Behavioral Pharmacology of Five Uncommon Passiflora Species Indicates Sedative and Anxiolytic-like Potential.

BACKGROUND: There are over 500 species in the Passiflora genus, and while some of them are very well known in folk medicine for their anxiolytic effects, very little is known for the other genus representants, which could also present medicinal effects. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we performed an interspecific pharmacological comparison of five investigated Passiflora species, all native to Brazil, namely P. bahiensis, P. coccinea, P. quadrangularis, P. sidaefolia, and P. vitifolia. METHODS: Extracts were administered to mice before behavioral testing, including a general pharmacological screening and anxiolytic-like effect investigation. RESULTS: Three of the species (P. coccinea, P. quadrangularis, and P. sidaefolia) induced a decrease in locomotor activity of mice; P. coccinea also reduced the latency to sleep. Importantly, none of the species interfered with motor coordination. Oral administration evoked no severe signs of toxicity, even at higher doses. Regarding the anxiolytic-like profile, P. sidaefolia reduced the anxious-like behavior in the Holeboard test in a similar way to the positive control, Passiflora incarnata, while not affecting total motricity. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that P. coccinea, P. quadrangularis, and P. sidaefolia reduced the general activity of mice and conferred a calmative/sedative potential to these three species, which must be further elucidated by future investigations.

Ayahuasca blocks ethanol preference in an animal model of dependence and shows no acute toxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage prepared from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, is originally used by Amazon-based indigenous and mestizo groups for medicinal and ritualistic purposes. Nowadays, ayahuasca is used in religious and shamanic contexts worldwide, and preliminary evidence from preclinical and observational studies suggests therapeutic effects of ayahuasca for the treatment of substance (including alcohol) use disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the initial pharmacological profile of ayahuasca and its effects on ethanol rewarding effect using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ayahuasca beverage was prepared using extracts of B. caapi and P. viridis, and the concentration of active compounds was assessed through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The following behavioral tests were performed after ayahuasca administration: general pharmacological screening (13, 130, or 1300 mg/kg - intraperitoneally - i.p., and 65, 130, 1300, or 2600 mg/kg - via oral - v.o.); acute toxicity test with elevated doses (2600 mg/kg - i.p., and 5000 mg/kg - v.o.); motor activity, motor coordination, and hexobarbital-induced sleeping time potentiation (250, 500, or 750 mg/kg ayahuasca or vehicle - v.o.). For the CPP test, the animals received ayahuasca (500 mg/kg - v.o.) prior to ethanol (1.8 g/kg - i.p.) or vehicle (control group - i.p.) during conditioning sessions. RESULTS: Ayahuasca treatment presented no significant effect on motor activity, motor coordination, hexobarbital-induced sleeping latency or total sleeping time, and did not evoke signs of severe acute toxicity at elevated oral doses. Ayahuasca pre-treatment successfully inhibited the ethanol-induced CPP and induced CPP when administered alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ayahuasca presents a low-risk acute toxicological profile when administered orally, and presents potential pharmacological properties that could contribute to the treatment of alcohol use disorders.

Pre-clinical interaction of ayahuasca, a brew used in spiritual movements, with morphine and propofol

ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a beverage with psychoactive properties used in religious and ceremonial rituals by some religious groups. The main active components of ayahuasca are dimethyltryptamine and the harmala alkaloids with ß-carboline structure acting as monoamine oxidase A inhibitors. This combination produces a pronounced activation of serotonergic pathways and presents potential interaction with other psychotropics. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible interactions between ayahuasca and agents employed in general anesthesia. The pharmacological interactions between ayahuasca and morphine or propofol were evaluated in mice using doses of 12, 120 and 1200 mg/kg (0.1 to 10 times the average dose consumed by humans in religious rituals). Ayahuasca alone showed an antinociceptive effect in the writhing and formalin tests, and intensified the analgesic effect of morphine in the hot plate test. Concerning the pharmacological interactions between ayahuasca and propofol, the results were opposite; ayahuasca intensified the depressant effect of propofol in the rotarod test, but decreased the sleeping time induced by propofol. These set of results showed the occurrence of some interactions between ayahuasca and the drugs morphine and propofol, possibly by both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics mechanisms

