Estudio comparativo del dolor abdominal en las culturas maya Tzeltal, maya Tzotzil y maya Q ́eqchi ́y el uso de Ageratina ligustrina para su tratamiento / Comparative study of abdominal pain in the Mayan cultures Tzeltal, Maya Tzotzil and Maya Q ́eqchi´ and use of Ageratina ligustrina for the treatment

El presente estudio es una comparación del dolor abdominal producido por trastornos gastrointestinales, aliviado por Ageratina ligustrina , entre los grupos maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqchi ́, el cual integró un enfoque etnomédico, etnobotánico y transcultural, comparando estudios previos con el presente trabajo de campo. Para evaluar la eficacia de Ageratina para aliviar el dolor abdominal, se realizó un inventario de las moléculas reportadas en esta especie, así como de su actividad farmacológica, a través de una revisión bibliográfica. Los resultados mostraron que la epidemiología del dolor producido por TGI, su etnobotánica y el modelo explicativo del dolor abdominal fueron similares entre grupos étnicos. Asimismo, se identificaron 27 moléculas con efectos antiinflamatorios y antinociceptivos, lo que podría explicar por qué esta especie es culturalmente importante para los pobladores maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqch i ́ para el alivio del dolor abdominal, mientras que, desde el punto de vista biomédico, es una especie con potencial para inhibir el dolor visceral.

The current study is a comparison of the abdominal pain conception produced by gastrointestinal disorders, relieved by Ageratina ligustrina , among inhabitants of the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups ethnomedical, ethnobotanical, and cross -cultural approaches were used to compare previous studies with the present field work. To evaluate the efficacy of A. ligustrina to relieve pain, also through a bibliographic review an inventory of the molecules present in this species was performed, as well as their pharmacological activity. The results showed that the epidemiology of pain produced by GID, its ethnobotany, and the explanatory model of abdominal pain are similar among ethnic groups. Likewise, 27 molecules with anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects were identified, which could explain why this species is culturally important for the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups for the relief of abdominal pain, while, from a biomedical point of view, it is a species with potential to inhibit visceral pain.

Pharmacotherapeutic potential of Vitis vinifera(grape) in age-related neurological diseases / Potencial farmacoterapéutico de Vitis vinifera(uva) en enfermedades neurológicas asociadas a la edad

Age-related neurological disorders (ANDs), including neurodegenerative diseases, are complex illnesses with an increasing risk with advancing years. The central nervous system's neuropathological conditions, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and protein misfolding, are what define ANDs. Due to the rise in age-dependent prevalence, efforts have been made to combat ANDs. Vitis viniferahas a long history of usageto treat a variety of illness symptoms. Because multiple ligand sites may be targeted, Vitis viniferacomponents can be employed to treat ANDs. This is demonstrated by the link between the structure and action of these compounds. This review demonstrates that Vitis viniferaand its constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, stilbenoidsandaromatic acids, are effective at reducing the neurological symptoms and pathological conditions of ANDs. This is done by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The active Vitis vinifera ingredients have therapeutic effects on ANDs, as this review explains.

Las enfermedades neurológicas asociadas a la edad (AND, por su sigla en inglés) incluyendo las enfermedades neurodegenerativas, son enfermedades complejas con un riesgo creciente con la edad. Las condiciones neuropatológicas del sistema nervioso central, que incluyen el estrés oxidativo, la neuro inflamación, y el plegado erróneo de proteínas, son lo que define las AND. Debido al aumento en la prevalencia dependiente de la edad, se han hecho esfuerzos para combatir las AND. Vitis vinifera tiene una larga historia de uso para el tratamiento de síntomas. Puesto que puede hacer objetivo a muchos sitios ligando, los componentes de Vitis viniferase pueden utilizar para tratar AND. Esto se demuestra por el vínculo entre la estructura y la acción de estos compuestos. Esta revisión demuestra que la Vitis viniferay sus constituyentes, incluídos los flavonoides, componentes fenólicos, estilbenoides, y ácidos aromáticos, son efectivos para reducir los síntomas neurológicos y las condiciones patológicas de AND. Esto se produce por su acción como antioxidante y antiinflamatorio. Los ingredientes activos de Vitis vinifera tienen efectos terapéuticos en AND, y esta revisión lo explica.

Effect of Brassica rapa var. rapifera on Insulin Resistance and Inflammatory Analysis of Visceral Adipose Tissue of Obese Wistar Rats Under Glucolipotoxicity Condition / Efecto de Brassica rapa var. rapifera sobre la Resistencia a la Insulina y el Análisis Inflamatorio del Tejido Adiposo Visceral de Ratas Wistar Obesas en Condiciones de Glucolipotoxicidad

SUMMARY: Obesity-related pathophysiologies such as insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome show a markedly increased risk for type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This risk appears to be linked to alterations in adipose tissue function, leading to chronic inflammation and the dysregulation of adipocyte-derived factors. Brassica rapa have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases, including diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of nutritional stress induced by a high-fat and high-sucrose diet on the pathophysiology of visceral adipose tissue and the therapeutic effect of Brassica rapa in male Wistar rats. We subjected experimental rats to a high-fat (10 %) high-sucrose (20 %)/per day for 11 months and treated them for 20 days with aqueous extract Br (AEBr) at 200 mg/kg at the end of the experiment. At the time of sacrifice, we monitored plasma and tissue biochemical parameters as well as the morpho-histopathology of visceral adipose tissue. We found AEBr corrected metabolic parameters and inflammatory markers in homogenized visceral adipose tissue and reduced hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and lipid droplets. These results suggest that AEBr enhances anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and a protective effect on adipose tissue morphology in type 2 diabetes and obesity.

