Croton urucurana Baill. Ameliorates Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Rats.

Background: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects a quarter of the worldwide population, but no drug therapies have yet been developed. Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinal species, that is, widely distributed in Brazil. It is used in popular medicine to treat gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine system diseases. However, its hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects have not yet been scientifically investigated. Aim of the study: The present study investigated the effects of an extract of C. urucurana in a rat model of MAFLD that was associated with multiple risk factors, including hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia. Material and Methods: The phytochemical composition of C. urucurana was evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Spontaneously hypertensive rats received a 0.5% cholesterol-enriched diet and were exposed to cigarette smoke (9 cigarettes/day for 10 weeks). During the last 5 weeks, the animals were orally treated with vehicle (negative control [C-] group), C. urucurana extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or simvastatin + enalapril (two standard reference drugs that are commonly used to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension, respectively). One group of rats that were not exposed to these risk factors was also evaluated (basal group). Blood was collected for the analysis of cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The liver and feces were collected for lipid quantification. The liver was also processed for antioxidant and histopathological analysis. Results: The main constituents of the C. urucurana extract were flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids. The model successfully induced MAFLD, reflected by increases in AST and ALT levels, and induced oxidative stress in the C- group. Treatment with the C. urucurana extract (300 mg/kg) and simvastatin + enalapril decreased plasma and hepatic lipid levels. In contrast to simvastatin + enalapril treatment, C. urucurana reduced AST and ALT levels. Massive lesions were observed in the liver in the C- group, which were reversed by treatment with the C. urucurana extract (300 mg/kg). Conclusion: C. urucurana extract exerted promising hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects in a preclinical rat model of MAFLD.

Bacopa monnieri: historical aspects to promising pharmacological actions for the treatment on central nervous system diseases / Bacopa monnieri: aspectos históricos de las acciones farmacológicas prometedoras para el tratamiento de enfermedades del sistema nervioso central

Bacopa monnieri(L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae), also known as Brahmi, has been used to improve cognitive processes and intellectual functions that are related to the preservation of memory. The objective of this research is to review the ethnobotanical applications, phytochemical composition, toxicity and activity of B. monnieri in the central nervous system. It reviewed articles on B. monnieri using Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilacs, Medline, and PubMed. Saponins are the main compounds in extracts of B. monnieri. Pharmacological studies showed that B. monnieri improves learning and memory and presents biological effects against Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. No preclinical acute toxicity was reported. However, gastrointestinal side effects were reported in some healthy elderly individuals. Most studies with B. monnieri have been preclinical evaluations of cellular mechanisms in the central nervous system and further translational clinical research needs to be performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the plant.

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Plantaginaceae), también conocida como Brahmi, se ha utilizado para mejorar los procesos cognitivos y las funciones intelectuales que están relacionadas con la preservación de la memoria. El objetivo de esta investigación es revisar las aplicaciones etnobotánicas, composición fitoquímica, toxicidad y actividad de B. monnieri en el sistema nervioso central. Se revisaron artículos sobre B. monnieri utilizando Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilacs, Medline y PubMed. Las saponinas son los principales compuestos de los extractos de B. monnieri. Los estudios farmacológicos mostraron que B. monnieri mejora el aprendizaje y la memoria y presenta efectos biológicos contra la enfermedad de Alzheimer, la enfermedad de Parkinson, la epilepsia y la esquizofrenia. No se informó toxicidad aguda preclínica. Sin embargo, se informaron efectos secundarios gastrointestinales en algunos ancianos sanos. La mayoría de los estudios con B. monnieri han sido evaluaciones preclínicas de los mecanismos celulares en el sistema nervioso central y es necesario realizar más investigaciones clínicas traslacionales para evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la planta.

Influence of different preparation techniques on the composition and antioxidant action of curcumin and curcuminoids / Influencia de diferentes técnicas de preparación en la composición y acción antioxidante de la curcumina y los curcuminoides

Epidemiological evidence indicates that plant antioxidants activity can treat or help to prevent the development of various diseases. One species with great potential as an antioxidant is Curcuma longa. However, different extraction techniquescan influence isolated chemical compounds. This study investigated chemical composition and antioxidant activity of two rhizome extracts of C. longa: hydroethanolic, obtained by exhaustion (HECLex); and dried by a spray dryer (HECLsd). The phytochemical composition was evaluated by GC/MS. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. Total phenolic compounds and soil analyses were performed. The main components of HECLex were ar-turmerone, γ-curcumene, α-turmerone, and ß-sesquiphellandrene. The main components of HECLsd were 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 2, 3-bis([trimethylsilyl]oxy) propyl ester, verrucarol, and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether. HECLsd had significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant capacity compared with HECLex. In conclusion, processes of the preparation of C. longarhizomes alter the chemical components and consequently their biological activity.

