Hyptis pectinata gel prevents alveolar bone resorption in experimental periodontitis in rats

Hyptis pectinata (L.) Poit., Lamiaceae, is an aromatic, abundant and broadly used plant species in Sergipe to treat oral and gastrointestinal pain and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relation between periodontitis and changes in the corporal mass and alveolar bone structure after induction of experimental periodontal disease in rat treated or not treated with H. pectinata gel at 5% (GS5%) and 10% (GS10%), comparing their effects with doxycycline gel at 10% (D10%, positive control), vehicle gel (negative control) and a group with experimental periodontal disease, but non-treated. The gels were locally applied in the gingival region immediately after the experimental periodontal disease induction by ligature (3×/day, 11 days). Bone destruction was determined through clinical exam, histopathological analysis and cone beam computed tomography of the experimental animals (n = 36). After 11 days of periodontitis induction, all groups that received ligature presented a decrease in the corporal mass, except to the naïve group (without experimental periodontal disease) (p < 0.05). Computed tomography results have shown healthy bone structure in the group I and bone resorption for the test groups. Histopathological analysis confirmed the healthy bone structure for naïve group animals, while the test groups exhibited bone loss in several degrees. In particular, the non-treated group animals had an intense inflammatory process. When the periodontium of the animals treated with GS10% was histopathologically analyzed, insertion periodontium was preserved. The results for these groups were significantly different of the vehicle group (p < 0.05). According to the results, the gel based in the aqueous extract of H. pectinata at 10% can prevent bone loss in experimental periodontal disease similarly to doxycycline 10%.

Evaluation of the toxicity and molluscicidal and larvicidal activities of Schinopsis brasiliensis stem bark extract and its fractions

Dengue fever and schistosomiasis are major public health issues for which vector control using larvicide and molluscicide substances present in plants provides a promising strategy. This study evaluated the potential toxicity of the extract of hydroethanol Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl., Anacardiaceae, stem bark and its chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate, and hydromethanol fractions against Artemia salina and Aedes Aegypti larvae and snails Biomphalaria glabrata. All of the assays were performed in triplicate and the mean mortality rates were used to determine the LC50 and LC90 values using the probit method. The hydroethanol hydromethanol extract and fraction were free of toxicity towards A. salina (LC50 > 1000 µg/ml), while chloroform fraction was moderately toxic (LC50 313 µg/ml); ethyl acetate and hexane fractions displayed low toxicity, with LC50 557 and 582 µg/ml, respectively. Chloroform, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions showed larvicidal potential towards A. aegypti (LC50 values of 345, 527 and 583 µg/ml, respectively), while chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were highly toxic to B. glabrata (LC90 values of 68 and 73 µg/ml, respectively). Based on these findings, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hexane fractions should be further investigated for their potential use against the vectors of dengue and schistosomiasis.

Phytochemical study and antinociceptive effect of the hexanic extract of leaves from Combretum duarteanum and friedelin, a triterpene isolated from the hexanic extract, in orofacial nociceptive protocols

Combretum duarteanum Cambess, Combretaceae, is a plant widely distributed in Northeastern Brazil and, in folk medicine, stems and leaves are used for pain treatment. We investigated the antinociceptive effects of the hexanic extract of leaves from C. duarteanum and of friedelin, its main compound, in formalin-, glutamate- and capsaicin- induced orofacial nociception models. In order to isolate friedelin from the hexanic extract, flash chromatography technique was used. Male mice (n = 8/group) were pretreated with hexanic extract, friedelin, morphine or vehicle, before the injection of algogen agents into the right upper lip (perinasal area). The test of formalin-induced orofacial nociception showed that hexanic extract and friedelin significantly reduced nociception (p < 0.001) in both phases of testing. In the glutamate and capsaicin-induced orofacial nociception tests, pre-treatment with hexanic extract produced a significant reduction of orofacial nociception (p < 0.001) at all doses tested.The results suggest the hexanic extract and friedelin possess antinociceptive effects in models of orofacial nociception in rodents.

