Cultivo e uso racional de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos / Cultivation and rational use of medicinal and herbal plants / Cultivo y uso racional de plantas medicinales y herbáceas

A utilização de plantas medicinais como alternativa terapêutica vem atingindo um público cada vez maior. Assim, os fitoterápicos podem atuar como forma opcional de terapêutica levando em consideração o menor custo, e cujos benefícios se somam aos da terapia convencional. Com isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi enfatizar a importância do cultivo e do uso racional de medicamentos fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais. Para tanto, foram incluídos artigos em português e inglês inseridos no banco de dados: Scielo, Google acadêmico, além de revistas eletrônicas, livros com embasamento científico de referência e base de dados do Ministério da Saúde entre os anos de 2018 a 2022. As plantas medicinais e os medicamentos fitoterápicos podem provocar efeitos adversos, interferir no efeito de medicamentos utilizados concomitantemente, além da possibilidade de causar intoxicações pela presença de contaminantes em produtos de baixa qualidade. Para a produção de bioativos, em níveis quali e quantitativamente adequados, o cultivo das plantas medicinais deve ser cuidadosamente realizado, através de técnicas adequadas para preservação do solo e plantio são essenciais, como a utilização de adubos verdes e a cobertura vegetal, que além de protegerem o solo da radiação solar, prevenir a evaporação excessiva da água e melhorar as características físicas, químicas e biológicas do sol. Esses critérios influenciam a qualidade do fitoterápico, portanto a fim de garantir a eficácia terapêutica, as plantas devem ser corretamente cultivadas, coletadas, identificadas e conservadas. Sendo assim, conclui-se que a utilização de plantas medicinais para tratamentos tem sido cada vez mais indicada pelos profissionais da saúde, ressaltando a importância do uso seguro e racional, com alerta para as suas consequências.

The use of medicinal plants as a therapeutic alternative has been reaching a growing public. Thus, herbal medicines can act as an optional form of therapy taking into account the lowest cost, and whose benefits are added to those of conventional therapy. Thus, the objective of this work was to emphasize the importance of the cultivation and rational use of herbal medicines and medicinal plants. To this end, articles in Portuguese and English inserted in the database: Scielo, Google academic, in addition to electronic journals, books with scientific reference base and database of the Ministry of Health between the years 2018 to 2022 were included. herbal medicines can cause adverse effects, interfere with the effect of medicines used concomitantly, in addition to the possibility of causing poisoning due to the presence of contaminants in low-quality products. For the production of bioactives, at qualitatively and quantitatively appropriate levels, the cultivation of medicinal plants must be carefully carried out, through techniques cultivated for soil preservation and planting are essential, such as the use of green manures and vegetation cover, which in addition to protect the soil from solar radiation, prevent excessive water evaporation and improve the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the sun. These criteria influence the quality of the herbal medicine, therefore, in order to guarantee therapeutic efficacy, as the plants must be correctly cultivated, collected, identified and conserved. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of medicinal plants for treatments has been increasingly indicated by health professionals, emphasizing the importance of safe and rational use, with an alert to its consequences.

El uso de plantas medicinales como alternativa terapéutica ha ido alcanzando un público cada vez más amplio. Así, las plantas medicinales pueden actuar como una forma opcional de terapia teniendo en cuenta el menor coste, y cuyos beneficios se suman a los de la terapia convencional. Así, el objetivo de este trabajo fue destacar la importancia del cultivo y uso racional de las hierbas medicinales y plantas medicinales. Para ello, los artículos en portugués e Inglés insertados en la base de datos: Scielo, Google académico, además de revistas electrónicas, libros con base de referencia científica y base de datos del Ministerio de Salud entre los años 2018 a 2022 fueron incluidos. medicamentos a base de hierbas pueden causar efectos adversos, interferir con el efecto de los medicamentos utilizados concomitantemente, además de la posibilidad de causar intoxicación debido a la presencia de contaminantes en productos de baja calidad. Para la producción de bioactivos, en niveles cualitativa y cuantitativamente adecuados, el cultivo de plantas medicinales debe ser realizado cuidadosamente, siendo esenciales técnicas de preservación del suelo y de plantación, como el uso de abonos verdes y cobertura vegetal, que además de proteger el suelo de la radiación solar, evitan la evaporación excesiva del agua y mejoran las características físicas, químicas y biológicas del sol. Estos criterios influyen en la calidad de la fitoterapia, por lo que, para garantizar la eficacia terapéutica, las plantas deben cultivarse, recolectarse, identificarse y conservarse correctamente. Por lo tanto, se concluye que el uso de plantas medicinales para tratamientos ha sido cada vez más indicado por los profesionales de la salud, enfatizando la importancia del uso seguro y racional, con alerta a sus consecuencias.

Process optimization of physicochemical properties of spray-dried Hydrocotyle umbellata L. extract

Abstract Hydrocotyle umbellata L., Araliaceae, is a species that is recommended in Ayurvedic medicine for its effects on the central nervous system, such as anxiolytic and memory-stimulant effects. Despite the medicinal potential of this species, its phytopharmaceutical and technological potential to produce standardized extracts has not been investigated. This study analyzes the influence of spray drying parameters on the contents of the chemical markers (total phenolic, total flavonoid, and hibalactone) and the functional properties of H. umbellata extract. The optimization of drying conditions was performed using a central composite design combined with response surface methodology and desirability function approach. The mathematical models fitted to experimental data indicated that all the evaluated drying parameters significantly influenced the chemical contents. The optimal conditions were: inlet temperature of 120 °C, feed flow rate of 4 mL min-1, and colloidal silicon dioxide:maltodextrin ratio of 16%:4%. Under these conditions, the powder samples had spherical particles and desirable physicochemical and functional properties, such as low water activity and moisture content, good product recovery, reconstitution, and flowability. Thus, spray drying might be a promising technique for processing standardized H. umbellata extracts.

