Polifenoles, capacidad antioxidante y factor de protección solar de Borago officinalis L. "borraja" dispensada en las farmacias naturales de EsSalud / Polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and sun protection factor of Borago officinalis L. "borraja" dispensed in the Natural Pharmacies of EsSalud

Objetivos. Cuantificar los polifenoles, la capacidad antioxidante y el factor de protección solar de las hojas y flores de Borago officinalis L. dispensadas en las farmacias naturales de EsSalud. Materiales y métodos. Se prepararon tres extractos fluidos en etanol (96%, 70% y 40%) y dos extractos acuosos (decocto e infuso), se concentraron bajo vacío hasta obtener extractos secos (ES). Los polifenoles fueron cuantificados utilizando el método analítico de Folin-Ciocalteu, dichos valores fueron expresados como equivalentes de ácido gálico (EAG), la capacidad antioxidante fue determinada por el método de DPPH (1,1-difenil-2- picrilhidracilo), expresada en equivalentes de ácido ascórbico (EAA), del mismo modo como equivalentes de butilhidroxitolueno (EBHT). El factor de protección solar (FPS) se evaluó por el método espectrofotométrico en el rango de 290 a 320 nm. Resultados. Se cuantificaron polifenoles en el rango de 157,487 ± 3,628 y 66,777 ± 0,734 mg EAG/g ES del extracto fluido de 70 y 96%, respectivamente; la capacidad antioxidante entre 198,631 ± 5,636 y 73,699 ± 5,946 mg EAA/g ES del infuso y decocto, respectivamente, así como 388,694 ± 10,591 y 153,919 ± 11,174 mg EBHT/g ES del infuso y decocto; el FPS en el rango de 8,91 ± 0,07 y 5,53 ± 0,02 para el extracto fluido de 40% e infuso, respectivamente. Conclusiones. El infuso de Borago officinalis L. dispensada en las farmacias naturales de EsSalud, reportó polifenoles con la mayor capacidad antioxidante, y el extracto fluido de 40% presentó el mayor valor de FPS.

Objectives. Quantitation of polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and the sun protection factor of the leaves and flowers of Borago officinalis L. dispensed in Natural Pharmacies of EsSalud. Materials and methods. Three extracts were prepared with ethanol (96%, 70% and 40%) and two aqueous extracts (decoction and infusion), were removed volatile solvents under vacuum until obtaining dry extract (DE). Polyphenols were quantified by using analytic method referred as Folin-Ciocalteu, such values were expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE). On the other hand, the antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydracil) method, as well as values expressed in ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) and butylated hydroxytoluene equivalents (BHTE). The sun protection factor values (SPF) were evaluated by using spectrophotometric method which values were in the range 290 to 320 nm. Results. Polyphenols were quantified in the range of 157.487 ± 3.628 and 66.777 ± 0.734 mg GAE/g DE of the redissolved and dilute extract of 70% and 96%, respectively. The antioxidant capacity was found between 198.631 ± 5.636 and 73.699 ± 5.946 mg AAE/g DE of the infusion and decoction, respectively, as well as 388.694 ± 10.591 and 153.919 ± 11.174 mg BHTE/g DE of the infusion and decoction; the SPF in the range 8.91 ± 0.07 and 5.53 ± 0.02 for the fluid extract of 40% and infusion, respectively. Conclusions. Infusion extract of Borago officinalis L. dispensed at the Natural Pharmacies of EsSalud, reported high concentration of polyphenols with the highest antioxidant activity. And the 40% redissolved and dilute extract was found a high SPF value.