Investigation of protective effects of Erythrina velutina extract against MMS induced damages in the root meristem cells of Allium cepa

Erythrina velutina Willd., Fabaceae, is a medicinal plant that can be found in the tropics and subtropics, including in the semi-arid northeastern Brazil. It is commonly used in folk medicine to treat anxiety, agitation and insomnia. E. velutina has been known to present analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, however, it is unknown if this plant present a protective effect on DNA. We assessed the antigenotoxic effect of E. velutina against the genotoxic effects induced by MMS in the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. Three concentrations of the aqueous extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/L) of this medicinal plant were used in three different types of treatment (pre-, post- and simultaneous). The effects of the extracts on the root meristem cells of A. cepa were analyzed at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. Protective effects were observed at higher concentrations in pre-treatment and in simultaneous treatment. The results suggest that E. velutina may present antigenotoxic properties and demonstrate its chemopreventive potential.

Genotoxicity test of Maytenus rigida and Aristolochia birostris in the radicular meristem of the onion, Allium cepa

Medicinal plants are an important source of treatment for many ailments, although little is known of the potential genotoxic effects of most species. In the present study, two species from diverse and medicinally important genera - Maytenus rigida Mart., Celastraceae, and Aristolochia birostris Ducht, Aristolochiaceae - were analyzed to identify potentially significant secondary metabolites and the possible effects of their aqueous and alcoholic extracts on cell division in the onion root stem (genotoxicity test). The phytochemical testing revealed the presence of a number of potentially important secondary compounds in both species, including phenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, and saponins. In the genotoxicity tests, no chromosomal abnormalities of any kind were observed in either species. In the case of M. rigida, a significant increase in mitotic activity was observed at the highest concentration. No significant tendency was recorded in A. birostris, although a considerable increase in the prophase was observed at all concentrations of the alcoholic extract. The triterpenoid content of both species may be especially important from a medicinal viewpoint, although recent findings on the carcinogenic potential of Aristolochia extracts demands caution in the interpretation of the results, and the need for further research.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Caesalpinia pyramidalis in rodents

Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul., Fabaceae, is a plant with an anti-inflammatory activity that is used in folk medicine. To evaluate the mechanism of action of this plant, studies were performed on its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties using an ethanol extract (EE) made from the inner bark. Oral treatment of mice with the EE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) decreased their acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes (p<0.001) and their formalin-induced paw licking in both the first and second phases (p<0.001). This treatment increased the reaction time of mice on the hot-plate test (400 mg/kg, p<0.05); however, it did not alter their performance on the Rotarod performance test. The carrageenan-induced paw edema in the rats and the leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity of the mice were also reduced by the EE given at a dose of 400 mg/kg (p<0.05). In addition, the EE (100-400 mg/kg, v.o.) did not alter the arterial pressure of non-anesthetized rats. In conclusion, the EE of C. pyramidalis shows antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in rodents, supporting the usage of this plant to treat various inflammatory diseases for which it has traditionally been used.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Erythrina velutina Willd., Fabaceae, on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa

The effects of the decoction of Erythrina velutina Willd., Fabaceae, were investigated using the root meristem cells of Allium cepa L., Amaryllidaceae. Ten concentrations of the aqueous extract (0.125 to 1.25 percent) of this medicinal plant were analyzed at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. All concentrations showed root growth inhibition after 96 h treatment. Although there were no significant differences between the mitotic indexes of any concentration and the control, there were changes in the frequencies of cell stages at three different concentrations. Additionally, the presence of five different cells abnormalities was recorded: chromosome bridging, lagging chromosomes, chromosome fragments, disturbed metaphase and disturbed anaphase. These results suggest inhibitory and genotoxic activity of the decoction of E. velutina on Allium cepa.

Anti-inflammatory and redox-protective activities of citronellal

The anti-inflammatory and redox protective effects of the citronellal (CT) were evaluated using in vivo and in vitro tests. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of CT (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) inhibited (p < 0.05) the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. Additionally, the carrageenan- and arachidonic acid-induced rat hind paw edema was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) by i.p. administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg of the compound. When the redox activity was evaluated, CT (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced hepatic lipoperoxidation (p < 0.001), as well as oxidation of plasmatic (p < 0.05) and hepatic (p < 0.01) proteins. The results of the present study support the hypothesis that CT possesses anti-inflammatory and redox protective activities. It is suggested that its effects are associated with the inhibition of the enzymes in the arachidonic acid pathway, which prevent cell migration by inhibiting leukotriene production, edema formation and the increase of reactive oxygen species in tissues. Therefore, CT is of potential benefit to manage inflammatory disorders and correlated damages caused by oxidant agents.

