Evaluation of Bacillus subtilis as a Tool for Biodegrading Diesel Oil and Gasoline in Experimentally Contaminated Water and Soil.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are toxic petroleum hydrocarbons pollutants that can affect the central nervous system and even cause cancer. For that reason, studies regarding BTEX degradation are extremely important. Our study aimed evaluate the microorganism Bacillus subtilis as a tool for degrading petroleum hydrocarbons pollutants. Assays were run utilizing water or soil distinctly contaminated with gasoline and diesel oil, with and without B. subtilis. The ability of B. subtilis to degrade hydrophobic compounds was analyzed by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography. The FTIR results indicated, for water assays, that B. subtilis utilized the gasoline and diesel oil to produce the biosurfactant, and, as a consequence, performed a biodegradation process. In the same way, for soil assay, B. subtilis biodegraded the diesel oil. The gas chromatography results indicated, for gasoline in soil assay, the B. subtilis removed BTEX. So, B. subtilis was capable of degrading BTEX, producing biosurfactant and it can also be used for other industrial applications. Bioremediation can be an efficient, economical, and versatile alternative for BTEX contamination.

Effects of Green Tea and Green Tea Incorporated in Nanoparticle Lyotropic Liquid Crystal on Exercise Adaptations: A High-Intensity Interval Training Pre-Clinical Study.

Green tea (GT) is a natural antioxidant, sensitive to oxidation after preparation. Lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) are nanostructured systems used to incorporate bioactive compounds. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a workout modality that increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, this research aimed to compare the effects of GT and GT loaded in LLC in animals subjected to HIIT, considering hematological, biochemical and histological parameters, redox status, and body mass. Monoolein, GT in infusion and Poloxamer 407 were mixed to obtain nanoparticles of LLC (NP-LLC). Healthy male rats were randomized into six groups (n = 6/group): Control (C), GT, GT-NP-LLC, Exercise (Ex), GT+Ex, GT-NP-LLC+Ex. Body weight was significantly lower in all groups subjected to HIIT compared to C. The percentages of body mass reduction were 11.3, 13.0, 10.0 and 11.0% for Ex, GT+Ex, GT-NP-LLC and GT-NP-LLC+Ex, respectively, compared to control. GT-NP-LLC and Ex reduced triglycerides compared to C. GT and GT-NP-LLC supplementation combined with HIIT presented higher muscle hypertrophy (25 and 21%, respectively), better physical conditioning, and reduced body weight gain rate compared to HIIT by itself. Moreover, the effects of GT-NP-LLC itself on body mass and biochemical parameters are promising, suggesting NP-LLC could improve the bioavailability of GT.

PVA/anionic collagen membranes as drug carriers of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride with sustained antibacterial activity and potential use in the treatment of ulcerative keratitis.

Devices such as contact lenses and collagen shields have been used to improve the antibiotic bioavailability of eye drops formulations in the treatment of ulcerative keratitis. Nevertheless, these devices are not sustained drug delivery systems, and a combination with eye drops is necessary. In animal patients, it requires constant supervision by trained personnel to avoid device loss, which increases the cost of treatment. In this study, PVA/anionic collagen membranes containing ciprofloxacin or tobramycin were prepared using two different methodologies, and the release, physical and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. The membrane containing ciprofloxacin was selected as a sustained drug delivery system with antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli during 48 h. Despite to be opaque, due to its heterogeneous morphology, this membrane had the adequate mechanical strength, water content, hydrophilicity, water vapor permeability, and surface pH to interact with cornea without causing discomfort. In the surface of this membrane it was observed dispersed collagen fibrils which could serve as a substrate for corneal proteinases, contributing to the reduction in stromal damage and enhancing the epithelium regeneration. These results encourage the idea these membranes are new cost-effective and safe alternatives to treat corneal ulcers in animal patients.

Flavonoid-Enriched Plant-Extract-Loaded Emulsion: A Novel Phytocosmetic Sunscreen Formulation with Antioxidant Properties.

