Ateroprotective effects of Plinia cauliflora in. New Zealand rabbits: beyond the lipid-lowering effect.

Introduction: Plinia cauliflora [Mart.] Kausel (Myrtaceae), popularly known as "jabuticaba," is a fruit species native to Brazil. Despite extensive widespread usage, its antiatherosclerotic properties' impact remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of a preparation obtained from the fruit peels of P. cauliflora (EEPC). Methods: Male New Zealand rabbits received a 1% cholesterol-supplemented diet for 60 days. On the thirtieth day, the animals were divided into five experimental groups and received, once a day, by the oral route, the EEPC (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), simvastatin (2.5 mg/kg), or vehicle for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, peripheral blood and arterial branch samples were collected. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrotyrosine (NT), nitrite, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b), interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels were measured. Moreover, the catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were measured on the arterial samples. Histopathological analysis and arterial morphometry were also performed. Results and discussion: The oral administration of ESEG significantly lowered the levels of lipids in rabbits that were fed a CRD diet. This treatment also adjusted the protective system against oxidation in the arteries by decreasing the oxidation of lipids and proteins. Additionally, the levels of IL-1b, IL-6, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 in the bloodstream decreased significantly, and this was accompanied by a reduction of atherosclerotic lesions in all branches of the arteries. The findings suggest that EEPC may be a possible option for additional management of atherosclerosis.

Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Preclinical Potential of Pereskia grandifolia in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a complex condition characterized by steatosis and metabolic disturbances. Risk factors such as diabetes, cigarette smoking, and dyslipidaemia contribute to its development and progression. Effective and safe therapies for MAFLD are urgently needed. Pereskia grandifolia has shown potential as an alternative treatment, but its effectiveness against liver disease remains unexplored. This research aims to determine the hepatoprotective properties of P. grandifolia using a model of MAFLD. The study was carried out through various phases to assess the safety and efficacy of the ethanol-soluble fraction of P. grandifolia. Initially, an in vitro assay was performed to assess cell viability. This was followed by an acute toxicity test conducted in rats to determine the safety profile of the extract. Subsequently, the anti-inflammatory properties of P. grandifolia were examined in macrophages. For the MAFLD study, diabetic Wistar rats were made diabetic and exposed to a high fat diet and cigarette smoke, for 4 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, the rats were orally given either the vehicle (negative control group; C-), P. grandifolia (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or insulin in addition to simvastatin. A basal group of rats not exposed to these risk factors was also assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, ALT, and AST levels. Liver was assessed for lipid and oxidative markers, and liver histopathology was examined. P. grandifolia showed no signs of toxicity. It demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting phagocytosis and macrophage spreading. The MAFLD model induced liver abnormalities, including increased AST, ALT, disrupted lipid profile, oxidative stress, and significant hepatic damage. However, P. grandifolia effectively reversed these changes, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent. These findings emphasize the significance of P. grandifolia in mitigating hepatic consequences associated with various risk factors.

Bioprospecting a Film-Forming System Loaded with Eugenia uniflora L. and Tropaeolum majus L. Leaf Extracts for Topical Application in Treating Skin Lesions.

Natural products can be used as complements or as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Eugenia uniflora and Tropaeolum majus are natives of Brazil and have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to develop a film-forming system (FFS) loaded with plant extracts with the potential for treating microbial infections. E. uniflora and T. majus leaf extracts were prepared and characterized, and the individual and combined antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The FFS was developed with different concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The combination of extracts showed a superior antioxidant effect compared to the individual extracts, justifying the use of the blend. FFS prepared with 4.5% PVA, 4.5% PVP, 7.81% E. uniflora extract, and 3.90% T. majus extract was adhesive, lacked scale formation, presented good malleability, and had a suitable pH for topical application. In addition, the viscosity at rest was satisfactory for maintaining stability; water solubility was adequate; skin permeation was low; and the antimicrobial effect was superior to that of the individual extracts. Therefore, the developed FFS is promising for the differentiated treatment of skin lesions through topical application.

Extraction Methods, Chemical Characterization, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel Peels.

