Improving Riparin-A Dissolution through a Laponite Based Nanohybrid.

(1) Background: Riparin-A presents several pharmacological activities already elucidated, such as antimicrobial modulator, antileishmania, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant. Even with important bioactive effects, the applicability of Riparin-A is limited due to its low solubility in water, impairing its dissolution in biological fluids. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a nanohybrid based on Riparin-A and Laponite to obtain a better dissolution profile and evaluate its cytotoxic potential. (2) Methods: The formation of a hybrid system was highlighted by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Solubility, dissolution, and cytotoxicity studies were performed; (3) Results: An increase in the solubility and aqueous dissolution rate of Riparin-A was observed in the presence of clay. Diffractometric analysis of the hybrid system suggests the amorphization of Riparin-A, and thermal analyses indicated attenuation of decomposition and melting of the Riparin-A after interaction with clay. Furthermore, the nanosystem did not exhibit cytotoxic activity on normal and tumorigenic lines. (4) Conclusions: These results are promising for the development of the Riparin-A/Laponite nanosystem for therapeutic purposes, suggesting an increase in the range of possible routes of administration and bioavailability of this bioactive compound.

Comida de rua: perfil dos manipuladores de alimentos e necessidades de conhecimentos sobre a gestão do negócio e boas práticas de manipulação / Street food: food handlers profile and their needs knowledge about business management and good handling practices

Introdução: O consumo de comida de rua tem aumentado nos últimos anos, transformando este segmento em um importante comércio de alimentos, com geração de emprego e renda. Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer o perfil socioeconômico e analisar a percepção sobre a gestão do negócio e boas práticas de manipulação dos manipuladores de comida de rua no município de Niterói/RJ, participantes de um curso on-line sobre boas práticas de manipulação no comércio de comida de rua. Método: A metodologia foi aplicada e descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Foi utilizado questionário on-line, com 56 perguntas, aplicado a 67 participantes do curso. Resultados: 86,4 % eram mulheres; faixa etária predominante entre 27 e 62 anos; renda média de até 3 salários mínimos; 35,8% relataram possuir ensino superior incompleto. Apenas 29,9% possuem registro MEI; 72,7% atuam nesse comércio por escolha; 46,3% fazem controle de estoque e 62,5% fazem controle de caixa; 67,2% possuem cursos na área de alimentação; e 47,8% afirmaram ter experiências anteriores. Conclusão: À medida que se observa a consolidação desse segmento, com um potencial de risco sanitário associado, assim como a insuficiência de trabalhos científicos na área, faz-se necessário ampliar os estudos sobre a formação dos manipuladores.

Introduction: The Consumption of street food has increased in recent years, transforming this segment into an important food trade, with job and income. Objective: This work aimed to know the socioeconomic profile and analyze the perception about business management and good handling practices of street food handlers in the city of Niterói/RJ, participants of an online course on good handling practices in the food trade. Methods: The methodology was applied and descriptive, with a qualitative and quantitative approach. An online questionnaire was used, with 56 questions, applied to 67 course participants. Results: 86.4 % were women; predominant age group between 27 and 62 years; average income of up to 3 minimum wages; 35.8 % reported having incomplete higher education. Only 29.9 % have a MEI record; 72.7 % work in this trade by choice; 46.3 % carry out inventory control and 62.5% carry out cash control; 67.2 % have courses in the field of food; and 47.8 % claimed to have previous experiences.Conclusions:As the consolidation of this segment is observed, with a potential associated health risk, as well as the lack of scientific work in this area, it is necessary to expand studies on the training of handlers.

Avaliação dos Serviços de Alimentação de uma Universidade Pública do Rio de Janeiro na Pandemia de COVID-19 / Evaluation of the Food Services of a Public University in Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Com o aparecimento da COVID-19, os Serviços de Alimentação (SA) precisaram se adequar aos protocolos de funcionamento dos órgãos de saúde, a fim de evitar a transmissão do vírus SARS-CoV-2. Embora não existam evidências da transmissão do vírus através dos alimentos, o contágio pode ocorrer entre manipuladores de alimentos e comensais. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar as medidas implementadas em SA com o intuito de prevenir a transmissão e o contágio de COVID-19. A metodologia utilizada foi descritiva e quantitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de julho a outubro de 2021, por meio da aplicação de uma lista de checagem baseada nas normas sanitárias para a prevenção da transmissão da COVID-19. Os resultados demonstraram que os SA apresentaram inconformidades em alguns itens (28,9%), muito embora as mudanças realizadas estivessem de acordo com as orientações dos órgãos sanitários. As mudanças se referem, principalmente, à recomendação da existência de protocolos sanitários para prevenção da COVID-19, ventilação natural, reforço de limpeza, uso do Equipamento de Proteção Individual (EPI) - máscara, cartazes informativos e distanciamento físico. Conclui-se que é necessário colocar em prática as regulamentações vigentes e corrigir as possíveis falhas para que os SA alcancem todos os requisitos exigidos pela legislação na prevenção da transmissão da COVID-19.

