Analysis of the Validity and Reliability of the Photo Finish® Smartphone App to Measure Sprint Time.

In athletic training and research, the evaluation of sprint speed is widely used, and its accurate measurement is especially demanding. High-cost photocells are the gold-standard system for sprint time assessment, although low-cost smartphone applications can be a suitable option. This study assesses the validity and reliability of an application to measure sprint time compared to photocells. Five physically active subjects completed six sprints of 10 m and 20 m at maximal speed and a 5 m go and return sprint to evaluate the validity of the Photo Finish® app (Version 2.30). To assess reliability, six trials of 5 m go and return sprints were measured by two smartphones. The validity results showed a mean bias of 0.012 s (95% CL: 0.000, 0.024) between the application and the photocells for the 10 m sprint, 0.007 s (95% CL: -0.007, 0.022) for the 20 m sprint and 0.005 s (95% CL: -0.005, 0.017) for the 5 m go and return test. The results also found R2 between both systems (R2= 0.9863, 0.990 and 0.958) for each distance (10 m, 20 m and 5 m go and return, respectively). As for reliability, the application showed outstanding consistency between two smartphones operating simultaneously (ICC 0.999; R2: 0.999). This study shows that the Photo Finish® app is an accurate and reliable tool to measure sprint time with an error of 0.09 s.

Assessing Trail Running Biomechanics: A Comparative Analysis of the Reliability of StrydTM and GARMINRP Wearable Devices.

This study investigated biomechanical assessments in trail running, comparing two wearable devices-Stryd Power Meter and GARMINRP. With the growing popularity of trail running and the complexities of varied terrains, there is a heightened interest in understanding metabolic pathways, biomechanics, and performance factors. The research aimed to assess the inter- and intra-device agreement for biomechanics under ecological conditions, focusing on power, speed, cadence, vertical oscillation, and contact time. The participants engaged in trail running sessions while wearing two Stryd and two Garmin devices. The intra-device reliability demonstrated high consistency for both GARMINRP and StrydTM, with strong correlations and minimal variability. However, distinctions emerged in inter-device agreement, particularly in power and contact time uphill, and vertical oscillation downhill, suggesting potential variations between GARMINRP and StrydTM measurements for specific running metrics. The study underscores that caution should be taken in interpreting device data, highlighting the importance of measuring with the same device, considering contextual and individual factors, and acknowledging the limited research under real-world trail conditions. While the small sample size and participant variations were limitations, the strength of this study lies in conducting this investigation under ecological conditions, significantly contributing to the field of biomechanical measurements in trail running.

Changes in Baropodometric Evaluation and Discomfort during the Workday in Assembly-Line Workers.

Prolonged standing at work is associated with health risks. The appearance of lower-limb and lower-back discomfort is one of the most prevalent factors in prolonged standing workers. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of an eight-hour workday on foot pressure and musculoskeletal discomfort in standing workers. Thirty-six assembly-line workers (six women) were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study to assess foot pressure and surface, foot, knee, and lower-back discomfort before and after a real workday. Baropodometry outcomes (surface and pressure) were evaluated by the pressure platform SensorMedica and musculoskeletal discomfort was evaluated by Cornell's Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionaire. Total foot surface (p = 0.01) and foot discomfort (p = 0.03) increased significantly at the end of the workday. Prolonged standing during 8 h workday increased the foot discomfort and total foot surface in assembly-line workers. No foot pressure variable (forefoot, rearfoot, or total) was significantly modified after the workday in assembly-line workers.

Running Economy in the Vertical Kilometer.

New and promising variables are being developed to analyze performance and fatigue in trail running, such as mechanical power, metabolic power, metabolic cost of transport and mechanical efficiency. The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of these variables during a real vertical kilometer field test. Fifteen trained trail runners, eleven men (from 22 to 38 years old) and four women (from 19 to 35 years old) performed a vertical kilometer with a length of 4.64 km and 835 m positive slope. During the entire race, the runners were equipped with portable gas analyzers (Cosmed K5) to assess their cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses breath by breath. Significant differences were found between top-level runners versus low-level runners in the mean values of the variables of mechanical power, metabolic power and velocity. A repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant differences between the sections, the incline and the interactions between all the analyzed variables, in addition to differences depending on the level of the runner. The variable of mechanical power can be statistically significantly predicted from metabolic power and vertical net metabolic COT. An algebraic expression was obtained to calculate the value of metabolic power. Integrating the variables of mechanical power, vertical velocity and metabolic power into phone apps and smartwatches is a new opportunity to improve performance monitoring in trail running.

