Are all dietary fibers equal for patients with inflammatory bowel disease? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

CONTEXT: Conflicting practice-based dietary recommendations are sometimes given to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); whereas intake of fiber should increase during remission, it should be avoided during relapse. Moreover, European countries set daily requirements of total fiber and do not specify any types. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review appraised data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of the types of fibers beneficial for patients in the treatment of IBD to guide dietary fiber advice. DATA SOURCES: The PubMED database was searched following PRISMA guidelines. DATA EXTRACTION: RCTs evaluating the effects of any type of fiber on clinical and physiological outcomes in patients with IBD were assessed. Quality assessment of the selected full-text articles was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. DATA ANALYSIS: Eight studies were included reporting on 5 types of fibers. In 2 RCTs, germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) was shown to lower pro-inflammatory cytokines and clinical disease activity scores. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) were demonstrated to lower IBD Questionnaire scores (lower well-being), in contrast to inulin, which decreased disease activity scores. An RCT could not find lower remission rates in the psyllium treatment group, while another RCT reported that administration led to less symptoms in patients. In RCTs, no concrete evidence was found that wheat bran improves disease course. CONCLUSIONS: Although the evidence is sparse, GBF and inulin seem propitious and merit further exploration. Evidence on wheat bran and psyllium is still too limited. Adequately powered long-term human RCTs with objective outcomes are needed to improve dietary advice on types of fiber in IBD.

Vitamin C Supplementation in Healthy Individuals Leads to Shifts of Bacterial Populations in the Gut-A Pilot Study.

Gut microbes are crucial to human health, but microbial composition is often disturbed in a number of human diseases. Accumulating evidence points to nutritional modulation of the gut microbiota as a potentially beneficial therapeutic strategy. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may be of particular interest as it has known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated whether supplementation with high-dose vitamin C may favourably affect the composition of the gut microbiota. In this pilot study, healthy human participants received 1000 mg vitamin C supplementation daily for two weeks. Gut microbiota composition was analysed before and after intervention by performing faecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In total, 14 healthy participants were included. Daily supplementation of high-dose vitamin C led to an increase in the relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05), whereas decreases were observed for Bacteroidetes (p < 0.01), Enterococci (p < 0.01) and Gemmiger formicilis (p < 0.05). In addition, trends for bacterial shifts were observed for Blautia (increase) and Streptococcus thermophilus (decrease). High-dose vitamin C supplementation for two weeks shows microbiota-modulating effects in healthy individuals, with several beneficial shifts of bacterial populations. This may be relevant as these bacteria have anti-inflammatory properties and strongly associate with gut health.

Antimicrobial potential, phytochemical profile, cytotoxic and genotoxic screening of Sedum praealtum A. DC. (balsam).

BACKGROUND: Sedum praealtum has been used for a long time in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Its beneficial effects have been known since ancient times, when Latinos used it to treat sore and swollen eyes. This research evaluated the antimicrobial potential, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, and some chromatographic profiles of the hydroethanolic extract of leaves, stems and roots of S. praealtum. METHODS: The antimicrobial activities were carried out by broth microdilution and agar diffusion. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by cell cultures of Aedes albopictus and the selectivity index (SI) was estimated: SI=CI50/MIC. Genotoxic and systemic toxic effects of S. praealtum leaves were analyzed by micronucleus assay in mice bone marrow. Chromatographic profiles and mass spectra were investigated by GC-MS. RESULTS: Gram-positive (B. subtilis, B. cereus, M. luteus, E. faecalis and S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli, E. aerogenes, S. marcescens, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis and S. typhimurium) bacteria exhibited MICs ranging from 12.5-50 and 0-50 mg/ml, respectively. Sedum praealtum showed no efficacy against M. tuberculosis and M. bovis. Cytotoxicity (CI50) of S. praealtum was 4.22 and 5.96 mg/ml for leaves and stems, respectively, while its roots showed no cytotoxicity. Micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) analyzes showed no differences between treatment doses (0.5-2 g/kg) and negative control (NaCl), but the PCE/NCE ratio (polychromatic erythrocyte/normochromatic erythrocyte) showed significant differences. Phytochemical screening identified thirteen compounds in the leaves, stems and roots of S. praealtum potentially associated with their biological activities. CONCLUSIONS: This research comprises a first scientific study on genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects of S. praealtum (Balsam), and it provides an initial theoretical foundation for its comprehensive use. Results showed antibacterial action of S. praealtum against gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative species (depending on the plant anatomical part), but ineffective antimycobacterial action. However, S. praealtum leaves and stems display potential cytotoxicity, contributing to the SI < 1 values. In addition, S. praealtum leaves exhibit no clastogenic and/or aneugenic effects, but it has systemic toxicity dose-independent.