With the emergence of COVID-19, Food Services (FS) needed to adapt to the protocols established by health agencies to avoid the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although there is no evidence of transmission of the virus through food, contagion can occur between food handlers and customers. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the measures implemented in a university FS in order to prevent the transmission and contagion of COVID-19. The methodology used was descriptive and quantitative. Data collection took place from July to October 2021, through the application of a checklist based on health standards for the prevention of transmission of COVID-19. The results showed that the FS demonstrated non-conformities in some items (28.9%), even though the changes made were in accordance with the guidelines of health agencies. The changes mainly refer to the recommendations of health protocols for the prevention of COVID-19 such as natural ventilation, reinforced cleaning, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - mask, informative posters, and physical distancing. It is concluded that it is necessary to put into practice the current regulations and correct the possible flaws so that the FS reach all the requirements required by the legislation in the prevention of the transmission of COVID-19.

Limonene-carvacrol: A combination of monoterpenes with enhanced antileishmanial activity.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a parasitosis with a wide incidence in developing countries. The drugs which are indicated for the treatment of this infection usually are able to promote high toxicity. PURPOSE: A combination of limonene and carvacrol, monoterpenes present in plants with antiparasitic activity may constitute an alternative for the treatment of these diseases. METHODS: In this study, the antileishmania activity against Leishmania major, cytotoxicity tests, assessment of synergism, parasite membrane damage tests as well as molecular docking and immunomodulatory activity of limonene-carvacrol (Lim-Car) combination were evaluated. RESULTS: The Lim-Car combination (5:0; 1:1; 1:4; 2:3; 3:2; 4:1 and 0:5) showed potential antileishmania activity, with mean inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 5.8 to 19.0 µg.mL-1. They demonstrated mean cytotoxic concentration (CC50) ranging from 94.1 to 176.0 µg.mL-1, and did not show significant hemolytic effect. In the investigation of synergistic interaction, the 4:1 Lim-Car combination showed better fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index as well as better activity on amastigotes and IS. The samples caused considerable damage to the parasite membrane this monoterpene activity seems to be more related to Trypanothione Reductase (TryR) enzyme interaction, demonstrated in the molecular docking assay. In addition, the 4:1 Lim-Car combination stimulated macrophage activation, and showed at was the best association, with reduction of infection and infectivity of parasitized macrophages. CONCLUSION: The 4:1 Lim-Car combination appears to be a promising candidate as a monotherapeutic antileishmania agent.

Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul) L.P. Queiroz: A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological-pharmacological activities.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) LP Queiroz (Fabaceae) is an endemic tree in the Northeast of Brazil. Its flowers, leaves, stem bark and root have been used over the years to treat infections, abdominal pain, inflammation, diarrhea, heartburn, and dyspepsia. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study is a critical assessment of the state-of-the-art concerning traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of P. pyramidalis performed through the application of a robust research strategy to explore the therapeutic potential of P. pyramidalis extracts and isolated compounds for the treatment of human disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information related to this review was systematically collected from scientific literature databases for P. pyramidalis, including papers and patents (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar, INPI, WIPO, EPO and USPTO), published books (e.g. Plantas Forrageiras das Caatingas), dissertations and theses. Plant taxonomy has been confirmed in the "The Plant List" database (www.theplantlist.org). RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis of P. pyramidalis shows several constituents such as flavonoids, triterpenoids and phenylpropanoids. The extract and isolated constituents exhibited a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and neuroprotective activities. In addition, toxicity studies showed that the administration of P. pyramidalis extract was safe in non-pregnant rats but displayed teratogenic effects in rats and goats. On the other hand, the search in patent databases reported a single filing, which highlights the disparity between a large number of published scientific articles versus the almost nonexistent filing of patents. This fact evidences a still little explored technological potential of the species. CONCLUSION: P. pyramidalis represents an important therapeutic resource for the population from the Northeast of Brazil. Pharmacological studies confirmed the effectiveness of the extract or isolated compounds in the treatment of various pathologies traditionally treated with P. pyramidalis. The authors emphasize the need for in-depth research and future clinical trials in order to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of P. pyramidalis.

