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.

Phytochemical composition, antifungal activity, in vitro and in vivo toxicity of Syzygium cumini (L) Skeels leaves extract / Composición fitoquímica, actividad antifúngica, toxicidad in vitro e in vivo del extracto de hojas de Syzygium cumini (L) Skeels

This study determined phytochemical composition, antifungal activity and toxicity in vitro and in vivo of Syzygium cumini leaves extract (Sc). Thus, was characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and submitted to determination of Minimum Inhibitory (MIC) and Fungicidal concentrations (MFC) on reference and clinical strains of Candida spp. and by growth kinetics assays. Toxicity was verified using in vitro assays of hemolysis, osmotic fragility, oxidant and antioxidant activity in human erythrocytes and by in vivo acute systemic toxicity in Galleria mellonella larvae. Fourteen different compounds were identified in Sc, which showed antifungal activity (MIC between 31.25-125µg/mL) with fungistatic effect on Candida. At antifungal concentrations, it demonstrated low cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity and neglible in vivotoxicity. Thus, Sc demonstrated a promising antifungal potential, with low toxicity, indicating that this extract can be a safe and effective alternative antifungal agent.

Este estudio determinó la composición fitoquímica, la actividad antifúngica y la toxicidad in vitro e in vivo del extracto de hojas de Syzygium cumini (Sc). Así, se caracterizó mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas y se sometió a determinación de Concentraciones Mínimas Inhibitorias (CMI) y Fungicidas (MFC) sobre cepas de referencia y clínicas de Candida spp. y mediante ensayos de cinética de crecimiento. La toxicidad se verificó mediante ensayos in vitro de hemólisis, fragilidad osmótica, actividad oxidante y antioxidante en eritrocitos humanos y por toxicidad sistémica aguda in vivo en larvas de Galleria mellonella. Se identificaron catorce compuestos diferentes en Sc, que mostraron actividad antifúngica (CMI entre 31.25-125 µg/mL) con efecto fungistático sobre Candida. En concentraciones antifúngicas, demostró baja citotoxicidad, actividad antioxidante y toxicidad in vivo insignificante. Por lo tanto, Sc demostró un potencial antifúngico prometedor, con baja toxicidad, lo que indica que este extracto puede ser un agente antifúngico alternativo seguro y eficaz.

Phytochemistry, antifungal and antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of byrsonima gardneriana (A. Juss) extract.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the phytochemical composition of Byrsonima gardneriana (A. Juss) leaf extract (BGE) and its antifungal activity against Candida spp., antioxidant potential and in vitro cytotoxicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: BGE was obtained and submitted to Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry for phytochemical analysis. The ethanolic extract was tested for its antifungal activity against C. albicans and non-albicans reference strains and clinical isolates in addition to inhibition of C. albicans growth kinetics. It was also tested for antioxidant potential in the presence of phenylhydrazine and reactive oxygen species (ROS). And cytoxicity in human erythrocytes. The data were analyzed by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's or Dunnett's post-hoc test, with α = 0.05. RESULTS: Pyroglutamic acid (90.77 %), eucalyptol (89.61 %) and octanoic acid (76.22 %) were the major compounds detected in BGE, P (%) is the percent probability of compound identification, according to the mass spectra library. The extract showed fungistatic activity, with MIC of 125 µg/mL against most tested strains. While BGE showed low hemolytic activity on all blood types tested herein, it could not prevent osmotic stress in human erythrocytes. The extract did not have oxidizing effects in the presence of phenylhydrazine, but it showed antioxidant potential against ROS when tested at 31 µg/mL and 62 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: B. gardneriana extract showed antifungal activity against Candida spp., demonstrated low hemolytic potential, no oxidant activity in human erythrocytes and antioxidant activity against ROS. This study opens avenues for the study of BGE as a promising biocompatible antifungal agent.

Non-clinical acute and chronic toxicity evaluations of Cissus sicyoides L. (Vitaceae) hydroalcoholic leaf extract.

