Emerging role of natural products in cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has become a new generation of anti-tumor treatment, but its indications still focus on several types of tumors that are sensitive to the immune system. Therefore, effective strategies that can expand its indications and enhance its efficiency become the key element for the further development of cancer immunotherapy. Natural products are reported to have this effect on cancer immunotherapy, including cancer vaccines, immune-check points inhibitors, and adoptive immune-cells therapy. And the mechanism of that is mainly attributed to the remodeling of the tumor-immunosuppressive microenvironment, which is the key factor that assists tumor to avoid the recognition and attack from immune system and cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, this review summarizes and concludes the natural products that reportedly improve cancer immunotherapy and investigates the mechanism. And we found that saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids are mainly three categories of natural products, which reflected significant effects combined with cancer immunotherapy through reversing the tumor-immunosuppressive microenvironment. Besides, this review also collected the studies about nano-technology used to improve the disadvantages of natural products. All of these studies showed the great potential of natural products in cancer immunotherapy.

Low-Temperature Extracts of Purple Blossoms of Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L) Intervened Mitochondrial Translocation Contributes Prompted Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND: The preventive and therapeutic medical utilization of this plant is an age-long practice across the globe. This study aimed to validate the impact of dark purple blossoms of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) aqueous extract at low temperature (0 °C) mediated mitochondrial fission contributed to induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. METHODS: Fresh blossoms were extracted at low temperature (0 °C) using a watery solvent. Human MCF7 breast cancer cells were then treated with 3 separate fluctuated concentrations of 0, 50, 150 and 250 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: The outcomes demonstrated the presence of anthocyanins, anthraquinones, tannins, reducing sugars, glycosides, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids and volatile oils and nonappearance of Terpinoids and alkaloids. Contrastingly, frail presence of steroids in basil blossoms aqueous concentrate was noted. In addition, the results from a phytochemical subjective examination of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract demonstrated that most of the credited natural impacts containing more remarkable contents of antioxidants and anticancer compounds in basil blossoms aqueous extract. Moreover, the restraint of glucose take-up was alleviated mediated by a dose-dependent manner in MCF7 cells with basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract inducted for 24 h, resulting in mitochondrial fission. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that shows the impact of the aqueous extract of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms was extracted at low temperature (0°C/6 h) underlined high amounts of flavonoids and phenolic compounds bearing more anticancer and antioxidant activities compared to another aqueous extract (using boiled water solvent) and alcoholic extracts.

La práctica pedagógica en la atención integrada de las enfermedades prevalentes de la infancia desde la perspectiva de Basil Bernstein / Pedagogical practice in the integrated management of prevalent childhood illness from the perspective of Basil Bernstein / A prática pedagógica na atenção integrada das doenças prevalentes da infância da perspectiva de Basil Bernstein

Resumen La estrategia "Atención integrada de las enfermedades prevalentes de la infancia" (aiepi) es reconocida por las entidades de salud internacionales y nacionales como una estrategia que impacta la salud de la población infantil y que sus componentes clínico y comunitario desarrollan la educación para la salud. Objetivo: Comprender cómo se desarrolla la práctica pedagógica en la consulta médica atendida bajo la estrategia aiepi, en una institución de primer nivel de atención durante el año 2015. Metodología: Investigación cualitativa, con una perspectiva hermenéutica. Para la comprensión de la construcción social de la práctica pedagógica se tuvo una orientación etnográfica y el sistema de reglas (jerarquía, secuencia y criterio) propuesto por Bernstein. Las técnicas etnográficas utilizadas fueron entrevista cualitativa, observación participante y entrevista grupal. Se entrevistó a once cuidadores y tres médicas. Resultados: Para las médicas, muchas de las enfermedades son "autolimitadas", se resuelven solas. El propósito de la educación es convencer a los cuidadores de que la información suministrada por las médicas es verdadera. Los temas en educación son determinados por las médicas y centrados en la enfermedad. Para los cuidadores, la médica es referente de conocimiento. Las médicas reconocen que hay saber popular que se estudia y se acepta por el conocimiento científico; sin embargo, solo el conocimiento científico es válido. Conclusión: En la atención de aiepi, la práctica pedagógica es visible, porque se centra en el desempeño del cuidador y en la cantidad de texto que él aprende mediante la repetición, y las médicas ejercen poder sobre los cuidadores, al poseer el conocimiento hegemónico (válido y verdadero) que refuerza el modelo biomédico en la práctica pedagógica.

