Smoke of Capsicum baccatum L. var. baccatum (Solanaceae) repels nymphs of triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) / Humo de capsicum baccatum L. var. baccatum (Solanaceae) repele las ninfas de Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Control of the Chagas disease vector, Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) with synthetic pesticides in Bolivia has become increasingly inefficient due to the development of resistance in the insects. In the Chaco region of Bolivia, guaraní populations have approached the problem by fumigating their houses with the smoke of native plants. Through interviews and field work with local guides, the main plant used by the guaraníes was collected and later identified as Capsicum baccatumL. var. baccatum (Solanaceae). In choice bioassays, filter papers exposed to the smoke of the plant repelled nymphs of T. infestans. Activity remained significant after storing the exposed filter papers for 9 days. Chemical analysis of smoke and literature data suggested that capsaicinoids present in the smoke were responsible for the repellent effect. The data presented provide a rationale for the use of C. baccatumvar. baccatumto control the Chagas vector bythe guaraní populations.

El control del vector de la enfermedad de Chagas, Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) con plaguicidas sintéticos en Bolivia se ha vuelto cada vez más ineficiente debido al desarrollo de resistencias en los insectos. En la región del Chaco de Bolivia, las poblaciones guaraníes han abordado el problema fumigando sus casas con el humo de las plantas nativas. A través de entrevistas y trabajo de campo con guías locales, se recogió la principal planta utilizada por los guaraníes y posteriormente se identificó como Capsicum baccatumL. var. baccatum (Solanaceae). En bioensayos selectos, los papeles de filtro expuestos al humo de la planta repelieron a las ninfas de T. infestans. La actividad siguió siendo significativa después de almacenar los papeles de filtro expuestos durante 9 días. El análisis químico del humo y los datos de la literatura sugieren que los capsaicinoides presentes en el humo eran responsables del efecto repelente. Los datos presentados proporcionan una justificación para el uso de C. baccatum var. baccatum para el control del vector Chagas por las poblaciones guaraníes.

Defensin c-thionin from Capsicum chinense improves butyrate cytotoxicity on human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2

BACKGROUND: Butyrate is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that induces apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. To improve its anticancer activity, butyrate has been evaluated mixed with drugs and different molecules. Plant antimicrobial peptides are attractive anticancer alternative molecules because they show selective cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines. In this work, we explore if the plant defensin c-thionin (Capsicum chinense) can improve butyrate activity on Caco-2 cell line and we also determined the mechanism of death activated. RESULTS: The combined treatment of c-thionin (3.5 mM) and butyrate (50 mM) showed higher cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells with respect to single treatments. Also, the combined treatment reduced cell proliferation and exhibited a higher rate of apoptosis than single treatments. Combined treatment induced caspases 8 and 9 activation to an extent comparable with that of butyrate while c-thionin did not activate caspases. Additionally, reactive oxygen species generation preceded the onset of apoptosis, and superoxide anion production was higher in cells treated with the combined treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The c-thionin from Habanero chili pepper improved the butyrate cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells. This effect occurred through apoptosis induction associated with reactive oxygen species production. Therefore, the combination of butyrate with cytotoxic antimicrobial peptides could be an attractive strategy for cancer therapy.

Caracterização físico-química de microcápsulas de pimenta-de-cheiro (Capsicum chinense Jacquin) madura / Physical-chemical characterization of microcapsules of chilled pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacquin) mature

O cultivo de pimentas pertencentes ao gênero Capsicum no Brasil é importante devido a geração de renda agregando valor ao produto, como também sua importância histórica. Os frutos de pimenta são ricos em antioxidantes naturais como: vitaminas C, E e carotenoides. No Brasil a pimenta-de-cheiro é encontrada desde a América Central até o sul do Brasil; por esse motivo, é considerada a mais brasileira das espécies domesticadas. A microencapsulação compreende protege contra perdas nutricionais, preserva ou mascara cor e sabor, aumenta a vida de prateleira. Análises físico-quimicas realizadas foram: Umidade, Aw, pH, cinzas, ºBrix (Solidos solúveis), vitamina C. As análises mantiveram dentro dos valores esperados sendo a vitamina C o componente que obteve melhor conservação mantendo-se estável durante o armazenamento.

Dietary determinants of urinary molybdenum levels in Mexican women: a pilot study / Determinantes dietéticos de molibdeno urinario en mujeres mexicanas: un estudio piloto

Abstract: Objective: This study determined the main dietary sources of urinary molybdenum (Mo) concentrations in a sample of 124 pregnant women in Mexico. Materials and methods: Dietary data was collected during pregnancy, through a semi-qualitative food frequency questionnaire, with information of 84 foods. Urine Mo levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, for at least two trimesters of pregnancy. The associations with Mo levels were estimated by generalized mixed effect regression models. Results: Between 5.8 to 12.7% of the samples were above the 95th percentile of urinary Mo distribution reported by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2010 for women (151 μg/L and 148 μg/g creatinine). After bootstrap resampling was conducted, women with high-consumption of hot peppers (β=1.34μg/g; 95% CI: 1.00-1.80; p= 0.05) had marginally higher urinary Mo concentration levels, creatinine adjusted, compared to women with low-consumption. Conclusion. Hot chili pepper consumption may contribute to body burden Mo levels in this population.

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar las fuentes dietéticas de molibdeno (Mo) urinario en 124 mujeres embarazadas residentes en el estado de Morelos, México. Material y métodos: Mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de 84 alimentos, se obtuvo información dietética durante el embarazo. Las concentraciones urinarias de Mo se determinaron por espectrometría de absorción atómica, en al menos dos trimestres del embarazo. La asociación se estimó mediante modelos de efectos mixtos generalizados. Resultados: Entre 5.8 y 12.7% de las muestras superaron el P95 (151 µg/L y 148 µg/g creatinina) de la distribución de Mo urinario reportado para mujeres por la Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición y Salud de Estados Unidos (NHANES) 2009-2010. El mayor consumo de chile (β=1.34μg/g; IC95%: 1.00-1.80; p=0.05) se asoció con concentraciones marginalmente mayores de Mo. Conclusión: Probablemente debido a los fertilizantes o el sistema de riego utilizado en su cultivo, el consumo de chile es una posible fuente de exposición a Mo, en esta población.

Management of blight of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) caused by Drechslera bicolor

Abstract Sweet or bell pepper is a member of the Solanaceae family and is regarded as one of the most popular and nutritious vegetable. Blight, in the form of leaf and fruit blight, has been observed to infect bell pepper crops cultivated at the horticulture farm in Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, India. Based on disease severity, we attempted to curb this newly emerged problem using different fungicides, plant extracts, bio-control agents, and commercial botanicals against the fungus in laboratory and pot experiments. Bio-control agent Trichoderma viride and plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolate Neist-2 were found to be quite effective against bell pepper blight. All evaluated fungicides, botanicals, commercial botanicals, and bio-control agents in vitro were further studied as seed dressers and two foliar sprays at ten days interval in pot experiments. The combinations of Vitavax, PGPR isolate Neist-2, and Mehandi extract were found to be very effective against bell pepper blight followed by Vitavax, T. viride, and Mehandi extract used individually. All treatments in the pot experiments were found to significantly reduce seedling mortality and enhance plant biomass of bell pepper. Thus, these experimental findings suggest that a better integrated management of bell pepper blight could be achieved by conducting field trials in major bell pepper- and chilli-cultivated areas of the state. Besides fungicides, different botanicals and commercial botanicals also seem to be promising treatment options. Therefore, the outcome of the present study provides an alternate option of fungicide use in minimizing loss caused by Drechslera bicolor.

