Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effect of Myrciaria cauliflora Hydroethanolic Extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii are opportunistic pathogens, and both are involved in different oral infections. This work aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition of Myrciaria cauliflora hydroethanolic extract and to evaluate its antimicrobial and antibiofilm action against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 19606; multi-resistant clinical strains 58004, 50098, 566006, and H557). Myrciaria cauliflora hydroethanolic extract was prepared, and the content of soluble solids, flavonoids, and phenols was quantified. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed later. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using the broth microdilution method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, standard M7-A6, and subsequently, its minimum bactericidal concentration was determined. Then, the most effective concentrations were analyzed against biofilms. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA method with Tukey's test. The soluble solids content in the prepared hydroethanolic extract of M. cauliflora was 2.22%. Additionally, the total flavonoid content, measured using the quercetin standard curve, was 0.040 mg/mL. Furthermore, the total phenol content, determined using the gallic acid standard curve, was 0.729 mg/mL. HPLC analysis presented peaks of gallic acid (11.80 m), p-coumaric acid (12.09 m), cinnamic acid derivative (19.02 m), and ellagic acid (29.83 m). The extract demonstrated antimicrobial and antibiofilm action against all tested strains. However, the most effective antibacterial concentration against all the tested bacteria was 5.55 mg/mL. Therefore, these chemical components justify that M. cauliflora hydroethanolic extract is effective in reducing biofilm formation in S. aureus (standard strain) and A. baumannii (standard and clinical strains).

Spectral analysis and antibacterial effect of cold methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium L / Análise espectral e efeito antibacteriano do extrato metanólico frio de Artemisia absinthium L

The study aimed to determine the bioactive components and antibacterial activities of cold methanolic extract leaves (CMMEL) of Artemisia absinthium L. CMMEL was tested for phytochemicals, GC-MS analyses was performed to identify the bioactive components, and anti-bacterial properties. The phytochemical analysis of CMMEL revealed the presence of carbohydrates, steroids, saponins, and amino acids. GC-MS analysis of CMMEL of A. absinthium L. revealed several unique bioactive compounds, including margaspidin, stigmasterol, octadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic, corymbolone, and bicyclo [2.2.1] heptan-2. The antibacterial spectrum of CMMEL can be sequenced as Streptococcus pyogenes (8.83 ± 1.8 mm) > Escherichia coli (7.6 ± 0.6 mm) > Bacillus subtilis (6.6 ± 1.6 mm) > Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.5 ± 0.3 mm) > Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.1 ± 1.1 mm) > Staphylococcus aureus (5.23 ± 0.8 mm). Although the CMMEL of A. absinthium L. showed the presence of many bioactive compounds but did not substantially inhibit the growth of Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, according to the findings.

O estudo teve como objetivo determinar os componentes bioativos e atividades antibacterianas de folhas de extrato metanólico frio (CMMEL) de Artemisia absinthium L. CMMEL foi testado para fitoquímicos, análises GC-MS foram realizadas para identificar os componentes bioativos e propriedades antibacterianas. A análise fitoquímica da CMMEL revelou a presença de carboidratos, esteroides, saponinas e aminoácidos. A análise GC-MS de CMMEL de A. absinthium L. revelou vários compostos bioativos exclusivos, incluindo margaspidina, estigmasterol, ácido octadecanoico, hexadecanoico, corimbolona e biciclo [2.2.1] heptan-2. O espectro antibacteriano de CMMEL pode ser sequenciado como Streptococcus pyogenes (8,83 ± 1,8 mm) > Escherichia coli (7,6 ± 0,6 mm) > Bacillus subtilis (6,6 ± 1,6 mm) > Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,5 ± 0,3 mm) > Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6,1 ± 1,1 mm) > Staphylococcus aureus (5,23 ± 0,8 mm). Embora o CMMEL de A. absinthium L. tenha mostrado a presença de muitos compostos bioativos, mas não inibiu substancialmente o crescimento de bactérias gram-positivas ou gram-negativas, de acordo com os achados.

