Therapeutic effects of chitosan in veterinary dermatology: A systematic review of the literature.

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide with biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, antimicrobial, and hemostatic properties. This biopolymer has been used in different pharmaceutical forms; therefore, it has an attractive potential for dermal applications in veterinary medicine. The aim of this review is to assess the healing potential of chitosan, based on its dermatological effects on animals, to enrich the therapeutic options of veterinary clinicians. A systematic review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) strategy, retrieving 1,032 studies and selecting 39 after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The studies included reports with confirmed positive effects (n = 46/99, 46.5 %) (P < 0.05), with positive effects (n = 49.5/99, 49.5 %), and with no effect (n = 4/99, 4 %); none of the studies reported adverse effects. There is an association between frequency of application and a decrease in healing time (P = 0.038); applying chitosan "every 48-72 hours" was the most recommended frequency (n = 10/19, 52.9 %). Chitosan, when applied to skin lesions on animals, produces positive effects on healing, potentially becoming a safe biomaterial for skin treatments in veterinary practice. As an initial protocol, we suggest applying chitosan every 48-72 hours for at least 2 weeks (7 applications).

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): Exploring a Superfood from Andean Indigenous Cultures with Potential to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Markers.

BACKGROUND: The pseudo-cereal quinoa has attracted worldwide attention in recent years, due to it being considered a functional food. This stress-tolerant crop has historically been used by Andean cultures as a staple food. Nowadays, the consumption of quinoa in high-income countries is increasing due to it being associated with numerous health benefits, namely related to cardiovascular health. OBJECTIVE: We have carried out an extensive review on quinoa, including its main uses, applications, and components (nutrients, antinutrients, and bioactives) and their relationship with biological activities and cardiovascular health. Key findings and Conclusions: Quinoa possesses numerous activities, including protection against cardiovascular, metabolic, and degenerative diseases, improvement of the immune system, reduction of symptoms associated with post-menopause, and promotion of muscle mass increase. Some of the quinoa's activities are due to its balanced amino acid profile, high fiber content, presence of phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, and B vitamins. A plethora of bioactives can also be found in quinoa, such as phytosterols, saponins, phenolics, bioactive peptides, and phytoecdysteroids. More research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of action involved in the biological/therapeutic action of some quinoa components, namely those related to the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers. The knowledge of factors that affect quinoa variability, such as processing conditions, is also of great importance for being able to obtain more benefits from this crop.