Phytochemical analysis of hydroethanolic extract of Turnera diffusa Willd and evaluation of its effects on astrocyte cell death.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the phytochemical composition of hydroethanolic extracts from powdered aerial parts of Turnera diffusa Willd (Turneraceae; T. diffusa), as well as its toxicity in astrocytes. METHODS: Chemical analyses of hydroethanolic extract from powdered aerial parts ofT. diffusa were carried out using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS.In vitro assays using astrocytes culture were performed to evaluate cell death. RESULTS: Flavone-C, O-diglycosides, such as, luteolin-8-C-[6-deoxy-2-O-rhamnosyl]-xylo-hexos-3-uloside, apigenin-8-C-[6-deoxy-2-O-rhamnosyl]-xylo-hexos-3-uloside and apigenin-7-O-6"-p-coumaroylglucoside were the main compounds found in this hydroethanolic extract. Concentration time-effect demonstrated the toxicity of this extract at a concentration of 1,000µg/mL in astrocyte culture, after 6 and 24 hours of incubation. CONCLUSION: In phytochemical analyses, important antioxidants (mainly flavonoids) were observed. T. diffusa extracts presented cytotoxic effect in high concentrations, leading to increased cell death in astrocyte culture.

Phytochemical analysis of hydroethanolic extract of Turnera diffusa Willd and evaluation of its effects on astrocyte cell death / Análise fitoquímica do extrato hidroetanólico de Turnera diffusa Willd e avaliação de seus efeitos na morte de astrócitos

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the phytochemical composition of hydroethanolic extracts from powdered aerial parts of Turnera diffusa Willd (Turneraceae; T. diffusa), as well as its toxicity in astrocytes. Methods Chemical analyses of hydroethanolic extract from powdered aerial parts ofT. diffusa were carried out using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS.In vitro assays using astrocytes culture were performed to evaluate cell death. Results Flavone-C, O-diglycosides, such as, luteolin-8-C-[6-deoxy-2-O-rhamnosyl]-xylo-hexos-3-uloside, apigenin-8-C-[6-deoxy-2-O-rhamnosyl]-xylo-hexos-3-uloside and apigenin-7-O-6”-p-coumaroylglucoside were the main compounds found in this hydroethanolic extract. Concentration time-effect demonstrated the toxicity of this extract at a concentration of 1,000µg/mL in astrocyte culture, after 6 and 24 hours of incubation. Conclusion In phytochemical analyses, important antioxidants (mainly flavonoids) were observed. T. diffusa extracts presented cytotoxic effect in high concentrations, leading to increased cell death in astrocyte culture.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a composição fitoquímica do extrato hidroetanólico das partes aéreas de Turnera diffusa Willd (Turneraceae; T. diffusa) e sua toxicidade em astrócitos. Métodos Análises químicas do extrato hidroetanólico de partes aéreas de T. diffusa foram feitas por HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. Os ensaiosin vitro utilizaram culturas de astrócitos para avaliar morte celular. Resultados Flavonas-C, O-diglicosídeos, como, luteolina-8-C-[6-deoxi-2-O-raminosil]-xilo-hexos-3-ulosideo, apigenina-8-C-[6-deoxi-2-O-raminosil]-xilo-hexos-3-ulosideo e apigenina-7-O-6”-p-cumaroilglucosídeo foram os principais constituintes encontrados neste extrato hidroetanólico. Uma curva tempo-concentração demonstrou toxicidade desse extrato na concentração de 1.000µg/mL, na cultura de astrócitos após 6 e 24 horas de incubação. Conclusão Nas análises fitoquímicas, importantes antioxidantes, sobretudo flavonoides, foram observados. Extratos de T. diffusa apresentaram efeitos citotóxicos em altas concentrações, ocasionando aumento de morte celular em cultura de astrócitos.