Nanofiber Systems as Herbal Bioactive Compounds Carriers: Current Applications in Healthcare.

Nanofibers have emerged as a potential novel platform due to their physicochemical properties for healthcare applications. Nanofibers' advantages rely on their high specific surface-area-to-volume and highly porous mesh. Their peculiar assembly allows cell accommodation, nutrient infiltration, gas exchange, waste excretion, high drug release rate, and stable structure. This review provided comprehensive information on the design and development of natural-based polymer nanofibers with the incorporation of herbal medicines for the treatment of common diseases and their in vivo studies. Natural and synthetic polymers have been widely used for the fabrication of nanofibers capable of mimicking extracellular matrix structure. Among them, natural polymers are preferred because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and similarity with extracellular matrix proteins. Herbal bioactive compounds from natural extracts have raised special interest due to their prominent beneficial properties in healthcare. Nanofiber properties allow these systems to serve as bioactive compound carriers to generate functional matrices with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-viral, and other properties which have been studied in vitro and in vivo, mostly to prove their wound healing capacity and anti-inflammation properties.

Physiological activity of Aloe vera in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) inoculated with Aeromonas hydrophila.

Aloe vera is a traditional medicinal plant; however, its use in fish is fairly recent. We evaluated the effects of dietary A. vera on stress, innate immunity, and energy metabolism in pacu inoculated with Aeromonas hydrophila. For 7 days, 192 fish were fed with diets supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% of the plant extract and then inoculated with bacteria and sampled 3, 6, and 24 h later. All concentrations of A. vera reduced basal levels of cortisol, and 1.0% reduced cortisol levels more intensely 3 h after inoculation. A. vera increased the basal respiratory activity of leukocytes/RAL (0.5 and 1.0%), increased the serum levels of lysozyme (1.0 and 2.0%) 6 h after inoculation, and increased the activity of the complement system after 3 h. Spleen somatic index/SSI increased with 1.0 and 2.0% A. vera. A. vera also promoted metabolic effects. It increased basal levels of lipids in the liver and muscle, as well as hepatosomatic index (1.0%) and, 3 h after inoculation, prevented the reduction of serum triglyceride (1.0%) and reduced the mesenteric fat (1.0%). Bacterial inoculation increased RAL from 3 to 24 h and lysozyme levels at 24 h, increased serum cholesterol at 24 h, and decreased serum triglyceride from 3 to 24 h, regardless of A. vera. We concluded that A. vera offered for only 7 days had stress-reducing effects, stimulated innate immunity, protected triglyceride levels in blood, lipid depots in the liver and muscle, and directed the energy mobilization to visceral depots.

In vitro antifungal activity and phytochemical characterization of Eugenia uniflora, Libidibia ferrea and Psidium guajava

The aim of this study was evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of crude extracts from Eugenia uniflora, Libidibia ferrea and Psidium guajava. The extracts were obtained by turbo-extraction using water (AQ) or acetone-water (AC-W) (7:3, v/v) as solvents and lyophilized to obtain the crude extracts (CE). The CE were characterized by UV-Vis, TLC and HPLC. The activity of CEs was investigated against clinical isolates of Candida spp. and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), MIC50 and MIC90 were determinated. The analysis by TLC showed that all CEs presented polyphenols (flavonoids and tannins). The CEs from E. uniflora showed higher amount of polyphenols (30.35 ± 2.15%, AC-W) and the HPLC analysis revealed the tannins in all extracts. The CEs of E. uniflora showed MIC range from 1.9 to 500.0 µg/mL, and lower values of MIC50 and MIC90 against non-albicans Candida isolates. Regarding L. ferrea and P. guajava, the results showing MIC from 3.9 to 1000.0 µg/mL (CE-AQ) against C. albicans. The results demonstrate antifungal performance from CE against various species of Candida spp., suggesting that the herbal species may be use as new potential antifungal agents. Additionally, the polyphenol content can play a pivotal role in the antifungal properties of CE.

