RESUMO
This study aimed to examine the use of natural products as medicines in the greater Dublin area, Ireland. A field study was carried out on eighteen natural health stores; store assistants were interviewed and asked questions from a previously prepared questionnaire. Results were evaluated and a picture could be drawn about the use of natural products in Dublin. Questions asked included best sellers, new products on the market, common prescribers, ailments for which product is requested. Results indicated that as much as 60 percent of customers requests specific products were advice from staff. Nutritionists accounted for approximately one third of the medical profession that prescribed products for sale in health stores. The survey also examined common medicinal products requested which were not available without prescription. St. John's Wort and Gingko biloba were the most requested. Undoubtly, there is a revival to searching for natural alternatives for the treatment of diseases with no medical advice.
RESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common complaint among aging men and are usually caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). A number of medical treatments for LUTS/BPH exist, such as α-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, phytotherapeutical drugs and combination therapies. Babassu is the common name of a Brazilian native palm tree called Orbignya speciosa, whose kernels are commonly used (eaten entirely or as a grounded powder), in parts of Brazil for the treatment of urinary disorders. This study investigates the effects of Orbignya speciosa nanoparticle extract, a newly developed phytotherapic formulation derived from the kernels of babassu, in the treatment of BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orbignya speciosa extract was obtained from the kernels, a nanoparticulate system was developed and acute toxicity test was performed. BPH primary stromal cell and tissue cultures were established and treated with 300µg/mL Orbignya speciosa nanoparticle (NanoOse) extract in order to evaluate its effects on apoptosis induction, cytotoxicity, cell morphology and proliferation. RESULTS: Our results indicated that NanoOSE shows no toxicity in animals and acts incisively by promoting morphological cell changes, reducing cell proliferation as well as inducing necrosis/apoptosis on BPH cells and tissues. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided the first report of the successful use of NanoOSE on BPH treatment which corroborates with the popular use of the kernels of this plant. The results also suggest the potential of NanoOSE as a candidate new phytotherapeutic agent on the management of BPH.
Assuntos
Arecaceae , Fitoterapia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Hiperplasia Prostática/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Brasil , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Nanotecnologia , Necrose , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Hiperplasia Prostática/fisiopatologia , SementesRESUMO
A total of twenty different extracts from six Brazilian Bromeliaceae species was screened for antioxidant activity by assessment of their capacity to scavenge the DPPH radical. In a general way, the polar rhizome extracts from Bromeliaceae representatives showed better antioxidant results than the extracts from leaves and fruits of the same species. The best results were found for the rhizome extracts of Vriesea procera (Mart. ex Schult.f.) Wittm. and Neoregelia cruenta (Graham) L.B. Sm. Crude methanol extract of Ananas bracteatus (Lindl.) Schult. & Schult. f. leaf had a significant antiradical activity among the leaves extracts assessed its purification afforded four metabolites: 2-O-feruloyl glyceride, 2-O-p-coumaroyl glyceride, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,3',5'-trimethoxyflavone and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl sitosterol.
Um total de vinte extratos de seis espécies de Bromeliaceae brasileiras foram avaliadas quanto a atividade antioxidante, usando-se o método colorimétrico de redução do radical DPPH. De maneira geral, os extratos polares dos rizomas das espécies de Bromeliaceae testadas revelaram melhor perfil antioxidante do que os extratos das folhas e dos frutos das mesmas espécies. Os melhores resultados foram encontrados para os rizomas de Vriesea procera (Mart. ex Schult.f.) Wittm. e Neoregelia cruenta (Graham) L.B. Sm. O extrato bruto metanólico das folhas de Ananas bracteatus (Lindl.) Schult. & Schult. f. apresentou uma atividade significativa, em relação aos extratos de folhas testados, e o processo de purificação desse extrato resultou na identificação de quatro metabólitos: ferulato de 2-glicerila, p-cumarato de 2-glicerila, 5,7,4'-triidroxi-3,3',5'-trimetoxiflavona e 3-O-β-D-glicopiranosil sitosterol.
RESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Couroupitaguianensis Aubl. (Lecythidaceae) is popularly known in Brazil as "abricó-de-macaco". Infusions or teas obtained from its leaves, flowers, and barks are used in South America for the treatment of several disorders such as pain and inflammatory processes. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluate antinociceptive effects of crude ethanol extract (CEE) and its fractions in three analgesic models (acetic acid-induced contortions, tail flick, and hot plate) and study the possible mechanism of their action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CEE, hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions (10, 30, and 100mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drug morphine (5mg/kg, s.c.) were evaluated. To elucidate the mechanism of action from the fractions, animals were pre-treated (30 min) with atropine (muscarinic receptor antagonist, 1mg/kg, s.c.), mecamylamine (nicotinic receptor antagonist, 2mg/kg, s.c.), naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist, 1mg/kg, s.c.) or L-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 3mg/kg, s.c.). RESULTS: CEE and fractions significantly inhibited the number of contortions induced by acetic acid. All fractions showed antinociceptive activity in the tail flick model, being the hexane and ethyl acetate the most potent and long acting fractions. In the hot plate method the highest effect observed was at the dose of 100mg/kg from all fractions. Administration of naloxone inhibited the antinociceptive effect of fractions. Pre-treatment of mice with atropine reduced the antinociceptive activity of CEE and its fractions, the exception being the dichloromethane fraction. Mecamylamine did not inhibited the effect of dichloromethane fraction. L-NAME reduced the anti-hyperalgesic effect of all fractions, but the most prominent effect was observed in the antinociceptive activity caused by CEE and butanol fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained demonstrated that Couroupita guianensis CEE and its fractions have antinociceptive activity that is mediated, at least in part, by opioid and cholinergic systems and nitric oxide pathway.
Assuntos
Analgésicos/uso terapêutico , Lecythidaceae , Dor/tratamento farmacológico , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Folhas de Planta , Analgésicos/isolamento & purificação , Analgésicos/farmacologia , Animais , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Masculino , Camundongos , Dor/patologia , Medição da Dor/efeitos dos fármacos , Medição da Dor/métodos , Extratos Vegetais/isolamento & purificação , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologiaRESUMO
Isoquercitrin isolated from the aerial parts of Hyptis fasciculata was evaluated according to its capacity to interfere with glioblastoma (Gbm) cell growth. Gbm cells were incubated with isoquercitrin, quercetin, or rutin at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mumol/l for 24, 48, and 72 h. Quercetin and rutin affected Gbm cell proliferation after treatment times of longer than 24 h. However, increasing concentrations of isoquercitrin inhibited 50% of Gbm cell proliferation at 24 h and further reached nearly 90% inhibition at 72 h. This effect did not affect cell morphology, cell viability, or cleaved capase-3 levels, indicating that isoquercitrin did not induce Gbm cell death. A marked reduction in cyclin D1 levels and an increase in p27 levels were observed when 100 micromol/l of isoquercitrin was added to Gbm cells. Interestingly, nuclear beta-catenin staining observed in a subpopulation of untreated Gbm cells was found in the cytoplasm after 100-micromol/l isoquercitrin treatment. Collectively, these data show that isoquercitrin reduces Gbm cell growth without inducing apoptosis, possibly by modulating the control of the cell cycle. Our data also suggest that beta-catenin-mediated signaling may be involved on the antiproliferative activity of isoquercitrin.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/farmacologia , Glioblastoma/tratamento farmacológico , Hyptis/química , Quercetina/análogos & derivados , Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/administração & dosagem , Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/isolamento & purificação , Ciclo Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Ciclina D1/efeitos dos fármacos , Ciclina D1/metabolismo , Inibidor de Quinase Dependente de Ciclina p27/efeitos dos fármacos , Inibidor de Quinase Dependente de Ciclina p27/metabolismo , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Glioblastoma/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Quercetina/administração & dosagem , Quercetina/isolamento & purificação , Quercetina/farmacologia , Rutina/administração & dosagem , Rutina/farmacologia , Fatores de Tempo , beta Catenina/metabolismoRESUMO
Verbascoside has been isolated form L. speciosa after several different chromatographic methods. After its purification, the structure has been unequivocally established using modern spectroscopic techniques. As for the antiviral activity, the maximum non toxic concentration has been established and this concentration has been used in the anti herpes assay, in vitro. Mechanism of action for this molecule regarding the anti-herpes activity has been studied encompassing the following assays: virucidal activity, cellular receptor assay, penetration assay and intracellular assay, in order to understand the activity for this natural product.