La fisiopatología relacionadas con la obesidad, como la resistencia a la insulina y el síndrome metabólico, muestran un riesgo notablemente mayor de diabetes tipo 2 y enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica. Este riesgo parece estar relacionado con alteraciones en la función del tejido adiposo, lo que lleva a una inflamación crónica y a la desregulación de los factores derivados de los adipocitos. Brassica rapa se ha utilizado en la medicina tradicional para el tratamiento de varias enfermedades, incluida la diabetes. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto del estrés nutricional inducido por una dieta rica en grasas y sacarosa sobre la fisiopatología del tejido adiposo visceral y el efecto terapéutico de Brassica rapa en ratas Wistar macho. Sometimos a ratas experimentales a una dieta rica en grasas (10 %) y alta en sacarosa (20 %)/por día durante 11 meses y las tratamos durante 20 días con extracto acuoso de Br (AEBr) a 200 mg/kg al final del experimento. En el momento del sacrificio, monitoreamos los parámetros bioquímicos plasmáticos y tisulares, así como la morfohistopatología del tejido adiposo visceral. Encontramos parámetros metabólicos corregidos por AEBr y marcadores inflamatorios en tejido adiposo visceral homogeneizado y reducción de hipertrofia, hiperplasia y gotitas de lípidos. Estos resultados sugieren que AEBr mejora el efecto antidiabético, antiinflamatorio y protector sobre la morfología del tejido adiposo en la diabetes tipo 2 y la obesidad.

Propriedades Químicas e Farmacológicas do Gênero Copaifera no Tratamento de Lesões/feridas: Revisão Integrativa / Chemical and Pharmacological Properties of the Genus Copaifera in the Treatment of Injuries/wounds: Integrative Review / Propiedades Químicas y Farmacológicas del Género Copaifera en el Tratamiento de Lesiones/heridas: Revisión Integradora

Objetivo:Identificar propriedades químicas e farmacológicas do gênero Copaifera no tratamento de lesões e feridas. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed, Taylor & Francis e Scopus, em janeiro de 2022, por meio da estratégia de busca: "Chemical Properties" AND "Copaifera" AND "Wounds and Injuries" e "Pharmacology" AND "Copaifera" AND "Wounds and Injuries". Foram incluídos artigos originais, de texto completo, identificados de acordo nível de evidência, redigidos em português, inglês ou espanhol. Resultados: Na busca primária foram encontrados 261 artigos. Após a seleção sistematizada, 12 estudos foram selecionados para análise qualitativa. Espécies do gênero Copaifera apresentam propriedades farmacológicas favoráveis ao tratamento de feridas: controle da dor inflamatória, diminuição da reação inflamatória, reepitelização e reparo tecidual, angiogênese, retração da ferida e remodelagem de cicatrizes. Dentre as propriedades químicas associadas ao tratamento de lesões, destacam-se presença de compostos bioativos: diterpenos, 3-hidroxi-copálico, sesquiterpenos, éster kolavic-15-metílico. Entre os diterpenos testados, o caurenoico e os ácidos copálicos mostraram atividades hemolíticas significativas. Apenas o ácido copálico e o ácido hardwíckiico inibiram a produção de óxido nítrico em macrófagos ativados por lipopolissacarídeos. Conclusão: As plantas do gênero Copaifera apresentam propriedades químicas e farmacológicas favoráveis ao tratamento de lesões e feridas

Objective:To identify chemical and pharmacological properties of Copaifera in the treatment of injuries and wounds. Method: Integrative literature review conducted in the LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed, Taylor & Francis and Scopus databases in January 2022, using the search strategy: "Chemical Properties" AND "Copaifera" AND "Wounds and Injuries" and "Pharmacology" AND "Copaifera" AND "Wounds and Injuries." Original articles, full text, identified according to level of evidence, written in Portuguese, English or Spanish, were included. Results: In the primary search 261 articles were found. After systematized selection, 12 studies were selected for qualitative analysis. Species of the genus Copaifera have pharmacological properties favorable for wound treatment: control of inflammatory pain, reduction of inflammatory reaction, tissue reepithelialization and repair, angiogenesis, wound retraction and scar remodeling. Among the chemical properties associated with the treatment of injuries, the presence of bioactive compounds stand out: diterpenes, 3-hydroxy-copalic, sesquiterpenes, kolavic-15-methyl ester. Among the tested diterpenes, kaurenoic and copalic acids showed significant hemolytic activities. Only copalic acid and hardwickiic acid inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages. Conclusion: Plants of the genus Copaifera have chemical and pharmacological properties favorable for the treatment of injuries and wounds.

Objetivo:Identificar las propiedades químicas y farmacológicas del género Copaifera en el tratamiento de lesiones y heridas. Método: Revisión integradora de la literatura realizada en las bases de datos LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed, Taylor & Francis y Scopus, en enero de 2022, mediante la estrategia de búsqueda: "Chemical Properties" AND "Copaifera" AND "Wounds and Injuries" e "Pharmacology" AND "Copaifera" AND "Wounds and Injuries". Se incluyeron artículos originales, a texto completo, identificados según el nivel de evidencia, escritos en portugués, inglés o español. Resultados: En la búsqueda primaria se encontraron 261 artículos. Tras una selección sistematizada, se seleccionaron 12 estudios para el análisis cualitativo. Las especies del género Copaifera presentan propiedades farmacológicas favorables para el tratamiento de las enfermedades: control del dolor inflamatorio, disminución de la reacción inflamatoria, reepitelización y reparación tecidual, angiogénesis, retracción de la piel y remodelación de las cicatrices. Entre las propiedades químicas asociadas al tratamiento de las lesiones, destaca la presencia de compuestos bioactivos: diterpenos, 3-hidroxicopálico, sesquiterpenos, éster kolavico-15-metilo. Entre los diterpenos probados, los ácidos kaurenoico y copálico mostraron actividades hemolíticas significativas. Sólo el ácido copálico y el ácido hardwickiico inhibieron la producción de óxido nítrico en macrófagos activados por lipopolisacáridos. Conclusión: Las plantas del género Copaifera presentan propiedades químicas y farmacológicas favorables para el tratamiento de lesiones y heridas.

