Evidence Map on Aromatherapy Clinical Effectiveness

This map presents overview evidence of the clinical effects of essential oils in humans. The search was conducted in several databases, and 73 systematic review studies were included. Main Findings: This Map collects evidence for interventions with 49 essential oils, 9 fatty vegetable oils or in 66 mixtures (synergies) and one hydrolate, with applications through inhalation, massage, bath, ingestion, or topical. Each intervention was associated with at least one of 55 health outcomes classified into 8 groups: Pain; Metabolic and Physiological Indicators; Noncommunicable Diseases; Mental Health; Infectious Diseases; Women´s Health; Skin Diseases; Well-Being, Vitality and Quality of Life, totaling 420 associations. The effects reported by each study included: positive, potentially positive, no effect, and inconclusive effects. This Map found 333 positive effect for different health outcomes. Highlighting that no negative effect was reported. The essential oil most researched was Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia - 116 associations). The Roses essential oil was the second most researched (Rosa damascena - 24 associations). The interventions with Lavender essential oil demonstrated more relevant effects on Mental Health, especially anxiety disorders. Interventions with Rose essential oil the more relevant effects on outcomes related to Women's Health, especially dysmenorrhea and pain in childbirth.

Antibacterial and self-healing sepiolite-based hybrid hydrogel for hemostasis and wound healing.

The process of wound healing necessitates a specific environment, thus prompting extensive research into the utilization of hydrogels for this purpose. While numerous hydrogel structures have been investigated, the discovery of a self-healing hydrogel possessing favorable biocompatibility, exceptional mechanical properties, and effective hemostatic and antibacterial performance remains uncommon. In this work, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hybrid hydrogel was meticulously designed through a simple reaction, wherein CuxO anchored sepiolite was incorporated into the hydrogel. The results indicate that introduction of sepiolite greatly improves the toughness, self-healing and adhesion properties of the PVA hydrogels. CuxO nanoparticles endow the hydrogels with excellent antibacterial performance towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The application of hybrid hydrogels for fast hemostasis and wound healing are verified in vitro and in vivo with rat experiments. This work thereby demonstrates an effective strategy for designing biodegradable hemostatic and wound healing materials.

Bat activity is related to habitat structure and time since prescribed fire in managed pine barrens in New England.

Background: Several insectivorous bat species are found in New England, yet research on them is still scarce. Current research shows the ecological importance of bats due to their control of insect populations, but they are endangered by habitat loss and White Nose Syndrome, among other threats. Pine barrens are an uncommon ecosystem found in New England that supports other rare taxa and could be important for these bat species. Methods: With hand-held audio recorders, we surveyed for bats in Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area in Massachusetts and Concord Pine Barrens in New Hampshire in June 2022. Our study objectives were to (1) describe the most common bat species and (2) compare bat activity across different habitat types at two managed pine barrens in New England. In particular, we examined bat activity related to habitat type (scrub oak, mature pitch pine, treated pitch pine, hardwood forest), habitat structure (i.e., canopy closure), time since prescribed fire, and path width. We analyzed our data through generalized linear modeling and logistic regression. Results: Overall, we were able to measure the presence of five out of the nine total species found in the area, including the endangered Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat). We recorded 293 bat calls, with the majority of calls from big brown bats (71%). We found significant differences (p < 0.05) in bat activity in relation to time since prescribed fire and habitat structure. The index of bat activity was greatest in pitch pine and hardwood forests and lowest in scrub oak and treated pitch pine habitats. With preliminary data, we also found that silver-haired bat presence was influenced by habitat type, with more detections at survey points in hardwood forests. Discussion: These findings demonstrate the importance of pine barrens as an ecosystem that supports bats in New England. According to the activity of bats in our study, closed canopy and mature pitch pine habitats may be prioritized in conservation efforts at managed barrens for bat species. Further research is recommended to better understand the relationship between prescribed fires, which are common in managed barrens, and bat activity.

Genetic structure of Trifolium pratense populations in a cityscape.

