Cellular Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiproliferative Activities from the Flowers, Leaves and Fruits of Gallesia integrifolia Spreng Harms.

Gallesia integrifolia, a notable species in the Atlantic Forest, has been traditionally employed in folk medicine for treating rheumatism, asthma, and worms. This study investigated the cellular antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils (EOs) and crude extracts (CEs) from G. integrifolia flowers, fruits, and leaves. The chemical identification of EOs was performed by GC-MS and CEs by UHPLC-MS. Cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed through mouse macrophage cell culture. In addition, the antiproliferative potential was evaluated in gastric, colorectal, breast, and lung tumor cell lines and non-tumor VERO cells. EOs predominantly contained organosulfur compounds in flowers (96.29%), fruits (94.94%), and leaves (90.72%). We found the main compound is 2,2'-Disulfanediyldiethanethiol in the EOs of flowers (47.00%), leaves (41.82%), and fruits (44.39%). Phenolic compounds were identified in CEs. The EOs and CEs demonstrated potential against the tumor cell lines tested (GI50 between 51 and 230 µg/mL). The selectivity index values were greater than 1.0 (1.01 to 3.37), suggesting a relative safety profile. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity IC50 ranged from 36.00 to 268 µg/mL, and the cellular oxidation inhibition ranged from 69% to 82%. The results suggest that oils and extracts derived from G. integrifolia have potential for use in various industrial sectors.

Effect of an organic acid blend in Nile tilapia growth performance, immunity, gut microbiota, and resistance to challenge against francisellosis.

Organic acids (OAs) are a class of feed additives that have prophylactic and inhibitory properties against pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we investigated growth performance, innate immune response, gut microbiota, and disease resistance against Francisella orientalis F1 in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed different doses of Bacti-nil®Aqua, a blend of short- and medium-chain OAs. For 21 days, 680 juvenile tilapias were fed a control diet or diets supplemented with a 0.3% (D3) or 0.5% (D5) OA blend. The feed conversion rate of fish fed the 0.5% enriched diet was considerably lower (p < 0.05) than that of the fish fed the basal diet. Lysozyme and serum bactericidal activities were significantly elevated following OA administration. After infection, no differences in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota were observed between the groups. After the bacterial challenge, the mortality was significantly lower in group D5 (p < 0.01). The diet supplemented with Bacti-nil®Aqua (Adisseo) improved the immune response and resistance of tilapia juveniles against F. orientalis infection. Thus, this OA blend could serve as a feed additive with good activity against F. orientalis.

Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. (ASTERACEAE).

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Lamiaceae) (Asteraceae) is found in South America, mainly in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. Folk medicine is used as a sedative, hypotensive, bronchodilator, cardiovascular disorders, anti-flu, and also in skin wounds. Considered the main source of green propolis, which increases the pharmacological interest in this species. It is also known as a "benefactor" plant facilitating the development of other plant species around it, being indicated for the recovery of degraded areas. This species has been studied for decades in order to isolate and identify the active principles present in the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) and roots. The present study consists of a review of the scientific literature addressing the ethnobotanical, ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and potential cytotoxic effects of the B. dracunculifolia species. In this survey, we sought to investigate issues related to the botanical and geographic description of the species, the ethnobotanical uses, as well as the phytochemical studies of the essential oil, extracts and green propolis obtained from the aerial parts and roots of B. dracunculifolia. Using high precision analytical tools, numerous compounds have already been isolated and identified from leaves and flowers such as the flavonoids: naringenin, acacetin, dihydrokaempferol, isosakuranetin and kaempferide; phenolic acids: p-coumaric, dihydrocoumaric, ferulic (E)-cinnamic, hydroxycinnamic, gallic, caffeic, and several caffeoylquinic acids derivatives; phenolic acids prenylated: artepillin C, baccharin, drupanin; the glycosides dracuculifosides and the pentacyclic triterpenoids: Baccharis oxide and friedelanol. The predominant class in the essential oil of leaves and flowers are terpenoids comprising oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, highlighting the compounds nerolidol, spathulenol, germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene. These compounds give the species high antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, analgesic, immunomodulatory and antiparasitic potential, making this species a promising herbal medicine. In vitro toxicity assays with B. dracunculifolia extract showed low or no cytotoxicity. However, in vivo analyses with high doses of the aqueous extract resulted in genotoxic effects, which leads us to conclude that the toxicity of this plant is dose-dependent.

