RESUMO
Different degrees in the biological activities of Canavalia rosea had been previously reported . In this study, our group assessed the cardioprotective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction (EAcF) of the Canavalia rosea leaves. Firstly, it was confirmed, by in vitro approach, that the EAcF has high antioxidant properties due to the presence of important secondary metabolites, as flavonoids. In order to explore their potential protector against cardiovascular disorders, hearts were previously perfused with EAcF (300 µg.mL-1) and submitted to the global ischemia followed by reperfusion in Langendorff system. The present findings have demonstrated that EAcF restored the left ventricular developed pressure and decreased the arrhythmias severity index. Furthermore, EAcF significantly increased the glutathiones peroxidase activity with decreased malondialdehyde and creatine kinase levels. EAcF was effective upon neither the superoxide dismutase, glutationes reductase nor the catalase activities. In addition, the Western blot analysis revealed that ischemia-reperfusion injury significantly upregulates caspase 3 protein expression, while EAcF abolishes this effect. These results provide evidence that the EAcF reestablishes the cardiac contractility and prevents arrhythmias; it is suggested that EAcF could be used to reduce injury caused by cardiac reperfusion. However more clinical studies should be performed, before applying it in the clinic.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Traumatismo por Reperfusão Miocárdica , Ratos , Animais , Humanos , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Traumatismo por Reperfusão Miocárdica/metabolismo , Canavalia/metabolismo , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Superóxido Dismutase/metabolismo , Folhas de Planta/metabolismo , Miocárdio/metabolismoRESUMO
Pendimethalin herbicide is widely used and persists in the environment as a contaminant causing negative impacts, including for human health. Microorganisms have the capacity to remove many contaminants from the environment. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of soil bacterial species prospected by molecular modelling of cytochrome P450 in to degrade pendimethalin. Strains of Burkholderia sp. and Methylobacterium radiotolerans were cultivated in a mineral saline medium enriched with 281 mg/L pendimethalin (MSPEN) and another containing glucose 1.0 g/L as extra carbon source (MSPENGLI). Both strains were able to degrade pendimethalin under the two conditions experienced. Burkholderia sp. F7G4PR33-4 was more efficient in degrading 65% of the herbicide in MSPEN medium, with 49.3% in MSPENGLI; while Methylobacterium radiotolerans A6A1PR46-4 degraded 55.4% in MSPEN and 29.8% in MSPENGLI mediums. These findings contribute to the expansion of knowledge on the competence of isolates of these two bacterial genera in degrading herbicidal xenobiotics and biotechnological potential for pendimethalin degradation and bioremediation.
Assuntos
Burkholderia , Solo , Compostos de Anilina , Biodegradação Ambiental , Humanos , Methylobacterium , Microbiologia do SoloRESUMO
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by Leishmania. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay for leishmaniasis control; however, available drugs fail to provide a parasitological cure, and are associated with high toxicity. Natural products are promising leads for the development of novel chemotherapeutics against leishmaniasis. This work investigated the leishmanicidal properties of ethanolic extract of Croton blanchetianus (EECb) on Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amazonensis, and found that EECb, rich in terpenic compounds, was active against promastigote and amastigote forms of both Leishmania species. Leishmania infantum promastigotes and amastigotes presented IC50 values of 208.6 and 8.8 µg/mL, respectively, whereas Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes presented IC50 values of 73.6 and 3.1 µg/mL, respectively. Promastigotes exposed to EECb (100 µg/mL) had their body cellular volume reduced and altered to a round shape, and the flagellum was duplicated, suggesting that EECb may interfere with the process of cytokinesis, which could be the cause of the decline in the parasite multiplication rate. Regarding possible EECb targets, a marked depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed. No cytotoxic effects of EECb were observed in murine macrophages at concentrations below 60 µg/mL, and the CC50 obtained was 83.8 µg/mL. Thus, the present results indicated that EECb had effective and selective effects against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amazonensis, and that these effects appeared to be mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Assuntos