Actividad expectorante y toxicológica de una formulación elaborada a partir de Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Borago officinalis L, Y Sambucus Nigra L / Expectorant and toxicological activity of a formulation made from Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Borago officinalis L., and Sambucus Nigra L

Introducción: Eucalyptus globulus Labill., (eucalipto), Borago officinalis L. (Borraja) y Sambucus nigra L. (saúco) son especies vegetales de amplio uso popular por sus propiedades antitusígenas y mucolíticas. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos farmacológico y toxicológico de un fitofármaco elaborado con el extracto de la mezcla de las tres plantas. Métodos: a partir de las hojas secas de cada especie, se elaboraron dos extractos fluidos de las tres plantas: E. globulus B. officinalis y S nigra, mezcladas en proporción 25:25:50, respectivamente, se empleó el método de percolación y como disolventes etanol de concentraciones al 30 y 70 por ciento. Para la evaluación del efecto mucolítico se empleó el modelo de Rojo Fenol en secreciones de ratón y se ensayaron los extractos de concentraciones alcohólicas al 30 y 70 por ciento. El estudio toxicológico se realizó al extracto de concentración alcohólica al 70 por ciento. Resultados: en la evaluación farmacológica se encontró que los extractos hidroalcohólicos al 30 y 70 por ciento presentaron efecto mucolítico, con una efectividad ligeramente superior para el extracto en alcohol al 70 por ciento. Cuando se evaluó toxicológicamente, este extracto no presentó efecto tóxico en el ensayo de toxicidad aguda a dosis límite. Conclusiones: las formulaciones elaboradas con los extractos fluidos de las plantas empleando etanol al 30 y 70 por ciento, mostraron efecto mucolítico en el modelo de rojo fenol en secreciones de ratón y con las condiciones experimentales del estudio. El extracto de las plantas en etanol al 70 por ciento no presentó efecto tóxico en el ensayo de toxicidad aguda a dosis límite(AU)

Introduction: Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus), Borago officinalis L. (borage) and Sambucus nigra L. (elder) are plant species commonly used in folk medicine for their antitussive and mucolytic properties. Objective: Evaluate the pharmacological and toxicological effects of a drug made with an extract obtained from a mixture of the three plants. Methods: Two fluid extracts were obtained from dry leaves of the three species, E. globulus, B. officinalis and S. nigra, mixed in a 25:25:50 proportion. The method used was percolation and the solvents were 30 percent and 70 percent ethanol. The mucolytic effect was evaluated with the phenol red model in mouse secretions, and assays were conducted of the 30 percent and 70 percent alcoholic extracts. Toxicological analysis was performed on the 70 percent alcoholic extract. Results: Pharmacological evaluation found that 30 percent and 70 percent hydroalcoholic extracts display a mucolytic effect, effectiveness being slightly higher in the 70 percent alcoholic extract. When evaluated toxicologically, this extract did not show any toxic effect in the dose-limiting acute toxicity test. Conclusions: The formulations developed with fluid plant extracts using 30 percent and 70 percent ethanol were found to have a mucolytic effect in the red phenol model in mouse secretions under experimental test conditions. The 70 percent ethanolic plant extract did not have a toxic effect in the dose-limiting acute toxicity tes(AU)

Usos y costumbres sobre hierbas medicinales en barrios periurbanos del sudeste de la ciudad de Salta, Argentina / Uses and customs on medicinal herbs in periurban neighborhoods ofsoutheastern Salta City, Argentina

Desde la medicina oficial se desconoce y subestima el uso de otras formas de atención, por lo que este trabajo tiene como objetivos caracterizar el conocimiento sobre uso de hierbas medicinales en la zona sudeste de la ciudad de Salta; identificar cuáles se utilizan para tratar problemas de salud; y valorar su frecuencia de uso. Se realizó una investigación cuali-cuantitativa, entrevistando a informantes claves y grupos focales. Se confeccionaron listas de hierbas medicinales, y sus usos se categorizaron por problemas de salud. Se realizó una encuesta sobre frecuencia de usos medicinales. Se mencionaron 59 hierbas medicinales con una media de 2,3 usos por planta. Con un "Nivel de importancia Significativo" se encuentran quimpe, tusca, paico, coca, molle, ruda y hediondilla. El "coqueo" se encontró en 54% de las familias. El 52% utiliza alguna hierba para afecciones gastrointestinales, el 45% para problemas de la piel, el 40 % para afecciones respiratorias, el 33% para "empacho" y 17% para problemas renales, sin diferencias significativas en los usos por grupo etáreo. La población tiene amplio conocimiento sobre hierbas medicinales. La medicina formal debe legitimar estos conocimientos e incluirlos en su práctica.

