Anti-inflammatory Assessment of Methanol Extract of Acalypha ciliata Leaves and It’s Leucocyte Mobilization in Adult Wistar Rats

Aim: The study's objective was to examine the anti-inflammatory activity and leucocyte mobilization of a methanol extract of leaves from Acalypha ciliata in adult Wistar rats. Study Design: Egg albumin-induced edema was used for anti-inflammatory test and leucocyte mobilization test was carried out to check for total leucocyte cout and differentials. Place and Duration of the Study: This original study was conducted between January and June 2013 at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Methology: The pulverized leaf of Acalypha ciliata was extracted using cold maceration, and the Treas and Evans technique of phytochemical screening was used. The anti-inflammatory study was conducted using the method of Winter et al., and the acute toxicity study was assessed using Lorke's method. ANOVA was used to statistically examine the collected data. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, soluble carbohydrates, phenols, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids and steroids. Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and Soluble carbohydrates appeared in abundant concentration (2199.76±10.81, 2141.6±7.583, 913±21.06). Acute toxicity tests showed no toxicity and mortality at doses up to 5000 mgkg-1. Anti-inflammatory study revealed that group treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w of extract significantly (P =0.05) and in a dose dependant manner decreased in TLC when compared with normal control. Moreover, the group treated with 100,200,400 mg/kg b.w of extract and reference drug(Indometacin) mobilized the leucocyte at the rate of 36, 22, 12 and 62 % respectively. A significant (P = 0.05) reduction in the mean paw oedema was observed for all the treatment groups from 1 hour to 5 hours when compared to the toxic group. Conclusion: As a result of this study's findings, it can be concluded that methanol extract of the Acalypha ciliata leaf has anti-inflammatory characteristics. High dosages of the extract resulted in a better decrease of oedema and an increase in leukocyte mobilization in response to agar suspension than low doses. Many anti-inflammatory herbs and substances alter inflammatory reactions by hastening the breakdown of or reversing the effect of the inflammatory mediators. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties could potentially result from the interaction of different photochemical substances present. The findings suggest that, if used, the plant may serve as a source of anti-inflammatory compounds.

Covid Vaccine Side Effects and Covid Infection after Vaccination- A Cross Sectional Study in Hubballi, Karnataka

Introduction: Vaccination against Covid-19 has become the promising strategy in controlling rise in Covid cases. Covishield and Covaxin were the two vaccines initially available in India which have been administered to all those >18years of age. These vaccines exhibit a spectrum of side effects, which may affect vaccination rates. The study was conducted to estimate the frequency of side effects of Covid vaccines in India and their relationship with co-morbidities and prior Covid-19 infection. Methodology: A cross sectional questionnaire-based online survey was conducted for duration of one month among 1800 participants who had received at least one dose of Covid vaccine at KIMS Hospital, Hubballi, Karnataka, selected using systematic random sampling and information about vaccination, comorbidities and covid infection after vaccination was collected. Results: The most common side effects were fever, headache and generalised body ache. The prevalence of infection after complete vaccination with Covishield (4.45%) was higher than Covaxin (1.08%) and difference was statistically significant. The prevalence of side effects and Covid-19 infection after vaccination did not vary with co-morbidities. Conclusion: The side effects reported were not serious and the prevalence was similar in both the vaccines. The prevalence of infection still remains high after vaccination; hence Covid Appropriate Behaviour should be continued.

Issues in Climate Smart Agriculture in Southeastern Nigeria

Farming is a prime livelihood activity of people of Southeast (SE) Nigeria. In the age of climate change, farmers have to cope with highly variable, short and unpredicted rainfall to sustain their enterprise. This study reviews the effects of climate change on agriculture production, identifies farmer's views on the impact of climate change on crop production in the southeast, reviews the adoption of CSA in Nigeria and identifies the importance of climate information service in agriculture in Southeast Nigeria. From the review, farmers within the SE are aware of climate change and they have adopted improved innovative strategies to adapt to the negative implication associated with climate change and variability but more awareness is needed in the area of climate information services (CIS) to assist them to cope better. Therefore, this study recommends the Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) approach to educate farmers more on how to manage their enterprise in the face of climate change and variability.

