A comprehensive review on pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of 8 potent species of southeast Asia.

Genus Prunus comprising around 430 species is a vast important genus of family Rosaceae, subfamily amygdalaoidae. Among all 430 species, around 19 important species are commonly found in Indian sub-continent due to their broad nutritional and economic importance. Some most common species of genus Prunus are Prunus amygdalus, Prunus persica, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasus, Prunus cerasoides, Prunus domestica, Prunus mahaleb, etc. A newly introduced species of Prunus i.e Prunus sunhangii is recently discovered which is morphologically very similar to Prunus cerasoides. Plants of Prunus species are short to medium-sized deciduous trees mainly found in the northern hemisphere. In India and its subcontinent, it extends from the Himalayas to Sikkim, Meghalaya, Bhutan, Myanmar etc. Different Prunus species have been extensively studied for their morphological, microscopic, pharmacological and phytoconstituents characteristics. Total phenolic content of Prunus species explains the presence of phenols in high quantity and pharmacological activity due to phenols. Phytochemical screening of species of genus Prunus shows the presence of wide phytoconstituents which contributes in their pharmacological significance and reveals the therapeutic potential and traditional medicinal significance of this genus. Genus Prunus showed a potent antioxidant activity analyzed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical assay. Plant species belonging to the genus Prunus is widely used traditionally for the treatment of various disorders. Some specific Prunus species possess potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic etc. activity which makes the genus more interesting for further research and findings. This review is an attempt to summarize the comprehensive study of Prunus.

Cicatrização de feridas agudas tratadas com produto em pó à base de própolis verde / Acute wound healing by green propolis-based powder product / Cicatrización de heridas agudas tratadas con producto en polvo a base de propóleo verde

Objetivo: avaliar o potencial cicatrizante de um produto em pó à base de própolis verde em lesão aguda induzida em ratos. Método: trata-se de um estudo experimental realizado com 27 ratos da linhagem wistar divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos. As lesões foram induzidas cirurgicamente e tratadas a cada 48 horas com os produtos em teste (pó à base de própolis verde, Brava Ostomy Powder® e soro fisiológico). As lesões foram analisadas macroscópica e microscopicamente no 7º, 9º e 11º dia de pós-operatório. Resultados: a maioria das lesões tratadas com pó à base de própolis verde cicatrizou em 11 dias. O produto formulado para este estudo e o comercial mostraram resultados satisfatórios na retração das feridas, atividade anti-inflamatória, angiogênese, proliferação de fibroblastos e síntese de colágeno. Conclusão: o tratamento com o produto formulado à base de própolis verde mostrou grande potencial de cicatrização das lesões cutâneas

Objective: To evaluate the healing potential of a green propolis-based powder product on acute lesions induced in rats. Method: This is an experimental study conducted with 27 Wistar lineage rats randomly divided into three groups. The lesions were surgically induced and treated every 48 hours with the test products (green propolis-based powder, Brava Ostomy Powder™, and saline solution). The lesions were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically on the 7th, 9th, and 11th postoperative days. Results: Most of the lesions treated with green propolis-based powder healed in 11 days. The product formulated for this study and the commercial one showed satisfactory results in wound retraction, anti-inflammatory activity, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis. Conclusion: Treatment with the green propolis-based product showed great potential for healing skin lesions

Objetivo: evaluar el potencial cicatrizante de un producto en polvo a base de propóleo verde en heridas agudas inducidas en ratas. Método: se trata de un estudio experimental realizado con 27 ratas wistar, que se separaron de forma aleatoria en tres grupos. Las heridas quirúrgicas fueron tratadas cada 48 horas con los productos en prueba (polvo a base de propóleo verde, Brava Ostomy Powder® y solución fisiológica). Las heridas se evaluaron macro y microscópicamente a los 7, 9 y 11 días postoperatorios. Resultados: la mayoría de las heridas tratadas con el polvo a base de propóleo verde cicatrizaron en 11 días. El producto formulado para este estudio y el producto comercial mostraron resultados satisfactorios en la retracción de heridas, actividad antiinflamatoria, angiogénesis, proliferación de fibroblastos y síntesis de colágeno. Conclusión: el tratamiento con el producto a base de propóleo verde mostró un gran potencial curativo de las lesiones cutáneas

Uso tópico da própolis verde para a cicatrização de feridas: revisão sistemática da literatura / Topical use of green propolis for wound healing: a systematic review of the literature / Uso tópico del propóleo verde para la cicatrización de heridas: revisión sistemática de la literatura

Objetivo:identificar sistematicamente a efetividade do uso tópico da própolis verde no processo de cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas. Método: revisão sistemática da literatura que considerou as publicações disponíveis nas bases de dados National Library of Medicine (PubMed/Medline), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature(LILACS), The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) e Web of Science. O risco de viés dos estudos foi analisado por meio da ferramenta Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation(SYRCLE). Resultados: os quatro estudos analisados utilizaram a própolis verde para a cicatrização de lesões confeccionadas cirurgicamente. Todos os estudos selecionados foram de metodologia experimental, realizados com animais. Dois estudos (50%) utilizaram o extrato etanólico de própolis verde (nas concentrações de 2,4% e 20%) e os outros dois estudos (50%) usaram o extrato hidroalcóolico de própolis verde a 5%. Conclusão: os resultados evidenciaram que o uso tópico dos produtos formulados à base de própolis verde promoveu a cicatrização de lesões de pele, uma vez que favoreceu a angiogênese, a proliferação de fibroblastos e, consequentemente, a síntese e deposição de colágeno, bem como demonstrou atividade antimicrobiana e não apresentou toxicidade tissular, fatores esses que são considerados importantes para o processo de reparação tecidual.