Attack and Defense Performance in Goalball: A Proposal for Throwing, Balance and Acoustic Reaction Evaluation.

Goalball is a sport for visually impaired athletes, where the roles of attack and defense change continuously during the game. Performance evaluation should consider the variables that determine the throwing and the stop and clearance of the ball. The aim of this study is to evaluate the precision and velocity of the ball throwing in goalball, besides core stability and balance as variables that determine an optimal throwing. Moreover, a novel acoustic reaction time is applied to analyze the defense performance. Eight goalball players (33 ± 9 years old; 77.8 ± 22.7 kg; 174 ± 13 cm; 10 ± 5 years of experience) were recruited to assess ball velocity, with a radar gun, and throwing accuracy. Anthropometry, static balance, and core stability were assessed using a computerized pressure platform. Acoustic reaction time was measured with a photoelectric system. A significant positive correlation was found between throwing speed and the years of experience (Ç· = 0.714, p = 0.047), height (Ç· = 0.786, p = 0.021), dominant leg surface area of the stabilogram (Ç· = 0.738, p = 0.037), and non-dominant leg center of pressure mean velocity (Ç· = 0.714, p = 0.017). In the present pilot study, height and years of experience are correlated to throwing velocity. This is also the first test proposal to assess throwing precision and complex acoustic reaction in goalball players, which could be used to assess the level of performance in future studies.

Spinal sagittal alignment, spinal shrinkage and back pain changes in office workers during a workday.

Purpose. Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for the appearance of lower back pain during work. The aim of this study was to observe changes in spinal sagittal alignment, height and the perception of back pain in office workers during a workday. Materials and methods. Forty-one office workers (20 women) were enrolled into a cross-sectional study. Height, sitting height and degrees of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis as well as perceived neck pain, lower back pain and upper back pain were determined, before and after an 8-h workday. Results. At the end of the day, workers had a significant decrease (p = 0.000) in height and sitting height, and upper back pain increased significantly (p = 0.023). In men, spinal shrinkage correlated with neck pain (r = 0.410, p = 0.027), and lumbar lordosis degrees in women correlated negatively with upper back pain at the end of the day (r = -0.440, p = 0.012). Conclusions. Spinal shrinkage equally affects men and women who perform the same work. There are no changes in spinal sagittal alignment throughout the workday in office workers. Office workers show significantly increased pain in the upper back at the end of the day.

Muscle Tone and Body Weight Predict Uphill Race Time in Amateur Trail Runners.

BACKGROUND: Vertical kilometer is an emerging sport where athletes continuously run uphill. The aims of this study were to assess changes in vertical impacts caused by uphill running (UR) and the relation between the anthropometric and lower limb muscular characteristics with speed. METHODS: Ten male experienced runners (35 ± 7 years old) participated in this study. In the racetrack (4.2 km long, 565 m high), seven sections were stablished. Mean speed and impact value of sections with similar slope (≈21%) were calculated. The gastrocnemius stiffness (GS) and tone (GT); and the vastus lateralis stiffness (VS) and tone (VT) were assessed before the race. RESULTS: Pearson's correlation showed a linear relationship between vs. and VT (r = 0.829; p = 0.000), GT and GS (r = 0.792; p = 0.001). Mean speed is correlated with weight (r = -0.619; p = 0.024) and GT (r = 0.739; p = 0.004). Multiple linear regressions showed a model with weight and GT as dependent variables of mean speed. Mean impacts decreased significantly between sections along the race. CONCLUSIONS: The vertical impacts during UR were attenuated during the race. Moreover, body weight and GT were associated with the time-to-finish, which supports that low weight alone could not be enough to be faster, and strength training of plantar flexors may be a determinant in UR.

Modifications of viscoelastic properties and physiological parameters after performing uphill and downhill running trials.

