No abstract

The anti-inflammatory activity of Canavalia seed lectins (Canavalia gladiata [CGL], Canavalia maritima [ConM] and Canavalia brasiliensis [ConBr]) was evaluated by intravenous administration in rats. In non-sensitized rats, cellular edema elicited by carrageenan was reduced (45-51 %) by ConM and (44-59 %) by CGL. Osmotic edema elicited by dextran was reduced by ConM and CGL in 27 % and 29 %. ConM and CGL reduced the edema elicited by L-arginine in 53 % and that of prostaglandin E2 in 48 % and 36 %. Leukocyte migration elicited by carrageenan was reduced in 49 % by ConM and in 55 % by CGL (attenuated in 4× by glucose) and peritoneal TNF-α content in 82 %. In rats sensitized, ConM inhibited the paw edema and leukocyte migration elicited by ovalbumin in 34 % and 70 %. ConM and CGL are anti-inflammatory, mainly in cellular events mediated by prostaglandin E₂, nitric oxide and TNF-α in non-sensitized rats. However, only ConM is anti-inflammatory in sensitized rats. CGL effect involves the lectin domain.

Products based on Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) seeds are worldwide renowned as eco-friendly bio-insecticides. However, the improper processing of the seed may cause significant losses in product effectiveness, as the contents of azadirachtin – its main component – may be affected. This paper aims to assess the degradation level of azadirachtin found in A. indica seeds during the kiln drying process under different temperature and airflow conditions. In order to do so, samples of A. indica fresh seeds were crushed and subjected to 11 drying assays in temperatures ranging from 55 °C to 65 °C and airflows of 0.015 – 0.023 m3.kg-1.s-1, according to the central composite rotatable design 22, with triplicate on the central point. The contents of azadirachtin in both dried and fresh samples were defined through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Temperatures and airflows had no significant effects on the contents of azadirachtin.