Integrated traditional herbal medicine in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorder: the pattern of use and the knowledge of safety among the Eastern Region Saudi population.

BACKGROUND: Herbal medicine is commonly integrated with conventional medicine in Saudi Arabia, especially for the management of digestive disorders. However, the majority of Saudis use herbal remedies without prior consultation with a physician, which raises concerns about their appropriate and safe use. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness among the Saudi population regarding the proper utilization and potential adverse effects of frequently used herbs for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia from January to March 2021. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was distributed. RESULTS: A total of 543 participants from different age groups, educational levels, and cities across Saudi Arabia completed the study questionnaire. The most commonly used herbs at home by the participants were: myrrh, parsley, black seed, chamomile, mint, anise, clove, and green tea. 57.7% of the participants perceived herbs as safer than conventional medicines; 27.3% reported that using herbal remedies over conventional medicine was a family tradition, and 21.4% used herbs because they were cheaper than conventional medicines. CONCLUSION: Herbal remedies, including myrrh, parsley, blackseed, chamomile, mint, and anise, are commonly employed for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Saudi Arabia. However, the knowledge level of participants regarding potential side effects and drug-herb interactions was found to be deficient. As such, there is a pressing need for educational campaigns and community awareness programs to elucidate the proper usage of herbal remedies and to caution against their potential adverse effects.

An internet-based cross-sectional study on infection control practices and drug use for COVID-19 prevention in Nigerian adults.

Introduction: COVID-19 has affected several millions of people globally and various means have been employed to curb the spread. This nationwide survey investigated adherence to infection control protocols and drug uptake among Nigerian adults. Methods: this was a descriptive cross-sectional survey using an internet-based questionnaire to investigate adherence to infection control practices and drug use among adults, who have been resident in Nigeria for at least 6 months. The data was analyzed using Stata software version 16 with levels of significance at p<0.05. Results: a total of 1235 adults participated in the study. The respondents were aged 18-78 years with a mean age of 36.3 ±11.1 years. Over half (53.0%) of the participants were between 31-50 years. The male to female ratio was 1: 1.45. Majority (92.6%) had a minimum of tertiary educational qualification. One hundred (27.1%) reported a positive test result for COVID-19. A total of 1,204 (97.5%) admitted to wearing of face masks, 1,125 (91.1%) washed hands regularly, 1,142 (92.5%) used hand sanitizers while physical distancing was maintained in 985 (79.8%). A total of 854 (69.2%) were on at least a drug or herbal based therapy. Herbal based remedies were used in 112 (9.1%), supplements in 763 (61.8%), antibiotics in 210 (17%), ivermectin in 205 (16.6%), and antimalarials in 128 (10.4%) participants. Conclusion: adherence to behavioural measures was high among the population, with widespread uptake of supplements, antibiotics, and antimalarial drugs. The high uptake of antibiotics emphasizes the need to step up regulatory policies for antibiotic use.

Research progress in Guanxin Tongluo capsule for the treatment of coronary heart disease / 中国基层医药

Guanxin Tongluo capsule is a compound traditional Chinese medicine preparation for the treatment of coronary heart disease. The underlying mechanism may be related to expanding coronary artery, increasing coronary artery blood flow, reducing myocardial oxygen consumption, and decreasing whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and hematocrit. This paper reviews the clinical research progress of Guanxin Tongluo capsule in the treatment of coronary heart disease from the aspects of etiology, pathogenesis, pharmacological research, and clinical research, providing evidence for scientific research and clinical application of Guanxin Tongluo capsule.

