The effect of aloe vera and tea tree oil mouthwashes on the oral health of school children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of two herbal mouthwashes containing aloe vera and tea tree oil, on the oral health of school children. METHODS: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective interventional study was conducted in school children aged 8-14 years. The study participants were divided into four groups depending upon the mouthwash used: Group 1 (aloe vera), Group 2 (chlorhexidine), Group 3 (tea tree oil) and Group 4 (placebo). The variables studied included plaque index, gingival index and salivary Streptococcus mutans counts, which were recorded at baseline, 4 weeks after supervised mouth rinse and after 2 weeks of stopping the mouth rinse. RESULTS: A total of 89 boys and 63 girls were included. A statistically significant decrease in all variables was noted after the use of both the herbal preparations at the end of 4 weeks which was maintained after the 2-week washout period (p < 0.001). The difference in variables between groups using aloe vera, Tea tree oil and chlorhexidine, was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The use of aloe vera and tea tree oil mouthwashes can decrease plaque, gingivitis and S. mutans in the oral cavity in children. The activity of these two agents is comparable to that of chlorhexidine.

NICU-based Interventions To Reduce Maternal Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: A Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Parents whose infants are being treated in the NICU are at high risk for depression and anxiety, with negative implications for parenting and infant development. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of NICU-based interventions to reduce maternal depressive or anxiety symptoms. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo, Cochrane, and CINAHL were searched for relevant studies. Reference lists from selected studies were reviewed. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria included randomized controlled design, a parent-focused intervention delivered in the NICU, valid maternal depressive or anxiety symptom measures at pre- and postintervention, and publication in a peer-reviewed journal in English. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction was conducted independently by 2 coders. RESULTS: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria for qualitative review; 2 were excluded from quantitative analyses for high risk of bias. Fixed- and random-effects models, with 7 eligible studies assessing depressive symptoms, indicated an effect of -0.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.32 to -0.002; P < .05) and, with 8 studies assessing anxiety symptoms, indicated an effect of -0.12 (95% CI, -0.29 to 0.05; P = .17). The subset of interventions using cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms (effect, -0.44; 95% CI, -0.77 to -0.11; P = .01). LIMITATIONS: The small number and methodological shortcomings of studies limit conclusions regarding intervention effects. CONCLUSIONS: Combined intervention effects significantly reduced maternal depressive but not anxiety symptoms. The evidence is strongest for the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy interventions on maternal depressive symptoms.

In vitro inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization and crystal adherence to renal tubular epithelial cells by Terminalia arjuna.

Urolithiasis is a multifactorial disease and remains a public health problem around the world. Of all types of renal stones, calcium oxalate (CaOx) is the most common composition formed in the urinary system of the patients with urolithiasis. The present study is aimed at evaluating the antiurolithiatic properties of the Tris-Cl extract (TE) of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna). The antilithiatic activity of TE of T. arjuna was investigated on nucleation, aggregation, and growth of the CaOx crystals, as well as its protective potency was tested on oxalate-induced cell injury of NRK-52E renal epithelial cells. Also, in vitro antioxidant activity of TE T. arjuna bark was also determined. The TE of T. arjuna exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of nucleation and growth of CaOx crystals. Inhibition of aggregation of CaOx crystals remains constant. When NRK-52E cells were injured by exposure to oxalate for 48 h, the TE prevented the cells from injury and CaOx crystal adherence resulting in increased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The TE also scavenged the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals with an IC50 at 51.72 µg/mL. The results indicated that T. arjuna is a potential candidate for phytotherapy against urolithiasis as it attains the ability to inhibit CaOx crystallization and scavenge DPPH free radicals in vitro along with a cytoprotective role.

In vitro studies reveal antiurolithic effect of Terminalia arjuna using quantitative morphological information from computerized microscopy.