Phyllanthus amarus does not affect hypernociception in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Chronic pain is one of the main symptoms, affecting many patients. Studies show that the lignans or the apolar extracts of Phyllanthus amarus have antinociceptive effects in different animal models. To evaluate the antihypernociceptive effect of a hexanic extract of P. amarus in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice, the chemical composition of the hexanic extract was analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. After EAE induction, animals were treated with the hexanic extract of P. amarus for 26 consecutive days. Motor coordination and mechanical hypernociception were evaluated on alternate days. The principal lignans found were phyllanthin, niranthin, and 5-demethoxyniranthin. The hexanic extract of P. amarus at a dose of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg did not affect the development of the disease. The motor coordination and pain threshold of the treated animals were not altered in this experiment. In conclusion, in this test, the hexanic extract of P. amarus did not show evidence of antihypernociceptive activity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Effects of Panax ginseng, Turnera diffusa and Heteropterys tomentosa extracts on hippocampal apoptosis of aged rats.

OBJECTIVE: To verify if the medicinal plants Panax ginseng C.A. Mey, Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult., and Heteropterys tomentosa O. Mach., which are amply used by the population as tonics and cognition enhancers, could have a protective effect on cell death by apoptosis, since this could be one of the mechanisms of action of these substances. METHODS: Aged male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into four groups. Over 30 days, three groups received treatments with hydroalcoholic extracts of the plants, and one group received saline solution. A fifth group with young adult male Wistar rats (n = 4) received saline solution during the same period. Using the TUNEL technique, the percentage of apoptosis in the hippocampus of these animals was evaluated. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the percentage of apoptotic cells in the hippocampus of aged animals and of young control animals. The percentage of apoptosis in the hippocampus of aged animals treated chronically with the extracts from the three plants also did not differ from the percentage of apoptosis in the hippocampus of the control group of aged animals. CONCLUSION: Treatment with the hydroalcoholic extracts of Panax ginseng, Turnera diffusa, and Heteropterys tomentosa did not influence the apoptosis of the hippocampal cells of aged rats.

Efeito dos extratos de Panax ginseng, Turnera diffusa e Heteropterys tomentosa sobre a apoptose no hipocampo de ratos idosos / Effects of Panax ginseng, Turnera diffusa and Heteropterys tomentosa extracts on hippocampal apoptosis of aged rats

OBJECTIVE: To verify if the medicinal plants Panax ginseng C.A. Mey, Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult., and Heteropterys tomentosa O. Mach., which are amply used by the population as tonics and cognition enhancers, could have a protective effect on cell death by apoptosis, since this could be one of the mechanisms of action of these substances. METHODS: Aged male Wistar rats (n=24) were divided into four groups. Over 30 days, three groups received treatments with hydroalcoholic extracts of the plants, and one group received saline solution. A fifth group with young adult male Wistar rats (n=4) received saline solution during the same period. Using the TUNEL technique, the percentage of apoptosis in the hippocampus of these animals was evaluated. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the percentage of apoptotic cells in the hippocampus of aged animals and of young control animals. The percentage of apoptosis in the hippocampus of aged animals treated chronically with the extracts from the three plants also did not differ from the percentage of apoptosis in the hippocampus of the control group of aged animals. CONCLUSION: Treatment with the hydroalcoholic extracts of Panax ginseng, Turnera diffusa, and Heteropterys tomentosa did not influence the apoptosis of the hippocampal cells of aged rats.

OBJETIVO: Plantas medicinais, como Panax ginseng C.A. Mey, Turnera diffusa Willd. Ex Schult. e Heteropterys tomentosa O. Mach. são amplamente utilizadas pela população como tônicas e para melhora da cognição. O presente estudo verificou se essas plantas poderiam ter algum efeito protetor na morte celular por apoptose, podendo este ser um dos mecanismos de ação dessas substâncias. MÉTODOS: Ratos machos Wistar idosos (n=24) foram divididos em quatro grupos. Durante 30 dias, três grupos receberam tratamento com extratos hidroalcoólicos das plantas e um grupo recebeu solução salina. Um quinto grupo com ratos machos Wistar adultos jovens (n=4) recebeu solução salina durante o mesmo período. Utilizando-se a técnica de TUNEL, avaliou-se a porcentagem de apoptose no hipocampo desses animais. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças entre a porcentagem de células apoptóticas no hipocampo de animais idosos e de animais jovens controles. A porcentagem de apoptose no hipocampo dos animais idosos tratados cronicamente com os extratos das três plantas também não diferiu da porcentagem de apoptose do hipocampo dos animais idosos do grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com os extratos hidroalcoólicos de Panax ginseng, Turnera diffusa e Heteropterys tomentosa não influenciou a apoptose das células hipocampais de ratos idosos.

