The role of ayahuasca in cell viability and oxidative stress in gastric adenocarcinoma cell line.

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage native to the Amazon, originally derived from Banisteriopsis caapi stem scrapings and Psychotria viridis leaves, exhibits hallucinogenic properties due to N,N-dimethyltryptamine. When combined with ß-carbolines, it enters the bloodstream and central nervous system, inhibiting monoamine oxidase-A. Over time, therapeutic effects have been associated to ayahuasca consumption. This study assessed the impact of extracts from three plant decoctions used in ayahuasca preparation on the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). MTT reduction assays selected B. caapi, Mimosa hostilis, and Peganum harmala samples as most effective. Lactate dehydrogenase activity evaluated membrane integrity loss, while oxidative stress induction was measured using dihydroethidium and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probes. Results revealed apoptosis induction in AGS cells, with all three samples significantly reducing oxidative stress.

The Role of Ayahuasca in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Survival, Proliferation and Oxidative Stress.

The psychedelic beverage ayahuasca is originally obtained by Banisteriopsis caapi (B. caapi) (BC) and Psychotria viridis (P. viridis) (PV). However, sometimes these plant species are replaced by others that mimic the original effects, such as Mimosa hostilis (M. hostilis) (MH) and Peganum harmala (P. harmala) (PH). Its worldwide consumption and the number of studies on its potential therapeutic effects has increased. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer properties of ayahuasca in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Thus, the maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of decoctions of MH, PH, and a mixture of these (MHPH) was determined. The activities of caspases 3 and 9 were evaluated, and the cell proliferation index was determined through immunocytochemical analysis (Ki-67). Two fluorescent probes were used to evaluate the production of oxidative stress and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was also evaluated. It was demonstrated that exposure to the extracts significantly induced apoptosis in Caco-2 cells, while decreasing cell proliferation. MH and MHPH samples significantly reduced oxidative stress and significantly increased glutathione peroxidase activity. No significant differences were found in SOD activity. Overall, it was demonstrated that the decoctions have a potential anticancer activity in Caco-2 cells.

Comparative study of sample preparation procedures to determine the main compounds in ayahuasca beverages by QuEChERS and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ayahuasca is a psychoactive drink originally consumed by indigenous people of the Amazon. The lack of regulation of this drink leads to uncontrolled consumption, and it is often consumed in religious contexts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to compare three miniaturised extraction techniques for extracting the main ayahuasca compounds from beverages. METHODOLOGY: Three sample pretreatment techniques were evaluated (dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction [DLLME], microextraction by packed sorbent [MEPS] and QuEChERS [Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe]) for the simultaneous extraction of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmine, harmaline, harmol and harmalol from ayahuasca beverage samples. Then, the most promising technique (QuEChERS) was chosen to pre-concentrate the analytes, subsequently detected by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). RESULTS: The procedure was optimised, with the final conditions being 500 µL of extractor solvent, 85 mg of primary secondary amine (PSA) and 4 s of vortexing. The analytical method was validated, showing to be linear between 0.16 and 10 µg/mL for ß-carbolines and between 0.016 and 1 µg/mL for DMT, with coefficients of determination (R2) between 0.9968 and 0.9993. The limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.16 µg/mL for all compounds, except for DMT (0.016 µg/mL) and extraction efficiencies varied between 60.2% and 88.0%. CONCLUSION: The analytical methodology proved to be accurate and precise, with good linearity, LODs and LLOQs. This method has been fully validated and successfully applied to ayahuasca beverage samples.

Unravelling the genome of the brackish water malaria vector Anopheles aquasalis.

