Multielement analysis of plant extracts with potential use in the treatment of peptic ulcers by synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence

Some plants popularly employed for the treatment of peptic ulcers have proved to be attractive sources of new drugs. Despite extensive research, the pharmacological and toxicological potentials of these plants are not fully understood. In this context, the aim of this work was to analyze the multielemental composition of the methanolic extracts of three of those plants, Alchornea glandulosa (AG), Davilla elliptica (DE) and Davilla nitida (DN), with the intention of contributing to the understanding of the mechanisms of action of these extracts. For this purpose, we used the analytical technique of total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) by synchrotron radiation at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Source (LNLS/CNPEM). It was possible to determine the concentrations of the elements: P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb and Br in all of the samples. Selenium (Se) was detected only in the DN extract. An inverse relationship between the concentrations of elements with proven effectiveness and the gastroprotective activity of extracts considering induction protocols with ethanol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was obtained. This data suggests that the function of the extract is not only associated with providing the elements for restoring the gastric mucosa but that it also promotes the displacement of these elements from other parts of the mucosa to the damaged area. Correlations between the concentrations of the elements were also obtained. In the DE extract, which is the most effective extract for both induction protocols, the obtained correlations were above 70% among almost all of the elements, and no anticorrelations were found. For the other two extracts, in the less effective extract (AG) anticorrelations above 70% were predominantly found. Meanwhile, in the DN extract, a few high anticorrelations were found, which may explain its intermediate stage of effectiveness.

Concentration of Inorganic Elements Content in Benthic Seaweeds of Fernando de Noronha Archipelago by Synchrotron Radiation Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (SRTXRF)

SRTXRF was used to determine As, Ba, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Fe, K, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn in eleven seaweed species commonly found in Fernando de Noronha: Caulerpa verticillata (J. Agardh) (Chlorophyta), Asparagopsis taxiformis (Delile), Dictyurus occidentalis (J. Agardh), Galaxaura rugosa (J. Ellis & Solander) J. V. Lamouroux, G. obtusata (J. Ellis & Solander) J. V. Lamouroux, G. marginata (J. Ellis & Solander) J. V. Lamouroux (Rhodophyta), Dictyota cervicornis (Kützing), Dictyopteris justii (J. V. Lamouroux), Dictyopteris plagiogramma (Montagne) Vickers, Padina gymnospora (Kützing) Sonder, and a Sargassum sp. (Phaeophyta). Data obtained were compared to those from the analysis of other parts of the world seaweeds using different analytical techniques and were found to be in general agreement in terms of major and minor elemental components. Results provide baseline information about the absorption and accumulation of these elements by macroalgae in the area.

Characterization of trace elements in Casearia medicinal plant by neutron activation analysis

Leaves of Casearia sylvestris, Casearia decandra and Casearia obliqua plant species, collected at the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, were analyzed by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Short and long irradiations using thermal neutron flux of the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor were carried out for these analyses. Concentrations of Ca, K and Mg were found in these samples at the percentage levels, Br, Cl, Fe, Mn, Na, Rb and Zn at the microg g(-1) levels and Co, Cr, Cs, La, and Sc at the microg kg(-1) levels. Comparisons were made among the element concentrations obtained in these three Casearia species and significant differences were found for the elements Cl, Co, Cs, Cr, La, Mn, Na and Sc. The precision and the accuracy of the results were evaluated by analyzing the certified reference materials NIST-1515 Apple Leaves and NIST-1573a Tomato Leaves.