The aim of this study was to develop a phytocosmetic sunscreen emulsion with antioxidant effect, containing a blend of flavonoid-enriched plant extracts. In vitro sun protection factor, antioxidant activity, skin irritation, photostability, cutaneous permeation, and retention of flavonoids were evaluated. Thermodynamically stable emulsions were obtained and tested for sensorial analysis after loading the blend of extracts. The selected emulsion was stable when stored at low temperatures (5 C), for which after 120 days the concentration of quercetin and rutin were above their limit of quantification, i.e., 2.8 ± 0.39 µg/mL and 30.39 ± 0.39 µg/mL, respectively. Spreadability, low rupture strength and adhesiveness were shown to be similar to a conventional topical product. Higher brittleness, pseudo-plastic, and viscoelastic behaviors were also recorded for the developed phytocosmetic sunscreen. The product presented a critical wavelength of 387.0 nm and ultraviolet rays A and B (UVA/UVB) rate of 0.78, confirming that the developed formulation shows capacity for UVA/UVB protection, protecting skin against damages caused by Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Rutin was shown to permeate the skin barrier and was also quantified in the stratum corneum (3.27 ± 1.92 µg/mL) by tape stripping and retention test (114.68 ± 8.70 µg/mL). The developed flavonoid-enriched phytocosmetic was shown to be non-irritant to skin by an in vitro assay. Our results confirm the antioxidant activity, sun protection, and physical properties of the developed phytocosmetic for topical application.

Effect of Polysaccharide Sources on the Physicochemical Properties of Bromelain-Chitosan Nanoparticles.

Bromelain, a set of proteolytic enzymes potential pharmaceutical applications, was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles to enhance enzyme stability, and the effect of different chitosan sources was evaluated. Chitosan types (i.e., low molecular weight chitosan, chitosan oligosaccharide lactate, and chitosan from shrimp shells) produced nanoparticles with different physicochemical properties, however in all cases, particle size and zeta potential decreased, and polydispersity index increased after bromelain addition. Bromelain encapsulation was higher than 84% and 79% for protein content and enzymatic activity, respectively, with low molecular weight chitosan presenting the highest encapsulation efficiency. Nanoparticle suspension was also tested for accelerated stability and rheological behavior. For the chitosan-bromelain nanoparticles, an instability index below 0.3 was recorded and, in general, the loading of bromelain in chitosan nanoparticles decreased the cohesiveness of the final suspension.

Bacterial Nanocellulose Loaded with Bromelain: Assessment of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Physical-Chemical Properties.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has desirable properties for wound healing such as high purity, good shape retention, and high water binding capacity. Bromelain is a protease found in pineapple tissues and has been applied in several fields, it has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, promotes cell apoptosis, amongst others. In this work, a BNC based device for the controlled release of bromelain was developed. BNC were submersed in sterilized bromelain solution and incubated at 25 °C under 100 rpm for 24 h. Physical-chemical properties, protein concentration, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were measured. Results demonstrate that BNC could improve bromelain antimicrobial activity 9 times. Those findings allow concluding that bromelain is a promising molecule to be incorporated into BNC's. The BNC's characteristics seem to represent a new promising delivery system of the loaded biomolecule, and protected from external actions.

Bromelain Loading and Release from a Hydrogel Formulated Using Alginate and Arabic Gum.

An ideal wound dressing ensures a moist environment around the wound area and absorbs exudates from the wound surface. Topical application of bromelain to incised wounds has been shown to reprogram the wound microenvironment to promote effective tissue repair. Combining the characteristics of hydrogels and bromelain is therefore of great interest. Herein, we describe the development of a hydrogel, formulated using alginate and Arabic gum, for bromelain loading and release. The hydrogel formulation was evaluated using response surface methodology, considering the pH value and the concentration of alginate and Arabic gum. Bromelain loading and release were evaluated based on passive diffusion. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to confirm bromelain immobilization in the hydrogel. The final hydrogel formulation had a swelling ratio of 227 % and incorporated 19 % of bromelain from a bromelain solution. Bromelain immobilization in the hydrogel was the result of hydrogen bond formation and was optimal at 4 °C after 4 h of contact. This evidence suggests that bromelain entrapment into a hydrogel is a promising strategy for the development of wound dressings that support the debridement of burns and wounds.