Malaria is a severe public health problem in several developing tropical and subtropical countries. Anopheles aquasalis is the primary coastal malaria vector in Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands, and it has the peculiar feature of living in water with large changes in salinity. Recent research has recognised An. aquasalis as an important model for studying the interactions of murine and human Plasmodium parasites. This study presents the complete genome of An. aquasalis and offers insights into its evolution and physiology. The genome is similar in size and gene content to other Neotropical anophelines, with 162 Mb and 12,446 protein-coding genes. There are 1387 single-copy orthologs at the Diptera level (eg. An. gambiae, An. darlingi and Drosophila melanogaster). An. aquasalis diverged from An. darlingi, the primary malaria vector in inland South America, nearly 20 million years ago. Proteins related to ion transport and metabolism belong to the most abundant gene families with 660 genes. We identified gene families relevant to osmosis control (e.g., aquaporins, vacuolar-ATPases, Na+/K+-ATPases, and carbonic anhydrases). Evolutionary analysis suggests that all osmotic regulation genes are under strong purifying selection. We also observed low copy number variation in insecticide resistance and immunity-related genes for all known classical pathways. The data provided by this study offers candidate genes for further studies of parasite-vector interactions and for studies on how anophelines of brackish water deal with the high fluctuation in water salinity. We also established data and insights supporting An. aquasalis as an emerging Neotropical malaria vector model for genetic and molecular studies.

Hematological Events Potentially Associated with CDK4/6 Inhibitors: An Analysis from the European Spontaneous Adverse Event Reporting System.

Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are a recent targeted therapy approved for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer. Abemaciclib, palbociclib and ribociclib demonstrated great efficacy and safety during clinical studies. However, differences in their adverse-event profiles have been observed. This work aims to describe the suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs), such as leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, reported for each CDK4/6 inhibitor in the EudraVigilance (EV) database. Data on individual case safety reports (ICSRs) were obtained by accessing the European spontaneous reporting system via the EV website. Information on concomitant drug therapy, including fulvestrant, letrozole, anastrozole and exemestane, was also analyzed. A total of 1611 ICSRs were collected from the EV database. Most reports of palbociclib and ribociclib were classified as serious cases for both suspected leukopenia and thrombocytopenia ADRs. However, most patients had their leukopenia and thrombocytopenia recovered/resolved. On the contrary, reports of abemaciclib were mostly characterized as non-serious cases. Abemaciclib and palbociclib were often combined with fulvestrant, while ribociclib was generally associated with letrozole. Pharmacovigilance studies are crucial for the early identification of potential ADRs and to better differentiate the toxicity profile of the different CDK4/6 inhibitors, particularly in a real-world setting.

Peripheral Neuropathy Potentially Associated to Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors: An Analysis of the Eudravigilance Database.

Poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have emerged as a targeted therapy in cancer treatment with promising results in various types of cancer. This work aims to investigate the profile of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with PARPi through the reports provided by the Eudravigilance (EV) database. We also intend to analyze the potential association of peripheral neuropathy to PARPi. Data on individual case safety reports (ICSRs) were obtained by accessing the European spontaneous reporting system via the EV website. A total of 12,762 ICSRs were collected from the EV database. Serious cases of nervous system disorders were analyzed providing strong evidence that peripheral neuropathy was reported in a higher frequency in patients treated with niraparib. Most cases reported a not recovered/not resolved outcome and involved drug withdrawal. However, several studies suggest that PARPi attenuate chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy. Unexpected ADRs such as peripheral neuropathy may also occur, mostly in patients taking niraparib. Further pharmacovigilance studies should be conducted in this area to clarify with more precision the toxicity profile of these drugs.

The Genus Tripleurospermum Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae): A Comprehensive Review of Its Ethnobotanical Utilizations, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Toxicity.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of the genus Tripleurospermum. Tripleurospermum, a prominent genus within the family Asteraceae, is recognized for its therapeutic potential in treating various ailments, including skin, digestive, and respiratory diseases; cancer; muscular pain; and stress and as a sedative. Through extensive phytochemical studies regarding the Tripleurospermum species, numerous chemical compounds have been identified and classified into distinct classes, predominantly encompassing terpenes, hydrocarbons, steroids, hydrocarbons, oxygenated compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alcohols, acids, melatonin, and fragrant compounds. The findings from this review highlight the presence of bioactive compounds within the Tripleurospermum species that possess significant medicinal properties.