Abstract The strategy "Integrated Management of Childhood Illness"(IMCI) is recognized by international and national health bodies as a strategy that affects the health of the child population and whose clinical and community components develop health education. Objective: To understand how pedagogical practice develops in medical consultation attended under the IMCI strategy, in a first level care institution in 2015. Methodology: Qualitative research, with a hermeneutic perspective. To understand the social construction of pedagogic practice an ethnographic stance and the system of rules (hierarchy, sequence and criterion) proposed by Bernstein were adopted. The ethnographic techniques used were qualitative interview, participant observation and group interview. Eleven caregivers and three doctors were interviewed. Results: For the doctors, many of the diseases are "self-limiting", i.e. they resolve on their own. The purpose of education is to convince the caregivers that the information provided by the doctors is true. The education topics are determined by the doctors and focused on the disease. For the caregivers, the doctor is a reference of knowledge. The doctors recognize that there is popular knowledge that is studied and accepted by scientific knowledge; however, only scientific knowledge is valid. Conclusion: Pedagogical practice is visible in IMCI care because it focuses on the performance of the caregiver and the amount of text that he learns through repetition, and the doctors exert power over caregivers, as they possess hegemonic (valid and true) knowledge that reinforces the biomedical model in pedagogical practice..

Resumo A estratégia "Atenção integrada das doenças prevalecentes da infância" (AIEPI), é reconhecida pelas entidades de saúde nacionais e internacionais como uma estratégia que impacta a saúde da população infantil e que seus componentes clínicos e comunitários desenvolvem a educação para a saúde. Objetivo: Compreender como se desenvolve a prática pedagógica na consulta médica atendida sob a estratégia AIEPI, numa instituição de primeira linha de atenção durante o ano de 2015. Metodologia: Pesquisa qualitativa com uma perspectiva hermenêutica. Para a compreensão da construção social da prática pedagógica se teve uma orientação etnográfica e o sistema de regras (hierarquia, sequência e critério) proposto por Bernstein. As técnicas etnográficas usadas foram: entrevista qualitativa, observação participante e entrevista grupal. Foram entrevistados 11 cuidadores e 3 médicas. Resultados: De acordo com as médicas, muitas das doenças são "autolimitadas", se curam sozinhas. O objetivo da educação é convencer os cuidadores de que a informação fornecida pelas médicas é verídica. Os temas relacionados à educação são determinados pelas médicas e focados nas doenças. Para os cuidadores, a médica é um referencial de conhecimento. As médicas reconhecem que existe um conhecimento popular que é estudado e aceito pelo conhecimento científico; porém, só o conhecimento científico é válido. Conclusão: No que se refere à atenção de AIEPI, a prática pedagógica é visível, porque está centralizada no desempenho do cuidador e na quantidade de informação escrita que ele aprende através da repetição e as médicas influenciam os cuidadores já que possuem o conhecimento hegemônico (válido e verídico) que reforça o modelo biomédico na prática pedagógica.

Effect of different polyamines on some physiological traits, growth, and development of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in salt stress under hydroponic culture conditions

As basil occurs in the arid and semi-arid regions, the drought and salinity decrease the vegetative growth andleaf area. This research was carried out in Pakdasht private greenhouse to evaluate the effect of putrescine,spermine, and spermidine on quality and quantity of basil under conditions of salt stress. This research wasdone as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The treatmentsincluded application of putrescine, spermine, and spermidine at four levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/l), salinitystress at four levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM), and control treatment. The results showed that the interactioneffects between polyamines, salinity, and concentration on plant height, fresh/dry shoot weight, fresh/dryweight of root, fresh/dry leaf weight, leaf chlorophyll content, catalase, peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidaseantioxidant enzymes, the ratio of K/Na ratio, ion leakage, and proline were statistically significant at 1% level.Interaction and simultaneous exposure of 150 mg/l spermidine and low salinity had a positive effect on all thestudied plant traits. In addition, the results showed that the concentration of 150 mM sodium chloride solutionreduced the mentioned traits. However, spermidine improved this condition, and symptoms of stress anddamages were less observed in spermidine-treated plants. Therefore, it can be used to withstand the oxidativestress of plants.

Variability in the Chemical Composition of Essential Oil Derived from Ocimum basilicum L. var. Minimum over Several Months

Ocimum basilicum L. (‘licorice’ variety) is a plant commonly known as albahaca or basil that is used in a variety of industries around the world. The variability in the chemical composition of the essential oil derived from this plant, gathered in different growing months, is reported herein. The aerial parts, those parts exposed to the air, of O. basilicum L. yielded an average of 0.3% ± 0.25% of the essential oil in the four month period of the evaluation. Using GC-MS analysis, 107 components were detected in the essential oil, 102 of them were identified (95.3%) and 15 showed a greater than 1% relative yield. Estragol, at 40.6%, and linalool, at 17.8%, were the most important components of the essential oil. According to the refractive index (1.5230), the essential oil could be classified into the Reunion Type. Based on the relative percentage of the two most important components, estragol and linalool, the essential oil could be classified as European Type 1, and considering the possible chemo type based on the percentage of estragol, the classification corresponded to the BA Type. This is the first time that an evaluation of the changing chemical composition of the essential oil derived from O. basilicum over four consecutive months has been published.