Review Covid-19 (sars-cov-2) and medicinal plants ­ literature / Revisão Covid-19 (sars-cov-2) e plantas medicinais - literatura / Revisión Covid-19 (sars-cov-2) y plantas medicinales - bibliografía

In December 2019, a new coronavirus originating from the city of Wuhan in China started an epidemic that brought many countries into chaos and despair. SARS-CoV-2, as identified, gave rise to the severe acute respiratory syndrome called COVID-19. Its transmission happens through droplets of saliva, hand or contaminated surfaces. Since its discovery, COVID-19 has led many to death, therefore, researchers from around the world have joined efforts to develop strategies to contain the virus. In this race, drugs such as Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine have become possible options for showing an antiviral effect, however, studies contest their efficiency, generating uncertainties. Therefore, other alternatives have been investigated in this context, and the study of medicinal plants has been the target of research for the treatment of COVID-19 in search of bioactive natural products that can exert an antiviral action. The study aimed to analyze the published literature on COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and its relationship with medicinal plants. Bibliographical survey. So far, no specific treatment against the disease has been found, only supportive, with drugs that aim to improve the individual's immune system and ensure that the virus does not replicate, for example, there are options such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir and convalescent plasma. On the other hand, studies have revealed that medicinal plants such as garlic, among others, showed efficiency in modulating proteins with a view to preventing viral replication and improving immunity against COVID-19. So far, there are no drugs that are completely safe and have been shown to have activity against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). However, medicinal plants can contribute to the development of specific therapies against SARS-CoV-2 in a safe and effective way.

Em dezembro de 2019, um novo coronavírus originário da cidade de Wuhan, na China, iniciou uma epidemia que levou muitos países ao caos e ao desespero. O SARS-CoV-2, conforme identificado, deu origem à síndrome respiratória aguda grave chamada COVID-19. Sua transmissão acontece através de gotículas de saliva, mãos ou superfícies contaminadas. Desde sua descoberta, o COVID-19 levou muitos à morte, por isso, pesquisadores de todo o mundo uniram esforços para desenvolver estratégias para conter o vírus. Nesta corrida, medicamentos como Cloroquina e Hidroxicloroquina tornaram-se opções possíveis por apresentarem efeito antiviral, porém, estudos contestam sua eficiência, gerando incertezas. Portanto, outras alternativas têm sido investigadas nesse contexto, e o estudo de plantas medicinais tem sido alvo de pesquisas para o tratamento da COVID- 19 em busca de produtos naturais bioativos que possam exercer ação antiviral. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a literatura publicada sobre COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) e sua relação com plantas medicinais. Levantamento bibliográfico. Até o momento, não foi encontrado nenhum tratamento específico contra a doença, apenas de suporte, com medicamentos que visam melhorar o sistema imunológico do indivíduo e garantir que o vírus não se replique, por exemplo, há opções como cloroquina, hidroxicloroquina, remdesivir e convalescença plasma. Por outro lado, estudos revelaram que plantas medicinais como o alho, entre outras, mostraram eficiência na modulação de proteínas visando prevenir a replicação viral e melhorar a imunidade contra a COVID-19. Até o momento, não existem medicamentos completamente seguros e que tenham demonstrado atividade contra o novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2). No entanto, as plantas medicinais podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de terapias específicas contra o SARS-CoV-2 de forma segura e eficaz.

