Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana e antitumoral, frente ao sarcoma 180, do extrato bruto de luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitaceae) / Assessment of antimicrobial and anti-tumor activity, against sarcoma 180, of the crude extract of luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitaceae) / Evaluación de la actividad antimicrobiana y antitumoral frente a sarcoma 180 del extracto crudo de luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitaceae)

Luffa operculata Cogn. pertence à família Cucurbitaceae, sendo popularmente denominada como buchinha, cabaçinha e purga-dos-paulistas. Sua análise fitoquímica demonstrou a presença de glicosídeos, saponina e resina, esteróis livres, ácidos orgânicos, fenóis e, com ausência de taninos. Além disso, essa família é produtora de triterpenos com esqueletos modificados denominados de cucurbitacinas, substâncias de alto valor farmacológico. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana e antitumoral, frente ao Sarcoma 180, do extrato bruto da Luffa operculata Cogn.. No ensaio antimicrobiano foram utilizadas espécimes bacterianas e fúngicas da origem clínica e de coleção. Para analisar a atividade antitumoral, células tumorais foram implantadas na região axilar de camundongos albinos Swiss (Mus musculus). O grupo controle recebeu solução salina 0,9% e no grupo padrão administrou-se metotrexato (10 mg/kg de peso corpóreo). Os grupos tratados receberam por via intraperitoneal doses nas concentrações de 0,3, 0,6 ou 1,0 mg/kg de peso corpóreo do extrato bruto etanólico de Luffa operculata Cogn.. Os resultados demonstraram que o extrato do Luffa operculata Cogn. apresenta atividade antimicrobiana contra Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans e Candida tropicalis. No que diz respeito a atividade antitumoral, os animais tratados com o extrato nas doses 0,3 e 0,6 mg/kg não apresentaram redução relevante dos tumores de Sarcoma 180, quando comparado com o grupo controle. Entretanto, os animais tratados com a dose 1,0 mg/kg obtiveram índice de inibição de 61,7%. Dessa forma, concluímos que o extrato bruto de Luffa operculata Cogn. apresenta atividade antimicrobiana e, na dose de 1 mg/kg, apresenta atividade antitumoral reduzindo significativamente os tumores de Sarcoma 180.

Luffa operculata Cogn. belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, popularly known as buchinha, cabaçinha and purga-dos-paulistas. Its phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of glycosides, saponin and resin, free sterols, organic acids, phenols and the absence of tannins. In addition, this family produces triterpenes with modified skeletons called cucurbitacins, substances of high pharmacological value. This work aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antitumor activity, against Sarcoma 180, of the crude extract of Luffa operculata Cogn.. In the antimicrobial assay, bacterial and fun- gal specimens of clinical and collection origin were used. To analyze the antitumor activ- ity tumor cells were implanted in the axillary region in albino Swiss mice (Mus musculus). The control group received 0.9% saline solution; and the standard group received meth- otrexate (10 mg/kg per body weight). The treated groups received intraperitoneal doses at concentrations of 0.3, 0.6; and 1.0 mg/kg per body weight of crude ethanolic extract of Luffa operculata Cogn., respectively. The results demonstrated that the extract of Luffa operculata Cogn. has antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococ- cus epidermidis, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis. Concerning antitumor activ- ity, the animals treated with the extract at doses of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg did not show a relevant reduction in Sarcoma 180 tumors, when compared to the control group. How- ever, animals treated with a dose of 1mg/kg had an inhibition rate of 61.7%. Thus, we concluded that the crude extract of Luffa operculata Cogn. it has antimicrobial activity; and only at the highest dose (1 mg/kg) did it significantly reduce Sarcoma 180 tumors. KEYWORDS: Luffa Operculata Cogn.; Antimicrobian Activity; Sarcoma 180.

