Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth and eye diseases: A review on phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology / 中西医结合学报

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth is a medicinal plant used to manage inflammatory illnesses such as conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders in tropical and subtropical regions. However, little is known about its pharmacological mechanism of action against eye diseases. This review aims to critically discuss the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of P. pellucida as well as its roles in the treatment of cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Recent developments in the uses of P. pellucida for healthcare and nutraceutical products by the pharmaceutical industry are also covered in this review. For this review, a literature search was performed with PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder Scholar and Scopus databases, using relevant keywords. Among the various phytochemicals identified from P. pellucida, β-caryophyllene, carotol, dillapiole, ellagic acid, pellucidin A, phytol and vitexin exhibit strong pharmacological activities within the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB signalling pathways in inflammatory eye diseases. The antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and anti-angiogenic activities displayed by P. pellucida extracts in many in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies suggest its potential role in the management of inflammatory eye diseases. P. pellucida extract was non-toxic against normal cell lines but displayed mild toxicity in animal models. The growing public interest in P. pellucida has inspired the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries to process the plant into health products. Although the potential pharmacological mechanisms against eye diseases have been summarized, further studies of the interactions among constituent phytochemicals from P. pellucida within various signalling pathways shall support the use of the plant as an alternative therapeutic source.

Efecto de los extractos fitoquímicos en la eliminación del barro dentinario en el tratamiento de conductos radiculares / Effects of phytochemical extracts on smear layer removal in root canal treatment

Introduction: Studies suggested that phytochemical products are considered potential solutions to smear layer removal due to their biological safety in cleaning root canal systems, lower toxicity, lower irritant effect and antimicrobial effect. Objective: The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review to evaluate smear layer removal of root canal systems by different natural product solutions. Methods: systematic review. Search of the literature was performed on Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scielo and Google Scholar according the PRISMA protocol. Studies were included if they performed the experiments of smear layer removal on extracted permanent human teeth. Articles published in any language without restriction of year of publication were included in this review. The risk of bias assessment in the included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies. The search strategy resulted in the retrieval of 6221 publications. After the eligibility criteria application, 8 articles were selected for analysis. Results: It was observed that some natural products solutions showed effects on smear layer removal, especially on coronal third. The phytochemical products such as Salvadora persica, chamomile alcohol extract and grape seed extract demonstrated good potential of smear layer removal, however, its effectiveness and clinical applicability are still unclear. Conclusions: Although the limitations of this study, it is possible to highlight those phytochemical products such as Salvadora persica, chamomile alcohol extract and grape seed extract that demonstrated good potential on SL removal(AU)

Introducción: Los productos fitoquímicos se consideran soluciones potenciales para la eliminación del barro dentinario debido a su seguridad biológica en la limpieza del sistema de conductos radiculares, menor toxicidad, menor efecto irritante y efecto antimicrobiano. Objetivo: Evaluar la eliminación del barro dentinario de los sistemas de conductos radiculares mediante diferentes soluciones de productos naturales. Métodos: La búsqueda de la literatura se realizó en Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, SciELO y Google Scholar, según el protocolo PRISMA. Los estudios se incluyeron si realizaron los experimentos de eliminación del barro dentinario en dientes humanos permanentes extraídos. En esta revisión se incluyeron artículos publicados en cualquier idioma, sin restricción de año de publicación. La evaluación del riesgo de sesgo en los estudios incluidos se evaluó mediante la lista de verificación de evaluación crítica del Instituto Joanna Briggs para estudios cuasiexperimentales. La estrategia de búsqueda resultó en la recuperación de 6221 publicaciones. Después de la aplicación de los criterios de elegibilidad, se seleccionaron 8 artículos para su análisis. Resultados: Se observó que algunas soluciones de productos naturales mostraron efectos sobre la eliminación del barro dentinario, especialmente en el tercio coronal. Los productos fitoquímicos como salvadora pérsica, extracto de alcohol de manzanilla y extracto de semilla de uva demostraron un buen potencial de eliminación del barro dentinario; sin embargo, su efectividad y aplicabilidad clínica aún no están claras. Conclusiones: A pesar de las limitaciones de este estudio, es posible destacar aquellos productos fitoquímicos como salvadora pérsica, extracto de alcohol de manzanilla y extracto de semilla de uva demostraron buen potencial de eliminación del barro dentinario(AU)