Assessment of the toxicity of the Brazilian pepper trees Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Aroeira-da-praia) and Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Aroeira-do-sertão).

The present study aimed to assess the preclinical toxicity of two plants commonly used to treat "stomach ailments" in Brazil: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (S) and Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (M). In male rats, chronic treatment (83 days) with both pepper trees (17.6 and 13.8 mg/kg, S and M, respectively) has been shown to decrease hematocrit. However, a reduction in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin was only seen following administration of S. terebinthifolius. None of the plants caused anatomopathological alterations following chronic treatment, and mating ability and fertility were not affected. Both pepper trees showed moderate toxicity following acute and chronic treatment by gavage, particularly S. terebinthifolius. Moreover, bone malformations were induced in fetuses, and a slight delay in recovery time of the postural reflex was observed in pups from female animals treated (18 days) with S. terebinthifolius. Given these results, a better assessment of the risks and benefits of the internal use of these plants is necessary, especially when used by women of childbearing age.

Prescription of anorectic and benzodiazepine drugs through notification B prescriptions in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

A study was conducted on 22,158 special B prescriptions (notificações B) containing amphetamine-type anorectic drugs or benzodiazepines, obtained from compounding pharmacies or drugstores located in the city of Natal, RN, Brazil. The data obtained were compared with those from other Brazilian cities. Results showed that compounding pharmacies dispensed 85.4 percent of the prescriptions, indicating that these pharmacies filled out nearly 10 times more of these prescriptions than did the drugstores. The majority (83.5 percent) of B prescriptions issued for the compounding pharmacies were for women, where the female/male patient ratio ranged from 7.1/1.0 for mazindol to 10.3/1.0 for amfepramone. Similar results were obtained for the benzodiazepines with ratios of 1.9/1.0 for clonazepam to 15.6/1.0 for oxazepam. Omissions and mistakes were present in the B prescriptions, including missing information about the patient (in 49.6 percent of the documents) or about the pharmacies or drugstores (50.4 percent). There were cases where the name and/or CRM of the physician was lacking. It was noted that one medical doctor made out 1855 B prescriptions within one year. The same patient's name appeared on 138 prescriptions, and the same RG (identification card number) was present in 125 others. Comparison of Natal's data with those of several other Brazilian cities disclosed a striking similarity throughout Brazil, from Pelotas - Rio Grande do Sul State to Belem-Para State, revealing a practically identical medical/pharmaceutical behavior. This pattern of prescription/dispensation of amphetamine-type substances mostly to women for weight loss is therefore for cosmetic reasons. Consequently, there is an urgent need for an ethical review of this behavior.

Foram examinadas 22.158 notificações B contendo substâncias anoréticas tipo-anfetamina ou de benzodiazepínicos, obtidas de drogarias e de farmácias de manipulação. Os dados foram comparados com os de outras cidades do Brasil, obtendo-se uma visão nacional sobre o assunto. Os achados mostraram que as farmácias de manipulação, dispensaram 85,4 por cento das notificações, ou seja, as farmácias de manipulação atenderam cerca de 10 vezes mais do que as drogarias. A maioria (83,5 por cento) das notificações B nas farmácias de manipulação eram destinadas às mulheres sendo a relação entre pacientes femininos/masculinos de 7,1/1,0 no caso do mazindol e de 10,3/1,0 para a anfepramona. Dados semelhantes foram obtidos para os benzodiazepínicos: relação de 1,9/1,0 para o clonazepam até 15,6/1,0 para o oxazepam. Falhas e erros gritantes foram também observados no preenchimento das notificações B: ausência de dados de pacientes (em 49,6 por cento dos documentos), do fornecedor (50,4 por cento) etc. Houve casos de notificações sem o nome ou CRM do médico e um único médico prescreveu 1.855 notificações B; o nome de uma mesma compradora apareceu em 138 notificações e um mesmo RG em 125 outras. A comparação destes achados com os de outras cidades mostrou uma surpreendente semelhança, ao longo do país, desde Pelotas-RS até Belém-PA; evidenciando um padrão de comportamento médico/farmacêutico praticamente idêntico. Este padrão de prescrição para mulheres destina-se mais para uma finalidade cosmética (perda de peso) do que para uma real necessidade terapêutica. É necessária uma revisão ética sobre este problema, que também tem sido observado e igualmente criticado em vários países.