Práticas integrativas e complementares na odontologia / Integrative and complementary practices in dentistry / Prácticas integradoras y complementarias en odontología

As Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PICs) apresentam-se como métodos coadjuvantes, auxiliando na obtenção de sucesso em determinados tratamentos clínicos e/ou cirúrgicos, atuando na prevenção, auxiliando na cura e no equilíbrio psicossomático com a finalidade de reestabelecer concordância entre mente e corpo. O Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO) regulamentou práticas como acupuntura, hipnose, terapia floral e fitoterapia, entretanto, suas aplicabilidades dependem da emissão de uma habilitação e seu devido registro no Conselho (Resolução CFO 82/2008). Para a Odontologia, as PICs proporcionam novas ferramentas para exercer um atendimento integral do ser humano. Neste trabalho, propõe-se fazer uma revisão de literatura sobre as PICs e Odontologia. Esta revisão de literatura foi realizada por meio de busca de artigos na base de dados Scielo, PubMed e Scholar Google no período de 2000 a 2021. Foram encontrados artigos sobre as seguintes PICs atuando conjuntamente com a Odontologia: terapias florais, acupuntura, hipnodontia, ozonioterapia, laserterapia, fitoterapia, homeopatia e odontologia antroposófica. Essas práticas apresentam grande valia, pois promovem o bem-estar sem causar dano ao indivíduo, apresentando poucos ou nenhum efeito colateral possibilitando maior segurança aos pacientes, além de favorecer a relação entre paciente e cirurgião-dentista, otimizando o tempo de trabalho no consultório odontológico e reduzindo custos.

Integrative and Complementary Practices (PICs) are presented as supporting methods, helping to achieve success in certain clinical and/or surgical treatments, acting in prevention, assisting in healing and psychosomatic balance in order to reestablish agreement between mind and body. . The Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO) has regulated practices such as acupuncture, hypnosis, floral therapy and herbal medicine, however, their applicability depends on the issuance of a license and its proper registration with the Council (Resolution CFO 82/2008). For Dentistry, PICs provide new tools to provide comprehensive care to human beings. In this work, we propose to review the literature on PICs and Dentistry. This literature review was carried out by searching articles in the Scielo, PubMed and Scholar Google databases from 2000 to 2021. Articles were found on the following PICs working together with Dentistry: floral therapies, acupuncture, hypnodontics, ozone therapy , laser therapy, phytotherapy, homeopathy and anthroposophic dentistry. These practices are of great value, as they promote well-being without causing harm to the individual, presenting few or no side effects, allowing greater safety for patients, in addition to favoring the relationship between patient and dentist, optimizing working time in the dental office and reducing costs.

Las Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias (PIC) se presentan como métodos coadyuvantes, ayudando a obtener el éxito en determinados tratamientos clínicos y/o quirúrgicos, actuando en la prevención, ayudando en la cura y en el equilibrio psicosomático con el fin de restablecer la concordancia entre mente y cuerpo. El Consejo Federal de Odontología (CFO) ha regulado prácticas como la acupuntura, la hipnosis, la terapia floral y la fitoterapia, sin embargo, su aplicabilidad depende de la emisión de un título y su correcto registro en el Consejo (Resolución CFO 82/2008). Para la odontología, los PIC aportan nuevas herramientas para la atención integral del ser humano. En este trabajo, nos proponemos hacer una revisión bibliográfica sobre los PIC y la Odontología. Esta revisión bibliográfica se realizó mediante la búsqueda de artículos en las bases de datos Scielo, PubMed y Scholar Google desde el año 2000 hasta el 2021. Se encontraron artículos sobre los siguientes CFP que actúan conjuntamente con la Odontología: terapias florales, acupuntura, hipnodoncia, ozonoterapia, terapia láser, fitoterapia, homeopatía y odontología antroposófica. Estas prácticas tienen un gran valor porque promueven el bienestar sin causar daño al individuo, presentando pocos o ningún efecto secundario, proporcionando mayor seguridad a los pacientes, y favoreciendo la relación entre el paciente y el dentista, optimizando el tiempo de trabajo en el consultorio y reduciendo los costos.

The effect of brushing with Salvadora persica (miswak) sticks on salivary Streptococcus mutans and plaque levels in children: a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the randomized double-blinded clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of tooth brushing with Salvadora persica (miswak) sticks on Streptococcus mutans count and the mean plaque score relative to brushing with fluoridated tooth paste (FTP). METHODS: Our sample included 94 healthy, high caries-risk, 8 to 9-year-old students recruited from a government school, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between February and April 2016. Subjects were randomly grouped into test (provided with miswak sticks) and control groups (provided with FTP and soft brushes). Both groups were introduced to a preparatory period (PPP) of 3 weeks. Plaque score and saliva sampling were conducted prior to the PPP and in follow-up visits by a single, calibrated and blinded dentist. RESULTS: Both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the mean plaque score across the study (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001, respectively). In addition, subjects in the test group with abundant S. sanguinis increased from zero to six after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Salvadora Persica (miswak) and brushing with FTP significantly reduced plaque scores among school children. In addition, Salvadora persica was found to change the proportions of salivary bacteria in favor of species with less risk of inducing caries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID #: NCT04137393.