El alivio natural: Sauzgatillo (Vitex agnus-castus) para el síndrome premenstrual y la dismenorrea / The natural relief: Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) for premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea

El síndrome premenstrual es un trastorno común en mujeres en edad reproductiva y se caracteriza por al menos un síntoma físico, emocional o conductual, que aparece en la fase lútea del ciclo menstrual y se resuelve poco después del inicio de la menstruación. Los tratamientos convencionales para el dolor perimenstrual cíclico tienen inconvenientes que incluyen efectos secundarios, interferencia con la función reproductiva de las mujeres o escasa efectividad en el alivio de los síntomas. Muchas mujeres recurren a terapias naturales para tratar una gran variedad de síntomas menstruales. Esta revisión se centra en una de esas opciones naturales, el Sauzgatillo (Vitex agnus-castus). Se realizó una búsqueda e identificación de artículos publicados hasta mayo de 2022 recopilados por medio de sistemas de búsqueda electrónicos como Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed y Scopus. Las palabras de búsqueda fueron: “Premenstrual syndrome”, “dysmenorrhea” AND “Vitex agnus-castus”. Los estudios preclínicos señalan un mecanismo de acción en su implicación sobre el sistema serotoninérgico, así como su unión a los receptores de dopamina. Los estudios clínicos demuestran la seguridad y el efecto positivo sobre el síndrome premenstrual y la dismenorrea.

Premenstrual syndrome is a common disorder in women of reproductive age and is characterized by at least one physical, emotional, or behavioral symptom, which appears in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolves shortly after the onset of menstruation. Conventional treatments for cyclical perimenstrual pain have drawbacks that include side effects, interference with womens reproductive function, or limited effectiveness in relieving symptoms. Many women turn to natural therapies to treat a wide variety of menstrual symptoms. This review focuses on one of those natural options, Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). The information available until May 2022 was collected via the library and electronic search systems such as Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus. The search words were: “Premenstrual syndrome”, “dysmenorrhea” AND “Vitex agnus-castus”. Preclinical studies point to a mechanism of action in its involvement in the serotoninergic system, as well as its binding to dopamine receptors. Clinical studies prove safety and positive effect on premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.

The use of babosa (Aloe vera) in treating burns: a literature review / O uso da babosa (Aloe vera) no tratamento de queimaduras: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract Alo vera is a centenary remedy use for minor wounds and burns, but its mechanism of wound healing has not been know since. This article will evaluate and gather evidence of the effectiveness and safety of the use of aloe vera in the treatment of burns. A systematic review was carried out on the databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, DECS, SCIELO, in the last 7 years, with the descriptors: "Aloe", "Burns" and "treatment". 16 articles were found. After using the exclusion criteria; research in non-humans and literature review; 5 articles were selected. The article Teplick et al. (2018) performed an in vitro clinical experiment in A. Vera solution, and demonstrated that there was proliferation and cell migration of human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes, in addition to being protective in the death of keratonocytes. That is, it accelerates the healing of wounds. Muangman et al. (2016), evaluated 50 patients with 20% of the total body surface area burned with second-degree burns, between 18-60 years old, with half of the group receiving gauze dressings with soft paraffin containing 0.5% chlorhexidine acetate and the other half receiving polyester dressings containing extracts of medicinal plants mainly Aloe Vera. It had positive results, a higher healing speed and shorter hospital stay compared to the control group. Hwang et al. (2015) investigated the antioxidant effects of different extracts from 2,4,6,8,12 months of Aloe Vera. And the 6-month concentrated extract of 0.25 mg / mL had a higher content of flavonoids (9.750 mg catechin equivalent / g extract) and polyphenols (23.375 mg gallic acid equivalent / g extract) and the greater ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.047 mM equivalent ferrous sulfate / mg extract), that is, greater potential for free radical scavenging and also a protective effect against oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP), suggesting evidence of a bioactive potential of A. vera . However, in the article Kolacz et al. (2014) suggested as an alternative treatment the use of Aloe Vera dressing in combination with honey, lanolin, olive oil, wheat germ oil, marshmallow root, wormwood, comfrey root, white oak bark, lobelia inflata, glycerin vegetable oil, beeswax and myrrh, without obtaining significant and conclusive results that would allow the conventional treatment of burns to be subsidized. Finally, in the article by Zurita and Gallegos (2017), it carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study with 321 people, both sexes between 17-76 years of age, of an inductive nature, exploring the experience of this population and their behavioral attitudes regarding the treatment of dermatoses. Aloe vera had 13.8% cited by individuals in the treatment of acne and 33.6% in the treatment of burns. Even with evidence that suggests the efficacy in the treatment of burns with the use of Aloe Vera extract, further clinical trials with larger sample space on the use of Aloe vera dressings in medium burns are suggested for further conclusions.

