Phytochemical and bioactive potentials of African Annonaceae species.

This review aims to gather available information on the medicinal, nutritional, and bioactive profiles of Annonaceae species in the African continent, sponsoring their use worldwide and mainly in African communities, where access to food and medicines for basic health care is scarce. >60 medicinal taxa were compiled, belonging to 22 genera, namely Annickia, Annona, Anonidium, Artabotrys, Cleistochlamys, Cleistopholis, Dennettia, Duguetia, Greenwayodendron, Hexalobus, Isolona, Lettowianthus, Monanthotaxis, Monodora, Neostenanthera, Polyceratocarpus, Sphaerocoryne, Uvaria, Uvariastrum, Uvariodendron, Uvariopsis and Xylopia; the most diverse and economically important genera were the genera Annona, Uvaria and Xylopia with 7 species each. Annonaceae species hold a valuable nutritional profile, rich in proteins, fibers, and minerals, being also good sources of a wide range of bioactive compounds of high biological relevance. These compounds are especially important in developing countries, where most of these species are available for direct use as food and/or medicines by the most deprived populations.

Severe Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized Cancer Patients: Epidemiology and Predictive Model of Renal Replacement Therapy and In-Hospital Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication among cancer patients, often leading to longer hospital stays, discontinuation of cancer treatment, and a poor prognosis. This study aims to provide insight into the incidence of severe AKI in this population and identify the risk factors associated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) and in-hospital mortality. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 3201 patients with cancer and severe AKI admitted to a Comprehensive Cancer Center between January 1995 and July 2023. Severe AKI was defined according to the KDIGO guidelines as grade ≥ 2 AKI with nephrological in-hospital follow-up. Data were analyzed in two timelines: Period A (1995-2010) and Period B (2011-2023). RESULTS: A total of 3201 patients (1% of all hospitalized cases) were included, with a mean age of 62.5 ± 17.2 years. Solid tumors represented 75% of all neoplasms, showing an increasing tendency, while hematological cancer decreased. Obstructive AKI declined, whereas the incidence of sepsis-associated, prerenal, and drug-induced AKI increased. Overall, 20% of patients required RRT, and 26.4% died during hospitalization. A predictive model for RRT (AUC 0.833 [95% CI 0.817-0.848]) identified sepsis and hematological cancer as risk factors and prerenal and obstructive AKI as protective factors. A similar model for overall in-hospital mortality (AUC 0.731 [95% CI 0.71-0.752]) revealed invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), sepsis, and RRT as risk factors and obstructive AKI as a protective factor. The model for hemato-oncological patients' mortality (AUC 0.832 [95% CI 0.803-0.861]) included IMV, sepsis, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and drug-induced AKI. Mortality risk point score models were derived from these analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This study addresses the demographic and clinical features of cancer patients with severe AKI. The development of predictive models for RRT and in-hospital mortality, along with risk point scores, may play a role in the management of this population.

Barriers and alternatives to pediatric rheumatology referrals: a survey of family doctors and pediatricians in Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Access to pediatric rheumatology (PR) is not well described in Portugal. The main goal of this study was to ascertain barriers to PR referrals and subsequent alternative referral patterns among family doctors and pediatricians. METHODS: A web-based survey was e-mailed to family doctors and pediatricians practicing in Portugal, in order to investigate access to PR care issues. Descriptive and comparative analysis was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-two responses were obtained, 24.7% from pediatricians and 75.3% from family doctors. Only 12% claimed to have had specific education on PR. Nearly 70% worked less than one hour away from a PR center. Twenty eight percent had referred a patient to PR at least once, and 9.3% experienced a situation in which they considered referring to PR but ultimately did not. Many referred to other specialties, primarily pediatrics, adult rheumatology, and pediatric orthopedics. Pediatricians encountered more diversified rheumatic diseases. Fifty five percent had no opinion on PR centers' support, while 24% found it sufficient. Having specific training on PR, being a pediatrician and a specialist were associated with greater referrals to PR. The most rated measure for PR referrals' improvement was promoting education. Regional access to PR's discrepancies were documented. CONCLUSION: Mainly lack of education on PR, but also uneven national coverage and greater distances to some PR centers were the main barriers to PR referrals, in Portugal. Pediatricians seem to have better education, greater experience and more referrals to PR. The current alternatives for referral are pediatrics, adult rheumatology and pediatric orthopedics. Educational consolidation was the biggest and most rewarding inconsistency to battle against.