En diciembre de 2019, un nuevo coronavirus originario de la ciudad de Wuhan, en China, inició una epidemia que sumió a muchos países en el caos y la desesperación. El SARS-CoV- 2, tal y como fue identificado, dio lugar al síndrome respiratorio agudo severo denominado COVID-19. Su transmisión se produce a través de gotitas de saliva, de las manos o de superficies contaminadas. Desde su descubrimiento, el COVID-19 ha llevado a muchos a la muerte, por lo que investigadores de todo el mundo han aunado esfuerzos para desarrollar estrategias de contención del virus. En esta carrera, fármacos como la Cloroquina y la Hidroxicloroquina se han convertido en posibles opciones por mostrar un efecto antiviral, sin embargo, los estudios refutan su eficacia, generando incertidumbres. Por lo tanto, otras alternativas han sido investigadas en este contexto, y el estudio de las plantas medicinales ha sido el objetivo de la investigación para el tratamiento de COVID-19 en busca de productos naturales bioactivos que puedan ejercer una acción antiviral. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la literatura publicada sobre el COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) y su relación con las plantas medicinales. Estudio bibliográfico. Hasta el momento, no se ha encontrado un tratamiento específico contra la enfermedad, sólo de soporte, con fármacos que buscan mejorar el sistema inmunológico del individuo y asegurar que el virus no se replique, por ejemplo, existen opciones como la cloroquina, hidroxicloroquina, remdesivir y plasma convaleciente. Por otro lado, estudios han revelado que plantas medicinales como el ajo, entre otras, mostraron eficacia en la modulación de proteínas con vistas a impedir la replicación viral y mejorar la inmunidad contra el COVID-19. Hasta el momento, no existen medicamentos que sean completamente seguros y que hayan demostrado tener actividad contra el nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Sin embargo, las plantas medicinales pueden contribuir al desarrollo de terapias específicas contra el SARS-CoV-2 de forma segura y eficaz.

Bauhinia spp. (pata-de-vaca) and its biological potentialities ­ literature review / Bauhinia spp. (pata-de-vaca) e suas potencialidades biológicas ­ revisão da literatura / Bauhinia spp. (pata-de-vaca) y sus potencialidades biológicas - revisión de la literatura

The genus Bauhinia popularly known as "pata-de-vaca", "unha de vaca", "unha de boi", "unha de anta" e "casco de vaca" is widely used in the form of teas and other herbal preparations. The aim of this literature review was to show the diversity and biological potential of Bauhinia species for health promotion. A search was carried out for articles listing some species of medical interest. The pharmacological activities of B. forficata were also highlighted in articles published in the last twenty years using the PubMed database. Research has shown that Bauhinia is used as a hypoglycemic and antidiabetic agent, diuretic, cholesterol reducer, in the treatment of cystitis, intestinal parasites, elephantiasis, tumors and other ailments, including infections and painful processes. In the last eleven years, 86% of the works carried out with B. forficata used the plant collected or acquired in Brazil, predominantly publications from the southern region of the country where almost 60% reported activity on diabetes and its complications and/or antioxidant effect. Despite the literature pointing out the great medicinal potential of Bauhinia in chronic diseases and their complications, there is still a need for more translational research.

O gênero Bauhinia conhecido popularmente como "pata-de-vaca", "unha de vaca", "unha de boi", "unha de anta" e "casco de vaca" é amplamente utilizado em forma de chás e outras preparações fitoterápicas. O objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi mostrar a diversidade e potencial biológico das espécies de Bauhinia para a promoção a saúde. Foi realizada a busca de artigos elencando algumas espécies de interesse médico. Destacou-se também as atividades farmacológicas de B. forficata em artigos publicados nos últimos vinte anos utilizando a base de dados PubMed. A pesquisa mostrou que a Bauhinia é utilizada como hipoglicemiante e antidiabética, diurética, redutora de colesterol, no tratamento da cistite, parasitoses intestinais, elefantíase, tumores e outros males, incluindo infecções e processos dolorosos. Nos últimos onze anos, 86% dos trabalhos realizados com B. forficata utilizaram a planta coletada ou adquirida no Brasil sendo predominante publicações oriundas da região sul do país onde quase 60% relataram atividade sobre o diabetes e suas complicações e/ou efeito antioxidante. Apesar da literatura apontar o grande potencial medicinal da Bauhinia em doenças crônicas e suas complicações ainda há a necessidade de mais pesquisas de caráter translacional.

