Croton stipulaceus Kunth, a native Mexican medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities / Croton stipulaceus Kunth, planta medicinal mexicana con actividad antioxidante y antiinflamatoria

Leaves of Croton stipulaceuswere extracted (EHex, ECHCl3and EEtOH extracts) to assesstheir antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity in murine models and acute toxicity. EEtOH showed the highest effect in DPPH (37.80% inhibition), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) and total polyphenols (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). EHex was the most active, ~ 50% inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema; while EEtOH (dose of 2 mg/ear) showed the highest inhibition in the chronic model (97% inhibition), and inhibited MPO activity (48%). In carrageenan-induced edema, ECHCl3(dose 500 mg/kg) was the most active. None of the extracts showed acute toxicity (LD50) at 2 g/kg (p.o.). This work is the first report that supports the traditional use of C. stipulaceusas an anti-inflammatory.

De las hojas de Croton stipulaceusse obtuvieron diferentes extractos (EHex, ECHCl3y EEtOH) evaluando el potencial antioxidante y la actividad antiinflamatoria en modelos murinos y la toxicidad aguda. El EEtOH mostró mayor efecto en DPPH (37.80% inhibición), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) y polifenolestotales (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). El EHex fue el más activo, cercano al 50% de inhibición del edema auricular inducido con TPA; mientras que el EEtOH (dosis de 2 mg/oreja) mostró la mayor inhibición en el modelo crónico (97% inhibición), e inhibió la actividad de la MPO (48%). En el edema inducido con carragenina, el ECHCl3(dosis 500 mg/kg) fue el más activo. Ninguno de los extractos mostró una toxicidad aguda (DL50) mayor a 2 g/kg (p.o). Este trabajo es el primer reporte que sustenta el uso tradicional de C. stipulaceuscomo antiinflamatorio.

Medicinal plants and their importance for the conservation of biocultural knowledge in primary school students of the Paniquita Indigenous Community (Rivera, Huila, Colombia) / Plantas medicinales y su importancia para la conservación del conocimiento biocultural en estudiantes de primaria de la Comunidad Indígena Paniquita (Rivera, Huila, Colombia)

Ethnobotany approached through ethnoeducation allows for the preservation of the cultural heritage of indigenous communities. In this way, the ethnobotanical knowledge of primary school students from the Paniquita Indigenous Community was recognized, regarding the cultural knowledge of medicinal plants and their significance in the conservation of the biocultural heritage. This research had a qualitative, ethnographic approach. The sample consisted of ten students who were part of a focus group, ethnobotanical walks, and participatory workshops with drawings since they stimulate students' creative and dynamic thinking and strengthen interculturality. Twenty-one plants were reported, which are used to relieve sore throats, headaches, and stomach aches, as well as to treat diarrhea and fever, to prevent flu, and as a purgative. All the medicinal plants mentioned grow in the community and are either cultivated or wild, which also shows the students' knowledge of the ir territory. These findings reflect the importance of ethno-education and ethnobotany at school and how historical reconstruction processes are generated from these settings, where indigenous ancestral knowledge is made visible.

La etnobotánica abordada desde la etnoeducación permite mantener el legado cultural de los pueblos originarios. De esta manera, se reconoció el conocimiento etnobotáni co de los estudiantes de primaria de la Comunidad Indígena Paniquita, sobre el conocimiento cultural de las plantas medicinales y su importancia para la conservación del patrimonio biocultural. La investigación tuvo un enfoque cualitativo y etnográfico. La muestra estuvo conformada por diez estudiantes que formaron parte de un grupo focal, caminatas etnobotánicas y talleres participativos con dibujos, ya que estimulan el pensamiento creativo y dinámico de los estudiantes y fortalecen la interculturalidad. Se reportaron 21 plantas que se utilizan para aliviar dolores de garganta, cabeza y estómago, así como para tratar la diarrea y la fiebre, para prevenir la gripe y como purgante. Todas las plantas medicinales mencionadas crecen en la comunidad y son cultivadas o silvestres, lo que también demuestra el conocimiento que los estudiantes tienen de su territorio. Estos hallazgos reflejan la importancia de la etnoeducación y la etnobotánica en la escuela y cómo se generan procesos de reconstrucción histórica desde estos escenarios, donde se visibiliza el conocimiento ancestral indígena.

Past, present and future of Psoralea glandulosa Linn, Chilean medicinal plant, an inexhaustible resource: a literature review / Pasado, presente y futuro de Psoralea glandulosa Linn, planta medicinal chilena fuente inagotable de recursos: una revisión de la literatura

Culén is the popular term used in Chile for the only endemic species of the Fabaceae family, Psoralea glandulosaLinn. It is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in Chile and in some regions of South America, not only as a home remedy, but also recommended by medicine and widely used in the gastronomic industry. Many properties are known, supported by biological tests both in vitroand in vivo. Because it is so highly appreciated, it is included in the book "Medicamentos HerbariosTradicionales" (Traditional Herbal Medicines) of the Chilean Ministry of Health. Given the great interest in this plant since time immemorial, this review contains information on its history, popular uses and scientific studies, for a better knowledge, management and sustainable care of this Chilean natural resource.

Culén es el término popular utilizado en Chile para la única especie endémica de la familia Fabaceae, Psoralea glandulosaLinn. Se trata de una de las plantas medicinales más utilizadas en Chile y en algunas regiones de Sudamérica, no solamente como remedio curativo casero, sino también recomendada por la medicina y con amplia utilización en la industria gastronómica. De ella se conocen un gran número propiedades avaladas por ensayos biológicos tanto in vitrocomo in vivo. Por ser tan apreciada, se encuentra incluida en el libro "Medicamentos Herbarios Tradicionales" del Ministerio de Salud de Chile. Dado el gran interés que despierta esta planta desde tiempos inmemoriales, se recoge en este capítulo la información sobre su historia, usos populares y estudios científicos, para un mejor conocimiento, manejo y cuidado de manera sustentable de este recurso natural chileno.

