Evaluation Of The Levels Of The Lignans Phyllanthin, Hypophyllanthin And Niranthin In "quebra-pedra" (phyllanthus Amarus Schumach. & Thonn.) Under Water Deficit Condition [avaliação Dos Teores Das Lignanas Filantina, Hipofilantina E Nirantina Em Quebra-pedra (phyllanthus Amarus Schumach. & Thonn.), Sob Condições De Deficiência Hídrica]

Phyllanthus amarus is widely used in the treatment of several diseases, especially hepatitis B, and presents in its constitution lignans of pharmacologic interest, mainly phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin and niranthin. Different environmental conditions can affect the plant chemical constitution and interfere with the levels of those substances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the water deficit (WD) influence on phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin and niranthin production in two Phyllanthus amarus accesses grown in pots kept in a greenhouse from Piracicaba County, São Paulo State, Brazil. Five treatments were tested: field capacity, besides 3, 6, 9, and 12 days without irrigation. Plant height, lipid peroxidation, and soil moisture level and active principle content through GC-MS were assessed in all treatments. WD led to a decrease in plant height in both evaluated accesses. Water availability (moisture based on weight) reduced from 100% in field capacity to 2% at 12 days, which led to a height decrease of 22% in access 14 and of 1.3% in access 7. Lipid peroxidation was significant in plants from the third day of water deficit - moderate between 3 and 6 days and more severe from the ninth day. As regards lignan levels under WD, access 14 had increases of 140% phyllanthin, 118% niranthin and 40% hypophyllanthin, whereas in access 7 these increases were less significant and occurred under moderate WD. 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