Evaluation of Toxicity and Oxidative Stress of 2-Acetylpyridine-N(4)-orthochlorophenyl Thiosemicarbazone.

Thiosemicarbazones are well known for their broad spectrum of action, including antitumoral and antiparasitic activities. Thiosemicarbazones work as chelating binders, reacting with metal ions. The objective of this work was to investigate the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo toxicity and oxidative stress of 2-acetylpyridine-N(4)-orthochlorophenyl thiosemicarbazone (TSC01). The in silico prediction showed good absorption by biological membranes and no theoretical toxicity. Also, the compound did not show cytotoxicity against Hep-G2 and HT-29 cells. In the acute nonclinical toxicological test, the animals treated with TSC01 showed behavioral changes of stimulus of the central nervous system (CNS) at 300 mg/kg. One hour after administration, a dose of 2000 mg/kg caused depressive signs. All changes disappeared after 24 h, with no deaths, which suggest an estimated LD50 of 5000 mg/kg and GSH 5. The group treated with 2000 mg/kg had an increase of water consumption and weight gain in the second week. The biochemical parameters presented no toxicity relevance, and the analysis of oxidative stress in the liver found an increase of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide. However, histopathological analysis showed organ integrity was maintained without any changes. In conclusion, the results show the low toxicological potential of thiosemicarbazone derivative, indicating future safe use.

Effect of p-cymene and rosmarinic acid on gastric ulcer healing - Involvement of multiple endogenous curative mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: p-Cymene and rosmarinic acid are secondary metabolites found in several medicinal plants and spices. Previous studies have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective effects. PURPOSE: To evaluate their gastroduodenal antiulcer activity, gastric healing and toxicity in experimental models. METHODS: Preventive antiulcer effects were assessed using oral pre-treatment on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions and cysteamine-induced duodenal lesions models. Gastric healing, the underlining mechanisms and toxicity after repeated doses were carried out using the acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer rat model and oral treatment for 14 days. RESULTS: In the HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and cysteamine-induced duodenal injury, p-cymene and rosmarinic acid (50-200 mg/kg) decreased significantly the ulcer area, and so prevented lesions formation. In the acetic acid-induced ulcer model, both compounds (200 mg/kg) markedly reduced the ulcerative injury. These effects were related to an increase in the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and interleukin (IL)-10, and due to a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, total and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Downregulation of factor nuclear kappa B (NFκB) and enhanced expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)3 were also demonstrated. Furthermore, positive vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and cyclooxygenase (COX-2)-stained cells were increased in treated groups. Treatment also upregulated the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric tissues. In isolated gastric epithelial cells this healing effect seems to be linked to a modulation of apoptosis, proliferation, survival and protein phosphorylation, such as the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Oral toxicity investigation for 14 days revealed no alterations in heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys weight nor the biochemical and hematological assessed parameters. p-Cymene and rosmarinic acid also protected animals from body weight loss maintaining feed and water intake. CONCLUSIONS: Data altogether suggest low toxicity, antiulcer and gastric healing activities of p-cymene and rosmarinic acid. Antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties seem to be involved in the curative effect as well as the induction of different factors linked to tissue repair.

Non-clinical study of the anxiolytic effect of Citrus aurantium L. essential oil in an inclusion complex with 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin

Anxiety in the world population has increased significantly; the problem has encouraged studies regarding innovative alternatives for treatment. Research with Citrus aurantium L. essential oil (CEO) has revealed positive results with anxiolytic effects in both animals and humans. However, certain limitations affect its storage and preservation, its efficiency in therapy, and determination of adequate posologies. The potential use of cyclodextrins as drug carriers has been successfully explored. This study aims to assess the anxiolytic potential of a CEO/2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) inclusion complex. Preparation of the inclusion complex was performed using the Alpha 1-2 LDplus lyophilizer. To allow formation, and avoid loss of volatiles to the atmosphere, Limonene (LIM), the main compound in CEO, together with HP-ß-CD in a molar ratio of (1: 1M) was dispersed in ethanol for 36 hours using a laboratory shaker at room temperature (25°C). Non-clinical murine pharmacological tests were performed for anxiety assessment in experimental and control groups. To assess anxiety and motor impairment, the animals were evaluated using the elevated plus maze, open field, and rota-rod tests. Satisfactory results of the anxiolytic effect of the OEC complexed in HP-ß-CD were observed, with the indication of an potentiation of the effect with doses lower than 500 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg complexed, suggesting improvement in the anxiolytic properties of the OEC.

