Effect of Spice form and Extraction Period on Total Phenolic Content of Selected Ugandan Spices

Introduction: Spice consumption is one of the globally recognized healthy nutritional practices. Most spices contain phenolic compounds that may prevent or prolong the onset of non-communicable diseases. The harvesting, processing and preparation procedures of such spices may influence the phenolic amount extracted and eventual biological availability. Literature about how extraction period and spice form affects total phenolic content yield in water infusions is scanty. Aim: This study determined the effect of spice form and length of extraction time on the total phenolic content (TPC) yield of the selected Ugandan spices infused in water. Methods: Samples of Ocimum gratissimum, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon citratus and Zingiber officinale, were collected in triplicates from Kanungu, Bushenyi and Lugazi Districts, in Uganda. Fresh and dry samples of these spices were infused in hot water for four minutes and 40 minutes and sieved with Whatman paper, No. 1. Phenolic content was measured with a spectrophotometer at Makerere University, Biochemistry Department, following Folin-ciocalteu method, using gallic acid as the reference standard. Results were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 software. Results: Higher TPC yield was generally observed in dry samples compared to the flesh ones and 40-minute extracts of both fresh and dry samples also had higher TPC content compared to the four minutes ones. The highest TPC yield was observed in Cymbopogon citratus (12.21±0.75 mg GAE/g) among the dry samples and Ocimum gratissimum (10.02±2.45 mg GAE/g) among the fresh samples, extracted for 40 minutes. Conclusion: Longer extraction time and sample dryness maximize TPC yield. Ocimum gratissimum and Cymbopogon citratus may benefit consumers by improving their antioxidant status.

Occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria in retail market spices / Ocorrência e resistência antimicrobiana de bactérias em especiarias comercializadas no varejo

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality and the transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria in different spices sold in town fairs (local food markets) in the municipalities of Recôncavo Baiano. Samples of black pepper, oregano, and cinnamon were collected over a period of six months and investigated for coliforms at 45 °C, Staphylococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. The contamination in the black pepper samples (log 4.66 CFU g-1) was higher (P>0.05), than those of cinnamon (log 2.55 CFU g-1) and oregano (log 2.49 CFU g-1), particularly for B. cereus. E. coli (89%) and Salmonella spp. (67%) were isolated only from black pepper. B. cereus and S. aureus showed greater resistance to β-lactams (penicillin, oxacillin, and cefepime), with approximately 40% of the strains with a multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) index of 0.33 (i.e., resistant to three antimicrobials). E. coli was more resistant to ampicillin and Salmonella spp. to nalidixic acid, ampicillin, and ceftriaxone. Salmonella spp. had a MAR index ranging from 0.16 to 0.91 (i.e, resistant to up to 11 antimicrobials), and E. coli to up to 0.58 (i.e., resistant to 7 antimicrobials). In conclusion, the spices sold in the town fairs of Recôncavo Baiano are of low microbiological quality, with the presence of pathogens, of which some display high resistance to antimicrobials that are commonly used for treating foodborne illnesses.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e a veiculação de bactérias multirresistentes em diferentes especiarias comercializadas em feiras livres nos municípios do Recôncavo Baiano. Foram analisadas amostras de pimenta-do-reino, orégano e canela durante seis meses e pesquisados coliformes a 45 °C, Staphylococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp. A contaminação nas amostras de pimenta-do-reino (log 4,66 UFC g-1) foi maior (P>0,05), quando comparado com as amostras de canela (log 2,55 UFC g-1) e orégano (log 2,49 UFC g-1), principalmente para B. cereus. E. coli (89%) e Salmonella spp. (67%) foram isoladas apenas na pimenta-do-reino. B. cereus e S. aureus apresentaram maior resistência aos β-lactâmicos (penicilina, oxacilina e cefepime), com cerca de 40% das cepas com índice MAR de 0,33 (resistência a 3 antimicrobianos). E. coli foi mais resistente a ampicilina e Salmonella spp. ao ácido nalidíxico, ampicilina e ceftriaxona. Salmonella spp. apresentou índice MAR variando de 0,16 a 0,91 (até 11 antimicrobianos), e E. coli até 0,58 (7 antimicrobianos). Com isso, as especiarias comercializadas nas feiras livres do Recôncavo Baiano apresentam baixa qualidade microbiológica, com presença de patógenos e elevada resistência a antimicrobianos comumente usados no tratamento de enfermidades transmitidas por alimentos.

