Chemical composition and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth. from the Brazilian Amazon.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The leaf tea of Hyptis crenata has its practical use in the Brazilian Amazon for treating gastrointestinal and liver disorders, sweating induction, and as an anti-inflammatory. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of the chemical composition, acute oral toxicity, and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the H. crenata essential oil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The essential oil was hydrodistilled and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The antinociceptive action in mice was evaluated for the peripheral and central analgesic activity (abdominal contortion and hot plate tests), and the xylene-induced ear swelling was carried out for the nociception test. RESULTS: Oxygenated monoterpenes (53.0%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (38.9%) predominated in the H. crenata oil, being 1,8-cineo1e (35.9%), α-pinene (20.8%), camphor (10.0%), and ß-pinene (7.3%) their primary constituents. The oral oil administration in the mice did not display changes in behavior patterns or animal mortality at 300 and 2000 mg/kg doses. The control group's biochemical parameters (ALP, AST, ALT) displayed a statistical difference from the treated group, unlike the renal parameters, which showed no variation between the groups. Oil reduced the abdominal contortions at doses of 100 (79.5%) and 300 mg/kg (44.4%), while with endodontacin, the dose was 5 mg/kg (75.2%). In addition, the oil could not decrease the paw licking/biting time at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg. However, it showed a significant antinociceptive effect on the second phase in the formalin test inhibiting licking time, with a reduction of 50.8% (30 mg/kg), 63.4% (100 mg/kg), 58.0% (300 mg/kg), and morphine (4 mg/kg, 78.3%). The oil administration produced significant inhibition of ear edema at all tested doses, with a better effect produced at 30 mg/kg (64.0% inhibition). CONCLUSION: The oil of Hyptis crenata, rich in 1,8-cineole, camphor, α-pinene, and ß-pinene, totaling 74%, displayed low acute toxicity and significant anti-inflammatory activity, with peripheral and no central antinociceptive action. Thus, these results show an actual perspective on using H. crenata oil in developing a phytotherapeutic product.

Digoxin at sub-cardiotonic dose modulates the anticonvulsive potential of valproate, levetiracetam and topiramate in experimental primary generalized seizures.

The prevalence of epilepsy in the world population together with a high percentage of patients resistant to existing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) stimulates the constant search for new approaches to the treatment of the disease. Previously a significant anticonvulsant potential of cardiac glycoside digoxin has been verified by enhancing a weak activity of AEDs in low doses under screening models of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of digoxin at a sub-cardiotonic dose on the anticonvulsant activity of valproate, levetiracetam, and topiramate in models of primary generalized seizures with different neurochemical mechanisms. A total of 264 random-bred male albino mice have been used. AEDs were administered 30 min before seizure induction once intragastrically at conditionally effective (ED50) and sub-effective (½ ED50) doses: sodium valproate and topiramate - at doses of 300 and 150 mg/kg; levetiracetam - at doses of 100 and 50 mg/kg. Digoxin was administered once subcutaneously at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg body weight (1/10 LD50) 10-15 min before seizure induction. Picrotoxin (aqueous solution 2.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously), thiosemicarbazide (aqueous solution 25 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), strychnine (aqueous solution 1.2 mg/kg, subcutaneously), camphor (oil solution 1000 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) have been used as convulsive agents for seizure induction. It was found that under the conditions of primary generalized seizures induced by picrotoxin, thiosemicarbazide, strychnine, and camphor, digoxin not only shows its own strong anticonvulsant activity but also significantly enhances the anticonvulsant potential of classical AEDs sodium valproate, levetiracetam, and topiramate. The obtained results substantiate the expediency of further in-depth study of digoxin as an anticonvulsant drug, in particular, the in-depth study of neurochemical mechanisms of its action.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory articular effects of essential oil and camphor isolated from Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gürke leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leaves from Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gürke (Lamiaceae) are popularly used against articular pain. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of this study was to test the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic (analgesic) properties of the essential oil and camphor isolated from O. Kilimandscharicum leaves (EOOK) in 4 models including zymosan induced-articular inflammation model in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For in vivo models, EOOK was tested in carrageenan-induced paw edema model with oral doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg (oral administration = p.o.) and in zymosan-induced articular inflammation (including knee edema, leukocyte infiltration, mechanical hyperalgesia and nitric oxide), EOOK (100 mg/kg, p. o.) and camphor (30 mg/kg, p. o.) were tested. EOOK (100 mg/kg, p. o.) was tested in the rolling and also in the adhesion of leukocytes to the mesenteric microcirculation in situ model of carrageenan induced inflammation and EOOK (1, 3, 10, 30, and 60 µg/mL) was tested in vitro against neutrophils chemotaxis induced by N-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP). RESULTS: The treatment with EOOK significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced edema, mechanical and cold hyperalgesia. Both, EOOK and camphor inhibited all articular parameters induced by zymosan. In situ intravitral microscopy analysis, EOOK significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion. In vitro neutrophils chemotaxis, EOOK inhibited the leukocyte chemotaxis induced by fMLP. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that EOOK inhibited pain and inflammatory parameters contributing, at least in part, to explain the popular use of this plant as analgesic natural agent. This study also demonstrates that camphor and some known anti-inflammatory compounds present in EOOK could contribute for analgesic and anti-inflammatory articular properties.

