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Seaweeds of the genus Plocamium are known to produce a variety of halogenated monoterpenes. In addition to their ecological role as feeding deterrents, biological activities reported for these compounds include antibacterial, antialgal, antifungal and anticancer activities. An investigation of the non-polar extracts of the seaweed Plocamium corallorhiza resulted in the isolation of six known halogenated monoterpene compounds, 4-bromo-5-bromomethyl-1-chlorovinyl-2, 5-dichloro-methylcyclohexane (2.68), 1,4,8-tribromo-3 ,7-dichloro-3, 7-dimethyl-1,5-octadiene (2.67), 8-bromo-1 ,3,4,7-tetrachloro-3, 7-dimethyl-1,5-octadiene (2.66), 4,6-dibromo-1,1-dichloro-3,7-dimethyl-2,7-octadiene (2.64), 4,8-dibromo-1,1,7-trichloro-3,7-dimethyl-2,5-octadiene (2.65) and 3,4 ,6,7-tetrachloro-3, 7-dimethyl-1-octene (2.63) as well as eight new compounds, including five halogenated monoterpene aldehydes. The new compounds were identified by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques as: 8-Bromo-6,7-dichloro-3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,4-dienal (2.72), 8-Bromo-1,1,2,7-tetrachloro-3,7-dimethyl-octa-3,5-diene (2.70), 4,8-Dichloro-3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,4,6-trienal (2.74), 4-Bromo-8-chloro-3, 7-di methyl-octa-2, 6-dienal (2 76), 8-Bromo-4-chloro-3, 7-dimethyl-octa-2,4 ,6-trienaI (2.75), 4-Bromo-1,3,6,7-tetrachloro-3 ,7-dimethyl-octa-1,4-diene (2.71), 8-Bromo-1,3,4,7-tetrachloro-3,7-dimethyl-octa-1,5-diene (2.69), 4,6-Dibromo-3,7 -dimethyl-octa-2,7-dienal (2.73). All compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity, brine shrimp lethality and cytotoxicity towards oesophageal cancer cells. Compound 2.68 was toxic to brine shrimp larvae at a concentration of 50 μ/mL. It also showed promising activity towards oesophageal cancer cells with an IC₅₀, of 2 μg/mL.

SFME and HD for the extraction of essential oil in Lavandula officinalis in Alice have been reported. A total of 59 compounds were identified with the major compound being 1,8-cineole, an oxygenated monoterpene, with 46.89% and 44.84% yield obtained for HD and SFME respectively. Charge transfer (CT) complexes formed between α-pinene, 1,8-cineole and camphor as electron donors with iodine as the electron acceptor have been studied spectrophotometrically in methylene chloride solution. The Benesi- Hildebrand equation has been applied to estimate the formation constant (Kf) and molecular extinction coefficient (εCT). The value of Kf is the highest in camphor-I2 complex compared to the other two complexes. Antibacterial assessment was carried out on the various reagents, determining the MIC of individual reagents and in combination. The results show an improvement, on combination of the various reagents than when tested alone.

Thesis (Msc (Viticulture and Oenology. Institute for Wine Biotechnology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / Monoterpenes are important aroma compounds in certain grape varieties such as Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Riesling and are present as either odourless, glycosidically bound complexes or as free aromatic monoterpenes. These complexes occur as monoglucosides or, when present as diglycosides, most commonly as 6-O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-β-D-glucopyranosides of mainly linalool, geraniol, nerol and citronellol. The release of monoterpenes from non-volatile glycosidically bound precursors occurs either by acid hydrolysis or enzymatic hydrolysis. High temperature acid hydrolysis causes a rearrangement of the monoterpene aglycones and a decrease in the aroma and changes in the aromatic characteristics of monoterpenes and is therefore not suitable. Enzymatic hydrolysis does not modify the monoterpene aglycones and can be an efficent method to release potentially volatile monoterpenes. α-L-arabinofuranosidase and β-glucosidase are important enzymes responsible for the liberation of monoterpene alcohols from their glycosides. Glycosidases from Vitis vinifera and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are severely inhibited by winemaking conditions and this leads to unutilized aroma potential, while commercial preparations of aroma liberating enzymes are crude extracts that often have unwanted and unpredictable side effects. It is therefore of interest to investigate alternative measures to release glycosidically bound monoterpenes to increase the floral aroma of wine without side activities that impact negatively on wine. Heterologous α-L-arabinofuranosidases and β-glucosidases have previously been expressed in S. cerevisiae and these studies have evaluated and found increased glycosidic activities against both natural and synthetic substrates. In this study, we expressed the Aspergillus awamori α-L-arabinofuranosidase (AwAbfB) in combination with either the β-glucosidases Bgl2 from Saccharomycopsis fibuligera or the BglA from Aspergillus kawachii in the industrial yeast strain S. cerevisiae VIN13 to facilitate the sequential enzymatic hydrolysis of monoterpene diglycosides. Enzyme assays and GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with a Flame Ionization Detector) results show a significant increase in the amount of free monoterpene concentrations under winemaking conditions in the strain co-expressing the AwAbfB and the Bgl2. The increases in free monoterpene levels obtained were similar to those obtained with a commercial enzyme preparation, LAFAZYM AROM. Sensorial evaluation confirmed the improvement in the wine aroma profile, particularly the floral character. This yeast strain permits a single culture fermentation which improves the sensorial quality and complexity of wine. Further investigations on the factors influencing the stability and reactivity of monoterpenes during alcoholic fermentation are needed.