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, popularly known as jabuticaba, possesses bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, known for their antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing, and cardioprotective effects. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize the P. cauliflora fruit peel extraction method, maximize phenolic constituents, and evaluate their antioxidative and antimicrobial effects. Various extraction methods, including vortex extraction with and without precipitation at 25, 40, and 80 °C, and infusion extraction with and without precipitation, were performed using a completely randomized design. Extraction without precipitation (E - P) showed the highest yield (57.9%). However, the precipitated extraction (E + P) method displayed a yield of 45.9%, higher levels of phenolic derivatives, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Major compounds, such as D-psicose, D-glucose, and citric acid, were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis identified citric acid, hexose, flavonoids, tannins, and quercetin as the major compounds in the extracts. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited inhibitory effects against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli bacteria. In conclusion, the E + P method efficiently obtained extracts with high content of bioactive compounds showing antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities with potential application as a dietary supplement.

Activity of essential oils from leaves, flower buds and stems of Tetradenia riparia on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus larvae.

Around the world, the main problems of livestock are caused by ectoparasites, however, commercial acaracide are toxic to the environment and detrimental to One Health. Therefore, research has increasingly focused on development of natural products as alternatives for tick control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal effect on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, through use of essential oils (EOs) extracted from the leaves, flower buds and stems of Tetradenia riparia. The chemical composition of these EOs was determined through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). They were tested on larvae at concentrations of 100.000 to 40 µg/mL, using the larval packet test and under semi-natural conditions. The main class of compounds in the chemical composition was sesquiterpenes (both oxygenates and hydrocarbons), whereas the predominant compounds in the leaves, flower buds and stems were 14-hydroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene, T-cadinol and 6-7-dehydroroyleanone, respectively. The leaves proved to be the most effective, with highest larvicidal activity (LC99.9 = 83.53 µg/mL). When tested under semi-natural conditions, the oils obtained efficiency above 98% in all compound tests. The results indicated that these EOs were effective against R. (B.) microplus larvae in vitro and ex-situ, proving that this plant has bioactive molecules with significant larvicidal activity.

Potential of Tetradenia riparia leaf essential oil and its fractions in controlling Aedes aegypti and Rhipicephalus microplus larvae

Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd (Lamiaceae) is a shrub, commonly known as ginger bush or false myrrh, and several studies have shown that T. riparia exhibits a variety of biological properties. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition of T. riparia essential oil and its fractions, investigate their anticholinesterase activity, and assess their larvicidal activity against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus and the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Eleven essential oil fractions were obtained by fractionation and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Larvicidal activity against R. microplus and third-instar A. aegypti was assessed using a larval packet test and a larval immersion test, respectively. Anticholinesterase activity was determined by a bioautographic method. Forty-nine compounds were identified in the essential oil, of which the major classes were oxygenated sesquiterpenes (45.95%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (35.20%) and the major components were isospathulenol (17.40%), ß-caryophyllene (15.61%), 14-hydroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene (10.07%), 14-hydroxy-α-muurolene (8.32%), and 9ß,13ß-epoxy-7-abietene (5.53%). Bioassays showed that T. riparia essential oil (LC50 = 1.56 µg/mL) and FR3 (LC50 = 0.30 µg/mL) were the most active against R. microplus and A. aegypti larvae, respectively. The essential oil and FR1, FR2, and FR3 exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. These results indicate that T. riparia essential oil and its fractions hold promise in the development of novel, environmentally safe agents for the control of R. microplus and A. aegypti larvae.

Safety Investigations of Two Formulations for Vaginal Use Obtained from Eugenia uniflora L. Leaves in Female Rats.