Antifungal effects of tulsi, garlic, cinnamon and lemongrass in powder and oil form on Candida albicans: An in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of plants for treating diseases is as old as the human species. Medicinal plants have been a major source of therapeutic agents for alleviation and cure of diseases. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the antifungal activity of garlic, cinnamon, lemongrass and tulsi in powder and oil form at different concentrations on Candida albicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Powder and oil of garlic, cinnamon, lemongrass and Tulsi dissolved in inert solvent dimethyl formamide to obtain different concentration. Stock solution of different concentration was inoculated on Petri plates containing C. albicans and incubated at 30°C for 48 h. The inhibition zones were measured in millimeters using Vernier caliper. The collected data were analyzed using statistical test like mean value and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Maximum zone of inhibition for the C. albicans was 42 mm at concentrations of 50% for the oil of lemongrass; followed by cinnamon 40 mm, garlic 24 mm and tulsi 20 mm. The P value obtained 0.050, 0.040, 0.036 and 0.031 were found to be statically significant for C. albicans at 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% concentrations of the various oil preparations, respectively. The P value obtained 0.043, 0.033, 0.032 and 0.027 were found to be statically significant for C. albicans at 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% concentrations of various plant powder, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lemongrass and cinnamon oil shows best antifungal effect against C. albicans as compared to garlic and tulsi. Compared to powder preparations, the oil preparations are better to inhibit the growth and higher the concentrations, greater the zone of inhibition seen in all the plant extracts and in oil.

Efficacy of natural antimicrobials derived from phenolic compounds in the control of biofilm in children and adolescents compared to synthetic antimicrobials: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of natural antimicrobials derived from phenolic compounds (NAPs), compared to synthetic antimicrobials (SAs), in the biofilm control and microorganisms (MOs) count among children and adolescents at different intervention times through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Electronic searches were carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, VHL, and Grey Literature. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the tools ROBINS-I and RoB 2.0. Meta-analyses (MAs) were performed according to three parameters: the influence of NAPs on the plaque index (PI) mean; the period of NAPs administration (≤15 days/>15 days) on the biofilm reduction; and the influence of NAPs on the MOs count subgrouping according to the type of MO (total MOs, S. mutans, and Streptococcus spp.). The standard mean differences were calculated (p ≤ 0.05) for all analyses, and the heterogeneity was tested through the I2 index. The evidence was certainty-tested using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were selected for qualitative synthesis, and 12 studies were included in the MAs. NAPs were less efficacious in improving the PI (p < 0.0001, I2>87 %) and reducing biofilm over time (p < 0.01, I2>87 %) but presented a reduction in MOs count similar to that of SAs (p = 0.3, I2 = 0%). The quality of the evidence ranged from moderate to low. CONCLUSION: Although the use of NAPs is similar to the use of SAs in reducing MOs count, it is less effective than SAs in improving PI mean and for biofilm reduction over time.

Prevalence and Factors Influencing Use of Herbal Medicines During Pregnancy in Hail, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of herbal medicine use is a global public health concern. Critically, many women continue to use herbal medicines during pregnancy despite potential maternofetal risks. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with herbal medicine use during pregnancy in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2017. An Arabic-language 33-item survey assessing herbal medicine use was designed and distributed to 879 random women attending outpatient clinics at governmental and private hospitals in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Only women who were pregnant or had been pregnant in the previous 10 years were included. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 29.5 years, with 49% under 30 years old. Overall, 33% of the respondents claimed to have used herbal medicines during pregnancy. The most common reasons for doing so were to improve lactation (73%), improve the course of the pregnancy (56%) and facilitate labour (49%). Women who worked full-time and those with high school diplomas or above were significantly more likely to use herbal medicines during pregnancy (P <0.001 each). CONCLUSION: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to determine the prevalence and associated factors of herbal medicine use during pregnancy in Hail. The results showed a high prevalence of herbal medicine use among pregnant women in the region. Healthcare providers should therefore ensure that patients disclose the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy to avoid treatment complications or adverse herb-drug interactions.

Bactericidal and Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Herbal Alternatives Against Enterococcus Faecalis Dentinal Biofilm - An ex-vivo Study

Abstract Objective: To assess the antibacterial and smear layer removal ability of Trigonella foenum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia chebula seed extracts against E. faecalis dentinal biofilm. Material and Methods: Agar well diffusion, micro broth dilution assay and time-kill curve assay were performed to determine the antibacterial activity. The ability of the herbal extracts to remove the smear layer on the root canal surface was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Results: Antibacterial activity was observed for the extracts of S. cumini and T. chebula on E. faecalis dentinal biofilm and its planktonic counterparts. The smear layer was efficiently removed by the seed extracts of T. chebula alone. Seed extracts of T. foenum neither possessed antibacterial effect nor smear layer removal ability. Conclusion: The extracts of T. chebula seeds may replace conventional irrigant due to its antibacterial properties and smear layer removing the ability. The extracts of S. cumini may be used as an intracanal medicament as it exhibited a bactericidal effect against the E. faecalis dentinal biofilm following 18 hours of incubation.