Palmatine antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities: A pre-clinical assessment.

There is evidence that palmatine (PA), an alkaloid isolated from the Guatteria friesiana plant, has some important biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) effects of PA were assessed. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo through 7 distinct assays, and the anti-AChE activity was determined in vitro. The standards, trolox and ascorbic acid were used for the in vitro antioxidant test, while hydrogen peroxide was selected as a stressor for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae test. Additionally, PA was also combined with trolox and ascorbic acid to determine the likelihood of synergistic effects occurrence to what concerns to antioxidant potential. PA exhibited a potent and concentration-dependent antioxidant potential, although a stronger antioxidant activity was stated using the PA + trolox combination. PA was also found to inhibit AChE activity when compared to the negative control. Thus, PA may be viewed as a promissory phytotherapeutic agent to manage oxidative stress-mediated neurological diseases, especially the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Comportamentos de risco de contaminação cruzada dos usuários no autosserviço do restaurante universitário / Behaviors of risk of crushed contamination of users in the autoservice of the university restaurant

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar os comportamentos de risco dos usuários de restaurantes universitários no momento do autosserviço. Estudo de caso, exploratório com observação não participante. O instrumento, composto por 17 itens sobre comportamentos durante o autosserviço, foi aplicado durante o almoço, de agosto a outubro de 2018, numa amostra de 336 usuários, alunos e servidores, em dois restaurantes de uma universidade, localizada em Niterói. As falhas, mais comuns observadas, foram: não higienizar as mãos antes do autosserviço (63,0%); conversa difusa durante o processo (54,8%); utilizar os utensílios de servir para arrumar os alimentos no próprio prato (41,9%); coçar ou tocar parte do corpo durante o autosserviço (25,9%). Esses resultados indicaram comportamentos de risco por parte dos usuários. Conclui-se que é necessário que sejam estabelecidas estratégias educativas, a fim de mitigar os riscos de uma possível contaminação por agentes patogênicos.

Análise bacteriológica de mãos, região orofaríngea e equipamentos de proteção individual dos manipuladores de alimentos de um Restaurante Universitário no Rio de Janeiro / Bacteriological analysis of hands, orofaringea region and individual protection equipment of food manipulators of a university restaurant in Rio de Janeiro

Objetivo do trabalho, realizar análise bacteriológica de mãos, região nasal e orofaríngea e dos Equipamentos de Proteção Individual dos manipuladores de alimentos e correlacionar com as ações analisadas ao longo da cadeia produtiva. Pesquisa bacteriológica e observacional realizada no ano de 2016, em Restaurante Universitário/RJ, com 17 manipuladores, para contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, pesquisa de Salmonella spp. e Número Mais Provável de Escherichia coli totais e análise das ações dos manipuladores durante as atividades laborais. Na pesquisa bacteriológica para mãos e Equipamentos de Proteção Individual, obteve-se 22,4% de resultados positivos para as bactérias pesquisadas, com exceção da pesquisa para Salmonella com ausência em todas as análises; quanto a região nasal e orofaríngea, 35,3% foram positivas para Staphyloccocus spp. Conclui-se que o serviço possui falhas nos controles higiênico sanitários dos manipuladores, com riscos à saúde do consumidor.

Análise microbiológica de manipuladores e Equipamentos De Proteção Individual em lactário hospitalar / Microbiological analysis of manipulators and personal protective equipments in hospital lactary

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a presença de microrganismos nas mãos, regiões naso e orofaríngea, Equipamentos de Proteção Individual dos manipuladores de alimentos e do ambiente no setor de lactário de um hospital público em Niterói /RJ. Na pesquisa aplicada e experimental, realizaram-se as seguintes análises microbiológicas: contagens de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, Bactérias Heterotróficas Aeróbios Mesófilas (CBHAM), fungos, Número Mais Provável (NMP) de Enterococcous spp., pesquisa de Salmonella spp., NMP de Coliformes a 35º e Escherichia coli. Observou-se nas amostras coletadas dos lactaristas e dos EPIs um elevado crescimento para Staphylococcus coagulase positiva (79% e 100%), Enterococcous spp. (58% e 38%), CBHAM (96% e 86%) e fungos (100% e 47%); nas amostras de ambiente os resultados para contagem CBHAM e fungos foram elevados. Os resultados indicaram a necessidade de revisão das técnicas de higiene pessoal e controles sanitários para o ambiente.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic/antitumoral bioactives from the phylum Basidiomycota and their possible mechanisms of action.