Toxicological evaluation in silico and in vivo of secondary metabolites of Cissampelos sympodialis in Mus musculus mice following inhalation.

The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Cissampelos sympodialis showed great pharmacological potential, with inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, however, it showed some toxicological effects. Therefore, this study aims to verify the toxicological potential of alkaloids of the genus Cissampelos through in silico methodologies, to develop a method in LC-MS/MS verifying the presence of alkaloids in the infusion and to evaluate the toxicity of the infusion of the leaves of C. sympodialis when inhaled by Swiss mice. Results in silico showed that alkaloid 93 presented high toxicological potential along with the products of its metabolism. LC-MS/MS results showed that the infusion of the leaves of this plant contained the alkaloids warifteine and methylwarifteine. Finally, the in vivo toxicological analysis of the C. sympodialis infusion showed results, both in biochemistry, organ weights and histological analysis, that the infusion of C. sympodialis leaves presents a low toxicity.

Isopropyl Caffeate: A Caffeic Acid Derivative-Antioxidant Potential and Toxicity.

Phenolic compounds, among them isopropyl caffeate, possess antioxidant potential, but not without toxicity and/or adverse effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and toxicity of isopropyl caffeate through in silico, in vitro and in vivo testing. The results showed that isopropyl caffeate presents no significant theoretical risk of toxicity, with likely moderate bioactivity: GPCR binding, ion channel modulation, nuclear receptor binding, and enzyme inhibition. Isopropyl caffeate induced hemolysis only at the concentrations of 500 and 1000 µg/ml. We observed types A and O erythrocyte protection from osmotic stress, no oxidation of erythrocytes, and even sequestrator and antioxidant behavior. However, moderate toxicity, according to the classification of GHS, was demonstrated through depressant effects on the central nervous system, though there was no influence on water and food consumption or on weight gain, and it did present possible hepatoprotection. We conclude that the effects induced by isopropyl caffeate are due to its antioxidant activity, capable of preventing production of free radicals and oxidative stress, a promising molecule with pharmacological potential.

Anxiolytic Effect of Citrus aurantium L. in Crack Users.

The objective of this study was to investigate the anxiolytic effects of the essential oil (EO) of Citrus aurantium L. in patients experiencing crack withdrawal. This was developed with internal users in therapeutic communities in Paraíba, Brazil. The test population consisted of 51 volunteers, subdivided into three groups. To elicit anxiety, the Simulated Public Speaking (SPS) method was used. Physiological measures were assessed at specific phases during the experiment using appropriate equipment. Psychological measures of anxiety were assessed using the Trait-State Anxiety Inventory (IDATE) and the Analog Smoke Scale (HAS). EO was administered by nebulization. The experiment was developed in individual sessions and consolidated to four phases. The results demonstrated that the test subjects in the groups that were given the EO maintained controlled anxiety levels during SPS, when compared to the Control Group (no treatment). Subjects who used the EO also maintained levels of "discomfort" and "cognitive impairment" during SPS. It was concluded that individuals who are experiencing internal crack cocaine withdrawal present high anxiety traits and that nebulization of the EO of Citrus aurantium L. provided an acute anxiolytic effect in crack cocaine users exposed to SPS.

Maytenus erythroxylon Reissek (Celastraceae) ethanol extract presents antidiarrheal activity via antimotility and antisecretory mechanisms.

