Phytochemical and ethnomedicinal evidences of the use of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze against infectious diseases.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Popularly known as "penicilina" and "terramicina", Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and stands out for its ethnomedicinal uses in the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms in some countries. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to carry out a literature review and analyze whether the scientific evidence really validates the numerous indications for the use of A. brasiliana in traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases. Phytochemical and toxicological studies related to this species were also analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Scientific documents were retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed®, ScienceDirect®, SciELO, SpringerLink®, Scopus®, and Web of Science™ databases. The literature was reviewed from the first report on the antimicrobial activity of A. brasiliana in 1994 until April 2024. RESULTS: According to the scientific documents analyzed, it was observed that A. brasiliana is widely used as a natural antibiotic for the treatment of infectious diseases in Brazil, mainly in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso, and Minas Gerais. Its ethnomedicinal uses have also been reported in other countries such as Colombia and India. The leaves (78%) of A. brasiliana are the main parts used in the preparation of herbal medicines by traditional communities. Several A. brasiliana extracts showed low activity when evaluated against pathogens, including gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, parasitic protozoa, and fungi. Only two studies reported that extracts from this plant showed high activity against the herpes simplex virus, Mycobacterium smegmatis, and Candida albicans. Phytochemicals belonging to the classes of phenolic compounds and flavonoid (52%), saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (33%), steroids and phytosterols (8%), terpenoids (5%), and fatty alcohol esters (2%) were identified in A. brasiliana. Toxicity (in vivo) and cytotoxicity (in vitro) studies of polar and non-polar extracts obtained from A. brasiliana leaves indicated that this plant is biologically safe. CONCLUSION: Despite being widely used as a natural antibiotic by traditional communities, scientific investigations related to the antimicrobial potential of A. brasiliana extracts have indicated inactivity against several pathogens.

Residual loads from tilapia farming on the sediment of a Brazilian reservoir.

This study investigated the sediment geochemistry of a fish farming area in net cage tanks in the Rosário reservoir, Brazil. Three areas were investigated: reference (RA), fish farming (FFA), and dispersion (DA). The results were analyzed through correlation, similarity, principal component analysis, comparison with legislation, sediment quality guidelines, and sediment pollution indices. The mean concentrations for RA, FFA, and DA areas were respectively: Cu (mg.kg-1) 37.74, 62.23, and 71.83; Mn (mg.kg-1) 22.55, 66.48, and 55.90; Zn (mg.kg-1) 9.13, 114.83, and 94.27; Fe (%) 0.28, 0.40, and 0.43; OM (%) 15.84, 21.95, and 18.45; TOC (%) 1.86, 3.69, and 6.05; TN (mg.kg-1) 2365.00, 5015.00, and 3447.51; TP (mg.kg-1) 780.00, 6896.00, and 2585.50; ORP (mV) -95.50, -135.20, and -127.10; pH 6.60, 6.58, and 6.05; <63 µm 90.59, 78.68, and 87.30. Statistically, the influence of fish farming on sediment, organic matter, and pollutant sedimentation was demonstrated. Cu and Zn concentrations were below sediment quality guidelines. Regarding legal limits (resolution 454/2012/CONAMA), nutrients in the FFA area exceeded by 60% (TN) and 100% (TP), while in DA and RA areas they were 100% lower. TOC was 100% lower in all areas. Organic matter exceeded the limit by 100% in all areas. Pollution indices resulted in: low contamination factor 78%; unpolluted for 87% of pollution load and 83% of combined pollution; moderately polluted for 75% of the Nemerow index. The greatest impacts and influence of farming on pollutant sedimentation were more concentrated in the fish farming area. In terms of legal aspects and pollution indices, fish farming produced low levels of trace metal pollution and nutrient concentrations exceeded legal limits.

Pharmacological Activities of Plant-Derived Fraxin with Molecular Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Review.

