Phenomenological Characterization of Low-Potency Homeopathic Preparations by Means of Pattern Formation in Evaporating Droplets.

BACKGROUND: Evaporation-induced pattern formation in droplets has been applied to test effects of high potencies. Here we propose for the first time the droplet evaporation method (DEM) as a tool to characterize low potencies on a qualitative and quantitative basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present investigation consisted of: (1) screening of 18 different substances of mineral, vegetal, and animal origin in the 1x to 6x potency range; choice of four substances with characteristic pattern-forming properties; (2) replication experiments aiming at the differentiation of four homeopathic preparations at the same potency levels (2x-6x); and (3) control experiments performed on three preparations. The DEM experimental protocol consisted of the evaporation of droplets of the analyzed potency per se, placed on microscope slides and in controlled conditions. The resulting patterns were photographed and subjected to computerized image analysis. RESULTS: The screening experiments yielded a wide variety of patterns. Homeopathic preparations of mineral origin showed the largest variety of forms, whereas potencies of vegetal origin mostly created dendritic patterns, probably due to diffusion-limited aggregation. The here-analyzed image analysis variables (gray-level distribution, entropy, and inverse difference moment) allowed a highly significant differentiation of patterns prepared from four substances (Echinacea, Baptisia, Luffa, and Spongia) at the same potency levels in the range 2x to 4x, whereas patterns obtained from potencies 5x and 6x could no longer be differentiated and resembled the pattern of pure solute (purified water). The control experiments showed reasonable experimental model stability. CONCLUSIONS: DEM seems to be a promising tool for qualitative phenomenological characterization of homeopathic preparations in low potency. We propose the application of the current experimental model for investigating further research topics in this field, such as the comparison of potencies versus simple dilutions or the contribution of component remedies to the patterns formed by homeopathic combination medicines.

Diverse biological effects of electromagnetic-treated water.

The effects of water treated with an electromagnetic field (EMF) were investigated on two biological systems, humans and plants. Purified de-ionised water was treated by (1) boiling, (2) exposure to microwave radiation, and (3) low frequency electromagnetic oscillation molecular resonance effect technology (MRET), before being used to prepare media for culturing human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from three healthy females. Our results indicated that PBMC culture in MRET-activated medium showed significantly less oxidative metabolism when compared to media prepared from other types of water. As for the effects on soybean, our results indicated that both MRET- and microwave-treated water greatly enhanced the length of the root. These results suggested that electromagnetic-treated water can have diverse biological effects on both animal and plant cells. Since these effects are related to the 'Memory of Water', hypothesis which has been suggested as an explanation of the action of high homeopathic dilutions, our finding warrant a further investigation on the mechanisms of various types of physically conditioned water on specific cellular activities.

Impact of succussion on pharmaceutical preparations analyzed by means of patterns from evaporated droplets.

The aim of the present study was to investigate if patterns obtained from evaporating droplets of pharmaceutical preparations reveal the impact of succussion on such medicinal products. For this purpose, five pharmaceutical preparations (Echinacea 10-2, Baptisia 10-3, Baptisia 10-4, Luffa 10-4, and Spongia 10-6) were prepared according to the European Pharmacopoeia guidelines for the production of homeopathic remedies, in three variants each: with varying numbers of succussion strokes (i) 100, (ii) 10 (succussed samples), and (iii) zero (gently mixed, unsuccussed sample). System stability was studied by means of systematic positive control experiments. Patterns were evaluated by means of computerized image analysis regarding grey level distribution, texture, and fractality. For all investigated pharmaceutical preparations, significant differences were found between the succussed and gently mixed samples; whereas, all three samples (prepared with 100, 10 and zero succussion strokes) could be significantly differentiated for Luffa 10-4 and Spongia 10-6 for one image evaluation parameter each. Control experiments showed a reasonable stability of the experimental set-up.

