A Survey of Plants used in Treatment of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus have emerged as the leading non-communicable disease worldwide, thus, the increasing need to continuously explore more and better ways of treating these diseases.Objectives: To carry out a survey of plants used in the treatment of hypertension and Diabetes mellitus in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Interview was conducted among respondents using semi-structured questionnaires and asking open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.Result: A total of 30 respondents comprising of 60.0% male and 40.0% female with the highest distribution of age range at above 50 years old (50.0%) was reported. Forty (40) medicinal plant species belonging to thirty-one (31) plant families were cited with the Apocynaceae family having the highest number of medicinal plants, followed by Asteraceae. For hypertension, 32 plant species were reported of which the most cited were Allium sativum (4) and Ficus asperifolia (2) while for Diabetes mellitus, 20 plant species were mentioned, of which the most cited were Hunteria umbellata (10) and Vernonia amygdalina (9). Of particular interest in this study were the plants that appeared for both hypertension and Diabetes treatment.Conclusion: This survey has helped to increase available medicinal plants knowledge and documentation in the management of hypertension and Diabetes. However, further work on the pharmacological activity of these plants as well as formulation in proper dosage form is recommended

Remineralizing efficacy of Calcarea Fluorica tablets on the artificial carious enamel lesions using scanning electron microscope and surface microhardness testing: In vivostudy.

Context: Remineralization is defined as the process whereby calcium and phosphate ions are supplied from a source external to tooth to promote ion deposition into crystal voids in demineralized enamel to produce net mineral gain. The remineralization produced by saliva is less and also a slow process, therefore remineralizing agents are required. Aims: The study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathic Calcarea Fluorica (calc‑f) tablets as remineralizing agents on artificial carious lesions using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface microhardness (SMH) testing. Subjects and Methods: A total of 24 patients needing removable orthodontic treatment were included in the study. They were divided into two groups of 12 patients each. The Group I consisted of patients in whom no tablets were given while Group II consisted of patients in whom calc‑f tablets were given in a dosage of 4 tablets twice a day. Four enamel samples with the artificial carious lesions were then embedded in the removable appliance for a period of 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the enamel samples were retrieved and evaluated by SEM and SMH. Statistical Analysis Used: One‑sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and Student’s t‑test were applied to analyze the difference in the Vickers microhardness number (VHN) values of remineralized enamel obtained from control and experimental group. Results: The signs of remineralization such as reduction in depth prismatic holes or decrease in porosity, variable sized uneven distribution of deposits and amorphous deposits were seen in enamel samples of both the groups. The mean SMH of remineralized enamel sample of Group I and Group II were 270.48 and 302.06, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: (1) Remineralization occurred in both the groups as indicated by SEM and the increase in surface hardness values in both the groups. (2) Remineralization of enamel samples in the control group as indicated by SEM and also by increase in VHN values indicated that the saliva has a tendency of remineralizing the early carious lesions. Conclusions drawn from the study are that the calc‑f tablets can be used as safe and cost effective remineralizing agent.

Effect of Herbal Medicine "Jod Aram" in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients - Randomized Placebo Controlled Study.

This study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the poly herbal drug preparation “Jod Aram” in Rheumatoid arthritis patients. The ingredients are hydro alcoholic extraction of different parts of plants. Material and method: A double blind, randomized, fixed dose, placebo controlled clinical trial using “Jod Aram” was carried out on 24 (14 Patients of “Jod Aram” and 10 patients on placebo) patients of rheumatoid arthritis, who were followed up for a period of 6 months. Result: There is significant improvement in clinical variables of rheumatoid arthritis in “Jod Aram” group compared to placebo at the end of 24 weeks of randomization trial. The drug is most effective in reducing pain and tenderness in the joint as the observed p value < 0.001. It is also effective in reducing signs of inflammation and improving disability associated with arthritis. Conclusion: This randomized drug trial demonstrated potential efficacy, safety in symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis over 24 weeks.

