Search Results (13)

Minimally processed foods (MPFs), often considered ready-to-eat, do not undergo cooking and therefore require proper handling and preparation to ensure safety. If not handled correctly, these foods can serve as a pathway for diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. The antibacterial activity of essential oils (EOs) has been increasingly studied as a tool for controlling microorganisms in the food sector. Therefore, we aimed to verify the contamination of MPF by E. coli and Salmonella and to test the sensitivity of these strains to Copaifera langsdorffii, Schinus terebinthifolius, Citrus reticulata, Eucalyptus citriodora, Elettaria cardamomum, Ocimum basilicum, and Eugenia caryophyllus EOs using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. From 25 MPF samples, one E. coli strain and one Salmonella spp. were isolated. C. langsdorffii and C. reticulata EOs did not show antibacterial activity, while S. terebinthifolius and E. citriodora inhibited the growth of both strains. The E. cardamomum, O. basilicum, and E. caryophyllus EOs presented inhibitory and bactericidal responses at concentrations 0.78, 0.39, and 0.19% (v/v), respectively, compared to the two isolated strains. The present study reinforces the antibacterial potential of EOs and suggests their application in the MPF production chain. Full article

This study evaluated cryogels from albumin (ALB) and albumin–pectin (ALB:PEC) as carriers for pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) essential oil. Cryogels were evaluated through infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The bioactivity of the cryogels was analyzed by measuring their encapsulation efficiency (EE%), the antimicrobial activity of the encapsulated oil against S. aureus, E. coli, and B. cereus using the agar diffusion method; total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were analyzed by UV-vis spectrophotometry. The EE% varied between 59.61% and 77.41%. The cryogel with only ALB had the highest total phenolic content with 2.802 mg GAE/g, while the cryogel with the 30:70 ratio (ALB:PEC) presented a value of 0.822 mg GAE/g. A higher proportion of PEC resulted in a more significant inhibitory activity against S. aureus, reaching an inhibition zone of 18.67 mm. The cryogels with ALB and 70:30 ratio (ALB:PEC) presented fusion endotherms at 137.16 °C and 134.15 °C, respectively, and semicrystalline structures. The interaction between ALB and PEC increased with their concentration, as evidenced by the decreased intensity of the O-H stretching peak, leading to lower encapsulation efficiency. The cryogels obtained can be considered a suitable matrix for encapsulating pink pepper oil. Full article

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest, renowned for its exceptional species richness and high endemism, acts as a vital reservoir of terrestrial biodiversity, often referred to as a biodiversity hotspot. Consequently, there is an urgent need to restore this forest to safeguard certain species and to unravel the ecophysiological adaptations of others. This study aims to integrate some physiological parameters, including gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence, with anatomical and metabolic techniques to elucidate how five different native species (Paubrasilia echinata, Chorisia glaziovii, Clusia nemorosa, Licania tomentosa, and Schinus terebinthifolius), each occupying distinct ecological niches, respond to seasonal variations in rainfall and their consequences. Our investigation has revealed that C. nemorosa and P. echinata exhibit robust mechanisms to mitigate the adverse effects of drought. In contrast, others demonstrate greater adaptability (e.g., S. terebinthifolia and C. glaziovii). In this context, exploring metabolic pathways has proven invaluable in comprehending the physiological strategies and their significance in species acclimatization. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of water restrictions and their consequential effects on various species, defining the strategies each species uses to mitigate water privation during the dry season. Full article

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, popularly known as “Pink pepper”, is a plant native to Brazil. The objective of this work was to analyze the chemical composition and the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves, fruits and twigs of S. terebinthifolius, aiming for their application in food safety. EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Phenolic compounds were quantified and antioxidant activity was evaluated using three different methods. The antibacterial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method against foodborne bacteria. In the chemical analysis, 22 compounds were identified in the leaves, 13 compounds in the fruits and 37 compounds in the twigs, revealing the presence of the main compounds germacrene D (12.04%, 15.78%, 20,41%), caryophyllene (15.97%, 3.12%, 11.73%), α-pinene (11.6%, 17.16%, 2.99%), β-pinene (5.68%, 43.34%, 5.60%) and γ-gurjunene (16,85%, 3,15%) respectively. EOs showed better antioxidant potential using the β-carotene/linoleic acid method with 40.74, 61.52 and 63.65% oxidation inhibition for leaves, fruits and twigs, respectively. The EO from the leaves showed greater antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.62 mg mL⁻¹, a value lower than the MIC of sodium nitrite (5.00 mg mL⁻¹), the antimicrobial standard synthetic. The activities of pink pepper EOs suggest their potential as a biopreservative in foods. Full article

