Medicinal Orchids of Mexico: A Review.

Some species of the Orchidaceae family are used in Mexican traditional medicine. However, there are no current and critical compilations of the medicinal uses and pharmacological effects of the members of the Orchidaceae family. This review provides a current, critical, and comprehensive analysis of the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological reports, and active compounds isolated from Mexican orchids. A total of 62 Mexican orchids with medicinal potential have been recorded, of which 14 have scientific evidence. The remaining 48 plant species have ethnomedicinal information but have not been validated with scientific studies. These orchids are distributed in 14 states of the Mexican Republic, mainly in the southern region of Mexico. The most common pharmacological activities reported are anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, antinociceptive, antioxidant, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, and hallucinogenic activities. It is necessary to increase the number of pharmacological, phytochemical, and toxicological studies with medicinal orchids from Mexico because there are scientific studies on only 22.5% of these species. In further studies, it will be possible to evaluate the pharmacological effects of Mexican orchids in clinical trials. In addition, the mechanisms of action by which plant extracts and their active compounds exert medicinal effects remain to be studied. Plant extracts from orchids and their active compounds show promising antinociceptive and spasmolytic effects, respectively.

Ethnomedicinal Study and Evaluation of the Anxiolytic-like and Diuretic Effects of the Orchid Stanhopea tigrina Bateman ex Lindl-(Orchidaceae).

Stanhopea tigrina Bateman ex Lindl. (Orchidaceae) is an orchid endemic to Mexico, known as "Calavera" or "calaverita", in the Huasteca Potosina (central region of Mexico). This plant species is used for the folk treatment of mental disorders and urological kidney disorders, according to the ethnomedicinal information obtained in this study. Ethanolic extracts of leaves (HE) and pseudobulb (PE) were obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to carry out the chemical characterization of HE and PE. The pharmacological effects (antioxidant, diuretic, anxiolytic, locomotor, hypnotic, and sedative) of HE and PE were evaluated. The possible mechanism of action of the anxiolytic-like activity induced by HE was assessed using inhibitors of the GABAergic, adrenergic, and serotonergic systems. The possible mechanism of the diuretic action of HE was assessed using prostaglandin inhibitory antagonists and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blockers. HE at 50 and 100 mg/kg exerted anxiolytic-like activity without inducing hypnosis or sedation. Flumazenil, prazosin, and ketanserin inhibited the anxiolytic-like activity shown by HE, which suggests the participation of GABA, α1-adrenergic receptors, and 5-HT2 receptors, respectively. The diuretic effect was reversed by the non-selective NOS inhibitor L-NAME, which caused the reduction in nitric oxide (NO). These results demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of S. tigrina leaves exhibited anxiolytic-like activity and diuretic effects without inducing hypnosis or sedation. This work validates the medicinal uses of this orchid species.

Advancements in Litchi chinensis Peel Processing: A Scientific Review of Drying, Extraction, and Isolation of Its Bioactive Compounds.

This article systematically reviews the advancements in processing litchi peel (Litchi chinensis), emphasizing drying, extraction, purification methods, and the potential of bioactive compounds obtained from litchi peel. This work also highlights the impact of various drying techniques on phytochemical profiles, focusing on how methods such as hot air and freeze-drying affect the preservation of bioactive compounds. The study delves into extraction methods, detailing how different solvents and techniques influence the efficiency of extracting bioactive compounds from litchi peel. Furthermore, the purification and characterization of active compounds, showcasing the role of chromatographic techniques in isolating specific bioactive molecules, is discussed. Biological properties and mechanisms of action, such as antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, and anticancer activities, are reviewed, providing insight into the potential health benefits of litchi peel compounds. This review highlights the importance of optimizing and selecting accurate drying and extraction methods to maximize the therapeutic effects of litchi peel and its bioactive compounds. This review also reveals the broad pharmacological potential of the isolated compounds, underscoring the need for further research to discover their specific actions and health benefits.