Caracterização farmacognóstica de Piper arboreum var. arboreum e P. tuberculatum (Piperaceae) / Pharmacognostical characterization of Piper arboreum var. arboreum and P. tuberculatum (Piperaceae)

Piper arboreum Aubl. var. arboreum and P. tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae), both known as "pimenta-longa", are frequently misidentified. Despite the fact that both species are sold as traditional phytotherapeutic products, there are no reports on their quality control. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize leaf and stem herbal drugs of both species using standard methods aiming to establish parameters for botanical authentication and purity degree for their quality control. Size, shape, color, taste, texture, fracture surface and transection characteristics, and leaf venation patterns are macroscopic diagnostic characters useful to distinguish the herbal drugs when they are not powdered. The following characters are useful for diagnostic purposes of the powdered herbal drugs: cuticular and epicuticular wax patterns, types of trichomes, and wall thickening of the tracheary elements, and shape of the hilum of the starch grains. Emergences are key morphological markers for P. tuberculatum herbal drugs. Physicochemical parameter values were similar in herbal drugs of both species, except acid-insoluble ash value which was higher in the P. arboreum var. arboreum stem herbal drugs. Piper arboreum var. arboreum herbal drugs had the highest metal concentrations. Al, Cu, Mn and V concentrations were the highest, whereas Cd, Co and Hg concentrations were the lowest in the herbal drugs of both species. The results obtained can be used as quality control parameters for the herbal drugs of both species.

Piper arboreum Aubl. var. arboreum e P. tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae), conhecidas como pimenta-longa, são comercializadas como produtos tradicionais fitoterápicos e, frequentemente, identificadas erroneamente, não havendo relatos sobre controle de qualidade dessas espécies. O objetivo do trabalho foi preparar e caracterizar drogas vegetais foliares e caulinares dessas espécies para estabelecer-lhes parâmetros de autenticidade botânica e grau de pureza para o controle de qualidade. Foram utilizados métodos padrões para o preparo e análises estrutural e físico-química das drogas vegetais. São caracteres diagnósticos macroscópicos para distinguir as drogas vegetais íntegras: tamanho, forma, cor, sabor, textura, características da superfície de fratura e da secção transversal e os padrões de venação foliar. São caracteres diagnósticos para distinguir as drogas vegetais pulverizadas: padrões de cutícula e cera epicuticular, tipos de tricoma e espessamento parietal dos elementos traqueais e a forma do hilo dos grãos de amido. Emergências são marcadores morfológicos chave para as drogas vegetais de P. tuberculatum. Os valores dos parâmetros físico-químicos foram similares nas drogas vegetais das espécies, exceto o de cinzas ácido-insolúveis que foi maior nas drogas vegetais caulinares de P. arboreum var. arboreum. As maiores concentrações de metais ocorreram nas drogas vegetais de P. arboreum var. arboreum. As concentrações mais elevadas foram de Al, Cu, Mn e V e as mais baixas de Cd, Co e Hg. Os resultados obtidos poderão ser utilizados como parâmetros de controle de qualidade para as drogas vegetais de ambas as espécies.

In the final analysis, are we a consumer society or not? Implications for health / Afinal, somos ou não somos uma sociedade de consumo? Consequências para a saúde

In this paper, the question of Brazil's insertion today as a country with the characteristics of modern consumer societies is discussed, focusing on the commercialization of the health sector, the segmentation of the health system and the contradictions of the rights to health care in the social context in question. Some research data on these issues broadcast in the National News Bulletins of Globo TV during the year of 2012 are presented, in which the high technology private hospital as a consumer icon, the underfunding of the public health system and the rejection of a poor and deprived Unified Health System are analyzed.

Discute-se aqui a nossa inserção como país, hoje, nas sociedades de consumo características da modernidade, enfocando a mercantilização na área da saúde, a segmentação do sistema de saúde e as contradições do direito à saúde no contexto social em questão. São apresentados dados de pesquisa sobre o tema no Jornal Nacional da Rede Globo de Televisão, durante o ano de 2012, na qual se analisa o hospital privado de alto padrão tecnológico como ícone de consumo, o subfinanciamento do sistema público de saúde e a rejeição de um Sistema Único de Saúde pobre e carente.