Fatores associados ao uso pesado de álcool entre estudantes das capitais brasileiras / Factors associated with heavy alcohol use among students in Brazilian capitals

Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre o uso pesado de álcool entre estudantes e os fatores familiares, pessoais e sociais. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com estudantes de dez a 18 anos de escolas públicas de 27 capitais brasileiras, em 2004. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário anônimo, de autopreenchimento, adaptado de instrumento desenvolvido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A amostra representativa, composta por 48.155 estudantes, foi estratificada por setores censitários e por conglomerados (escolas). Associações entre o uso pesado de álcool e os fatores estudados foram analisadas por meio de regressão logística, considerando nível de significância de 5 por cento. Resultados: Do total de estudantes, 4.286 (8,9 por cento) fizeram uso pesado de álcool no mês anterior à entrevista. A análise por regressão logística mostrou associação entre relações ruins ou regulares com pai (OR=1,46) e mãe (OR=1,61) e uso pesado de álcool. Seguir uma religião (OR=0,83) mostrou-se inversamente associado a este tipo de consumo de álcool. A prática de esportes e o fato de a mãe se percebida como liberal não mostraram significância no modelo. Houve maior prevalência de uso pesado de álcool entre os estudantes que trabalhavam. Conclusões: Ligações familiares mais coesas e seguir uma religião podem prevenir o uso abusivo de álcool entre estudantes.

Factors associated with heavy alcohol use among students in Brazilian capitals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between heavy use of alcohol among students and family, personal and social factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including public school students aged ten to 18 from 27 Brazilian capital cities in 2004. Data was collected using an anonymous, self-report questionnaire that was adapted from a World Health Organization instrument. A representative sample comprising 48,155 students was stratified by census tracts and clusters (schools). The associations between heavy alcohol use and the factors studied were analyzed using logistic regression at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Of all students, 4,286 (8.9%) reported heavy alcohol use in the month prior to the interview. The logistic regression analysis showed an association between fair or poor relationship with the father (OR = 1.46) and the mother (OR = 1.61) and heavy use of alcohol. Following a religion (OR = 0.83) was inversely associated with heavy alcohol consumption. Sports practice and mother perceived as a 'liberal' person had no significance in the model. However, a higher prevalence of heavy use of alcohol was seen among working students. CONCLUSIONS: Stronger family ties and religion may help preventing alcohol abuse among students.

Levantamento randomizado sobre a prevalência de tabagismo nos maiores municípios do Brasil / Random sample survey on the prevalence of smoking in the major cities of Brazil

OBJETIVO: Divulgar os dados de um estudo transversal randomizado, realizado em 2001, pelo Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas. MÉTODOS: A população pesquisada neste levantamento incluiu indivíduos com 12-65 anos de idade, residentes nos 107 maiores municípios do Brasil (com mais de 200 mil habitantes), o que representou 27,7 por cento da população brasileira na época, estimada em 169.799.170 habitantes. Foram realizadas no total 8.589 entrevistas. Utilizou-se o questionário Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, que foi traduzido e adaptado para o uso no Brasil. RESULTADOS: Do total, 41,1 por cento dos entrevistados disseram já ter utilizado produtos derivados de tabaco alguma vez na vida. A prevalência de uso diário de tabaco foi de 17,4 por cento da amostra (20,3 por cento entre os homens e 14,8 por cento entre as mulheres). Observou-se que 9 por cento da população (10,1 por cento entre os homens e 7,9 por cento entre as mulheres) são dependentes da nicotina, segundo os critérios do National Household Surveys on Drug Abuse. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência do uso diário de tabaco, nos maiores municípios brasileiros, é significativamente menor na presente década do que a prevalência nacional ao final do século passado.