Uso de la manzanilla en el tratamiento de las enfermedades periodontales / Chamomile use in the treatment of periodontal diseases

RESUMEN Fundamento: existe una gama de productos naturales, dentro de los que están los fitoterapéuticos, donde se destaca la manzanilla para tratar la enfermedad periodontal inflamatoria debido a la acción antiinflamatoria, cicatrizante, antialérgica, analgésica, antiséptica y bacteriostática que esta planta posee. Se ha demostrado que la manzanilla actúa también sobre la placa dentobacteriana, principal factor de riesgo de la enfermedad periodontal y es utilizada para el tratamiento de procesos agudos y crónicos periodontales. Objetivo: establecer las bases científicas del empleo de la manzanilla en el tratamiento de las enfermedades periodontales. Métodos: la búsqueda de la información se realizó en un periodo de seis meses y se emplearon las siguientes palabras: manzanilla, matricaria recutita; a partir de la información obtenida se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de un total de 150 artículos publicados en las bases de datos PubMed, Hinari, SciELO y Medline mediante el gestor de búsqueda y administrador de referencias EndNote, de ellos se utilizaron 52 citas seleccionadas para realizar la revisión, 40 de ellas de los últimos cinco años. Resultados: la manzanilla es nativa en muchos países de Europa, y se cultivan en países como Alemania, Egipto, Francia, España, Italia, Marruecos, y en partes de Europa del Este. Las diversas plantas de manzanilla son muy distintas y requieren su propio conjunto de condiciones para crecer. Sus propiedades, acciones terapéuticas y principios activos varían de una especie a otra. Conclusiones: la Matricaria chamomilla y la Phania matricarioides son de probada eficacia terapéutica en el tratamiento de enfermedades periodontales agudas y crónicas.

ABSTRACT Background: there is a range of natural products, including phytotherapeutic, which highlights the chamomile to treat inflammatory periodontal disease due to the anti-inflammatory, healing, antiallergic, analgesic, antiseptic and bacteriostatic that this plant possesses. It has been shown that chamomile also acts on dentobacterial plaque, the main risk factor for periodontal disease and is used for the treatment of acute and chronic periodontal processes. Objective: to establish the scientific basis of the use of chamomile in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Methods: the search of the information was carried out in a period of six months and the following words were used: chamomile, matricaria recutita; Based on the information obtained, a bibliographic review was made of a total of 150 articles published in the PubMed, Hinari, SciELO and Medline databases by means of the search manager and the EndNote reference manager. Of these, 52 selected citations were used to perform the review, 40 of them from the last five years. Results: Chamomile is native to many countries in Europe, and is grown in countries such as Germany, Egypt, France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, and in parts of Eastern Europe. The various chamomile plants are very different and require their own set of conditions to grow. Its properties, therapeutic actions and active principles vary from one species to another. Conclusions: Matricaria chamomilla and Phania matricarioides are of proven therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of acute and chronic periodontal diseases.

Anti-Cancer and Anti-Proliferation Activity of Ethyl Asetat Extract From Ant Nest (Myrmecodia pendans) in Burkitt's Lymphoma Cancer Cells

Objective: To determine the activity of anti-cancer and anti-proliferation of ethyl acetate fraction of ant nest plants (Myrmecodia pendans) in Burkitt's Lymphoma cancer cells. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in a pure laboratory experimental method using Burkitt's Lymphoma cancer cell culture. Gradual research begins with the determination, extraction and fractionation of ant nest plants, to test for proliferation barriers. Data analysis using two-way ANOVA followed by Post Hoc LSD test with a significance level of 95%. Pearson correlation test was conducted. Results: The results of testing the inhibition of Burkitt's Lymphoma cell proliferation with ethyl acetate extract treatment showed that there was inhibition of cell growth based on the concentration given, starting from the lowest concentration of 15.625 µg/mL. Likewise, the incubation time factor of 24, 48, and 72 hours showed that the longer the incubation time, the greater the inhibition of cell growth. Antiproliferation analysis of flavonoid ethyl acetate extract based on concentration and incubation time on absorption of optical density Burkitt's Lymphoma was statistically significant (p = 0.00). Conclusion: Ant nest ethyl acetate extract has the effect of proliferation inhibition on Burkitt's lymphoma cells.