This study evaluated the technical and economic feasibility of using supercritical CO₂ extraction for the production of bioactive compounds from Schinus terebinthifolius. Supercritical fluid extraction techniques employing carbon dioxide were employed to extract valuable compounds from S. terebinthifolius. The extraction was performed under different operating conditions, showing an increase in yield with higher pressures and temperatures. The bioactive compounds in the extract demonstrated significant potential in terms of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making them valuable for applications in food preservation. The economic evaluation revealed a positive net present value (NPV) and favorable return on investment (ROI) within a two-year timeframe. The break-even point was determined to be below 25% production capacity, supporting the economic feasibility of the process. Overall, the utilization of supercritical CO₂ extraction for bioactive compounds from S. terebinthifolius offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction method while ensuring the extract’s integrity and quality. Although the operational costs and extractor contributions require consideration, the findings support the economic viability and commercial potential of this technique. Further research and development can enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for various commercial applications. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found in wound infections where this pathogen impairs skin repair. The lectin isolated from leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius (named SteLL) has antimicrobial and antivirulence action against S. aureus. This study evaluated the effects of topical administration of SteLL on mice wounds infected by S. aureus. Seventy-two C57/BL6 mice (6–8 weeks old) were allocated into four groups: (i) uninfected wounds; (ii) infected wounds, (iii) infected wounds treated with 32 µg/mL SteLL solution; (iv) infected wounds treated with 64 µg/mL SteLL solution. The excisional wounds (64 mm²) were induced on the dorsum and infected by S. aureus 432170 (4.0 × 10⁶ CFU/wound). The daily treatment started 1-day post-infection (dpi). The topical application of both SteLL concentrations significantly accelerated the healing of S. aureus-infected wounds until the 7th dpi, when compared to untreated infected lesions (reductions of 1.95–4.55-fold and 1.79–2.90-fold for SteLL at 32 µg/mL and 64 µg/mL, respectively). The SteLL-based treatment also amended the severity of wound infection and reduced the bacterial load (12-fold to 72-fold for 32 µg/mL, and 14-fold to 282-fold for 64 µg/mL). SteLL-treated wounds show higher collagen deposition and restoration of skin structure than other groups. The bacterial load and the levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF) were also reduced by both SteLL concentrations. These results corroborate the reported anti-infective properties of SteLL, making this lectin a lead candidate for developing alternative agents for the treatment of S. aureus-infected skin lesions. Full article

Botanical repellents are, usually, considered safe to control Sitophilus zeamais, the main pest of stored maize, as they do not leave toxic residues in food, in addition to having lower costs than chemical insecticides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the repellency potential and the reduction of emerged offspring of botanical extracts, of Schinus terebinthifolius, Ludwigia sericea, L. tomentosa, L. nervosa, L. longifolia, and use them as botanical insecticides for S. zeamais. For the repellency test, arenas were set up, containing 50 g of maize kernels exposed to aqueous extract, besides a control treatment. At the center of each arena, 100 insects were released. After 48 h, the proportion of insects in the treated grains was determined. To test the effects of the extracts on insect mating and egg-laying, free-choice and no-choice tests were performed. Insects in both tests remained for ten days for mating and egg-laying. After this period, insects were removed to evaluate the offspring emergence. Sixty days after grain infestation, the number of emerged insects was counted. All selected botanical extracts demonstrated repellent action against S. zeamais, even after 48 h of application. The L. nervosa aqueous extract significantly reduced the emergence of S. zeamais. Full article

