Distúrbios do olfato, uma revisão narrativa do diagnóstico ao tratamento / Olfactory dysfunction: a narrative review from diagnosis to treatment

Os distúrbios do olfato (DO) impactam de forma significativa na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos, e o conhecimento teórico a respeito do assunto deve ser de domínio dos alergologistas e imunologistas clínicos, possibilitando, assim, o seu diagnóstico e implementação de intervenções. Suas causas podem ser variadas, entre elas estão: rinite alérgica, rinossinusite crônica com ou sem pólipos, infecções de vias aéreas superiores, exposição a substâncias químicas, doenças neurológicas, drogas, traumas e o próprio envelhecimento. O olfato pode ser avaliado e mensurado através de testes com metodologias diferentes, cujo objetivo é avaliar parâmetros como a identificação de odores, limiar e discriminação olfativa. Esses testes são de fundamental importância para caracterizar objetivamente a queixa do paciente, como também avaliar o olfato antes e após determinada aplicação terapêutica. O tratamento das desordens olfativas é baseado em sua etiologia, portanto determinar a sua causa é indispensável para uma melhor eficácia no manejo. Entre as principais opções estão os corticoides tópicos, com impacto significativo nos pacientes com doença sinusal associada, treinamento olfatório e outras intervenções como ômega 3, vitamina A intranasal, e terapias que ainda requerem mais estudos.

Olfactory dysfunction significantly impacts quality of life, and allergists and clinical immunologists must be informed about it for diagnostic and interventional purposes. The causes are varied: allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps, upper airway infections, exposure to chemicals, neurological diseases, drugs, trauma, and aging itself. Olfactory function can be evaluated and measured by several tests that use different methodologies to evaluate and identify odors, olfactory threshold, and olfactory discrimination. These tests are fundamental for objectively characterizing patient complaints and evaluating olfactory function before and after therapeutic interventions. Olfactory disorders are treated according to their etiology, so determining their cause is a major factor in treatment efficacy. The main options include topical corticosteroids, which have a significant impact on patients with sinus disease, olfactory training, other therapies (such as omega 3 and intranasal vitamin A), in addition to therapies that require further research.

Reprotoxicity induced by acute exposure to aqueous tuber extract of Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) has been used in folk medicine to treat fertility disturbances, a claim that has been evidenced in some studies. However, the clinical trials validating this use have shown paradoxical findings and then maca safety is not well known. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms by which maca affects the reproductive system using an in vivo model, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Tuber maca powder, obtained from local commerce, was used to prepare the aqueous extract. Worms were acutely exposed to maca extracts (40, 120, 240, and 330 µg/µl), and 48 h after treatments, physiological and biochemical assays were conducted. Maca extract caused a significant decrease in total number of eggs and in the number of eggs per worm. These effects were associated to increased lipid peroxidation, reduced triacylglycerol levels, and also impaired vit-2 (vitellogenin) expression, besides increase in the number of apoptotic germline cells. We have found quantifiable levels of alkaloids in this maca extract, which presence could be related to this toxicity. Collectively, our data suggest that maca extract exposure causes reproductive toxicity to worms that could be, at least in part, associated to both an increase in apoptosis of germline cells and also to a decrease in vitellogenin expression, needed for egg yolk production and, consequently, successful reproduction.

Pharmacological screening of species from the Lippia genus, content in terpenes and phenylpropanoids, and their vasorelaxing effects on human umbilical artery.

BACKGROUND: Naturally occurring bioactive compounds have a plethora of biological effects. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined a pharmacological screening of natural products on the human umbilical artery (HUA). METHODS: HUA preparations were used to follow contractions by KCl (60 mM) and tested at different concentrations (1-5000 µg/mL and µM) of the Lippia alba (EOLa) and Lippia origanoides (EOLo) essential oils, terpenes (citral, limonene perilic alcohol) and phenylpropanoids (eugenol, methyl eugenol). Discussion/Results: The reduction corresponded to approximately 100%, except for limonene (80±1.2 %). When evaluating the concentration of the natural product that promotes 50 % relaxation of the HUA contracted by KCL, EC50 values were: 424.3 µg/mL (EOLa); 468.7±6.7 µg/mL (EOLo); 264.2 ± 8.2 µM (citral); 677.8±5.4 µM (limonene); 186.3±6.4 µM (peryl alcohol); 986.4±7.9 µM (eugenol); and 279.1±4.4 µM (methyl-eugenol). Perillyl alcohol had a lower EC50 (consequently it has a higher pharmacological potency). CONCLUSION: The plant extracts have a promising vasorelaxing effect in HUAs, paving the way for future investigations: as applications in diseases related to these vessels, such as preeclampsia.

Development of a High-Power Capacity Open Source Electrical Stimulation System to Enhance Research into FES-Assisted Devices: Validation of FES Cycling.

Since the first Cybathlon 2016, when twelve teams competed in the FES bike race, we have witnessed a global effort towards the development of stimulation and control strategies to improve FES-assisted devices, particularly for cycling, as a means to practice a recreational physical activity. As a result, a set of technical notes and research paved the way for many other studies and the potential behind FES-assisted cycling has been consolidated. However, engineering research needs instrumented devices to support novel developments and enable precise assessment. Therefore, some researchers struggle to develop their own FES-assisted devices or find it challenging to implement their instrumentation using commercial devices, which often limits the implementation of advanced control strategies and the possibility to connect different types of sensor. In this regard, we hypothesize that it would be advantageous for some researchers in our community to enjoy access to an entire open-source FES platform that allows different control strategies to be implemented, offers greater adaptability and power capacity than commercial devices, and can be used to assist different functional activities in addition to cycling. Hence, it appears to be of interest to make our proprietary electrical stimulation system an open-source device and to prove its capabilities by addressing all the aspects necessary to implement a FES cycling system. The high-power capacity stimulation device is based on a constant current topology that allows the creation of biphasic electrical pulses with amplitude, width, and frequency up to 150 mA, 1000 µs, and 100 Hz, respectively. A mobile application (Android) was developed to set and modify the stimulation parameters of up to eight stimulation channels. A proportional-integral controller was implemented for cadence tracking with the aim to improve the overall cycling performance. A volunteer with complete paraplegia participated in the functional testing of the system. He was able to cycle indoors for 45 min, accomplish distances of more than 5 km using a passive cycling trainer, and pedal 2400 m overground in 32 min. The results evidenced the capacity of our FES cycling system to be employed as a cycling tool for individuals with spinal cord injury. The methodological strategies used to improve FES efficiency suggest the possibility of maximizing pedaling duration through more advanced control techniques.