Active Pharmacovigilance Study: A Follow-Up Model of Oral Anti-Cancer Drugs under Additional Monitoring.

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are responsible for almost 5% of hospital admissions, making it necessary to implement different pharmacovigilance strategies. The additional monitoring (AM) concept has been highlighted and intended to increase the number of suspected ADRs reported, namely in medicines with limited safety data. A prospective, descriptive study of active pharmacovigilance (AP) was conducted between 2019 and 2021 in the Local Health Unit of Matosinhos (LHUM) (Porto, Portugal). A model of AP for medicines under AM, namely oral antineoplastic agents, was designed. Follow-up consultations were performed, and adverse events (AEs) data were collected. The overall response to the treatment was evaluated through the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria. A total of 52 patients were included in the study, and 14 antineoplastic drugs under AM were analyzed. Of the total number of patients included, only 29 developed at least one type of toxicity. Hematological disorders were the most reported suspected ADR. However, only four patients interrupted their treatment due to toxicity. After 12 months of treatment, most patients had disease progression, which was the main reason for therapy discontinuation. This AP model played an important role in the early detection of AEs and, consequently, contributed to better management of them. Increasing the number of suspected ADR reports is crucial for drugs with limited safety data.

Mediterranean Lavenders from Section Stoechas: An Undervalued Source of Secondary Metabolites with Pharmacological Potential.

Globally, climate change and wildfires are disrupting natural ecosystems, thus setting several endemic species at risk. The genus Lavandula is widely present in the Mediterranean region and its species, namely, those included in the section Stoechas, are valuable resources of active compounds with several biological assets. Since ancient times lavenders have been used in traditional medicine and for domestic purposes. These species are melliferous, decorative, and essential oil-producing plants with a high economic interest in the pharmaceutical, flavor, fragrance, and food industries. The essential oils of Lavandula section Stoechas are characterized by high amounts of 1,8-cineole, camphor, fenchone, and specifically for L. stoechas subsp. luisieri one of the major compounds is trans-α-necrodyl acetate. On the other hand, the diversity of non-volatile components like phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, make these species an important source of phytochemicals with pharmacological interest. Rosmarinic, caffeic, and salvianolic B acids are the major phenolic acids, and luteolin and eriodictyol-O-glucuronide are the main reported flavonoids. However, the concentration of these secondary metabolites is strongly affected by the plant's phenological phase and varies in Lavandula sp. from different areas of origin. Indeed, lavender extracts have shown promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties as well as several other beneficial actions with potential for commercial applications. Despite several studies on the bioactive potential of lavenders from the section Stoechas, a systematized and updated review of their chemical profile is lacking. Therefore, we carried out the present review that gathers relevant information on the different types of secondary metabolites found in these species as well as their bioactive potential.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of six commercial essential oils.

Essential oils (EOs) and their components extracted from medicinal and aromatic plants are used in several areas, such as perfumery and chemical, cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Considering the different applications of EOs, this work aimed to screen the composition and the bioactivities properties of the EOs of Foeniculum vulgare, Helichrysum stoechas, Mentha pulegium, Pinus pinaster, Ruta graveolens, and Thymus mastichina. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of different compounds in EOs F. vulgare (12), H. stoechas (27), M. pulegium (8), P. pinaster (24), R. graveolens (8), and T. mastichina (16). All the EOs showed antioxidant activity acting through inhibition of lipid peroxidation, while only two EOs (H. stoechas and M. pulegium) scavenged the free radicals of DPPH. Mentha pulegium and T. mastichina EOs showed the strongest antimicrobial activity. Also, the effect on the fibroblast's viability was directly proportional to the EOs concentration, and the highest cytotoxic effect was registered with R. graveolens EO. The present study revealed significant bioactive properties of different EOs, highlighting M. pulegium and T. mastichina EOs to be considered in further studies for potential use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Taxifolin and Lucidin as Potential E6 Protein Inhibitors: p53 Function Re-Establishment and Apoptosis Induction in Cervical Cancer Cells.