Antiprotozoários , Croton , Animais , Antiprotozoários/farmacologia , Antiprotozoários/uso terapêutico , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Mitocôndrias , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologiaRESUMO
CONTEXT: Chrysobalanus icaco L. (Chrysobalanaceae) has been used for the treatment of abdominal pain and cramps. OBJECTIVE: Assess the chemical and pharmacological profile of the lyophilized aqueous extract from C. icaco leaves (AEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chromatographic methods were used to assess compounds from AEC. Mice were treated with vehicle (control group) or AEC (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) (group with 7-8 mice) and the analgesic profile was assessed employing the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, hot plate tests and hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan (CG) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha. The animal motor performance was assessed using rota-rod and grip strength tests. RESULTS: The chromatographic profile of AEC demonstrated the presence of terpenoid compounds. The acute pretreatment with AEC, at all doses, produced a significant (p < 0.01) inhibition of painful bahaviour (11.4 ± 3.6; 10.3 ± 2.8; 11.3 ± 2.2) when compared to the control group (24.7 ± 4.7) in acetic acid-induced writhing test. In the formalin test, AEC were effective in the second phase (p < 0.01) (57.2 ± 10.3; 56.3 ± 9.2; 54.7 ± 8.9) when compared to control group (121.9 ± 18.5). No response was observed in the hot plate test. The higher dose of AEC produced a significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) inhibitory effect on the mechanical hyperalgesia test. AEC did not affect the motor performance of the mice. DISCUSSION: The terpenoids from AEC are known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. So, these results corroborate the experiments using the AEC in inflammatory pain protocols. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that AEC act against inflammatory pain.
Assuntos
Analgésicos/farmacologia , Chrysobalanaceae , Medição da Dor/efeitos dos fármacos , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Folhas de Planta , Analgésicos/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos/métodos , Liofilização , Masculino , Camundongos , Medição da Dor/métodos , Compostos Fitoquímicos/isolamento & purificação , Extratos Vegetais/isolamento & purificação , Água/farmacologiaRESUMO
Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a common side effect of cyclophosphamide therapy, which deserves new therapeutic strategies, such as those based on natural products. The ethanol extract of the inner bark of Caesalpinia pyramidalis (Tul.) (EECp) possesses anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant activities as previously showed by our group. We have investigated the effect of EECp on the cyclophosphamide-induced HC. Cystitis was induced in male Wistar rats by the injection of cyclophosphamide. These animals were pretreated with EECp (100-400 mg/kg), vehicle, or mesna. Myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde formation were measured in urinary bladder and other tissues. Bladder edema and histopathological alterations and serum nitric oxide metabolites concentration NOx- were also evaluated. Treatment with EECp (100-400 mg/kg) or mesna impaired the increase of myeloperoxidase activity in urinary bladder and the serum NOx- induced by cyclophosphamide but did not reduce edema in this tissue, as did mesna. Total histological score was reduced by EECp (100 mg/kg). Lung myeloperoxidase activity, which was increased by cyclophosphamide, was decreased significantly by EECp (400 mg/kg). EECp also diminished the malondialdehyde formation in bladder, lung, and spleen, although these parameters were not affected by cyclophosphamide. These results indicate that EECp reduced urinary bladder damage during cyclophosphamide-induced HC in rats.