Phytochemistry and antibacterial activity of aqueous andhydroalcoholic extracts of three medicinal plants against foodpathogens / Fitoquímica e atividade antibacteriana de extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos de trêsplantas medicinais contra patógenos de alimentos

This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical compositions of three medicinal Brazilian plants’ leaves and bast extracts, and to determine their antibacterial activity on three foodborne and waterborne bacterial pathogens. Parkia platycephala, Pouteria ramiflora and Lophanthera lactescens leaves and basts were collected and aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared. Qualitative screening of the phytochemical extracts was performed with three replicates and in triplicate in order to identify the bioactive compounds. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration and Minimal Bactericide Concentration were determined by microdilution in broth and Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus growth was observed on agar plates. Phytochemical composition analysis allowed for the identification of anthraquinones, catechins, saponins, tannins, sesquiterpenlactones and other lactones in the three plants’ leaves and bast aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts. Eighty-three percent of the plant extracts showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, and P. platycephala extracts were the only ones that inhibited E. coli and S. typhimurium growth. The present study contributes significantly to the phytochemical composition characterization of three plant species commonly used in Brazilian traditional medicine. The plant extracts’ in vitro antibacterial activity was demonstrated and catechins present in the extracts are, most likely, the bioactive compounds responsible for this action.

Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a composição fitoquímica dos extratos de folhas e das entrecascas de três plantas medicinais brasileiras e determinar a sua atividade antimicrobiana contra três patógenos bacterianos de alimentos. Foram elaborados extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos, por meio de folhas e de entrecascas de Parkiaplatycephala, Pouteriaramiflora e Lophantheralactescens. O estudo qualitativo dos extratos foi realizado com três réplicas, em triplicata, para permitir a identificação dos compostos bioativos. A Concentração Inibitória Mínima e a Concentração Bactericida Mínima foram determinadas por microdiluição contra Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium e Staphylococcus aureus. A análise da composição fitoquímica permitiu identificar antraquinonas, catequinas, saponinas, taninas, sesquiterpenlactonas e outras lactonas nos extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos das folhas e das entrecascas das três plantas. Oitenta e três porcento dos extratos das plantas apresentaram atividade antibacteriana contra S. aureus. Os extratos de P. platycephala foram os únicos que inibiram o crescimento de E. coli e S. typhimurium. Este estudo contribui significativamente para a caracterização da composição fitoquímica de três espécies de plantas, frequentemente, utilizadas na medicina tradicional brasileira. A atividade antibacteriana, in vitro, dos extratos das plantas foi demonstrada, e as catequinas são, provavelmente, o composto bioativo responsável por essa atividade.

Cantharis 200c counters heat stress in germinating seeds of Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp

Background Thermal stress during early imbibitional phase of germination causes disruption of redox-homeostasis by increasing accumulation of ROS Reactive Oxygen species (assessed in terms of hydrogen peroxide) and significant reduction of antioxidative defense (assessed in terms of catalase and peroxidase) in germinating tissues of cowpea (Vigna ungiculata). It also induces oxidative damage to newly assembled membrane system by aggravating membrane lipid peroxidation [measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)]. Cantharis is a homeopathic remedy used for treating burn injuries in humans. The objective is to see whether potentized Cantharis could ameliorate heat stress in germinating seeds of cowpea. Methodology Seeds, imbibed in water overnight, were divided into four groups (n=50/group): Control I (Water 200c), Control II (Ethanol 200c), treated with Cantharis 200c and untreated and unstressed. Water soaked seeds were dipped in control/drug solution for 5 min and then washed. Control II and Cantharis 200c were diluted with water 1:1000 to minimize the ethanol effect. Except the fourth group, all other groups were subjected to heat stress (450C for 8 hours). All the groups were allowed to germinate for 5 days in germination chamber at 25 ± 20C. Groups 1 and 2 (Control I and II) served as systematic negative controls throughout the experiment. Ten independent replications were performed for each group in parallel. All experiments were randomized and blinded. Results The systematic negative controls (I, II) did not produce any significant effect. The results in terms of germination, growth, soluble sugar, protein, accumulation of reactive oxygen species and loss of membrane permeability clearly exhibit that Cantharis 200c could mitigate heat stress significantly (p<0.05) as compared to the controls I, II. Final germination percentage after 120 hrs was found to be 60%, 48%, 86%, 88%, for groups 1, 2, 3, 4, respectively. Total chlorophyll (Chl-a + Chl-b), carotenoids and total chl/carotenoid ratio were found to be highest in groups 3 and 4. Assessment of membrane lipid peroxidation in terms of TBARS and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (H2O2) showed minimum concentration in group 3 and 4. Conclusion Cantharis 200c can counteract the deleterious effects of heat stress on juvenile tissues and membranes and can be used effectively to counter heat stress in tropical countries especially during summer. (AU)