Modulation of the Drug Resistance by Platonia insignis Mart. Extract, Ethyl Acetate Fraction and Morelloflavone/Volkensiflavone (Biflavonoids) in Staphylococcus aureus Strains Overexpressing Efflux Pump Genes.

BACKGROUND: Microbial resistance to antibiotics is a global public health problem, which requires urgent attention. Platonia insignis is a native species from the eastern Brazilian Amazon, used in the treatment of burns and wounds. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. insignis (PIHA), the ethyl acetate fraction (PIAE), and its subfraction containing a mixture of biflavonoids (BF). Moreover, the effect of these natural products on the antibiotic activity against S. aureus strains overexpressing efflux pump genes was also evaluated. METHODS: Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined against different species of microorganisms. To evaluate the modulatory effect on the Norfloxacin-resistance, the MIC of this antibiotic was determined in the absence and presence of the natural products at subinhibitory concentrations. Inhibition of the EtBr efflux assays were conducted in the absence or presence of natural products. RESULTS: PIHA showed a microbicidal effect against S. aureus and C. albicans, while PIAE was bacteriostatic for S. aureus. PIAE and BF at subinhibitory concentrations were able to reduce the MIC of Norfloxacin acting as modulating agents. BF was able to inhibit the efflux of EtBr efflux in S. aureus strains overexpressing specific efflux pump genes. CONCLUSION: P. inignisis, a source of efflux pump inhibitors, including volkensiflavone and morelloflavone, which were able to potentiate the Norfloxacin activity by NorA inhibition, being also able to inhibit QacA/B, TetK and MsrA. Volkensiflavone and morelloflavone could be used as an adjuvant in the antibiotic therapy of multidrug resistant S. aureus strains overexpressing efflux pumps.

Pharmacological screening of the phenolic compound caffeic acid using rat aorta, uterus and ileum smooth muscle.

Caffeic acid is a phenolic compound widely found in commonly consumed foods such as pears, apples and coffee, and is pharmacologically known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties. However, its relaxant activity in the aorta, uterus and ileum smooth muscle has not been investigated. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of caffeic acid on smooth muscle from different organs (aorta, uterus and ileum), and the contractions of this different organ were induced by different agonists. The organ bath technique was used, where the organs were placed in different cuvettes with 10 mL of Tyrode solution for 1 h to stabilize, then, myometrial, intestinal strip and aortic ring contractions were evoked using different contractile agonists (KCl 60 mM, PHE 0.1 µM, OT 10-2 IU/mL, CCh 10-6 M and BaCl2 0.1-30 mM); increasing concentrations of caffeic acid (0.03-7 mM) were administered in the experimental preparations. In the presence of KCl (60 mM), caffeic acid caused relaxations with the following EC50 values: 2.7 ± 0.26 mM/mL (aorta), 5.7 ± 0.71 mM/mL (uterus) and 2.1 ± 0.39 mM/mL (ileum). When in the presence of different agonists, PHE (0.1 µM) for the aorta, OT (10-2 IU/mL) for the uterus and CCh (10-6 M) for the ileum, caffeic acid caused relaxations with EC50 values of: 2.7 ± 0.31 mM/mL; 2.2 ± 0.34 mM/mL and 2.0 ± 0.28 mM/mL, respectively. The inhibitory effect of caffeic acid on serotonergic (aorta and uterus) and muscarinic receptors (uterus and ileum), as well as its possible involvement with L-type Ca2+ channels, was also observed. This study reports the pharmacological characterization of caffeic acid on smooth muscle from different organs, for which caffeic acid was more potent in the ileum. A diverse understanding of its performance as a possible therapeutic product is attributed to its relaxant effect.

Duration and quality of sleep in sprint and recovery performances among elite swimmers / Duração e qualidade de sono no desempenho do sprint e na recuperação de nadadores de elite / Duración y calidad del sueño en el desempeño en el sprint y recuperación d nadadores de élite

ABSTRACT Introduction: Circadian rhythms can impact athletes' sports performance, where the plateau occurs between 15 and 21 hours. Swimming is a peculiar case, as athletes perform training and final sessions in competitions at different times, as in the Rio2016 Olympic Games for example, where the semifinal and final competitions took place from ten o'clock at night. Objectives: (1) to present the protocol of an intervention performed with elite athletes of the Brazilian swimming team during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio; (2) to find out whether the time at which the competitions were held affected the swimming performances of these athletes during the competition. Materials and Methods: Fourteen athletes of the Brazilian swimming team (males: n= 10; 71% and females: n= 4; 29%) participated in the study. They were followed up during two preparation periods (baseline and intervention) for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio during June and July 2016. During the competition, we recorded the Reaction Time (RT) and Competition Time (CT) of each athlete in different modalities. The intervention strategies used were light therapy and sleep hygiene. The values of RT at the starting block and CT were registered and conferred with the official results. Results: The athletes showed a decrease in the total time awake (Δ = −13%; Effect size [ES] = 1.0) and sleep latency (Δ = −33%; ES = 0.7), and an increase in total sleep time (Δ = 13%; ES = 1.1; p = 0.04) between the baseline and the period of the intervention, pre-competition. We identified an improvement in the RT (Δ = −2.2% to −1.0%; ES = 0.2 to 0.5) during the competition only for the athletes who participated in the competition finals. Conclusion: We conclude that the intervention carried out was effective in mitigating any negative influence of competition time on the RT and CT of elite athletes of the Brazilian swimming team. Level of evidence II; Prospective comparative study.

