RESUMO
Piperine, an active plant alkaloid from black pepper (Piper nigrum), has several pharmacological effects, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which involve inhibiting molecular events associated with various stages of cancer development. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of piperine in relation to its potential anticancer effect on head and neck cancer cells. Parameters related to neoplastic potential and cytokine, protein and gene expression were investigated in head and neck cancer cell lines (HEp-2 and SCC-25) treated with piperine. The results of the tests indicated that piperine modified morphology and inhibited viability and the formation of cell colonies. Piperine promoted genotoxicity by triggering apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M and S phases. A decrease in cell migration was also observed, and there was decreased expression of MMP2/9 genes. Piperine also reduced the expression of inflammatory molecules (PTGS2 and PTGER4), regulated the secretion of cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-8) and modulated the expression of ERK and p38. These results suggest that piperine exerts anticancer effects on tumor cells by regulating signaling pathways associated with head and neck cancer.
Assuntos
Alcaloides , Apoptose , Benzodioxóis , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Inflamação , Piperidinas , Alcamidas Poli-Insaturadas , Transdução de Sinais , Alcamidas Poli-Insaturadas/farmacologia , Benzodioxóis/farmacologia , Piperidinas/farmacologia , Piperidinas/uso terapêutico , Alcaloides/farmacologia , Humanos , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/metabolismo , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/genética , Inflamação/metabolismo , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológico , Inflamação/genética , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Citocinas/metabolismo , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Tanto la lesión hepática inducida por drogas (DILI), así como la lesión hepática inducida por hierbas (HILI), son una preocupación creciente en la atención sanitaria contemporánea que plantea importantes desafíos clínicos debido a sus variadas etiologías, presentaciones clínicas y posibles resultados potencialmente mortales. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 38 años con antecedentes de cálculos renales que consultó por dolor lumbar y hematuria. Al ingreso presentó ictericia, hepatomegalia, dolor a la palpación en fosa ilíaca derecha y no tenía signos de hepatopatía crónica, con pruebas de función hepática anormales, que mostraron un patrón hepatocelular asociado con hiperbilirrubinemia. Se descartó obstrucción biliar, trombosis portal, hepatitis autoinmune y viral, con panel autoinmune negativo. El paciente refirió haber consumido un remedio herbario para los cálculos renales llamado "vino rompe cálculos (chancapiedra)", que se supone contiene Phyllanthus niruri, cinco días antes del inicio de los síntomas. Una biopsia hepática reveló hepatitis aguda con infiltrado inflamatorio mixto. Debido al empeoramiento de las pruebas de función hepática y la sospecha de DILI idiosincrásico, se inició un ensayo terapéutico con corticosteroides, que resultó en una mejoría clínica y del perfil hepático. La gravedad de este caso nos recuerda la necesidad de incrementar el seguimiento por parte de las autoridades reguladoras de medicamentos, implementar campañas educativas para los pacientes e informar a la comunidad sobre productos con alertas activas.
Both drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and herb-induced liver injury (HILI) are a growing concern in contemporary healthcare that poses significant clinical challenges due to their varied etiology, clinical presentations, and potential life-threatening outcomes. We present the case of a 38-year-old male patient with a history of kidney stones who consulted for low back pain and hematuria. On admission he presented with jaundice, hepatomegaly, pain on palpation in the right iliac fossa and no signs of chronic liver disease, with abnormal liver function tests, which showed a hepatocellular pattern associated with hyperbilirubinemia. Biliary obstruction, portal thrombosis, autoimmune and viral hepatitis were ruled out, with negative autoimmune panel. The patient reported consuming an herbal remedy for kidney stones called "stone-breaking wine (chancapiedra)", presumed to contain Phyllanthus niruri, five days before the onset of symptoms. A liver biopsy revealedacute hepatitis with mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Due to worsening liver function tests and suspicion of idiosyncratic DILI, a therapeutic trial with corticosteroids was initiated, which resulted in clinical and liver profile improvement. The severity of this case reminds us of the need to increase follow-up by drug regulatory authorities, implement educational campaigns for patients, and inform the community about products with active alerts.