Objective:To systematically identify the effectiveness of the topical use of green propolis in the healing process of surgical wounds. Methods: Systematic review of the literature that considered the publications available in the databases: National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science. The risk of bias of the studies was analyzed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool. Results: The four studies analyzed used green propolis for the healing of surgically made lesions. All the selected studies were of experimental methodology, performed with animals. Two studies (50%) used the ethanolic extract of green propolis (at concentrations of 2.4% and 20%) and the other two studies (50%) used the hydroalcoholic extract of green propolis at 5.0%. Conclusion: The results showed that the topical use of formulated products based on green propolis promoted the healing of skin lesions, since it favored angiogenesis, the proliferation of fibroblasts and, consequently, the synthesis and deposition of collagen, as well as showed antimicrobial activity and showed.

Objetivo:identificar sistemáticamente la efectividad del uso tópico del propóleo verde en el proceso de cicatrización de heridas quirúrgicas. Método: Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura que consideró las publicaciones disponibles en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, LILACS (BVS), The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) y Web of Science. El riesgo del sesgo de los estudios fue analizado por medio de la herramienta Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). Resultados: los cuatro estudios analizados utilizaron el propóleo verde para la cicatrización de lesiones confeccionadas quirúrgicamente. Todos los estudios seleccionados fueron de metodología experimental, realizados con animales. Dos estudios (50 %) utilizaron el extracto etanólico de propóleo verde (en concentraciones de 2,4 % y 20 %) y los otros dos estudios (50 %) usaron el extracto hidroalcohólico de propóleo verde al 5 %. Conclusión: Los resultados evidenciaron que el uso tópico de los productos formulados a base de propóleo verde promovió la cicatrización de lesiones de piel, debido a que favoreció la angiogénesis, la proliferación de fibroblastos y, en consecuencia la síntesis y deposición de colágeno, así como también demostró actividad antimicrobiana y no presentó toxicidad tisular, factores estos que son considerados importantes para el proceso de reparación de tejidos.

Chrysopogon zizanioides-a review on its pharmacognosy, chemical composition and pharmacological activities.

Vetiver is a traditional plant with versatile applications in medicine, aroma, commerce, environmental-protection, and agriculture. This review was designed to compile all the latest information on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional uses of C. zizanioides. All the information related to this plant was gathered from several authentic sites, using keywords like Chrysopogon zizanioides, Vetiveria zizanioides, Khus, and Khas-Khas. The included resources were journaled articles, book chapters, books, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeias, and Ayurvedic Formulary of India, from science direct, PubMed, research gate etc. All the necessary, relevant, authentic, and updated information were tried to inculcate in the manuscript. The literature was collected via online sites like Pub med, Scopus, and Science direct as well. During compilation, it observed that many traditional utilities of vetiver got their authentication when tested using different disease-based pharmacological models taking various extracts of roots, leaves, and root oil as test samples. However, systematic studies for isolation of active constituents and establishing their mechanism of action are still required to be validated. On the other hand, the development of novel and robust techniques needed for oil extraction can further enhance the exploration of biological utilities faster. Moreover, the cultivators and harvesters must address carefully to prevent the linked drawback of soil erosion.