Celecoxib Decreases the Need for Rescue Analgesics after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of celecoxib after total knee arthroplasty. Keywords in the PubMed and Scopus databases were used to find article abstracts. Each included clinical trial was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool, and we extracted data on postoperative pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at rest, ambulation, and active range of motion, rescue analgesic intake, and adverse effects. Inverse variance tests with mean differences were used to analyze the numerical variables. The Mantel-Haenszel statistical method and the odds ratio were used to evaluate the dichotomous data. According to this qualitative assessment (n = 482), two studies presented conclusions in favor of celecoxib (n = 187), one showed similar results between celecoxib and the placebo (n = 44), and three clinical trials did not draw conclusions as to the effectiveness of celecoxib versus the placebo (n = 251). Moreover, the evaluation of the rescue analgesic intake showed that the patients receiving celecoxib had a lower intake compared to patients receiving a placebo (n = 278, I2 = 82%, p = 0.006, mean difference = -6.89, 95% IC = -11.76 to -2.02). In conclusion, the pooled analysis shows that administration of celecoxib alone results in a decrease in rescue analgesic consumption compared to a placebo after total knee surgery.

Medicinal Plants Used for Eye Conditions in Mexico-A Review.

Medicinal plants have been historically significant for treating common human diseases in Mexico. Although some ethnobotanical research exists, limited ethnomedicinal data has documented medicinal plants employed for eye health. This review focuses on ethnomedicinal information and preclinical and clinical studies regarding medicinal plants used in Mexico for treating symptoms associated with eye conditions. An electronic database search was conducted by consulting scientific articles, books about Mexican herbal medicine, and academic theses. This work recorded 69 plant species belonging to 26 plant families, especially plants from the Crassulaceae family, which are used as remedies for irritation and infections in the eye. Eight of these medicinal plants have been the subject of preclinical studies using ocular models, and one medicinal plant has been tested in clinical trials. The evidence of pharmacological effects indicates the promising therapeutic potential of these medicinal plants for developing new treatments for eye conditions. However, toxicological studies are necessary to ensure safe application to the eye, particularly as traditional medicine continues to be relied upon worldwide. In addition, this review highlights the need to perform ethnobotanical and phytochemical studies in Mexico regarding the medicinal flora used as remedies for eye conditions.

Special Issue "Ethnopharmacology in Latin America".

Latin America is a multicultural region encompassing 43 countries, with 665 million inhabitants with a mean age of 31 years old, 84% of whom live in urban areas [...].

Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Tapentadol Immediate Release in Bunionectomy: A Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the analgesic effect of different doses of tapentadol immediate release (IR) and its adverse effects after a bunionectomy. Pubmed, Cochrane, Lilacs, Medline, and Imbiomed were used to identify abstracts of scientific publications related to the keywords of this systematic review (PROSPERO ID CRD42023437295). Moreover, the risk of bias in all included articles was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Data on the sum of pain intensity, total pain relief, global assessment, and adverse effects were extracted. The statistical method of inverse variance with means difference was used to evaluate the numerical data and the Mantel-Haenszel and Odd Ratio test to analyze the dichotomous data. In addition, the number needed to treat, the number needed to harm, and the 95% confidence intervals were calculated. A qualitative evaluation (n = 2381) was carried out according to the conclusions of the authors. Tapentadol (n = 1772) was more effective in relieving postoperative pain than the placebo (n = 609) after a bunionectomy. In addition, the analgesic efficacy of IR tapentadol (n = 1323) versus the placebo (n = 390) was evaluated in a total of 1713 patients using a global evaluation of the treatments. All three doses of IR tapentadol showed better results compared to the placebo after a bunionectomy. Finally, the adverse effects have a direct relationship with the dose, and the greatest number of adverse effects are most observed with tapentadol IR 100 mg (n = 2381). It is concluded that tapentadol IR (100 mg) leads to the best satisfaction score in this meta-analysis.

Neuropharmacological Effects of the Dichloromethane Extract from the Stems of Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae) and Its Active Compound Dihydrosanguinarine.

Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae) is used in folk medicine as a sedative and hypnotic agent. This study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic-like, sedative, antidepressant-like, and anticonvulsant activities of a dichloromethane extract of A. ochroleuca stems (AOE), chemically standardized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and its active compound dihydrosanguinarine (DHS). The anxiolytic-like, sedative, antidepressant-like, and anticonvulsant activities of the AOE (0.1-50 mg/kg p.o.) and DHS (0.1-10 mg/kg p.o.) were evaluated using murine models. A possible mechanism for the neurological actions induced by the AOE or DHS was assessed using inhibitors of neurotransmission pathways and molecular docking. Effective dose 50 (ED50) values were calculated by a linear regression analysis. The AOE showed anxiolytic-like activity in the cylinder exploratory test (ED50 = 33 mg/kg), and antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test (ED50 = 3 mg/kg) and the tail suspension test (ED50 = 23 mg/kg), whereas DHS showed anxiolytic-like activity (ED50 = 2 mg/kg) in the hole board test. The AOE (1-50 mg/kg) showed no locomotive affectations or sedation in mice. A docking study revealed the affinity of DHS for α2-adrenoreceptors and GABAA receptors. The anxiolytic-like and anticonvulsant effects of the AOE are due to GABAergic participation, whereas the antidepressant-like effects of the AOE are due to the noradrenergic system. The noradrenergic and GABAergic systems are involved in the anxiolytic-like actions of DHS.