BACKGROUND: Trail running performance depends on many factors, including energy cost of running, biomechanical parameters and stiffness. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of different positive and negative slopes on metabolic cost, tight hemoglobin saturation, viscoelastic properties, and vertical peak impacts in physically active young runners. METHODS: Nine healthy male volunteers (26±5 years) performed two separate uphill and downhill sessions on an instrumented treadmill; both sessions were completed in a random order at a constant running speed with variable slopes from 0% to ±20%. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2), pulmonary ventilation (V̇E), respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate (HR), muscle oxygen saturation, vertical impacts, and muscle tone and stiffness were assessed. RESULTS: During downhill running, V̇O2peak and V̇CO2 significantly decreased, and impacts higher than 6G significantly increased with a negative slope. During uphill running, V̇O2peak, V̇CO2, V̇E, and maximum HR significantly increased. Minimum values of oxygen saturation and the vastus medialis tone significantly decreased and impacts of 4-5 G significantly increased with a positive slope. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic demand increased proportionally with the uphill slope and showed a linear negative relationship with a light and moderate downhill slope. Vertical impacts of high G-forces increased during downhill running, data that indicate the importance of our ability to attenuate impacts. Finally, muscle tone and stiffness remained stable at all times, results that demonstrated their acute adaptation to running in the absence of extreme fatigue.

Effect of Three Half-Squat Protocols on the Tensiomyographic Twitch Response and Tissue Damage of the Rectus Femoris and the Biceps Femoris.

The aim of this study was to analyse the acute effects of a concentric exercise and two different eccentric overload exercises (EOEs) on blood markers of muscle damage (i.e. creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], myoglobin [Myo], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) and muscle contractile properties. Ten healthy, young (27 ± 1.5 years, 179 ± 6 cm, 78.7 ± 10.8 kg), physically active men (3.5 ± 1.9 h·w-1) randomly performed three training sessions using the following protocols: a half-squat (HS) as a concentric exercise, and exercises using Versapulley (VP) or YoYo isoinertial technology (YIT) as EOEs (4 x 7 repetitions with a 2 min rest interval between sets). Blood samples and tensiomyography measurements were obtained after each training session. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey test was used to detect differences between the four time points of each variable. The standardized difference or effect size (ES, 90% confidence limit) in the selected variables was calculated using the basal SD. After all exercises, a greater activity of CK, LDH, and concentration of Myo, and MDA were found compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). A substantially greater activity of CK, LDH, and Myo concentration, but not MDA, were found after EOEs when compared to the HS protocol. Substantially lower tensiomyography results in the rectus femoris (RF) were reported, irrespective of the exercise mode performed. Also, no substantial differences were obtained in the biceps femoris (BF) between EOEs and the HS protocol. Time of contraction (Tc) in the RF was possibly to very likely lower in the HS in comparison to EOEs. Additionally, muscular displacement (Dm) in the RF was substantially lower in the HS compared to EOEs. VP produced higher concentrations of damage markers than YIT and concentric exercise did. Furthermore, tensiomyography variables showed similar activation in both exercises, although higher specific fatigue (in the RF) was registered in the traditional HS.

Effect of a Long Exercise Program in the Reduction of Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Office Workers.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a six week exercise program to reduce the muscle tone of the trapezius and musculoskeletal discomfort (MED) of office workers. Twenty-six workers performed an exercise program based on: (1) stretching of cervical and/or dorsal region; (2) joint mobility of shoulders and rachis; (3) strengthening deep stabilizer and core muscles; and (4) scapula stabilizing exercises. A Myoton device was used to evaluate trapezius tone and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used to assess changes in MED at three points of evaluation: at the beginning (Pre_1) and at the end of the workday (Post_1), and after the training program (Pre_2). The Wilcoxon test and Cohen's d were performed to examine differences and effect sizes between evaluations. Main results show that trapezius tone remained constant during the workday, but decreased in the dominant upper trapezius (p = 0.003, ES = -0.60) and increased in the non-dominant middle trapezius (p = 0.016, ES = 0.45) after the exercise program, which eliminated significant muscle asymmetries. MED significantly decreased in the neck (p = 0.027, ES = -0.60) and upper back (p = 0.046, ES = -0.67). In conclusion, MED appears to improve in office workers after a six week training program, which may be explained by a decrease in trapezius tone and increase in the left middle trapezius tone.

