Fernanda Guerra da Silveira’s research while affiliated with Federal University of São Francisco Valley and other places

Lonchocarpus Kunth. is the most diverse genus of the Millettieae tribe, in the Neotropics. It is known for its problematic taxonomy due to their historical links with the genera Deguelia, Derris, Muellera and Philenoptera. Approximately 23 species of Lonchocarpus are recorded for Brazil. Lonchocarpus araripensis Benth. was previously classified as Derris araripensis Benth Ducke. This species is found in Northeast Brazil, where it is used in the folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. Phytochemical investigations have proved that Lonchocarpus is a rich source of phenol compounds, including flavones, chalcones, flavonols, flavans, flavanones, and aurones. Flavonoids and one triterpenoid compound have been isolated and identified from L. araripensis which showed important biological activities, such as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective. L. araripensis could be considered a rich source of flavonoids, confirming previous investigations into this species. Chemical constituents isolated from L. araripensis possess promising biological activities. Structure-activity relationship studies are necessary to determine the true pharmacological potential of these metabolites.

The family Euphorbiaceae is comprised of 300 genera and some 7500 species widely distributed over the world, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa and Asia. Croton is one of the most important genera of this family that comprises about 1300 species widespread in Africa, Asia and South America. This genus is rich in constituents with biological activities, chiefly diterpenoids such as phorbol esters, clerodane, labdane, kaurane, trachylobane, pimarane, etc. Croton is also rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids and steroids. Several species are aromatic, indicating the presence of volatile oils. Croton zehntneri Pax & K. Hoffm. is native to Northeastern Brazil, where it is often used in folk medicine to treat anxiety, as sedative, appetite stimulating, antianorexigen and for the relief of gastrointestinal disturbances. In view of its popular uses in treating various diseases, this chapter reviews scientific studies on the chemical and biological properties of this species.