Gmelina arborea- an indigenous timber species of India with high medicinal value: A review on its pharmacology, pharmacognosy and phytochemistry.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gmelina arborea Roxb.ex Smith, a fast-growing deciduous tree belongs to the family Lamiaceae, and is an important plantation species in many tropical areas around the world. The species is naturally distributed in semi-deciduous forests in tropical/subtropical regions of South East Asia. The tree is also an important medicinal plant in the Indian Systems of Medicine. The whole plant is used in medicine. It is astringent, bitter, digestive, cardiotonic, diuretic, laxative and pulmonary and nervine tonic. It improves digestion, memory, helps overcome giddiness and is useful in burning sensation, fever, thirst, emaciation, heart diseases, nervous disorders and piles. The roots are acrid, bitter-sweet in taste, stomachic, tonic, laxative, galactagogue and antihelmintic. The flowers are sweet, refrigerant, bitter, astringent and acrid, and are used in treating leprosy and skin diseases. The fruits are acrid, sour, sweet, refrigerant, bitter, astringent, aphrodisiac, trichogenous, alterant and tonic. Fruits are edible and also used for promoting hair growth and in treating anaemia, leprosy, ulcers, constipation, leucorrhoea and colitis. The leaves are a good fodder also. The major bioactive compounds extracted from different parts of G. arborea are arboreal, verbascoside, tyrosol, iridoids, phenylpropanoid glycoside, premnazole, martynoside, iridoid glycosides, balanophonin, gmelinol, isoarboreol apigenin, umbelliferone etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review provides an insight into the medicinal aspects of G. arborea. It provides the latest information on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and traditional uses of G.arborea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on G. arborea was gathered from various sources like textbooks, literature, databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, Inflibnet, Sci-Finder and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Sixty-nine phytochemicals which include lignans, acylated iridoid glycosides, acylated rhamnopyranoses, flavonoids, flavones, flavone glycosides have been isolated. Many of them have been characterized for their pharmacological activity. Several researchers have identified bioactive phytochemicals like luteolin, iridoid alkaloids from the leaves, hentriacontanol and lignans such as arboreol, isoarboreol, arborone, gmelanone, gummadiol from the heartwood, flavon glycosides in roots. The extracts are reported to have wound-healing and antidiarrheal properties. Various studies demonstrated that G.arborea and its constituents possess several pharmacological activities like anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, analgesic, anti-nociceptive, anticancer and wound healing activities. CONCLUSION: G. arborea is a valuable medicinal plant used traditionally in the Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM - Ayurveda and Unani) to treat a wide variety of ailments. These phytochemicals are highly bioactive and exhibit various pharmacological activities. However, pharmacological activities of many compounds which have been identified, are yet to be understood.

A review of the phytochemical, pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological evaluation of Quercus Infectoria galls.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Quercus Infectoria galls (QIG) have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Uyghur medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, hemorrhage, skin disease, and many other human ailments. Medicinal applications of QIG have become increasingly popular in Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, and Iran. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present paper reviewed the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, analytical methods, biological activities, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and drug interactions of QIG to assess the ethnopharmacological uses, explore its therapeutic potential, and identify future opportunities for research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on QIG was gathered via the Internet (using Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Elsevier, ACS, Pubmed, Web of Science, CNKI, and EMBASE) and libraries. Additionally, information was also obtained from local books and PhD and MS dissertations. RESULTS: QIG has played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. The main bioactive metabolites of QIG include tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and steroids. Scientific studies on the QIG extract and its components have shown its wide range of pharmacological activities, such as cholinesterase- and monoamine oxidase-inhibitory, antitumor, anti-hypertension, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. CONCLUSIONS: The ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological, and analytical methods of QIG were highlighted in this review, which provides information for future studies and commercial exploration. QIG has a huge potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Moreover, comprehensive toxicity studies of this plant must be conducted to ensure its safety. Additional investigations are recommended to transmute the ethnopharmacological claims of this plant in folklore medicines into scientific rationale-based information. Research on pharmacokinetics studies and potential drug interactions with standard-of-care medications is still limited, which calls for additional studies particularly on humans. Further assessments and clinical trials should be performed before it can be integrated into medicinal practices.

Traditional uses, conservation status and biotechnological advances for a group of aromatic / medicinal native plants from America / Usos tradicionales, estado de conservación y avances biotecnológicos para un grupo de plantas aromáticas / medicinales nativas de América

Medicinal and aromatic plants are biologically and economically valuable species because of their intrinsic value as plants, ability to produce secondary metabolites, possible use in the pharmaceutical and food industries, germplasm availability and applications in traditional medicine. In addition, they hold social and economic importance due to the ancestral knowledge they represent and because they are part of the livelihood of many families. Most of them are collected from the wild and are in serious danger of extinction. Through biotechnological tools it is possible to develop their germplasm and obtain new and improved varieties from wild material, while advocating the alternative of production by cultivation instead of extracting it from nature. The objective of this review is to provide an updated perspective on the traditional uses, conservation status and biotechnological advances in a group of 30 plant species native to the American continent.

Las plantas medicinales y aromáticas deben ser valoradas tanto por su valor intrínseco como tales, por su capacidad de producir metabolitos secundarios, su posible uso en las industrias farmacéutica y alimentaria y por sus aplicaciones en medicina tradicional. Además, tienen importancia social y económica debido al conocimiento ancestral que representan y porque son parte del sustento de muchas familias. La mayoría de estas especies son recolectadas de la naturaleza y están en grave peligro de extinción. A través de herramientas biotecnológicas es posible desarrollar su germoplasma y obtener variedades nuevas y mejoradas a partir de material silvestre; esta estrategia propicia la alternativa de producción por cultivo en lugar de extraerla de la naturaleza. El objetivo de esta revisión es proporcionar una perspectiva actualizada de los usos tradicionales, el estado de conservación y los avances biotecnológicos en un grupo de 30 especies de plantas nativas del continente americano.

Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Achillea millefolium L.: A Review.