PURPOSE: For most cases, urolithiasis is a condition where excessive oxalate is present in the urine. Many reports have documented free radical generation followed by hyperoxaluria as a consequence of which calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition occurs in the kidney tissue. The present study is aimed to exam the antilithiatic potency of the aqueous extract (AE) of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antilithiatic activity of Terminalia arjuna was investigated in vitro nucleation, aggregation and growth of the CaOx crystals as well as the morphology of CaOx crystals using the inbuilt software 'Image-Pro Plus 7.0' of Olympus upright microscope (BX53). Antioxidant activity of AE of Terminalia arjuna bark was also determined in vitro. RESULTS: Terminalia arjuna extract exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of nucleation and aggregation of CaOx crystals. The AE of Terminalia arjuna bark also inhibited the growth of CaOx crystals. At the same time, the AE also modified the morphology of CaOx crystals from hexagonal to spherical shape with increasing concentrations of AE and reduced the dimensions such as area, perimeter, length and width of CaOx crystals in a dose dependent manner. Also, the Terminalia arjuna AE scavenged the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals with an IC50 at 13.1µg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that Terminalia arjuna bark has the potential to scavenge DPPH radicals and inhibit CaOx crystallization in vitro. In the light of these studies, Terminalia arjuna can be regarded as a promising candidate from natural plant sources of antilithiatic and antioxidant activity with high value.

In vitro studies reveal antiurolithic effect of Terminalia arjuna using quantitative morphological information from computerized microscopy

ABSTRACT Purpose: For most cases, urolithiasis is a condition where excessive oxalate is present in the urine. Many reports have documented free radical generation followed by hyperoxaluria as a consequence of which calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition occurs in the kidney tissue. The present study is aimed to exam the antilithiatic potency of the aqueous extract (AE) of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna). Materials and Methods: The antilithiatic activity of Terminalia arjuna was investigated in vitro nucleation, aggregation and growth of the CaOx crystals as well as the morphology of CaOx crystals using the inbuilt software ‘Image-Pro Plus 7.0’ of Olympus upright microscope (BX53). Antioxidant activity of AE of Terminalia arjuna bark was also determined in vitro. Results: Terminalia arjuna extract exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of nucleation and aggregation of CaOx crystals. The AE of Terminalia arjuna bark also inhibited the growth of CaOx crystals. At the same time, the AE also modified the morphology of CaOx crystals from hexagonal to spherical shape with increasing concentrations of AE and reduced the dimensions such as area, perimeter, length and width of CaOx crystals in a dose dependent manner. Also, the Terminalia arjuna AE scavenged the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals with an IC50 at 13.1µg/mL. Conclusions: The study suggests that Terminalia arjuna bark has the potential to scavenge DPPH radicals and inhibit CaOx crystallization in vitro. In the light of these studies, Terminalia arjuna can be regarded as a promising candidate from natural plant sources of antilithiatic and antioxidant activity with high value.

Propolis and commonly used intracanal irrigants: comparative evaluation of antimicrobial potential.

UNLABELLED: The objective of endodontic therapy is not just simple cleaning and filling of root canals, but successful treatment requires the establishment of a sufficient level of disinfection. AIM: To evaluate, in vivo, the antimicrobial and inflammatory/irritant potential of Propolis against mixed endodontic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. METHOD: An in vivo randomized controlled trial was conducted in a group of 60 children aged 6-12 years presenting with an acute apical abscess of the maxillary primary molars. Fifteen children each were divided randomly into four groups where irrigation during pulpectomy was performed using either 2% chlorhexidine, 4% calcium hydroxide or 4% Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) extract of propolis with normal saline as the control irrigant. Microbiological samples were taken from the disto-buccal root canal before initiating the pulpectomy as well as after 3 days later and for mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures. RESULTS: In all the four groups, a significant decrease in mean aerobic colony forming units (cfu) count was seen. Maximum change in anaerobic cfu count was seen with 2% chlorhexidine. CONCLUSIONS: Chlorhexidine proved to be superior antimicrobial agent against both endodontic aerobes and anaerobes. Calcium hydroxide was found to be least effective.