Acute and sub chronic toxicity study of aqueous extract from the leaves and branches of Campomanesia velutina (Cambess) O. Berg.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Campomanesia velutina leaves and branches infusions are used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat diarrhea and to ameliorate intestinal cramps, respectively. AIM OF THE STUDY: Carry out the acute and sub chronic pre-clinical evaluation and thus assess the safety and toxicological potential of the specie. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo toxicity was evaluated by acute and sub chronic toxicity assays conducted according to the guidelines of the Brazilian Agency of National Health Surveillance (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária - ANVISA). For acute toxicity evaluation, a single dose of aqueous extracts from the leaves (AEL) and branches (AEB) of Campomanesia velutina were orally administered to mice at doses of 300, 600 and 1200mg/kg. Then, the animals were observed for 14 days. In the sub chronic study, the extracts were orally administered to mice for 14 days at doses of 300, 600 and 1200mg/kg. To assess the toxicological effects, animals were closely observed on general behavior, clinical signs of toxicity, body weight, food and water intake. At the end of the experiment, it was performed biochemical and hematological evaluations, as well as histopathological analysis from the following organs: brain, heart, lungs, liver, stomach, small intestine (section) and left kidney. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and colorimetric pharmacognostic tests. RESULTS: In oral acute assay, treatment with AEB at the major dose (1200mg/kg) caused diarrhea, abdominal cramps and tremors in females. These effects were reversed at 4th hour. Normochromic normocytic anemia was observed in males treated with AEL 300mg/kg and AEB 600 and 1200mg/kg as well as in females treated with AEB 300 and 1200mg/kg. The kidney of all treated animals showed moderate inflammation and a few hemorrhagic points. In sub chronic assay, treatment with AEL 600mg/kg, AEL 1200mg/kg and AEB 1200mg/kg caused hyper excitability in females that was not reversed. Treatments also had impact on weight gain and the relative weight of males' brain was increased on group treated with AEL 300mg/kg, AEB 300 and AEB 1200mg/kg. Although changes in hematological parameters were not observed, serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in males treated with AEB 300mg/kg. Besides, the heart of all treated animals showed intense hyperemia. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. CONCLUSIONS: Toxicity signs were mainly observed after treatment with AEL and AEB at the two highest tested doses (600 and 1200mg/kg), suggesting that the extracts are relatively safe at its effective dose (300mg/kg). However, alterations on hematological and biochemical parameters and on the kidney and heart of the animals were not closely related with the dose, implying caution on its use.

Ausência de toxicidade reprodutiva e sistêmica em ratos wistar tratados com extrato seco de gingko biloba durante o período de desmame à puberdade / Absence of reproductive and sistemic toxicity in rats treated with Gingko biloba extract from weaning to puberty

Introdução: O Gingko biloba (EGb) é um fitoterápico usado há séculos, porém com poucos estudos referentes a seus efeitos sobre o período pós-natal. Estudos dessa natureza vêm sendo preconizados pela Agência Europeia de Medicina, visto que muitos órgãos completam seu desenvolvimento nesse período, inclusive o sistema reprodutor. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do extrato seco de EGb sobre o desenvolvimento do sistema reprodutor de ratos, tratados desde o desmame até o fim da puberdade. Métodos. Ratos Wistar foram tratados com 25mg/kg/massa corporal (EGb 25); 50 mg/kg (EGb 50) e 100 mg/kg (EGb 100). Controle (C ­ 0,1ml água destilada), por gavage dos 25 aos 45 dias de vida pós-natal. Variáveis observadas: indícios clínicos de toxicidade sistêmica, peso corporal, descida dos testículos, evolução da morfologia da glande, peso de rins, baço e fígado e dos órgãos do sistema reprodutor. Hematimetria, Concentração de hemoglobina. Concentração de espermatozoides na secreção epididimária. Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas em quaisquer das variáveis. Conclusão: A exposição ao extrato seco de EGb durante o período pré-puberal e puberal em ratos Wistar não altera o desenvolvimento do sistema reprodutor masculino.