Biologically active compounds from species of the phylum Basidiomycota have been shown a wide range of pharmacological activities and provide a vast reservoir of potential innovational drugs. The aim of this review is to discuss some mechanisms of action involved in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic/antitumoral activities attributed to the bioactive compounds from species of the phylum Basidiomycota. We show that isolated compounds from extracts, secondary metabolites and polysaccharides that presented antioxidant properties have mechanisms of action involved in the elimination/capture of free radicals and reduction of lipid peroxidation. Also, some bioactives with anti-inflammatory activity were reported to enhance innate and cell-mediated immune responses. Finally, compounds that presented cytotoxic/antitumoral activity induces increased free radical production, collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased expression of proteins responsible for cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Investigating the mechanisms of action of biologically active compounds will facilitate further efforts to accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies.

Práticas educativas de gestão ambiental nos serviços de alimentação permissionários dos campi de Universidade Pública do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Educational practices of environmental management in food services permission holders of the Campuses of Public University of the State of Rio de Janeiro

A realização de práticas educativas de sustentabilidade com gestores do processo produtivo de refeições pode resultar em ações para minimizar a geração de resíduos orgânicos e inorgânicos e, com isso, acarretar menor impacto ambiental negativo, porém é um grande desafio a adoção de procedimentos adequados de Gestão Ambiental. Este estudo objetivou desenvolver Práticas Educativas sobre Gestão Ambiental com os gestores dos Serviços de Alimentação Permissionários (SAP) de uma Universidade Pública localizada no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Essa ação, denominada Encontro Educativo, foi realizada em dois dias consecutivos com os gestores dos SAP para disseminar conhecimento e despertar o interesse em desenvolver procedimentos, na rotina dos seus serviços, voltados para a Gestão Ambiental, como o manejo e o descarte correto dos resíduos orgânicos e inorgânicos, uso racional de água e da energia elétrica e aproveitamento integral dos alimentos. Ao final do segundo dia do Encontro Educativo foi aplicado um questionário aos participantes contendo sete perguntas relativas às atividades realizadas nesses dois dias. Observou-se interesse dos mesmos em desenvolver ações sobre essa temática na rotina dos seus Serviços de Alimentação, porém relataram falta de apoio, de estrutura e de diálogo com os setores competentes. Todos os participantes demonstraram interesse em participar de outros encontros e sugeriram temas afins e que reforçaram a necessidade de ações educativas sistemáticas para que novos procedimentos sejam adotados, reduzindo a geração de resíduos, de consumo de água e de energia elétrica e, consequentemente, menor o impacto ambiental.

The realization of educational practices with managers directly involved in the generation of organic and inorganic waste can be deployed in actions to minimize environmental impact, since the productive process of meals generates expressive amounts of these residues and the great challenge is to adopt adequate procedures of Environmental management. This study aimed to develop Educational Practices on Environmental Management with Perpetual Feeding Services (SAP) managers of a Public University located in the State of Rio de Janeiro. This action, called the Educational Meeting, was held in two consecutive days with the managers of the SAP to add knowledge and raise interest in developing procedures, in the routine of their services, aimed at Environmental Management, such as handling and correct waste disposal organic and inorganic, rational use of water and 27 Higiene Alimentar - Vol.32 - nº 284/285 - Setembro/Outubro de 2018 electricity and full use of food. At the end of the second day of the Educational Meeting a questionnaire was applied to the participants containing seven questions regarding the activities carried out on those two days. They were interested in developing actions on this subject in the routine of their Food Services, but reported lack of support, structure and dialogue with the relevant sectors. All participants demonstrated an interest in participating in other meetings such as this and suggested similar themes and reinforced the need for systematic educational actions so that new procedures could be adopted to reduce environmental impact.

Mycotoxin-assisted mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity: Unexploited tools against proliferative disorders.