AIM: To investigate the acute toxicity, phytochemical profile, antidiarrheal activity and mechanisms of action of Maytenus erythroxylon (M. erythroxylon) ethanol extract. METHODS: A castor oil-induced diarrhea model was used to evaluate antidiarrheal activity. Intestinal transit and gastric emptying protocols were used to evaluate a possible antimotility effect. KATP channels, nitric oxide, presynaptic α2-adrenergic and tissue adrenergic receptors were investigated to uncover antimotility mechanisms of action and castor oil-induced enteropooling to elucidate antisecretory mechanisms. RESULTS: All tested doses of the extract (62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) possessed antidiarrheal activity, with a significant decrease of the evacuation index. This activity is possibly related to a reduced gastric emptying (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) and to a decreased percentage of intestinal transit for all tested doses. That last effect seems to be modulated by nitric oxide, KATP channels and tissue adrenergic receptors. Besides, the extract also presented antisecretory effect due to a decrease of intestinal fluid accumulation. CONCLUSION: The antidiarrheal effect of M. erythroxylon found in this study involves antimotility and antisecretory mechanisms that may be attributed to the chemical compounds found in this species: saponins, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and steroids.

In Silico Study and Bioprospection of the Antibacterial and Antioxidant Effects of Flavone and Its Hydroxylated Derivatives.

Flavonoid compounds are widely used as natural protective species, which can act as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antihypertensive and antitumor agents. This study set out to investigate the probable pharmacological activities, along with the antibacterial and antioxidant effects, of flavone and its hydroxy derivatives: 3-hydroxyflavone, 5-hydroxyflavone and 6-hydroxyflavone. To do so, we investigated their pharmacological characteristics, using in silico tests that indicate likelihood of activity or inactivity, with the PASS online software, and the antimicrobial potential against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria was also analyzed, including bacteria of clinical importance. We also tested for oxidant and antioxidant potential in these molecules in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phenylhydrazine (Ph). The results revealed the following characteristics: pharmacological activities for the flavonoids as agonists of cell membrane integrity and as permeability inhibitors, as antagonists of anaphylatoxin receptors, as inhibitors of both kinase and peroxidase, and as having both antimutagenic capacity and vaso-protective potential. All of the flavonoids exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative strains, with the flavones being bactericidal at 200 µg/mL for the strains of P. aeruginosa ATCC 8027, S. aureus ATCC 25619 and E. coli 104; the other flavonoids revealed bacteriostatic action. The substances did not promote erythrocyte oxidation and behaved as sequestrators and antioxidants of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and phenylhydrazine (Ph). It was concluded that the analyzed compounds have various pharmacological activities in accordance with the predictions of PASS online, as their antibacterial and antioxidant activities were confirmed. The study also helps to consolidate the use of computational chemistry in silico tools to guide new drug search and discovery protocols.

Iliac artery myointimal hyperplasia in rabbits submitted to angioplasty and treated with Moringa oleifera.

OBJECTIVE: to assess post-angioplasty myointimal hyperplasia in iliac artery of rabbits treated with extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. METHODS: we conducted a randomized trial in laboratory animals for five weeks of follow-up, developed in the Vivarium of Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba. We used rabbits from the New Zealand breed, subjected to a hypercholesterolemic diet and angioplasty of the external iliac artery, randomized into two groups: M200 Group (n=10) - rabbits treated with 200mg/kg/day of Moringa oleifera leaves extract orally; SF group (n=10) - rabbits treated with 0.9% saline orally. After five weeks, the animals were euthanized and the iliac arteries prepared for histology. Histological sections were analyzed by digital morphometry. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test. The significance level was 0.05. RESULTS: there was no significant difference in myointimal hyperplasia between M200 and SF groups when comparing the iliac arteries submitted to angioplasty. CONCLUSION: there was no difference of myointimal hyperplasia between groups treated with saline and Moringa oleifera after angioplasty.