OBJECTIVE: To provide access to the results of a randomized cross-sectional study conducted by the Brazilian Center for Information on Psychotropic Drugs in 2001. METHODS: This survey involved a random sample of individuals ranging from 12 to 65 years of age and residing in the 107 largest cities (over 200,000 inhabitants) in Brazil, which represented 27.7 percent of the Brazilian population, estimated to be 169,799,170 inhabitants at the time. A total of 8,589 interviews were conducted. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration questionnaire, translated and adapted for use in Brazil, was used in the interviews. RESULTS: Of the sample as a whole, 41.1 percent of the interviewees reported having experimented with tobacco products. The prevalence of daily smokers was 17.4 percent (20.3 percent among males and 14.8 percent among females). We found that 9 percent of the sample (10.1 percent of the men and 7.9 percent of the women) were nicotine-dependent, according to the criteria of the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of current smoking in the 107 largest cities of Brazil is significantly lower in this decade than was the national prevalence at the end of last century.

Recreational use of benzydamine as a hallucinogen among street youth in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the recreational use of benzydamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, among street youth in Brazil. DESIGN: a descriptive, cross sectional survey. SETTING: 93 welfare services for the street youth in 27 Brazilian capitals. PARTICIPANTS: 2807 street youth, 10 to 18 years old. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: demographic characteristics, drug use pattern (lifetime use, use in the past 30 days, frequency, and characteristics of use in the past month) and effects of benzydamine through the use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: 78 reported lifetime recreational benzydamine use (67 cases identified only in three capitals). Among the 30 respondents reporting drug use in the last month (the month preceding the survey), 66.7% (n = 20) used the drug on 4 or more days (in the month preceding the survey). The most frequently (50%) pleasure effects reported were hallucination and nonspecific sensory changes described as 'trips'. Unwanted effects were reported by 75% of respondents, they were especially nausea and vomiting (21.4%). In the majority of the cases, drug was obtained from drugstores without a medical prescription. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the recreational use of benzydamine among street youth, mainly in the Northeast of Brazil, and also indicates the need for special controls on the dispensation of this substance.

Recreational use of benzydamine as a hallucinogen among street youth in Brazil / Uso recreacional de benzidamina como alucinógeno entre adolescentes em situação de rua no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To describe the recreational use of benzydamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, among street youth in Brazil. METHOD: Design: a descriptive, cross sectional survey. Setting: 93 welfare services for the street youth in 27 Brazilian capitals. Participants: 2807 street youth, 10 to 18 years old. Main outcome measures: demographic characteristics, drug use pattern (lifetime use, use in the past 30 days, frequency, and characteristics of use in the past month) and effects of benzydamine through the use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: 78 reported lifetime recreational benzydamine use (67 cases identified only in three capitals). Among the 30 respondents reporting drug use in the last month (the month preceding the survey), 66.7 percent (n = 20) used the drug on 4 or more days (in the month preceding the survey). The most frequently (50 percent) pleasure effects reported were hallucination and nonspecific sensory changes described as "trips". Unwanted effects were reported by 75 percent of respondents, they were especially nausea and vomiting (21.4 percent). In the majority of the cases, drug was obtained from drugstores without a medical prescription. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the recreational use of benzydamine among street youth, mainly in the Northeast of Brazil, and also indicates the need for special controls on the dispensation of this substance.

OBJETIVO: Descrever o uso recreacional de benzidamina, um medicamento antiinflamatório, entre adolescentes em situação de rua no Brasil. MÉTODO: Desenho: descritivo, transversal. Local: 93 instituições assistenciais para crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua nas 27 capitais do Brasil. Participantes: 2.807 crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua, com idade entre 10 e 18 anos. Principais medidas de interesse: características demográficas, padrão de uso (uso na vida, uso nos últimos 30 dias, frequência e características de uso no mês anterior à pesquisa) e efeitos da benzidamina usando um questionário. RESULTADOS: 78 relataram uso recreacional na vida de benzidamina (67 casos identificados somente em três capitais). Entre os 30 entrevistados que relataram uso recente da substância (no mês que precedia a investigação), 66,7 por cento (n = 20) tomaram o medicamento em quatro dias ou mais no mês. Os efeitos desejados mais frequentemente reportados foram alucinações e alterações sensoriais inespecíficas como "viagem" (50 por cento). Efeitos indesejados foram citados por 75 por cento dos entrevistados, principalmente náuseas e vômitos (21,4 por cento). Na maioria dos casos, o medicamento foi obtido de drogarias sem apresentação de prescrição médica. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados observados neste estudo identificam o uso recreacional de benzidamina entre crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua, especialmente no Nordeste do Brasil, e indicam a necessidade de controle especial sobre a dispensação desta substância.

