Cecropia pachystachya Trécul: a promising ingredient for skin-whitening cosmetics

Abstract Because it promotes the lightening of pigment spots, tyrosinase inhibition is one of the mechanisms of depigmenting cosmetic products. Considering the adverse effects produced by synthetic depigmenting actives, the search for new therapeutic options is desirable, and plant extracts are possible candidates for hyperpigmentation treatment. Glycolic extracts of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul are, therefore, the focus of this study. Its chemical characterization, antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibition, and cell viability were evaluated. Glycolic extracts were obtained by macerating the leaves of C. pachystachya in grain alcohol and glycerin or propylene glycol. Both had a similar chemical constitution, the glycerin being more efficient in concentrating phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Analyses by UHPLC-MS detected quinic acid, chlorogenic acid isomers, proanthocyanidin dimers type B and C, catechin/epicatechin, orientin/isoorientin, isoorientin 2"-O-xyloside, vitexin/isovitexin, and rutin. 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was then quantified was then quantified, with predominance in the extract produced with propylene glycol. These extracts showed a high antioxidant capacity by the method of DPPH, ß-carotene, and nitric oxide. As for depigmenting activity, both extracts were able to inhibit tyrosinase. Cell viability assay also revealed that the extracts could safely be used in concentrations of ≤ 125 µg/mL. Thus, this study demonstrated for the first time that the glycolic extracts of C. pachystachya have promising chemical and biological characteristics for the development of a multifunctional cosmetic with antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibition activities

Evaluation of cell biomarkers as in vitro photoprotective assays for sunscreen formulations

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate cellular indicators, which change with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and can be used as parameters for measuring sunscreens efficiency. Methods: Commercial strains of L929 and HaCaT cells (skin dermis and epidermis, respectively), from the cell bank of Rio de Janeiro, were exposed to different doses of UVA (350 nm) and UVB (309 nm) radiation. The evaluation of the photoprotective potential of sunscreens was analyzed with cell viability, lipid peroxidation and ROS generation tests. Samples of sunscreen with SPF values ranging from 15 to 60 were applied to a quartz plate superimposed on the top of a microplate containing the cell culture, and then the system was irradiated. Results: The viability and lipid peroxidation of the two cell lines remained unchanged after exposure to UVA radiation. When exposed to UVB radiation, the reduction in viability and the increase in lipid peroxides were dose-dependent, that is, they varied from 3.15% to 95.4%, and from 1.2 to 42.7 nM MDA/pg protein, respectively, both for the L929 strain. The dose of 0.5 J/cm2 reduced by 41.4%±1.67 the number of viable cells, and the dose of 30 J/cm2 promoted the oxidation of 42.7 nM of MDA/pg protein. These doses were selected to evaluate the photoprotective effectiveness of commercial sunscreens. Sunscreens exposed to UVB rays could prevent the loss of cell viability (viability remained around 100% for higher SPF) and the formation of lipid peroxides (30 to 80% reduction of peroxide levels). None of the two cell strains, submitted to UVB radiation, formed amounts of intracellular ROS in a dose-dependent manner. Under exposure to UVA radiation, only the HaCaT cell line produced the largest amounts of ROS in a dose-dependent manner. After treating these cells with photoprotective formulations (20 J/cm2), the researchers observed a reduction in the amount of ROS formed. Conclusions: The parameters of cell viability and lipid peroxidation were promising to evaluate the photoprotective capacity of sunscreens against UVB radiation. The generation of ROS expressed in the HaCaT strain can discriminate the photoprotective potential of formulations against UVA radiation, as sunscreens reduced the formation of ROS. These results suggest that in vitro tests that evaluate the damage caused to cells can predict cellular indicators of the photoprotective effectiveness of sunscreens and contribute to minimize these tests in the initial phase of product research and development.

Official monitoring of the Brazilian Norm for Commercialization of Food for Nursling and Children of First Infancy, Rubber Nipples, Pacifiers, and Nursing Bottles - NBCAL / Monitoramento oficial da Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e Crianças de Primeira Infância, Bicos de borracha, chupetas e mamadeiras - NBCAL