Medicinal plants used in rural communities from the municipality of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico / Plantas medicinales utilizadas en comunidades rurales del municipio de Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, México

This study recorded the use of medicinal plants in the rural communities from the municipality of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico. Data were obtained through open semi-structured interviews with local respondents (n=181), and medicinal plants were recorded and identified in herbariums. The Relative importance (RI) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were calculated to analyze the survey data. In total, 68 plant species belonging to 33 families were reported. Asteraceae had the highest number of species, representing 14. The highest RI was accounted by Chamaemelum nobile (RI=2.0), followed by Thymus vulgaris (RI=1.83),and Moringa oleifera (RI= 1.60). The highest ICF was reported by diseases associated with the respiratory (ICF=0.80), digestive (ICF=0.75), and musculoskeletal systems including connective tissues (ICF= 0.71). Respondents have knowledge about medicinal plant use for primary health care and other chronic diseases. The information obtained here could be extrapolated to different rural areas in Mexico.

Este estudio registró el uso de plantas medicinales en las comunidades rurales del municipio de Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, México. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de entrevistas abiertas semiestructuradas con encuestados locales (n=181), y las plantas medicinales se registraron e identificaron en los herbarios. La importancia relativa (RI) y el factor de consenso del informante (ICF) se calcularon para analizar los datos de la encuesta. En total, se reportaron 68 especies de plantas pertenecientes a 33 familias. Asteraceae tuvo el mayor número de especies, representando 14. El RI más alto fue contabilizado por Chamaemelum nobile (RI = 2.0), seguido por Thymus vulgaris (RI = 1.83) y Moringa oleifera (RI = 1.60). La ICF más alta se informó por enfermedades asociadas con los sistemas respiratorio (ICF = 0,80), digestivo (ICF = 0,75) y musculoesquelético, incluidos los tejidos conectivos (ICF = 0,71). Los encuestados tienen conocimientos sobre el uso de plantas medicinales para la atención primaria de salud y otras enfermedades crónicas. La información aquí obtenida podría extrapolarse a diferentes zonas rurales de México.

Isobolographic analysis of the ciprofloxacin-gentamicin combination against beta-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial multi-resistance is a serious global problem that continues to worsen over time due to multiple factors. Among these factors, it is important to highlight the clinical misuse of antibiotics and the mechanisms that microorganisms have developed to protect themselves from these drugs. In this sense, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a pathogen that has found a way to resist many of the drugs currently in use, so infections by this bacterium represent a serious clinical problem. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the type of interaction between ciprofloxacin and gentamicin against beta-lactamase-producing S. aureus using isobolographic analysis. METHODS: Ciprofloxacin (0.5-0.05 mg/mL) and gentamicin (10-1 mg/mL) were used to make concentration-dependent curves for each individual drug. Thereafter, the 50 inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of each drug was obtained, and different proportions of the ciprofloxacin-gentamicin combination-0.5:0.5, 0.8:0.2, 0.2:0.8, 0.9:0.1, 0.1:0.9, 0.95:0.05, and 0.05:0.95-were evaluated. The isobolographic analysis and the interaction index were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The isobolographic evaluation of the combination showed that the ratios 0.5:0.5, 0.8:0.2, 0.2:0.8, and 0.9:0.1 produced a synergistic anti-staphylococcal effect, and the 0.95:0.05 ratio induced an additive antibacterial effect. Finally, the 0.1:0.9 and 0.05:0.95 ratios of the combination presented antagonistic effects against S. aureus. On the other hand, the interaction index showed similar results to the isobolographic analysis. CONCLUSION: The isobolographic results of this in vitro assay show that the ciprofloxacin-gentamicin combination induces synergistic, additive, and antagonistic antimicrobial effects against S. aureus.

In Vivo Neuropharmacological Effects of Neophytadiene.