Mechanism of Prunellae Spica on Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Prunellae Spice in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on the network pharmacological method, in order to elaborate its scientific connotation. Method:The active ingredients and targets of Prunellae Spice were obtained through retrieval of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMSP), the disease-genome association database (DisGeNET) was searched to obtain the disease targets relating to non-small cell lung cancer, and the drug-component-disease-target network was constructed. The mechanism of action was analyzed. The key target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. The gene ontology (GO) classification and enrichment analysis of key targets and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out. Result:Totally 11 active ingredients and 178 targets were obtained from TCMSP, 2019 genes relating to non-small cell lung cancer were obtained from DisGeNET database, 114 key targets for Prunellae Spice to treat non-small cell lung cancer were obtained from drug-component-disease-target network, and 114 PPI networks were constructed, including 114 nodes and 1 952 edges. According to the analysis of PPI network, the key targets of Prunella vulgaris in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer included protein kinase B (Akt)1, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGFA), Caspase-3, interleukin(IL)-6, JUN, mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)8, MYC, epithelial growth factor receptor(EGFR). The enrichment of KEGG involved 152 biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell division, cell apoptosis. KEGG enrichment involved 147 signaling pathways. phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, NF-kappa B pathway, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) pathway, p53 signaling pathway and EGFR signaling pathway played key roles in the occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer. Conclusion:This study preliminarily verified the basic pharmacological effect and mechanisms of Prunellae Spice on NSCLC, and laid a foundation for further exploring its mechanisms.

Valoración médico legal del consumo de la marihuana sintética / Legal medical evaluation of the consumption of synthetic marihuana

ResumenLa marihuana sintética es una sustancia que ha incrementado su consumo en los últimos años y que conlleva a múltiples implicaciones en la salud de las personas que la utilizan. Este artículo se basa en identificar los principales formas de uso, los síntomas de los evaluados, la fisiopatología de estas sustancias y los riesgos y consideraciones para el manejo de pacientes que consumen cannabinoides sintéticos, así como los criterios Médico Legales que se deben tener presentes en el momento de realizar una valoración de evaluados que utilizan alguna sustancia en la Clínica Médico Forense y en el momento de realizar una autopsia Médico Legal en particular cuando existe la historia reciente del consumo de la marihuana sintética.

SummarySynthetic marijuana is a substance that has increased its consumption in recent years and that leads to multiple implications on the health of people who use it. This article is based on identifying the main forms of use, the symptoms of the evaluated ones, the pathophysiology of these substances and the risks and considerations for the management of patients who use synthetic cannabinoids, as well as the Legal Medical criteria that must be kept in mind The time to make an assessment in the Forensic Medical Clinic and at the time of performing a Medical Legal autopsy in particular when there is the recent history of the consumption of synthetic marijuana

An approach to the new psychoactive drugs phenomenon / Una aproximación al fenómeno de las nuevas drogas psicoactivas

Abstract Background. The new psychoactive drugs (NPD) are those that represent a danger to public health and are not prohibited by conventions on international narcotics. The concept also includes new contexts and new routes of consumption as well as novel ways of distribution, notably Internet. The risks associated with NPD consumption are largely unknown to users and to health care providers. Objective. To integrate the existing evidence regarding the main NPD in terms of description, epidemiology, psychopharmacology, medical complications and psychoactive effects. Method. To review relevant and updated clinical information on NPD obtained from specialized books and indexed scientific journals (PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus), as well as official documents edited by international organizations dedicated to the epidemiologic analysis of drug abuse and Internet websites and forums managed by psychoactive substance users. Results. Aspects of clinical and pharmacological interest are described comprehensively, together with epidemiological data and risks associated to the consumption of the most relevant NPD: synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, NBOMe series, indoleamines, piperazines, hallucinogenic mushrooms (Psilocybe SP.), synthetic opioids, plant products (khat, kratom, Salvia divinorum, ayahuasca) and dissociative anesthetics. Discussion and conclusion. The emergence of the NPD is a phenomenon on the rise with important consequences for public health. Learning about new trends in drug consumption and its potential risks should be essential for the medical professional. New research is needed in order to understand the phenomenon of the NPD and its pharmacological, clinical and legal implications.