Organoleptic and physiochemical properties and safety indicators of phytobiotic fodder additives based on herbal extracts

The organoleptic and physicochemical properties and safety indicators of phytobiotic fodder additives based on extracts of herbs growing on the territory of the Siberian Federal District have been studied in the article. It has been established that the organoleptic characteristics of the phytobiotic fodder additives are determined by the specifics of the raw materials and their processing. The following physicochemical parameters of the finished phytobiotic fodder additives have been determined: moisture content, insoluble substances content in water, content of metal-magnetic admixture (particles up to 2 mm inclusive, particles over 2 mm in size and with sharp edges), and mineral impurities. The following safety indicators of the finished phytobiotic fodder additives have also been determined: the content of toxic elements (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic), the content of dioxins, the content of polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, toxicity in bioassay test, and microbiological indicators (Salmonella, in 25 g, enterococci, in 50 g, enteropathogenic E. coli, in 1 g, anaerobes, in 50 g, pathogenic Escherichia, in 50 g, yeast and mold (total), and total bacterial contamination). The amount of biologically active substances in phytobiotic fodder additives was determined in accordance with the pharmaceutical norms and regulations.

Genotoxicity of Turnera subulata and Spondias mombin × Spondias tuberosa Extracts from Brazilian Caatinga Biome.

Medicinal plants have been used in primary healthcare since the earliest days of humankind. Turnera subulata and Spondias mombin × Spondias tuberosa are widely used in the Brazilian Northeast to treat several diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic effects of the leaf extracts of these species by the somatic mutation and recombination test in the somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster wings. The experiments were performed using standard and high-bioactivation cross and three concentrations of the test substance [aqueous extract (AET and AES) at 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg/mL and ethanolic extract (EET and EES) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAFT and EAFS) at 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/mL]. Results indicated that the extracts and fractions induced spontaneous frequencies of mutant spots in both D. melanogaster crosses. Nevertheless, the highest concentrations of the tested plant chemical agents were responsible for the statistically significant genotypic effect. T. subulata and S. mombin × S. tuberosa displayed genotoxic effect under the experimental conditions. The results from this study are crucial as they indicated the deleterious and side effects, considering the indiscriminate use of the extracts of these plants for disease treatment.

Screening In Vitro Targets Related to Diabetes in Herbal Extracts from Peru: Identification of Active Compounds in Hypericum laricifolium Juss. by Offline High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

This study investigates in vitro targets related to diabetes in 30 herbal extracts from Peru, for the first time, using α-glucosidase, aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory assays and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging assays. Among the 30 herbal extracts, Hypericum laricifolium Juss. (HL) was the herb which showed more than 50% inhibition in all assays, presenting 97.2 ± 2.0%, 56.9 ± 5.6%, 81.9 ± 2.5%, and 58.8 ± 4.6% inhibition for the α-glucosidase, AR, DPPH, and ABTS assays, respectively. Finally, six bioactive compounds, namely, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol 3-O-glucuronide, quercetin, and kaempferol were identified in HL by offline high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quercetin exhibited the strongest inhibition in all enzyme assays and the strongest antioxidant activity. The results suggest that HL shows great potential for the complementary treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Herbal extracts differentially inhibit oxidative effects caused by the biotransformation of nifurtimox, nitrofurantoin and acetaminophen on rat liver microsomes / Extractos herbales inhiben diferencialmente los efectos oxidativos causados por la biotransformación de nifurtimox, nitrofurantoína y acetaminofeno en microsomas hepáticos de rata]