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells, which upon dysfunctions may lead to several diseases. Mycotoxins are the toxic secondary metabolites from fungi which are capable of causing diseases and death in humans and animals. They have a versatile mechanism of action in biological systems and can be used as lead compounds to treat some diseases including cancer. The present work encompasses analysis on the effects of mycotoxins on mitochondrial dysfunction. Electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were thoroughly searched for up-to-date published information associated with those mycotoxins and their effect on mitochondrial dysfunction. Findings suggest that mycotoxins such as citrinin, aflatoxin, and T-2 toxin exert multi-edged sword-like effects in test systems causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Mycotoxins can induce oxidative stress even at low concentration/dose that may be one of the major causes of mitochondrial dysfunction. On the other hand, activation of apoptotic caspases and other proteins by mycotoxins may lead to apoptotic cell death. Thus, mycotoxins-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction may be related to several chronic diseases which also makes these mycotoxins considerable as lead compounds for inducing toxic effects in cells. Their cytotoxic effects on cancer cells suggest their possible application as chemotherapeutic tools. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(11):1084-1092, 2018.

Pharmaceutical development of tablets containing a spray-dried optimized extract from Lippia origanoides H. B. K.: influence of excipients and toxicological assessment

ABSTRACT Lippia origanoides is a honey shrub which has showed hypotensive potential assessed by in vivo studies. The aim of this work is the development of a pharmaceutical formulation composed by an optimized extract obtained from aerial parts of L. origanoides. The quantification of the naringenin marker in the dry extract and tablets developed was performed, as well as the assessment of the oral acute toxicity in rats. The hydroalcoholic extract of L. origanoides was spray-dried with the addition of colloidal silicon dioxide (Lo-HAE/CSD), and then applied in the preparation of eight different lots of tablets. The influence of the diluent (cellulose or babassu mesocarp), the presence of binder, and the percentage of lubricant, as well as organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics were screened. For the quantification of the marker content both in Lo-HAE/CSD and in the tablets, an analytical curve of the naringenin standard was fitted, and the samples were then analyzed in UFLC. The toxicological assessment was performed in female Wistar rats according to the Acute Toxic Class Method from OECD. The developed tablets produced meet acceptable macroscopic characteristics, and the presence of babassu as diluent provided improved physicochemical properties. The best content of Lo-HAE/CSD in the tablet (100.27%) was identified for the lot containing babassu, composed by 1.0% magnesium stearate, without PVP binder in its formulation. Moreover, Lo-HAE/CSD showed no signs of toxicity. Therefore, the babassu mesocarp powder is a promising pharmaceutical excipient for the development of herbal tablets containing the Lippia origanoides extract.

A comprehensive review on biological properties of citrinin.

Citrinin (CIT) is a mycotoxin which causes contamination in the food and is associated with different toxic effects. A web search on CIT has been conducted covering the timespan since 1946. The accumulated data indicate that CIT is produced by several fungal strains belonging to Penicillium, Aspergillus and Monascus genera, and is usually found together with another nephrotoxic mycotoxin, ochratoxin A. Although, it is evident that CIT exposure can exert toxic effects on the heart, liver, kidney, as well as reproductive system, the mechanism of CIT-induced toxicity remains largely elusive. It is still controversial what are the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of CIT. Until now, its toxic effect has been linked to the CIT-mediated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in biological systems. However, the toxicity strongly depends on its concentration, route, frequency and time of exposure, as well as from the used test systems. Besides the toxic effects, CIT is also reported to possess a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including antibacterial, antifungal, and potential anticancer and neuro-protective effects in vitro. This systematic review presents the current state of CIT research with emphasis on its bioactivity profile.

Percepção sobre a higiene dos manipuladores de alimentos e perfil microbiológico em restaurante universitário / Perception of hygiene of food handlers and the microbiological profile in a university kitchen