El género Bauhinia, conocido popularmente como "garra de vaca", "garra de ganado", "garra de tapir" y "pezuña de vaca", se utiliza ampliamente como té y otros preparados fitoterapéuticos. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica era mostrar la diversidad y el potencial biológico de las especies de Bauhinia para la promoción de la salud. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de artículos que incluyeran algunas especies de interés médico. Las actividades farmacológicas de B. forficata también fueron destacadas en artículos publicados en los últimos veinte años utilizando la base de datos PubMed. La investigación demostró que la Bauhinia se utiliza como hipoglucemiante y antidiabético, diurético, reductor del colesterol, en el tratamiento de la cistitis, la parasitosis intestinal, la elefantiasis, los tumores y otras dolencias, incluyendo infecciones y procesos dolorosos. En los últimos once años, el 86% de los estudios realizados con B. forficata utilizaron la planta recolectada o adquirida en Brasil, siendo predominantes las publicaciones de la región sur del país, donde casi el 60% reportó actividad sobre la diabetes y sus complicaciones y/o efecto antioxidante. Aunque la bibliografía señala el gran potencial medicinal de la Bauhinia en las enfermedades crónicas y sus complicaciones, todavía es necesario realizar más investigaciones traslacionales.

Origanum vulgare essential oil and carvacrol: natural alternatives against resistant bacteria / Óleo essencial de origanum vulgare e carvacrol: alternativas naturais contra bactérias resistentes / El aceite esencial de origanum vulgare y el carvacrol: alternativos naturales contra las bacterias resistentes

Bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics are a serious One Health problem, as new alternatives for treatment do not appear at the same speed. Thus, the aim of this work was to carry out a survey of studies involving the activity of the essential oil of O. vulgare and its isolated compound carvacrol on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To this end, a qualitative review of the literature was carried out in the PubMed database from 2015 to 2020. Both for the essential oil and for the isolated compound, the inhibitory action extends to strains often associated with difficult-to-treat infections such as oxacillin and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, ß-lactamase-producing strains, carbapenemases, among others. The point that distinguishes the studies is the type of methodology used in the tests, with studies with carvacrol more directed towards mechanisms of molecular action and application in cells and animals, while those with oils are more preliminary. Although these substances have potential to control resistant bacteria, more research is needed to enable their use.

Bactérias resistentes a vários antibióticos são um grave problema para a Saúde Única, pois novas alternativas de tratamento não aparecem na mesma velocidade. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento de estudos envolvendo a atividade do óleo essencial de O. vulgare e seu composto isolado, carvacrol, sobre bactérias resistentes a antibióticos. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão qualitativa da literatura na base de dados PubMed no período de 2015 a 2020. Tanto para o óleo essencial quanto para o composto isolado, a ação inibitória se estende a cepas frequentemente associadas a infecções de difícil tratamento como Staphylococcus aureus resistente à oxacilina e vancomicina, cepas produtoras de ß-lactamase, carbapenemases, entre outras. O ponto que diferencia os estudos é o tipo de metodologia utilizada nos testes, sendo os estudos com carvacrol mais direcionados para mecanismos de ação molecular e aplicação em células e animais, enquanto os com óleos são mais preliminares. Embora essas substâncias tenham potencial para controlar bactérias resistentes, mais pesquisas são necessárias para viabilizar seu uso.