Interacciones potenciales entre productos herbolarios con fármacos hipoglucemiantes en adultos mayores con diabetes mellitus, en una zona rural mexicana / Potenciais interacções entre produtos à base de plantas e medicamentos hipoglicemiantes em adultos mais velhos com diabetes mellitus no Mexico rural / Potential interactions between herbal products with hypoglycemic drugs in older adults with diabetes mellitus in rural Mexico

Introducción: El 50% de la población mundial usa tratamientos alternativos como productos herbarios. El 20% los consume de manera simultánea con algún tratamiento farmacológico para el control la Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2; enfermedad prevalente en adultos mayores. Es escasa la información acerca de las interacciones medicamentosas que pudieran producirse, siendo responsables de más de 7,000 muertes al año. Objetivo: Identificar los productos herbarios de mayor consumo del Adulto Mayor con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2, en Chapulco, Puebla, México y describir las posibles interacciones medicamentosas entre fármaco hipoglucemiante ­ producto herbario reportados en la literatura científica. Metodología: Estudio observacional, prolectivo, transversal, descriptivo, en una población de 35 adultos mayores diabéticos, con edad promedio de 70±7 años. Para la identificación de los productos herbarios de uso común y sus aplicaciones terapéuticas se aplicó el cuestionario U-PLANMED. Resultados: Se identificaron 50 productos herbarios y 18 combinaciones entre estos a la vez. El 40% de los participantes consumen simultáneamente más de dos productos herbarios con uno o dos fármacos hipoglucemiantes. Entre los productos de mayor consumo se encuentran el nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica L.), la manzanilla (Matricaria chamomilla L.) y el zacate de limón (Cymbopogon citratus DC. Stapf.). Las interacciones medicamentosas potenciales identificadas, principalmente en estudios experimentales en animales, sugieren que, existe una acción hipoglucemiante del producto herbario al aumentar la capacidad orgánica sobre la secreción/liberación de insulina endógena. Conclusiones: Se ha evidenciado la presencia de interacciones medicamentosas ante el consumo simultaneo de fármacos prescritos para el control de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 con productos herbarios. Es necesario que, los profesionales en atención a la salud identifiquen el uso de dichos productos y orienten a los adultos mayores sobre las posibles repercusiones en los niveles de glucosa ante el consumo.

Introduction: 50% of the world's population uses alternative treatments such as herbal products. Twenty percent use them in conjunction with some form of pharmacological treatment to control type 2 diabetes mellitus, a disease prevalent in older adults. There is little information on the drug interactions that may occur, which are responsible for more than 7,000 deaths per year. Objective: To identify the most consumed herbal products among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chapulco, Puebla, Mexico, and to describe the possible drug-drug interactions between hypoglycemic drugs and herbal products reported in the scientific literature. Methodology: Observational, prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study in a population of 35 diabetic older adults with a mean age of 70±7 years. The U-PLANMED questionnaire was used to identify commonly used herbal products and their therapeutic applications. Results: Fifty herbal products and 18 combinations of them were identified. Forty percent of the participants used more than two herbal products simultaneously with one or two hypoglycemic drugs. The most used products included prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica L.), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus DC. Stapf.). Potential drug-drug interactions identified mainly in experimental animal studies suggest that there is a hypoglycemic effect of the herbal product by increasing the organic capacity on endogenous insulin secretion/release. Conclusions: The presence of drug-drug interactions has been demonstrated with the simultaneous consumption of drugs prescribed for the control of type 2 diabetes mellitus with herbal products. It is necessary for health care professionals to recognize the use of such products and to inform older adults about the possible repercussions on glucose levels when consuming them.

Introdução: 50% da população mundial utiliza tratamentos alternativos como os produtos à base de plantas. Vinte por cento utilizam-nos em conjunto com algum tipo de tratamento farmacológico para controlar a diabetes mellitus tipo 2, uma doença prevalente em adultos mais velhos. Há pouca informação sobre as interacções medicamentosas que podem ocorrer e que são responsáveis por mais de 7.000 mortes por ano. Objetivos: Identificar os produtos fitoterápicos mais consumidos entre os idosos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 em Chapulco, Puebla, México, e descrever as possíveis interações medicamentosas entre medicamentos hipoglicemiantes e produtos fitoterápicos relatados na literatura científica. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, prospetivo, transversal e descritivo numa população de 35 idosos diabéticos com uma idade média de 70±7 anos. O questionário U-PLANMED foi utilizado para identificar os produtos fitoterápicos mais utilizados e suas aplicações terapêuticas. Resultados: Foram identificados 50 produtos à base de plantas e 18 combinações dos mesmos. Quarenta por cento dos participantes utilizaram mais de dois produtos à base de plantas em simultâneo com um ou dois medicamentos hipoglicemiantes. Os produtos mais utilizados foram o cato de figo da Índia (Opuntia ficus-indica L.), a camomila (Matricaria chamomilla L.) e o capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus DC. Stapf.). As potenciais interacções medicamentosas identificadas principalmente em estudos experimentais em animais sugerem que existe um efeito hipoglicémico do produto à base de plantas através do aumento da capacidade orgânica na secreção/libertação de insulina endógena. Conclusões: A presença de interacções medicamentosas foi demonstrada com o consumo simultâneo de medicamentos prescritos para o controlo da diabetes mellitus tipo 2 com produtos à base de plantas. É necessário que os profissionais de saúde reconheçam o uso de tais produtos e informem os idosos sobre as possíveis repercussões nos níveis de glicose ao consumi-los.

Seasonal effect on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of young, mature and senescent leaves from Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis (Basellaceae)

Abstract Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis is a vine species native to Brazil that is considered an unconventional food plant and a medicinal species whose phenolic compounds exert antioxidant activity. Since the production of metabolites is determined by environmental factors and leaf maturity, it is important to track these changes in order to determine the best time to harvest. This study aimed to verify whether leaf phenology and seasonality cause variations in the amount of phenolic compounds and in the antioxidant activity of this species. The leaves were collected in different seasons between September 2018 and April 2019, and separated according to maturity: young, mature, and senescent. Daily atmospheric temperature and rainfall data were used to characterize the collection period. The total phenolic content (TPC), determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method, was significantly higher in the young leaves collected in winter, a season of lower temperatures. These leaves showed 54.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry matter (mg GAE 100 g-1DM). Other results averaged 25.6 mg GAE 100 g-1DM. The highest antioxidant activity, assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, regardless of leaf phenology, was observed in leaves harvested in autumn (73.7%) and winter (71.1%), seasons with lower rainfall. Leaves harvested in summer and spring had lower antioxidant action rates (54.3 e 37.5%, respectively). There was no significant correlation between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Thus, the phenolic composition of A. cordifolia, and consequently its activity on free radicals, varies seasonally in response to temperature and rainfall, and may or may not interact with the age of the leaves.

Resumo Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis é uma trepadeira nativa do Brasil considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional e uma espécie medicinal, cujos compostos fenólicos exercem ação antioxidante. Como a produção de metabólitos é determinada por fatores ambientais e pela maturidade das folhas, é importante acompanhar essas mudanças a fim de determinar a época de colheita. Neste estudo objetivou-se verificar se a fenologia foliar e a sazonalidade ocasionam variação na quantidade de compostos fenólicos e na ação antioxidante dessa espécie. As folhas foram coletadas em diferentes estações, entre setembro de 2018 e abril de 2019, e separadas conforme a maturidade: jovens, maduras e senescentes. Os dados diários de temperatura atmosférica e pluviosidade foram usados para caracterizar o período de coleta. O conteúdo de fenólicos totais (TPC), determinado pelo método Folin-Ciocalteu, foi significativamente maior nas folhas jovens coletadas no inverno, período caracterizado por temperaturas mais baixas. Estas folhas apresentaram 54,4 mg equivalentes de ácido gálico por 100 g de matéria seca (mg GAE 100 g-1DM) . A média dos outros resultados foi de 25,6 mg GAE 100 g-1DM. A maior ação antioxidante, avaliada pelo método do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), foi observada em folhas colhidas no outono (73,7%) e inverno (71,1%), independentemente da fenologia foliar. Nestes períodos a pluviosidade foi menor. Folhas colhidas no verão e na primavera apresentaram menores percentuais de ação antioxidante (54,3 e 37,5%, respectivamente). Não houve correlação significativa entre o conteúdo de fenólicos totais e a atividade antioxidante. Conclui-se que a composição fenólica de A. cordifolia e, consequentemente, sua ação sobre radicais livres, varia sazonalmente em resposta à temperatura e pluviosidade, podendo ou não interagir com a idade das folhas.