Post-fire reproduction of herbs at a savanna-gallery forest boundary in Distrito Federal, Brazil / Reprodução pós-fogo de espécies do estrato herbáceo em área de transição Cerrado-Mata de Galeria no Distrito Federal, Brasil

Abstract In Cerrado, studies of post-fire vegetation recovery show that some herbaceous species are able to flower shortly after fires. However, these were mainly short-term studies that focused on grasslands and savannas. Little is known about the effects of fire on ground layer of forests that border the savannas in Central Brazil. Thus, an accidental burning gave us the opportunity to describe the reproductive activity of the ground layer vegetation after a fire event along a savanna-forest boundary at the IBGE Ecological Reserve, Brasília, Brazil. During the 16-month of the inventory, we registered 170 herbaceous species flowering or fruiting, of which 52 species (31%) may have been influenced by fire that changed their times of reproduction. In the savanna plots reproduction peaked at the end of the rainy season. Of the total number of reproducing species, 90 species occurred only in the savanna and four in the forest. Five herbs were recorded in the forest, savanna and border environments. Late dry season fire probably lead the majority of herbaceous species to have their reproduction spread throughout the study time.

Resumo No Cerrado, estudos de recuperação da vegetação pós-fogo mostram que algumas espécies herbáceas são capazes de florescer logo após queimadas. No entanto, esses foram principalmente estudos de curto prazo, que se concentraram em áreas campestres e savânicas. Pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos do fogo no sub-bosque de matas que margeiam as savanas do Brasil Central. Assim, uma queima acidental nos deu a oportunidade de descrever a atividade reprodutiva pós-fogo do estrato herbáceo ao longo de ecótono cerrado-mata na Reserva Ecológica do IBGE, Brasília, Brasil. Durante os 16 meses do inventário, foram registrados 170 espécies herbáceas com flores ou frutos, das quais 52 espécies (31%) podem ter sido influenciadas pelo fogo, que alterou suas épocas reprodutivas. Nas parcelas de cerrado, a reprodução teve seu pico ao final da estação chuvosa. Do número total de espécies, 90 ocorreram exclusivamente no cerrado e quatro na floresta. Cinco espécies herbáceas foram registradas na floresta, cerrado e borda. O fogo ao final da estação seca pode ter levado a maioria das plantas a se reproduzir através do período de estudo.

Effects of Acmella oleracea methanolic extract and fractions on the tyrosinase enzyme

Abstract The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen, Asteraceae, methanolic extract, hexane (84.28% spilanthol) and dichloromethane (approximately 100% spilanthol) fractions on the tyrosinase enzyme. The dehydrated jambu extract was obtained through maceration using methanol. The extract residue was solubilized in MeOH/H2O (8:2) and subjected to liq.–liq. partition in organic solvents. Both the extraction and the partition procedures were conducted with three replicates. The analyses were performed using GC–MS, 1H and 13C NMR. The hexane fraction provided samples containing 84.28, 82.91 and 62.83% spilanthol in repetitions 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The dichloromethane fraction showed 88.55% spilanthol in repetition 1, and approximately 100% spilanthol in repetitions 2 and 3. The jambu extract as well as the hexane fraction (84.28% spilanthol) were able to activate the oxidizing activity of the tyrosinase enzyme for L-DOPA. The dichloromethane fraction (approximately 100% spilanthol) showed stronger inhibition effect on the tyrosinase enzyme in the first 10 min. The results raise the interest in study in spilanthol formulations for topical use, since it may prevent and/or slow skin hyperpigmentation or depigmentation processes. Furthermore, spilanthol may be used to control the enzymatic browning in fruits and vegetables.

Spilanthol: occurrence, extraction, chemistry and biological activities

Abstract Spilanthol (C14H23NO, 221.339 g/mol) is a bioactive compound that is found in many different plants that are used as traditional remedies throughout the world. It is present in Heliopsis longipes and several species in the genus Acmella, including A. oleracea L., also known as paracress and jambu. Its leaves and flowers have sensory properties (pungency, tingling, numbing, mouth-watering) that make it a popular spice and ingredient in several Brazilian dishes. Spilanthol can exert a variety of biological and pharmacological effects including analgesic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antilarvicidal and insecticidal activities. So, the aim of this review is to present a literature review on the spilanthol that describes its occurrence, chemistry, extraction and biological activities.

