Evaluation of Ointments with Daldinia eschscholtzii in Wound Healing in an In Vivo Model.

Fungi are a source of a variety of secondary metabolites of importance in different areas of biotechnology. Several compounds have been characterized with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity from fungi of the division of the Ascomycota, among which is the species Daldinia eschscholtzii, an endophyte fungus of pantropical distribution. In this study, we evaluated the effect of an ointment made with D. eschscholtzii on the wound healing of BALB/c mice. The species was corroborated using a molecular marker Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1 and ITS4). The extracts and dust of the fungus were considered nontoxic as they caused a mortality of <15% in the nematode Panagrellus redivivus, and experimental ointments had no adverse effects on the skin of BALB/c mice. Wounds treated with the D. eschscholtzii ointments had 99.9-100% wound contraction after 17 days, which was similar to commercial healing (positive control). As such, the ointment of D. eschscholtzii is a natural alternative to improve wound healing.

Development of a topical treatment for tegumentary leishmaniasis using 8-hydroxyquinoline.

In the context of neglected diseases, tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) presents an emerging and re-emerging character in the national territory and in the world. The treatment of TL has limitations, such as intravenous administration route, high toxicity, and high treatment costs. Thus, several researchers work on new therapeutic strategies to improve the effectiveness of the treatment of leishmaniasis. In this light, the present study used a topical formulation, containing 8-hydroquinoline (8-HQN), for the treatment of Balb/c mice infected with L. amazonensis. After the treatment, the mean diameter of the lesion was measured, as well as the parasite load in organs and immunological parameters associated with the treatment. The results showed that the animals treated with 8-HQN 5%, when compared to controls, showed a reduction in the mean diameter of the lesion and in the parasite load. The animals treated with the ointment showed a type 1 cellular immune response profile associated with the production of cytokines such as INF-γ and TNF-α. In addition, the treatment did not demonstrate toxicity to mice. Therefore, the topical formulation containing 8-HQN 5% is a promising candidate in the topical treatment and could be considered, in the future, as an alternative for the treatment of TL.

Homeopathic Pyrogenium Ointment as Adjuvant in Treatment of Traumatic and Infected Myiasis by Cochliomyia Hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Sheep: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The blowfly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) causes traumatic myiasis in farm animals, with deeply embedded larvae that lead to serious tissue damage and sometimes death. Treating this form of myiasis is difficult, often resulting in poor outcomes. As a homeopathic preparation that can mimic traumatic myiasis symptoms, Pyrogenium could potentially supplement treatment. This study aimed to describe the adjuvant effect that a Pyrogenium ointment might have in the treatment of sheep with traumatic myiasis. PATIENTS: The study reports a homeopathic adjuvant treatment with Pyrogenium 12cH ointment in six sheep with traumatic and infected myiasis. Daily clinical examinations were performed to monitor the evolution of the health of animals. Pyrogenium 12cH ointment was applied topically on the wounds, after cleaning and mechanical removal of the larvae from the lesion. Blood samples were collected for blood counts, and wound exudate samples were obtained for bacteriological examination before and after wound treatment. RESULTS: The ointment of Pyrogenium 12cH limited the development of parasitic larvae and was associated with the repair of tissue losses resulting from the myiases and with subsequent wound healing, together with control of fever and local inflammation. CONCLUSION: Homeopathic Pyrogenium 12cH, formulated as an ointment, may be a useful new and adjuvant therapeutic option for treating traumatic and infected myiasis in animals.

Topical ivermectin ointment treatment of Demodex blepharitis: a 6-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of topical ivermectin 1% ointment, for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. METHODS: A retrospective study was designed to review electronic medical records of patients seen between January 2017 and December 2022, who had a diagnosis of Demodex blepharitis, treated with topical ivermectin 1% with at least 6 months of follow-up (Centro de Ojos Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina). The presence of collarettes was graded from 0 to 4. An imaging system (Keratograph) was used, to evaluate tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear break-up time (NIKBUT), and degree of conjunctival redness. In addition, the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) test was performed. Results were compared before and after ivermectin treatment, which was performed once a day for 2 months. RESULTS: A total of 2157 patients (4314 eyes) were included. The mean age was 50.43 ± 15.3 years, and the follow-up time was 26.1 ± 8.5 months. No one discontinued treatment due to intolerance, although 14 cases (0.6 %) reported occasional discomfort. The grade of collarettes decreased with statistical significance, from 3.37 ± 0.7 to 0.1 ± 0.3 (p < 0.01), as well as conjunctival redness from 1.32 ± 0.3 to 0.94 ± 0.4 (p < 0.01) and OSDI score from 58.74 ± 17.9 to 17.1 ± 10.5 (p = 0.02). TMH and NIKBUT improved without statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Treatment with ivermectin 1% topical ointment, once daily for 2 months, was effective in reducing the presence of collarettes and in improving symptoms in patients with Demodex blepharitis.