Moringa Oleifera: an alternative ingredient to improve the egg quality of Japanese quail / [Moringa oleifera: um ingrediente alternativo na melhora da qualidade de ovos de codornas japonesas]

This study aims to evaluate effects of inclusion of moringa in Japanese quail diets on laying performance, egg quality, blood parameters, serum biochemical profile, and behavior. One hundred and forty-four Japanese quails, approximately 35-d-old, were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications. Treatments were diet inclusion of 0, 2, 4 and 6% of dried and ground moringa leaves. The inclusion of moringa in diets reduces the quadratic feed intake up to the level of 1.20%, increases weight of eggs with a quadratic behavior up to 3.80%, and linearly increases yolk weight. Yolk color changes with higher levels of inclusion of moringa and resulted in more intense colors. The biochemical profile of quails changed slightly but remains within the normal range. The inclusion of 4% of moringa in diets increases alkaline phosphatase. Regarding cholesterol and triglycerides, diet with 6% moringa inclusion was lower when compared to the others. The behavior of laying quails does not change due to inclusion of moringa in diets. Up to 3.83% of Moringa oleifera can be included in Japanese quail diet to improve egg quality without compromising performance, biochemical profile, blood parameters and behavior.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a inclusão de Moringa oleifera na dieta de codornas japonesas sobre o desempenho, a qualidade de ovos, os parâmetros sanguíneos, o perfil bioquímico e o comportamento. Foram utilizadas 144 codornas japonesas, com aproximadamente 35 dias de idade, as quais foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições cada. Foram fornecidas dietas com 0, 2, 4 e 6% de folhas desidratadas e moídas de moringa. A inclusão de moringa nas dietas reduziu quadraticamente o consumo até o nível de 1,2%, aumentou o peso dos ovos com comportamento quadrático até o nível de 3,8% e aumentou linearmente o peso da gema. A coloração da gema se intensificou com maiores inclusões de moringa. O perfil bioquímico sofreu alterações leves, mas não saiu dos padrões normais para codornas. A inclusão de 4% de moringa nas dietas aumentou os níveis de fosfatase alcalina. Já a inclusão de 6% reduziu níveis de colesterol e triglicérides. O comportamento das codornas não se alterou com a inclusão de moringa nas dietas. A inclusão de até 3,83% de Moringa oleifera na dieta de codornas japonesas aumenta a qualidade de ovos sem comprometer o desempenho, o perfil bioquímico, os parâmetros sanguíneos e o comportamento delas.(AU)

Medicinal plants as a source of future anti-pruritic drugs: a comprehensive review / Las plantas medicinales como fuente de futuros fármacos antipruríticos: una revisión exhaustiva

Pruritus is a distressing sensation of the skin that provokes the desire to scratch. Medicinal plants have been proposed as a worthful source for identifying new bioactive molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate some medicinal plants and their phytochemicals used in the management of pruritus. Medicinal plants including Avena sativa, Borago officinalis, Capsicum frutescens, Curcuma longa, Fumaria spp., Mentha x piperita and Oenothera biennis showed the promising anti-pruritic activity in human studies. In experimental studies, Angelica sinensis, Betula platyphylla, Matricaria chamomilla, Rumex Japonicus, Saururus chinensis and Vaccinium myrtillus are among the best medicinal plants for management of pruritus. Essential oils, alkaloids, saponins, sterols, terpens, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids were the bioactive constituents of herbs which exhibited their anti-pruritic activity through different mechanisms. The most predominant mechanisms involved in activity of plant-derived molecules in pruritis include reducing serum IgE and proinflammatory cytokines, stabilizing mast cells, suppressing the Th2 cellular response, suppressing the expression of substance P and NF- κB, inhibiting prostaglandin E2 production, and activating receptors involved in itch sensation. Overall, several medicinal plants and its bioactive compounds have shown marked activity in the management of pruritus and therefore can be considered as an alternative source of treatment.