Fruits and vegetables serve not only as sources of nutrition but also as medicinal agents for the treatment of diverse diseases and maladies. These dietary components are significant resources of phytochemicals that demonstrate therapeutic properties against many illnesses. Fraxin is a naturally occurring coumarin glycoside mainly present in various species of Fraxinus genera, having a multitude of therapeutic uses against various diseases and disorders. This study focuses to investigate the pharmacological activities, botanical sources, and biopharmaceutical profile of the phytochemical fraxin based on different preclinical and non-clinical studies to show the scientific evidence and to evaluate the underlying molecular mechanisms of the therapeutic effects against various ailments. For this, data was searched and collected (as of February 15, 2024) in a variety of credible electronic databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Springer Link, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The findings demonstrated favorable outcomes in relation to a range of diseases or medical conditions, including inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders such as cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and depression, viral infection, as well as diabetic nephropathy. The phytochemical also showed protective effects such as osteoprotective, renoprotective, pulmoprotective, hepatoprotective, and gastroprotective effects due to its antioxidant capacity. Fraxin has a great capability to diminish oxidative stress-related damage in different organs by stimulating the antioxidant enzymes, downregulating nuclear factor kappa B and NLRP3, and triggering the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways. Fraxin exhibited poor oral bioavailability because of reduced absorption and a wide distribution into tissues of different organs. However, extensive research is required to decipher the biopharmaceutical profiles, and clinical studies are necessary to establish the efficacy of the natural compound as a reliable therapeutic agent.

Wound Healing Effect of Lippia sidoides and Myracrodruon urundeuva Nanogel.

Wound healing is a natural regenerative response to tissue injury and the conventional treatments consists of the use wound dressings with local administration of medicines, but, in some cases, are only partially effective and limited by toxicity or ineffective anti-microbial protection. Medicinal plants such as Lippia sidoides and Myracrodruon urundeuva have shown interesting pharmacological activities, allied to this, the association of these medicinal plants and nanotechnology, could mean an advantage in relation to classical approach. This study investigated the effect of a nanogel loaded with Lippia sidoides essential oil and Myracrodruon urundeuva extract (NAA) in an excisional wound healing model in rats. Animals were anesthetized and skin wounds were made using a metal punch. The groups were treated with vehicle, NAA or collagenase gel, for 7, 14 or 21 days and then sacrificed for tissue analysis. NAA did not show acute dermal irritation, further significantly reduced (p<0.05) the final wound area, accelerated the wound contraction and organization of collagen in the group treated for 14 days. The data presented here demonstrate the therapeutic potential for the use of nanotechnology associated with medicinal plants and provides evidence that corroborate with the use of L. sidoides and M. urundeuva as healing medicinal plants.

Chemical Profile and Biological Activities Of Piper mikanianum (Kunth) Steud Essential Oil for Development and Improvement of Oral Rinse.

INTRODUCTION: Studies prove that the use of medicinal plants is a custom carried out by man since ancient times, the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry makes more people consume more natural products. Currently, we can observe that mouthwashes containing natural compounds have shown a growth in demand in the markets and in the professional community. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to carry out the chemical characterization and microbiological potential of Piper mikanianum (Kunth) Steud essential oil (EOPm), providing data that allows the development of a low-cost mouthwash formulation aimed at vulnerable communities. METHODS: The evaluation of the antibacterial activity and modulator of bacterial resistance was performed by the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, identified 28 constituents, in which Safrole Phenylpropanoid is the major compound, representing 72.6 % of the total composition, followed by α-pinene (10.7 %), Limonene (2 %), ß-caryophyllene (2 %), E-nerolidol (1.9 %), spathulenol (1.3 %) and camphene (1.1 %). RESULTS: The EOPm showed a MIC minimum inhibitory concentration≥1024 µg/mL for all bacterial strains used in the tests. When the EOPm modulating activity combined with chlorhexidine, mouthwash, ampicillin, gentamicin and penicillin G was evaluated against bacterial resistance, the oil showed significant synergistic activity, reducing the MIC of the products tested in combination, in percentage between 20.6 % to 98 .4 %. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the expansion of tests with greater variation of EOPm concentration combinations and the products used in this study, as well as toxicity evaluation and in vivo tests, seeking the development of a possible low-cost mouthwash formulation accessible to the most vulnerable population.

Anti-diarrheal effect of piperine possibly through the interaction with inflammation inducing enzymes: In vivo and in silico studies.