Spicae aetheroleum in uncomplicated acute bronchitis: a double-blind, randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Spicae aetheroleum (Spicae ae.), a phytomedicine obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tops of Lavandula latifolia, as compared to placebo in adult patients with acute bronchitis. METHODS: Patients with uncomplicated acute bronchitis (bronchitis severity score [BSS] ≥ 5 score points) were randomly assigned to treatment with Spicae ae. or placebo in a double-blind, parallel-group design. No additional treatment was admitted. The primary objective was the mean difference of a defined total BSS of 25% between the Spicae ae. and the placebo group after 7 days of full medication dose. Secondary endpoints included the BSS at day 10, additional signs and symptoms of bronchitis, quality of life (QoL) and safety. RESULTS: The mean decrease in BSS at day 7 and day 10 was significant with 4.79 vs. 3.20 (p < 0.005 for a 25% difference) and 6.47 vs. 4.32 (p < 0.009 for a 25% difference) score points respectively in the Spicae ae. (n = 119) vs. placebo group (n = 110). Accordingly, most additional signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis as well as the patients' QoL improved significantly with Spicae ae. as compared to placebo. In all, 258 patients were eligible for safety analysis. The treatment with Spicae ae. was well tolerated; no serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: The defined objectives both for the primary and secondary endpoints have been met. The results of this study provide evidence that Spicae ae. is well tolerated, effective and superior to placebo in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated acute bronchitis in adult patients.

HERBALIFE® ASSOCIATED SEVERE HEPATOTOXICITY IN A PREVIOUSLY HEALTHY WOMAN.

Lately there has been an increased consumption of herbal preparations, distributed as nutritional supplements, often claimed to be 'natural' and harmless. However, as their use is not subjected to strict pre-marketing testing and regulations, their ingredients are not clearly defined and there is no quality control or proof of their effectiveness and safety. A growing body of references accentuate their harmful effects, in particular hepatotoxicity, which varies from minimal hepatogram changes to fulminant hepatitis requiring liver transplantation. This case report describes liver damage that was highly suspected to originate from Herbalife® products consumption. We excluded alcohol, viral, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic causes of liver lesions, as well as vascular liver disease, but we noticed a connection between the use of Herbalife® products and liver damage. The exact mechanism of liver damage in our patient was not determined. After removing the Herbalife® products, liver damage resolved and there was no need to perform liver biopsy. Taking into consideration the growing consumption of herbal products and their potential harmfulness, we consider that more strict regulations of their production process and sale are necessary, including exact identification of active substances with a list of ingredients, toxicologic testing and obligatory side effect report.

Research progress in pollen preparation for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the common urinary system diseases in middle-aged and elderly men, which seriously affects the health and quality of life of patients. At present, the pathogenesis of BPH is still unclear, which critically affects the effective treatment of BPH. In recent years, more and more animal experiments and clinical trials have shown that pollen preparations have a significant inhibitory effect on BPH. In this paper, the pathogenesis of BPH and the related researches on the treatment of BPH by pollen preparations were reviewed, and the effective components of pollen preparations were analyzed, so as to discover the mechanism of BPH inhibition by pollen preparations and finally achieve the purpose of comprehensive utilization.

An Herbal Alternative to Control Nosocomial Pathogens in Aerosols and Splatter During Ultrasonic Scaling

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of herbal mouthwash (Himalaya Hiora Regular) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumanni during ultrasonic scaling. Material and Methods: Group B (n=25) received herbal mouthwash and Group A (n=25) received 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash respectively as a preprocedural rinse. The aerosols produced by the ultrasonic unit were collected on MeReSa and Leeds Acinetobacter Agar plates. The experimental setting included eight different locations covering all areas of the operatory. The plates exposed to aerosols for a period of 30 minutes were incubated aerobically at 37ºC for 48hrs and the colony forming units (CFU) were statistically analyzed Results: Herbal mouthwash (Himalaya Hiora Regular) showed a significant reduction in mean CFU of MRSA compared to 0.12% chlorhexidine. While herbal mouthwash was on par with 0.12% chlorhexidine in the reduction of A. baumannii Conclusion: Herbal mouthwash was found to be more effective against MRSA than 0.12% Chlorhexidine mouthwash as a pre-procedural rinse. Both herbal mouthwash and chlorhexidine mouthwash was found to be effective against A. baumannii. Herbal mouthwash may be a safe alternative to chlorhexidine against nosocomial pathogens like MRSA and A. baumannii.