Assuntos
Anti-Inflamatórios/farmacologia , Caesalpinia/química , Cistite/patologia , Casca de Planta/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Bexiga Urinária/efeitos dos fármacos , Bexiga Urinária/patologia , Animais , Anti-Inflamatórios/administração & dosagem , Ciclofosfamida , Cistite/induzido quimicamente , Cistite/tratamento farmacológico , Cistite/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Ativação Enzimática/efeitos dos fármacos , Hemorragia/induzido quimicamente , Hemorragia/tratamento farmacológico , Hemorragia/patologia , Contagem de Leucócitos , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Malondialdeído/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Peroxidase/metabolismo , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Ratos , Bexiga Urinária/metabolismoRESUMO
The anti-inflammatory and redox protective effects of the citronellal (CT) were evaluated using in vivo and in vitro tests. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of CT (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) inhibited (p < 0.05) the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. Additionally, the carrageenan- and arachidonic acid-induced rat hind paw edema was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) by i.p. administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg of the compound. When the redox activity was evaluated, CT (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced hepatic lipoperoxidation (p < 0.001), as well as oxidation of plasmatic (p < 0.05) and hepatic (p < 0.01) proteins. The results of the present study support the hypothesis that CT possesses anti-inflammatory and redox protective activities. It is suggested that its effects are associated with the inhibition of the enzymes in the arachidonic acid pathway, which prevent cell migration by inhibiting leukotriene production, edema formation and the increase of reactive oxygen species in tissues. Therefore, CT is of potential benefit to manage inflammatory disorders and correlated damages caused by oxidant agents.
Assuntos
Aldeídos/uso terapêutico , Anti-Inflamatórios/uso terapêutico , Edema/tratamento farmacológico , Monoterpenos/uso terapêutico , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Monoterpenos Acíclicos , Animais , Ácido Araquidônico , Carragenina , Edema/induzido quimicamente , Membro Posterior , Masculino , Oxirredução , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Kefir is a probiotic that has several health promising properties. Its grains can form microbial films on different types of substrates. In the present work, the surface characteristics of kefir biofilms associated with Maytenus rigida Mart. extract were minutely studied. Three different concentrations of plant extract were included in the biofilm forming solutions, where fresh grains of kefir were inoculated. The results showed that the plant extract was successfully incorporated into the exopolysaccharide matrix of the biofilm. The main chemical components found linked to the plant extract were triterpenes. The crystallinity of biofilms increased with the addition of the plant extract. The morphology revealed that at low concentrations of the extract there was a prevalence of lactobacilli, while at high concentrations yeasts were more observed. Adhesion and wettability were higher for biofilm with less extract. These results revealed that a combination of plant extract and kefir's exopolysaccharide could form biofilms with chemical and topographic properties of great interest in regenerative medicine.
Assuntos
Kefir , Maytenus , Fermentação , Kefir/análise , Lactobacillus , Extratos VegetaisRESUMO
The essential oil of Cymbopogon winterianus (EOCW) is a natural product with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. We studied the effect of EOCW in the progression of histological changes of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in a rodent model. The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Intratracheal instillation of bleomycin was performed in 30 rats to induce PF, while Sham animals were subjected to instillation of saline solution. The treatment was performed using daily oral administration of distilled water, EOCW at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, and deflazacort (DFC). After 28 days, hemogram and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were assayed. Histological grading of PF, immunohistochemical expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) were also analyzed. The EOCW major compounds were found to be citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. EOCW significantly reduced inflammation in BALF, reduced MDA levels, and increased SOD activity. EOCW attenuated histological grading of PF and reduced immunohistochemical expression of α-SMA and TGF-ß in a dose-dependent way, likely due to the reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and TGF-ß-induced myofibroblast differentiation.