Introduction: Gingko biloba extract (EGb) is a phytotherapic that has been used for centuries but there is no studies concerning their effects during the postnatal period. This kind of research had been suggested by the European Medicine Agency since there are organs that complete their development in this period, including reproductive organs. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of EGb dry extract upon the rat reproductive system from weaning to 45 postnatal days. Methods: Wistar rats were treated with 25mg/kg/body weight (EGb 25); 50 mg/kg (EGb 50) and 100 mg/kg (EGb 100). Control (C 0,1ml distilled water). Variables: clinical signs of systemic toxicity, body weight, testicles descent, evolution of glans morphology, kidneys, liver, spleen and reproductive organs weights. Hematimetry. Haemoglobin concentration. Sperm concentration in the epidydimal secretion. Results: No significant differences were observed in none of the observed variables. Conclusion: The EGb dry extract exposition to prepuberal and puberal rats do not alter the reproductive system development.

Efeito do extrato de ginkgobiloba (EGb) sobre a toxicidade sistêmica e órgãos do sistema reprodutor masculino de ratos Wistar adultos / Effect of ginkgobiloba extract (EGb) on systemic toxicity and organs of the male reproductive system of adult Wistar rats

O Extrato de Ginkgobiloba (EGb) é um dos fitoterápicos mais consumidos no mundo. Entretanto ainda há escassez de ensaios toxicológicos em animais e o risco à exposição humana principalmente pelos compostos alquilfenóis, representados pelos ácidos ginkgólicos, que podem causar quadros alérgicos e serem compostos mutagênicos e carcinogênicos. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar a toxicidade sistêmica do EGb. Oitenta ratos Wistar de três meses de idade foram tratados com água destilada (Grupo Controle) e extrato aquoso de Ginkgobilobanas seguintes doses: 3,5 (EGb 3,5); 7,0 (EGb 7,0) e 14,0mg/kg (EGb 14,0) uma vez ao dia, por 56 dias consecutivos. Foram avaliados semanalmente, o peso dos animais (g) e a estimativa de consumo diário de ração (g). Indícios de sinais de toxicidade sistêmica como perda de peso, piloereção, diarreia, cromodacriorreia, estereotipias, alterações da atividade locomotora e comportamentais e mortes também foram monitorados. Após anestesia, o sangue dos animais foi coletado para avaliação de hemograma completo e dosagem bioquímica de ureia, creatinina e alanina aminotransferase (ALT). Após a eutanásia, os animais foram submetidos à necropsia e os testículos esquerdo e direito, epidídimo esquerdo, vesícula seminal repleta, próstata ventral, rins esquerdo e direito, fígado e baço foram removidos e pesados em balança de precisão. Durante todo o procedimento experimental não foram observados nos animais sinais clínicos de toxicidade sistêmica e mortes. Houve diferenças estatísticas da estimativa de consumo de ração na sexta semana e oitava semanas de avaliação, embora sem diferença no peso corporal. Não houve diferença no peso dos órgãos e na análise bioquímica sérica. Na avaliação hematológica dos animais, houve diferença estatística significativa na hemoglobinometria em que o grupo EGb 14,0 apresentou-se estatisticamente superior ao grupo EGb 3,5.A concentração de hemoglobina globular média também apresentou diferença estatística significativa, em que o EGb 3,5 apresentou médias inferiores aos grupos EGb 7,0 e EGb 14,0 e o grupo controle apresentou média inferior ao grupo EGb 14,0. Sugere-se que o EGb no presente trabalho, e com as doses utilizadas, não causou toxicidade sistêmica e nem provocou alterações em órgãos de ratos Wistar.