Mapa de Evidência: efetividade clínica das Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterapia para Distúrbios Metabólicos e Fisiológicos / Mapa de Evidencia: efetividad clínica de las Plantas Medicinales y Fitoterapia para Trastornos Metabólicos y Fisiológicos Clinical / Evidence Map: effectiveness of Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapy for Metabolism and Physiological Disorders

O mapa apresenta uma visão geral das evidências sobre os efeitos das Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterapia para Distúrbios Metabólicos e Fisiológicos. A partir de uma ampla busca bibliográfica foram incluídos no mapa 48 estudos de revisão sistemática. Todos os estudos foram avaliados, caracterizados e categorizados por um grupo de pesquisadores do Laboratório de Pesquisa & Desenvolvimento de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (LabPICs) da Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro.

El mapa presenta una visión general de la evidencia sobre los efectos de las plantas medicinales y la fitoterapia para el trastornos metabólicos y fisiológicos. A partir de una amplia búsqueda bibliográfica, se incluyeron 48 estudios de revisión sistemática en el mapa. Todos los estudios fueron evaluados, caracterizados y categorizados por un grupo de investigadores del Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo para Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias (LabPIC) en la Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad Federal de Rio de Janeiro.

The map presents an overview of the evidence on the effects of Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapy for Metabolic and Physiological Disorders. From a wide bibliographic search, 48 systematic review studies were included in the map. All studies were evaluated, characterized and categorized by a group of researchers from the Research & Development Laboratory for Integrative and Complementary Practices (LabPICs) at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

Mapa de Evidência: efetividade clínica das Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterapia para Doenças Crônicas e Dor / Mapa de Evidencia: efetividad clínica de las Plantas Medicinales y Fitoterapia para Enfermedades Cronicas y Dolor / Evidence Map: clinical effectiveness of Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapy for Chronic Diseases and Pain

O mapa apresenta uma visão geral das evidências sobre os efeitos das Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterapia para dor e doenças crônicas. A partir de uma ampla busca bibliográfica foram incluídos no mapa 49 estudos de revisão sistemática. Todos os estudos foram avaliados, caracterizados e categorizados por um grupo de pesquisadores do Laboratório de Pesquisa & Desenvolvimento de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (LabPICs) da Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro.

El mapa presenta una visión general de la evidencia sobre los efectos de las plantas medicinales y la fitoterapia para el dolor y las enfermedades crónicas. A partir de una amplia búsqueda bibliográfica, se incluyeron 49 estudios de revisión sistemática en el mapa. Todos los estudios fueron evaluados, caracterizados y categorizados por un grupo de investigadores del Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo para Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias (LabPIC) en la Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad Federal de Rio de Janeiro.

The map presents an overview of the evidence on the effects of Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapy for pain and chronic diseases. From a wide bibliographic search, 49 systematic review studies were included in the map. All studies were evaluated, characterized and categorized by a group of researchers from the Research & Development Laboratory for Integrative and Complementary Practices (LabPICs) at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

Tacinga inamoena vegetal drug characterization using phytochemistry, pharmacopoeial methods and thermoanalytical techniques

Tacinga inamoena (K. Schum.) N.P. Taylor & Stuppy, also known as quipá, is a native cactus of the Caatinga used in traditional medicine to treat urethral infections and inflammation. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of vegetal drug obtained from the roots of T. inamoena. Analytical techniques and phytochemical tests were used, such as thermal analysis, qualitative and semiquantitative determination of secondary metabolites and spectroscopy at the infrared region. The powder of the vegetal drug met the parameters established by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia, except for compressibility, which was low. On the thermogravimetric curve, three events related to the mass loss were verified, which correlate with the vegetal drug quality control and play a part in their standardization. The qualitative screening suggested the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenes. The infrared spectrum reinforced the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and ether groups. In the semiquantitative screening, a concentration for total polyphenols of 65 mg equivalent to gallic acid g-1 to the crude ethanol extract (CEE) was obtained. On the correlation of flavonoid content to seasonality, a concentration was obtained of 3.3 mg equivalent to quercetin g-1 to the CEE obtained during the drought period and of 10.6 mg equivalent to quercetin g-1 to the CCE obtained during the rainy season. In T. inamoena, the presence of important classes of secondary metabolites, which are associated with the pharmacognostic characterization, aids the authentication and quality control of vegetal drugs of importance in traditional Brazilian medicine.

The effect of therapies on the quality of life of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Abstract Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-systemic, chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune nature, which can impair performance in daily life activities, causing to a compromised quality of life. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of therapies, such as physical activity, cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacological treatment and phytotherapy in the quality of life of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Materials and methods A systematic review with a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was conducted by searching the PubMed database, including studies comparing patients who participated in cognitive therapy, physical activity, pharmacological treatment or phytotherapeutic treatment. Results Of the seven studies included in this meta-analysis, a significant difference was observed in the quality of life of patients with lupus who participated in the intervention groups compared to the control groups (− 10.27 95% CI: − 15, 77 at − 4.77, p = 0.0003, I2 = 0%). Conclusion Interventions improve the Quality of life of patients with SLE. However, the methodological quality of the included articles and the sizes of the samples for being small propose that new randomized clinical trials be performed.(AU)

Antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) on Streptococcus mutans biofilm and its cytotoxic effects