Blood Pressure and Cognitive Performance After a Single Administration of a Camphor-Crataegus Combination in Adolescents with Low Blood Pressure.

Low blood pressure is rather widespread among adolescents and frequently accompanied by complaints. Two single-center, double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled trials were performed with adolescent participants in the age range of 14 - 17 y having a systolic blood pressure below 118 mmHg (boys) or 110 mmHg (girls). They received a single dose of 20 drops of a fixed combination of natural D-camphor and an ethanolic extract from fresh Crataegus berries (CCC) or of an ethanolic placebo. The efficacy of CCC (commercial name Korodin) has proven its efficacy in the treatment of low blood pressure in adults of all ages, although related placebo-controlled, double-blind studies for adolescents following European (EU) pediatric regulations are lacking. Blood pressure and heart rate were assessed during a rest period, prior to substance administration, 1 min thereafter, and after about 5 min. Additionally, performance was assessed by two cognitive tests. After administration of CCC, a significantly greater rise in blood pressure occurred compared to placebo. In the cognitive tasks, no significant differences were observed. No adverse events or subjective complaints were reported at the final examination; thus, the present study provides evidence for the safety and tolerability of CCC after a single administration.

Inhibition of ß-Secretase Activity by Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, and C13 Norisoprenoids.

Inhibition of ß-secretase (BACE1) is currently regarded as the leading treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we aimed to screen the in vitro inhibitory activity of 80 types of aroma compounds (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and C13 norisoprenoids), including plant-based types, at a 200-µM concentration against a recombinant human BACE1. The results showed that the most potent inhibitor of BACE1 was geranyl acetone followed by (+)-camphor, (-)-fenchone, (+)-fenchone, and (-)-camphor with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 51.9 ± 3.9, 95.9 ± 11.0, 106.3 ± 14.9, 117.0 ± 18.6, and 134.1 ± 16.4 µM, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism of inhibition of BACE1 by geranyl acetone was analyzed using Dixon kinetics plus Cornish-Bowden plots, which revealed mixed-type mode. Therefore aroma compounds may be used as potential lead molecules for designing anti-BACE1 agents.

Itch Management: Topical Agents.

Chronic pruritus is a common problem in patients with inflammatory skin diseases as well as in subjects with dry or sensitive skin. Regardless of the underlying cause of the pruritus, a topical therapy is not only useful but most often necessary to achieve symptom control. A good topical therapy should fulfill different functions. An optimal basic therapy based on the condition of the skin is important to repair epithelial barrier defects and to rehydrate the skin. An adequate disease-specific topical therapy is crucial for inflamed skin, e.g. anti-inflammatory topical therapy is an important part in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Finally, the use of specific antipruritic substances can help to improve pruritus in patients irrespective of the underlying disease. Here, we summarize topical agents used in the treatment of chronic pruritus.