Cuidar e (não) vacinar no contexto de famílias de alta renda e escolaridade em São Paulo, SP, Brasil / Care and (non)-vaccination in the context of high-income and well-schooled families in São Paulo in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

O trabalho analisa a dimensão do cuidado parental e suas relações com as decisões de (não) vacinar os filhos no contexto de famílias de alta renda e escolaridade de São Paulo, SP. A pesquisa se orienta pela abordagem qualitativa, com uso de entrevista em profundidade, realizada com 15 casais alocados em três grupos: vacinadores, vacinadores seletivos e não vacinadores. O percurso analítico-interpretativo dos dados foi realizado por meio da análise de conteúdo e segundo os referenciais de cuidado em saúde e família. Para todos os casais do estudo, a escolha da (não) vacinação dos filhos é concebida como um cuidado parental e proteção ao filho, porém, para os vacinadores, proteger é vacinar os filhos; para os vacinadores seletivos, proteger é singularizar cada caso; e para os não vacinadores, proteger é não vacinar os filhos, é proteger contra os riscos da vacinação. O estudo revelou, também, que as justificativas da não vacinação e da seleção e/ou postergação do calendário vacinal foram semelhantes às encontradas na literatura internacional. O estudo aponta a importância da compreensão sociocultural da (não) aceitabilidade da vacinação no contexto do cuidado parental.

This paper analyzes the parental care dimension and the relationship with the decisions on (non)-vaccination of their children in the context of high-income and well-schooled families in São Paulo city/state. The research adopts the qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews conducted with 15 couples that were divided into three groups: vaccinators, selective vaccinators and non-vaccinators. The analytic-interpretative study of the data was performed by means of content analysis and in line with the benchmarks of care of health and family. For all the couples analyzed, the option of (non)-vaccination of their children is perceived as parental care and protection of the child. However, for the vaccinators, protection is to vaccinate their children; for the selective vaccinators, protection is to study case by case; and for the non-vaccinators, protection is not to vaccinate their children, but to protect them against the risks of vaccination. The study also revealed that the reasons for non-vaccination, selection and/or postponement of the vaccination schedule were similar to those found in the international literature. The study highlights the importance of socio-cultural comprehension of (non)-acceptance of vaccination in the context of parental care.

Evaluación de la capacidad acumuladora de mercurio del ají (Capsicum annuum) / Evaluation of the mercury accumulating capacity of pepper (Capsicum annuum)

Objetivo Evaluar la capacidad acumuladora de mercurio por parte la planta de ají (Capsicum annuum), en suelos contaminados procedentes del corregimiento Mina Santa Cruz, Sur de Bolívar, Colombia, con el propósito de establecer el riesgo para la salud de la población consumidora. Materiales y Métodos Se tomaron muestras de tejidos (raíces, tallos y hojas) de plantas de C. annuum sembradas en dos suelos contaminados con mercurio y un suelo control, durante sus primeros cinco meses de crecimiento para determinar mercurio total mediante la técnica de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica por vapor frio. Se determinó mercurio total en muestras de frutos de ají consumido en Mina Santa Cruz. Resultados Las concentraciones medias de mercurio total en raíces fueron mayores en comparación con tallos y hojas. Los niveles de mercurio en suelos y el tiempo influyeron en la acumulación en tejidos. Las concentraciones de mercurio en frutos de C. annuum fueron bajas en relación a la ingesta tolerable semanal dispuesta por la OMS. Conclusión Los porcentajes de translocación de mercurio a las partes aéreas de la planta fueron bajos tanto en el suelo control como en los suelos contaminados. A pesar de los bajos niveles de mercurio en este alimento se debe disminuir al máximo el consumo de alimentos contaminados con dicho metal.(AU)

