Bixa orellana
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Recent papers in Bixa orellana
The megabiodiversity of Brazil created opportunities for the domestication of a number of crop species, including some of major global importance. Considering the economic value of many Brazilian native crops, the genetic characterization... more
The megabiodiversity of Brazil created opportunities for the domestication of a number of crop species, including some of major global importance. Considering the economic value of many Brazilian native crops, the genetic characterization of their populations is fundamental to support the utilization and conservation of their genetic resources, currently threatened by deforestation and the intensification of monuculture of exotic crops. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies have promoted the rapid genomic evaluation of non-model species, including those of only local importance. In this context, we evaluated the genomic diversity of three native Brazilian crops: manioc (Manihot esculenta), annatto (Bixa orellana) and the juçara palm (Euterpe edulis). Double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD) was employed to identify thousands of SNP markers in each crop species (1952 in manioc, 3362 in annatto and 1040 in juçara). Population genomic analyses identified many loci putatively under selection, but the unavailability of genome sequences for annatto and juçara hampers further characterization for these crops. Nonetheless, the SNP markers identified were effective in the characterization of the genomic diversity and population structure. The levels of genomic diversity and inbreeding were compatible with the biology of each species. While wild and cultivated manioc were remarkably genetically divergent, the same was not observed between accessions of wild and cultivated annatto, and genetic differentiation was observed among juçara samples from different environments. The application of population genomic approaches may be valuable for the establishment of better practices of management of these crops, promoting the conservation and valorization of Brazilian native genetic resources.
El uso de plantas medicinales como tratamiento de enfermedades es bien conocido en todo el mundo; sin embargo, no solo las afecciones sistémicas son tratadas con estos métodos. En el campo de la Estomatología también se han usado plantas... more
El uso de plantas medicinales como tratamiento de enfermedades es bien conocido en todo el mundo; sin embargo, no solo las afecciones sistémicas son tratadas con estos métodos. En el campo de la Estomatología también se han usado plantas medicinales para tratar enfermedades comunes. Dentro de la gran variedad de plantas empleadas en esta disciplina, encontramos a la Bixa orellana (Achiote), que ha demostrado poseer diversas propiedades terapéuticas que, podrían aprovecharse para tratar enfermedades de la boca que se asocian a complicaciones graves, como la caries dental (CD). El diagnóstico de la CD se realiza mediante la observación y evaluación de lesiones cariosas y su tratamiento consiste principalmente en la aplicación controlada de fluoruros y una buena técnica de cepillado (aseo bucal siempre después de cada comida). Se han evaluado diversas acciones terapéuticas del achiote sobre la CD, principalmente su acción antibiótica contra Streptococcus mutans y Streptococcus sanguinis, que son los agentes causales más frecuentes de este padecimiento. A pesar de tener estudios que demuestran su eficacia y seguridad, no se puede considerar al achiote como un tratamiento preventivo o alternativo contra la CD; hacen falta más estudios farmacológicos y toxicológicos que soporten estas ideas.
The use of medicinal plants as treatment of diseases is well known around the world; however, not only are systemic conditions treated with these methods. In the field of Stomatology, medicinal plants have also been used to treat common diseases. Among the great variety of plants used in this discipline, we find the Bixa orellana (Achiote), which has been shown to possess several therapeutic properties that could be used to treat diseases of the mouth that are associated with serious complications such as dental caries (DC). The diagnosis of DC is made by observing and evaluating carious lesions and its treatment consists mainly in the controlled application of fluorides and a good brushing technique (oral grooming after every meal). Several therapeutic actions of achiote on DC have been evaluated, mainly its antibiotic action against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis, which are the most frequent causal agents of this disease. Despite studies that demonstrate its efficacy and safety, achiote can not be considered as a preventive or alternative treatment against DC; further pharmacological and toxicological studies are needed to support these ideas.
The use of medicinal plants as treatment of diseases is well known around the world; however, not only are systemic conditions treated with these methods. In the field of Stomatology, medicinal plants have also been used to treat common diseases. Among the great variety of plants used in this discipline, we find the Bixa orellana (Achiote), which has been shown to possess several therapeutic properties that could be used to treat diseases of the mouth that are associated with serious complications such as dental caries (DC). The diagnosis of DC is made by observing and evaluating carious lesions and its treatment consists mainly in the controlled application of fluorides and a good brushing technique (oral grooming after every meal). Several therapeutic actions of achiote on DC have been evaluated, mainly its antibiotic action against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis, which are the most frequent causal agents of this disease. Despite studies that demonstrate its efficacy and safety, achiote can not be considered as a preventive or alternative treatment against DC; further pharmacological and toxicological studies are needed to support these ideas.