Cytoprotective role of the aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula on renal epithelial cells.

PURPOSE: Kidney stone is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) has been shown to be the main component of the majority of stones formed in the urinary system of the patients with urolithiasis. The present study evaluates the antilithiatic properties of Terminalia chebula commonly called as ″harad ″ which is often used in ayurveda to treat various urinary diseases including kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antilithiatic activity of Terminalia chebula was investigated on nucleation and growth of the calcium oxalate crystals. The protective potency of the plant extract was also tested on oxalate induced cell injury of both NRK-52E and MDCK renal epithelial cells. RESULTS: The percentage inhibition of CaOx nucleation was found 95.84 % at 25µg/mL of Terminalia chebula aqueous extract which remained almost constant with the increasing concentration of the plant extract; however, plant extract inhibited CaOx crystal growth in a dose dependent pattern. When MDCK and NRK-52E cells were injured by exposure to oxalate for 48 hours, the aqueous extract prevented the injury in a dose-dependent manner. On treatment with the different concentrations of the plant extract, the cell viability increased and lactate dehydrogenase release decreased in a concentration dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that Terminalia chebula is a potential candidate for phytotherapy against urolithiasis as it not only has a potential to inhibit nucleation and the growth of the CaOx crystals but also has a cytoprotective role.

Cytoprotective role of the aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula on renal epithelial cells

PURPOSE: Kidney stone is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) has been shown to be the main component of the majority of stones formed in the urinary system of the patients with urolithiasis. The present study evaluates the antilithiatic properties of Terminalia chebula commonly called as "harad" which is often used in ayurveda to treat various urinary diseases including kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antilithiatic activity of Terminalia chebula was investigated on nucleation and growth of the calcium oxalate crystals. The protective potency of the plant extract was also tested on oxalate induced cell injury of both NRK-52E and MDCK renal epithelial cells. RESULTS: The percentage inhibition of CaOx nucleation was found 95.84% at 25µg/mL of Terminalia chebula aqueous extract which remained almost constant with the increasing concentration of the plant extract; however, plant extract inhibited CaOx crystal growth in a dose dependent pattern. When MDCK and NRK-52E cells were injured by exposure to oxalate for 48 hours, the aqueous extract prevented the injury in a dose-dependent manner. On treatment with the different concentrations of the plant extract, the cell viability increased and lactate dehydrogenase release decreased in a concentration dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that Terminalia chebula is a potential candidate for phytotherapy against urolithiasis as it not only has a potential to inhibit nucleation and the growth of the CaOx crystals but also has a cytoprotective role.

Diminution of oxalate induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury and inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro by aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris.

PURPOSE: Recurrence and persistent side effects of present day treatment for urolithiasis restrict their use, so an alternate solution, using phytotherapy is being sought. The present study attempted to evaluate the antilithiatic properties of Tribulus terrestris commonly called as "gokhru" which is often used in ayurveda to treat various urinary diseases including urolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activity of Tribulus terrestris was investigated on nucleation and the growth of the calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals as well as on oxalate induced cell injury of NRK 52E renal epithelial cells. RESULTS: Tribulus terrestris extract exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of nucleation and the growth of CaOx crystals. When NRK-52E cells were injured by exposure to oxalate for 72 h, Tribulus terrestris extract prevented the injury in a dose-dependent manner. On treatment with the different concentrations of the plant, the cell viability increased and lactate dehydrogenase release decreased in a concentration dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The current data suggests that Tribulus terrestris extract not only has a potential to inhibit nucleation and the growth of the CaOx crystals but also has a cytoprotective role. Our results indicate that it could be a potential candidate for phytotherapy against urolithiasis.

