Potencial uso terapéutico de cannabis / Therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa (marihuana) is considered an illicit drug due to its psychoactive properties. Recently, the Chilean government opened to the use cannabis in the symptomatic treatment of some patients. The biological effects of cannabis render it useful for the complementary treatment of specific clinical situations such as chronic pain. We retrieved scientific information about the analgesic properties of cannabis, using it as a safe drug. The drug may block or inhibit the transmission of nervous impulses at different levels, an effect associated with pain control. Within this context and using adequate doses, forms and administration pathways, it can be used for chronic pain management, considering its effectiveness and low cost. It could also be considered as an alternative in patients receiving prolonged analgesic therapies with multiple adverse effects.

Fitoterapia, sus orígenes, características y situación en Chile / Origins and situation of phytotherapy in Chile

Phytotherapy is defined as the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes and it uses a variety of complex vegetal structures. In public health, it is considered a type of alternative medicine, in which auto medication with herbs is common and there is a lack of quality assurance of herbal products. While the World Health Organization is proposing strategies to include complementary and alternative therapies as public health tools, in Chile this type of therapy is emerging. There is a lack of interest and underestimation of conventional medicine towards popular knowledge. At the present time, the Chilean Ministry of Health has recognized 103 plants aiming to promote the use of medicinal plants that are registered and certifed, according to the regulations of the National Control System of Pharmaceutical Products. Therefore, health care professionals should be educated about the association between pharmaceutical products and medicinal plants. Consultation systems about Phytotherapy should also be available, information should be provided about where to purchase safe herbal products and publicity about these products should be regulated.

Aspectos generales de la homeopatía: [revisión] / General aspects of homeopathy: [revision]

Homeopathic medicine is a type of therapy that appeared in Europe at the end of the eighteenth century. At the present time, it is widely accepted in developed countries as a form of alternative medicine. In Chile, health regulation includes homeopathy as pharmaceutical producís and homeopathy is also considered a form of complementary medicine, that is well accepted by the public. The scientific rationale of homeopathy is based on an empine type of thought that goes from the general to the particular. The symptoms that are valued are those that are particular to each sick individual. It uses diluted solutions of plants, minerals, animáis and even venoms. There are basically two hypotheses to explain its mechanisms ofaction: The "immunological memory" and the "memory of water" or the transmission of electromagnetic information of the water. There still is needed to perform new studies to scientifically assess homeopathy and its usefulness, as an accepted alternative therapy.

Efectos pleiotrópicos de las estatinas: [revisión] / Pleiotropic effects of statins: [review]

Results of numerous epidemiologic studies indicate that elevated serum cholesterol, especially the LDL fraction, is a major cause of coronary heart disease (CHD). Epidemiologic and angiographic evidence from primary and secondary prevention studies involving several HMG-CoA reducíase inhibitors (statins) indicate that decreasing elevated serum cholesterol concentration (specifically LDL-cholesterol) can reduce the incidence of CHD and/or progression of atherosclerosis and results in a decrease in associated morbidity and mortality. It has been estimated that each 1 percent reduction in LDL-cholesterol concentration may result in a 1 percent decrease in the incidence of CHD. Furthermore, an analysis of pooled data from primary and secondary prevention studies found that treatment with a statin for a median duration of 5.4 years was associated with a 31 percent and 21 percent reduction in the risk of major coronary events and total mortality, respectively. This paper deals with the pharmacology of statins, specially with the pleiotropic effects ofthese drugs.