Infestation of Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) plants by Neotuerta platensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in Brazil: evaluations for five consecutive years

Abstract The bioecology and infestation aspects of Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on plants are poorly known. This insect fed on the leaves of common purslane, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) for two consecutive years, which triggered its study in the following five years in Januária, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The objective of this work was to study the bioecology and infestation aspects of N. platensis on P. oleracea plants in the field and laboratory. The mean duration (± SD) of the egg, larva and pupa stages was 3.6 ± 0.89, 11.5 ± 2.81 and 10.7 ± 1.97 days, respectively. The mean numbers of egg masses and eggs per female (± SD) were 3.8 ± 1.16 and 891.6 ± 116.83, respectively. The percentage of infested plants was 59, 74, 0, 78 and 75% and the mean numbers of larvae per plant (± SD) ranged from 0.7 ± 0.45 to 1.6 ± 0.49 individuals, respectively from 2015 to 2019. Neotuerta platensis larvae infested P. oleracea plants in four out of five years evaluated.

Resumo Os aspectos de bioecologia e infestação de Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em plantas são pouco conhecidos. Esse inseto se alimentou das folhas de beldroega comum, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) por dois anos consecutivos, o que desencadeou seu estudo nos cinco anos seguintes em Januária, Minas Gerais, Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a bioecologia e os aspectos da infestação de N. platensis em plantas de P. oleracea em campo e laboratório. A duração média (± DP) dos estágios de ovo, larva e pupa foi de 3,6 ± 0,89, 11,5 ± 2,81 e 10,7 ± 1,97 dias, respectivamente. Os números médios de posturas e ovos por fêmea (± DP) foram de 3,8 ± 1,16 e 891,6 ± 116,83, respectivamente. A porcentagem de plantas infestadas foi de 59, 74, 0, 78 e 75% e os números médios de larvas por planta (± DP) variaram de 0,7 ± 0,45 a 1,6 ± 0,49 indivíduos, respectivamente de 2015 a 2019. Larvas de N. platensis infestaram plantas de P. oleracea em quatro dos cinco anos avaliados.

Infestation of Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) plants by Neotuerta platensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in Brazil: evaluations for five consecutive years / Infestação de plantas de Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) por larvas de Neotuerta platensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) no Brasil: avaliações por cinco anos consecutivos

The bioecology and infestation aspects of Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on plants are poorly known. This insect fed on the leaves of common purslane, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) for two consecutive years, which triggered its study in the following five years in Januária, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The objective of this work was to study the bioecology and infestation aspects of N. platensis on P. oleracea plants in the field and laboratory. The mean duration (± SD) of the egg, larva and pupa stages was 3.6 ± 0.89, 11.5 ± 2.81 and 10.7 ± 1.97 days, respectively. The mean numbers of egg masses and eggs per female (± SD) were 3.8 ± 1.16 and 891.6 ± 116.83, respectively. The percentage of infested plants was 59, 74, 0, 78 and 75% and the mean numbers of larvae per plant (± SD) ranged from 0.7 ± 0.45 to 1.6 ± 0.49 individuals, respectively from 2015 to 2019. Neotuerta platensis larvae infested P. oleracea plants in four out of five years evaluated.

Os aspectos de bioecologia e infestação de Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em plantas são pouco conhecidos. Esse inseto se alimentou das folhas de beldroega comum, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) por dois anos consecutivos, o que desencadeou seu estudo nos cinco anos seguintes em Januária, Minas Gerais, Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a bioecologia e os aspectos da infestação de N. platensis em plantas de P. oleracea em campo e laboratório. A duração média (± DP) dos estágios de ovo, larva e pupa foi de 3,6 ± 0,89, 11,5 ± 2,81 e 10,7 ± 1,97 dias, respectivamente. Os números médios de posturas e ovos por fêmea (± DP) foram de 3,8 ± 1,16 e 891,6 ± 116,83, respectivamente. A porcentagem de plantas infestadas foi de 59, 74, 0, 78 e 75% e os números médios de larvas por planta (± DP) variaram de 0,7 ± 0,45 a 1,6 ± 0,49 indivíduos, respectivamente de 2015 a 2019. Larvas de N. platensis infestaram plantas de P. oleracea em quatro dos cinco anos avaliados.

Seasonal effect on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of young, mature and senescent leaves from Anredera cordifolia (Ten. ) Steenis (Basellaceae) / Efeito sazonal no conteúdo de fenólicos e ação antioxidante de folhas jovens, maduras e senescentes de Anredera cordifolia (Ten. ) Steenis (Basellaceae)

Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis is a vine species native to Brazil that is considered an unconventional food plant and a medicinal species whose phenolic compounds exert antioxidant activity. Since the production of metabolites is determined by environmental factors and leaf maturity, it is important to track these changes in order to determine the best time to harvest. This study aimed to verify whether leaf phenology and seasonality cause variations in the amount of phenolic compounds and in the antioxidant activity of this species. The leaves were collected in different seasons between September 2018 and April 2019, and separated according to maturity: young, mature, and senescent. Daily atmospheric temperature and rainfall data were used to characterize the collection period. The total phenolic content (TPC), determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method, was significantly higher in the young leaves collected in winter, a season of lower temperatures. These leaves showed 54.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry matter (mg GAE 100 g-1DM). Other results averaged 25.6 mg GAE 100 g-1DM. The highest antioxidant activity, assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, regardless of leaf phenology, was observed in leaves harvested in autumn (73.7%) and winter (71.1%), seasons with lower rainfall. Leaves harvested in summer and spring had lower antioxidant action rates (54.3 e 37.5%, respectively). There was no significant correlation between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Thus, the phenolic composition of A. cordifolia, and consequently its activity on free radicals, varies seasonally in response to temperature and rainfall, and may or may not interact with the age of the leaves.

Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis é uma trepadeira nativa do Brasil considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional e uma espécie medicinal, cujos compostos fenólicos exercem ação antioxidante. Como a produção de metabólitos é determinada por fatores ambientais e pela maturidade das folhas, é importante acompanhar essas mudanças a fim de determinar a época de colheita. Neste estudo objetivou-se verificar se a fenologia foliar e a sazonalidade ocasionam variação na quantidade de compostos fenólicos e na ação antioxidante dessa espécie. As folhas foram coletadas em diferentes estações, entre setembro de 2018 e abril de 2019, e separadas conforme a maturidade: jovens, maduras e senescentes. Os dados diários de temperatura atmosférica e pluviosidade foram usados para caracterizar o período de coleta. O conteúdo de fenólicos totais (TPC), determinado pelo método Folin-Ciocalteu, foi significativamente maior nas folhas jovens coletadas no inverno, período caracterizado por temperaturas mais baixas. Estas folhas apresentaram 54,4 mg equivalentes de ácido gálico por 100 g de matéria seca (mg GAE 100 g-1DM) . A média dos outros resultados foi de 25,6 mg GAE 100 g-1DM. A maior ação antioxidante, avaliada pelo método do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), foi observada em folhas colhidas no outono (73,7%) e inverno (71,1%), independentemente da fenologia foliar. Nestes períodos a pluviosidade foi menor. Folhas colhidas no verão e na primavera apresentaram menores percentuais de ação antioxidante (54,3 e 37,5%, respectivamente). Não houve correlação significativa entre o conteúdo de fenólicos totais e a atividade antioxidante. Conclui-se que a composição fenólica de A. cordifolia e, consequentemente, sua ação sobre radicais livres, varia sazonalmente em resposta à temperatura e pluviosidade, podendo ou não interagir com a idade das folhas.

Experience of Medicinal Insects for Gynaecological Diseases / 中医杂志

It is believed that all kinds of gynaecological diseases are mostly related to deficiency and stagnation of qi and blood. Medicinal insects are good at running and scurrying， with the effectiveness of activating blood circulation and dispelling blood stasis， moving qi and relieving pain， searching and dredging collaterals， attacking hardness and dissipating mass， and purging foetus and resolving mass， etc. Appropriate prescriptions can enhance the effectiveness of the formula in eliminating blood stasis and eliminating stagnation. In the treatment of menstrual disorders， chronic pelvic inflammatory disease， uterine cavity disease， incomplete miscarriage， ectopic pregnancy， and other gynaecological diseases， medicinal insects including Quanxie （Scorpio）， Wugong （Scolopendra）， Tubiechong （Eupolyphaga/Steleophaga）， Jiuxiangchong （Coridius chinenses）， Shuizhi （Hirudo）， Mangchong （Tabanus）， Dilong （Pheretima） and other insects for medicinal purposes could be used， and the self-prescribed empirical formulas such as Sanhuang Decoction （三黄汤）， Hongteng Decoction （红藤汤）， Penning Decoction （盆宁方）， Shapei Decoction （杀胚方）， and Gongwaiyun Decoction （宫外孕方） and so on， were all applied medicinal insects and showed effective in clinic.

Methods for Identifying Seeds of Chinese Medicinal Materials： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Seeds are the source for the production of Chinese medicinal materials. The seed authenticity and quality of directly affect the effectiveness and safety of Chinese medicinal materials. The seed quality is faced with the problems such as mixed sources， existence of adulterants and seeds stocked for years， low maturity， and low purity. To ensure the high-quality and sustainable development of the Chinese medicinal material industry， it is urgent to standardize the seed market and identify and evaluate the quality of the seeds circulating in the market. Seed identification methods include visual inspection， microscopic observation， micro-character identification， chemical fingerprinting， molecular identification， electronic nose， X-ray diffraction， electrochemical fingerprinting， spectral imaging， and artificial intelligence. These methods have different application scopes and unique advantages and disadvantages. According to the different species of Chinese herbal medicines and different requirements of testing sites， suitable methods can be selected to achieve rapid and accurate identification with low costs. In the future， the seed identification methods should be developed based on emerging technologies with interdisciplinary knowledge， and intelligent， nondestructive， and single-grain detection methods are needed for the modern Chinese medicinal material industry. This paper introduces the seed identification technologies currently applied in research and production， compares the principles， applicability， advantages， and disadvantages of different technologies， and provides an outlook on the future development of seed identification technologies， aiming to provide a reference for the identification and quality evaluation of seeds of Chinese medicinal material.

Chemical Constituents， Pharmacological Effect， and Product Development of Eucommia ulmoides with Both Medicinal and Edible Values： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Eucommia ulmoides， a plant belonging to Eucommiaceae， has a history of medical use for over two thousand years in China. The dried bark and leaves of this plant are usually used as medicinal materials. Due to the high safety in clinical application， E. ulmoides leaves were officially recognized for both medicinal and edible use by the food safety evaluation in 2019， providing a valuable resource for the development of food and health products. According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory， E. ulmoides has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys， strengthening sinews and bones， and calming fetus. Modern research has shown that different parts such as the bark， leaves， flowers， and seeds of E. ulmoides contain similar chemical components， including phenylpropanoids， terpenoids， flavonoids， phenolic acids， steroids， and polysaccharides. E. ulmoides exhibits diverse pharmacological activities such as lowering blood pressure and blood lipid and glucose levels， preventing osteoporosis and possesses anti-tumor， anti-bacterial， antiviral， anti-inflammatory， antioxidant， and hepatoprotective effects. Therefore， it holds great potential for the development of products with both medicinal and edible values. This review systematically summarizes the chemical constituents， pharmacological activities， and representative medicinal and edible products of different parts of E. ulmoides. It is expected to provide theoretical references for the clinical application of E. ulmoides and its active components and the development and utilization of the products with both medicinal and edible values. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of the medicinal properties of E. ulmoides and provides guidance for further exploration of its applications in the healthcare field. As a plant with both medicinal and edible values， E. ulmoides is expected to attract more attention in future research and contribute to human health.

Prácticas y creencias con el uso de plantas medicinales en lactantes de San Andrés Isla

Introducción: El uso de plantas medicinales es parte de la cultura tradicional de muchas poblaciones alrededor del mundo, se utilizan para prevenir enfermedades y preservar la salud de los individuos, siendo un conocimiento que conservan las madres y abuelas para el cuidado de la primera infancia. Sin embargo, existen muchos vacíos en la investigación con respecto al uso y propiedades de plantas medicinales en lactantes y población general. Objetivo: Analizar y describir las prácticas y creencias con el uso ancestral de plantas medicinales en lactantes de la comunidad raizal en San Andrés Isla. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo descriptivo etnográfico aplicado a una muestra por conveniencia de ocho abuelas de la comunidad Raizal de San Andrés Isla. Se realizó la descripción y el análisis de las ideas, prácticas sociales, comportamientos, creencias, significados y conocimientos en torno al uso de plantas medicinales en lactantes. Resultados: Aún se conservan los conocimientos ancestrales con el uso de plantas medicinales liderado por las abuelas. El uso de plantas medicinales en lactantes se rige únicamente por la necesidad de manejo de situaciones de salud. En esta investigación se encontraron 23 ejemplares de plantas medicinales de uso en lactantes, de estas son pocas las que se encuentran registradas en el vademécum colombiano de plantas medicinales. Discusión: Los hallazgos concuerdan con los resultados de otros estudios que evidencian la importancia de la tradición cultural en el cuidado de los lactantes, el protagonismo de la experiencia acumulada de las abuelas en estos saberes y prácticas; además de corroborar que el uso de plantas medicinales en lactantes se rige únicamente por la necesidad de cuidado ante situaciones de salud que lo ameritan. Solo dos ejemplares de las plantas medicinales clasificadas por las mujeres raizales de este estudio se encuentran referenciadas en el vademécum colombiano de plantas medicinales. Conclusiones: Las plantas medicinales abordan un amplio espectro de usos y propiedades que necesitan un extenso estudio para su registro y divulgación.