Resumen Antecedentes. Las nuevas drogas psicoactivas (NDP) son aquellas que, aun cuando representan un peligro para la salud pública, no están prohibidas por los acuerdos internacionales sobre narcóticos. La noción incluye también nuevos contextos de usos, nuevas formas de administración y nuevas vías de distribución, entre las que destaca Internet. Los riesgos asociados al consumo de NDP son en gran medida desconocidos por los usuarios y el personal de salud. Objetivo. Integrar la información existente sobre las principales NDP en cuanto a su descripción, psicofarmacología, epidemiología, efectos psicoactivos y complicaciones médicas descritas. Método. Revisión de la información actualizada de relevancia clínica sobre las NDP obtenida de libros especializados y revistas científicas indexadas (PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus); de documentos oficiales de organismos internacionales dedicados a la epidemiología del consumo de drogas, y de portales y foros en Internet gestionados por usuarios de sustancias psicoactivas. Resultados. Se describen de manera detallada aspectos de interés clínico y farmacológico, así como datos epidemiológicos y riesgos asociados al consumo de las NDP más relevantes: cannabinoides sintéticos, catinonas sintéticas, serie de los NBOMe, indolaminas, piperazinas, hongos alucinógenos (Psilocybe sp.), opioides sintéticos, productos vegetales (khat, kratom, Salvia divinorum, ayahuasca) y anestésicos disociativos. Discusión y conclusión. El surgimiento de las NDP es un fenómeno en auge con importantes consecuencias en la salud pública. Se hace imprescindible para el profesional médico conocer las nuevas tendencias en el consumo y los riesgos potenciales del mismo. Son necesarias también nuevas investigaciones para comprender el fenómeno de las NDP y sus implicaciones farmacológicas, clínicas y legales.

The effect of visitor number and spice provisioning in pacing expression by jaguars evaluated through a case study / O efeito do número de visitantes e do provisionamento de especiaria na expressão do pacing por onças-pintadas avaliado por estudo de caso

Abstract Captive animals exhibit stereotypic pacing in response to multiple causes, including the inability to escape from human contact. Environmental enrichment techniques can minimize pacing expression. By using an individual-based approach, we addressed whether the amount of time two males and a female jaguar (Panthera onca) devote to pacing varied with the number of visitors and tested the effectiveness of cinnamon and black pepper in reducing pacing. The amount of time that all jaguars engaged in pacing increased significantly with the number of visitors. Despite the difference between the males regarding age and housing conditions, both devoted significantly less time to pacing following the addition of both spices, which indicates their suitability as enrichment techniques. Mean time devoted to pacing among the treatments did not differ for the female. Our findings pointed out to the validity of individual-based approaches, as they can reveal how suitable olfactory stimuli are to minimizing stereotypies irrespective of particular traits.

Resumo Animais cativos exibem a estereotipia pacing em resposta a múltiplos fatores, os quais incluem a incapacidade de escapar da exposição ao público. As técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental podem minimizar a expressão do pacing. Usando uma abordagem individual, nós investigamos se a extensão de tempo que dois machos e uma fêmea de onça-pintada (Panthera onca) dispendem com pacing variou em função do número de visitantes e testamos a eficácia da canela e da pimenta-do-reino na redução do pacing. A extensão de tempo em pacing aumentou significativamente com o número de visitantes para todos os indivíduos. Apesar da diferença entre os machos com relação à idade e às condições no cativeiro, ambos devotaram ao pacing menos tempo após a administração das duas especiarias, o que indica a adequabilidade dessas como técnicas de enriquecimento. Para a fêmea, o tempo médio dispendido com pacing não variou entre os tratamentos. Nossos resultados respaldam a validade da realização de abordagens individuais, uma vez que essas podem revelar o grau de eficácia dos estímulos olfativos na minimização de estereotipias independentemente de características particulares.