Objective To assess the mercury accumulating capacity in contaminated soils from the community of Mina Santa Cruz, in the south of the department of Bolívar, Colombia, of the pepper plant (Capsicum annuum), in order to establish the risk to the health of the consuming population. Materials and Methods Samples were taken from tissues (roots, stems, and leaves) of pepper plants grown in two soils contaminated with mercury and a control soil during the first five months of growth to determine total mercury through cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Total mercury was determined in the samples of pepper plant fruits consumed in Mina Santa Cruz. Results The mean concentrations of total mercury in the roots were higher than in stems and leaves. Accumulation in tissues was influenced by mercury levels in soil and the growth time of the plants. Mercury concentrations in fruits of pepper plant were lower than tolerable weekly intake provided by WHO. Conclusion Percent of translocation of mercury to aerial parts of the plant were low in both control and contaminated soils. Despite low levels of mercury in this food, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of food contaminated with this metal.(AU)

Causes de la consommation du piment et conséquences sanitaires liées chez la population âgée de 15 ans et plus du quartier Banifandou 1 du 2ème arrondissement août 2013

Notre étude a porté sur les causes de la consommation du piment et les conséquences sanitaires liées chez la population âgée de 15 ans et plus du quartier Banifondou I du 2e Arrondissement communal de la ville de Niamey. La méthodologie a consisté à faire un échantillonnage en grappe à 3 degrés pour déterminer les consommateurs. L'échantillon a été estimé à cent cinquante (150) consommateurs du piment résidant dans le quartier Banifondou I de la Ville de Niamey. L'étude a montré que le piment est un épice consommé dans ce quartier. Cette consommation est pratiquée par presque toutes les couches sociales de ce quartier. Il ressort de cette étude les résultats suivants :  69% des consommateurs de piment enquêtés sont de sexe féminin ;  34,67% des enquêtés consomment une fois le piment par jour ;  57,33% des enquêtés disent que tous les membres de leur famille consomment le piment ;  60% des enquêtés consomment le piment cru et cuit ;  67% des enquêtés consomment autant le piment frais que le piment sec ;  51,33% des enquêtés connaissent la quantité approximative qu'ils consomment : 45,45% consomment approximativement 6,45 à 27,36 g et 33,77% disent qu'ils consomment 32,2 à 61,56g/jour, la quantité journalière moyenne est de 40,5449 sensiblement égal à 40,55g/jour ;  64% des enquêtés n'ajoutent pas le piment dans tous les plats qu'ils consomment ;  70% des enquêtés connaissent les risques sanitaires liés à la consommation du piment ;  82,67% des enquêtés consomment le piment pour stimuler l'appétit ;  100% des enquêtés s'approvisionnent en piment par l'achat ;  78% des enquêtés consommaient le piment plus avant que maintenant ;  70,67% des enquêtés ont eu des problèmes de santé après la consommation du piment : Ainsi les principales maladies rencontrées par les consommateurs du piment sont par ordre d'importance des fréquences ; les douleurs abdominales 48,11%, les crises d'ulcère 43,40%, les brûlures d'estomacs 39,62%, et les diarrhées 37,74% ;  82% des enquêtés suggèrent de consommer modérément le piment pour minimiser les risques sanitaires liés à la consommation du piment. Cependant plus l'âge évolue, plus la consommation du piment est réduite. Enfin, la situation matrimoniale des consommateurs et leur niveau d'instruction n'ont pas d'effet sur la consommation du piment

Combination Effects of Capsicum Plaster at the Korean Hand Acupuncture Points K-D2 with Prophylactic Antiemetic on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Gynecologic Laparoscopy

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the combination effects of capsicum plaster at the Korean hand acupuncture points K-D2 with prophylactic antiemetic on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV). METHODS: An experimental research design (a randomized, a double-blinded, and a placebo-control procedure) was used. The participants were female patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy; the control group (n=34) received intravenous prophylactic ramosetron 0.3mg, while the experimental group (n=34) had Korean Hand Therapy additionally. In the experimental group, capsicum plaster was applied at K-D2 of both 2nd and 4th fingers by means of Korean Hand Therapy for a period of 30 minutes before the induction of anesthesia and removed 8 hours after the laparoscopy. RESULTS: The occurrence of nausea, nausea intensity and need for rescue with antiemetic in the experimental group was significantly less than in the control group 2 hours after surgery. CONCLUSION: Results of the study show capsicum plaster at K-D2 is an effective method for reducing PONV in spite of the low occurrence of PONV because of the prophylactic antiemetic medication.