O problema da dose em homeopatia: avaliação do efeito de altas diluições de arsenicum album 30ch em ratos intoxicados com arsênico / The problem of dose in homeopathy: evaluation of the effect of high dilutions of Arsenicum album 30cH on rats intoxicated with arsenic

Background: Although scientific studies have confirmed the action of homeopathic high dilutions in living organisms an endless debate on the choice of the most fitting dilution, the frequency of administration and the dose (amount of medicine) still remains. Aims: This study sought to assess the in vivo effect of 2 different concentrations of Arsenicum album 30cH in order to elucidate some problems in the homeopathic notion of dose. Methods: Male Wistar rats previously intoxicated with sodium arsenate by peritoneal injection were treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution administered by oral route. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to measure the levels of arsenic retained in the animals as well as the amounts eliminated through urine. Urine samples were collected before and after and during treatment. A positive control group (intoxicated animals) and negative control group (nonintoxicated animals) were administered only the vehicle used to prepare the medicine (ethanol). Results: The groups treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution eliminated significant amounts of arsenic through urine when compared to the control groups. The group treated with undiluted Ars 30cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the same medicine in 1% solution. Conclusion: These results suggest that undiluted Ars 30cH was more effective than in 1% solution in this experimental model.(AU)

Background: Although scientific studies have confirmed the action of homeopathic high dilutions in living organisms an endless debate on the choice of the most fitting dilution, the frequency of administration and the dose (amount of medicine) still remains. Aims: This study sought to assess the in vivo effect of 2 different concentrations of Arsenicum album 30cH in order to elucidate some problems in the homeopathic notion of dose. Methods: Male Wistar rats previously intoxicated with sodium arsenate by peritoneal injection were treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution administered by oral route. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to measure the levels of arsenic retained in the animals as well as the amounts eliminated through urine. Urine samples were collected before and after and during treatment. A positive control group (intoxicated animals) and negative control group (nonintoxicated animals) were administered only the vehicle used to prepare the medicine (ethanol). Results: The groups treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution eliminated significant amounts of arsenic through urine when compared to the control groups. The group treated with undiluted Ars 30cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the same medicine in 1% solution. Conclusion: These results suggest that undiluted Ars 30cH was more effective than in 1% solution in this experimental model.(AU)

Use of an ?electronic tongue? in the assessment of highly diluted systems / Use of an ?electronic tongue? in the assessment of highly diluted systems

Introduction: ?Eletronic tongue? is a device commonly used in the analysis of tastants, heavy metal ions, fruit juice, wines and also in the development of biosensors [1-3]. Briefly, the e-tongue is constituted by sensing units formed by ultrathin films of distinct materials deposited on gold interdigitated electrodes, which are immersed in liquid samples, followed by impedance spectroscopy measurements [1]. The e-tongue sensor is based on the global selectivity concept, i.e., the materials forming the sensing units are not selective to any substance in the samples, therefore, it allows the grouping of information into distinct patterns of response, enabling the distinction of complex liquid systems [1].Conclusion: Despite the differences of data obtained along distinct days of analysis, the e-tongue could detect differences among the samples tested, even considering the highly diluted cases studied.(AU)

Development and evaluation of a floating multiparticulate gastroretentive system for modified release of AZT.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a floating multiparticulate gastroretentive system for the modified release of zidovudine (AZT). AZT was used as a model drug water-soluble at therapeutic doses. The floating gastroretentive system was obtained by co-precipitation, after solvent diffusion and evaporation. The proposed system was evaluated in vitro for particle morphology, lag time and floating time, loading rate, release profile, and the release kinetic of AZT release. AZT's physico-chemical characteristics were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XDR) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The particles obtained were sphere-shaped, hollow, and had porous walls. The floating was immediate, and floating time was higher than 12 h. The loading rate was 34.0 ± 9.0%. The system obtained had an extended release. DSC and XDR results showed a modification in AZT's solid state. IR spectroscopy revealed that the chemical structure of the AZT was unchanged. The hollow microballoons presented gastroretentive, floating, and extended-release properties.