Piperine is a natural alkaloid that possesses a variety of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticarcinogenic activities. The present study aims to assess the medicinal benefits of piperine as an anti-diarrheal agent in a chick model by utilizing in vivo and in silico techniques. For this, castor oil was administered orally to 2-day-old chicks to cause diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate (10 mg/kg), loperamide (3 mg/kg), and nifedipine (2.5 mg/kg) were used as positive controls, while the vehicle was utilized as a negative control. Two different doses (25 and 50 mg/kg b.w.) of the test sample (piperine) were administered orally, and the highest dose was tested with standards to investigate the synergistic activity of the test sample. In our findings, piperine prolonged the latent period while reducing the number of diarrheal feces in the experimental chicks during the monitoring period (4 h). At higher doses, piperine appears to reduce diarrheal secretion while increasing latency in chicks. Throughout the combined pharmacotherapy, piperine outperformed bismuth subsalicylate and nifedipine in terms of anti-diarrheal effects with loperamide. In molecular docking, piperine exhibited higher binding affinities towards different inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 1 (-7.9 kcal/mol), cyclooxygenase 2 (-8.4 kcal/mol), nitric oxide synthases (-8.9 kcal/mol), and L-type calcium channel (-8.8 kcal/mol), indicating better interaction of PP with these proteins. In conclusion, piperine showed a potent anti-diarrheal effect in castor oil-induced diarrheal chicks by suppressing the inflammation and calcium ion influx induced by castor oil.

Evaluation of the antibacterial and inhibitory activity of the MepA efflux pump of Staphylococcus aureus by riparins I, II, III, and IV.

The efflux pump mechanism contributes to the antibiotic resistance of widely distributed strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, in the present work, the ability of the riparins N-(4-methoxyphenethyl)benzamide (I), 2-hydroxy-N-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]benzamide (II), 2, 6-dihydroxy-N-[ 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]benzamide (III), and 3,4,5-trimethoxy-N-[2-(4-methoxyphenethyl)benzamide (IV) as potential inhibitors of the MepA efflux pump in S. aureus K2068 (fluoroquinolone-resistant). In addition, we performed checkerboard assays to obtain more information about the activity of riparins as potential inhibitors of MepA efflux and also analyzed the ability of riparins to act on the permeability of the bacterial membrane of S. aureus by the fluorescence method with SYTOX Green. A molecular coupling assay was performed to characterize the interaction between riparins and MepA, and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties were analyzed. We observed that I-IV riparins did not show direct antibacterial activity against S. aureus. However, combination assays with substrates of MepA, ciprofloxacin, and ethidium bromide (EtBr) revealed a potentiation of the efficacy of these substrates by reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Furthermore, increased EtBr fluorescence emission was observed for all riparins. The checkerboard assay showed synergism between riparins I, II, and III, ciprofloxacin, and EtBr. Furthermore, riparins III and IV exhibited permeability in the S. aureus membrane at a concentration of 200 µg/mL. Molecular docking showed that riparins I, II, and III bound in a different region from the binding site of chlorpromazine (standard pump inhibitor), indicating a possible synergistic effect with the reference inhibitor. In contrast, riparin IV binds in the same region as the chlorpromazine binding site. From the in silico ADMET prediction based on MPO, it could be concluded that the molecules of riparin I-IV present their physicochemical properties within the ideal pharmacological spectrum allowing their preparation as an oral drug. Furthermore, the prediction of cytotoxicity in liver cell lines showed a low cytotoxic effect for riparins I-IV.

Antibacterial and Toxic Activity of Geopropolis Extracts from Melipona subnitida (Ducke, 1910) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and Scaptotrigona depilis (Moure, 1942) (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

Bacteria are associated with many infections that affect humans and present antibiotic resistance mechanisms, causing problems in health organisations and increased mortality rates. Therefore, it is necessary to find new antibacterial agents that can be used in the treatment of these microorganisms. Geopropolis is a natural product from stingless bees, formed by a mixture of plant resins, salivary secretions, wax and soil particles, the chemical composition of this natural product is diverse. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate antibacterial activity, antibiotic modulation and the toxicity of geopropolis extracts from the stingless bees, Melipona subnitida (Ducke, 1910) and Scaptotrigona depilis (Moure, 1942) against standard and multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Geopropolis samples were collected in a meliponary located in Camaragibe, Pernambuco, Brazil. To determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and antibiotic modulation we performed broth microdilution tests. Mortality tests were used to verify extract toxicity in the model Drosophila melanogaster. The microbiological tests showing that the M. subnitida extracts had better inhibitory effects compared to S. depilis, presenting direct antibacterial activity against standard and multi-resistant strains. The extracts potentialized antibiotic effects, suggesting possible synergy and did not present toxicity in the model used. The information obtained in this study highlights extracts as promising antibacterial agents and is the first study to evaluate bacterial activity in these extracts, in addition to verifying their modulating effects and determining toxicity in the model used.

Caryocar coriaceum fruits as a potential alternative to combat fungal and bacterial infections: In vitro evaluation of methanolic extracts.