Sepia 200cH at 1: 1000 dilution ameliorates salt stress in cowpea seedlings but its medium 90% ethanol proves ineffective at the same dilution

Soil salinity severely affects crop yield all over the world. In a recent study we observed that Natrum mur 200cH, a homeopathic remedy, improved growth in germinating cowpea seeds. In the present study we have tested another remedy Sepia, which is complementary to Natrum mur, on cowpea seedlings under salt stress. Cowpea seedlings grown over moist filter paper in petridishes were divided into 4 groups: (1) control in sterile water, (2) in 50mM NaCl solution, (3) seeds pretreated with 90% ethanol diluted with water 1:100 and then transferred to 50mM NaCl solution, (4) seeds pretreated with Sepia 200cH diluted with water 1:100 and transferred to 50mM NaCl solution. In another experiment the groups were same, but the dilution of 90% ethanol and Sepia 200cH was 1:1000 instead of 1:100. The purpose was to further reduce the ethanol content in both the drug and its vehicle 90% ethanol, so that the alcohol effect is minimized or abolished. The data were analysed by ANOVA followed by t-test. Sepia 200cH at both 1:100 and 1:1000 dilutions significantly increased growth, sugar, chlorophyll, protein and water content in seedlings as compared to the untreated salt-stressed group. The effect with the1000th dilution of Sepia 200cH was more pronounced than with its 100th dilution. The vehicle 90% ethanol at 1:100 dilution produced some positive effect on the seedlings, but the 1000th dilution of the vehicle produced no such effect. It is, therefore, concluded that Sepia 200cH could ameliorate salt stress in cowpea seedlings and that the 1000th dilution is more effective than its 100th dilution. The alcohol effect is totally eliminated with the 1000th dilution of 90% ethanol. Thus the 1000th dilution could retain the drug effect and eliminate the vehicle effect. (AU)

Introdução: A salinidade do solo afeta seriamente a produtividade das culturas no mundo todo. Num estudo recente, observamos que o medicamento homeopático Natrum muriaticum 200 Ch melhorou o crescimento de sementes de feijão-fradinho Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] em germinação. Objetivo: Nesse trabalho, testamos o medicamento homeopático Sepia succus, complementar de Nat-m, em plântulas de feijão-fradinho submetidas a estresse salino. Métodos: Plântulas de feijão-fradinho desenvolvidas sobre papel de filtro umedecido em placas de Petri foram divididas em 4 grupos: (1) controle em água estéril, (2) em solução de NaCl 50 mM, (3) sementes pré-tratadas com etanol a 90% diluído 1:100 em água e após transferido a solução de NaCl 50mM, e (4) sementes pré-tratadas com Sep 200 cH diluídas 1:100 em água e após transferidas a solução de NaCl 50 mM. Num segundo experimento, os grupos foram os mesmos, mas a diluição do etanol a 90% e de Sep 200 cH foi 1:1.000 ao invés de 1:00 para reduzir ainda mais o teor de etanol em ambos, medicamento e veículo a fim de minimizar ou abolir o efeito do álcool. Os dados foram analisados através de ANOVA seguida de teste t de Student. Resultados: As duas diluições de Sep 200 cH, 1:100 e 1:1.000, aumentaram significativamente o crescimento, teor de açúcar, clorofila, proteína e água das plântulas por comparação ao grupo submetido a estresse salino não tratado. O efeito da 1.000ª diluição de Sep 200 cH foi mais pronunciado que o da 100ª diluição. O veículo etanol a 90% em diluição 1:100 induziu alguns efeitos positivos nas plântulas, mas a diluição 1:1.000 não apresentou esses efeitos. Conclusões: Sep 200 cH reverteu o efeito de estresse salino nas plântulas de feijão-fradinho, sendo que a 1.000ª diluição foi mais efetiva que a 100ª. O efeito do álcool foi totalmente eliminado com a 1.000ª diluição do etanol a 90%. Portanto, a 1.000ª conservou o efeito do medicamento e eliminou o efeito do veículo. (AU)