RESUMO
The present study investigated the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the leaf essential oil (LEO) of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt (Poaceae). In the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests, the LEO (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the number of writhings and paw licking times in the first (0-5 min) and second (15-30 min) phases, respectively. In contrast, the LEO did not alter the latency time for mice licking the rear paws in hot-plate test. The LEO inhibited the carrageenan-induced neutrophil migration to the peritoneal cavity in a dose-dependent manner (35.5%, 42.8%, and 66.1% at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively, p < 0.001). Moreover, LEO exhibited higher scavenging activity toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals with an IC(50) (12.66 ± 0.56 µg/mL). Our present results demonstrated that the LEO has antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Assuntos
Analgésicos/farmacologia , Anti-Inflamatórios/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Cymbopogon/química , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Óleos de Plantas/farmacologia , Ácido Acético , Analgésicos/química , Animais , Anti-Inflamatórios/química , Antioxidantes/química , Compostos de Bifenilo/química , Carragenina , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Edema/induzido quimicamente , Edema/tratamento farmacológico , Temperatura Alta , Masculino , Camundongos , Óleos Voláteis/química , Dor/induzido quimicamente , Dor/tratamento farmacológico , Medição da Dor , Fitoterapia , Picratos/química , Folhas de Planta/química , Óleos de Plantas/química , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Ethanol extract of Maytenus rigida stem bark and its fractions were assessed for antinociceptive activity in tail-flick test in rats. The activity was located in the chloroform, ethyl acetate and aq.methanol fractions. Phytochemical screening revealed that catechin was the only common class of compounds present on the ethanol extract as well as on the active fractions. 4'-Methylepigallocatechin, isolated from the ethyl acetate and aq.methanol fractions, showed antinociceptive effect in the tail-flick test (75 mg/kg; p.o.), which was reversed by the opiate antagonist naloxone (3 mg/kg; i.p.).
Assuntos
Analgésicos/farmacologia , Maytenus , Dor/prevenção & controle , Fitoterapia , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Analgésicos/administração & dosagem , Analgésicos/uso terapêutico , Animais , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Temperatura Alta , Masculino , Medição da Dor/efeitos dos fármacos , Casca de Planta , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Caules de Planta , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul. (Fabaceae), known as "catingueira", is an endemic tree of the Northeast region of Brazil. This plant, mainly inner bark and flowers, has been used in traditional medicine to treat gastritis, heartburn, indigestion, stomachache, dysenteries, and diarrheas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanol extract of C. pyramidalis inner bark was used in rats via oral route, at the doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, in the ethanol-induced ulcer model and some of the mechanisms underlying to the gastroprotective effect of this plant investigated. RESULTS: The ethanol extract of C. pyramidalis inner bark (100 mg/kg) produced reduction (P < 0.001) on the total lesion area in the ethanol-induced gastric damage. The gastroprotective response caused by the ethanol extract (100 mg/kg) was significantly attenuated (P < 0.05) by intraperitoneal treatment of rats with DL-Propargylglycine (PAG, a cystathionine-γ-lyase inhibitor; 25 mg/kg), but not by Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase; 70 mg/kg), and confirmed by microscopic evidence. The ethanol extract significantly decreased the number of mucosal mast cells compared to vehicle-treated group. The inflammatory cells of the ethanol extract (100 mg/kg)-treated ulcerated rats exhibited an upregulation of interleukin (IL)-4 protein expression and downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, observed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometer. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that the ethanol extract of C. pyramidalis produced dose-related gastroprotective response on ethanol-induce ulcer in rats through mechanisms that involved an interaction with endogenous hydrogen sulfide and reduction of inflammatory process with imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, supporting the popular usage of this plant.