Background: Trees are good sources of bioactive compounds as antifungal and antioxidant activities. Methods: Management of six molecularly identified Fusarium oxysporum isolates (F. oxy 1, F. oxy 2, F. oxy 3, F. oxy 4, F. oxy 5 and F. oxy 6, under the accession numbers MW854648, MW854649, MW854650, MW854651, and MW854652, respectively) was assayed using four extracts from Conium maculatum leaves, Acacia saligna bark, Schinus terebinthifolius wood and Ficus eriobotryoides leaves. All the extracts were analyzed using HPLC-VWD for phenolic and flavonoid compounds and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid (BCB) bleaching assays. Results: In mg/kg extract, the highest amounts of polyphenolic compounds p-hydroxy benzoic, benzoic, gallic, and rosmarinic acids, with 444.37, 342.16, 311.32 and 117.87, respectively, were observed in C. maculatum leaf extract; gallic and benzoic acids with 2551.02, 1580.32, respectively, in A. saligna bark extract; quinol, naringenin, rutin, catechol, and benzoic acid with 2530.22, 1224.904, 798.29, 732.28, and 697.73, respectively, in S. terebinthifolius wood extract; and rutin, o-coumaric acid, p-hydroxy benzoic acid, resveratrol, and rosmarinic acid with 9168.03, 2016.93, 1009.20, 1156.99, and 574.907, respectively, in F. eriobotryoides leaf extract. At the extract concentration of 1250 mg/L, the antifungal activity against the growth of F. oxysporum strains showed that A. saligna bark followed by C. maculatum leaf extracts had the highest inhibition percentage of fungal growth (IPFG%) against F. oxy 1 with 80% and 79.5%, F. oxy 2 with 86.44% and 78.9%, F. oxy 3 with 86.4% and 84.2%, F. oxy 4 with 84.2, and 82.1%, F. oxy 5 with 88.4% and 86.9%, and F. oxy 6 with 88.9, and 87.1%, respectively. For the antioxidant activity, ethanolic extract from C. maculatum leaves showed the lowest concentration that inhibited 50% of DPPH free radical (3.4 μg/mL). Additionally, the same extract observed the lowest concentration (4.5 μg/mL) that inhibited BCB bleaching. Conclusions: Extracts from A. saligna bark and C. maculatum leaves are considered potential candidates against the growth of F. oxysporum isolates—a wilt pathogen—and C. maculatum leaf as a potent antioxidant agent. Full article

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi is a medicinal plant widely used for the treatment of various diseases. The secondary metabolites responsible for the pharmacological properties can be produced directly by the plant or by endophytic fungi. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity of endophytic fungi of different parts of S. terebinthifolius and to identify chemical compounds produced by endophytes and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. For this, fruits, stem bark and roots were dried, ground and placed in fungal growth medium. The selected endophytes were grown and subjected to extraction with ethyl acetate. DPPH, FRAP, β-carotene bleaching and antimicrobial assays were performed. The phylogenetic tree was elaborated, encompassing 15 different species. The fungal extracts showed hydroxybenzoic acids and 1-dodecanol as predominant compounds. All fungal extracts exhibited antioxidant activity. The fungal extracts exhibited bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial ATCC strains and against methicillin-resistant nosocomial bacteria. Among the 10 endophytic fungi evaluated, the extract of the fungus Ochrocladosporium elatum showed higher phenolic content and exhibited higher antioxidant and antibacterial activities in all tests. Together, the results increase the known diversity of S. terebinthifolius endophytic fungi, secondary metabolites produced and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Full article

In the present study, the antifungal activity of wood treated with Pinus halepensis branch n-hexane oily liquid extract (OLE) and Schinus terebinthifolius branch essential oil (EO) was evaluated against the growth of four phytopathogenic fungi—Bipolaris oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Rhizoctonia solani. Air-dried wood samples of Pinus roxburghii were autoclaved, and each wood received 100 µL of the concentrated oils from P. halepensis and S. terebinthifolius. The main compounds identified in S. terebinthifolius branch EO were terpinen-4-ol (18.25%), cis-β-terpineol (15.60%), γ-terpinene (12.46%), sabinene (9.83%), α-terpinene (8.56%), and 4-thujanol (6.71%), while the main compounds in P. halepensis branch HeO were 2-undecenal (22.25%), 4-hydroxy-10-methyl-3,4,7,8,9,10-hexahydro-2H-oxecin-2-one (8.43%), (Z)-2-decenal (6.88%), nonanal (5.85%), (2E)-2-decenal (4.65%), (E,E)-2,4-decadienal (4.41%), arachidonic acid methyl ester (4.36%), and 2-(7-heptadecynyloxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran (4.22%). P. halepensis OLE at a concentration of 3% showed the highest inhibition percentage of fungal growth (IPFG) of B. oryzae, followed by S. terebinthifolius EO at 3% and 2%, with IPFG values of 80%, 74.44%, and 71.66%, respectively. At a concentration of 3%, branch oils from S. terebinthifolius and P. halepensis were found to have the highest IPFG values with 45.55% and 40.55%, respectively, against F. oxysporum growth. Moderate to weak activity was found against F. solani when S. terebinthifolius EO and P. halepensis OLE were applied to wood. EO and OLE-treated wood samples at 3% produced inhibitions of 54.44% and 41.11%, respectively, against R. solani. Full article