Resumo Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a percepção dos manipuladores de alimentos em relação às práticas de higiene no local de trabalho e a correlacionar com os resultados das análises bacteriológicas e das observações sistematizadas, em um Restaurante Universitário no Rio de Janeiro. A percepção da higiene foi investigada por meio de questionários de autorresposta. As práticas operacionais foram analisadas por meio de pesquisa observacional sistemática. Na pesquisa bacteriológica, dividida em duas etapas, buscou-se identificar a presença de Coliformes a 45°C, de Clostridium Sulfito Redutor, Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e Bactérias Heterotróficas Aeróbias Mesófilas nas mãos, nos Equipamentos de Proteção Individual e nos utensílios. Nos resultados da percepção dos manipuladores sobre a higiene pessoal, a higiene ambiental e a manipulação dos alimentos, obtiveram-se valores médios de 86.11; 96.73 e 83.76, respectivamente. Na pesquisa bacteriológica para mãos e Equipamentos de Proteção Individual, obteve-se 61,36% de resultados positivos, para as bactérias pesquisadas; quanto aos utensílios, 25% dos resultados foram positivos para as bactérias pesquisadas. Conclui-se que o serviço possui falhas, com riscos à saúde do consumidor.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of food handlers in relation to hygiene practices in the workplace and to correlate the findings with the results of bacteriological analyses and systematic observations in a University Restaurant in Rio de Janeiro. The perception of hygiene practices was assessed using a questionnaire with objective questions. Operational practices were analyzed through systematic observational research. The bacteriological investigation was divided into two steps to detect the presence of Coliforms at 45ºC, Sulphite-Reducing Clostridia, Coagulase-Positive Staphylococcus and Aerobic Mesophilic Heterotrophic Bacteria on hands, personal protective equipment and utensils. The results of the perceptions of handlers regarding personal hygiene, environmental hygiene and hygiene in the preparation of foods obtained mean scores of 86.11, 96.73 and 83.76, respectively. In the bacteriological investigation of hands and protective equipment, 61.36% of samples produced positive results for the bacteria surveyed. For utensils, 25% of samples gave positive results. The conclusion is that the service has flaws that pose health hazards to consumers.

Diterpenes as lead molecules against neglected tropical diseases.

Nowadays, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are reported to be present everywhere. Poor and developing areas in the world have received great attention to NTDs. Drug resistance, safety profile, and various challenges stimulate the search for alternative medications. Plant-based drugs are viewed with great interest, as they are believed to be devoid of side effects. Diterpenes, a family of essential oils, have showed attractive biological effects. A systematic review of the literature was carried out to summarize available evidences of diterpenes against NTDs. For this, databases were searched using specific search terms. Among the 2338 collected reports, a total of 181 articles were included in this review. Of them, 148 dealt with investigations using single organisms, and 33 used multiple organisms. No mechanisms of action were reported in the case of 164 reports. A total of 93.92% were related to nonclinical studies, and 4.42% and 1.66% dealt with preclinical and clinical studies, respectively. The review displays that many diterpenes are effective upon Chagas disease, chikungunya, echinococcosis, dengue, leishmaniasis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, schistosomiasis, and tuberculosis. Indeed, diterpenes are amazing drug candidates against NTDs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Light-mediated antibacterial activity of Lippia origanoides H.B.K. in vitro.

An ethanol extract and different partition fractions obtained from Lippia origanoides H.B.K. were assayed for light-mediated activity against strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Identical assays were conducted with and without exposure to UV-A (400-315 nm) light to test for light enhanced activity. The ethanol extract and dichloromethane fraction showed light-mediated activity against the S. aureus strain, but not against the E. coli strain. The dichloromethane fraction was more active than the ethanol extract. Naringenin did not display light-mediated activity against the tested bacteria, indicating that the light-mediated antimicrobial activity of the dichloromethane fraction is not due to its major component. The results represent the first report of light-mediated antimicrobial activity of Lippia origanoides and show that its phytochemicals could be used as light-mediated antimicrobial agents.

Phytochemical prospection and modulation of antibiotic activity in vitro by Lippia origanoides H.B.K. in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The Lippia origanoides H.B.K. ethanol extract (LOEE) and hexane (LOHEX), dichloromethane (LODCM), and ethyl acetate (LOEA) fractions were tested for their antimicrobial activity alone or in combination with antibiotics against a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain. The natural products did not show antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant strain at the clinically significant concentrations tested. However, a modulatory effect in the antibacterial activity of the neomycin and amikacin was verified when LOEE, LOHEX and LODCM were added to the growth medium at subinhibitory concentrations. A similar modulation was found when the natural products were changed for chlorpromazine, an inhibitor of bacterial efflux pumps, suggesting the involvement of resistance mediated by efflux system in the MRSA tested. The fractions LOHEX and LODCM showed a modulatory activity bigger than their majority compounds (carvacrol, thymol, and naringenin), indicating that this activity is not due to their majority compounds only, but it is probably due to a synergism between their chemical components. These results indicate that L. origanoides H.B.K. can be a source of phytochemicals able to modify the phenotype of resistance to aminoglycosides in MRSA.