Investigação oftalmológica pré-clínica do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare L. Lamiaceae / Ophthalmological pre-clinical research about essential oil from the Origanum vulgare L. Lamiaceae

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a irritação ocular aguda em coelhos, após a administração tópica de óleo essencial. Métodos: Para tanto, os animais foram divididos em três grupos, cada um com três coelhos, totalizando 6 olhos por grupo, e a diferença entre eles foi a concentração utilizada ( 1, 3 e 9%). Aplicou-se no saco conjuntival, de um dos olhos do animal, uma dose única de 0,1 ml do produto e o olho contralateral foi usado como controle. Analisou-se os efeitos causados pelo óleo essencial na conjuntiva, íris e córnea após 1, 24, 48, 72 horas e no final do sétimo dia após a aplicação tópica. As avaliações oftalmológicas foram feitas com o auxílio de um oftalmoscópio binocular indireto com e sem fluoresceína. As reações observadas foram graduadas segundo a escala de Draize. Foram realizados exames anatomopatológicos em todos os olhos estudados no final do experimento. Resultados: No grupo de animais submetidos à instilação ocular do óleo essencial a 1%, não se observou alterações. O tratamento com o óleo a 3% provocou alteração conjuntival no exame feito em 1 hora, o que foi reduzindo. A administração do óleo essencial a 9% induziu hiperemia conjuntival, não havendo qualquer alteração nos outros tempos de avaliação oftalmológica. Conclusão: A avaliação contribuiu para conhecer as alterações clínicas na superfície ocular. Desta forma, foi possível classificar o óleo a 1% como não irritante e nas concentrações de 3 e 9% como pouco irritante, tornando possível estudos clínicos, a fim de estabelecer o óleo como alternativa terapêutica em conjuntivites bacterianas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate acute eye irritation in rabbits following topical administration of essential oil. Methods: animals were divided into three groups, each containing three rabbits, with a total of 6 eyes per group. The difference between them was the concentration used (1, 3 and 9%). A single dose of 0.1 ml of the product was applied into the conjunctival sac of one eye of the animal, and the contralateral eye was used as control. The effects caused by the essential oil in the conjunctiva, iris and cornea were analyzed after 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours and at the end of the seventh day after topical application. Ophthalmologic evaluations were performed with the aid of a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope fluorescein and with and without the observed responses, before being graded according to the Draize scale. Pathological examinations were performed on all eyes studied at the end of the experiment. Results: in the group of animals subjected to the ocular instillation of 1% essential oil, there was no change. For treatment with 3% oil, conjunctival changes were found to be decreasing during the examination after 1 hour. Administration of the 9%essential oil induced conjunctival injection, without any change in the other ophthalmologic evaluation times. Conclusion: the evaluation contributed to meet the clinical changes in the ocular surface. Thus, it was possible to classify the oil at 1% as non-irritating and the concentration of 3% and 9 as mildly irritating, making it possible for clinical studies to establish the oil as an alternative therapy in bacterial conjunctivitis.

Iliac artery myointimal hyperplasia in rabbits submitted to angioplasty and treated with Moringa oleifera / Hiperplasia miointimal na artéria ilíaca em coelhos submetidos à angioplastia e tratados com Moringa oleifera

Objective: to assess post-angioplasty myointimal hyperplasia in iliac artery of rabbits treated with extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. Methods : we conducted a randomized trial in laboratory animals for five weeks of follow-up, developed in the Vivarium of Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba. We used rabbits from the New Zealand breed, subjected to a hypercholesterolemic diet and angioplasty of the external iliac artery, randomized into two groups: M200 Group (n=10) - rabbits treated with 200mg/kg/day of Moringa oleifera leaves extract orally; SF group (n=10) - rabbits treated with 0.9% saline orally. After five weeks, the animals were euthanized and the iliac arteries prepared for histology. Histological sections were analyzed by digital morphometry. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test. The significance level was 0.05. Results : there was no significant difference in myointimal hyperplasia between M200 and SF groups when comparing the iliac arteries submitted to angioplasty. Conclusion : there was no difference of myointimal hyperplasia between groups treated with saline and Moringa oleifera after angioplasty.