Cissus sicyoides (Cs) has been traditionally used to treat diabetes and belongs to the family Vitaceae, and is known as "vegetable insulin". This study aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic non-clinical toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Cissus sicyoides (EHA-Cs). The acute test was performed in Wistar rats, administering a single dose of 40.5 mg/kg. Behavioral parameters for pharmacological screening were observed to detect signs of Central Nervous System activity; consumption of daily food and water, and weight evaluation. After day 14, the animals were euthanized and blood samples were collected for laboratory analyses of hematological and biochemical parameters. The chronic tests were administered in doses of 4.5, 13.5 and 40.5 mg/kg. The same parameters were observed together with body temperature, glucose, exploration activity (test on the open field), and motor activity (diagnostic tests on the Rota-rod). For the group given the highest dosage during the study, histopathological examinations of vital organs were performed. For acute toxicity, there were no CNS level effects, changes in water and food consumption, or hematologic parameters. However, there was a significant decrease in weight gain for the treated females. Biochemical analyses of the treated animals presented increased levels of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) in females, uric acid levels in females and males, and amylase in males. In the chronic toxicity tests, water consumption was higher for females (at the dosages of 13.5 and 40.5 mg/kg) and for males (at 40.5 mg/kg). At the dosages of 4.5 and 13.5 mg/kg, feed consumption increased for females, while for males it decreased along with weight gain. Blood analysis presented an increase in albumin and changes in erythrocytes and hemoglobin for males (at the dose of 13.5 mg/kg). Glycemia in females (13.5 mg/kg dose) was significantly less, presenting only slight drops at the other doses. The changes were reversible in the satellite group. EHA-Cs revealed a relatively low toxicity profile (at the popular use dose), and only small changes in hematological and biochemical parameters at the dose of 13.5 mg/kg (3x the popular use dosage). In addition, EHA-Cs did not promote histological changes in vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

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.

Antibacterial activity against cariogenic bacteria and cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of Anacardium occidentale L. and Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth.) Brenan extracts.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity against bacteria with cariogenic relevance, toxic and genotoxic potential of the plants Anacardium occidentale L. and Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth.) Bernam. DESIGN: Using a microdilution technique, the extracts were submitted to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing against Streptococcus mitis (ATCC 903), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Streptococcus oralis (ATCC 10557), Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 7073), Streptococcus sanguinis (ATCC 15300) and Streptococcus sobrinus (ATCC 27609). The toxicity of the extracts was then verified against eukaryotic cells. Additionally, a micronucleus assay was performed to investigate the potential mutagenic effects of the extracts on rat erythrocytes. The Student's t-test, Bonferroni test, and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's tests were used for statistical analysis, at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: While the A. occidentale extract was able to inhibit all of the tested strains, with S. mutans and S. mitis being the most susceptible to that extract́s action, the A. macrocarpa did not show antimicrobial activity. Interestingly, the hemolytic, oxidant and antioxidant activities were slightly observed for either extract, even at high concentrations (1000mg/mL). The micronucleus assay showed no significant changes in the cells exposed to the extracts. CONCLUSION: The A. occidentale extract has potential as an antimicrobial agent with low eukaryotic cell toxicity or mutagenic activity. The A. macrocarpa extract, although absent of antibacterial activity might as well be a safe and effective phytotherapeutic alternative.

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.

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.

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...

Gestão de estoque: proposta para umafarmácia diferenciada / Inventory management: a proposal for a differentiatedpharmacy

Diante da competitividade crescente, a gestão de estoques é necessária para evitar os altos custos com os produtos, diminuir o capital total investido pela empresa no estoque, além de evitar a falta de produtos para os clientes. Este trabalho visa a trazer uma abordagem teórico-prática a respeito da gestão de estoque de medicamentos, tendo como exemplo uma farmácia do Serviço de Atenção à Saúde (SAS). A metodologia aplicada consistiu em três partes. A primeira foi uma pesquisa bibliográfica para a construção do modelo teórico; a segunda foi o estudo de caso na farmácia do SAS; e a terceira etapa referiu-se a propostas de melhorias para uma gestão de estoque de qualidade dos medicamentos, com o objetivo de garantir o acesso da população a medicamentos seguros e eficazes. Na farmácia estudada, não havia uma padronização dos procedimentos realizados, desencadeando a falta de critérios técnicos, que impossibilitou a realização dos cálculos necessários para o controle de estoque de qualidade, sendo necessária a realização de uma contagem dos produtos existentes, para servir de ponto de partida do trabalho. Este trabalho indicou duas propostas de gestão de estoque: as fichas de prateleiras, que são ferramentas mais simples e a um custo acessível de serem executadas, e o programa de gerenciamento de materiais. Deve existir regulamentação dos procedimentos operacionais padrões entre estudantes e funcionários e estabelecer-se a divisão de trabalho com as devidas responsabilidades.

In an increasingly competitive market, the management of medication supplies is needed to avoid the high costs of pro-ducts, reduce the total capital invested by the company, and avoid a lack of products to clients. This study aims to bring a practical-theoretical approach regarding the management of medication supplies, having as an example a pharmacy of the Health Care Service (SAS). The methodology consisted in three parts: first a literature search was done to construct the theoretical model, then we did a case study in the SAS pharmacy and in the third stage we examined proposals for improvements in order to reach a quality management of medicine supplies for offering the population access to safe and effective medicines. At the pharmacy studied, there was not procedures standardization, causing a lack of technical crite-ria, which precluded the calculations required for quality inventory control, and this made necessary to count the existing products before beginning the study. This study proposed two proposals for inventory management: the form of shelves, which are more simple tools requiring fewer expenses to be executed, and material management program. There should be rules for standard operating procedures for both students and staff and the establishment of the division of labor with appropriate responsibilities for each.