Neophytadiene (NPT) is a diterpene found in the methanolic extracts of Crataeva nurvala and Blumea lacera, plants reported with anxiolytic-like activity, sedative properties, and antidepressant-like actions; however, the contribution of neophytadiene to these effects is unknown. This study determined the neuropharmacological (anxiolytic-like, antidepressant-like, anticonvulsant, and sedative) effects of neophytadiene (0.1-10 mg/kg p.o.) and determined the mechanisms of action involved in the neuropharmacological actions using inhibitors such as flumazenil and analyzing the possible interaction of neophytadiene with GABA receptors using a molecular docking study. The behavioral tests were evaluated using the light-dark box, elevated plus-maze, open field, hole-board, convulsion, tail suspension, pentobarbital-induced sleeping, and rotarod. The results showed that neophytadiene exhibited anxiolytic-like activity only to the high dose (10 mg/kg) in the elevated plus-maze and hole-board tests, and anticonvulsant actions in the 4-aminopyridine and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures test. The anxiolytic-like and anticonvulsant effects of neophytadiene were abolished with the pre-treatment with 2 mg/kg flumazenil. In addition, neophytadiene showed low antidepressant effects (about 3-fold lower) compared to fluoxetine. On other hand, neophytadiene had no sedative or locomotor effects. In conclusion, neophytadiene exerts anxiolytic-like and anticonvulsant activities with the probable participation of the GABAergic system.

Concomitant use of allopathic medicine and herbal products for weight-loss among people with overweight or obesity from Central Mexico / Uso concomitante de medicina alopática y productos herbales para bajar de peso en personas con sobrepeso u obesidad del centro de México

This study evaluated the prevalence of concomitant use of herbal products for weight loss (HPWL) and allopathic medicine. Factors associated with the prevalence, adverse reactions, and the alteration of medication adherence with the concomitant use of HPWL alone and in combination with allopathic medicine, were assessed. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional using a questionnaire conducted among people with overweight or obesity (n=662) from five cities of Central Mexico. Adherence to medications was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. The prevalence of adverse reactions induced by the concomitant use of HPWL, and allopathic medicine was 25.3%. The use of HPWL affected medication adherence by 68%. There is a high prevalence (45.2%) of concomitant use of HPWL and allopathic medicine in people with overweight or obesity in Central Mexico. The concomitant use of HPWL and allopathic medicine induces adverse reactions, mainly gastrointestinal, and thus, medication adherence is affected.

Este estudio evaluó la prevalencia del uso concomitante de productos a base de hierbas para bajar de peso (HPWL) y medicina alopática. Se evaluaron los factores asociados con la prevalencia, las reacciones adversas y la alteración de la adherencia a la medicación con el uso concomitante de HPWL solo y en combinación con medicina alopática. El estudio fue descriptivo y transversal mediante un cuestionario realizado entre personas con sobrepeso u obesidad (n = 662) de cinco ciudades del centro de México. La adherencia a los medicamentos se midió mediante la Escala de adherencia a la medicación de Morisky. La prevalencia de reacciones adversas inducidas por el uso concomitante de HPWL y medicina alopática fue del 25,3%. El uso de HPWL afectó la adherencia a la medicación en un 68%. Existe una alta prevalencia (45.2%) de uso concomitante de HPWL y medicina alopática en personas con sobrepeso u obesidad en el centro de México. El uso concomitante de HPWL y medicina alopática induce reacciones adversas, principalmente gastrointestinales, y por tanto, afecta la adherencia a la medicación.

Antagonistic, synergistic, and additive antibacterial interaction between ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin against Staphylococcus aureus.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the interaction between ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin against beta-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus. Concentration-dependent curves for each individual drug were carried out to obtain the mean inhibitory concentration in the agar well diffusion assay. Then, different ratios of the ciprofloxacin-amoxicillin combination (0.5:0.5, 0.8:0.2, 0.2:0.8, 0.9:0.1, 0.1:0.9, 0.95:0.05, and 0.05:0.95) were assessed. Data were analyzed using the isobolographic analysis and interaction index. The isobolographic evaluation shows that the 0.9:0.1 and 0.95:0.05 ratios of the ciprofloxacin-amoxicillin combination produced a synergistic antimicrobial interaction, the 0.8:0.2, 0.2:0.8, 0.1:0.9, and 0.05:0.95 proportions showed an additive antibacterial effect, and the 0.5:0.5 proportion induced antagonistic antimicrobial effects. The interaction index showed similar outcomes to the isobolographic analysis. In conclusion, the data of this study mainly show antimicrobial additive results of the ciprofloxacin-amoxicillin combination against beta-lactamase-producing S. aureus.