Medicinal plants have great prominence in research into the development of new medicines. Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) is an edible and medicinal plant with economic value in the northeast region of Brazil. Several preparations from E. uniflora leaves and its fruits are employed as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this study we evaluated the preclinical toxicology of crude extract and vaginal gel obtained from the leaves of E. uniflora (5%, 10%, and 15%) aiming to provide safety for its use in the treatment of vulvovaginitis. Both formulations were applied to the vaginal cavity for 14 days. Detailed observations of the vaginal region, including pruritus, swelling, irritation, burning, pain, and vaginal secretion, as well as the estrous cycle were evaluated. On the fifth day, blood samples were obtained from the supraorbital plexus for biochemical and hematological analyses. The animals were subsequently euthanized. All animals underwent necropsy and macroscopic examination of the vaginal mucosa and reproductive system. A histological examination was also performed. No clinically significant changes were detected during the entire experimental period. All biochemical, hematological, or histopathological parameters were within the normal range for the species. The data obtained allow us to suggest that the E. uniflora vaginal formulations are safe in this experimental model.

Influence of different preparation techniques on the composition and antioxidant action of curcumin and curcuminoids / Influencia de diferentes técnicas de preparación en la composición y acción antioxidante de la curcumina y los curcuminoides

Epidemiological evidence indicates that plant antioxidants activity can treat or help to prevent the development of various diseases. One species with great potential as an antioxidant is Curcuma longa. However, different extraction techniquescan influence isolated chemical compounds. This study investigated chemical composition and antioxidant activity of two rhizome extracts of C. longa: hydroethanolic, obtained by exhaustion (HECLex); and dried by a spray dryer (HECLsd). The phytochemical composition was evaluated by GC/MS. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. Total phenolic compounds and soil analyses were performed. The main components of HECLex were ar-turmerone, γ-curcumene, α-turmerone, and ß-sesquiphellandrene. The main components of HECLsd were 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 2, 3-bis([trimethylsilyl]oxy) propyl ester, verrucarol, and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether. HECLsd had significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant capacity compared with HECLex. In conclusion, processes of the preparation of C. longarhizomes alter the chemical components and consequently their biological activity.

La evidencia epidemiológica indica que la actividad de los antioxidantes de las plantas pueden tratar o ayudar a prevenir el desarrollo de diversas enfermedades. Una especie con gran potencial como antioxidante es Curcuma longa. Sin embargo, diferentes técnicas de extracción pueden influir en los compuestos químicos aislados. Este estudio investigó la composición química y la actividad antioxidante de dos extractos de rizoma de C. longa: hidroetanólico, obtenido por agotamiento (HECLex); y se seca con un secador por pulverización (HECLsd). La composición fitoquímica se evaluó mediante GC/MS. La actividad antioxidante se evaluó mediante ensayos DPPH y FRAP. Se realizaron análisis de suelos y compuestos fenólicos totales. Los componentes principales de HECLex fueron ar-turmerona, γ-curcumene, α-turmerone y ß-sesquiphellandrene. Los componentes principales de HECLsd fueron ácido 9,12,15-octadecatrienoico, éster 2,3-bis ([trimetilsilil] oxi) propílico, verrucarol y éter 1-monolinoleoilglicerol trimetilsilil. HECLsd tenía niveles significativamente más altos de compuestos fenólicos y mayor capacidad antioxidante en comparación con HECLex. En conclusión, los procesos de preparación de los rizomas de C. longa alteran los componentes químicos y consecuentemente su actividad biológica.

Thyroid-disrupting effects of chlorpyrifos in female Wistar rats.

Thousands of chemicals are released into the environment daily, arousing great scientific interest because they can influence the overall function of living organisms. The indiscriminate use of pesticides, especially organophosphate, confers important risks to both public and environmental health. Previous studies showed that chlorpyrifos (CPF) acts as an endocrine disruptor. Nevertheless, CPF is still widely used in many countries. Thus, we evaluated the thyroid-disrupting effects of CPF after short-term low-dose oral exposure in female Wistar rats. A total of 48 female Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups (n = 8/group) that were treated orally by gavage with vehicle (control) and chlorpyrifos (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg) for 5 days. Clinical signs of toxicity were observed throughout treatment. On day 6, the animals were weighed. Serum samples were obtained to measure levels of thyroid hormones, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, glutamyl transpeptidase, and estradiol. The animals were then euthanized by deep anesthesia with isoflurane. The thyroid gland, liver, spleen, and kidneys were collected to determine relative organ weight and perform histopathological analyses. We observed a significant increase in total triiodothyronine (T3) levels in all CPF treatment groups, even at very low doses that corresponded to the Acceptable Daily Intake. Only the highest dose tested significantly increased both total and free T3 levels. In the group that received the highest dose of CPF, thyroid follicles had irregular contours and few or no colloids. The present results indicated that short-term low-dose CPF exposure in female rats induced significant thyroid-disrupting effects.

Repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study of Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke.

Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke is a plant with medicinal properties popularly used in Brazil to treat diabetes and obesity. Despite the promising use of this plant, are still incipient toxicology studies on prolonged periods of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study of V. megapotamica methanolic extract (VMME) in male and female Wistar rats. Different groups of rats (n = 8) were treated daily with three different doses of VMME (100, 300, and 900 mg/kg) or vehicle (filtered water). Body weight, water, and feed consumption, and clinical and behavioral changes were monitored daily. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were obtained for hematological and biochemical analyzes. After euthanasia, the vital organs were removed for the determination of relative weight and for histopathological analysis. No clinical signs of toxicity or mortality were found during the experimental period. Treatment with VMME did not induce any change in body weight gain, eating patterns, and behavior. We found no statistically significant changes in the different hematological and biochemical parameters evaluated. The relative weight of the organs and histopathological analysis did not show any significant change when compared to animals treated with the vehicle. The data obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the VMME obtained from V. megapotamica is safe after a repeated-dose 90-day oral toxicity study in male and female Wistar rats.

Tetradenia riparia leaves, flower buds, and stem essential oils to control of Aedes aegypti larvae

Abstract Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd (Lamiaceae) is a species native to the African continent and used as an insect repellent. The objective of the study was to evaluate the larvicidal potential of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves, flower buds, and stem of T. riparia, collected in winter against Aedes aegypti larvae. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation (3 h) and identified by GC/MS. The EOs were tested against larvae of A. aegypti at concentrations ranging from 12500 to 1.5 µg/mL for 24 h. The insecticide activity was evaluated by probit analysis, and the anticholinesterase activity was determined by bioautographic method. The results of the class projection indicated sesquiterpenes as the majority class, corresponding to 60.66% (leaves), 64.70% (flower buds) and 83.99% (stem), and the bioassays on A. aegypti larvae indicated LC50 of 1590, 675 and 665 µg/mL, respectively. The anticholinesterase activity indicated that the EO of the leaves inhibited the enzyme at a concentration of 780 µg/mL, and those from the flower buds and stem inhibited up to 1560 µg/mL. The results indicated weak activity of essential oils against A. aegypti larvae.

Avaliação do conhecimento de acadêmicos de farmácia sobre plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos / Assessment of knowledge of pharmacy students about medicinal plants and herbal medicines / Evaluación de conocimientos de los estudiantes de farmacia sobre plantas medicinales y medicamentos a base de hierbas