Among Nature's creation, terpenoids are more versatile and exciting natural products. In a remarkable display of synthetic ingenuity and creativity, nature has endowed terpenes with a bewildering array of carbocyclic frameworks with unusual assemblage of rings and functionalities. This phenomenal structural diversity of terpenes makes them ideal targets for developing and testing new synthetic strategies for efficient articulation of carbocyclic frameworks. The thesis entitled “Enantiospecific approaches to komarovispiranes” describes the utility of the monoterpene α-campholenaldehyde as chiral starting material in the enantiospecific synthesis of a variety of bi- and tricyclic compounds, and enantiospecific first total synthesis of spiro diterpenes komarovispiranes. For convenience the results are described in two different sections, viz., (a) Chiral synthons from α-campholenaldehyde; and (b) Enantiospecific synthesis of a komarovispirane. In the thesis, the compounds are sequentially numbered (bold) and the references are marked sequentially as superscripts and listed in the last section of the thesis. Complete details of the experimental procedures and the spectroscopic data were provided in the experimental section. A brief introduction is provided wherever appropriate to keep the present work in proper perspective. All the spectra included in the thesis were obtained by xeroxing the original NMR spectra. Monoterpenes are widely used as chiral auxiliaries, but their potential as chiral synthons has not been properly exploited. In the present thesis, utility of α-campholenaldehyde, which is readily available from α-pinene in two steps, as chiral synthon has been demonstrated in the enantiospecific synthesis of a few bi- and tricarbocyclic frameworks as well as spiroditerpenes komarovispiranes. To begin with, synthesis of several bi- and tricyclic compounds, namely bicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-one; bicyclo[3.2.1]octan-2-one; bicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one; 3-cyclopentylcyclopentanone; bicyclo[4.3.0]non-3-one; spiro[4.4]non-2-one; tricyclo[6.3.0.02,6]undecan-6-ol; and spiro[4.5]decan-2-one; have been accomplished employing an intramolecular rhodium carbenoid C-H insertion, intramolecular type II carbonyl ene cyclisation, intramolecular acid catalysed diazoketone cyclisation reactions and ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction as the key steps. Komarovispirone is a tricyclic spiro diterpene isolated from Dracocephalum komarovi Lipsky, a perennial semishrub available in Uzbekistan and exhibits trypanocidal activity. The novel diterpene containing an unusual carbon framework, cyclohexane spiro fused to bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane, coupled with the potential biological activity have made komarovispirone, and its analogues interesting and challenging synthetic targets. Initially, as a model study, enantiospecific synthesis of a bis-norkomarovispirane was developed employing 7,8,8-trimethylbicyclo[3.3.0]oct-6-en-3-one as the starting material, which was readily available from campholenaldehyde. A Claisen rearrangement and RCM reaction based methodology was developed for the spiroannulation of a cyclohexane ring at the C-3 position of the bicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-one. For the enantiospecific first total synthesis of komarovispiranes, the AB-trans ring system was generated via ring expansion of 7,8,8-trimethylbicyclo[3.3.0]oct-6-en-3-one employing ozonolytic cleavage followed by an intramolecular aldol condensation reaction of the resultant keto aldehyde. For the generation of the ABC ring system of the komarovispiranes, initially, a Claisen rearrangement and intramolecular type II carbonyl ene reaction based methodology was developed for the spiroannulation of a cyclohexane ring at the C-8 position of the bicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-one. Subsequently, an alternate Claisen rearrangement-RCM reaction based methodology was also developed for the spiroannulation, and extended it to the first total synthesis of a komarovispirane.

