Hypotensive effect and endothelium-dependent vascular action of leaves of Alpinia purpurata (Vieill) K. Schum

The aims of this study were to evaluate the chemical profile, vascular reactivity, and acute hypotensive effect (AHE) of the ethanolic extract of leaves of Alpinia purpurata (Vieill) K. Schum (EEAP). Its chemical profile was evaluated using HPLC-UV, ICP-OES, and colorimetric quantification of total flavonoids and polyphenols. The vascular reactivity of the extract was determined using the mesenteric bed isolated from WKY. AHE dose-response curves were obtained for both EEAP and inorganic material isolated from AP (IAP) in WKY and SHR animals. Cytotoxic and mutagenic safety levels were determined by the micronucleus test. Rutin-like flavonoids were quantified in the EEAP (1.8 ± 0.03%), and the total flavonoid and polyphenol ratios were 4.1 ± 1.8% and 5.1 ± 0.3%, respectively. We observed that the vasodilation action of EEAP was partially mediated by nitric oxide (·NO). The IAP showed the presence of calcium (137.76 ± 4.08 μg mg-1). The EEAP and IAP showed an AHE in WKY and SHR animals. EEAP did not have cytotoxic effects or cause chromosomic alterations. The AHE shown by EEAP could result from its endothelium-dependent vascular action. Rutin-like flavonoids, among other polyphenols, could contribute to these biological activities, and the calcium present in EEAP could act in a synergistic way

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Extrato de alho e óleo vegetal no controle do míldio da videira

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o efeito do extrato de alho e do óleo vegetal no controle do míldio da videira cv. Isabel (Vitis labrusca). A severidade da doença, expressa pela área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD), e a germinação de esporângios de seu agente causal Plasmopara viticola foram as variáveis avaliadas. Os tratamentos consistiram em 0; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25 ou 30 mL L-1 de extrato de alho adicionados de 2,5 mL L-1 óleo vegetal, calda bordalesa (1:1:100) e testemunha (sem tratamento). No teste de germinação, utilizou-se mancozebe (2 g L-1) como tratamento-padrão. Em condições de campo, observou-se redução da severidade do míldio com o óleo vegetal, sendo que o extrato de alho, a partir de 20 mL L-1, potencializou tal ação biocida. A germinação dos esporângios de P. viticola variou em função do tempo de exposição ao extrato de alho, não apresentando boa eficiência quando comparada ao tratamento com calda bordalesa e mancozebe. O óleo vegetal não influenciou na germinação dos esporângios desse patógeno

Efeitos da luz e da temperatura na germinação de sementes de Eremanthus (Asteraceae), ocorrentes na Serra do Cipó, MG, Brasil Light and temperature effects in the germination of seeds of Eremanthus (Asteraceae) that occur in Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Estudos de germinação são importantes para a propagação de plantas, regeneração e conservação de comunidades vegetais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade e o comportamento germinativo de sementes de Eremanthus elaeagnus (Mart. ex DC.) Schultz-Bip, E. glomerulatus Less e E. Incanus (Less.) Less. A viabilidade das sementes foi verificada através do teste de tetrazólio. Os testes de germinação foram realizados sob luz e escuro contínuos em temperaturas constantes de 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 e 40 ºC e em temperaturas alternadas (fotoperíodo de 12 h) de 15-25, 15-30, 15-35, 20-30, 20-35 e 25-35 ºC. A viabilidade das sementes variou significativamente entre populações e diferentes anos de coleta. As percentagens de germinação das sementes foram sempre baixas, devido, principalmente, à ausência de embriões. Sementes de E. elaeagnus germinaram nas temperaturas de 15 a 30ºC, de E. glomerulatus de 20 a 30 ºC e E. incanus de 15 a 35 ºC. As três espécies germinaram na luz e no escuro, apresentando diferenças significativas entre estes dois regimes apenas nas temperaturas de 25 e 35 ºC (E. incanus) e 30 ºC (E. glomerulatus). Em comparação com as outras espécies Eremanthus incanus apresentou maiores percentagens de germinação em faixa de temperatura mais ampla e suas sementes são mais rápidas para germinar.<br>Studies of germination are important for the propagation of plants, and the regeneration and the preservation of plant communities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability and the germinative behavior of the seeds of Eremanthus elaeagnus (Mart. ex DC.) Schultz-Bip , E. glomerulatus Less. and E. incamus (Less) Less. The viability of seeds was confirmed through the tetrazolium test. Germination tests were conducted under continuous light and darkness at constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 ºC and at alternated temperatures (photoperiod of 12 hours) range from 15-25, 15-30, 15-35, 20-30, 20-35 and 25-35 ºC. Seed viability varied significantly among years and populations. The germination percentage was always low, due mainly to absence of embryos. The seeds of E. elaeagnus germinated at temperatures from 15 to 30 ºC; E. glomerulatus at temperatures from 20 to 30ºC; and E. incamus at temperatures from 15 to 35 ºC. The three species germinated in light and darkness, presenting significant differences between these treatments only at temperatures of 25 and 35 ºC (E. incanus) and 30 ºC (E. glomerulatus). Eremanthus incanus presented a higher germination percentage over a wider temperature range, and its seeds germinated faster than E. elaeagnus and E. glomerulatus