RESUMO
Mexicans in the United States have been reported to maintain practices of Mexican traditional medicine at comparably higher rates than most other populations, including other Latino sub-groups. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the pre- and post-migration traditional medicine practices of first-generation immigrants from Mexico living in southern Arizona. Our objective was to assess how migration affected Mexican immigrants' ethnomedical practices and to better understand the mechanisms and motivating factors for the post-migration maintenance of practice. We designed a survey instrument based off prior qualitative data on traditional medicine practices and translated it into Spanish. The survey measured the rates and frequency of six domains of lay healing practices: herbal medicine, healing foods, self-medication with over-the-counter medicine, and three types of specialty healers (curandero/a, and sobador/a, or partero/a), and asked questions about knowledge sources, reasons for maintaining practice post-migration, and to what extent participants believed the remedies were effective. The research team fielded the telephone-based survey from April 2022 to February 2023 to 300 first-generation adult Mexican immigrants residing in southern Arizona. A series of proportions tests were conducted to examine differences in reliance on lay healing pre- and post-migration as well as to assess differences between women's and men's lay practices. The data indicate a general, but moderated decline in lay medical practices post-migration, with the usage of expert healers declining at much higher rates than the three self-care domains. Women tend to use herbal medicine and healing foods at higher rates than men post-migration. This cross-sectional quantitative study confirms prior research indicating that traditional medicine practices are heavily relied upon by Mexican origin people both pre- and post-migration. These findings suggest that public health messaging and medical providers should better address and harness Mexican immigrants' lay medical practices in order to optimize health in this population.
Assuntos
Medicina Tradicional , Humanos , Arizona , Masculino , Feminino , Estudos Transversais , Medicina Tradicional/estatística & dados numéricos , Medicina Tradicional/métodos , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Emigrantes e Imigrantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Emigrantes e Imigrantes/psicologia , Americanos Mexicanos/estatística & dados numéricos , Americanos Mexicanos/psicologia , México/etnologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Inquéritos e Questionários , Idoso , População Norte-AmericanaRESUMO
Introdução: Plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos são tradicionalmente utilizados na cicatrização de diversos tipos de feridas. Muitas plantas contêm compostos bioativos com propriedades anti-inflamatórias, antimicrobianas e cicatrizantes. Objetivo: Reunir evidências clínicas do uso de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Os estudos foram coletados das bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed e LILACS, utilizando como estratégia de busca os termos ((WoundHealing) ou (Inflammation)) e ((MedicinalPlants) ou (Phytotherapy)) com recorte temporal de 2011 a 2021. Resultados: 15 estudos foram incluídos na revisão. A maioria dos estudos foram do tipo ensaio clínico controlado randomizado. Foi investigada a eficácia de 15 espécies medicinais para o tratamento de feridas agudas e crônicas, sendo as mais recorrentes queimaduras de segundo grau, úlceras crônicas e feridas cirúrgicas. As espécies medicinais que apresentaram melhores resultados foram babosa (Aloevera), centela (Centellaasiatica),beldroega (Portulacaoleraceae), Arnebia euchroma, hipérico (Hypericum perforatum) emil-folhas (Achilleamillefolium), melhorando critérios como eritema, edema, tempodere-epitelização, tempo de cicatrização e a aparência geral da ferida. Conclusões: Plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos apresentam eficácia no processo de cicatrização, sendo, portanto, alternativa terapêutica para o tratamento de feridas cutâneas (AU).
Introduction: Medicinal plants and herbal medicines are traditionally used to heal various types of wounds. Many plants contain bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Objective: Gathering clinical evidence on the use of medicinal plants and herbal medicine in the healing of skin wounds. Methodology:Thisisan integrative review of the literature. The studies were collected from the MEDLINE/PubMed and LILACS data bases, using the terms ((WoundHealing) or (Inflammation)) and ((MedicinalPlants) or (Phytotherapy)) as a search strategy, from 2011 to 2021. Results: Fifteen studies were included in the review. Most of them were of the randomized controlled clinical trial type. The effectiveness of 15 medicinal species was investigated for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds, the most common of which were second-degree burns, chronic ulcers,and surgical wounds. The species with the best results were Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, Portulaca oleraceae, Arnebia euchroma, Hypericum perforatum, and Achillea millefolium, improving criteria such as erythema, edema, re-epithelialization time, healing time, and the general appearance of the wound. Conclusions: Medicinalplants and herbal medicine are effective in the healing process, therefore being a therapeutic alternative for treating skin wounds (AU).