Objetivo: determinar a diferença da média de hiperplasia miointimal pós-angioplastia na artéria ilíaca de coelhos tratados e não tratados com extrato das folhas de Moringa oleifera. Métodos: ensaio aleatório em animais de laboratório por cinco semanas de seguimento, desenvolvido no Biotério do Laboratório de Tecnologia Farmacêutica da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Foram utilizadas coelhas da raça Nova Zelândia, submetidas à dieta hipercolesterolêmica e angioplastia da artéria ilíaca externa, randomizadas em dois grupos: Grupo M200 (n=10), coelhas tratadas com 200mg/kg/dia de extrato de folhas de Moringa oleifera, por via oral; Grupo SF (n=10), coelhas tratadas com soro fisiológico 0,9%, por via oral. Após cinco semanas, os animais foram eutanaziados e as artérias ilíacas preparadas para histologia. Os cortes histológicos foram analisados por morfometria digital. A análise estatística foi realizada com o teste t de Student. O nível de significância foi 0,05. Resultados: comparando as artérias ilíacas submetidas à angioplastia do grupo M200 com as do grupo SF, não houve diferença significativa da hiperplasia miointimal Conclusão: não houve diferença da hiperplasia miointimal nos grupos tratados com soro fisiológico e Moringa oleifera após angioplastia.

Anxiolytic Effect of Citrus aurantium L. on Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

The bone marrow aspiration procedure is used in hematological diseases and consists of a painful, invasive procedure causing anxiety-associated symptoms. The present study assessed the effect of Citrus aurantium L. essential oil on the treatment of anxiety, in the moment that precedes the collection of medullary material in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Volunteers from both sexes were divided into groups receiving either the C. aurantium essential oil through inhalation, diazepam (10 mg), or the placebo. The evaluation was performed through psychometric scales [State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)] and physiological measurements (blood pressure and cardiac and respiratory frequency). Inhalation of C. aurantium was associated with a decrease in the STAI-S scores, suggesting an anxiolytic effect. In support of these results, a change in all the physiological measurements was observed in the group exposed to C. aurantium. In the diazepam group, only the diastolic pressure decreased, and no effect was observed in the placebo group. Therefore, the results showed that C. aurantium exhibits an anxiolytic effect and reduces the signs and symptoms associated with anxiety in patients with CML.

Assessment of Pradosia huberi effects on the reproductive system of male rats.

Pradosia huberi is a species found in the Amazon region and used as an antiulcerogenic and gastroprotective agent; however, phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of compounds with potential toxic effects on the reproductive system. For the evaluation of the toxicity of P. huberi on male fertility, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one control (distilled water p.o.) and three treated (hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of P. Huberi (PH-HAE) at doses of 1.22, 6.1, and 30.5 mg/kg p.o.) once daily, for 63 days. In the last week of treatment (from the 57th to the 63rd day), the rats were mated with untreated virgin females (n = 30/group) and were killed on day 64. To investigate the toxic potential of PH-HAE on the reproductive system of rats the following parameters were evaluated: sperm production, genotoxicity, and general development. The production of gametes and their morphology did not differ between control and treated groups. Treatment with PH-HAE did not result in fewer vaginal plugs formed, indicating that the ability to mate was not impaired, but caused an increase of 14.3 and 10.8% in the preimplantation loss index, a reduction of 14.3 and 10.8% in the implantation index, and a reduction of 5.6 and 8.2% in the postimplantation loss index of female rats mated with rats treated with 6.1 and 30.5 mg/kg, respectively, indicating a possible toxic action of PH-HAE on the reproductive system of rats.

