Therapeutic dose of Ginkgo biloba extract 761 may alter the urine excretion of Wistar rats

Wistar rats (n=20) were divided in two groups: G1 received 2 mg/kg of GBE (Ginkgo biloba extract 761), whereas G2 received the same volume of a sodium chloride solution (0.9%), both for 10 days. After a 7-day interval, the treatment was repeated for 8 days. Urine volume and food and water intake were measured daily during this protocol. Histological assessments were performed. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in food and water intake of animals during treatment with GBE. Animals who received GBE had a smaller urine volume and increase of weight with a significance difference (p<0.05) during the first and second exposure period. No histological alteration was observed in tissues, except for the kidney of the experimental group, which revealed a higher concentration of red cells in the glomerulus with a strong staining for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The introduction of GBE (therapeutic dose) in health rats may promote alterations in the physiology of the kidney, but no sufficient to modify the glomerulus architecture, including at ultra structural level (electron microscopy).

Uncaria tomentosa in the treatment of the herpes labialis: randomized double-blind trial / Uncaria tomentosa no tratamento de herpes labial: estudo duplo-cego randomizado

Introduction: the lesions caused by herpes simplex are common and have symptoms affecting the quality of life of affected people. Objective: this study aims to assess the safety efficacy of cream with Uncaria tomentosa (cat?s claw), for topical treatment of the herpes labialis. Methods: a clinical investigation was undertaken by means of controlled, randomized, double-blinded protocol in humans. According to the regulatory procedures, 74 patients were selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria previously submitted to the Local Ethical Committee (no 144/02) whenever herpes labialis lesion appeared. Following, those selected through medical evaluation received either the test (Uncaria) or the reference (Acyclovir) drug. Results: fifty-four episodes of herpes labialis lesions ecloded in 31 volunteers. After their clinical assessment, one showed 4 episodes, two had 3 episodes and six had 2 infections. Hence, 27 patients received the reference drug while 27 applied the Uncaria cream four times a day. Overall, there were not significant differences between either responses. Although, the Uncaria group showed lower scores on the first two days of treatment (p < 0,005; t = 0,028), on day 3, it was even to Acyclovir. Conclusion:the assessment of clinical efficacy of either treatment demonstrated that both drugs were safe as no adverse reactions were reported. Futher, there was no difference (p > 0,05) in the overall period infections as well as in the inflammatory process or crost formation. Regarding the severity of inflammatory reaction, the clinical efficacy of Uncaria tomentosa was significantly better than acyclovir. Rather than the being antiviral drug, the Uncaria tomentosa may act as an anti-inflammatory agent and this would possibly represent an advantage of not inducing viral resistance for long use.

Introdução: as lesões causadas por herpes simples são comuns e apresentam sintomatologia que altera a qualidade de vida das pessoas acometidas. Objetivo: este estudo visa avaliar a eficácia da segurança de creme com Uncaria tomentosa (unha-de-gato) para o tratamento tópico de herpes labial. Métodos: a pesquisa clínica foi realizada por meio de protocolo controlado, randomizado e duplo-cego. De acordo com os procedimentos de regulamentação, 74pacientes foram selecionados com base em critérios de inclusão e exclusão previamente submetidos à Comissão de Ética Local (no 144/02), sempre a lesão de herpes labial apareceu. Em seguida, os selecionados através de avaliação médica receberam o produto-teste (Uncaria) ou o de referência (aciclovir).Resultados: cinquenta e quatro episódios de lesões de herpes labial eclodiram em 31 voluntários. Após a avaliação clínica, um apresentou quatro episódios, dois tiveram três episódios e seis tinham duas infecções. Assim, 27 pacientes receberam a droga de referência, enquanto 27 aplicaram o creme Uncaria quatro vezes por dia. Em geral, não houve diferença significativa entre as respostas. Contudo, o grupo de Uncaria apresentou escores inferiores nos dois primeiros dias de tratamento (p < 0,005 t = 0,028), depois do dia 3, foi similar ao aciclovir. Conclusão: a avaliação da eficácia clínica dos tratamentosdemonstraram que ambas as drogas foram seguras, bem como não foram notificadas reações adversas. Além disso, não houve diferença significativa (p 0,05) no período total de infecções, bem como no processo inflamatório ou na formação de crosta. Quanto à gravidade da reação inflamatória, a eficácia clínica da Uncaria tomentosa foi significativamente melhor do que o aciclovir. Em vez de a droga ser antiviral, a Uncaria tomentosa pode atuar como um agente anti-inflamatório e isso, possivelmente, representa uma vantagem de não induzir resistência viral para uso por muito tempo.

Physiological (osmotic fragility) and morphological effects on red blood cells: action of phytic acid and stannous fluoride.

Phytic acid occurs in foods derived from plants. We have investigated the possibility that phytic acid and stannous fluoride are capable of altering the physiological properties (osmotic fragility) and morphological properties of red blood cells (RBC). Osmotic fragility was unchanged by the presence of phytic acid and stannous fluoride in the studied concentrations, but RBC morphology was modified in the presence of the studied substances. In conclusion, the alterations to RBC morphology were not sufficient to promote modifications in osmotic fragility. Our results suggest that the chelating properties of phytic acid could be responsible for the observed effects.