Submitted by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2017-06-05T13:30:10Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) BRUNA PIAIA RAMBORGER.pdf: 1379039 bytes, checksum: 750df4846ea9e6b47021886f60adead4 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2017-06-05T13:30:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) BRUNA PIAIA RAMBORGER.pdf: 1379039 bytes, checksum: 750df4846ea9e6b47021886f60adead4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-05T13:30:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) BRUNA PIAIA RAMBORGER.pdf: 1379039 bytes, checksum: 750df4846ea9e6b47021886f60adead4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-20 / A utilização de pesticidas visa o aumento da produção e qualidade dos produtos agrícolas. Porém, estes compostos podem ocasionar danos ao meio ambiente e ao ser humano devido a sua vasta utilização e toxicidade. O 2,4-Diclorofenoxiacetico (2,4-D) é um herbicida muito utilizado para diversas culturas no Brasil e no mundo para combater ervas daninha de folha larga. Possui características de alta solubilidade em água, mobilidade e persistência levando a contaminação de água e solo e em sua fórmula comercial, utilizada em lavoura, apresenta a classificação toxicológica I (extremamente tóxico). Desta forma, para a recuperação de áreas contaminadas com o 2,4-D, a utilização de plantas com capacidade de degradar, estabilizar e/ou remover contaminantes, conhecida como fitorremediação, torna-se extremamente importante devido o baixo custo e diversidade vegetal para tal fim. O presente estudo avaliou a possível capacidade de fitorremediação do Plectranthus neochilus (boldo) exposto ao pesticida comercial (Aminol) em solo e água através de extrações consecutivas (intervalo de dias). Após esse período de exposição, foram analisadas as respostas dessa planta em termos da presença do 2,4-D no chá das folhas, capacidade antioxidante total (DPPH), análise de polifenóis totais e flavonoides para as plantas expostas ao composto em solo e água. Nas plantas expostas na água também foi verificado a capacidade antioxidante total pelo método do fosfomolibdênio e a quantificação de compostos fenólicos. Após 15 dias de experimento, o 2,4-D não foi mais detectado nas amostras de solo e a planta não foi necessária na descontaminação desta matriz devido a degradação do composto ocorrer nesse mesmo período. Diferentemente, na água, o 2,4-D permaneceu até 67% em 60 dias de experimento, o que proporcionou a utilização de dois grupos de tratamento com a planta (um grupo de plantas por 30 dias e um novo grupo nos 30 dias restantes no mesmo sistema), e assim, obteve-se uma descontaminação de até 49% do 2,4-D. O composto não foi detectado no chá das folhas da planta e a capacidade antioxidante total, polifenóis e flavonóides apresentaram-se diminuídos viii em solo (todo experimento) e água (primeiros 30 dias). Entretanto para aquelas plantas que estavam na água nos 30 dias restantes, houve um aumento nessas análises próximo ao nível basal (grupo branco). Na quantificação dos compostos fenólicos (ácido caféico, ácido cumárico e ácido ferúlico) presente no chá dessas plantas observou-se que no grupo de plantas dos primeiros 30 dias houve um aumento do ácido cumárico e acido ferúlico, comparado ao grupo de plantas não expostas ao 2,4-D no tratamento 1 e uma diminuição do ácido caféico no tratamento 2. Nos 30 dias restantes com as novas mudas, observou-se uma diminuição do ácido cumárico e aumento dos ácidos cafeico e ferúlico no tratamento 1 e 2. Os resultados indicaram que a planta teve capacidade de fitorremediar o 2,4-D na água e, embora o composto tenha causado danos no sistema antioxidante, obteve aumento dos compostos fenólicos quantificados tornando o chá da planta útil após a fitorremediação. / The use of pesticides is aimed at increasing the production and quality of agricultural products. However, these compounds can cause harm to the environment and to humans due to their wide use and toxicity. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide for various crops in Brazil and the world to combat broadleaf weeds. It has characteristics of high solubility in water, mobility and persistence leading to contamination of water and soil and in its commercial formula, used in farming, it presents toxicological classification I (extremely toxic). Thus, for the recovery of areas contaminated with 2,4-D, the use of plants capable of degrading, stabilizing and /or removing contaminants, known as phytoremediation, becomes extremely important due to the low cost and plant diversity for this purpose. The present study evaluated the possible phytoremediation capacity of Plectranthus neochilus (boldo) exposed to the commercial pesticide (Aminol) in soil and water through consecutive extractions (interval of days). After this period, the plant's responses were analyzed in terms of the presence of 2,4-D in leaf tea, total antioxidant capacity (DPPH), total polyphenols and flavonoids analysis for plants exposed to soil and water. In the plants exposed in the water it was also verified the total antioxidant capacity by the phosphomolybdenum method and the quantification of phenolic compounds. After 15 days of experiment, 2,4-D was no longer detected in the soil samples and the plant was not necessary in the decontamination of this matrix due to degradation of the compound occurring in the same period. Differently, in water, 2,4-D remained up to 67% in 60 days of experiment, which provided the use of two treatment groups with the plant (a group of plants for 30 days and a new group in the remaining 30 days in the same system), and thus a decontamination of up to 49% of 2,4-D was obtained. The compound was not detected in tea leaves of the plant and total antioxidant capacity, polyphenols and flavonoids were decreased in soil (whole experiment) and water (first 30 days). However, for those plants that were in the water in the remaining 30 days, x there was an increase in these analyzes near the basal level (compared to blanc - plants in contact with water only). In the quantification of the phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, coumaric acid and ferulic acid) present in the tea of these plants, it was observed that in the group of plants of the first 30 days there was an increase of the coumaric acid and ferulic acid, compared to the group of plants not exposed to 2,4-D in treatment 1 and a decreased in caffeic acid in treatment 2. In the remaining 30 days with the new seedlings, there was a decrease of the coumaric acid and increase of the caffeic and ferulic acids (treatment 1 and 2). The results indicated that the plant had the capacity of phytoremediation of the 2,4-D in water and, although the compound caused damages in the antioxidant system, it obtained an increase of the quantified phenolic compounds, making tea of the plant useful after phytoremediation.