Luffa operculata Cog. pertenece a la familia de las Cucurbitáceas, siendo popularmente conocida como buchinha, cabaçinha y purga-dos-paulistas. Su análisis fi- toquímico demostró la presencia de glucósidos, saponina y resina, esteroles libres, ácidos orgánicos, fenoles y ausencia de taninos. Además, esta familia es produtora de triterpenos con esqueletos modificados llamados cucurbitacinas, sustancias de alto valor farmacoló- gico. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana y antitumoral, contra el Sarcoma 180, del extracto crudo de Luffa operculata Cogn.. En el ensayo anti- microbiano se utilizaron especímenes bacterianos y fúngicos de origen clínico y de co- lección. Para analizar la actividad antitumoral, se implantaron células tumorales en la región axilar de ratones albinos suizos (Mus musculus). El grupo control recibió solución salina al 0,9% y el grupo estándar recibió metotrexato (10 mg/kg por peso corporal). Los grupos tratados recibieron dosis intraperitoneales a concentraciones de 0,3, 0,6 y 1,0 mg/kg por peso corporal de extracto etanólico crudo de Luffa operculata Cogn., respec- tivamente. Los resultados demostraron que el extracto de Luffa operculata Cogn. tiene actividad antimicrobiana contra Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans y Candida tropicalis. En cuanto a la actividad antitumoral, los animales tratados con el extracto a dosis de 0,3 y 0,6 mg/kg no mostraron una reducción relevante de tumores Sarcoma 180, al compararlos con el grupo control. Sin embargo, los animales tratados con una dosis de 1 mg/kg tuvieron una tasa de inhibición del 61,7 %. Por lo tanto, concluimos que el extracto crudo de Luffa operculata Cogn. tiene actividad antimicro- biana y solo en la dosis más alta (1 mg/kg) redujo significativamente los tumores Sarcoma 180.

Avaliação toxicológica e determinação da dl 50 do extrato bruto de luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitaceae) / Toxicological evaluation and determination of ld 50 of the crude extract of luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitaceae) / Evaluación toxicológica y determinación de la dl 50 del extracto crudo de luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitáceas)

As plantas medicinais têm sido bastante utilizadas para o tratamento de várias enfermidades pelo homem. Numerosos compostos bioativos obtidos de plantas medicinais apresentam atividades antimicrobianas, antivirais, anticancerígenas, anti- inflamatórias, antioxidantes e neuromoduladoras. Entretanto, existe um número crescente de estudos científicos que comprovam a toxicidade de plantas medicinais. O fruto da Luffa operculata Cogn. é utilizado popularmente como purgante, emenogogo, expectorante e rinossinusite. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade aguda e determinar a dose letal 50% (LD50) do extrato bruto etanólico de Luffa operculata Cogn., por via intraperitoneal em camundongos. No experimento foi utilizado camundongos albinos fêmeas Swiss (Mus Muscullus). Os animais foram divididos em grupos (n=6/grupo), e a toxicidade foi avaliada em duas etapas: preliminar e definitiva. As reações comportamentais relacionadas às doses administradas do extrato de Luffa operculata Cogn. foram taquicardia, taquipneia, movimentos estereotipados e circulares e piloereção. Após essa fase, os animais apresentaram reações depressoras envolvendo apneia e prostração. Além disso, os animais apresentaram outros comportamentos como: contorções abdominais, tônus da musculatura abdominal, espasmos e irritação da conjuntiva. O extrato de Luffa operculata Cogn. apresentou uma DL50 de 3,3 mg/Kg de peso corpóreo, sendo considerada muito tóxica. Como essa planta é largamente usada pela população para fins terapêuticos, alertamos quanto a utilização indiscriminada devido ao alto potencial tóxico.

Medicinal plants have been sed for the treatment of various diseases by man. Numerous bioactive compounds obtained from medicinal plants exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuromodulatory activities. However, the number of scientific studies proving the toxicity of medicinal plants is increasing. The fruit of Luffa operculata Cogn. it is popularly used as a purgative, emmenagogue, expectorant, and rhinosinusitis. This work aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and determine the lethal dose of 50% (LD50) of the crude ethanolic extract of Luffa operculata Cogn., intraperitoneally. In the experiment, Swiss female albino mice (Mus Muscullus) were used. The animals were divided into groups (n=6/group), and toxicity was evaluated in two steps: preliminary and definitive. Behavioral reactions related to administered doses of Luffa operculata Cogn. were tachycardia, tachypnea, stereotyped, and circular movements and piloerection. After this phase, the animals presented depressive reactions involving apnea and prostration. In addition, the animals showed other behaviors such as abdominal contortions, abdominal muscle tone, spasms, and irritation of the conjunctiva. The extract of Luffa operculata Cogn. presented an LD50 of 3.3 mg/Kg of body weight, being considered very toxic. As this plant is widely used by the population for therapeutic purposes, we warn about its use due to its high toxic potential.