Solid dispersions with hydrogenated castor oil increase solubility, dissolution rate and intestinal absorption of praziquantel / Dispersões sólidas com aumento de solubilidade de hidrogenado do óleo de mamona, taxa de dissolução e absorção intestinal de praziquantel

The solubility behavior of drugs remains one of the most challenging aspects in formulation development. Solid Dispersion (SD) has tremendous potential for improving drug solubility. Although praziquantel (PZQ) is the first drug of choice in the treatment of schistosomiasis, its poor solubility has restricted its delivery oral route. In spite of its poor solubility, PZQ is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, but large doses are required to achieve adequate concentration at the target sites. The aim of this study was to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of PZQ and to evaluate its intestinal absorption. SDs were formulated with PEG-60 castor oil hydrogenated (CR-60) using a fusion and evaporation method. Pure PZQ and physical mixtures (PM) and PZQ-CR-60 (2:1; 1:1; 1:2 ratios) were compared as regards their solubility, dissolution and intestinal absorption. The experimental results demonstrated the improvement in the solubility, dissolution rate and intestinal absorption. In addition, the solubility behavior showed pH dependency and that the solubility of PZQ was slower in acidic medium than in neutral and basic mediums. The increase in PZQ solubility of the SD with the CR-60 could be attributed to several factors such as improved wettability, local solubilization, drug particle size reduction and crystalline or, interstitial solid solution reduction.

A solubilidade de fármacos ainda é um dos principais desafios no desenvolvimento de formulações farmacêuticas. As dispersões sólidas (DS) apresentam grande potencial para melhorar a solubilidade de fármacos. O praziquantel é o fármaco de primeira escolha no tratamento da esquistossomose, contudo a baixa solubilidade em água restringe seu uso à administração pela via oral. Apesar da baixa solubilidade, o PZQ é bem absorvido através do trato gastrintestinal, mas doses orais elevadas são requeridas para garantir concentrações suficientes de fármaco para o tecido alvo. O objetivo deste estudo foi melhorar a solubilidade, a dissolução e avaliar a absorção do PZQ. As DS foram formuladas com óleo de castor hidrogenado - PEG 60 (CR-60), pelo uso dos métodos de fusão e evaporação do solvente. PZQ puro, mistura física (MF) e DS de CR-60-PZQ (1:2; 1:1; 2:1) foram comparados quanto à solubilidade, dissolução e absorção intestinal. Os resultados experimentais mostraram aumento na solubilidade, na taxa de dissolução e na absorção intestinal do PZQ nas DS. A solubilidade do PZQ foi maior em meio ácido, mostrando uma dependência do pH. O aumento na solubilidade do PZQ nas DS com CR-60 foi atribuída a fatores como aumento da molhabilidade, solubilização local, redução granulométrica e redução da cristalinidade ou, ainda, a ocorrência de uma solução sólida intersticial.

The problem of dose in homeopathy: evaluation of the effect of high dilutions of Arsenicum album 30cH on rats intoxicated with arsenic / O problema da dose em homeopatia: avaliação do efeito de altas diluições de Arsenicum album 30cH em ratos intoxicados com arsênico / El problema de la dosis en homeopatía: evaluación del efecto de altas diluciones de Arsenicum album 30cH en ratones intoxicados con arsénico

Background: Although scientific studies have confirmed the action of homeopathic high dilutions in living organisms an endless debate on the choice of the most fitting dilution, the frequency of administration and the dose (amount of medicine) still remains. Aims: This study sought to assess the in vivo effect of 2 different concentrations of Arsenicum album 30cH in order to elucidate some problems in the homeopathic notion of dose. Methods: Male Wistar rats previously intoxicated with sodium arsenate by peritoneal injection were treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution administered by oral route. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to measure the levels of arsenic retained in the animals as well as the amounts eliminated through urine. Urine samples were collected before and after and during treatment. A positive control group (intoxicated animals) and negative control group (non-intoxicated animals) were administered only the vehicle used to prepare the medicine (ethanol). Results: The groups treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution eliminated significant amounts of arsenic through urine when compared to the control groups. The group treated with undiluted Ars 30cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the same medicine in 1% solution. Conclusion: These results suggest that undiluted Ars 30cH was more effective than in 1% solution in this experimental model.

