Validation of a method of broth microdilution for the determination of antibacterial activity of essential oils.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to adapt and optimize a broth microdilution method and compare it to the agar dilution method for the evaluation of activity of essential oils from medicinal plants against Gram-negative bacteria. Based on bibliographic research, active and not active oils were selected. The sensitivity and specificity were established as parameters for validation.

Anti-inflammatory and sedative activities of : in vivo studies in mice.

Aerial parts (leaves, flowers, stem) of extract administered to mice, was used to confirm its anti-inflammatory and sedative folk uses. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by croton oil-induced ear oedema and myeloperoxidase (acute inflammation); cotton pellet-induced granuloma (sub-acute inflammation) and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation (cellular mediators). The sedative activity was studied by the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time test.

Changes in phytochemical composition, bioactivity and in vitro digestibility of guayusa leaves (Ilex guayusa Loes.) in different ripening stages.

Background: Guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loes.) leaves, native of the Ecuadorian Amazon, are popularly used for preparing teas. This study aimed to assess the influence of leaf age on the phenolic compounds and carotenoids and the bioactivity and digestibility (in vitro) of aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts.