Effects of Terminalia catappa Linn. Extract on Candida albicans biofilms developed on denture acrylic resin discs.

BACKGROUND: Considering the prevalence of denture stomatitis and the challenge of controlling this pathology using conventional therapies, natural products have been suggested as important therapeutic alternatives due to their antifungal and anti-biofilm properties. Thus, this study investigated if immersion in Terminalia Catappa Linn. extract (TCE) affects Candida albicans biofilms developed on denture acrylic resin discs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The minimal inhibitory and minimal fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC, respectively) tests were performed for TCE against suspensions of C. albicans. For the biofilm assay, discs (10 x 2 mm) were fabricated using a denture acrylic resin with surface roughness standardized. The biofilms were allowed to develop for 24 hours. Then, they were immersed in the following treatments overnight (8 hours): phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, control), TCE at MIC, 5XMIC or 10XMIC. The biofilms were analyzed for cell counts and microscopy. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by a Tukey test at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The minimal concentration of TCE required to inhibit C. albicans was 6.25 mg/mL, while MFC was 12.5 mg/mL. Immersion in TCE at MIC was sufficient to reduce 80% of the biofilm viable cells compared to the control group (p< 0.001). Microscopic images confirm that immersion at 5XMIC and 10XMIC had a fungicidal activity with no significant differences between the concentrations regarding viable cells counts (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it was possible to conclude that immersion in TCE reduced the C. albicans biofilms cells developed on the denture acrylic surface. Key words:Terminalia catappa Linn, Biofilm, Candida albicans.

Therapeutic effectiveness of a combined counseling plus stabilization appliance treatment for myofascial pain of the jaw muscles: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess changes over time in pain intensity (VAS) and in pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles with a treatment protocol combining counseling and stabilization appliance as well as its effects on psychosocial factors. METHODS: Twenty individuals with myofascial pain of jaw muscles lasting from at least six months were selected for an uncontrolled before-after study. Counseling was performed by giving information on myofascial pain and advice on self-management. Stabilization appliances were delivered one week after the first counseling session. A number of outcome variables (i.e. visual analogue scale [VAS], pain pressure threshold [PPT] and Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders axis II [RDC/TMD]) were assessed at different evaluation points during a six-month follow-up. ANOVA for repeated measures and Pearson's correlation test were used to evaluate changes in the outcome variables over time. RESULTS: Compared to baseline data, a significant positive change was found at the 1st week, 1st, 3rd, and 6th month evaluations for VAS values (P < 0.0001) and at the 1st week, 3rd, and 6th month evaluations for PPT values (P < 0.05). RDC/TMD axis II values were significantly different (P < 0.05) from baseline to all evaluations points. CONCLUSION: The association of counseling and stabilization appliance is effective in the management of chronic myofascial pain of jaw muscles. Future controlled studies are required to get deeper into the assessment of the relative effectiveness of counseling and stabilization appliances.

Compounds isolated from Bixa orellana: evidence-based advances to treat infectious diseases / Compuestos aislados de Bixa orellana: avances basados en la evidencia para tratar enfermedades infecciosas

SUMMARY Bixa orellana L. is a native plant from Brazil, but it is also present in other tropical countries such as Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Indonesia, India and East Africa. It is popularly known as Urucum in Brazil. This review shows the potential of bioactive compounds derived from B. orellana to treat infectious diseases due their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This plant is also related as an antiinflammatory agent for treatment of pulmonary diseases, or even as eye drops for redness. Its leaves are used for treatment of snakebite, diarrhea, gonorrhea, hepatitis, gastritis, diuretic, antipyretic, and for skin disease. This popular knowledge has encouraged the identification of bioactive compounds in this plant. Compounds as β-cryptoxanthin, geranylgeraniol, lutein, procyanidin B2, procyanidin B3, ellagi tannin isomer and ellagic acid deoxyhexose have been described. These compounds inhibited pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoan and viruses. In addition, some compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were also described. In this sense, B. orellana is a promising source of compounds that could be applied in antimicrobial therapy. This review work may help in the understanding and incentive of new research for antimicrobial discoveries using different B. orellana compounds.

RESUMEN Bixa orellana L. es una planta nativa de Brasil, pero también está presente en otros países tropicales como Perú, Colombia, Ecuador, México, Indonesia, India y África Oriental. Es conocida popularmente como Urucum en Brasil. Esta revisión expone el potencial de los compuestos bioactivos derivados de B. orellana para tratar enfermedades debido a sus propiedades antimicrobianas y antioxidantes. Esta planta también está relacionada como un agente antiinflamatorio para el tratamiento de enfermedades pulmonares e incluso como gotas para los ojos para el enrojecimiento. Sus hojas se utilizan para el tratamiento de la mordedura de serpiente, diarrea, gonorrea, hepatitis, gastritis, diuréticos, antipiréticos y para enfermedades de la piel. Ese conocimiento popular ha fomentado la identificación de compuestos bioactivos en esa planta. Los compuestos β-criptoxantina, geranilgeraniol, luteína, procianidina B2, procianidina B3, isómero elagitanino y ácido elágico desoxihexosa inhibieron microorganismos patógenos como bacterias, hongos, protozoos y virus. En ese sentido, B. orellana es una fuente prometedora de compuestos que podrían aplicarse en la terapia antimicrobiana. Este trabajo de revisión puede ayudar a comprender e incentivar nuevas investigaciones para los descubrimientos de antimicrobianos que utilizan diferentes compuestos de B. orellana.