Static Balance Modification during the Workday in Assembly Chain Workers with and without Current Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common recurrent pathology among assembly chain workers. This population tends to spend most of the workday in a static standing posture and handling loads, with balance being essential for correct job performance. LBP is related to poorer postural control, so balance could be affected in this condition. METHODS: The purpose of the present study is to analyze the deterioration of static balance generated by work activity in a prolonged standing position. We assess sway with a pressure platform at three moments of the workday (before, during, and after work), comparing the different balance parameters in 22 manufacturing plant workers with (17) and without (5) LBP. RESULTS: In the pre-work capture, an independent t-test showed no significant differences between the pain and non-pain groups' static balance parameters. Between the pre- and mid-workday captures, a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures showed a significant decrease in the medial-lateral center of pressure displacement with open eyes in workers with LBP. CONCLUSIONS: workers with low back pain do not show a greater deterioration in static balance than workers without pain during the workday.

Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC., a traditional herbal medicine, reduces inflammation, oxidative stress and protects the intestinal barrier in a murine model of colitis.

Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC., known as rock tea (RT), is traditionally used in Spain as a digestive due to its beneficial properties in bowel disorders. The pharmacological nature of these properties has not been established yet. The aim of this work was to evaluate the therapeutic utility of RT in experimental colitis and to identify chemical constituents with anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oxidative properties. RT extract was prepared with ethanol in a Soxhlet apparatus and analysed by HPLC-DAD. Superoxide radical scavenging properties, xanthine oxidase and lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitory activity, and capability to lower nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels were measured in cell-free and cell-based assays. In the 2.5%-dextran-sodium sulphate (DSS) injury-repair model of ulcerative colitis (UC), mice were daily treated with sulfasalazine (SSZ, as reference drug, 100 mg/kg bw), RT (5, 25 and 50 mg/kg bw, p.o.), or vehicle over 20 days. Colitis was scored daily. Colon samples were examined macroscopically and histopathologically. Protein levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukins 6, and 10 (IL-6, IL-10), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were studied as markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory activity. The integrity of the apical epithelial layer was assessed by immunofluorescence staining of zonula ocludens-1 (ZO-1). Finally, intestinal contractility was also evaluated by isometric myography. Fifteen phenolic compounds and three pigments were identified and quantified, of which caffeoylquinic acids, and the flavonoid, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, were the most abundant. RT extract significantly scavenged superoxide radicals, inhibited 5-LOX activity, and lowered NO and TNF-α levels. DSS-treated mice receiving RT scored clinically lower than controls during the first 3 days of DSS treatment and during the recovery period. SSZ was less effective than RT. Anatomical and histological examination of colon samples revealed that RT significantly prevented colon shortening, increased colon thickness, and lowered the macroscopic damage score. RT also significantly prevented the increase of MPO activity, IL-6 levels, iNOS and COX-2 expression, the loss of ZO-1 apical expression, and normalized contractility disturbances. In conclusion, daily administration of RT showed therapeutic properties in the DSS-model of UC. The benefits of RT can likely be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phenolic and flavonoid constituents.

Validity and Reliability of a 10 Hz GPS for Assessing Variable and Mean Running Speed.

Our purpose was to assess the 10 Hz Viper GPS devices' validity and reliability (STATSport) in both instantaneous and mean speed measuring in accelerations and decelerations in straight-line running conditions. Eight amateur team sport players participated in the study, performing firstly 21 x 40 m sprints at submaximal incremental speed, and secondly 21 x 40 m sprints, with the first stage consisting of submaximal incremental speed, and the second stage of subsequent submaximal decreasing speed. Criteria systems used to evaluate the GPS validity were a radar gun for instantaneous speed, and timing-gates for mean speed. Reliability was measured with two GPS devices carried by the same athlete, running 10 x (20 m + 20 m) sprints with a 180º change of direction and a 10 s inter-set rest interval. Results showed an agreement between GPS devices and the criteria systems measuring instantaneous speed (r = 0.98; standardized mean bias (SMB) = -0.07; standard typical error (STE) = 0.22) and mean speed (r = 0.99; SMB = 0.38; STE = 0.17). The reliability study presented a nearly perfect correlation between devices, a trivial SMB and a small STE (r = 0.97; SMB = 0.04; STE = 0.23). 10 Hz GPS devices are an adequate solution to monitor straight-line running speed in acceleration and deceleration conditions, but we would like to draw attention to the small errors and bias detected, such as the speed overestimation compared with timing gates.

