Species of the Myrtaceae family are widely distributed in the southern hemisphere and include species of high economic value, such as “eucalipto” (Eucalyptus spp.), “goiaba” (Psidium guajava), and others still less exploited, such as Psidium araça Raddi (araça), species studied in the present work. Previous nutritional evaluations have shown that the araça fruits, appreciated as food, have low caloric value, high humidity and high levels of calcium and fibers. Its leaves are traditionally used in antidiarrheal preparations, as diuretic, against digestion and in slurries, due to the high content of tannins. Despite the medicinal and food use, there are only preliminary phytochemical studies with the species. The present work aimed to isolate and identify secondary metabolites of P. araça species. For this purpose, the aerial parts of P. araça were collected in Areia city – PB, identified by Prof. Leonardo P. Félix. The material was dried, ground and macerated with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol, followed by evaporation of each solvent in a rotary evaporator to obtain the hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. The methanol extract was chromatographed successive times in Sephadex column using methanol as mobile phase. The obtained fractions were analyzed in thin layer chromatography to combine fractions or to evaluate their purity. From this procedure two fractions were purified and submitted to NMR analysis using deuterated acetone and DMSO. The obtained compounds were identified as the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, reported for the first time in the studied specie.

P. edulis fo. flavicarpa Degener (Passifloraceae) is popularly known as yellow passion. Peels of the fruits represent about 65-70 % of their weight. It is currently considered a residue in the food industry, however it could be reused as raw material for the preparation of new products. So, the objective of this study was to perform a phytochemical analysis of the hydroethanolic extract of the flour of the peels from P. edulis by TLC and HPLC-UV-DAD and to evaluate its cardiovascular properties in ex vivo model. The flour was extracted in ethanol 50%, by maceration for seven days, obtained the extract AFM. The AFM was analyzed by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography using a UHPLC, with UV-DAD detector. The total phenolics and flavonoids of the AFM extract was quantified by UV spectroscopy. The evaluation of the vasorelaxant effect of the extract was realized using superior mesenteric artery for observation of the vascular reactivity. Through TLC analyse was possible observe the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and terpene derivatives. Some reference standards as orientin and isoorientin were used in TLC analyse and spots with Rf similar these compounds were observed in AFM extract. The qualitative analysis by UHPLC confirmed the presence of the flavonoids orientin and isoorientin when compared the TR with the reference standards. A phenolic content of 7.71 ± 0.12 mg/g and a flavonoid content of 3.5 ± 0.14 mg/g in AFM extract was verified. The pharmacological assays showed that AFM extract it has a relaxing effect in the artery containing functional endothelium (E+) reaching a (

Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze is a small tree of the family Theaceae, of Asian origin, well adapted to cultivation in Brazil. The consumption of black tea, made from the infusion and complete fermentation of the leaves of this plant, is culturally carried out in the east and the west. This study aims to, through a review, relate the presence of certain chemical groups present in tea with the antioxidant therapeutic effects caused by its consumption. A high concentration of polyphenols (3 to 20%) was identified in black tea, among them catechins such as epicatechin (EC), galatocine gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The polyphenols present in the fermented tea of ​​Camellia sinensis are reported to be responsible for the antioxidant effects produced by tea. In vivo studies have identified the effective ability of polyphenols to inhibit lipid peroxidation and cause upregulation of the endogenous antioxidants SOD, GST, GHS, GR, CAT and GPx. Preventing the exaggerated formation of free radicals, thus contributing to the reduction of the risk of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, promoting in-depth studies on the therapeutic effects of black tea is a promising method for the development of treatments related to cancer and other diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Among the great Brazilian biodiversity, there are innumerable species of plants that have been traditionally used to treat various diseases. However, great amount of them have not been validated yet, regarding its pharmacological potential, mainly due to the absence of chemical analyses of the plant’s components. Therefore, it is emphasized the significance of phytochemistry in the search of knowledge and identification of active chemical compounds which may influence the pharmacological responses of plants with medicinal interest. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the major compounds present in the essential oil of Hyptis martiusii Benth (OEHM). The oil extraction was made using 250g of fresh leaves and 1,5L of water, maintained on ebullition for two hours in a 5L round-bottom flask. The resulting mixture of water and oil was collected in a modified Clavenger apparatus, than it was separated and dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄). The chemical analysis of OEHM was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/ME) and its compounds identification were performed by comparing the obtained mass spectrum with already existing patterns in literature. Twenty compounds were identified in OEHM, where mono and sesquiterpenes were the most representative (93,99% of the oil composition), among them, 1,8-cineol was characterized as the major compound. Analysing other studies, it was observed that many representatives of the genus Hyptis crenata have presented similarities, regarding chemical composition of the essential oils. For instance, Hyptis crenata Pohl has, among others, camphor, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, which have also been identified in OEHM. Thus, it is emphasized the importance of researching on its isolated compounds, in order to know its possible pharmacological properties.