Introdução: embora estudos científicos têm confirmado a ação das altas diluições homeopáticas em organismos vivos, permanece o debate infindável acerca da escolha da diluição mais adequada, a frequência de administração e a dose (quantidade de medicamento). Objetivos: este estudo procurou avaliar o efeito in vitro de 2 concentrações diferentes de Arsenicum album 30cH a fim de elucidar alguns aspectos da noção homeopática de dose. Métodos: ratos Wistar machos previamente intoxicados com arseniato de sódio por injeção peritoneal foram tratados com Ars 30cH não diluído ou diluído 1% por via oral. Foi utilizada espectroscopia de absorção atômica para medir os níveis de arsênico retido no organismo e eliminado através da urina. As amostras de urina foram colhidas antes, após e durante o tratamento. Os grupos controle positivo (animais intoxicados) e negativo (animais não intoxicados) receberam apenas o veículo utilizado para preparar o medicamento (etanol). Resultados: os grupos tratados com Ars 30cH não diluído e diluído em solução 1% eliminaram quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico através da urina por comparação aos grupos controle. O grupo tratado com Ars 30cH não diluído eliminou quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico que o grupo tratado com o mesmo medicamento em solução 1%. Conclusão: esses resultados sugerem que Ars 30cH não diluído foi mais efetivo que a solução 1% do mesmo neste modelo experimental.

Introducción: aunque estudios científicos han confirmado la acción de las altas diluciones homeopáticas en organismos vivos, permanece sin resolver la discusión acerca de la elección de la dilución más adecuada, la frecuencia de administración y la dosis (cantidad de medicamento). Objetivos: este estudio buscó evaluar el efecto in vitro de 2 concentraciones diferentes de Arsenicum album 30cH para dirimir algunos problemas en la noción homeopática de dosis. Métodos: ratones Wistar macho previamente intoxicados con arseniato de sodio por inyección peritoneal fueron tratados con Ars 30cH sin diluir o diluido en solución 1% por vía oral. Fue utilizada espectroscopía de absorción atómica para medir los niveles de arsénico retenidos en el organismo y eliminados por orina. Las muestras de orina fueron recogidas antes, durante y después del tratamiento. Los grupos control positivo (animales intoxicados) y negativo (animales no intoxicados) recibieron exclusivamente el vehículo utilizado para preparar el medicamento (etanol). Resultados: los grupos tratados con Ars 30cH no diluido y diluido 1% eliminaron cantidades significativamente mayores de arsénico por orina que los controles. El grupo tratado con Ars 30cH no diluido eliminó cantidades significativamente mayores de arsénico por orina que el grupo tratado con el mismo medicamento diluido 1%. Conclusión: estos resultados sugieren que Ars 30cH no diluido fue más efectivo que cuando diluido 1% en este modelo experimental.

The problem of dose in homeopathy: evaluation of the effect of high dilutions of Arsenicum album 30cH on rats intoxicated with arsenic / O problema da dose em homeopatia: avaliação do efeito de altas diluições de Arsenicum album 30cH em ratos intoxicados com arsênico / El problema de la dosis en homeopatía: evaluación del efecto de altas diluciones de Arsenicum album 30cH en ratones intoxicados con arsénico

Background: Although scientific studies have confirmed the action of homeopathic high dilutions in living organisms an endless debate on the choice of the most fitting dilution, the frequency of administration and the dose (amount of medicine) still remains. Aims: This study sought to assess the in vivo effect of 2 different concentrations of Arsenicum album 30cH in order to elucidate some problems in the homeopathic notion of dose. Methods: Male Wistar rats previously intoxicated with sodium arsenate by peritoneal injection were treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution administered by oral route. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to measure the levels of arsenic retained in the animals as well as the amounts eliminated through urine. Urine samples were collected before and after and during treatment. A positive control group (intoxicated animals) and negative control group (non-intoxicated animals) were administered only the vehicle used to prepare the medicine (ethanol). Results: The groups treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution eliminated significant amounts of arsenic through urine when compared to the control groups. The group treated with undiluted Ars 30cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the same medicine in 1% solution. Conclusion: These results suggest that undiluted Ars 30cH was more effective than in 1% solution in this experimental model.(AU)