Breastfeeding Practices and Growth

Background: Breastfeeding is vital for the growth and development of infants and young children. Early initiation within the half hour of birth fosters optimal breastfeeding practice; promotes growth and development.Objective: To evaluate breastfeeding practices and the growth of infants. Method: This was a crosssectional survey at three immunisation clinics in Asaba metropolis of Delta state. Using a structured questionnaire; we assessed breastfeeding practice of attendees and the growth of babies and documented information on the socio demographic characteristics; breastfeeding practices; previous weights of infants' and their Anthropometric measurements.Results: There were 97 mother infant/ pairs. 49 males; 48 females; giving a male to female ratio of 1:1. 20.6% were neonates; 74.2% were less than 6 months while 25.8% were older. About 50% of the mothers initiated breastfeeding within an hour of delivery; 25% of mothers gave pre-lacteal feeds. 49.5% of babies were optimally breastfed; of these; 68.7% mothers had initiated breastfeeding within an hour of birth (p=0.001). Underweight and stunting was only seen among babies of mothers who did not practice optimal breastfeeding. It was observed that babies' weights were not documented routinely in the road to health chart of the immunization cards after the measurements were taken. This was a missed opportunity for counselling and health promotion.Conclusion: Early initiation of breastfeeding increases the probability of optimal breastfeeding practice and prevents infant malnutrition. Even though growth was assessed; the information was not utilized for feed back to the mothers at the well-baby clinics; growth monitoring and promotion was not supported at the well-baby clinics in the health centres

Liver Protein and Enzymes in HIV Infected Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women on Antiretroviral Therapy.

This in vivo study was carried out to investigate alterations in the levels of proteins and enzymes produced by the liver of HIV infected pregnant women and HIV infected non pregnant women under different antiretroviral therapy. Forty six human patients (Pregnant patient, n=21, Non pregnant patient, n=25) were recruited during this study from the PEPFAR (President Bush Emergency Plan for Aids Research) clinic in LUTH (Lagos University teaching Hospital), Lagos. The patients were between the ages of 29 – 34 years. All samples were analyzed for Albumin, Transferrin, Urea, Total protein, Total bilirubin, Creatinine and Cholinesterase. Along with it, liver enzymes – Alkaline phosphate, Alanine aminotransferases and Aspartate aminotransferases were also analyzed to confirm proper liver function for each patient. Result showed that total bilirubin and transferrin were statistically higher in the pregnant group while other liver proteins (Albumin, Urea and Total protein) were statistically lower in the pregnant group. Two liver enzymes, Creatinine and Cholinesterase, were statistically lower in the pregnant group. Though, other liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferases and alanine aminotransferases were also lower in the pregnant group. No significant difference were noted when statistics were applied. Only alkaline phosphatase showed a non significant increase in the pregnant group. Findings in this study suggest that effective antiretroviral therapy stabilizes proteins and enzymes production in both HIV groups, however, slight alterations which were observed in the pregnant HIV group were due to physiological changes during pregnancy.

Antioxidant Property and Cardiovascular Effects of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Water.

Coconut water, a natural nutritious beverage that contains several biologically active chemical substances, is used in the management/treatment of several disorders in Eastern Nigeria. This study was set up to evaluate the antioxidant potential of coconut water and its effect on the cardiovascular system in albino rats. Twenty five adult male albino rats, used in this work, were placed into five groups (A, B, C, D and E), of five rats per group. Groups A, B, C and D were administered orally with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml/kg body weight respectively of the coconut water for fourteen consecutive days. Group E was the control. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were used to investigate antioxidant activity of the coconut water, while lipid profile was determined as an index of its cardiovascular effect. GPX and SOD activity was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the test groups than in untreated group, while MDA levels decreased significantly (P< 0.05) in the treated groups relative to the control. There was a significant reduction (P< 0.05) in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein, while high density lipoproteins increased significantly (P< 0.05) in the test animals relative to the control. These observations were found to be linearly dose-dependent. These results may be due to the chemical constituents of the coconut water, and could be partly responsible for its application in the management of some disorders.

Effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning in preventing early radiation-induced lung injury in rats

Ionizing radiation causes its biological effects mainly through oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species. Previous studies showed that ozone oxidative preconditioning attenuated pathophysiological events mediated by reactive oxygen species. As inhalation of ozone induces lung injury, the aim of this study was to examine whether ozone oxidative preconditioning potentiates or attenuates the effects of irradiation on the lung. Rats were subjected to total body irradiation, with or without treatment with ozone oxidative preconditioning (0.72 mg/kg). Serum proinflammatory cytokine levels, oxidative damage markers, and histopathological analysis were compared at 6 and 72 h after total body irradiation. Irradiation significantly increased lung malondialdehyde levels as an end-product of lipoperoxidation. Irradiation also significantly decreased lung superoxide dismutase activity, which is an indicator of the generation of oxidative stress and an early protective response to oxidative damage. Ozone oxidative preconditioning plus irradiation significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, which might indicate protection of the lung from radiation-induced lung injury. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta levels, which increased significantly following total body irradiation, were decreased with ozone oxidative preconditioning. Moreover, ozone oxidative preconditioning was able to ameliorate radiation-induced lung injury assessed by histopathological evaluation. In conclusion, ozone oxidative preconditioning, repeated low-dose intraperitoneal administration of ozone, did not exacerbate radiation-induced lung injury, and, on the contrary, it provided protection against radiation-induced lung damage.

Removal of Azo dyes from aqueous solutions by biomass of brown algae Cystoseira indica

Background: The effluent of textile industries is high dyefully and this is one of most problems for environmental health engineers. Two Azo dyes biosorption, direct black 19 and direct red 23, on Cystoseira indica, an invasive macroalga in Iran, has been investigated using visible absorption spectroscopy

Material and methods: Pre-treatment and chemical cross-linking with CaCl2, have been conducted in order to improve the stability as well as the biosorption capacity of the algal biomass. All measurements were conducted by UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. The effects of operating parameters such as contact time, pH, initial dye concentration and amount of biosorbent on the dye removal efficiency were investigated. The biosorption has been described in terms of isotherm and kinetic models; from the maximum adsorption capacity values, an estimation of the algal specific surface area was made

Results: It has been found that biosorption kinetics can be described according to the pseudo second order model and biosorption equilibrated for 120 min [89.3% of direct red 23 and 69.02% of direct black 19 removed]. Maximum biosorption found at pH 5 [2.4mg/g]. It also observed increasing initial dye concentration and decreasing biomass dosage would reduce dye removal. Isotherm studies also revealed the dye biosorption on algal biomass followed from Freundlich model

Conclusion: Biosorption of selected Azo dyes onto algal biomass, Cystoseira indica was fast and more dye is eliminated in the first hour. So, by determining the optimum conditions of contact time, pH, initial dye concentration and biosorbent dosage, Cystoseira indica can be used as an inexpensive sorbent for removal of Azo dyes from aqueous solutions

Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections Following Clean Orthopaedic Operations

Background: Surgical site infections can follow clean orthopaedic operations and can cause serious morbidity; mortality and increased resource utilization. Despite this; there are few studies on risk factors for surgical site infections in the Nigerian orthopaedic literature. We conducted a prospective study to determine the host and environmental risk factors for surgical site infections following clean orthopaedic operations.Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria and were to undergo clean orthopaedic operations performed at the National Orthopaedic Hospital; Igbobi; Lagos from January 2007 to July 2008 were included. Patient's biodata; duration of preoperative hospitalization and other risk factors were analyzed. The risk factors for surgical site infection were determined with Chi square test.Results: The overall rate of surgical site infection during the 18 months of the study was 9.9 (12 of 121). Independent risk factors for this were: Prolonged duration of preoperative hospital stay greater than 13 days (21 infection rate); increasing age greater than 60 years (31 infection rate); and use of implants and drains (only one un-drained wound was infected).Conclusion and Recommendations: Patient's age; duration of preoperative hospitalization; type of surgery (implant or non-implant); and use of drains were the most significant risk factors affecting surgical site infection. It is recommended that preoperative hospital stay should be as short as possible and extra care/precautions taken when working on the elderly; using implants or requiring drainage

