The oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between the oxidizing agents and antioxidants; meanwhile, the consumption of antioxidants has been considered as an important tool in the prevention of oxidative stress and its consequences. Pitavia punctata (R. & P.) Molina is an endemic arboreal species from the Chilean Coast Range, in which a large amount of flavonoids has been described. This work focused on characterizing and evaluating, in human erythrocytes, the antioxidant capacity and membrane protection of P. punctata extracts and the in vitro protection of the oxidation of the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Quercetin derivatives and flavonoids, such as (-)-Epicatechin, Kaempferol, and derivatives. The methanolic extract presented an important antioxidant activity, protecting the membrane integrity of the red blood cells against the oxidative damage caused by Hypochlorous acid and inhibiting the oxidation of the LDL lipoprotein.

With the aim of advancing in the comprehension of Maulino forest functioning, the annual litter production and its specific composition in a young pre-Andean Maulino forest dominated by hualo (Nothofagus glauca) were estimated. For this, 30 litter traps of 0.25 m 2 were placed in three lines perpendicular to the slope on the floor of the forest. The litter was collected at variable intervals and separated into different components. During the three evaluated seasons, the annual mean production was 7.13 Mg ha-1 , of which 46 % was leaves and 21 % woody material. In two seasons, the other 33 % was separated into leaves of different species. Thirty-one species were found, 15 of them endemic and two introduced. Leaves abscission of hualo principally concentrated during the winter season, whereas leaf fall of companion perennial species occurred during the summer months.