Influence of methanolic extracts from seeds and pulp of Annona squamosa L. on osmotic and morphological fragility in human erythrocytes.

Medicinal plants have been used for many years by communities to treat illnesses. The need for scientific proof of these vegetable's curative effects is as necessary as the proof of the inexistence of toxicity related to the use of extracts with therapeutic potential. Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae), popularly known as "pinha", "ata" or "fruta do conde", has been used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and antitumor activities. The toxic effects attributed to this plant have also been explored as a pesticide and an insecticide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxicity of the methanolic extract of A. squamosa seeds and pulp against human erythrocytes. Blood samples were treated with methanolic extract at different concentrations, osmotic fragility was determined using saline tension assays and morphological analyzes were performed using optical microscopy. The extracts were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) for phenolic quantification. The seed's methanolic extract showed toxicity above 50% from a concentration of 100 µg/mL, while also presenting echinocytes in the morphological analysis. The pulp's methanolic extract did not show toxicity to red blood cells or morphological changes at the concentrations tested. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid in the seed extract and gallic acid in the pulp extract. The seed's methanolic extract is toxic and the pulp's methanolic extract showed no toxicity against human erythrocytes.

Is There Enough Knowledge to Standardize a Cannabis sativa L. Medicinal Oil Preparation with a High Content of Cannabinoids?

Introduction: Cannabis sativa L. medicinal oils are good therapeutic options due to their wide spectrum of pharmacological applications and the easy adjustment of individual doses. The lack of standardization of methodology in the preparation of medicinal oil using the Cannabis crude extract results in elevated variability of cannabinoid concentration in the final product. The elevated variability impairs the understanding of beneficial and adverse effects related to dose-response pharmacological activities. Objective: This study aimed to conduct a review on the current methods of Cannabis oil preparation present in the literature, to demonstrate the most appropriate methodologies to ensure a product with high content of cannabinoids and terpenes. Results: The decarboxylation stage is essential for the conversion of acid cannabinoids into neutral cannabinoids, which are substances with the highest bioavailability. Lower temperatures for longer periods of time instead of high temperatures in less time are highly recommended to ensure that all the acidic cannabinoids have passed through decarboxylation. For the guarantee of a high terpene content, the separate addition of essential oil to the fixed oil prepared from the crude extract should be considered. Ultrasound-assisted extraction is one of the best performing methodologies because it is cheaper than other techniques, such as supercritical fluid extraction, besides that, ultrasound extraction is effective in short extraction times and uses small amounts of solvent when compared with other techniques. Conclusion: Although the literature about the methods of preparation of Cannabis medicinal oil is scarce, it is possible to standardize an optimized, low-cost, and effective Cannabis extractive methodology from the results found in the literature; however, this will depend on new research for methodological validation.

Analysis toxicity by different methods and anxiolytic effect of the aqueous extract Lippia sidoides Cham.

Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) is a species often mentioned in traditional medicine due to the medicinal properties attributed to its leaves, which include antibacterial, antifungal, acaricidal and antioxidant. Several of these actions have been scientifically proven, according to reports in the literature; however, little is known about toxicological aspects of this plant. This work included studies to determine the chemical composition and toxicity tests, using several methods aiming to evaluate the safety for use of the aqueous extract of L. sidoides leaves, in addition, the anxiolytic effect on adult zebrafish was investigated, thus contributing to the pharmacological knowledge and traditional medicine concerning the specie under study. The chemical profile was determined by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry-HPLC/MS with electrospray ionization. Toxicity was evaluated by zebrafish, Drosophila melanogaster, blood cells, and Artemia salina models. 12 compounds belonging to the flavonoid class were identified. In the toxicity assays, the observed results showed low toxicity of the aqueous extract in all tests performed. In the analysis with zebrafish, the highest doses of the extract were anxiolytic, neuromodulating the GABAa receptor. The obtained results support the safe use of the aqueous extract of L. sidoides leaves for the development of new drugs and for the use by populations in traditional medicine.