Prevention of Sexual Assault in Nigeria

Sexual assault occurs commonly worldwide and is particularly pervasive in the developing world. The background to sexual violence is important in the understanding of the ramifications of the problem. Some elements that offer the means to the prevention of sexual assault in the community are important highlights especially where the means - expertise and facilities - for managing cases of sexual assault is grossly inadequate. These concepts; though are applicable universally; are however discussed in the context of the developing world and with particular emphasis on the Nigerian situation. Their applicability in sexual assault prevention is derived from previous studies in different parts of the world that highlight the viability of these interventions. Therefore if one posits that sexual assault can be prevented; certain responsibilities are imperative; some challenges must be anticipated; and special needs/circumstances should be catered for

Aerobic Bacteriology of Surgical Site Infection in Implant Surgery: The Experience at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

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Análise dos componentes da síndrome metabólica antes e após a suplementação dietética com farinha da casca do maracujá, em pacientes diabéticos / Analysis of components of metabolic syndrome before and after dietary supplementation with flour passion fruit peel in diabetic patients

A Síndrome Metabólica (SM) é caracterizada pela reunião de vários fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares (DCV): obesidade central (OC), hipertrigliceridemia, hipercolesterolemia e hipertensão arterial. Tendo conhecimento de que, além da terapia medicamentosa atual, o uso de fibras dietéticas tem demonstrado ser uma alternativa na redução dos fatores de riscos para as DCV. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito da farinha da casca do maracujá amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) rica em fibra solúvel nos componentes da SM. Foi realizado ensaio clínico de fase II com 43 voluntários com idade entre 57 e 73 anos, de ambos os gêneros. Durante 60 dias, os participantes diariamente fizeram uso de 30 g do produto estudado e em todos eles foras determinados antes e após a suplementação com a farinha: glicose, hemoglobina glicada, frações lipídicas, além da antropometria e pressão arterial. Após a suplementação, existiu uma diferença significante (p,0,05) nos valores de OC, pressão arterial, glicose, hemoglobina glicada e triglicerídeos. Em relação ao colesterol total e LDL-c, não foram observadasa alterações estatisticamente significantes, enquanto o HDL-c apresentou aumento em suas concentrações de maneira significativa. Os resultados mostraram que a suplementação utilizada exerceu efeito positivo na maioria dos componentes da SM, sugerindo seu uso como terapia complementar dos tratamentos convencionais.

Evaluation of Sexual Maturity among Adolescent Male Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients: the Usefulness of Testicular Volume Estimation

Use of Tanner stages i.e. Sexual Maturity Rating; (SMR); in evaluation of sexual maturity has gained widespread acceptance. Tanner staging assesses pubic hair growth and increase in genital sizes; the latter of which is best reflected by the increase in testicular size. Testicular volume increases is thought to be the most sensitive clinical indication of onset and progress of puberty. It has been argued that the initial stage of sexual development may be missed if testicular volume is not assessed. We explored usefulness of testicular volume estimation for assessing sexual maturity among adolescent male sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study evaluating sexual maturation of male patients with sickle cell anaemia and those with HbAA genotype. Tanner staging and testicular volume assessment were both used as models for evaluating stages of sexual maturation among SCA patients and their normal counterparts matched for age and socioeconomic status. Results: SCA patients demonstrated delay in onset and completion of sexual maturation. Testicular volumes (TV) of subjects were smaller than those of controls but when related to stages of sexual maturity; there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. The correlation coefficients between various stages of sexual maturity and TV suggest strong associations. Conclusion: Testicular volume increase is shown as a reasonably good predictor of onset and progression of sexual maturity in both SCA subjects and their healthy controls

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours at the University of NigeriaTeaching Hospital Enugu; Nigeria: an Immunohistochemical Study of GITMesenchymal Tumours

Mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are uncommon. Recent progress in the understanding of the biology and origin of these tumours has led to their reclassification. A new subclass designated Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) is diagnosed based on the presence of a mutational over expression of c-kit protein that is thought to be critical in the pathogenesis of these tumours.This newclass of tumoursmay form the majority of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumours. Even though the diagnosis of GIST is mainly based on positive staining with CD117; a minority of tumours with histological characteristics of GIST are CD117 negative and are classified asCD117 negativeGIST. In this first reviewof mesenchymalGITtumours fromNigeria;we present 11 cases ofmesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract seen within a six-year period at our centre. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 7 of themin which histological appearances suggested GIST. Only two cases had all the criteria defined in the consensus conference on the diagnosis ofGIST. Our findings; albeit in a very small sample; contrastswith what obtains in developed countries in the proportion of GIT mesenchymal tumours that are truly GIST. This raises a question to be answered on the true nature and proportion of gastrointestinal strumal tumours among GITtumours inNigerian patients

