Uso de estimulantes do sistema nervoso central por estudantes de saúde do sertão de Pernambuco / Use of central nervous system stimulators by health students in the sertão de Pernambuco

Introdução: Os psicoestimulantes são substâncias capazes de atuar no cérebro, produzindo efeitos ao modular a transmissão sináptica, estimulam ou inibem alguns neurotransmissores. Seus efeitos farmacológicos principais exercem função sobre o humor e estado de vigília, além de aumentaroestado de alerta e aprimoramento cognitivo.Eles têm sido usados por indivíduos que não possuem nenhum distúrbio neuropsiquiátrico ou cognitivo. Objetivo:Avaliar o uso de estimulantes do sistema nervoso central por estudantes de saúde do município de Serra Talhada ­PE. Metodologia:Estudotransversal, com abordagem quantitativa com325estudantes de saúde da Faculdade de Integração do Sertão, Serra Talhada.Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se um questionário auto aplicativo estruturado, via formulário Google.Resultados:Houve um alto índice de acadêmicos que se automedicam 71,1% (n=231). Dos 325 estudantes, 69,84% (n=227) relataram que já fizeram uso de algum psicoestimulante como hipnótico, Ginkgo biloba, ritalina (metilfenidato), bebida energética e cafeína para auxiliar na rotina dos estudos.Conclusão:O uso irracional de psicofármacos no âmbito acadêmico crescimento é crescente,e deve ser considerado problema de saúde pública, principalmente diante dos riscos de danos e efeitos adversos prejudiciais à saúde mental e física associados ao seu uso. Investigações devem ser desenvolvidas a fim deviabilizar o dimensionamento do problema,subsidiandoações deprevenção aos danos edependênciarelacionados a esta classe de medicamento.

Introduction: Psychostimulants are substances capable of acting on the brain, producing effects by modulating synaptic transmission, stimulating or inhibiting some neurotransmitters. Its main pharmacological effects have a role on mood and wakefulness, in addition to increasing alertness and cognitive improvement. They have been used by individuals who have no neuropsychiatric or cognitive disorders. Objective:To evaluate the use of central nervous system stimulants by health students in the municipalityof Serra Talhada -PE. Methodology: Cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach with 325 health students from the Faculty of Integration of the Sertão, Serra Talhada. For data collection, a self-structured questionnaire was used, using the Google form. Results:There was a high rate of academics who self-medicate 71.1% (n = 231). Of the 325 students, 69.84% (n = 227) reported that they had already used some psychostimulant such as hypnotic, Ginkgo biloba, ritalin (methylphenidate), energy drink andcaffeine to assist in the routine of studies. Conclusion:The irrational use of psychotropic drugs in the academic context is growing, and it should be considered a public health problem, especially in view of the risks of damage and adverse adverse effects on mental and physical health associated with its use. Investigations must be developed in order to make the problem sizing feasible, supporting actions to prevent damage and dependence related to this class of medication.

Evaluation of acute toxicity, genotoxicity and inhibitory effect on acute inflammation of an ethanol extract of Morus alba L. (Moraceae) in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Morus alba L. (white mulberry) is used in traditional medicine worldwide, including Brazil. The leaves of this plant are used to treat inflammatory disorders. Universal interest in this plant necessitates studies on the toxicological safety and scientific substantiation of the medicinal properties of M. alba. In previous work, we investigated the acute toxicity of orally administered M. alba ethanol extract in mice. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work was designed to investigate the ethanol extract obtained from M. alba leaves for acute toxicity when intraperitoneally administered, in vivo genotoxicity, and potential to reduce acute inflammation. In order to further investigate the constituents of the extract, we also obtained the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint of the extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical analysis by thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed and the results were used to obtain the HPLC fingerprint. Acute toxicity of 300 and 2000mg/kg b.w. i.p. doses administered to mice for 14 days was evaluated. Genotoxicity was evaluated by counting the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the blood of mice that either received or did not receive the extract at 75, 150 and 300mg/kg b.w. per os. The anti-inflammatory effect of the same doses administered per os was investigated using the carrageenan air pouch model. RESULTS: The TLC analysis of the extract revealed the presence of a remarkable amount of flavonoids and cinnamic acids. The HPLC fingerprint showed the presence of one major peak corresponding to chlorogenic acid and two smaller peaks corresponding to flavonoids. In the toxicity assays, there were no deaths or deviations in behavior of treated mice as compared to the control at any dose. However, biochemical, hematological, and histological analyses showed that intraperitoneal injection caused several forms of damage to the mice, which were not observed in case of oral administration, studied in our previous work. Oral administration of the extract did not result in genotoxicity and considerably reduced (58.6-65.6% inhibition) leukocyte migration in all doses evaluated, in comparison with the negative control. CONCLUSIONS: The ethanol extract from M. alba leaves administered intraperitoneally possesses a greater degree of toxicity in mice when compared to per os administration. The extract was not genotoxic when ingested by mice and exhibited a highly inhibitory effect against acute inflammation, which is probably linked to the presence of chlorogenic acid and flavonoids in the composition. This work contributes to the determination of safety of the medicinal use of M. alba leaves.