A alelopatia pode desempenhar um papel relevante na dinâmica de campos e também no manejo de plantas daninhas em pastagens. Na região dos campos do sul do Brasil, monoculturas de Eucalyptus têm sido plantadas. A vegetação é escassa sob os plantios, o que pode estar associado à alelopatia. Em uma perspectiva aplicada, aleloquímicos de Eucalyptus poderiam ser potencialmente empregados como herbicidas naturais. Esta tese tem como objetivo avaliar se a alelopatia pode ser um fator determinante na estruturação da vegetação campestre, e se pode consistir em uma potencial ferramenta no controle de plantas daninhas. No capítulo I, uma revisão sistemática foi feita, visando evidenciar tendências gerais, antigas e atuais na pesquisa sobre alelopatia em ecossistemas campestres, com foco nos métodos utilizados. O capítulo II objetivou avaliar a fitotoxidez do extrato aquoso e do óleo essencial das folhas da serapilheira de Eucalyptus saligna Sm. sobre espécies campestres em laboratório. No capítulo III, os efeitos das folhas da serapilheira de E. saligna sobre espécies campestres foram investigados em plantios, bem como se esses efeitos estavam relacionados à alelopatia. O capítulo IV visou avaliar o potencial bioherbicida do óleo essencial das folhas da serapilheira de E. saligna e determinar quais componentes estavam associados a sua fitotoxidez. No capítulo I, evidenciou-se a potencial relevância da alelopatia na dinâmica de campos e no manejo de plantas daninhas em sistemas cultivados. Além disso, observou-se que os trabalhos recentes sobre alelopatia melhoraram em alguns aspectos de desenho experimental, mas não em outros, e que há inconsistência na terminologia utilizada. No capítulo II, observou-se que as folhas da serapilheira de E. saligna apresentaram substâncias fitotóxicas que geraram estresse oxidativo e levaram a danos nas membranas, afetando a germinação e o crescimento de plântulas. No capítulo III, evidenciou-se que as folhas da serapilheira inibiram a vegetação campestre em plantios de E. saligna, mas os efeitos foram principalmente físicos, e efeitos alelopáticos não foram detectados. No capítulo IV, foi demonstrado o potencial do óleo essencial de E. saligna como herbicida natural. O óleo foi mais fitotóxico que seus componentes majoritários, mas isso variou com o método e com as espécies receptoras. Esta tese evidenciou que generalizações sobre fitotoxidez e alelopatia devem ser evitadas. Conclui-se que a alelopatia possui um potencial maior como alternativa no manejo de plantas daninhas do que como um fator atuante sobre o estabelecimento e desenvolvimento de espécies vegetais campestres. Um maior conhecimento sobre alelopatia e seus mecanismos pode levar a avanços na ciência e em áreas aplicadas. / Allelopathy may play a relevant role in dynamics of grasslands, and also in weed management in pastures. In Southern Brazilian grasslands region, Eucalyptus monocultures have been planted. Vegetation is scarce under plantations, which may be associated with allelopathy. In an applied perspective, Eucalyptus allelochemicals may be potentially employed as natural herbicides. This thesis aimed to evaluate if allelopathy may be a key factor shaping grassland vegetation, and if it consists in a potential tool for weed control. In chapter I, a systematic review was conducted, in order to evidence general, old and current trends in allelopathy research in grassland ecosystems, focusing in used methods. Chapter II aimed to assess the phytotoxicity of Eucalyptus saligna Sm. leaf litter aqueous extract and essential oil on grassland species, in laboratory conditions. In chapter III, effects of E. saligna leaf litter on grassland species were investigated in plantations, as well as if these effects were related to allelopathy. Chapter IV aimed to evaluate the bioherbicide potential of E. saligna leaf litter essential oil, and to determine which compounds were related to the oil phytotoxicity. In chapter I, the potential relevance of allelopathy was evidenced in dynamics of grasslands and in weed management in cultivated systems. Moreover, the review demonstrated that allelopathy research has improved in some experimental design issues, but not in others, and inconsistency in terminology was observed. In chapter II, Eucalyptus saligna leaf litter showed phytotoxic compounds that generated oxidative stress and led to membrane damage, affecting seeds and seedling growth. In chapter III, leaf litter was evidenced to inhibit grassland species in E. saligna plantations, but effects were mainly physical, and allelopathic effects were not detected. In chapter IV, the essential oil showed potential as a natural herbicide. In general, E. saligna essential oil was more phytotoxic than its major compounds, but this varied according to the method and the recipient species. This thesis evidenced that generalizations should not be made, neither about phytotoxicity, nor about allelopathy. In conclusion, allelopathy showed greater potential as a tool for weed management than as a relevant factor influencing establishment and development of grassland vegetation. A better knowledge about allelopathy and its mechanisms may lead to advances in science and in applied fields.