Histopathologic findings in ointment pseudo-cheilitis: An alert to dermatopathologists.

Ointment pseudo-cheilitis is a recently recognized distinctive type of self-induced cheilitis. Lesions consist of a variable amount of crusts adhered to the vermilion. These crusts consist of dried saliva and dead cells mixed with applied medications attached to the lip surface. Patients are typically severely anxious or depressed; the condition impacts quality of life. Ointment pseudo-cheilitis is frequently misdiagnosed as exfoliative cheilitis or cheilitis glandularis. Biopsy reports are often non-revealing because there are no established histopathological criteria for this disease, and clinicians usually do not formulate the correct diagnostic hypothesis. Here, we present the histopathological findings of four cases of ointment pseudo-cheilitis. The most consistent finding was the presence of laminated parakeratotic material detached from the epithelium in biopsies that are devoid of other significant diagnostic changes. This material at the lip surface possibly represents physiologic labial desquamation mixed with dried saliva and applied medication. With this report, we intend to alert dermatopathologists to the diagnosis of ointment pseudo-cheilitis if they receive biopsies from patients who present clinically exuberant labial lesions that show only minimal histopathological changes.

Enhanced topical paromomycin delivery for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment: Passive and iontophoretic approaches.

Conventional treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a neglected vector-borne infectious disease, can frequently lead to serious adverse effects. Paromomycin (PAR), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, has been suggested for the topical treatment of disease-related lesions, but even when formulated in high drug-loading dosage forms, presents controversial efficacy. The presence of five ionizable amino groups hinder its passive cutaneous penetration but make PAR an excellent candidate for iontophoretic delivery. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of using iontophoresis for cutaneous PAR delivery and to propose a topical passive drug delivery system that could be applied between iontophoretic treatments. For this, in vitro iontophoretic experiments evaluated different application durations (10, 30, and 360 min), current densities (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mA/cm2), PAR concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 %), and skin models (intact and impaired porcine skin). In addition, 1 % PAR hydrogel had its penetration profile compared to 15 % PAR ointment in passive transport. Results showed iontophoresis could deliver suitable PAR amounts to dermal layers, even in short times and with impaired skin. Biodistribution assays showed both iontophoretic transport and the proposed hydrogel delivered higher PAR amounts to deeper skin layers than conventional ointment, even though applying 15 times less drug. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PAR drug delivery enhancement by iontophoresis. In summary, the association of iontophoresis with a topical application of PAR gel seems appropriate for improving cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.

Protective effect of nitroglycerin ointment and dimethyl sulfoxide on necrosis of skin flaps in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the protective effect of nitroglycerin ointment 2% and Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in dorsal flaps of the rat. METHODS: A blind, experimental study was conducted in 24 male Wistar rats, with a mean weight of 320 (286-376) grams. Group 1: Control. Petrolatum jelly (Vaseline), n = 8, Group 2: Nitroglycerin (NTG) ointment 2% (Nitro-Bid, Altana Co.) n = 8, and Group 3: DMSO gel 90% (Neogen corp. Lexington KY, 40611), n = 8. RESULTS: A total of 24 rats were operated on in the 6-month period of this study. Using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test analysis, a statistically significant p was obtained between the control group and 2% NTG ointment, both in the area of necrosis and in the healthy area (p = 0.026). In contrast, the comparison between DMSO [CH3) 2SO] and the control group (p = 0.180) and between both study groups, with a p = 0.18, was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our study concluded that there is a protective effect of 2% NTG ointment for flap survival in relation to the control group (petrolatum). DMSO administered topically did not show a protective effect, compared to the control group.