Urban grasslands provide numerous ecosystem services, and their maintenance should be based on naturally regenerating plant populations. However, the urban environment is challenging for preserving viable populations, mostly because of their high fragmentation and small size, which can lead to genetic drift. We examined red clover (Trifolium pratense) in a medium-size city in Central Europe to test the cityscape effect on within- and among-population genetic diversity. We used eight inter-simple sequence repeat markers to examine the genetic structure of 16 populations, each represented by eight individuals. The isolation by resistance was analysed using a least cost patch approach, focusing on gene flow via pollinators. We found great variation among T. pratense populations, with no discernible geographic pattern in genetic diversity. We linked the diversity to the long history of the city and high stochasticity of land use changes that occurred with city development. In particular, we did not find that the Odra River (ca. 100 m wide) was a strong barrier to gene transfer. However, notable isolation was present due to resistance and distance, indicating that the populations are threatened by genetic drift. Therefore, gene movement between populations should be increased by appropriate management of urban green areas. We also found that small urban grassland (UG) patches with small populations can still hold rare alleles which significantly contribute to the overall genetic variation of T. pratense in the city.

A Skin-Inspired Multifunctional Conductive Hydrogel with High Stretchable, Adhesive, Healable, and Decomposable Properties for Highly Sensitive Dual-Sensing of Temperature and Strain.

Developing smart hydrogels with excellent physicochemical properties and multi-sensing capabilities for various simulation of human skin's functions still remains a great challenge. Here, based on simple and convenient one-step covalent cross-linking method enhanced by dynamic RS-Ag interactions, a skin-inspired multifunctional conductive hydrogel with desirable physicochemical properties (including high stretchability, self-adhesion, self-healing, decomposition and removability) is developed for highly sensitive dual-sensing of temperature and strain. Benefiting from the synergistic action of multiple hydrogen bonds, RS-Ag bonds and S-S bonds, the gel exhibited a novel thermosensitive mechanism. The prepared hydrogels exhibited extremely high mechanical properties (maximum tensile strength of 0.35 MPa, elongation at break nearly 1800%, compressive stress over 4.43 MPa), excellent self-healing (96.82% (stress), 88.45% (temperature), 73.89% (mechanical property)), decomposition (the molecular weight after decomposition is below 700) and self-adhesion (enhanced contact with the material interface). In addition, this conductive hydrogel could also simultaneously achieve highly sensitive temperature-sensing (TCR: 10.89) and stress-sensing (GF: 1.469). As a proof-to-concept, the hydrogel displayed superior capability for simulation of human skin to perception of touch, pressure and ambient temperature simultaneously, indicating promising applications in the fields of wearable devices, personal health care, and human-machine interfaces.

Designing self-healing hydrogels for biomedical applications.

Self-healing hydrogels have emerged as the most promising alternatives to conventional brittle hydrogels used in the biomedical field due to the features of long-term stability and durability. However, the incompatibility between the fast self-healing property and enough mechanical strength of hydrogels remains a challenge. Therefore, hydrogels that possess not only mechanical toughness but also autonomous self-healing capacity are sought after. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the latest self-healing mechanisms. Specifically, we review various systems based on dynamic bonds, ranging from dynamic covalent bonds to non-covalent bonds. Additionally, this review presents different characterization methods for self-healing hydrogels, and also highlights their potential applications in the biomedical field, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, cell therapy, and wound dressing. Furthermore, this review aims to provide valuable guidance for constructing diverse self-healing hydrogels with tailored functions.

Evaluation of a dill (Anethum graveolens L.) gene bank germplasm collection using multivariate analysis of morphological traits, molecular genotyping and chemical composition to identify novel genotypes for plant breeding.

Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) is an aromatic herb widely used in the food industry, with several commercial cultivars available with different qualitative characteristics. Commercial cultivars are usually preferred over landraces due to their higher yield and also the lack of improved landraces than can be commercialized. In Greece, however, traditional dill landraces are cultivated by local communities. Many are conserved in the Greek Gene Bank and the aim here was to investigate and compare the morphological, genetic, and chemical biodiversity of twenty-two Greek landraces and nine modern/commercial cultivars. Multivariate analysis of the morphological descriptors, molecular markers, and essential oil and polyphenol composition revealed that the Greek landraces were clearly distinguished compared with modern cultivars at the level of phenological, molecular and chemical traits. Landraces were typically taller, with larger umbels, denser foliage, and larger leaves. Plant height, density of foliage, density of feathering as well as aroma characteristics were desirable traits observed for some landraces, such as T538/06 and GRC-1348/04, which were similar or superior to those of some commercial cultivars. Polymorphic loci for inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and start codon targeted (SCoT) molecular markers were 76.47% and 72.41% for landraces, and 68.24% and 43.10% for the modern cultivars, respectively. Genetic divergence was shown, but not complete isolation, indicating that some gene flow may have occurred between landraces and cultivars. The major constituent in all dill leaf essential oils was α-phellandrene (54.42-70.25%). Landraces had a higher α-phellandrene and dill ether content than cultivars. Two dill landraces were rich in chlorogenic acid, the main polyphenolic compound determined. The study highlighted for the first-time Greek landraces with desirable characteristics regarding quality, yield, and harvest time suitable for breeding programs to develop new dill cultivars with superior features.