Traditional health professionals underestimate and fail to recognize the use of other forms of health care, therefore this research has the objective of characterizing knowledge about the use of medicinal herbs in the southeastern area of Salta city; to identify which herbs are used to treat health problems; and to assess its frequency of use. Qualitative and quantitative research was conducted by interviewing key informants and focus groups. Lists of medicinal herbs and uses were created and categorized by health problems. Finally, a closed survey on frequency of use was carried out. Fifty-nine herbs were mentioned with an average of 2.3 uses per plant. quimpe, tusca , paico, coca, molle, ruda and hediondillawere herbs marked as “with a Significant Level of Impotanse”. The use of coca was found in 54% of the families interviewed. Fifty-two percent used some herb for gastrointestinal disorders, 45% for skin problems, 40% for respiratory conditions, 33% for indigestion and 17% for kidney problems, with no significant differences in uses according toage groups. Population has a good knowledge of medicinal herbs. Formal medicine should legitimize this knowledge and include it in its practice.

Antioxidant evaluation for Urtica urens, Rumex cyprius and Borago officinalis edible wild plants in palestine

Natural plants products are one of the famous and commonly utilized remedies used in fighting diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate antioxidant activity of plants commonly used in Palestine [Urtica urens, Rumex cyprius and Borago officinalis]. Free radical scavenging activity method was evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazylhydrate. The result show that the overall antioxidant activity of Rumex cyprius was the highest among the plants, followed by Urtica urens, and Borago officinalis; respectively. The [IC[50]] values of the methanolic extracts were 29.70 +/- 0.60 microg/ml, 5.07 +/- 0.49 microg/ml, 39.92 +/- 0.52 microg/ml for Urtica urens, Rumex cyprius and Borago officinalis respectively. The results of this study revealed that these edible plants have high antioxidant activity and therefore they can provide natural sources of antioxidants and can be useful in preventing various diseases including cancer. These exhibited properties propose that such plants extracts can possibly be used as natural preservatives in the food and pharmaceutical industries and further characterization of Rumex cyprius constituents is needed

Comparative effect of dietary borage oil and safflower oil on anti-proliferation and ceramide metabolism in the epidermis of essential fatty acid deficient guinea pigs / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Borage oil (BO) and safflower oil (SO) are efficacious in reversing epidermal hyperproliferation, which is caused by the disruption of epidermal barrier. In this study, we compared the antiproliferative effect of dietary BO and SO. Altered metabolism of ceramide (Cer), the major lipid of epidermal barrier, was further determined by measurement of epidermal levels of individual Cer, glucosylceramide (GlcCer), and sphingomyelin (SM) species, and protein expression of Cer metabolizing enzymes. METHODS: Epidermal hyperproliferation was induced in guinea pigs by a hydrogenated coconut diet (HCO) for 8 weeks. Subsequently, animals were fed diets of either BO (group HCO + BO) or SO (group HCO + SO) for 2 weeks. As controls, animals were fed BO (group BO) or HCO (group HCO) diets for 10 weeks. RESULTS: Epidermal hyperproliferation was reversed in groups HCO + BO (67.6% of group HCO) and HCO + SO (84.5% of group HCO). Epidermal levels of Cer1/2, GlcCer-A/B, and beta-glucocerebrosidase (GCase), an enzyme of GlcCer hydrolysis for Cer generation, were higher in group HCO + BO than in group HCO, and increased to levels similar to those of group BO. In addition, epidermal levels of SM1, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), and acidic sphingomyelinase (aSMase), enzymes of de novo Cer synthesis and SM hydrolysis for Cer generation, but not of Cer3-7, were higher in group HCO + BO than in group HCO. Despite an increase of SPT and aSMase in group HCO + SO to levels higher than in group HCO, epidermal levels of Cer1-7, GlcCer-A/B, and GCase were similar in these two groups. Notably, acidic ceramidase, an enzyme of Cer degradation, was highly expressed in group HCO + SO. Epidermal levels of GlcCer-C/D and SM-2/3 did not differ among groups. CONCLUSION: Dietary BO was more prominent for reversing epidermal hyperproliferation by enhancing Cer metabolism with increased levels of Cer1/2, GlcCer-A/B, and SM1 species, and of GCase proteins.

