Showing papers in "Revista Latinoamericana de Química in 2010"

Secondary metabolites and pharmacology of foeniculum vulgare mill. subsp. piperitum

Abstract: From hexane extract of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Subsp. piperitum the fatty acids, hydrocarbons and sterols were identified. The furocoumarins imperatorin, pso ralen, bergapten, xanthotoxin and isopimpinellin were isolated from the methylene chloride extract. The flavonoids isorhamnetin 3- O-α-rhamnoside, quercetin and kaempferol were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract, whereas quercetin 3-Orutinoside, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside and quercetin 3-O- β-glucoside were isolated from the methanol extract. The crude hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of this plant showed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity.

Fixed and volatile constituents of genus Croton plants: C. adenocalyx Baill - Euphorbiaceae.

Abstract: This work describes the phytochemical analysis of Croton adenocalyx Baill (Euphorbiaceae), a plant that is representative of the species from Ceara State (Brazil). The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil, obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves from C. adenocalyx, allowed the identification of eleven volatile constituents; the main components were identified as α-pinene (32.63%); bicyclogermacrene (13.96%); trans-caryophyllene (10.23%); germacrene D (10.14%); β-pinene (10.11%) and β-elemene (8.31%). The chromatographic purification of the ethanolic extract from the trunk bark, allowed the isolation and identification of the 6-methoxy-7hydroxycoumarin (1) and 3 ´ ,5-dihydroxy-3,4 ´ ,7-trimethoxyflavone ( 2).

Antifungal activity of extracts and terpene constituents of aerial parts of Juniperus Lucayana

Abstract: Ethanolic and hexane extracts from the aerial parts of Juniperus lucayana were assayed aainst the phytopathoenic fn��s aainst the phytopathoenic fn��s phytopathoenic fn��s Botrytis cinerea by the poisoned food techniqe. The hexane extract showed to have a hiher antifnal activity than ethanolic extract. Fractionation of hexane extract by silicael open colmn chromatoraphy and HPLC afforded seven known componds sandaracopimaric acid (1), 4-epi-dehydroabietic acid (2), oplopanone (3), oplodiol (4), nephtediol (5),

Flavonoids from Albizia chinensis of Egypt

Abstract: The flavonoids kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-α-L-rham nopyranoside together with luteolin, kaempferol and quercetin, were isolated from the methanolic extract of the leaves of Albizia chinensis collected from Egypt. Identification of the flavonoid constituents was carried by analysing their spectroscopic data and/or by comparing these data with those reported in the literature. The first three isolates were tested for their antimicrobial activity and the results revealed that the tested compounds exhibited moderate inhibiting activity against grampositive and gram-negative bacteria while no antifungal activity was observed. Se llevo a cabo el aislamiento de los flavonoides Kaemferol-3-O- α-L-ramnopirano sida, quercetina-3-O-α-L-ramnopiranosida, luteolina, kaemferol y quercetina, del extracto metanolico de las hojas de Albizia chinensis colectada de Egipto. La identificacion de los compuestos se llevo a cabo mediante el analisis espectroscopico. Se valoro la actividad antimicrobiana de los tres primeros compuestos mostrando actividad moderada contra bacterias gram-positivas y gram-negativas. No se observo actividad antifungicida de estos compuestos.

cDNA isolation and gene expression of kaurene oxidase from Montanoa tormentosa (Zoapatle)