Mimotopes for Api g 5, a Relevant Cross-reactive Allergen, in the Celery-Mugwort-Birch-Spice Syndrome

PURPOSE: In the celery-mugwort-birch-spice syndrome, a significant proportion of IgE is directed against high molecular weight (HMW) glycoproteins, including the celery allergen Api g 5. BIP3, a monoclonal antibody originally raised against birch pollen, recognizes HMW allergens in birch and mugwort pollens, celery, and Apiaceae spices. Our aim was to generate mimotopes using BIP3 for immunization against the HMW allergens relevant in the celery-mugwort-birch-spice cross reactivity syndrome. METHODS: Mimotopes were selected from a random-peptide display library by BIP3 and applied in IgE inhibition assays. The 3 phage clones with the highest inhibitory capacity were chosen for immunization of BALB/c mice. Mouse immune sera were tested for IgG binding to blotted birch pollen extract and used for inhibiting patients' IgE binding. Furthermore, sera were tested for binding to Api g 5, to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a second glycoprotein, or to non-glycosylated control allergen Phl p 5 in ELISA, and the specific Api g 5-specific IgG titers were determined. RESULTS: Three rounds of biopanning resulted in phage clones exhibiting 7 different sequences including 1 dominant, 1-6-cyclo-CHKLRCDKAIA. Three phage clones had the capacity to inhibit human IgE binding and induced IgG to the HMW antigen when used for immunizing BALB/c mice. The induced BIP3-mimotope IgG reached titers of 1:500 specifically to Api g 5, but hardly reacted to glycoprotein HRP, revealing a minor role of carbohydrates in their epitope. CONCLUSIONS: The mimotopes characterized in this study mimic the epitope of BIP3 relevant for Api g 5, one of the cross-reactive HMW allergens relevant in the celery-mugwort-birch-spice syndrome. BIP3 mimotopes may be used in the future for hyposensitization in this clinical syndrome by virtue of good and specific immunogenicity.

In vitro culture of immature embryos of Cinnamomum tamala Nees.— The role of different factors.

Seed characteristics and in vitro culture of C. tamala embryos were studied. Embryos desiccated below 50% (fresh weight) exhibited poor morphogenetic response in vitro and confirmed the recalcitrant nature of seeds. The immature embryos of various developmental ages (4-16 week after flowering, WAF) were cultured on different strengths of MS medium. Morphogenesis responses were recorded after 10 days of culture. The best culture responses were achieved from the immature embryos of 12 WAF on MS medium with sucrose (3%, w/v), polyvinyl pyrollidone (100 mg L-1) and benzyl adenine (12 µM). Under optimum condition ~60% explants responded; and ~7.3 shoots buds developed per explants after 35 days of culture initiation. The shoot buds could be converted into micro-shoots on MS medium with sucrose (3%) and kinetin (3 µM). About 5.3 micro-shoots/shoot buds sprouted per sub-culture. The micro-shoots were rooted by maintaining them on MS medium with α-naphthalene acetic acid (3 µM) where within 6-8 wk of culture ~8-10 roots developed. The rooted plantlets were acclimatized in vitro before they were transferred to community potting mix and maintained in the poly-shade ca 75% shading. The transplants registered ~70% survival after two months of transfer.

Crescimento de mudas de orégano submetidas a doses e frequências de aplicação de Ácido L-glutâmico em sistema orgânico / Growth of oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ) seedlings in different levels and frequencies of foliar application of the l-glutamic acid in the organic system

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar o efeito de diferentes doses e frequências de aplicação do biofertilizante aminoácido Ácido L-glutâmico em mudas de orégano produzidas em sistema orgânico, quantificando seu crescimento. Os tratamentos compostos por 2 doses (0,4 e 0,8 mL L-1) de Ácido L-glutâmico a 30%, e testemunha com água, foram aplicados via foliar em intervalos regulares de 7 e 14 dias, por 28 dias (fatorial 3 x 2, com 4 e 2 aplicações, respectivamente), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 4 repetições. Aos 62 dias após a semeadura foi realizada a coleta de 8 plantas centrais por repetição para avaliação de características biométricas da parte aérea e das raízes. O experimento demonstrou que o biofertilizante aminoácido ácido L-glutâmico influenciou as características avaliadas. A dose de 0,8 mL L-1, aplicada com intervalo de 14 dias, promoveu maior crescimento das mudas de orégano.