Resumen La caries dental, es una patología de origen multifactorial y actualmente los productos naturales son un tratamiento alternativo eficiente. El trabajo buscó evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de tres sustancias (Cymbopogon citratus y los componentes citral y mirceno) contra Streptococcus mutans ATCC UA159, así como su citotoxicidad sobre queratinocitos y fibroblastos humanos. A través de Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido, se observó la morfología típica de S. mutans, y una formación característica de polisacáridos, con una disposición más estructurada a las 48 h. El efecto de viabilidad bacteriana contra S. mutans en biofilms se evaluó a través de la exposición a las tres sustancias mediante el uso de la técnica de alto rendimiento MBEC, a concentraciones de 1, 0.1 y 0.01 μg/ml y clorhexidina como control positivo. La citotoxicidad de los compuestos se evaluó sobre queratinocitos y fibroblastos, mediante la técnica de reducción de MTT, utilizando 0.5 mM de H2O2 como control de muerte celular (control negativo) y etanol 1 % como control del vehículo (control positivo). Las tres sustancias evaluadas, tuvieron efectos sobre la viabilidad bacteriana de S. mutans con una mortalidad entre 74 y 96 %, sin diferencia significativa entre ellos (P > 0.393); adicionalmente, no fue evidente la citotoxicidad sobre queratinocitos y fibroblastos en un tratamiento de 24 h. Las sustancias evaluadas mostraron efectos antimicrobianos significativos; por lo tanto, estos deben estudiarse más a fondo como posibles coadyuvantes para prevenir la caries dental que causa efectos adversos menores.(AU)

Abstract Dental caries is a pathology of multifactorial origin and currently natural products are an efficient alternative treatment. The work sought to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the three substances (Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and the citral and myrcene components) against Streptococcus mutans ATCC UA159, as well as their cytotoxicity on keratinocytes and human fibroblasts. Through Scanning electron microscopy, the typical morphology of S. mutans was observed and, a characteristic formation of polysaccharides, with more structured arrangement at 48 h. The bacterial viability effect against S. mutans on biofilms was evaluated through exposure to the three substances by using the MBEC technique-high-throughput at concentrations of 1, 0.1, and 0.01 µg/mL and chlorhexidine as positive control. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated on keratinocytes and fibroblasts through the MTT reduction technique, using 0.5 mM H2O2 as cell-death control (negative control) and ethanol 1 % as vehicle control (positive control). The three substances evaluated had effects on the bacterial viability of S. mutans with mortality between 74 and 96 %, without significant difference among them (P > 0.393); additionally, no cytotoxicity was evident on keratinocytes and fibroblasts in a 24 h treatment. The substances evaluated showed significant antimicrobial effects; hence, these should be studied further as potential co-adjuvants to prevent dental caries that cause minor adverse effects.(AU)

Stable and Biocompatible Mushroom ß-Glucan Modified Gold Nanorods for Cancer Photothermal Therapy.

Naturally occurring ß-glucans have been widely regarded as a natural source for functional foods and pharmaceuticals due to their immunomodulatory property and antitumor activity. However, physicochemically stable and biocompatible ß-glucans are rarely explored as a carrier for nanomaterials to overcome the problems of aggregation and nanotoxicity. Here, we developed highly stable and biocompatible mushroom ß-glucan coated gold nanorods (AuNR-Glu) for cancer photothermal therapy by integrating Pleurotus tuber-regium sclerotial ß-glucan (Glu) and plasmonic gold nanorods (AuNRs) possessing photothermal property in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window. AuNR-Glu showed high colloidal stability in various biological media, even in simulated gastric fluid. Moreover, AuNR-Glu had low cytotoxicity and high photothermal stability, which are excellent characteristics for photothermal agents for cancer therapy. In vitro experiments showed that AuNR-Glu nanohybrid was effective against MCF-7 (only 4.5 ± 0.9% viability) at a low dose of 20 µg/mL under NIR-II at a safe laser power density (0.75 W/cm2). Natural mushroom ß-glucans are potential functional polymers that can be used to fabricate nanohybrids for biomedical applications.

Prescrição de fitoterapia por nutricionistas em farmácias magistrais / Prescription of herbal medicine by nutritionist in drugstores

O emprego da fitoterapia por parte dos profissionais de saúde e o aceite destes fármacos pela população aumenta gradativamente. A prescrição de fitoterápicos por nutricionistas é regulamentada há algum tempo no Brasil, porém existe a necessidade de se avançar nas pesquisas sobre fitoterapia, além de observar quais fitoterápicos têm seu uso mais frequente para entendimento da necessidade atual e para a devida capacitação profissional. O presente estudo tem por finalidade compilar informações sobre a prescrição de fitoterápicos por nutricionistas em farmácias magistrais, observando quais são as formulações prevalentes. Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados e referências clássicas. Há relatos de que o fato de as plantas medicinais, drogas vegetais e fitoterápicos serem de origem vegetal pode levar ao entendimento de que seu uso é irrestrito e sem efeitos adversos. Porém, é necessário entendimento farmacológico e interações. Observa-se a preferência de prescrição por algumas plantas pelo nutricionista, destacando-se a Camellia sinensis, citada pela maioria dos estudos, e com o objetivo principal de controle de peso. Além disso, fitoterápicos com efeito ansiolítico estão dentre as plantas de escolha dos profissionais. Contudo, são escassos os estudos e metodologias que avaliem o perfil atual e as necessidades pontuais dos prescritores.(AU)