Sepia 200cH at 1: 1000 dilution ameliorates salt stress in cowpea seedlings but its medium 90 por cento ethanol proves ineffective at the same dilution

Soil salinity severely affects crop yield all over the world. In a recent study we observed that Natrum mur 200cH, a homeopathic remedy, improved growth in germinating cowpea seeds. In the present study we have tested another remedy Sepia, which is complementary to Natrum mur, on cowpea seedlings under salt stress. Cowpea seedlings grown over moist filter paper in petridishes were divided into 4 groups: (1) control in sterile water, (2) in 50mM NaCl solution, (3) seeds pretreated with 90% ethanol diluted with water 1:100 and then transferred to 50mM NaCl solution, (4) seeds pretreated with Sepia 200cH diluted with water 1:100 and transferred to 50mM NaCl solution. In another experiment the groups were same, but the dilution of 90% ethanol and Sepia 200cH was 1:1000 instead of 1:100. The purpose was to further reduce the ethanol content in both the drug and its vehicle 90% ethanol, so that the alcohol effect is minimized or abolished. The data were analysed by ANOVA followed by t-test. Sepia 200cH at both 1:100 and 1:1000 dilutions significantly increased growth, sugar, chlorophyll, protein and water content in seedlings as compared to the untreated salt-stressed group. The effect with the1000th dilution of Sepia 200cH was more pronounced than with its 100th dilution. The vehicle 90% ethanol at 1:100 dilution produced some positive effect on the seedlings, but the 1000th dilution of the vehicle produced no such effect. It is, therefore, concluded that Sepia 200cH could ameliorate salt stress in cowpea seedlings and that the 1000th dilution is more effective than its 100th dilution. The alcohol effect is totally eliminated with the 1000th dilution of 90% ethanol. Thus the 1000th dilution could retain the drug effect and eliminate the vehicle effect.

Introdução: A salinidade do solo afeta seriamente a produtividade das culturas no mundo todo. Num estudo recente, observamos que o medicamento homeopático Natrum muriaticum 200 Ch melhorou o crescimento de sementes de feijão-fradinho Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] em germinação. Objetivo: Nesse trabalho, testamos o medicamento homeopático Sepia succus, complementar de Nat-m, em plântulas de feijão-fradinho submetidas a estresse salino. Métodos: Plântulas de feijão-fradinho desenvolvidas sobre papel de filtro umedecido em placas de Petri foram divididas em 4 grupos: (1) controle em água estéril, (2) em solução de NaCl 50 mM, (3) sementes pré-tratadas com etanol a 90% diluído 1:100 em água e após transferido a solução de NaCl 50mM, e (4) sementes pré-tratadas com Sep 200 cH diluídas 1:100 em água e após transferidas a solução de NaCl 50 mM. Num segundo experimento, os grupos foram os mesmos, mas a diluição do etanol a 90% e de Sep 200 cH foi 1:1.000 ao invés de 1:00 para reduzir ainda mais o teor de etanol em ambos, medicamento e veículo a fim de minimizar ou abolir o efeito do álcool. Os dados foram analisados através de ANOVA seguida de teste t de Student. Resultados: As duas diluições de Sep 200 cH, 1:100 e 1:1.000, aumentaram significativamente o crescimento, teor de açúcar, clorofila, proteína e água das plântulas por comparação ao grupo submetido a estresse salino não tratado. O efeito da 1.000ª diluição de Sep 200 cH foi mais pronunciado que o da 100ª diluição. O veículo etanol a 90% em diluição 1:100 induziu alguns efeitos positivos nas plântulas, mas a diluição 1:1.000 não apresentou esses efeitos. Conclusões: Sep 200 cH reverteu o efeito de estresse salino nas plântulas de feijão-fradinho, sendo que a 1.000ª diluição foi mais efetiva que a 100ª. O efeito do álcool foi totalmente eliminado com a 1.000ª diluição do etanol a 90%. Portanto, a 1.000ª conservou o efeito do medicamento e eliminou o efeito do veículo.

Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana in vitro do extrato hidroalcóolico de Stryphnodendron adstringens(Mart) Coville sobre isolados ambulatoriais de Staphylococcus aureus / Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity in vitro of the hydroalcoholic extract Stryphnodendron adstringens against of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus é um agente etiológico importante associado a infecções adquiridas, onde se destaca por frequencia elevada e sua patogenicidade, e que foi capaz de desenvolver rapidamente resistência aos antibióticos , constituindo uma séria ameaça à saúde´pública. As plantas tem sido uma fonte valiosa de produtos para manutenção da saúde humana e consideradas uma das melhores fontes para se obter uma variedade de drogas, entre elas, encontra-se o Stryphnodendron adstringens (basrbatimão) que apresenta uma entre outras ações, atividade antimicrobiana. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pelo método de difusão em meio sólido, processo cavidade-placa e a concentração inibitória mínima foi calculada considerando a menor concentração do extrato capaz de inibir o crescimento bacteriano, após incubação a 37 graus Celsius durante 24 horas. O extrato hidroalcóolico de barbatimão foi testado frente ao extrato bruto (100%) e nas diluições referentes a concentrações 50%, 25%, 12,5%, 6,25%, 3,12%, 1,56% e 0,78%, onde foi observado que todas as cepas testadas foram sensíveis ao extrato, onde maior halo de inibição de crescimento bacteriano foi de 22mm, no extrato bruto (100%) e o menor de 8mm na diluição de 1:64 (1,56%)

Interaction of some traditional plant extracts with uterine oestrogen or progestin receptors.

Previous work has demonstrated that stem bark extracts of Combretodendron macrocarpum (Barringtoniaceae), Cola nitida (Sterculiaceae), Afrormosia laxiflora and Pterocarpus erinaceus (Fabaceae) blocked the oestrus cycle of female rats through antigonadotropic activity. Moreover, a study of the plant substances responsible for these effects revealed the presence of phyto-anti-oestrogens in these plant extracts. In order to explain the mechanism by which these substances exert their antifertility actions, the interaction of the plant extract with oestrogen and progesterone receptors was studied. All crude extracts exerted inhibition of ((3)H)-oestradiol or ((3)H)-Organon binding to their respective receptors but their relative affinities were much lower than those of oestradiol or progesterone. Respective efficiencies of plant extracts in competing for the oestrogen receptor were as follows: A. laxiflora > P. erinaceus > C. macrocarpum > C. nitida. The efficiency order of competition for the progestin receptor was different to that of oestrogen. The most potent competitor was C. macrocarpum extract, followed by P. erinaceus, C. nitida and A. laxiflora. Moreover, the interaction between oestradiol and plant extracts with the oestrogen receptor was determined to be competitive only for C. macrocarpum and A. laxiflora, whereas all compounds produced a competitive inhibition on the progestin receptor binding. These results suggest that the plant extract binding site was the same site as for the steroid. These results suggest also that crude plant extracts may interfere with natural oestrogen and/or progestagen in vivo by binding to steroid receptors.

Study of high dilutions of copaiba oil on inflammatory process / Estudo de altas diluições homeopáticas do óleo de copaíba

The discovery of new drugs has led to a need to develop techniques to control the occurrence of toxic and collateral effects. This has enabled the advancement of homeopathic therapeutics as it presents major advantages against these effects. This study was designed to explore the effects of high dilutions of Copaifera (copaiba oil) on inflammation. This study considered the way the high dilutions were obtained (triturated form or mother-tincture-MT). The preparations were administered orally. The effects of the dilutions were tested using the rat paw edema induced by carrageenan; granuloumatous tissue induction and the edema induced by Croton oil. The high dilutions of copaiba oil obtained from both trituration and MT produced a statistically significant inhibitory effect of the carrageenan edematogenic process compared to control. The maximum effect was observed with dilution 30cH, with inhibition of edema by 73%, whereas indomethacin was 55%. Subcutaneous implantation of cotton pellets have induced a granulomatous tissue, evaluated 7 days after implantation. Daily treatment with dexamethasone produced 53% inhibition on the formation of granulomatous tissue. The 6cH dilution of copaiba oil inhibited in a statistically significant way the formation of granulomatous tissue compared to the control (18% and 16%, respectively). Edema in Croton-oil induced dermatitis was intense. Groups treated with dexamethasone and dilutions of copaiba oil presented similar responses, with inhibition by 57% and 48% respectively. Based on the results obtained in this study, it may be suggest that the Copaiba oil high dilutions possess an anti-inflammatory property supporting its use in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