Oral submucous fibrosis in India: Are we progressing.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) a condition first described in the 1950s in the modern literature still remains elusive of a cure. For many years this condition had been confined to countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc., but now this condition is being reported from Western countries as well. Inspite of intensive research over the years into the etiologic factors of OSMF, a single etiologic factor cannot be pointed out with certainty rather several causative factors have been proposed. Patients suffering with OSMF initially present with a blanched or marble-like pale mucosa, vesiculations, and also intolerance to hot and spicy food. Gradually, the patient may develop fibrous bands in the buccal and labial mucosa which causes a restriction in opening the mouth. The evidence for the various treatment modalities for OSMF is weak hence better documentation of the studies performed with standardized criteria is required. The current review aims to refresh our knowledge regarding OSMF from an Indian perspective and make a few suggestions to fill the lacunae in this field.

Antioxidant & anticancer activities of isatin (1H-indole-2,3-dione), isolated from the flowers of Couroupita guianensis Aubl.

Background & objectives: Derivatives of isatin are known to have cytotoxicity against human carcinoma cell lines. This compound therefore, has a potential to be used as a chemotherapeutic agent against cancer. This study was done to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of isatin, extracted from flower of a folklore medicinal plant Couroupita guianensis against human promylocytic leukemia (HL60) cells. Methods: Active fractions demonstrating anticancer and antioxidant activities were isolated from the extracts of shade-dried flowers of C. guianensis by bioassay guided fractionation. The free radical scavenging activity was determined using lipid peroxidation assay. Cytotoxicity against human promylocytic leukemia HL60 cells was determined by MTT assay. Apoptotic activity was analyzed by DNA fragmentation and flowcytometry. Results: Isatin isolated from the active fraction showed antioxidant activity with the EC50 value of 72.80 μg/ml. It also exhibited cytotoxicity against human promylocytic leukemia HL60 cells in dose-dependant manner with the CC50 value of 2.94 μg/ml. The isatin-treated cells underwent apoptosis and DNA fragmentation. Apoptosis was confirmed by the FACS analysis using FITC-annexin V markers. Interpretation & conclusions: Isatin showed antioxidant activity and was cytotoxic to the HL60 cells due to induction of apoptosis. The isatin can be further evaluated to be used as a prophylactic agent to prevent the free radical-induced cancer and as a chemotherapeutic agent to kill the cancer cells.

Biological activities of Curcuma longa L

There are several data in the literature indicating a great variety of pharmacological activities of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), which exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, anti-bacteria, antioxidant effects and nematocidal activities. Curcumin is a major component in Curcuma longa L., being responsible for its biological actions. Other extracts of this plant has been showing potency too. In vitro, curcumin exhibits anti-parasitic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal effects; and also inhibits carcinogenesis and cancer growth. In vivo, there are experiments showing the anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory potency of curcumin and extracts of C. longa L. by parenteral and oral application in animal models. In this present work we make an overview of the pharmacological activities of C. longa L., showing its importance

Clinical research on ayurvedic therapeutics: myths, realities and challenges.

Globally there is an increasing interest in alternative routes to health such as ayurveda. There is a need to conduct globally acceptable clinical research in ayurvedic therapeutics (AT). Some of the issues in investigating AT in randomised clinical trials (CT) are: selection of appropriate AT, non-drug and/or drug AT, identification of objective outcomes, devising adequate placebo/positive controls, difficulties of blinding, guarding against bias, duration of trials, number of patients, dose optimisation, etc. There is also a need to establish reasonable safety of this therapy in CT. If AT has to complete with new chemical entities and biotechnology products, clinical research and development of AT should be focussed on unmet medical needs utilising principles and practices of modern CT approaches.

As plantas medicinais e a enfermagem: a arte de assistir, de curar, de cuidar e de transformar os saberes / The medical plants and the nursing: the art of attend, heal, take care and transform the knowledge

Nesta tese desenvolvi o objeto de estudo, as estruturas cognitiva dos saberes e práticas populares associadas ao uso das plantas medicinais pelas mulheres-mãe no cuidado às crianças menores de cino anos, orientado pelas questões norteadoras - que saberes e práticas subsidiam o uso das plantas medicinais nas condições de saúde e doença; como as mulheres-mãe empregam essas plantas no cuidado destas crianças; quais elementos do senso comum e do universo científico, constituem as estruturas cognitivas associadas ao uso das plantas medicinais; e como se articula a rede de saberes e práticas do senso comum com a do universo científico na constituição da rede de estruturação desses saberes. Tive por objetivos de descrever o uso das plantas medicinais nas sistuações de saúde e doença das crianças menores de cinco anos de idade;analisar os saberes e práticas do senso comum e do universo científico subsidiário ao seu emprego; e discutir a rede de estruturação de saberes e práticas que fundamentam a cosntituiçao da aliança de saberes no seu uso.