The Ginkgobiloba Extract (EGb) is one of the most commonly consumed herbal in the world. However there are still few toxicity tests on animals and the risk of human exposure mainly by alkyl compounds, represented by acids, which can cause allergies and are mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds. This study had the objective of evaluate the systemic toxicity of EGb. Eighty Wistar rats, three months of age were treated with distilled water (Control Group) and aqueous extract Ginkgobilobanas following doses: 3.5 (EGb 3.5); 7.0 (EGb 7.0) and 14,0mg / kg (14.0 EGb) once a day for consecutive 56 days. Were evaluated weekly animal weight (g) and the estimated daily intake (g). Evidence of systemic signs of toxicity such as weight loss, piloerection, diarrhea, stereotypies and behavioral changes in motor activity and deaths were also monitored. After anesthesia, the animals were collected for evaluation of complete blood count and biochemical analysis of urea, creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). After euthanasia, the animals were autopsied and the left and right testis, left epididymis, seminal vesicle filled, ventral prostate, left and right kidneys, liver and spleen were removed and weighed on a precision scale. Throughout the experimental procedure were not observed in animals clinical signs of systemic toxicity and deaths. Were no statistical differences in the estimate of feed intake in the sixth week and eighth week evaluation, although no difference in body weight. There were no differences in organ weight and serum biochemical analysis. Hematological evaluation of the animals, there was a statistically significant difference in Hemoglobinometry where 14.0 EGb group was statistically higher than the EGb group 3,5. A mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration also showed a statistically significant difference in the EGb 3 5 showed an average lower than 7.0 and EGb groups EGb 14.0 and the control group showed less than 14.0 EGb group. It is suggested that EGb in this work, and the doses used, did not cause systemic toxicity nor caused changes in organs of Wistar rats.

The effect of the Ginkgo biloba extract in the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and bone mineral content of Wistar rats with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of the extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) in the glucocorticoid-induced-osteoporosis through the Bax and Bcl-2 expressions by osteoblast cells, the x-ray and bone density of the tibia. METHOD: Rats were divided into five groups: osteoporosis; EGb1 (28 mg/kg); EGb2 (56 mg/kg); alendronate (0.2 mg/animal) and control. The treatments were conducted for 20 (n = 30) and 30 days (n = 30). The Bax and Bcl-2 expressions were evaluated in osteoblasts of the mandibular alveolar bone. The tibias were radiographed to evaluate the X-ray and bone density. The control group was compared with the osteoporosis' (Student's t-test/Mann-Whitney). The other groups were analyzed by analysis of variance test followed by Dunnett/Dunnett T3 (p < 0.05). RESULTS: When compared the osteoporosis to the control group (p <0.05): Bax and x-ray density increased; Bcl-2 and the bone density reduced. When compared with the osteoporosis group (p < 0.05), alendronate (30 days), EGb1 and EGb2 (20/30 days) increased the Bcl-2 expression; EGb2 and alendronate (20 days) EGb1 and EGb2 (30 days) reduced the Bax expression; and EGb1 and EGb2 (20/30 days) reduced the X-ray density. CONCLUSIONS: The EGb improved the Bcl-2 and reduced the Bax expression by osteoblasts in the mandibular alveolar bone and recovered the mineral content in the tibia of rats with glucocorticoid-induced-osteoporosis.

Efficacy of Morus nigra L. on reproduction in female Wistar rats.

Morus nigra L. is a plant employed as a substitute for the conventional hormonal replacement therapy. This work analyzes the estrogenic effect of M. nigra on the reproductive system and embryonic development of Wistar rats. Female rats were orally treated with M. nigra hydroalcoholic extract (MnHE) at the dose levels of 25, 50, 75, 350 and 700 mg/kg of body weight over 15 days, and continued through mating until the 14th day of gestation. Vaginal smears were performed daily and the body weight of the females was recorded at 5 days intervals. On day 15 of gestation, the females were killed and their kidneys, liver, spleen and ovaries were removed and weighed. The number of implants, resorptions, and live and dead fetuses were evaluated. Histological sections of ovaries, measurement of the height of the uterine epithelium and vaginal smears were performed to assess the estrogenic activity. The results showed that the administration of MnHE did not significantly alter the analyzed variables. Therefore, considering the experimental model used in this study, the data obtained indicate that M. nigra did not exhibit any estrogenic activity nor did exert a toxic effect on the female reproductive system and on the embryonic development of rats.