Advances in Evaluation of Antioxidant and Toxicological Properties of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart. in Drosophila melanogaster Model.

This study investigated the flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and toxicological properties of the acetone-water fraction of stem bark of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart. (TFSR). The total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were determined, as typified by DPPH● and ABTS●+ radical scavenging abilities, Fe3+ reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), relative antioxidant capacity (RAC), and the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARs) in Drosophila melanogaster tissue. Toxicity and locomotor functions were evaluated in adult D. melanogaster flies through aging and survival assays, startle-induced negative geotaxis, and centrophobic responses with video-assisted open field motion tracking. The flavonoid content of dry TFSR (DF) was 3.36 mg quercetin/g. Furthermore, the significant antioxidant activity of TFSR was revealed through scavenging 95.3% of the ABTS●+ radical and 82.4% of the DPPH● radical, as well reducing 74.7% of Fe3+ in the FRAP assay and 80% Mo6+ in the RAC assay. TFSR conferred 70.25% protection against lipid peroxidation in Drosophila tissue. Survival rates ranged from 84.65 to 103.98% in comparison to the non-supplemented control and no evident deterioration of locomotor functions and centrophobia responses was observed. These results revealed that TFSR has potent antioxidant activity and low toxicity in vivo, profiling TFSR as a promising natural product in the treatment/management of iron overload and associated conditions.

The Genus Miconia Ruiz & Pav. (Melastomataceae): Ethnomedicinal Uses, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry.

Species of the genus Miconia are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases, such as pain, throat infections, fever, and cold, and they used as depuratives, diuretics, and sedatives. This work reviewed studies carried out with Miconia species, highlighting its ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological and phytochemical potential. This information was collected in the main platforms of scientific research (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Our findings show that some of the traditional uses of Miconia are corroborated by biological and/or pharmacological assays, which demonstrated, among other properties, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimutagenic, antiparasitic, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities. A total of 148 chemical compounds were identified in Miconia species, with phenolic compounds being the main constituents found in the species of this genus. Such phytochemical investigations have demonstrated the potential of species belonging to this genus as a source of bioactive substances, thus reinforcing their medicinal and pharmacological importance.

Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Beta-Pinene in Diabetic Rats.

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disease linked to multiple comorbidities, such as low-grade inflammation. ß-pinene, a monoterpene commonly found in aromatic plants, is endowed with anti-inflammatory effect and this fact lead us to investigate the possible hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects of the monoterpene in the alloxan-induced diabetes experimental model. Methods: Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were treated orally with ß-pinene (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), for seven consecutive days. Diabetes was induced by alloxan (40 mg/kg) through the penile vein. On the seventh day of treatment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The anti-inflammatory effect of ß-pinene was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, followed by the carrageenan-induced peritonitis. Results: The treatment with ß-pinene decreased plasma glucose, triglyceride, VLDL, LDL, and HDL levels, when compared to those of the control group. In addition, the association ß-pinene 10 mg/kg + glibenclamide 2 mg/kg significantly decreased blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride level. Finally, oral treatment with ß-pinene reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema and leukocyte migration in the peritoneum. Taken together, our results indicate that ß-pinene shows hypoglycemic and hypolipemic effects, which may involve some common mechanisms of glibenclamide. Besides, the monoterpene presented an anti-inflammatory action in diabetic rats that needs further investigation in order to clarify such effect and its correlation with the alterations observed in plasma parameters of ß-pinene-treated diabetic rats.

Comparative analysis of chemical profiles and antioxidant activities of essential oils obtained from species of Lippia L. by chemometrics.