Neuropharmacological Activities of Ceiba aesculifolia (Kunth) Britten & Baker f (Malvaceae).

Ceiba aesculifolia (Kunth) Britten & Baker f (Malvaceae) is used for the folk treatment of mood disorders. C. aesculifolia bark was extracted in ethanol, and the extract (CAE) was chemically standardized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study evaluated the effects of CAE (10-100 mg/kg p.o.) on anxiolytic-like activity, sedation, locomotor activity, depression-like activity, and spatial working memory using in vivo rodent models. A possible mechanism for the anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like actions induced by CAE was assessed using neurotransmission pathway inhibitors. Myristic acid was one of the compounds found in CAE using GC-MS. This study also evaluated the anxiolytic-like activity and the sedative actions of myristic acid and assessed a possible mechanism of action using neurotransmission pathway inhibitors and an in silico analysis. CAE elicited anxiolytic-like activity and antidepressant-like effects (ED50 = 57 mg/kg). CAE (10-100 mg/kg) did not affect locomotor coordination or induce sedation. The anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like actions of CAE were reverted by prazosin, suggesting a possible participation of the noradrenergic system. The anxiolytic-like activity of myristic acid was reverted by the co-administration of prazosin and partially reverted by ketanserin. The docking study revealed that myristic acid can form favorable interactions within 5-HT2A and α1A-adrenoreceptor binding pockets.

Local Tramadol Improves the Anesthetic Success in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Meta-Analysis.

Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is a painful clinical condition with a broad inflammatory component. Dental anesthesia in these patients is affected by the inflammatory process, reporting a high incidence of anesthesia failure. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analytical evaluation was to determine the effect of pre-treatment with tramadol in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, as well as for pain control and adverse effects. This study was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021279262). PubMed was consulted to identify clinical investigations comparing tramadol and placebo/local anesthetics in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Data about the anesthesia, pain control, and adverse effects were extracted. Both the anesthetic success index and the adverse effects of local tramadol and placebo were compared with the Mantel−Haenszel test and odds ratio. Data analysis showed that the local administration of tramadol increased the anesthetic success rate when compared to placebo in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (n = 228; I2 = 0; OR = 2.2; 95% CIs: 1.30 to 3.79; p < 0.004). However, local administration of tramadol increased the risk of adverse effects when compared to placebo/local anesthetics (n = 288; I2 = 0; OR = 7.72; 95% CIs: 1.37 to 43.46; p < 0.02). In conclusion, this study shows that the local administration of tramadol increases the anesthetic success index when compared to placebo in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Factors and Practices Associated with Self-Medicating Children among Mexican Parents.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric self-medication is based on the subjective interpretation of symptoms in children by the mother or an adult, the decision to self-medicate is made by a third party. The objective of this work is to provide information on the factors and practices associated with the self-medication of children among parents in Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted between June 2020 and December 2021 on Mexican parents with children under 12 years of age. Online questionnaires were completed with sections on sociodemographic characteristics, use of medicines or medicinal plants and their treated symptoms, sources of collection, and their recommendation. RESULTS: A total of 9905 online surveys were completed with representation from the 32 states of Mexico, and the prevalence of self-medication was 49.6% (n = 4908). Associated factors were age, having two or more children, children with chronic illnesses, medium educational level, unemployment or employment unrelated to health, medium and high socioeconomic level, and lack of medical security. Respondents self-medicated their children on the recommendation of a family member or friend (55.8%), and own initiative (28%). The most used medication was VapoRub (61.3%), followed by paracetamol (56.9%) and chamomile (33.1%), and the most prevalent symptoms were flu/flow (47.7%) followed by cough (34.2%). The main reasons were perceiving symptoms as not serious (69.9%) and reusing medications (51.9%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of self-medication in children in Mexico, mainly associated with children with chronic diseases and families with three or more children.

Medicinal Plants from Latin America with Wound Healing Activity: Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, Preclinical and Clinical Studies-A Review.