Assuntos
Antiulcerosos/uso terapêutico , Caesalpinia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Úlcera Gástrica/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Antiulcerosos/farmacologia , Etanol , Feminino , Mucosa Gástrica/metabolismo , Sulfeto de Hidrogênio/metabolismo , Interleucina-4/metabolismo , Masculino , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico Sintase Tipo II/metabolismo , Fitoterapia , Casca de Planta , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Ratos Wistar , Estômago/efeitos dos fármacos , Estômago/patologia , Úlcera Gástrica/induzido quimicamente , Úlcera Gástrica/metabolismo , Úlcera Gástrica/patologiaRESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul. (Fabaceae), known as "catingueira", has been used in folk medicine in the treatment of various disorders such as gastritis, heartburn, indigestion, and stomach ache. However, the gastroprotective properties of this species have not yet been studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanol extract of Caesalpinia pyramidalis inner bark was used in rats via oral route, at the doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg. The antiulcer assays were performed using the ethanol- and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcer models. Gastric secretion parameters (volume, pH, and total acidity) were also evaluated by the pylorus ligated model, and the mucus in the gastric content was determined. The anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of the ethanol extract of Caesalpinia pyramidalis was performed using the agar-well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. RESULTS: The ethanol extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) produced dose dependent inhibition (P<0.01) on the ulcer lesion index, the total lesion area, and the percentage of lesion area in the ethanol-induced ulcer model. The ethanol extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) also reduced (P<0.001) the ulcer index in the indomethacin-induced ulcer model. In the model ligature pylorus, the treatment with Caesalpinia pyramidalis ethanol extract failed to significantly change the gastric secretion parameters. However, after treatment with the ethanol extract of Caesalpinia pyramidalis (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in mucus production. The ethanol extract showed anti-Helicobacter pylori activity, with inhibition halos of 12.0 ± 1.7 mm at 10,000 µg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the ethanol extract were of 625 and 10,000 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the present results suggest that the ethanol extract of Caesalpinia pyramidalis displays gastroprotective actions, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various gastrointestinal disturbances.
Assuntos
Antiulcerosos/uso terapêutico , Caesalpinia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Úlcera Gástrica/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Anti-Inflamatórios não Esteroides , Antiulcerosos/farmacologia , Contagem de Colônia Microbiana , Etanol/química , Feminino , Helicobacter pylori/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Muco/metabolismo , Fitoterapia , Casca de Planta/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Solventes/química , Úlcera Gástrica/induzido quimicamenteRESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul. (Fabaceae) is a plant found in the Northeast of Brazil that is popularly used to treat inflammation. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease for which abdominal pain is a relevant symptom. As there is no specific therapy for AP, we investigated the effect of the ethanol extract from the inner bark of C. pyramidalis (EECp) on the AP induced by common bile duct obstruction (CBDO) in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: AP was induced in male Wistar rats (200-250 g, n=6-8) through laparotomy and subsequent CBDO. Animals were euthanized after 6 (G6h) or 24 h (G24h) of induction. In the G6h protocol, animals were pretreated with EECp (100-400 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (Tween 80; 0.2%) 1h before CBDO or sham surgery. For the G24h protocol, rats were pretreated with EECp (400mg/kg, 1h before CBDO or 1 h before and 12 h after CBDO) or vehicle. The following parameters were measured: inflammatory/oxidative (myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde formation in the pancreas and lung, leukocyte counts in the blood and serum nitrate/nitrite), enzymatic (serum amylase and lipase levels) and nociceptive (abdominal hyperalgesia). RESULTS: Induction of AP by CBDO significantly increased all the parameters evaluated in both G6h and G24h protocols when compared with the respective sham group. In the G6h protocol, the EECp pretreatment (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced all these parameters, besides completely inhibiting abdominal hyperalgesia. The same profile of reduction was observed from two administrations of EECp in the G24h protocol, while one single dose of EECp was able to significantly reduce pancreatic MDA, serum lipase levels, leukocyte counts in the blood and abdominal hyperalgesia without affecting the other parameters in the G24h protocol. Furthermore, rutin was found in the EECp. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that EECp decreases inflammation, lipoperoxidation and hyperalgesia in CBDO-induced AP, making it of interest in future approaches to treat this condition.
