Anandenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan as an inhibitor of HIV-1 BaL infection.

We reported the in vitro anti-HIV-1 activity, cytotoxicity, cytokines expression and chemical profile of Anadenanthera colubrina. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on TZM-bl, HL2/3 cells and macrophages. Anti-HIV-1 activity was determined by Luciferase assay (TZM-bl cells) and by HIV-p24 quantification (macrophages) assessed by ELISA. TZM-bl and HL2/3 cells were used to determine cell-cell fusion inhibition. Cytokines expression was assessed by ELISA. Chemical composition was determined by Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry. At 66.6 µg/mL, the extract maintained the cell viability above 90%. At 33.28 µg/mL, the extract reduced 82.8% of HIV-1 infection (TZM-bl cells) and HIV-p24 expression (macrophages). The extract inhibited approximately 70% of TZM-bl and HL2/3 cells fusion. Extract did't induce inflammatory response. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of flavonoid, phenolic acids, fatty acids and sugars. This is the first study presenting the anti-HIV effect of A. colubrina, showing low cytotoxicity and no inflammatory stimuli, important requirements for a microbicide development.

Biological properties of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi essential oil

Abstract Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi green fruits essential oil (EO) was evaluated regarding its phytochemical profile, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, and toxicity. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was applied to identify its constituents, thereafter the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations, and its antibiofilm activity were evaluated. The EO cytotoxicity was assessed in tumor and non-tumor human cells, and in vivo toxicity was evaluated in a Galleria mellonella model. The major constituents of S. terebinthifolia EO were alpha-phellandrene and beta-phellandrene. The EO had a weak activity against all strains of Candida albicans (MIC 1000µg/mL) and had no activity against non-albicans strains, bacteria, and C. albicans biofilm. Cytostatic activity against all tumor cell lines was shown. Additionally, cell viability remained at EO concentrations up to 62.5 µg/mL. At 16 mg/mL, 50% hemolysis was observed, and it had low toxicity in vivo. Overall, the S. terebinthifolia EO was characterized by low antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, with no evidence of toxicity to human tumor and non-tumor cells

Phytochemical composition, antifungal activity, in vitro and in vivo toxicity of Syzygium cumini (L) Skeels leaves extract / Composición fitoquímica, actividad antifúngica, toxicidad in vitro e in vivo del extracto de hojas de Syzygium cumini (L) Skeels

This study determined phytochemical composition, antifungal activity and toxicity in vitro and in vivo of Syzygium cumini leaves extract (Sc). Thus, was characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and submitted to determination of Minimum Inhibitory (MIC) and Fungicidal concentrations (MFC) on reference and clinical strains of Candida spp. and by growth kinetics assays. Toxicity was verified using in vitro assays of hemolysis, osmotic fragility, oxidant and antioxidant activity in human erythrocytes and by in vivo acute systemic toxicity in Galleria mellonella larvae. Fourteen different compounds were identified in Sc, which showed antifungal activity (MIC between 31.25-125µg/mL) with fungistatic effect on Candida. At antifungal concentrations, it demonstrated low cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity and neglible in vivotoxicity. Thus, Sc demonstrated a promising antifungal potential, with low toxicity, indicating that this extract can be a safe and effective alternative antifungal agent.

Este estudio determinó la composición fitoquímica, la actividad antifúngica y la toxicidad in vitro e in vivo del extracto de hojas de Syzygium cumini (Sc). Así, se caracterizó mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas y se sometió a determinación de Concentraciones Mínimas Inhibitorias (CMI) y Fungicidas (MFC) sobre cepas de referencia y clínicas de Candida spp. y mediante ensayos de cinética de crecimiento. La toxicidad se verificó mediante ensayos in vitro de hemólisis, fragilidad osmótica, actividad oxidante y antioxidante en eritrocitos humanos y por toxicidad sistémica aguda in vivo en larvas de Galleria mellonella. Se identificaron catorce compuestos diferentes en Sc, que mostraron actividad antifúngica (CMI entre 31.25-125 µg/mL) con efecto fungistático sobre Candida. En concentraciones antifúngicas, demostró baja citotoxicidad, actividad antioxidante y toxicidad in vivo insignificante. Por lo tanto, Sc demostró un potencial antifúngico prometedor, con baja toxicidad, lo que indica que este extracto puede ser un agente antifúngico alternativo seguro y eficaz.