Latin America is a multicultural region with ancient traditional medicine. There is extensive knowledge of the use of medicinal plants for wound healing in this region. Nevertheless, many of these medicinal plants lack pharmacological, toxicological, and chemical studies. This review focuses on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological (preclinical and clinical) studies of medicinal plants with wound healing activity, from Latin America. An electronic database search was conducted by consulting scientific articles and books. A total of 305 plant species with wound healing activity were recorded, based on traditional medicine. Most medicinal plants used in wound healing in Latin America are topically administered; their methods of preparation are mainly by water infusion from aerial parts. Only thirty-five percent of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for wound healing have been experimentally validated for their pharmacological effects, and the wound healing activity of five medicinal plants has been studied in clinical trials. In all, 25 compounds (mostly terpenes and flavonoids) have been isolated from medicinal plants with wound healing activity; therefore, extensive work is necessary for a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the wound healing effects of medicinal plants in Latin America. The mechanism of action of medicinal plants, their toxicological actions on the skin, and their bioactive compounds, have yet to be investigated. This review on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies, of medicinal plants from Latin America with wound healing activity, offers promising data for further studies, as well as providing new insights into their possible role in wound care.

Dexamethasone Increases the Anesthetic Success in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Meta-Analysis.

Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) has a high failure rate in subjects with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). It has been suggested that drugs with anti-inflammatory activity could improve the efficacy of the anesthetic used for IANB. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of dexamethasone on the success of dental anesthesia in patients with SIP. An information search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration's risk-of-bias tool. The anesthetic success rate, pain intensity (VAS), and adverse effects were extracted. Data were analyzed using the Mantel−Haenszel test and odds ratio or the inverse variance and standardized mean difference. Dexamethasone increased the anesthetic success in comparison with placebo (n = 502; p < 0.001; OR = 2.59; 95% CIs: 1.46 to 4.59). Moreover, patients who were given dexamethasone had lower pain scores at 6 h (n = 302; p < 0.001; MD= −1.43; 95% CIs: −2.28 to −0.58), 12 h (n = 302; p < 0.0001; MD = −1.65; 95% CIs: −2.39 to −0.92), and 24 h (n = 302; p < 0.0008; MD = −1.27; 95% CIs: −2.01 to −0.53) when compared with placebo. In conclusion, the systemic administration of dexamethasone increases the anesthetic success rate and improves pain management in patients with SIP.

Efficacy of Methylprednisolone Compared to Other Drugs for Pain, Swelling, and Trismus Control after Third Molar Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of methylprednisolone compared to other drugs to control postoperative complications following third molar surgery. PubMed and Google Scholar were used for article searching. Thereafter, the trials meeting the selection criteria and with high methodological quality, according to the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool, were included in this study. The inverse variance test and mean difference using the Review Manager Software 5.3 for Windows were used to carry out data analysis. Qualitative analysis shows that methylprednisolone is more effective than NSAIDs, but inferior to dexamethasone, for controlling postoperative complications after third molar removal. The quantitative analysis showed no statistical difference for pain control, while trismus evaluation showed a statistical difference after 7 postoperative days in favor of methylprednisolone, when compared to other drugs. In conclusion, methylprednisolone was more effective for trismus control compared to other drugs after lower third molar surgery.

Postoperative administration of ketorolac compared to other drugs for pain control after third molar surgery: A meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized, clinical trials.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness and adverse reactions of ketorolac in comparison with other drugs when administered postoperatively after third molar surgery. METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar were utilized to search for articles comparing the efficacy and safety of ketorolac and other analgesic agents after third molar surgery. Data from papers with a lower risk of bias were recorded. The overall evaluation of analgesia onset, general and subgroup evaluation of the number of patients requiring rescue analgesic medication, general and subgroup assessment of the study medication (satisfaction on the study drugs), and the overall estimation of adverse effects were performed using the Review Manager Software 5.3 to analyse the data and obtain the meta-analysis plot. RESULTS: The subgroup evaluation of the study medication showed that patients who received ketorolac 30 mg were more satisfied than those who were given parecoxib 1 mg (odds ratio [OR] = 8.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.66-20.08, P = .00001), parecoxib 2 mg (OR = 7.17, 95% CI = 2.88-17.86, P = .0001), parecoxib 5 mg (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.69-5.41, P = .0002), and parecoxib 10 mg (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.36-4.32, P = .003). Moreover, patients who received ketorolac reported fewer adverse reactions compared with those who had received opioid analgesics (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.32-1.76, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study demonstrates that the postoperative administration of ketorolac 30 mg presents better results on patient satisfaction when compared to parecoxib 1 mg to 10 mg, and presents a similar satisfaction to parecoxib 20 mg following third molar removal.