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Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae) is an hemiparasite species widely distributed in several provinces of Argentina. It has been commonly used in folk medicine as a substitute of the European mistetloe (Viscum album L.) based on its putative depressive effect on high blood pressure. In this paper the anatomical features as well as micromolecular and macromolecular analysis of this species are reported. Anatomical study has shown that the main characteristic is the presence of crystalliferous branched stone cells in leaves and stems. The analysis of flavonoids showed that only glycosylated quercetin and proanthocyanidins (whose monomer is cyanidin) are present, indicating a distinctive metabolic pathway. SDS-PAGE analysis evidenced a protein pattern with components ranging from 14 to 90 kD molecular weights. Antiserum against Ligaria cuneifolia was prepared in mice and its immunogenic ability was evidenced by Ouchterlony and Western-blot assays. The results presented are part of a comprehensive ongoing project on Argentine hemiparasite species, which may also be applied to quality control of commercial samples in order to detect the substitution of Viscum album by Ligaria cuneifolia.

The aim of the present work was to make a contribution to the knowledge of aqueous extracts of Lippia turbinata and Aloysia citriodora (Verbenaceae; infusion and decoction) in relation with the establishment of its antioxidant activity and lack of DNA damage, for its potential use in therapeutics. The cytogenotoxic profile was evaluated through genotoxic biomarkers such as mitotic index, cellular proliferation kinetics, sister chromatid exchanges, single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, and micronucleus test in human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures. No statistical differences were found (P > .05) between control and exposed cultures, even between both aqueous extracts. The total antioxidant capacity was shown to be higher in the decoction than in the infusion and both aqueous extracts protected against protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation, the decoction being more efficient than the infusion (P < .005). These results suggest the safe use of these medicinal plants as chemoecologic agents in therapeutics.

Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae), the 'Argentine mistletoe', is a hemiparasite species largely used in folk medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo methods. A screening of phenolics was performed by UV spectroscopy on different fractions. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH *) assay on a crude extract (CE), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and aqueous fraction (AF). The results suggest that EAF concentrates the antioxidant capacity and was selected for further analysis. Capillary electrophoresis was employed to monitor the individual antioxidant capacity and the potential contributors to this effect. Ex vivo assays showed an efficient inhibition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced rat liver phospholipid oxidation, as well as rat brain autoxidation, and H 2 O 2-induced DNA damage in blood monocytes. In vivo, the topical application of EAF significantly decreased skin chemiluminescence in a mice model.

Folkloric or galenic preparations of valerian roots and rhizomes have been used as sedatives/anxiolytics and sleep inducers since ancient times. “Valerianas” are plants that naturally grow in our region. Although some of them are used in folk medicine, they lack scientific information. We performed a comparative study of the phytochemical composition and the potential in vivo effects of ethanolic extracts of argentine valerian species: Valeriana carnosa Sm ., V. clarionifolia Phil. and V. macrorhiza Poepp. ex DC., from “Patagonia Argentina”; V. ferax (Griseb.) Höck and V. effusa Griseb., from the central part of our country, and V. officinalis (as the reference plant). All these plants were rich in phenolic compounds, evidenced the presence of ligands for the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABA A receptor and were able to induce sedation as assessed by loss-of-righting reflex assays (500 mg/kg, i.p.). Mice treated with V. macrorhiza , V. carnosa and V. ferax extracts showed reduced exploratory behaviors while V. clarionifolia produced anxiolytic-like activities (500 mg/kg, i.p.) in the Hole board test. Oral administrations (300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) evidenced sedative effects for V. ferax and anxiolytic-like properties for V. macrorhiza , V. carnosa and V. clarionifolia extracts. Our native valerian species are active on the CNS, validating its folkloric use as anxiolytic/sedative and sleep enhancers.

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