Due to the importance of diseases associated with oxidative stress, the search for natural antioxidants proves to be essential. This work aimed to compare the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of essential oils from the genus Lippia L. through chemometric analysis. The essential oils were characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Antioxidant potentials were determined by DPPH, ABTS, Deoxyribose and ß-carotene protection, Iron chelation and reduction methods. All data were related by multivariate analyzes. Essential oils showed low similar chemical compositions and no statistically significant relationship. These showed relevant antioxidant activity, especially for L. sidoides that obtained IC50 of 5.22 ± 0.08 µg/mL in ABTS capture. Multivariate analyzes showed the effectiveness of L. alba compounds to DPPH scavenging, Fe3+ reduction and ß-carotene protection, and L. gracilis components to deoxyribose protect. Thus, studies proving the antioxidant potential of Lippia compounds against oxidative stress and their use in food conservation are fundamental.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze.

Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze is a species widely used traditionally in the treatment of ailments, such as stomach pain, hemorrhoids, cough, verminosis, ulcer, liver disease, fever, influenza, nasal congestion, and inflammation. This review aims to provide a survey of available information on seven international electronic databases (Google Scholar, Medline, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed) about botanical aspects, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of M. suaveolens. Mesosphaerum suaveolens is a tropical America native species, but it can be found in several parts of the world as a ruderal plant. The species is the most studied species of the genus Lamiaceae due its phytochemical aspect, especially regarding the chemical composition of its essential oil. Besides the essential oils, M. suaveolens is a source of numerous secondary compounds such as triterpenes, diterpenes, and phenolic compounds, which are related to its biological activities, such as allelopathic, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, and larvicidal activities as described in the literature.

HPLC-DAD analysis and antimicrobial activities of Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae).

Spondias mombin is used in the folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, indicating that extracts obtained from this species may present pharmacological activities against pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of this work was to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from the leaves (aqueous) and bark (hydroethanolic) of S. mombin both as single treatments and in combination with conventional drugs. Following a qualitative chemical prospection, the extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated by microdilution. The combined activity of drugs and extracts was verified by adding a subinhibitory concentration of the extract in the presence of variable drug concentrations. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by a subculture of the microdilution test, while the effect of the in vitro treatments on morphological transition was analyzed by subculture in moist chambers. While the qualitative analysis detected the presence of phenols and flavonoids, the HPLC analysis identified quercetin, caffeic acid, and catechin as major components in the leaf extract, whereas kaempferol and quercetin were found as major compounds in the bark extract. The extracts showed effective antibacterial activities only against the Gram-negative strains. With regard to the combined activity, the leaf extract potentiated the action of gentamicin and imipenem (against Staphylococcus aureus), while the bark extract potentiated the effect of norfloxacin (against S. aureus), imipenem (against Escherichia coli), and norfloxacin (against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). A more significant antifungal (fungistatic) effect was achieved with the bark extract (even though at high concentrations), which further enhanced the activity of fluconazole. The extracts also inhibited the emission of filaments by Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Together, these findings suggest that that the extract constituents may act by favoring the permeability of microbial cells to conventional drugs, as well as by affecting virulence mechanisms in Candida strains.

Association of Vitamin D Supplementation in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscle Strength in Adult Twins: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Although vitamin D is related to cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, there is no evidence in the literature about the genetic influence of the response to vitamin D supplementation and improvements in these parameters. Therefore, we evaluate the effect of longitudinal supplementation of vitamin D on parameters of physical fitness in monozygotic twins. In total, 74 participants were included, with a mean age of 25 years, divided into two groups, one group received supplementation with cholecalciferol for 60 days and the other group did not. Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength were measured before and after supplementation through maximal treadmill tests and dynamometry, respectively. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare intragroup results and the Mann-Whitney test to examine intergroup differences. There was an increase in the serum concentration of vitamin D in participants who ingested the supplementation. Cardiorespiratory fitness improved after supplementation through increases in the values of maximum oxygen consumption of 28% (p < .001). Muscle strength in left hand grip increased 18% in participants who received the supplement (p = .007). Sixty days of cholecalciferol supplementation improved cardiorespiratory fitness and upper limb muscle strength.

Toxicological and pharmacological effects of pentacyclic triterpenes rich fraction obtained from the leaves of Mansoa hirsuta.