Introdução: embora estudos científicos têm confirmado a ação das altas diluições homeopáticas em organismos vivos, permanece o debate infindável acerca da escolha da diluição mais adequada, a frequência de administração e a dose (quantidade de medicamento). Objetivos: este estudo procurou avaliar o efeito in vitro de 2 concentrações diferentes de Arsenicum album 30cH a fim de elucidar alguns aspectos da noção homeopática de dose. Métodos: ratos Wistar machos previamente intoxicados com arseniato de sódio por injeção peritoneal foram tratados com Ars 30cH não diluído ou diluído 1% por via oral. Foi utilizada espectroscopia de absorção atômica para medir os níveis de arsênico retido no organismo e eliminado através da urina. As amostras de urina foram colhidas antes, após e durante o tratamento. Os grupos controle positivo (animais intoxicados) e negativo (animais não intoxicados) receberam apenas o veículo utilizado para preparar o medicamento (etanol). Resultados: os grupos tratados com Ars 30cH não diluído e diluído em solução 1% eliminaram quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico através da urina por comparação aos grupos controle. O grupo tratado com Ars 30cH não diluído eliminou quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico que o grupo tratado com o mesmo medicamento em solução 1%. Conclusão: esses resultados sugerem que Ars 30cH não diluído foi mais efetivo que a solução 1% do mesmo neste modelo experimental.(AU)

Introducción: aunque estudios científicos han confirmado la acción de las altas diluciones homeopáticas en organismos vivos, permanece sin resolver la discusión acerca de la elección de la dilución más adecuada, la frecuencia de administración y la dosis (cantidad de medicamento). Objetivos: este estudio buscó evaluar el efecto in vitro de 2 concentraciones diferentes de Arsenicum album 30cH para dirimir algunos problemas en la noción homeopática de dosis. Métodos: ratones Wistar macho previamente intoxicados con arseniato de sodio por inyección peritoneal fueron tratados con Ars 30cH sin diluir o diluido en solución 1% por vía oral. Fue utilizada espectroscopía de absorción atómica para medir los niveles de arsénico retenidos en el organismo y eliminados por orina. Las muestras de orina fueron recogidas antes, durante y después del tratamiento. Los grupos control positivo (animales intoxicados) y negativo (animales no intoxicados) recibieron exclusivamente el vehículo utilizado para preparar el medicamento (etanol). Resultados: los grupos tratados con Ars 30cH no diluido y diluido 1% eliminaron cantidades significativamente mayores de arsénico por orina que los controles. El grupo tratado con Ars 30cH no diluido eliminó cantidades significativamente mayores de arsénico por orina que el grupo tratado con el mismo medicamento diluido 1%. Conclusión: estos resultados sugieren que Ars 30cH no diluido fue más efectivo que cuando diluido 1% en este modelo experimental.(AU)

Evaluation of the effect of different concentrations of Arsenicum album 6cH on intoxicated rats / Avaliação do efeito de diferentes concentrações de Arsenicum album 6cH em ratos intoxicados

Aims: Homeopaths diverge on the concept of dose, i.e. the amount of drug that a patient must take to alter his or her state of disease. In order to stimulate reflections on this concept, this study sought to evaluate in vivo the effect of different concentrations of Arsenicum album 6cH prepared according to homeopathic pharmacotechnics. Methods: male Wistar rats were intoxicated with arsenic and then treated with Arsenicum album 6cH and Arsenicum album 6cH diluted at 1%, administered orally. The amount of arsenic retained in the animals’ organism and that eliminated by urine were measured through atomic absorption spectroscopy. Samples of urine were collected before and after intoxication and during treatment. The positive control group (intoxicated animals) and the negative control group (non-intoxicated animals) received only the vehicle used in the preparation of the medicine. Results: Groups treated with Arsenicum album 6cH and Arsenicum album 6cH diluted at 1% eliminated significant amounts of arsenic when compared to the control groups. The group treated with Arsenicum album 6cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the diluted medicine at 1%. Conclusion: results suggest that Arsenicum album 6cH should not be diluted as not to compromise its effectiveness in the treatment of rats intoxicated with arsenic.

Objetivos: Há divergência entre os homeopatas a respeito do conceito de dose, entendida como a quantidade de medicamento que o paciente deve ingerir para modificar o estado de doença. Para estimular a reflexão sobre este tópico, o presente estudo procurou avaliar o efeito in vivo de diferentes concentrações de Arsenicum album 6cH preparado segundo a farmacotécnica homeopática. Métodos: ratos Wistar machos foram intoxicados com arsênico e após, medicados com Arsenicum album 6cH e o mesmo diluído a 1% por via oral. O arsênico retido no organismo dos animais assim como o eliminado através da urina foi quantificado através de espectroscopia de absorção atômica. Amostras de urina foram colhidas antes e após a intoxicação e durante o tratamento. O grupo controle positivo (animais intoxicados) e o grupo controle negativo (animais não intoxicados) receberam apenas o veículo utilizado no preparo do medicamento. Resultados: os grupos tratados com Arsenicum album 6cH e Arsenicum album 6cH 1% eliminaram quantidades significativas de arsênico por comparação com os grupos controle. O grupo tratado com Arsenicum album 6cH eliminou quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico que o grupo tratado com o mesmo medicamento diluído a 1%. Conclusão: os resultados sugerem que Arsenicum album 6cH não deve ser diluído a fim de não comprometer sua efetividade no tratamento de ratos intoxicados com arsênico.

