Tissue healing changes on wounds in rats after treatment with Hancornia speciosa latex in cream-gel formulation.

PURPOSE: Hancornia speciosa latex has shown pharmacological potential in wound healing processes due to its angiogenic, osteogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The aims of this study were to carry out a cream-gel formulation with 5, 10 and 25% of H. speciosa serum latex and to evaluate its potential to stimulate the skin regeneration in rats' wounds. METHODS: One hundred and twenty rats were divided into five groups: neutral control with saline (G1), cream-gel based on H. speciosa latex serum at 5% m/v (G2), cream-gel at 15% m/v (G3), cream-gel at 25% m/v (G4), and cream-gel (G5). The animals were euthanized at three, seven, 14 and 21 days after the injury induction, and some parameters were analyzed: wound contraction, necrosis, fibrin, polymorphonuclear and mononuclear infiltrates, fibroblast, angiogenesis, hemorrhage, and collagen. RESULTS: The therapeutic treatment with cream-gel at 15 and 25% is beneficial in the inflammatory phase of healing processes since it increased the angiogenesis and proliferation of mononuclear infiltrations in wounds. Regarding wound contraction, the treatment with cream-gel (5 and 15%) induced a higher rate of contraction in the proliferative phase. The 15% cream-gel formulation stimulated a greater production of collagen in the injured tissues. CONCLUSIONS: H. speciosa cream-gel is a low-cost herbal medicine which can aid in tissue repair.

Hancornia speciosa latex for biomedical applications: physical and chemical properties, biocompatibility assessment and angiogenic activity.

The latex obtained from Hancornia speciosa is used in folk medicine for treatment of several diseases, such as acne, warts, diabetes, gastritis and inflammation. In this work, we describe the biocompatibility assessment and angiogenic properties of H. speciosa latex and its potential application in medicine. The physical-chemical characterization was carried out following different methodologies (CHN elemental analyses; thermogravimetric analyses and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). The biocompatibility was evaluated through cytotoxicity and genotoxicity tests in fibroblast mouse cells and the angiogenic properties were evaluated using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay model. The physical-chemical results showed that the structure of Hancornia speciosa latex biomembrane is very similar to that of Hevea brasiliensis (commercially available product). Moreover, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays showed that H. speciosa latex is biocompatible with life systems and can be a good biomaterial for medical applications. The CAM test showed the efficient ability of H. speciosa latex in neovascularization of tissues. The histological analysis was in accordance with the results obtained in the CAM assay. Our data indicate that the latex obtained from H. speciosa and eluted in water showed significant angiogenic activity without any cytotoxic or genotoxic effects on life systems. The same did not occur with H. speciosa latex stabilized with ammonia. Addition of ammonia does not have significant effects on the structure of biomembranes, but showed a smaller cell survival and a significant genotoxicity effect. This study contributes to the understanding of the potentialities of H. speciosa latex as a source of new phytomedicines.

Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Animal Models of Calendula officinalis L. Growing in Brazil.

Calendula officinalis is an annual herb from Mediterranean origin which is popularly used in wound healing and as an anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, the ethanolic extract, the dichloromethane, and hexanic fractions of the flowers from plants growing in Brazil were produced. The angiogenic activity of the extract and fractions was evaluated through the chorioallantoic membrane and cutaneous wounds in rat models. The healing activity of the extract was evaluated by the same cutaneous wounds model through macroscopic, morphometric, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical analysis. The antibacterial activity of the extract and fractions was also evaluated. This experimental study revealed that C. officinalis presented anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities as well as angiogenic and fibroplastic properties acting in a positive way on the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process.