Yeast-Host Interactions: Anadenanthera colubrina Modulates Virulence Factors of C. albicans and Inflammatory Response In Vitro.

Oral candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections in humans. Its incidence has increased widely, as well as the antifungal resistance, demanding for the search for novel antifungal therapeutic agents. Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan is a plant species that has been proven to possess pharmacological effects, including antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated in vitro the effects of standardized A. colubrina extract on virulence factors of Candida albicans and its regulation on immune response through C. albicans-host interaction. Antifungal activity was evaluated by Broth Microdilution Method against reference Candida strains (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis; C. dubliniensis). Anti-biofilm effect was performed on C. albicans mature biofilm and quantified by CFU/mL/g of biofilm dry weight. Proleotlytic enzymatic activities of proteinase and phospholipase were assessed by Azocasein and Phosphatidylcholine assays, respectively. Cytotoxicity effect was determined by Cell Titer Blue Viability Assay on Human Gingival Fibroblasts. Co-cultured model was used to analyze C. albicans coexisting with HGF by Scanning Electron Microscopy and fluorescence microscopies; gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR of C. albicans enzymes (SAP-1, PLB-1) and of host inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, IL-10). Cytokines secretion was analysed by Luminex. The extract presented antifungal effect with MIC<15.62 µg/ml against Candida strains. Biofilm and proteolytic activity were significant reduced at 312.4 µg/ml (20 × 15.62 µg/ml) extract concentration. Cell viability was maintained higher than 70% in concentrations up to 250 µg/ml (LD50 = 423.3 µg/ml). Co-culture microscopies demonstrated a substantial decreased in C. albicans growth and minimal toxicity against host cells. Gene expressions of SAP-1/PLB-1 were significantly down-regulated and host immune response was modulated by a significant decreased on IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines secretion. A. colubrina had antifungal activity on Candida strains, antibiofilm, and anti-proteolytic enzyme effects against C. albicans. Presented low cytotoxicity to the host cells and modulatory effects on the host immune response.

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Antifungal Potential of an Extract From the Leaves of Guapira Graciliflora Mart. Against Oral Microorganisms of Dental Interest

Abstract Objective: To perform an in vitro analysis of antibacterial and antifungal potential of an alcoholic extract from the leaves of Guapira Graciliflora Mart. against oral microorganisms and determine its chemical composition. Material and Methods: A hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves form G. graciliflora was obtained through maceration, vacuum concentration and freeze-drying. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus parasanguinis, Streptococcus mitis and strains of Candida albicans using broth microdilution method. Phytochemical analysis determined the total phenolic compounds, protein concentration and total of sugars present in the extract. Results: G. Graciliflora demonstrated antifungal activity against the LM 11 and LM 410 clinical isolates of C. albicans (MIC 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL, respectively). The other microorganisms tested were resistant to the extract. The phytochemical analysis revealed 3% proteins, 13% total sugars and 17% phenolic compounds. Conclusion: G. Graciliflora has antifungal activity against clinical strains of C. albicans and exhibits proteins, sugars and phenolic compounds in its chemical composition.

Use of erythrocytes in cytotoxicity and toxicity assays of medicinal plant extracts: analysis of their application and bibliometric study / Utilización de eritrocitos en ensayos de citotoxicidad y toxidez de extractos de plantas medicinales: análisis de su aplicación y estudio bibliométrico

Plant species have been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times and are still in use today since these products represent a source of raw material for the production of phytotherapeutic formulations. Screening and investigation of plants with pharmacological potential require the evaluation of characteristics related to their action, efficacy and safety in different steps. Among these steps, pre- clinical trials are used to evaluate the properties of the test product in in vitro experiments, such as cytotoxicity assays. Within this context, this study consists of a bibliometric analysis of some in vitro cytotoxicity and toxicity assays in erythrocytes used during bioprospecting of medicinal plants. The results demonstrated the wide application of erythrocytes to evaluate the biological effects of medicinal plant extracts. The methods were found to be valid and effective for the preliminary investigation of the in vitro cytotoxicity and toxicity of plant products.