Introducción: Las plantas medicinales y las medicinas a base de hierbas se utilizan tradicionalmente para curar diversos tipos de heridas. Muchas plantas contienen compuestos bioactivos con propiedades antiinflamatorias, antimicrobianas y cicatrizantes. Objetivo: Recopilar evidencia clínica sobre el uso de plantas medicinales y medicinas a base de hierbas en la curación de heridas cutáneas. Metodología: Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura. Los estudios fueron obtenidos de las bases de datos MEDLINE/PubMed y LILACS, utilizando como estrategia de búsqueda los términos ((WoundHealing) o (Inflammation)) y ((MedicinalPlants) o (Phytotherapy)) con un marco temporal de 2011 a 2021. Resultados: Se incluyeron 15 estudios en la revisión. La mayoría de los estudios fueron del tipo ensayo clínico controlado aleatorio. Se investigó la eficacia de 15 especies medicinales para el tratamiento de heridas agudas y crónicas, las más comunes fueron quemaduras de segundo grado, úlceras crónicas y heridas quirúrgicas. Las especies medicinales con mejoresr esultados fueron Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, Portulaca oleraceae, Arnebia euchroma, Hypericum perforatum y Achillea millefolium, mejorando criterios como eritema, edema, tiempo de reepitelización, tiempo de cicatrización y aspecto general de la herida. Conclusiones: Plantas medicinales y medicinas a base de hierbas son efectivas en el proceso de cicatrización, siendo portanto un aalternativa terapéutica para el tratamiento de heridas en la piel (AU).
Assuntos
Humanos , Plantas Medicinais , Cicatrização , Medicamento Fitoterápico , Ferimentos e Lesões , Prática Clínica Baseada em Evidências , FitoterapiaRESUMO
Aim: To examine recent patents related to plants with antimicrobial effects. Methods: Our investigation was carried out using the Espacenet database, searching patents related to International Patent Classification (IPC) codes A61P31/04, and A61K36/00 between 2008 and 2023. Results: The study began with 360 patents, of which 15 were found to be duplicates; 144 were not related to the research topic and six were not available. Then, 48 patents were related to other administration routes. The final selection was 47 patents related to local administration compositions. The potential for these herbal compositions to be marketed as over-the-counter medicines was evident. Conclusion: Developing new plant-origin anti-infective agents could provide promising solutions for combating resistant infections and offer accessible treatment options.
[Box: see text].
Assuntos
Infecções Bacterianas , Patentes como Assunto , Humanos , Infecções Bacterianas/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções Bacterianas/microbiologia , Administração Tópica , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Antibacterianos/administração & dosagem , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Plantas Medicinais/química , Medicamentos sem Prescrição/uso terapêutico , Medicamentos sem Prescrição/administração & dosagemRESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Monteverdia ilicifolia (Maytenus ilicifolia, Celastraceae), known as "espinheira-santa", has been widely used in Brazil to manage mainly gastrointestinal diseases. This species has been listed in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia and in the National List of Essential Medicines (RENAME). Considering that clinical studies about M. ilicifolia are rare, our group has been performing a broader project designed to evaluate the efficacy of M. ilicifolia capsules in a clinical trial, for this reason, approaches to provide safety to those patients are relevant. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to investigate the potential pharmacokinetic interaction and hepatotoxicity and intestinal toxicity of an aqueous extract of M. ilicifolia and its main phytocompounds, catequin, epicatequin, and quercetin. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Slices of liver and intestine of Wistar rats were incubated with different concentrations of M. ilicifolia extract or isolated compounds (catechin, epicatechin and quercetin). Commercial kits were used to evaluate enzyme activities of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 isoforms, as well as cell viability (MTT) assay and intracellular enzymes leakage, specifically lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were studied. RESULTS: Incubation with M. ilicifolia extract, catechin, epicatechin and quercetin did not affect significantly any evaluated parameter in intestines. The intracellular enzymes leakages, CYP2D6, LDH and AST, were increased with M. ilicifolia extract and quercetin in liver slices. CONCLUSIONS: Our in vitro findings highlighted, for the first time, the potential hepatotoxicity induced by an aqueous extract of M. ilicifolia, consequently this species and its products should be avoided in liver diseases, supporting that studies of safety must be performed including in the context of traditional medicinal plants.
Assuntos
Catequina , Celastraceae , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas , Maytenus , Plantas Medicinais , Humanos , Ratos , Animais , Brasil , Extratos Vegetais/toxicidade , Quercetina , Citocromo P-450 CYP2D6 , Ratos WistarRESUMO
SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in reproductive-age women. If it is not treated, the quality of life will be reduced. In this study, the herbal medicine product Cymbopogon olivieri was used for its treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted with 90 women. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 45: Cymbopogon olivieri and metronidazole. The treatment period was 7 days for each group. Improvement status was determined by eliminating at least three out of four of Amsel's criteria. A new variable with two order levels (negative and positive) was constructed. This new variable shows the status of the treatment process. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to examine the relationship between the new variable and treatment status. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that Cymbopogon olivieri and metronidazole significantly reduced the burning, itching, malodor, abnormal vaginal discharge, pH, clue cell, and positive whiff test (p<0.05). The findings also demonstrate that neither treatment was statistically different from the other for at least three of Amsel's criteria. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the effect of Cymbopogon olivieri on bacterial vaginosis is similar to that of metronidazole. Hence, Cymbopogon olivieri is a suitable option to treat bacterial vaginosis.