Submitted by Leonardo Cavalcante (leo.ocavalcante@gmail.com) on 2018-07-17T18:53:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Arquivototal.pdf: 3232624 bytes, checksum: 559aa25bbe9205467b3fdd737354219e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-17T18:53:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Arquivototal.pdf: 3232624 bytes, checksum: 559aa25bbe9205467b3fdd737354219e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-29 / The high incidence of pain in the general population has encouraged research about this theme. Products derived from plant species have been widely used in the pharmacological treatment of pain relief. Recent studies have reported the important role of monoterpenes, active compounds found in the essential oils of aromatic plants, having relevant analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. The geraniol (GER) is a monoterpenic alcohol, found in >160 essential oil of plant species, especially Cymbopogon gender. In the literature consulted, several biochemical and pharmacological properties are shown of GER: antitumor, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, gastric and intestinal protector, neuroprotective and antiarrhythmic. In this study was evaluated the antinociceptive activity of GER, not yet reported, by animal behavioral and electrophysiological in vitro models. Male and female adult Swiss mice were used. Initially the acute toxicity of GER was investigated by calculating the lethal dose 50 (LD50) by intraperitoneal (i.p.) (= 199.9 mg/kg) and oral (p.o.) (> 1 g/kg). In psychopharmacological screening, after the administration of single doses of GER (i.p. and p.o.), behavioral changes were observed indicating a depressant profile on the central nervous system (CNS) and/or peripheral nervous system (SNP), and relevant antinociceptive effect of geraniol. Therefore, more specific antinociceptive property evaluation tests were performed. The GER (12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg i.p. and 50 or 200 mg/kg p.o.) decreased (p<0.001) the number of abdominal contractions induced by i.p. injection of acetic acid, when compared with the control. The opioid antagonist naloxone (5 mg/kg) administered subcutaneously (s.c.) in mice, subsequently treated with GER (25 mg/kg i.p.), did not reverse its antinociceptive activity. The GER (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg i.p.) reduced (p<0.001) paw licking time in the second phase (15-30 min, inflammatory phase) of the formalin test. Also, in the glutamate test was reduced (p<0.01) paw licking time when GER 50 mg/kg i.p. administered. In a subsequent step, it was investigated the effect of GER on the excitability of peripheral nerve fibers through extracellular recording in the sciatic nerve in mice. The GER presented depressant effect of the compound action potential (CAP), which was reversed after washing and recovery period. The GER blocked components of the CAP concentration-dependent manner and exposure time to the drug: 1 mM after 120 min for the first component (Aγ and Aβ fibers) and 0.6 mM after 90 min for the second (Aγ and Aδ fibers). The concentration, which induces 50% inhibition of the peak-to-peak amplitude of the PAC (IC50) for the GER was calculated, being equal to 0.48±0.04 mM. The conduction velocity was also reduced by exposure to GER from the 0.3 mM concentration, for the 1st component [46.18±2.60 m/s to 36.04±1.60 m/s; p<0.05 (n=7)] and the 2nd component [18.37±1.31 m/s to 12.71±0.56 m/s; p<0.001 (n=7)]. In conclusion, the results obtained show that GER has antinociceptive activity, mainly in pain related to inflammation. Participation of the opioid pathway in its mechanism of action is unlikely, but the modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission in a dose-dependent manner is a possible mechanism. Its antinociceptive activity is also related to the reduction in peripheral neuronal excitability, firstly in thinner fibers Aδ, which are directly connected to the conduction pain. / A elevada incidência da dor na população em geral tem incentivado as pesquisas entorno desse tema. Produtos oriundos de espécies vegetais têm sido amplamente utilizados no tratamento farmacológico de alívio da dor. Estudos recentes têm relatado o importante papel dos monoterpenos, princípios ativos encontrados nos óleos essenciais de plantas aromáticas, tendo relevante potencial analgésico e anti-inflamatório. O geraniol (GER) é um álcool monoterpênico, encontrado no óleo essencial de >160 espécies vegetais, especialmente do gênero Cymbopogon. Na literatura consultada, pesquisas apontam várias propriedades bioquímicas e farmacológicas para o GER: antitumoral, antimicrobiana, anti-inflamatória, antioxidante, de proteção gástrica e intestinal, neuroprotetora e antiarrítmica. Neste estudo foi avaliada a atividade antinociceptiva do GER, ainda não relatada, mediante modelos animais