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in women worldwide, with 99% of cases associated with a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Given that HPV prophylactic vaccines do not exert a therapeutic effect in individuals previously infected, have low coverage of all HPV types, and have poor accessibility in developing countries, it is unlikely that HPV-associated cancers will be eradicated in the coming years. Therefore, there is an emerging need for the development of anti-HPV drugs. Considering HPV E6's oncogenic role, this protein has been proposed as a relevant target for cancer treatment. In the present work, we employed in silico tools to discover potential E6 inhibitors, as well as biochemical and cellular assays to understand the action of selected compounds in HPV-positive cells (Caski and HeLa) vs. HPV-negative (C33A) and non-carcinogenic (NHEK) cell lines. In fact, by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, we found three phenolic compounds able to dock in the E6AP binding pocket of the E6 protein. In particular, lucidin and taxifolin were able to inhibit E6-mediated p53 degradation, selectively reduce the viability, and induce apoptosis in HPV-positive cells. Altogether, our data can be relevant for discovering promising leads for the development of specific anti-HPV drugs.

Biological properties of Thymus zygis essential oil with emphasis on antimicrobial activity and food application.

The Thymus plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a food spice, among this genus, Thymus zygis (red thyme) is a widespread plant, vastly used as a culinary flavouring agent. Its essential oil has demonstrated diverse bioactive properties, such as antimicrobial, insecticidal, larvicidal and antiparasitic activities. Numerous studies have characterized this essential oil showing that it possesses a broad antimicrobial spectrum and may even enhance the effect of certain antimicrobial agents. Its potential application as a food preservative has been analysed on different matrixes pointing to its antimicrobial activity against spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in food. This review provides an insight in the chemical composition, antimicrobial, insecticidal, larvicidal and antiparasitic activities and toxicity of T. zygis essential oil, as well as its potential application in food as a preservative.

Thymus zygis Essential Oil: Phytochemical Characterization, Bioactivity Evaluation and Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is a nosocomial bacterium causing different infectious diseases, ranging from skin and soft-tissue infections to more serious and life-threatening infections such as sepsis, meningitis and endocarditis, which may be exacerbated by antibiotic resistance. Plant products may be seen as an alternative as antibacterial agents, namely, against S. aureus. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize the chemical composition and evaluate the bioactive properties of the T. zygis essential oil (EO), with a focus on antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to assess the chemical composition of the T. zygis EO, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method and ß-carotene-bleaching assay. The antimicrobial activity against S. aureus strains, the interaction with different antibiotics and the attenuation of this bacterium's virulence were evaluated. The T. zygis EO showed antioxidant activity acting through two different mechanisms and antibacterial activity against S. aureus, with antibiofilm and antihaemolytic properties. This EO also demonstrated synergistic or additive interactions in combination with ampicillin, ciprofloxacin or vancomycin against S. aureus strains and, in some cases, changed the antibiotic-resistance phenotype from resistant to susceptible. Therefore, the present work demonstrates the good bioactive properties of the EO of T. zygis, mainly the antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, revealing its potential to be used as an antibacterial agent.

PARP inhibitors: clinical relevance and the role of multidisciplinary cancer teams on drug safety.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is considered one of the most devastating causes of death for humanity. Innovative and targeted therapies have become urgent in the treatment of this large subset of diseases. Over the last decade, the development of PARP (poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase) inhibitors has emerged as a new target in cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED: The authors conducted a review focusing on the clinic relevance and adverse effects of the four drugs already approved by drug regulatory agencies, namely: olaparib, rucaparib, niraparib and talazoparib. Despite the targeted action of this drug class, the adverse effects should be carefully monitored for the adequate safety of cancer patients taking them. The role of multidisciplinary cancer teams is crucial to help more and more patients to benefit from these revolutionary agents. EXPERT OPINION: PARP (poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase) inhibitors are drugs with great potential in the treatment of several types of cancer. However, their toxicity profiles often lead to treatment interruption or early discontinuation. The daily monitoring of these cancer patients by multidisciplinary cancer teams is essential for the success of therapy and for the promotion of a better quality of life.