Assuntos
Antivirais/química , Antivirais/farmacologia , Glucosídeos/química , Glucosídeos/farmacologia , Herpesvirus Humano 1/efeitos dos fármacos , Herpesvirus Humano 2/efeitos dos fármacos , Lamiaceae/química , Fenóis/química , Fenóis/farmacologia , Animais , Antivirais/isolamento & purificação , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Chlorocebus aethiops , Glucosídeos/isolamento & purificação , Fenóis/isolamento & purificação , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Células VeroRESUMO
Plant-derived substances have been considered as important sources of drugs, including antineoplasic agents. Babassu mesocarp is popularly used in Brazil as a food additive, and in popular medicine against several conditions, such as inflammations, menstrual pains and leukaemia. From babassu Orbignya speciosa (Mart.) Barb. Rodr. [Arecaceae (Palmae)] epicarp/mesocarp, an ethanol extract was prepared and named OSEME, which was tested on the viability,morphology and metabolism of several cell lines, such as the leukaemic cell lines, HL-60, K562 and the latter multidrug resistant counterpart K562-Lucena 1, the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, the mouse fibroblast cell line 3T3-L1 and fresh human lymphocytes. OSEME promoted a dose-dependent decrease on the viability of all cells. This effect was much more pronounced on the tumoral cell lines than on non-tumoral cells, a phenomenon revealed by the dose of OSEME which promotes half of maximal effect (ID50). The decrease on viability was followed by shrinkage of cells, alteration on their morphology, and a markedly nuclear condensation. Curiously, stimulation of 6-phosphofructokinase activity (6.6-times) was observed on HL-60 cells, treated with OSEME, when compared to control treated with ethanol (vehicle). These results support evidences to suggest OSEME as a promising source of novel antineoplasic agents.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/farmacologia , Arecaceae/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Adulto , Animais , Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/isolamento & purificação , Linhagem Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Linhagem Celular Tumoral/efeitos dos fármacos , Ensaios de Seleção de Medicamentos Antitumorais , Etanol/farmacologia , Humanos , Dose Letal Mediana , Camundongos , Fatores de Tempo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Plant-derived substances have been considered as important sources of drugs, including antineoplasic agents. Babassu mesocarp is popularly used in Brazil as a food additive, and in popular medicine against several conditions, such as inflammations, menstrual pains and leukaemia. From babassu Orbignya speciosa (Mart.) Barb. Rodr. [Arecaceae (Palmae)] epicarp/mesocarp, an ethanol extract was prepared and named OSEME, which was tested on the viability,morphology and metabolism of several cell lines, such as the leukaemic cell lines, HL-60, K562 and the latter multidrug resistant counterpart K562-Lucena 1, the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, the mouse fibroblast cell line 3T3-L1 and fresh human lymphocytes. OSEME promoted a dose-dependent decrease on the viability of all cells. This effect was much more pronounced on the tumoral cell lines than on non-tumoral cells, a phenomenon revealed by the dose of OSEME which promotes half of maximal effect (ID50). The decrease on viability was followed by shrinkage of cells, alteration on their morphology, and a markedly nuclear condensation. Curiously, stimulation of 6-phosphofructokinase activity (6.6-times) was observed on HL-60 cells, treated with OSEME, when compared to control treated with ethanol (vehicle). These results support evidences to suggest OSEME as a promising source of novel antineoplasic agents.
Substâncias derivadas de plantas têm sido usadas como importante fonte de agentes antineoplásicos. O mesocarpo do babaçu é popularmente usado no Brasil como suplemento alimentar e na medicina popular para o tratamento de várias afecções, tais como: inflamações, cólicas menstruais e leucemia. A partir do epicarpo/mesocarpo do babaçu Orbignya speciosa (Mart.) Barb. Rodr. [Arecaceae (Palmae)] foi preparado um extrato etanólico, denominado OSEME, o qual foi incubado com as seguintes linhagens humanas leucêmicas: HL-60, K562 e a sua derivada resistente a múltiplas drogas, K562-Lucena 1; além destas, foram testadas a linhagem humana de câncer de mama, MCF-7; a linhagem de fibroblastos de camundongo, 3T3-L1 e linfócitos humanos de sangue periférico. OSEME promoveu diminuição da viabilidade em todas as linhagens celulares testadas de maneira dose-dependente. Este efeito foi mais pronunciado sobre as linhagens celulares tumorais quando comparado às não tumorais, o que foi revelado pela dose de OSEME capaz de promover metade do efeito máximo (ID50). A diminuição da viabilidade foi acompanhada por danos sobre a morfologia celular com pronunciada condensação citoplasmática e nuclear. Curiosamente, quando a linhagem HL-60 foi tratada com OSEME, foi detectado um aumento de 6,6 vezes da atividade da enzima 6-fosfofrutoquinase, quando comparado ao grupo controle (células tratadas com o veículo etanol). Esses resultados sugerem que OSEME pode ser uma promissora fonte de novos agentes antineoplásicos.