RESUMO
RESUMEN Objetivos . Determinar los factores asociados al consumo de plantas medicinales como prevención de la COVID-19 en la población peruana. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluó población mayor de 18 años, residentes en Perú y sin antecedentes de enfermedad por COVID-19. Los factores asociados al consumo de plantas medicinales se evaluaron mediante un modelo de regresión de Poisson con varianzas robustas. Resultados. De 3231 participantes incluidos, el 84,6% eran jóvenes (18-29 años), el 62,7% eran mujeres y el 59,7% consumía alguna planta medicinal para prevenir la COVID-19. Los factores asociados al consumo de plantas medicinales para prevenir el contagio de COVID-19 fueron residir en la sierra peruana, haber tenido un familiar diagnosticado con COVID-19, haber tenido un familiar fallecido por COVID-19, considerar que su familia se encuentra en mayor riesgo de infección, haber usado medicamentos o dióxido de cloro para prevenir la COVID-19, tener información médica como principal fuente de información sobre la COVID-19, pensar que las plantas medicinales son efectivas para prevenir la enfermedad COVID-19 o no estar informado sobre su eficacia. Conclusión . El 60% de los participantes reportó haber consumido alguna planta medicinal para prevenir la COVID-19. Es importante que las autoridades apliquen estrategias de comunicación sobre lo que implica el consumo de plantas medicinales, priorizando los grupos poblacionales que tienen mayores patrones de consumo.
ABSTRACT Objectives. Determine the factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants as a preventive measure against COVID-19 in the Peruvian population. Materials and methods. A population over 18 years of age, living in Peru and without a history of COVID-19 disease, was evaluated. The factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants were evaluated using a Poisson regression model with robust variances. Results. Of the 3231 participants included, 84.6% were young adults (18-29 years old), 62.7% were women, and 59.7% consumed a medicinal plant to prevent COVID-19 infection. The factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants to prevent COVID-19 infection were residing in the Peruvian highlands, having had a family member diagnosed with COVID-19, having had a family member die from COVID-19, considering their family to be at increased risk of infection, having used medications or chlorine dioxide to prevent COVID-19, having medical information as the main source of information about COVID-19, thinking that medicinal plants are effective in preventing COVID-19 disease, or not being informed about their effectiveness. Conclusion. Sixty percent of the participants reported having consumed a medicinal plant to prevent COVID-19. Authorities must apply communication strategies about the implications of consuming medicinal plants, prioritizing population groups with higher consumption patterns.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Medicina Herbária , Medicina Tradicional , SARS-CoV-2RESUMO
Abstract Introduction The relevance of the studied topic lies in the complexity of the treatment of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Objective To discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of alternative treatments compared to conventional medical approaches, and to highlight the importance of collaborative communication between patients and healthcare providers in making informed decisions about alternative treatments of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods The research methodology employed literature analysis methods, including bibliographic and bibliosemantic approaches. The study used theoretical, systematic, and statistical methods, including analysis, synthesis, generalization, interpretation, classification, and meta-analysis to explore alternative treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infections, their interrelationships, and statistical trends in incidence. Results The study identifies diverse alternative therapies for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections, highlighting herbal medicine, acupuncture, reflexology, biohacking, homoeopathy, and magnetotherapy. It underscores the potential benefits of herbal remedies like garlic, ginger, chamomile, and honeysuckle, as well as vitamins (C, D, B12) and minerals (zinc, selenium) in managing COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusion While of-fering holistic benefits, these therapies warrant cautious consideration due to limited scientific backing and potential interactions. Cultural understanding, patient-provider dialogue, and informed choices are key in harnessing the potential of alternative medicine along-side conventional approaches for managing COVID-19 challenges.
Resumo Introdução A relevância do tema estudado reside na comple-xidade do tratamento da infeção causada pelo SARS-CoV-2. Objetivo Discutir as potenciais vantagens e desvantagens dos tratamentos alternativos em comparação com as abordagens médicas convencionais e realçar a importância da comunicação colaborativa entre os doentes e os prestadores de cuidados de saúde na tomada de decisões informadas sobre os tratamentos alternativos do vírus SARS-CoV-2. Métodos A metodologia de investigação utilizou métodos de análise da literatura, incluindo abordagens bibliográficas e bibliosemânticas. O estudo utilizou métodos teóricos, sistemáticos e estatísticos, incluindo análise, síntese, generalização, interpretação, classificação e meta-aná-lise para explorar tratamentos alternativos para as infecções por SARS-CoV-2, suas inter-relações e tendências estatísticas da incidência. Resultados O estudo identifica diversas terapias alternativas para o tratamento das infecções por SARS-CoV-2, destacando a fitoterapia, a acupunctura, a reflexologia, o biohacking, a homeopatia e a magnetoterapia. Sublinha os potenciais benefícios dos remédios à base de plantas como o alho, o gengibre, a camomila e a madressilva, bem como das vitaminas (C, D, B12) e dos minerais (zinco, selénio) na gestão dos sintomas da COVID-19. Conclusão Embora ofereçam benefícios holísticos, estas terapias devem ser consideradas com cautela devido ao apoio científico limitado e às potenciais interações. A compreensão cultural, o diálogo paciente-prove-dor e as escolhas informadas são fundamentais para aproveitar o potencial da medicina alternativa juntamente às abordagens convencionais para gerir os desafios da COVID-19.