Efficacy of a new nutraceutical formulation: L-tryptophan, probiotics, charcoal, chamomile, mint, and licorice (COLONIR®) in the improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. IBS is characterized by recurrent chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits in the absence of organic damage. Although there are reviews and guidelines for treating IBS, the complexity and diversity of IBS presentation make treatment difficult. Treatment of IBS focuses on relieving symptoms as mild signs and symptoms can often be controlled by managing stress and by making changes in diet and lifestyle. The use of nutraceutical compounds has been advocated as a possible alternative treatment in patients with IBS. COLONIR® (Omega Pharma Srl, Milan, Italy) may be an alternative or adjuvant treatment in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of this new nutraceutical formulation in inducing symptoms remission and improve gastrointestinal habits. METHODS: An initial cohort of 1004 consecutive patients referred to 25 different Units of Internal Medicine a/o Gastroenterology in Italy to perform colonoscopy for intestinal symptoms was asked to participate. Patients were treated for 2 months with two doses of nutraceuticals/day during meals namely COLONIR®. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 2 months to evaluate the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in the past seven days with a questionnaire based on ROMA IV criteria. RESULTS: After 2 months, 899 patients completed the follow-up. COLONIR® achieved a statistically significant reduction of severity of symptoms in the study population without any documented side effects. CONCLUSIONS: These promising results, here reported, need to be confirmed, valuating the efficacy of COLONIR® in relieving gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS patients in further studies.

Hydroxy proline and gamma-aminobutyric acid: markers of susceptibility to vine decline disease caused by the fungus Monosporascus cannonballus in melons (Cucumis melo L.).

Background: Vine decline disease caused by the fungus Monosporascus cannonballus, is a threat to melon production (Cucumis melo L.) worldwide. Nonetheless, little is known about the metabolites produced during the host pathogen interaction. Thus, the objective of this study was to measure quantities of amino acids produced over time during such an interaction. Methods: Two melon genotypes named TAM-Uvalde (susceptible) and USDA PI 124104 (resistant) were grown and inoculated with M. cannonballus. The metabolites previously stated were measured before inoculation (0 hours) and 24, 48 and 72 hours after inoculation, using high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Results: The production of some amino acids during the interaction of the resistant and susceptible melon genotypes with the fungus M. cannonballus was different regarding quantities over time. Interestingly, hydroxy proline was always up-regulated in higher quantities in response to pathogen infection in the genotype TAM-Uvalde. Also, the up-regulation in higher quantities of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the genotype TAM-Uvalde 48 and 72 hours after inoculation, suggests more penetration of the pathogen in its roots. Hence, taken together, hydroxy proline and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels could be used as markers of susceptibility to vine decline disease caused by M. cannonballus, which could be useful in developing resistant varieties.

[Phytotherapy in uro-oncology]. / Phytotherapie in der Uroonkologie.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by about 40-90% of all patients with cancer. CAM also includes phytotherapy, which is considered to be a biologically based therapy. Depending on the survey, the users of phytotherapy account for up to 80%. The intention of the users is to fight cancer or to alleviate its symptoms. OBJECTIVES: Frequently used phytotherapeutics with their level of evidence and possible pitfalls are presented in a narrative review. Special attention is given to the uro-oncological context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Popular phytotherapeutics (mistletoe, pomegranate, aloe vera, sage, ginger, ginseng) as well as three uronephrological plants (juniper, horsetail, bearberry) are classified and evaluated according to existing guidelines and by using a selective literature search. RESULTS: A total of nine plants were considered. Currently, there is no sufficient evidence for the use of pomegranate or mistletoe for tumor therapy. Guideline recommendations for or against symptom-oriented use exist for ginger (nausea; may be used), ginseng (fatigue; may be used), aloe vera (radiation dermatitis, should not be recommend), and bearberry (recurrent cystitis, may be used). A small number of studies on other symptoms and medicinal plants could be found (e.g., ginger - xerostomia, aloe vera - constipation, sage - oral mucositis or sweating). CONCLUSIONS: An integration of phytotherapeutic drugs into uro-oncological treatments concept can be considered. The benefits and risks of complementary herbal medicines (e.g., potential interactions with tumor therapy) must always be carefully weighed.