La evidencia epidemiológica indica que la actividad de los antioxidantes de las plantas pueden tratar o ayudar a prevenir el desarrollo de diversas enfermedades. Una especie con gran potencial como antioxidante es Curcuma longa. Sin embargo, diferentes técnicas de extracción pueden influir en los compuestos químicos aislados. Este estudio investigó la composición química y la actividad antioxidante de dos extractos de rizoma de C. longa: hidroetanólico, obtenido por agotamiento (HECLex); y se seca con un secador por pulverización (HECLsd). La composición fitoquímica se evaluó mediante GC/MS. La actividad antioxidante se evaluó mediante ensayos DPPH y FRAP. Se realizaron análisis de suelos y compuestos fenólicos totales. Los componentes principales de HECLex fueron ar-turmerona, γ-curcumene, α-turmerone y ß-sesquiphellandrene. Los componentes principales de HECLsd fueron ácido 9,12,15-octadecatrienoico, éster 2,3-bis ([trimetilsilil] oxi) propílico, verrucarol y éter 1-monolinoleoilglicerol trimetilsilil. HECLsd tenía niveles significativamente más altos de compuestos fenólicos y mayor capacidad antioxidante en comparación con HECLex. En conclusión, los procesos de preparación de los rizomas de C. longa alteran los componentes químicos y consecuentemente su actividad biológica.

Levantamento e frequência de uso de plantas medicinais por pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos / Survey and frequency of use of medicinal plants by hypertensive and diabetic patients

Além da terapia medicamentosa, muitos pacientes utilizam plantas medicinais para o tratamento da hipertensão e do diabetes, muitas vezes sem o conhecimento sobre a eficácia e a segurança delas. Esta pesquisa investigou a prevalência dessa prática por diabéticos e hipertensos e analisou sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas. Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico, descritivo e transversal com 300 pacientes atendidos pela Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) Ouro Branco, em Umuarama-PR, que responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico e sobre o uso de plantas medicinais. A maioria dos participantes eram mulheres, com baixa escolarização e renda mensal. Em relação ao uso dessas plantas, foram citadas 27 espécies, mas apenas 7,7% dos respondentes as utilizavam de maneira preconizada. Concluiu-se que pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos recorrem a plantas medicinais sem o conhecimento da forma correta de preparo e da potencialidade dessas espécies em causar efeitos adversos.

In addition to drug treatment, many patients use medicinal plants to treat hypertension and diabetes, often without knowledge of efficacy and safety. Thus, this research investigated the prevalence of the use of medicinal plants by diabetic and hypertensive patients and analyzed its association with sociodemographic variables. An epidemiological, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with 300 hypertensive and diabetic patients attended by the Ouro Branco health unit, in Umuarama-PR, who answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and on the use of medicinal plants. Most patients were women, with low education and family income. Regarding the use of medicinal plants, 27 species were mentioned, but only 7.7% patients used them in a recommended manner. Hypertensive and diabetic patients make use of medicinal plants without knowledge of the correct preparation and the potential of these species to cause adverse effects.

Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC: An Innovative Cardioprotective Herbal Medicine Against Multiple Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and among its modifiable risk factors are dyslipidemia, diabetes, and smoking. Experimental models evaluated this risk factors singly, however, there is a lack of models that agglomerate these risk factors, resembling real patients and elucidating the pathophysiology of CVD. Moreover, few studies have investigated the cardioprotective effects of Baccharis trimera, a species with lipid-lowering effects. In this study, ethanol-soluble fraction of B. trimera was characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in Wistar rats that also received 0.5% cholesterol-enriched chow and were exposed to the smoke of nine cigarettes, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, the animals were treated with vehicle (C-), B. trimera, or simvastatin plus insulin. At the end, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, and creatinine levels; blood pressure (BP); heart rate (HR); abdominal aortic morphometry; vascular reactivity; renal and cardiac oxidative status; and histopathological changes were evaluated. The agglomerate of risk factors promoted alterations contrary to those described in the literature for the isolated risk factors. The C- group exhibited oxidative stress, increase in biochemical parameters, and thickening of the wall of the abdominal aorta. HR, systolic, diastolic, and mean BP decreased, and vascular reactivity was altered. Cardiac and renal histopathological changes were observed. Treatment with B. trimera reversed these changes and this effect may be partially attributable to lipid-lowering action and to the inhibition of free radical generation. B. trimera has cardioprotective effects in this model, with no toxicity.