Reproductive toxicity of Echinodorus grandiflorus in pregnant rats.

To evaluate the possible toxicity of the aqueous extract of Echinodorus grandiflorus in pregnant rats, animals were distributed in groups treated with 250, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg/day, by gavage, and a control group received saline solution. The treatment was carried out for 15 consecutive days, remaining during mating and until the 14(th) day of gestation. On the 15(th )day, pregnant animals were euthanized by exsanguination under anesthesia. A blood sample was destined to the hematological and biochemical analysis. The ovaries, liver, kidneys, spleen, and adrenal glands were removed and weighed. Liver, kidneys and spleen were processed for histopathological analysis. The number mated, cohabitated and pregnant rats were counted as well as the corpora lutea, implants, resorptions, and live and dead fetuses. Fetus body weight and placenta were measured. Treatment with 1,000 mg of extract caused anemia, leukocytosis, and an increase in AST and in cholesterol. The liver of animals treated with the two higher doses exhibited discrete inflammatory reaction, located mainly at the stroma which supports the portal space; in the kidneys of animals of T-500 and T-1000 groups there was an expressive decrease in the capsular space, and focal areas of vasodilatation and congestion, as well as a discrete hyalinization, and in the spleen of T-1000 group the red pulp presented excessive pigmentation suggestive of hemosiderin. There were no alterations in reproductive parameters, in fetus external morphology or in placenta weight. In conclusion, the extract causes maternal toxicity, though it does not alter the reproductive performance.

Avaliação hematológica e bioquímica em ratas prenhes tratadas com extrato de ginkgo bilob / Hematologic and biochemistry evaluation on pregnant rat treated with gingko biloba extract

Introdução: O extrato de Gingko biloba (GBE) é um fitoterápico usado no tratamento de doenças degenerativas e em estudos recentes tem sido demonstrado efeito nefro e hepatoprotetor de seus componentes. Material e métodos: No presente estudo, 120 ratas Wistar prenhes foram distribuídas em dois grupos experimentais ­ GB 15 e GB 21 ­ tratadas, respectivamente, do primeiro ao oitavo dia da prenhez e do oitavo ao vigésimo dia com 0, 3,5; 7,0 ou 14mg/kg/dia de extrato aquoso de GBE, via gavagem. Os animais foram eutanaziados por exsanguinação total, sob anestesia, no 15º dia ou no 20º dia de prenhez. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados no sangue coletado: eritrograma, leucograma, dosagens séricas de ureia, creatinina, ALT, AST, colesterol e triglicérides. Resultados: Não foram encontradas alterações significativas no padrão hematológico de ratas tratadas nos grupos GB 15 e GB 21. Em relação ao perfil bioquímico, o grupo GB 15, tratado com as doses de 7 e 14mg/kg, evidenciou aumento dos níveis de colesterol e redução de ALT, ureia e creatinina. No grupo GB 21, tratado com as mesmas doses, não se observou aumento de colesterol, mas sim de ureia, enquanto que ALT e creatinina reduziram-se da mesma maneira que no grupo GB 15. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que o GBE não altera os padrões hematológicos, porém, no início da gestação aumenta os níveis de colesterol, enquanto que no final da gestação não altera o colesterol, aumentando a ureia, e durante os dois períodos de gestação reduz creatinina e ALT, o que parece confirmar os efeitos nefro e hepatoprotetor.

