Viscumalbum L. homeopathic mother tinctures: metabolome and antitumor activity

Viscum album L. is a semi-parasitic plant with antitumor activity attributed to theaqueous extracts. However, European V. album ethanolic extracts (VAE) have also demonstrated invitro activity in tumor models. Aims: Evaluate the metabolic profiles of fifty VAE harvested duringsummer and winter seasons and their antitumor activity through 2D and 3D models. Methodology:VAEwerepreparedbymacerationfrom:V.albumsubsp.albumgrowingonMalus domestica,Quercus sp.and Ulmus sp.; V. album subsp. austriacum from Pinus sylvestris; V. album subsp. abietis from Abies alba.Chemical analyses were performed through liquid chromatography coupled with high resolutionmass spectrometry and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was performed in theMetaboanalyst 4.0. The antitumor potential of the selected VAE was evaluated in 2D and 3D models(MDA-MB-231 cancer cells) by MTT, crystal violet and glycolytic pathway analysis. Results anddiscussion:Thefirst3principalcomponentsinPLS-DAexplained60%and40%ofdatavariationin positive andnegativemodesrespectively.Threegroupswereformedandshowedchemicalsimilarityamong V. album subspecies. The compounds responsible for group separation were tentativelyidentifiedas:pinobankasinornaringenin hexoside;isorhamnetin-3-hexoside,meglutolanddifferent aminoacids.ThesummerVAEat0.5%v/vinducedhighercytotoxicdamagethanthewinterpreparations, and Abies alba and Quercus sp. VAE promoted 49% and 42% reduction of tumorviability in 3D model (72h incubation), respectively. MDA-MB-231 glycolytic pathway in 2D modelshowed a decrease in the glucose consumption and extracellular lactate production. Also, PFK (6-phosphofructo-1-kinase)andPK(Pyruvatekinase)activitieswereinhibitedbyAbiesalbaandQuercus sp. VAE at 48h of incubation. Conclusion: VAE extracts showed different metabolomes andthe glycolytic pathway should be an important target involved in the inhibition of tumor growth bytheseextracts

Comparative analysis for quality control of mother tinctures in Brazilian reports

Quality control of ahomeopathic mother tincture begins with the analysis of the raw material. Once the product is obtained, some organoleptic characteristics and Physicochemical properties such as appearance, colour, odour, density, dry residue, alcohol content,and chemicalmarker are evaluated. In Brazil, mother tinctures from different suppliers may have high variability in terms of the specifications described in the homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare mother tinctures' quality control from different pharmaceutical suppliers based on Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia 3rd edition. Methods: Five mother tinctures were selected according to the high number of requests in the pharmacies, also its monographs are in the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (FHB) 3rd edition. The report of analysis of the product was provided by three homeopathic pharmacies from the city of Rio de Janeiro. The information in the reports wasevaluated and compared to its monograph. Results and discussion: In this study, it was found that the number of laboratories that provide homeopathic pharmaceutical ingredients is rather low. In addition, in some reports, a number of identification tests werenot described properly when compared to the monograph. Besides that, some information diverges from the pharmacopoeia, for example, absence of dry residue testing, replacement of the part of the plant used to prepare the mother tincture,and results that do not meet pharmacopoeia specifications. As can be seen, the quality and effectiveness of homeopathic medicines prepared from these tinctures may be compromised. Conclusion:In order to guarantee consumer protection and the quality and effectiveness of medicines, governments and regulatory agencies should requirea greater commitment from suppliers in the production of homeopathic inputs.