Potencial terapéutico de Zingiberaceae en la enfermedad de Alzheimer / Therapeutic potential of Zingiberaceae in Alzheimer's disease

El Alzheimer es la forma más común de demencia y es altamente prevalente en la vejez. A diferencia de los medicamentos actuales, las plantas medicinales pueden tener efectos preventivos y protectores con menos efectos secundarios. Dada la gran cantidad de sustancias bioactivas, las plantas de la familia Zingiberaceae tienen potencial medicinal y actualmente se estudian ampliamente los efectos de la enfermedad anti-Alzheimer. El objetivo de este estudio fue proporcionar una visión general de los avances en los estudios de composición fitoquímica, estudios farmacológicos in vitro e in vivo, y los efectos toxicológicos de la familia Zingiberaceae sobre la enfermedad de Alzheimer. La información se obtuvo de documentos relevantes en bases de datos electrónicas. La mayoría de los estudios sobre los efectos de Zingiberaceae en la teoría de la patogénesis de la enfermedad de Alzheimer están relacionados con la hipótesis colinérgica, la cascada ß amiloide, la tau, la inflamación y el estrés oxidativo. Además, los estudios preclínicos in vitro e in vivo sobre el efecto de los géneros Alpinia, Curcuma y Zingiber se han informado como inofensivos y seguros, con potencial para el tratamiento contra el Alzheimer.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is highly prevalent in old age. Unlike current drugs, medicinal plants can have preventive and protective effects with less side effects. Given the great number of bioactive substances, plants from the Zingiberaceae Family have medicinal potential and currently are widely studied regarding its anti-Alzheimer's disease effects. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of advances in phytochemical composition studies, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies, and toxicological effects of the Zingiberaceae Family on Alzheimer's disease. Information was obtained from relevant papers in electronic databases. Most of the studies of Zingiberaceae effects on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis theory are related to cholinergic, ß amyloid cascade, tau, inflammation, and oxidative stress hypothesis. Also, in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies on the effect of Alpinia, Curcuma, and Zingiber genera have been reported as harmless and safe, with potential for anti-Alzheimer treatment.

Diet, Epidemiological Factors and Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Elderly Population

ABSTRACT Purpose Population aging is one of the great achievements of humanity. However, with aging, the incidence of chronic diseases and those related to cognition deficits increase. In this way, strategies aimed at preventing or delaying cognitive deficit are extremely necessary. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between cognitive deficits, schooling and eating habits in a Brazilian elderly population. Methods The dietary habits of 400 older adults were investigated through structured questionnaires. Unhealthy eating habits such as low consumption of fruits, vegetables and beans, consumption of fatty meats and whole milk, adjusted for other variables, were evaluated. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Data were analyzed by Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results There was cognitive deficit prevalence of 17.7% in the study population, which increases with age progression. The low frequency of vegetable consumption increased the risk of cognitive deficit in the crude analysis by 47.6% and increased these odds by 44.1% after the final adjustment. Low educational level was also associated with cognitive deficit of individuals (28.25%). Conclusion Educational level and vegetable consumption in adult life and in later adulthood improve cognition.

Efetividade da estabilização segmentar vertebral e de outras técnicas terapêuticas em disfunções da coluna vertebral: revisão sistemática / Spinal segmental stabilization effectiveness and other therapeutic techniques in spine dysfunction: a systematic review

As disfunções da coluna vertebral afetam uma grande parcela da população adulta em algum momento da vida, com predileção por adultos jovens em fase ativa. Por se tratar de uma patologia recorrente na população em geral torna-se necessário o desenvolvimento de estudos baseados em evidência que comprovem a efetividade de técnicas utilizadas no tratamento das disfunções da coluna vertebral. Assim, esta revisão sistematizada teve por objetivo abordar a efetividade da estabilização segmentar vertebral e de outras técnicas terapêuticas em indivíduos que apresentam disfunções da coluna vertebral. Para desenvolver esta revisão sistemática da literatura foram realizadas busca nas bases de dados PUBMED (National Library of Medicine and National Intiuttes of Health), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) e SCIELO (Scientific Eletronic Library OnLine) no período de 2003 a 2014. Os descritores utilizados de forma isolada ou combinada foram: "segmental stabilization and manual therapy", "segmental stabilization", "manual therapy and spinal disorders". Foram incluídos no total 16 artigos que focaram indivíduos com disfunção da coluna vertebral lombar de causa não específica. A literatura analisada sugere que os exercícios de estabilização são positivos no tratamento de pacientes com disfunção da coluna lombar, entretanto são inconclusivos ao verificar se tais exercícios são superiores às técnicas de terapia manual ou a tratamentos convencionais como os exercícios gerais.