Transient Cardiomyopathy and Quadriplegia Induced by Ephedrine Decongestant.

Ephedrine decongestant products are widely used. Common side effects include palpitations, nervousness, and headache. More severe adverse reactions include cardiomyopathy and vasospasm. We report the case of an otherwise healthy 37-year-old woman who presented with acute-onset quadriplegia and heart failure. She had a normal chest radiograph on admission, but developed marked pulmonary edema and bilateral effusions the next day. Echocardiography revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.18 and no obvious intrinsic pathologic condition such as foramen narrowing on spinal imaging. Laboratory screening was positive for methamphetamines in the urine, and the patient admitted to having used, over the past several weeks, multiple ephedrine-containing products for allergy-symptom relief. She was ultimately diagnosed with an acute catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy and spinal artery vasospasm consequential to excessive use of decongestants. Her symptoms resolved completely with supportive care and appropriate heart-failure management. An echocardiogram 2 weeks after admission showed improvement of the left ventricular ejection fraction to 0.33. Ten months after the event, the patient was entirely asymptomatic and showed further improvement of her ejection fraction to 0.45. To our knowledge, ours is the first report of spinal artery vasospasm resulting in quadriplegia in a human being after ephedrine ingestion.

Evaluación preclínica de la actividad hepatoprotectora de Ocimum basilicum L. y Allium sativum L / Preclinical Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Ocimum basilicum L. and Allium sativum L

Fundamento: la búsqueda de alternativas de tratamiento naturales, orientadas a proteger el hígado de los efectos nocivos de hepatotoxinas, es un tema importante dentro de las investigaciones médico-farmacéuticas. Objetivo: evaluar preclínicamente la actividad hepatoprotectora de las especies Ocimum basilicum L. y Allium sativum L. en un biomodelo de toxicidad inducido por paracetamol. Métodos: se realizó un estudio farmacológico preclínico para evaluar el efecto hepatoprotector de las especies Ocimum basilicum L. y Allium sativum L. frente a la toxicidad inducida por el paracetamol. Se emplearon ratones adultos machos NMRI a los que se administró por vía oral extractos blandos de las plantas de estudio a dosis de 200mg/kg y 400mg/kg, tres días consecutivos previos a la inducción de la hepatotoxicidad. Se evaluaron los signos clínicos de toxicidad, parámetros bioquímicos hepáticos; también se realizó el análisis morfológico del hígado. Resultados: los parámetros bioquímicos analizados mostraron diferencias altamente significativas, pero solo tres grupos presentaron un comportamiento similar al grupo control no tratado. No se confirmaron alteraciones macroscópicas del hígado. Microscópicamente, predominó la ausencia de alteraciones histopatológicas en los grupos donde se administró Ocimum basilicum L. a ambas dosis y Allium sativum L. a 200mg/Kg; también se observó daño leve al administrar 400mg/Kg de Allium sativum L, con diferencias significativas respecto al grupo control no tratado. Conclusión: los extractos blandos de las especies Ocimum basilicum L. y Allium sativum L. a 200mg/kg, poseen mayor actividad hepatoprotectora frente a la acción tóxica del paracetamol.