Achillea millefoilum L. (Yarrow) is an important species of Asteraceae family with common utilization in traditional medicine of several cultures from Europe to Asia for the treatment of spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, hepatobiliary, gynecological disorders, against inflammation and for wound healing. An extensive review of literature was made on A. millefoilum L. using ethno botanical text books, published articles in peer-reviewed journals, unpublished materials and scientific databases. The Plant List, International Plant Name Index and Kew Botanical Garden databases were used to authenticate the scientific names. Monoterpenes are the most representative metabolites constituting 90% of the essential oils in relation to the sesquiterpenes, and a wide range of chemical compounds have also been reported. Different pharmacological experiments in many in-vitro and in-vivo models have proved the potential of A. millefoilum with antiinflammatory, antiulcer, anticancer activities etc. lending support to the rationale behind numerous of its traditional uses. Due to the noteworthy pharmacological activities, A. millefoilum will be a better option for new drug discovery. The present review will comprehensively summarize the pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology of A. millefoilum reported to date, with emphasis on more in vitro, clinical and pathological studies needed to investigate the unexploited potential of this plant. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Estudio farmacognóstico preliminar de tallo y raíz de la especie Moringa Oleífera lam cosechada en Machala / Preliminary pharmacognostic study of the stem and root of the species Moringa Oleifera lam grown in Machala

Introducción: la composición química de las especies vegetales está sujeta a cambios, dependiendo, entre otros factores, de la localización geográfica. Moringa oleífera Lam., que crece en Machala, Ecuador, puede diferir de especies de otras regiones geográficas. Objetivo: realizar un estudio farmacognóstico preliminar del tallo y raíz (corteza y pulpa) de la planta M. oleífera cultivada en las áreas de la Unidad Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, de la Universidad Técnica de Machala. Métodos: se desarrolla el control de la calidad de la droga cruda según la metodología establecida por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, mediante determinación de la humedad residual, el porciento de cenizas y el porciento de sustancias solubles en el tallo y la raíz. Se cuantificaron algunos metales mediante espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente. El estudio químico preliminar se efectuó a través de ensayos de tamizaje fitoquímico y mediante cromatografía en capa delgada. Resultados: la humedad residual para ambos órganos y los valores de cenizas obtenidos para la raíz se encuentran dentro de los límites establecidos. Las cenizas totales para el tallo resultaron elevadas. La determinación de metales descartó la presencia de metales tóxicos en los órganos estudiados. Los valores de sustancias solubles indicaron mayor poder extractivo para el agua. La evaluación mediante tamizaje fitoquímico sugirió triterpenos y esteroides, azúcares reductores, alcaloides, flavonoides, aminoácidos y saponinas, en los extractos de la raíz. En el tallo se detectaron, además, catequinas, mucílagos y compuestos fenólicos, no así flavonoides. La cromatografía en capa delgada sugirió la existencia de alcaloides derivados de la fenilmetilamina. Conclusiones: el estudio permitió establecer parámetros de calidad de la droga cruda para la especie estudiada; sugerir, en principio, semejanzas en composición química de la planta analizada con otras de orígenes geográficos diferentes, y comprobar la ausencia de metales tóxicos en los órganos estudiados(AU)

Introduction: The chemical composition of plant species is subject to changes which depend, among other factors, on their geographic location. The Moringa oleifera Lam. growing in Machala, Ecuador, may differ from species from other geographic regions. Objective: Conduct a preliminary pharmacognostic study of the stem and root (bark and pulp) of the plant M. oleifera grown in areas from the Agricultural Sciences Academic Unit of the Technical University of Machala. Methods: Quality control was performed of the crude drug following the methodology set up by the World Health Organization to determine residual humidity, percentage of ashes and percentage of soluble substances in the stem and the root. Several metals were quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The preliminary chemical study was conducted by phytochemical screening testing and thin layer chromatography. Results: Both the residual humidity for both organs and the ash values obtained for the root are within the limits established. Total ashes for the stem were high. Metal determination discarded the presence of toxic metals in the organs studied. Values for soluble substances awarded a greater extraction capacity to water. Phytochemical screening pointed to the presence of triterpenes and steroids, reducing sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids and saponins in root extracts. The stem was found to also contain catechins, mucilages and phenolic compounds, but not flavonoids. Thin layer chromatography pointed to the presence of alkaloids derived from phenyl methylamine. Conclusions: The study made it possible to set up crude drug quality parameters for the study species, make preliminary suggestions about similarities between the chemical composition of the plant analyzed and other plants of different geographic origin, and verify the absence of toxic metals in the organs studied(AU)

Estudio fitoquímico de extractos de hojas de Cnidoscolus chayamansa Mc Vaugh (Chaya) / Phytochemical study of extracts from leaves of Cnidoscolus chayamansa Mc Vaugh (chaya)