Abstract: The ent-kaurenoic acid (KA) is the precursor of gibberellins in all plants. In a previous report, we proposed the biosynthetic conversion of KA into grandiflorenic acid (GF) in “zoapatle” (Montanoa tomentosa), which is the most important bioactive diterpene of this Mexican medicinal plant. It is known that KA is the product of ent-kaurene oxidase enzyme (KO), being so a key enzyme for all plants. This time, we show the isolation of a full-length ent-kaurene oxidase cDNA from Montanoa tomentosa (MtKO-cDNA). Expression analyses of MtKO-cDNA were compared with endogenous levels of KA in leaves of different ages. Obtained data shown that KA is mainly synthesized in the mesophyll of young leaves and accumulated later on in old leaves including glandular trichomes. However, MtKO gene expression was clear in young leaves but low or null in old tissues and trichomes. The detection of low levels of MtKO transcript in glandular trichomes suggests that these structures may have some role in KA biosynthesis. The high concentration of KA in the whole leaf suggests a possible defense mechanism based on the production and accumulation of such diterpene. The present investigation is a contribution to the characterization of the metabolic pathway of M. tomentosa pharmacological diterpenes.

Construcción de bibliotecas de ADNc y análisis de expresión génica por RT-PCR en agaves

Abstract: Mexico is the center of origin and diversification of agave, a highly valued crop in the agroindustry, as well as in Mexican culture. Agaves present unique biological characteristics, such as their high tolerance to abiotic stress that allows them to grow under extreme environmental conditions, and their secondary metabolism that leads to the production of molecules of biotechnological interest. However, the necessary tools to carry out molecular physiology studies in Agave, and disclose the subjacent molecular basis of their particular metabolic capacity, have not been developed. Here we evaluate the performance of a series of commercially available methods for RNA extraction and mRNA purification that may be suitable for the construction of cDNA libraries derived from different A. tequilana tissues, a process described in detail. In addition, we report sequences and methods for the analysis of gene expression using RT-PCR for physiologically relevant agave genes. Expression of rbcS, encoding the small subunit of the RuBisCO; a gene encoding an NADP + dependent malic enzyme; a gene encoding 1-SST fructosyltransferase; and a gene coding for a LEA-like abiotic stress related protein of A. tequilana, was analyzed using this methods. The methods set forth herein, and the libraries generated will subsequently be applied to molecular physiology, functional genomics, and transcriptome analysis of agaves.

Isolation of kaempferol-3-rutinoside from the leaf extract of Sideroxylon foetidissimum subsp. Gaumeri

Abstract: Kaempferol–3–rutinosido (1), ademas de α–amirina, β–amirina, acetato de taraxasterol y estigmastenol, fueron aislados del extracto organico crudo de las hojas de Sideroxylon foetidissimum. La identificacion de los diferentes metabolitos se llevo a cabo mediante el analisis de sus datos espectroscopicos y/o por comparacion de los mismos con los reportados en la literatura

Phytotoxicity of indole alkaloids from cereals

Abstract: A test with the microalga Chlorella vulgaris was used to evaluate the allelopathic potential activity of indole alkaloids present in cereals. Gramine, the main indole alkaloid present in barley shows the highest toxicity. A model mechanism of action for auxin was used to analyze the structural effect on the observed toxicity. Germination inhibition on seeds and shoot length inhibition activities of gramine on barley, rye, oat, wheat, lettuce cultivars and the weed Lollium rigidum were measured. Results are discussed in relation to the phytotoxic selectivity of gramine on the seeds germination. In addition, the toxicity of barley aqueous extracts on the germination of oat seed was also determined. Phytotoxicity of the extracts is in agreement with the phytotoxicity of pure gramine.

Chemical composition and cholinesterase inhibition of essential oils of three chemotypes from Croton zehntneri

Abstract: Croton zehntneri Pax. & K. Hoffm. (Euphorbiaceae) is an aromatic plant native of the northeaster region of Brazil; and is popularly known as “canela de cunha”. The chemical composition of the essential oils from leaves, stalks and roots from three chemotypes of C. zehntneri obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzes by GC-MS. E-anethole, was the main component in the essential oils of all plants parts of chemotype 1. While the phenylpropanoids stragole, eugenol, Z-methyl isoeugenol and E-methyl isoeugenol were the major component in the essential oils of chemotypes 2 and 3, respectively. On TLC the essential oils and the major compounds showed an acetylcholine esterase inhibitory effect.