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-24T19:37:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JULIANE MARIA BER.pdf: 4116262 bytes, checksum: 58a85b36bbcbe8e5b731b5c3d9014a71 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-12-14 / The aim of the present work was to carry out an ethnopharmacological survey of the vegetal species used by the inhabitants of the municipality of Céu Azul (located in the extreme west of the State of Paraná, Brazil). A specific questionnaire was used to get the referring data to the uses and ways of preparation of the species used as medicinal. During the interviews, the plant material (exsiccate) was collected in duplicate with the aid of the informers for posterior identification and deposit in the Museu Botânico Municipal de Curitiba. The uses of 47 species pertaining to 12 botanical families were surveyed in this field research. One of the main objectives of the present work was to evaluate the possible use of forest medicinal species in Céu Azul, especially because an extensive area of the municipality belongs to the National Park of the Iguaçu. However, th 47 plants cited by the population can be divided in a group with 42 exotic species and another one with only 6 Brazilian plants, and none of which is being removed from the reserve. The data base of The International Plant Names Index was used to prevent inappropriate botanical names and to verify the current use of synonyms. A survey of the scientific information on the chemical composition and bioactivity was carried out for each cited species. The main source of scientific information for this work was the data base of the Institute of Scientific Information and the Chemical Abstracts on-line. In general, the Céu Azul population makes use of medicinal plants sufficiently known in the scientific sense, but there is also the use of little studied species. For four of the cited species (Alternanthera bettzickiana, Alternanthera dentata, Plectranthus neochilus, Tradescantia pallida), we could not find any scientific reference on its bioactivity. The results of this survey have been concomitantly interpreted as indicative for the election of one of these species, sufficiently known for the Céu Azul population, for deepening of study in the chemistry area. The chemical composition of the essential oil of Plectranthus neochilus was determined using gas chromatography techniques coupled to mass spectrometry. The main components were the monoterpenes α-pinene (9.7), thujene (9.0), terpin-4-ol (4.8) and sabinene (4.7); the sesquiterpenes caryophyllene (19.9) and caryophyllene oxide (15.5); and the diterpene methyl communate (4.4). The presence of pinene and caryophyllene as principal components of the essential oil could be related to the traditional use of Plectranthus against stomach ache. Keywords: medicinal plants, Céu Azul, ethnopharmacology, Plectranthus neochilus, essential oil, GC-MS. / O presente trabalho teve por objetivo realizar um levantamento etnofarmacológico de espécies vegetais utilizadas pelos moradores do município de Céu Azul (localizado no extremo oeste do Paraná). Utilizou-se um questionário específico para obter os dados referentes aos usos e modos de preparo das espécies utilizadas como medicinais. Durante as entrevistas, o material vegetal (exsicata) foi coletado em duplicata com o auxílio dos informantes para posterior identificação e depósito no Museu Botânico Municipal de Curitiba. Na pesquisa de campo foi constatada a utilização de 47 espécies pertencentes a 12 famílias botânicas. Um dos principais propósitos do presente levantamento foi avaliar o possível uso de espécies medicinais florestais no município de Céu Azul, especialmente porque uma extensa área do município pertence ao Parque Nacional do Iguaçu. No entanto, as 47 plantas citadas pela população ceuazulense podem ser divididas em um grupo com 42 espécies exóticas e outro com apenas 6 plantas brasileiras, nenhuma das quais é retirada da reserva. Utilizou-se o banco de dados do The International Plant Names Index para evitar incorreções nos binômios botânicos e verificar o uso atual de sinônimos. Para cada espécie citada, foi realizado um levantamento das informações científicas sobre a composição química e a bioatividade. As principais fontes de informações científicas foram o banco de dados do Institute for Scientific Information e o Chemical Abstracts on-line. Em geral, a população de Céu Azul faz uso de plantas medicinais bastante conhecidas no meio científico, mas há também a utilização de espécies pouco estudadas. Para quatro das espécies utilizadas (Alternanthera bettzickiana, Alternanthera dentata, Plectranthus neochilus, Tradescantia pallida), não foram encontradas referências científicas sobre suas bioatividades. Desta forma, os resultados deste levantamento foram concomitantemente interpretados como indicativos para a seleção de uma destas espécies, bastante conhecida e utilizada pela população de Céu Azul, para aprofundamento de estudo, Plectranthus neochilus. Determinou-se a composição química do óleo essencial das folhas desta espécie vegetal por técnicas de cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas. Os principais componentes encontrados foram os monoterpenos pineno (9,7), tujeno (9,0), terpinen-4-ol (4,8) e sabineno (4,7); os sesquiterpenos cariofileno (19,9) e óxido de cariofileno (15,5); e o diterpeno comunato de metila (4,4). A ocorrência de pineno e cariofileno como principais componentes do óleo essencial pode estar relacionada ao uso tradicional desta espécie vegetal contra dores estomacais.