Introducción: Cnidoscolus chayamansa Mc Vaugh es una especie originaria del sur de México conocida y cultivada en Mesoamérica. Esta especie es apreciada por su valor nutricional y medicinal, sin embargo, son pocas sus investigaciones preclínicas referenciadas.Objetivo: determinar los índices farmacognósticos que avalen la calidad del extracto de las hojas esta planta y los metabolitos secundarios presentes a través del tamizaje fitoquímico. Métodos: se procesó la droga seca en forma de sólidos pulverulentos, se estandarizó el secado por dos vías: a la sombra y mediante una estufa. Se determinó la humedad residual por el método gravimétrico. Se utilizó la maceración en reposo como metodología de extracción a través de tres disolventes: éter de petróleo, etanol y agua destilada. Se caracterizó fitoquímicamente el extracto que se obtuvo mediante la metodología de extracción continua por Soxhlet. Se realizó el control de la calidad a los extractos hidroalcohólicos. Los índices numéricos se determinaron según la norma ramal NRSP 309, 1992 y el tamizaje fitoquímico según la metodología analítica de Miranda y Cuéllar. Resultados: el secado en estufa mostró los mejores resultados por los menores índices de humedad residual. La humedad residual estuvo dentro de los límites establecidos. Se observó la presencia de metabolitos secundarios como flavonoides, alcaloides, taninos y saponinas. La determinación de las cenizas totales fue del 10,7 por ciento. Conclusiones: la planta cumple con los parámetros farmacognósticos establecidos en cuanto a humedad residual, densidad relativa, índice de refracción, pH y sólidos totales. Además la presencia de taninos y flavonoides se correlacionan con estudios previos realizados a esta planta(AU)

Introduction: Cnidoscolus chayamansa Mc Vaugh is a species native of southern Mexico which is known and grown in Mesoamerica. Despite being valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, few preclinical studies have been referenced about this species. Objective: Determine the pharmacognostic indices attesting to the quality of extract from the leaves of this plant, as well as the secondary metabolites contained in it using phytochemical screening. Methods: The dry drug was processed in the form of powdery solids, and drying was standardized in two ways: in the shade and with a stove. Residual humidity was determined by the gravimetric method. Maceration at rest was the methodology applied for extraction. Three solvents were used: petroleum ether, ethanol and distilled water. Soxhlet continuous extraction methodology was used for phytochemical characterization of the extract obtained. Quality control was performed of the hydroalcoholic extracts. Numerical indices were determined with branch standard NRSP 309, 1992. Phytochemical screening was conducted by Miranda and Cuéllar analytical methodology. Results: The best results were obtained by stove drying, due to its lower residual humidity indices. Residual humidity was within the limits established. Secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponins, were found to be present. Total ash determination was 10.7 percent. Conclusions: The plant meets the pharmacognostic parameters established for residual humidity, relative density, refractive index, pH and total solids. The presence of tannins and flavonoids correlates with previous studies about the plant(AU)

[Education Program of Kampo-medicine for Undergraduates in Preparation for Clinical Setting].

Kampo-medicine has become popular in Japanese medical practice combined with western medicine. For example, Daikenchu-To for intestinal obstruction after surgical operation, Shakuyakukanzo-To and Goshajinki-Gan for anti-cancer agents-induced neuropathy, and Yokkan-San for behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia are alternatively used in addition to conventional treatments in Japan. However, combined use of Kampo-medicine and western medicine may cause unexpected adverse events including undesirable drug-drug interactions because Kampo-medicine was not originally developed to be used with western medicine. Although adverse effects of Kampo-medicine are rare compared with those of western medicine, severe events such as liver dysfunction and interstitial pneumonia have been reported in increasing trends. Medical staff including pharmacists, therefore, should be aware of the onset of adverse events before the patients' symptoms become severe. Several adverse effects are caused by chemical constituents such as glycyrrhizin in licorice for pseudoaldosteronism and geniposide in Gardeniae fructus for mesenteric phlebosclerosis. To understand the adverse effects of Kampo-medicine, pharmacists should learn trends in current medication as well as pharmacology and toxicology of the chemical constituents in pharmacognosy. These issues should also be addressed in educational materials for students of clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice.

[Kampo Medicine in the New Model Core Curriculum of Pharmaceutical Education].

What should we educate for Kampo medicine in the model core curriculum of pharmaceutical education? The curricular core should be discussed considering the points mentioned below. (1) Positioning of Kampo medicine in the Japanese medical care system. Kampo medicine is an authorized medical care category in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program in Japan. The NHI drug price list carries 148 Kampo formulations. According to the report of the Japan Kampo Medicines Manufacturers Association in 2011, approximately 90% of Japanese physicians prescribe Kampo medicines. (2) Differences between Kampo medicine and western medicine: In Kampo medicine, the most suitable formula among various Kampo formulas to normalize the psychophysical state of individual patients is selected. In other words, if there is a complaint, there are always some treatments. (3) A strong point of Kampo medicine: Kampo medicine enables physicians to deal with difficult-to-treat conditions by western medicine alone. Also, by using the scale of Kampo medicine, each patient can grasp his or her own systemic state and improve their lifestyle. To extend healthy life expectancy, a basic knowledge of Kampo medicine may play a significant role in integrated health care. "The guide book of the approval standards for OTC Kampo products", "the pharmaceutical advanced educational guideline", and "the manual of the exam questions preparation for registered sales clerks" should also be consulted before selecting the area and contents that should be covered.

Pharmacognostic studies on Taxus baccata L.: A brilliant source of Anti-cancer agents.