OBJETIVO: Comparar el efecto protector del ungüento de nitroglicerina 2% y el dimetilsulfoxido 90% en colgajos dorsales en ratas. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio experimental ciego en 24 ratas Wistar macho, con un peso medio de 320 gramos. Grupo 1: Control. Petrolato n = 8, Grupo 2: Nitroglicerina unguento al 2 % (Nitro-Bid, Altana Co.), n = 8, Grupo 3. Dimetilsulfóxido al 90% (Neogen corp. Lexington KY.), n = 8. RESULTADOS: Un total de 24 ratas fueron operadas en el período de 6 meses de este estudio. Mediante un análisis no paramétrico de la prueba U de Mann Whitney, se obtuvo una p estadísticamente significativa entre el grupo control y la pomada de nitroglicerina al 2%, tanto en el área de necrosis como en el área sana (p = 0.026). Por el contrario, la comparación entre DMSO y el grupo control (p = 0.180) y entre ambos grupos de estudio, con una p = 0.18, no fue significativa. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro estudio concluyó que existe un efecto protector de la pomada de nitroglicerina al 2% para la supervivencia del colgajo en relación al grupo control (vaselina). El DMSO administrado por vía tópica no mostró un efecto protector, en comparación con el grupo de control.

Lychnophora ericoides Mart. (Brazilian arnica) ethanol extract accelerates the skin wound healing process: Evidence for its mechanism of action.

BACKGROUND: Lychnophora ericoides Mart, also known as the Brazilian arnica or fake arnica, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Leaves and roots are used in alcoholic and hydroalcoholic preparations for the treatment of wounds, inflammation, and pain. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of L. ericoides ethanolic extract (EELE) on cutaneous wound healing and the mechanisms of action involved. METHODS: A total of 72 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. An excisional wound was made in the dorsal region of each mouse. The test groups were topically treated with the vehicle, a positive control commercial reference drug, EELE ointment (5%), and EELE ointment (10%). The treatments were applied over 14 days. The wound area was measured every two days to verify the wound closure kinetics. On days 3, 7, and 14 the wound tissue samples were processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson-Trichrome, and Toluidine blue staining. The expression of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components, the vascular growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), and type I collagen genes were evaluated. Phytochemical analyses were performed using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS: The EELE (10%) significantly reduced the wound area compared to the treatments used for the other groups. Histological analysis demonstrated that wounds treated with L. ericoides for 14 days developed improved anatomical skin features, healed with hair follicles and sebaceous glands, increased collagen production and angiogenesis, and decreased the number of mast cells at the injury site. Real-time PCR data demonstrated that groups treated with EELE (10%) showed increased Type I collagen, VEGF-A, FGF-2, and AT1R and decreased ACE II and receptor MAS. The healing action of L. ericoides may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid derivatives, and C-glycoside flavonoids. CONCLUSION: Topical treatment with EELE increases important factors for wound healing: FGF, VEGF, collagen formation, and the expression of the proliferative axis of the renin-angiotensin system. For the first time, the present study shows the healing action of L. ericoides at the molecular level in an animal model. This process can be used as an alternative therapy for wound healing and the development of herbal therapy.

Treatment topical with silver nanoparticles and Stryphnodendron Adstringens (Mart.) Coville in cervical lesions: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of incorporating technology as a new alternative for treating topics on cervical lesions. METHOD: This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial with a prospective design. During the realization of this study, 43 women were included and divided between groups A (ointment without silver nanoparticles n = 23) and B (ointment with silver nanoparticles n = 20) clinically healthy and who used the unified health system. RESULTS: There were no significant differences when comparing before and after the use of ointment for IVA test (p = 0.15), Schiller test (p = 0.15), cellular changes (p = 0.47) and microbiological analysis (p = 0.89) through cytology. After use, no adverse reaction was observed in the sample studied. CONCLUSION: Based on the results identified in this study, identified that the product is safe and does not promote adverse events. Regarding the effectiveness of the product in uterine cervical lesions, it is necessary to continue the study in phase II. Registro de Ensaios Clínicos Brasileiros: UTN: U1111-1218-2820.