Background: finding natural treatments designed to protect the liver from the damaging effects of hepatotoxins is an important topic in medical and pharmaceutical research. Objective: to pre-clinically evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the species Ocimum basilicum L. and Allium sativum L. in an animal model of acetaminophen-induced toxicity. Methods: a preclinical pharmacological study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the species Ocimum basilicum L. and Allium sativum L. against acetaminophen-induced toxicity. Adult male NMRI mice were used. They were orally administered soft extracts of the plants at doses of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg for three consecutive days before inducing hepatotoxicity. Clinical signs of toxicity and hepatic biochemical parameters were evaluated; in addition, the morphological analysis of the liver was performed. Results: the biochemical parameters showed highly significant differences, but only three groups had results similar to the untreated control group. No macroscopic changes in the liver were confirmed. Microscopically, the absence of histopathological changes prevailed in the groups treated with Ocimum basilicum L. at both doses and Allium sativum L. at 200mg/kg; slight damage was observed by administering 400mg/kg of Allium sativum L., with significant differences from the untreated control group. Conclusions: soft extracts of the species Ocimum basilicum L. and Allium sativum L. at a dose of 200mg/kg have greater hepatoprotective activity against the toxic action of acetaminophen.

Confirmación de dexametasona y diclofenaco por LC-MS-MS como adulterantes en un producto herbolario / Dexamethasone and diclofenac by LC-MS-MS as herbal product adulterants

Objetivo. Confirmar la presencia de dexametasona y diclofenaco como adulterantes de un producto comercializado como de origen natural. Material y métodos. Para la identificación y confirmación de la presencia de los fármacos se utilizó un método de análisis instrumental por cromatografía de líquidos de alta presión acoplado a espectrometría de masas en tándem. Resultados. En el análisis de 11 frascos de Reumofan Plus obtenidos de pacientes y médicos de la localidad se confirmó la presencia de dexametasona y diclofenaco. La metodología utilizada permitió separar los esteroisómeros dexametasona y betametasona, las abundancias relativas de iones productos 237.2 y 279.2 m/z permiten diferenciar espectralmente un compuesto de otro. Conclusiones. Se confirmó la presencia de dexametasona y diclofenaco en muestras de un producto comercializado como "100% natural" obtenidas de diferentes pacientes o médicos en el periodo enero a diciembre de 2011.

Objective. To confirm the presence of dexamethasone and diclofenac as adulterants of an herbal product. Materials and methods. For identificaction and confirmation of drugs a method of instrumental analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with high pressure tandem mass spectrometry was used. Results. The presence of dexamethasone and diclofenac was confirmed in samples of 11 bottles of Reumofan Plus obtained from patients and/or physicians. The methodology used, allowed separation of stereoisomers dexamethasone and betamethasone, the relative abundances of product ions 237.2 and 279.2 m / z spectrally differentiate the compounds. Conclusions. The presence of dexamethasone and diclofenac was confirmed in samples of a product marketed as "100% natural" obtained from patients and / or physicians in a period from January to December, 2011.

Análise da eficácia do óleo de hortelã pimenta (Mentha piperita L) na síndrome do intestino irritável: revisão baseada em evidência / Analysis of the efficacy of the peppermint oil (Mentha piperita L) on irritable bowel syndrome: an evidence-based review / Análisis de la eficacia del aceite de menta (Mentha piperita L) sobre el síndrome del intestino irritable: revisión basada en evidencia