Assuntos
Adulto , Animais , Humanos , Camundongos , Adulto Jovem , Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/farmacologia , Arecaceae/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/isolamento & purificação , Linhagem Celular Tumoral/efeitos dos fármacos , Linhagem Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Ensaios de Seleção de Medicamentos Antitumorais , Etanol/farmacologia , Fatores de Tempo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Diversas propriedades biológicas, dentre as quais atividade antiparasitária, antitumoral, antiviral e anticolinesterásica são associadas aos extratos e produtos isolados, incluindo alcalóides de espécies de Amarilidáceas. Neste trabalho verificou-se para o alcalóide montanina, isolado dos bulbos de Rhodophiala bifida (Herb.) Traub (Amaryllidaceae), atividade antioxidante e ação inibitória sobre o crescimento de culturas de Saccharomyces cerevisae (ATCC 2601), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Staphylococcus epidermides (ATCC 12228) e Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). A atividade antiinflamatória avaliada através da determinação da capacidade antiquimiotáxica da amostra apresentou resultados não significativos na dose empregada.
Several biological properties, such as antiparasite, antitumor, antiviral and anticholinesterasic activities, are associated with extracts and isolated products, including alkaloids from Amaryllidaceae species. In this study, the antioxidant activity and inhibitory action on the growth of cell cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisae (ATCC 2601), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Staphylococcus epidermides (ATCC 12228) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) were observed to the montanine alkaloid, isolated from the bulbs of Rhodophiala bifida (Herb.) Traub (Amaryllidaceae). The anti-inflammatory activity, which was evaluated through the sample antichemotaxis ability determination, was not significant in the used dose.
Assuntos
Alcaloides de Amaryllidaceae , Anti-Inflamatórios , Antioxidantes , Técnicas In Vitro , Plantas MedicinaisRESUMO
A espécie Calceolaria chelidonioides (Scrophulariaceae), até então inédita nas citações científicas, foi estudada sob o ponto de vista farmacológico buscando-se identificar possíveis atividades antimicrobiana e antioxidante em metodologia in vitro. As partes aéreas dessa espécie demonstraram atividade antioxidante em modelo usando o radical livre DPPH. As flores de C. chelidonioides mostraram grande potencial antibacteriano frente à bactéria Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina MRSA, um dos principais responsáveis em casos de infecção hospitalar.
The species Calceolaria chelidonioides (Scrophulariaceae), not scientific described so for, was studied in pharmacological aspects aiming to identify some anti-microbial and antioxidant activity. The aerial parts showed antioxidant activity using in vitro DPPH model. The flowers from C. chelidonioides showed strong antibacterial potential against meticiline resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains the main responsible for hospital infection complications.
RESUMO
Brillantaisia palisotii Lindau is a plant belonging to Acanthaceae family and it is widely found in tropical regions. Some species of this family are used in the folk medicine to treat several disorders, mainly those that involve analgesic processes. In this work it was evaluated antinociceptive activities of dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts obtained from Brillantaisia palisotii stems in peripheral (acetic acid-induced writhing) and central (tail flick and hot plate) analgesic models. All three extracts significantly inhibited the total number of writhing in a dose dependent manner. A spinal antinociceptive effect was observed with all three extracts and with similar patterns to all doses (1-30 mg/kg). Although ethyl acetate extract did not demonstrate supra-spinal activity, the effects observed with dichloromethane extract showed analgesic effect with all doses. The n-butanolic extract had activity only with the lowest dose (1 mg/kg). Our results indicate that all extracts from Brillantaisia palisotti stems develop peripheral and spinal analgesic activity, being the dichloromethane extract the only one with supra-spinal analgesic effect.
Assuntos
Acanthaceae , Analgésicos/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Caules de Planta/química , Animais , Masculino , Camundongos , Tempo de Reação/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Extratos de flores (ETFA) e espigas (ETEA) de Açaí (Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) foram avaliados quanto a sua atividade antinociceptiva. ETFA mostrou significativa atividade periférica, reduzindo em até 50 por cento o número total de contorções abdominais. Já ETEA mostrou reduzido efeito no modelo de contorções abdominais, mas seu efeito espinhal pode ser observado com as doses maiores. Nenhum dos extratos foi capaz de alterar os índices de analgesia na placa quente.