Diminution of oxalate induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury and inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro by aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris

PURPOSE: Recurrence and persistent side effects of present day treatment for urolithiasis restrict their use, so an alternate solution, using phytotherapy is being sought. The present study attempted to evaluate the antilithiatic properties of Tribulus terrestris commonly called as “gokhru” which is often used in ayurveda to treat various urinary diseases including urolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activity of Tribulus terrestris was investigated on nucleation and the growth of the calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals as well as on oxalate induced cell injury of NRK 52E renal epithelial cells. RESULTS: Tribulus terrestris extract exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of nucleation and the growth of CaOx crystals. When NRK-52E cells were injured by exposure to oxalate for 72 h, Tribulus terrestris extract prevented the injury in a dose-dependent manner. On treatment with the different concentrations of the plant, the cell viability increased and lactate dehydrogenase release decreased in a concentration dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The current data suggests that Tribulus terrestris extract not only has a potential to inhibit nucleation and the growth of the CaOx crystals but also has a cytoprotective role. Our results indicate that it could be a potential candidate for phytotherapy against urolithiasis.

The effect of indigenous Neem Azadirachta indica [correction of (Adirachta indica)] mouth wash on Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli growth.

Neem is one of the most widely researched tropical tree, with almost all it's parts being put for a variety of uses. In the present study, the antibacterial effect of Neem mouthwash against salivary levels of streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus has been tested over a period of 2 months. Also it's effect in reversing incipient carious lesions was assessed. While streptococcus mutans was inhibited by Neem mouthwashes, with or without alcohol as well as chlorhexidine, lactobacillus growth was inhibited by chlorhexidine alone. The initial data appears to prove it's effect in inhibiting S. mutans and reversing incipient carious lesions, longer term clinical trials are essential.

Effect of thiamine on the cadmium-chelating capacity of thiol compounds.

The influence of thiamine on the efficacy of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), diethyldimercapto succinate (DEDMS), alpha mercapto-beta-(2-furyl) acrylic acid (MFA) and alpha-mercapto-beta-(2-thienyl) acrylic acid (MTA) to mobilize cadmium and reverse cadmium-induced biochemical alterations was investigated in cadmium-exposed rats. The thiamine coadministration enhanced the efficacy of MFA and MTA in reducing hepatic and renal burden of cadmium and that of DMSA and DEDMS in mobilizing hepatic cadmium. It also improved the efficacy of DMSA, DEDMS and MFA in reversing the cadmium-induced increase in urinary alkaline phosphatase and aspartate and alanine amino transaminases. The combined treatment with thiamine and DMSA or MFA restricted the urinary loss of zinc and that with thiamine and DEDMS reduced the loss of fecal copper, a general effect of chelation. In conclusion, the administration of thiamine during chelation therapy in cadmium poisoning may be beneficial and more effective than thiol chelating agents alone, which needs to be confirmed in humans.

A short-term plaque study using Lactitol as a non-sugar sweetener.

A short-term plaque study was undertaken in a group of 12 children of 8-12 years age to evaluate the effect of lactitol, 4-O (beta-galactosyl)-D-glucitol, on dental plaque pH, weight and microchemical composition. Sucrose which was taken as control and lactitol, were used in both solution form and sweets. Plaque pH recording was done at rest and post consumption periods at 5, 10, 20 and 30 minute intervals. Weight and microchemical analysis were done with 3-day-old plaque after consumption of sweets. Throughout the study period lactitol did not reach to a pH where the demineralization of enamel starts. A significant reduction in plaque formation, carbohydrate content, increase in calcium, phosphorus and protein in lactitol showed the potentiality of this bulk sweetener as non-cariogenic.

Influence of methionine administration during chelation of cadmium by CaNa(3)DTPA and DMPS in the rat.