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do óleo de hortelã-pimenta (Mentha piperita L) no tratamento de indivíduos com síndrome do intestino irritável (SII), analisando a melhora dos sintomas e da qualidade de vida. Métodos: Foram realizadas pesquisas nas bases de dados Trip database, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guidelines finder, Cochrane Library, Dare, Bandolier e Medline utilizando os termos MeSH Irritable bowel syndrome e peppermint oil. Foram incluídas normas de orientação clínica (NOC), revisões sistemáticas e metanálises e ensaios clínicos aleatorizados e controlados (ECAC) que avaliassem a eficácia do óleo de hortelã-pimenta (OHP) no alívio sintomático ou melhoria da qualidade de vida de indivíduos com SII, quando comparado com placebo ou outra terapêutica validada. Resultados e Discussão: Foram selecionados 8 artigos (5 NOC, 3 revisões sistemáticas/metanálises). A evidência sugere que o OHP é eficaz no alívio sintomático global da SII, especialmente quando existe dor abdominal, verificando-se a sua superioridade em relação ao placebo na maioria dos estudos avaliados ­ com odds ratio favorecendo o óleo de hortelã-pimenta atingindo 2,7 (IC de 95% de 1,6 a 4,8) e NNT de 3. Existe também evidência de melhoria da qualidade de vida com o OHP, em comparação com o placebo (p<0,001). Conclusão: A evidência demonstra eficácia do OHP na SII, especialmente quando existe um componente de dor abdominal, quando comparado com o placebo (força de recomendação B). São necessários mais estudos com qualidade metodológica que avaliem eficácia e segurança a longo prazo do OHP no alívio sintomático da SII.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of peppermint oil (Mentha piperita L.) on individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) regarding symptom improvement and quality of life enhancement. Methods: Literature search was conducted according to evidence based on methodology review at Trip database, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guidelines finder, Cochrane Library, Dare, Bandolier and Medline, as well as using the MeSH index terms "Irritable bowel syndrome" and "peppermint oil". We selected practice guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials that evaluated peppermint oil (PO) efficacy in improving symptoms and/or quality of life when compared to placebo or other approved therapy for IBS. Results and Discussion: A total of eight articles were selected including five practice guidelines and three systematic reviews/ meta-analysis. Existing evidence suggests that there are enough data to support the use of peppermint oil in IBS for overall symptomatic relief, especially when abdominal pain is the dominant symptom, when compared to placebo (with an odds ratio of 2.7; CI 95%, 1.6 to 4.8 and NNT of 3). There is also evidence regarding overall quality of life improvement when using PO compared to placebo (p<0.001). Conclusion: So far, evidence suggests that PO should be considered for IBS patients, especially in the presence of abdominal pain (Strength of recommendation B). However, more high methodological quality studies that evaluate long-term efficacy and security of PO are needed.

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia del aceite de menta (Mentha piperita L.) en el tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome del intestino irritable (SII) y analizar el alivio de sus síntomas y la mejora en su calidad de vida. Métodos: Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos Trip database, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guidelines finder, Cochrane Library, Dare, Bandolier y Medline usando los términos MeSH "Irritable bowel syndrome" y "peppermint oil". Se incluyeron las normas de orientación clínica (NOC), revisiones sistemáticas y meta-análisis y ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados (ECAC) para evaluar la eficacia del aceite de menta (AM) en el alivio sintomático y mejora de la calidad de vida de las personas con SII en comparación con el placebo u otra terapia validada. Resultados y Discusión: Se seleccionaron ocho estudios (cinco NOC y tres revisiones sistemáticas/meta-análisis). La evidencia sugiere que el AM es eficaz en el alivio de los síntomas generales del SII, en particular si había dolor abdominal, verificandose su superioridad sobre el placebo en la mayoría de los estudios evaluados (odds ratio de 2,7; IC 95% de 1,6 a 4,8 y NNT de 3). Hubo también evidencia de mejora en la calidad de vida en los pacientes tratados con AM, en comparación con el placebo (p <0,001). Conclusión: Las pruebas demuestran la eficacia del AM en el SII, especialmente en presencia de dolor abdominal, en comparación con el placebo (fuerza de recomendación B). Se necesitan más estudios con buena calidad metodológica que evalúen la eficacia y la seguridad a largo plazo del AM en el alivio de los síntomas del SII.

Atividade antibacteriana de tinturas à base de plantas sobre microrganismos do biofilme dental / Antibacterial activity of plant-based tinctures on dental biofilm's microrganisms