El prurito es una sensación molesta en la piel que provoca el deseo de rascarse. Las plantas medicinales han sido propuestas como una fuente valiosa para identificar nuevas moléculas bioactivas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar algunas plantas medicinales y sus fitoquímicos en el manejo del prurito. Plantas medicinales que incluyen Avena sativa, Borago officinalis, Capsicum frutescens, Curcuma longa, Fumaria spp., Mentha x piperita y Oenothera biennis mostraron una prometedora actividad antiprurítica en estudios humanos. En estudios experimentales, Angelica sinensis, Betula platyphylla, Matricaria chamomilla, Rumex Japonicus, Saururus chinensis y Vaccinium myrtillus se encuentran entre las mejores plantas medicinales para el manejo del prurito. Los aceites esenciales, alcaloides, saponinas, esteroles, terpenos, compuestos fenólicos y ácidos grasos fueron los constituyentes bioactivos de las hierbas que mostraron actividad antiprurítica a través de diferentes mecanismos. Los mecanismos más predominantes implicados en la actividad de las moléculas derivadas de plantas en el prurito incluyen la reducción de la IgE sérica y las citoquinas proinflamatorias, la estabilización de los mastocitos, la supresión de la respuesta celular Th2, la supresión de la expresión de la sustancia P y NF-κB, la inhibición de la producción de prostaglandina E2 y la activación de receptores implicados en la sensación de picazón. En general, varias plantas medicinales y sus compuestos bioactivos han mostrado una actividad efectiva en el manejo del prurito y, por lo tanto, pueden ser consideradas como una fuente alternativa para su tratamiento.

Efecto citoprotector de extractos de Eugenia jambolana y Psidium myrsinites DC. A. contra peroxidación lipídica inducida por hierro II / Citoprotective effect of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium myrsinites DC. A. against the lipid peroxidation induced by iron II

La evaluación de la actividad antioxidante ha sido una cuestión relevante teniendo en cuenta su importancia para la salud humana. Estudios recientes muestran que el uso de plantas en forma de jugos o tés como fuentes de antioxidantes naturales, que se pueden utilizar como complemento para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades. En este contexto, evaluado el potencial antioxidante in vitro, de extractos de Eugenia jambolana Lam y Psidium myrsinites DC. A. y cuantificar fenoles y flavonoides presentes en los extractos. La peroxidación lipídica ha sido evaluada por la técnica de TBARS (sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico). De acuerdo con los resultados, mostraron una mejor actividad antioxidante del extracto de psidium myrsinites DC. A. Para poner a prueba TBARS con fosfolípido de huevo extrae redujo los niveles basales en el proceso de peroxidación de lípidos, la CI50 del extracto etanolico de Euguenia jambolana (EEFEJ) mostró los mejores resultados, con un más bajo valor de la CI50 en comparación con el extracto hidroetanolico de Psidium mirsinites, demostrado ser más efectivo. Por lo tanto, a través de estas pruebas se puede ver que los extractos de las hojas de la especie, Eugenia jambolana Lam y Psidium myrsinites DC. A., la actividad antioxidante de exposiciones, sustancias fenólicas directamente relacionados producidos a partir de su metabolismo secundario.

The evaluation of the antioxidant activity has been a relevant and important issue to human health. Recent studies show that the use of plants juices or teas as sources of natural antioxidants, which can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of several diseases. In this context, was evaluated the in vitro antioxidant potential of the extracts of Psidium myrsinites DC. and Eugenia jambolana Lam. The total of phenols and flavonoids were quantified in the extracts. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by the technique of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). According to the results, was showed a better antioxidant activity in the extract of Psidium myrsinites DC. A. In the TBARS assay with egg phospholipid the extracts reduced the basal levels in the process of lipid peroxidation and the IC50 of ethanol extract of Eugenia jambolana (EEFEJ) showed the best results with a lower value of IC50 compared with hydroethanol extract of Psidium mirsinites, demonstrating be more effective. Therefore, through these tests can be seen that extracts from the leaves of the species, Eugenia and Psidium jambolana Lam myrsinites DC. A., exhibit antioxidant activity, directly related phenolic substances produced from the secondary metabolism.