Preliminary study on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the leave extract of Hyptis fruticosa Salzm. ex Benth., Lamiaceae / Avaliação das atividades anti-inflamatória e antioxidante do extrato etanólico das folhas da Hyptis fruticosa Salzm. ex Benth., Lamiaceae

Various species of Hyptis are used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory. In order to evaluate the actions of Hyptis fruticosa Salzm. ex Benth., Lamiaceae, studies were performed on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The ethanol extract (EE) of H. fruticosa leaves and its n-CH, CHCl, EtOAc, and MeOH/HO partitions were used in the following experiments. Oral treatment with the EE of H. fruticosa leaves (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) or its n-C6H14, EtOAc, and MeOH/H2O partitions (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) elicited inhibitory activity (p<0.05) on carrageenan-induced oedema formation and leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity in rats. However, the CHCl3 partition did not show any inhibitory effect on paw oedema and peritonitis experimental models. The EE and EtOAc partition present highest antioxidant potential (IC50 = 35.00±1.01 and 36.67±2.65 µg/mL DPPH, respectively), similar to the reference compound (IC50 = 16.67±1.21 µg/mL). In conclusion, H. fruticosa shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Várias espécies do gênero Hyptis são utilizadas na medicina popular para tratar processos inflamatórios. Para avaliar as ações anti-inflamatória e antioxidante da Hyptis fruticosa Salzm. ex Benth., Lamiaceae, utilizou-se extrato etanólico (EE) das folhas desta planta e suas partições n-C6H14, CHCl3, AcOEt e MeOH/H2O. O tratamento oral com o EE das folhas da H. fruticosa (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg) ou suas partições n-C6H14, AcOEt e MeOH/H2O (50, 100 e 200 mg/kg) apresentou atividade inibitória sobre a formação de edema e migração leucocitária para a cavidade peritoneal induzidas pela carragenina em ratos (p<0,05). Entretanto, a partição CHCl3 não causou nenhum efeito sobre a formação de edema e migração de células peritoneais. O EE bruto e a partição AcOEt apresentaram alto potencial antioxidante (IC50 = 35,00±1,01 e 36,67±2,65 µg/mL DPPH, respectivamente), similar ao composto referência (IC50 = 16,67±1,21 µg/mL). Em conclusão, demonstrou-se que a H. fruticosa apresenta atividades anti-inflamatória e antioxidante.

Therapeutic benefits of Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Humb. ex Roem. & Schult.) T.D. Penn., Sapotaceae, in experimental models of pain and inflammation / Benefícios terapêuticos da Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Humb. ex Roem. & Schult.) T.D. Penn., Sapotaceae, em modelos experimentais de dor e inflamação

Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Humb. ex Roem. & Schult.) T.D. Penn., Sapotaceae, is a plant with analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities used in folk medicine. In order to evaluate the actions of this plant, studies were performed on antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities with the ethanol extract (EE) of inner bark (100-400 mg/kg). Oral treatment with the EE elicited inhibitory activity (200 and 400 mg/kg, p<0.01) on acetic acid effect and reduced (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p<0.001) the formalin effect at the second-phase, however it did not elicit any inhibitory effect on hot-plate test. Carrageenan-induced oedema formation and leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity were reduced with the EE at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001). In conclusion, the EE of Sideroxylon obtusifolium shows antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat pain and various inflammatory diseases.

A Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Humb. ex Roem. & Schult.) T.D. Penn., Sapotaceae, é utilizada na medicina popular em processos dolorosos e inflamatórios. Para avaliar as atividades analgésica e anti-inflamatória desta planta, estudos foram realizados com o extrato etanólico (EE) da entrecasca (100-400 mg/kg). O tratamento oral único dos animais com o EE inibiu (200 e 400 mg/kg, p<0,01) o efeito do ácido acético e reduziu (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg, p<0,001) o efeito da formalina na segunda fase; entretanto, não apresentou efeito no teste da placa quente. A formação de edema e a migração de leucócitos para a cavidade peritoneal induzidas pela carragenina foram reduzidas pelo tratamento com o EE (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg, p<0,001). Desta forma conclui-se que o EE da Sideroxylon obtusifolium apresenta atividades antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória, suportando seu uso popular no tratamento da dor e de doenças inflamatórias.

Perfil fitoquímico e ensaio microbiológico dos extratos da entrecasca de Maytenus rigida Mart. (Celastraceae) / Phytochemistry and microbiological assay of the bark extracts of Maytenus rigida Mart. (Celastraceae)

Maytenus rigida Mart (Celastraceae), conhecida por "Bom-homem", "Bom-nome", "Cabelo-de-negro", "Casca-grossa" e "Pau-de-colher", é uma arvore de pequeno porte. A entrecasca do caule é empregada popularmente no Nordeste do Brasil no tratamento das dores em geral, infecções e inflamações. O presente trabalho avaliou tanto o perfil fitoquímico de M. rigida por meio de um roteiro analítico, quanto à atividade antibiótica dos extratos pelo método de Kirby-Bauer modificado. Os resultados demonstraram que os extratos etanólico, aquoso, clorofórmico, acetato de etila e hidroalcoólico de M. rigida apresentam atividade antibacteriana contra Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Staphylococcus aureus, enquanto que a fração hexânica não exibe qualquer atividade. Catequinas, quinonas, esteróides, triterpenos, saponinas, flavonóides e compostos fenólicos foram detectados na análise fitoquímica.

Maynetus rigida Mart (Celastraceae), known as "Bom-homem", "Bom-nome", "Cabelo-de-negro", "Casca-grossa" and "Pau-de-colher", is a small tree. The stem bark is used by the population in the northeast of Brazil to treat aches, infections and inflammations in general. The present work evaluated both the phytochemistry of M. rigida Mart by an analytical routine, and the antimicrobial activity of the bark extracts by the Kirby-Bauer modified method. Our results showed the aqueous, methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hydroalcoolic extracts of M. rigida Mart has antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, while the hexane extract does not have any activity. Catechins, quinones, steroids, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds were detected by the phytochemical analysis.

Effects of the aqueous extract from Hyptis pectinata leaves on rodent central nervous system / Efeitos do extrato aquoso das folhas da Hyptis pectinata sobre o sistema nervoso central de roedores

The effects of the aqueous extract (AE) from Hyptis pectinata leaves was studied on rodent central nervous system (CNS). Pharmacological screening, open field, forced swimming, apomorphine-induced hypothermia, elevated plus maze and thiopental-induced sleep tests were used in male and female Swiss mice and Wistar rats. The AE was admnistered orally in single doses 30 minutes before each test. In the screening test the AE (400 mg/kg, p.o., n =3) decreased the frequency of grooming behavior. In the open field test it decreased the amount of time rats spent grooming (AE400: 51.3 ± 8.8, q = 5.513, P < 0.01, n = 10), similarly to diazepam (control: 107.3 ± 14.2; diazepam: 15.4 ± 4.3, q = 9.049, P < 0.001, n = 10). In the forced swimming test the AE (400 mg/kg) decreased the immobility time (con: 181.3 ± 7.2 s; imip: 91.6 ± 8.9 s, q = 7.958, P < 0.001; AE400: 111.6 ± 14.5 s, q = 6.193, P < 0.001, n = 9), indicating a possible antidepressive effect. This was confirmed in the apomorphine-induced hypothermia model where the extract (200 mg/kg) antagonized the apomorphine effect (AE200: -0.27 ºC, q = 5.588, P < 0.001, n = 10), similarly to imipramine (imipramine: 5 mg/kg) (control: -1.08 ºC; imipramine: 0.02 ºC, q = 7.589, P < 0.001, n = 10). No effect of the AE was detected in the elevated plus maze and in the sleeping time induced by thiopental models. Our results suggest a possible antidepressive effect of the aqueous extract obtained from the leaves of Hyptis pectinata.