Evaluation of the effect of different concentrations of Arsenicum album 6cH on intoxicated rats / Avaliação do efeito de diferentes concentrações de Arsenicum album 6cH em ratos intoxicados

Aims: Homeopaths diverge on the concept of dose, i.e. the amount of drug that a patient must take to alter his or her state of disease. In order to stimulate reflections on this concept, this study sought to evaluate in vivo the effect of different concentrations of Arsenicum album 6cH prepared according to homeopathic pharmacotechnics. Methods: male Wistar rats were intoxicated with arsenic and then treated with Arsenicum album 6cH and Arsenicum album 6cH diluted at 1%, administered orally. The amount of arsenic retained in the animals’ organism and that eliminated by urine were measured through atomic absorption spectroscopy. Samples of urine were collected before and after intoxication and during treatment. The positive control group (intoxicated animals) and the negative control group (non-intoxicated animals) received only the vehicle used in the preparation of the medicine. Results: Groups treated with Arsenicum album 6cH and Arsenicum album 6cH diluted at 1% eliminated significant amounts of arsenic when compared to the control groups. The group treated with Arsenicum album 6cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the diluted medicine at 1%. Conclusion: results suggest that Arsenicum album 6cH should not be diluted as not to compromise its effectiveness in the treatment of rats intoxicated with arsenic.(AU)

Objetivos: Há divergência entre os homeopatas a respeito do conceito de dose, entendida como a quantidade de medicamento que o paciente deve ingerir para modificar o estado de doença. Para estimular a reflexão sobre este tópico, o presente estudo procurou avaliar o efeito in vivo de diferentes concentrações de Arsenicum album 6cH preparado segundo a farmacotécnica homeopática. Métodos: ratos Wistar machos foram intoxicados com arsênico e após, medicados com Arsenicum album 6cH e o mesmo diluído a 1% por via oral. O arsênico retido no organismo dos animais assim como o eliminado através da urina foi quantificado através de espectroscopia de absorção atômica. Amostras de urina foram colhidas antes e após a intoxicação e durante o tratamento. O grupo controle positivo (animais intoxicados) e o grupo controle negativo (animais não intoxicados) receberam apenas o veículo utilizado no preparo do medicamento. Resultados: os grupos tratados com Arsenicum album 6cH e Arsenicum album 6cH 1% eliminaram quantidades significativas de arsênico por comparação com os grupos controle. O grupo tratado com Arsenicum album 6cH eliminou quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico que o grupo tratado com o mesmo medicamento diluído a 1%. Conclusão: os resultados sugerem que Arsenicum album 6cH não deve ser diluído a fim de não comprometer sua efetividade no tratamento de ratos intoxicados com arsênico.(AU)

Influência das propriedades físicas e físico-químicas do quelato ferro-peptídeos na preparação de comprimidos por compactação direta / Influence of the physics and chemical property of the iron-peptide chelate in the preparation of tablets directly compacted

A deficiência de ferro é uma doença nutricional, cujo estágio mais avançado é a anemia ferropriva. Ambas, apresentam graves conseqüências individuais e coletivas, e alta prevalência em todo o mundo. O principal caminho, a curto prazo, para alteração neste quadro, é a intervenção medicamentosa, principalmente nas populações de maior risco e nas faixas etárias mais comprometidas. Os principais agentes terapêuticos utilizados no combate a esta doença são os sais ferrosos, administrados por via oral, os quais apresentam baixa biodisponibilidade e, na maioria das vezes, efeitos adversos graves. Este trabalho avaliou as características físicas e químicas, de um composto de ferro quelado com peptídeos, a fim de indicar a viabilidade do mesmo na obtenção de comprimidos preparados por compactação direta...