RESUMO
ABSTRACT Herbal medicine is widely used as an integrative complementary treatment for common chronic diseases, yet potential risks include adverse effects and coprescription Aim This exploratory survey assessed Brazilian dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding phytotherapy Material and Method This study used a consecutive sample of registered dentists who were active in clinical practice and attending advanced training for complex oral rehabilitation at a leading dental school in Latin America. Participants responded to a semi-structured 38-item instrument designed to collect data on sociodemographic, professional and health variables, and on their knowledge, use, prescription and opinions of phytotherapy. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were described and analyzed with a thematic approach Results A total 53 dentists responded the survey (88.3% response rate). Six dentists reported formal education in phytotherapy and 33 had informal knowledge. Twenty-one dentists (39.6%) reported using herbal medicine, and 17 (32.1%) prescribed phytotherapy to their patients, mostly traditional medicinal plants. A logistic regression model showed that post-graduate degree and personal use of phytotherapy were associated with phytotherapy prescription. Opinions on how to improve the rational use of phytotherapy included the need for research evidence, specific academic education, and knowledge dissemination to clinicians. As a clinical recommendation, it was proposed that questions on herbal medicine should be asked during the dental patient's anamnesis Conclusions Dentists with post-graduate degrees and personal use of phytotherapy prescribe herbal medicines for their patients in real-world clinics, regardless of formal education on the subject. Qualitative findings indicate the need to implement scientific initiatives.
RESUMO A fitoterapia é amplamente utilizada como um tratamento integrativo e complementar para doenças crônicas comuns, mas os riscos potenciais incluem efeitos adversos e co-prescrição Objetivo Esta pesquisa exploratória avaliou o conhecimento, as atitudes e as práticas de cirurgiões-dentistas brasileiros sobre fitoterapia Materiais e Método Uma amostra consecutiva foi composta por dentistas com registro profissional, que eram ativos em prática clínica e frequentavam treinamento avançado para reabilitação oral complexa em uma das principais escolas de odontologia da América Latina. Os participantes responderam a um instrumento semiestruturado de 38 itens para coletar dados sobre variáveis sociodemográficas, profissionais e de saúde, bem como conhecimento, uso, prescrição e opiniões sobre fitoterapia. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados com estatística descritiva e inferencial. Os dados qualitativos foram descritos e analisados com abordagem temática Resultados Um total de 53 dentistas respondeu à pesquisa (taxa de resposta de 88,3%). Seis cirurgiões-dentistas relataram formação em fitoterapia e 33 possuíam conhecimento informal. Vinte e um dentistas (39,6%) relataram o uso de fitoterápicos e 17 (32,1%) prescreveram fitoterapia para seus pacientes, principalmente plantas medicinais tradicionais. Um modelo de regressão logística mostrou que pós-graduação e uso pessoal de fitoterapia estiveram associados à prescrição de fitoterapia. As opiniões para melhorar o uso racional da fitoterapia incluíram a necessidade de evidências de pesquisa, formação acadêmica específica e disseminação do conhecimento para os clínicos. Como recomendação clínica, foram propostas questões sobre fitoterapia para a anamnese odontológica do paciente Conclusões Cirurgiões-dentistas com pós-graduação e uso pessoal de fitoterapia prescrevem mais medicamentos fitoterápicos para seus pacientes em clínicas do mundo real, independentemente da educação formal sobre o assunto. Os resultados qualitativos indicam a necessidade de iniciativas de implementação científica.
RESUMO
Given the current increase in mental and neurological disorders, there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatments for patients. Flavonoids exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective, and has been considered potential therapies for central nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, drug addiction, and stroke. Studies have shown that flavonoids protect neurons from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, improve brain blood flow and enhance cognitive function. Moreover, its modulation of neurotransmission, such as GABAergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and noradrenergic, has been studied for the treatment of mental disorders that require sedative effects, antidepressants, sleep inducers and anxiety reduction. Although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and potential benefits of these compounds, the use of flavonoids for neurological diseases is a promising avenue for future research and development. This review focuses on major flavonoid subclasses and their applications in central nervous system disorders.