A salt-triggered multifunctional smart window derived from a dynamic polyampholyte hydrogel.

Hydrogel smart windows are promising candidates for the automatic modulation of light transmittance through thermo-, humidity-, and electrochromic mechanisms. However, thermo- and humidity-triggered hydrogel smart windows are usually passively controlled and are not convenient for achieving active actuation; electrochromic windows require complex assembly and energy input. In addition, existing hydrogel smart windows are susceptible to physical damage, which may significantly shorten their working life. Herein, a salt-triggered polyampholyte hydrogel (PAH) is developed as a novel smart window with active and facile actuation as well as self-healing ability. The dynamic ionic bonds in PAH can reversibly disassociate and reform in alternate aqueous sodium chloride solution (NaCl(aq.)) and H2O, accounting for the reversible transparency-shifting and efficient modulation of light transmittance. PAH also enables patterning through precisely localized treatment with NaCl(aq.), which is useful for one-time information input/storage. Information encryption can be further realized by embedding PAH into an inherently transparent hydrogel or pasting it on an information carrier; the visibility of information is in line with the transparency-shifting of PAH. Moreover, the dynamic ionic bonds can endow the PAH-derived hydrogel smart window with self-healing and automatic damage-repairing abilities without sacrificing light modulation. Thus, salt-triggered PAH provides a new idea for designing actively actuating hydrogel smart windows with multifunctionality.

Bach Flower Remedies as Complementary Therapies in Health Care: A Scope Review.

The objective of this article was to map the use of Bach flower remedies in adult health care. The studies reported that the following flower essences were used: Impatiens, Cherry Plum, White Chestnut, and Beech. When applied in 4 diluted drops, they helped reducing anxiety, depression, fear, and pain.

Maternal and perinatal effects with the use of floral therapy in childbirth: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, obstetric, maternal and perinatal effects of the use of flower essences in labor, against factors that enhance it. METHOD: Clinical trial, randomized, controlled, in 164 parturients divided into two groups, flower essences and placebo, respectively, evaluated before and after the intervention. Carried out in a vaginal delivery center, in the city of São Paulo, from May to October 2018. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student's t test, bilateral hypothesis, negative and positive observed critical t, Pearson's chi-square, exact test. Fisher. RESULTS: It was observed in the Experimental Group, moderate increase in systolic blood pressure (p=0.046), frequency (p=0.055) and intensity of contractions (p=0.031), as well as a reduction in time to birth (194 minutes), higher number of vaginal deliveries (p=0.038) and better pattern of fetal vitality. CONCLUSION: There was evidence of a positive action of the Floral Essence on the potentiating factors of labor, being effective in maternal clinical and obstetrical repercussions, as well as perinatal ones.

