Gastroprotective effect of the alkaloid boldine: Involvement of non-protein sulfhydryl groups, prostanoids and reduction on oxidative stress.

Boldine is the main alkaloid of Peumus boldus Molina, widely used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of digestive disorders. It is a compound with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties already described. Despite the widespread use of P. boldus for digestive disorders treatment, the gastroprotective effect of Boldine remains unknown. Considering the need for new approaches to treat gastric ulcers with fewer side effects than current therapy, this study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effect of Boldine in mice, as well as the mechanisms underlying this effect. The gastroprotective effect of Boldine was evaluated on gastric ulcer induced by 60% ethanol/0.3 M HCl or indomethacin (100 mg/kg) in mice. Histological analysis and the mucin-like glycoprotein content were evaluated in ethanol-ulcerated tissue, as well as, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. The mechanisms involved in the effect of Boldine were evaluated by pretreating mice with NEM (a sulfhydryl group chelator, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), l-NAME (a non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 70 mg/kg, i.p.), yohimbine (an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 2 mg/kg, i.p.) and indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). In addition, the in vitro effect of Boldine on H+/K+-ATPase activity was determined. Boldine was able to protect gastric mucosa against the damage induced by ethanol/HCl and indomethacin, as evidenced by reduced lesion area and histological analysis. Moreover, the alkaloid reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in ethanol-ulcerated tissue, beyond has increased mucin-like glycoprotein amount. Finally, Boldine effect is dependent on non-protein sulfhydryl groups and prostanoids but does not involve the inhibition of H+/K + -ATPase activity, being a promising natural resource for gastric ulcer treatment.

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF EUGENIA MATTOSII FRUITS.

BACKGROUND: Extracts obtained from plants and fruits provide a relatively safe and practical alternative for the conventional medicine of gastrointestinal diseases. The specie Eugenia mattosii, popularly known in Brazil as "cerejinha", belongs to Myrtaceae family. Species of this family present pharmacological properties, and can be used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile and evaluate the gastroprotective activity of Eugenia mattosii fruits. METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was carried out by thin layer chromatography and gastroprotective assays were performed using two experimental models: acute ulcer model induced by ethanol/HCl and acute ulcer model induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin). Total lesion area (mm2) and relative lesion area (%) were determined. RESULTS: The results of the phytochemical analysis indicated that the bark and pulp and seeds of E. mattosii present phenolic compounds, terpenes and/or steroids. In gastric ulcer model induced by ethanol was evidenced significant reduction of damaged areas for doses of 50 and 250 mg/ kg of seeds methanol extract, while in the indomethacin-induced ulcer model, all parts of the fruit presented defense capability of the gastric mucosa by reducing lesions at doses of 50, 125 and 250 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the specie E. mattosii has bioactive compounds that provide gastroprotective activity, presenting possible therapeutic potential.

Perfil fitoquímico e atividade gastroprotetora dos frutos de Eugenia mattosii / Phytochemical profile and gastroprotective activity of eugenia mattosii fruits