El uso de especies vegetales para fines terapéuticos es una práctica histórica y todavía bastante actual, ya que estos productos pueden representar una fuente de materia prima para la producción de formulaciones fitoterápicas. En investigación de plantas con potencial farmacológico requiere la evaluación de su acción, eficacia y seguridad, a través de diferentes etapas. Entre estas, en los ensayos preclínicos se evalúan las propiedades del producto-prueba en experimentos in vitro, tales como ensayos de citotoxicidad, entre otros. En este aspecto, el presente estudio consiste en un análisis bibliométrico acerca de algunas pruebas de citotoxicidad y toxicidad in vitro en eritrocitos realizados en los ensayos de bioprospección de plantas medicinales. Los resultados evidencian la amplia utilización de eritrocitos para la evaluación de los efectos biológicos de extractos de plantas medicinales, apuntándolos como métodos válidos y eficaces para la investigación preliminar de la citotoxicidad y toxicidad in vitro de productos vegetales.

In vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potential of Salvia officinalis L. against Oral Pathogens / Avaliação in vitro do Potencial Antimicrobiano da Salvia officinalis L. Frente a Patógenos Orais

The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains to antibiotics has motivated the search for new substances with antimicrobial activity, especially those derived from medicinal plants. Salvia officinalis L. is a medicinal plant that arouses scientific interest due to being associated with multiple therapeutic effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of S. officinalis L. against pathogens in the oral cavity. The antimicrobial potential of the ethanol extract of leaf of S. officinalis L was evaluated by broth microdilution, with determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal/Fungicide concentration (MBC / MFC), against the species Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida guillermond, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. The extract showed moderate antifungal potential before Candida species (MIC = 1 mg/mL). And for the species of Streptococcus, the antimicrobial activity was from moderate to strong whose MIC ranged from 0.25 to 1 mg/mL. In this study, the extract from the leaves of S. officinalis L. presented oral cavity antimicrobial activity against pathogens. These results point to S. officinalis as a possible source of active ingredients in the development of formulations with antimicrobial activity of dental use. (AU).

O surgimento de cepas multirresistentes a antibióticos tem motivado a busca de novas substâncias com atividade antimicrobiana, especialmente aquelas oriundas de plantas medicinais. A Salvia officinalis L. é uma planta medicinal que desperta interesse científico por estar associada a múltiplos efeitos terapêuticos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano in vitro da S. officinalis L. frente a patógenos da cavidade bucal. O potencial antimicrobiano do extrato etanólico da folha da S. officinalis L foi avaliado por meio da microdiluição em caldo, com determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida/Fungicida Mínima (CBM/CFM), frente as espécies Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida guillermond, Candida krusei e Candida tropicalis. O extrato apresentou moderado potencial antifúngico frente às espécies de Candida (CIM = 1 mg/mL). Para as espécies de Streptococcus, o potencial antimicrobiano foi considerado forte a moderado, com valores de CIM variando entre 0,25 a 1 mg/mL. Neste estudo, o extrato da folha de S. officinalis L. apresentou potencial antimicrobiano contra patógenos da cavidade bucal. Esses resultados apontam a S. officinalis como uma possível fonte de princípios ativos no desenvolvimento de formulações com atividade antimicrobiana de uso odontológico. (AU).

Anadenanthera Colubrina vell Brenan: anti-Candida and antibiofilm activities, toxicity and therapeutical action.

We evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of bark from Anadenanthera colubrina (vell.) Brenan, known as Angico, against Candida spp. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the microdilution technique through the Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicide Concentrations (MIC and MFC). The antibiofilm potential was tested in mature biofilms formed by Candida species and analyzed through the counting of CFU/mL and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). In vivo toxicity and therapeutic action was evaluated in the Galleria mellonella model. The treatment with the extract, in low doses, was able to reduce the growth of planktonic cells of Candida species. MIC values range between 19.5 and 39 µg/mL and MFC values range between 79 and 625 µg/mL. In addition was able to reduce the number of CFU/mL in biofilms and to cause structural alteration and cellular destruction, observed via SEM. A. colubrina showed low toxicity in the in vivo assay, having not affected the viability of the larvae at doses below 100mg/kg and high potential in the treatment of C. albicans infection. Considering its high antifungal potential, its low toxicity and potential to treatment of infections in in vivo model, A. colubrina extract is a strong candidate for development of a new agent for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Anadenanthera Colubrina vell Brenan: anti-Candida and antibiofilm activities, toxicity and therapeutical action