Healing activity of laser InGaAlP (660nm) in rats / Atividade cicatrizante do laser AlGaInP (660nm) em ratos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect the healing activity of diode laser Indium Gallium Aluminum Phosphorus (InGaAlP) ë660nm on healing of surgical wounds in rats. METHODS: Fifty-four female Wistar rats were used, divided into three groups (n=18) and subdivided into three subgroups (n=6) to be studied in 5, 10 and 15th days after surgical procedures. The wound was induced in the dorsal-cervical using punch. The lesions were irradiated on alternate days with InGaAlP laser, the energy densities of 3J/cm² (L3) or 6J/cm² (L6). The control group received no irradiation. At 5, 10 and 15th days after surgery the animals were euthanized and the repair area was removed and histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrossírius. We evaluated macroscopic and histological lesions in the times cited, as well as morphometric analysis of angiogenesis and collagen content. RESULTS: The wound healing activity InGaAlP laser was evidenced by increased angiogenesis group L3 and L6 in relation to control group (CG) at the 5th day (p=0.0001) and decreased polymorphonuclear infiltrate and hemorrhage (p=0.045 and p=0.07 respectively) in the groups L3 and L6 in relation to control group (GC). On the 10 and 15th days was also observed in groups treated with laser L3 and L6 stimulation was pronounced fibroplasia (p=0.0003 and p=0.034 respectively) when compared with the control group (CG). CONCLUSION: The InGaAlP laser acted positively on the healing of skin wounds in rats.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade cicatrizante do laser diodo Alumínio Gálio Índio Fósforo (AlGaInP), ë660nm em feridas cutâneas induzida em ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 54 ratos Wistar, fêmeas, divididos em três grupos (n=18) e subdivididos em três subgrupos (n=6) animais para serem estudados no 5, 10 e 15º dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. A ferida foi induzida em região dorso-cervical utilizando punch. As lesões foram irradiadas em dias alternados com laser AlGaInP, nas densidades de energia de 3J/cm² (L3) ou 6J/cm²(L6). O grupo controle não recebeu irradiação. No 5,10 e 15º dia após o procedimento cirúrgico os animais foram eutanasiados e a área de reparo foi removida e os cortes histológicos foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina e picrossírius. Foram avaliados aspectos macroscópicos e histológicos das lesões nos tempos citados, bem como análises morfométricas da angiogênese e do conteúdo de colágeno. RESULTADOS: A atividade cicatrizante do laser AlGaInP foi evidenciada pelo aumento da angiogênese do grupo L3 e L6 em relação ao grupo controle (GC) no 5º dia (p=0,0001) e diminuição do infiltrado de polimorfonucleares e hemorragia (p=0,045 e p=0,007 respectivamente) dos grupos L3 e L6 em relação ao controle. No 10 e 15ºdias observou-se também que nos grupos tratados com laser L3 e L6 houve estimulo acentuado a fibroplasia(p=0,0003 e p=0,034 respectivamente), quando comparados ao grupo controle (GC). CONCLUSÃO: O laser AlGaInP atuou de forma positiva sobre a cicatrização de feridas cutâneas em ratos.

Healing activity of laser InGaAlP (660nm) in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect the healing activity of diode laser Indium Gallium Aluminum Phosphorus (InGaAlP) ë660nm on healing of surgical wounds in rats. METHODS: Fifty-four female Wistar rats were used, divided into three groups (n=18) and subdivided into three subgroups (n=6) to be studied in 5, 10 and 15(th) days after surgical procedures. The wound was induced in the dorsal-cervical using punch. The lesions were irradiated on alternate days with InGaAlP laser, the energy densities of 3J/cm(2) (L3) or 6J/cm(2) (L6). The control group received no irradiation. At 5, 10 and 15(th) days after surgery the animals were euthanized and the repair area was removed and histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrossírius. We evaluated macroscopic and histological lesions in the times cited, as well as morphometric analysis of angiogenesis and collagen content. RESULTS: The wound healing activity InGaAlP laser was evidenced by increased angiogenesis group L3 and L6 in relation to control group (CG) at the 5(th) day (p=0.0001) and decreased polymorphonuclear infiltrate and hemorrhage (p=0.045 and p=0.07 respectively) in the groups L3 and L6 in relation to control group (GC). On the 10 and 15(th) days was also observed in groups treated with laser L3 and L6 stimulation was pronounced fibroplasia (p=0.0003 and p=0.034 respectively) when compared with the control group (CG). CONCLUSION: The InGaAlP laser acted positively on the healing of skin wounds in rats.