Resumo Alo vera é um remédio centenário usado para pequenas feridas e queimaduras, mas seu mecanismo de cicatrização de feridas não foi conhecido desde então. Este artigo avaliará e reunirá evidências da eficácia e segurança do uso de aloe vera no tratamento de queimaduras. Realizada revisão Sistemática nas bases de dados: MEDLINE, LILACS, DECS, SCIELO, nos últimos 7 anos, com os descritores: "Aloe", "Burns" and "treatment". Foram encontrados 16 trabalhos. Após utilizarmos os critérios de exclusão; pesquisa em nao humanos e revisão da literatura ; foram selecionados 5 artigos. O artigo Teplick et al. (2018) realizou um experimento clinico in vitro em solução de A. Vera, e demonstrou que houve proliferação e migração celular de fibroblastos e queratinócitos de pele humana, além de ser protetor na morte de queratonócitos. Ou seja, acelera a cicatrização das feridas. Já Muangman et al. (2016), avaliou 50 pacientes com 20% do total da área superficial corporal queimada com queimaduras de segundo grau, entre 18-60 anos, tendo metade do grupo como controle recebendo curativos de gaze com parafina mole contendo 0,5% acetado de clorexidina e a outra metade recebendo curativos com poliéster contendo extratos de plantas medicinais principalmente Aloe Vera. Teve resultados positivos, uma maior velocidade de cicatrização e menor tempo de internação comparado ao grupo controle. Já Hwang et al. (2015) investigou os efeitos antioxidante de diferentes extratos de 2,4,6,8,12 meses da Aloe Vera. E o extrato com 6 meses concentrado de 0,25 mg/mL teve maior teor de flavanóides (9,750 mg equivalente catequina / g extrato) e polifenóis (23,375 mg equivalente ácido gálico / g extrato) e o maior poder antioxidante redutor férrico (0,047 mM de sulfato ferroso equivalente / extrato mg), ou seja, maior potencial de eliminação de radicais livres e também efeito proteror contra o estresse oxidativo induzido por hidroperóxido de terc-butila (t-BHP), sugerindo indícios de um potencial bioativo da A. vera. Porém, no artigo Kolacz et al. (2014) sugeriu como tratamento alternativo o uso do curativo com Aloe Vera em conjunto de mel, lanolina, azeite de oliva, óleo de gérmen de trigo, raiz de marshmallow, absinto, raiz de confrei, casca de carvalho branco, lobelia inflata, glicerina vegetal, cera de abelha e mirra, não obtendo resultados significativos e conclusivos que permitam subsidiar o tratamento convencional das queimaduras. Por fim, no artigo de Zurita and Gallegos (2017), realizou um estudo descritivo transversal com 321 pessoas, ambos os sexos entre 17-76 anos, de natureza indutiva, explorando a vivência dessa população e suas atitudes comportamentais quanto ao tratamento de dermatoses. Aloe vera teve 13,8% citada pelos indivíduos no tratamento de acne e 33,6% no tratamento de queimaduras. Mesmo tendo evidências que sugerem a eficácia no tratamento de queimaduras com o uso do extrato da Aloe Vera, sugere-se mais ensaios clínicos com espaço amostral maior sobre o uso de curativos de Aloe vera em médio queimados para maiores conclusões.

Evaluation of antioxidant, photoprotective and antinociceptive activities of Marcetia macrophylla extract: potential for formulation of sunscreens / Avaliação da atividade antioxidante, photoprotetora e antinociceptiva de Marcetia macrophylla: potencial formulação fotoprotetora

The antioxidant, photoprotective and antinociceptive Marcetia macrophylla active extract was investigated as an active ingredient in a sunscreen cream formulation. Thus, the M. macrophylla extract showed IC50 of 3.43 mg/ml of the antioxidant (DPPH∙ scavenging test) and Sun Protection Factor of 20.25 (SPF/UV-B, at 250 µg/ml) and UV-A of 78.09% (photobleaching trans-resveratrol test). The antinociceptive activity was superior to all standards tested using the in vivo acetic acid-induced writhing test (99.14% at the dose of 200 mg/kg) and the high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and mass spectroscopy multi-stage (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) enabled the structural characterization of the quercetin-3-O-hexoside, quercetin-3-O-pentoside and quercetin-3-O-desoxihexoside. The pharmaceutical formulation containing the Marcetia macrophylla crude active extract was prepared and the physicochemical tests (organoleptic characteristics, pH analysis and centrifugation), the in vitro UVB (sun protection factor, SPF) and UVA (β-carotene) using the spectroscopic method were investigated. The formulation showed satisfactory results concerning the physicochemical parameters evaluated and active against the UV test. Thus, M. macrophylla showed biological activities with potential use in pharmaceutical preparations.

O extrato bruto de Marcetia macrophylla mostrou atividade antioxidante, fotoprotetora e antinociceptiva, sendo em seguida investigado como ingrediente ativo em uma formulação fotoprotetora. Assim, o extrato de M. macrophylla apresentou atividade antioxidante com IC50 de 3,43 mg/mL (teste de sequestro do DPPH∙) e Fator de Proteção Solar de 20,25 (FPS/UV-B, 250 µg/mL) e UV-A de 78,09% (teste de fotobranqueamento do trans-resveratrol). A atividade antinociceptiva usando o teste in vivo de contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético foi superior a todos os padrões testados (99,14% na dose de 200 mg/Kg). A análise por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada a detector de fotodiodos e espectroscopia de massas multi-estágio (CLAE-DAD-EM/EM) possibilitou a caracterização dos flavonoides quercetina-3-O-hexosídeo, quercetina-3-O-pentosídeo e quercetina-3-O-desoxihexosídeo. A formulação farmacêutica contendo o extrato ativo bruto de Marcetia macrophylla foi preparada e os testes físico-químicos (características organolépticas, análise de pH e centrifugação), o UVB in vitro (fator de proteção solar, FPS) e UVA (β-caroteno) foram investigados. A formulação apresentou resultados satisfatórios frente aos parâmetros físico-químicos avaliados e ativos contra UV. Assim, M. macrophylla apresentou atividades biológicas com potencial uso em preparações fitofarmacêuticas.