comportamentais e eletrofisiológicos in vitro. Foram utilizados camundongos machos e fêmeas Swiss adultos. Inicialmente, foi investigada a toxicidade aguda do GER mediante cálculo da dose letal 50 (DL50) pela via intraperitoneal (i.p.) (=199,9 mg/kg) e oral (v.o.) (>1 g/kg). Na triagem psicofarmacológica, após a subministração de doses únicas de GER (i.p. e v.o.) foram observadas alterações comportamentais que indicaram perfil depressor do sistema nervoso central (SNC) e/ou periférico (SNP), e relevante efeito antinociceptivo do geraniol. Portanto, foram realizados testes comportamentais de avaliação de propriedade antinociceptiva mais específicos. O GER (12,5; 25 e 50 mg/kg i.p. e 50 ou 200 mg/kg v.o.) reduziu (p<0,001) o número de contorções abdominais induzidas por injeção i.p. de ácido acético, quando comparado com o controle. O antagonista opióide naloxona (5 mg/kg) administrado pela via subcutânea (s.c.) em camundongos, subsequentemente tratados com GER (25 mg/kg i.p.), não reverteu sua atividade antinociceptiva. O GER (12,5; 25 e 50 mg/kg i.p.) reduziu (p<0,001) o tempo de lambida da pata na segunda fase (15-30 min, fase inflamatória) do teste da formalina. Também, no teste do glutamato houve redução (p<0,01) do tempo de lambida da pata quando administrado GER 50 mg/kg i.p. Em uma etapa subsequente, investigou-se o efeito do GER sobre a excitabilidade de fibras nervosas periféricas, mediante registro extracelular em nervo ciático de camundongo. O GER apresentou efeito depressor do potencial de ação composto (PAC), o qual foi parcialmente revertido após lavagem durante o período de recuperação. O GER bloqueou as componentes do PAC, de maneira dependente da concentração e do tempo de exposição à droga: 1 mM aos 120 min para a primeira componente (fibras Aγ e Aβ) e 0,6 mM aos 90 min para a segunda (fibras Aγ e Aδ). Foi calculada para o GER, a concentração que induz 50% de inibição da amplitude pico-a-pico do PAC (CI50), sendo igual a 0,48±0,04 mM. A velocidade de condução também, foi reduzida pela exposição ao GER, a partir da concentração de 0,3 mM para a 1ª componente [46,18±2,60 m/s para 36,04±1,60 m/s; p<0,05 (n=7)] e para a 2ª componente [18,37±1,31 m/s para 12,71±0,56 m/s; p<0,001 (n=7)]. Em conclusão, os resultados obtidos mostram que o GER tem atividade antinociceptiva, principalmente na dor relacionada à inflamação. A participação da via opióide no seu mecanismo de ação é pouco provável, mas a modulação da neurotransmissão glutamatérgica de maneira dependente da dose é um mecanismo possível. Sua atividade antinociceptiva tambèm, está relacionada à redução da excitabilidade neuronal periférica, primeiramente de fibras mais finas como Aδ, ligadas diretamente à condução da dor.

Submitted by Cristhiane Guerra (cristhiane.guerra@gmail.com) on 2017-02-01T13:46:41Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2056832 bytes, checksum: dd1f04e5a02bdef6bb3220514f057563 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-01T13:46:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2056832 bytes, checksum: dd1f04e5a02bdef6bb3220514f057563 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-10-25 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The incidence of vulvovaginal fungal infections has increased dramatically over the last decades, therefore being the second most common cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) placed after bacterial vaginosis diagnosed in 40% of the women with vaginal discharge. The increasing resistance of micro-oganismos pathogens to existing antimicrobial market has driven the search for new therapeutic alternatives, such as natural herbal products belonging to various families of the plant kingdom, such as Poaceae and Myrtaceae, which are presented as a viable solution due to the low cost and easy access of the population. Highlighted, the genus Cymbopogon and the Eucalyptus plants is one of the main sources of biologically active molecules, among them the monoterpenes holds a huge biological potential of human interest. However, the research of plant-derived compounds with pharmacological properties must always be attached to toxicity studies in order to show the absence of these substances harm to the human body. Given this context, it has studied the biological activity of enantiomers (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-citronellal against C. albicans and C. tropicalis strains derived from in vitro vulvovaginal secretions, as well as the parameters toxicological to predict the theoretical oral toxicity in silico. To achieve the antimicrobial in vitro studies; determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was used microdilution test. Also it was applied to disk diffusion technique on solid medium for comparative study of antifungal resistance/sensitivity profile used in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis isolated and associated with monoterpenes