Investigação em material de autópsias sobre a hipótese de associação entre obesidade e neurocisticercose / Investigation in autopsy material on the hypothesis of the association between obesity and neurocysticercosis

Introdução: A Neurocisticercose (NCC) é uma infecção no sistema nervoso central que pode ser associada à obesidade quando o cisticerco afeta os centros hipotalâmicos relacionados ao controle da fome e da saciedade. Objetivo: Comparar o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) dos pacientesautopsiados com NCC (exceto hipotalâmica) com um grupo sem cisticercose. Métodos: Foram revistos 2.629 protocolos de autópsias realizadas no período de 1970 a 2004, avaliando-se as seguintes variáveis: índice de massa corporal, diagnóstico e localização da NCC. Resultados: A ocorrência de NCC foi de 2,7por cento e a mediana do IMC do grupo com NCC (19,06 kg/m2) foi significativamente menor (p igual 0,001) que a do grupo sem cisticercose (20,76 kg/m2). Conclusão: A NCC, por si só, não está relacionada à obesidade, exceto quando o cisticerco apresenta localização hipotalâmica.

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an infection of the Central NervousSystem that may be associated with obesity when the cysticercus affectshypothalamic centers associated to the appetite and satiety. Aim: to compare the Body Mass Index (BMI) of autopsied patients with NCC (except hypothalamic) with an autopsied group without cysticercosis. Methods: 2,629 protocols from autopsies from 1970 until 2004 were revised and the following variables evaluated: BMI, positive diagnosis, and localization of neurocysticercosis. NCC was found in71 autopsies (2.7%). The median BMI of the group with NCC, which was 19.06kg/m2, was significantly lower (p=0.001) in comparison with the group without cysticercosis with a BMI of 20.76 kg/m2. Conclusion: NCC itself is not related to obesity, except when the cysticercus has hypothalamic localization.

Angiogenic activity of Calendula officinalis flowers L. in rats / Atividade angiogênica das flores da Calendula officinalis L. em ratos

Purpose: In this work, angiogenic activity of Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) ethanolic extract and dichloromethane and hexanic fractions were evaluated, considering medicinal properties, especially healing activity, are attributed to this plant. Methods: Models using 36 rats and 90 embryonated eggs were used to evaluate healing and angiogenic activities of extracts and fractions of the plant, through the induction of skin wounds and the chorioallantoic membrane, respectively. The effect of vascular proliferation was also tested from the study to verify the intensity of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cutaneous wounds in rats. Results: The angiogenic activity of the extract and the fractions was evidenced in both experimental models. It was verified that this effect is not directly related to the expression of VEGF and it could be associated to other pro-angiogenic factors. Conclusion: The healing activity referred to C. officinalis is related, among other factors, to its positive effect on angiogenesis, characterized by the induction of neovascularization.

Objetivo: Neste trabalho a atividade sobre a angiogênese do extrato etanólico (EEC) e das frações diclorometano e hexânica das flores de Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) cultivada no Brasil foram avaliados, visto que propriedades medicinais têm sido atribuídas às flores da planta, destacando-se a atividade cicatrizante. Métodos: Modelos utilizando 36 ratos e 90 ovos embrionados foram usados para avaliar as atividades cicatrizante e angiogênica dos extratos e frações da planta, por meio da indução de feridas cutâneas e da membrana corioalantóide, respectivamente. O efeito proliferativo vascular foi também testado a partir do estudo imunoistoquímico, realizado para verificar a intensidade da expressão do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF) na derme de ratos. Resultados: A atividade angiogênica do extrato e das frações foi evidenciada nos dois modelos experimentais empregados. Foi evidenciado que este efeito não estava diretamente relacionado à expressão do VEGF, podendo estar associado a outros fatores pró-angiogênicos. Conclusão: A atividade cicatrizante referida a C. officinalis está relacionada ao seu efeito positivo sobre a angiogênese, e este foi caracterizado pela indução de neovascularização.

Angiogenic activity of Calendula officinalis flowers L. in rats.

PURPOSE: In this work, angiogenic activity of Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) ethanolic extract and dichloromethane and hexanic fractions were evaluated, considering medicinal properties, especially healing activity, are attributed to this plant. METHODS: Models using 36 rats and 90 embryonated eggs were used to evaluate healing and angiogenic activities of extracts and fractions of the plant, through the induction of skin wounds and the chorioallantoic membrane, respectively. The effect of vascular proliferation was also tested from the study to verify the intensity of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cutaneous wounds in rats. RESULTS: The angiogenic activity of the extract and the fractions was evidenced in both experimental models. It was verified that this effect is not directly related to the expression of VEGF and it could be associated to other pro-angiogenic factors. CONCLUSION: The healing activity referred to C. officinalis is related, among other factors, to its positive effect on angiogenesis, characterized by the induction of neovascularization.