Assuntos
Dor Abdominal/tratamento farmacológico , Caesalpinia/química , Hiperalgesia/tratamento farmacológico , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológico , Pâncreas/efeitos dos fármacos , Pancreatite/tratamento farmacológico , Fitoterapia , Dor Abdominal/etiologia , Dor Abdominal/metabolismo , Doença Aguda , Amilases/sangue , Analgésicos/farmacologia , Analgésicos/uso terapêutico , Animais , Anti-Inflamatórios/farmacologia , Anti-Inflamatórios/uso terapêutico , Brasil , Colestase , Ducto Colédoco , Hiperalgesia/etiologia , Hiperalgesia/metabolismo , Inflamação/metabolismo , Contagem de Leucócitos , Leucócitos/metabolismo , Lipase/sangue , Pulmão/efeitos dos fármacos , Pulmão/metabolismo , Masculino , Malondialdeído/metabolismo , Nitratos/sangue , Nitritos/sangue , Pâncreas/metabolismo , Pancreatite/complicações , Pancreatite/metabolismo , Peroxidase/metabolismo , Casca de Planta , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Rutina/análise , Rutina/farmacologia , Rutina/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Hyptis pectinata (L.) Poit., Lamiaceae, is an aromatic, abundant and broadly used plant species in Sergipe to treat oral and gastrointestinal pain and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relation between periodontitis and changes in the corporal mass and alveolar bone structure after induction of experimental periodontal disease in rat treated or not treated with H. pectinata gel at 5% (GS5%) and 10% (GS10%), comparing their effects with doxycycline gel at 10% (D10%, positive control), vehicle gel (negative control) and a group with experimental periodontal disease, but non-treated. The gels were locally applied in the gingival region immediately after the experimental periodontal disease induction by ligature (3×/day, 11 days). Bone destruction was determined through clinical exam, histopathological analysis and cone beam computed tomography of the experimental animals (n = 36). After 11 days of periodontitis induction, all groups that received ligature presented a decrease in the corporal mass, except to the naïve group (without experimental periodontal disease) (p < 0.05). Computed tomography results have shown healthy bone structure in the group I and bone resorption for the test groups. Histopathological analysis confirmed the healthy bone structure for naïve group animals, while the test groups exhibited bone loss in several degrees. In particular, the non-treated group animals had an intense inflammatory process. When the periodontium of the animals treated with GS10% was histopathologically analyzed, insertion periodontium was preserved. The results for these groups were significantly different of the vehicle group (p < 0.05). According to the results, the gel based in the aqueous extract of H. pectinata at 10% can prevent bone loss in experimental periodontal disease similarly to doxycycline 10%.
RESUMO
Combretum duarteanum Cambess, Combretaceae, is a plant widely distributed in Northeastern Brazil and, in folk medicine, stems and leaves are used for pain treatment. We investigated the antinociceptive effects of the hexanic extract of leaves from C. duarteanum and of friedelin, its main compound, in formalin-, glutamate- and capsaicin- induced orofacial nociception models. In order to isolate friedelin from the hexanic extract, flash chromatography technique was used. Male mice (n = 8/group) were pretreated with hexanic extract, friedelin, morphine or vehicle, before the injection of algogen agents into the right upper lip (perinasal area). The test of formalin-induced orofacial nociception showed that hexanic extract and friedelin significantly reduced nociception (p < 0.001) in both phases of testing. In the glutamate and capsaicin-induced orofacial nociception tests, pre-treatment with hexanic extract produced a significant reduction of orofacial nociception (p < 0.001) at all doses tested.The results suggest the hexanic extract and friedelin possess antinociceptive effects in models of orofacial nociception in rodents.
RESUMO
Dengue fever and schistosomiasis are major public health issues for which vector control using larvicide and molluscicide substances present in plants provides a promising strategy. This study evaluated the potential toxicity of the extract of hydroethanol Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl., Anacardiaceae, stem bark and its chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate, and hydromethanol fractions against Artemia salina and Aedes Aegypti larvae and snails Biomphalaria glabrata. All of the assays were performed in triplicate and the mean mortality rates were used to determine the LC50 and LC90 values using the probit method. The hydroethanol hydromethanol extract and fraction were free of toxicity towards A. salina (LC50 > 1000 µg/ml), while chloroform fraction was moderately toxic (LC50 313 µg/ml); ethyl acetate and hexane fractions displayed low toxicity, with LC50 557 and 582 µg/ml, respectively. Chloroform, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions showed larvicidal potential towards A. aegypti (LC50 values of 345, 527 and 583 µg/ml, respectively), while chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were highly toxic to B. glabrata (LC90 values of 68 and 73 µg/ml, respectively). Based on these findings, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hexane fractions should be further investigated for their potential use against the vectors of dengue and schistosomiasis.