The potential of dandelion in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases: A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F. H. Wigg.), as a garden weed grown globally, has long been consumed as a therapeutic herb. Its folkloric uses include treatments of digestive disorders (dyspepsia, anorexia, stomach disorders, gastritis and enteritis) and associate complex ailments involving uterine, liver and lung disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aims to critically assess the current state of research and summarize the potential roles of dandelion and its constituents in gastrointestinal (GI) -protective actions. A focus is placed on the reported bioactive components, pharmacological activities and modes of action (including molecular mechanisms and interactions among bioactive substances) of dandelion products/preparations and derived active constituents related to GI protection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The available information published prior to August 2021 was reviewed via SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley On-line Library, and The Plant List. The search was based on the ethnomedical remedies, pharmacological activities, bioactive compounds of dandelion for GI protection, as well as the interactions of the components in dandelion with the gut microbiota or biological regulators, and with other ingested bioactive compounds. The key search words were "Taraxacum" and "dandelion". RESULTS: T. coreanum Nakai, T. mongolicum and T. officinale are the most commonly used species for folkloric uses, with the whole plant, leaves and root of dandelion being used more frequently. GI-protective substances of dandelion include taraxasterol, taraxerol, caffeic acid, chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin and its glucosides, polysaccharides, inulin, and ß-sitosterol. Dandelion products and derived constituents exhibit pharmacological effects against GI disorders, mainly including dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, small intestinal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, liver diseases, gallstones, acute pancreatitis, and GI malignancy. The underlying molecular mechanisms may include immuno-inflammatory mechanisms, apoptosis mechanism, autophagy mechanism, and cholinergic mechanism, although interactions of dandelion's constituents with GI health-related biological entities (e.g., GI microbiota and associated biological modulators) or other ingested bioactive compounds shouldn't be ignored. CONCLUSION: The review reveals some in vivo and in vitro studies on the potential of dandelion derived products as complementary and alternative medicines/therapeutics against GI disorders. The whole herb may alleviate some symptoms related GI immuno-inflammatory basing on the abundant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxide active substances. Dandelion root could be a nontoxic and effective anticancer alternative, owing to its abundant terpenoids and polysaccharides. However, research related to GI protective dandelion-derived products remains limited. Besides the need of identifying bioactive compounds/complexes in various dandelion species, more clinical studies are also required on the metabolism, bioavailability and safety of these substances to support their applications in food, medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Effects of flower essences on nursing students' stress symptoms: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of flower essence bouquets on the signs and symptoms of stress in nursing students. METHOD: Randomized clinical trial, triple blind, with two groups, flower essence group and placebo group, carried out with 101 nursing students. The groups used the formula for 60 days at a dosage of 4 drops 4 times a day. The outcome was evaluated using the Baccaro Test and the Perceived Stress Scale applied at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. The outcome analysis was performed using the mixed effects model, with 〈 = 5% and the effect size verified by the Cohen's d test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in stress reduction (p > 0.05). Both groups showed a reduction in scale scores (p < 0.001) with large effect size. There was an influence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the reduction of Baccaro Test scores. CONCLUSION: The intervention with flower essence therapy was not more effective than placebo in reducing stress signs and symptoms. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: UTN U1111-1257-5715.

Identification and expression analysis of the sucrose synthase gene family in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.).

BACKGROUND: Sucrose synthase (SUS, EC 2.4.1.13) is one of the major enzymes of sucrose metabolism in higher plants. It has been associated with C allocation, biomass accumulation, and sink strength. The SUS gene families have been broadly explored and characterized in a number of plants. The pomegranate (Punica granatum) genome is known, however, it lacks a comprehensive study on its SUS genes family. METHODS: PgSUS genes were identified from the pomegranate genome using a genome-wide search method. The PgSUS gene family was comprehensively analyzed by physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationship, gene structure, conserved motifs and domains, protein structure, syntenic relationships, and cis-acting elements using bioinformatics methods. The expression pattern of the PgSUS gene in different organs and fruit development stages were assayed with RNA-seq obtained from the NCBI SRA database as well as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: Five pomegranate SUS genes, located on four different chromosomes, were divided into three subgroupsaccording to the classification of other seven species. The PgSUS family was found to be highly conserved during evolution after studying the gene structure, motifs, and domain analysis. Furthermore, the predicted PgSUS proteins showed similar secondary and tertiary structures. Syntenic analysis demonstrated that four PgSUS genes showed syntenic relationships with four species, with the exception of PgSUS2. Predictive promoter analysis indicated that PgSUS genes may be responsive to light, hormone signaling, and stress stimulation. RNA-seq analysis revealed that PgSUS1/3/4 were highly expressed in sink organs, including the root, flower, and fruit, and particularly in the outer seed coats. qPCR analysis showed also that PgSUS1, PgSUS3, and PgSUS4 were remarkably expressed during fruit seed coat development. Our results provide a systematic overview of the PgSUS gene family in pomegranate, developing the framework for further research and use of functional PgSUS genes.

Mechanisms of Action of Nutritionally Rich Hibiscus sabdariffa's Therapeutic Uses in Major Common Chronic Diseases: A Literature Review.