The association between physical performance and match-play activities of field and assistants soccer referees.

The aims of this study were to compare the external and internal match responses and fitness performance of national field referees (FRs) and assistant referees (ARs), and to examine the relationships between these fitness measures and physical and physiological responses during match play. Forty-four national soccer match officials (e.g. FRs and ARs) participated in this study. The distance covered and the VO2max in Yo-Yo Intermittent recovery test (YYIR1) and the 30 m sprint test correlated with high speed and high intensity activities during match play in FRs (r = -0.48-0.63, moderate to large, very likely to most likely, p < 0.05). In addition, YYIR1 performance was related to high accelerations (r = 0.41, moderate, likely, p < 0.05) and high decelerations (r = 0.44, moderate, very likely, p < 0.05) for FRs. Better sprint and cardiovascular fitness could be relevant to the performance of FRs during match play.

Effects of eccentric overload training on patellar tendon and vastus lateralis in three days of consecutive running.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of structural changes in patellar tendon and muscle of healthy subjects in response to mechanical loads provides useful insight into the mechanism underlying overuse injuries. METHODS: Changes produced in tendon and muscles structures after eccentric overload training and three consecutive running days were examined. Twenty healthy subjects were recruited and divided into two groups. One group (ECC) performed eccentric overload squat training (six weeks). After such training, the ECC group performed three running sessions on consecutive days, as did the control group (CONT). The structure of their patellar tendons and vastus lateralis muscles was quantified using ultrasound and Doppler imaging. Images were obtained before and after eccentric training for the ECC group and on every day of running performance for both groups. RESULTS: After eccentric training, the ECC group experienced an increase in cross-sectional area (CSA) of patellar tendon (P=0.012). After every day of running, the ECC group experienced a decrease in CSA (P=0.027). In the CONT group, after one day of running a significant increase was observed in anteroposterior width of their patellar tendon (P=0.028), as well as a decrease in pennation angle of vastus lateralis muscle (P=0.028) within three days of running sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric overload training brought about changes in the patellar tendon consistent with an improvement in the quality of the tissue. The ECC group in our study showed a more normalised pattern than the CONT group in the running performance, in agreement with previous research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3, controlled trial.

Eccentric-Overload Training in Team-Sport Functional Performance: Constant Bilateral Vertical Versus Variable Unilateral Multidirectional Movements.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of 2 different eccentric-overload training (EOT) programs, using a rotational conical pulley, on functional performance in team-sport players. A traditional movement paradigm (ie, squat) including several sets of 1 bilateral and vertical movement was compared with a novel paradigm including a different exercise in each set of unilateral and multi-directional movements. METHODS: Forty-eight amateur or semiprofessional team-sport players were randomly assigned to an EOT program including either the same bilateral vertical (CBV, n = 24) movement (squat) or different unilateral multidirectional (VUMD, n = 24) movements. Training programs consisted of 6 sets of 1 exercise (CBV) or 1 set of 6 exercises (VUMD) × 6-10 repetitions with 3 min of passive recovery between sets and exercises, biweekly for 8 wk. Functional-performance assessment included several change-of-direction (COD) tests, a 25-m linear-sprint test, unilateral multidirectional jumping tests (ie, lateral, horizontal, and vertical), and a bilateral vertical-jump test. RESULTS: Within-group analysis showed substantial improvements in all tests in both groups, with VUMD showing more robust adaptations in pooled COD tests and lateral/horizontal jumping, whereas the opposite occurred in CBV respecting linear sprinting and vertical jumping. Between-groups analyses showed substantially better results in lateral jumps (ES = 0.21), left-leg horizontal jump (ES = 0.35), and 10-m COD with right leg (ES = 0.42) in VUMD than in CBV. In contrast, left-leg countermovement jump (ES = 0.26) was possibly better in CBV than in VUMD. CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of EOT induced substantial improvements in functional-performance tests, although the force-vector application may play a key role to develop different and specific functional adaptations.

Thermographic Assessment of Eccentric Overload Training Within Three Days of a Running Session.

