Publications by authors named "Magda N Leite"

Introduction: Seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum L. are used in European phytotherapy to treat inflammatory and vascular problems, and also to help in the regulation of the microcirculation. Thus, the quality control of herbal medicines using this species is important.

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Morus nigra L. is a plant employed as a substitute for the conventional hormonal replacement therapy. This work analyzes the estrogenic effect of M.

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In the present study the phenolic (Folin-Dennis) and flavonoid (colorimetric assay) constituents and the antioxidant activity of Pterodon emarginatus seeds were investigated in several samples prepared with different extraction procedures: essential oil (EO) using a Clevenger-type apparatus; hexanic (HF), ethyl acetate (EAF), buthanolic (BF) and methanolic (MF) fractions using Soxhlet extraction, and extracts (1 g/extract) obtained from different methods: reflux 80 degrees C/30 min, ultrasound/30 min, static maceration/48 h and heating plate 100 degrees C/45 min. These extracts were prepared using water or ethanol/water at 30:70 v/v, 50:50 v/v or 70:30 v/v. Antioxidant activity [2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH)] was tested only in the fractions obtained from Soxhlet extraction.

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Many plant substances are known for their interference with the reproductive system. Mikania glomerata is a plant popularly used to treat respiratory diseases and is reported to have flavonoids and coumarin, which have been shown to have antifertility activity in male dogs and female rats, respectively. This work analyzes the effect of a high dose of M.

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