Second-Degree Burns and Aloe Vera: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Aloe vera is a cost-effective, accessible wound care adjunct with a minimal risk profile. Despite its centuries-long history being used to treat varying wound types, published reports remain inconclusive on its efficacy. In this article, the authors report the results of a systematic review assessing the efficacy of topical aloe vera products in wound care applications, as well as a meta-analysis of its utility in burn healing where data are most robust. DATA SOURCES: In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the authors searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials assessing the use of aloe vera in healing various wound types. STUDY SELECTION: The database search identified 91 articles. After duplicates were removed, 74 articles were screened, and of those, 47 were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 28 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 4 studies assessing second-degree burns were included in the meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: The following data points were collected from each study: number of participants/wounds, treatment type, adjunctive therapy (if any), and primary outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: Risk-of-bias analysis was conducted on included articles, and results were compiled. A meta-analysis was undertaken for studies focusing on the treatment of burns. Cumulatively, these studies had a total of 133 patients with 163 wounds being assessed. Analysis revealed a statistically significant mean difference in time to healing of 4.44 days in favor of aloe vera treatment (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Topical aloe vera usage for second-degree burn wound healing demonstrated significantly faster time to healing compared with other treatments.

Management of stage 0 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a case report and review of the literature.

The definition of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) includes a stage 0 presentation where exposed bone, the hallmark of this condition, is absent. Numerous management strategies have been recommended for MRONJ including hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. This report describes a 64-year-old woman with stage 0 MRONJ of the bilateral mandible, refractory to clindamycin and local debridement, who was subsequently managed successfully with amoxicillin/clavulanate and HBO2 therapy. The authors also explore the current literature on the pathophysiology of MRONJ and the potential role of hyperbaric oxygen in its treatment.

Determination of phenolic compounds in dietary supplements and tea blends containing Echinacea by liquid chromatography with coulometric electrochemical detection.

Analytical methodologies with ultrasonic extraction and liquid chromatography (LC) were developed for the determination of phenolic compounds in dietary supplements containing Echinacea. The phenolic compounds determined by these methods included caftaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cynarin, echinacoside, and cichoric acid. Samples from tablets, capsules, and bags of tea blends were extracted by sonication for < or = 30 min with methanol-water (60 + 40). The extracts were centrifuged and filtered, and the filtrates were diluted and analyzed by LC using a reversed-phase column and coulometric electrochemical (EC) detection. The mobile phase was acetonitrile-ammonium formate buffer, pH 3.5 (15.3 + 84.7) containing tetrabutyl ammonium hydrogen sulfate as an ion-pairing reagent. Extraction conditions (e.g., composition of the extraction solvent and sonication time) were optimized for different types of samples. Intra- and interday analytical variations were determined, and intraday analyses were performed by 2 independent analysts using 2 different LC systems. Results were generally comparable. The LC method with EC detection showed better sensitivity and selectivity when compared with LC with ultraviolet detection, although results were similar for the 2 methods for major compounds, i.e., caftaric acid, echinacoside, and cichoric acid. The identities of these major compounds found in samples were confirmed by LC/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Determination of St. John's wort components in dietary supplements and functional foods by liquid chromatography.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) preparations, a top-selling botanical dietary supplement used primarily as an antidepressant, has recently been used as an ingredient in some food products sold as functional foods. A rapid extraction technique followed by a liquid chromatographic (LC) method was developed to determine 4 characteristic bioactive compounds (pseudohypericin, hypericin, hyperforin, and adhyperforin) from St. John's wort in dietary supplements and functional foods to which it was added. Solid samples, including dried leaf/flower mixture, dietary supplement capsules, tea bags, puff and snack bar, were extracted with methanol by sonication. Noncarbonated, fruit-flavored drinks were centrifuged and mixed with methanol. Compounds were then determined by isocratic, reversed-phase LC with UV detection at 2 wavelengths and further identified or confirmed by photodiode array spectra and LC/mass spectrometry. Within-laboratory method variations (% RSD) were satisfactory. Very low amounts, if any, of the 4 components were found in drink and puff samples, and none was found in the snack bar. The methods developed provide a useful means for the determination of St. John's wort components in dietary supplements and functional foods.