RESUMO
Background: Despite the lack of evidence supporting the safety and clinical efficacy of herbal medicine (HM), its use among pregnant women continues to increase. Given the high prevalence of contraindicated herbs among the pregnant population in Brazil, it is crucial to examine the use of HM and evaluate its safety based on the current scientific literature to ensure that women are using HM appropriately. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 at a public teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 333 postpartum women in the postnatal wards and postnatal clinic were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The survey instrument consisted of 51 items covering the use of HM during pregnancy, sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, COVID-19 experiences, and pregnancy outcomes. For data analysis, chi-square and multivariate logistic regression were conducted using SPSS ver. 26.0. Results: Approximately 20% of respondents reported using HM during their most recent pregnancy, with a higher use observed among women from ethnic minority groups and those with prior HM experience. Among the 20 medicinal herbs identified, 40% were found to be contraindicated or recommended for use with caution during pregnancy. However, only half of the women discussed their HM use with obstetric care providers. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the continued public health concern regarding the use of contraindicated or potentially harmful HM among pregnant women in Brazil, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to reduce the risk of inappropriate HM use. By updating antenatal care guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence, healthcare providers can make informed clinical decisions and effectively monitor pregnant women's HM use, ultimately promoting safer and more effective healthcare practices.
RESUMO
The rising popularity of herbal medicine as a weight loss remedy, fueled by misleading propaganda, raises concerns about the manufacturing processes and potential inclusion of controlled substances such as fluoxetine (FLU). The objective of this work is to develop and evaluate the performance of an electrochemical device by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GC) with a nanocomposite based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) for detecting FLU in manipulated herbal medicines. Scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were applied for morphological and electrochemical characterization and analysis of the composite's electrochemical behavior. Under optimized conditions, the proposed sensor successfully detected FLU within the range of 0.6 to 1.6 µmol L-1, showing a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.14 µmol L-1. To determine the presence of FLU in herbal samples, known amounts of the analytical standard were added to the sample, and the analyses were performed using the standard addition method, yielding recoveries between -2.13 and 2.0%.
Assuntos
Fármacos Antiobesidade , Grafite , Humanos , Fluoxetina , Redução de Peso , Extratos VegetaisRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Herbal medicine is a low-cost treatment and has been increasingly applied in obesity treatment. Gut microbiota (GM) is strongly associated with obesity pathogenesis. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review guided by the question: "Does the use of herbal medicine change the GM composition in obese individuals?" Randomized clinical trials with obese individuals assessing the effects of herbal medicine intervention in GM were retrieved from the Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, including the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Two reviewers independently extracted data using standardized piloted data extraction forms and assessed the study-level risk of bias using an Excel template of the Cochrane "Risk of bias" tool 2-RoB 2. RESULTS: We identified 1094 articles in the databases. After removing duplicates and reading the title and abstract, 14 publications were fully evaluated, of which seven publications from six studies were considered eligible. The herbs analyzed were Moringa oleifera, Punica granatum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Schisandra chinensis, W-LHIT and WCBE. The analysis showed that Schisandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis had significant effects on weight loss herbal intervention therapy composed by five Chinese herbal medicines Ganoderma lucidum, Coptis chinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Nelumbo nucifera gaertn, and Fructus aurantii (W-LHIT) and white common bean extract (WCBE) on GM, but no significant changes in anthropometry and laboratory biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: Herbal medicine modulates GM and is associated with increased genera in obese individuals.
Assuntos
Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Plantas Medicinais , Humanos , Sobrepeso/tratamento farmacológico , Obesidade/tratamento farmacológico , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and immunobiological are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. However, some patients do not present an adequate response or lose effective response during the treatment. A recent study found a potential anti-inflammatory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of M. caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier using dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Leaf extracts were prepared in 70% ethanol and dried with a Buchi B19 Mini-spray dryer using 20% Aerosil® solution. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: basal control, untreated colitis, pre-formulation control (125 mg/kg/day), and colitis treated with pre-formulation (125 mg/kg/day). Clinical activity index was recorded daily and all rats were euthanized on the ninth day. Colon fragments were fixed and processed for histological and ultrastructural analyses. Stool samples were collected and processed for analysis of the short-chain fatty acid. RESULTS: Treatment with the pre-formulation decreased the clinical activity (bloody diarrhea), inflammatory infiltrate, and the ulcers. Pre-formulation did not repair the epithelial barrier and there were no significant differences in the goblet cells index. There was a significant difference in butyrate levels in the rats treated with the pre-formulation. CONCLUSIONS: The pre-formulation minimized the clinical symptoms of colitis and intestinal inflammation, but did not minimize damage to the intestinal barrier.