Premenstrual syndrome: clinical assessment of treatment outcomes following Borago officinalis extract therapy / Síndrome da tensão pré-menstrual: avaliação clínica dos resultados de tratamento após terapia com extrato de Borago officinalis

With the objective of evaluating the use of Borago officinalis oil in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, we assessed 180 patients who presented a clinical diagnosis of PMS and who were treated with one daily 900mg borage oil capsule. Efficacy and safety assessments were performed based on data obtained prior to the start of treatment (Pretreatment), and after each menstrual cycle (Assessment 2 - first menstrual cycle after the start of treatment; Assessment 3 - second menstrual cycle; Assessment 4/Final Assessment - third menstrual cycle). Efficacy assessments included a PMS questionnaire evaluating emotional and physical PMS symptoms and the Patient and Physician Assessments, in which both the subject and the physician rated the patient's overall condition on a scale of 1-10 points. The primary safety and tolerability measures included any changes in vital signs and physical exam in relation to pretreatment, changes in laboratory exams, and the occurrence of adverse events after the first dose of study medication. We observed a statistically significant reduction in the total scores of the PMS assessment (p<0.0001), with 95.4% of all patients displaying some reduction in scores at Assessment 4 in relation to Pretreatment values. The emotional symptoms and physical symptoms scores also decreased significantly from Pretreatment to Assessment 4 (p<0.0001 for both)...

Mastalgia cíclica: abordagem clínica / Cyclic mastalgia: clinical approach

A mastalgia é uma queixa comum nos consultórios de mastologia. Devido à intensidade da dorou pelo medo do câncer de mama, mulheres com mastalgia buscam orientação com o mastologista.Nesse sentido, o mastologista deve estar familiarizado com o tema. Considerando que aqueixa de dor mamária está entre as mais frequentes em mastologia, conduziu-se uma revisão daliteratura, enfatizando-se a abordagem terapêutica da mastalgia.

Mastalgia is a common complaint in mastology offices. Women who are experiencing mastalgia seekclarification with the breast cancer specialist due to the intensity of the pain or because they fear breastcancer. Therefore, the specialist shall understand such issue. Considering that the complaint concerningbreast pain is one of the most frequent complaints in mastology, a literature review was carried outemphasizing the therapeutic approach of mastalgia.

Screening of microbial lipases and evalutaion of their potential to produce glycerides with high gamma linolenic acid concentration

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3, cis- 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid), an important compound in n-6 eicosanoid family biosynthesis, occurs in the lipids of a few plant and microbial sources. This study focused on the screening of microbial strains with suitable lipase activity for enrichment of GLA by selective hydrolysis of the borage oil (21.6 percent of GLA/total fatty acids). Firstly, 352 microrganisms were tested for their lipolytic capacity using screening techniques on agar plates containing borage oil, strains were then selected and screened for their activity (U/mg) using both submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid state fermentation (SSF). The rate of hydrolysis and the selective preference of these hydrolytic enzymes towards fatty acids, with a special focus on enrichment of GLA were studied and compared with those obtained by two commercially-available lipases. Only one of the lipases tested during this study displayed selectivity, discriminating the GLA during the hydrolysis reaction. Using the enzymatic extract from Geotrichum candidum as a biocatalyst of the reaction, it was possible to obtain a percentage of 41.7 percent of GLA in acylglycerols fraction when the borage oil was treated in a fixed-bed reactor for 24 hours at 30ºC.