Efficiency of essential oils of Ocimum basilicum and Cymbopogum flexuosus in the sedation and anaesthesia of Nile tilapia juveniles

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the sedative and anaesthetic effect of the essential oils of basil (Ocimum basilicum) (EOOB) and lemongrass (Cymbopogum flexuosus) (EOCF) in Nile tilapia juveniles. The fish were transferred to aquaria containing different concentrations of each essential oil: 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 600 μL L-1. The time of sedation ranged from 7 to 31 seconds and the recommended concentration was 10 or 25 μL L-1 for both essential oils. The best times for anaesthesia and recovery were found for the concentrations of 400 μL L-1 for EOOB (135.2 and 199.1 seconds, respectively) and 600 μL L-1 for EOCF (327.1 and 374.8 seconds, respectively). In conclusion, we recommend the use of EOOB and EOCF for the sedation and anaesthesia of Nile tilapia at concentrations of 10-25 (for both), 400 and 600 μL L-1, respectively.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and efficacy of herbal oils and extracts in disinfection of gutta percha cones before obturation

OBJECTIVES: Literature has shown that micro-organisms contaminate gutta percha (GP) during storage and manipulation. Till date herbal extracts are not explored as an alternative medicament for pre-operative chairside disinfection of GP cones. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and efficacy of lemon grass oil (LG), basil oil (BO), and obicure tea extract (OT) in disinfecting GP cones before obturation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Agar diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of LG, BO, OT, and sodium hypochlorite (control) against common contaminants, namely, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. One hundred and twenty GP cones were contaminated and cut into 2. First half was placed in the broth and incubated; whereas the second was treated with herbal extracts for 1 minute and then incubated for 24 hours in the broth. Any inhibition in bacterial growth was noted with presence/absence of turbidity. Two-way analysis of variance and χ² test were used to assess the effectiveness of herbal extracts to decontaminate GP. RESULTS: LG showed the highest inhibition zones (29.9 ± 6.9 mm) for all tested organisms, followed by OT extract (16.3 ± 1.8 mm), sodium hypochlorite (16.0 ± 1.6 mm), and BO (14.5 ± 5.3 mm). Statistically significant difference was observed between LG and other herbal extracts (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All extracts proved to be potential rapid chairside disinfectants of GP cones with LG showing the highest antimicrobial activity.

Anesthetic activity of the essential oil of Ocimum americanum in Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) and its effects on stress parameters

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anesthetic activity of the essential oil (EO) of Ocimum americanum L. in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen ). In the first experiment, the depressor effects and chemical composition of the leaf EO (LEO) and inflorescence EO (IEO) were compared. Juveniles (n = 10) were placed in aquaria containing different concentrations of EO (25 - 500 mg L-1) to determine the point at which anesthesia was induced and the length of the recovery period. In the following experiment, the effects of 300 and 500 mg L-1 LEO exposure on stress parameters (plasma cortisol, glucose and sodium levels) after air exposure for 1 min were assayed. Fish (n = 10 per sampling time) were sampled immediately or transferred to anesthetic-free aquaria until sampling (15, 30, 60 or 240 min). LEO was composed mainly of β-linalool and 1,8-cineole in similar proportions, whereas IEO showed β-linalool as major compound. Anesthesia was obtained in silver catfish with 200-500 mg L-1 between 4-8 min for LEO and 6-16 min for IEO. Lower EO concentrations did not reach anesthetic stage up to 30 min. LEO used as anesthetic prevented the cortisol increase and sodium loss induced by aerial exposure. Glucose levels were raised in catfish exposed to LEO compared to basal group (not air exposed) in almost all observation times. EO of O. americanum obtained from leaves was considered suitable to anesthetic procedures due to its fast induction and handling-induced stress prevention.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade anestésica do óleo essencial (EO) de Ocimum americanum L. em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen ). No primeiro experimento, os efeitos depressores e a composição química dos óleos obtidos a partir das folhas (LEO) e das inflorescências (IEO) desta espécie vegetal foram comparados. Para isto, juvenis de jundiás (n = 10) foram transferidos para aquários contendo diferentes concentrações de EO (25 - 500 mg L-1) a fim de determinar os tempos de indução aos estágios de anestesia e de recuperação. No experimento seguinte foram determinados os efeitos da exposição a 300 e 500 mg L-1 de LEO em parâmetros de estresse (cortisol, glicose e níveis de sódio plasmáticos) após os animais serem expostos durante 1 min ao ar. Os peixes (n = 10 por tempo de amostragem) foram coletados imediatamente ou transferidos para aquários livres de anestésico até amostragem (15, 30, 60 ou 240 min). LEO demonstrou ser composto majoritariamente por β-linalol e 1,8-cineol em proporções similares, enquanto que IEO apresentou β-linalol como constituinte majoritário. O estágio de anestesia foi verificado em jundiás com 200-500 mg L-1 entre 4-8 min para LEO e 6-16 min para IEO. Menores concentrações de ambos os EO não promoveram anesthesia até 30 min. O uso de LEO como anestésico preveniu o aumento de cortisol e a perda de sódio induzida pela exposição aérea. Já a glicemia encontrava-se aumentada em peixes expostos ao LEO em comparação ao grupo basal (não exposto ao ar) na maioria dos tempos de observação. Assim, EO de O. americanum obtido a partir das folhas foi considerado adequado para procedimentos anestésicos devido a sua rápida indução e capacidade de prevenir o estresse decorrente do manuseio.