John Brown's system of medicine and its introduction in Denmark around 1800.

At the end of the eighteenth century a scientific basis for medicine was called for. The Scottish physician John Brown proposed an all-comprising medical system in 1780. A surplus or lack of stimulating factors, the prime movers of life according to Brown, was supposed to explain all diseases and indicate their treatment. Individuals only subjected to a small degree of stimulation became affected by "asthenic diseases" which were the most frequent diseases. They should be treated with abundant food and wine, supplemented with camphor, opium, or other drugs considered to be stimulating. Conversely, individuals with "sthenic diseases" should reduce their intake of food and beverage. Brown's system was received with transient approval by some Danish physicians from the late 1790s. But it soon proved to be of no value in medical practice, and its success dwindled within academic medicine around 1814. On the other hand, it seemed to generate new ideas. It became linked with the German Romantic Movement and "Naturphilosophie." The widespread use of camphor and opium in both academic and folk medicine, continued throughout the nine- teenth century and into the twentieth century.

Salvia Lavandulifolia Vahl: características botánicas, composición química y actividad biológica / Salvia Lavandulifolia Vahl: botanical characteristics, chemical composition and biological activity

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión sobre la especie Salvia lavandulifolia, conocida como salvia española, perteneciente a la familia de las Lamináceas y característica de la zona mediterránea. Presenta una gran complejidad taxonómica, reflejada en las cinco subespecies que se conocen: lavundulifolia, vellerea, oxyodon, blancoana y mariolensis. En su composición química es característica la presencia de polifenoles y terpenos, especialmente monoterpenos como alpha-pineno, 1,8-cineol y alcanfor, frecuentemente en elevado porcentaje en su aceite esencial. Esta especie forma parte de un importante género de plantas aromáticas aclimatadas en todo el mundo por su uso en medicina tradicional (antibacteriano, digestivo, reforzador de la memoria) y también con proósitos culinarios. Se han publicado diversos estudios relacionados con su actividad farmacológica que demuestran sus propiedades antioxidante, antiinflamatoria, estrogénica, inhibidora de la acetilcolinesterasa, así como su eficacia en afecciones del sistema nervioso central, como trastornos cognitivos (AU)

The aim of this paper es to review Salvia lavandulifolia, known as Spanish sage, belonging to the Lamiaceae family and characteristic of the Mediterranean área. It shows high taxonomic complexity reflected in the five known subspecies: lavandulifolia, vellerea, oxyodon, clancoana and mariolensis. Its chemical composition is characterized by the presence of polyphenols and terpenes, particularly monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor, which are often found in high percentage in the essential oil. This species belongs to an important genus of aromatic plants acclimated worldwide and used traditionally in medicine (as antibacterial, digestive and memory enhacer) as well as for culinary purposes- There are several pharmacological studies showing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic and acetylcholinesterase inhibition properties, as well as its efficacy in central nervous system diseases as cognitive disorders (AU)

In vivo antimicrobial effects of endodontic treatment procedures as assessed by molecular microbiologic techniques.