Evaluación de la germinación y crecimiento de Plántula de Chiltepín -Capsicum annuum L variedad glabriusculum- en invernadero / Evaluation of germination and seedling Growth of Chiltepín -Capsicum annuum L variedad glabriusculum- greenhouse

The chiltepin is one of the natural resources of the sinaloense saw, which reaches a commercial value of $100.00 mexican pesos for 250 g approximately, due to the fact that its crop implies penetrating in the low caducifolia jungle and crossing kilometeres to be able to obtain it, in addition the persons of the region who collect it obtain the resource of an irrational way extracting the plant in its entirety from the root, which causes a minor production in the following season of crop. Due to the fact that it is a native plant of the highland region and that the conditions of germination of the seed are achieved when the fruit is consumed by birds and passes for its digestive tract, it is a plant difficult to cultivate. By what preliminary studies were realized to evaluate the germinative percentage of the plant of chiltepín. There was placed to the shade for one month a whole of 2 000 seeds distributed in 4 charolas by 500 seeds each one. To stimulate the germination the hormone of growth was used giberelina. The beginning of the germination was observed to 8 days, reaching a month an average height of 6.5 cm. The percentage of germination that was reached under these conditions is 97 % (in other studies it has been achieved to obtain in the laboratory up to 57 % of germination), which indicates that in the laboratory it is feasible to cultivate it in a favorable way. It is necessary to realize researches related to the growth, development and establishment of the culture of chiltepín to generate in the region economic resources that derive from this activity.

El chiltepín es uno de los recursos naturales de la sierra sinaloense, el cual alcanza un valor comercial de $100.00 pesos mexicanos por 250 g aproximadamente, ya que su cosecha implica internarse en la selva baja caducifolia y recorrer kilómetros para poder obtenerlo, además las personas de la región que lo colectan lo obtienen sin ninguna técnica, pues extraen la planta en su totalidad desde la raíz, lo que ocasiona una menor producción en la siguiente temporada de cosecha. El chiltepín es difícil de cultivar, debido a que es una planta nativa de la región serrana y a que las condiciones de germinación de la semilla se logran cuando el fruto es ingerido por aves y pasa por su tracto digestivo. Por ello se realizaron estudios preliminares para evaluar el porcentaje germinativo de esta planta. Se colocaron a la sombra, por un mes, un total de 2 000 semillas, distribuidas en 4 charolas con 500 semillas cada una. Para estimular la germinación se empleó la hormona de crecimiento giberalina. El inicio de la germinación se observó a los 8 días, alcanzando al mes una talla promedio de 6,5 cm de altura. El porcentaje de germinación que se alcanzó bajo estas condiciones fue de 97% (en otros estudios se ha logrado obtener en el laboratorio hasta un 57% de germinación), lo cual indica que en el laboratorio es factible cultivarlo de manera favorable. Es necesario realizar investigaciones relacionadas con el crecimiento, desarrollo y establecimiento del cultivo de chiltepín para generar en la región recursos económicos que deriven de esta actividad.

Controle de qualidade e análise sensorial em voluntários de xampu esfoliante com extrato hidroalcoólico de Capsicum frutescens L. (Solanaceae) / Quality control and sensory acceptability of exfoliating shampoo containing hydroethanolic extract of Capsicum frutescens L. (Solanaceae) peppers.