In Silico Approaches: A Way to Unveil Novel Therapeutic Drugs for Cervical Cancer Management.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common pathology in women worldwide and presents a high impact in developing countries due to limited financial resources as well as difficulties in monitoring and access to health services. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of CC, and despite the approval of prophylactic vaccines, there is no effective treatment for patients with pre-existing infections or HPV-induced carcinomas. High-risk (HR) HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins are considered biomarkers in CC progression. Since the E6 structure was resolved, it has been one of the most studied targets to develop novel and specific therapeutics to treat/manage CC. Therefore, several small molecules (plant-derived or synthetic compounds) have been reported as blockers/inhibitors of E6 oncoprotein action, and computational-aided methods have been of high relevance in their discovery and development. In silico approaches have become a powerful tool for reducing the time and cost of the drug development process. Thus, this review will depict small molecules that are already being explored as HR HPV E6 protein blockers and in silico approaches to the design of novel therapeutics for managing CC. Besides, future perspectives in CC therapy will be briefly discussed.

Adverse drug reactions in elderly: a five-year review of spontaneous reports to the Portuguese pharmacovigilance system.

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality in elderly. This study aimed to characterize the ADRs profile in Portuguese elderly patients, thus enhancing ADRs knowledge in this vulnerable population. Methods: All spontaneous ADRs reported to the Portuguese Pharmacovigilance System from 2013 to 2017 were examined. However, considering the aim of this study, ADRs referring to patients aged 65 and over were analyzed in higher detail and compared with those reported in non-elderly adults. Results: Considering the age of 65 years and above, 3692 spontaneous reports of suspected ADRs were analyzed. The suspected ADRs most frequently reported fall within the categories of general disorders and administration site conditions, and skin and subcutaneous tissue complaints. Regarding therapeutic agents, the antineoplastic drugs were the most common involved. Among the 2458 cases of serious ADRs reported, 34.0% led to hospitalization and in 5.8% of them occurred a fatal outcome. The antineoplastic and antithrombotic drugs were the most represented pharmacotherapeutic groups of suspected drugs involved in patient's death (25.0% and 13.6%, respectively). Conclusions: Most of the suspected ADRs were classified as serious. The majority of them were expected, so preventable, highlighting the importance of improving medication use in elderly.

Cardiovascular risk, lifestyle and anthropometric status of rural workers in Pardo River Valley, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The state of health of rural workers is influenced by the living conditions to which they are subjected, including social, economic, technological and organizational aspects. Given the scarcity of studies on this population of workers, establishing their profile is necessary. OBJECTIVES: To analyze cardiovascular risk according to demographic factors and anthropometric status of rural workers under the Pardo River Valley Regional Development Council (COREDE-VRP). METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical study with rural workers in five municipalities in the COREDE-VRP southern region. We administered a structured questionnaire for lifestyle socioeconomic information, physical activity and self-reported health. Anthropometric measurements, resting heart rate and electrocardiogram (ECG) were performed to analyze heart rate variability (HRV). RESULTS: Women exhibited higher cardiovascular risk, which in turn did not differ as a function of age, marital status, socioeconomic status or lifestyle. We found a relationship between cardiovascular risk and anthropometric measurements, but not with cardiovascular variables. CONCLUSION: Women exhibited higher cardiovascular risk, which was not associated with marital status, socioeconomic status, alcohol use, smoking, sleep disorders or physical activity. Therefore, we emphasize the relationship between cardiovascular risk and anthropometric variables, as well as the lack of association with heart rate and autonomic imbalance.