Antioxidant and hypocholesterolaemic effects of Terminalia arjuna tree-bark powder: a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antioxidant and hypocholesterolaemic effects of Terminalia arjuna tree bark (a popular cardiotonic substance in Indian pharmacopoeia) and to compare it with a known antioxidant, vitamin E, we performed a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: One hundred and five successive patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) presenting to our centre were recruited and using a Latin-square design divided into 3 groups of 35 each. The groups were matched for age, lifestyle and dietary variables, clinical diagnosis and drug treatment status. None of the patients was on lipid-lowering drugs. Supplemental vitamins were stopped for one month before study began and American Heart Association Step II dietary advice was given to all. At baseline, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol and lipid peroxide estimated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined. Group I received placebo capsules; Group II vitamin E capsules 400 units/day; and Group III received finely pulverized T. arjuna tree bark-powder (500 mg) in capsules daily. Lipids and lipid peroxide levels were determined at 30 days follow-up. RESULTS: Response rate in various groups varied from 86% to 91%. No significant changes in total, HDL, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels were seen in Groups I and II (paired t-test p > 0.05). In Group III there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (-9.7 +/- 12.7%), and LDL cholesterol (-15.8 +/- 25.6%) (paired t-test p < 0.01). Lipid peroxide levels decreased significantly in both the treatment groups (p < 0.01). This decrease was more in vitamin E group (-36.4 +/- 17.7%) as compared to the T. arjuna group (-29.3 +/- 18.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Terminalia arjuna tree bark powder has significant antioxidant action that is comparable to vitamin E. In addition, it also has a significant hypocholesterolaemic effect.

Experimental evaluation of Bocopa monniera on rat gastric ulceration and secretion.

The anti-ulcerogenic effect of fresh juice from the whole plant of Bocapa monniera Wettst. (BMJ) commonly known as Brahmi in Hindi was examined using gastric ulcer models induced by ethanol, aspirin, 2 h cold restraint stress and 4 h pylorus ligation. Bocapa monniera juice (BMJ) at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg and sucralfate at a dose of 250 mg/kg were given orally, twice daily for 5 days. BMJ 100-300 mg/kg produced significant antiulcer activity in all the experimental gastric ulcer models except in case of ethanol-induced ulcers where 100 mg/kg was not found to decrease it significantly. BMJ (100-300 mg/kg) was found to have little or no effect on the offensive acid-pepsin secretion, while cell shedding (microgram DNA/mg of protein) and mucin secretion in terms of total carbohydrates:protein ration (TC:P), the two important parameters of defensive factors were significantly decreased and increased respectively indicating enhancement of protective mucosal factors. Both BMJ (300 mg/kg) and SF showed tendency to increase the mucosal glycoproteins in terms of TC:P, though individual carbohydrates and total carbohydrates were either increased or showed a tendency to increase. Thus, ulcer protective effect of BMJ may be due to its effect on mucosal defensive factors like enhanced mucin secretion, mucosal glycoprotein and decreased cell shedding rather than on offensive factors such as acid and pepsin.

Tradiçöes populares de uso de plantas medicinais na Amazônia / Folk traditions in the use of medicinal plants in the Amazon

Enfoca as tradiçöes de uso de plantas medicinais na Amazônia, desde o ponto de vista dos processos históricos que marcaram a construçäo da sociedade amazônica. Baseia-se nas informaçöes relativas, notadamente às regiöes dos rios Negro/Branco e Acre/Purus, onde vem sendo realizado um estudo a partir de informaçöes etnográficas. Neste contexto, as técnicas de uso de plantas medicinais, normalmente vinculadas às medicinas tradicionais, representam um importante ponto de encontro entre permanências e rupturas culturais, permitindo a observaçäo de diferentes tradiçöes de uso que para ali têm convergido.