The spine dysfunctions affect a great portion of the adult population in some moment of the life, with predilection for young adults in activates phase. Due to be an appealing pathology becomes necessary the development of studies based in evidence that prove the effectiveness of techniques used in the treatment of the spine dysfunctions. Therefore, this systematized revision had for objective to approach the effectiveness of the vertebral segmentary stabilization and of other therapeutic techniques in individuals that present spine dysfunctions. To develop this systematic revision, it was accomplished search in the bases of data PUBMED (National Library of Medicine and National Intiuttes of Health), PeDRO (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and SCIELO (Scientific Eletronic Library OnLine) in the period from 2003 to 2014. The used descritores in way isolated or combined were: "segmental stabilization and manual therapy", "segmental stabilization", "manual therapy and spinal disorders". It was included 16 articles that focused participants with lumbar spine dysfunction of cause no specific. The analyzed literature suggests that the exercises of stabilization are positive in the patients' treatment with back lumbar pain; however, they are inconclusive when verifying such exercises are superior to the techniques of manual therapy or to conventional treatments as the general exercises.

Efetividade da radiofrequência no tratamento facial de voluntárias tabagistas e não tabagistas / Radiofrequency effectiveness on facial treatment of smoker and non-smoker female volunteers

A indústria da estética vem desenvolvendo diversos recursos que promovem a prevenção e recuperação do quadro de envelhecimento, dentre estes recursos destaca-se a radiofrequência um recurso eletroterápico que ganha destaque na melhoria do contorno facial, aumento do tônus e minimização de rugas sem a necessidade de intervenção cirúrgica. Assim, esta pesquisa teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos do tratamento facial com radiofrequência em pele de voluntárias tabagistas e não-tabagistas. Para isto, foram realizadas 10 sessões com radiofrequência em 08 voluntárias do sexo feminino, sendo 04 tabagistas e 04 não-tabagistas, com idade entre 47 e 53 anos. Os parâmetros do equipamento utilizado foi amplitude de 80% em um tempo de 25 minutos e temperatura de 40 ºC. Após o término das sessões verificou-se como resultados a redução da extensão de rugas do canto externo do olho em face direita, e redução da flacidez de canto externo da boca em face esquerda. Além de minimização da profundidade das rugas, clareamento cutâneo, favorecimento do aporte de nutrientes e oxigênio por meio da vasodilatação, melhorando o quadro de nutrição e hidratação tecidual, suavizando processos descamativos e melhorando como um todo o aspecto cutâneo.

The esthetics industry has developed several resources that promote the prevention and recovery of aging signs, and among these resources, the radiofrequency is emphasized, a prominent electrotherapy resource in the improvement of facial contour, increasing tone and minimizing wrinkles with no need for surgical intervention. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of facial skin treatment with radiofrequency on smoker and non-smoker volunteers. In order to do so, 10 radiofrequency sessions were applied to 8 female volunteers, 4 smokers and 4 nonsmokers, aged between 47 and 53 years. The equipment parameters used were 80% amplitude for 25 minutes at 40 °C. After the end of the sessions, the reducing of the length of wrinkles of the outer canthus on the right cheek and the reduction of sagging of the outer corner of the mouth on the left side were observed, as well as minimizing the depth of wrinkles, skin whitening, favoring the supply of nutrients and oxygen through vasodilation, improving the framework for tissue nutrition and hydration, softening scaly processes and improving skin appearance.

Curcuma longa L, o açafrão da terra, e seus benefícios medicinais / Curcuma longa L, earth saffron and its medical benefits