Objetivo: Avaliar a atividade antibacteriana das Tinturas (T) de Salvia officinalis - T1, Malva sylvestris - T2 e do Anacardium occidentale - T3 sobre Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) e Streptococcus oralis (ATCC 10557). Material e Método: Determinou-se a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) das tinturas pela técnica de microdiluição. Utilizaram-se microplacas com 96 poços. Em cada poço, foram inseridos 100μL de caldo Brain Heart Infusion duplamente concentrado, 100μL das tinturas em concentrações que variaram de 100 a 0,78mg/mL e 10μL de inóculo bacteriano (108 UFC/mL). As microplacas foram incubadas a 37°C, por 24 horas. A CIM correspondeu à última diluição na qual se verificou ausência de precipitado bacteriano ou turvação do meio de cultura. Os testes foram realizados em triplicata, a Clorexidina 0,12% (1,2mg/mL) serviu de controle, e os dados foram analisados descritivamente. Resultados: Sobre S. mutans e S. oralis, a CIM para cada tintura foi, respectivamente, 3,12 e 0,78 (T1); 6,25 e 3,12 (T2); e 1,56 e 0,78 (T3). Clorexidina 0,12% apresentou atividade satisfatória frente às cepas testadas. Conclusão: As tinturas avaliadas apresentaram atividade antibacteriana sobre as cepas de Streptococcus spp ensaiadas.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of tinctures from Salvia - T1 (Salvia officinalis), Malva - T2 (Malva sylvestris) and Purple Cashew - T3 (Anacardium occidentale) against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and Streptococcus oralis (ATCC 10557). Material and Method: The MIC of tinctures was determined through the microdilution technique using 96-wells microplates. To each well were placed 100mL of BHI doubly concentrated, 100μL of the tinctures in concentrations that ranged from 100 to 0.78 mg/mL and 10 mL of microbial inoculum (1.5x108 UFC/mL). The microplates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The MIC corresponded to the last dilution in which there was no presence of bacterial precipitate or turbidity in the culture medium. Chlorhexidine at 0,12% (1,2mg/mL) was used as control. Results: For S. mutans and S. oralis the MIC for each tincture were respectively 3.12 and 0.78 (T1), 6.25 and 3.12 (T2), 1.56 and 0.78 (T3). Chlorhexidine 0.12% presented satisfactory activity against the studied strains. Conclusion: The analyzed tinctures presented antibacterial activity against the evaluated strains of Streptococcus.

Effects of broccoli extract on biodistribution and labeling blood components with 99mTc-GH / Efeitos do extrato de brócolis na biodistribuição e marcação dos componentes do sangue com 99mTc-GH

PURPOSE: People consume vegetables without the knowledge of the side effects of the biological and chemical contents and interactions between radiopharmaceuticals and herbal extract. To this end, current study is focused on the effects of broccoli extract on biodistribution of radiolabeled glucoheptonate (99mTc-GH) and radiolabeling of blood components. METHODS: GH was labeled with 99mTc. Quality control studies were done utilizing TLC method. Biodistribution studies were performed on male rats which were treated via gavage with either broccoli extract or SF as control group for 15 days. Blood samples were withdrawn from rats' heart. Radiolabeling of blood constituents performed incubating with GH, SnCl2 and 99m Tc. RESULTS: Radiochemical yield of 99mTc-GH is 98.46±1.48 percent (n=8). Biodistribution studies have shown that according to the control, the treated group with broccoli has approximately 10 times less uptake in kidney. The percentage of the radioactivity ratios of the blood components is found to be same in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is no considerable effect on the radiolabeling of blood components, there is an outstanding change on the biodistribution studies especially on kidneys. The knowledge of this change on kidney uptake may contribute to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and/or repetition of the examinations in Nuclear Medicine.

OBJETIVO: As pessoas consomem verduras sem o conhecimento dos efeitos colaterais dos conteúdos biológicos e químicos e interações entre os medicamentos radiofarmacêuticos e os extratos vegetais. Para este fim, o estudo atual é focado sobre os efeitos do extrato de brócolis na biodistribuição do fármaco glucoheptonato (99mTc-GH) e da marcação de componentes do sangue. MÉTODOS: GH foi marcado com 99mTc. Estudos de controle de qualidade foram feitos utilizando o método do TLC. Os estudos de biodistribuição foram realizados em ratos machos que foram tratados por gavagem com um extrato de brócolis ou SF como grupo controle para 15 dias. Amostras de sangue foram retiradas do coração de ratos. Marcação de constituintes sanguíneos realizados incubação com SnCl2 GH e 99mTc. RESULTADOS: Radioquímica rendimento de 99mTc-GH é 98,46 ± 1,48 por cento (n = 8). Os estudos de biodistribuição mostraram que de acordo com o controle, o grupo tratado com brócolis tem aproximadamente 10 vezes menor absorção no rim. O percentual do ratio de radioatividade dos componentes do sangue é encontrado para ser igual nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Embora não haja nenhum efeito considerável sobre a marcação dos componentes do sangue há uma mudança notável na biodistribuição especialmente nos rins. O conhecimento desta mudança na captação de rim pode contribuir para reduzir o risco de erro diagnóstico e/ou a repetição dos exames de Medicina Nuclear.