INTRODUÇÃO: A saúde dos trabalhadores rurais sofre influência decorrente das condições de vida a que estão submetidos, como fatores sociais, econômicos, tecnológicos e organizacionais. Nesse contexto, surge a necessidade de identificar o perfil de saúde de trabalhadores rurais, pela escassez de pesquisas relacionadas a essa área. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o risco cardiovascular de acordo com fatores demográficos e composição corporal em trabalhadores rurais do Conselho Regional de Desenvolvimento do Vale do Rio Pardo (COREDE/VRP). MÉTODO: Estudo transversal analítico realizado com trabalhadores rurais de cinco municípios da microrregião sul do COREDE/VRP. Utilizou-se um questionário de estilo de vida estruturado com informações socioeconômicas sobre atividade física e saúde autorreferida. Foram feitas avaliação antropométrica, verificação da frequência cardíaca de repouso e gravação do eletrocardiograma (ECG), para análise da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC). RESULTADOS: As mulheres apresentaram significativamente mais risco cardiovascular. Não foram encontradas diferenças para idade, estado civil, classe socioeconômica e estilo de vida. Ao se comparar variáveis antropométricas e cardiovasculares, observou-se que existe relação significativa do risco com a antropometria, não havendo relação entre o risco e as variáveis cardiovasculares. CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se que as mulheres da área rural apresentam significativamente maior risco cardiovascular, não sendo observada relação com o estilo de vida. Além disso, é possível destacar a relação estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis antropométricas e o risco cardiovascular, não havendo relação entre o risco cardiovascular e a frequência cardíaca e entre o risco cardiovascular e o desequilíbrio autonômico.

Phytochemical Characterization, Bioactivities Evaluation and Synergistic Effect of Arbutus unedo and Crataegus monogyna Extracts with Amphotericin B.

The increased resistance to drugs by pathogens is a serious problem, with plants showing to be promising sources for the development of new drugs or the improvement of the effect of existing antimicrobial agents. Considering this, we aimed to evaluate the bioactivities of Arbutus unedo and Crataegus monogyna. Thus, the leaves were first extracted with methanol and then fractionated with different solvents. Phenolic compound profiles were assessed by HPLC-PDA-MSn and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH method and ß-carotene bleaching assay. The antimicrobial activity of extracts was tested against several microorganisms. A. unedo contained mainly galloyl esters, hydrolysable tannins, and flavonoids, while in C. monogyna, 5-caffeoylquinic acid and flavonoids were the most representative polyphenols. Crude extracts showed antioxidant activity and the extracts and fractions displayed a weak antibacterial activity; however inhibiting the growth of Candida tropicalis and C. lusitaniae to which A. unedo extract showed higher activity. Most of the extracts and fractions demonstrated synergistic or additive interactions with amphotericin B against Candida spp. Therefore, the present study revealed significant bioactive properties of the extracts and fractions of A. unedo and C. monogyna, such as antioxidant and antifungal activities.

Genus Ruta: A natural source of high value products with biological and pharmacological properties.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ruta genus is constituted by ten species, of which the most commonly described are R. chalepensis and R. graveolens. Ruta plants are perennial shrubs belonging to the family Rutaceae, which are traditionally used in folk medicine, since ancient times mostly for the treatment of various ailments of the womb. AIM OF THE STUDY: To provide a review of the different uses of Ruta species in traditional medicine, as well as, on their multifactorial biological and pharmacological properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of the literature on genus Ruta and Ruta species was performed using various scientific databases and search engines and the information of articles were reviewed and compiled. RESULTS: Different parts of the plants belonging to Ruta genus are used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of different diseases. The principal use of these is in gynaecological field, but the treatment of pain, fever, nausea, inflammation, infections, nervous disorders, among others, are also described. These plants have been used to fertility regulation, as anti-fertility agent, to control menstrual flux and bleedings, as abortifacient and as contraceptive. The phytochemical composition of these plants consists mainly in essential oil (EO), but phenolic compounds were also reported, like coumarins and flavonoids, as well as alkaloids. Ruta species products like extracts and EOs have shown broad pharmacological activities, such as antimicrobial and antifungal activities, as well as, antiviral and antiparasitic. Moreover, Ruta plants products present antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic activities and demonstrated contraceptive and abortifacient effects. These plants were also tested to be used for non-therapeutic approaches, as bio-insecticides in the control of different insect pests showing to be able to reduce infestation. CONCLUSIONS: Ruta species could be a potential source of natural products with biological activities. Ruta extracts, essential oils and isolated compounds have shown a diverse potential for use in the treatment of different diseases, as well as, for pests control, contributing to the valorisation of these plants. Nonetheless, this review indicates that more studies are needed to demonstrate the full potential of Ruta species, and to further explore the toxicology and safety of these plants.