Abstract: We evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of bark from Anadenanthera colubrina (vell.) Brenan, known as Angico, against Candida spp. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the microdilution technique through the Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicide Concentrations (MIC and MFC). The antibiofilm potential was tested in mature biofilms formed by Candida species and analyzed through the counting of CFU/mL and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). In vivo toxicity and therapeutic action was evaluated in the Galleria mellonella model. The treatment with the extract, in low doses, was able to reduce the growth of planktonic cells of Candida species. MIC values range between 19.5 and 39 µg/mL and MFC values range between 79 and 625 µg/mL. In addition was able to reduce the number of CFU/mL in biofilms and to cause structural alteration and cellular destruction, observed via SEM. A. colubrina showed low toxicity in the in vivo assay, having not affected the viability of the larvae at doses below 100mg/kg and high potential in the treatment of C. albicans infection. Considering its high antifungal potential, its low toxicity and potential to treatment of infections in in vivo model, A. colubrina extract is a strong candidate for development of a new agent for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Antifungal, antibiofilm, and antiproliferative activities of Guapira graciliflora Mart.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antifungal, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activities of the extract from the leaves of Guapira graciliflora Mart. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was performed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the extract and its fractions was evaluated using the broth microdilution method against species of Candida. The inhibition of C. albicans biofilm was evaluated based on the number of colony-forming units (CFU) and metabolic activity (MTT). The antiproliferative activity of the extract and its fraction was evaluated in the presence of human tumor and non-tumor cells, and the cytotoxicity of the extract was determined on the RAW 264.7 macrophage line - both using the sulforhodamine B method. The phytochemical characterization indicated the presence of the flavonoids rutin and kaempferol. The extract and the methanol fraction exhibited moderate antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata, and strong activity against C. dubliniensis. In the biofilms at 24 and 48 hours, the concentration of 12500 µg/mL of the extract was the most effective at reducing the number of CFU s/mL (44.4% and 42.9%, respectively) and the metabolic activity of C. albicans cells (34.6% and 52%, respectively). The extract and its fractions had no antiproliferative effect on the tumor lines tested, with mean activity (log GI50) equal to or greater than 1.71 µg/mL. Macrophage cell viability remained higher than 80% for concentrations of the extract of up to 62.5 µg/mL. G. graciliflora has flavonoids in its chemical composition and demonstrates potential antifungal and antibiofilm activity, with no evidence of a significant change in the viability of human tumor and non-tumor cell lines.

Antifungal, antibiofilm, and antiproliferative activities of Guapira graciliflora Mart

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antifungal, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activities of the extract from the leaves of Guapira graciliflora Mart. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was performed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the extract and its fractions was evaluated using the broth microdilution method against species of Candida. The inhibition of C. albicans biofilm was evaluated based on the number of colony-forming units (CFU) and metabolic activity (MTT). The antiproliferative activity of the extract and its fraction was evaluated in the presence of human tumor and non-tumor cells, and the cytotoxicity of the extract was determined on the RAW 264.7 macrophage line - both using the sulforhodamine B method. The phytochemical characterization indicated the presence of the flavonoids rutin and kaempferol. The extract and the methanol fraction exhibited moderate antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata, and strong activity against C. dubliniensis. In the biofilms at 24 and 48 hours, the concentration of 12500 µg/mL of the extract was the most effective at reducing the number of CFU s/mL (44.4% and 42.9%, respectively) and the metabolic activity of C. albicans cells (34.6% and 52%, respectively). The extract and its fractions had no antiproliferative effect on the tumor lines tested, with mean activity (log GI50) equal to or greater than 1.71 µg/mL. Macrophage cell viability remained higher than 80% for concentrations of the extract of up to 62.5 µg/mL. G. graciliflora has flavonoids in its chemical composition and demonstrates potential antifungal and antibiofilm activity, with no evidence of a significant change in the viability of human tumor and non-tumor cell lines.