Effects of artichoke leaf extract on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of action of artichoke leaf extract in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups such as sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract groups. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum obtained from the subjects. Histopathological findings were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Statistically, the antioxidant activity was highest in the artichoke leaf extract group, the difference in biochemical parameters and C-reactive protein was significant compared with the control group, and the histopathological positive effects were found to be significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect and that this effect was related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke.

Effect of Prosopis ruscifolia on incretin and insulin secretion in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats / Efecto de Prosopis ruscifolia sobre la secreción de incretina e insulina de ratas hiperglicémicas por aloxano

Background: Diabetes mellitus treatment is based on oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. Medicinal plants constitute an option, and the leaves of Prosopis ruscifolia (Pr) were shown to be effective in reducing glycemia in hyperglycemic animals. Objective: In this paper, we report the effect of P. rusciofolia (Pr) on insulin and incretin secretion in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. Methodology: The effective dose was selected, and four groups (n=10) of Wistar rats were used. Two groups with normal glycemia received water or Pr (75 mg/Kg, per os, p.o.), and two groups with hyperglycemia induced by alloxan (intraperitoneal, ip), received water or Pr (75 mg/Kg, p.o.) for 2 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test, and incretin and insulin levels were measured at the end of the experimental period. Results: The results showed that extract promotes better tolerance to oral glucose overload, in addition to a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in blood levels of incretin and insulin, compared to the hyperglycemic rats. Conclusion: It is concluded that the ethanolic extract of P. ruscifolialeaves has a hypoglycemic effect in hyperglycemic animals by a mechanism that involves the incretin-insulin system

Antecedentes: la diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad metabólica cuyo tratamiento se basa en el uso de agentes hipoglicemiantes orales o insulina. Una opción al tratamiento son las plantas medicinales y en ese sentido, estudios previos en animales con hojas de Prosopis ruscifolia (Pr) han demostrado efecto hipoglicemiante. Objetivo: en este trabajo se reporta el efecto de P. rusciofolia (Pr) en la secreción de insulina e incretina, en ratas hiperglicémicas por aloxano. Metodología: se emplearon cuatro grupos de ratas Wistar (n=10). Dos grupos con glicemia normal que fueron tratadas con agua Pr (75 mg/Kg, per os, p.o.) y dos grupos con hiperglicemia inducida por la inyección intraperitoneal de aloxano recibieron agua Pr (75 mg/Kg, per os, p.o.) durante dos semanas. Se midieron la tolerancia oral a la glucosa, y los niveles de incretina e insulina al final del periodo de experimentación. Resultados: se encontró que el extracto promueve una mayor tolerancia a la sobrecarga de glucosa, y además un incremento significativo (p<0.001) de los niveles de incretina e insulina en sangre, comparados al grupo de ratas hiperglicémicas. Conclusión: se concluye que e l estracto etanólico de las hojas de P. ruscifolia tienen efecto hipoglicemiante en animales hiperglicémicos por un mecanismo que incluye al sistema incretina-insulina

Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its constituent (curcumin) on the metabolic syndrome: An updated review / 中西医结合学报

Metabolic syndrome (MS) involves people with the following risk factors: obesity, hypertension, high glucose level and hyperlipidemia. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of MS in the world's adult population is about 20%-25%. Today, there is much care to use medicinal plants. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as well as curcumin which is derived from the rhizome of the plant, has been shown beneficial effects on different components of MS. Thus, the purpose of this manuscript was to introduce different in vitro, in vivo and human studies regarding the effect of turmeric and its constituent on MS. Moreover, different mechanisms of action by which this plant overcomes MS have been introduced. Based on studies, turmeric and its bioactive component, curcumin, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have antidiabetic effects through increasing insulin release, antihyperlipidemic effects by increasing fatty acid uptake, anti-obesity effects by decreasing lipogenesis, and antihypertensive effects by increasing nitric oxide. According to several in vivo, in vitro and human studies, it can be concluded that turmeric or curcumin has important values as a complementary therapy in MS. However, more clinical trials should be done to confirm these effects.

A Network Pharmacology-Based Study on Antidepressant Effect of Salicornia europaea L. Extract with Experimental Support in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the pharmacodynamic material basis, mechanism of actions and targeted diseases of Salicornia europaea L. (SE) based on the network pharmacology method, and to verify the antidepressant-like effect of the SE extract by pharmacological experiments.@*METHODS@#Retrieval tools including Chinese medicine (CM), PubMed, PharmMapper, MAS 3.0 and Cytoscape were used to search the components of SE, predict its targets and related therapeutic diseases, and construct the "Component-Target-Pathway" network of SE for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Further, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) function annotation of depression-related targets were analyzed to predict the antidepressant mechanism of SE. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was used to construct a mouse model with depression-like symptoms. And the animals were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10) including the normal group (nonstressed mice administered with distilled water), the CUMS group (CUMS mice administered with distilled water), the venlafaxine group (CUMS mice administered with venlafaxine 9.38 mg/kg), SE high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (CUMS mice administered with SE 1.8, 1.35 and 0.9 g/kg, respectively). Then some relevant indicators were determined for experimental verification by the forced swim test (FST), the tail suspension test (TST) and open-field test (OFT). Dopamine (DA) concentration in hippocampus and cerebral cortex, IL-2 and corticosterone (CORT) levels in blood, and nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), kelch-like epichlorohydrin related protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P) H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in mice were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot respectively to explore the possible mechanisms.@*RESULTS@#The "target-disease" network diagram predicted by network pharmacology, showed that the potential target of SE involves a variety of CNS diseases, among which depression accounts for the majority. The experimental results showed that SE (1.8, 1.35 g/kg) significantly decreased the immobility period, compared with the CUMS group in FST and TST in mice after 3-week treatment, while SE exhibited no significant effect on exploratory behavior in OFT in mice. Compared with CUMS group, the SE group (0.9 g/kg) showed significant differences (P<0.05) in DA levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. In addition, compared with CUMS control group, SE (1.8 g/kg) group showed a significant effect on decreasing the activities of CORT (P<0.05), and serum IL-2 level with no statistical significance. Finally, Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1 and HO-1 protein expressions in SE group (1.8 g/kg) were up-regulated (all P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The SE extract may have an antidepressant effect, which appeared to regulate Nrf2-ARE pathway and increased levels of DA and CORT in the hippocampus and cortex.