Caryocar coriaceum, commonly known as 'pequi', is a medicinal species used traditionally for the herbal treatment of infectious and parasitic diseases in the Brazilian Northeast region. In this study, we investigated whether the fruits of C. coriaceum have bioactive chemical constituents against etiological agents of infectious diseases. The methanolic extract of the internal mesocarp of the fruits of C. coriaceum (MECC) was chemically analyzed and evaluated for its antimicrobial and drug-enhancing activity against multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus), and Candida spp. strains. The extract had flavones, flavonols, xanthones, catechins, and flavanones as major classes. A total of 11.26 mg GAE/g of phenolics, and 5.98 mg QE/g of flavonoids were found. No intrinsic antibacterial activity was observed; however, the extract was able to intensify the action of gentamicin and erythromycin against multi-resistant strains. The anti-Candida effect observed in this study was mainly due to the formation of reactive oxygen species. The extract was capable of causing damage to the plasmatic membrane of Candida tropicalis through pores formation. Our findings partially support the ethnopharmacological uses of the fruit pulp of C. coriaceum against infectious and parasitic diseases.

Antifungal effect of the liposome encapsulation of the Trans- Caryophylene and its association with fluconazole.

Trans-Caryophyllene (TC), a sesquiterpene, with proven biological activities, which in this work was tested alone, encapsulated in liposomes and associated with Fluconazole in vitro in an attempt to enhance the effect of the drug. Liposomes were characterized from vesicle size, polydispersity index, and Zeta potential, and imaging by scanning electron microscopy. Antifungal assays were performed against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei by microdilution to determine the IC50 values and the viability curve. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was performed by subcultivation in solid medium and the inhibitory effect of the association of TC and Fluconazole and tests to verify morphological changes was performed in micro-cultivation chambers based on concentrations on microdilution plates. The corresponding IC50 data of the substances ranged from 34.4 to 65249 µg/mL, considerably high values compared to the control (Fluconazole). The MFC of all compounds showing fungistatic effect. The performance of the compounds on the cell viability curve was similar in all tested strains, as they showed no antifungal potential when compared to the control (FCZ), when associated with FCZ they showed no significant antifungal activity. The free and liposomal TC also managed to restrict 100% of the fungal dimorphism, in both concentrations, against C. albicans, and against C. tropicalis the isolated TC did not show a significant inhibitory effect; however, against the C. krusei strain inhibited 100% in filamentous growth in both concentrations, which is statistically relevant. The liposomes were homogeneous, with vesicles with diameters of 185.46 nm for the control and 143.8 nm for the liposomal TC, and a surface charge potential of - 42.6 mV. By scanning microscopy, the spherical shapes of the vesicles were verified.

NorA, Tet(K), MepA, and MsrA Efflux Pumps in Staphylococcus aureus, their Inhibitors and 1,8-Naphthyridine Sulfonamides.

Antibiotic resistance can be characterized, in biochemical terms, as an antibiotic's inability to reach its bacterial target at a concentration that was previously effective. Microbial resistance to different agents can be intrinsic or acquired. Intrinsic resistance occurs due to inherent functional or structural characteristics of the bacteria, such as antibiotic-inactivating enzymes, nonspecific efflux pumps, and permeability barriers. On the other hand, bacteria can acquire resistance mechanisms via horizontal gene transfer in mobile genetic elements such as plasmids. Acquired resistance mechanisms include another category of efflux pumps with more specific substrates, which are plasmid-encoded. Efflux pumps are considered one of the main mechanisms of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and biocides, presenting themselves as integral membrane transporters. They are essential in both bacterial physiology and defense and are responsible for exporting structurally diverse substrates, falling into the following main families: ATP-binding cassette (ABC), multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE), major facilitator superfamily (MFS), small multidrug resistance (SMR) and resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND). The Efflux pumps NorA and Tet(K) of the MFS family, MepA of the MATE family, and MsrA of the ABC family are some examples of specific efflux pumps that act in the extrusion of antibiotics. In this review, we address bacterial efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs), including 1,8-naphthyridine sulfonamide derivatives, given the pre-existing knowledge about the chemical characteristics that favor their biological activity. The modification and emergence of resistance to new EPIs justify further research on this theme, aiming to develop efficient compounds for clinical use.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of hecogenin acetate and its inhibitory potential of NorA and MepA efflux pumps from Staphylococcus aureus.