INTRODUCTION: This culture-independent molecular microbiology study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of chemomechanical preparation supplemented by intracanal medication during treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis. METHODS: Samples were taken from 24 necrotic root canals at the baseline (S1), after chemomechanical preparation by using 2.5% NaOCl as the irrigant (S2), and after a 7-day interappointment medication with calcium hydroxide paste in either glycerin (CHG) or camphorated paramonochlorophenol/glycerin (CHPG) (S3). Bacterial, archaeal, and fungal presence was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and bacterial identifications were performed by a closed-ended reverse-capture checkerboard approach targeting 28 candidate endodontic pathogens. RESULTS: All S1 samples were positive for bacteria but negative for both archaea and fungi. Treatment procedures were highly effective in reducing the bacterial levels and number of taxa. Overall, 46% of S2 samples and 62.5% of S3 samples were PCR-negative for bacteria. Specifically, S2 and S3 samples yielded negative PCR results in 50% and 58% of the canals in the CHG group and in 42% and 67% of the canals in the CHPG group, respectively. Except for comparisons with S1 samples, no other statistically significant differences were observed for intragroup and intergroup comparisons involving S2 and S3. Several taxa were still found in S2 and S3 samples, and the most prevalent were Propionibacterium acnes and Streptococcus species. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial levels and number of taxa were substantially reduced after chemomechanical preparation and intracanal medication. However, presence of detectable levels of persisting bacteria in many cases indicates that the search for more effective antimicrobial treatment strategies should be stimulated.

Novel treatment of onychomycosis using over-the-counter mentholated ointment: a clinical case series.

BACKGROUND: current medication treatments for onychomycosis have less than full cure-rate efficacy and have the potential for adverse side effects. Vicks VapoRub (The Proctor & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH) has been advocated in the lay literature as an effective treatment for onychomycosis. This pilot study tested Vicks VapoRub as a safe, cost-effective alternative for treating toenail onychomycosis. METHODS: eighteen participants were recruited to use Vicks VapoRub as treatment for onychomycosis. Participants were followed at intervals of 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks; digital photographs were obtained during initial and follow-up visits. Primary outcome measures were mycological cure at 48 weeks and clinical cure through subjective assessment of appearance and quantifiable change in the area of affected nail by digital photography analysis. Patient satisfaction was a secondary outcome, measured using a single-item questionnaire scored by a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: fifteen of the 18 participants (83%) showed a positive treatment effect; 5 (27.8%) had a mycological and clinical cure at 48 weeks; 10 (55.6%) had partial clearance, and 3 (16.7%) showed no change. All 18 participants rated their satisfaction with the nail appearance at the end of the study as "satisfied" (n = 9) or "very satisfied" (n = 9). CONCLUSIONS: Vicks VapoRub seems to have a positive clinical effect in the treatment onychomycosis.

Tea tree oil attenuates experimental contact dermatitis.

Herbs and minerals have been used in clinical dermatology for hundreds of years and herbal ingredients are becoming increasingly popular with the public in treatment of various dermatological conditions characterised by inflammation and pruritus. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of traditional topical therapeutic agents with a moderate potency topical glucocorticoid on experimental contact dermatitis and contact urticaria. The effects of ichthammol 10% pet, zinc oxide 20% pet, camphor 20% pet, levomenthol 10% pet, tea tree oil 20 or 50% and clobetason butyrate 0.05% ointment were studied in the following experimental models: elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis to nickel, irritant contact dermatitis to benzalkonium chloride, and in immediate reactions to histamine and benzoic acid (non-immunological contact utricaria) respectively. Delayed reactions were evaluated using a clinical scoring system and immediate reactions were estimated by planimetry. Histamine-induced pruritus was evaluated using VAS. Tea tree oil reduced allergic contact dermatitis by 40.5% (p = 0.003), zinc oxide by 17.4% (p = 0.04) and clobetason butyrate by 23.5% (p = 0.01). Zinc oxide reduced histamine induced flare by 18.5% (p = 0.01), ichthammol by 19.2% (p = 0.02) and clobetason butyrate by 44.1% (p = 0.02). Irritant contact dermatitis and non-immunological contact urticaria were not influenced by the pre-treatments. Pruritus induced by histamine also remained unchanged. In conclusion, tea tree oil seems to be a more effective anti-eczematic agent than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate, while clobetasone butyrate is superior to both ichthammol and zinc oxide in topical treatment of urticarial reactions.

Anti-flatulence treatment and status epilepticus: a case of camphor intoxication.