The use of herbal medicine by health care professionals and the acceptance of these drugs by the population is increasing gradually. The prescription of herbal medicines by nutritionists has been regulated for some time in Brazil. However, it is necessary to advance in the research on herbal medicine, as well as to identify which herbal medicine are more frequently used in order to understand the current needs and to provide proper professional training. This study aims to compile information on the prescription of herbal medicines by nutritionists in pharmacies, observing which are the prevalent formulations. A bibliographic search was performed in databases and classical references. There are reports that the fact that the plant-based drugs and medicines are of vegetable origin may lead to the understanding that their use is unrestricted and have no adverse effects. But it is necessary pharmacological interactions and understanding. We found that nutritionists are more likely to prescribe some plants, such as Camellia sinensis, which is cited in most of the studies, mainly for weight control. In addition, herbal medicines with anxiolytic effects are among the plants chosen by the professionals. However, there are few studies and methodologies to assess the current profile and the specific needs of the prescribers.(AU)

Drogas vegetales para el tratamiento de la diabetes (II): ensayos clínicos / Drogas vegetais para o tratamento da diabetes (2): ensaios clínicos / Herbal drugs for the treatment of diabetes (2): clinical trials

En un artículo previo se analizaron los mecanismos de acción de los principales compuestos antidiabéticos de plantas medicinales utilizadas en medicina tradicional y en fitoterapia. La presente revisión se ha enfocado como una continuación de la anterior, para lo cual se han seleccionado los ensayos clínicos más relevantes realizados con las principales especies antidiabéticas estudiadas hasta la fecha. Ajo, alcaparra, alholva, aloe, banaba, cacao, café, canela de China, cúrcuma, gimnema, guayaba, mate, melón amargo, nogal, olivo, ortiga mayor, salvia, soja y té verde son las plantas medicinales conocidas que han sido objeto de estudios en humanos. Aunque el número de ensayos es limitado y las características de los mismos dispares, aún así muchas de ellas han demostrado un excelente perfil yse pueden considerar de interés para estudios más definidos y completos (AU)

No artigo anterior foram analisados os mecanismos de açáo dos principais compostos antidiabéticos de plantas medicinais utilizadas na medicina tradicional e da medicina herbal. Esta avaliaçáo tem sido focada como uma continuaçáo do anterior, para o qual nos selecionamos os ensaios clinicos mais relevantes com os principais espécies antidiabéticos estudados até o momento. Alho, alcaparra, feno-grego, aloe, banaba, cacau, café, chinés canela, açafráo, gymnema, goiaba, magante, meláo amargo, noz, azeitona, urtiga, sálvia, soja e chá verde 550 conhecidos plantas medicinais que tem sido objecto de estudos em seres humanos. Embora o número de testes é limitado e as caracteristicas desses dispares, mas muitos deles tem demonstrado um excelente perfil e pode ser considerado de interesse para estudos mais definidos e abrangentes (AU)

In the previous review, we analyzed the mechanisms of action of the main antidiabetic compounds from medicinal plants used in traditional herbal medicine and phytotherapy. This review has been focused as a continuation of the previous one, in which we have selected the most relevant clinical trials with the major antidiabetic species. Aloe, banaba, bitter melon, caper, Chinese cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, fenugreek, garlic, green tea, guava, gymnema, mate, nettle, olive, saga, soy, stinging, turmeric and walnut, are known medicinal plants that have been subject of studies in humans. Although the number of tests is limited and the characteristics of these unlike, yet many of them have shown an excellent profile and can be considered of interest to more defined and comprehensive studies (AU)

Comparative study of the antihypertensive effects of hexane, chloroform and methanol fractions of essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet in rats Wistar / Estudo comparativo do efeito anti-hipertensivo das frações hexânixa, clorofórmica e metanólica do óleo essencial da Alpinia zerumbet

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize components of the EOAz and its hexane (HFEOAz), chloroform (CFEOAz) and methanol (MFEOAz) fractions, and its antihypertensive effect. EOAz was extracted from leaves by hydrodistillation. Aliquot was subjected to selective desorption with silica gel column and eluted with hexane, chloroform and methanol. The components of the EOAz and fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of hydrogen. Experiments of vascular reactivity were performed with isolated aortic rings of male Wistar rats. Antihypertensive effect was evaluated in hypertensive rats submitted to the inhibition of synthesis of nitric oxide. Blood pressure was measured indirectly by tail plethysmography. MFEOAz showed the lowest EC50 (150.45 µg/mL), 1,8-cineole (27.81%) and terpinen-4-ol (57.35%) as main components. Single administration by nasogastric tube of EOAz, fractions and captopril significantly reduced the blood pressure of hypertensive rats, when compared to animals of the negative control group with distilled water. In conclusion, the potency of the MFEOAz was higher than that of EOAz and other fractions. The antihypertensive effect of EOAz and fractions was similar, higher than the negative control and lower than that of captopril.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os componentes do óleo essencial das folhas de Alpinia zerumbet (OEAz) e suas frações hexânica (FHOEAz), clorofórmica (FCOEAz) e metanólica (FMOEAz), e seu efeito anti-hipertensivo. OEAz foi extraído das folhas por hidrodestilação. Uma alíquota foi submetida à desadsorção seletiva com coluna de gel de sílica e eluída com hexano, clorofórmio e metanol. Os componentes do OEAz e fracções foram analisadas por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à detector de massa e por espectros de ressonância magnética nuclear de hidrogênio. Experimentos de reatividade vascular foram realizados com anéis aórticos isolados de ratos Wistar machos. Efeito anti-hipertensivo foi avaliado em ratos hipertensos submetidos à inibição da síntese de óxido nítrico. A pressão arterial foi medida indiretamente por pletismografia de cauda. FMOEAz mostrou a menor CE50 (150,45 μg/mL), 1,8-cineol (27,81%) e terpinen-4-ol (57,35%) como componentes principais. A administração em dose única por sonda nasogástrica de OEAz, frações e captopril reduziu significativamente a pressão arterial de ratos hipertensos, quando comparados aos animais do grupo controle negativo com água destilada. Em conclusão, a potência da FMOEAz foi maior que a do OEAz e outras frações. O efeito anti-hipertensivo de OEAz e frações foi semelhante, maior do que o controle negativo e menor do que o captopril.