Clinical safety evaluation of a tea containing Cissampelos sympodialis in healthy volunteers

ABSTRACTCissampelos sympodialis Eichler, Menispermaceae, is widely used by Indian tribes and folk medicine to treat various inflammatory disorders, including asthma. Clinical toxicological trials were made with the tea of C. sympodialis, a medicinal plant. The study took place at Lauro Wanderley Hospital/UFPB-PB, where seventeen healthy volunteers were chosen, among those six men and eleven women who orally ingested, during four weeks uninterruptedly, 150 ml of the tea, once a day. Before the first ingestion and after the last one, the participants were subjected to clinical and laboratorial tests for their overall conditions in order to analyze the toxicity of the plant. The results demonstrated that the volunteers neither experience clinical nor laboratorial alterations, as well as no significant adverse effects, apart from little change detected in their hematological tests. Nevertheless, none demonstrated any pathological conditions, just alterations of the normal human being physiology. Therefore, it is concluded that these data complement that obtained during pre-clinical studies and confirm a low toxicity of this plant.

Activity of alkaloids on peptic ulcer: what's new?

Peptic ulcer is a common disease characterized by lesions that affect the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach and/or duodenum, and may extend into the muscular layer of the mucosa. Natural products have played an important role in the process of development and discovery of new drugs, due to their wide structural diversity and present, mostly specific and selective biological activities. Among natural products the alkaloids, biologically active secondary metabolites, that can be found in plants, animals or microorganisms stand out. The alkaloids are compounds consisting of a basic nitrogen atom that may or may not be part of a heterocyclic ring. This review will describe 15 alkaloids with antiulcer activity in animal models and in vitro studies.

Medicinal Plants and Other Living Organisms with Antitumor Potential against Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer is a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. As a result, it is often associated with a significant amount of suffering and a general decrease in the quality of life. Herbal medicines are recognized as an attractive approach to lung cancer therapy with little side effects and are a major source of new drugs. The aim of this work was to review the medicinal plants and other living organisms with antitumor potential against lung cancer. The assays were conducted with animals and humans, and Lewis lung carcinoma was the most used experimental model. China, Japan, South Korea, and Ethiopia were the countries that most published studies of species with antitumor activity. Of the 38 plants evaluated, 27 demonstrated antitumor activity. In addition, six other living organisms were cited for antitumor activity against lung cancer. Mechanisms of action, combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, and new technologies to increase activity and reduce the toxicity of the treatment are discussed. This review was based on the NAPRALERT databank, Web of Science, and Chemical Abstracts. This work shows that natural products from plants continue to be a rich source of herbal medicines or biologically active compounds against cancer.

Matrix effect and optimization of LC-MSn determination of trachylobane-360 in mice blood.

Xylopia langsdorffiana A. St.-Hil. & Tul. (Annonaceae) is popularly known as "pimenteira-da-terra". Various constituents have been isolated from this species, including diterpenes, such as 8(17), 12E, 14-labdatrien-18-oic acid, ent-atisan-7α, 16α-diol (xylodiol), ent-7α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (trachylobane-318) and ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid, a crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 360 and molecular formula of C22H32O4 (trachylobane-360). When administered intraperitoneally to mice, trachylobane-360 (T-360) significantly inhibits growth of the solid tumor sarcoma 180 transplanted in mice, without causing alterations in biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters that are frequently associated with the clinical use of antineoplastic. Furthermore, this diterpene blocks voltage-dependent calcium channels (Cav), showing spasmolytic activity. The present study shows that variables such as extraction solvent (methanol, acetonitrile and chloroform), centrifugation force (1000, 7000 and 14,000×g), and centrifugation time (5, 15 and 25min), are important in the liquid-liquid extraction of T-360 from male Swiss mice blood in HPLC-MSn studies. The study confirms matrix influence on recovery and detection of T-360. The recovery for T-360 was 37.02% using chloroform as better extractor solvent, while centrifuged at 14,000×g for 15min demonstrated the importance of the parameters chosen for the extraction/recovery process of analyte. The effect of mice blood matrix for T-360 was -51.23%. This method was optimized by repeating the extraction procedure and acidification of samples. These conditions were essential in increasing recovery (49.47%) by decreasing the matrix effect (-37.60%). The efficiency of the process, after optimization with two extractions and acidification, increased by 14.19% when compared to the initial method, from 18.05% to 32.24%. According to Marchi et al. (2010), the matrix effect does not necessarily need to be reduced or eliminated, but it does need to be identified and quantified. Therefore, these findings are essential for the subsequent evaluation of the pharmacokinetic parameters of this promising natural product.