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Extracts obtained from plants and fruits provide a relatively safe and practical alternative for the conventional medicine of gastrointestinal diseases. The specie Eugenia mattosii, popularly known in Brazil as "cerejinha", belongs to Myrtaceae family. Species of this family present pharmacological properties, and can be used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile and evaluate the gastroprotective activity of Eugenia mattosii fruits. METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was carried out by thin layer chromatography and gastroprotective assays were performed using two experimental models: acute ulcer model induced by ethanol/HCl and acute ulcer model induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin). Total lesion area (mm2) and relative lesion area (%) were determined. RESULTS: The results of the phytochemical analysis indicated that the bark and pulp and seeds of E. mattosii present phenolic compounds, terpenes and/or steroids. In gastric ulcer model induced by ethanol was evidenced significant reduction of damaged areas for doses of 50 and 250 mg/ kg of seeds methanol extract, while in the indomethacin-induced ulcer model, all parts of the fruit presented defense capability of the gastric mucosa by reducing lesions at doses of 50, 125 and 250 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the specie E. mattosii has bioactive compounds that provide gastroprotective activity, presenting possible therapeutic potential.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Extratos obtidos de plantas e frutos fornecem uma alternativa relativamente segura e prática para os remédios convencionais de doenças gastrointestinais. A espécie Eugenia mattosii, popularmente conhecida no Brasil como "cerejinha", pertence à família Myrtaceae. Espécies desta família apresentam propriedades farmacológicas e podem ser utilizadas no tratamento de distúrbios gastrointestinais. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o perfil fitoquímico e avaliar a atividade gastroprotetora dos frutos de Eugenia mattosii. MÉTODOS: A análise fitoquímica foi realizada por cromatografia em camada delgada e dois modelos experimentais foram utilizados para avaliação da atividade gastroprotetora em camundongos: modelo de úlcera gástrica induzida por anti-inflamatório não-esteroidal (indometacina) e modelo de úlcera gástrica induzida por etanol/HCl. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da análise fitoquímica indicaram que a casca e polpa e as sementes de E. mattosii apresentam compostos fenólicos, terpenos e/ou esteroides. No modelo de úlcera gástrica induzido pelo etanol, foi evidenciada redução significativa de áreas danificadas para doses de 50 e 250 mg/kg do extrato das sementes, enquanto no modelo de úlcera induzida por indometacina, todas as partes do fruto apresentaram capacidade de defesa da mucosa gástrica ao reduzir as lesões nas doses de 50, 125 e 250 mg/kg. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstram que a espécie E. mattosii possui compostos bioativos com atividade gastroprotetora, apresentando possível potencial terapêutico.

Gastroprotective activity of the methanol extract from peels of Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral fruits and its isolated triterpenes: maslinic and ursolic acids.

According to the Brazilian folk medicine, the leaves of Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral (Myrtaceae), known as cambuca, are indicated in the treatment of gastric disorders. Infusions of P. edulis leaves were previously demonstrated to contain both maslinic (MA) and ursolic acids (UA). Both triterpenes have also been identified in the methanolic extract of peels from P. edulis fruit (MEPPE); however, the antiulcer effects of MEPPE have not yet been studied. This study therefore evaluates the gastroprotective potential of MEPPE, MA, and UA using ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in mice. In addition, the in vitro effects of these compounds on the H+, K+-ATPase activity and on the free radical DPPH were measured. When used at concentration of 100 µg/mL, both MEPPE and UA were found to reduce the DPPH radical levels by 78.66 and 60.14%, respectively. However, MA did not reduce DPPH radical levels. Our results illustrated the antiulcer effects of MEPPE, MA, and UA against experimental ulcer models when administered by either the oral or the intraperitoneal routes. In addition, MEPPE reduced the size of ethanol/HCl-induced ulcers in a dose-dependent manner (log half-maximal effective oral dose, LogED50 = 1.09). Interestingly, UA promoted gastroprotection at lower doses than MA by increasing the production of mucin levels at 692%; however, it does not alter the activity of H+, K+-ATPase. In contrast, both MEPPE and MA, when incubated at concentrations of 10 and 100 µg/mL, inhibited H+, K+-ATPase activity in 61.81, 68.37, 54.04, and 70.45%, respectively. These results confirm that MEPPE, MA, and UA display gastroprotective activity through different modes of action; MA inhibits H+, K+-ATPase activity, whereas UA favour the mucus barrier.

Essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) and geraniol, but not citral, promote gastric healing activity in mice.

Cymbopogon citratus, popularly known as lemongrass, is used for the treatment of gastric, nervous and hypertensive disorders, in addition to its use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This study evaluated the gastroprotective and gastric healing effect of essential oil of C. citratus (EOCC), citral and geraniol at doses of 1-100 mg/kg (p.o) on acute ethanol-induced ulcer and chronic acetic acid-induced ulcer. Histological and histochemical evaluation was also performed, as well as the in vitro evaluation of the effects of these phytochemicals on H+/K+-ATPase activity. In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, the minimum effective oral dose of EOCC, citral and geraniol were 10, 100 and 3 mg/kg, reducing the ulcer area by 51.67%, 96.57% and 55.74%, respectively, compared to vehicle group (25.82 ±â€¯3.59 mm2). Moreover, EOCC (10 mg/kg, p.o) and geraniol (3 mg/kg), but not citral (100 mg/kg), accelerated the gastric healing process by 34.52 and 80.57%, compared to acetic-acid ulcerated group treated with vehicle (36.04 ±â€¯1.03 mm2). These healing effects were confirmed histologically by the contraction of the ulcer base and by the enhancement on mucin staining in slices of ulcer site from mice treated with EOCC or geraniol. Interestingly, EOCC and citral at 100 µg/ml inhibited the H+/ K+-ATPase activity by 28.26% and 44.36%, whereas geraniol did not change this parameter. Together, these findings confirm the gastroprotective and healing gastric ulcer effects of essential oil from aerial parts of C. citratus and added the information that geraniol, but not citral, promotes healing effects on installed ulcers.