¿Qué aporta la denominada «medicina integrativa» a la asistencia clínica científica cotidiana? / What does «integrative medicine» provide to daily scientific clinical care?

La medicina integrativa es un intento ambicioso y, a la vez, generoso de suplir las deficiencias del sistema de salud operativo en nuestras sociedades occidentales, lastradas por la limitación de tiempo disponible, sobre todo en consultas externas. Por otro lado, supone no finiquitar las posibilidades de cierta utilidad terapéutica contrastada a través de los siglos (China, India, etc.), amén de algunos recursos que no alcanzan el nivel de fiabilidad científica deseable, pero que suponen un cierto apoyo terapéutico en determinados casos (homeopatía, acupuntura, etc.), y que siguen requiriendo un abordaje científico. Finalmente, el recurso de productos botánicos (fitoterapia) constituye un amplio mundo de posibilidades en el que se debe avanzar por parte de las universidades —y se está haciendo— al ir adquiriendo dichas sustancias un marchamo farmacológico asentado en el método científico y en los criterios de la medicina basada en la evidencia. Con ello se evitaría la sinrazón que supone el enfrentamiento cotidiano entre la medicina convencional científica, a la que nos sometemos la inmensa mayoría de los pacientes, y las otras «orientaciones» diagnóstico-terapéuticas (medicina naturista, medicina alternativa, medicina complementaria, medicina centrada en el paciente y otras) (AU)

Integrative medicine is an ambitious and noble-minded attempt to address the shortcomings of the current public health systems in our Western societies, which is restricted by the limited time available, especially in outpatient clinics. Integrative medicine also does not limit the possibilities of useful therapies that have been tested over the centuries (from China, India, etc.) or of certain resources that do not achieve the level of desired scientific credibility but that present certain therapeutic support in specific cases (homeopathy, acupuncture, etc.) but still require a scientific approach. Finally, the resource of botanical products (phytotherapy) constitutes a wide range of possibilities that universities can (and do) make progress on by providing drug brands for these products through the use of the scientific method and evidence-based medical criteria. This approach will help avoid the irrationality of the daily struggle between conventional scientific medicine (which we apply to the immense majority of patients) and the other diagnostic-therapeutic «guidelines» (natural medicine, alternative medicine, complementary medicine, patient-focused medicine and others) (AU)

O uso de fitoterápicos à base de aroeira como coadjuvante no tratamento da gengivite: Revisão Sistemática / The use of aroreira-based phytotherapics as a supporting tool in the treatment of gingivits: A systematic Review

RESUMO O fator mais importante na manutenção da saúde periodontal é o adequado controle do biofilme dentário. Face às dificuldades no controle mecânico por parte dos pacientes, métodos alternativos ou complementares têm sido utilizados como coadjuvantes químicos do controle do biofilme, auxiliando no tratamento da gengivite. Dentre esses métodos alternativos, destaca-se a fitoterapia, através da utilização de plantas medicinais. Dessa forma, esse estudo faz uma revisão sistemática tendo como objetivo a busca, na literatura atual, de estudos que comprovem a eficácia de produtos fitoterápicos à base de aroeira no controle do biofilme dental auxiliando no tratamento da gengivite. Foi realizada busca computadorizada nos indexadores MedLine, Lilacs, BBO e Scielo no período de Setembro a Outubro de 2014. Os descritores de pesquisa utilizados foram “biofilme”, “gengivite”, “aroeira”, “plantas medicinais” e “fitoterápicos”, bem como seus correspondentes em língua inglesa. Através dos descritores utilizados, foram encontrados 54 artigos. Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, chegou-se a 08 artigos: 05 revisões, 01 estudo clínico randomizado, 01 estudo experimental e 01 estudo observacional descritivo. De acordo com os estudos analisados, a aroeira apresentou atividades antifúngica e antimicrobiana eficazes, bem como potencial efeito de redução do índice de sangramento gengival, o que justifica seu uso no tratamento da gengivite.

ABSTRACT The most important factor to keep periodontal health is proper control of biofilm. Given the difficulties in the mechanical control by patients, alternative or complementary methods have been used as chemical supporting of biofilm control, helping the treatment of gingivitis. Among these alternatives, there is the phytotherapy, through the use of medicinal plants. Thus, this study it is a systematic review and aims to seek, in the current literature, researches proving the effectiveness of aroeira herbal products in the control of dental biofilm, assisting in the treatment of gingivitis. A computerized search was conducted in Medline, Lilacs, Scielo and BBO, from September to October of 2014. The search words used were “biofilm”, “gingivitis”, “aroeira”, “herbal medicines” and “phytotherapics” in Portuguese and English language. Through this method, 54 articles were found. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the research reached 08 items: 05 reviews, 01 randomized clinical trial, 01 experimental study and 01 descriptive observational study. According to the analyzed papers, the aroeira demonstrated effective antifungal and antimicrobial activities, as well as a potential reduction impact on gingival bleeding index, which would justify its use in the treatment of gingivitis.