Neste trabalho foram estudados os efeitos do extrato aquoso (EA) obtido das folhas da Hyptis pectinata sobre o sistema nervoso central de roedores. Os seguintes modelos experimentais foram utilizados em camundongos, machos e fêmeas, da linhagem Wistar: "screening" farmacológico, campo aberto, nado forçado, hipotermia induzida por apomorfina, labirinto em cruz elevado e tempo de sono induzido por tiopental. O extrato foi administrado por via oral em dose única, 30 minutos antes de cada teste. No "screening" farmacológico o EA (400 mg/kg, p.o., n = 3) diminuiu a freqüência do comportamento de auto-limpeza. No teste do campo aberto o EA diminuiu o tempo gasto em auto-limpeza (AE400: 51,3 ± 8,8, q = 5,513, P < 0.01, n = 10) de maneira similar ao diazepam (control: 107,3 ± 14,2; diazepam: 15,4 ± 4,3, q = 9,049, P < 0.001, n = 10). No teste do nado forçado o EA (400 mg/kg) diminuiu o tempo de imobilidade (con: 181,3 ± 7,2 s; imip: 91,6 ± 8,9 s, q = 7,958, P < 0,001; AE400: 111,6 ± 14,5 s, q = 6,193, P < 0,001, n = 9) indicando um possível efeito antidepressivo. Isto foi confirmado no modelo de hipotermia induzida pela apomorfina onde o EA (200 mg/kg) antagonizou o efeito da apomorfina (AE200: -0,27 ºC, q = 5,588, P < 0,001, n = 10) de maneira similar à imipramina (5 mg/kg) (control: -1,08 ºC; imipramine: 0,02 ºC, q = 7,589, P < 0,001, n = 10). Nenhum efeito do EA foi observado nos testes do labirinto em cruz elevado e do tempo de sono induzido por tiopental. Nossos resultados sugerem um possível efeito antidepressivo do extrato aquoso obtido das folhas da Hyptis pectinata.

Constituintes químicos e avaliação preliminar in vivo da atividade antimalárica de Ouratea nitida Aubl (Ochnaceae) / Chemical constituents and in vivo preliminary evaluation of antimalarial activity of Ouratea nitida Aubl. (Ochnaceae)

O presente trabalho descreve o isolamento de triterpenos (ácido 3,4-seco-friedelan-3-óico, friedelina e b-amirina) e outros compostos (éster etílico do ácido p-hidroxibenzóico e tetracosano), bem como a avaliação preliminar in vivo da atividade antimalárica de extratos das folhas de Ouratea nitida Aubl. Análise qualitativa através de CG-EM de uma fração apolar do extrato em hexano também foi efetuada. Ésteres metílicos e etílicos dos ácidos laúrico, mirístico, palmítico, esteárico e oléico, metílicos dos ácidos pentadecanóico, heptadecanóico, araquidônico, behênico e lignocérico e o etílico do ácido linoléico foram os componentes majoritários; enquanto que o estearato de n-butila, o tetracosano e a 6,10,14-trimetil-2-pentadecanona foram os minoritários. Os compostos isolados foram identificados com base na análise dos dados espectrais (IV, EM e RMN, incluindo DEPT) e estão sendo descritos pela primeira vez nesta espécie.

This work describes the isolation of triterpenes (3,4-seco-friedelan-3-oic acid, friedelin, and b-amyrin) and other compounds (p-hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester and tetracosane) as well as a preliminary evaluation of in vivo antimalarial activity of the extracts from the leaves of Ouratea nitida Aubl. Qualitative analysis by GC-MS of an apolar fraction from the hexane extract was also carried out. Methyl and ethyl esters of lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic and oleic acids, methyl ester of pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, arachidonic, beenic and lignoceric acids, and ethyl ester of linoleic acid were found to be the main constituents while n-butyl stearate, tetracosane and 6,10,14-trimetthyl-2-pentadecanone were the minor. All isolated compounds were identified on basis of the spectral data (IR, MS and NMR, including DEPT) and are being described for the first time in this specie.