We describe a case of a young child who lived in Hong Kong who presented with a severe epilepticus status after a return flight to Paris. Routine laboratory tests failed to establish a cause. Upon further questioning, the parents reported that the nanny had given an abdominal massage to the child with an unlabelled solution reported to have anti-flatulence effects. Toxicological analysis of this solution revealed the presence of camphor. Although the highly toxic effects of camphor have long been established, the present case illustrates that camphor continues to be a source of paediatric exposure. This case highlights the importance of systematic questioning and recalls the extreme danger associated with camphor even when administered transcutaneously.

Periradicular repair after two-visit endodontic treatment using two different intracanal medications compared to single-visit endodontic treatment.

The number of appointments necessary to treat infected root canals is one of the most controversial issues in endodontics. This study evaluated, in dogs, the response of the periradicular tissues to the endodontic treatment of infected root canals performed in a single visit or in two visits, using different interappointment dressings. Periradicular lesions were induced by inoculating Enterococcus faecalis in the root canals. After confirming that a periradicular lesion developed, the root canals were treated within one or two visits, using either ozonized oil or calcium hydroxide in camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CMCP) as an intracanal medication. After 6 months, the animals were sacrificed and the specimens were processed for histological and histobacteriological analysis. The root canals treated in a single visit showed a success rate of 46%. When a calcium hydroxide/CMCP-based interappointment intracanal medication was used, 74% of the cases were categorized as success. In cases where ozonized oil was used as the intracanal medication, a success rate of 77% was observed. These results of the present study demonstrated that the two-visit treatment offered a higher success rate compared to one-visit therapy. In addition, ozonized oil may potentially be used as an intracanal medication.

Periradicular repair after two-visit endodontic treatment using two different intracanal medications compared to single-visit endodontic treatment

The number of appointments necessary to treat infected root canals is one of the most controversial issues in endodontics. This study evaluated, in dogs, the response of the periradicular tissues to the endodontic treatment of infected root canals performed in a single visit or in two visits, using different interappointment dressings. Periradicular lesions were induced by inoculating Enterococcus faecalis in the root canals. After confirming that a periradicular lesion developed, the root canals were treated within one or two visits, using either ozonized oil or calcium hydroxide in camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CMCP) as an intracanal medication. After 6 months, the animals were sacrificed and the specimens were processed for histological and histobacteriological analysis. The root canals treated in a single visit showed a success rate of 46 percent. When a calcium hydroxide/CMCP-based interappointment intracanal medication was used, 74 percent of the cases were categorized as success. In cases where ozonized oil was used as the intracanal medication, a success rate of 77 percent was observed. These results of the present study demonstrated that the two-visit treatment offered a higher success rate compared to one-visit therapy. In addition, ozonized oil may potentially be used as an intracanal medication.

O número de sessões necessárias para tratar um canal radicular infectado é um dos assuntos mais controversos da endodontia. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar, em cães, a resposta dos tecidos perirradiculares ao tratamento endodôntico de canais infectados em uma ou duas consultas, usando diferentes medicamentos entre as sessões. Lesões perirradiculares foram induzidas pela inoculação de Enterococcus faecalis nos canais. Após a confirmação do desenvolvimento de uma lesão perirradicular, os canais foram tratados em uma ou duas sessões, usando óleo ozonizado ou hidróxido de cálcio associado ao paramonoclorofenol canforado (PMCC) como medicação intracanal. Após 6 meses, os animais foram sacrificados e os espécimes processados para análise histológica e histobacteriológica. Os canais tratados em sessão única apresentaram uma taxa de sucesso de 46 por cento dos casos. Quando a medicação usada entre as sessões foi o hidróxido de cálcio associado com o PMCC, 74 por cento dos casos resultaram em sucesso. Nos casos em que o óleo ozonizado foi usado, uma taxa de sucesso de 77 por cento foi observada. Esses achados demonstraram que o tratamento em duas sessões oferece uma taxa de sucesso mais alta quando comparado à terapia em uma sessão. Além disso, o óleo ozonizado mostrou potencial para ser usado como medicação intracanal.