Clinical efficacy evaluation of crisaborole ointment in the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of crisaborole ointment in the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia. METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted, and a total of 100 patients with vulvar leukoplakia were divided into the observation group (n=50) treated with crisaborole ointment and the control group (n=50) treated with vitamin E. The symptom improvement and vulvar leukoplakia score after 2 weeks of treatment were analyzed, and the clinical efficacy of vulvar leukoplakia was evaluated by referring to the Guidelines for Clinical Research of New Drugs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2018 Edition). RESULTS: After 2 weeks of treatment, the overall score of lesions in the observation group decreased, and the total treatment efficiency of patients in the observation group was 92% (46/50), which was significantly higher than that of 52% (26/50) in the control group P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Crisaborole ointment can effectively treat vulvar leukoplakia, improving the symptoms and pathological changes of the vulvar skin.

Development, physicochemical evaluation, and in vivo permeation studies of topical formulations containing 0.1% tacrolimus

Abstract The objective of this paper was to develop and evaluate two semi-solid pharmaceutical forms containing 0.1% tacrolimus: cream (CRT01) and gel (GLT01). For the evaluation of physicochemical stability, at times 0, 30, 60 and 90 days, at 23°C and at 40°C, High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with a Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) was employed. This method was developed and validated for tacrolimus quantification. The occlusivity test and skin permeation assay were also performed, using an animal model (Wistar rats), and the CRT01 and GLT01 were compared to the 0.1% tacrolimus ointment (PFU01) obtained from the University Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. CRT01 and GLT01 presented a homogeneous aspect and consistency adequate for topical products, along with sensory characteristics above PFU01. They also presented adequate physicochemical stability for 90 days and a lower occlusive effect than PFU01 (p<0.05). CRT01 showed greater affinity for the skin when compared to PFU01 and GLT01, with low systemic absorption. The CRT01 semi-solid formulation was considered the most adequate one to treat patients with atopic dermatitis or other dermatologic inflammatory diseases, promoting rational use of tacrolimus

Effect of Cissus quadrangularis on Fracture Healing in Laboratory Animal / Efeito do Cissus quadrangularis na cicatrização de fraturas em animais de laboratório

Objectives: The present study was designed to examine the efficacy of Cissus quadrangularis paste on fracture healing in artificially induced fractured rabbits. Methods: Fifteen rabbits were separated into three groups namely A, B, and C. Veldt grape paste was applied in groups B and C (Treatment Group) by close reduction and open reduction methods of fracture management; respectively, while group A was kept as control. The blood parameter and fracture healing properties in all animals have been monitored and examined routinely during the study period. Results: Both treated groups revealed lower serum calcium levels (SCL) than the control group after 24 hours of fracture that became within the normal range on the 14th day. Fracture healing in the treated groups has been commenced more rapidly than the control group with complete bridging of discontinuity by a distinct osseous callus in the fracture line on day 7 and complete effacing of fracture line on day 14. Conclusion: We did not find any type of anomalousness, clinical deviations, and alteration of serum calcium level on the 14th day of the fracture in treated animals hence Veldt Grape paste could be readily applicable to the management of the fracture in animals.

Objetivos: avaliar a eficácia da pasta de Cissus quadrangularis na consolidação de fraturas em coelhos fraturados artificialmente. Metodos: quinze coelhos foram separados em três grupos (A, B e C). A pasta foi aplicada nos grupos B e C (Grupo de Tratamento) pelos métodos de redução fechada e redução aberta de gerenciamento de fraturas; respectivamente. O grupo A foi mantido como controle. O parâmetro sanguíneo e as propriedades de cicatrização de fraturas em todos os animais foram monitorados e examinados, rotineiramente, durante o período do estudo. Resultados: ambos os grupos tratados revelaram níveis séricos de cálcio (SCL) mais baixos do que o grupo controle, após 24 horas de fratura que se tornou normal no 14º dia. A cicatrização da fratura nos grupos tratados foi iniciada mais rapidamente do que o grupo controle, com ponte completa de descontinuidade por um calo ósseo distinto na linha de fratura no dia 7 e apagamento completo da linha de fratura no dia 14. Conclusao: não encontramos nenhum tipo de anomalia, desvios clínicos e alteração do nível sérico de cálcio no 14º dia da fratura nos animais tratados, portanto, a pasta Veldt Grape pode ser aplicável ao manejo da fratura em animais.