Risco cardiovascular, estilo de vida e composição corporal de trabalhadores rurais do Vale do Rio Pardo, RS / Cardiovascular risk, lifestyle and anthropometric status of rural workers in Pardo River Valley, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Introdução: A saúde dos trabalhadores rurais sofre influência decorrente das condições de vida a que estão submetidos, como fatores sociais, econômicos, tecnológicos e organizacionais. Nesse contexto, surge a necessidade de identificar o perfil de saúde de trabalhadores rurais, pela escassez de pesquisas relacionadas a essa área. Objetivo: Avaliar o risco cardiovascular de acordo com fatores demográficos e composição corporal em trabalhadores rurais do Conselho Regional de Desenvolvimento do Vale do Rio Pardo (COREDE/VRP). Método: Estudo transversal analítico realizado com trabalhadores rurais de cinco municípios da microrregião sul do COREDE/VRP. Utilizou-se um questionário de estilo de vida estruturado com informações socioeconômicas sobre atividade física e saúde autorreferida. Foram feitas avaliação antropométrica, verificação da frequência cardíaca de repouso e gravação do eletrocardiograma (ECG), para análise da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC). Resultados: As mulheres apresentaram significativamente mais risco cardiovascular. Não foram encontradas diferenças para idade, estado civil, classe socioeconômica e estilo de vida. Ao se comparar variáveis antropométricas e cardiovasculares, observou-se que existe relação significativa do risco com a antropometria, não havendo relação entre o risco e as variáveis cardiovasculares. Conclusões: Observou-se que as mulheres da área rural apresentam significativamente maior risco cardiovascular, não sendo observada relação com o estilo de vida. Além disso, é possível destacar a relação estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis antropométricas e o risco cardiovascular, não havendo relação entre o risco cardiovascular e a frequência cardíaca e entre o risco cardiovascular e o desequilíbrio autonômico.

Background: The state of health of rural workers is influenced by the living conditions to which they are subjected, including social, economic, technological and organizational aspects. Given the scarcity of studies on this population of workers, establishing their profile is necessary. Objectives: To analyze cardiovascular risk according to demographic factors and anthropometric status of rural workers under the Pardo River Valley Regional Development Council (COREDE-VRP). Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study with rural workers in five municipalities in the COREDE-VRP southern region. We administered a structured questionnaire for lifestyle socioeconomic information, physical activity and self-reported health. Anthropometric measurements, resting heart rate and electrocardiogram (ECG) were performed to analyze heart rate variability (HRV). Results: Women exhibited higher cardiovascular risk, which in turn did not differ as a function of age, marital status, socioeconomic status or lifestyle. We found a relationship between cardiovascular risk and anthropometric measurements, but not with cardiovascular variables. Conclusion: Women exhibited higher cardiovascular risk, which was not associated with marital status, socioeconomic status, alcohol use, smoking, sleep disorders or physical activity. Therefore, we emphasize the relationship between cardiovascular risk and anthropometric variables, as well as the lack of association with heart rate and autonomic imbalance.