Plectranthus grandis (Cramer) Willense, à uma planta medicinal conhecida popularmente no Cearà como boldo-grande, utilizada pela populaÃÃo em substituiÃÃo a P. barbatus (boldo), que apresenta atividade gastroprotetora jà comprovada para a planta e para alguns diterpenos isolados, validando cientificamente desta forma seu uso popular. Este trabalho descreve os procedimentos analÃticos utilizados e resultados obtidos, visando contribuir para a padronizaÃÃo quÃmica de quatro espÃcies de Plectranthus. Os diterpenos barbatusina e 3&#946;-hidroxi-3-desoxibarbatusina foram isolados atravÃs de tÃcnicas cromatogrÃficas, sendo possÃvel desenvolver um mÃtodo de extraÃÃo seletiva para a barbatusina, o que possibilitou obter quantidade significativa desta substÃncia. Foram realizadas reaÃÃes de derivatizaÃÃo, obtendo-se a 3-hidroxi-3-desoxibarbatusina, que possui atividade gastroprotetora, in vivo, jà reportada na literatura, e a oxima da barbatusina, inÃdita na literatura, com atividade citotÃxica mais potente do que sua precursora. As elucidaÃÃes estruturais foram realizadas atravÃs de espectroscopia na regiÃo do infravermelho, RMN 1H e RMN 13C, em comparaÃÃo com dados da literatura. Utilizando CLAE-DAD desenvolveu-se mÃtodos para a quantificaÃÃo de barbatusina e 3&#946;-hidroxi-3-desoxibarbatusina, em que foram encontrados parÃmetros adequados de linearidade (r2 > 0,99), para as duas substÃncias analisadas. O mÃtodo foi validado e apresentou linearidade (r2 = 0,9931 para a barbatusina e r2 = 0,9966 para a 3&#946;-hidroxi-3-desoxibarbatusina), seletividade, precisÃo intra-dia (DPR < 2,8% para a barbatusina e DPR < 3,5% para a 3&#946;-hidroxi-3-desoxibarbatusina), exatidÃo (recuperaÃÃo entre 81,7% e 115,1%). Os mÃtodos entÃo desenvolvidos foram aplicados aos extratos das folhas de P grandis, P. barbatus, P. amboinicus, P. ornatus. O potencial larvicida e citotÃxico das quatro espÃcies de Plectranthus foram avaliados, bem como dos compostos puros, apresentando promissora atividade citotÃxica para trÃs linhagens de cÃlulas tumorais. / Plectranthus grandis (Cramer) Willense is a medicinal plant popularly known in Cearà as boldo-grande, used by population in substitution of P. barbatus (boldo), it shows gastroprotective activity already proven for herb and for some isolated diterpenes, scientifically validating this way its popular use. This work describes the analytical procedures used and obtained results, aiming to contribute to chemical standardization of four Plectranthus species. Barbatusin and 3&#946;-hydroxy-3-deoxobarbatusin diterpenes were isolated by chromatographic techniques, being possible to develop selective extration method of barbatusin, which enabled to obtain significant amount of this substance. Derivatization reactions were performed, getting 3-hydroxy-3-deoxobarbatusin, having gastroprotective activity, in vivo, already reported in the literature, and oxyimine product of barbatusin, unpublished in the literature, with cytotoxic activity more potent than its precursor. Estrutural elucidation were performed by infra-red spectroscopy, NMR 1H and NMR 13C, compared with literature data. Using HPLC-DAD, methods were developed for quantification of barbatusin and 3&#946;-hydroxy-3-deoxobarbatusin, in wich suitable parameters have been found of linearty (r2 > 0,99), for both analytes. The method was validated and presented linearty (r2 = 0,9931 for barbatusin and r2 = 0,9966 for 3&#946;-hydroxy-3-deoxobarbatusin), selectivity, within-day precision (RSD < 2,8% for barbatusin and RSD < 3,5% for 3&#946;-hydroxy-3-deoxobarbatusin), accuracy (recovery between 81,7% a 115,1%). The methods so developed have been applied to the leaves extracts of P. grandis, P. barbatus, P. amboinicus and P. ornatus. The larvicidal and cytotoxic potential of the four Plectranthus species were evaluated, as well as the purà compounds, showing promising cytotoxic activty for three strains of tumor cells.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:59:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_juliana_bandeira.pdf: 2631156 bytes, checksum: ca9c7bffe1ab510a5dbabad6a80c602f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-03-26 / Medicinal plants are widely used, therefore they are important sources of natural chemical products. However, they can present problems in their use with regard to quality and to genetic identity of the vegetal material. Molecular techniques contribute in the identification of species through the construction of fingerprints, whereas the tissue culture has important hole for providing massive production of plants, free of pathogenic agents and genetically uniforms. Plectranthus includes species that are commonly know as boldo for having anti-dyspeptics and analgesic properties, and stimulant of digestion. The aim of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity among four species of Plectranthus genus, through RAPD technique and quantitative analysis of their essential oils and to verify the in vitro micropropagation. The DNA extraction and amplification of four Plectranthus species (P. grandis, P. barbatus, P. neochilus e P. amboinicus) was carried out by RAPD. The essential oil of these species was extracted by hidrodestilation. For the establishment of axillaries buds and meristems of P. grandis, P. barbatus and P. neochilus, MS and MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg L-1 of BAP, 0.01 mg L-1 of ANA and 0.1 mg L-1 of GA3, were used respectively. As alternative medium for the establishment of axillaries buds of P. grandis and P. barbatus, the MS and WPM medium were used complete and with ¾ of the concentration of their salts, combined with 30 and 50 g L-1 of sucrose. Higher genetic similarity was observed between species P. neochilus and P. amboinicus (80%), followed by P. grandis and P. barbatus (77%). Regarding the essential oil concentration, the P. neochilus presented higher value (0.43% b.s.), compared with the P. grandis with lower values (0.09% b.s.). After 40 days of culture, the P. neochilus was the species with better multiplication in MS medium, while for P. grandis and P. barbatus the alternative medium WPM¾ with 30 g L-1 of sucrose presented better condition for the development of both species. The variability detected by RAPD and the diversity of answers obtained during in vitro multiplication, allowed a clear separation among the four analyzed species. / Plantas medicinais são amplamente utilizadas pela população, pois são importantes fontes de produtos químicos naturais. Entretanto, podem apresentar problemas na sua utilização com relação à qualidade e à identidade genética do material vegetal. Técnicas moleculares auxiliam na identificação de espécies através da construção das impressões digitais, enquanto que a cultura de tecidos tem importante papel por proporcionar produção massiva de plantas, livres de agentes patogênicos e geneticamente uniformes. O gênero Plectranthus abrange espécies que são referidas como boldo por possuírem propriedades anti-dispépticas, analgésicas e estimulantes da digestão. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade genética entre quatro espécies do gênero Plectranthus, através da técnica de RAPD, analisar quantitativamente seus óleos essenciais e a micropropagação in vitro. A extração de DNA e amplificação foi realizada pela técnica de RAPD, de quatro espécies de Plectranthus (P. grandis, P. barbatus, P. neochilus e P. amboinicus). O óleo essencial destas espécies foi extraído através da hidrodestilação. Para o estabelecimento de gemas e meristemas de P. grandis, P. barbatus e P. neochilus foram utilizados os meios MS e MS suplementado com 0,1 mg L-1 de BAP, 0,01 mg L-1 de ANA e 0,1 mg L-1 de AG3, respectivamente. Como meios alternativos para o estabelecimento de gemas do P. grandis e P. barbatus, foram utilizados os meios MS e WPM íntegros e com ¾ da força de seus sais, combinados com 30 e 50 g L-1 de sacarose. Maior similaridade genética foi observada entre as espécies P. neochilus e P. amboinicus (80%), seguido de P. grandis e P. barbatus (77%). Quanto à concentração de óleo essencial, P. neochilus foi o que apresentou maior valor (0,43% b.s.), comparado a P. grandis com valores bem menores (0,09% b.s.). Após 40 dias de cultivo, P. neochilus foi a espécie com melhor multiplicação no meio MS, enquanto para P. grandis e P. barbatus o meio alternativo, WPM ¾ com 30 g L-1 de sacarose apresentou melhor condição para o desenvolvimento de ambas as espécies. A variabilidade detectada através da análise de RAPD e a diversidade de respostas obtidas durante a multiplicação in vitro permitiram uma clara separação entre as quatro espécies analisadas.