Introduction: The Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is a phytotherapic used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and recent studies have demonstrated nephro and hepatoprotector effects of its components. Material and methods: In this study 120 pregnant Wistar rats were distributed among two experimental groups - GB15 e GB21 ­ treated respectively from the first to eight day of pregnancy and to the eight to de 20th day, with zero, 3.5, 7 or 14mg/kg/day of aqueous extract of Gingko biloba by gavagem. Animals were euthanized by exsanguinations under anesthesia on 15th or 21th pregnancy day. The following parameters were analyzed in the blood hemogram, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total leukocytes, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, aspartato aminotransferase (AST/TGO), alanina aminotransferase (ALT/TGP). Results: No hematological alteration was observed in either group. With respect to biochemistry profile the GB15, group treated with 7 and 14mg/kg, showed higher level of cholesterol and lower level of ALT, urea and creatinin. In the group GB21, treated with the same dose, there was no cholesterol alteration but higher level of urea whereas ALT and creatinin where lower than control as in GB15 group. Conclusions: GBE seems do not alter hematological profile but at early gestation increase the cholesterol level. At latter gestation do not alter cholesterol but increase urea levels. At all period of the gestation the GBE decrease creatinine and ALT seems to confirm possible nepro and hepatic protector effect.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on the embryo-fetal development in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is an herbal medicine used for treating neurodegenerative diseases, cerebrovascular insufficiency, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and also vestibular disturbance. Some components of GBE have presented estrogenic effects and, in a previous study, high dosages of GBE caused intra-uterine growth retardation in fetuses of Wistar rats treated during the fetogenesis period. METHODS: Pregnant Wistar rats were treated, through gavage, with different dosages of aqueous GBE (3.5, 7.0, and 14.0 mg/Kg/day), during the tubal transit and implantation period. Rats were killed on the 15th day of pregnancy and the following parameters were evaluated: clinical symptoms of maternal toxicity; maternal body weight; feed and water intake; maternal liver, kidney, and ovary weights; number of corpora lutea; implants per group ratio; pre- and post-implantation loss per group ratio; live fetuses mean; dead fetuses percentage; fetus and placenta weight per offspring ratio; and fetal external malformation. RESULTS: No significant alteration was found for both the maternal and embryonic parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The GBE treatment in pregnant Wistar rats, during the tubal transit and implantation period, caused no toxic effect on the maternal organism and did not induce embryonic death, growth retardation, and/or fetal malformations.

Radiographic evidence of mandibular osteoporosis improvement in Wistar rats treated with Ginkgo biloba.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of the extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) on the rat mandibular glucocorticoid-induced-osteoporosis. METHOD: 36 female rats were divided into six groups (n=6): control, osteoporosis, positive control and EGb1 (14 mg/kg/day), EGb2 (28 mg/kg/day), and EGb3 (56 mg/kg/day) treatment. Treatments were conducted for 30 days after osteoporosis induction. The animals were euthanized and their left mandibles were removed and radiographed to evaluate the cortical and the periodontal bone support. The control group was compared with the osteoporosis group (Student's t-test). The other groups were analyzed by ANOVA test followed by Tukey post-hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in periodontal bone support in the osteoporosis group. The positive control group showed a significant increase in the mesial periodontal bone support, as well as the EGb group treated with 28 and 56 mg/Kg, which showed a significant increase in the mesial and distal periodontal bone support. The mandibular cortical was not affected by osteoporosis; however, the group treated with EGb using 56 mg/Kg showed a significant increase in the thickness of the mandibular cortical. CONCLUSIONS: The EGb recovered the periodontal bone support and increased the mandibular cortical thickness. The EGb may be effective in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Avaliação dos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos em ratas gestantes tratadas com extrato aquoso de piper methysticum: observações preliminares / Evaluation of biochemical and hematological parameters in pregnant rats treated with aqueous extract of piper methysticum: preliminary observations

Objetivo: No presente trabalho são avaliados parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de ratas expostas ao extrato aquoso de Piper methysticum no período de implantação do blastocisto. Métodos: Quarenta ratas Wistar prenhes foram organizadas aleatoriamente nos grupos controle e tratado, que receberam respectivamente 1 ml de água destilada e 10 mg de extrato aquoso de kava / kg de peso corporal em 1 ml de água destilada. O tratamento foi feito por via intragástrica, duas vezes ao dia, nos dias 5, 6 e 7 pós - inseminação (1o dia=espermatozóide no esfregaço) e eutanasiadas, no 15o dia de prenhez, por exsanguinação total (punção cardíaca) sob anestesia. Resultados: houve leucopenia e aumento signifi cativo na dosagem de Transaminase Glutâmico Oxalacética (TGO) entre os animais do grupo tratado. Contudo, não foram observadas alterações histopatológicas no fígado. Conclusão: O extrato aquoso de kava-kava, administrado a ratas prenhes, parece não causar toxicidade hepática, embora tenha evidenciado leucopenia e aumento de TGO.