Hibiscus sabdariffa, this beverage has been used for millennia as both a delicious cultural beverage and an ancient medicinal therapy. In recent years, many studies have investigated the uses and mechanisms of action of Hibiscus sabdariffa to treat common chronic diseases. In this literature review, we place the spotlight on Hibiscus sabdariffa's medical effect on common chronic diseases, the flower commonly used to make hibiscus tea. The databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Clinical Key, and CINAHL were searched for studies related to Hibiscus sabdariffa's compounds, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory features, mechanism of action on common chronic diseases including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Hibiscus sabdariffa antihypertensive potentials originate from the vasodilator activity, diuretic efficacy, functionality as an ACE inhibitor, adipocyte differentiation inhibitor, heart rate reduction ability, and anti-inflammatory mechanistic. The antihyperlipidemic effect is dose-dependent and stems from the antioxidative effect and the activation of AMPK through phosphorylation and the inhibition of regulatory adipogenic transcription factors PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and SREBP-1c, which altogether results in lipid-lowering effect. As an antihyperglycemic, Hibiscus sabdariffa serves as anti-insulin resistance by inhibition of the phosphorylation of IRS-1 beside a similar effect to gliptins. Finally, Hibiscus sabdariffa was proven to protect against neuroinflammation in microglial cell culture exposed to LPS by decreasing IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α expression, and the protective effect against glucotoxicity, improve memory function by inhibiting the formation of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins in the mouse brain. Regular consumption of hibiscus tea or extract is beneficial for a reduction in chronic disease risk and diagnosis.Key teaching pointsHibiscus sabdariffa, or hibiscus, has been used for millennia as both a delicious cultural beverage and an ancient medicinal therapy. Recent studies have investigated the uses of Hibiscus sabdariffa to treat common chronic diseases.Its antihypertensive potential originates from the vasodilator activity, diuretic efficacy, functionality as an ACE inhibitor, adipocyte differentiation inhibitor, heart rate reduction ability, and anti-inflammatory mechanistics.The antihyperlipidemic effect is dose-dependent and stems from the antioxidative effect and the activation of AMPK through phosphorylation and also the inhibition of regulatory adipogenic transcription factors PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α and SREBP-1c which all together results in lipid-lowering effect.As an antihyperglycemic, Hibiscus sabdariffa serves as anti-insulin resistance by inhibition of the phosphorylation of IRS-1 beside the similar effect to gliptins.Hibiscus sabdariffa was proven to protect against neuroinflammation in microglial cell culture exposed to LPS by decreasing IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α expression, and the protective effect against glucotoxicity, improve memory function by inhibiting the formation of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins in the mouse brain.

Efetividade das essências florais no trabalho de parto e nascimento: avaliação dos parâmetros obstétricos e neuroendócrinos / Efectividad de las esencias florales en el trabajo de parto y nacimiento: evaluación de los parámetros obstétricos y neuroendócrinos / Effectiveness of flower essences in labor and birth: evaluation of obstetric and neuroendocrine parameters

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a efetividade da terapia floral associados aos fatores que potencializam a dor e o estresse no processo de parturição por meio de parâmetros obstétricos e neuroendócrinos. Métodos Ensaio clínico randomizado, triplo cego, placebo controlado, realizado com 164 parturientes de risco obstétrico habitual, subdivididas entre dois grupos para as quais foram ministradas essência floral Five Flower e placebo, respectivamente. Avaliou-se aspectos obstétricos e neuroendócrinos por meio da análise bioquímica dos hormônios Beta-endorfina e Cortisol salivar antes e ao término da intervenção. Resultados A essência floral modulou os fatores que potencializam a dor no trabalho de parto, isto é, rotura das membranas amnióticas, fase ativa e indução do parto. Houve aumento dos níveis de Beta-endorfina juntamente com a diminuição de uma contração em mulheres com rotura das membranas ovulares e com indução. Em relação ao estresse, houve constância dos valores do Cortisol para o Grupo Experimental, não alterando seu valor na fase ativa, rotura das membranas ovulares ou indução. A Essência Five Flower mostrou-se eficaz na redução de uma hora e vinte e cinco minutos do tempo do trabalho de parto no Grupo Experimental. Conclusão A terapia floral realizada, mostrou-se eficaz no controle da dor e estresse durante o trabalho de parto, refletindo positivamente na sua brevidade e qualificando seu desfecho.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la efectividad de la terapia floral asociada a los factores que potencializan el dolor y el estrés en el proceso de parto por medio de parámetros obstétricos y neuroendócrinos. Métodos Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, triple ciego, placebo controlado, realizado con 164 parturientas de riesgo obstétrico normal, subdivididas en dos grupos en que se les administró esencia floral Five Flower y placebo. Se evaluaron aspectos obstétricos y neuroendócrinos por medio del análisis bioquímico de las hormonas betaendorfina y cortisol salival antes y al final de la intervención. Resultados La esencia floral reguló los factores que potencializan el dolor en el trabajo de parto, es decir, ruptura de las membranas amnióticas, fase activa e inducción del parto. Hubo aumento de los niveles de betaendorfina junto con la reducción de una contracción en mujeres con ruptura de las membranas ovulares y con inducción. Con relación al estrés, hubo constancia de los valores de cortisol en el grupo experimental, sin aumento de su valor en la fase activa, ruptura de las membranas ovulares o inducción. La esencia Five Flower demostró ser eficaz para la reducción de una hora y veinticinco minutos de tiempo de trabajo de parto en el grupo experimental. Conclusión La terapia floral realizada demostró ser eficaz en el control del dolor y del estrés durante el trabajo de parto, con un impacto positivo en su brevedad y en la cualificación de su desenlace.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of floral therapy associated with factors that strengthen pain and stress in the labor process through obstetric and neuroendocrine parameters. Methods Randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial performed with 164 parturients at usual obstetric risk subdivided into two groups to which Five Flower floral essence and placebo were administered. Obstetric and neuroendocrine aspects were evaluated through biochemical analysis of the beta-endorphin and cortisol hormones through salivary samples before and after the intervention. Results The flower essence modulated the factors that strengthen pain in labor, that is, rupture of amniotic membranes, active phase and induction of labor. There was an increase in beta-endorphin levels along with one less contraction in women with ruptured ovular membranes and labor induction. Regarding stress, cortisol values were constant for the Experimental group, and did not change in the active phase, rupture of the ovular membranes or induction. The Five Flower essence proved to be effective in reducing labor time by 1 hour 25 minutes in the Experimental group. Conclusion The floral therapy used proved to be effective in controlling pain and stress during labor, and reflected positively on its agility and qualified its outcome.