Phytochemical profile and gastroprotective potential of Myrcianthes pungens fruits and leaves

BACKGROUND: The last decade has been marked by increasing data regarding gastroinstestinal diseases, specially gastritis and ulcer. In order to prevent or treat these diseases, many studies have demonstrated the potential of medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and the gastroprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Myrcianthes pungens whole fruit, peel, pulp, seeds, and leaves. METHODS: The methanolic extracts were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) to detect the presence of phenolic compounds by direct comparison with an authentic sample. To evaluate the gastroprotective activity, two experimental models were used: acute ulcer model induced by ethanol/HCl and acute ulcer model induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin). Animals were divided in different groups (n= 6) and pretreated orally with the methanolic extracts of M. pungens at doses of 50, 125, and 250 mg/kg, the positive control (cimetidine 100 mg/kg) and negative control (distilled water).RESULTS: The TLC analysis indicated the presence of the flavonoids quercetin and quercitrin in the leaves, quercetinin the peel, and catechin and epicatechin in the leaves and seeds of M. pungens. The extracts of leaves, peel, and pulp showed significant gastroprotective potential regarding the relative area of the lesion observed only in acute ulcer model induced by ethanol. The extracts of whole fruit, peel, pulp, seeds, and leaves showed significant gastroprotective potential observed in acute ulcer induced by indomethacin model. CONCLUSIONS: The gastroprotective activity can be related with the presence of some phenolic compounds identified in phytochemical analysis.

Gastroprotective Value of Berries: Evidences from Methanolic Extracts of Morus nigra and Rubus niveus Fruits.

This study evaluated the gastroprotective value of the methanol extracts from fruits of Morus nigra L. (black mulberry (MEMN)) and Rubus niveus Thunb (raspberry (MERN)). The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were measured, as well as the in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenger activity. The gastroprotective effects of the extracts against 60% ethanol/0.3 M HCl were evaluated in mice. After that, the lipid hydroperoxides and reduced glutathione levels at ulcerated tissue were determined. The effects of extracts on H+/K+-ATPase activity were also verified. The extracts exhibited high contents of polyphenols; however, MERN presented 1.5-fold higher levels. The presence of flavonoids also was confirmed. In addition, MEMN (IC50 = 13.74 µg/mL) and MERN (IC50 = 14.97 µg/mL) scavenged DPPH radical. The MEMN reduced the ulcer area only at 300 mg/kg (p.o.) by 64.06%. Interestingly, MERN decreased the ulcer area in a superior potency (ED50 = 20.88 mg/kg), reducing the ulcer area by 81.86% at 300 mg/kg, and increased the gastric mucin levels. The antioxidant effects of extracts were evidenced by reduced lipoperoxides and increased reduction of glutathione amount in the gastric mucosa. However, MEMN or MERN did not change the H+/K+-ATPase activity. These results confirm that M. nigra and R. niveus are berries with a gastroprotective value by strengthening of gastric protective factors.