Introducción: Los antiinflamatorios, inmunosupresores e inmunobiológicos se utilizan comúnmente para tratar la enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria. Sin embargo, algunos pacientes no presentan una respuesta adecuada o pierden respuesta efectiva durante el tratamiento. En un estudio reciente, se encontró un potencial efecto antiinflamatorio del extracto hidroalcohólico de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia en la colitis inducida por el ácido trinitrobenceno sulfónico utilizando ratas Wistar. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la preformulación de M. caesalpiniifolia sobre la barrera intestinal durante la colitis inducida por sulfato de dextrano sódico. Materiales y métodos: Los extractos de hojas se prepararon con una solución que contenía 70 % de etanol y se secaron con un secador por aspersión Mini B19 de Buchi usando una solución con 20 % de Aerosil®. Treinta y dos ratas Wistar macho se aleatorizaron en cuatro grupos: control basal, colitis sin tratar, control con preformulación (125 mg/kg/día) y colitis tratada con preformulación (125 mg/kg/día). El índice de actividad clínica se registró diariamente y todas las ratas se sacrificaron el noveno día. Los fragmentos de colon se fijaron y se procesaron para análisis histológicos y ultraestructurales. Se recolectaron muestras de heces y se procesaron para el análisis de ácidos grasos de cadena corta. Resultados: El tratamiento con la preformulación disminuyó la actividad clínica (diarrea sanguinolenta), el infiltrado inflamatorio y las úlceras. La preformulación no reparó la barrera epitelial y no hubo diferencias significativas en el índice de células caliciformes. Se obtuvo una diferencia significativa en los niveles de butirato en las ratas tratadas con la preformulación. Conclusiones: La preformulación minimizó los síntomas clínicos de colitis e inflamación intestinal pero no minimizó el daño a la barrera intestinal.
Assuntos
Colite , Mimosa , Animais , Masculino , Ratos , Butiratos , Colite/induzido quimicamente , Colite/tratamento farmacológico , Sulfato de Dextrana/toxicidade , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Introduction. Anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and immunobiological are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. However, some patients do not present an adequate response or lose effective response during the treatment. A recent study found a potential anti-inflammatory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats. Objective. To evaluate the effects of M. caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier using dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model. Materials and methods. Leaf extracts were prepared in 70% ethanol and dried with a Buchi B19 Mini-spray dryer using 20% Aerosil® solution. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: basal control, untreated colitis, pre-formulation control (125 mg/kg/day), and colitis treated with pre-formulation (125 mg/kg/day). Clinical activity index was recorded daily and all rats were euthanized on the ninth day. Colon fragments were fixed and processed for histological and ultrastructural analyses. Stool samples were collected and processed for analysis of the short-chain fatty acid. Results. Treatment with the pre-formulation decreased the clinical activity (bloody diarrhea), inflammatory infiltrate, and the ulcers. Pre-formulation did not repair the epithelial barrier and there were no significant differences in the goblet cells index. There was a significant difference in butyrate levels in the rats treated with the pre-formulation. Conclusions. The pre-formulation minimized the clinical symptoms of colitis and intestinal inflammation, but did not minimize damage to the intestinal barrier.
Introducción. Los antiinflamatorios, inmunosupresores e inmunobiológicos se utilizan comúnmente para tratar la enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria. Sin embargo, algunos pacientes no presentan una respuesta adecuada o pierden respuesta efectiva durante el tratamiento. En un estudio reciente, se encontró un potencial efecto antiinflamatorio del extracto hidroalcohólico de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia en la colitis inducida por el ácido trinitrobenceno sulfónico utilizando ratas Wistar. Objetivo. Evaluar los efectos de la preformulación de M. caesalpiniifolia sobre la barrera intestinal durante la colitis inducida por sulfato de dextrano sódico. Materiales y métodos. Los extractos de hojas se prepararon con una solución que contenía 70 % de etanol y se secaron con un secador por aspersión Mini B19 de Buchi usando una solución con 20 % de Aerosil®. Treinta y dos ratas Wistar macho se aleatorizaron en cuatro grupos: control basal, colitis sin tratar, control con preformulación (125 mg/kg/ día) y colitis tratada con preformulación (125 mg/kg/día). El índice de actividad clínica se registró diariamente y todas las ratas se sacrificaron el noveno día. Los fragmentos de colon se fijaron y se procesaron para análisis histológicos y ultraestructurales. Se recolectaron muestras de heces y se procesaron para el análisis de ácidos grasos de cadena corta. Resultados. El tratamiento con la preformulación disminuyó la actividad clínica (diarrea sanguinolenta), el infiltrado inflamatorio y las úlceras. La preformulación no reparó la barrera epitelial y no hubo diferencias significativas en el índice de células caliciformes. Se obtuvo una diferencia significativa en los niveles de butirato en las ratas tratadas con la preformulación. Conclusiones: La preformulación minimizó los síntomas clínicos de colitis e inflamación intestinal pero no minimizó el daño a la barrera intestinal.