A descoberta de novas drogas tem gerado a necessidade de desenvolvimento de novas técnicas para controle da ocorrência de efeitos tóxicos e colaterais. Isto tem favorecido o uso da terapêutica homeopática uma vez que esta apresenta vantagens contra alguns efeitos adversos. Este trabalho foi proposto visando explorar os efeitos de Altas Diluições de Copaifera (óleo de copaíba) sobre inflamação. Foi considerada a maneira como as altas diluições foram obtidas (via trituração ou via tintura-mãe). As preparações foram administradas oralmente. Os efeitos das diluições foram avaliados usando um modelo de edema em pata de ratos, induzido por carragenina, indução de tecido granulomatoso e edema induzido pelo óleo de Croton. As altas diluições de óleo de Copaíba obtidas a partir de trituração e de tintura-mãe produziram efeitos inibitórios estatisticamente significativos para o processo endematogênico, quando comparado com o controle. O efeito máximo foi obtido com a diluição 30cH, com uma inibição de 73% do edema, enquanto a indometacina inibiu 55%. O implante subcutâneo de pellets de algodão induziram a granulomatose do tecido, avaliados 7 dias após o implante. Tratamento diário com dexametasona produziu 53% de inibição da formação de tecido granulomatoso. A diluição 6cH do óleo de copaíba inibiu de forma significativa a formação de tecido granulomatoso, comparado com o controle (18% e 16% respectivamente). Edema em dermatite induzida por óleo de Croton foi intensa. Grupos tratados com dexametasona e diluições de óleo de copaíba apresentaram respostas similares, com inibição de 57% e 48% respectivamente. Baseado nos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que altas diluições do óleo de copaíba apresentam efeitos anti-inflamatórios, sugerindo seu uso no tratamento de desordens inflamatórias.

Study of high dilutions of copaiba oil on inflammatory process / Estudo de altas diluições homeopáticas do óleo de copaíba

The discovery of new drugs has led to a need to develop techniques to control the occurrence of toxic and collateral effects. This has enabled the advancement of homeopathic therapeutics as it presents major advantages against these effects. This study was designed to explore the effects of high dilutions of Copaifera (copaiba oil) on inflammation. This study considered the way the high dilutions were obtained (triturated form or mother-tincture-MT). The preparations were administered orally. The effects of the dilutions were tested using the rat paw edema induced by carrageenan; granuloumatous tissue induction and the edema induced by Croton oil. The high dilutions of copaiba oil obtained from both trituration and MT produced a statistically significant inhibitory effect of the carrageenan edematogenic process compared to control. The maximum effect was observed with dilution 30cH, with inhibition of edema by 73%, whereas indomethacin was 55%. Subcutaneous implantation of cotton pellets have induced a granulomatous tissue, evaluated 7 days after implantation. Daily treatment with dexamethasone produced 53% inhibition on the formation of granulomatous tissue. The 6cH dilution of copaiba oil inhibited in a statistically significant way the formation of granulomatous tissue compared to the control (18% and 16%, respectively). Edema in Croton-oil induced dermatitis was intense. Groups treated with dexamethasone and dilutions of copaiba oil presented similar responses, with inhibition by 57% and 48% respectively. Based on the results obtained in this study, it may be suggest that the Copaiba oil high dilutions possess an anti-inflammatory property supporting its use in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.(AU)