Transport and post-harvest handling of flowers both cut and potted is one of the greatest challenges in the horticulture industry (REDMAN et al., 2002). Ethylene-induced flower abscission is responsible for the loss of crops (KIM et al., 2007). Flower abscission is greater when plants are transported (ABEBIE et al., 2005). This limits the sale of flowers and potted plants to areas close to the site of production and prevents export opportunities. South Africa is home to many spectacular species with great horticultural potential (RICE et al., 2011). Unfortunately however, development of a number of these species for export is difficult due to transport-induced flower abscission. Transport-induced flower abscission is a problem experienced by Dr Gert Brits, a breeder of Plectranthus in Stellenbosch in South Africa. In this study a number of Dr Brits’s Plectranthus varieties were used as model plants to understand the process of transport-induced flower abscission and develop a protocol for the prevention of such abscission. Flow cytometry was used to determine the ploidy levels of each of the varieties. It was important to be aware of this during the experiments as varieties with different ploidy levels have been reported to behave differently under stressful environmental conditions. Of the eight varieties examined, three were diploid (2n), one was triploid (3n), three were tetraploid (4n) and one was a mixopliod (2n/4n) variety. To determine the effects of packaging plants during transport and the effects of darkness on flower abscission, plants were packaged into perspex chambers and kept either in a 16 h photoperiod or in darkness for 96 h. Every 24 h the number of open and unopened flowers that had abscised was recorded. Both packaging and darkness increased flower abscission of open and unopened flowers in all eight varieties. Four varieties preferentially abscised open flowers; while the remaining four preferentially abscised unopened flowers. All eight varieties were exposed to different concentrations of ethylene (0, 0.1, 0.25 0.5, 1 and 2 μll-1) to determine their level of ethylene sensitivity. All of the Plectranthus varieties were determined to be extremely sensitive to ethylene. With 100% flower abscission occurring within 24 h at 1 and 2 μll-1 in all varieties. In order to determine what internal changes were causing this increase in flower abscission under these conditions, the changes in the expression of key ethylene biosynthetic enzymes, cytokinin content and carbohydrates in the flowers were examined. ACS and ACO are the two key enzymes in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway (JOHNSON & ECKER, 1998). Changes in the levels of mRNAs coding for these two enzymes were examined when plants were packaged and put into the dark. In general there was an upregulation of the ethylene biosynthetic pathway and in turn this may have increased ethylene production by the plants under simulated transport conditions. However, the changes were not large enough to be solely responsible for the increased flower abscission observed under simulated transport conditions. The concentrations of 43 cytokinins were measured in pedicle tissue from plants which had been kept in the dark for 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Of the 43 cytokinins measured 21 were below the level of detection. Concentrations for the remaining 22 cytokinins at each of the time points were examined and it was found that in general cytokinin concentrations increase when plants are packaged and put into the dark. DHZ-type cytokinins remained stable during the 96 h continuous dark monitoring period, with most of the changes observed in the tZ and iP types. Peaks in cytokinin concentrations are often followed by an increase in flower abscission, indicating that an increase in cytokinin concentrations may be one of the factors causing the increase in transport-induced flower abscission. Only glucose and fructose were detected in peduncle tissue. Changes in glucose and fructose over 24 h in the greenhouse and over 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h in simulated transport conditions were measured. During the day, glucose and fructose levels increased towards the afternoon and evening and decreased in the early morning. This is consistent with studies conducted on other species (ALONI et al., 1996). When plants were put into the dark, glucose and fructose levels increased slightly at 24 h and then decreased to levels similar to those measured in control plants. Although there were changes in glucose and fructose level in simulated transport conditions, they were very slight and it is unlikely that these changes are not responsible for the transport-induced flower abscission. These results suggest that the observed transport-induced flower abscission is the result of increased cytokinin concentrations and expression of ACO and ACS genes when plants are packaged and put into the dark. These changes in turn cause an increase in ethylene production by the plants, and the build-up of ethylene in the transport container causes flowers to abscise. Ethylene perception by the plant is the step which could be targeted to prevent flower abscission. A number of ethylene antagonists block the ethylene receptors in the plant and in so doing prevent the receptors from binding ethylene and transducing the abscission signal. 1-MCP isone such ethylene antagonist. To test whether 1-MCP could be used for the prevention of flower abscission in Plectranthus, plants were placed in sealed perspex chambers in the light and in the dark and treated with 100 nll-1 1-MCP for a single 6 h treatment, or for 6 h every day prior to continuous exposure to ethylene. 1-MCP treatment greatly reduced ethylene- and transport-induced flower abscission when plants were treated continuously, but reduced flower abscission for the first 24 h when pre-treated with a single 6 h exposure to 1-MCP.Transport-induced flower abscission in Plectranthus is the result of exposure to ethylene. The increase in ethylene production by the plants in transport conditions is likely due to an upregulation of the ethylene biosynthetic pathway and an increase in cytokinin concentrations or movement in the pedicle tissue. This transport-induced flower abscission can be prevented by continuous treatment with 100 nll-1 1-MCP during the transport period. By using 1-MCP plants can be transported for up to 4 d and the opportunity for export is made possible. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Piertermaritzburg, 2013.