Inflammation is a cellular defensive mechanism associated to oxidative stress. The administration of nitrofurantoin, nifurtimox and acetaminophen generates oxidative stress by their biotransformation through CYP450 system. The main adverse effect described for the first two drugs is gastrointestinal inflammation and that of the last, hepatitis. Therefore, standardised dry extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis, Buddleja globosa Hope, Cynara scolymus L., Echinacea purpurea and Hedera helix were tested to evaluate their capacity to decrease drug-induced oxidative stress. For that, rat liver microsomes were incubated with drugs in the presence of NADPH (specific CYP450 system cofactor) to test oxidative damage on microsomal lipids, thiols, and GST activity. All drugs tested induced oxidation of microsomal lipids and thiols, and inhibition of GST activity. Herbal extracts prevented these phenomena in different extension. These results show that antioxidant phytodrugs previously evaluated could alleviate drugs adverse effects associated to oxidative stress.

Inflamación es un mecanismo de defensa el cual está asociado a estrés oxidativo. La administración de nitrofurantoína, nifurtimox y paracetamol genera estrés oxidativo al metabolizarse a través del sistema CYP450. El principal efecto adverso de los dos primeros fármacos es inflamación gastrointestinal y del tercero, hepatitis. Por lo tanto, utilizamos diversos extractos herbales para disminuir el estrés oxidativo inducido por estos fármacos. Para esto se incubaron microsomas hepáticos de rata con dichos fármacos en presencia de NADPH (cofactor específico del sistema CYP450) y se evaluó el daño oxidativo generado sobre los lípidos, los tioles y la actividad GST microsómica. Todos los fármacos indujeron oxidación de los lípidos y los tioles microsómicos e inhibieron la actividad GST. Los extractos herbales previnieron estos fenómenos oxidativos en diferente extensión. Estos resultados indican que fitofármacos antioxidantes previamente evaluados, podrían aliviar los efectos adversos asociados a estrés oxidativo de los fármacos.

Quantitative genotoxicity assays for analysis of medicinal plants: A systematic review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal plants are known to contain numerous biologically active compounds, and although they have proven pharmacological properties, they can cause harm, including DNA damage. AIM OF THE STUDY: Review the literature to evaluate the genotoxicity risk of medicinal plants, explore the genotoxicity assays most used and compare these to the current legal requirements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A quantitative systematic review of the literature, using the keywords "medicinal plants", "genotoxicity" and "mutagenicity", was undertakenQ to identify the types of assays most used to assess genotoxicity, and to evaluate the genotoxicity potential of medicinal plant extracts. RESULTS: The database searches retrieved 2289 records, 458 of which met the inclusion criteria. Evaluation of the selected articles showed a total of 24 different assays used for an assessment of medicinal plant extract genotoxicity. More than a quarter of those studies (28.4%) reported positive results for genotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates that a range of genotoxicity assay methods are used to evaluate the genotoxicity potential of medicinal plant extracts. The most used methods are those recommended by regulatory agencies. However, based on the current findings, in order to conduct a thorough study concerning the possible genotoxic effects of a medicinal plant, we indicate that it is important always to include bacterial and mammalian tests, with at least one in vivo assay. Also, these tests should be capable of detecting outcomes that include mutation induction, clastogenic and aneugenic effects, and structural chromosome abnormalities. In addition, the considerable rate of positive results detected in this analysis further supports the relevance of assessing the genotoxicity potential of medicinal plants.

Ácidos orgânicos, óleos essenciais e simbiótico na dieta de poedeiras semipesadas: desempenho produtivo e análise econômica / Organic acids, essential oils and symbiotic in semi-heavy laying hen diets: productive performance andeconomic analysis