Mansoa hirsuta is a medicinal plant native to the Brazilian semi-arid region. This approach aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo toxicity and anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions of the M. hirsuta fraction (MHF). In vitro cell viability was assessed in 3T3 cells. In vivo, the acute toxicity test, a single dose of the MHF was administered. For the subchronic toxicity test, three doses of were administered for 30 days. Locomotion and motor coordination were assessed using open field and rota-rod. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in carrageenan-induced paw edema and zymosan-induced air-pouch models. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and total proteins were also measured. The antinociceptive activity MHF was determined using acid acetic-induced abdominal writhing and formalin models. In the cytotoxicity assay, MHF showed no significative impairment of cell viability and in the acute toxicity study, did not cause mortality or signs of toxicity. Repeated exposure to MHF did not cause relevant toxicological changes. The evaluation in the open field test showed that the MHF did not alter the locomotor activity and there was no change in motor coordination and balance of animals. MHF significantly reduced edema, MPO production, the migration of leukocytes and protein leakage. In addition, MHF reduced abdominal writhing and significantly inhibited the first and second stage of the formalin test. The results of this study indicated that MHF has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential without causing acute or subchronic toxic effects and it can be a promising natural source to be explored.

Mentha aquatica L. aerial parts: in vitro anti-proliferative evaluation on human tumour and non-tumour cell lines.

Bearing in mind the several medicinal properties of Mentha genus, this work aimed to evaluate the anti-proliferative potential of the ethanolic extract (EE) and fractions from M. aquatica L aerial parts. Using the anti-proliferative protocol developed by the NCI/USA, four fractions (F2 - F4 and F6) obtained from EE showed promising anti-proliferative profile against a panel of human tumor and non-tumor cell lines. After 24-h exposure, F2 (0.25 µg/mL) showed potent and irreversible anti-proliferative effect without inducing cell cycle arrest in both NCI-H460 and MCF-7 cells, without (anti) estrogenic activity. These effects were lost after storage of F2 diluted in dimethyl sulfoxide at -80 °C during 2 weeks. Analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass detection evidenced some chemical changes induced by F2 storage in solution. The present study demonstrated the anti-proliferative effect of M. aquatica. Further studies are necessary to determine better storage conditions to enhance F2 stability.

Results of a feasibility randomised controlled trial of osteopathy on neck-shoulder pain in computer users.

BACKGROUND: Computer use is a well-known source of chronic pain, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity and well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial. Several methodological variables defined trial feasibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adults, daily computer users reporting pain, were recruited. Data collection took place at LABIOMEP. Participants were randomised into 1 of 3 parallel groups and received either osteopathic, sham or no treatment. Only the volunteers were blind to group assignments. The primary objective was to study the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol. RESULTS: Of 77 participants interested, 30 were included and randomised into three groups of ten. All participants concluded the study, and all the data was analysed. The feasibility outcomes were deemed appropriate. No adverse events or severe side effects were reported or identified. CONCLUSION: Studying the efficacy of osteopathic consultation on computer users by conducting an RCT is feasible and safe. With adjustments, a full-scale study can be designed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier: NCT04501575. Date registered August 06, 2020.

Parâmetros hematológicos de crianças desnutridas após intervenção nutricional: ensaio clínico randomizado / Parámetros hematológicos de niños desnutridos después de intervención nutricional: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Hematological parameters of malnourished children after nutritional intervention: a randomized clinical trial