Observations on the ultrastructure of a rat mammary gland treated with harmal and borage

It had been indentified by histological, histochemical and morphometrical studies that peganum harmala is a mammogenic herb and borage officinalis is a lactogenic one. To complete our investigation about these two herbs, we performed electron microscopical study. Rats were grouped according to their physiological status into three groups. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups: one control and two experimental. The two experimental groups were treated daily; the 1[st] one with an aqueous extract of peganum harmala seeds and the 2[nd] with an aqueous extract of borage officinalis flowers. After two weeks of treatment, mammary glands were employed for electron microscopical study. In virgin rats, the epithelial and myoepithelial cells were partially differentiated when harmal was given and completely differentiated when borage was given. In pregnant rats, harmal and borage optimize mammary parenchymal growth and induce lactation when these herbs were given. In lactating rats, these herbs exhibited a picture similar to control lactating group but the budding of lipid droplets and the swelling of secretary vesicles were markedly increased. Both harmal and borage stimulate the release of prolactin and induce galactogenesis during pregnancy and promote it during lactation

Comparação entre óleo de borragem e óleo de girassol quanto à eficácia no tratamento de mulheres com mastalgia cíclica / Comparison of borage oil and sunflower oil according to the efficacy for the treatment of women with cyclical mastalgia

A mastalgia cíclica constitui freqüente e exagerado processo fisiológico, recorrente na fase lútea do ciclo menstrual. Quando intensa, passa a comprometer a qualidade de vida da mulher, por interferir em suas atividades cotidianas. Com o objetivo de determinar, comparativamente, a efetividade e os possíveis efeitos dos óleos de borragem e de girassol, no tratamento da mastalgia cíclica moderada à intensa, foi realizado um estudo aleatório, duplo cego, tipo ensaio clínico, no período de fevereiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2002, envolvendo 111 mulheres. Mensalmente, a intensidade de dor mamária foi avaliada por escala visual analógica (EVA). As participantes foram subdivididas em dois grupos, segundo medicamento administrado, a saber, 56 em uso de cápsulas de óleo de borragem e 55 de óleo de girassol, ambos na dose de 1 cápsula ao dia, durante três meses. Ao final do tratamento, a evolução das intensidades de dor de cada paciente foi avaliada pelo Cardiff Breast Score, para determinação da responsividade terapêutica. A taxa de resposta terapêutica foi 71,4% e 76,4%, respectivamente para o óleo de borragem e de girassol, não havendo diferença, estatisticamente significativa, entre os medicamentos. A cefaléia, o estresse percebido e o edema mamário reduziram-se em ambos os grupos. Três mulheres do grupo do óleo de girassol apresentaram sangramento vaginal profuso. Concluiu-se que ambos os medicamentos foram eficazes no tratamento da mastalgia cíclica moderada à intensa. São necessários estudos adicionais para determinar a relação custo/benefício do óleo de girassol.

Cyclical mastalgia is a frequent condition and represents an exacerbation of the physiological process, recurring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. When it is intense, it impairs a woman's quality of life, because if interferes on her daily activities. In order to make a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness and adverse effects of borage and sunflower oils in the treatment of moderate to severe cyclical mastalgia, a double-blind randomized study of clinical trial type was carried out between February 2001 and December 2002 involving 111 women. The intensity of breast pain was assessed on a monthly basis by means of the analogic visual scale. The participants were subdivided as follows into two groups according to the drug administered: 56 were given borage oil tablets and 55 sunflower oil, 1 tablet per day for both groups over a period of three months. At the end of the treatment, the evolution in the intensity of the pain of each patient was compared with the Cardiff Breast Score for an assessment of the responsiveness to treatment. The responsiveness rates were 71.4% and 76.4%, respectively for the borage and sunflower oil groups, no statistically significant differences being found. Although headache, perceived stress and mammary edema had reduzed in both groups; uterine bleeding occurred in three patients, as a serious side effect of sunflower oil. Further studies, however, are needed to determine the cost-benefit ratio of sunflower oil.