Pouteria ramiflora leaf extract on emulgel in wound healing activity in diabetic rats / Ação do extrato de folhas de Pouteria ramiflora em emulgel na atividade de cicatrização de feridas em ratos diabéticos

The genus Pouteria has been studied because it presents various activities, among which is its anti-inflammatory potential. The effects of Pouteria ramiflora Carbopol gel on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic rats were evaluated by microscopic imaging. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally in animals that had fasted for 12 hours, a situation confirmed by the glycemic index (> 240 mg dL-1). An excision on the back of the animals was performed and three groups were formed: Control (Gel), Ethanolic extract (Ext) and Gel + extract 2% (Ext+gel); the histopathological evaluation occurred on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th days after the post-operative period. The results of the phytochemical prospecting of P. ramiflora extract demonstrated the major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate on the 7th day was higher on group Ext and Ext+gel when compared to group Control; on the 14th day control and Ext (p<0.05). The quantification of fibroblasts was higher on the 7th day among the three treatments, control and Ext (p<0.05), on the 21st day. Angiogenesis showed a higher number of vessels in Ext+gel group (p<0.05) on the 7th day; in Control, Ext and Ext+gel (p<0.05) on the 14th day; and Control and Ext (p<0.05)on the 21st day. The histopathological results showed that the formulation Ext+gel was efficient in tissue reparation and decrease in inflammatory cells on the diabetic's animals.

O gênero Pouteria apresenta várias aplicações terapêuticas e, dentre elas, grande potencial antiflamatório. Os efeitos do gel de Pouteria ramiflora sobre a cicatrização de feridas na pele de ratos diabéticos foram avaliados pela histomorfometria. A estreptozotocina foi administrada por via intraperitoneal em animais após jejum de 12 horas, a confirmação de indução da diabetes foi confirmada pelo índice glicêmico (> 240 mg dL-1). Foi realizada uma incisão no dorso do animal e foram criados 3 grupos de tratamento: controle (gel carbopol), extrato etanólico (Ext) e Gel + extrato etanólico à 2% (Ext+gel); a avaliação histopatológica foi realizada no 7º, 14º, 21º e 30º dias após o período pós operatório. Os resultados da prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos de P. ramiflora demonstraram majoritariamente a presença de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides; o infiltrado inflamatório avaliado no 7º dia foi maior para animais do grupo controle em relação aos grupos Ext (p<0.05) e Ext+gel 2% (p<0.05); no 14º dia o controle e Exp (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento significativo dos infiltrados inflamatórios. A presença de fibroblastos foi elevada no 7º dia em todos os tratamentos. O processo da angiogênese mostrou um maior número de vasos sanguíneos entre os grupos Ext e Ext+gel (p<0.05) no 7º dia; no 14º dia o grupo controle, Ext (p<0.05), Control e Ext+gel (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento de vascularização, e no 21º dia apenas os grupos controle e Ext (p<0.05). Os resultados histopatológicos mostraram que a formulação gel carbopol + extrato etanólico a 2% foi eficiente na reparação de tecidos e na diminuição de células inflamatórias nos animais diabéticos.

Butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction alleviates vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice by downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome and related signal pathways / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the effect of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice and to clarify the mechanism from Toll-like receptors(TLRs)/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome. To be specific, female KM mice were randomized into control group(i.g., normal saline), model group, fluco-nazole group(i.g., 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose BAEB groups(i.g., 20, 40, and 80 mg·kg~(-1), respectively). VVC was induced in mice except the control group. After the modeling, administration began and lasted 7 days. The ge-neral conditions and body weight of mice were recorded every day. On the 1 st, 3 rd, 7 th, and 14 th after vaginal infection by Candida albicans, the fungal load in the vaginal lavage fluid of the mice was measured with the plate method, and the morphology of C. albicans in vaginal lavage fluid was observed based on Gram staining. After the mice were killed, vaginal tissues were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining for vaginal histopathological analysis. The content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, such as interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), IL-6, and S100 a8, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in vaginal tissues by tissue ROS detection kit. The protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) in vaginal tissues was detected by Western blot, and the levels and distribution of NLRP3, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, and TLR4 in vaginal tissues were determined with the immunohistochemical method. The results show that BAEB can improve the general conditions of VVC mice, reduce the fungal load and C. albicans hyphae in vaginal secretion, decrease ROS content in vaginal tissues and content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, and down-regulate the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and NF-κB in vaginal tissues. The above results indicate that BAEB exerts therapeutic effect on VVC mice by down-regulating the key proteins in the TLRs/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome.