Avaliação da toxicidade aguda e subaguda, em ratos, do extrato etanólico das folhas e do látex de Synadenium umbellatum Pax / Acute and subacute toxicity studies of the latex and of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Synadenium umbellatum Pax in rats

O uso de plantas medicinais tem sido muito significativo nos últimos anos, sendo incentivado pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). Synadenium umbellatum Pax, Euphorbiacea (vulgo cola-nota, cancerola, milagrosa) tem o látex usado empiricamente como antitumoral e antiinflamatório. Por existir espécies tóxicas nesta família e visando à segurança no uso de extratos vegetais, tal estudo avaliou a toxicidade pré-clínica do látex e do extrato etanólico das folhas (EEF) de S. umbellatum, por via oral, em ratas Wistar. O estudo seguiu diretrizes do Guideline 423 (toxicidade aguda) e Guideline 407 (toxicidade subaguda) da OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). Na toxicidade aguda do látex e do EEF, não se observou letalidade nem alterações fisiológicas e comportamentais das ratas na dose de 2000 mg/kg, sendo praticamente atóxico. Porém, na análise histopatológica, o látex ocasionou congestão e infiltrado leucocitário nos rins, fígado e pulmões, efeitos não observados com o EEF. Na toxicidade subaguda, doses de 50, 100 e 200 mg/kg de EEF não produziram alterações dose-dependentes significativas nos parâmetros laboratoriais e fisiológicos, nem alterações macroscópicas e histopatológicas nos órgãos das ratas. Contudo, o uso crônico da planta S. umbellatum merece mais estudos.

The use of medicinal plants has been being very significant in the last years, being the use encouraged by WHO. Synadenium umbellatum Pax, Euphorbiacea (popularly known as cola-note, cancerola, miraculous) has the latex used empirically as anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory. For there being toxic species in this family and aiming at the safety in the use of vegetable extracts, such study evaluated the pre-clinical toxicity of the latex and of the ethanolic extract of the leaves (EEL) of S. umbellatum, administrated by oral route, in Wistar female rats. The study followed OECD's Guidelines for test of acute toxicity (Guideline 423) and for subacute toxicity (Guideline 407). In the acute toxicity of latex and EEL, behavioral and physiological alterations were not observed neither animal's death in the dose level of 2,000 mg/kg. However, the latex caused congestion and leukocytes infiltration of the kidneys, liver and lungs, effects not observed with EEL. In the subacute toxicity, dose levels of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of EEL did not produced significant dose-dependent alterations in the lab results and no physiologic, macroscopic and hystopathological alterations. EEL of S. umbellatum is practically poisonless in acute exposure; already the latex can cause hystological damages. The chronic use of S. umbellatum needs more specific studies.

Avaliação da atividade larvicida de plantas fitoterápicas do cerrado do gênero Stryphnodendron spp. sobre miracídios e cercárias de Schistosoma mansoni / Evaluation of the larvicidal activity of phytotherapic brazilian savannah plants of the genus Stryphnodendron spp. on Schistosoma mansoni miracidia and cercariae

A esquistossomíase é uma doença endêmica causada por parasitos do gênero Schistosoma, sendo somente Schistosoma mansoni observado no Brasil. No presente trabalho, o potencial das plantas do Cerrado brasileiro. Stryphnodendron polyphyllum e Stryphnodendron adstringens, foi testado como fonte alternativa de produtos naturais utilizados contra miracídios e cercárias, as formas infectantes de S. mansoni. A partir dos extratos brutos EAA (extração acetona: água) das cascas dos caules preparam-se soluções-mãe de 400 ppm, que foram diluídas até se obterem as concentrações de 100 e 200 ppm para os bioensaios com miracídios, e de 20, 50, 100 e 200 ppm para os bioensaios com cercárias. Nos testes com miracídios, estas plantas demonstraram atividade somente 5 horas e 30 minutos após o contato inicial com os extratos, enquanto o grupo-controle sobreviveu por oito horas nas mesmas condições. A mortalidade das cercárias ocorreu apenas uma hora após o início dos experimentos em todas as concentrações testadas para as duas espécies vegetais. O grupo-controle sobreviveu, em água, por 36 horas após o início dos experimentos. Estes dados confirmam a presença, no Cerrado brasileiro, de plantas com potencial bioativo no combate às cercárias, forma infectante de S. mansoni para mamíferos.