Contenido de sustancias antinutricionales de malezas usadas como forraje

Abstract: The main antinutritional factors (tannins, saponins, and phytates) and haemolytic activity of 13 fodder weeds used as animal feed in rural areas of the state of Queretaro, Mexico, were studied. A wide variation was observed for phytates (0.47−4.48 g/100 g of dry plant material as phytic acid equivalent), tannins (0.08−5.1 g/100 g of dry plant material as tannic acid equivalent), and saponins (0.092−1.5 g/100 g of dry plant material as diosgenin equivalent). At the concentrations evaluated, Sanvitalia procumbens showed the highest haemolytic activity, though this value fell into the safe range. However, according to the results obtained, Desmodium mollicum and Amaranthus hybridus, that had high contents of tannins and phytates, may both be less accepted by animals, and affect their health.

Efecto de extractos acuosos de dos meliaceas sobre Meloidogyne incognita (Nematoda, meloidogynidae)

Abstract: The bioactivity of six aqueous extracts 10% and 30% (P/V), containing terpenoids from Melia azedarach and Trichilia glauca (Meliaceae) in their chemical constitution, was evaluated against the pest Meloidogyne incognita (Nematoda, Meloidogynidae). Results show that the natural products assayed had a good nematicidal activity, because they had moderate lethal effects (mortality: 23-46.2%, depending upon treatment). These data show that the interesting properties of both Meliaceae could be used in orchard nematode management, in replacement of synthetic nematicides. Key words: botanical pesticides, Melia azedarach , Trichilia glauca, Meloidogyne incognita rEsumEN Se evaluo la bioactividad de seis extractos acuosos al 10% y 30% (P/V), conteniendo terpenoides de Melia azedarach y Trichilia glauca (Meliaceae) en su constitucion quimica, sobre la plaga Meloidogyne incognita (Nematoda, Meloidogynidae). Los resultados muestran que los productos naturales ensayados poseen una buena actividad nematicida, ya que ejercieron efectos letales moderados (mortalidad: 23-46.2%, dependiendo del tratamiento). Estos datos indican que las interesantes propiedades de ambas Meliaceae podrian utilizarse en el manejo de este nematode en huertas, en reemplazo de los nematicidas sinteticos. Palabras clave: plaguicidas botanicos,

Acyclic diterpenoid from the red alga Gracilaria foliifera

Abstract: The dichloromethane/methanol extract from the red alga Gracilaria foliifera was subjected to a column chromatography which afforded a new (naturally) acyclic diterpenoid 3,7,11,15 tetramethyl-3-hexadec-en-1-ol (1) in addition to two C 29 ethylidene steroids fucosterol, (24E)-Stigmasta-5,24(28)-diene-3β-ol (2) and isofucosterol, (24Z)-Stigmasta-5,24(28)-diene-3β-ol (3) which are reported for the first time from the genus Gracilaria. The structures were assigned mainly on the basis of 1 H and 13 C NMR experiments.

Effect of photo-oxygenation on biological activities of some commercial egyptian essential oils

Abstract: The components of five common commercial Egyptian essential oils; caraway, cumin, basil, thyme, and rose oils, were identified using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and Kovats retention index. For each oil the main components were reported. Their biological activities, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, protein cleavage, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-diabetic effect were tested. The effect of photo-oxygenation reaction on their biological activities, using UV-irradiation in the presence of singlet oxygen sensitizer was investigated.

Antibacterial activity of ibicella lutea glycosides

Abstract: In spite of the great advances in chemotherapeutics, infectious diseases are still one of the leading causes of death in the world. Amongst the most problematic clinically relevant pathogens at present, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ranks as one of the most difficult bacteria to treat. Interest in plants with antimicrobial properties has revived as a consequence of current problems associated with the use of antibiotics. The objective: was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a compound isolated from Ibicella lutea (Lindl.) Van Eselt. (Martyniaceae) and some of its derivatives, against methicillin-sensitive and MRSA. Compound 1 was isolated and identified as previously described and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 and simple analogs were determined by the microdilution technique. Compound 1 (11-hydroxystearic acid 11-O-(6-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranoside) showed a MIC of 0.06 mM for S. aureus ATCC 6538p. All the synthetic analogs and precursors presented higher MIC values. Compound 1 showed antimicrobial activity against different strains of MRSA. These results suggest that the glycosidic and acidic moieties are necessary for the antimicrobial activity under study.