The extract of Celtis choseniana Nakai alleviates testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia through inhibiting 5α reductase type 2 and the Akt/NF-κB/AR pathway / 中国天然药物

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a chronic male disease characterized by the enlarged prostate. Celtis chosenianaNakai (C. choseniana) is medicinally used to alleviate pain, gastric disease, and lung abscess. In this study, the effect of C. choseniana extract on BPH was investigated using testosterone-induced rats. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control, BPH (testosterone 5 mg·kg-1), Fina (finasteride 2 mg·kg-1), and C. choseniana (50 and 100 mg·kg-1). After four weeks of TP treatment with finasteride or C. choseniana, prostate weights and DHT levels were measured. In addition, the prostates were histopathologically examined and measured for protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/AR signaling, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. Prostate weight and epithelial thickness were reduced in the C. choseniana groups compared with that in the BPH group. The extract of C. choseniana acted as a 5α reductase inhibitor, reducing DHT levels in the prostate. Furthermore, the extract of C. choseniana blocked the activation of p-Akt, nuclear NF-κB activation and reduced the expression of AR and PSA compared with BPH. Moreover, the expression of Bax, PARP-1, and p53 increased, while the expression of bcl-2 decreased. The present study demonstrated that C. choseniana extract alleviated testosterone-induced BPH by suppressing 5α reductase and Akt/NF-κB activation, reducing AR signaling and inducing apoptosis and autophagy in the prostate. These results suggested that C. choseniana probably contain potential herbal agents to alleviate BPH.

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth and eye diseases: A review on phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology / 中西医结合学报

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth is a medicinal plant used to manage inflammatory illnesses such as conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders in tropical and subtropical regions. However, little is known about its pharmacological mechanism of action against eye diseases. This review aims to critically discuss the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of P. pellucida as well as its roles in the treatment of cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Recent developments in the uses of P. pellucida for healthcare and nutraceutical products by the pharmaceutical industry are also covered in this review. For this review, a literature search was performed with PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder Scholar and Scopus databases, using relevant keywords. Among the various phytochemicals identified from P. pellucida, β-caryophyllene, carotol, dillapiole, ellagic acid, pellucidin A, phytol and vitexin exhibit strong pharmacological activities within the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB signalling pathways in inflammatory eye diseases. The antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and anti-angiogenic activities displayed by P. pellucida extracts in many in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies suggest its potential role in the management of inflammatory eye diseases. P. pellucida extract was non-toxic against normal cell lines but displayed mild toxicity in animal models. The growing public interest in P. pellucida has inspired the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries to process the plant into health products. Although the potential pharmacological mechanisms against eye diseases have been summarized, further studies of the interactions among constituent phytochemicals from P. pellucida within various signalling pathways shall support the use of the plant as an alternative therapeutic source.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ampelopsis Japonica Root on Contact Dermatitis in Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of Ampelopsis japonica on contact dermatitis (CD).@*METHODS@#A total of 38 Balb/c mice were divided into 5 groups by using a random number table: normal mice (n=6), CD model mice (n=8), CD mice treated with 3 or 30 mg/kg of the ethanol extract of A. japonica (EEAJ, n=8) and 7.5 mg/kg dexamethasone treated CD mice (DEX, n=8). CD was induced using topical application of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene in mice. EEAJ and DEX were topically applied to the shaved skin of each mouse for 6 days, and the effects of EEAJ and DEX on skin lesions and color, histopathological abnormalities such as epidermal hyperplasia and immune cell infiltration, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production were investigated. The effects on changes in body weights and spleen/body weight ratio were also investigated.@*RESULTS@#EEAJ at 30 mg/kg significantly prevented scaling, erythema and enlargement of skin weight compared to using carbon dioxide. EEAJ also prevented epithelial hyperplasia and immune cell infiltrations induced by repeated application of DNFB (P<0.01). In addition, EEAJ significantly lowered levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The anti-inflammatory effects of EEAJ were similar to those of DEX.@*CONCLUSION@#A. japonica may be a new therapeutic agent with the potential to reduce or replace corticosteroids and its mechanisms are closely related to regulation of TNF-α production.

A Randomized Clinical Trial on Therapeutic Effects of Myrtus communis L. Cream on Chronic Skin Lesions and Quality of Life of Sulfur Mustard-exposed Veterans

Abstract: Sulfur mustard is one of the chemical warfare agent. It rapidly reacts with the cutaneous tissues and other tissues, leading to various devastating long-term effects on human health. Mustard-exposed veterans suffer from its chronic skin problems, including itching, burning sensation, and eczema. We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Myrtus communis L. (myrtle) on chronic skin lesions and quality of life of sulfur mustard-exposed veterans. In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 60 sulfur mustard-exposed patients were evaluated. Thirty patients received myrtle essence 5% cream (case group) and 30 patients received Eucerin cream (placebo group) twice in a day for one month. Then, We assessed the chronic skin problems and itching-related parameters (such as the itching time, severity, distribution, frequency, and calculated itching score), duration of sleep, number of waking up at night, and quality of life in the both groups. Our analysis of data revealed that application of myrtle cream effectively decreased skin problems including; itching and burning sensation. Additionally, myrtle markedly decreased skin lesion symptoms such as excoriation in the case group as compared with before treatment. Noticeably, myrtle cream significantly improved quality of life of the patients in the case group. The present study provides more in-depth information regarding the protective role of myrtle on the sulfur mustard-induces skin complication. Also, myrtle effectively improved quality of life of the sulfur mustard-exposed veterans.