Traditional uses, chemical constituents, and biological activities of Bixa orellana L.: a review.

Bixa orellana L., popularly known as "urucum," has been used by indigenous communities in Brazil and other tropical countries for several biological applications, which indicates its potential use as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical products. The aim of this work was to report the main evidence found in the literature, concerning the ethnopharmacology, the biological activity, and the phytochemistry studies related to Bixa orellana L. Therefore, this work comprises a systematic review about the use of Bixa orellana in the American continent and analysis of the data collected. This study shows the well-characterized pharmacological actions that may be considered relevant for the future development of an innovative therapeutic agent.

Relação Papilomavírus (HPV) eTumor Maligno da Cavidade Bucal / Relationship between Papillomavirus (HPV) and Oral Malignant Tumor

Este estudo tem o objetivo de revisar a literaturacientífica sobre o Papilomavírus humano (HPV). Material eMétodos: Foi consultada a base BVS com o descritorPapiloma vírus. Resultados: A literatura situa o HPV comovírus da família Papovaridae, alguns deles responsáveis porverrugas vulgares, anogenitais e ainda papilomas danasofaringe. O vírus possui um genoma de DNA de cadeiadupla combinado com histonas, que formam um complexosemelhante a um cromossoma, contido num capsídeo externode proteína virótica. O Papilomavírus humano (HPV) tem sidorelacionado ao desenvolvimento de tumores malignos emalgumas regiões que ocasionalmente costumam infectar,sendo os locais de maior incidência na mulher, o períneo,vulva, vagina, colo do útero e região anal; no homem afetamprincipalmente o pênis, uretra, saco escrotal e região anal.Além dessas áreas, estudos demonstraram a presença deHPV de alto risco e sua possível associação com ofavorecimento de lesões malignas na região da cavidadebucal e orofaringe. O seu potencial carcinogênico estáprovavelmente relacionado a duas proteínas virais, E6 e E7,as quais são capazes de interagirem com outras proteínasque regulam o ciclo celular. Conclusão: Nesta revisão podeser aferido que à medida que os conhecimentos sobre opapilomavírus humano (HPV) avançam, abrem-se novasperspectivas para entender e tratar adequadamente aslesões induzidas por este vírus. Entre os mais de 100 tiposde HPV já identificados conclui-se que cerca de 24 tiposforam associados com lesões bucais, sendo o HPV 16, omais prevalente tanto em lesões orais como genitais...

Objective: This study aims to review the scientific literatureabout the human papillomavirus (HPV). Material and Methods:Searches were carried out in the virtual library in healthdatabase using the descriptor papilloma virus. Results: HPVbelongs to Papovaridae family, whose some members areresponsible for common and anogenital warts, and alsonasopharynx papilloma. This virus has a genome of doublestrandedDNA combined with histones to form a complexsimilar to a chromosome contained in a foreign viral capsidprotein. HPV has been linked to the development of malignanttumors in some regions where infection usually occurs. Thehighest incidence sites in women are: perineum, vulva, vagina,cervix and anus; in men, it affects primarily the penis, urethra,scrotum and anus. In addition to these areas, studies haveshown the presence of high-risk HPV and its possibleassociation with the onset of malignant lesions in the oralcavity and oropharynx. Such potential carcinogenicity isprobably related to two viral proteins, E6 and E7, which arecapable of interacting with other proteins that regulate thecell cycle. Conclusion: This review shows that as theknowledge about the human papillomavirus (HPV) advances,new perspectives are opened to understand and properlyhandle the lesions induced by this virus. Among the morethan 100 types of HPV identified thus far, about 24 typeswere associated with oral lesions, being HPV type 16 themost prevalent one in both oral and genital lesions...