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar parâmetros hematológicos de crianças desnutridas após intervenção nutricional com farinha da castanha de caju. Métodos Ensaio clínico randomizado, controlado, cego. O estudo foi realizado no período de abril a dezembro de 2017, em duas Unidades Básicas de Saúde. A amostra foi composta de crianças menores de 5 anos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão, sendo 15 no Grupo Intervenção (farinha da castanha de caju) e 15 crianças no Grupo Controle (farinha de carboximetilcelulose), alocadas nos grupos de forma randômica aleatória simples. Foram analisados os parâmetros de eritrócitos, hemoglobina e hematócrito (série vermelha) e de leucócitos, neutrófilos, segmentados, eosinófilos, monócitos e linfócitos (série branca). A coleta de sangue foi realizada em dois momentos: o primeiro antes da implementação da intervenção e o segundo após 32 semanas de utilização da farinha da castanha de caju. Para avaliação da normalidade e homogeneidade da amostra, utilizaram-se os testes de Shapiro-Wilk e de variância de Bartlett, respectivamente. Utilizou-se o teste T pareado dentro de cada grupo e, para avaliar possíveis associações entre os Grupos Intervenção e Controle e o nível de leucócitos (abaixo, normal e acima), utilizaram-se o teste exato de Fisher e/ou o teste Fisher-Freeman-Halton. Resultados Houve incremento na média das células individuais da série vermelha do hemograma, sobretudo nos padrões de hemoglobina de crianças desnutridas do Grupo Intervenção (p<0,05). A investigação também apontou diferença intragrupo no parâmetro da hemoglobina, tanto no Grupo Controle (p=0,007) como no Intervenção (p<0,001), bem como no parâmetro hematócrito para ambos os grupos (p=0,001). Especificamente na série branca, após a intervenção, evidenciou-se diminuição significativa nos leucócitos (p=0,04) e linfócitos (p<0,01) Conclusão Após intervenção, a utilização da farinha da castanha de caju melhorou os parâmetros hematológicos das crianças desnutridas. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (REBEC): U1111.1213.9219

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar parámetros hematológicos de niños desnutridos después de la intervención nutricional con harina da castaña de cajú. Métodos Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, controlado, ciego. El estudio se realizó en el período de abril a diciembre de 2017, en dos Unidades Básicas de Salud. La muestra se compuso por niños menores de 5 años que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, 15 en el Grupo Intervención (harina de castaña de cajú) y 15 niños en el Grupo Control (harina de carboximetilcelulosa), repartidas en los grupos de forma muestreo aleatorio simple. Se analizaron los parámetros de eritrocitos, hemoglobina e hematocrito (serie roja) y de leucocitos, neutrófilos, segmentados, eosinófilos, monocitos e linfocitos (serie blanca). La muestra de sangre se realizó en dos momentos: el primero antes de la implementación de la intervención y el segundo después de 32 semanas de utilización de la harina da castaña de cajú. Para la evaluación de la normalidad y la homogeneidad de la amuestra, se utilizaron los tests de Shapiro-Wilk y de varianza de Bartlett, respectivamente. Se utilizó la prueba T pareada dentro de cada grupo y, para evaluar posibles asociaciones entre los Grupos Intervención y Control y el nivel de leucocitos (debajo, normal y superior), se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher o prueba de Fisher-Freeman-Halton. Resultados Hubo un aumento en el promedio de las células individuales de la serie roja del hemograma, sobre todo en los estándares de hemoglobina de niños desnutridos del Grupo Intervención (p<0,05). La investigación también apuntó una diferencia intragrupo en el parámetro de la hemoglobina, tanto en el Grupo Control (p=0,007) como en la Intervención (p<0,001), así como en el parámetro hematocrito para ambos grupos (p=0,001). Específicamente en la serie blanca, después de la intervención, se evidenció una disminución significativa en los leucocitos (p=0,04) y linfocitos (p<0,01) Conclusión Después de la intervención, la utilización de la harina de la castaña de cajú mejoró los parámetros hematológicos de los niños desnutridos.

Abstract Objective To assess hematological parameters of malnourished children after nutritional intervention with cashew nut flour. Methods This is a randomized, controlled, blind trial. The study was conducted from April to December 2017, in two Basic Health Units. The sample consisted of children under 5 years of age who met the inclusion criteria, 15 in the Intervention Group (cashew nut flour) and 15 children in the Control Group (carboxymethylcellulose flour), randomly allocated to the groups. The parameters of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit (red blood cells) and leukocytes, neutrophils, segmented, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes (white blood cells) parameters were analyzed. Blood collection was performed in two moments: the first before intervention implementation and the second after 32 weeks of use of cashew nut flour. To assess the sample normality and homogeneity, Shapiro-Wilk and Bartlett variance tests were used, respectively. The paired t-test was used within each group and, to assess possible associations between the Intervention and Control Groups and the level of leukocytes (below, normal and above), Fisher's Exact test and/or Fisher-Freeman-Halton test were used. Results There was an increase in the mean of the individual red blood cell count, especially in the hemoglobin patterns of malnourished children in the Intervention Group (p<0.05). The investigation also showed an intragroup difference in the hemoglobin parameter, both in the Control Group (p=0.007) and in the Intervention (p<0.001) as well as in the hematocrit parameter for both groups (p=0.001). Specifically in the white blood cells, after intervention, there was a significant decrease in leukocytes (p=0.04) and lymphocytes (p<0.01) Conclusion After intervention, the use of cashew nut flour improved the hematological parameters of malnourished children. Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry (REBEC): U1111.1213.9219