Screening of wild fruit trees with gastroprotective activity in different experimental models / Triagem de plantas frutíferas silvestres com ação gastroprotetora em modelos in vivo

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Given the increase of people with gastrointestinal disorders, the search for alternative treatments with fewer side effects is vital, as well as the demand for food or plants that can help protect the stomach. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective action of the extracts of wild fruit trees of Myrcianthes pungens (guabiju); Inga vera Willd. (ingá-banana) and Marlierea tomentosa Cambess. (guarapuruna) in in vivo pharmacological models. METHODS The different parts of the fruits were separately subjected to a process of extraction by methanol. Two experimental pharmacological models were conducted in mice; the gastric ulcer model induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (indomethacin), and the gastric ulcer model induced by ethanol/HCl, which allowed us to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Subsequently, the total lesion area (mm2) and relative lesion area (%) were determined. RESULTS The results showed significant gastroprotective activity against the aggressive agents used - ethanol and indomethacin - for all the extracts tested. CONCLUSION It is assumed that the fruits have bioactive compounds such as antioxidant substances that act on the prostaglandin levels, protecting them from the damage caused by ethanol and indomethacin. These results prompt further studies to isolate and identify the active properties.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Devido ao aumento de pessoas com distúrbios gastrointestinais, a busca de tratamentos alternativos com menos efeitos cola­terais é fundamental, assim como a demanda por alimentos ou plantas que possam ajudar a proteger o estômago. OBJETIVO O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ação gastroprotetora dos extratos plantas frutíferas silvestres Myrcianthes pungens (guabiju); Inga vera Willd. (ingá-banana) e Marlierea tomentosa Cambess. (guarapuruna) em modelos farmacológicos in vivo. MÉTODOS As diferentes partes do fruto foram submetidas se­paradamente a um processo de maceração em solução metanólica a frio. Foram realizados dois modelos experimentais em camundongos, modelo de úlcera gástrica induzida por anti-inflamatório não-esteroidal (indometacina) e modelo de úlcera gástrica induzida por etanol/HCl, que permitiram avaliar a atividade gastroprotetora dos extratos na dose de 250 mg/kg. Posteriormente, foram determinadas a área total de lesão (mm2) e a área relativa lesada (%). RESULTADOS Os resultados apresentaram atividade gastroprotetora significativa para todos os extratos estudados frente aos agentes agressores utilizados, etanol e indometacina. CONCLUSÃO Supõe-se que os frutos apresentam compostos bioativos, como as substancias antioxidantes, que atuam sobre os níveis de prostaglandinas, protegendo dos danos causados pelo etanol e indometacina. Os resultados encorajam futuros estudos para isolamento e identificação dos princípios ativos dos frutos.

Gastroprotective potential of methanolic extract and dimethyl cardamonin from Campomanesia reitziana fruits in mice.

This study evaluated the gastroprotective potential of methanolic extract from fruits of Campomanesia reitziana (MECR) and its isolated chalcone dimethyl cardamonin (DMC). The phenolic compound in the extract, and the free radical scavenging activity of MECR and DMC, were quantified. The gastroprotective activity of MECR (30-300 mg/kg, p.o) and DMC (1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o) was determined by ethanol/HCl-induced gastric ulcers in mice. Histological, histochemical, and biochemical analyses were performed in the ulcerated tissue. MECR showed a high content of phenolic compounds, including DMC, and was able to scavenge DPPH radicals by 29.58% at 1000 µg/mL. However, DCM (1-1000 µg/mL) did not reduce DPPH radicals. Pre-treatment with MECR at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg reduced the gastric lesions by 35.07 and 79.47%, respectively (ulcerated-vehicle group 10.72 ± 0.88 mm2). Moreover, the extract increased the mucin content by 1044.44% and superoxide dismutase activity by 20.04%, and decreased the lipoperoxide levels by 39.39%, compared to the ulcerated-vehicle group (0.27 ± 0.04 pixels × 103/field; 57.37 ± 1.59 U SOD/mg of protein and 29.57 ± 2.99 mmol LOOH/mg of tissue, respectively). However, MECR did not prevent the depletion of reduced glutathione or the decrease in catalase activity. Pre-treatment with DMC, at 1 and 3 mg/kg, also reduced the gastric ulcers by 53.83 and 52.64%, respectively. In summary, these findings confirm the gastroprotective activity of MECR and DMC, and open an interesting field concerning the gastroprotective potential of dimethyl cardamonin, given its potent antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity already described.

SCREENING OF WILD FRUIT TREES WITH GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY IN DIFFERENT EXPERIMENTAL MODELS.