studieds. The MIC's and MFC's of the (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-citronellal to 90% of fungal strains were respectively (R)MIC90% 16μg/mL and (R)MFC90% 32μg/mL; (S)MIC90% 64μg/mL and (S)MFC90% 128μg/mL (Strong antifungal activity against C. albicans and C. tropicalis). Were observed high resistance of C. albicans to fluconazole and itraconazole 12 (92.30%) strains. However, this resistance was reversed in 9 (75%) and 7 (58.33%) respectively, when combined with (R)-(+)-citronellal and 6 (50%) in combination with (S)-(-)-citronellal. Furthermore, it was also observed C. tropicalis high resistance to amphotericin B, itraconazole and miconazole. However, the resistance was reversed to amphotericin B and itraconazole, as a result of the synergistic effect in 2 (66.65%) of yeast. For miconazole resistance was reversed in 3 (100%) of the strains for both enantiomers. In the in silico analysis, both enantiomers have good oral bioavailability theoretically, however, a potential irritant was observed as possible toxic effect on these monoterpenes. In conclusion, these results suggest that the (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-citronellal have antimicrobial effect, and which also exert effect modifier activity when antifungal agents in combination. However, although presenting good oral bioavailability theoretically, the varied toxicological profile suggests the need to assess the risk-benefit of this compound in the production of a new antifungal drug, by conducting in vivo trials. / A incidência de infecções fúngicas vulvovaginais aumentou dramaticamente ao longo das últimas décadas, constituindo assim a segunda causa mais comum de candidíase vulvovaginal (CVV) após a vaginose bacteriana diagnosticada em 40% das mulheres com corrimento vaginal. O aumento da resistência dos micro-organismos patógenos aos antimicrobianos existentes no mercado tem impulsionado a busca de novas alternativas terapêuticas, como os produtos naturais a base de plantas pertencentes a várias famílias do reino vegetal, como por exemplo a Poaceae e a Myrtaceae, que se apresentam como uma solução viável devido ao baixo custo e fácil acesso da população. Em destaque, as plantas do gênero Cymbopogon e Eucalyptus constitui uma das principais fontes de moléculas biologicamente ativas, dentre elas os monoterpenos são detentores de um enorme potencial biológico de interesse humano. No entanto, as pesquisas de compostos derivados de plantas com propriedades farmacológicas devem sempre ser unida aos estudos toxicológicos, afim de se comprovar a ausência de malefícios destas substâncias ao organismo humano. Diante deste contexto, foi estudado a atividade biológica dos enantiômeros (R)-(+)- e (S)-(-)-citronelal contra cepas de C. albicans e C. tropicalis oriundas de secreções vulvovaginais in vitro, bem como os parâmetros toxicológicos para a previsão da toxicidade oral teórica in silico. Para a realização dos estudos antimicrobianos in vitro; determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) bem como da concentração fungicida mínima (CFM), utilizou-se o teste de microdiluição. Também foi aplicada a técnica de disco-difusão em meio sólido para estudo comparativo do perfil de resistência/sensibilidade a antifúngicos utilizados na terapêutica da candidíase vulvovaginal isolados e associados aos monoterpenos em estudo. As CIM’s e as CFM’s dos enantiômeros (R)-(+)- e (S)-(-)-citronelal para 90% das cepas fúngicas foram respectivamente (R)CIM90% 16μg/mL e (R)CFM90% 32 μg/mL; (S)CIM90% 64μg/mL e (S)CFM90% 128 μg/mL (forte atividade antifúngica contra C. albicans e C. tropicalis). Foram constatados alta resistência de C. albicans ao fluconazol e ao itraconazol 12 (92.30%) das cepas testadas. Mas, essa resistência foi revertida em 9 (75%) e 7 (58.33%) respectivamente, quando em associação com o (R)-(+)-citronelal e em 6 (50%) em combinação com o (S)-(-)-citronelal. Além disso, também foi observado alta resistência de C. tropicalis a anfotericina B, itraconazol e miconazol. Porém a resistência foi revertida para a anfotericina B e para o itraconazol, resultado do efeito sinérgico em 2 (66.65%) das leveduras. Para o miconazol a resistência foi revertida em 3 (100%) das cepas para ambos os enantiômeros. Na análise in silico, ambos os enantiômeros apresentaram boa biodisponibilidade oral teórica, no entanto, um potencial irritante foi observado como possível efeito tóxico para estes monoterpenos. Em conclusão, estes resultados sugerem que os enantiômeros (R)-(+)- e (S)-(-)-citronelal apresentam efeito antimicrobiano, e que também exercem efeito modificador de atividade aos agentes antifúngicos quando em combinação. No entanto, embora tenha apresentado boa biodisponibilidade oral teórica, o perfil toxicológico variado sugere a necessidade em avaliar o risco-benefício desse composto na produção de um novo medicamento antifúngico, por realização de ensaios in vivo.