The Labiatae is a large family that occurs worldwide and have species that are adapted to almost all habitats and altitudes. Plectranthus is in this family. Plectranthus species are beautiful South African shrubs. The genus Plectranthus belongs to subfamily Nepetoideae of tribe Ocimeae. The test microorganisms were chosen carefully as each one belonged to a different taxonomic group of fungi and bacteria. Biologically active mono- and sesquiterpenoids are frequently found in many species of Plectranthus but there are little published data that directly link the presence of specific compounds in a species with the traditional uses of that species. Various Plectranthus spp. were collected and dried, followed by chemical extraction using various solvents. Dichloromethane extracts of P. fruticosus and P. ecklonii were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities using the agar well and trench diffusion methods. It was found that both methods produced inconsistent results. The trench method required a bigger volume of plant extract to be filled into the well, hence, better biological activity was observed with that method. The well method required a smaller volume therefore poor activity was noted with this assay. The size of inhibition zones are dosage dependent. Overall, both plant extracts exhibited antibacterial but no antifungal properties. The pure compound (1), 11-Hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)-5,7,9(11),13-abietatetraen-12-one, isolated from P. ecklonii was found to be the same as compound (10) which was isolated from P. lucidus. P. hadiensis was extracted using dichloromethane and hexane. The dichloromethane extract proved to contain much higher biological activity than the hexane extract. Three pure compounds, identified as diterpenes, were isolated from the crude dichloromethane extract of P. hadiensis. 6,7-Dihydroxyroyleanone-6,7,12-trihydroxy-8,12-abietadiene-ll,14-dione (2) and 7(alpha)-formoxy-6(beta)-hydroxyroyleanone (3) exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal activity but not against all the test organisms. The remaining pure compound, 7(alpha)-acetoxy-6(beta)hydroxyroyleanone (4), exerted good antifungal activity. This was measured by the inhibition zone which measured up to 14mm when compound 4 was tested against S. sclerotiorum. When testing the hexane extract against the Bacillus formulations, the pellets that were suspended once in Ringer's solution produced bigger inhibition zones than the pellets that were suspended twice. This could be due to bacterial cells washing out of the suspension. The dichloromethane extract of P. praetermissus proved to be very active against X campestris, producing an inhibition zone of 8 - 20mm. Two pure compounds were isolated from the crude extract and identified as diterpenes. Compound 5, 20(10--> 5)-abeo1( 10),6,8,11,13-abietapentaene-11,12,16-triol, and compound 6, 11,12,15-trihydroxy-20( 10-->5)-abeo-abieta-1-(10),6,8,11,13-pentaene are both known compounds which have previously been isolated from Salvia apiana. P. cilatus was extracted with chloroform and tested against various microorganisms for antifungal and antibacterial activities. It showed poor biological activity overall, except against S. sclerotiorum. The crude dichloromethane extract of P. zuluensis exhibited good antibacterial activity, which was limited to the Gram negative test organism. The extract produced an inhibition zone of 10-12mm when tested against X campestris. Pure compound 7, 2-hydroxy-4,6dimethoxyacetophenone, exerted excellent inhibition against B. subtilis and S. sclerotiorum. Neither compound 8, 1,2,4-trimethoxy-5-(2-propenyl)-benzene, nor compound 7, inhibited Candida spp., F. oxysporum and R. solani. Two diterpenes were isolated from the aerial plant parts of P. lucidus with dichloromethane and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic means. The pure compound 9, 11-hydroxy19-( 3-methyl-2-butenoyl)-5,7,9(11), 13-abietatetraen-12-one, showed moderate antifungal activity whereas compound 10, 11-hydroxy-2-(4-hroxybenzoyl)-5,7,9(11),13-abietatetraen12- one, showed high antifungal activity against R. solani, S. sclerotiorum and F. oxysporum. The crude and the pure compounds (formerly isolated from P. parviflorus) showed inhibition against X campestris. The dichloromethane extracts of P. purpuratus subsp. purpuratus and P. purpuratus subsp. tongaensis exhibit similar levels of biological activity when tested against the same test organisms. Poor antibacterial activity was noted with both extracts. However, excellent antifungal activity was depicted when both plant extracts were tested against F. oxysporum, R. solani and S. sclerotiorum. However, the highest biological activity was noted by R. solani which was totally inhibited by both dichloromethane extracts. The pure compound (11) isolated from P. purpuratus subsp. purpuratus was found to have the same chemical structure as compound (9) previously isolated from P. lucidus. The bioautography assay was used to detect and activity-guide the fractionation of antimicrobial compounds from all the Plectranthus spp. tested. The TLC fingerprint showed a zone of clearing around the lower bands of P. fruticosus and P. ecklonii when the plate was sprayed with a suspension of B. subtilis. This result is consistent with the agar well diffusion method. Clear zones were also noted on some bands of the extracts of P. zuluensis, P. ciliatus, P. hadiensis and P. praetermussis. Clear zones indicate inhibition of growth. Other plant extracts tested for biological activity were from the family Lamiaceae, however, not of the genus Plectranthus. Persicaria senegalensis, Pycnostachys reticulata and Ficus sur possessed moderate biological activity overall. It is interesting to note that P. senegalensis and F. sur exert high biological activity against Candida spp. This could be useful as herbal remedies for yeast infections. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.