RESUMO
Erythrina velutina Willd., Fabaceae, is a medicinal plant that can be found in the tropics and subtropics, including in the semi-arid northeastern Brazil. It is commonly used in folk medicine to treat anxiety, agitation and insomnia. E. velutina has been known to present analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, however, it is unknown if this plant present a protective effect on DNA. We assessed the antigenotoxic effect of E. velutina against the genotoxic effects induced by MMS in the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. Three concentrations of the aqueous extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/L) of this medicinal plant were used in three different types of treatment (pre-, post- and simultaneous). The effects of the extracts on the root meristem cells of A. cepa were analyzed at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. Protective effects were observed at higher concentrations in pre-treatment and in simultaneous treatment. The results suggest that E. velutina may present antigenotoxic properties and demonstrate its chemopreventive potential.
RESUMO
Medicinal plants are an important source of treatment for many ailments, although little is known of the potential genotoxic effects of most species. In the present study, two species from diverse and medicinally important genera - Maytenus rigida Mart., Celastraceae, and Aristolochia birostris Ducht, Aristolochiaceae - were analyzed to identify potentially significant secondary metabolites and the possible effects of their aqueous and alcoholic extracts on cell division in the onion root stem (genotoxicity test). The phytochemical testing revealed the presence of a number of potentially important secondary compounds in both species, including phenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, and saponins. In the genotoxicity tests, no chromosomal abnormalities of any kind were observed in either species. In the case of M. rigida, a significant increase in mitotic activity was observed at the highest concentration. No significant tendency was recorded in A. birostris, although a considerable increase in the prophase was observed at all concentrations of the alcoholic extract. The triterpenoid content of both species may be especially important from a medicinal viewpoint, although recent findings on the carcinogenic potential of Aristolochia extracts demands caution in the interpretation of the results, and the need for further research.
RESUMO
Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul., Fabaceae, is a plant with an anti-inflammatory activity that is used in folk medicine. To evaluate the mechanism of action of this plant, studies were performed on its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties using an ethanol extract (EE) made from the inner bark. Oral treatment of mice with the EE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) decreased their acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes (p<0.001) and their formalin-induced paw licking in both the first and second phases (p<0.001). This treatment increased the reaction time of mice on the hot-plate test (400 mg/kg, p<0.05); however, it did not alter their performance on the Rotarod performance test. The carrageenan-induced paw edema in the rats and the leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity of the mice were also reduced by the EE given at a dose of 400 mg/kg (p<0.05). In addition, the EE (100-400 mg/kg, v.o.) did not alter the arterial pressure of non-anesthetized rats. In conclusion, the EE of C. pyramidalis shows antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in rodents, supporting the usage of this plant to treat various inflammatory diseases for which it has traditionally been used.
RESUMO
The effects of the decoction of Erythrina velutina Willd., Fabaceae, were investigated using the root meristem cells of Allium cepa L., Amaryllidaceae. Ten concentrations of the aqueous extract (0.125 to 1.25 percent) of this medicinal plant were analyzed at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. All concentrations showed root growth inhibition after 96 h treatment. Although there were no significant differences between the mitotic indexes of any concentration and the control, there were changes in the frequencies of cell stages at three different concentrations. Additionally, the presence of five different cells abnormalities was recorded: chromosome bridging, lagging chromosomes, chromosome fragments, disturbed metaphase and disturbed anaphase. These results suggest inhibitory and genotoxic activity of the decoction of E. velutina on Allium cepa.