Objetivou-se com esse experimento avaliar os efeitos dos ácidos orgânicos, óleos essenciais e de um simbiótico, em substituição aos antimicrobianos (promotores de crescimento) sobre o desempenho, qualidade de ovos e viabilidade econômica da produção de poedeiras comerciais semipesadas. Foram utilizadas 240 poedeiras Hy-Line Brown, às 32 semanas de idade, com peso médio 1,650 ± 0,034 kg, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos de dez repetições cada. O experimento teve duração de 140 dias, divididos em cinco períodos. Foram empregados os seguintes tratamentos: tratamento 1 - controle negativo (sem promotor de crescimento); tratamento 2 - controle positivo (com promotor de crescimento - Virginiamicina); tratamento 3 – Ração basal + ácidos orgânicos + óleos essenciais; e tratamento 4 - Ração basal + simbiótico. Não houve efeito significativo dos tratamentos sobre as variáveis: consumo de ração, produção, peso dos ovos, massa de ovos, conversão por massa de ovos e conversão por dúzia de ovos (P > 0,05). Conclui-se que a associação de ácidos orgânicos e óleos essenciais, e o simbiótico, podem substituir os promotores de crescimento sem alterar o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras comerciais semipesadas. O uso de simbiótico na dieta (T5) proporciona uma maior margem bruta quando comparado com os demais tratamentos.

This experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of organic acids, essential oils and symbiotic as antimicrobial (growth promoters) replacements on performance, egg quality and economic viability of semi-heavy laying hens production. A total of 240 Hy-line Brown layers hens at 32 weeks of age and with an average weight of 1.650 ± 0.034kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments containing six replicates each one. The experiment lasted 140 days and was divided into five periods. The following treatments were employed: treatment 1 - negative control (without growth promoter); Treatment 2 - positive control (with growth promoter - virginiamycin); Treatment 3 - basal ration + organic acids + essential oils; and treatment 4 - basal ration + symbiotic. There were no significant effects of treatments on the variables feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, conversion by egg mass, and conversion per dozen eggs (P > 0,05). It was concluded that the combination of organic acids, essential oils and symbiotic can replace growth promoters without changing the performance and quality of semi-heavy laying eggs. The use of symbiotic in diet provide a higher gross margin when compared to the other treatments.

Ácidos orgânicos, óleos essenciais e simbiótico na dieta de poedeiras semipesadas: desempenho produtivo e análise econômica / Organic acids, essential oils and symbiotic in semi-heavy laying hen diets: productive performance andeconomic analysis

Objetivou-se com esse experimento avaliar os efeitos dos ácidos orgânicos, óleos essenciais e de um simbiótico, em substituição aos antimicrobianos (promotores de crescimento) sobre o desempenho, qualidade de ovos e viabilidade econômica da produção de poedeiras comerciais semipesadas. Foram utilizadas 240 poedeiras Hy-Line Brown, às 32 semanas de idade, com peso médio 1,650 ± 0,034 kg, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos de dez repetições cada. O experimento teve duração de 140 dias, divididos em cinco períodos. Foram empregados os seguintes tratamentos: tratamento 1 - controle negativo (sem promotor de crescimento); tratamento 2 - controle positivo (com promotor de crescimento - Virginiamicina); tratamento 3 Ração basal + ácidos orgânicos + óleos essenciais; e tratamento 4 - Ração basal + simbiótico. Não houve efeito significativo dos tratamentos sobre as variáveis: consumo de ração, produção, peso dos ovos, massa de ovos, conversão por massa de ovos e conversão por dúzia de ovos (P > 0,05). Conclui-se que a associação de ácidos orgânicos e óleos essenciais, e o simbiótico, podem substituir os promotores de crescimento sem alterar o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras comerciais semipesadas. O uso de simbiótico na dieta (T5) proporciona uma maior margem bruta quando comparado com os demais tratamentos.(AU)

This experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of organic acids, essential oils and symbiotic as antimicrobial (growth promoters) replacements on performance, egg quality and economic viability of semi-heavy laying hens production. A total of 240 Hy-line Brown layers hens at 32 weeks of age and with an average weight of 1.650 ± 0.034kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments containing six replicates each one. The experiment lasted 140 days and was divided into five periods. The following treatments were employed: treatment 1 - negative control (without growth promoter); Treatment 2 - positive control (with growth promoter - virginiamycin); Treatment 3 - basal ration + organic acids + essential oils; and treatment 4 - basal ration + symbiotic. There were no significant effects of treatments on the variables feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, conversion by egg mass, and conversion per dozen eggs (P > 0,05). It was concluded that the combination of organic acids, essential oils and symbiotic can replace growth promoters without changing the performance and quality of semi-heavy laying eggs. The use of symbiotic in diet provide a higher gross margin when compared to the other treatments.(AU)

Alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters for weanling pigs / Alternativas aos antibióticos melhoradores de desempenho para leitões desmamados

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the addition of sodium butyrate, plant extracts and nucleotides on weanling pig performance, digestive content pH, organ morphometry, and intestinal epithelial histology. A total of 90 piglets at 21 days of age and an average initial weight of 6.35±0.34kg were used. The piglets were distributed in a randomized complete block design with five treatments, six replicates, and three animals per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of the following: Control: basal diet without antibiotic; Antibiotic: basal diet with 40mg kg-1 colistin sulfate and Additive: 1000, 1500 and 2000mg kg-1 of a combination of sodium butyrate + plant extracts + nucleotides. The experiment lasted 35 days, at which time one animal was slaughtered to assess pH of the digestive contents, morphometry of the organs and histology of the intestinal epithelium. No differences were found (P>0.05) in the performance, pH of the digestive contents, morphometry of the organs or histology of the intestinal epithelium by the analysis of orthogonal polynomials or contrasts. The combination of sodium butyrate, plant extracts and nucleotides not improved the productive characteristics of weanling pigs.

Foi conduzido um experimento para avaliar a adição de butirato de sódio, extratos vegetais e nucleotídeos sobre desempenho, pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria dos órgãos e histologia do epitélio intestinal de leitões desmamados. Foram utilizados 90 leitões, com idade média de 21 dias e peso médio inicial de 6,35±0,34kg. Os leitões foram distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados completos, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições por tratamento e três animais por unidade experimental. As dietas experimentais consistiam de: Controle - dieta basal sem antibiótico; Antibiótico - dieta basal com 40mg kg-1 de sulfato de colistina; Aditivo: 1000, 1500 e 2000mg kg-1 de uma combinação de butirato de sódio + extrato vegetal + nucleotídeos. No 35o dia de experimentação, foi eutanasiado um animal por gaiola (unidade experimental) para avaliar o pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria de órgãos e histologia do epitélio intestinal. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) para desempenho, pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria de órgãos e histologia do epitélio intestinal por meio das análises de polinômios ortogonais ou mesmo pelos contrastes. A combinação de butirato de sódio, extratos vegetais e nucleotídeos não melhorou as características produtivas de leitões desmamados.

Alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters for weanling pigs / Alternativas aos antibióticos melhoradores de desempenho para leitões desmamados

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the addition of sodium butyrate, plant extracts and nucleotides on weanling pig performance, digestive content pH, organ morphometry, and intestinal epithelial histology. A total of 90 piglets at 21 days of age and an average initial weight of 6.35±0.34kg were used. The piglets were distributed in a randomized complete block design with five treatments, six replicates, and three animals per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of the following: Control: basal diet without antibiotic; Antibiotic: basal diet with 40mg kg-1 colistin sulfate and Additive: 1000, 1500 and 2000mg kg-1 of a combination of sodium butyrate + plant extracts + nucleotides. The experiment lasted 35 days, at which time one animal was slaughtered to assess pH of the digestive contents, morphometry of the organs and histology of the intestinal epithelium. No differences were found (P>0.05) in the performance, pH of the digestive contents, morphometry of the organs or histology of the intestinal epithelium by the analysis of orthogonal polynomials or contrasts. The combination of sodium butyrate, plant extracts and nucleotides not improved the productive characteristics of weanling pigs.(AU)