Las plantas medicinales han sido ampliamente utilizadas para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades por parte del hombre. Numerosos compuestos bioactivos obte- nidos de plantas medicinales exhiben actividades antimicrobianas, antivirales, anticance- rígenas, antiinflamatorias, antioxidantes y neuromoduladoras. Sin embargo, hay un nú- mero creciente de estudios científicos que prueban la toxicidad de las plantas medicinales. El fruto de Luffa operculata Cogn. se utiliza popularmente como purgante, emenogogo, expectorante y rinosinusitis. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la toxicidad aguda y determinar la dosis letal al 50% (DL50) del extracto etanólico crudo de Luffa operculata Cogn., por vía intraperitoneal. En el experimento se utilizaron ratones albinos hembra suizos (Mus Muscullus). Los animales se dividieron en grupos (n=6/grupo) y la toxicidad se evaluó en dos etapas: preliminar y definitiva. Reacciones conductuales relacionadas con las dosis administradas de Luffa operculata Cogn. fueron taquicardia, taquipnea, mo- vimientos estereotipados y circulares y piloerección. Después de esta fase, los animales presentaron reacciones depresivas involucrando apnea y postración. Además, los anima- les mostraron otros comportamientos como: contorsiones abdominales, tono muscular abdominal, espasmos e irritación de la conjuntiva. El extracto de Luffa operculata Cogn. presentó una DL50 de 3,3 mg/Kg de peso corporal, considerándose muy tóxico. Como esta planta es muy utilizada por la población con fines terapéuticos, advertimos contra su uso indiscriminado por su alto potencial tóxico.

Evalution of Anti-Diabetic Potential of Aqueous Extract of “Luffa cylindrica” (Native Sponge/Sponge Gourd) Leaf and Seed on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

The study was carried out to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of Luffa cylindrical (nativesponge/spongegourd) seed and leaf extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Sixteen experimental rats were divided into four groups of four rats each: a, diabetic control; b, normal control; c, diabetic rats treated with seed extract (400mg/kg) and d, diabetic rats treated with leaf extract (400mg/kg). The groups A, C and D rats were induced with diabetes intraperitoneally with alloxan (150mg/kg bw). Phytochemical screening was carried out on the plant seed and leaf extracts and the following biochemical tests were carried out: blood glucose, serum lipid profile, serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid and some electrolytes likeNa+, K+, HCO3-, and Cl-the administration of alloxan to experimental rats resulted in an increased level of most biochemical parameters; blood glucose, serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase and serum alkaline phosphatase, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, creatinine, urea and uric acid. Luffa cylindricaseed and leaf extractswas administered to groups c and d diabetic rats respectively for two weeks, results werecompared with normal control and diabetic control rats these parameters were found to be significantly (p<0.05) high in the diabetic groups than in the normal control groups. Treatment with the plant extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced elevated blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, uric acid associated with alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The plant tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins, negative for cardiac glycosides, phenols, resins, terpenes and steroids. Extracts of Luffa cylindricaseed and leaf has shown to have anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic effects generally on alloxan induced diabetic rats. The study’s findings has shown that the plant possess hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic property and has supported the traditional use of Luffa cylindricaplant in the management of diabetes and its complications.

Utilização do fruto seco descascado da Luffa cyllindrica como meio suporte em filtros biológicos percoladores: análise do desempenho quanto à redução da carga orgânica e considerações microbiológicas / Use of dehydrated peeled fruit of Luffa cyllindrica as support medium in biological trickling filters: analysis of performance regarding the reduction of the organic content and microbiologic considerations

RESUMO Experiências sobre o tratamento de esgoto doméstico foram realizadas em instalação piloto de filtros biológicos percoladores, em laboratório, nos quais frutos secos descascados de Luffa cyllindrica constituíram o meio suporte para o crescimento microbiológico, com o objetivo de verificar sua capacidade de remoção da matéria orgânica, medida em termos da demanda bioquímica de oxigênio e da demanda química de oxigênio. Os resultados obtidos, quando comparados com os originários de um filtro similar que utilizava pedras como meio suporte, indicaram que a Luffa cyllindrica pode substituir, em condições específicas, o meio suporte tradicional. Embora estudos microbiológicos detalhados não estivessem entre os objetivos deste estudo, observou-se também que o biofilme encontrado na Luffa cyllindrica era mais rico em espécies e apresentava estágio mais evoluído do que o biofilme encontrado nas pedras. Estudos complementares são recomendados.

ABSTRACT Domestic sewage treatment experiments were conducted in a pilot installation of biological trickling filters in laboratory, in which the peeled dehydrated fruits of Luffa cyllindrica were used as a support medium for microbiological growth, in order to verify its capacity to remove organic matter, measured in terms of biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand. The results obtained, when compared to results from similar pilot plant using stones as supporting medium, indicated that Luffa cyllindrica can substitute, under specific conditions, the traditional support media. Although detailed microbiologic studies were not among the objectives of this study, it was also observed that the biofilm found in Luffa cyllindrica was richer in species and in a higher evolutive stage than the biofilm found in the stones. Further studies are recommended.