A descoberta de novas drogas tem gerado a necessidade de desenvolvimento de novas técnicas para controle da ocorrência de efeitos tóxicos e colaterais. Isto tem favorecido o uso da terapêutica homeopática uma vez que esta apresenta vantagens contra alguns efeitos adversos. Este trabalho foi proposto visando explorar os efeitos de Altas Diluições de Copaifera (óleo de copaíba) sobre inflamação. Foi considerada a maneira como as altas diluições foram obtidas (via trituração ou via tintura-mãe). As preparações foram administradas oralmente. Os efeitos das diluições foram avaliados usando um modelo de edema em pata de ratos, induzido por carragenina, indução de tecido granulomatoso e edema induzido pelo óleo de Croton. As altas diluições de óleo de Copaíba obtidas a partir de trituração e de tintura-mãe produziram efeitos inibitórios estatisticamente significativos para o processo endematogênico, quando comparado com o controle. O efeito máximo foi obtido com a diluição 30cH, com uma inibição de 73% do edema, enquanto a indometacina inibiu 55%. O implante subcutâneo de pellets de algodão induziram a granulomatose do tecido, avaliados 7 dias após o implante. Tratamento diário com dexametasona produziu 53% de inibição da formação de tecido granulomatoso. A diluição 6cH do óleo de copaíba inibiu de forma significativa a formação de tecido granulomatoso, comparado com o controle (18% e 16% respectivamente). Edema em dermatite induzida por óleo de Croton foi intensa. Grupos tratados com dexametasona e diluições de óleo de copaíba apresentaram respostas similares, com inibição de 57% e 48% respectivamente. Baseado nos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que altas diluições do óleo de copaíba apresentam efeitos anti-inflamatórios, sugerindo seu uso no tratamento de desordens inflamatórias.(AU)

Avaliação de pastas endodônticas para dentes decíduos à base iodofórmio com copaíba ou guaco / Evaluation of Primary Teeth Iodoform-based Endodontics Pastes with Copaiba or Guaco

Essa dissertação foi dividida em dois capítulos: no capítulo 1 avaliou-se a evolução do processo inflamatório local em resposta a presença de pastas endodônticas e; no capítulo 2 avaliaram-se os efeitos das pastas endodônticas sobre a viabilidade de odontoblastos, células da câmara pulpar, órgão do esmalte e tecidos periapicais. Em ambos os estudos foram utilizados 60 incisivos centrais superiores direitos de ratos Wistar, machos. Os animais foram aleatoriamente divididos em 5 grupos (n=12), sendo que em 1 grupo (controle negativo) os animais não foram submetidos a pulpectomia. Nos demais grupos, após a pulpectomia os condutos foram preenchidos de acordo com o curativo intracanal selecionado para cada grupo: vaselina (controle positivo); pasta à base de iodofórmio com Rifocort® (popularmente conhecida como pasta Guedes-Pinto); pasta à base de iodofórmio com extrato de guaco e; pasta à base de iodofórmio com óleo de copaíba. Decorridos 14 dias, 6 ratos de cada grupo foram eutanasiados e submetidos ao processamento histológico. O mesmo procedimento foi realizado nos outros 6 ratos de cada grupo após 28 dias. No estudo do capítulo 1 realizou-se fotomicroscopia das seguintes áreas: germe dentário; polpa incisal e polpa apical; camada odontoblástica próxima a incisal e; ligamento periodontal. Após a análise estatística pelos testes de Fischer e qui-quadrado (p<0,05), os resultados demonstraram que a pasta à base de iodofórmio com Rifocort® manteve mais áreas de infiltrado inflamatório nos tempos avaliados; a pasta à base de extrato de guaco apresentou aumento de áreas de infiltrado inflamatório tardio e; a pasta à base de óleo de copaíba apresentou menos áreas de infiltrado inflamatório. Conclui-se que as pastas a base de iodofórmio com extratos naturais foram mais promissoras que o controle positivo e a pasta a base de iodofórmio com Rifocort®, sendo que a com óleo de copaíba apresentou a melhor atividade antiinflamatória...