Aims: To evaluate biochemistry and hematological parameters in pregnant rats treated with aqueous extract of Piper methysticum. Methods: Forty pregnant rats were randomly distributed into two groups: Control that received 1ml of distilled water and treated with 10mg of aqueous extract of kava/kg/body weight, by gavage, twice a day, from day-6 to 7 post insemination (day 1 = spermatozoa visible in the vaginal smear). Euthanize was performed by exsanguinations via cardiac punction under anesthesia (ketamine plus xylazine) at 14 post insemination day. Results: Treated animal presents leucopenia and higher concentration of TGO. No histopathologic alteration was observed in the liver. Conclusion: Th e Piper methysticum aqueous extract seems do not cause hepatotoxicity, but cause leucopenia and increase the plasmatic level of TGO.

Menopausa: tratamento hormonal e fitoterapia / Menopause: hormonal treatment and phytotherapy

Descrevem-se brevemente as alterações ocorridas durante o climatério e o tratamento hormonal e não hormonal dos sintomas nesta fase da vida da mulher.

This brief review describes the alterations occurred during the climacterium and the hormonal and non-hormonal treatment to alleviate the symptoms of this phase.

Postnatal development of pups from nursing rats treated with Gingko biloba.

The Gingko biloba extract is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to the lack of information about its effects on these reproductive phases. Previous studies have shown that G. biloba extract contains components with estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities, thus nursing dams treated with the extract of this plant could show reduction in milk production, resulting in malnutrition and poor development of pups. This work analyzes the postnatal development of pups, whose mothers were treated with G. biloba extract during the lactation period. Nursing Wistar rats received 3.5 mg/kg/day of G. biloba aqueous extract, corresponding to the highest human dose. Clinical signs of maternal toxicity were evaluated. The growth rate, viability, survival during treatment and lactation indices of the pups were calculated. The physical, motor and sensorial development of the pups was also evaluated. No maternal signs of toxicity were observed. As there were no biological differences between control and G. biloba treated pups, it is possible to assume that, in this experimental design, the administration of G. biloba aqueous extract to nursing rats during the lactation period seems to be devoid of toxic effect to mothers and to the physical, motor and sensory development of the pups.

Flavonóides e seu potencial terapêutico: [revisão] / Flavonoids and potential therapeutic: [review]

Entre os fitoterápicos atualmente estudados, os flavonóides têm merecido destaque em virtude de sua ampla gama de ações terapêuticas já demonstradas tanto experimentalmente quanto em humanos. Seu uso para tratamento de sintomas da menopausa tem levado ao consumo indiscriminado, por mulheres nessa faixa de idade e, além disso foram demonstrados efeitos antimicrobiano, antiviral, antiulcerogênico, antineoplásico, antioxidante, antihepatotóxico, antihipertensivo, hipolipidêmico, antiinflamatório, antiplaquetário. Dessa forma, pareceu im-portante apresentar informações sobre os flavonóides, abordando sua ocorrência na natureza, estrutura química, atividade biológica e mecanismo de ação.

Intra-uterine growth retardation after prenatal administration of Ginkgo biloba to rats.

Ginkgo biloba is a plant used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular insufficiency and peripheral vascular diseases that showed reproductive toxicity in vitro and in the mouse model. In this study, pregnant Wistar rats received 0, 3.5, 7 and 14mg/kgbodyweight/day of G. biloba, by gavage, from the 8th to 20th day of pregnancy. Rats were killed on the 21st day and the following parameters were evaluated: maternal body weight; food and water intake; maternal's liver, kidney and ovary weights; resorption index; post-implantation loss; mean of live fetuses; fetuses and placenta mean weight; fetuses' liver, kidney, lung and brain weights; fetuses' external malformations. No significant alteration was observed in maternal parameters of toxicity, but the treatment with 7 and 14mg/kg/day of G. biloba caused significant decrease in the fetuses mean weights. The results indicated that G. biloba was not toxic to mothers, although it caused fetal intra-uterine growth retardation.

Toxicological screening of Euphorbia tirucalli L.: developmental toxicity studies in rats.