This work aimed to evaluate advertisement of baby food, rubber nipples, pacifiers and nursing bottles through newspapers as well as on TV, radio, and the internet, in order to check whether the 'Brazilian Norm for Commercialization of Food for Nursling and Children of First Infancy, Rubber Nipples, Pacifiers and Nursing Bottles' (Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e Crianças de Primeira Infância, Bicos, Chupetas e Mamadeiras - NBCAL) has been complied. Samples of all the items above were acquired at discount and department stores to check whether labeling was in compliance with the NBCAL. The development of this research as well as the analyses of commercial promotion were carried out in Juiz de Fora - state of Minas Gerais, from May to July 2006, using convenient, non-representative sampling composed of 680 pieces of advertisement. The results obtained through descriptive statistics showed that 564 of the 680 samples analyzed, or 83.0 percent, did not meet the NBCAL. Irregularities were detected in 100 percent of the samples advertised on the media and found in hospitals and drugstores; in 70.1 percent of the samples purchased at supermarkets, in 37 percent of those from medical clinics and in 86.6 percent of those found on the internet. The evidences showed that monitoring must be carried out continuously and educational campaigns on the importance of breast-feeding for the full development of children must be addressed to mothers, the food industry and commercial establishments.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar propagandas e publicidades impressas de alimentos infantis, bicos, chupetas e mamadeiras, além das veiculadas em rádio, TV e internet, para verificar o cumprimento da Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e Crianças de Primeira Infância (NBCAL). Também foi realizada a aquisição de bicos, mamadeiras e chupetas em "lojas de 1,99" e de departamento, para a verificação de rotulagem de acordo com a NBCAL. O desenvolvimento da pesquisa foi realizado no período de maio a julho de 2006, no município de Juiz de Fora, MG, mediante amostragem não representativa, de conveniência. A amostra constituiu-se de 680 peças publicitárias. Os resultados foram analisados pela estatística descritiva. Das 680 peças publicitárias analisadas, 564 (83,0 por cento) não cumpriram a NBCAL. Foram encontradas irregularidades em 100 por cento das amostras captadas em rádio, TV, jornais, revistas, hospitais e farmácias; em 70,1 por cento das amostras captadas em supermercados; em 37 por cento das amostras captadas em clínicas médicas e em 86,6 por cento das captadas na internet. Concluiu-se que há necessidade de intensificar o monitoramento em caráter contínuo e que as ações educativas relativas à importância do aleitamento materno devem ser direcionadas para as mães, indústrias produtoras e empresas que comercializam alimentos infantis.

Ocorrência de larvas de Ancylostoma sp na areia de áreas de lazer de praças públicas no município de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil / Ancylostoma sp larvae in the sand of communal spaces in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil

A larva migrans cutânea é uma zoonose causada pela migração de larvas de Ancylostoma sp na pele de um hospedeiro não habitual. Neste estudo, foi avaliada a ocorrência de agentes de larva migrans em 16 praças públicas no município de Juiz de Fora, MG. Foram coletadas 64 amostras de areia das áreas de lazer entre os meses de outubro de 2006 e janeiro de 2007 para estabelecimento da freqüência de larvas de Ancylostoma sp, através de isolamento pelo método de Baermann modificado. A presença de larvas de Ancylostoma sp foi observada em 43,7% (7/16) dos bancos de areias das praças públicas pesquisadas.

Cutaneous larva migrans is a zoonosis caused by the migration of Ancylostoma sp larvae through the skin of an accidental host. We studied the prevalence of agents of cutaneous larva migrans in 16 communal spaces in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. 64 sand samples were obtained during the period from October 2006 to January 2007, and submitted to the modified Baermann method for isolation of Ancylostoma sp larvae. Ancylostoma sp larvae were identified in the sand of 43.7% (7/16) of the communal spaces studied.

A propaganda de alimentos e a proteção da saúde dos portadores de doença celíaca / Food publicity and health protection for the celiac disease carrier

A doença celíaca é uma intolerância alimentar relacionada ao glúten. O tratamento consiste na exclusão do glúten da dieta. A Lei n° 10.674, de 16 de maio de 2003, obriga que os produtos alimentícios comercializados informem sobre a presença ou não de glúten. A advertência deve ser impressa nos rótulos, embalagens, cartazes e materiais de divulgação em caracteres com destaque, nítidos e de fácil leitura. O trabalho analisou o cumprimento da legislação vigente em 226 propagandas tipo folder de alimentos industrializados coletadas em estabelecimentos comerciais nos municípios de Juiz de Fora, Viçosa, Belo horizonte e São Paulo, no período de março de 2006 a março de 2007, utilizando-se da amostragem não probabilística de conveniência. Observou-se a predominância de amostras (n=221, 97,8%) em desacordo com a legislação. Concluiu-se que há necessidade de maior esforço para a implementação das ações de Vigilância Sanitária que resultem na promoção e proteção da saúde pública.

Celiac disease is a permanent food intolerance to gluten. The 10674 Act, from 16 May, 2003, states that commercialized food products must inform the existence or not of this ingredient in its formulation. The warning message must be printed on the labels, wrappings, posters, and publicity material, in bold, highlighted, and easy-to read manner. This work has analyzed 226 leaflet-like pieces of publicity of industrialized foods collected from commercial establishments in the municipalities of Juiz de Fora, Viçosa, Belo Horizonte, and São Paulo, Brazil, from March/2006 to March/2007, by means of non-probabilistic convenience sampling. A prevalence of samples mostly not in accordance with the legislation (n=221; 97,8%) was observed. More efficient sanitary surveillance is mandatory in order to promote protection of public health.