Effect of the Association of Fixed Oils from Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, Euterpe oleracea Martius, Bixa orellana Linné and Chronic SM® on Atherogenic Dyslipidemia in Wistar Rats.

Dyslipidemia presents high levels of serum cholesterol and is characterized as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, especially for the development of atherosclerosis. E. oleracea oil (OFEO), A. esculentus oil (OFAE), B. orellana oil (OFBO), and Chronic SM® granules (CHR) are rich in bioactive compounds with the potential to treat changes in lipid metabolism. This study investigated the effects of treatments with oils from A. esculentus, E. oleracea, B. orellana, and Chronic SM® on Cocos nucifera L. saturated-fat-induced dyslipidemia. The chromatographic profile showed the majority presence of unsaturated fatty acids in the tested oils. The quantification of tocotrienols and geranylgeraniol in OFBO and CHR was obtained. Treatments with OFEO, OFAE, OFBO, and CHR were able to significantly reduce glycemia, as well as hypertriglyceridemia, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol, besides increasing HDL-cholesterol. The treatments inhibited the formation of atheromatous plaques in the vascular endothelium of the treated rats. The obtained results suggest that the OFEO, OFAE, OFBO, and CHR exhibit antidyslipidemic effects and antiatherogenic activity.

Intramuscular compatibility of an injectable anti-inflammatory nanodispersion from a standardized Bixa orellana oil (Chronic®): a toxicological study in Wistar rats.

Bixa orellana L. is a plant popularly known as "ucurum", "annatto", and "achiote". It is native to South America, and its seeds are an abundant source of geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols. Nanoencapsulation is a valuable technique that can decrease the drug needed to achieve an effect, decreasing potential toxicity, side effects and potentiate the anti-inflammatory effect. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of an intramuscular application of a nanodispersion containing a standardized extract from the seeds of Bixa orellana (NBO) in Wistar rats. The chemical evaluation showed δ-tocotrienol at 0.725 ± 0.062 mg/mL (72.6 ± 0.9%). The stability study showed the nanoparticles had an average size from 53.15 ± 0.64 to 59.9 ± 3.63 nm, with a polydispersity index ranging from 0.574 ± 0.032 to 0.574 ± 0.32, Zeta potential from 18.26 ± 0.59 to 19.66 ± 1.45 mV. After testing the intramuscular application of NBO with doses from 1 to 5 mg/kg in animals, it was observed that the acute treatment did not elicit any toxic effects within this range. The dose of 10 mg/kg, although not affecting hematological and biochemical parameters (CPK, LDH, myoglobin, AST, ALT, TC, TG, glucose levels, creatinine, and urea), could induce some muscle tissue changes, including leukocyte infiltration, morphological chances, and potentially necrosis. In conclusion, the results showed that the treatments devoided toxicity between 1 and 5 mg/kg.

Potential of the Compounds from Bixa orellana Purified Annatto Oil and Its Granules (Chronic®) against Dyslipidemia and Inflammatory Diseases: In Silico Studies with Geranylgeraniol and Tocotrienols.

Some significant compounds present in annatto are geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols. These compounds have beneficial effects against hyperlipidemia and chronic diseases, where oxidative stress and inflammation are present, but the exact mechanism of action of such activities is still a subject of research. This study aimed to evaluate possible mechanisms of action that could be underlying the activities of these molecules. For this, in silico approaches such as ligand topology (PASS and SEA servers) and molecular docking with the software GOLD were used. Additionally, we screened some pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters using the servers PreADMET, SwissADME, and ProTox-II. The results corroborate the antidyslipidemia and anti-inflammatory activities of geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols. Notably, some new mechanisms of action were predicted to be potentially underlying the activities of these compounds, including inhibition of squalene monooxygenase, lanosterol synthase, and phospholipase A2. These results give new insight into new mechanisms of action involved in these molecules from annatto and Chronic®.

Acute and Reproductive Toxicity Evaluation of Ormona® SI and Ormona® RC-Two New Nutraceuticals with Geranylgeraniol, Tocotrienols, Anthocyanins, and Isoflavones-In Adult Zebrafish.