Amelioration of inflammation by phenolic rich methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn. leaves in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation play vital role in the development of MI. The Indian basil or Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.), owing to its antioxidant potential,is used in the traditional system of Indian medicine to treat various disorders. We evaluated methanolic extract of O. sanctum (Tulsi) leaves on inflammation in isoproterenol (ISP) induced MI in rats. ISP-induced MI increased the levels of cardiac markers, phospholipases and phospholipid content. However, the same were reduced on pre-treatment with methanolic extract of O. sanctum leaves. The activities of 5-lipoxygenase and cycloxygenase-2 and levels of leukotriene B4 and thromboxane B2 were also elevated in ISP-treated rats, which were significantly decreased (P <0.001) in extract pre-treated rats. The enhanced mRNA expressions of nuclear factor kappa-B, 5-lipoxygenase activating protein and receptor for leukotriene B4 on MI induction, were considerably reduced (P <0.001) on extract pre-treatment. Histopathological analysis also confirmed the findings. The results also revealed the high phenolic content of methanolic extract of O. sanctum leaves. The study demonstrated that methanolic extract of Tulsi leaves can decrease inflammation in the cardiac tissue of ISP-induced MI in rats and its effect may be through downregulation of oxidative stress and arachidonic acid pathway. This cardioprotective effect may be due to the high phenolic content of methanolic extract of O. sanctum leaves.

Establishment of methodology for drying leaves and storage of essential oil of linalool chemotype Ocimum basilicum L / Estabelecimento de metodologia para secagem de folhas e armazenamento do óleo essencial de Ocimum basilicum L. quimiotipo linalol

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of leaf drying and oil storage on the content and chemical composition of the essential oil of linalool type basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivar Maria Bonita. In the first trial, the effect of the drying time of leaves a temperature of 40°C. In the second trial, the effect of storage time evaluated (0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 210, 240 and 270 days) at two temperatures [room (±27°C) and freezer (-20°C ± 2°C) temperature]. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation of leaves and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The drying process was efficient, reducing the moisture content 84.5% to 1.3% over a period of eight days. There was a linear reduction in the essential oil (6.0% to 3.9%), of linalool (6.38% to 74.09%), increase of the content of ­transbergamotene (1.1% to 1.8%) and epi--cadinol (1.57% to 1.77%). In the second trial, we noted increase of the linalool content from 76.99% to 79.40% after 210 days of storage at room temperature and to 79.82% after 240 days of storage in freezer. We can conclude that basil essential oil can be stored for up to seven months at room temperature and eight months in freezer.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência da secagem de folhas e de armazenamento de óleo na composição de conteúdo e química do óleo essencial de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivar Maria Bonita. No primeiro ensaio, o efeito do tempo de secagem de folhas a uma temperatura de 40 °C. No segundo ensaio, o efeito do tempo de armazenamento avaliado (0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 210, 240 e 270 dias) em duas temperaturas [ambiente (± 27 °C) e freezer (-20 °C)] a temperatura. O óleo essencial foi extraído por hidrodestilação de folhas e analisados por GC e GC/MS. O processo de secagem foi eficiente, reduzindo o teor de humidade de 84,5% para 1,3% ao longo de um período de oito dias. Houve uma redução linear no óleo essencial (6,0% a 3,9%), de linalol (76,36% para 74,09%), o aumento do teor de -trans-bergamoteno (1,1% a 1,8%) e epi--cadinol (1,57% a 1,77%). No segundo ensaio, observou-se aumento do teor de linalol do 76,99% para 79,40%, após 210 dias de armazenamento em temperatura ambiente e para 79,82% após 240 dias de armazenamento em freezer. Pode-se concluir que o óleo de manjericão essencial pode ser armazenado durante até sete meses à temperatura ambiente e oito meses em freezer.

Antileishmanial efficacy of Boerhaavia diffusa L. and Ocimum sanctum L. against experimental visceral leishmaniasis.