Albumin and transferrin are antioxidants that prevent lipoperoxidation in vitro

Abstract: In humans, the antioxidant capacity assessment (CA) represents the sum of all the antioxidants contained in the biological sample, so the results can not be discussed according to the type of molecule responsible for CA. For this reason, we evaluated the in vitro CA protein, vitamins and enzymes in a mixture of polyunsaturated fatty acids undergo a Fenton reaction, where were tested physiological concentrations β-carotene, γ and α tocopherol, ascorbic acid, albumin, transferrin, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase. We quantified the amount of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) produced in each reaction which was compared with a control sample. Tocopherols α and γ decreased TBARS 24.9 ± 3.0% and 23.0 ± 2.2% respectively, p<0.01; the apo-transferrin show the best CA (-71.5 ± 1.7%, p <0.01) followed by albumin (-52.3 ± 1.7%, p <0.01), the antioxidant effect observed in the albumin affected its structure, identifying in agarose gel low molecular weight peptides. The results indicate that as tocopherols, albumin and transferrin are antioxidants prevent in vitro oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid exposed to a Fenton reaction.

Adaptación de un micrométodo espectrofotométrico para determinación de fósforo en hueso

Abstract: El presente trabajo se realizo con la finalidad de adaptar el metodo de determinacion de fosforo (P) propuesto por la A.O.A.C. (2005) para analizar muestras de hueso obtenidas a traves de biopsia de un tamano igual o menor a 0.5g. Para ello, se colectaron muestras de la decimosegunda costilla de ovinos mediante biopsia. Despues de adaptar el metodo en cuanto al volumen de los reactivos utilizados, se calculo el porcentaje de recuperacion, la precision y exactitud, la sensibilidad y finalmente la linealidad. Los resultados indicaron que el porcentaje de recuperacion fue de 89.97; el metodo mostro 6.3% de precision y una exactitud del 3.56%; se establecio la sensibilidad de calibracion en 0.132 mg-1 y la linealidad fue 0.999. Se concluye que es factible determinar P en muestras de hueso de un tamano igual o menor a 0.5 g mediante el empleo de la tecnica propuesta por la A.O.A.C. (2005) adaptada a micromuestras. Esta tecnica modificada demostro ser confiable al considerar sus parametros analiticos

Amino compounds and benzimidazoles derived from trifluralin and flumetralin.

Abstract: In this work, we describe the synthesis of the amino compounds (5a) and (5b), and the benzimidazoles (6a), (6b) and (6c). �hese amino compounds and the ben� �hese amino compounds and the ben� zimidazoles were obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of two widely used pesticides – flumetralin ( 4a) and trifluralin ( 4b). �he reactions described are simple to per� form, and generate no chemical wastes. �he structures of the compounds were determined through MS and NMR data.

Study on the possible protective effect of melatonin and silymarin against the toxic effect of favism factor "Divicine"

Abstract: Experiments were carried-out with Sprague Dawley rats to determine as the administration of Mt and Sy on the toxicity produced by DV, a free radical compound. IP injection of DV (250 mg/rat b.wt.) alone resulted in 100% mortality within 24 h accompanied by a rapid decrease in the concentration of GSH in RBCs. Administration of both doses of Mt (1 and 2 mg/kg) and Sy (22 mg/kg) with DV greatly reduced mortality and increased the concentration of GSH. Blood cells and hemoglobin also returned towards normal values. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin) and kidney function (urea and creatinine) were highly significant increased after divicine injection, while Mt and Sy in combination with DV returned these parameters to normal values.