An Apis mellifera bee pollen sample from Bahia state in Brazil was studied to evaluate its botanical origin and phytochemical composition. The bee pollen sample was collected in the municipality of Canavieiras, in an area with a very high predominance of Cocos nucifera L (Aracaceae), which was identified as the major taxon (99%), thus being the possible botanical origin of this pollen. The main constituents found in the non-polar extract analysed by GC-EI-MS were saturated fatty acids and long chain esters, together with phytosterols such as ergosta-5,24(28)-dien-3-ol, campesterol and sitosterol, detected in smaller quantities. Flavonoid glycosides, as well as hydroxycinnamic acid amide derivatives were detected in the polar extract analysed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The presence of flavonoid glycosides, hydroxycinnamic acid amide derivatives, fatty acids and phytosterols have been reported in many bee pollen taxa. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of the chemical composition of bee pollen from C. nucifera , which is cultivated for its coconut fruit.

Phagocytosis of S. aureus by RAW 264.7 was enhanced with thymol Thyme enhanced the phagocytosis of P. aeruginosa by RAW 264.7 Plant products provided immunoregulation of inflammatory cytokines Production of nitric oxide was improved with the treatments in bacterial infections.

Objective: The use of medicinal plants may be an alternative method for the control of Candida spp. responsible for human infections. This study evaluated the antifungal effect of Schinus terebinthifolius extract (Brazilian Peppertree) on C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei planktonic cultures and biofilms. Material and Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungal concentration (MFC) of the plant extract were determined by the broth microdilution method. Biofilms formed in microplate wells were exposed to the extract for 5 min (50, 100 and 200 mg/mL) or 24 h (25, 50 and 100 mg/mL). After determination of colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL), the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s Test (P ? 0.05). Results: Different MIC (mg/mL) were found, such as 0.39 (C. dubliniensis), 1.56 (C. albicans), and 3.13 (C. glabrata and C. krusei). Besides, MFC (mg/mL) of 0.78 (C. dubliniensis) and 3.13 (C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. krusei) were also observed. Regarding the biofilms, significant reductions (log10) were found after 5 min and 24 h exposure to the plant extract, compared to the control group. However, C. dubliniensis was significantly affected only in 24 h treatment. Conclusion: S. terebinthifolius extract presented a significant antifungal effect on C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, and C. Krusei both in planktonic cultures and biofilms.

Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville is a medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This study evaluated some biological activities of extract from S. adstringens. Antimicrobial activity was checked in planktonic cultures and monomicrobial biofilms on aerobic, and anaerobic dental microorganisms. Analyzes of cytotoxicity using MTT assay, and genotoxicity by micronucleus test were performed in human keratinocytes (HACAT), murine macrophages (RAW 264.7), and murine fibroblasts (L929). The anti-inflammatory effect was checked in RAW 264.7 stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli, and treated with the plant extract. The levels of cytokines, and nitric oxide (NO) were measured by ELISA, and Griess method, respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey's, or Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunns tests (P ≤ 0.05). Biofilms of anaerobic bacteria were very susceptible to the plant extract. Effective concentrations showed cell viability > 50%, except 25 mg/mL for HACAT after 24 h of exposure. The extract of S. adstringens was not genotoxic for RAW 264.7. LPS associated with extract increased the production of all cytokines, except TNF-α. However, the plant extract decreased the production of NO. In conclusion, the extract of S. adstringens affected biofilm of anaerobic bacteria using non-cytotoxic concentrations for RAW 264.7, L929, and HACAT cells.

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