The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in patellar and Achilles tendons between a group trained using eccentric overload and an untrained group within 3 days of a running session. To this end, infrared thermography (IRT) will be used. Twenty healthy male subjects were divided into 2 groups. One group performed a 6-week squat training in the flywheel before the running session. During the running intervention, both groups ran in 3 different days, for 1 hour each, at 80% maximal heart rate. Before, just after, and after 10 minutes of the running intervention, participants were assessed using IRT. Eccentrically trained groups showed a statistically significant difference (analysis of variance, p = 0.0049) expressed as a smaller bilateral increase in temperature in the patellar tendon just before the first running day (right side, 0.11 °C; left side, 0.29 °C). On the other days of running and in the Achilles tendon groups, similar changes were observed: an increase in the temperature after running and no significant difference between contralateral limbs. Our results point at eccentric overload training providing a better adaptation for the first day of running. IRT is an easy-to-apply noninvasive tool to analyze and compare the effects of performance on tendon tissues.

Rock Tea extract (Jasonia glutinosa) relaxes rat aortic smooth muscle by inhibition of L-type Ca(2+) channels.

In traditional herbal medicine, Rock Tea (Jasonia glutinosa) is known for its prophylactic and therapeutic value in various disorders including arterial hypertension. However, the mechanism by which Rock Tea exerts blood pressure-lowering actions has not been elucidated yet. Our aim was to demonstrate vasorelaxing effects of Rock Tea extract and to reveal its possible action mechanism. Isometric myography was conducted on high-K+-precontracted rings from rat thoracic aorta and tested extracts at concentrations of 0.5-5 mg/ml. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments were performed in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (line A7r5) to determine blocking effects on L-type Ca(2+) channels. Rock Tea extract relaxed the aorta contracted by high [K+] concentration dependently with an EC50 of ≈2.4 mg/ml and produced ≈75 % relaxation at the highest concentration tested. The L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, verapamil (10(-6) M), had similar effects. Rock Tea extract had no effect in nominally Ca(2+)-free high-K(+) buffer but significantly inhibited contractions to re-addition of Ca(2+). Rock Tea extract inhibited the contractions induced by the L-type Ca(2+) channel activator Bay K 8644 (10(-5) M) and by phenylephrine (10(-6) M). Rock Tea extract and Y-27632 (10(-6) M), Rho-kinase inhibitor, had similar effects and the respective effects were not additive. Patch-clamp experiments demonstrated that Rock Tea extract (2.5 mg/ml) virtually abolished L-type Ca(2+) currents in A7r5. We conclude that Rock Tea extract produced vasorelaxation of rat aorta and that this relaxant effect is mediated by inhibition of L-type Ca(2+) channels. Rock Tea extracts may be of phytomedicinal value for prevention and adjuvant treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

Antihelmintic effects of nutmeg (Myristica fragans) on Anisakis simplex L3 larvae obtained from Micromesistius potassou.

Anisakis simplex is a foodborne pathogen that can produce human infections and allergic reactions due to the high consumption of raw fish. The seeds of Myristica fragans (Myristicaceae), popularly known as nutmeg, are worldwide used as a culinary spice due to its flavour and properties in food preservation. A nutmeg extract was prepared, analyzed, screened for cytotoxicity and tested against Anisakis simplex L3 larvae. In order to detect the biologically active constituents of the extract, myristicin was tested on the larvae. An acetylcholinesterase inhibition bioassay was also carried out to investigate the antihelmintic mechanism of action. Our results demonstrate that nutmeg exerts antihelmintic effects on Anisakis simplex, being myristicin one of the active compounds. The extract induced a high rate of dead anisakis at concentrations between 0.5 and 0.7 mg/ml without being considered cytotoxic; however, an inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was discarded as the molecular mechanism involved in the activity.

Activity of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil against L3 larvae of Anisakis simplex.

Nematicidal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, commonly known as tea tree oil (TTO), was assayed in vitro against L3 larvae of Anisakis simplex. The results showed a mortality of 100% for concentrations between 7 and 10 µL/mL after 48 h of incubation, obtaining an LD50 value of 4.53 µL/mL after 24 hours and 4.27 µL/mL after 48 hours. Concentration-dependent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed for tea tree essential oil showing inhibition values of 100% at 100 µL/mL. This fact suggests that TTO may act as an AChE inhibitor. Terpinen-4-ol was discarded as main larvicide compound as it did not show larvicidal or anticholinesterase activity. The data obtained suggest that the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia may have a great therapeutic potential for the treatment of human anisakiasis.