BACKGROUND: Given the increase of people with gastrointestinal disorders, the search for alternative treatments with fewer side effects is vital, as well as the demand for food or plants that can help protect the stomach. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective action of the extracts of wild fruit trees of Myrcianthes pungens (guabiju); Inga vera Willd. (ingá-banana) and Marlierea tomentosa Cambess. (guarapuruna) in in vivo pharmacological models. METHODS: The different parts of the fruits were separately subjected to a process of extraction by methanol. Two experimental pharmacological models were conducted in mice; the gastric ulcer model induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (indomethacin), and the gastric ulcer model induced by ethanol/HCl, which allowed us to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Subsequently, the total lesion area (mm2) and relative lesion area (%) were determined. RESULTS: The results showed significant gastroprotective activity against the aggressive agents used - ethanol and indomethacin - for all the extracts tested. CONCLUSION: It is assumed that the fruits have bioactive compounds such as antioxidant substances that act on the prostaglandin levels, protecting them from the damage caused by ethanol and indomethacin. These results prompt further studies to isolate and identify the active properties.

Chemical Composition and Antinociceptive Potential of Campomanesia reitziana Fruits.

The methanolic extract from Campomanesia reitziana fruits and the main active principle, identified as 4',6'-dihydroxy-3',5'-dimethyl-2'-methoxy chalcone or dimethyl cardamonin (1), exhibited pronounced antinociceptive effects against two models of pain in mice. Compound 1 caused dose-dependent inhibition of abdominal constrictions, with a calculated ID50 value of 8.1 (6.5-10.1) µmol/kg (i.p.), being about 16-fold more potent than two reference analgesic drugs. Methanolic extract and 1 were also effective against the formalin model, inhibiting both phases of pain, causing reductions of 39.9% and 26.8% (extract, 10 mg/kg) and 52.9% and 57.6% (compound 1, 5 mg/kg) for the first and second phases, respectively.

Factors associated with consumption of fruits and vegetables by teenagers in Penha, Brazil / Fatores associados ao consumo de frutas e hortaliças em adolescentes no município de Penha, Brasil

Food is essential for the promotion of health and the low intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) is a risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases. Current descriptive and cross-sectional study evaluated the consumption of FVby teenagers in Penha, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, and its relation to nutritional and socioeconomic status. The study involved 361 adolescents who were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire featuring demographic and socioeconomic variables. Body Mass Index was applied to assess nutritional status coupled to a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Adolescents for the consumption of FV. The sum of the responses was compared to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (>400 g day- 1), ranking them as adequate or inadequate. Results showed the prevalence of males (51%), adherence to physical activity (71%) and eutrophy (65%). Nonetheless, only 32% met the minimum recommendations of FV daily consumption which revealed an inverse association with the consumption of soft drinks. Taking snacks at school makes most teenagers consume less FV. Although no association between the consumption of FV, nutritional and socioeconomic status was found, the consumption of FV is below the recommendations.

A alimentação é primordial para a promoção da saúde, e a baixa ingestão de frutas e hortaliças (FH) é fator de risco para as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Esse estudo objetivou avaliar o consumo de FH por adolescentes do município de Penha, Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, e sua relação com o perfil nutricional e socioeconômico. Trata-se de um estudo transversal e descritivo com 361 adolescentes avaliados por meio de um questionário auto-aplicável com variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas. Para avaliar o estado nutricional foi aplicado o Índice de Massa Corporal e para o consumo de FH um Questionário de Frequência Alimentar para Adolescentes, onde se realizou somatória das respostas e comparação às recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde (> 400gdia-1), classificando como adequadas e inadequadas. Os resultados mostram prevalência do sexo masculino (51%), adesão à prática de atividade física (71%) e eutrofia (65%). Todavia, somente 32% atenderam as recomendações mínimas do consumo diário de FH, apresentando associação inversa ao consumo de refrigerantes. Nota-se que, ao levar lanches para a escola, a maioria dos adolescentes tende a consumir menos FH. Embora não houvesse associação entre o consumo de FH, estado nutricional e condições socioeconômicas dos adolescentes, foi possível observar que este consumo está aquém das recomendações.