A fitocosmética é um setor em nítido crescimento por se ter verificado reais vantagens na incorporação de produtos vegetais em relação a certos produtos sintéticos em produtos cosméticos. O proposto trabalho foi desenvolvido enfocando-se o uso de xampu com a utilização de microesferas de biopolímero e extrato hidroalcoólico de Capsicum frutescens L., mais popularmente conhecida como pimenta-malagueta, para o tratamento de queda capilar simples (alopecia androgênica). As análises físico-químicas envolveram determinação de cinzas totais, pH, identificação de capsaicina e densidade do xampu, entre outros. Considerando-se os diversos aspectos exigidos para a garantia da qualidade do material botânico, que englobam não somente os aspectos físico-químicos, mas também o microbiológico, realizou-se, tanto no extrato quanto no produto final, a contagem total de micro-organismos, pesquisa de Salmonella sp e Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Foram realizadas análises sensoriais em voluntários, visando avaliar a qualidade sensorial do produto. Os voluntários avaliaram a amostra segundo questionário aplicado. Para as propriedades avaliadas, as microesferas esfoliantes incorporadas ao xampu mostraram-se ser bem aceitas pelos voluntários, principalmente devido à sensação transmitida pela esfoliação, fazendo com que o extrato hidroalcoólico promova uma maior oxigenação local.

Phytocosmetics is a sector of the market in rapid growth, since real advantages have been demonstrated in the incorporation of plant products in cosmetics, in place of certain synthetic products. The focus of this study was on the use of shampoo containing microspheres of biopolymer and a hydroalcoholic extract of the fruit of Capsicum frutescens L., more commonly known as chili pepper, for the treatment of hair loss (androgenic alopecia). The physical and chemical analysis included the determination of total ash, pH and density of the shampoo and the identification of capsaicin. Considering the various requirements for quality assurance of the plant material, encompassing not only physicochemical but also microbiological criteria, both the extract and the final product were subjected to a total count of microorganisms and tests for Salmonella sp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The sensory quality of the product was assessed by a panel of volunteers, who rated the sample of shampoo in response to a questionnaire. For the properties assessed, the exfoliating microspheres incorporated into the shampoo proved to be well tolerated by the volunteers, mainly on account of the feeling conveyed by exfoliation, causing the hydroalcoholic extract to promote greater local oxygenation.

In vitro clonal propagation of bird eye chilli (Capsicum frutescens Mill.).

An efficient and highly reproducible protocol for micropropagation of bird eye chilli Capsicum frutescens was attempted. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.5-3.0 mgl(-1) of 6-benzyladenine (BA), 2-isopentenyl adenine (2iP), kinetin and 0.5-2.0 mg l(-1) of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) along with 1 gl(-1) activated charcoal (AC) were used for shoot regeneration from both shoot tip and nodal explants. Shoot tip explants (100%) grew well on medium containing 1 mgl(-1) of kinetin and 1 mgl(-1) of IBA. Shoot proliferation (1-3) from nodal explants was effective on this medium. The regenerated shoots with 4-7 nodes had further growth upon sub-culturing onto kinetin (1 mgl(-1)) and IBA (1 mgl(-1)) and rooted simultaneously. The rooted plants were transferred to pots after hardening under controlled conditions. The survival percentage in pots was 80-90%.

Effect of chilli (Capsicum frutescens) extract on proliferation of oral mucosal fibroblasts.

Various concentrations of chilli extract were tested in 2 stages on the growth of a human buccal mucosa fibroblast cell line. Firstly, concentrations of 25, 75, 150 and 300 micrograms/ml were tested on the cell line for 6 days followed by a repeat which included concentrations of 400 and 500 micrograms/ml. In the latter, cell growth was monitored for 18 days. From day 3 (72 hr) suppression of cell growth was evident with concentrations 300-500 micrograms/ml. Total cell death occurred at 16 days with 300 micrograms/ml and at 6 days with 400-500 micrograms/ml. With the lower concentrations, 25-150 micrograms/ml, the daily counts were lower than the control but the difference was not statistically significant. Growth continued unabated. It is therefore concluded that cytopathic effect of chilli extract to fibroblasts is concentration dependent.