The present investigation was undertaken to establish standardization profile of Taxus baccata L. with the help of pharmacognostic parameters, which is not done before. T. baccata(Taxaceae), is native to Europe, is an evergreen needle-leaved tree, growing up to 28 m high. A large number of phytochemicals like taxoids viz. taxusin, baccatin, baccatin, lignans, flavanoids, steroids, paclitaxel and sugar derivatives have been isolated from it. For the treatment of different types of cancer like ovarian and breast cancers, Kaposi's sarcoma and lung cancers Paclitaxel (taxol) has been approved. Paclitaxel is also under clinical trial for remedy of number of other cancers in combination with other chemotherapeutic medications. Pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical screening of T. baccata will be useful to authenticate and avoid adulteration in the raw material. The diagnostic microscopic characters, physiochemical data and FTIR will be useful in the development of monograph.

Utilização de planejamento fatorial para a determinação da capacidade antioxidante e doseamento de flavonoides totais em Verbena minutiflora Briq. ex Moldenke (gervai) / The use of factorial design for determining the antioxidant capacity and dosing the total flavonoids in Verbena minutiflora Briq. Ex Moldenke (Gervai)

RESUMO Verbena minutiflora Briq. ex Moldenke (gervai) tem seu uso medicinal relatado popularmente para tratamento de doenças hepáticas, diarreia e outros problemas de saúde. Entretanto, pouco se conhece a respeito de seus componentes químicos e estudos que comprovem suas propriedades medicinais são escassos. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a composição química dos extratos aquosos e etanólicos de flores de V. minutiflora e otimizar processos de obtenção de extratos com maiores capacidades antioxidantes e maiores concentrações de flavonoides. O método de extração foi desenhado por planejamento fatorial, onde as variáveis para a determinação da capacidade antioxidante foram: pH, extração líquida, método e tempo de extração. Para a determinação de flavonoides totais as variáveis avaliadas por planejamento fatorial foram: concentração de hexametilenotetramina, tipo de ácido, volume de ácido e tempo de aquecimento. Os resultados das análises químicas dos extratos mostraram: aminogrupos, taninos e ácidos fixos (extrato aquoso) aminogrupos, flavonoides, triterpenos, esteroides, alcaloides e cumarinas (extrado hidroetanólico). Os resultados dos planejamentos fatoriais mostraram que o melhor método de extração para a capacidade antioxidante foi o que usou vórtex, por 35 min, com água:etanol 50:50, com pH1, obtendo 0,1899± 5,8.10-3 mmol expressos em ácido ascórbico g-1 nos extratos de V. minutiflora. Enquanto, para as dosagens de flavonoides totais as variáveis significantes foram: tipo de ácido e volume de ácido. A melhor extração obtida foi: 6,748. 10-2± 2,085 10-3% expressos em quercetina. Os resultados mostraram que o planejamento fatorial é uma importante ferramenta para a otimização de extração de componentes químicos em produtos naturais.

ABSTRACT Verbena minutiflora Briq. ex Moldenke (gervai) has its popular use reported for liver disorders treatments, diarrhea, and other health problems. However, little is known about its chemical components and studies that proves its medicinal properties are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from flowers of V. minutiflora and to optimize processes to obtain extracts with higher antioxidant capacity and greater concentration of flavonoids. The methods of extraction were designed by factorial planning, where the variables to determine the antioxidant capacity were: pH; extraction liquid; method and extraction time. To determinate the total flavonoids the variables evaluated by factorial design were: concentration of hexamethylenetetramine; type of acid; volume of acid and warming time. The results of chemical analysis of the extracts showed: amino groups, tannins and fixed acids (aqueous extract) amino groups, flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, alkaloids and coumarins (hydroalcoholic extract). The factorial designs results showed that the best extraction method for the antioxidant capacity was the one that uses vortex, for 35 min, with water: ethanol 50:50, at pH 1, getting 0,1899 ± 5,8.10-3 mmol expressed in ascorbic acid g-1 in extracts of V. minutiflora . While, for dosages of total flavonoids the significant variables were the type of acid and volume of acid. The best extraction obtained was: 6,748. 10-2± 2,085 10-3% expressed in quercetin. These data showed that the factorial design is an important tool in optimizing the extraction of chemical components in natural products.

Estudo farmacognóstico das raízes de ipeca-da-praia (Pombalia calceolaria (L) Paula-Souza)aspectos botânicos, químicos e farmacológicos / I don't really know how it is, I just know it's AIDS: incentives and barriers to HIV / AIDS testing among sex workers

Pombalia calceolaria L., Violaceae, popularmente conhecida por ipeca-da-praia, ipecabranca, ipecacunha dos raizeiros é uma Pombalia calceolaria L., Violacea e, popularmente conhecida por ipeca-da-praia, ipecabranca, ipecacunha dos raizeiros é uma herbácea perene, predominante no sertão nordestino. Embora não existam dados na literatura comprovando sua atividade farmacológica, pordécadas, suas raízes são preparadas na forma de decocto, lambedor e maceração, cujas principais indicações populares são para tosse, expectoração, como vermífugo, antidiarréico epara dentição. O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar a caracterização farmacognósticadas raízes de P. calceolaria nos aspectos botânicos, químicos e farmacológicos. Aimportância da caracterização morfoanatômica está no fato de que não há registro em literatura descrevendo o perfil botânico desta espécie vegetal. Assim, as raízes recém coletadas de P. calceolaria foram caracterizadas morfologicamente com vista desarmada e em seguida realizada a caracterização anatômica através de secção histológica, reação histoquímica, registro fotomicrográfico em campo de luz claro, onde foi evidenciado que araiz em estudo apresenta o xilema secundário oriundo do câmbio com dimorfismo no tamanho dos vasos e floema secundário constituído de poucas camadas circundando o xilema. Noparênquima cortical foi visualizado e fotomicrografado, sob luz polarizada, a presença decristais de inulina...