Introduction: The use of medicinal plants is part of the traditional culture of many populations around the world. Used to prevent diseases and preserve the health of individuals, it is a knowledge that mothers and grandmothers keep for early childhood care. However, there are many gaps in research regarding the use and properties of medicinal plants in infants and the general population. Objective: Analyze and describe the practices and beliefs with the ancestral use of medicinal plants in infants by the Raizal community in San Andrés Island. Materials and methods: It's a qualitative study with a descriptive ethnographic design applied to a convenience sample of 8 grandmothers from the Raizal community of San Andrés Island. We made out a description and analysis of the ideas, social practices, behaviors, beliefs, meanings, and knowledge about the uses of medicinal plants on infants. Results: The ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants use led by the grandmothers still persevered. The use of medicinal plants on infants administers only to the need of health situations. The investigation found 23 specimens of medicinal plants used in infant breastmilk, just a few plants found in this study are registered in the Colombian Vademecum of medicinal plants. Discussion: The findings agree with the results of other studies that show the importance of cultural traditions in the care of infants, the role of the accumulated experience of grandmothers in this knowledge and practices. In addition to corroborating that the use of medicinal plants in infants is governed solely by the need for care in health situations that warrant it. Only two specimens of the medicinal plants classified by the Raizal women in this study are referenced in the Colombian Vademecum of medicinal plants. Conclusion: Medicinal plants address a wide spectrum of uses and properties that need extensive study for their registration and dissemination.

Plantas medicinais entre Agentes Comunitários de Saúde Ribeirinhos: conhecimento, uso, forma de preparação e indicação / Medicinal plants among riverside Community Health Agents: knowledge, use, form of preparation and indication / Plantas medicinales entre los agentes de salud de las comunidades ribereñas: conocimiento, uso, forma de preparación e indicación

Objetivo: descrever conhecimento, uso, forma de preparação, indicação para problemas de saúde de plantas medicinais entre Agentes Comunitários de Saúde ribeirinhos. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal, entre 117 Agentes Comunitários de Saúde Ribeirinhos, realizado entre agosto a novembro de 2018, sobre os hábitos de consumo de plantas medicinais, uso associado a medicamentos industrializados, aprendizado, parte utilizada, forma de preparação, indicação e problemas de saúde. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: as plantas medicinais mais utilizadas foram o Capim Santo (Cymbopogon citratus) (11,1%), Erva Cidreira (Melissa officinalis) (9,3%) e o Boldo (Vernonia condensata) (6,5%). Houve associação significativa entre consumo de plantas e faixa etária, escolaridade, problemas de saúde e plantas no quintal. Conclusão: o desenvolvimento de estratégias de promoção do conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais e seu uso adequado entre os ACS ribeirinhos, pode promover o autocuidado com a saúde nas áreas remotas da Amazônia brasileira.

Objective: to describe knowledge, use, form of preparation and indication for health problems of medicinal plants among community health agents from the riverside region. Method: a descriptive, cross-sectional study among 117 community health agents from the riverside, carried out between August and November 2018, on the habits of consumption of medicinal plants, use associated with industrialized medicines, learning, part used, form of preparation, indication and health problems. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: the most commonly used medicinal plants were Capim Santo (Cymbopogon citratus) (11.1%), Erva Cidreira (Melissa officinalis) (9.3%) and Boldo (Vernonia condensata) (6.5%). There was a significant association between plant consumption and age, schooling, health problems and plants in the yard. Conclusion: the development of strategies to promote knowledge about medicinal plants and their appropriate use among riverine CHAs can promote self-care in remote areas of the Brazilian Amazon.

Objetivo: Describir el conocimiento, el uso, la forma de preparación e indicación para problemas de salud de plantas medicinales entre agentes comunitarios de salud de la región ribereña. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal, entre 117 agentes comunitarios de salud ribereños, realizado entre agosto y noviembre de 2018, sobre los hábitos de consumo de plantas medicinales, uso asociado a medicamentos industrializados, aprendizaje, parte utilizada, forma de preparación, indicación y problemas de salud. El Comité de Ética de Investigación aprobó el estudio. Resultados: las plantas medicinales más utilizadas fueron Zacate limón (Cymbopogon citratus) (11,1%), Melisa (Melissa officinalis) (9,3%) y Boldo de Bahía (Vernonia condensata) (6,5%). Hubo una asociación significativa entre el consumo de plantas y la edad, la escolaridad, los problemas de salud y las plantas que tenían en su patio. Conclusión: El desarrollo de estrategias para promover el conocimiento sobre plantas medicinales y su uso apropiado entre los ACS ribereños puede promover el autocuidado respecto a la salud en áreas remotas de la Amazonia brasileña.

Protective Effect of Mormodica balsamina Leaf Extract on the Gastric Morphology of Experimental Rats Against Ethanol Induced Gastric Ulcers / Efecto Protector de los Extractos de Hojas de Mormodica balsamina en la Morfología Gástrica de Ratas Experimentales Contra Úlceras Gástricas Inducidas por Etanol

SUMMARY: Mormodica balsamina is a valuable medicinal plant that is used to treat wounds and inflammation; its leaves are also used as an antibiotic and in the treatment of stomach pain. This study was conducted to determine the anti-ulcer activity of methanolic leaf extract of Mormodica balsamina on ethanol-induced ulcer in albino rats. A total of 32 rats were used for the study. Groups I and II served as the baseline and negative controls respectively, while groups III-VII served as the test groups. Group I was untreated, while group II received 1ml/kg body weight of the vehicle (2 % DMSO). Three test groups (III - V) received methanol extracts (75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg/kg body weight respectively) while the other three test groups (VI - VIII) received aqueous extracts (75 mg, 150mg, 300 mg/kg body weight respectively) via oral gavage for seven days prior to ulcer induction. The rats were sacrificed, stomachs excised and ulcers scored. Histological sections were produced and examined. Findings revealed that M. balsamina extracts protected the rats' gastric epithelia from ethanol induced ulceration to varying degree with the high dose (150 and 300 mg/kg) of both extracts offering the best preservation (42 % and 50 % ulcer protective index respectively) when compared to untreated animals. Histological findings correlated with calculated ulcer indices, with treated animals having less severe gastric mucosal lesions. In conclusion, extracts of M. balsamina may possess reasonable antiulcer activities in rats against ethanol induced gastric ulcer.