Influence of methionine administration was investigated in rats on the efficacy of calcium trisodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (CaNa(3)DTPA) and 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1 sulfonate (DMPS) in the treatment of cadmium intoxication. CaNa(3)DTPA, DMPS or methionine were quite effective in mobilizing cadmium from blood and all the tissues examined in cadmium pre-exposed animals. The combination of CaNa(3)DTPA and methionine was more efficient in reducing hepatic, renal and heart cadmium levels while that of DMPS and methionine was more efficient in lowering liver, kidney and brain cadmium levels than either of them alone. The combinations were also highly effective in enhancing the urinary and the fecal excretion of cadmium. The treatment with CaNa(3)DTPA, DMPS or methionine was quite effective in reversing cadmium inhibited tissue enzymes and alterations in blood and serum biochemical levels. The combined treatment with a chelator and methionine was more effective than the chelators alone in restoring cadmium induced changes in hepatic and renal transaminases. The treatment with CaNa(3)DTPA, DMPS or methionine appreciably decreased the depletion of endogenous zinc, copper and iron due to cadmium but the combined treatments were more efficient than the individuals in restoring the kidney and the brain copper levels only. The results show that the administration of methionine during chelation therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of cadmium intoxication.

Influence of vitamin E on preventive or therapeutic effect of MFA and DTPA in cadmium toxicity.

The influence of vitamin E supplementation on the ability of alpha-mercapto-beta(2-furyl) acrylic acid (MFA) or calcium trisodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) to reduce body burden of cadmium and reverse Cd-induced biochemical alterations was investigated in Cd-exposed rats. The treatment with MFA-vitamin E or CaNa3 DTPA-vitamin E was more effective than either vitamin E or chelating agent alone, in depleting blood and tissue Cd. However, the combined treatment showed only limited advantage over the individuals in restoring Cd-induced biochemical changes. Further, the treatment with chelator-vitamin E concomitantly with the exposure to Cd was more effective than post-Cd exposure treatment.

Efficacy of combined chelation in lead intoxication.

The combination of a bone lead mobilizer, viz., CaNa2EDTA, and a soft tissue depleter such as meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) or the sodium salt of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane-sulfonic acid (DMPS) was investigated for its efficacy to enhance the excretion of lead, to reduce its body burden, and to reverse certain lead-induced biochemical alterations by either of them alone in rats. The administration of CaNa2EDTA or DMSA was more effective than that of DMPS, and the combination of CaNa2EDTA and DMSA was more efficient than that of CaNa2EDTA and DMPS or the individual chelators in enhancing urinary/fecal excretion of lead, in reducing hepatic, renal, and femur concentration of lead, and in restoring lead-induced inhibition of blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and increase in blood zinc protoporphyrin and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid levels. The brain lead was depleted by DMSA only, but the combined chelation failed to improve upon the ability of DMSA. However, chelation therapy increased diuresis and tissue depletion of zinc.

Influence of methionine and zinc supplementation during chelation of lead in rats.

The influence of methionine and Zn supplementation on the therapeutic efficacy of calcium disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (CaNa2 EDTA) and 2,3-dimercaptopropane 1-sulphonate (DMPS) in lead intoxication was investigated in rats. The combined treatment with CaNa2 EDTA and methionine +Zn or DMPS and methionine +Zn was more effective than the respective chelator alone in decreasing the blood and tissue burden of Pb and increasing urinary excretion of Pb, with the former combination being more effective than the later. However, simultaneous supplementation of the amino acid and essential trace element did not improve upon the efficacy of the chelator in reversing lead-induced biochemical alterations.

Influence of selenium supplementation during chelation of lead in rats.

The influence of selenium supplementation during chelation therapy to reduce body burden and toxicity of lead was investigated in rats. Selenium had marginal effects on liver, kidney and blood lead decorporation by calcium disodium ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (CaNa2EDTA) and activation of inhibited delta- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity by calcium trisodium diethylenetriamine penta acetic acid (CaNa3DTPA). Selenium supplementation however, had no influence on lead induced inhibition of renal and hepatic transaminases and alkaline phosphatase. The results suggest that selenium supplementation slightly augments lead mobilization by chelating drugs.