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais e medicamentos fitoterápicos em uma instituição de ensino superior da Região Sul do Brasil a Universidade Paranaense -UNIPAR, considerando a importância da fitoterapia para a formação profissional dos cursos de Farmácia. Foi desenvolvido, um estudo quantitativo e descritivo, aplicando um questionário, pelo Google Formulários, para avaliar o conhecimento sobre as plantas e fitoterápicos, com todos os 23 acadêmicos do 4ºano do curso de farmácia. Os resultados demonstraram que 60,9% dos alunos faz uso de alguma planta medicinal, 95,7% dos acadêmicos aprendeu utilizar plantas medicinais na faculdade e as plantas mais citadas foram: hortelã, hibisco e boldo, 95,7% respondeu que indicaria uso de fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais para outras pessoas, 87% dos acadêmicos responderam que talvez faça uma especialização em plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos. Este estudo demonstra que os acadêmicos, utilizam plantas medicinais com certa frequência, adquiriram informações provenientes da Universidade e do saber tradicional adquirido, havendo a necessidade de maior conhecimento sobre a importância do aperfeiçoamento profissional, com a realização de especialização, considerando o potencial da fitoterapia(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge about medicinal plants and herbal medicines in a higher education institution in the southern region of Brazil, Universidade Paranaense -UNIPAR, considering the importance of herbal medicine for the professional training of pharmacy courses. A quantitative and descriptive study was developed, applying a questionnaire, by Google Forms, to assess the knowledge about plants and herbal medicines, with all 23 academics from the 4th year of the pharmacy course.The results showed that 60.9% of students use some medicinal plant, 95.7% of students learned to use medicinal plants in college and the most cited plants were: mint, hibiscus and boldo, 95.7% answered that they would indicateuse from herbal medicines and medicinal plants to other people, 87% of academics responded that perhaps they do a specialization in medicinal plants and herbal medicines. This study demonstrates that academics, using medicinal plants with a certain frequency, acquired information from the University and acquired traditional knowledge, with the need for greater knowledge about the importance of professional improvement, with the realization of specialization, considering the potentialof herbal medicine(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el conocimiento sobre plantas medicinales y medicinas a base de hierbas en una institución de educación superior en la región sur de Brasil, la Universidade Paranaense -UNIPAR, considerando la importancia de la fitoterapia para la formación profesional de los cursos de farmacia. Se desarrolló un estudio cuantitativo y descriptivo, aplicando un cuestionario, de Google Forms, para evaluar los conocimientos sobre plantas y medicinas a base de hierbas, con los 23 académicos del 4º año del curso de farmacia. Los resultados mostraron que el 60.9% de los estudiantes usa alguna planta medicinal, el 95.7% de los estudiantes aprendió a usar plantas medicinales en la universidad y las plantas más citadas fueron: menta, hibisco y boldo, el 95.7% respondió que indicaría uso de hierbas medicinales y medicinales. plantas a otras personas, el 87% de los académicos respondió que tal vez hacen una especialización en plantas medicinales y medicinas a base de hierbas. Este estudio demuestra que los académicos, utilizando plantas medicinales con cierta frecuencia,adquirieron información de la Universidad y adquirieron conocimientos tradicionales, con la necesidad de un mayor conocimiento sobre la importancia de la superación profesional, con la realización de la especialización, considerando el potencial de la fitoterapia(AU)

Genotoxicity Study of Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke.

Vitex megapotamica (Spreng) Moldenke is commonly known as tarumã, it is an important medicinal and edible fruit plant. It is native to regions of tropical and subtropical climate in greater proportion than temperate zones and widely distributed in Central America, South America, Asia, and Africa. In Brazil, it is present in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. Despite its widespread use, there are no minimum standards for quality control or information on genotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present a detailed description of the short-term genotoxicity assays of V. megapotamica and to provide parameters of a preparation routinely used in traditional folk medicine. For genotoxicity assays, five groups were used with eight wistar rats in each group. For this, three doses of the V. megapotamica extract in doses (100, 300, and 900 mg/kg) or negative control (filtered water) were administered orally and positive control cyclophosphamide monohydrate (20 mg/kg; Sigma-Aldrich®) was applied by the intraperitoneal route after 24 h. At the end, whole blood was collected in a tube containing EDTA for the comet test and later the animals were euthanized. For the micronucleus test, femurs were removed, and bone marrow was collected. In the comet assay, V. megapotamica crude extract did not show significant DNA damage at all doses tested. The micronucleus assay showed no significant increase in the frequency of inducing micronuclei at any dose examined. It can be concluded that the safety parameters in genotoxicity studies reveal that V. megapotamica has no toxicity, which characterizes the important quality control of this plant species.