Mormodica balsamina es una valiosa planta medicinal que se utiliza para tratar heridas e inflamaciones; sus hojas también se utilizan como antibiótico y en el tratamiento del dolor de estómago. Este estudio se realizó para determinar la actividad antiulcerosa del extracto metanólico de hojas de Mormodica balsamina sobre la úlcera inducida por etanol en ratas albinas. Se utilizaron un total de 32 ratas para el estudio. Los grupos I y II sirvieron como referencia y controles negativos respectivamente, mientras que los grupos III-VII sirvieron como grupos de prueba. El grupo I no se trató, mientras que el grupo II recibió 1 ml/kg de peso corporal del vehículo (2% de DMSO). Tres grupos de prueba (III - V) recibieron extractos de metanol (75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg/ kg de peso corporal respectivamente) mientras que los otros tres grupos de prueba (VI - VIII) recibieron extractos acuosos (75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg/kg de peso corporal respectivamente) por sonda oral durante siete días antes de la inducción de la úlcera. Se sacrificaron las ratas, se extirparon los estómagos y se puntuaron las úlceras. Se realizaron y examinaron secciones histológicas. Los resultados revelaron que los extractos de M. balsamina protegieron el epitelio gástrico de las ratas de la ulceración inducida por etanol en diversos grados, y la dosis alta (150 y 300 mg/kg) de ambos extractos ofreció la mejor conservación (42 % y 50 % de índice de protección contra úlceras, respectivamente) en comparación con los animales no tratados. Los hallazgos histológicos se correlacionaron con los índices de úlcera calculados, y los animales tratados tenían lesiones de la mucosa gástrica menos graves. En extractos de M. balsamina puede poseer actividades antiulcerosas razonables en ratas contra la úlcera gástrica inducida por etanol.

Beneficio clínico del tratamiento con cannabinoides para el dolor crónico no oncológico

Introducción: los cannabinoides pueden ser una opción válida para el tratamiento del dolor crónico no oncológico de acuerdo a los estudios publicados hasta el momento y a nuestra experiencia clínica. Objetivo: valorar el beneficio clínico de preparados de cannabis medicinal (CM) para dolor crónico no oncológico en pacientes que consultaron en la Clínica de Endocannabinología del Uruguay (CEDU). Material y método: estudio descriptivo, observacional, longitudinal, de una población atendida en un centro privado de salud. Se trata de una cohorte de 438 pacientes que consultaron espontáneamente en CEDU desde septiembre de 2016 a marzo de 2020. El motivo de consulta fue dolor crónico no oncológico que no respondió al tratamiento estándar. Resultados: en la cohorte estudiada predominaron las mujeres (74%), promedio 69 años, que se asisten en el sistema privado de salud en el 95% de los casos, en su mayoría con instrucción secundaria. El tipo de dolor más frecuente fue el dolor osteoarticular. El quimiotipo de CM más usado fue cannabidiol (CBD) al 5%, con buena respuesta al tratamiento en el descenso del nivel del dolor y suspensión o disminución de uso de opioides (y derivados) y antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINES). Se observaron escasos y leves efectos adversos (EA) en la gran mayoría de los pacientes. Abandonaron el tratamiento 12 pacientes (menos del 3%). Conclusiones: esta investigación retrospectiva mostró una caída del nivel del dolor de 3,14 (valor p ≤ 0,0001), indicando que el CM puede ser una opción para el tratamiento del dolor crónico no oncológico. Se requieren más estudios para demostrar la efectividad y seguridad de los cannabinoides. Esto depende de muchos factores (leyes que faciliten la accesibilidad a variedad de productos de CM de grado médico, incentivos a la ciencia e investigación). De todas formas, podemos afirmar que los resultados presentados son prometedores en relación con su potencial terapéutico.

Introduction: Cannabinoids can be a valid option for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain, according to the studies published to date and our clinical experience. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical benefit of medicinal cannabis preparations (MCPs) for chronic non-cancer pain in patients seen at the Endocannabinology Clinic of Uruguay (CEDU). Method: Descriptive, observational, longitudinal study of a population treated at a private healthcare center. This involves a cohort of 438 patients who spontaneously consulted at CEDU from September 2016 to March 2020. The reason for consultation was chronic non-cancer pain that did not respond to standard treatment. Results: in the studied cohort, women prevailed and accounted for 74% of patients. Average age was 69 years old and 95% of them sought care within the private healthcare system. Most women had completed secondary school education. The most frequent type of pain was osteoarticular pain. The most used chemovar of Medicinal Cannabis (MC) was 5% cannabidiol (CBD), showing a favorable treatment response in reducing pain levels and the discontinuation or reduction of opioid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage. Few and mild adverse effects (AE) were observed in the vast majority of patients. Twelve patients (less than 3%) discontinued the treatment. Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrated a reduction in pain level of 3.14 (p-value ≤ 0.0001) indicating that MC could be an option for the treatment of non-oncological chronic pain. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of cannabinoids. This depends on many factors (laws facilitating accessibility to a variety of medical-grade MC products, incentives for science and research). Nevertheless, we can assert that the presented results are promising in consideration of their therapeutic potential.

Introdução: os canabinoides podem ser uma opção válida para o tratamento da dor crônica não oncológica de acordo com estudos publicados até o momento e nossa experiência clínica. Objetivos: avaliar o benefício clínico das preparações de Cannabis Medicinal (CM) para dor crônica não oncológica em pacientes que consultaram a Clínica de Endocanabinologia do Uruguai (CEDU). Método: estudo descritivo, observacional, longitudinal de uma população atendida em um centro de saúde privado. Esta é uma coorte de 438 pacientes que consultaram espontaneamente no CEDU no período setembro de 2016 - março de 2020. O motivo da consulta foi dor crônica não oncológica que não respondeu ao tratamento padrão. Resultados: na coorte estudada, 74% eram mulheres, a idade média foi 69 anos, 95% frequentam a rede privada de saúde e a maioria com ensino médio. O tipo de dor mais frequente foi a osteoarticular. O quimiotipo de MC mais utilizado foi o Canabidiol 5% (CBD), com boa resposta ao tratamento em termos de redução do nível de dor e suspensão ou redução do uso de opioides (e derivados) e anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINEs). A grande maioria dos pacientes apresentou poucos e leves efeitos adversos (EAs). Menos de 3% dos 12 pacientes abandonou o tratamento. Conclusões: Esta investigação retrospectiva mostrou uma queda no nível de dor de 3,14 (valor de p ≤ 0,0001), indicando que o MC pode ser uma opção para o tratamento da dor crônica não oncológica. São necessários mais estudos para demonstrar a eficácia e segurança dos canabinoides. Isso depende de muitos fatores (leis que facilitem o acesso a uma variedade de produtos CM de grau médico, incentivos para ciência e pesquisa). De qualquer forma, podemos afirmar que os resultados apresentados são promissores em relação ao seu potencial terapêutico.