[Random sample survey on the prevalence of smoking in the major cities of Brazil].

OBJECTIVE: To provide access to the results of a randomized cross-sectional study conducted by the Brazilian Center for Information on Psychotropic Drugs in 2001. METHODS: This survey involved a random sample of individuals ranging from 12 to 65 years of age and residing in the 107 largest cities (over 200,000 inhabitants) in Brazil, which represented 27.7% of the Brazilian population, estimated to be 169,799,170 inhabitants at the time. A total of 8,589 interviews were conducted. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration questionnaire, translated and adapted for use in Brazil, was used in the interviews. RESULTS: Of the sample as a whole, 41.1% of the interviewees reported having experimented with tobacco products. The prevalence of daily smokers was 17.4% (20.3% among males and 14.8% among females). We found that 9% of the sample (10.1% of the men and 7.9% of the women) were nicotine-dependent, according to the criteria of the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of current smoking in the 107 largest cities of Brazil is significantly lower in this decade than was the national prevalence at the end of last century.

A história da maconha no Brasil / The history of marihuana in Brazil

A história da maconha no Brasil tem seu início com a própria descoberta do país. A maconha é uma planta exótica, ou seja, não é natural do Brasil. Foi trazida para cá pelos escravos negros, daí a sua denominação de fumo-de-Angola. O seu uso disseminou-se rapidamente entre os negros escravos e nossos índios, que passaram a cultivá-la. Séculos mais tarde, com a popularização da planta entre intelectuais franceses e médicos ingleses do exército imperial na índia, ela passou a ser considerada em nosso meio um excelente medicamento indicado para muitos males. A demonização da maconha no Brasil iniciou-se na década de 1920 e, na II Conferência Internacional do Opio, em 1924, em Genebra, o delegado brasileiro Dr. Pernambuco afirmou para as delegações de 45 outros países: "a maconha é mais perigosa que o ópio". Apesar das tentativas anteriores, no século XIX e princípios do século XX, a perseguição policial aos usuários de maconha somente se fez constante e enérgica a partir da década de 1930, possivelmente como resultante da decisão da II Conferência Internacional do Opio. O primeiro levantamento domiciliar brasileiro sobre consumo de psicotrópicos, realizado em 2001, mostrou que 6,7 por cento da população consultada já havia experimentado maconha pelo menos uma vez na vida (lifetime use), o que significa dizer que alguns milhões de brasileiros poderiam ser acusados e condenados à prisão por tal ofensa à presente lei. No presente, um projeto de lei foi aprovado no Congresso Nacional propondo a transformação da pena de reclusão por uso/posse de drogas (inclusive maconha) em medidas administrativas.

The present study describes of history of Cannabis sativa L. (marihuana) since the arrival in Brazil in the Portuguese discovers, in 1500. During the following centuries Cannabis cultivation was stimulated by the Portuguese Crown, which included sending seeds to Brazil; the medicinal use of Cannabis was also common, mostly during the second part of 19th century, being the Cigarros índios (Cannabis cigarettes) imported from France, and advertised in Brazilian medical journals up to the first years of the 20th century. The repression against Cannabis use reached proportion only in the 20th century. This probably happened because the Brazilian representatives at the II International Conference on Opium and Coca/Cocaine flatly declared that in Brazil Cannabis was "more dangerous than opium". The condemnation of Cannabis in that Conference was seemingly extended up to the 1961 Single Convention of Narcotic Drugs, United Nations, in which Cannabis was considered a "particularly dangerous drug" and as such was included together with heroine in the Schedule IV of that Convention. Possibly, as a consequence the repression started seriously in the beginning of the 1930 decade; and according to the Brazilian law 6.368/1976, the recreational and medical uses of Cannabis products are prohibited. Such uses are criminal offenses and as such the users may face prison penalties. However a new law is under discussion in the Brazilian Congress. According to it the possession of a certain quantity of marihuana (and other drugs) is no longer a criminal offense and will be subject to administrative sanctions.