Walnut ointment promotes full-thickness burning wound healing: role of linoleic acid.

PURPOSE: To investigate the active ingredients of walnut ointment (WO) and its mechanism in repairing wounds. METHODS: The ingredients of WO were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The effect of linoleic acid (LA) was tested by in vitro Alamar Blue (AB) reagent. Image J software, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were used to confirm the healing effect of LA in the porcine skin model. The animals were euthanized after the experiment by injection of pentobarbital sodium. RESULTS: LA, 24% in WO, promotes keratinocytes and fibroblasts proliferation, which were 50.09% and 15.07% respectively higher than control (p < 0.05). The healing rate of the LA group (96.02% ± 2%, 98.58% ± 0.78%) was higher than the saline group (82.11% ± 3.37%, 88.72% ± 1.73%) at week 3 and week 4 (p < 0.05). The epidermal thickness of the LA was 0.16 ± 0.04 mm greater and the expression of the P63 and CK10 proteins was stronger in the LA group than the control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LA, which is the main components in WO can promote full-thickness burning wounds (FBWs) by stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Treatment and Prevention Practices by Pediatric Emergency Medicine Providers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) treatment and prevention practices among pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) clinicians in the context of current clinical practice guidelines and contemporary evidence. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of PEM clinicians belonging to the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine Survey listserv. Four varying hypothetical clinical scenarios of children with SSTI were posed to respondents; subsequent items assessed SSTI treatment and prevention practices. Provider demographics were collected. RESULTS: Of 160 survey respondents, more than half stated that they would prescribe oral antibiotics for each clinical scenario, particularly for more complex presentations (small uncomplicated abscess, 51.8%; large uncomplicated abscess, 71.5%; recurrent abscess, 83.5%; febrile abscess, 90.3%; P < 0.001). Most commonly selected antibiotics were clindamycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Across scenarios, more than 80% selected a duration of treatment 7 days or more. Of the 121 respondents who prescribe preventive measures, 85.1% recommend hygiene measures; 52.5% would prescribe decolonization with topical antibiotic ointment and 77.5% would recommend antiseptic body washes. Half of the respondents reported that their institution has standard guidance for SSTI management. CONCLUSIONS: Although current evidence supports adjuvant antibiotics for all drained SSTI and decolonization for the index patient and household contacts, PEM clinicians do not consistently adhere to these recommendations. In light of these findings, development and implementation of institutional guidelines are necessary to aid PEM clinicians' point-of-care decision making and improving evidence-based practice.

Development, characterization and in vivo evaluation of the ointment containing hyaluronic acid for potential wound healing applications.

Wound healing is a complex biological process. In this context, hyaluronic acid (HA) plays an important role in all phases of wound healing, from inflammation to the remodelling process. Nevertheless, its presence in adults decreases by 50% compared to newborns, which drastically reduces tissue regeneration. In this sense, this work presented a new method of extracting HA from chicken combs, as well as the development and in vivo evaluation of an ointment composed of vaseline, lanolin and HA 1% (w/w) for wound healing. The rheological analysis showed that the ointment containing HA has a viscoelastic behaviour. The in vivo test showed on the 7th day that the group treated with the ointment containing HA had a wound area of 0.07 cm2 against 0.09 cm2 of the ointment without HA (vaseline, and lanolin). On the other hand, the groups treated with the HA ointment had a higher mean percentage of collagen and better healing on the 14th day. The results of this paper indicate that the new method used to obtain HA is feasible, low-cost, and easy to obtain. Furthermore, the HA containing ointment improved wound healing. Therefore, the obtained ointment has great potential for use as an effective biomaterial in wound healing.