The Activation of PPAR-α and Wnt/β-catenin by Luffa cylindrica Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extract

Luffa cylindrica (LC) is a very fast-growing climber and its fruit have been considered as agricultural wastes. We conducted to check the comparative qualities of ethanol solvent extraction (LCE) and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (LCS) of L. cylindrica fruit and seed. LCS had higher antioxidant and polyphenol contents than LCE. LCS were significantly increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-a and involucrin expression as epidermal differentiation marker in 3D skin equivalent model. LCS also showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a causative bacteria in atopic dermatitis. In addition, LCS inhibited the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. When treated with the extract at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway reporter luciferase activity of HEK 293-TOP cells was increased approximately by 2-folds compared to that of the untreated control group. These results indicate that L. cylindrica supercritical carbon dioxide extract may serve as a cosmeceutical for improving skin barrier function and the treatment of obesity.

Preclinical evaluation of Luffa operculata Cogn. and its main active principle in the treatment of bacterial rhinosinusitis / Avaliação pré-clínica de Luffa operculata Cogn. e seu principal princípio ativo no tratamento da rinossinusite bacteriana

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of rhinosinusitis is quite high. Despite the widespread use of antibiotics for rhinosinusitis, there are other forms of treatment, including phytotherapy. One of the most widely used herbal medicines for treatment of rhinosinusitis is Luffa operculata. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata, determining the toxicity to its use and identifying the active principles presented in the aqueous extract. The secondary objective was to evaluate the action of active principles on bacteria commonly involved in acute rhino sinusitis. Methods The study was conducted in experimental model of sinusitis. Three different concentrations of L. operculata were used as local treatment of rhino sinusitis. The results were compared with those observed in control groups that received nasal saline solution. Histological examination of the liver, kidney, spleen, myocardium, brain and lungs of all animals evaluated the toxicity of L. operculata. The aqueous extract used was subjected to chromatographic analysis and an active principle was isolated and tested for in vitro inhibition of bacterial colonies usually found in rhino sinusitis. Results Intranasal treatment of sinusitis with L. operculata showed better clinical evolution than control group. Statistically significant difference (p > 0.10) between the treated group and the control group was observed in the histologic evaluation for inflammatory pattern. The aqueous extract of L. operculata used presented a predominance of 2,3-dicafeoilglicaric acid, a substance not yet described in the literature. There was a significant difference in bacterial growth of Streptococcus pyogenes on blood-agar plates when under the influence of both the aqueous extract and the active substance. Conclusion Topical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata is effective compared to the application of saline solution for the treatment of bacterial rhinosinusitis in an experimental model. L. operculata determined in vitro inhibition of growth of S. pyogenes.

Resumo Introdução A prevalência de rinossinusite (RS) é bastante alta. Apesar do uso generalizado de antibióticos para RS, existem outras formas de tratamento, incluindo a fitoterapia. Uma das ervas medicinais mais utilizadas no tratamento da RS é a Luffa operculata. Objetivo Esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia da solução tópica nasal do extrato aquoso de Luffa operculata, determinando a toxicidade ao seu uso e identificando os princípios ativos apresentados no extrato aquoso. O objetivo secundário foi avaliar a ação dos princípios ativos sobre as bactérias comumente envolvidas na RS aguda. Método O estudo foi realizado em modelo experimental de sinusite. Utilizaram-se três concentrações diferentes de Luffa operculata como tratamento local de RS. Os resultados foram comparados com os observados em grupos de controle que receberam solução salina nasal. O exame histológico do fígado, rim, baço, miocárdio, cérebro e pulmões de todos os animais avaliou a toxicidade de Luffa operculata. O extrato aquoso utilizado foi submetido à análise cromatográfica e um princípio ativo foi isolado e testado para inibição in vitro de colônias bacterianas normalmente encontradas em RS. Resultados O tratamento intranasal da sinusite com Luffa operculata mostrou melhor evolução clínica do que o do grupo controle. Foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante (p > 0.10) entre o grupo tratado e o grupo controle na avaliação histológica do padrão inflamatório. O extrato aquoso de Luffa operculata utilizado apresentou predominância do ácido 2,3-dicafeoilglicarico, substância ainda não descrita na literatura. Houve uma diferença significativa no crescimento bacteriano de Streptococcus pyogenes em placas de ágar-sangue quando sob a influência tanto do extrato aquoso quanto da substância ativa. Conclusão A solução tópica nasal do extrato aquoso de Luffa operculata é eficaz em comparação com a aplicação de solução salina para o tratamento de RS bacteriana em um modelo experimental. Luffa operculata determinou a inibição in vitro do crescimento de Streptococcus pyogenes.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Luffa operculata / Atividade antimicrobiana in vitro da Luffa operculata