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the different levelsand frequencies of foliar application of the biofertilizer L-glutamic acid in oregano seedlings produced in the organic system, quantifying their growth. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications in a 3 x 2 factorialarrangement, consisting of two doses (0.4 and 0.8 ml L-1) of a compound with 30% L -glutamic acid and a control, under a frequency of two applications, with a total of 4 applications for the 7-day frequency, and 2 applications for the 14-day frequency. At the 62nd day after sowing, eight plants were collected per replication for measuring biometric characteristics of shoots and roots. The biofertilizer L-glutamic acid affected the evaluated characteristics, and the dose of 0.8 ml L-1 (applied with a 14-day interval), promoted greater seedling growth of oregano.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)：a precious spice

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most valuable spices that has been used for centuries as food preservative and for many medicinal purposes. Clove is native of Indonesia but nowadays is cultured in several parts of the world including Brazil in the state of Bahia. This plant represents one of the richest source of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate and gallic acid and posses great potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and agricultural applications. This review includes the main studies reporting the biological activities of clove and eugenol. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of clove is higher than many fruits, vegetables and other spices and should deserve special attention. A new application of clove as larvicidal agent is an interesting strategy to combat dengue which is a serious health problem in Brazil and other tropical countries. Pharmacokinetics and toxicological studies were also mentioned. The different studies reviewed in this work confirm the traditional use of clove as food preservative and medicinal plant standing out the importance of this plant for different applications.

Rehabilitation in the Intermediate and Long Term Care (ILTC) Sector

Outside acute hospital rehabilitation units, inpatient rehabilitation is also provided in the ILTC sector. Facilities providing such inpatient rehabilitation include Community Hospitals, Chronic Sick Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Inpatient Hospice Care, Day Rehabilitation Centres and Home Care Services. After the initial acute episode of a disabling disease (e.g. a stroke) has settled, the elderly patient will often than not, require a longer period for inpatient rehabilitation compared to a younger person. Such patients are transferred to a community hospital inpatient rehabilitation unit. The length of stay is about 1 month. However, it can be longer (3 to 6 months) depending on the condition and progress of the patient. The patient is then discharged home or to a nursing home if the family is unable to manage the patient at home. Elderly patients who require continuation of rehabilitation can receive this in various settings in the ILTC sector like the outpatient departments of the community hospital; Day Rehabilitation Centres (DRCs); and Singapore Programme of Integrated Care for the Elderly (SPICE) centers.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): a precious spice

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most valuable spices that has been used for centuries as food preservative and for many medicinal purposes. Clove is native of Indonesia but nowadays is cultured in several parts of the world including Brazil in the state of Bahia. This plant represents one of the richest source of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate and gallic acid and posses great potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and agricultural applications. This review includes the main studies reporting the biological activities of clove and eugenol. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of clove is higher than many fruits, vegetables and other spices and should deserve special attention. A new application of clove as larvicidal agent is an interesting strategy to combat dengue which is a serious health problem in Brazil and other tropical countries. Pharmacokinetics and toxicological studies were also mentioned. The different studies reviewed in this work confirm the traditional use of clove as food preservative and medicinal plant standing out the importance of this plant for different applications.

Microbial, physical and sensory attribute of cookies produced from wheat flour fortified with Termitomyces robustus and spiced with curry leaves (Murraya koenigii).

Wheat flour was used to substitute mushroom flour at the ratio of 70:30 as category A, 50:50 as category B, 30:70 as category C, and each categories were substituted with spice (Murraya koenigii) at concentration ratio of 5g, 10g, and 15g respectively. The cookies prepared without wheat flour and also without mushroom flour serve as positive control. The spread ratio was determined with meter rule: Total Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Coliform and Fungi count were determined using standard microbiological procedure and the effect of the spice (Murraya koenigii) concentration was noted. Consumer preference or otherwise was also determine using a taste parnel list. The mean quality scores of microbial count, Staphylococcal count and Fungi count reduces significantly at p<0.05 as the spice concentration increases but the Bacillus proves resistant to the effect of the spice. The mean quality sensory scores of the cookies range from: colour (3.55 – 3.45), flavour (4.9 – 3.5), taste (4.9 – 3.0) and overall acceptability (5.0 – 3.0) for 70:30. Colour (4.9 – 3.0), flavour (4.0 – 3.5), taste (4.9 – 3.0) and overall acceptability (4.9 – 3.0) for 50:50. Colour (3.5 – 2.0), taste (2.5 – 2.0) and overall acceptability (3.0 – 2.0) for 30:70 respectively. The result shows a significant difference at probability level P<0.05 as the spice concentration increases for category A and B but C display no significant difference. the production of cookies from wheat flour fortified with (Murraya koenigii) be encouraged to achieve and harvested the preservatives, potential of the spice (Murraya koenigii) and the other medical properties that has been recorded from literature review.