Desenvolvimento tecnológico de soluções extrativas de Mikania glomerata Sprengel (Asteraceae), guaco / Technological development of extracts from Mikania glomerata Sprengel (Asteraceae), guaco

A influência de fatores tecnológicos, como método de extração, relação droga:solvente e natureza do líquido extrator sobre o teor de resíduo seco, pH, densidade e teor de cumarina foi avaliada em soluções extrativas de Mikania glomerata Sprengel. Entre as proporções droga:solvente testadas, aquela de 1,5:10 foi selecionada, com base nos rendimentos bruto de extração (resísuo seco) e de cumarina. Na comparação entre métodos de extração, percolação e refluxo, mistura hidroetanólica 50 por cento (v/v) ou etanol 96 por cento (v/v) foram utilizados como líquidos extratores. As quatro soluções extrativas obtidas foram designadas soluções extrativas hidroetanólicas preparadas por percolação (SEHEP) ou por refluxo (SEHER) e soluções extrativas etanólicas preparadas por percolação (SEEP) ou por refluxo (SEER)...

Revisão crítica do uso médico do óleo de copaíba / critical review about the medical use of copaiba oil

Os autores fazem uma análise crítica quanto aos aspectos terapêutico, toxicológico, ético e farmacológico do óleo de copaíba

Níveis glicêmicos e de colesterol em ratos com Diabetes mellitus aloxano induzido, tratados com infusäo de Bauhinia candicans ou Syzygium jambolanum / Glucose and cholesterol plasma levels in rats with alloxan-induced Diabetes mellitus treated with infusion of Bauhinia candicans or Syzygium jambolanum

Este estudo verificou a eficiência de infusäo de duas plantas usadas na medicina popular, Syzygium jambolanum (Sj) e Bauhinia candicans (Bc). Sessenta (60) ratos adultos, machos, da linhagem Wistar, pesando entre 220 e 240g, foram submetidos à induçäo de Diabetes mellitus insulino dependente (DMID) com Aloxano. O estudo foi dividido em dois experimentos. No primeiro, 15 ratos receberam a administraçäo de Aloxano na dosagem de 40mg/kg em dose única e no segundo, 60mg/kg uma vez ao dia, durante três dias, ambos por via intraperitonal. A hiperglicemia foi confirmada no terceiro dia de cada experimento. Após esta confirmaçäo, os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de cinco e quinze animais para o primeiro e segundo experimento, respectivamente. O grupo 1 (C) serviu como controle, o grupo 2 (TI) recebeu infusäo de Sj "ad libitum" como fonte líquida e o grupo 3 (TII) recebeu infusäo de Bc, por um período de 21 e 40 dias, para o primeiro e segundo experimento, respectivamente. A colheita de sangue foi realizada por punçäo do plexo venoso retro-orbitário com os animais anestesiados, nos dias 3, 9, 16 e 23 do primeiro experimento e nos dias 3, 16, 24 e 40 do segundo. Após vinte e um dias da fase de tratamento, o grupo TI do primeiro experimento apresentou marcante reduçäo de hiperglicemia (P < 0,001). Esta mesma observaçäo foi verificada no grupo TI do segundo experimento aos dezesseis dias da fase de tratamento (P < 0,004), estendendo-se até os quarenta dias (P < 0,0001), quando comparado ao grupo controle. Simultaneamente, sinais clínicos de DMID, como polifagia e polidipsia foram reduzidos neste grupo. O colesterol plasmático demonstrou aumento moderado somente nos animais do segundo experimento, näo sendo observado o efeito do tratamento com infusäo Sj e Bc sobre a colesterolemia dos animais em estudo. No 40§ dia de ambos os experimentos, os animais foram eutanasiados e foram colhidas amostras de pâncreas e fígado para avaliaçäo histopatológica. A análise histopatológica das amostras de pâncreas e fígado do experimento I näo demonstrou diferença entre os grupos tratados e o grupo C. No entanto, no experimento II, nove em dez amostras do grupo C e cinco em nove amostras do grupo TII apresentaram necrose de células das ilhotas de Langerhans do pâncreas, enquanto que somente duas das nove amostras do grupo TI apresentaram necrose de células das ilhotas de Langerhans. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo permitem concluir que ...