INTRODUCTION:Luffa operculata is probably one of the most popular herbal medicines used in the treatment of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unknown.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro antibacterial activity of L. operculata against three ordinary agents of upper respiratory tract infection: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes.METHODS: Different concentrations of L. operculata alcoholic extract were applied to bacterial broth containing reference and community strains of the three described agents. After a 24-h incubation period, the bacterial culture turbidity was measured. The samples were then inoculated onto Mueller-Hinton and human blood agar plates. Bacterial growth was analyzed after 24- and 48-h incubation period. The test was considered negative when there was no environmental turbidity, confirmed by the absence of bacterial growth into the inoculated plates. Tests were considered positive when either turbidity changes were observed on the bacterial broth or when bacterial growth was detected on inoculated plates. Appropriate statistical analysis of the data was performed.RESULTS:L. operculata extracts showed antibacterial activity mainly to S. pyogenes followed by S. pneumoniae and S. aureus.CONCLUSIONS:L. operculata extract showed promising antibacterial activity in vitro against the studied agents.

INTRODUÇÃO: A Luffa operculataé, provavelmente, o fitoterápico mais utilizado no tratamento das rinites e rinossinusites. Apesar de amplamente utilizada pela população, seus mecanismos de ação ainda não estão completamente estabelecidos.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitroda Luffa operculataem agentes causadores de infecções de vias aéreas superiores: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniaee Streptococcus pyogenes.MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas diferentes concentrações de extrato alcoólico de Luffa operculataem caldo de bactérias dos agentes avaliados. Após incubação de 24 horas foi realizada a leitura de turvação do meio, e posteriormente, semeadura em placas de ágar-sangue e ágar Muller-Hinton, após 24 e 48 horas de incubação. Foram considerados testes negativos aqueles em que não houve a turvação do meio, confirmados pela ausência do crescimento das bactérias nas semeaduras. Foram considerados positivos os testes que apresentaram turvação do caldo ou positividade nas semeaduras de 24 ou 48 horas. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística pertinente.RESULTADOS: Os extratos de Luffa operculataapresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, especialmente para Streptococcus pyogenes, seguido dos Streptococcus pneumoniaee Sthaphylococcus aureus.CONCLUSÃO: O extrato de Luffa operculataapresentou promissora atividade antimicrobiana in vitrocontra os agentes estudados.

Anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of some dietary cucurbits.

In this study, we investigated few dietary cucurbits for anticancer activity by monitoring cytotoxic (MTT and LDH assays), apoptotic (caspase-3 and annexin-V assays), and also their anti-inflammatory effects by IL-8 cytokine assay. Aqua-alcoholic (50:50) whole extracts of cucurbits [Lagenaria siceraria (Ls), Luffa cylindrica (Lc) and Cucurbita pepo (Cp)] were evaluated in colon cancer cells (HT-29 and HCT-15) and were compared with isolated biomolecule, cucurbitacin-B (Cbit-B). MTT and LDH assays revealed that the cucurbit extracts and Cbit-B, in a concentration dependent manner, decreased the viability of HT-29 and HCT-15 cells substantially. The viability of lymphocytes was, however, only marginally decreased, yielding a potential advantage over the tumor cells. Caspase-3 assay revealed maximum apoptosis with Ls while annexin V assay demonstrated maximum efficacy of Lc in this context. These cucurbits have also shown decreased secretion of IL-8, thereby revealing their anti-inflammatory capability. The results have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of dietary cucurbits in inhibiting cancer and inflammatory cytokine.