RESUMO Introdução: Os ritmos circadianos podem exercer impacto no desempenho esportivo dos atletas, onde o platô ocorre entre as 15 e 21 horas. A natação é um caso peculiar, uma vez que os nadadores realizam sessões de treinamento e provas finais em competições em diferentes horários, como por exemplo, nos Jogos Olímpicos Rio2016, onde as competições semifinais e finais da natação ocorreram a partir das 22 horas. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve como objetivos: (1) apresentar o protocolo de uma intervenção realizada com atletas de elite da equipe de natação brasileira durante os Jogos Olímpicos Rio 2016; (2) identificar se o desempenho dos atletas de natação foi afetado devido aos horários das provas durante a competição. Materiais e Métodos: Participaram do estudo 14 atletas da equipe de natação brasileira (masculino: n= 10; 71% e feminino: n= 4; 29%). Foi realizado acompanhamento dos atletas durante dois períodos de preparação (baseline e intervenção) para os Jogos Olímpicos Rio2016 nos meses de junho e julho de 2016. Durante a competição, foi realizado o registro do Tempo de Reação (TR) e Tempo de Prova (TP) de cada atleta nas diferentes modalidades. As estratégias de intervenção utilizadas foram: terapia de luz e higiene do sono. Os valores de TR no bloco de partida e TP foram registrados e conferidos com os resultados oficiais. Resultados: Os atletas apresentaram decréscimo no tempo total de vigília (Δ = −13%; Tamanho do Efeito (TE) = 1,0) e latência de sono (Δ = −33%; TE = 0,7), e aumento do tempo total de sono (Δ = 13%; TE = 1,1; p = 0,04) entre o baseline e o período de intervenção pré-competição. Nós identificamos melhorias no TR (Δ = −2,2% à −1,0%; TE = 0,2 a 0,5) ao longo da competição somente para os atletas que participaram da fase final da competição. Conclusão: Concluímos que a intervenção realizada foi efetiva para minimizar qualquer influência negativa do horário da competição sobre o TR e TP dos atletas de elite da natação brasileira. Nível de evidência II; Estudo prospectivo comparativo.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los ritmos circadianos pueden ejercer impacto en el desempeño deportivo de los atletas, donde la meseta ocurre entre las 15h y las 21 horas. La natación es un caso peculiar, ya que los nadadores realizan sesiones de entrenamiento y pruebas finales en competiciones en diferentes horarios, como por ejemplo, en los Juegos Olímpicos Rio 2016, en donde las competiciones semifinales y finales de natación ocurrieron a partir de las 22 horas. Objetivos: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivos: (1) presentar el protocolo de una intervención realizada con atletas de élite del equipo de natación brasileño durante los Juegos Olímpicos Rio 2016; (2) identificar si el desempeño de los atletas de natación fue afectado debido a los horarios de las pruebas durante la competición. Materiales y Métodos: Participaron en el estudio 14 atletas del equipo de natación brasileño (masculino: n = 10; 71% y femenino: n= 4; 29%). Fue realizado acompañamiento de los atletas durante dos períodos de preparación (baseline e intervención) para los Juegos Olímpicos Rio 2016 en los meses de junio y julio de 2016. Durante la competición, se realizó el registro del Tiempo de Reacción (TR) y Tiempo de Prueba (TP) de cada atleta en las diferentes modalidades. Las estrategias de intervención utilizadas fueron: terapia de luz e higiene del sueño. Los valores de TR en el bloque de partida y TP fueron registrados y verificados con los resultados oficiales. Resultados: Los atletas presentaron disminución en el tiempo total de vigilia (Δ = −13%; Tamaño de efecto (TE) = 1,0), y latencia del sueño (Δ = −33%; TE = 0,7), y aumento del tiempo total de sueño (Δ = 13%; TE = 1,1; p = 0,04) entre baseline y el período de intervención precompetición. Identificamos mejoras en el TR (Δ = −2,2% a −1,0%; TE = 0,2 a 0,5) a lo largo de la competición sólo para los atletas que participaron en la fase final de la competición. Conclusión: Concluimos que la intervención realizada fue efectiva para minimizar cualquier influencia negativa del horario de la competición sobre el TR y TP de los atletas de élite de la natación brasileña. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio prospectivo comparativo.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity and identification, using tandem LC-MS, of alkaloids from Aspidosperma excelsum, a plant used to treat malaria in Amazonia.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aspidosperma excelsum Benth. (Apocynaceae), a native tree in the Brazilian Amazonia, is traditionally used to treat various diseases, including malaria. AIM OF STUDY: To investigate the chemical constitution, antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of samples obtained from A. excelsum trunk bark by different procedures aiming to evaluate their potential as an antimalarial phytomedicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hydroethanolic extract and alkaloid extracts were prepared and assayed for antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (W2 strain) and HepG2 cells, respectively. Taking into account the known occurrence and antimalarial activity of Aspidosperma monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIA), acid-base extractions were carried out and the fractions were assayed for antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity. All the samples were analysed by hyphenated chromatographic techniques, such as UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and HRMS (HPLC-MS MicroTOF), comparing their chemical composition to the literature data. RESULTS: The hydroethanolic extract disclosed a moderate in vitro activity against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (W2 strain) with IC50 23.68 ± 3.08 µg/mL), low cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells (> 250 µg/mL) and good SI (> 10.56). A total of 20 known monoterpene indole alkaloids were identified, seven of which are here firstly described for A. excelsum. Known highly active alkaloids, namely demethylaspidospermine, aspidocarpine, and ochrolifuanine are present in active alkaloid fractions and might contribute to their observed antiplasmodial effect. An alkaloid fraction (Ae-Alk2), obtained directly from trunk bark by extraction with dil. aqueous HCl, pointed out for its activity (IC50 8.75±2.26 µg/mL, CC50 185.14±1.97 µg/mL, SI 21.16) and should be highlighted as the most promising out of the assayed samples. CONCLUSION: The present results represent a preliminary support to the alleged antimalarial use of A. excelsum trunk bark and allowed to highlight alkaloid fractions as promising phytomedicines.