Promising therapeutic use of Baccharis trimera (less.) DC. as a natural hepatoprotective agent against hepatic lesions that are caused by multiple risk factors.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC is a perennial subshrub, popularly known as "carqueja," that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Ethnobotanical studies indicate that this species is used for the treatment of diabetes and digestive and liver diseases. However, studies that sought to validate its popular use were conducted using ethanolic extracts of the plant, which does not reflect the ethnomedicinal use of this species in humans. AIM OF THE STUDY: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by triglyceride accumulation in the liver that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because of the severity of this disease, less toxic and more effective therapeutic agents need to be developed. B. trimera may be a promising therapeutic alternative, but its activity against multiple risk factors for liver disease (e.g., smoking, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus) has not been studied. The present study investigated the effects of an ethnomedicinal form of a B. trimera preparation in a rat model of NAFLD that is associated with multiple risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic soluble fraction of B. trimera extract was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in male Wistar rats. The rats received a 0.5% cholesterol-enriched diet and were exposed to cigarette smoke (9 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks). In the last 2 weeks, the animals were orally treated with vehicle (negative control group), B. trimera extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or insulin + simvastatin. One group of rats that was not exposed to these risk factors was also evaluated. Blood was collected for glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) analysis. The liver and feces were collected for lipid quantification. The liver was additionally processed for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: The model successfully induced NAFLD and increased levels of glucose, AST, and ALT in the negative control group. Treatment with the B. trimera extract (30 and 100 mg/kg) and insulin + simvastatin decreased hepatic and fecal lipids. In contrast to insulin + simvastatin treatment, all three doses of B. trimera effectively reduced AST and ALT levels. CONCLUSION: B. trimera may be promising as a hepatoprotective agent against hepatic lesions that are caused by multiple risk factors.

Antimicrobial activity of Asteraceae species against bacterial pathogens isolated from postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: Investigation of the antibacterial action of aqueous extracts of Bidens sulphurea, Bidens pilosa, and Tanacetum vulgare, species of Asteraceae family that are popularly used for the treatment of genito-urinary infection. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bacterial concentration (MBC) of the extracts against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853) and against bacteria that were isolated from cultures of vaginal secretions and urine from menopausal women with a diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) were determined by broth microdilution. RESULTS: The MIC values of the three extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative standard bacterial strains ranged from 7.81 to 125.00 mg ml-1, and the MBC values ranged from 7.81 to 500.00 mg ml-1. However, B. sulphurea was more efficient. In the urine samples, the three extracts inhibited the growth of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., and the B. pilosa was the most active extract against E. coli compared with the other ones. For the vaginal secretion samples, no significant differences in the inhibition of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp. and P. mirabilis were found among the extracts. T. vulgare and B. sulphurea were more effective in inhibiting coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. compared with B. pilosa. E. coli was more susceptible to the B. sulphurea extract compared with the B. pilosa and T. vulgare extracts. CONCLUSION: The present results suggested the potential medicinal use of Asteraceae species, especially B. sulphurea, as therapeutic agents against rUTI-related bacteria.

Evaluation of Reproductive Toxicology of Aqueous Extract of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.), a Traditional South American Beverage.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.; Aquifoliaceae) is a popular tonic and stimulant beverage that is widely consumed in different South American countries. Estimates indicate the consumption of >1 L per day in southern Brazil and Uruguay. Despite its relatively high consumption, data on reproductive toxicity during critical periods of gestation remain unclear. Thus, we evaluated the effects of an aqueous extract of I. paraguariensis leaves ("chimarrão" [IPC]) at two critical periods of gestation in Wistar rats: preimplantation embryonic stage and fetal organogenesis. Pregnant Wistar rats were orally treated with IPC (3, 30, and 300 mg/kg) from days 1 to 7 or 8 to 21 of pregnancy. The respective control groups received vehicle. During treatment, clinical signs of maternal toxicity, maternal body weight, and food and water intake were monitored. The rats were killed on days 8 and 20 of pregnancy, and the following parameters were evaluated: weight of the maternal uterus, weight of the liver, weight of the kidneys, weight of the spleen, total embryo implantation, preimplantation loss, the mean of live fetuses, the percentage of dead fetuses, fetus weight, and fetal malformation. The aqueous extract of the leaves of I. paraguariensis L. did not present any deleterious effects on preimplantation embryos or the organogenesis of offspring from female Wistar rats. These safety data provide evidence that IPC may be safe for consumption during gestation.