Antimicrobial drugs are of great importance in the control of bacterial infections. Its indiscriminate use contributes to the consolidation of bacterial resistance. Its applicability is due to its secondary metabolites, such as saponins, which are compounds with relevant antibacterial action. Hecogenin acetate is a saponin present in plants of the agave genus with analgesic, antioxidant, antinociceptive, cardioactive, anticancer, antifungal and antimicrobial activity. The present work aimed to identify the antibacterial activity of hecogenin acetate against strains of E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus and to investigate the NorA and MepA efflux pump inhibitory activity of S. aureus strains. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was evaluated by broth microdilution. The Antibiotic Activity Modifier effect and the assessment of efflux pump inhibition were evaluated by microdilution with sub-inhibitory concentrations. Hecogenin acetate showed minimal inhibitory concentration without significant relevance. In the evaluation of the potentiating activity of the antibiotic action, a greater antagonistic behavior is noticed. In the analyzes performed with the efflux pump, it was noticed that the hecogenin acetate does not interfere in the efflux pump mechanism of the analyzed bacteria.

Pharmacological screening of species from the Lippia genus, content in terpenes and phenylpropanoids, and their vasorelaxing effects on human umbilical artery.

BACKGROUND: Naturally occurring bioactive compounds have a plethora of biological effects. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined a pharmacological screening of natural products on the human umbilical artery (HUA). METHODS: HUA preparations were used to follow contractions by KCl (60 mM) and tested at different concentrations (1-5000 µg/mL and µM) of the Lippia alba (EOLa) and Lippia origanoides (EOLo) essential oils, terpenes (citral, limonene perilic alcohol) and phenylpropanoids (eugenol, methyl eugenol). Discussion/Results: The reduction corresponded to approximately 100%, except for limonene (80±1.2 %). When evaluating the concentration of the natural product that promotes 50 % relaxation of the HUA contracted by KCL, EC50 values were: 424.3 µg/mL (EOLa); 468.7±6.7 µg/mL (EOLo); 264.2 ± 8.2 µM (citral); 677.8±5.4 µM (limonene); 186.3±6.4 µM (peryl alcohol); 986.4±7.9 µM (eugenol); and 279.1±4.4 µM (methyl-eugenol). Perillyl alcohol had a lower EC50 (consequently it has a higher pharmacological potency). CONCLUSION: The plant extracts have a promising vasorelaxing effect in HUAs, paving the way for future investigations: as applications in diseases related to these vessels, such as preeclampsia.

Possible mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effect of Trans,trans-farnesol on pilocarpine-induced seizures in mice.

This study aimed to investigate, through in vivo and in vitro methodologies, the effect of acute trans,trans-farnesol (12.5, 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) administration on behavioral and neurochemical parameters associated with pilocarpine-induced epileptic seizure (300 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice. The initial results showed that the compound in question presents no anxiolytic-like or myorelaxant effects, despite reducing locomotor activity in the animals at all doses tested. In addition, the lowest dose increased the latency to onset of the first epileptic seizure, and the time to death. In addition to decreasing the mortality percentage in mice submitted to the pilocarpine model. In this same model, pretreatment with the lowest dose of the compound decreased the hippocampal concentrations of thiobarbituric acid and nitrite, and partially restored striatal concentrations of noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. Taken together, the results suggest that trans,trans-farnesol presents a central depressant effect which contributes to its antiepileptic action which, in turn, seems to be mediated by the antagonism of muscarinic cholinergic receptors, reduction of oxidative stress. and modulation of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin concentrations in the central nervous system.

Herb and Spices in Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Narrative Review.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly cancer worldwide. CRC management is challenging due to late detection, high recurrence rate, and multi-drug resistance. Herbs and spices used in cooking, practised for generations, have been shown to contain CRC protective effect or even be useful as an anti-CRC adjuvant therapy when used in high doses. Herbs and spices contain many bioactive compounds and possess many beneficial health effects. The chemopreventive properties of these herbs and spices are mainly mediated by the BCL-2, K-ras, and MMP pathways, caspase activation, the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, and the regulation of ER-stress-induced apoptosis. As a safer natural alternative, these herbs and spices could be good candidates for chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents for CRC management because of their antiproliferative action on colorectal carcinoma cells and inhibitory activity on angiogenesis. Therefore, in this narrative review, six different spices and herbs: ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), and flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) used in daily cuisine were selected for this study and analyzed for their chemoprotective or chemotherapeutic roles in CRC management with underlying molecular mechanisms of actions. Initially, this study comprehensively discussed the molecular basis of CRC development, followed by culinary and traditional uses, current scientific research, and publications of selected herbs and spices on cancers. Lead compounds have been discussed comprehensively for each herb and spice, including anti-CRC phytoconstituents, antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory properties, and finally, anti-CRC effects with treatment mechanisms. Future possible works have been suggested where applicable.