Efeito do simbiótico no funcionamento gastrointestinal e perfil lipídico de idosos institucionalizados: um estudo randomizado, duplo cego controlado por placebo / Effect of symbiotic preparations on the gastrointestinal behavior and lipid profile of institutionalized elderly people: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

The use of symbiotic preparations has been studied as an alternative to improve the physiologic functions on the elderly, because this group of people is more susceptible to nutritional diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of using symbiotic preparations on the gastrointes¬tinal behavior and lipid profile of elderly people admitted in a long-stay institution on the coast of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was carried out with elderly people who presented intestinal constipation. The elderly were distributed in two groups: the first group received two packages of Lactofos® symbiotic diluted in 100 ml of water twice a day for five weeks; the second group followed the same protocol but received maltodrexina as placebo. The protocol based on Roma III symptoms for intestinal constipation diagnosis was applied before and after the experiment. Two fecal samples were collected for functional coprologic exam: one before starting the administration of the product and the other at to the end study. Blood samples were used to determine the serum concentration of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides before and after to the intervention. Improvement was observed regarding intestinal constipation symptoms and parameters associated with digestion and fat absorption, with reduction of fatty acids in the feces. No significant alterations were observed in the lipid profile. It is possible to conclude that the use of symbiotic preparation can improve the gastrointestinal function of the elderly.

El uso de simbióticos ha sido estudiado como una alternativa para mejorar las funciones fisiológicas de los ancianos, una vez que este grupo es más susceptible a las enfermedades nutricionales. El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo investigar el efecto del uso de simbióticos en el funcionamiento gastrointestinal y el perfil lipídico de ancianos internados en instituciones de permanencia prolongada en la costa de Santa Catarina. Se realizó un estudio doble ciego, randomizado, controlado por placebo, con ancianos que presentan síntomas de estreñimiento distribuidos en dos grupos. El primer grupo recibió dos sachets del simbiótico Lactofos® diluido en un vaso con 100 ml. de agua, administrado dos veces al día, durante un periodo de cinco semanas. El segundo grupo siguió el mismo protocolo recibiendo maltodextrina como placebo. El protocolo con base en los síntomas de Roma III, para diagnóstico de estreñimiento, se aplicó antes y después del experimento. Se recogieron dos muestras de materiales fecales para realización del examen cropológico funcional, una antes de empezar la administración del producto y otra después al terminar el estudio. Las muestras de sangre se utilizaron para determinaciones de las concentraciones séricas de colesterol total, HDL-colesterol, LDL-colesterol y triglicéridos, antes y después de la intervención. A pesar de que el estudio no ha evidenciado alteración significativa en el perfil lipídico, se observó mejora en los síntomas de estreñimiento y en los parámetros relacionados a la digestión y absorción de grasas, con reducción de la presencia de ácidos grasos en los materiales fecales. Se concluye que el uso del simbiótico puede ser un coadyuvante en la mejora de la función gastrointestinal de los ancianos.

O uso de simbióticos tem sido estudado como uma alternativa para melhorar as funções fisiológicas dos idosos, uma vez que este grupo é mais suscetível às doenças nutricionais. O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar o efeito do uso de simbiótico no funcionamento gastrointestinal e perfil lipídico de idosos internados em instituição de longa permanência do litoral de Santa Catarina. Foi realizado um estudo duplo cego, randomizado, controlado por placebo, com idosos apresentando constipação intestinal distribuídos em dois grupos. O primeiro grupo recebeu dois sachês do simbiótico Lactofos® diluído em um copo com 100 mL de água, administrado duas vezes ao dia, durante um período de cinco semanas. O segundo grupo seguiu o mesmo protocolo, recebendo maltodextrina como placebo. O protocolo com base nos sintomas de Roma III, para diagnóstico de constipação intestinal, foi aplicado antes e após o experimento. Foram coletadas duas amostras de fezes para realização do exame coprológico funcional, sendo uma antes de iniciar a administração do produto e outra após o término do estudo. Amostras de sangue foram utilizadas para determinações das concentrações séricas de colesterol total, HDL-coles¬terol, LDL-colesterol e triglicerídeos, antes e após a intervenção. Observou-se melhora nos sintomas de constipação intestinal e nos parâmetros relacionados à digestão e absorção de gorduras, com redução da presença de ácidos graxos nas fezes. Não se evidenciou alteração significativa no perfil lipídico. Conclui-se que o uso do sim¬biótico pode ser um coadjuvante na melhora da função gastrointestinal de idosos.