The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that presents as scaly patches on the skin that affects about 3% of the world's population. Adherence to treatment and discrimination against people are common problems, adversely impacts quality of life. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the use of medicinal plants as therapeutic adjuvants in the treatment of plaque psoriasis through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in patients with plaque psoriasis was carried out, comparing the efficacy of herbal treatments alone or in association with other therapies. The search was performed in the databases of The Cochrane Library, Lilacs, Medline via PubMed and Embase, only including studies published from 2016 to 2020.The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) in patients with plaque psoriasis was carried out, comparing the efficacy of herbal treatments alone or in association with other therapies. We comprehensively searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Lilacs and Cochrane Library databases, only including studies published from 2016 to 2020. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Out of 2,268 articles evaluated, only seven RCT were eligible for final analysis. Five of these studies evidenced low risk of bias and a high level of evidence. Limitations: Few RCT of medicinal plants. Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that medicinal plants may be used as topical or oral products, either alone or combined with other forms of treatment. These products have the potential to greatly improve the quality of life of the patient

Plantas medicinales que se expende en mercado de Barranca para aliviar las afecciones respiratorias

Muchos años han pasado hasta hoy, donde las plantas medicinales juegan un papel importante en tratamiento de muchas enfermedades y aún falta investigar más sobre sus propiedades. Objetivo. Determinar la relación que hay entre consumo de plantas medicinales y alivio de enfermedades respiratorias de trabajadores del mercado el Milagro. Materiales y métodos. Se basó en estudio descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo, prospectivo y observacional, se enfocó en edades de 20 a 60 años, ambos sexos quienes participaron voluntariamente. Se tomó datos desde junio hasta setiembre del 2021 de muestra de 60 trabajadores. Se recolectaron datos de dimensiones del consumo de plantas medicinales y relación entre plantas y alivio de enfermedades respiratorias por semana, luego se promedió por mes de allí se procesaron mediante estadísticas básicas y correlación. Resultados. Se pudo determinar que consumieron plantas medicinales como eucalipto, escorzonera y huamanripa para afecciones respiratorias en agosto con 3% y setiembre con 5% eucalipto para COVID-19; consumieron hierbas medicinales como eucalipto, escorzonera y huamanripa como infusiones destacó agosto con 7%; consumieron hierbas medicinales para enfermedades respiratorias destacó julio con 25% y setiembre con 64 % para COVID-19; consumieron hierbas para aliviar síntomas del coronavirus sobresalió setiembre con 80% y correlación entre consumo de hierbas y alivio de síntomas de COVID-19 obtuvo r = 0.8946. Conclusiones. Se pudo establecer que existe una alta relación entre consumo de plantas medicinales y alivio de síntomas este virus y afecciones respiratorias; por lo tanto, los consumos de hierbas en muchos casos conjuntamente con terapia médica mejoraron las dolencias de estas enfermedades.

Many years have passed until today, where medicinal plants play an important role in the treatment of many diseases and there is still a lack of research on their properties. Objective. To determine the relationship between the consumption of medicinal plants and the relief of respiratory diseases in workers of the El Milagro market. Materials and methods. It was based on a descriptive study with a quantitative, prospective and observational approach, focused on ages from 20 to 60 years, both sexes, who participated voluntarily. Data were collected from June to September 2021 from a sample of 60 workers. Data were collected on the dimensions of consumption of medicinal plants and the relationship between plants and relief of respiratory diseases per week, then averaged by month and processed by basic statistics and correlation. Results. It was determined that they consumed medicinal plants such as eucalyptus, scorzonera and huamanripa for respiratory diseases in August with 3% and September with 5 % eucalyptus for COVID-19; they consumed medicinal herbs such as eucalyptus, scorzonera and huamanripa as infusions in August with 7%; consumed medicinal herbs for respiratory diseases, July stood out with 25% and September with 64% for COVID-19; consumed herbs to alleviate symptoms of coronavirus, September stood out with 80% and correlation between consumption of herbs and relief of COVID-19 symptoms obtained r = 0. 8946. Conclusions. It was possible to establish that there is a high relationship between consumption of medicinal plants and relief of symptoms of this virus and respiratory diseases; therefore, the consumption of herbs in many cases together with medical therapy improved the ailments of these diseases.

Muitos anos se passaram até hoje, onde as plantas medicinais desempenham um papel importante no tratamento de muitas doenças e ainda são necessárias mais pesquisas sobre suas propriedades. Objetivo. Determinar a relação entre o consumo de plantas medicinais e o alívio de doenças respiratórias em trabalhadores do mercado El Milagro. Materiais e métodos. Este foi um estudo descritivo com uma abordagem quantitativa, prospectiva e observacional, com foco em trabalhadores com idade entre 20 e 60 anos, de ambos os sexos, que participaram voluntariamente. Os dados foram coletados de junho a setembro de 2021 de uma amostra de 60 trabalhadores. Os dados foram coletados sobre as dimensões do consumo de plantas medicinais e a relação entre as plantas e o alívio de doenças respiratórias por semana, depois calculados em média por mês e processados usando estatísticas básicas e correlação. Resultados. Foi determinado que eles consumiram plantas medicinais como eucalipto, scorzonera e huamanripa para doenças respiratórias em agosto com 3% e setembro com 5%, eucalipto para COVID-19; eles consumiram ervas medicinais como eucalipto, scorzonera e huamanripa como infusões em agosto com 7%; consumiram ervas medicinais para doenças respiratórias em julho com 25% e setembro com 64% para COVID-19; consumiram ervas para aliviar os sintomas do coronavírus, setembro se destacou com 80% e a correlação entre o consumo de ervas e o alívio dos sintomas da COVID-19 obteve r = 0. 8946. Conclusões. Foi possível estabelecer que existe uma alta correlação entre o consumo de plantas medicinais e o alívio dos sintomas desse vírus e das doenças respiratórias; portanto, o consumo de ervas em muitos casos, em conjunto com a terapia médica, melhorou os males dessas doenças.

Capacidad antioxidante in vitro del Corryocactus brevistylus (sanky) y su efecto en la morfología del páncreas de ratas diabéticas inducidas con aloxano / In vitro antioxidant capacity of Corryocactus brevistylus (sanky) and its effect on the pancreas morphology of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objetivo. Determinar la capacidad antioxidante in vitro del Corryocactus brevistylus y su efecto sobre la glicemia y páncreas de ratas diabéticas inducidas con aloxano. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluó la capacidad antioxidante del extracto hidroetanólico de sanky (EHES) mediante la capacidad de reducir el 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo (DPPH) y la capacidad de reducir el ion férrico (FRAP). Se utilizaron 30 ratas adultas inducidas a diabetes con dos dosis de aloxano (80mg/kg), formándose cinco grupos (n=6), recibiendo los tratamientos vía orogástrica durante ocho días, el grupo I (agua), II (metformina 14mg/kg), grupos III-IV-V zumo de sanky a 1,0; 4,0 y 16 mL/kg, respectivamente. La glicemia fue evaluada por el método rápido (glucómetro) (primer y octavo día). Terminado el tratamiento los animales fueron sacrificados y se les extrajo el páncreas, para su estudio histopatológico. Resultados. La capacidad antioxidante del EHES mediante el DPPH, mostró un IC50 de 0,77 mg/mL, y por el método FRAP se observó el TEAC-FRAP de 22,31µg/mg. La glicemia disminuyó en el octavo día de tratamiento, respecto al primer día; también se observó disminución de la glicemia en los grupos III-V, respecto al grupo I. A nivel histológico los grupos I-II presentaron atrofia severa y necrosis moderada de los islotes de Langerhans; los grupos IV-V presentaron hipertrofia y necrosis leve multifocal a nivel del islote. Conclusiones. El extracto de sanky presenta capacidad antioxidante in vitro y el zumo ejerce un efecto hipoglicemiante y protector en páncreas.