( )-linalool (LIN) is a monoterpene alcohol majority in the essential oils of several aromatic species commonly found in northeastern Brazil, such as Ocimum basilicum and Cinnamomum verum. Recent studies have shown that LIN has important therapeutic properties, including its antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant. Despite the benefits described above, the LIN, such as monoterpenes generally exhibits low solubility in water, high volatility and short half-life, thus incorporation into cyclodextrins (CDs), especially β-CD, has emerged as a tool important to improve the physicochemical properties and biological isoprênico this derivative. Thus, we investigated the possible antinociceptive effects of LIN isolated and included in β-CD in chronic non-inflammatory muscle pain model, besides to the effects on the motor activity and the central action. Male Swiss mice (25-35 g) were divided into groups and subjected to induction protocols non-inflammatory nociception by injecting acid saline (pH 4; 20 μL) in the belly left of gastrocnemius muscle. Subsequently, they were treated orally (p.o.) with LIN (25 mg/kg) LIN/β-CD (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) tramadol (TRM 4 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (solution 0.9% saline), and evaluated for behavioral parameters over a period of 27 days. The animals were subjected to tests of mechanical hyperalgesia (von Frey digital), motor coordination (Rota Rod) and muscle strength (Grip Strength Metter), and to determine the possible involvement of areas of the central nervous system (CNS), the animals were treated and ninety minutes, were anesthetized, perfused, the brains extracted and cut in a cryostat. The brain sections were subjected to immunofluorescence protocol for Fos protein. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Differences between groups were analyzed by ANOVA test, a path followed by Bonferroni test. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Treatment with LIN and LIN/β-CD showed antinociceptive activity in animal model of chronic non-inflammatory muscle hyperalgesia in mice at all doses tested, with the LIN/β-CD prolonged activity against isolated substance, confirming the possibility of significant improvement in the therapeutic action; treatment with LIN and LIN/β-CD did not induce motor incoordination or change in muscle strength. By immunofluorescence, we observed that treatment of LIN and LIN/β-CD presented action in the CNS, acting in the brain, whereas the retrosplenial cortex and periaqueductal gray central structures are strictly related to the mechanisms of pain modulatory. / O ( )-linalol (LIN) é um monoterpeno alcoólico majoritário nos óleos essenciais de várias espécies aromáticas comumente encontradas no nordeste brasileiro, tais como Ocimum basilicum e Cinnamomum verum. Estudos recentes tem demonstrado que o LIN produz importantes propriedades terapêuticas, incluindo seus efeitos antinociceptivo, anti-inflamatório e anticonvulsivante. Apesar dos benefícios supracitados, o LIN, como os monoterpenos em geral, exibe baixa solubilidade em água, alta volatilidade e curta meia vida plasmática; desta forma a incorporação em ciclodextrinas (CDs), especialmente a β-CD, vem se destacando como uma ferramenta importante para melhorar as propriedades físico-químicas e biológicas deste derivado isoprênico. Assim, foram investigados os possíveis efeitos antinociceptivos do LIN, isolado e incluso em β-CD no modelo animal de hiperalgesia muscular não inflamatória, além dos efeitos do tratamento na atividade motora e a ação central. Camundongos Swiss machos (25-35 g), foram divididos em grupos e submetidos ao protocolo de indução da nocicepção não inflamatória através da injeção de solução salina ácida (pH 4; 20 μL) no ventre do músculo gastrocnêmio esquerdo. Posteriormente, foram tratados, por via oral (v.o.) com LIN (25 mg/kg), LIN/β-CD (25, 50 e 100 mg/kg), tramadol (TRM 4 mg/kg, i.p.) ou veículo (solução salina 0,9%), e avaliados quanto à parâmetros comportamentais durante um período de 27 dias. Os animais foram submetidos aos testes da hiperalgesia mecânica (von Frey digital), da coordenação motora (Rota Rod) e da força muscular (Grip Strength Metter), e para determinar o possível envolvimento de áreas do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC), os animais foram tratados e, noventa minutos após, foram anestesiados, perfundidos, os cérebros extraídos e cortados em criostato. As secções cerebrais foram submetidas ao protocolo de imunofluorescência para proteína Fos. Os resultados foram expressos como média ± erro padrão da média. As diferenças entre os grupos foram analisadas por meio do teste de variância ANOVA, uma via, seguido pelo teste de Bonferroni. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. O tratamento com LIN e LIN/β-CD apresentou atividade antinociceptiva no modelo animal de hiperalgesia muscular crônica não inflamatória em camundongos, em todas as doses testadas, tendo o LIN/β-CD atividade prolongada em relação a substância isolada, confirmando a possibilidade de melhora significativa na ação terapêutica; o tratamento com LIN e LIN/β-CD não induziu incoordenação motora nem alteração da força muscular. Através da imunofluorescência, observou-se que o tratamento de LIN e LIN/β-CD apresentou ação no SNC, atuando no encéfalo, visto que o córtex restrosplenial e a substância cinzenta periaquedutal são estruturas centrais intimamente relacionadas com os mecanismos modulatórios da dor.

