Biflorin is an o-naphthoquinone with proven cytotoxic effects on tumor cells showing antimicrobial, antitumor and antimutagenic activities. Biflorin is an isolated compound taken from the roots of the plant Capraria biflora L. (Schrophulariaceae), indigenous of the West Indies and South America, which is located in temperate or tropical areas. This compound has shown to be strongly active against grampositive and alcohol-acid-resistant bacteria. It has been efficient in inhibiting the proliferation tumor cell lines CEM, HL-60, B16, HCT-8 and MCF-7. Recently, SK-Br3 cell line was treated with biflorin showing important cytotoxic effects. In this article, information related to the first structural characterization studies are presented, as well as the latest reports concerning the biological activity of this molecule.

Lippia microphylla Cham. (Verbenaceae) is an endemic underexploited Brazilian vegetal. This work reviewed the biological potentialities of Lippia microphylla, emphasizing the properties of essential oils (EOs) and analyzed scientific indicators about genus Lippia and L. microphylla. Databases from 1948 to the present were searched and a software (vantage point 7.1) associated with Derwent Innovation Index was used to identify the indicators of the genus Lippia, and biological activities and compounds in the L. macrophylla species. Ethnopharmacological records report use of L. microphylla leaves to treat gastrointestinal disorders, influenza, bronchitis, cough, nasal congestion, and sinusitis during vaporization, whose aromatic volatile oils are rich in monoterpenes, especially cineole, terpineol, and thymol. Other EOs have larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti larvae, and antifungal, antibacterial and cytotoxic and antitumor action on human and murine cancer cells. Brazil is the country with more articles about Lippia species, but it deposited only 9 patents since 1993. Most of the publications about L. microphylla are concentrated in food and chemical sciences. This bioprospection helps to choice areas of interest for capital investment and to give support for Brazilian Institutions to establish cooperation and improve technological impact at the point of view of creation and innovation.

As plantas medicinais são importantes para a pesquisa farmacológica e o desenvolvimento de drogas, não somente quando seus constituintes são usados diretamente como agentes terapêuticos, mas também como matérias-primas para a síntese, ou modelos para compostos farmacologicamente ativos. O artigo propõe um estudo da informação científica e tecnológica da planta medicinal indicada pelo Ministério da Saúde a Uncaria tomentosa, visando o desenvolvimento de fitoterápicos. Para tanto, foram utilizados os bancos de dados da Web of Science e do Derwent Innovations Index. Nas análises foi possível observar o crescente volume dos estudos científicos realizados no mundo e no Brasil com a planta. As primeiras publicações iniciaram no ano 1984, e o pico ocorreu no ano 2005. Devendo destacar o Brasil como o responsável pelo maior volume em publicações. Por outro lado, os países que mais depositaram patentes foram os Estados Unidos, China e Japão. Desse modo, é possível afirmar o potencial tecnológico, para o desenvolvimento como fitoterápico da planta Uncaria tomentosa a ser incorporado pelas indústrias farmacêuticas públicas e distribuído no sistema SUS.