Toxicidade Aguda em Ratos Wistar Tratados com o Extrato Etanólico de Dioclea grandiflora Mart. Ex Benth (Fabaceae) (EEDg) / Acute Toxicity of Dioclea grandiflora Mart. Ex Benth (Fabaceae) Ethanolic Extract in Wistar Rats

Introdução: A Dioclea grandiflora, conhecido como Mucunã de caroço,atua sobre o Sistema Nervoso Central, doenças da próstata e pedrasnos rins. Objetivo: Realizar estudo toxicológico não clínico agudo, emratos, com base na Instrução Normativa nº4, de 18 de junho de 2014da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Material eMétodos: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar, ambos os sexos, dose 2000mg/kg, via oral, do extrato etanólico bruto de Dioclea grandifloraadministrado a um grupo tratado e um grupo controle (veículo). Apósa administração, os parâmetros de comportamento foi observado por30, 60, 90, 120, 180 e 240 minutos, consumo de ração e água,parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos. O número de sobreviventescontabilizados para determinar a DL50. Resultados: Houve aumentoestatisticamente significativo no consumo de água (Controle:160,4±5,85; Tratado: 201,3±8,55) e ração das fêmeas (Controle:95,98±3,02; Tratado: 113,1±2,42) e aumento estatisticamentesignificativo no consumo de água (Controle: 236,7±6,43; Tratado:267,5±8,72) e ração dos machos (Controle: 152,4±2,51; Tratado:177,64,15). Aumento estatisticamente significativo na albumina dosmachos (Controle: 3,2±0,08; Tratado: 3,6±0,08), nas fêmeas reduziuestatisticamente significativo a fosfatase alcalina (Controle:198,5±18,81; Tratado: 99,97±16,02) , proteína total (Controle:7,85±0,09; Tratado: 6,85±0,24) e globulinas (Controle: 4,28±0,14;Tratado: 3,27±0,27). Diminuiu estatisticamente significativo o númerode hemácias nas fêmeas (Controle: 10,18±0,28; Tratado: 9,62±0,18).Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados a DL50 foi superior à dosetestada, porém são necessários estudos toxicológicos de longa duraçãopara atestar a segurança de seu uso...

Introduction: Dioclea grandiflora, known as Mucunã de caroço, acts onthe central nervous system, and against prostate disease and kidneystones. Objective: To perform a nonclinical acute toxicology study inrats following the Normative Instruction #4 as of June 18th 2014 of theNational Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Material and Methods:Wistar rats of both sexes were used in the study. A dose of 2000 mg/kg of Dioclea grandiflora ethanolic extract was administered orally tothe test group. A control group using only the vehicle was also included.Then behavioral parameters were monitored for 30, 60, 90, 120, 180,and 240 minutes after feed and water intake, along with hematologicaland biochemical parameters. The number of survivors was recordedto determine the LD50. Results: There was a statistically significantincrease in water (Control: 160.4 ± 5.85; Treated: 201.3 ± 8.55), andfeed intake (Control: 95.98 ± 3.02; Treated: 113.1 ± 2.42) for femalerats; and a statistically significant increase in water (Control: 236.7 ±6.43; Treated: 267.5 ± 8.72) and feed intake (Control: 152.4 ± 2.51;Treated: 177.6 ± 4.15) for males. A statistically significant increase inalbumin levels was observed for males (Control: 3.2 ± 0.08; Treated:3.6 ± 0.08), and a decrease in alkaline phosphatase (Control: 198.5 ±18.81; Treated: 99.97 ± 16.02), total protein (Control: 7.85 ± 0.09;Treated: 6.85 ± 0.24) and globulin (Control: 4.28 ± 0.14; Treated: 3.27± 0.27) was found for females. Also, in females the number of redblood cells was found to be significantly reduced (Control: 10.18 ±0.28; Treated: 9.62 ± 0.18). Conclusion: According to the results, theLD50 value found was higher than that of the tested dose. Howeverlong-term toxicology studies are needed to further prove the safetyof the extract...