Estudio fitoquímico de Argyrochosma Nivea (poir) Windham (cuti cuti) / Phytochemical study of argyrochosma nivea (poir.) windham (poir.) desv. (cuti cuti)

Nuestro país presenta un gran potencial de plantas medicinales en todo su territorio, por ser megadiverso, con muchas regiones agroecologicas y formaciones vegetales, pese a ello es incipiente la atención al desarrollo de las cadenas de valor del potencial de plantas medicinales, constituyendo un desafío el registro adecuado, con calidad y seguridad porque previenen y solucionan dificultades de salud por sus principios activos. Argyrochosma nivea (Poir.) Windham, "cuti cuti" conocido también como Notholaena nivea. Objetivos: Determinar los grupos metabólicos del extracto alcohólico al 20% de Argyrochosma nivea (Poir.) Windham, administrado a pacientes de diabetes del programa de medicina complementaria, EsSALUD Huancayo. Materiales y métodos: Estudios descriptivo, comparativo. La recolección de información relevante de aspectos botánicos, etnobotánicos, etnofarmacológicos y fitoquímicos sobre Argyrochosma nivea se realizó mediante la búsqueda en las bases de datos Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed y la biblioteca virtual del CONCYTEC (servicio de esa institución que reúne revistas de SciELO-Perú y la producción científica y tecnológica del Perú); además, se utilizó el buscador Google-Académico con el fin de agotar la búsqueda. Los términos de búsqueda fueron "Argyrochosma nivea", "Notholaena nivea" o "cuti cuti". Resultados: La Tintura de Argyrochosma nivea al 20% preparado con alcohol etílico al 50% en el analisis fitoquimico realizado se encontro compuestos de Flavanoides totales 0.111 mg de Catequina/ml, Flavonoides totales 0.133 mg de Quercitina /ml, Polifenoles totales 5.189 mg de ácido gálico/ml, Capacidad Antioxidante* 424.701 µ mol trolox/ml, Rutina 0.00579 mg de Rutina/ml, Quercitina 0.105mg/ml y Cumarinas 0.170 mg /ml. Ausencia de antocianinas totales, estos valores aportan la capacidad antioxidante de "cuti cuti", y el contenido de flavonoides (quercetina), permite la prevalencia en el tratamiento de la diabetes. Conclusión: El Estudio fitoquimico de Argyrochosma nivea (Poir.) Windham (Cuti cuti) mediante el análisis por espectrofotometría y análisis por HPLC verifico la existencia de 7 compuestos Flavanoides totales 0.111 mg de Catequina/ml, Flavonoides totales 0.133 mg de Quercitina /ml, Polifenoles totales 5.189 mg de ácido gálico/ml, Capacidad Antioxidante* 424.701 µ mol trolox/ml, Rutina 0.00579 mg de Rutina/ml, Quercitina 0.105mg de Qu ercitina/ml y Cumarinas 0.170 mg de Cumarina/ml(AU)

Our country has a great potential for medicinal plants throughout its territory, as it is megadiverse, with many agroecological regions and plant formations, despite this, attention to the development of value chains for the potential of medicinal plants is incipient, constituting a I challenge the proper registration, with quality and safety because they prevent and solve health difficulties due to their active ingredients. Argyrochosma nivea (Poir.) Windham, "cuti cuti" also known as Notholaena nivea. Objectives: To determine the metabolic groups of the 20% alcoholic extract of Argyrochosma nivea (Poir.) Windham, administered to diabetes patients of the complementary medicine program, EsSALUD Huancayo. Methods: Descriptive, comparative studies. The collection of relevant information on botanical, ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological and phytochemical aspects of Argyrochosma nivea was carried out by searching the Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed databases and the virtual library of CONCYTEC (a service of that institution that brings together SciELO-Peru journals). and the scientific and technological production of Peru); In addition, the Google-Academic search engine was used in order to exhaust the search. The search terms were "Argyrochosma nivea", "Notholaena nivea" or "cuti cuti". Results: The Argyrochosma nivea tincture at 20% prepared with 50% ethyl alcohol in the phytochemical analysis carried out found compounds of total Flavanoids 0.111 mg of Catechin / ml, total Flavonoids 0.133 mg of Quercetin / ml, total Polyphenols 5.189 mg of acid gallic/ml, Antioxidant Capacity* 424.701 µmol trolox/ml, Rutin 0.00579 mg Rutin/ml, Quercetin 0.105mg/ml and Coumarins 0.170 mg/ml. Absence of total anthocyanins, these values provide the antioxidant capacity of "cuti cuti", and the content of flavonoids (quercetin), allows prevalence in the treatment of diabetes. Conclusion: The phytochemical study of Argyrochosma nivea (Poir.) Windham (Cuti cuti) through spectrophotometric analysis and HPLC analysis verified the existence of 7 total Flavanoid compounds 0.111 mg of Catechin/ml, total Flavonoids 0.133 mg of Quercetin /ml, Total polyphenols 5.189 mg of gallic acid/ml, Antioxidant Capacity* 424.701 µ mol trolox/ml, Rutin 0.00579 mg of Rutin/ml, Quercetin 0.105mg of Quercetin/ml and Coumarins 0.170 mg of Coumarin/ml(AU)