Las bacterias resistentes a diversos antibióticos son un grave problema para la Sanidad Única, ya que las nuevas alternativas de tratamiento no aparecen a la misma velocidad. Así pues, el objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una encuesta sobre los estudios relativos a la actividad del aceite esencial de O. vulgare y su compuesto aislado, el carvacrol, sobre las bacterias resistentes a los antibióticos. Para ello, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica cualitativa en la base de datos PubMed en el periodo comprendido entre 2015 y 2020. Tanto para el aceite esencial como para el compuesto aislado, la acción inhibidora se extiende a cepas frecuentemente asociadas a infecciones de difícil tratamiento como el Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la oxacilina y a la vancomicina, cepas productoras de ß-lactamasas, carbapenemasas, entre otras. El punto que diferencia los estudios es el tipo de metodología utilizada en las pruebas, siendo los estudios con carvacrol más dirigidos a mecanismos de acción molecular y aplicación en células y animales, mientras que los de aceites son más preliminares. Aunque estas sustancias tienen potencial para controlar las bacterias resistentes, es necesario seguir investigando para que su uso sea viable.

Estudio etnoepidemiológico de medicamentos y uso de plantas medicinales en mujeres embarazadas / Ethno-epidemiological study of medicinal products and medicinal plants use among pregnant women

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar el perfil de las mujeres embarazadas que visitaron el Sistema Único de Salud del municipio de Umuarama/PR y analizar el uso de medicamentos clasificados como D y X según la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA) y plantas medicinales contraindicadas por posibles riesgos gestacionales. Se realizó un estudio etnoepidemiológico transversal a través de un cuestionario realizado entre 500 mujeres embarazadas en el período enero a mayo de 2017. Según las mujeres embarazadas, durante el período prenatal, el 67.8% no recibió información sobre el uso de plantas medicinales y el 26,6% respecto de plantas contraindicadas. Entre los medicamentos utilizados, el 12,2% pertenecía a la categoría "D" (anticonvulsivos), y el 2,4% pertenecía a la categoría "X" (anticonceptivos hormonales). Este trabajo destaca la necesidad de ampliar las actividades de promoción de la salud a las unidades básicas e implementar protocolos y herramientas de orientación técnica, así como la capacitación de profesionales farmacéuticos para educar a la población sobre el riesgo de estos medicamentos durante el embarazo.

The objective of this study was to examine the profile of pregnant women who visited the Unified Health System of the municipality of Umuarama/PR and to analyze their use of drugs categorized as D and X according to the United States Food and Drug Administration FDA and contraindicated medicinal plants for evaluating the potential gestational risks. A cross-sectional ethnoepidemiological study using a questionnaire was conducted among 500 pregnant women from January to May 2017. According to the pregnant women, during the prenatal period, 67.8% did not receive information on the use of medicinal plants and 26.6% used contraindicated plants. Among the drugs used, 12.2% belonged to category "D" (anticonvulsants), and 2.4% belonged to category "X" (hormonal contraceptives). This work highlights the need to expand health promotion activities to the basic units and implement protocols and technical guidance tools as well as training of pharmaceutical professionals to educate the population on the risk of these drugs during pregnancy.

Effects of extracts from Echinacea purpurea (L) MOENCH on mice infected with different strains of Toxoplasma gondii.

In recent years, due to the growing concern about recurrent epidemics by Toxoplasma gondii and other pathogens in Brazil, there has been an increase in the use of different preparations obtained from Echinacea purpurea in order to test their effectiveness against these infections. Although studies have suggested the beneficial effects of this species against the influenza virus, no data are available on the use of E. purpurea aqueous extract in T. gondii infections. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of its administration in Swiss mice submitted to acute and prolonged infection with different T. gondii strains. This study showed that E. purpurea extract induced a significant reduction in the number of tachyzoites in the peritoneal fluid and liver imprints from mice infected by the RH strain. Moreover, prolonged treatment significantly increased the number of brain cysts of animals infected with ME 49 strain. The results obtained in this study suggest that the crude extract obtained from E. purpurea has important protective activities against infection with different T. gondii strains.