Canabinoides sintéticos: drogas de abuso emergentes / Synthetic cannabinoids: emerging drugs of abuse

CONTEXTO: A Cannabis sativa (cannabis, maconha, marijuana) é uma droga de abuso com efeitos psicoativos e potencial terapêutico bastante conhecidos. Um grande número de canabinoides foi sintetizado na tentativa de excluir ou minimizar os efeitos psicotrópicos e mantendo as aplicações terapêuticas. Os canabinoides sintéticos representam o mais recente avanço das designer drugs. OBJETIVOS: Este trabalho busca trazer informações sobre a utilização de canabinoides sintéticos como drogas de abuso emergentes, principalmente sob a forma de spice ou herbal blends. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica na base de dados PubMed utilizando os descritores de assunto "synthetic cannabinoids", "spice", "legal highs", "herbal blends", "psychosis cannabis" e suas combinações. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados canabinoides sintéticos nos produtos Spice, confirmando que os incensos herbais realmente surgiram como drogas de abuso emergentes. CONCLUSÃO: Não está claro se a utilização de canabinoides sintéticos e de Spice é uma moda passageira ou se irá se estabelecer em nossa sociedade. No entanto, o fenômeno das designer drugs, especialmente canabinoides sintéticos, representa um desafio presente para o sistemas de saúde no mundo globalizado, tornando-se necessária a pesquisa clínica e forense desses produtos.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis sativa (cannabis, marijuana) is a drug of abuse with well known psychoactive effects and therapeutic potential. A large number of cannabinoids chemically similar to Δ9-THC, the main active metabolite of marijuana, were synthesized in an attempt to exclude or minimize the psychotropic effects, maintaining the therapeutic potential. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to review of the use of synthetic cannabinoids as emerging drugs of abuse, especially in the form of spice or herbal blends. METHODS: A bibliographic search was performed in PubMed employing the terms "synthetic cannabinoids", "spice", "legal highs", "herbal blends", "psychosis cannabis" and cross references. RESULTS: A number of synthetic cannabinoids can be found in Spice products, confirming that herbal incense emerged as new drugs of abuse. DISCUSSION: It is unclear whether the use of synthetic cannabinoids and Spice is a fad or will be established as common practice in our society. However, the phenomenon of designer drugs, especially synthetic cannabinoids, will remain a challenge to health authorities in the globalized world, requiring additional clinical and forensic research.

Inhibition of virulence potential of Vibrio cholerae by natural compounds.

The rise in multi-drug resistant Vibrio cholerae strains is a big problem in treatment of patients suffering from severe cholera. Only a few studies have evaluated the potential of natural compounds against V. cholerae. Extracts from plants like ‘neem’, ‘guazuma’, ‘daio’, apple, hop, green tea and elephant garlic have been shown to inhibit bacterial growth or the secreted cholera toxin (CT). However, inhibiting bacterial growth like common antimicrobial agents may also impose selective pressure facilitating development of resistant strains. A natural compound that can inhibit virulence in V. cholerae is an alternative choice for remedy. Recently, some common spices were examined to check their inhibitory capacity against virulence expression of V. cholerae. Among them methanol extracts of red chili, sweet fennel and white pepper could substantially inhibit CT production. Fractionation of red chili methanol extracts indicated a hydrophobic nature of the inhibitory compound(s), and the n-hexane and 90 per cent methanol fractions could inhibit >90 per cent of CT production. Purification and further fractionation revealed that capsaicin is one of the major components among these red chili fractions. Indeed, capsaicin inhibited the production of CT in various V. cholerae strains regardless of serogroups and biotypes. The quantitative reverse transcription real-time PCR assay revealed that capsaicin dramatically reduced the expression of major virulence-related genes such as ctxA, tcpA and toxT but enhanced the expression of hns gene that transcribes a global prokaryotic gene regulator (H-NS). This indicates that the repression of CT production by capsaicin or red chili might be due to the repression of virulence genes transcription by H-NS. Regular intake of spices like red chili might be a good approach to fight against devastating cholera.

Ethanol extract of rosemary repressed pten expression in K562 culture cells.