Etnobotânica e etnofarmacologia das espécies de amaryllidaceae, anacardiaceae, annonaceae e apiaceae / Ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology of amaryllidaceae, anacardiaceae, annonaceae and apiaceae species

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o levantamento das informações etnobotânicas, etnofarmacológicas e farmacológicas registradas na literatura sobre as espécies de Amaryllidaceae, Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae e Apiaceae, cultivadas no Horto Medicinal do Campus 2 da Universidade Paranaense - UNIPAR. Para tanto, foram utilizadas as bases de dados disponíveis, cujos artigos científicos foram retirados de revistas nacionais e internacionais, sem restrição do ano de publicação, a partir do objeto de estudo ora proposto. As quatro famílias botânicas abordadas neste trabalho somaram 14 espécies, sendo apenas duas delas de uso exclusivamente ornamental. Dentre as de uso medicinal, a maioria apresentou estudos farmacológicos registrados na literatura consultada. Das famílias abordadas, Amaryllidaceae se destacou por apresentar espécies ornamentais com registro etnofarmacológico e farmacológico, como é o caso do agapanto (Agapanthus africanus) que promove aumento da contratilidade uterina e do agave (Agave angustifolia) que possui efeito imunomodulador. Apesar dos registros farmacológicos encontrados, ainda há necessidade de mais investigações científicas para que a população possa fazer o uso com maior eficácia e segurança.

The aim of this work was to study the ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological and pharmacological information recorded in literature on species of Amaryllidaceae, Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae and Apiaceae grown in the Botanical Garden in the Campus 2 at Universidade Paranaense - UNIPAR. For such, it used the available databases, analyzing scientific papers from both national and international journals, with no restriction for the year of publication, based on the study object proposed herein. The four botanical families covered in the study totaled 14 species, with only two of them being exclusively of ornamental use. Among the species considered for medicinal use, most of them present pharmacological studies registered in the researched literature. Among the studied families, Amaryllidaceae presented ornamental species with ethnopharmacological and pharmacological records, such as agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus), which promotes an increase in uterine contractility, and agave (Agave angustifolia), with an immunomodulatory effect. Despite the pharmacological records found, further scientific research must be made in order to provide greater efficacy and safety for the use among the general public.

Risco das plantas medicinais na gestação: uma revisão dos dados de acesso livre em língua portuguesa / Risk of medicinal plants in pregnancy: a review of free access data in portuguese

A gestação é um período único e especial na vida de cada mulher, no qual ocorre uma série de modificações no organismo feminino, tanto do ponto de visto físico como do ponto de vista psíquico, que começam na primeira semana e continuam durante todo o período de gestação. Essas modificações ocasionam uma série de desconfortos (dores musculares, enjoos, vômitos, e constipação) que interferem no estado físico e emocional da gestante. Na busca por aliviá-las muitas gestantes buscam consumir produtos de origem natural por acreditarem que eles não fazem mal. Nessa busca, a crença de que é "natural" é sinônimo de "seguro" tornam o consumo de plantas medicinais atraente para muitas gestantes, que ao consumirem esses produtos, muitas vezes, sem orientação médica ou farmacêutica, acreditam não existir riscos ao embrião/feto e para si mesmas. Isso faz com que o uso medicinal de plantas seja comum na gestação. Porém, existem evidências científicas que muitas substâncias presentes nas plantas medicinais oferecem riscos durante a gestação. Neste contexto, o presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar, por meio de uma revisão de literatura em bases de acesso livre e em língua portuguesa, quais as espécies que podem acarretar algum risco durante a gestação. A literatura disponível para a população em geral evidenciou que diversas espécies são capazes de oferecer risco durante a gestação por apresentarem potencial embriotóxico, teratogênico e abortífero.

