Efecto del Capsicum annum L (pucunucho, ají mono) en úlcera gástrica experimental inducida en ratas / Effect of Capsicum annum L (pucunucho, ají mono) in gastric ulcer experimentally induced in rats

Evaluar el efecto del extracto liofilizado del fruto de Capsicum annum L en úlcera gástrica experimental inducida en ratas. Materiales y métodos: Empleamos el modelo de úlcera gástrica inducida por indometacina y el modelo de úlcera gástrica inducida por ligadura del píloro en ratas separadas en 5 grupos de tratamiento: G1: agua destilada 1 ml/Kg; G2: Ranitidina 50 mg/kg, G3: Capsicum 10 mg/kg, G4: Capsicum 100 mg/kg, G5: Capsicum 1000 mg/kg. Resultados: Los resultados del primer modelo muestran que a las dosis de 10 mg/Kg y 100 mg/Kg se obtuvo un porcentaje de inhibición de la lesión ulcerosa de 60,4% y 66,7% respectivamente; mientras que en el segundo modelo, el extracto no modificó el volumen gástrico ni en el pH gástrico (p >0,05); sin embargo a las dosis de 100 y 1000 mg/Kg la lesión ulcerosa se inhibió en 75,59% y 81,63% respectivamente; siendo además la inhibición mayor que con ranitidina (75,51%). Conclusiones: En conclusión demostramos que el extracto liofilizado del fruto de Capsicum annum L presenta efecto gastroprotector en úlcera gástrica experimental inducida en ratas...

To examine the effects of the Capsicum annum L lyophilized fruit extract in experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Materials and methods: We used the model of indomethacin gastric ulcer-induced and the gastric ulcer model induced by pylorus ligation in rats. The rats were divided in five treatment groups as follow: G1: Distilled water 1 ml/Kg; G2: Ranitidine 50 mg/kg, G3: Capsicum 10mg/kg, G4: Capsicum 100 mg/kg, G5: Capsicum 1000 mg/kg. Results: The results of the first model showed an ulcer inhibition of 60,4% and 66,7% using the doses of Capsicum at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the second model showed that neither the pH nor the volume of the gastric content were modified by the administered extract (p >0.05); however, by using the doses of Capsicum at 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, there was clearly an ulcer inhibition of 75.59% and 81.63% respectively, which were even greater than the inhibition obtained by ranitidine (75.51%). Conclusions: Therefore, in this experiment we demonstrated that the Capsicum annum L lyophilized fruit extract has a gastroprotective effect in experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats...

A possible emerging role of phytochemicals in improving age-related neurological dysfunctions: a multiplicity of effects.

It is rare to see a day pass in which we are not told through some popular medium that the population is becoming older. Along with this information comes the "new" revelation that as we enter the next millennium there will be increases in age-associated diseases (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease) including the most devastating of these, which involve the nervous system (e.g., Alzheimer's disease [AD] and Parkinson's disease [PD]). It is estimated that within the next 50 years approximately 30% of the population will be aged 65 years or older. Of those between 75 and 84 years of age, 6 million will exhibit some form of AD symptoms, and of those older than 85 years, over 12 million will have some form of dementia associated with AD. What appears more ominous is that many cognitive changes occur even in the absence of specific age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Common components thought to contribute to the manifestation of these disorders and normal age-related declines in brain performance are increased susceptibility to long-term effects of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory insults. Unless some means is found to reduce these age-related decrements in neuronal function, health care costs will continue to rise exponentially. Thus, it is extremely important to explore methods to retard or reverse age-related neuronal deficits as well as their subsequent, behavioral manifestations. Fortunately, the growth of knowledge in the biochemistry of cell viability has opened new avenues of research focused at identifying new therapeutic agents that could potentially disrupt the perpetual cycle of events involved in the decrements associated with these detrimental processes. In this regard, a new role in which certain dietary components may play important roles in alleviating certain disorders are beginning to receive increased attention, in particular those involving phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables.

The plant kingdom as a source of anti-ulcer remedies.

Phytogenic agents have traditionally been used by herbalists and indigenous healers for the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcer. This article reviews the anti-acid/anti-peptic, gastro-protective and/or anti-ulcer properties of the most commonly employed herbal medicines and their identified active constituents. Botanical compounds with anti-ulcer activity include flavonoids (i.e. quercetin, naringin, silymarin, anthocyanosides, sophoradin derivatives) saponins (i.e. from Panax japonicus and Kochia scoparia), tannins (i.e. from Linderae umbellatae), gums and mucilages (i.e. gum guar and myrrh). Among herbal drugs, liquorice, aloe gel and capsicum (chilli) have been used extensively and their clinical efficacy documented. Also, ethnomedical systems employ several plant extracts for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Despite progress in conventional chemistry and pharmacology in producing effective drugs, the plant kingdom might provide a useful source of new anti-ulcer compounds for development as pharmaceutical entities or, alternatively, as simple dietary adjuncts to existing therapies.

Garlic or jalapeño peppers for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

OBJECTIVE: There have been a number of reports that natural foods such as garlic, honey, and capsaicin can inhibit Helicobacter pylori in vitro and each report has suggested the natural ingredient be used for treatment of the infection. We investigated whether garlic or capsaicin-containing peppers would actually inhibit H. pylori in vivo. METHODS: We performed a prospective crossover study in healthy H. pylori-infected adults. We used the urea breath test to assess the status of the H. pylori infection. On separate days subjects received three test meals consisting of beef, tortillas, and salad with one of the following: fresh garlic (10 sliced cloves), capsaicin (six sliced fresh jalapeños), two tablets of bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, positive control), or nothing added (negative control). Breath testing was done before the first meal, the evening meal, and the following morning. At least 2 days elapsed between the test substances. RESULTS: Twelve subjects participated (seven men, five women), with an average age of 41.4 yr, range 27-51 yr. Ten subjects received garlic, six received jalapeños, and 11 received bismuth. Neither garlic nor capsaicin had any in vivo effect on H. pylori (median urease activity 28.5 vs 39.8 and 43.7 vs 46.6 before and after garlic and jalapeños, respectively) (p > 0.8). Bismuth had a marked inhibitory effect (median 55.8 vs 14.3 before and after bismuth) (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not support a role for either garlic or jalapeños in the treatment of H. pylori infection. Caution must be used when attempting to extrapolate data from in vitro studies to the in vivo condition.

A case of behavioural problems

This case brings out many aspects of a particular remedy, especially the symptom "if she wants a thing, she will oppose it if proposed by someone else"