Objective. To determine the in vitro antioxidant capacity of Corryocactus brevistylus and its effect on glycemia and the pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods. The antioxidant capacity of the hydroethanolic extract of sanky (HEES) was evaluated by assessing its ability to reduce 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric ion (FRAP). We used thirty adult rats, which were induced to diabetes with two doses of alloxan (80mg/kg). Rats were distributed into 5 groups (n=6), all groups received treatment by orogastric route for eight days. Group I received water, group II received metformin 14mg/kg and groups III, IV and V received sanky juice at 1.0; 4.0 and 16 mL/kg, respectively. Glycemia was evaluated by the rapid method (glucometer) (first and eighth day). After treatment, the animals were sacrificed and the pancreas was removed for histopathological study. Results. The antioxidant capacity of HEES by DPPH showed an IC50 of 0.77 mg/mL; the FRAP method showed a TEAC-FRAP of 22.31µg/mg. Glycemia decreased on the eighth day of treatment, with respect to the first day; a decrease in glycemia was also found in groups III-V, when compared to group I. Histologically, groups I-II presented severe atrophy and moderate necrosis of the islets of Langerhans; groups IV-V presented hypertrophy and mild multifocal necrosis at the islet level. Conclusions. The extract of sanky showed antioxidant capacity in vitro and the juice exerts a hypoglycemic and protective effect on the pancreas.

Efecto de Tropaeolum Tuberosum o "Mashua" (tropaeolaceae) sobre la expresión génica relacionada a espermatogénesis en ratón

Introducción: Tropaeolum tuberosum, conocido comomashua, es un tubérculo andino que tiene un valor tanto económico como nutritivo para las poblaciones de pocos recursos. Se cree que afecta la fertilidad masculina, porque los hombres andinos lo relacionan con impotencia y disminución de la capacidad fecundante. Estudios hechos en ratas que se alimentaron con mashua demostraron que hubo un 45% de decrecimiento de la tasa testosterona/dihidrotestosterona. El efecto de esta planta en la reproducción está relacionada a su contenido de isotiocianatos, compuestos que se unen covalentemente a las proteínas, las cuales pueden estar directa o indirectamente involucradas en el proceso espermatogénico. El propósito de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto del extracto acuoso de la mashua sobre la espermatogénesis y la fisiología reproductiva de ratones. Métodos: Se evaluaron los parámetros morfofuncionales in vivo de espermios de ratones (espermatograma) y se cuantificó la expresión de: Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, proteína reguladora de esteroidogénesis aguda, ciclina y protamina, relacionados a la espermatogénesis. Resultados: A los 7, 14 y 21 días de dosificación, se vio afectado el conteo de espermatozoides, así como su motilidad progresiva (MP); por otra parte, se observó un retardo en la maduración de los mismos. En cuanto a la expresión génica, no se encontró diferencias significativas entre la expresión de los dos genes estudiados (cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, ciclina). Conclusión: El efecto de la mashua no se da a nivel de la expresión de los genes involucrados en la espermatogénesis, sino a nivel de sus funciones como proteína.

Introduction: Tropaeolum tuberosum, known as "mashua" is an Andean tuber that holds both economic and nutritional value for low-income populations. It is believed that it affects male fertility because Andean men associate it with impotence and decreased fertility. Studies conducted on rats fed with "mashua" showed that there was a 45% decrease in the testosterone/dihydrotestosterone ratio. The effect of this plant on reproduction is related to its content of isothiocyanates, compounds that covalently bind to proteins, which may be directly or indirectly involved in the spermatogenic process. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of "mashua" on spermatogenesis and reproductive physiology of mice. Methods: In vivo morphofunctional parameters of mouse sperm (spermatogram) were evaluated and the expression of Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, acute steroidogenesis regulatory protein, cyclin, and protamine related to spermatogenesis was quantified. Results: The results indicated that at 7, 14 and 21 days of dosing, the sperm count was affected, as well as their progressive motility (PM), on the other hand, a delay in their maturation was observed. Regarding gene expression, no significant differences were found between the expression of the two genes studied (Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, Cyclin). Conclusion: The effect of "mashua" does not occur at the level of gene expression involved in spermatogenesis, but at the level of its functions as a protein.

Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Potentials of the Ethanol Leave Extracts of four Medicinal Plants

For many years, medicinal plants have been a resource for healing in several local communities around the world and the phytochemicals in them such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic, tannins, and terpenoids are attributed to their many medicinal values. Vernonia amydalina, Senna alata, Jatropha curcas, and Grewia pubescens are important plants with immense value. In this study, phytochemical screening, antioxidant analysis and the potential anti-hyperglycemic properties of the plants was investigated in-vitro. The ethanol leave extracts of the plants were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening and tannin, flavonoids and phenol quantification. Ferric reducing antioxidant power and DPPH radical inhibition of the extracts was done by spectrophotometric method while the anti-diabetic potential was analyzed through the in-vitro ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibition. Phytochemicals detected in the ethanol leave extracts of the four plants are tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins. Flavonoids, phenols, and tannin content were highest in Senna alata (0.27±0.0.002 mg: mg of rutin per g of extract, 10.63±0.0.017 mg: mg of gallic acid per g of extract, and 6.72±0.06 mg/g respectively) followed by V. amygdalina (0.20±00.002 mg: mg of rutin per g of extract, 8.27±0.0.017 mg: mg of gallic acid per g of extract, and 7.98±0.03 mg/g respectively). While the least content of all was found in the extracts of Jatropha curcas. Concentration dependent and statistically significant difference was observed in both the FRAP and DPPH radical inhibition of all the extracts. Senna alata showed the strongest reducing power followed by the V. amygdalina. Both Senna alata and V. amygdalina showed DPPH radical inhibition that is not significantly (p>0.05) different from that of trolox. ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibition was also demonstrated in a concentration dependent manner. In both the ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibition, V. amygdalina and S. alata exhibited the most significant inhibitory properties among the plant extracts. The overall result in this study suggested that V. amygdalina, S. alata with the highest content of the phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities are potential source of antioxidant constituents and might be useful for the management of diseases such as diabetes.