Sonchus oleraceus L. Promotes Gastroprotection in Rodents via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antisecretory Activities.

Sonchus oleraceus L. is an edible and medicinal plant used to treat stomachache and gastric ailments around the world. Thus, this study aimed to determine the gastroprotective mode of action of hydroalcoholic extract of S. oleraceus (HES). Mice were treated with HES before induction of gastric ulceration by ethanol/HCl. The area and histological appearance of ulcers were quantified, and mucus was measured histochemically. The effects of HES on inflammatory and oxidative markers were assessed in the ulcerated tissue. In addition, we investigated the gastric acid antisecretory activity of HES in pylorus-ligated rats. Chemical analyses of HES and its antioxidant activity were also performed in vitro. The HES (30 or 300 mg/kg) reduced the ulceration by 71.5 and 76.2%, respectively, compared with vehicle (p < 0.001), and the histological analysis confirmed the macroscopic results with elevation in mucin levels by 361.4 and 477.5%, respectively, compared with vehicle (p < 0.001). Moreover, the gastroprotection was accompanied by increases in GSH levels and in SOD, CAT, and GST activities; in parallel to a reduction in MPO activity and TNF levels. Furthermore, HES reduced the total acidity, and pepsin activity of the gastric juice of rats by 61 and 63%, respectively, compared to the vehicle. Phytochemical analysis indicated that luteolin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside is the main active compound annotated in HES. Was also found that HES scavenged the DPPH radical with an IC50 of 15.41 µg/mL. In conclusion, the gastroprotective effects of HES involve reductions in oxidative stress and inflammatory injury, in conjunction with an increase in mucus layer and inhibition of gastric secretion. This study advances in elucidating the modes of the antiulcer potential of S. oleraceus and contributes to the prospection of new gastroprotective molecules.

Acendendo as Luzes: uma inovação no Cuidado a Saúde dos Pacientes Oncológicos, Familiares e Equipe

Resumo: As práticas Integrativas e complementares têm se incorporado ao sistema de saúde de maneira significativa, na assistência a saúde dos pacientes, especialmente na área da oncologia. O câncer é uma doença devastadora que impacta de maneira negativa na vida do paciente, família e equipe. A utilização das Praticas Integrativas e Complementares (PIC's) são uma alternativa que complementam os tratamentos convencionais na melhora da qualidade de vida e no cuidado a dimensão espiritual do ser humano. Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de implantação das Terapias Integrativas e Complementares através do Projeto de Extensão Luzes. Métodos: as atividades realizadas são Reiki, Auriculoterapia, massagem laboral, meditação, grupo de oração, música e canto, Bio Energetics Medicine, Contação de histórias, confecção de origamis, avaliação da saúde bucal, construção de Mandalas e pinturas. As PIC's são desenvolvidas por um grupo de 136 voluntários dentre docentes, discentes e profissionais de diferentes áreas e da comunidade em geral. Desde sua implantação em Agosto de 2018 já atendeu mais de 1700 pessoas. É desenvolvido dentro do Hospital Regional do Oeste de Chapeco SC nos setores de Oncologia, Quimioterapia e Radioterapia. Resultados: as terapias integrativas e complementares são reconhecidas como benéficas pelos pacientes, familiares e profissionais. Consideradas aliadas na melhora da qualidade de vida durante o período de internação e tratamento. Também citada como uma maneira diferenciada de assistência a dimensão espiritual porque propicia a formação de vinculos mais empáticos entre profissionais, pacientes e família. Observa-se também uma maior qualificação no processo de formação profissional dos acadêmicos dos cursos de Enfermagem e Medicina da UFFS. Conclusões: A utilização das praticas integrativas e complementares no ambiente hospitalar foram sem sombra de dúvidas um desafio. Devemos reconhecer que valeu o desafio de implantar as Terapias Integrativas e Complementares que aliadas ao tratamento convencional trouxeram benefícios impares a tríade paciente, família e profissional. Um espaço de pratica das PIC's possibilita a formação de recursos humanos voltados ao SUS, com uma visão ampliada ao processo saúde-doença e mais competentes e comprometidos com a saúde integral do ser humano.

Integrative and complementary practices have been significantly incorporated into the health system in the health care of patients, especially in the area of oncology. Cancer is a devastating disease that negatively impacts the lives of patients, families and staff. The use of Integrative and Complementary Practices (ICPs) is an alternative that complements conventional treatments in improving the quality of life and caring for the spiritual dimension of the human being. Objective: Report the experience of implementation of Integrative and Complementary Therapies through the Lights Extension Project. Methods: The activities performed are Reiki, Auriculotherapy, Labor Massage, Meditation, Prayer Group, Music and Singing, Bio Energetics Medicine, Storytelling, Origami Making, Oral Health Assessment, Mandala Construction and Painting. PICs are developed by a group of 136 volunteers including teachers, students and professionals from different fields and the wider community. Since its implementation in August 2018, it has served more than 1700 people. It is developed within the Western Regional Hospital of Chapeco SC in the Oncology, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy sectors. Results: Integrative and complementary therapies are recognized as beneficial by patients, families and professionals. Considered allies in improving the quality of life during hospitalization and treatment. Also cited as a different way of assisting the spiritual dimension because it provides the formation of more empathic links between professionals, patients and family. There is also a higher qualification in the process of professional training of students of Nursing and Medicine courses at UFFS. Conclusions: The use of integrative and complementary practices in the hospital environment was undoubtedly a challenge. We must recognize that the challenge of implementing the Integrative and Complementary Therapies that combined with the conventional treatment brought unfair benefits to the patient, family and professional triad was worth the challenge. A practice space for ICPs enables the formation of human resources focused on the SUS, with a broader view of the health­ disease process and more competent and committed to the integral health of human beings.

Gastroprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of Urera baccifera in rodents.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE: The species Urera baccifera (L.) Gaudich. ex Wedd. (Urticaceae) is native to the Americas and is distributed widely throughout Brazil, where it is known as urtiga-brava, urtiga-vermelha, or urtigão. The leaves are often used as anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic agents and for the treatment of gastric disorders. However, the pharmacological mode of action underlying the gastroprotection induced by this species has not been investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY: To contribute to the knowledge of the gastroprotective mode of action of the hydroalcoholic extract of U. baccifera (HEU) leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antiulcerogenic effect of HEU against ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer was evaluated in rats and mice at doses of 3-300 mg/kg. NO-synthase inhibitor (L-NAME), SH blocker (NEM), cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) and alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine were used to evaluate the participation of cytoprotective factors in HEU gastroprotection. Moreover, the levels of reduced gluthatione (GSH) and cytokines (TNF, IL-6, IL4 and IL-10), as well as the enzymatic activity of gluthatione S-transferase (GST), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measure. Moreover, the samples were analyzed histologically and the antisecretory capability of HEU were quantified using pylorus ligated rats. RESULTS: The phytochemical analysis of HEU (UPLC/ESI-IT-MS) identified the flavonoids diosmetin and apigenin glucuronide. Furthermore, HEU decreased the occurrence of ethanol-induced ulcers at 30 and 300 mg/kg by 57% and 66%, respectively, compared with the vehicle. The gastroprotective effects were accompanied by increased GSH levels and GST and SOD activity as well as by reduced MPO activity in vivo and in vitro, revealing antioxidant effects and inhibition of neutrophil infiltration. The beneficial effects of 30 and 300 mg/kg HEU were also observed upon histological analyses. Regarding the mode of action, the gastroprotective effect of HEU was abolished by the pre-administration of L-NAME, NEM, indomethacin or yohimbine. Moreover, HEU was able to decrease the IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 in ulcerated tissue, as well as the pepsin activity of the gastric juice in pylorus-ligated rats. CONCLUSION: Together, the results confirmed that the gastroprotection elicited by HEU was due reduction in oxidative damage, neutrophil migration, and peptic activity. This work validates the popular use of U. baccifera to treat gastric disorders and supports important future research for the identification of gastroprotective molecules from this species.

Antiproliferative Effect of Urera baccifera Leaves Against Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Line (OVCAR-3)

Abstract Natural products, especially phytochemicals, have been extensively studies and have exhibited important antiproliferative effects. The American native species Urera baccifera (L.) Gaudich. ex Wedd. (Urticaceae) is widely distributed in Brazil, where it is known as urtiga-vermelha or urtigão. The leaves are popularly used as anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and in the treatment of gastric disorders. However, the antiproliferative potential of this plant against human tumor cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative effects of U. baccifera leaves extracts and fractions against a panel of human tumor cell lines in vitro besides a chemical evaluation of the most active sample by mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MSn). The hydroalcoholic extract was inactive while dichloromethane extract showed moderate cytostatic activity against ovarian carcinoma cell line (OVCAR-3, GI50 = 1.5 μg/mL). More, the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions did not show important activity against tumour cell while the dichloromethane and hexane fractions showed moderate cytostatic activity against ovarian tumor cell line (OVCAR-3, GI50 = 12.7 and 9.4 μg/mL, respectively). Finally, the chemical profile evaluated by mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MSn) allowed the detection of flavonoids in the HEU and hydroxylated fatty acid in DEU that can explain partially the biological effects observed. This is the first report of the antiproliferative effects of U. baccifera, and DEU has shown potential as a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Antiproliferative potential of solidagenone isolated of Solidago chilensis

ABSTRACT Plants are considered among the main sources of biologically active chemicals. The species Solidago chilensis Meyen, Asteraceae, is native to the southern parts of South America, where the aerial parts of the plant are commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, the effects of S. chilensis on human cancer cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative effects of the hydroalcoholic and dichloromethane extracts of S. chilensis, as well as their chemical constituents quercitrin and solidagenone against the five human tumor cell lines in vitro. The dichloromethane extract showed a promisor antiproliferative effects in vitro, especially against glioma cell line. Besides, the hydroalcoholic extract and quercitrin were inactive. The diterpene solidagenone showed highly potent antiproliferative effects against breast (MCF-7), kidney (786-0), and prostate cancer (PC-3) cells (total growth inhibition: TGI < 6.25 µg/ml). Solidagenone meets the theoretical physico-chemical criteria for bioavailability of drugs, according to the "Rule of Five" and, by theorical studies, the observed biological effects were probably related to the interaction of the molecule with nuclear receptors and as an enzymatic inhibitor. This study contributes to chemical study and to the identification of antiproliferative molecules in S. chilensis.