Caso de intoxicación en Venezuela, por el uso de la planta de Estropajo o Tusa (Luffa cylíndrica ) / Case of intoxication by the use of the loofah sponge or tusa (Luffa cylindrica) in Venezuela

En algunas regiones del mundo, las plantas originan importantes problemas clínicos, causando gran morbilidad y mortalidad, principalmente después de la intoxicación no intencional. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo principal describir un caso clínico presentado en el Servicio de Toxicología Médica, Hospital “Doctor Leopoldo Manrique Terrero”, Caracas, Venezuela (2012), de una intoxicación con la planta de estropajo (Luffa  cylindrica), perteneciente a la familia de las Cucurbitáceas, usada inadecuadamente como instilación nasal. El análisis clínico otorrinolaringológico permitió evidenciar un cuadro agudo, grave con obstrucción de vías aéreas superiores, producido por el uso tópico de extracto de la planta de estropajo (Luffa  cylindrica), como medicamento nasal para tratar una sinusitis crónica. El paciente presentó 2 horas después de la instilación,  una disfonía,  con un intenso edema de úvula; se encontraba confundido, con cefalea, así como acentuada odinofagia y dificultad respiratoria. Tras la revisión de la literatura se permite plantear que se trata del primer caso referido o publicado de esta inusual intoxicación y daño de vías aéreas superiores ocasionado por esta planta. El paciente fue tratado con oxígeno (SOS), hidrocortisona y clorfeniramina recuperándose después de 48 h de tratamiento sintomático.

In some world regions, plants originate important clinical problems, causing significant morbidity and mortality, mainly after unintentional poisoning. This paper aims to describe a case seen at the Medical Toxicology Service, "Dr. Leopoldo Manrique Terrero " Hospital, Caracas, Venezuela (2012), which was a loofah plant poisoning (Luffa cylindrica), belonging to Cucurbitaceae family, used inappropriately as nasal instillation. The otorhinolaryngology clinical analysis demonstrated an acute, severe upper airway obstruction produced by the topical use of loofah (Luffa cylindrica) plant extract as nasal medication to treat chronic sinusitis. The patient developed 2 hours after instillation, a dysphonia, with intense uvula edema, confusion, headache and sore throat and accentuated respiratory distress. After literature review it is suggested that this is the first referred or published case in this unusual intoxication and upper airway damage caused by this plant. The patient was treated with oxygen (SOS), hydrocortisone and chlorpheniramine recovering after 48 h of symptomatic treatment.

Citrullus Colocynthis (Linn.) and Luffa Acutangula (L.) Roxb, Schrad. Source of Bioinsecticides and their Contribution in Managing Climate Change.

In present agricultural practices greenhouse gases are created in a multitude of ways. Pesticide and fertilizer applications, irrigation, lighting, transportation, and other machinery are powered by greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels. The fertilizers and pesticides alone are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. The overuse of agricultural chemicals pollutes watersheds and kills plants that could otherwise capture greenhouse gases and actually reduce global warming. Compared to conventional agriculture, organic agriculture is reported to be more efficient and effective both in reducing GHGs (CO2, CH4 and N2O) emission mainly due to the less use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organic agriculture also reported to be climate change resilience farming systems as it promotes the proper management of soil, water, biodiversity and local knowledge there by acting as a good options for adaptation to climate change. In the present study two of the cucurbits are studied for their insecticidal acitivity against Aphids one is a wild specie Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad.and another one is cultivated specie that is Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb., both have found effective but C. colocynthis found more effective than L. Acutangula.

Ameliorative effect of Luffa acutangula Roxb. on doxorubicin induced cardiac and nephrotoxicity in mice.

The present study reports protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Luffa acutangula (HAELA) on doxorubicin (DXR) induced cardio and nephro toxicity in mice by studying various serum biomarkers, antioxidants in target organs and histoarchitecture alterations. Pretreatment with HAELA reversed significantly the elevated serum biomarkers, alanine amino transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine phosphokinase in heart and kidney in DXR treated mice. In addition, HAELA treatment inhibited elevated malondialdehyde formation and restored the depleted glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase in heart and kidney tissue. The altered histoarchitecture of heart and kidney tissue due to DXR treatment were also improved with HAELA. The protective activity observed with HAELA on DXR induced cardio and nephrotoxicity in mice was found to be related to its antioxidant property which finally results in membrane stabilization.

Eficacia del cepillo de esponja vegetal (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) en la remoción de placa supragingival. Paraguay, 2010 / Effectiveness of the loofa (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) brush in the supragingival plaque removal. Paraguay, 2010

Una de las causas principales de las dolencias bucales es la placa dental. Para el control de la misma, el cepillo con esponja vegetal (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) podría convertirse en un auxiliar alternativo económico. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la eficacia del cepillo de esponja vegetal frente al cepillo convencional en la remoción de placa supragingival. Ensayo clínico, aleatorizado y simple ciego para el evaluador. Fueron incluidos en el estudio 95 estudiantes de Odontología de las Universidades del Pacífico Privada, Nacional de Asunción, Central del Paraguay y Autónoma de Asunción sin patología bucal evidente, con más de 20% de placa dental en el examen inicial. La presencia de placa gingival basal fue evaluada con el índice de O' Leary tras seis horas mínimas sin cepillado ni uso de colutorios, a continuación se procedió al cepillado con los métodos asignados volviéndose a evaluar la presencia de placa supragingival. No se observó diferencia significativa en el porcentaje promedio de placa por la técnica Luffa en comparación con la técnica convencional después del cepillado (60% ±19 vs 62% ± 21 valor de p = 0,53, prueba t de student. El cepillo con esponja vegetal (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) es una alternativa económica para la reducción de la placa supragingival.