Efeitos da andiroba associada ao microagulhamento na pele de ratos / Effects of Carapa guyanensis associated to microneedling in mice skin

Introdução: O microagulhamento é uma técnica utilizada para o tratamento de cicatrizes e apresenta cada vez mais destaque na Dermatologia. Nesse contexto, em associação com o microagulhamento, drogas e ativos podem ser administrados por meio da técnica conhecida como drug delivery. Destaca-se o uso da vitamina C, por sua já comprovada ação antioxidante. Outro exemplo é a andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl.), por suas propriedades anti-inflamatória, analgésica, antisséptica e cicatrizante. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da andiroba associada ao microagulhamento. Métodos: Foram utilizados 31 ratos machos distribuídos em cinco grupos: GPi (piloto), com três animais; GM (microagulhamento); GMA (microagulhamento + andiroba); GMV (microagulhamento + vitamina C); e GOM (microagulhamento + óleo mineral), com sete animais em cada grupo. Os animais foram submetidos à técnica do microagulhamento no D0 (dia 0) e à aplicação da substância do seu respectivo grupo, na pele, pela manhã, durante sete dias. Resultados: Houve diferença significativa entre a intensidade de proliferação fibroblástica e a vascularização observadas no tecido dos animais dos grupos GM e GMV. Já a intensidade de fibras colágenas foi superior nos animais do grupo GMV. Conclusões: O óleo de andiroba como drug delivery obteve resultados inferiores à vitamina C.

Introduction: Microneedling is a technique used to treat scars with increasing popularity in dermatology. In this context, associated to micro-needling, drugs and active substances can be administered through the technique known as drug delivery. We highlight the use of vitamin C, due to its known antioxidant properties. Another example is Carapa guianensis Aubl., due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and healing properties. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Carapa guyanensis associated to microneedling. Methods: Thirty-one male mice, distributed into five groups, were used: GPi (pilot), with three animals; GM (micro-needling); GMA (micro-needling + Carapa guyanensis); GMV (microneedling + vitamin C); and GOM (microneedling + mineral oil), with seven animals in each group. The animals were submitted to the microneedling technique on D0 (day 0) and to the application of the substance of its respective group in the skin, in the morning for seven days. Results: There was a significant difference between the expression of fibroblast proliferation and vascularization observed in the tissue of animals in groups GM and GMV. The expression of collagen fibers was superior in animals in the GMV group. Conclusions: Carapa guyanensis oil had inferior results as drug delivery when compared to vitamin C.

Condições de saúde, trabalho e qualidade de vida de trabalhadores de serviços de embelezamento e de terapias complementares e estéticas / Condiciones de salud, trabajo y calidad de vida de los trabajadores del servicio de embellecimiento y terapias complementarias y estética / Health, work and quality of life beautification service workers and complementary therapies and aesthetic

Objective was to identify the profile of health and working manicures and evaluate their quality of life. Methods:this is a descriptive epidemiological study conducted in a city in Minas Gerais, using two instruments: the firsta semi-structured in order to know the reality of these subjects and the second WHOQOL-Breff, created by the World Health aiming assessing quality of life. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (CAAE 0026.0.213.000-09)). Results: it was observed female predominance 72 (98.63%); average age of 33.81 years. The most reported comorbidity was RSI / MSDs in 21(28.77%) and 38 (52.05%) reported pain, and 31 (31.63%) back pain. Regarding the quality of life: education, family income, the presence of comorbidities and the presence of pain influenced the perception of quality of life of individuals. Conclusion: highlights the need for public policies aimed at worker health and health education initiatives with prophylactic measures.

Objetivo: foi identificar as condições de saúde, trabalho e qualidade de vida de trabalhadores de serviços de embelezamento e de terapias complementares e estéticas e avaliar sua qualidade de vida. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, epidemiológico, realizado em 2015 um município de Minas Gerais, com os dados coletados por: o primeiro, semiestruturado visou conhecer a realidade desses sujeitos e o segundo o WHOQOLBREFF,criado pela Organização Mundial em Saúde, que objetivou avaliara qualidade de vida. A pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (CAAE08180012.3.0000.5137). Resultados: constatou-se, entre os participantes,a predominância feminina 72 (98,63%) e idade média de 33,81 anos. A comorbidade mais relatada foi Lesões por esforço repetitivo/Doenças Osteomusculares Relacionadas ao Trabalho em 21 (28,77%) e 38 (52,05%)referiram dor, sendo 31 (31,63%) lombalgias. A escolaridade, a renda familiar, a presença de comorbidades e a presença de dor influenciaram na percepção da qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Conclusões: evidencia-se a necessidade de políticas públicas voltadas a saúde desses trabalhadores e ações de educação sanitária com medidas profiláticas.

Objetivo: identificar el perfil de la salud y la manicura de trabajo y evaluarsu calidad de vida. Métodos: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo realizado en una ciudad en Minas Gerais, el uso de dos instrumentos: la primera semi-estructurada con el fin de conocer la realidad de estos temas y la segunda WHOQOL-Breff, creado por objetivoel Mundial de la Salud evaluación de la calidad de vida. La investigación fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de Investigación de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Minas Gerais (CAAE 0026.0.213.000-09). Resultados: se observó predominio femenino 72 (98,63%); promedio deedad de 33,81 años. La comorbilidad más reportado fue RSI / TME en 21(28,77%) y 38 (52,05%) informaron de dolor, y 31 (31,63%) el dolor de espalda. En cuanto a la calidad de vida: la educación, el ingreso familiar,la presencia de comorbilidades y la presencia de dolor influyeron en la percepción de la calidad de vida de los individuos. Conclusión: Se destacala necesidad de políticas públicas destinadas a iniciativas de salud yeducación para la salud de los trabajadores con medidas profilácticas.

Effect of bright light therapy on delayed sleep/wake cycle and reaction time of athletes participating in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

This study investigated the effect of using an artificial bright light on the entrainment of the sleep/wake cycle as well as the reaction times of athletes before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. A total of 22 athletes from the Brazilian Olympic Swimming Team were evaluated, with the aim of preparing them to compete at a time when they would normally be about to go to bed for the night. During the 8-day acclimatization period, their sleep/wake cycles were assessed by actigraphy, with all the athletes being treated with artificial light therapy for between 30 and 45 min (starting at day 3). In addition, other recommendations to improve sleep hygiene were made to the athletes. In order to assess reaction times, the Psychomotor Vigilance Test was performed before (day 1) and after (day 8) the bright light therapy. As a result of the intervention, the athletes slept later on the third (p = 0.01), seventh (p = 0.01) and eighth (p = 0.01) days after starting bright light therapy. Regarding reaction times, when tested in the morning the athletes showed improved average (p = 0.01) and minimum reaction time (p = 0.03) when comparing day 8 to day 1. When tested in the evening, they showed improved average (p = 0.04), minimum (p = 0.03) and maximum reaction time (p = 0.02) when comparing day 8 to day 1. Light therapy treatment delayed the sleep/wake cycles and improved reaction times of members of the swimming team. The use of bright light therapy was shown to be effective in modulating the sleep/wake cycles of athletes who had to perform in competitions that took place late at night.