Pregnancy is a unique and special time in every woman's life, in which there is a number of physical and psychological changes in the female body, starting from the first week and continuing throughout the entire pregnancy. These changes cause a lot of discomfort (muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and constipation) interfering in the physical and emotional state of the mother. In the search for relieving such pains, many pregnant women seek to use natural products because of their belief that they do no harm. In this quest, the belief of what is "natural" is a synonym to "safe" make the consumption of such products attractive to many pregnant women, frequently without any medical or pharmaceutical advice, believing there is no risk to the embryo/fetus and for herself. However, there is scientific evidence that many substances in medicinal plants pose risks during pregnancy. In this context, this study aimed to investigate, through a literature review in open access databases and in Portuguese, which species can entail some risk during pregnancy. The literature data available to the general population showed that several species are able to offer risk during the pregnancy because they have embryotoxic, teratogenic and abortive potential.

Levantamento de informações etnobotânicas, etnofarmacológicas e farmacológicas registradas na literatura sobre Tropaeolum majus l. (CHAGUINHA) / Survey of ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological and pharmacological information recorded in literature on Tropaeolum majus l. (garden nasturtium)

O uso popular de plantas é uma arte muito antiga fundamentada no acúmulo de informações repassadas por meio de sucessivas gerações. A etnobotânica e a etnofarmacologia são considerados ferramentas importantes no resgate de saberes tradicionais das sociedades humanas, passadas e presentes, e suas interações com as plantas e a geração de conhecimento científico e tecnológico voltados para o uso sustentável dos recursos naturais, e estão diretamente ligados com o mercado fitoterápico. A Tropaeolum majus L. conhecida popularmente como capuchinha, chaguinha ou nastúrcio pertence à família Tropaeolaceae é uma espécie amplamente cultivada no Brasil, tanto para fins ornamentais, medicinais e alimentícios. A Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA) orienta e recomenda o cultivo desta espécie para fins alimentares e medicinais. Diante dessa realidade, inúmeros estudos foram realizados com essa espécie no intuito de comprovar sua eficácia, segurança e qualidade. A partir do levantamento bibliográfico sobre a etnobotânica, etnofarmacologia, farmacologia e toxicologia da espécie em questão, observou-se que existem vários trabalhos publicados que justificam a utilização desta espécie, tanto no uso medicinal quanto alimentício, podendo-se lançar no mercado de produtos naturais um novo fitoterápico promissor, cujos estudos encontram-se bem definidos e justificados.

The popular use of plants is an ancient art based on the accumulation of information passed on through successive generations. Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology are considered important tools in the recovery of traditional human society knowledge, both past and present, their interactions with plants and the generation of scientific and technological knowledge for sustainable use of natural resources, directly linked with the herbal medicine market. The Tropaeolum majus L. (popularly known as garden nasturtium, Indian cress or monks cress) belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family, and is widely cultivated in Brazil, for ornamental, medicinal and food purposes. The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) provides guidance and recommendation on the cultivation of this species for food and medicinal purposes. Thus, many studies have been carried out with this species in order to prove its efficacy, safety and quality. From the literature on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, pharmacology and toxicology of the studied species, it could be observed that there are several published works justifying the use of this species, both for its medical and food use, thus allowing the launching of natural products on the market with a promising new herbal medicine, with well-defined and justified studies.

Prolonged Diuretic Activity and Calcium-Sparing Effect of Tropaeolum majus: Evidence in the Prevention of Osteoporosis.

Although several studies indicate high effectiveness in the use of the hydroethanolic extract from Tropaeolum majus (HETM) as a diuretic, the impact of its prolonged use in the presence of low estrogen levels remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the diuretic effects of prolonged administration of HETM in ovariectomized rats and their interrelationship between calcium excretion and bone turnover. Forty-two female Wistar rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated orally with different doses of HETM (3, 30, and 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. On the first day of treatment and at weekly intervals for four weeks the diuretic activity was evaluated. Electrolyte concentrations and creatinine levels were estimated from urine sample of each rat. The serum lipids, urea, creatinine, and osteocalcin were also measured at the end of the experiment. The data revealed that the HETM was able to sustain its diuretic effect after prolonged treatment. Moreover, its use has not affected the urinary calcium or potassium excretion, reduces lipid levels, and maintains osteocalcin levels similarly to untreated rats. These findings support the potential of HETM as a candidate to be used in clinical conditions in which the renal loss of calcium is not desired.