Efeito do ácido gama-linolênico sobre a hipertensão arterial e gordura corporal em mulheres após a menopausa / Effect of the gama-linolenic acid over arterial hypertension and body fat in postmenopause women

O ácido gama-linolênico, proveniente do óleo de borragem, é um ácido graxo poliinsaturado, classificado como ômega-6. Esse óleo apresenta propriedades terapêuticas, podendo ser utilizado para amenizar os sintomas do climatério. Há indícios de que atue na hipertensão arterial e na distribuição da gordura corporal. Com o objetivo de verificar sua atuação sobre a hipertensão arterial e a distribuição da gordura corporal, foi utilizado estudo duplo-cego, prospectivo, placebo-controlado, aleatório, administrando cápsulas de 1000mg de óleo de borragem, ou óleo mineral, 3 vezes ao dia durante 6 meses, a 81 mulheres hipertensas na pós-menopausa. Nem as pacientes, nem a pesquisadora conheciam o conteúdo das cápsulas, de aspecto idêntico, até o final do estudo. As pacientes não interromperam o tratamento anti-hipertensivo durante o estudo. Todas foram avaliadas previamente com exame ginecológico completo, ultra-sonografia transvaginal, mamografia e citologia oncológica., com o objetivo de afastar ginecopatia. Foram realizadas consulta de inclusão e 6 consultas, uma a cada 30 dias. Em cada consulta realizava-se a medida de pressão arterial, após repouso, bem como a aferição de peso e, medida de cintura e quadril. Foi realizada densitometria lombar e femural antes da inclusão e ao fina do estudo. Os resultados mostraram redução da pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, nas pacientes do grupo Ativo, e modificação na relação da medida de cintura e quadril. Não houve mudança no peso e no índice de massa corpórea, nem a porcentagem de gordura corporal, medida pela densitometria. Conclui-se que o ácido gama-linolênico, obtido do óleo de borragem, foi eficaz como coadjuvante no tratamento da hipertensão arterial, e que modificou a deposição de gordura corporal.

Effect of Dietary Oil Containing gamma-Linolenic Acid on the Plasma Lipid Levels and Thrombotic Activity in Rats

This study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary gamma-linolenic acid on decreasing the plasma lipid levels and the thrombotic activity in rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats (B.W 120 g) were fed a experimental diet containing 5% lard (46.05% saturated fatty acids) , corn oil (51.36% linoleic acid) , evening primrose oil (EPO,72.80% linoleic acid and 9.16% gamma-linolenic acid) or borage oil (BO,40.29% linoleic acid and 24.25% gamma-liolenic acid) for 30 days. Although there were no significant differences in the food intake among the groups, the body weight gain of the BO group was significantly lower than that of the other groups. The bleeding time of the BO group was significantly longer than that of the other groups. There were significantly differences in the whole blood clotting time among the groups except for the EPO and corn oil groups, where the whole blood clotting time of the BO group was the highest among the groups, and that of the lard group was the lowest. The plasma triacyglyceride (TAG) , total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were the lowest in the BO group, but highest in the lard group, and there were significant differences among the groups. The plasma HDL-C concentrations were in the following order: BO, EPO, corn oil and lard groups and there were significant differences among the groups. The excretions of fecal neutial steroids and acidic steroids of the BO group were the highest among the groups, and there were significant differences compared to the other groups. The results suggest that dietary EPO and BO containing gamma-linolenic acid has an antithrombotic activity, and inhibits the increasing of plasma TAG, TC and LDL-C concentrations compared to lard, which contains saturated fatty acids, or corn oil, which contains linoleic acid.