Effects of flower essences on nursing students' stress symptoms: a randomized clinical trial / Efectos de las esencias florales en los síntomas de estrés de estudiantes de enfermería: ensayo clínico randomizado / Efeitos das essências florais nos sintomas de estresse de estudantes de enfermagem: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Objective: To analyze the effects of flower essence bouquets on the signs and symptoms of stress in nursing students. Method: Randomized clinical trial, triple blind, with two groups, flower essence group and placebo group, carried out with 101 nursing students. The groups used the formula for 60 days at a dosage of 4 drops 4 times a day. The outcome was evaluated using the Baccaro Test and the Perceived Stress Scale applied at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. The outcome analysis was performed using the mixed effects model, with 〈 = 5% and the effect size verified by the Cohen's d test. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in stress reduction (p > 0.05). Both groups showed a reduction in scale scores (p < 0.001) with large effect size. There was an influence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the reduction of Baccaro Test scores. Conclusion: The intervention with flower essence therapy was not more effective than placebo in reducing stress signs and symptoms. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: UTN U1111-1257-5715.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los efectos del buqué de esencias florales en los señales y síntomas del estrés en estudiantes de enfermería. Método: Ensayo clínico randomizado, triple ciego, con dos grupos: floral y placebo realizado con 101 estudiantes de enfermería. Los grupos utilizaron la fórmula por 60 días con la dosis de 4 gotas 4 veces al día. El resultado se evaluó por las escalas: Prueba de Detección del Estrés (Baccaro) y Escala de Estrés Percibido aplicadas al principio y al final de la intervención. El análisis del resultado se realizó por el modelo de efectos misto, con 〈 = 5% y el tamaño de efecto averiguado por la d de Cohen. Resultados: No hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos en la reducción del estrés (p > 0,05), ambos los grupos tuvieron reducción en los scores de las escalas (p < 0,001) con tamaño de efecto grande. Hubo influencia de la pandemia COVID-19 en la reducción de los scores de la Prueba de Detección del Estrés (Baccaro). Conclusión: La intervención con terapia floral no fue más efectiva que el placebo en la reducción de señales y síntomas de estrés. Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos: UTN U1111-1257-5715.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do buquê de essências florais nos sinais e sintomas do estresse em estudantes de enfermagem. Método: Ensaio clínico randomizado, triplo cego, com dois grupos, floral e placebo, realizado com 101 estudantes de enfermagem. Os grupos utilizaram a fórmula por 60 dias na dosagem de 4 gotas 4 vezes ao dia. O desfecho foi avaliado pelas escalas Teste de Baccaro e Escala de Estresse Percebido, aplicadas no início e no final da intervenção. A análise do desfecho foi feita pelo modelo de efeitos misto, com 〈 = 5% e o tamanho de efeito verificado pelo teste d-Cohen. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos na redução do estresse (p > 0,05). Ambos os grupos tiveram redução nos escores das escalas (p < 0,001) com tamanho de efeito grande. Houve influência da pandemia COVID-19 na redução dos escores do Teste de Baccaro. Conclusão: A intervenção com terapia floral não foi mais efetiva que o placebo na redução de sinais e sintomas de estresse. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos: UTNU1111-1257-5715.

