated the search for new antimicrobial molecules from nature. Numbers of human pathogens have inevitably evolved to become resistant to various currently available drugs causing considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is apparent that novel antibiotics are urgently warranted to combat these life-threatening pathogens. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of studies to discover new bioactive compounds from plant origin with the hope to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review attempts to focus and record the plant-derived compounds and plant extracts against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), MDR-Mycobacterium tuberculosis and malarial parasites Plasmodium spp. reported between 2005 and 2015. During this period, a total of 110 purified compounds and 60 plant extracts were obtained from 112 different plants. The plants reviewed in this study belong to 70 different families reported from 36 countries around the world. The present review also discusses the drug resistance in bacteria and emphasizes the urge for new drugs.