Early diagnosis of HIV in Brazil still represents a challenge. It is estimated that about 30% of people living with HIV do not know their HIV status. 43% of the population comes to health services with late diagnosis in clinical conditions as AIDS-related. In this scenario, female sex workers - SW, are considered the most vulnerable, with HIV prevalence rate of 4.8%, while among women in the general population, the prevalence is 0.4%. Thus, the aim of this work was to understand what incentives and barriers that involve performing diagnostic testing of HIV among female sex workers in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. It built an analysis of their realities which tried to contribute to the reduction of vulnerabilities associated with HIV/AIDS infection. We used a qualitative approach using the methodology "Rapid Assessment" (RA) from the anthropological presuppositions. We conducted interviews with 36 SW women, field observation, and document analysis. The decision to perform an HIV test is determined by the intersection of individual, social, programmatic factors, linked to social inequalities. The disconnection between common sense and scientific knowledge, linked to the influence of religious beliefs, constituted as a barrier to testing. The prenatal was configured as a process that enables the test but does not encourage its regularity in nonpregnant time. Most respondents spoke of continued use of condom with their clients, however, do not use it with their steady partners. Women often want to do the test, however the main barrier is the difficulty of access to services. The integration of the populations most vulnerable to HIV in health care depends on the mode of organization of the health system. It is necessary to consider their demands and needs, strategically and collectively with their

Drug Metabolism - From In Vitro to In Vivo, From Simple to Complex: Reflections of the BCPT Nordic Prize 2014 Awardee.

Drug metabolism is the crucial part of pharmaco- and toxicokinetics and consequently is associated with both desirable and adverse effects of most xenobiotics, compounds foreign to the body. This minireview follows some advances of the field over the last 50 years or so through the experiences and work of one scientist. Thus, this minireview represents a rather personal view of research in one research field. Drug metabolism is affected and controlled by a huge number of factors and conditions such as individual development, species differences, drug-drug interactions and various environmental, host and genetic factors working via a variable set of regulatory mechanisms. All these different factors create wide individual, population and species variability with obvious repercussions to clinical drug therapy and chemical risk assessment. This minireview also provides glimpses to methodological developments over recent decades and ends up presenting a few promising approaches and techniques such as various omics and high-content and high-throughput techniques feeding huge amounts of data to computational integration and modelling, which constitute the basis for systems or network pharmacology and toxicology.

Antiproliferative Activities of Hot Water Extracts from Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms, Ganoderma tsugae and Agrocybe cylindracea (Higher Basidiomycetes) on Cancer Cells.

Using anticancer agents to progress chemotherapy to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells is an effective means. Two medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma tsugae and Agrocybe cylindracea, exhibited various physiological effects, and the antiproliferation effect on HL-60, Hep 3B, and C6 cells was studied. The viability of different cancer cells was decreased significantly by hot water extracts from different forms of G. tsugae and A. cylindracea. The hot water extracts from the fruit body, mycelium, and filtrate of A. cylindracea were less effective in inhibiting the antiproliferation of C6, Hep 3B, and HL-60 cells than were those from G. tsugae, as evidenced by their IC50 values. The IC50 values of G. tsugae on C6, Hep 3B, and HL-60 cells were 1.13, 2.73, and 2.60 mg/mL, respectively, whereas those of baby G. tsugae were 1.87, 2.63, and 3.12 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the filtrates of G. tsugae on C6 and Hep 3B cells were 2.81 and 2.80 mg/mL, respectively. The morphological transformation of 3 cancer cells was observed clearly, and the possible mechanism would be necrosis, apoptosis, or differentiation. Owing to the noticeable effect on antiproliferation of hot water extracts, especially those from G. tsugae, the extract could be of great potential to be used as an alternative cancer therapy.

Medicinal Mushroom Extracts Possess Differential Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity to Cancer Cells.