Plantas medicinais são de grande importância nos estudos para elaboração de fármacos de origem natural. A Curcuma Longa Linn é uma planta pertencente a espécie Zingiberaceae, cujo nome científico é Curcuma longa L. É popularmente conhecida como açafrão, açafrão da terra, gengibre amarela e raiz de sol. Possui aspecto rizomatoso e forte tonalidade amarela. Originária da ásia e cultivada em regiões tropicais e subtropicais, é muito utilizada na culinária e medicina popular. Esta revisão bibliográfica teve por objetivo descrever os principais usos medicinais da Curcuma longa L. É utilizada como tempero, especialmente na região continental da Índia. Sendo consumido principalmente na forma de pó seco, utilizado para coloração alimentícia devido à sua forte coloração amarela, associada aos efeitos terapêuticos e dietéticos Os pigmentos responsáveis por essa coloração forte, pertencem à classe dos diferoluilmetano, representados pela curcumina, se tornando bastante utilizada como corante. Os rizomas da cúrcuma são processados e deles se extraem óleo essencial, curcumina e fécula. Possui diversas atividades farmacológicas, destacando seus principais potenciais terapêuticos, tais como; atividades anti-inflamatória, antiviral, antibactericida, antioxidante, antifúngica, anticarcinogênica, entre outras ações. Estudos indicaram que a curcumina apresenta efeitos neuroprotetores no tratamento da Doença de Alzheimer e de Parkinson, prevenindo a inflamação e o dano oxidativo. A pesquisa permitiu verificar a importância da Curcuma longa L. e seu grande potencial de utilização, contendo, principalmente, efeito anti-inflamatório e provável efeito neuroprotetor com potencial para o desenvolvimento de medicamentos. Diante disso, fazem-se necessários estudos, para avaliar seu potencial como planta medicinal.

Medicinal plants are of great importance in studies for the preparation of naturally occurring drugs. Curcuma Longa Linn is a plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae species, whose scientific name is Curcuma longa L.. It is popularly known as saffron, earth saffron, yellow ginger and sun root, with a rhizomatous aspect and strong yellow hue. It is originally from Asia, cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, and widely used in cooking and folk medicine. This literature review aimed to describe the main medicinal uses of Curcuma Longa L. It is used as a spice, especially in mainland India. Being mainly consumed as a dry powder, used for food coloring due to its strong yellow color associated with therapeutic and dietary effects. Its pigments are responsible for this strong color, belong to the diferuloylmethane class represented by curcumin, becoming widely used as food coloring. The turmeric rhizomes are processed and essential oil, curcumin and starch are extracted from it. It presents several pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and anticarcinogenic activities, among others. Studies have shown that curcumin has neuroprotective effects in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, preventing inflammation and oxidative damage. Research has shown the importance of Curcuma Longa L. and its great use potential. It presents anti-inflammatory and possible neuroprotective effects with potential for drug development. Therefore, further studies are necessary in order to assess its potential as a medicinal plant.

Estado nutricional e condições de saúde de idosos de Francisco Beltrão, Paraná / Nutritional status and health conditions of elderly from Francisco Beltrão, Paraná

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and demographic, economic and self morbidities variables of elderly assisted by the Strategy Family Health Program of Francisco Beltrão, Parana. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed a population based sample of elderly aged over 60 years, and used a questionnaire with demographic, socioeconomic and the mentioned diseases data. The anthropometric measurements included weight, height and waist circumference. "T-Student", chi-square tests and multiple linear regression analysis were applied. Results: The study included 402 subjects, 72.1% composed by women. It was characterized by a high overweight prevalence 57.6%; being higher for women. Based on waist circumference, 73% of individuals had greatly increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Among the diseases aforementioned we found a prevalence of 73.9% for high blood pressure. There was a significant association between overweight nutritional status, women, age progression and increased waist circumference. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high overweight prevalence, risk of cardiovascular disease and presence of hypertension, especially among women

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre estado nutricional e variáveis demográficas, econômicas e doenças referidas de idosos atendidos na Estratégia Saúde da Família de Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal que avaliou uma amostra populacional de idosos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos. Foi utilizado questionário contendo informações demográficas, socioeconômicas e doenças referidas. As medidas antropométricas incluídas foram o peso, estatura e circunferência da cintura. Foram aplicados os testes T-Student, Qui-quadrado e análise de regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 402 indivíduos, sendo 72,1%composta por mulheres. Amostra foi caracterizada por elevada prevalência de sobrepeso 57,6%, sendo superior para as mulheres. Com base na circunferência da cintura, 73%dos indivíduos apresentaram risco muito aumentado para as doenças cardiovasculares. Entre as doenças referidas foi encontrada prevalência de 73,9% para hipertensão arterial. Houve associação significativa entre a condição nutricional de sobrepeso, mulheres, progressão da idade e circunferência da cintura elevada. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo revela elevada prevalência de excesso de peso, risco de doenças cardiovasculares e presença de hipertensão arterial, sobretudo entre a condição nutricional de sobrepeso, mulheres, progressão da idade e circunferência da cintura elevada. Conclusões: Este estudo revela elevada prevalência de excesso de peso, risco de doenças cardiovasculares e presença de hipertensão arterial, sobretudo entre as mulheres