Controle de qualidade de fitoterápicos no Brasil: avaliação diagnóstica e propostas de intervenção / Control de calidad de los medicamentos a base de plantas en Brasil: evaluación de diagnósti-co y propuestas de intervención / Quality control of herbal products in Brazil: diagnostic evaluation and intervention proposals

A partir de levantamento em bancos de dados gerais da web, procurou-se conhecer os estudos brasileiros relacionados a controle de qualidade de drogas vegetais e fitoterápicos, objetivando-se traçar um diagnóstico e apontar soluções técnicas para sua melhoria. Assim, dentre milhares de estudos resgatados com as palavras chave «controle de qualidade», «drogas vegetais», «fitoterápicos» e «plantas medicinais», selecionou-se os relativos ao Brasil e alinhou-se um conjunto e problemas envolvendo a falta de especificações técnicas de muitas drogas vegetais, problemas de identidade por nomes populares iguais e espécies do mesmo gênero, problemas de pureza e aspectos relacionados à qualidade química. Destaca-se também a importância da cromatografia em camada delgada no contexto do controle de qualidade, como a adulteração de produtos à base de Ginkgo biloba e Cynara scolymus. Existem vários problemas de qualidade no mercado fitoterápico brasileiro que precisam ser equacionados, de modo a permitir o adequado crescimento da fitoterapia (AU)

A partir de la consulta de bases de datos de la web, se procuró conocer los estudios brasileños relacionados con el con-trol de calidad de drogas vegetales y productos fitoterápicos, tratando de trazar un diagnóstico y aportar soluciones técnicas para su mejora. A partir de las palabras clave «control de calidad, "drogas vegetales", "fitoterápicos" y "plantas medicinales" fueron obtenidos millares de estudios sobre esta temática, se seleccionaron los trabajos relativos al Brasil y se identificaron un conjunto de problemas incluyendo la falta de especificaciones técnicas para muchas drogas vegetales, problemas de identidad por nombres populares iguales en especies del mismo género, problemas de pureza y aspectos relacionados con la calidad química. Se destacan también la importancia de la cromatografía de capa fina en el contexto del control de calidad, como en la adulteración de productos a base de Ginkgo biloba y Cyanara scolymus. Existen varios problemas de calidad en el mercado fitoterápico brasileño que necesitan ser tenidos en cuenta para conseguir un adecuado crecimiento de la fitoterapia

Based on the search in web-based databases, the Brazilian studies related to the quality control of herbal drugs and herbal remedies were investigated with the objective of establishing a diagnostic of the situation and pointing out technical solutions for its improvement. From thousands of papers found using the key words «quality control», «herbal drugs», «herbal remedies» and «medicinal plants», only those relative to Brazil were selected. A group of problems were detected involving the lack of technical specifications for several herbal drugs, identity problems due to common popular names for different species of the same genus, purity problems and several aspects related to the chemical quality. The importance of thin layer chromatography is highlighted in the context of quality control, such as the adulteration of products based on Ginkgo biloba and Cynara scolymus. There are several problems in the Brazilian herbal market which need to be addressed in order to achieve the adequate growth of phytotherapy (AU)

[Optimization theory and practical application of membrane science technology based on resource of traditional Chinese medicine residue].

Resource of traditional Chinese medicine residue is an inevitable choice to form new industries characterized of modem, environmental protection and intensive in the Chinese medicine industry. Based on the analysis of source and the main chemical composition of the herb residue, and for the advantages of membrane science and technology used in the pharmaceutical industry, especially membrane separation technology used in improvement technical reserves of traditional extraction and separation process in the pharmaceutical industry, it is proposed that membrane science and technology is one of the most important choices in technological design of traditional Chinese medicine resource industrialization. Traditional Chinese medicine residue is a very complex material system in composition and character, and scientific and effective "separation" process is the key areas of technology to re-use it. Integrated process can improve the productivity of the target product, enhance the purity of the product in the separation process, and solve many tasks which conventional separation is difficult to achieve. As integrated separation technology has the advantages of simplified process and reduced consumption, which are in line with the trend of the modern pharmaceutical industry, the membrane separation technology can provide a broad platform for integrated process, and membrane separation technology with its integrated technology have broad application prospects in achieving resource and industrialization process of traditional Chinese medicine residue. We discuss the principles, methods and applications practice of effective component resources in herb residue using membrane separation and integrated technology, describe the extraction, separation, concentration and purification application of membrane technology in traditional Chinese medicine residue, and systematically discourse suitability and feasibility of membrane technology in the process of traditional Chinese medicine resource industrialization in this paper.

Miswak (Salvadora persica chewing stick): the natural toothbrush revisited.

The review encompasses the historical background, chemical composition of miswak (Salvadora persica) and the effects it has on oral health. Miswak is an Arabic word meaning "tooth cleaning stick" and is a natural toothbrush made from the twigs of Salvadora persica (S. persica). Not only is S. persica miswak used in several countries throughout the world, but in some cases, it has proved to be more beneficial as compared to its counterparts-a toothbrush and toothpaste. Additionally, how to prepare the miswak, proper use of it, and the techniques to use will be discussed. An overview of the antimicrobial, anticariogenic, antiplaque, and antigingivitis effects of miswak on oral health will be given in the context of in vitro experiments and clinical trials. Lastly, various oral hygiene studies will be discussed, in order to identify a common denominator between modern-day and the age-old practice of miswak. Recent scientific evidence regarding its probiotic role, cell viability and comparative cytotoxicity and future research trends would be highlighted. Miswak, a cultural and history-based oral hygiene tool is now being evaluated on scientific evidence. Through comparing the naturally-occurring and scientific evolution of S. persica's usage, we will be able to better understand the uniqueness of miswak, relative to that of other oral hygiene tools as being a solo oral hygiene tool of a significant part of the World population. It's hope that the review would help health care professionals to have better knowledge and awareness about miswak, to improve the quality of life of their culturally diverse patients population who are uninitiated for regular oral hygiene measures due to various constraints. The use of miswak can be added to the notion of primary health care approach (PHCA) and oral health promotion.