Many species of edible mushrooms are known to contain a wide array of compounds with high nutritional and medicinal values. However, these values vary widely among mushroom species because of the wide diversity of compounds with different solubilities to solvents used in extraction. We report here the comparison of antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against cancer cells in extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus, P. sajor-caju, Agaricus campestris, and A. bisporus from 7 different solvents, including water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, chloroform, hexane, and petroleum ether. The extracts were analyzed for their antioxidant activities using the % DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylhydrate) scavenging activity method. Our results revealed that the water extracts exhibited the highest % DPPH scavenging activity in comparison to all other solvent extracts. The highest value was obtained from the water extract of P. sajor-caju (78.1%), and the lowest one was from the hexane extract of A. bisporus (0.8%). In general, extracts from nonpolar solvents exhibited much lower antioxidant activities than those from polar solvents. The cytotoxic effects of these extracts were evaluated using 2 cancer cell lines of larynx carcinoma (HEp-2) and breast carcinoma (MCF-7). When added into Hep-2 cells, the hexane extracts from P. ostreatus, P. sajor-caju, A. bisporus, and A. campestris yielded the highest IC50 values of 1.7 ± 1.56, 2.1 ± 2.82, 4.4 ± 1.71, and 2.2 ± 1.34 µg/mL, respectively, in comparison to all other solvent extracts. Similar IC50 values were obtained when the MCF-2 cancer cells were tested, suggesting that hexane is the preferred solvent to extract the anticancer compounds from these mushrooms. Our results also indicated that extracts from solvents with nonpolar or intermediate polarity were more potent than those with high polarity in their cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and extracts from different mushrooms by the same solvent possessed varied degrees of cytotoxicity.

Farmacologia e fitoquímica de extratos e formulações de Jacaranda decurrens Cham., Jacaranda caroba (Vell.) DC. e Piper umbellatum L / Pharmacology and phytochemistry of extracts and formulations from Jacaranda decurrens Cham., Jacaranda caroba (Vell.) DC. and Piper umbellatum L

Jacaranda decurrens Cham., Jacaranda caroba (Vell.) DC. e Piper umbellatum L. são plantas nativas do Brasil, presentes no estado de São Paulo, com relatos de uso popular para atividade antiúlcera. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antiúlcera de J. caroba, J. decurrens e formulações de nanocápsulas contendo P. umbellatum. Também pretendeu-se caracterizar a fitoquímica de tais formulações e extratos. Adicionalmente, foi avaliada a toxicidade aguda e subaguda de J. caroba. Os extratos de Jacaranda apresentaram compostos fenólicos em seus perfis cromatográficos obtidos por CCD e CLAE, característicos para cada espécie. Os diferentes extratos de J. caroba variaram sua composição química conforme a procedência e idade da planta. As espécies J. decurrens e J. caroba de três diferentes regiões não apresentaram ação antiúlcera aguda em ratos em modelo de indução por etanol acidificado, embora o extrato e as frações de J. caroba apresentaram potencial atividade anti Helicobacter pylori, com CIM variando entre 125 e 1.000 µg/mL. O extrato de J. caroba não promoveu sintomas de toxicidade aguda e subaguda em ratos. A DL50 observada foi maior que 5.000 mg/kg. Não foram relatadas alterações significativas na aparência macroscópica e peso dos órgãos, porém houve indicação de atividade mutagênica em teste de Ames na linhagem TA98 de S. typhimurium, o qual apresentou uma tendência dose-resposta para concentrações entre 7,5 e 15,0 mg/placa após ativação metabólica (S9). A formulação de nanocápsulas de poli-ε- caprolactona com extrato de P. umbellatum apresentou partículas com diâmetro médio de 181,6 ± 0,9 nm e potencial zeta de -31 ± 4 mV. Através de análise por CLAE observou-se maior eficiência de encapsulamento para a porção mais apolar da fração, enquanto que os compostos mais polares ficaram dispersos no meio. As nanocápsulas poliméricas apresentaram atividade gastroprotetora mesmo sem a adição de ativos e tiveram sua atividade aumentada pela fração clorofórmica de P. umbellatum

Jacaranda decurrens Cham., Jacaranda caroba (Vell.) DC. and Piper umbellatum L. are native plants in Brazil, present in the state of São Paulo, with popular usage reports for anti-ulcer activity. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of J. caroba, J. decurrens and nanocapsules formulations containing P. umbellatum. Also, we intended to characterize the phytochemistry of such formulations and extracts. Additionally, we evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity of J. caroba. Extracts from Jacaranda presented phenolic compounds in their chromatographic profiles obtained by TLC and HPLC, with variations between species. Samples of J. caroba extracts showed different chemical composition according to the origin and age of the plant. The species J. decurrens and J. caroba from three different regions showed no acute anti-ulcer action when tested in rats by acidified ethanol induction model. However, extract and fractions from J. caroba showed potential anti Helicobacter pylori activity, with MIC ranging from 125 and 1,000 ug/mL. J. caroba extract did not cause symptoms of acute and subacute toxicity in rats. The DL50 was determined above 5,000 mg/kg. Also, there were no significant changes to the macroscopic appearance of organs or changes in their weights. Meanwhile, an indication of mutagenic activity was observed in the Ames test. The TA98 strain of S. typhimurium, showed a tendency of dose-response for concentrations between 7.5 and 15.0 mg/plate after metabolic activation (S9). The nanocapsules formulation of poly-ε-caprolactone containing P. umbellatum extract had an average particle diameter of 181.6 ± 0.9 nm and zeta potential of -31 ± 4 mV. HPLC analysis showed better entrapping efficiency for the more apolar portion of the fraction, while the more polar compounds were dispersed in the medium. The polymeric nanocapsules showed gastroprotective activity even without the addition of active molecules and had their activity increased by chloroform fraction of P. umbellatum