Assessment of anthelmintic activity and bio-guided chemical analysis of Persea americana seed extracts.

The aim of this study was to characterize the extracts and fractions of Persea americana Mill. (Avocado) seeds and to determine the composition and the in vitro anthelmintic activity against third-stage larvae (L3) of Haemonchus contortus. The fresh (F) and dried (H) avocado seeds (PA) were subjected to extraction with hot water (W-PAF, W-PAH), ethanol (E-PAF, E-PAH) or methanol 70% (v/v), and partition with solvents of increasing polarity [n-hexane (H-PAF, H-PAH), chloroform (C-PAF, C-PAH), ethyl acetate (Ea-PAF, Ea-PAH), and n-butanol (B-PAF, B-PAH)], yielding a total of 14 extracts/fractions. After considering the yield, water solubility, and the preliminary results of the larval migration test (LMT), the E-PAF, E-PAH, H-PAF, and H-PAH were selected for further experiments. E-PAH presented an efficiency concentration of 50% (EC50) of 36 µg/mL on the LMT. E-PAH showed the greatest efficiency when its EC50 was compared to the other fractions (E-PAF = 147 µg/mL; H-PAF = 801 µg/mL; H-PAH = 77 µg/mL). After that, the E-PAH was chemically characterized, considering its quantitative polyphenolic and flavonoid contents by colorimetric and chromatographic techniques. E-PAH presented 50, 38, and 24 mg/g of dry matter of total phenol, condensed tannins (CT), and flavonoid contents, respectively. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, E-PAH had shown to have epicatechin (4.7 µg/mL), rutin (2.8 µg/mL), and chlorogenic acid (1.4 µg/mL) as its main constituents besides quercetin. These isolated compounds were evaluated using the LMT in order to relate the composition to the anthelmintic activity observed for E-PAH. Quercetin (EC50 = 7.8 µg/mL) and epicatechin (EC50 = 10 µg/mL) presented a higher efficiency than rutin (EC50 = 30 µg/mL). Chlorogenic acid was also tested with the LMT but did not present a significant efficiency. According to the results, the phenolic composition of E-PAH and the EC50 values obtained for the isolated phenols, it can be suggested that, besides the CT content, the presence of epicatechin and rutin contributed to the larvicidal activity of E-PAH. In conclusion, avocado seeds may be used as a source of polyphenols with promising anthelmintic applications.

Comparison between fish and linseed oils administered orally for the treatment of experimentally induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca in rabbits.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of two sources of omega 3 and 6, fish oil (FO) and linseed oil (LO), orally administered, alone or in combination, for treating experimentally induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in rabbits. Twenty-eight New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. Seven animals were allocated to the C group (negative control), and KCS was induced in 21 animals by topically applying 1% atropine sulfate drops for 7 days. Treatment with atropine was maintained throughout the study period (12 weeks). The rabbits were divided into 3 treatment groups containing 7 animals each: FO group, LO group and FLO group (FO and LO). The animals were evaluated using the Schirmer Tear Test I (STT I), Rose Bengal Test (RBT), fluorescein test (FT), tear film break-up time (TBUT), and conjunctival and histopathological analysis. There was a significant increase in STT I and TBUT values in treatment groups, but the increase occurred earlier in the FO group. The results of the RBT and FT were similar among treatment groups, except FT, in the FLO group, negative staining was only in 12 weeks. There was a significant decrease in the number of goblet cells in the FLO group compared with the other groups. The results demonstrated that orally administered of FO and LO improved the clinical signs of KCS. However, improvement occurred earlier in the FO group. Using oils in combination did not provide additional benefits. These results contribute to the future development of new oral formulations as adjuvant therapies for KCS.

Efeito do óleo de copaíba associado ao microagulhamento na pele de ratos: um estudo comparativo / Effect of copaiba oil associated with microneedling on the skin of rats: a comparative study

Introdução: O microagulhamento é técnica cuja finalidade é o estímulo do colágeno, bem como de drug delivery. O óleo de copaíba apresenta efeitos cicatrizantes e anti-inflamatórios que já foram demonstrados em vários modelos animais. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do óleo de copaíba associado ao microagulhamento na pele de ratos. Métodos: Foram utilizados 30 ratos distribuídos em seis grupos com cinco animais cada, submetidos a: microagulhamento isolado, microagulhamento associado a óleo mineral e microagulhamento associado a óleo de copaíba. Foram realizadas biópsias em todos os animais 14 dias e 30 dias após. Os parâmetros avaliados foram presença de colágeno, fibroblastos e vasos, classificada em ausente (0), leve (1), moderada (2) ou intensa (3). Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos em relação ao colágeno com 14 (p = 0,0091) e 30 dias (p = 0,0357) e fibroblastos com 30 dias (p = 0,0357). O grupo que utilizou microagulhamento e óleo de copaíba, apresentou, após 30 dias, maior produção de colágeno e de fibroblastos. Conclusões: o óleo de copaíba associado ao microagulhamento foi capaz de estimular maior produção de colágeno e de fibroblastos na pele de ratos.

Introduction: Microneedling is a technique aiming at stimulating the production of collagen as well as serving as drug delivery. Copaiba oil has healing and anti-inflammatory effects that have already been demonstrated in several animal models. Objective: To evaluate the effect of copaiba oil associated with microneedle removal on the skin of rats. Methods: Thirty rats were distributed in six groups of five animals each, subsequently undergoing: isolated microneedling, microneedling associated to mineral oil, and microneedling associated with copaiba oil. Biopsies were carried out in all animals at 14 and 30 days after the procedure. The parameters evaluated were: presence of collagen, fibroblasts and vessels, according to the following ratings: absence (0), mild (1), moderated (2) or intense (3). Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the production of collagen at 14 days (p = 0.0091) and 30 days (p = 0.0357); and fibroblasts at 30 days (p = 0.0357). the group that used microneedling and copaiba oil, presented, after 30 days, a greater production of collagen and fibroblasts. Conclusions: Copaiba oil associated with microneedling was capable of stimulating a greater production of collagen and fibroblasts in the skin of rats.

