Characterisation of phenolic compounds of the ethyl acetate fraction from <i>Tabernaemontana catharinensis</i> and its potential antidepressant-like effect

<p>This study evaluates the antidepressant-like effect and analysed the qualitative and quantitative 74 phenolic standards of ethyl acetate fraction from <i>Tabernaemontana catharinensis</i> leaves. Acute administration of fraction in mice reduced the immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests confirming its antidepressant-like activity. The anti-immobility effect elicited by this fraction was prevented by the pretreatment of mice with PCPA (100 mg kg⁻¹), ketanserin (5 mg kg⁻¹), SCH 23,390 (0.05 mg kg⁻¹) or yohimbine (1 mg kg⁻¹). A sub effective dose of the fraction produced a synergistic effect with fluoxetine (5 mg kg⁻¹). Chromatographic analysis identified 4-hydroxybenzoic and <i>p</i>-coumaric acids in the ethyl acetate fraction from <i>T. catharinensis</i>. Capillary electrophoresis presented 7.34 ± 0.02 mg g⁻¹ of <i>p</i>-coumaric acid concentration in the fraction. Therefore, it is possible that antidepressant-like effect elicited by ethyl acetate fraction from <i>T. catharinensis</i> be dependent on the <i>p</i>-coumaric acid.</p

Insecticide activity of <i>Baccharis dracunculifolia</i> essential oil against <i>Cochliomyia macellaria</i> (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

<p>The ethnobotanical uses of Brazilian plants for different injuries and diseases conjoined with local rich biodiversity represent an important resource for research and development. This study aimed to characterise BDEO and its <i>in vitro</i> activity on the third instar larvae (L3) of <i>Cochliomyia macellaria.</i> Groups of 20 L3 were placed on filter paper impregnated with increasing concentrations of 5–30% (v/v), equivalent to 0.79–4.77 μL/cm², solubilised in ethanol or acetone. The major constituents of BDEO were <i>β</i>-pinene (9.94%), D-limonene (9.59%), <i>β</i>-nerolidol (7.93%), caryophyllene (7.69%), spathulenol (6.69), <i>α</i>-muurolene (6.74%) and <i>α</i>-pinene (5.31%). Lethal concentrations of 50% for BDEO on <i>C. macellaria</i> (LC₅₀) after 24 and 48 h of exposure were 2.63 and 2.47 μL/cm² for ethanol and 9.58 and 8.11 μL/cm² for acetone, respectively. Furthermore, larvae cuticle abnormalities and adult deformity were observed. Our data confirm the effectiveness of BDEO as an ecofriendly product against blowflies.</p