Assuntos
Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais , Mimosa , Colite Ulcerativa , Medicina HerbáriaRESUMO
Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.) is considered for their medicinal properties for humans. These properties are attributed to some volatile compounds that can be extracted from above- and underground organs of plants. More ingredients of medicinal plants are undoubtedly considered by herbal medicine activists. The study aimed to promote Solidago yield and quality under foliar application of Fe2O3 nanoparticles that can be considered as a safe and healthy fertilizer on the basis of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory process about color additives. The experiment was performed with concentrations of Fe2O3 nanoparticles (0, 0.5, or 1 mg L-1) and foliar application times (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 times) on 4- to 5-leaf plants of Solidago virgaurea. Results showed that 4 times foliar application of 1 mg L-1 caused the best plant growth and mineral element contents (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, copper, and zinc) except for Fe content that the more the times of foliar application, the more the Fe content increased. However, the flavonoid (rutin and quercetin) and essential oils (caryophyllene, alpha-pinene, camphene, limonene, linalool, myrcene, and terpinene) as biochemical and medicinal qualities of the treated plants were remarkably promoted when 1 mg L-1 of nanoparticles was sprayed 5 times. Furthermore, the more the element contents, the more the ingredients. Finally, based on the goals of herbal medicine activists for the production of the essence, extract, or herb, both 5 and 4 times of foliar applications of ferric oxide nanoparticles are safe and may be economic and recommendable.
RESUMO
Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC (Asteraceae) is a native species of the southeastern subtropical and temperate region of South America, popularly known as "marcela" or "macela". This species is recognized, in traditional medicine, by diverse biological activities such as digestive, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, sedative, hepatoprotective, among others. Some of these activities have been related to the presence of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids in the essential oils, coumarins and phloroglucinol derivatives reported to the species. The approaches on the technological development of phytopharmaceutical products of this species provided relevant advances in the optimization of the extraction and product obtention, especially spray-dried powders, hydrogels, ointments, granules, films, nanoemulsions and nanocapsules. The most relevant biological activities described for the extracts or derivative products from A. satureioides were antioxidant, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antimicrobial, anticancer effects, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The scientific and technological findings reported for the species, in conjunction with its traditional use and cultivation, reveal the high potential of the species for diverse industrial applications.
Assuntos
Achyrocline , Achyrocline/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Estrutura Molecular , Flavonoides/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/químicaRESUMO
Intestinal helminthiasis is a neglected disease that affects a significant portion of the global population, specifically in developing countries, where medicinal plants are widely used for therapeutic purposes. With the purpose to identify the native species used in traditional Brazilian medicine for the management of helminthiasis, ethnopharmacological books edited in Brazil documenting the folk use of medicinal plants were analyzed. The native species cited in at least three studies were selected, and bibliographic research was performed using electronic databases to identify their scientifically validated anthelmintic properties. The search retrieved 133 native species belonging to 88 genera and 43 families from all six Brazilian biomes. Fabaceae (14 Genera and 25 Species) and Asteraceae (7 Genera and 8 Species) were the most frequently cited families. The most reported native species were Baccharis crispa Spreng., Hymenaea courbaril L., Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Carapa guianensis Aubl., Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, Annona glabra L., Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne, Spigelia anthelmia L., Simarouba versicolor A.St.-Hil. and Anacardium occidentale L. Bark (19%) and leaves (17%) were the most commonly used plant parts, and decoction (27%) was the most preferred method of preparation. Evidence of the anthelmintic properties of most species was confirmed using in vitro assays for key human and animal parasites, including Haemonchus contortus, Hymenolepis diminuta, Schistosoma mansoni and Trichostrongylus spp. The species S. alata, S. occidentalis, A. occidentale, and S. anthelmia have been the subject of many biological studies, supporting their use as vermicides. The overall results obtained in this review revealed that Brazil is rich in traditional herbal medicines used to manage helminthiasis; however pharmacological investigations are lacking to confirm their therapeutic properties. Thus, this study could serve as a baseline to validate their use and encourage further clinical investigation of their vermifuge potential.