Descrição e análise de uma intervenção psicológica com bailarinos pelo Software IRAMUTEQ / Description and analysis of psychological intervention with dancers by the Software IRAMUTEQ / Descripción y análisis de intervención psicológica con bailarines por Software IRAMUTEQ

Bailarinos convivem diariamente com a dor, muitas vezes não sabendo como enfrentá-la adequadamente, o que pode comprometer o desempenho físico e sua qualidade de vida. Baseado nisso, foi desenvolvido um programa de intervenção psicológica no coping da dor para bailarinos, com a duração de oito sessões de aproximadamente 45 minutos, aplicado em 14 bailarinas de Jazz, com idade entre 12 e 17 anos (M= 14,63; DP= 1,42), que competem em nível internacional. Assim, objetivou-se neste estudo apresentar a utilização de um software para avaliação do conteúdo apresentado por bailarinos e mediadora em intervenção psicológica. Através do software IRAMUTEQ, realizou-se análises monotemáticas e temáticas em três corpus textuais. Foram feitas a Análise Hierárquica Descendente e Análise de Similitude. Para o primeiro corpus (relatos da mediadora), foram analisados 417 segmentos de texto (ST), retendo 77,70% desse total, formando 5 classes - Processo sensorial, Registro da dor, Processo de intervenção, Técnicas para controle do estresse, Coping e pós-coping. No segundo corpus (relatos das bailarinas), foram analisados 250 ST, retendo-se 73,20% desse total, formando 5 classes - Desafios no contexto do jogo da dor, Riscos da dança, Dilemas da dor, Treino de imaginação e relaxamento, Ajustamento às opções disponíveis no meio social. Para o terceiro corpus (relatos das bailarinas e da mediadora), foram analisados 667 ST, retendo-se 83,96% desse total, formando 4 classes - Processos de imaginação, Processo de enfrentamento da dor, Técnicas para controle do estresse, Processo de avaliação e intervenção. O software mostrou-se útil e eficaz para análise de conteúdo da intervenção psicológica.

Dancers live daily with pain, but often they do not know how to deal adequately with it. Based on this concern, we developed a psychological intervention for dancers to cope with pain, applied to 14 Jazz dancers, aged between 12 to 17 years old (M= 14.63; SD= 1.42), who have been competing internationally. This study presents the use of a software for analysis of the verbal reports of dancers and the mediator presented along the psychological intervention. Using the IRAMUTEQ software, we did the held monothematic and thematic analysis on three textual corpus by Hierarchic Analysis Descendant and Similarity Analysis. In the first corpus (mediator reports), were resulted in 5 classes -Sensory Process, Pain Register, Intervention Process, Techniques for Stress Management, Coping and Post-Coping. In the second corpus (dancer reports), 5 classes - Challenges in the Pain Game, Dance Risks, Pain Dilemmas, Imagery Training and Relaxing, and Adjustment to the Options Available in the Social Environment. In the third corpus (dancers and mediator reports), 4 classes - Imagination Process, Process of Coping with Pain, Techniques for Stress Management, Process of Evaluation and Intervention. The software showed useful and effective for psychological intervention content analysis.

Bailarines viven diariamente con el dolor, a menudo no saber cómo lidiar con ella correctamente, lo que puede poner en peligro el rendimiento físico y la calidad de vida. Con base en esto, se desarrolló un programa de intervención psicológica en el dolor para los bailarines, con una duración de ocho sesiones de unos 45 minutos, con 14 bailarines de Jazz, con edades comprendidas entre los 12 a 17 años (M= 14.63; DE= 1.42), que compiten a nivel internacional. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar el uso de un software para la evaluación del contenido revelado por bailarines y mediador en la intervención psicológica. A través del software IRAMUTEQ, se hizo análisis monotemático y temático sobre tres corpus textuales. Se les hizo análisis de clasificación jerárquico descendente y análisis de similitud. Para el primer corpus (relatos del mediador), se analizaron 417 segmentos de texto (ST), con la retención de 77,70%, y la formación de las clases 5 - Proceso sensorial, Registro de dolor, Proceso de intervención, Técnicas para el manejo del estrés, Afrontamiento y post-afrontamiento. En el segundo corpus (relatos de los bailarines) se analizaron 250 ST, retuvieran 73,20% del total, formando cinco clases - Desafíos en el contexto del juego del dolor, Riesgos de la danza, Dilemas del dolor, Entrenamiento de la imaginación y la relajación, Adaptación a las opciones disponibles en el entorno social. Por tercer corpus (relatos de los bailarines y el mediador) se analizaron 667 ST, sosteniendo 83,96% del total, por lo que 4 clases - Procesos de imaginación, Proceso de afrontamiento del dolor, Técnicas para el manejo del estrés, Proceso de evaluación e intervención. El software demostró ser útil y eficaz para el análisis de contenido de la intervención psicológica.

Descrição e análise de uma intervenção psicológica com bailarinos pelo software IRAMUTEQ / Description and analysis of psychological intervention with dancers by the software IRAMUTEQ / Descripción y análisis de intervención psicológica con bailarines por software IRAMUTEQ