One of the main causes of oral diseases is dental plaque. The loofah (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) brush could become an economics alternative auxiliary to control dental plaque. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the loofa brush against the conventional toothbrush in the supragingival plaque removal. This was a randomized clinical trial, single blinded for the evaluator. Ninety five odontology students from the governmental National University of Asuncion and the private Pacifico and Autonoma de Asunción universities were included in the study. They did not have any obvious oral pathology and had more than 20% of dental plaque in the initial examination. The presence of basal gingival plaque was evaluated with the O’ Leary index after a minimum of six hours without brushing and using mouthwash. Then, they brushed their teeth with the method assigned and the presence of supragingival plaque was reevaluated. There was no significant difference in the mean percentages of plaque by the Luffa plaque technique compared with the conventional technique after brushing (60% ± 19 vs 62% ± 19 vs 62 ±, p value=0.53, Student’s t test). The loofa brush (Loofah cylindrica, L. Roem) is an economical alternative for the reduction of the supragingival plaque.

Inhibition of Naja nigricolis (Reinhardt) venom protease activity by Luffa egyptiaca (Mill) and Nicotiana rustica (Linn) extracts.

Luffa egyptiaca and Nicotiana rustica are used in traditional medicine to treat snakebites and were evaluated for inhibitory activities on Naja nigricolis venom protease. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of L. egyptiaca significantly reduced the maximum velocity (Vmax) and the computed index of physiological efficiency (Kcat) of the enzyme in a dose dependent fashion. The protease activity was non-competitively inhibited by the aqueous extract of N. rustica with the Vmax significantly decreased and the KM remained unchanged. However, the N. rustica ethanol extract completely inhibited the protease activity. Ethyl acetate fractions partitioned from ethanol extracts of both plants were also found to completely inhibit the N. nigricolis venom protease activity at 0.1 and 0.05%. The use of these plants could be important in the treatment of snakebites.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial investigation of Luffa cylindrica / Investigacion fitoquimica y antimicrobiana de Luffa cylindrica

3-hydroxy-1-methylene-2,3,4,4-tetrahydroxynapthalene-2-carbaldehyde (1), 22,23-dihydroxy spinasterol (2) were isolated from petroleum ether extrct of the fruits of Luffa cylindrical. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic studies including IR and high field NMR analysis.Petroleum ether extract (i.e. crude extract) exhibited mild to moderate antimicrobial activity. This is the first report of isolation of compound of 1 – 2 from this species.

3-hydroxi-1-metilen-2,3,4,4-tetrahidroxinaftalen-2-carbaldehido (1), 22,23-dihidroxispinasterol (2) fueron aislados de un extracto en eter de petróleo de la fruta de Luffa cylindrica. Las estructuras de estos compuestos fueron deducidas por estudios espectroscópicos incluyendo IR y RMN de alto campo. El extracto crudo en éter de petróleo mostró actividad antimicrobiana de leve a moderada. El presente estudio representa el primer reporte de estos compuestos en L cylindrica.

Hepatoprotective activity of Luffa acutangula against CCl4 and rifampicin induced liver toxicity in rats: A biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

Hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Luffa acutangula (HAELA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats was evaluated and probable mechanism(s) of action has been suggested. Administration of standard drug- silymarin and HAELA showed significant hepatoprotection against CCl4 and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatoprotective activity of HAELA was due to the decreased levels of serum marker enzymes viz., (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) and increased total protein including the improvement in histoarchitecture of liver cells of the treated groups as compared to the control group. HAELA also showed significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, increased activity of non-enzymatic intracellular antioxidant, glutathione and enzymatic antioxidants, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Results of this study demonstrated that endogenous antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of membrane contribute to hepatoprotective activity of HAELA.