Cúrcuma: planta medicinal, condimentar e de outros usos potenciais / Curcuma: medicinal, spice and of other potential use plant

A cúrcuma (Curcuma longa L.), espécie originária do sudeste asiático, é considerada uma preciosa especiaria. Com a proibiçäo do uso de pigmentos sintéticos nos principais países da América do Norte e Europa, têm sido procuradas alternativas naturais. A cúrcuma, além de sua principal utilizaçäo como condimento, possui substâncias antioxidantes, antimicrobianas e corantes (curcumina) que lhe conferem possibilidade de emprego nas áreas de cosméticos, têxtil, medicinal e alimentício. Até o presente momento, poucos estudos foram realizados com a cúrcuma no Brasil, fato que determina baixa produtividade. Entretanto, recentes resultados de pesquisa mostram a possibilidade de obtençäo de produtividades semelhantes às de seu país de origem, ainda que maiores estudos sejam necessários para definiçäo de estande, adubaçäo e outras práticas culturais. Os objetivos do presente trabalho säo apresentar a versatilidade mercadológica da cúrcuma, caracterizar a espécie quanto a aspectos botânicos, nutricionais e químicos, bem como reunir e discutir informaçöes técnicas para melhoria da produtividade e qualidade dos rizomas.

El empacho en textos novohispanos (1552 a 1819): terapéutica / Empacho in the texts of New Spain (1552 to 1819): therapeutic

El empacho es una enfermedad popular que se presenta en toda América Latina, desde el sur y suroeste de los Estados Unidos de América del Norte hasta la Patagonia. En México tenemos testimonios de su existencia una vez llegados los europeos. Para este trabajo hemos revisado 17 textos coloniales que documentan los diversos elementos y procedimientos útiles para la curación del empacho, entre ellos destacan las plantas medicinales, tanto de origen europeo como mesoamericano. El doctor Francisco Hernández es quien informa el mayor número de especies vegetales contra el empacho; en tanto que el médico y sacerdote Agustín Farfán es el más importante autor en función de la extensión y prolijidad de los remedios que recomienda

Efecto de los extractos acuosos de Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliacea (Ajonjolí), en el aparato respiratorio en animales de experimentación / Effect of aquos extracts of Sesamun indicum L. Pedaliacea (Ajonjolí), on the respiratory tract of experimental animals

En algunos países caribeños se usa el Ajonjolí o Worwoli para el tratamiento del llamado pecho apretado o neumopatía y en el tratamiento de la conjuntivitis . Las semillas de Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliacea, contienen globulinas, aniones, cationes, arginina, ácidos grasos, carbohidratos, flavonoides, llignanos y otras sustancias con diferentes acciones farmacológicas: inmunológicas, bactericidas, inhibidoras de prostaglandina sintetasa y lipoxigenasa, corticoesteroidea, antiagregante plaquetaria, antidisminorréicas, antiespasmódicas, hipoglicemiante y otras. La investigación inicial sobre los efectos del extracto acuoso de semillas de Sesamum indicum L. Pediaceae (Ajonjolí) en ratas anestesiadas revelan efectos estimuladores de la frecuencia respiratoria a dosis de 12.5 y 25 mg/kg I.g. (intragástrica) seguidos de inhibición, comienza a invertirse las respuestas a los 50 mg/kg I.g. y deprimen la frecuencia respiratoria a dosis de 100 mg/kg I.g. en forma estadísticamente significativa. La amplitud de los movimientos respiratorios es disminuido en casi todas las dosis ensayadas 12.5, 25, 50 y 100 mg/kg I.g. En las primeras dos dosis ocasionalmente se observan respuestas estimuladoras. En el ensayo Hipócratico de Malone realizado en ratas, dosis de 100,500 y 750 mg/kg I.g. redujeron significativamente la frecuencia respiratoria en delta porcentaje de -39.2, -45.6 y -40.9 respectivamente. La administración del extractoo de semillas de Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae en conejos anestesiados, incrementó: el flujo respiratorio y el volumen ventilatorio, la frecuencia respiratoria y el volumen ventilatorio, la frecuencia respiratoria y el volumen respiratorio minuto a dosis menores de 200 mg/kg I.g. del extracto de Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliceae, la frecuencia cardíaca prácticamente no se modificó. Este hallazgo se había observado en las ratas. Podemos concluír que los efectos del ajonjoli se pueden clasificar en el grupo "D" de Cámbar P. que son los extractos que disminuyen la resistencia pulmonar y aumentan la adaptabilidad pulmonar. Se puede asumir que esta planta es broncodilatodora y aumenta la "elasticidad" pulmonar. Los mecanismos precisos de estos cambios permanecerían por dilucidar