The chemotherapy of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has several limitations including resistance and toxicity of the existing drugs. Down regulation of immune system further aggravates the problems. To combat this situation we evaluated the leishmanicidal efficacy of Boerhaavia diffusa and Ocimum sanctum through oral route in L. donovani infection in BALB/c mice. Results have demonstrated maximum clearance of the parasites from infected animals treated with combination of B. diffusa and O. sanctum (@ 100 and 400 mg/kg body wt., respectively 5 days) as depicted through Leishman Donovan Units in liver. Up-regulation of cell-mediated immunity was also observed in animals of this group as heightened delayed type hypersensitivity responses and increased IgG2a levels were observed. Moreover, increased levels of SGOT, SGPT, serum urea, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were brought down to normal levels. Since VL is associated immunosuppression, the above treatment is a good option as it helps in the up-regulation of Th1 responses and reduction in parasite load in L. donovani infected mice. These findings suggest a new option for antileishmanial chemotherapy at lower cost and nil toxicity.

Effects of anesthesia with the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. in parameters of fish stress / Efeitos da anestesia com o óleo essencial de Ocimum gratissimum L. em parâmetros de estresse de peixes

RESUMO: The effects of anesthesia with the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum (EOO) in parameters of stress after handling were investigated in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). EOO was obtained from the aerial parts by hydrodistillation. Juveniles were anesthetized with 70 or 300 mg L-1 EOO and submitted to air exposure for 1 minute. The fishes were sampled immediately or transferred to anesthetic-free aquaria until sampling. In the first experiment, juveniles had their blood collected at 0, 1, 4, and 8 h after handling to assay plasma cortisol and blood glucose levels. The unanesthetized animals were restrained manually for blood collection. In the second experiment, water samples of the recovery aquaria were collected to evaluate net ion fluxes at 0 - 4 h and 4 - 8 h. Water and ethanol controls were also performed under the same conditions. The results showed that the cortisol levels did not differ among the treatments. Hyperglycemia was verified in fish exposed to 70 and 300 mg L-1 EOO at 1 h and 4 h after handling. After 8 h, cortisol and glucose concentrations were lower or similar than those from immediately after handling for all treatments. EOO anesthesia prevented Na+ efflux observed in the control groups in both flux periods. There were net Cl- and K+ effluxes at 0 - 4 h and influxes at 4 - 8 h after handling in most treatments, and these fluxes did not differ among the treatments. The results suggest that EOO did not impair stress recovery and did not act as an additional handling stressor in silver catfish.

RESUMO: Os efeitos da anestesia com o óleo essencial de Ocimum gratissimum (EOO) em parâmetros de estresse após manuseio foram investigados em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen). EOO foi obtido a partir das partes aéreas por hidrodestilação. Os juvenis foram anestesiados com 70 ou 300 mg L-1 de EOO e expostos ao ar por 1 minuto. Os peixes foram amostrados imediatamente ou transferidos para aquários sem anestésico até amostragem. No primeiro experimento, os juvenis tiveram seu sangue coletado em 0, 1, 4, e 8 h após manuseio para avaliar os níveis de cortisol e glicemia. Os animais não anestesiados foram contidos manualmente para coleta sanguínea. No segundo experimento, amostras de água foram coletadas do aquário de recuperação dos animais para avaliação do fluxo iônico entre 0 - 4 h e 4 - 8 h. Grupos controles em água e etanol também foram realizados sobre as mesmas condições. Os resultados demonstraram que os níveis de cortisol não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Hiperglicemia foi detectada em peixes expostos a 70 e 300 mg L-1 de EOO em 1 h e 4 h após o manuseio. Após 8 h, os teores de cortisol e glicose foram menores ou similares aqueles imediatamente após o manuseio para todos os tratamentos. A anestesia com EOO preveniu o efluxo de Na+ observado para os grupos controle em ambos os períodos avaliados. Ocorreram efluxos de Cl- and K+ entre 0 - 4 h e influxos entre 4 - 8 h após o manuseio para a maioria dos tratamentos, e estes eventos não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Os resultados sugerem que o EOO não prejudica a recuperação do animal frente ao evento estressor ou atua como estressor adicional ao manuseio em jundiás.

Total biomass and essential oil composition of Ocimum gratissimum L. in response to broiler litter and phosphorus / Produção de biomassa e composição do óleo essencial de Ocimum gratissimum L. cultivado em solo com cama-de-frango e fósforo

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the biomass yield and chemical composition of the essential oil of clove basil in response to doses of broiler litter (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1) added in presence of triple superphosphate (200 kg ha-1) or without it. Before the first harvest, the height of the plants increased significantly (34.42 cm) when 15 tonnes ha-1 broiler litter were added to the soil. However, after resprouting, the plant heights ranged only as a function of the vegetative cycle, with maximum height (76.0 cm) observed at 60 days. Phosphate fertilization also significantly influenced the leaf area (1.771 cm2 plant-1) during the first harvest. The fresh weight of leaves increased linearly in response to the addition of broiler litter (20 ton ha-1) with maximum yields of 1,709 and 7,140 kg ha-1 during the first harvest and regrowth, respectively. On average, the oil content of the leaves was 0.7%, with maximum performance (3.8 L ha-1) when 20 tonnes ha-1 of broiler litter were added on the soil. Eugenol was found to be the major compound of the essential oil (71.65%).