Inmovilización de hongos ligninolíticos para la remoción del colorante negro reactivo 5 / Immobilising lignilolytic fungus for removing reactive black 5 dye

La presencia de colorantes azoicos en aguas residuales de la industria textil es un problema ambiental y sanitario, porque muchos de estos compuestos son cancerígenos. Los tratamientos biológicos son una alternativa para la remoción de ese tipo de colorantes. En el presente trabajo se evaluó el efecto de tres hongos de podredumbre blanca, Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus y Phanerochaete chrysosporium sobre la decoloración de un agua que contiene colorante negro reactivo 5 (NR5), ampliamente usado en la industria textil. Se estudió la inmovilización de estos hongos en dos soportes, espuma de poliuretano y estropajo (L. cylíndrica) para seleccionar el mejor soporte y el hongo con mayor capacidad para la decoloración. Ambos soportes fueron igualmente efectivos, pero se seleccionó estropajo por ser un producto natural. El hongo que generó los mayores porcentajes de decoloración en 4 días fue Trametes versicolor, con 96%, 98% y 98% para agua con concentración de NR5 300 ppm, 150 ppm y 75 ppm, respectivamente. La actividad lacasa para cada concentración de NR5 fue 8 U L-1, 7 U L-1 y 5 U L-1.

Waste water from the textile industry represents a major environmental and health problem because it contains azo dyes whose carcirogenic effect has been tested in research. Biological treatment represents a valuable alternative for removing these dyes. The effect of Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium rot fungi on decoloration of water containing reactive black five (NR5) textile dye was evaluated in this work. Immobilising the fungi on polyurethane foam and luffa sponge (Luffa cylindrica) supports was studied in order to select the best support and the fungi having the best decolorisation. Both supports were equally effective; however, the luffa sponge was selected as being a natural product. Trametes versicolor produced the highest decolorisation percentages in four days (96%, 98% and 98% for 300 ppm, 150 ppm and 75 ppm NR5 concentrations, respectively) while lacase enzyme activity was 8 UL-1, 7 UL-1 and 5 UL-1 for each of them.

Developmental genetic analysis of fruit shape traits under different environmental conditions in sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrical (L.) Roem. Violales, Cucurbitaceae)

Analysis of genetic main effects and genotype × environment (GE) interaction effects for the fruit shape traits fruit length and fruit circumference in the sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrical (L) Roem. Violales, Cucurbitaceae) was conducted for diallel cross data from two planting seasons. A genetic model including fruit direct effects and maternal effects and unconditional and conditional variances analysis was used to evaluate the development of the fruit at four maturation stages. The variance analysis results indicated that fruit length and circumference were simultaneously affected by fruit direct genetic effects and maternal effects as well as GE interaction effects. Fruit direct genetic effects were relatively more important for both fruit shape traits during the whole developmental period. Gene activation was mostly due to additive effects at the first maturation stage and dominance effects were mainly active during the other three stages. The fruit shape trait correlation coefficients due to different genetic effects and the phenotypic correlation coefficients varied significantly for the various maturation stages. The results indicate that it is relatively easy to improve the two fruit shape traits for market purposes by carefully selecting the parents at the first maturation stage 3 days after flowering instead of at fruit economic maturation.

Antioxidant and serum lipid lowering effects of luffa cylindrical on experimental hyperlipidemia mice / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To observe the antioxidation and the serum lipid lowing effects of polyphenols in luffa cylindrical on experimental hyperlipidemia mice.METHODS:Acetone was used to extract polyphenols from luffa cylindrical.The content of polyphenols was determined by Folin-ciocalteau method.The inhibitory efficacy of the extracts from luffa cylindrical to the production of OH? free radical was measured.Kunming mice were used to establish the hyperlipidemia model by feeding high fat diet.The freeze-dried fresh luffa cylindricals was added to the treated animals,xuezikang was also used as a positive control.After feeding high-fat food for 14 days,serum were collected to measure the total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and superoxidedismutase(SOD).The liver tissue was also collected for determining malonaldehyde(MDA)content.RESULTS:(1)Content of polyphenols in fresh luffa cylindrical was(0.3?0.1)g /kg.(2)The polyphenol extracts from fresh luffa cylindrical had a strong efficacy to inhibit the production of OH? free radicals.(3)The trend of body weight gain in groups LC1(low dosage luffa cylindrical)and LC2(high dosage luffa cylindrical)became slow down obviously,compared with that in group HPL(high-lipid model).(4)The levels of TC(4.19?0.37)mmol/L and LDL-C(2.77?0.79)mmol/L in group LC1,TC(3.56?0.55)mmol/L and LDL-C(2.34?0.41)mmol/L in group LC2,TC(4.59?0.96)mmol/L and LDL-C(3.25?0.67)mmol/L in group PC(positive control)were all lower than those in group HPL(P