The zebrafish is a popular organism to test the toxicity of compounds. Here, we evaluate the acute and reproductive toxicity of Ormona SI® (OSI) and RC® (ORC), two herbal products developed for menopausal women with tocotrienols, geranylgeraniol, isoflavones, and anthocyanins. The acute toxicity was evaluated by behavioral alterations, lethality, and tissue changes (intestine, liver, kidney) after oral treatment with high product doses (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg). The reproductive toxicity was evaluated after 21 days of oral treatment with OSI and ORC at 200 mg/kg. Our results show that the LD50 could not be assessed due to the low mortality rate even with the highest dose; the behavioral alterations were not different from those of the group treated only with the vehicle (2% DMSO). The tissue changes were minor in OSI and more severe in ORC at the highest (2000 mg/kg) dose, while no tissue abnormality was observed at 500 mg/kg. In the reproductive assessment, continuous treatment could decrease the maturation of the reproductive cells, which also significantly decreases the egg spawning. This effect was attributed to the estrogenic activity of the isoflavones. In conclusion, the acute toxicity analysis shows that the products did not elicit lethal or sublethal effects observed in the model when used up to 500 mg/kg. Regarding the reproductive toxicity, decreased fertility was observed, which was expected due to the presence of isoflavones (phytoestrogens). Considering that the product is intended for menopausal and postmenopausal women, the presence of isoflavones is beneficial. Further studies should be performed to corroborate these results in mammals.

Avaliação da satisfação de mães em relação aos serviços públicos de saúde de Montes Claros (MG) / Evaluation of mothers' satisfaction with public health services in Montes Claros (MG) / Evaluación de la satisfacción de las madres con los servicios públicos de salud en Montes Claros (MG)

Este artigo pretendeu avaliar a satisfação das mães em relação aos serviços públicos de saúde de Montes Claros (MG). Para isso, realizou-se estudo transversal de base populacional, composto por amostra representativa de crianças menores de 24 meses da cidade de Montes Claros (MG), a partir de questionário descritivo, aplicado às mães dessas crianças. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio de estatística descritiva, concluindo-se que, em relação à última consulta realizada, 70% das mães ficaram satisfeitas quanto ao tempo de espera, ao serviço de informação, à qualidade do serviço e à estrutura da unidade. Apesar de 40,1% terem relatado que tiveram consultas marcadas duas vezes ou mais no ano, consideraram o atendimento favorável. Portanto, a satisfação das mães quanto ao serviço de saúde, ao atendimento, ao acesso à atenção primária e à estrutura da unidade influenciam positivamente no tratamento da criança.

This article aimed to evaluate mothers' satisfaction with public health services in Montes Claros (MG). To that end it carried out a population-based cross-sectional study, consisting of a representative sample of children younger than 24 months in the city of Montes Claros (MG), based on a descriptive questionnaire applied to mothers with children younger than 24 months. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, concluding that 70% of the mothers, regarding the last consultation, were satisfied with the waiting time, information service, quality of service, and structure of the unit. Although 40.1% reported that they had consultations scheduled 2 times a year or less, they considered the service favorable. Thus, the mothers' satisfaction with the health service, the care, the access to primary care, and the structure of the unit positively influence the child's treatment.

Este artículo pretendió evaluar la satisfacción de las madres con los servicios públicos de salud en Montes Claros (Minas Gerais, Brasil). Para ello, se realizó un estudio transversal de base poblacional, constituido por una muestra representativa de niños menores de 24 meses de la ciudad de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, a partir de un cuestionario descriptivo aplicado a madres con hijos menores de 24 meses. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva, y se obtuvo que con relación a la última consulta el 70% de las madres se mostraron satisfechas con el tiempo de espera, el servicio de información, la calidad del servicio y la satisfacción con la estructura de la unidad. Aunque el 40,1% refirió tener consultas programadas menor o igual a dos veces al año, considerándose favorable el servicio. Por tanto, la satisfacción de las madres con el servicio de salud, la atención, el acceso a la atención primaria y la estructura de la unidad influyen positivamente en el tratamiento del niño.