In the present work, essential oils (EOs) from Schinus terebinthifolius (ripe and unripe fruits and leaves), Origanum majorana (air-dried aerial parts), and Psidium guajava (leaves) were assayed for their insecticidal activity against red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and Culex mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens). Several components were identified in the EOs using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), of which Δ-3-carene (25.9%), γ-terpinene (19.4), and γ-elemene (7.1%) were the major ones in S. terebinthifolius ripe fruits, α-pinene (48.9%), germacrene D (12.9%), and α-thujene (7.7%) in S. terebinthifolius unripe fruits, γ-elemene (11.7%), spathulenol (10.1%), β-elemene (9.2%), and p-cymene (9.1%) in S. terebinthifolius leaves, α-pinene (25.5%), (E)-caryophyllene (15.7%), (E)-nerolidol (16.7%), and cedran-8-ol (8.8%) in P. guajava leaves, and terpinen-4-ol (21.7%), γ-terpinene (16.5%), and sabinene (10.1%) in O. majorana air-dried aerial parts. The lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was calculated for tested EOs at different time periods (after 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). After 6 h of treatment, the LC₅₀ was 33.3 and 6.8 µg/L air for S. terebinthifolius ripe and unripe fruits, respectively, and >40 µg/L air for EOs of S. terebinthifolius leaves, O. majoranaair-dried aerial parts, and P. guajava leaves. After 24 h of treatment, the LC₅₀ was 4.2, <2, 5, >40, and 6.1 µg/L air for EOs of S. terebinthifolius ripe fruits and leaves, O. majorana leaves, and P. guajava leaves, respectively. On the other hand, the LC₅₀ values decreased when the exposed period was increased to 72 h, and were <2 µg/L air for EOs of S. terebinthifolius ripe fruits, unripe fruits, and leaves along with P. guajava leaves, respectively, and 37.912 for EO of O. majorana leaves. The LC₅₀ value after 24 h of exposure of S. terebinthifolius unripe fruit EO was under 2 µg/L air, which means that the EO of S. terebinthifolius ripe fruit had a strong effect on adult T. castaneum adults compared to other tested EOs using the fumigation method. The present data confirm that the EOs of O. majorana leaves and S. terebinthifolius unripe fruits and leaves were more effective as larvicide than the EOs of S. terebinthifolius ripe fruits and P. guajava leaves on C. pipiens at a higher concentration (100 mg/L) when applied by the dipping method. EOs from S. terebinthifolius unripe or ripe fruits and leaves and P. guajava leaves were more effective as adulticide than EO of O. majorana leaves against T. castaneum when applied by the fumigant method. Full article

This study identified two phenolic compounds in Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi fruits: naringenin (first report in this species) and gallic acid. Their structures were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data (¹H-, ¹³C-NMR) and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. A high content of phenolics (659.21 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of sample—Folin-Ciocalteau method) and total flavonoids (140.69 mg of rutin equivalents/g of sample—aluminum chloride method) were quantified in S. terebinthifolius, as well as high antioxidant activity (77.47%—2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH method). The antihypertensive activity related to its phenolic content was investigated. After intravenous infusion in Wistar rats, these phenolics significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the systolic, median, and diastolic arterial pressures of individuals. The rotarod test was performed to determine the mechanism of action of the sample vasorelaxant effect. It was found that its action exceeded that of the positive control used (diazepam). This confirmed the vasodilatory activity exerted by S. terebinthifolius fruits is related to the phenolic compounds present in the plant, which are potent antioxidants and inhibit oxidative stress, mainly in the central nervous system. Full article

The chemical composition of the volatile oils from five Anacardiaceae species and their activities against Gram positive and negative bacteria were assessed. The peroxidative damage within bacterial cell membranes was determined through the breakdown product malondialdehyde (MDA). The major constituents in Anacardium humile leaves oil were (E)-caryophyllene (31.0%) and α-pinene (22.0%), and in Anacardium occidentale oil they were (E)-caryophyllene (15.4%) and germacrene-D (11.5%). Volatile oil from Astronium fraxinifolium leaves were dominated by (E)-β-ocimene (44.1%) and α-terpinolene (15.2%), whilst the oil from Myracrodruon urundeuva contained an abundance of δ-3-carene (78.8%). However, Schinus terebinthifolius leaves oil collected in March and July presented different chemical compositions. The oils from all species, except the one from A. occidentale, exhibited varying levels of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. Oil extracted in July from S. terebinthifolius was more active against all bacterial strains than the corresponding oil extracted in March. The high antibacterial activity of the M. urundeuva oil could be ascribed to its high δ-3-carene content. The amounts of MDA generated within bacterial cells indicate that the volatile oils induce lipid peroxidation. The results suggest that one putative mechanism of antibacterial action of these volatile oils is pro-oxidant damage within bacterial cell membrane explaining in part their preservative properties. Full article