Bailarinos convivem diariamente com a dor, muitas vezes não sabendo como enfrentá-la adequadamente, o que pode comprometer o desempenho físico e sua qualidade de vida. Baseado nisso, foi desenvolvido um programa de intervenção psicológica no coping da dor para bailarinos, com a duração de oito sessões de aproximadamente 45 minutos, aplicado em 14 bailarinas de Jazz, com idade entre 12 e 17 anos (M = 14,63; DP = 1,42), que competem em nível internacional. Assim, objetivou-se neste estudo apresentar a utilização de um software para avaliação do conteúdo apresentado por bailarinos e mediadora em intervenção psicológica. Através do software IRAMUTEQ, realizou-se análises monotemáticas e temáticas em três corpus textuais. Foram feitas a Análise Hierárquica Descendente e Análise de Similitude. Para o primeiro corpus (relatos da mediadora), foram analisados 417 segmentos de texto (ST), retendo 77,70% desse total, formando 5 classes – Processo sensorial, Registro da dor, Processo de intervenção, Técnicas para controle do estresse, Coping e pós-coping. No segundo corpus (relatos das bailarinas), foram analisados 250 ST, retendo-se 73,20% desse total, formando 5 classes - Desafi os no contexto do jogo da dor, Riscos da dança, Dilemas da dor, Treino de imaginação e relaxamento, Ajustamento às opções disponíveis no meio social. Para o terceiro corpus (relatos das bailarinas e da mediadora), foram analisados 667 ST, retendo-se 83,96% desse total, formando 4 classes – Processos de imaginação, Processo de enfrentamento da dor, Técnicas para controle do estresse, Processo de avaliação e intervenção. O software mostrou-se útil e efi caz para análise de conteúdo da intervenção psicológica.(AU)

Dancers live daily with pain, but often they do not know how to deal adequately with it. Based on this concern, we developed a psychological intervention for dancers to cope with pain, applied to 14 Jazz dancers, aged between 12 to 17 years old (M = 14.63; SD = 1.42), who have been competing internationally. This study presents the use of a software for analysis of the verbal reports of dancers and the mediator presented along the psychological intervention. Using the IRAMUTEQ software, we did the held monothematic and thematic analysis on three textual corpus by Hierarchic Analysis Descendant and Similarity Analysis. In the fi rst corpus (mediator reports), were resulted in 5 classes - Sensory Process, Pain Register, Intervention Process, Techniques for Stress Management, Coping and Post-Coping. In the second corpus (dancer reports), 5 classes - Challenges in the Pain Game, Dance Risks, Pain Dilemmas, Imagery Training and Relaxing, and Adjustment to the Options Available in the Social Environment. In the third corpus (dancers and mediator reports), 4 classes - Imagination Process, Process of Coping with Pain, Techniques for Stress Management, Process of Evaluation and Intervention. The software showed useful and effective for psychological intervention content analysis.(AU)

Bailarines viven diariamente con el dolor, a menudo no saber cómo lidiar con ella correctamente, lo que puede poner en peligro el rendimiento físico y la calidad de vida. Con base en esto, se desarrolló un programa de intervención psicológica en el dolor para los bailarines, con una duración de ocho sesiones de unos 45 minutos, con 14 bailarines de Jazz, con edades comprendidas entre los 12 a 17 años (M = 14.63; DE = 1.42), que compiten a nivel internacional. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar el uso de un software para la evaluación del contenido revelado por bailarines y mediador en la intervención psicológica. A través del software IRAMUTEQ, se hizo análisis monotemático y temático sobre tres corpus textuales. Se les hizo análisis de clasifi cación jerárquico descendente y análisis de similitud. Para el primer corpus (relatos del mediador), se analizaron 417 segmentos de texto (ST), con la retención de 77,70%, y la formación de las clases 5 - Proceso sensorial, Registro de dolor, Proceso de intervención, Técnicas para el manejo del estrés, Afrontamiento y post-afrontamiento. En el segundo corpus (relatos de los bailarines) se analizaron 250 ST, retuvieran 73,20% del total, formando cinco clases - Desafíos en el contexto del juego del dolor, Riesgos de la danza, Dilemas del dolor, Entrenamiento de la imaginación y la relajación, Adaptación a las opciones disponibles en el entorno social. Por tercer corpus (relatos de los bailarines y el mediador) se analizaron 667 ST, sosteniendo 83,96% del total, por lo que 4 clases - Procesos de imaginación, Proceso de afrontamiento del dolor, Técnicas para el manejo del estrés, Proceso de evaluación e intervención. El software demostró ser útil y efi caz para el análisis de contenido de la intervención psicológica. (AU)

Antifungal Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Chrysobalanus icaco Against Oral Clinical Isolates of Candida Species.

BACKGROUND: Chrysobalanus icaco is a medicinal plant commonly used to treat fungal infections in Brazilian Amazonian region. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of C. icaco (HECi) against oral clinical isolates of Candida spp. and to determine the pharmacognostic parameters of the herbal drug and the phytochemical characteristics of HECi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pharmacognostic characterization was performed using pharmacopoeial techniques. Phytochemical screening, total flavonoid content, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis were used to investigate the chemical composition of the HECi. A broth microdilution method was used to determine the antifungal activity of the extract against 11 oral clinical isolates of Candida spp. RESULTS: Herbal drug presented parameters which were within the limits set forth in current Brazilian legislation. A high amount of flavonoid content (132,959.33 ± 12,598.23 µg quercetin equivalent/g of extract) was found in HECi. Flavonoids such as myricetin and rutin were detected in the extract by HPLC analyses. HECi showed antifungal activity against oral isolates of Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis (minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC] 3.12 and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively), and C. albicans American American Type Culture Collection (MIC <1.56 mg/mL). CONCLUSION: HECi was shown to possess antifungal activity against Candida species with clinical importance in the development of oral candidiasis, and these activities may be related to its chemical composition. The antifungal activity detected for C. icaco against Candida species with clinical importance in the development of oral candidiasis can be attributed to the presence of flavonoids in HECi, characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. SUMMARY: Chrysobalanus icaco presents a high amount of flavonoids in its constitutionLC analysis was able to identify the flavonoids myricetin and rutin in C. icaco hydroalcoholic extractThe C. icaco hydroalcoholic extract inhibits the growth of oral clinical isolates of Candida spp. and Candida albicans American Type Culture Collection. Abbreviations Used: HECi: Hydroalcoholic extract of C. icaco; HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography; AlCl3: Aluminum chloride; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; CH3NOONa: Sodium acetate; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; ATCC: American Type Culture Collection; EMBRAPA: Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - Eastern Amazon; v/v: Volume per volume; SD: Standard deviation; TFC: Total flavonoid content; w/v: Weight per volume; ELSD: Evaporative light scattering detector; DAD: Diode-arrange detector; UFPA: Federal University of Pará; IEC: Evandro Chagas Institute; INCQS-FIOCRUZ: National Institute of Quality Control in Health - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz; SDA: Sabouraud Dextrose Agar; CFU: Colony-forming units; MIC: Minimum inhibitory concentrations; MFC: Minimum fungicidal concentrations.