Bacterial leakage in roots filled with different medicaments and sealed with Cavit.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the time required by four different root canal medications coupled with the temporary filling material Cavit (ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) to prevent penetration of bacteria into the root canal. There were 145 roots prepared in a standardized manner. Four groups with 15 samples each were dressed with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)), a 5% chlorhexidine gel (CHX), a chloromono-campherphenolic compound (ChKM), and Ledermix (LM), respectively, and sealed with Cavit. Four control groups contained identical medications but the roots were left unsealed. The 25 remaining roots served as additional controls. A standard setup for bacterial leakage studies was chosen with Staphylococcus epidermidis as test strain. Cavit application resulted in a significantly better seal compared with the unsealed groups. In the Cavit-sealed groups, all groups differed significantly from one another except for the CHX and the ChKM groups. The Ca(OH)(2) medicated roots provided the longest protection (median of 36 days), followed by the Ledermix-group (27 days) and the CHX (18 days) or ChKM groups (19 days). It may be concluded that Cavit-sealed and medicated root canals do not provide adequate protection against bacterial leakage for more than 1 month.

[Efficacy and safety of a herbal drug containing hawthorn berries and D-camphor in hypotension and orthostatic circulatory disorders/results of a retrospective epidemiologic cohort study]. / Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit eines pflanzlichen Arzneimittels mit Weissdornbeeren und D-Campher bei hypotonen und orthostatischen Kreislaufregulationsstörungen. Ergebnisse einer retrospektiven epidemiologischen Kohortenstudie.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Korodin Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen, a herbal drug containing D-camphor (CAS 76-22-2; 2.5 %) and a liquid extract of fresh hawthorn berries (97.3%), has been used since many years for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension. The combination as well as its constituents were tested in clinical trials against placebo with healthy volunteers and patients using tilt-tests. The objective of this study was to investigate efficacy and safety of the drug under the conditions of medical practice in comparison to other drugs admitted for this indication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed as an epidemiological retrospective cohort study in 46 medical practices in Germany. In the practices the files were reviewed for patients who were treated between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2002 for orthostatic hypotension. Included in the study were all patients who were treated either with the test drug or a control drug containing etilefrine, oxilofrine, midodrine, norfenefrine or dihydroergotamine and who met the inclusion criteria. The data of the files were coded, transferred to case report forms and augmented by the physician's statements about symptoms and success. Effect criteria were the improvement of symptoms and change of blood pressure during treatment. The correctness of the data was controlled using anonymous copies of the files. A total of 490 patients (399 in the test-group and 91 in the control group) between 11 and 102 years were included in the study. To correct heterogeneities in baseline conditions, treatment results were adjusted by regression and stratification to equal baseline conditions using the propensity score. RESULTS: The adjusted odds ratio for improvement was 5.6, the adjusted mean increase of the systolic blood pressure the 2-fold compared to the control group. The difference was highly significant and did not depend on age or initial blood pressure. In the test group two adverse events were observed which had no relation to the medication; in the control group one reversible event with a probable relation to the medication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The test drug was proven as effective and safe in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension in medical practice for all age groups and independent of the initial blood pressures.

Efficacy of camphorated paramonochlorophenol to a mixture of honey and mustard oil as a root canal medicament.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of camphorated paramonochlorophenol to a mixture of honey and mustard oil as a root canal medicament. DESIGN: An in vitro comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: This study was carried out in collaboration with microbiology department of Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi and was conducted from Aug-2001 to Nov-2001. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 90 infected root canal contents of decayed teeth was collected from Operative Dentistry Department of Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi. Each sample was inoculated aerobically as well as an-aerobically. Organisms were identified and isolates were preserved and refrigerated for experiments. Medicaments were procured and prepared in comparable dilutions. Minimum inhibitory concentration of both medicaments was compared by susceptibility testing against already preserved isolates. RESULTS: The tested mixture (honey and mustard oil equal v/v ) demonstrated antibacterial activity against all isolates at concentration of 12.5%(mean of effective conc.17.11%) while that of camphorated paramonochlorophenol was comparably at higher concentration 3.1%(mean of effective conc. 3.35%). However the mixture revealed better results than that of individual agents, which was 12.5% to 25% respectively. CONCLUSION: Mixture (honey and mustard oil) was effective, viable alternate endodontic medicament.