Antifungal Activity, Phytochemical Characterization and Thermal Profile of Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell. ) Brenan

Objective: To investigate the antifungal potential of A. colubrina, and its phytochemical characteristics, thermal profile and toxicity. Material and Methods: To assess potential antifungal activity, the technique of microdilution was used with the determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration, using standard species of Candida and recent clinical isolates of Candida albicans. Analyses of action of the extract were performed on the wall and cell morphology of C. albicans, of the interactive effect between the plant extract and nystatin on C. albicans through the checkerboard method, and of growth kinetics. The phytochemical screening was determined by spectrophotometry. The thermal profile was traced with the determination of thermogravimetric curves (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The toxicity was evaluated by the method of hemolysis. Results: The extract of A. colubrina showed a fungistatic potential against all bacteria tested and it acted by modifying the cellular morphology of C. albicans. There was a synergism between nystatin and the plant extract (FIC=0.375), and 53.18% of total polyphenols were determined. The TG curve showed the occurrence of three steps of thermal decomposition. None of the tested concentrations became the effective cytotoxic concentration. Conclusion: Further studies should be conducted to understand the efficacy and the mechanisms of action involved in the antifungal activity of the plant extract of A. colubrina in order to produce a new drug for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Antifungal activity and mode of action of thymol and its synergism with nystatin against Candida species involved with infections in the oral cavity: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Limitations of antifungal agents used in the treatment of oral candidiasis, as the development of resistant strains, are known by the scientific community. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of thymol against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei strains and to determine its mode of action and synergistic effect when combined with the synthetic antifungal nystatin. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using a microdilution technique, and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was determined via subculture sowing. The mode of action of thymol was established by verifying fungal growth in the presence of sorbitol or ergosterol. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC) was determined using the checkerboard method. RESULTS: Thymol presented an antifungal effect, with MICs of 39 µg/mL for C. albicans and C. krusei and 78 µg/mL for C. tropicalis. The results of the antifungal test remained unchanged in the presence of sorbitol; however, the MIC value of thymol against C. albicans increased eight times (from 39.0 to 312.5 µg/mL) in presence of exogenous ergosterol. The combination of thymol and nystatin reduced the MIC values of both products by 87.4%, generating an FIC index of 0.25. CONCLUSIONS: Thymol was found to have a fungicidal effect on Candida species and a synergistic effect when combined with nystatin.

Antimicrobial Potential of Momordica charantia L. against Multiresistant Standard Species and Clinical Isolates.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal potential in vitro of Momordica charantia L. against the microorganisms of clinical interest (standard strains and multiresistant isolates) in order to aggregate scientific information in relation to its use as a therapeutic product. MATERIALS AND METHODS: M. charantia L. plant material was acquired in municipality of Malta, Paraiba, Brazil. The extract was obtained through maceration, filtration and then concentrated under reduced pressure in a rotary evaporator, resulting in a dough, and was then dried in an oven for 72 hours at 40°C. Antimicrobial action of ethanolic extract of seed M. charantia L. was evaluated based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against standard strains of bacteria, isolates multiresistant bacteria and Candida species, by microdilution in broth method. RESULTS: All organisms were sensitive to the extract, being considered strong antimicrobial activity (MIC and MBC/MFC < 0.125 mg/ml). CONCLUSION: The M. charantia L. showed strong antimicrobial potential, with bactericidal and fungicidal profile, there is the prospect to constitute a new therapeutic strategy for the control of infections, particularly in multiresistant strains. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of medicinal plants in treatment of infectious processes have an important function nowadays, due to the limitations of the use of synthetic antibiotics available, related specifically to the microbial resistance emergence.