Maytenus rigida Mart belongs to the family Celastraceae, formed by 106 genera and 1.300 species, that are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The species is distributed in Caatinga region of northeastern Brazil in the states of Sergipe, Paraíba and Pernambuco. Maytenus rigida is popularly known as bom nome or chapéu de couro. It is used in folk medicine for gastritis and gastric ulcer. The main secondary metabolites reported for this species are pentacyclic triterpenes, flavonoids and alkaloids. This work aimed to evaluate the quality control of raw material and the quantification of catechin and epicatechin by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in Maytenus rigida crude ethanolic extract (CEE) obtained from leaves. The plant material was collected in the municipal district of Boa Vista - PB in June of 2018. Physicochemical assays were developed with leaves: Determination of loss on drying, total ashes, limit assay for heavy metals, bulk density, following the recommendations of the 5^th Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The content of total phenolic compounds was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and total flavonoids was measured using the colorimetric method with AlCl₃ with CEE. The quantitation of (+)-Catechin and (-)-Epicatechin was performed with a validated method previously developed. M. rigida leaves presented 5.9% ± 0.143 of water content, 5.10% ± 0.136 of total ashes, < 10 ppm of heavy metals and 0.40 g/mL of bulk density. The total phenolic content was 187.52 ± 2.01 µg EAG/mg and the flavonoid content was 88.80 ± 1.47 µg EQ/mg. The evaluation of CEE showed the presence of 7.79 µg of (+)-Catechin/mg and 6.04 µg of (-)–Epicatechin/mg. The quality control analyzes performed with M. rigida established a better profile for the characterization of the drug. This study confirms the applicability of method for the quantification of phenolic compounds in extracts of Maytenus rigida.

Introduction: The genus Xylopia is widely distributed in Brazil with several species used in folk medicine. Among them, Xylopia langsdorffiana ("peppermint"), which has several secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, diterpenes and flavonoids. In addition, pharmacological studies have already been carried out, demonstrating that this species has cytotoxic, gastroprotective, cicatrizing and spasmolytic activity. However, no studies have been done regarding its antioxidant and photoprotective activities. Objective: In order to contribute to the knowledge of this species, the antioxidant and photoprotective activity of its crude ethanolic extract (CEE) was evaluated. Methods: In order to test antioxidant activity in vitro, the radical scavenging method (DPPH) was used and the results obtained were expressed in EC50. The content of total phenolic compounds was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and to determine the amount of total flavonoids was used the colorimetric method with AlCl₃, where all analyzes were done in triplicate. To determine the photoprotective activity, the maximum absorbance technique was used, and it was possible to calculate the sun protection factor (SPF) in vitro. Results: X. langsdorffiana CEE presented EC50 575.01 ± 6.50 μg/mL and did not reach the required minimum value of <500 μg/mL to be considered active. The total phenolic content was 48.34 ± 1.64 mg EAG/g and the flavonoid content of 25.10 ± 2.62 mg querc./g, demonstrating that most of its phenols are flavonoids, and despite obtaining a significant quantity of flavonoids, they may not be related to antioxidant activity. In the evaluation of the photoprotective activity the CEE presented SPF with a value of 2.27 and was considered insufficient to perform activity. Conclusion: Despite having a significant amount of total flavonoids, the extract did not present good antioxidant and photoprotective activities, demonstrating that the presence of flavonoids in an extract does not necessarily imply good antioxidant and photoprotective activities.