Submitted by Raniere Barreto (raniere.barros@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2018-05-10T17:58:30Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) alcides_alves_freitas.pdf: 1707403 bytes, checksum: f9233629066db73fd877b2885aa875bd (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2018-05-14T14:47:32Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) alcides_alves_freitas.pdf: 1707403 bytes, checksum: f9233629066db73fd877b2885aa875bd (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-14T14:47:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) alcides_alves_freitas.pdf: 1707403 bytes, checksum: f9233629066db73fd877b2885aa875bd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017 / O boldo da terra (Plectranthus barbatus) ? popularmente utilizado para o tratamento de dist?rbios gastrintestinais e para doen?as hep?ticas. Devido ? exist?ncia de um grande n?mero de esp?cies dispon?veis para pesquisa e estudos farmacol?gicos, o estudo dessa planta torna-se importante para o conhecimento t?cnico-cient?fico, especialmente com a finalidade do desenvolvimento de novos f?rmacos. Com isto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi detectar prote?nas ativas de Plectranthus barbatus (boldo da terra) e avaliar a atividade biol?gica em c?lulas A549 e RAW264.7. As amostras dos procedimentos de extra??o das folhas e caule do P. barbatus foram submetidas ? quantifica??o de prote?na. Foi detectado em gel de poliacrilamida SDS-PAGE 12% prote?nas com peso molecular em torno de 30kDa e 94kDa o que ? descrito na literatura como lectinas e lipoxigenases. Os extratos foram caracterizados por cromatografia l?quida de alta efici?ncia com picos aparentes em 16 e 27 minutos. N?o foi detectada atividade de inibi??o da tripsina. Os resultados dos testes biol?gicos em cultura de c?lulas demonstraram que o extrato purificado de inibidores de protease n?o alterou a viabilidade celular de ambas as linhagens, no entanto, foi capaz de inibir a produ??o de ?xido n?trico na concentra??o de 10 ?g/ml para folha e caule e 100 ?g/ml para folha. Este trabalho demonstra pela primeira vez a extra??o de prote?nas em folhas e caule de Plectranthus barbatus e a atividade dessa mol?cula em cultura celular. Esse extrato n?o alterou a viabilidade celular de ambas as linhagens celulares, podendo ser caracterizados como n?o citot?xico nas concentra??es testadas. Conclui-se, portanto, que embora as folhas, caules e flores do Plectranthus barbatus seja utilizado amplamente pela popula??o esse trabalho demonstrou a detec??o de lectina e lipoxigenase at? agora desconhecidos nessa esp?cie em estudo. / Disserta??o (Mestrado Profissional) ? Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Tecnologia, Sa?de e Sociedade, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 2017. / The boldo da terra (Plectranthus barbatus) is popularly used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and for liver diseases. Due to the existence of a large number of species available for research and pharmacological studies, the study of this plant becomes important for technical-scientific knowledge, especially for the purpose of developing new drugs. With this, the objective of this work was to detect active proteins of Plectranthus barbatus and to evaluate the biological activity in cells A549 and RAW264.7. Samples of P. barbatus leaf and stem extraction procedures were submitted to protein quantification. SDS-PAGE was detected in 12% proteins with molecular weight around 30kDa and 94kDa which is described in the literature as lectins and lipoxygenases. The extracts were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography with apparent peaks at 16 and 27 minutes. No trypsin inhibition activity was detected. The results of the biological tests in cell culture demonstrated that the purified protease inhibitor extract did not alter the cell viability of both strains, however, it was able to inhibit the production of 10 ?g / ml nitric oxide to leaf and And 100 ?g / ml for leaf. This work demonstrates for the first time the extraction of proteins in leaves and stem of Plectranthus barbatus and the activity of this molecule in cell culture. This extract did not alter the cellular viability of both cell lines and could be characterized as non-cytotoxic at the concentrations tested. It was concluded, therefore, that although the leaves, stems and flowers of Plectranthus barbatus were used extensively by the population, this work demonstrated the detection of lectin and lipoxygenase hitherto unknown in this species under study.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-12T16:31:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 arquivo6107_1.pdf: 1993827 bytes, checksum: 57964eaf0cd07177a75eab4b10b74b15 (MD5) license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng (Lamiaceae) é uma planta herbácea nativa da Ásia Oriental e encontra-se distribuída por toda a América. No Brasil, é conhecida como hortelã da folha grossa, hortelã da folha graúda, malvariço e mundialmente como orégano, sendo utilizada popularmente como analgésica, antiinflamatória e antimicrobiana. Esta pesquisa avaliou o perfil fitoquímico e as ações toxicológicas, microbiológicas e farmacológicas (atividade antineoplásica e antiinflamatória, em roedores) do resíduo do extrato hidroalcoólico das folhas de P. amboinicus. No estudo fitoquímico constatou-se a presença de flavonóides (quercetina e luteolina, rutina), terpenos, derivados cinâmicos, monoterpenos (carvacrol, timol), triterpenos ( sitosterol e amirina) e esteróides. No ensaio de toxicidade aguda do extrato foram verificadas reações estimulantes seguida por reações depressoras sobre Sistema Nervoso Central. Não houve óbitos em nenhuma das doses testadas (a maior dose 3.800 mg.kg-1 por via intraperitoneal e 4.000 mg.kg-1 por via oral) descartando uma possível DL50. Nos ensaios microbiológicos foi verificado uma forte ação antimicrobiana do extrato em bactérias gram-positivas, principalmente Staphylococcus aureus resistente a Meticilina (MRSA), onde a concentração inibitória mínima oscilou entre 18.7 e 9.3 mg.ml-1 do referido extrato. A ação do extrato sobre a cinética bacteriana (curva de mortalidade) sugere uma ação tanto bactericida como bacteriostática, variando conforme concentração do extrato. Em bactérias gram-negativas e fungos leveduriformes não foram constatadas ações do extrato. Para a atividade antiinflamatória utilizou-se o modelo do edema de pata induzido por carragenina. Foram administradas as doses crescente de 150, 250 e 350 mg.kg-1 do extrato por via oral e intraperitoneal. Nos ensaios antiinflamatórios por via oral não foram observados diminuições nos edemas, porém, nas administrações intraperitoneais, foram verificadas diminuições significativas do edema em todas as doses testadas. Nos ensaios de atividade antineoplásica, foram utilizados os modelos experimentais de Sarcoma 180 e Carcinoma de Ehrlich. Nos grupos tratados com o extrato foram averiguadas diminuições na média dos pesos dos tumores em todas as doses administradas por via intraperitineal (100, 150, 250 e 350 mg.kg-1), exceto na dose 350 mg.kg-1, no modelo de Carcinoma de Ehrlich, que apresentou uma ação carcinogênica