Actividad antiplasmódica y hemolítica de extractos etanólicos y fracciones obtenidas de Cecropia membranacea Trécul. y Cecropia metensis Cuatrec. (sin. Cecropia peltata var. candida Velásquez) / Antiplasmodial and haemolytic activity of ethanolic extracts and fractions obtained from Cecropia membranacea Trécul. and Cecropia metensis Cuatrec. (syn. Cecropia peltata var. candida Velásquez)

Introducción: el estudio de las plantas medicinales ha permitido el desarrollo de productos fitoterapéuticos y fármacos para el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades, entre estas la malaria. En Brasil las plantas usadas en la medicina tradicional por sus antecedentes como febrífugos o antimaláricos incluyen Cecropia hololeuca, Cecropia sp., Cecropia pachystachya y Cecropia glaziovii. Aún no ha sido comprobada la actividad antimalárica de Cecropia membranacea y Cecropia metensis, especies distribuidas en América Central y América del Sur, incluida Colombia. Objetivo: evaluar la actividad antiplasmódica frente a Plasmodium falciparum de extractos y fracciones de Cecropia membranacea y Cecropia metensis. Métodos: a partir de las hojas con peciolo de las dos especies se prepararon extractos etanólicos utilizando el método de percolación, se llevó a cabo el fraccionamiento del extracto etanólico, de cada especie, utilizando un sistema de partición con solventes de diferente polaridad (éter de petróleo, acetato de etilo, n-butanol y agua). Con los extractos y fracciones obtenidas se realizó un estudio fitoquímico preliminar. La actividad de extractos y fracciones se evaluó in vitro frente a Plasmodium falciparum FCB-2 y se estudió la actividad hemolítica. Resultados: las fracciones acetato de etilo de Cecropia membranacea (CI50 10,12 µg/mL) y Cecropia metensis (CI50 12,52 µg/mL) presentaron actividad antiplasmódica sin generar daño a la membrana de la célula hospedera (CH50> 1 000 µg/mL). La evaluación fitoquímica evidenció en estas fracciones una mezcla de compuestos tipo esteroide, terpénico y flavonoide. Conclusiones: las fracciones acetato de etilo de Cecropia membranacea y Cecropia metensis presentan actividad antiplasmódica promisoria, no asociada con propiedades líticas sobre las células eritrocitarias hospederas. Las dos especies son de interés para profundizar su estudio, en cuanto a la actividad antimalárica y composición fitoquímica(AU)

Introduction: the study of medicinal plants has led to the development of phytotherapeutic products and drugs for the treatment of various diseases, including malaria. Among the plants used in Brazilian traditional medicine for their febrifuge and antimalarial effects are Cecropia hololeuca, Cecropia sp., Cecropia pachystachya and Cecropia glaziovii. The antimalarial activity of Cecropia membranacea and Cecropia metensis has not been demonstrated. These two species may be found in Central and South America, including Colombia. Objective: evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of extracts and fractions of Cecropia membranacea and Cecropia metensis against Plasmodium falciparum. Methods: ethanolic extracts were obtained from petiolate leaves of the two species using the percolation method. The ethanolic extract of each species was then fractionated, using a partition system based on solvents of varying polarity (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water). The extracts and fractions obtained underwent preliminary phytochemical examination. Extracts and fractions were evaluated for their in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum FCB-2, as well as for their haemolytic activity. Results: ethyl acetate fractions of Cecropia membranacea (IC50 10.12 µg/mL) and Cecropia metensis (IC50 12.52 µg/mL) showed antiplasmodial activity without damaging the host cell membrane (HC50 >1000 µg/mL). Phytochemical evaluation of these fractions revealed a mixture of steroid, terpene and flavonoid compounds. Conclusions: ethyl acetate fractions of Cecropia membranacea and Cecropia metensis showed promising antiplasmodial activity, not associated to lytic properties, over erythrocyte host cells. The two species are good ground for further study of their antimalarial activity and phytochemical composition(AU)