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa e a composição do óleo essencial da alfavaca-cravo cultivada com adição ao solo de cama-de-frango de corte, na ausência ou presença de fósforo. Foram estudadas cinco doses de cama-de-frango semi-decomposta (0, 5, 10, 15 e 20 t ha-1), na ausência ou presença de fósforo (200 kg ha-1), na forma de superfosfato triplo. A altura das plantas na primeira colheita foi maior sob a dose de 15 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango (34,42 cm), ou sem o uso de fósforo (32,4 cm); na rebrota, a altura variou apenas em função do ciclo, sendo máxima (76,0 cm) aos 60 dias após a rebrota. A adubação fosfatada influenciou significativamente a área foliar da primeira colheita, que foi maior com fósforo (1.771 cm2 planta-1). As produções de massas frescas de folhas cresceram linearmente com as doses de cama-de-frango, com máximas de 1.709 e 7.140 kg ha-1 na primeira colheita e na rebrota, respectivamente, sob 20 t ha -1. O teor de óleo essencial foi em média de 0,7% e o rendimento máximo de 3,8 L ha-1 sob a dose de 20 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango; o principal constituinte foi o eugenol, com teor médio de 71,65%.

A Development of Byzantine Christian Charities during the 4th-7th Centuries and the Birth of the Hospital / 의사학

This study aims to examine the beginning and the development of Christian Charities during the 4th-6th centuries which would eventually result in the birth of the hospital in modern sense in the first half of the 7th century. For this purpose, I looked carefully into various primary sources concerning the early Christian institutions for the poor and the sick. Above all, it's proper to note that the first xenodocheion where hospitality was combined with a systematic caring, is concerned with the Trinitarian debate of the 4th century. In 356, Eustathios, one of the leaders of homoiousios group, established xenodocheion to care for the sick and the lepers in Sebaste of Armenia, whereas his opponent Aetios, doctor and leader of the heteroousios party, was reckoned to have combined the medical treatment with his clerical activities. Then, Basil of Caesarea, disciple of Eustathios of Sebaste, also founded in 372 a magnificent benevolent complex named 'Basileias' after its founder. I scrupulously analysed several contemporary materials mentioning the charitable institution of Caesarea which was called alternatively katagogia, ptochotropheion, xenodocheion. John Chrysostome also founded several nosokomeia in Constantinople at the end of the 4th century and the beginning of the 5th century. Apparently, the contemporary sources mention that doctors existed for these Charities, but there is no sufficient proof that these 'Christian Hospitals,' Basileias or nosokomeia of Constantinople were hospitals in modern sense. Imperial constitutions began to mention ptochotropheion, xenodocheion and orphanotropheion since the second half of the 5th century and then some Justinian laws evoked nosokomium, brephotrophia, gerontocomia. These laws reveal that 'Christian Hospitals' were well clarified and deeply rooted in Byzantine society already in these periods. And then, new benevolent institutions emerged in the 6th century: nosokomeia for a specific class and lochokomeia for maternity. In addition, one of the important functions of Sampson Xenon was, according to Novel 59, to hold a funeral service for the people of Constantinople. Nevertheless, there is no sufficient literary material that could demonstrate the existence of a hospital in modern sense. The first hospital where outpatient service, hospitalization and surgery were confirmed was Sampson Xenon in the first half of the 7th century, figured in the tale of Stephanos of the The Miracles of St. Artemios. Why was the early Byzantine literary so reticent as to write the medical activities in the Christian Charities? It's because Christian innovation didn't rest on the medical treatment but caring for the poor and the sick, depending on the word of Mt. 25.35-36. In this meaning, I'd like to say that the Early Byzantine history of Christian Charities or 'Christian Hospitals' consists of only a footnote of the verse.

Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.

The predominant cause of global morbidity and mortality is lifestyle‑related chronic diseases, many of which can be addressed through Ayurveda with its focus on healthy lifestyle practices and regular consumption of adaptogenic herbs. Of all the herbs used within Ayurveda, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) is preeminent, and scientific research is now confirming its beneficial effects. There is mounting evidence that tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise. Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and anti‑depressant properties. Tulsi’s broad‑spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes activity against a range of human and animal pathogens, suggests it can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash and water purifier as well as in animal rearing, wound healing, the preservation of food stuffs and herbal raw materials and traveler’s health. Cultivation of tulsi plants has both spiritual and practical significance that connects the grower to the creative powers of nature, and organic cultivation offers solutions for food security, rural poverty, hunger, environmental degradation and climate change. The use of tulsi in daily rituals is a testament to Ayurvedic wisdom and provides an example of ancient knowledge offering solutions to modern problems.