Foi conduzido um experimento para avaliar a adição de butirato de sódio, extratos vegetais e nucleotídeos sobre desempenho, pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria dos órgãos e histologia do epitélio intestinal de leitões desmamados. Foram utilizados 90 leitões, com idade média de 21 dias e peso médio inicial de 6,35±0,34kg. Os leitões foram distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados completos, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições por tratamento e três animais por unidade experimental. As dietas experimentais consistiam de: Controle - dieta basal sem antibiótico; Antibiótico - dieta basal com 40mg kg-1 de sulfato de colistina; Aditivo: 1000, 1500 e 2000mg kg-1 de uma combinação de butirato de sódio + extrato vegetal + nucleotídeos. No 35o dia de experimentação, foi eutanasiado um animal por gaiola (unidade experimental) para avaliar o pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria de órgãos e histologia do epitélio intestinal. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) para desempenho, pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria de órgãos e histologia do epitélio intestinal por meio das análises de polinômios ortogonais ou mesmo pelos contrastes. A combinação de butirato de sódio, extratos vegetais e nucleotídeos não melhorou as características produtivas de leitões desmamados.(AU)

Anti-hyperglycemic effect, inhibition of inflammatory cytokines expression, and histopathology profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Arracacia tolucensis aerial-parts extracts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Arracacia tolucensis is a medicinal plant used in northeast of Mexico as a remedy to treat people with Diabetes mellitus (DM); however, there are no scientific studies that support this information. Thus, we evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of the hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts from aerial parts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DM was induced in Wistar male rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ 50mg/kg). After STZ-induction, hyperglycemic rats were treated with all three extracts orally at a single dose (250 mg/kg) each 48 h for 21 days. Glibenclamide (1mg/kg) was used as a reference drug. The fasting blood glucose levels, the hematic biometry and biochemical profiles, and the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines expression were estimated. Histopathology analysis of pancreas, liver, spleen, and kidney tissue was carried out. RESULTS: Ours results showed that ethyl acetate extract decreased blood glucose levels significantly (75%, p< 0.05) when compared to diabetic rats and controlled the body weight loss; the lipids level did not change, but the enzyme levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase decreased significantly (60.83% and 66.16%, respectively, p< 0.05) and inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines,with respect to diabetic rats. Histopathology injury was not observed; by contrast repair of islet of Langerhans was exhibited. CONCLUSION: These results validate the use of Arracacia tolucensis as a treatment against DM and suggests it is suitable to continue studies for its safe therapeutic use.

Preparation of pellets containing Pothomorphe umbellata extracts by extrusion-spheronization: improvement of 4-nerolidylcatechol photostability

Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq., Piperaceae, has been extensively used in Brazilian folk medicine and it is well known for its strong antioxidant properties. However, its main active constituent, 4-nerolydilcatechol (4-NC), is sensitive to ultraviolet and visible light, which can limit the use of intermediate and final herbal preparations of this species. In the present work, coated multiparticulate solid dosage forms of P. umbellata were obtained with the purpose of increasing the stability of 4-NC. P. umbellata extract was used as a wetting liquid for the preparation of pellets by extrusion-spheronization. Pellets were coated in a fluidized bed by three different polymers (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), polyvynilpirrolidone K-30 (PVP-K30), and polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft-copolymer (PVAPEG)). 4-NC photostability was evaluated by an accelerated photostability protocol. Pellets showed a narrow size distribution and low friability. 4-NC photodegradation followed a second order degradation kinetics with similar k values for the percolate, uncoated pellets and HPMC coated pellets. Photoprotection was higher in pellets coated with PVP-K30 and PVA-PEG. PVA-PEG coated pellets with 6 and 9% weight gain resulted in a final concentration of 4-NC approximately cinco times higher than uncoated pellets or liquid extracts, suggesting the potential of this formulation as a multiparticulate solid dosage form for P. umbellata extracts.