Knee Osteoarthritis: Kinesiophobia and Isometric Strength of Quadriceps in Women.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by progressive wear and tear of the joint, with the knee being the most affected region. These patients have reduced mobility and mobility, among other symptoms. Thus, it is necessary to know the variables that influence the ability to walk. Objective: To analyze how much the gait capacity, in the performance of the six-minute walk test, can be influenced by the maximum isometric strength of the quadriceps or by kinesiophobia in women with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 49 women diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The evaluation was carried out in a single moment. Variables studied isometric quadriceps strength, level of fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and ability to walk. Simple linear regression analyzes were performed, with gait ability as the dependent variable and maximum isometric strength and kinesiophobia as independent. Data were presented with mean and standard deviation and were analyzed by the SPSS Statistic 22.0 software, considering p < 0.05 as significant. Results: The maximum isometric strength presents a significant difference, directly interfering with the gait ability; as kinesiophobia does not show a statistically significant difference, it does not directly interfere with the ability to walk. Conclusion: Maximal quadriceps isometric strength directly interferes with gait ability in women with knee osteoarthritis, thus suggesting the inclusion of this strategy in treatment programs for this population.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze.

Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze is a species widely used traditionally in the treatment of ailments, such as stomach pain, hemorrhoids, cough, verminosis, ulcer, liver disease, fever, influenza, nasal congestion, and inflammation. This review aims to provide a survey of available information on seven international electronic databases (Google Scholar, Medline, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed) about botanical aspects, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of M. suaveolens. Mesosphaerum suaveolens is a tropical America native species, but it can be found in several parts of the world as a ruderal plant. The species is the most studied species of the genus Lamiaceae due its phytochemical aspect, especially regarding the chemical composition of its essential oil. Besides the essential oils, M. suaveolens is a source of numerous secondary compounds such as triterpenes, diterpenes, and phenolic compounds, which are related to its biological activities, such as allelopathic, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, and larvicidal activities as described in the literature.

Antibacterial activity of eugenol on the IS-58 strain of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to tetracycline and toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics contributes significantly to the selection of bacteria resistant to several antibiotics. Among the resistance mechanisms are the Efflux Pumps which are responsible for extruding solutes from the cell cytoplasm through proteins in the cell membrane. Because of this, new strategies are needed to control multidrug-resistant pathogenic strains. In this way, the objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of eugenol by inhibition of TetK Efflux Pump in strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to Tetracycline, in addition to evaluating its toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. To determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), the broth microdilution method was used. The modulated effect of antibiotic and Ethidium Bromide associated with eugenol in subinhibitory concentrations (MIC/8) was evaluated. To evaluate the toxic effect of eugenol on D. melanogaster, fumigation tests were used, in which the parameters of mortality and damage to the locomotor system were evaluated. The results showed that eugenol has no direct activity in S. aureus, with an MIC ≥1024 µg/mL. However, it demonstrated that the synergistic potential when associated with Tetracycline, reducing the MIC of the antibiotic, already associated with Ethidium Bromide, had an antagonistic effect. When the toxicity in D. melanogaster was evaluated, eugenol demonstrated a non-toxic profile, since it presented EC50: 2036 µL/mL in 48 h of exposure. In conclusion, eugenol had no relevant direct effect against S. aureus, however, it potentialized the action of the antibiotic by decreasing its MIC.

Bioactive Compounds as Potential Agents for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Management: A Review to Explore Molecular Mechanisms of Action.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are produced by pathogens like bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, and may generate severe health problems such as cancer, ulcers, and even problems in the newborn. This narrative review aims to present updated information about the use of natural bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. A search of the literature was performed using databases and search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Science Direct. From the pharmacotherapeutic management point of view, any strategies for prevention should contain medical approaches. The bioactive compounds obtained from natural products have shown biological effects against different microorganisms for the treatment of these diseases. The main results showed antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antifungal and antiviral effects such as HIV. Also, the molecular mechanisms, signalling pathways and action targets of natural compounds were highlighted, thus justifying bacterial and antifungal inhibition, apoptosis or reduction of viral replication. From the data of our study, we can conclude that natural compounds may be a significant source for adjuvant drugs / complementary therapies in the treatment of STDs. With all these benefits, the future must conduct extensive clinical trials and the development of pharmaceutical nanotechnologies for a greater therapeutic effect.