Submitted by Mario BC (mario@bc.ufrpe.br) on 2018-02-23T12:34:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Michelle Suassuna de Azevedo Rego.pdf: 2727001 bytes, checksum: bbdfc4494129b5f911a250d9be8c9a5d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-23T12:34:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Michelle Suassuna de Azevedo Rego.pdf: 2727001 bytes, checksum: bbdfc4494129b5f911a250d9be8c9a5d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-15 / The objective of this work was to investigate the phytochemical characteristics and acute oral toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Plectranthus neochilus, Schlechter (boldo-opossum) and Cnidoscolus quercifolius, Pohl (favela) in Swiss mice, and the dermal toxicity and tissue repair of a formulation in Gel of the association of these plant species in Wistar rats with experimental wounds. For the phytochemical analyzes, a XEVO G2-S QTOF (Waters, Manchester, UK) mass spectrometer coupled to an Acquity UPLC liquid phase chromatograph and ESI electrospray ionization source (Waters Corp., Milford, MA, USA) . For acute oral toxicological analysis, the methodology described in Guide 423 of the OECD guidelines was used, in which nine female Swiss mice were used with three groups (n = 3 / group): Group 1 - animals treated with Plectranthus hydroalcohol extract Neochilus and Cnidoscolus quercifolius; Group 2 - treated with the extract of Cnidoscolus quercifolius and Group 3 - treated with the extract of Plectranthus neochilus. All in single dose (2000mg / kg), administered by gavage. For tissue repair and dermal toxicity 35 male Wistar rats were used. In all animals, a surgical wound of the excisional type was induced in the dorso-cervical region, which were distributed in five groups (n = 7 / group) and treated according to the respective group: Group 1 - positive control, animals treated with The commercial herbal gel; Group 2 - negative control, treated with carbopol gel 1%; Group 3 - Formulation Gel Boldo-opossum plus Favela (FGBF) 2.5%; Group 4 - FGBF 5%; Group 5 - FGBF 10%. . All received 1.0 ml of the product, topically, daily, for 14 days. It was observed that the animals showed no clinical signs of oral toxicity after exposure to the tested extracts. However, the group treated with the hydroalcoholic extract of P. neochilus at the dose studied presented a statistically significant increase in liver weight compared to the group treated with C. quercifolius or the two extracts associated. Macroscopic analysis revealed the presence of inflammation, granulation and epithelization in the wounds of all groups of rats treated topically. On the first day of treatment in the 5% or 10% FGBF groups there was a significant increase (52.53% and 53.51%) of the means and standard error of the mean of the surgical area. From the second to the sixth day of treatment in the 2.5% FGBF group there was a significant increase of 30.24%, 54.82%, 55.62%, 65.60%, 63.77%. From the fourth to the sixth day there was an increase of 71.07%, 59.65% and 94.49% in those treated with FGBF 5%. Animals treated with 10% FGBF showed a significant increase (54.32%, 94.91% and 116.70%) from the fourth to the sixth day. On the eighth day of treatment in the 2.5% group there was a significant increase of 115.30%. All the previously verified changes were compared with the positive control group. The groups treated with 2.5%, 5% or 10% FGBF presented on the 14th day the re-epithelialization process in 85.72%, 85.72% and 57.15% respectively, whereas the positive and negative control groups in 100% . The body weight of the mice treated topically with 10% FGBF had a significant reduction when compared to the other treated groups at times zero, seven, ten and thirteen days of treatment. The collagen quantification had a statistically significant reduction in the 5% and 10% FGBF groups when compared to the commercial herbal treatment. On the blood count, there was a significant increase in the platelet count in the FGBF groups, 2.5% (13.22%) and 10% FGBF (22.94%). In the biochemical analysis a statistically significant reduction in cholesterol levels was observed in the FGBF groups, 2.5% (40.02%), 5% (38.59%) and 10% (34.06%); Alkaline phosphatase had a significant increase in the FGBF groups of 2.5% (46.24%) and 5% (31.80%); In ALT and AST there was a significant increase in the 5% FGBF group (95.39% and 38.55%). All were compared to the vehicle treated group of the formulation. The histomorphological analysis of the liver of the rats presented in the 5% group mild subcapsular inflammatory infiltrate, hepatocytes with normal morphology, lipid inclusions, nuclei and evident nucleoli. It is concluded that the hydroalcoholic extracts of P. neochilus and C. quercifolius when administered in association with and / or isolated in a single dose (2000mg / kg) by gavage in Swiss mice did not cause death in any animal, classifying them as "toxicological class V "As low toxicity. The three formulations (FGBF 2.5%, 5% or 10%) when compared to the positive control, did not result in a significant improvement in the reduction of the time to the healing process of the cutaneous wounds of rats. However, among the three formulations, that of 2.5% was the one that presented increased fibroblast proliferation and more intense collagenization on the 14th day of treatment. / Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar as características fitoquímicas e a toxicidade oral aguda dos extratos hidroalcoólicos de Plectranthus neochilus, Schlechter (boldo-gambá) e Cnidoscolus quercifolius, Pohl (favela) em camundongos Swiss, e a toxicidade dérmica e reparação tecidual de uma formulação em gel da associação destas espécies vegetais em ratos Wistar com feridas experimentais. Para as análises fitoquímicas utilizou-se um espectrofotômetro de massas XEVO G2-S QTOF (Waters, Manchester, UK) acoplado a um cromatógrafo de fase líquida Acquity UPLC e fonte de ionização para eletrospray ESI (Waters Corp., Milford, MA, USA). Para a análise toxicológica oral aguda foi utilizada a metodologia descrita no Guia 423 das diretrizes da OECD, onde foram utilizados