Effects of the healing activity of rosemary-of-Chapada (Lippia gracilis Schauer) on cutaneous lesions in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments on the healing of rat skin lesions. METHODS: Sixty adult male rats, with dorsal excisional skin wounds made surgically under anesthesia, were divided into three groups (n = 20): Sham group (untreated wounds); control group (CG, wounds treated with vehicle); and essential oil (EO) treated group (wounds treated with essential oil-based ointments), administered topically once daily. Skin wounds were evaluated at 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after EO or vehicle treatments. Lesions were analyzed macroscopically for the contraction degree. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of skin wounds were used for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: Macroscopic evaluation showed wounds edges with thin crust without firmness and yellowish color, along with an improvement in wound contraction in EO group when compared to the other groups. A reduced inflammatory reaction, along with newly formed small diameter capillaries and more organized and elongated collagen fibers, were more frequently observed in EO group than in the other groups. Moreover, blood vessel number and collagen fibers density were significantly higher in EO group. CONCLUSIONS: Skin lesion treatment with rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments accelerates the initial stages of healing, reduces inflammation, and increases angiogenesis, collagen fibers density, and wound contraction in rats.

Safety and tolerability of cinnamaldehyde in orabase for oral candidiasis treatment: phase I clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To advance studies on the effect of a new pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of oral fungal infections, we evaluated the safety and tolerability of orabase ointment containing cinnamaldehyde for use on the oral mucosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical trial (phase I) was carried out on 35 individuals with healthy oral mucosa divided into three groups: ointments at 200 µg/mL, n = 12; 300 µg/mL, n = 11; and 400 µg/mL, n = 12. Product safety was assessed using three parameters: (a) clinical evolution as recorded by trained examiners; (b) evolution of the inflammatory process as registered by an exfoliative cytology exam and analyzed by trained pathologists; (c) mucosal swab to count Candida spp. colony-forming units (CFU). These parameters were analyzed both beforehand and at 15 days of treatment. RESULTS: The three ointment concentrations evaluated did not trigger inflammatory processes. The mycological analyses revealed a reduction of at least 99% in the number of Candida spp. CFU. In the exfoliative cytology analyses, the cells were found to be healthy. Participants reported a pleasant taste, yet 17% reported a slight burning sensation when applying the product. CONCLUSIONS: The ointment is safe and tolerable for use on healthy oral mucosa. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number: RBR-7zwzs3. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ointment proved to be safe and tolerable for use on oral mucosa, encouraging studies to evaluate its clinical efficacy in patients with oral candidiasis, and contributing to a new therapeutic proposal for the treatment of fungal infections caused by Candida spp.

Effect of Ointments of Sulphur or Pyrogenium on Larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

BACKGROUND: Myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a serious problem in animal health in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Ointment-type preparations are a good option of formulation in cases of myiasis in farm and pet animals. Sulphur and Pyrogenium have already shown in-vitro efficacy on C. hominivorax. This article describes an in-vitro experiment to test the inhibition of development from exposing larvae of C. hominivorax to two homeopathic ointments (prepared individually with Sulphur or Pyrogenium). METHODS: The homeopathic ointments were produced by mixing sterile lanolin, tocopherol and homeopathic medicine on a hydroalcoholic basis according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. Larvae were obtained from naturally occurring myiases in sheep (wild larvae) or from a laboratory colony. The test consisted of exposing a group of 10 third-stage C. hominivorax wild larvae in contact with Sulphur or Pyrogenium ointment, or a group of 15 laboratory-propagated larvae in contact with the alcoholic vehicle of the ointment or homeopathic medicines prepared in sterile water (Sulphur or Pyrogenium), and observing the effect on the development, longevity and fertility of the blow-fly specimens. RESULTS: The C. hominivorax larval inhibition rate was 90.0% for the Sulphur ointment group and was 86.0% for the Pyrogenium ointment group. The non-alcoholic vehicle and the alcoholic vehicle inhibited the development of 24.0% and 22.08% of the larvae respectively. Sulphur prepared in sterile water inhibited the development of 74.67% and Pyrogenium in sterile water inhibited 73.33% of larvae. Specimens that survived contact with homeopathic ointments had their longevity decreased and did not reproduce. CONCLUSION: Ointments of Sulphur or Pyrogenium were able to inhibit the development of C. hominivorax larvae. The ointment vehicle was harmless.

Utility of the combination of hederagenin glucoside saponins and chromane hydrazone in the topical treatment of canine cutaneous leishmaniasis. An observational study.

Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis (CCL) is an emerging zoonotic infection endemic in several countries of the world. Due to variable response to therapy and frequency of relapses, a more effective, safer, and inexpensive treatment is needed. Recently, it was reported that the hederagenin glucoside saponins (SS) and chromane-derived hydrazone (TC2) combined in a 1:1 ratio has high potential in antileishmanial therapy since both compounds alter the survival of Leishmania and the ability to infect adjacent macrophage. Not only the skin permeation and the absorption of an ointment containing 2% TC2 and 2% SS (w/w) was determined in this work, but also the acute dermal toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Last, the effectiveness and safety of the topical therapy with 2% TC2-2% SS ointment was evaluated in an observational study in dogs with diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Both TC2 and SS diffused through pig ear skin and traces of TC2 (but not SS) were detected in the stratum corneum of mice at 6-24 h. Neither TC2 nor SS was detected in plasma. The acute dermal toxicity was negative. Treatment with 2% TC2-2% SS ointment produced a complete long-term clinical cure in 56 dogs (24 females and 32 males) from the Orinoco and Amazonas regions in southeastern Colombia without adverse effects. All dogs have remained disease-free for the last 24 months. In conclusion, these results support the use of this topical therapy as a safer and new first-line local treatment of CCL that could help limit the spread of CL from dogs to humans.

Interference of natural extract from Jatobá (Hymenaea martiana Hayne) with the physico-chemical characteristics and yield of goat milk and cheese / [Interferência do extrato natural de jatobá (Hymenaea martiana Hayne) sobre as características físico-químicas e o rendimento do leite e queijo coalho de cabra]

Several studies have assessed the therapeutic potential of natural products against mastitis, but only a few have evaluated the impacts of this alternative therapy on the main properties of milk and dairy products. In this study, we observed how the treatment of mastitis with ethanolic extract of Jatobá (Hymenaea martiana Hayne) influenced the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of coalho cheese. An ointment containing the ethanolic extract was prepared for intramammary use in six dairy goats. The experiment was conducted in three experimental moments. Milking was performed, manually, and both milk and cheese were subjected to physicochemical and sensory tests. No difference was observed (p>0.05) in the physicochemical aspects of milk between the studied groups. The solids-non-fat showed a statistical difference between experimental moments M1 and M2. The protein means varied from 3.33 to 3.62, and there was a statistical difference between the two moments, while the lactose means varied from 4.79 to 5.38%. The physicochemical aspects of cheese remained similar with both treatments. Except for appearance, the sensory characteristics showed no statistical difference. In conclusion, the use of Jatobá extract ointment did not influence the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of goat milk or cheese.

A mastite representa uma das principais enfermidades nos rebanhos de caprinos leiteiros, com implicações na produção de leite e na qualidade final dos derivados. Objetivou-se observar a influência do tratamento da mastite com o extrato etanólico da Hymenaea martiana Hayne sobre as características físico-químicas e sensoriais do queijo tipo coalho. Uma pomada contendo extrato foi elaborada para uso intramamário em seis fêmeas caprinas especializadas na produção de leite. As metades esquerdas dos tetos das cabras receberam essa infusão, enquanto a metade direita era controle. O experimento foi conduzido em três momentos experimentais. Realizou-se ordenha manual e análise físico-química do leite. Para o queijo, foram realizados testes físico-químicos e teste sensorial. Quantos aos aspectos físico-químicos do leite, é possível afirmar que não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os grupos. Houve diferença estatística para sólidos não gordurosos nos momentos experimentais M1 e M2. As médias de proteína variaram entre 3,33 e 3,62, e houve diferença estatística em dois momentos. As médias de lactose variaram entre 4,79% e 5,38%. Os aspectos físico-químicos do queijo mantiveram resultados similares entre os dois tratamentos. Os parâmetros sensoriais para o queijo coalho de cabra não tiveram diferença estatística entre os tratamentos, contudo a aparência se destacou em relação aos demais parâmetros sensoriais. O uso da pomada elaborada com extrato de jatobá não interferiu sobre as características físico-químicas do leite de cabra e sobre as características físico-químicas e sensoriais do queijo tipo coalho de cabra.