Psychoactive drug advertising: a comparison of technical information from three countries: Brazil, United States and United Kingdom.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Studies carried out in the 1970s and 1980s showed that there were country-dependent disparities in the information given for the same drug in medical advertisements. National and international regulations have been published to do away with such disparities and to foster the rational use of drugs. The purpose of this study was to compare the information contained in psychoactive drug advertisements published in psychiatric journals in Brazil, the United States and the United Kingdom, before and subsequent to the publication of the United States Export Act, in 1986, the WHO criteria, in 1988, and the Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency Resolution no. 102, in 2000. TYPE OF STUDY AND SETTING: Content analysis, at Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (Cebrid). METHODS: We gathered advertisements from Brazilian, American and British psychiatry periodicals published before and after each ruling. We analyzed a total of twenty-four Brazilian advertisements that were for the same psychoactive drugs as advertised in American and/or British publications from the same period. RESULTS: We observed that Brazilian advertisements omitted information on usage restrictions, such as contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings and precautions, and that such information was present in American and British advertisements. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that disparities in the information given for the same drug still persist. The information depends on the country in which each drug is marketed. The legislation is insufficient for eradicating such disparities.

Psychoactive drug advertising: a comparison of technical information from three countries: Brazil, United States and United Kingdom

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Trabalhos realizados nos anos 70 e 80 demonstraram que havia diferenças de informações para um mesmo medicamento dependendo do país em que era comercializado. Regulamentos nacionais e internacionais foram publicados com o objetivo de extinguir tais diferenças e fomentar o uso racional de medicamentos. O objetivo deste trabalho é comparar as informações contidas nos anúncios de medicamentos psicoativos publicados em periódicos de psiquiatria brasileiros, norte-americano e ingleses, antes e após a publicação do "Export Act", publicado em 1986 nos Estados Unidos; dos "Critérios da WHO", em 1988, e a Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada nº 102, de 2000, da Agência Nacional Vigilância Sanitária do Brasil. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Análise de conteúdo realizado no Centro Brasileiro de Informação sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (Cebrid). MÉTODOS: O conteúdo dos anúncios foi analisado de acordo com técnica de análise de conteúdo, segundo as exigências dos regulamentos. Ao todo, foram analisados 24 anúncios brasileiros de medicamentos psicoativos em comum com os anúncios americanos e/ou ingleses publicados no mesmo período. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que os anúncios brasileiros omitem informações que restringem o uso dos remédios como contra-indicações, reações adversas. interações, advertências e precauções sobre os medicamentos, e estas mesmas informações estão presentes em anúncios norte-americanos e ingleses. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados deste trabalho sugerem que persistem até hoje as diferenças de informações de um mesmo medicamento em anúncios, dependendo do país de comercialização e que as legislações não são suficientes para extingui-las.

Influence of the legislation on the advertisement of psychoactive medications in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The regulations on the advertisement of medications aim to encourage and promote an improved health care and the rational use of medications. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the influence of three regulations on the advertisement of medications: the "Export act", published in the United States in 1986; the "WHO's Criteria", published in 1988, and the Resolution 102/2000 of the Collegiate Board of Directors of the ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária- Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency), on the advertisement of psychoactive medications. METHOD: We collected advertisements that were published in Brazilian psychiatric journals before and after the regulations were established. The contents of the advertisements were analyzed according to a program created based on the regulation's demands. RESULTS: In the 118 analyzed issues there were 199 different advertisements on 85 psychotropic drugs. We observed that, regardless the studied medication, the information about restrictions of use, such as adverse drug reactions, interactions, contraindications, warnings and precautions, does not appear very often, and when it does, its print sizes were smaller than that of the information favoring the use, such as indication, presentation and dosage. After the publication of the regulations, only 38.2% of the advertisements had all the essential technical information, and 35.3% were irregular in some way. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that there was very little influence of the regulations on the advertisement of psychotropic drugs in Brazil. Consequently, other control measures are necessary in addition to the regulations.