Several medicinal herbs are found to have a potent transcriptional activity for the gene involved in cellular function. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of such herbs on PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) gene, which is a candidate gene involved in cancer development. The in vitro effect of a Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract on the reduction of PTEN expression was confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, western blotting also confirmed the down-regulation of the protein at dose dependent manner of the Rosemary extract. Our results show that component(s) of Rosemary inhibits the expression of PTEN in K562 myeloid cell line cells.

In-vitro antimicrobial activity and synergistic/antagonistic effect of interactions between antibiotics and some spice essential oils.

Spices and herbs have been used for many years by different cultures. The aim of the present study is (1) to investigate in-vitro antimicrobial effects of different spices and herbs (5 species: Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. Brachycalyx P.H. Davis (White micromeria), Cumium cyminum (cumin), Mentha piperita (Peppermint) against different bacteria and fungi species, and (2) to discuss the in-vitro possible effects between the plants and antibiotics. The microorganisms used were Micrococcus luteus LA 2971, Bacillus megaterium NRS, Bacillus brevis FMC 3, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 15753, Pseudomonas pyocyaneus DC 127, Mycobacterium smegmatis CCM 2067, Escherichia coli DM, Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966, Yersinia enterocolitica AU 19, Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1, Streptococcus faecalis DC 74 bacteria, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae WET 136, Kluvyeromyces fragilis DC 98 fungi in this study. The results indicated that essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis, Coriandrum sativum L., Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. brachycalyx P.H. Davis, Cumium cyminum L., Mentha piperita L. were shown antimicrobial activity in the range of 7-60 mm 2 Cl-1 inhibition zone to the microorganisms tested, using disc diffusion method. Standard antibiotic such as Gentamicin (10 Cg), Cephalothin (30 Cg), Ceftriaxone (10 Cg), Nystatin (10 U) discs were used for comparison with the antimicrobial activities of essential oils of these plants. In addition, antibacterial activity of essential oils of these plants was researched by effects when it was used together with these standard antibiotics in vitro. However, antibacterial activity changed also by in vitro interactions between these standard antibiotics and essential oils of these plants. Synergic, additive or antagonist effects were observed in antibacterial activity.

Clostrídios em condimentos utilizados em embutidos cárneos / Ciostridium of vegetable spices utilized in sausages

Em 35 amostras de diferentes condimentos vegetais, utilizados em embutidos cárneos, conforme metodologia recomendada por Holdeman et ai. (1977) e Jürgensen e Jürgensen (1982) foram isolados microrganismos do gênero Clostridium. Nas análises efetuadas comprovamos a presença de clostrídios em 65,7% do total de amostras analisadas. Foram isolados, pelas características fenotípicas identificadas, os seguintes microrganismos nas amostras correspondentes: Pimenta branca (Clostridium glycolicum, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium perfringens), Louro (Clostridium perfringens); Canela (Clostridium pertríngens), Noz-moscada (Clostrídíum pertríngens, clostrídíum ramosum); Cominllo (Clostridium perene, Clostridium glycolicum, Cilostridium barati); Alho (Clostridium perene, Clostridium pertringens); Cebola (Clostridium glycolicum, Clostridium paraputrificum, Clostridium pertringens); Orégano (Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium glycolicum, Clostridium ramos um); Coentro (Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium glycolicum); Pimenta preta (Clostridium feisineum, Clostridium sporogenes).

Using metllodology recommended by Holdeman et ai. (1977) and Jürgensen and Jürgensen (1982), micro-organisms of the genus Clostridium were isolated from thirty-five vegetal species utilized in sausage. Clostridium was seen in 65,7% of lhe samples analysed. The following micro-organisms (identied based on phenotypical characteristics) and corresponding vegetal samples were white pepper... (Clostridium glycolicum, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium perfringens), laurel (Clostridium perfringens), Cinammon (Clostridium perfringens), Nutmeg (Ciostridium ramosum; Clostridium perfringens), Cummín (Clostridium perene, Clostridium glycolicum; Clostridium barati), Garlic (Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium perene), Onion (Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium glycolicum, Clostridium paraputrificum), Origanum (Clostridium ramosum, Clostridium glycolicum; Clostridium acetobutyricum), Coentro (Clostridium perfringens; Clostridium glycolicum), Black pepper (Clostridium felsineum and Clostridium sporogenes).