Synergistic effect and ultrastructural changes in Trypanosoma cruzi caused by isoobtusilactone A in short exposure of time.

Butanolides have shown a variety of biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal effects against certain strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. Considering the lack of an effective drug to treat T. cruzi infections and the prominent results obtained in literature with this class of lactones, we investigated the anti-T.

Anti-herpes activity of polysaccharide fractions from leaves.

The antiviral potential of natural polysaccharide compounds has been demonstrated, especially against enveloped viruses and members of the family. Two polysaccharide fractions obtained from (Bertoni) leaves, that were active against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were studied to investigate their mode of action. Both polysaccharides - SFW (crude faction) and SSFK (homogeneous alkaline fraction) - exerted antiviral effects on the initial stages of HSV-1 infection by inhibiting viral adsorption and penetration.

A new Aura virus isolate in Brazil shows segment duplication in the variable region of the nsP3 gene.

Background: A new isolate of Aura virus serendipitously discovered as a cell culture contaminant is reported in this manuscript. Aura virus belongs to the family Togaviridae and is classified in the genus Alphavirus. There are only two reports of Aura virus isolation from mosquitoes in the scientific literature, and the existence of a vertebrate host is still unknown.

Synthesis of novel quinine analogs and evaluation of their effects on Trypanosoma cruzi.

Aim: Chagas disease is a tropical disease caused by the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. There is no vaccine for Chagas disease and available drugs (e.g.

Nerolidol, the main constituent of Piper aduncum essential oil, has anti-Leishmania braziliensis activity.

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is a protozoan that causes mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, which is an infectious disease that affects more than 12 million people worldwide. The available treatment is limited, has side-effects or is inefficient. In a search for alternative compounds of natural origin, we tested the microbicidal activity of Piper aduncum essential oil (PaEO) on this parasite.

Antimicrobial activity of plants used as medicinals on an indigenous reserve in Rio das Cobras, Paraná, Brazil.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: A considerable percentage of global biodiversity is located in Brazil, a country that also has rich cultural and ethnic diversity. In the community of Rio das Cobras, Paraná, plants are still widely used in the health care not only by indigenous people but also by the non-indigenous population that inhabits the region. The investigation of the efficacy and safety of these plants in the treatment of infectious diseases provides insights for future studies of these species allowing the appropriated use by the indigenous people, since few or none study has been conducted so far.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of medicinal plants of the Brazilian cerrado, using Brazilian cachaça as extractor liquid.

Ethnopharmacological Importance: Many species of plants in the Brazilian cerrado (savanna) are widely used in ethnomedicine. However, the safety and effectiveness of medicinal plants used in communities with little or no access to manufactured drugs should be evaluated.

Aim Of The Study: Evaluate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of extracts from eight plant species, obtained using Brazilian cachaça as the extractor liquid.