Terapia floral na evolução do parto e na tríade dor-ansiedade-estresse: estudo quase-experimental / Terapia floral en la evolución del parto y en la tríada dolor-ansiedad-estrés: estudio cuasi experimental / Flower therapy in the evolution of childbirth and in the pain-anxiety-stress triad: quasi-experimental study

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da Terapia floral na evolução do trabalho de parto e na tríade dor-ansiedade-estresse das mulheres durante o nascimento. Métodos Estudo quase-experimental realizado no período de maio a julho de 2018 no centro-obstétrico de um hospital referência para a assistência ao nascimento de baixo risco na Região Sul do Brasil, com 60 participantes (30 no Grupo Controle e 30 no Grupo Floral). A intervenção consistiu na administração dos Florais de Bach durante o trabalho de parto combinados por compostos capazes de regatar o equilíbrio emocional em situações de dor, ansiedade e estresse com a adição de 99,75% de conhaque orgânico Francês à 30% para 0,25% da tintura mãe. O grupo placebo recebeu uma mistura combinada de água com adição de 99,75% de conhaque orgânico Francês à 30% para 0,25% da tintura mãe. Ambos foram acondicionados em frascos conta gotas de 30 ml de igual tamanho, formato e característica. Para análise foi utilizado o teste t a fim de comparar as variáveis estudadas antes e após a intervenção e entre os grupos. Resultados As variáveis analisadas como dilatação cervical, contrações uterinas, ocitocina, cortisol e tempo do trabalho de parto apresentaram diferenças significativas para o Grupo Floral quando comparado com o placebo. Conclusão A Terapia floral pode ser uma alternativa para a mulher durante o trabalho de parto por auxiliar na progressão do parto sem trazer prejuízos ao recém-nascido.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar el efecto de la terapia floral en la evolución del trabajo de parto y en la tríada dolor-ansiedad-estrés de mujeres durante el nacimiento. Métodos Estudio cuasi experimental realizado en el período de mayo a julio de 2018 en el centro obstétrico de un hospital de referencia en la atención al nacimiento de bajo riesgo en la región sur de Brasil, con 60 participantes (30 en el grupo de control y 30 en el grupo floral). La intervención consistió en la administración de Flores de Bach durante el trabajo de parto combinadas con compuestos capaces de rescatar el equilibrio emocional en situaciones de dolor, ansiedad y estrés con la adición de 99,75 % de coñac orgánico francés al 30 % en 0,25 % de tintura madre. El grupo placebo recibió una mezcla combinada de agua con la adición de 99,75 % de coñac orgánico francés al 30 % en 0,25 % de tintura madre. Ambas fueron colocadas en frascos con cuentagotas de 30 ml de igual tamaño, formato y características. Para el análisis se utilizó el test-T a fin de comparar las variables estudiadas antes y después de la intervención y entre los grupos. Resultados Las variables analizadas, como dilatación cervical, contracciones uterinas, oxitocina, cortisol y tiempo de trabajo de parto presentaron diferencias significativas en el Grupo Floral en comparación con el de placebo. Conclusión La terapia floral puede ser una alternativa para la mujer durante el trabajo de parto porque ayuda a la evolución del parto sin perjuicios para el recién nacido.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of flower therapy on the evolution of labor and on the pain-anxiety-stress triad of women during birth. Methods Quasi-experimental study conducted from May to July 2018 in the obstetric center of a reference hospital for low-risk birth care in southern Brazil with 60 participants (30 in the control group and 30 in the floral group). The intervention consisted of administering Bach Flower Remedies during labor combined with compounds capable of restoring emotional balance in situations of pain, anxiety and stress with the addition of 99.75% organic French brandy at 30% to 0.25% of the mother tincture. The placebo group received a combined water mix with added 99.75% organic French brandy at 30% to 0.25% of the mother tincture. Both were put in 30 ml dropper bottles of the same size, shape and characteristic. In the analysis, the t test was used to compare the variables studied before and after the intervention, and between groups. Results Variables analyzed such as cervical dilation, uterine contractions, oxytocin, cortisol and duration of labor showed significant differences for the floral group compared to placebo. Conclusion Flower therapy can be an alternative for women during labor, as it helps in the progression of labor without harming the newborn.