Euphorbiaceae is one of the largest families among angiosperms, being found in several distinct habitats and vegetation types, mainly in tropical and subtropical áreas of America and Africa. Despite its notable economic importance, as well as its abundant occurrence in northeastern Brazil, few reports have been made about its metabolites and its pharmacological activities. The genus Euphorbia L. is globaly distributed, but specially abundant in arid and semi-arid regions, where its occurrence is mostly as succulent xerophytes. As reported by previous studies, constituents from species of the genus euphorbia, such as tannins and flavonoids, have shown relevant activity in wound healing, conferring the genus therapeutical potential. This study conducted phytochemical investigations on the species Euphorbia phosphorea, obtained from the semi-arid region of Paraíba. Aerial parts of E. phosphorea were collected from Serra Branca, Paraíba, Brazil. The fresh material was dried in a circulating air oven, pulverized and macerated with etanol, yielding an ethanol extract. The obtained extract was then partitioned with the organic solvents hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol to obtain the respective soluble fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction was submitted to sephadex LH-20 column chromatography with metanol as eluent. The 88 sufractions obtained were then analysed in thin layer chromatography and gathered according to their retention factor similarity. ¹H NMR spectrum of fraction 47-51 revealed characteristics of polyphenolic compounds, being confirmed later by analysing its ¹³C-APT NMR and LC-MS data. Applying chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, the study of Euphorbia phosphorea led to the obtaining of ellagic acid and corilagin, contributing to the phytochemical knowledge of the genus Euphorbia.

Azadirachta indica is a plant of the family Meliaceae, originating in India, whose secondary metabolites are used for medicinal and insect purposes. The fruit fly - Drosophila melanogater is widely cited in the literature as a model for toxicity testing, especially since it presents rapid development and low maintenance cost. The aim of the present work was to carry out a phytochemical prospection of the ethanolic extract of A. indica stem bark (EECAi) and analyze its toxicity against D. melanogaster. The Colorimetric Method performed the chemical gait. The flies were submitted to different concentrations of the EECAi (5 mg / mL, 10 mg / mL and 20 mg / mL), being readings of 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h, with light / dark cycles of 12 hours. Mortality rates and damage to the locomotor apparatus were analyzed by negative geotaxia test. Phytochemical prospecting of EECAi indicated the presence of tannins, flavones, flavonols, flavonones, flavononols, xanthones, chalcones, aurones and leocoantocyanidins. This extract did not present significant toxicity when compared to the control. The damage to the locomotor system was more significant at concentrations of 10 mg / mL and 20 mg / mL, in the 24 h and 48 h readings. The results of the mortality rate showed that the EECAi showed no significant toxicity at the concentrations and the model tested, diverging from other studies suggesting a bioinsecticity of this plant. Further studies need to test compounds isolated from this plant.

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Several natural products are currently available as chemotherapeutic agents against frequently occurring cancer. This review reports terpenes from plants that have showed chemotherapeutic activity against lung cancer. In this review, 40 references were found in the period from 1998 to 2018. Terpenes were compiled according to their chemical structures and pharmacological data obtained from different experimental models. From consulted references, 31 terpenes had chemotherapeutic activity in cells of lung cancer, and among them, the triterpenes were the most studied. The MTT assay was the most utilized method in order to evaluate pharmacological activity. According to the specialized literature, terpenes are a great promise as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of lung cancer. Some of them are remarkably active, and further research on its anticancer activity seems to be promising.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, is a large tree, native to India and Meliaceae family, has in its phytochemical constitution many phenolic compounds, several of its parts have been used for many medicinal purposes as antifungal, antibacterial and antidiabetic. The objective was to define the phytochemical profile of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of A. indica (EEAi) and determine the toxicity in the Drosophila melanogaster model. The quantification of the chemical constituents was done by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and to evaluate the toxicity was used the model of D. melanogaster, where it was evaluated the survival of the flies and negative geotaxia (Damage to the locomotive apparatus of the insect) . Among the compounds found, quercetin of the flavonoid class was found in higher concentration (14.05 ± 0.01 mg / g). In relation to the survival test, it was seen that the EEAi did not have relevant toxicity; when negative geotaxia was evaluated, there was a difference in the control only from the 24 hour and 48 hour readings at 10 mg / mL and 20 mg / mL respectively. Considering these results, it is shown that the EEAi has no significant toxic action.