A alelopatia pode desempenhar um papel relevante na dinâmica de campos e também no manejo de plantas daninhas em pastagens. Na região dos campos do sul do Brasil, monoculturas de Eucalyptus têm sido plantadas. A vegetação é escassa sob os plantios, o que pode estar associado à alelopatia. Em uma perspectiva aplicada, aleloquímicos de Eucalyptus poderiam ser potencialmente empregados como herbicidas naturais. Esta tese tem como objetivo avaliar se a alelopatia pode ser um fator determinante na estruturação da vegetação campestre, e se pode consistir em uma potencial ferramenta no controle de plantas daninhas. No capítulo I, uma revisão sistemática foi feita, visando evidenciar tendências gerais, antigas e atuais na pesquisa sobre alelopatia em ecossistemas campestres, com foco nos métodos utilizados. O capítulo II objetivou avaliar a fitotoxidez do extrato aquoso e do óleo essencial das folhas da serapilheira de Eucalyptus saligna Sm. sobre espécies campestres em laboratório. No capítulo III, os efeitos das folhas da serapilheira de E. saligna sobre espécies campestres foram investigados em plantios, bem como se esses efeitos estavam relacionados à alelopatia. O capítulo IV visou avaliar o potencial bioherbicida do óleo essencial das folhas da serapilheira de E. saligna e determinar quais componentes estavam associados a sua fitotoxidez. No capítulo I, evidenciou-se a potencial relevância da alelopatia na dinâmica de campos e no manejo de plantas daninhas em sistemas cultivados. Além disso, observou-se que os trabalhos recentes sobre alelopatia melhoraram em alguns aspectos de desenho experimental, mas não em outros, e que há inconsistência na terminologia utilizada. No capítulo II, observou-se que as folhas da serapilheira de E. saligna apresentaram substâncias fitotóxicas que geraram estresse oxidativo e levaram a danos nas membranas, afetando a germinação e o crescimento de plântulas. No capítulo III, evidenciou-se que as folhas da serapilheira inibiram a vegetação campestre em plantios de E. saligna, mas os efeitos foram principalmente físicos, e efeitos alelopáticos não foram detectados. No capítulo IV, foi demonstrado o potencial do óleo essencial de E. saligna como herbicida natural. O óleo foi mais fitotóxico que seus componentes majoritários, mas isso variou com o método e com as espécies receptoras. Esta tese evidenciou que generalizações sobre fitotoxidez e alelopatia devem ser evitadas. Conclui-se que a alelopatia possui um potencial maior como alternativa no manejo de plantas daninhas do que como um fator atuante sobre o estabelecimento e desenvolvimento de espécies vegetais campestres. Um maior conhecimento sobre alelopatia e seus mecanismos pode levar a avanços na ciência e em áreas aplicadas. / Allelopathy may play a relevant role in dynamics of grasslands, and also in weed management in pastures. In Southern Brazilian grasslands region, Eucalyptus monocultures have been planted. Vegetation is scarce under plantations, which may be associated with allelopathy. In an applied perspective, Eucalyptus allelochemicals may be potentially employed as natural herbicides. This thesis aimed to evaluate if allelopathy may be a key factor shaping grassland vegetation, and if it consists in a potential tool for weed control. In chapter I, a systematic review was conducted, in order to evidence general, old and current trends in allelopathy research in grassland ecosystems, focusing in used methods. Chapter II aimed to assess the phytotoxicity of Eucalyptus saligna Sm. leaf litter aqueous extract and essential oil on grassland species, in laboratory conditions. In chapter III, effects of E. saligna leaf litter on grassland species were investigated in plantations, as well as if these effects were related to allelopathy. Chapter IV aimed to evaluate the bioherbicide potential of E. saligna leaf litter essential oil, and to determine which compounds were related to the oil phytotoxicity. In chapter I, the potential relevance of allelopathy was evidenced in dynamics of grasslands and in weed management in cultivated systems. Moreover, the review demonstrated that allelopathy research has improved in some experimental design issues, but not in others, and inconsistency in terminology was observed. In chapter II, Eucalyptus saligna leaf litter showed phytotoxic compounds that generated oxidative stress and led to membrane damage, affecting seeds and seedling growth. In chapter III, leaf litter was evidenced to inhibit grassland species in E. saligna plantations, but effects were mainly physical, and allelopathic effects were not detected. In chapter IV, the essential oil showed potential as a natural herbicide. In general, E. saligna essential oil was more phytotoxic than its major compounds, but this varied according to the method and the recipient species. This thesis evidenced that generalizations should not be made, neither about phytotoxicity, nor about allelopathy. In conclusion, allelopathy showed greater potential as a tool for weed management than as a relevant factor influencing establishment and development of grassland vegetation. A better knowledge about allelopathy and its mechanisms may lead to advances in science and in applied fields.