Potencial antimicrobiano de seis plantas do semiárido paraibano contra bactérias relacionadas à infecção endodôntica / Antimicrobial potential of six plants from the semiarid zone of Paraíba State (Brazil) against bacteria related to endodontic infection

Com o aumento dos microrganismos resistentes às substâncias antimicrobianas já conhecidas, vários extratos de plantas medicinais foram testados com a finalidade de procurar novos compostos com atividade antimicrobiana reconhecida. Assim este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de diferentes extratos vegetais em bactérias relacionadas à infecção endodôntica. Foram testados os extratos hidroalcóolicos das espécies Syderoxylum obtusifolium Roem e Schult (quixabeira), Bauhínia forficata Linn (mororó), Anadenanthera colubrina Brenan (angico), Spondias tuberosa Arruda (umbuzeiro), Tabebuia pentaphylla Vell. (ipê rosa) e Guapira graciliflora Mart. (joão-mole), contra o Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli. Foram realizados os ensaios antimicrobianos pela técnica do disco difusão em ágar e pelo método de microdiluição em caldo. Todos os extratos analisados apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana contra pelo menos uma espécie bacteriana. Os melhores resultados foram encontrados com T. pentaphylla Vell e G. graciliflora Mart, apresentando atividade contra todas as cepas testadas, destacando-se a atividade de T. pentaphylla Vell frente a S.aureus na concentração de 0,78μl/μl e da casca de G. graciliflora Mart frente a E.faecalisna concentração de 6,25μl/μl. Os resultados sinalizam o potencial antimicrobiano dessas plantas, podendo ser promissoras para estudos de desenvolvimento de novos produtos de uso endodôntico.

In the face of an increasing range of microorganisms known to be resistant to antimicrobial substances, various herbal extracts have been screened in order to find new compounds with recognized antimicrobial activity. In particular, this study was carried out to assess the antimicrobial activity of such extracts on bacteria related to endodontic infection. Hydroalcoholic extracts of the species Syderoxylum obtusifolium Roem and Schult (quixabeira), Bauhinia forficata Linn (mororó) Anadenanthera colubrina Brenan (angico), Spondias tuberosa Arruda (umbuzeiro), Tabebuia pentaphylla Vell. (ipê rosa) and Guapira graciliflora Mart. (joão-mole), were tested against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial assays were performed by the disk agar diffusion and broth microdilution methods. All extracts analyzed showed antimicrobial activity against at least one bacterial species. The best results were obtained with T. pentaphylla and G. graciliflora, which showed activity against all tested strains; specifically, that of T. pentaphylla against S. aureus, at a concentration of 0.78μL/μL, and of G. graciliflora bark against E. faecalis, at a concentration of 6.25μL/μL, should be highlighted. The results indicate that extracts of these plants may be promising for the study and development of new antimicrobials for endodontic use.

Inflammatory effect of green propolis on dental pulp in rats

Pulpotomy in deciduous teeth is a controversial issue, especially with regard to alternative materials used for the direct pulp capping of the root canal pulp tissue. The aim of the present study was to perform a histological analysis of the initial reaction of the root canal pulp tissue in rats, following pulpotomy and pulp capping with (1) green propolis extract, (2) iodoform paste, (3) green propolis extract + iodoform and (4) calcium hydroxide paste with saline solution. Analyses were performed after 24 hours, 72 hours and 7 days. The substances containing green propolis extract and iodoform led to the production of an intense inflammatory infiltrate and necrosis in the root canal pulp tissue throughout the analyses. In the calcium hydroxide group, inflammatory infiltrate only prevailed at the 72-hour evaluation. Among the substances tested, calcium hydroxide paste induced the lowest intensity of inflammatory response in the root canal pulp tissue. Longer studies should be carried out to analyze the pulp repair process following pulpotomy and pulp capping with the compounds analyzed.

Inflammatory effect of green propolis on dental pulp in rats.

Pulpotomy in deciduous teeth is a controversial issue, especially with regard to alternative materials used for the direct pulp capping of the root canal pulp tissue. The aim of the present study was to perform a histological analysis of the initial reaction of the root canal pulp tissue in rats, following pulpotomy and pulp capping with (1) green propolis extract, (2) iodoform paste, (3) green propolis extract + iodoform and (4) calcium hydroxide paste with saline solution. Analyses were performed after 24 hours, 72 hours and 7 days. The substances containing green propolis extract and iodoform led to the production of an intense inflammatory infiltrate and necrosis in the root canal pulp tissue throughout the analyses. In the calcium hydroxide group, inflammatory infiltrate only prevailed at the 72-hour evaluation. Among the substances tested, calcium hydroxide paste induced the lowest intensity of inflammatory response in the root canal pulp tissue. Longer studies should be carried out to analyze the pulp repair process following pulpotomy and pulp capping with the compounds analyzed.