The Role of Forensic Dentist Following Mass Disaster

This review article focuses on mass disaster situations that may arise from natural or manmade circumstances and the significant role of forensic dental personnel in human identification following such occurrences. The various forensic dental modalities of identification that include matching techniques; postmortem profiling; genetic fingerprinting; dental fossil assessment and dental biometrics with digital subtraction were considered. The varying extent of use of forensic dental techniques and the resulting positive impact on human identification were considered. The importance of preparation by way of special training for forensic dental personnel; mock disaster rehearsal; and use of modern day technology was stressed. The need for international standardization of identification through the use of Interpol Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) for ms was further emphasized. Recommendations for improved human identification in Nigerian situation include reform of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA); incorporation of dental care in primary health care to facilitate proper ante mortem database of the populace and commencement of identification at site of disaster

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain among Timber Workers in Enugu Metropolis; Nigeria

Objective: Work related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is an occupational problem which timber workers are prone to because of the nature of their job. This study sought to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMS pain) among timber workers in Enugu metropolis; Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used as the survey instrument. Four hundred and sixteen questionnaires were duly completed and all the respondents were males. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages and inferential statistics of chi-square were used as appropriate for data analysis. Results: The results showed that 90.8of the timber workers have had WRMS pain once or more in their occupational lives. The twelve-month prevalence of WRMS pain was 90.1. The low back was the commonly affected body area reported by timber workers for complaints in the last twelve months. Performing the same tasks over and over (73.8); continuing to work while injured or hurt (37.8) and lifting and transferring heavy objects (31.2) were the job factors most problematic to the timber workers. Conclusion: There is an increased prevalence of WRMS pain among timber workers in Enugu metropolis with the low back being the commonly affected body area. It is therefore recommended that the conditions of working should be improved by the organization of seminars; education programmes and ergonomic intervention so as to ensure that the timber workers remain healthy and to reduce the occurrence of WRMS pain

Efeito da farinha da casca do maracujá-amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) nos níveis glicêmicos e lipídicos de pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 / Effect of the flour of the yellow passion fruit peel (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) in the glycemic and lipid levels of type 2 diabetes patients

A suplementação da dieta com fibras solúveis pode ser considerada uma importante medida terapêutica no tratamento de pacientes diabéticos e obesos. Para avaliar o efeito da farinha da casca de maracujá amarelo rica em pectina, foi realizado um ensaio clínico fase II com 43 pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Estes receberam diariamente 30 g do produto testado durante 60 dias. Observou-se diferença estatística significante na glicemia de jejum (p = 0,000) acompanhada pela redução nos valores médios da hemoglobina glicada (p = 0,032). Em relação ao perfil lipídico, não foi verificado redução dos níveis de colesterol total e colesterol LDL nos pacientes ao longo deste estudo; entretanto, houve redução nos níveis de Triglicerídeos e aumento do colesterol HDL nos mesmos. Os níveis glicêmicos apresentados pelos pacientes antes e após o uso da farinha da casca do maracujá são compatíveis com uma ação positiva no controle da glicemia como adjuvante das terapias convencionais.

The supplementation of diet with soluble dietary fiber can be considered an important therapy measure in the treatment of diabetic and obese patients. In order to evaluate the effect of the flour of the yellow passion fruit peel which is rich in pectin, a phase II clinical trial with 43 patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was performed. They received daily 30 g of the tested product for 60 days. Statistically significant difference was observed in fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.000) accompanied by a reduction in the average values of glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.032). In relation to the lipid profile, there were no reduced levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in patients during this study; however, there were reduction in the levels of Triglycerides and increase in HDL cholesterol in them. The glycemic levels presented by the patients before and after the use of the passion fruit peel flour are compatible to a positive action to control blood glucose as an adjunct of conventional therapies.