Research about perilla oil-induced human breast cancer cell line MCF 7 apoptosis / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate perilla oil on human breast cancer MCF7 cell growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis , and provide a theoretical basis for the development of perilla oil anti-tumor .Methods Breast cancer MCF7 cells were treated with different dilutions of perilla oil to do tumor cell growth inhibition MTT experiment ,to observe the changes in the nuclear morpholo-gy of apoptotic cells with Hoechst 33258 and PI staining and fluorescence microscopy ,and to detect rate of apoptosis and apoptotic peak with flow cytometry .Results Perilla oil inhibited the proliferation on human breast cancer cell line MCF7 with a time-and concentration-dependent manner .Typical apoptotic nuclear morphological changes could be observed with Hoechst 33258 and PI staining under a fluorescence microscope .Detected by flow cytometry ,apoptosis rate was increased with time and concentration . Conclusion Perilla oil can inhibit human breast cancer MCF7 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis ,suggesting that it may be used as an anticancer drug in clinical practice .

Effect of leave extract of Ocimum basilicum on deltamethrin induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats.

Deltamethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used extensively in pest control. On the other hand it showed different toxicity in mammalian animals. Basil or sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a plant which showed many pharmacological effects. The present work studied the potential protective effect of Ocimum basilicum extract on deltamethrin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Treating animals with deltamethrin induced several histopathological alterations in the kidney. The renal tubules lost their characteristic appearance and their lining epithelial cells were degenerated. The glomeruli were atrophied and the renal blood vessels were dilated and congested. The intertubular spaces were infiltrated by inflammatory leucocytic cells. Marked elevation in serum creatinine and urea was recorded. Moreover, deltamethrin increased significantly the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in renal tissue. Treating animals with deltamethrin and aqueous extract of basil led to an improvement in histological and biochemical alterations induced by deltamethrin. The biochemical results showed that creatinine and urea appeared within normal level. Reduction in the level of MDA (lipid peroxidation marker) and increase in the activities of SOD and CAT was recorded. It was concluded from this study that basil aqueous extract has a beneficial impact on deltamethrininduced nephrotoxicity in albino rats by its antioxidant effect.

Atividade antifúngica de óleos essenciais frente a amostras clínicas de Candida albicans isoladas de pacientes HIV positivos / Antifungal activity of essential oils against clinical samples of Candida albicans isolated from HIV-positive patients

Objetivou-se avaliar a atividade antifúngica dos óleos essenciais de Ocimum basilicum L. (manjericão), Cymbopogon martinii L. (palmarosa), Thymus vulgaris L. (tomilho) e Cinnamomum cassia Blume (canela da china) sobre cepas de Candida albicans isoladas de pacientes HIV positivos e cepa padrão (ATCC 76845). Quinze amostras clínicas de C. albicans (C1-C15) foram repicadas em ágar Sabouraud Dextrose, para confecção de suspensões em solução salina estéril (0,9%) contendo 1,5 x 10(6) UFC mL-1. As emulsões dos óleos essenciais foram preparadas em água destilada estéril e tween 80, com concentrações variando entre 1024 µg mL-1 e 4 µg mL-1. A ação antifúngica foi determinada por meio da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) utilizando-se a técnica da microdiluição. Foram utilizados como controles positivos a nistatina e o miconazol (50 µg mL-1). Os testes foram realizados em triplicata, sendo a CIM, a menor concentração capaz de inibir o crescimento das leveduras, observada por método visual de acordo com a turvação do meio de cultura. Para C. albicans (ATCC 76845), a CIM do óleo essencial de C. cassia foi 64 µg mL-1, enquanto para óleo de C. martinii foi 1024 µg mL-1. Para as cepas clínicas, verificou-se que a CIM de C. cassia para 80% das cepas foi 64 µg mL-1, sendo a variação dos valores da CIM entre 128 µg mL-1 e 64 µg mL-1. Observou-se que para 66,6% das amostras clínicas, a CIM de C. martinii foi 612 µg mL-1. Constatou-se que a nistatina não apresentou atividade frente às cepas clínicas (C1-C15), enquanto a atividade antifúngica do miconazol foi verificada em 100% das amostras. Não se constatou atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais de O. basilicum e T. vulgaris, nas concentrações avaliadas. Concluiu-se que os óleos essenciais de C. cassia e C. martinii, em diferentes concentrações, apresentam atividade antifúngica sobre cepas de C. albicans isoladas de pacientes HIV positivos e cepa padrão (ATCC 76845). Entretanto não foi observada inibição antimicrobiana para os óleos de O. basilicum e T. vulgaris.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of essential oils from Ocimum basilicum L. (basil), Cymbopogon martinii L. (palmarosa), Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) and Cinnamomum cassia Blume (Chinese cinnamon) against Candida albicans strains isolated from HIV-positive patients and the standard strain (ATCC 76845). Fifteen clinical samples of C. albicans (C1-C15) were subcultured in Sabouraud Dextrose agar to prepare suspensions in sterile saline solution (0.9%) containing 1.5 x 10(6) CFU mL-1. The emulsions of essential oils were prepared in sterile distilled water and Tween 80, with concentrations ranging between 1024 µg mL-1 and 4 µg mL-1. The antifungal action was determined by means of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), using the microdilution technique. Nystatin and miconazole (50 µg mL-1) were used as positive controls. The tests were performed in triplicate and the MIC was the lowest concentration capable of inhibiting the growth of yeasts, which was observed by the visual method, according to the turbidity of the culture medium. For C. albicans (ATCC 76845), the MIC of C. cassia essential oil was 64 µg mL-1, while the MIC for C. martini was 1024 µg mL-1. Considering the clinical strains, the MIC of C. cassia was 64 µg mL-1 for 80% of the strains, and the variation in MIC values was between 128 µg mL-1 and 64 µg mL-1. For 66.6% of the clinical samples, the MIC of C. matinii was 612 µg mL-1. Nystatin did not present activity against the clinical strains (C1-C15), while the antifungal activity of miconazole was noticed for 100% of the samples. The antimicobrial activity of essential oils from O. basilicum and T. vulgaris was not identified at the evaluated concentrations. It was concluded that the essential oils from C. cassia and C. martinii, at different concentrations, presented antifungal activity against C. albicans strains isolated from HIV-positive patients and the standard strain (ATCC 76845). However, antifungal activity was not observed for the essential oils from O. basilicum and T. vulgaris.