nove camundongos Swiss, fêmeas, com três grupos (n=3/grupo): Grupo 1 - animais tratados com o extrato hidroalco de Plectranthus neochilus e Cnidoscolus quercifolius; Grupo 2 – tratados com o extrato de Cnidoscolus quercifolius e Grupo 3 - tratados com o extrato de Plectranthus neochilus. Todos em dose única (2000mg/kg), administradas por gavagem. Para a reparação tecidual e toxicidade dérmica utilizou-se 35 ratos Wistar, machos. Em todos os animais foi induzida uma ferida cirúrgica do tipo excisional na região dorso-cervical, os quais foram distribuídos em cinco grupos (n=7/grupo) e tratadas de acordo com o respectivo grupo: Grupo 1 - controle positivo, animais tratados com o gel fitoterápico comercial; Grupo 2 - controle negativo, tratados com o gel de carbopol 1%; Grupo 3 - Formulação Gel Boldo-gambá mais Favela (FGBF) 2,5%; Grupo 4 - FGBF 5%; Grupo 5 - FGBF 10%. . Todos receberam 1,0ml do produto, via tópica, diariamente, durante 14 dias. Observou-se que os animais não apresentaram sinais clínicos de toxicidade oral após exposição aos extratos testados. Contudo, o grupo tratado com o extrato hidroalcoólico de P. neochilus na dose estudada, apresentou aumento estatisticamente significativo quanto ao peso do fígado comparado ao grupo tratado com C. quercifolius ou com os dois extratos associados. Na análise macroscópica verificou-se a presença de inflamação, granulação e epitelização nas feridas de todos os grupos de ratos tratados topicamente. No primeiro dia de tratamento nos grupos FGBF 5% ou 10% verificou-se aumento significativo (52,53% e 53,51%) das médias e erro padrão da média da área cirúrgica. Do segundo até o sexto dia de tratamento no grupo FGBF 2,5% houve aumento significativo de 30,24%, 54,82%, 55,62%, 65,60%, 63,77%. Do quarto até o sexto dia houve aumento de 71,07%, 59,65% e 94.49% nos tratados com FGBF 5%. Os animais tratados com FGBF 10% apresentou um aumento significativo (54,32%, 94,91% e 116,70%) do quarto ao sexto dia. No oitavo dia de tratamento no grupo 2,5% houve aumento significativo de 115,30%. Todas as alterações verificadas anteriormente foram comparadas com o grupo controle positivo. Os grupos tratados com FGBF 2,5%, 5% ou 10% apresentaram no 14º dia o processo de reepitelização em 85,72%, 85,72% e 57,15% respectivamente, enquanto os grupos controle positivo e negativo em 100%. O peso corporal dos ratos tratados topicamente com FGBF 10% teve redução significativa quando comparados aos outros grupos tratados, nos tempos zero, sete, dez e treze dias de tratamento. A quantificação do colágeno teve redução estatisticamente significativa nos grupos de FGBF 5% e 10%, quando comparado ao tratado com o fitoterápico comercial. No hemograma houve aumento significativo na contagem de plaquetas nos grupos FGBF 2,5% (13,22%) e FGBF 10% (22,94%). Na análise bioquímica observou-se uma redução estatisticamente significativa nos níveis de colesterol nos grupos FGBF 2,5% (40,02%), 5% (38,59%) e 10% (34,06%); A fosfatase alcalina teve aumento significativo nos grupos FGBF 2,5% (46,24%) e 5% (31,80%); Na ALT e AST houve aumento significativo no grupo FGBF 5% (95,39% e 38,55%). Todos foram comparados com o grupo tratado com o veículo da formulação. A análise histomorfológica do fígado dos ratos apresentou no grupo 5% leve infiltrado inflamatório subcapsular, hepatócitos com morfologia normal, inclusões lipídicas, núcleos e nucléolos evidentes. Conclui-se que os extratos hidroalcoólicos de P. neochilus e C. quercifolius quando administrados associados e/ou isolados em dose única (2000mg/kg), por gavagem, em camundongos Swiss não causou morte em nenhum animal, classificando como “classe toxicológica V”, como de baixa toxicidade. As três formulações (FGBF 2,5%, 5% ou 10%) quando comparadas ao controle positivo, não resultou em melhora significativa na redução do tempo para o processo de cicatrização das feridas cutâneas de ratos. Contudo, entre as três formulações, a de 2,5% foi aquela que apresentou aumento na proliferação de fibroblastos e colagenização mais intensa no 14º dia de tratamento.

Pollination data is provided for a third of the Plectranthus species in southern Africa. In the largest genus of Lamiaceae in the region (53 species), 18 were studied, plus two species of allied genera (Pycnostachys urticifolia and Aeollanthus parvifolius). Study of these 20 species aimed to describe the groups of pollinators that have driven pollinator specialisation. Case histories are provided upon which future studies of Lamiaceae pollination, breeding systems and speciation may be based. Bees (Apidae) and flies (Nemestrinidae, Acroceridae and Tabanidae) are the main pollinating insect groups. Seven straight-tubed Plectranthus species show a match between corolla tube- and proboscis length of nectar-feeding pollinators. Long-proboscid nemestrinid flies are specialised on long-tubed Plectranthus species (P. ambiguus, P. hilliardiae, P. reflexus and P. saccatus), while shorter-proboscid flies of all three families are important pollinators of straight-tubed species with medium- and short corolla tubes. Seven species with sigmoid corolla tubes are bee-pollinated, with fly-pollination prevalent in some. Bent corolla tubes, coupled with length, act as barriers to illegitimate nectarfeeders and ensures alignment of pollinators for effective pollen placement and carryover. It is suggested that straight-tubed species may have evolved from sigmoid-tubed species. Long-tubed species with straight corollas in other Lamiaceae may show convergent pollination by long-proboscid flies, with the guild being dependent on habitat and distribution of plants and flies. Formal establishment of the Stenobasipteron wiedemanni pollination guild extends the study from Plectranthus to selected Acanthaceae, Orchidaceae, Balsaminaceae, Gesneriaceae and Iridaceae, occurring in forested habitat along the Eastern seaboard. Micro-distillation of essential oils confirmed parentage of a putative natural hybrid; once established, hybrid data allows studies of the importance of natural hybridisation events in explaining pollinator fidelity. Nectar sugar studies in Plectranthus mostly showed sucrose dominance; cases of hexose dominance are noted and discussed. Nectar volume and concentration proved variable and do not fit any trends. Pollination by medium-proboscid acrocerid flies has importance for ‘medium-tubed’ plants, since six of the Plectranthus species are solely or partially reliant on Acroceridae for pollination. An appendix with consolidated data describes the 20 study species i.t.o. morphology, habitat, study sites, field work, pollinator observations and insect vouchers. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.