Gastroprotective effect and mechanism of action of Croton rhamnifolioides essential oil in mice.

BACKGROUND: Croton rhamnifolioides Pax is a plant species that have been used in the folk medicine to treat ulcers, inflammations and hypertension. However, despite the relevant data obtained from ethnopharmacological studies, the pharmacological properties endorsing the efficacy of this plant to treat ulcer remain to be elucidated. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The present study aimed to characterize the chemical profile and evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the essential oil obtained from C. rhamnifolioides Pax (OECC) in mice. METHODS: The essential oil of Croton rhamnifolioides was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas-phase chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The median lethal dose was determined employing an acute toxicity test. The gastroprotective activity of the OECC was investigated using animal models of gastric ulcer induced by the administration of absolute ethanol, acidified ethanol or indomethacin. Mechanisms of action were investigated using the physical barrier test and by in vivo evaluation of the involvement of the following molecular pathways: nitric oxide, ATP - dependent potassium channels, α2 - noradrenergic receptors, capsaicin - sensitive afferent neurons and opioid receptor. RESULTS: We identified the presence of 21 compounds in OECC, including spathulenol and 1,8 - cineole as major constituents. In orally administered mice, OECC caused no significant toxicity. OECC significantly prevented gastric lesions in all mice models. The barrier test demonstrated that the gastroprotective activity of OECC occurs in a systemic dimension. Our results demonstrated that the gastroprotective effect of OECC involves mechanisms that are related to modulation of opioid receptors and nitric oxide. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, OECC demonstrated significant gastroprotective activity associated with low toxicity, providing scientific evidences that C. rhamnifolioides have the potential for the development of new antiulcer drugs.

Therapeutic modalities and postural balance of patients with knee osteoarthritis: systematic review / Modalidades terapêuticas e equilíbrio postural de pacientes com osteoartrite: revisão sistemática

AbstractObjective The objective of this review was to evaluate the evidence of the influence of therapeutic modalities on postural balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods A search for published papers on therapeutic modalities was conducted using the Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs and SciELO databases. The keywords “knee” and “balance” in combination with “osteoarthritis” were used as the search strategy. Randomized controlled clinical trials published in the last 10 years in either English or Portuguese were selected. The PEDro scale was applied to assess the quality of the selected clinical trials.Results A total of 46 studies of patients with knee OA were found, of which seven were analyzed in full and 39 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the seven studies reviewed, six were considered to have a high methodological quality on the PEDro scale. Several therapeutic modalities were found (physical exercise, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy and manual therapy), and postural balance improved in only three studies.Conclusion The studies included in this systematic review had a high methodological quality, so it can be concluded that the therapeutic modalities used in those studies improved postural balance in patients with knee OA.

ResumoObjetivo O objetivo desta revisão foi fornecer evidências da influência das modalidades terapêuticas no equilíbrio postural em pacientes com osteoartrite de joelho.Métodos A busca de publicações sobre as modalidades terapêuticas foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs e SciELO. Foram utilizadas como estratégia de busca as palavras-chave “knee” e “balance”, em combinação com “osteoarthritis”. Foram selecionados ensaios clínicos aleatórios e controlados dos últimos dez anos, em língua inglesa e portuguesa. Para verificar a qualidade dos ensaios clínicos selecionados, foi aplicada a Escala PEDro.Resultados Foram encontrados 46 estudos com pacientes com OA de joelho, sendo que, 7 estudos foram analisados na integra e 39 estudos foram excluídos por não se adequarem ao tema proposto. Dos sete estudos avaliados, seis foram considerados de alta qualidade metodológica na Escala de PEDro. Foram encontradas diversas modalidades terapêuticas (exercício físico, hidroterapia, eletroterapia e terapias manuais), porém em apenas três estudos houve melhora no equilíbrio postural.Conclusão Tendo em vista que os estudos incluídos na presente revisão sistemática têm uma alta qualidade metodológica, pode-se concluir que as modalidades terapêuticas utilizadas pelos estudos melhoraram o equilíbrio postural de pacientes com OA de joelho.

Avaliação fitoquímica e potencial cicatrizante do extrato etanólico dos frutos de Jucá (Libidibia ferrea) em ratos Wistar / Phytochemical evaluation and wound healing potential of the fruit extract ethanolic of Jucá (Libidibia ferrea) in Wistar rats

Libidibia ferrea é uma planta muito utilizada popularmente para fins terapêuticos, inclusive para acelerar processos de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. O presente trabalho pesquisou a composição química e avaliou o potencial cicatrizante do extrato etanólico dos frutos de L. ferrea (Mart. ex Tul.) em ratos. Foram utilizados 24 ratos Wistar divididos em quatro grupos. De todos os animais, foi retirado um fragmento de pele do dorso e cada grupo recebeu um tratamento diferente: solução de NaCl 0,9%, digliconato de clorexidina 1%, extrato etanólico dos frutos de Libidibia ferrea 12,5% e 50%. O processo de cicatrização foi avaliado macro e microscopicamente. Para a cicatrização de pele em ratos o extrato etanólico dos frutos de L. ferrea a 12,5% é significativamente mais eficiente do que a 50%. Saponinas, ácidos orgânicos, açúcares redutores, fenóis e taninos, sesquiterpenolactonas e outras lactonas, e antraquinonas foram encontrados no extrato.

Libidibia ferrea is a plant popularly used for therapeutic purposes, including processes to accelerate wound healing. The present investigation analyzed the chemical composition and the healing potential of ethanolic extract of the fruits of L. ferrea (Mart. ex Tul.) in rats. This study used 24 Wistar rats divided into four groups. In all animals a piece of skin on the back was removed and each group received a different treatment: NaCl 0.9%, Chlorhexidine digluconate 1%, ethanol extract of the fruits of Libidibia ferrea 12.5% and 50%. The healing process was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. The ethanolic extract of the fruits of L. ferrea 12.5% was significantly more efficient than the 50% healing in rat skin.