HPLC/DAD, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Plectranthus Species (Lamiaceae) Combined with the Chemometric Calculations.

The increase in antibiotic resistance and the emergence of new bacterial infections have intensified the research for natural products from plants with associated therapy. This study aimed to verify the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of crude extracts of the genus Plectranthus species, being the first report on the modulation of aminoglycosides antibiotic activity by Plectranthus amboinicus extracts. The chemical composition was obtained by chemical prospecting and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with diode arrangement detector (HPLC/DAD). The antibacterial activities of the extracts alone or in association with aminoglycosides were analyzed using the microdilution test. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. The phytochemical prospection allowed the flavonoids, saponins, tannins and triterpenoids to be identified. Quercetin, rutin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, kaempferol, glycosylated kaempferol, quercitrin, and isoquercitrin were identified and quantified. The principal component analysis (PCA) observed the influence of flavonoids and phenolic acids from Plectranthus species on studied activities. Phytochemical tests with the extracts indicated, especially, the presence of flavonoids, confirmed by quantitative analysis by HPLC. The results revealed antibacterial activities, and synergistic effects combined with aminoglycosides, as well as antioxidant potential, especially for P. ornatus species, with IC50 of 32.21 µg/mL. Multivariate analyzes show that the inclusion of data from the antioxidant and antibacterial activity suggests that the antioxidant effect of these species presents a significant contribution to the synergistic effect of phytoconstituents, especially based on the flavonoid contents. The results of this study suggest the antibacterial activity of Plectranthus extracts, as well as their potential in modifying the resistance of the analyzed aminoglycosides.

Therapeutic indications, chemical composition and biological activity of native Brazilian species from Psidium genus (Myrtaceae): A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE: Brazilian medicinal species of the Psidium genus are rich in secondary metabolites such as terpenes and phenolic compounds and present biological activities for several human diseases. For the native Psidium species, there are no specific research reports for any member of the genus about ethnobotanical research, hindering the joint analysis of its therapeutic indications together with the scientific evidence already investigated. STUDY OBJECTIVE: Analyze the therapeutic indications, the main chemical constituents, and the biological activities of native species of the Psidium to Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic research was carried out in the Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases over a period of ten years. Articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish were used. The research was divided into three phases, seeking information on ethnobotany, chemical composition and biological activities. The words were combined to structure the descriptors used in the search. RESULTS: A total of 13 native species belonging to the Psidium genus were identified in this analysis, Psidium acutangulum DC., Psidium brownianum Mart. ex DC., Psidium cattleyanum Sabine, Psidium densicomum Mart. ex DC., Psidium grandifolium Mart. ex DC., Psidium guineense Sw., Psidium laruotteanum Cambess., Psidium myrsinites DC, Psidium myrtoides O. Berg, Psidium salutare (Kunth) O. Berg, Psidium schenckianum Kiaersk., Psidium sobralianum Proença & Landrum, Psidium striatulum Mart. ex DC. Of these, six were indicated in folk medicine, digestive system disorders being their main therapeutic indication. Most species presented an investigation of chemical composition and biological activity. They are rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes and have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and repellent activities. CONCLUSIONS: Native species of the Psidium genus are important sources of active ingredients in combating adversities that affect the human health, especially regarding the digestive system. They have a rich chemical composition, responsible for the biological activities demonstrated for the species.