Antimycobacterial activity of some Brazilian indigenous medicinal drinks

Tuberculosis (TB) is a very serious problem worldwide and the increasing number of multiple drugs resistant TB cases makes the search for new anti-TB drugs an urgent need. Indigenous knowledge about the use of native plants to treat illnesses has contributed to the discovery of new medicines. In this study, the antimycobacterial activity ofseven medicinal drinks was assessed: Ananas sativus (hydroalcoholic fruit extract), Aristolochia triangularis(aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf, root and stem extracts), Bromelia antiacantha (hydroalcoholic fruit extract), Stryphnodendron adstringens (hydroalcoholic bark extract), Tabebuia ovellanedae (hydroalcoholic bark extract), Vernonia polyanthes (hydroalcoholic root extract), all used by the Vanuíre indigenous community in the treatment of respiratory diseases. The activity was evaluated by using a time-to-kill assay, in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv was cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen medium, after thirty minutes, one, three, six, twelve and twenty-four hours contact of the bacteria with each drink. Within half to one hour contact, the hydroalcoholic drinks of A. triangularis, S. adstringens, T. ovellanedae and V. polyanthes reduced the bacterial growth by 2 orders of magnitude in CFU/mL, and all bacterial growth was absent after three hours contact. In contrast, no mycobactericidal effect was detected in the aqueous extract of A. triangularis or in the hydroalcoholic beverages of A. sativus and B. antiacantha, even aftertwenty-four hours contact.

Prácticas alimentarias en las familias del área rural de Medellin-Colombia / Feeding practices among rural families of Medellin Colombia

Se presentan algunas prácticas alimentarias de las familias de los corregimientos de Medellín: Santa Elena, Belén Altavista, Palmitas. San Cristobal y San Antonio de Prado. El estudio es de tipo descriptivo transversal; la muestra fue representativa y probabilística. La lactancia materna prevalece en todos los corregimientos sin diferencias significativas entre los mismos, se observó una duración promedio de la lactancia materna entre 10 y 13 meses (p<0.05), el 29 por ciento de las mujeres manifestaron haber tenido alguna difcultad para amamantar a su último hijo, las principales causas fueron: poca producción de leche y enfermedad de la madre. El 53 por ciento de las madres informaron haber introducido la alimentación complementaria antes de cuatro meses. El consumo de frutas y verduras en la población es bajo, en contraste con el consumo de frijol. El 49 por ciento de las familias utilizan como métodos de acción preferidos la fritura y la cocción. La manteca y aceites que contienen mayor proporción de ácidos grasos saturados, se constituyeron en el tipo de grasas preferidas para la cocción. La mayoría de los integrantes de las familias, consumen las comidas principales y lo hacen en el hogar. Por el contrario las comidas secundarias tienden a desaparecer; en especial la merienda y la media mañana

La germinacion en las semillas de lenteja con la administracion de medicamentos homeopaticos endicados en la desnutricion / Germinationm of lentil seeds using homeopathic medicaments that are indicated on malnutrition

El presente estudio se realizo en el laboratorio de Ciencias Experimentales del Centro Universitario de Cuautitlan Izcalli (CUCI) utilizando medicamentos homeopaticos indicados en la desnutricion (Natrum muriatico, Phosphoro, Silicea terra, Zincum metallicum) a la sexta centesimal aplicados a semillas de lenteja, confirmando que los medicamentos homeopaticos no tienen efecto placebo, y reforazando su base para prescribir n la ley de semejanetes, pues cada medicamento genera caracteristicas particulares que ademas fortalece a la individualidad morbosa y medicamentosa.

La germinacion en las semillas de lenteja con la administracion de medicamentos homeopaticos endicados en la desnutricion / Germinationm of lentil seeds using homeopathic medicaments that are indicated on malnutrition

El presente estudio se realizo en el laboratorio de Ciencias Experimentales del Centro Universitario de Cuautitlan Izcalli (CUCI) utilizando medicamentos homeopaticos indicados en la desnutricion (Natrum muriatico, Phosphoro, Silicea terra, Zincum metallicum) a la sexta centesimal aplicados a semillas de lenteja, confirmando que los medicamentos homeopaticos no tienen efecto placebo, y reforazando su base para prescribir n la ley de semejanetes, pues cada medicamento genera caracteristicas particulares que ademas fortalece a la individualidad morbosa y medicamentosa. (AU)