Propriedades farmacológicas da Aloe vera (L. ) Burm. f / Pharmacological activities of Aloe vera (L. ) Burm. f

A Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. tem sido utilizada há milhares de anos na medicina tradicional para o tratamento de diversos males. O intuito desse trabalho foi o levantamento bibliográfico de artigos que evidenciassem a atividade farmacológica da Aloe vera. A revisão contemplou livros e periódicos nacionais e internacionais indexados nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS e SciElo, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, utilizando as palavras-chave citadas. Após o levantamento bibliográfico, constatou-se que várias atividades biológicas são atribuídas a Aloe vera. Evidências sugerem eficácia no tratamento da psoríase, herpes genital, queimaduras e hiperglicemia. Além disto, também foram demonstradas atividades antineoplásica, antimicrobiana, anti-inflamatória e imunomodulatória por estudos in vitro e in vivo, entretanto, na cicatrização de feridas, os resultados foram conflitantes. No tratamento de dermatite por radiação e em queimaduras solares sua eficácia não foi comprovada e foram relatados casos de hepatite aguda devido ao consumo de preparações orais. Tendo em vista as várias atividades comprovadas e poucos relatos acerca de sua contra indicação, conclui-se que o uso desta espécie corrobora o vasto uso popular.

The Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The aim of this study was to carry out a bibliographical review on the pharmacological activity of Aloe vera. This review included books and national and international journals indexed to MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, using the key words mentioned. After the literature review, we found that several biological activities have been attributed to Aloe vera. Evidence suggests efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis, genital herpes, burns and hyperglycemia. Moreover, antineoplastic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities have also been demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies; however, in wound healing, the results were conflicting. In the treatment of radiation dermatitis and sunburn, its efficacy has not been proven, and cases of acute hepatitis from the consumption of oral preparations have been reported. Considering the various proven activities and the few reports about the contraindications of Aloe vera, we conclude that the use of this species confirms its wide popular usage.

Estudo da ação antimicrobiana conjunta de extratos aquosos de Tansagem (Plantago major l, Plantaginaceae) e Romã (Punica granatum l, Punicaceae) e interferência dos mesmos na ação da amoxicilina in vitr / Study of the joint antimicrobial action of aqueous extracts of broadleaf plantain (Plantago major l, Plantaginaceae) and Pomegranate (Punica granatum l, Punicaceae) and their interference in the in vitro activity of amoxicillin

O uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de doenças (fitoterapia) é uma prática de diversos povos, sendo realizada desde a Antiguidade. Diversos estudos são realizados para determinar a eficácia dessas plantas, sendo desconhecida a existência de interações e interferências na combinação das mesmas, quer seja benéfica, quer cause algum dano para o organismo. A fim de descobrir a existência dessas interações ou a interferência na ação do antibiótico amoxicilina testou-se Punica granatum e Plantago major contra as bactérias Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli. A matéria prima foi obtida nas regiões de Montes Claros e Curvelo e seus extratos aquosos foi obtido através da decocção. A Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) dos extratos foi determinada pela técnica de microdiluição em caldo. Para o teste de interferência realizou-se o teste de disco-difusão. No teste de microdiluição em caldo, Punica granatum apresentou CIM de 6,25% contra o S. aureus e de 25% contra E. coli. O extrato de Plantago major não apresentou atividade contra as bactérias. O teste de disco-difusão confirmou a existência de interações, sendo apenas quatro resultados significativos (Amoxicilina + Plantago major Pura (PgP), Amoxicilina + Plantago major Diluição 1 (PgD1) e Amoxicilia + Plantago major Diluição 2 (PgD2) contra E. coli e Amoxicilina + PgP contra S. aureus). Conclui-se que existe interação dos extratos entre si e dos extratos com a amoxicilina, o que também pode acontecer com outros antibióticos e gerar riscos para a população. Portanto é indispensável à realização de testes que complementem essa pesquisa oferecendo mais informação à população para segurança na utilização de plantas medicinais. informações à população assegurando sua segurança na utilização de plantas medicinais.

The use of medicinal plants in treating diseases (herbal medicine) is a practice of many peoples, being done since ancient times. Several studies are conducted to determine the effectiveness of these plants, but the existence of interactions and interference with their combined use, whether beneficial or detrimental to the body, are unknown. In order to discover the existence of these interactions or interferences in the activity of the antibiotic amoxicillin, we tested in this research Punica granatum and Plantago major against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The raw material was obtained in the regions of Montes Claros and Curvelo, and their aqueous extracts were obtained from decoction. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined by the broth microdilution technique. For interference, we performed the disk diffusion test. In the broth microdilution test, Punica granatum had MICs of 6.25% against S.aureus and 25% against E. coli. The Plantago major extract showed no activity against the bacteria. The disk diffusion test confirmed the existence of interactions and only four significant results (amoxicillin + pure Punica granatum (PgP), amoxicillin + Punica granatum dilution 1 (PgD1) and amoxicillin + Punica granatum dilution 2 (PgD2) against E. coli and amoxicillin + PgP against S. aureus). We conclude, as a result, that there really is interaction between the extracts themselves and between the extracts and amoxicillin, which can also occur with other antibiotics and cause some risk to the population. Therefore, it is essential to carry out tests to complement this research, providing more information to the public and ensuring the safety in the use of medicinal plants.