Euphorbia tirucalli (Euphorbiaceae family), an environmental risk factor for Burkitt's lymphoma, also presents pharmacological activities. In the northeast region of Brazil its latex is used as an antimicrobial, antiparasitic in the treatment of coughs, rheumatism, cancer and other maladies as folk remedy. The present work concerns its developmental toxicity in rats. Wistar rats on the first day post-coitum (dpc) were grouped as control (distilled water) and treated (latex aqueous solution) groups. Animals were treated by oral gavage from the 1st to the 4th (Experiment I) and from the 5th to 7th dpc (Experiment II) and killed on the 5th or 14th dpc, respectively. Maternal variables were: clinical signs of toxicity, body weight, ovaries, liver and kidneys weight and number of corpora lutea. The uterine tubes and cornua were washed for counting and identification of embryos. The embryos and placenta were weighed. Apart from the leucopenia and the higher placental weight observed in treated rats from Experiment II, there were no significant differences between the groups. It is possible to conclude that the latex aqueous solution of Euphorbia tirucalli did not interfere with tubaric embryo development or with implantation, but it seems to alter the placenta morphology.

Avaliação do potencial estrogênico de morus sp. em ratas wistar: estudo histológico e histomorfométrico: [revisão] / Evaluation of the estrogenic effect of morus sp. in wistar rats: histology and histomorfometric study: [review]

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar se a infusão de folhas de Morus sp possui efeito estrogênico, visto que existem informações de seu uso popular, por mulheres no climatério, para substituir a terapêutica da reposição hormonal convencional. Para isto, ratas Wistar adultas foram ooforectomizadas e, após 17 dias de re-cuperação, distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro grupos: Controle negativo (ooforectomizadas sem tratamento); Controle positivo (10-3µg/g de 17β-estradiol); Infuso (2,8 mL/Kg de infusão de folhas de amora) e Veículo (1mL de água destilada por via intragástrica). Todos os grupos, exceto o controle negativo, foram tratados por 20 dias consecutivos, período em que foi realizado, diariamente, o esfregaço vaginal para determinação da fase do ciclo. No 20o dia de tratamento, as ratas foram submetidas a excesso de inalação de éter para eutanásia. Útero e vagina foram removidos e fixados para análise histopatológica e histomorfométrica. Os resultados obtidos mostram que não houve diferença significativa na morfologia de útero e vagina, nem na proporção de fase estrogênica, com o uso do infuso de folhas de Morus sp.

Avaliação do potencial tóxico do fruto da lobeira (solanum grandiflorum), administrado no período de implantação do blastocisto de rato / Evaluation of the toxic potential of lobeira fruit (Solanum grandiflorum) administered during rat blastocyst implantation period

À fruta de lobo, – Solanum lycocarpum, St. Hil. (Solanum grandiflorum, Ruiz et Pavi) – atribuem-se efeitos calmante, sedativo, antiepiléptico e antiespasmódico e o seu polvilho tem sido usado como hipoglicemiante em algumas regiões de Minas Gerais. Não se tem conhecimento, entretanto, de que tenha sido avaliada quanto a seu potencial teratogênico. No presente trabalho avalia-se o efeito da administração de uma solução aquosa (60 mg/15 ml. de água destilada) do polvilho do fruto durante o período de implantação do blastocisto de ratas. Para tanto ratas Wistar adultas, nuligestas, foram acasaladas com machos de fertilidade comprovada e as inseminadas foram distribuídas em grupos controle (13 ratas) e tratados (14 ratas). Cada rata recebeu 0,5 ml da solução de lobeira, por via intragástrica, 2 vezes ao dia, desde o 4º até o 6º dia de gestação. O grupo controle recebeu água destilada pelo mesmo esquema. Os animais foram pesados nos dias 4 , 6 e 14 de gestação. Nesta última data foram sacrificadas por excesso de inalação com éter. Após laparotomia os cornos uterinos foram expostos determinando-se o número de fetos vivos, mortos ou reabsorvidos. Fetos e respectivas placentas foram pesados. Os corpos lúteos de gestação foram contados em cada ovário. Os índices de implantação, de reabsorção; as médias de fetos vivos; os pesos dos fetos e das placentas; e os pesos maternos não se alteraram com o tratamento, indicando ausência de efeito sobre a implantação, na dose utilizada.