In vitro evaluation of the root canal cleaning ability of plant extracts and their antimicrobial action

This in vitro study evaluated both the antimicrobial activity and the root canal cleaning ability of plant extracts used in irrigation solutions. The antimicrobial activities of the aroeira-da-praia (Schinus terebintifolius Raddi) and the quixabeira (Syderoxylum obtusifolium Roem & Schult) hydroalcoholic extracts, of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and of 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control) against Enterococcus faecalis were tested with the agar well diffusion method. The level of root canal cleanliness was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty one single-rooted human teeth were divided into three groups according to the irrigation solution applied: 1) 50% aroeira-da-praia; 2) 50% quixabeira and 3) a combination of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite + 17% EDTA. All solutions tested demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. The SEM analysis revealed that higher and lower degrees of surface cleaning were observed, in the three groups, respectively for the coronal and apical thirds, in that quixabeira showed the greatest efficiency in removing the smear layer in the apical third. All the agents tested presented antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis. None, however, was able to completely remove the smear layer of the dentinal surface in the different thirds of the root canal. The results suggest that the analyzed plant extracts may represent a new therapeutic option in the list of alternative agents available for endodontic treatment.

In vitro evaluation of the root canal cleaning ability of plant extracts and their antimicrobial action.

This in vitro study evaluated both the antimicrobial activity and the root canal cleaning ability of plant extracts used in irrigation solutions. The antimicrobial activities of the aroeira-da-praia (Schinus terebintifolius Raddi) and the quixabeira (Syderoxylum obtusifolium Roem & Schult) hydroalcoholic extracts, of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and of 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control) against Enterococcus faecalis were tested with the agar well diffusion method. The level of root canal cleanliness was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty one single-rooted human teeth were divided into three groups according to the irrigation solution applied: 1) 50% aroeira-da-praia; 2) 50% quixabeira and 3) a combination of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite + 17% EDTA. All solutions tested demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. The SEM analysis revealed that higher and lower degrees of surface cleaning were observed, in the three groups, respectively for the coronal and apical thirds, in that quixabeira showed the greatest efficiency in removing the smear layer in the apical third. All the agents tested presented antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis. None, however, was able to completely remove the smear layer of the dentinal surface in the different thirds of the root canal. The results suggest that the analyzed plant extracts may represent a new therapeutic option in the list of alternative agents available for endodontic treatment.

Mucosite oral induzida por radiação: uso de fatores de crescimento e de laser / Radiation-induced oral mucositis: the use of growth factors and laser

Dosagens de radiação em torno de 50 a 70 Gy são consideradas de risco para o desenvolvimento de mucosite oral. Foi realizado um levantamento da literatura relacionada com a mucosite oral induzida por radiação em humanos na base de dados MEDLINE, tendo como critério inicial a seleção de artigos completos publicados em inglês de 1995 a 2005. Foram identificados 40 trabalhos relevantes, dos quais apenas 17 apresentavam evidências científicas sobre o uso local de fatores de crescimento e do laser de baixa potência como modalidades terapêuticas para a mucosite oral. A maioria dos autores considerava o sistema de gradação em escores preconizado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde como o mais adequado para a classificação do grau de evolução desta complicação oral. Observou-se, a partir da análise realizada, que o uso local de fatores de crescimento e do laser de baixa potência pode reduzir a severidade da mucosite oral induzida por radiação, favorecendo a proliferação celular e, consequentemente, a indução do reparo da mucosa e contribuindo para melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Radiation doses of 50 to 70 Gy may cause oral mucositis. The MEDLINE database was searched for full articles published in English from 1995 to 2005 on radiation-induced oral mucositis in humans. Forty relevant articles were found and of these, only 17 presented scientific evidence of the use of growth factors and low-power laser administered locally as treatment options for oral mucositis. Most authors considered the World Health Organization's grading system the most appropriate for classifying the grade of this oral complication. Review of these articles revealed that growth factors and low-power laser used locally can reduce the severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis, stimulating cell proliferation and consequently, promote healing. This helps to better the quality of life of these patients.