Bixinoids Derived from Bixa orellana as a Potential Zika Virus Inhibitor Using Molecular Simulations. Antiviral Effect on the Zika Virus of Bixinoids

Abstract Zika fever is a viral infection of great relevance in public health, especially in tropic regions, in which there is a predominance of mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, vectors of the disease. Microcephaly in neonatal children and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults can be caused by the action of the Zika virus (ZIKV). Non-structural proteins, such as NS2B, NS3 and NS5, are important pharmacological targets, due to their action in the life cycle. The absence of anti-Zika drugs raises new research, including prospecting for natural products. This work investigated the in silico antiviral activity of bixin and six other derived molecules against the Zika viral proteins NS2B-NS3 and NS5. The optimized structure was subjected to molecular docking to characterize the interaction between bixinoids and ZIKV non-structural proteins, where significant interactions were observed with amino acid residues in the catalytic site in each enzyme. These results suggest that bixin and ethyl bixin has the potential to interfere with the enzymatic activity of NS2B, NS3 and NS5, thus being an indication of being a promising anti-Zika agent.

Evaluation of the alcoholic extract of Dipteryx alata Vogel almonds and bark in skin wound healing in C57BL6 mice / [Avaliação do extrato alcoólico da casca e da semente da Dipteryx alata Vogel na cicatrização da pele de camundongos C57BL/6]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the topical application of alcoholic extracts of Dipteryx alata Vogel almonds and bark in skin wound healing in mice. Fifty-four C57BL/6 mice were equally distributed into three groups: Control, Almond, and Bark. A 9 mm skin fragment was resected from the dorsal region of the animals' thorax. The wounds were submitted to topical application of base cream (vehicle), 10% hydroalcoholic almond extract, or bark extract twice a day. Macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted on the 7th, 14th, and 21st postoperative days. No significant difference was observed regarding skin wound area among groups, with the parameter presenting only a temporal effect on healing (p>0.05). The almond and control groups exhibited more intense collagenization than the bark group (p<0.05). Dipteryx alata Vogel showed to be inert in the wound healing process in mice.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicação tópica do extrato alcoólico da semente e da casca da Dipteryx alata Vogel na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas, em camundongos. Um total de 54 camundongos C57BL/6 foram utilizados neste estudo, distribuídos em três grupos de 18 animais (controle, semente e casca). Em todos os animais, um fragmento de pele foi ressecado da região dorsal do tórax utilizando-se instrumento de punção de 9mm de diâmetro, após o qual foi realizada aplicação tópica de creme base (veículo), extrato hidroalcoólico 10% de semente ou casca, duas vezes ao dia. As avaliações macroscópica, histológica e imuno-histoquímica foram realizadas no sétimo, 14º e 21º dias de pós-operatório. Não foi observada diferença significativa quanto à área da ferida cutânea entre os grupos, apenas um efeito temporal na cicatrização (P>0,05), indicando estágio possivelmente mais avançado desse processo. Porém, na avaliação histológica, os grupos semente e controle apresentaram colagenização mais intensa que o grupo casca (P<0,05). Dipteryx alata Vogel mostrou-se inerte no processo de cicatrização de feridas em camundongos.(AU)

Structural elucidation, mechanism of action, antibacterial proficiency and synergistic forte of purified Euphorbia hirta whole plant extract against multi-drug resistant otitis media infection / Elucidación estructural, mecanismo de acción, competencia antibacteriana y fuerza sinérgica del extracto de planta entera de Euphorbia hirta purificado contra la infección por otitis media resistente a múltiples fármacos

This study investigated the antibacterial potential of Euphorbia hirtawhole plant extracts, honey and conventional antibiotics and their synergistic effects against selected multidrug resistant and typed bacterial strains associated with otitis media. E. hirtawhole plant extract was purified using column chromatography technique. The antibacterial assays of extracts were done using standard microbiological procedures. Protein, sodium and potassium ion leakage of the synergistic mixtures was determined using flame-photometry. At 100 mg/ml, acetone extracts presented highest inhibition against S. aureus (NCTC 6571) with 32 ± 0.83 mm zone of inhibition. The fractional inhibitory concentration indices displayed higher synergism in combination of plant extract, honey and ciprofloxacin against P. mirabilisat 0.02 compared to drug combination synergy standard (≤ 0.5). This work revealed augmentation of ciprofloxacin potency when combined with purified E. hirta acetone extract and honey and implies their high potential in the treatment of multidrug resistant infectionof otitis media.

Este estudio investigó el potencial antibacteriano de extractos de plantas enteras de Euphorbia hirta, miel y antibióticos convencionales y sus efectos sinérgicos contra cepas bacterianas seleccionadas multirresistentes y tipificadas asociadas con la otitis media. El extracto de la planta entera de E. hirtase purificó usando la técnica de cromatografía en columna. Los ensayos antibacterianos de extractos se realizaron utilizando procedimientos microbiológicos estándar. La fuga de iones de proteínas, sodio y potasio de las mezclas sinérgicas se determinó mediante fotometría de llama. A 100 mg/ml, los extractos de acetona presentaron la mayor inhibición contra S. aureus (NCTC 6571) con una zona de inhibición de 32 ± 0,83 mm. Los índices de concentración inhibitoria fraccional mostraron un mayor sinergismo en combinación de extracto de planta, miel y ciprofloxacina contra P. mirabilisa 0,02 en comparación con el estándar de sinergia de combinación de fármacos (≤ 0,5). Este trabajo reveló un aumento de la potencia de la ciprofloxacina cuando se combina con extracto de acetona purificado de E. hirtay miel e implica sualto potencial en el tratamiento de infecciones de otitis media resistentes a múltiples fármacos.