Rubbing ointments and asthma morbidity in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the use of rubbing ointments and asthma morbidity in adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Inner-city high school in the Bronx, New York. SUBJECTS: 165 adolescents with asthma. OUTCOME MEASURES: Asthma morbidity, defined as emergency department (ED) use for asthma in the past year and over the lifetime. RESULTS: While 127 (77%) of subjects used albuterol as the first treatment for their last asthma attack, 18 (11%) used rubbing ointments. The rubs and albuterol groups were similar in asthma severity, mean age, gender, and ethnicity. However, subjects in the the rubs group were less likely than subjects in the albuterol group to have made an ED visit over the past 12 months or over their lifetime. Regression analysis revealed that, after controlling for asthma severity, use of rubs independently predicted less lifetime ED use. CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for asthma severity, use of rubs by adolescents with asthma was associated with lower asthma morbidity as measured by ED use.

Effect of aromatics on lung mucociliary clearance in patients with chronic airways obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine have become an increasingly topical theme in respiratory medicine. Aromatics are a commonly used ingredient in a number of proprietary medicines. It is well established that lung mucus clearance is impaired in patients with chronic airways obstruction. This study investigated whether aromatics delivered by inunction could be objectively shown to enhance lung clearance. METHODS: We studied 12 patients with chronic bronchitic with a mean standard error (SE) age of 67 (2) years (mean [SE] tobacco consumption history of 64 [12] pack-years). We used a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial within patient design assessing the effect of 7.5 g of aromatics inunction (compared to a "no-treatment baseline" and to a petrolatum "placebo") on lung mucus clearance measured by a standard radioaerosol technique. RESULTS: Aromatic treatment significantly enhanced clearance at two time points 30 (p < 0.05) and 60 (p < 0.02) minutes postradioaerosol inhalation but had no demonstrable further effect over the following 5 hours despite further application of the inunction. The clearance improvement (relative to a baseline) observed during the first hour of testing was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with the concentration level of aromatics. CONCLUSION: Our data, thus, provide objective evidence of a positive effect of aromatics inunction on mucus clearance in chronic airways obstruction.

Dose-response related efficacy in orthostatic hypotension of a fixed combination of D-camphor and an extract from fresh crataegus berries and the contribution of the single components.

Independent, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled studies using sublingual/oral administration of D-camphor, an extract from fresh crataegus berries, and a combination of the two (CCC) yielded the following results: Both the D-camphor and the extract from fresh crataegus berries, the components of CCC, contribute to the pressoric effects of the combination. The underlying hemodynamic mechanisms can be attributed to an increase in total peripheral resistance induced by an increased tone of the arterioles with both components and the effect of crataegus is intensified by an additional direct positive action on cardiac performance. Conceivably, the D-camphor component is the main factor in inducing the rapid initial effect, whereas the extract from fresh crataegus berries adds a long-lasting effect. For CCC, a dose-dependent increase in supine blood pressure and prevention of orthostatic fall in blood pressure following tilt table-induced orthostasis in patients with orthostatic dysregulation was demonstrated as well. The effect revealed a very rapid onset of action within 1 min following administration, confirming the traditional use in emergency situations such as orthostatic (pre)syncope. Thus, these studies show that CCC, depending on the pressoric activity of its two mono-components, exerts a significant effect that counteracts an orthostatic fall in blood pressure and thereby provides a rationale for its application that reemphasizes the decades-long usefulness of this phyto-combination.