Efeito in vitro do óleo essencial e extrato aquoso de Ocimum gratissimum colhido nas quatro estações do ano sobre fitopatógenos / In vitro effect on phytopathogens of essential oil and aqueous crude extract of Ocimum gratissimum harvested in the four seasons

O trabalho foi desenvolvido para verificar o efeito do óleo essencial e do extrato bruto de alfavaca-cravo (Ocimum gratissimum), coletado nas quatro estações do ano, no crescimento micelial in vitro dos fungos Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Phytophthora sp. e Alternaria alternata. Para avaliar o efeito do óleo essencial no crescimento micelial dos fungos, alíquotas de 20 ?L, 40 ?L e 60 ?L de óleo esterilizado foram distribuídas na superfície de meio BDA (batata-dextrose-ágar) antes da repicagem dos fungos. O extrato bruto aquoso (EBA) foi filtrado e incorporado em BDA nas concentrações de 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% e 50%. Os resultados indicaram que houve inibição total do crescimento micelial dos fungos nas diferentes alíquotas de óleo essencial. O EBA das plantas colhidas no outono proporcionou os melhores resultados, sendo que nesta estação do ano o EBA na concentração de 5% foi suficiente para promover 100% de inibição do crescimento micelial dos fitopatógenos A. alternata e S. rolfsii.

The present >work aimed to evaluate the effects of the essential oil and crude extract of wild basil (Ocimum gratissimum), harvested in different seasons, on the in vitro mycelia growth of Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Phytophthora sp. and Alternaria alternata. To evaluate the effect of the essential oil, sterilized oil aliquots of 20 ?L, 40 ?L and 60 ?L were distributed on the surface of potato-dextroseagar (PDA). The aqueous crude extracts (ACE) were filtrated and incorporated in PDA at 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 50%. The results showed total inhibition of mycelial growth in the different aliquots of essential oil. The ACE collected from plants in autumn had better results; in this season the ACE at 5% was enough to provide 100% of mycelia growth inhibition of A. alternata and S. rolfsii.

Atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial do manjericão frente a sorogrupos de Escherichia coli enteropatogênica isolados de alfaces / Antibacterial activity of essential basil oil against serogroups of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from lettuce

Considerando-se a crescente participação dos vegetais na transmissão de microrganismos, incluindo as Escherichia coli enteropatogênicas multirresistentes às drogas convencionais, a busca por novos compostos com propriedades antimicrobianas a partir de fontes naturais, tais como os óleos essenciais, tem se intensificado nos últimos anos. Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar a atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial do manjericão (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) frente a sorogrupos de Escherichia coli enteropatogênicas (EPEC) isolados de alfaces (Lactuca sativa), utilizando-se o Método de Difusão em Disco (MDD). Os resultados evidenciaram que todas as cepas de E. coli EPEC testadas apresentaram sensibilidade à ação do óleo essencial, sugerindo que este possa ser uma fonte de compostos com potencial terapêutico no combate a bactérias patogênicas.

Considering the increase of the involvement of vegetables in the transmission of microorganism including the enteropathogenic Escherichia coli multiresistance to conventional drugs, the search for new antimicrobial compounds from natural sources, such as the essential oils, has been intensified in the last years. This research aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil from basil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) front to sorogroups of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) isolated in lettuces (Lactuca sativa) using the Diffusion in Disk Method. The results showed that, all the tested strains of E. coli EPEC presented sensitivity to the essential oil's action, suggesting that it can be a source of compounds with therapeutic potential in the fighting to bacteria pathogenic.