Evaluación del potencial antioxidante de algunas tinturas madre homeopáticas / Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of some homeopathic mother tinctures

Objetivos: en sistemas homeopáticos de medicina, las tinturas madre se prescriben para varias enfermedades y especialmente para condiciones sépticas y la cura de muchos padecimientos. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar el potencial antioxidante y antibacterial de las diez tinturas madre homeopáticas que se utilizan con mayor frecuencia. Materiales y métodos: diez tinturas madre fueron preparadas y puestas a prueba contra cinco bacterias de importancia clínica patogénica en los humanos (Sal­ monella typhi [ST], Escherichia coli [EC], Bacillus subtilis [BS], Straphylococus aureus [SA], y Pseudomonas aeruiginosa [PA]) mediante el método de microdilución con ciprofloxacina como control positivo. La actividad antioxidante se estimó con un ensayo de inhibición 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DPPH). El ácido ascórbico se tomó como estándar positivo en actividad antioxidante. Resultados: todas las tinturas madre mostraron cierto nivel de actividad antibacterial. Chinchona officinalis tuvo la actividad máxima (inhibición del 89%) contra Salmonella typhi que las demás tinturas madre en el estudio. Pulsatilla nigricans mostró la inhibición más alta de DPPH (85%) entre las demás tinturas madre de origen vegetal. Conclusión: este estudio revela que las tinturas madre ya mencionadas tienen potencial antibacteriano y antioxidante contra el microorganismo particular y 2,2-difenil-1-picrilidracil (DPPH), respectivamente. (AU)

Homeopathic drug standardization through biological evaluations: An untrodden avenue

There is a dearth of chemico-analytical or instrumental methods for standardization and quality control of higher dilutions of homeopathic drugs. Aim: This review highlights the challenges in standardization of anti-inflammatory homeopathic drugs and suggests a battery of biological assays for their standardization. Methods: We retrieved a total 57 scientific reports from the experimental studies and scientific reviews published between January 1999 and June 2014 related to anti-inflammatory homeopathic drugs and their high dilutions. These comprised of 18 reports on preclinical evaluation, 15 on source materials, 9 on isolated constituents and 15 studies on in-vitro experiments. Few recent citations which supported the initial studies were added later during the compilation of the manuscript. Conclusion: Standardization and quality control of homeopathic mother tinctures and high dilutions warrants an urgent attention. As biological activities are observed to be attributed to the high dilutions which are practically devoid of active ingredients, their standardization may be done through the suggested battery of biological investigations. It is suggested that the current methods of standardization of homeopathic drugs need to be upgraded to include sensitive, reproducible and relevant biological assays so that the end users are assured of the quality, efficacy, and safety of homeopathic dilutions...

Consorcio microbiano nativo con actividad catalítica para remoción de índigo y surfactantes en agua residual industrial textil a través de una matriz de inmovilización / Microbial consortium native catalytically active for removal of indigo and surfactants in textile industry wastewater through an immobilization matrix

El siguiente estudio tuvo como objetivo aislar seis diferentes cepas bacterianas provenientes de las descargas de agua utilizadas en la tintura de hilo con colorante índigo, que tuviesen capacidad de degradación de compuestos orgánicos del tinte índigo y tres surfactantes de tipo no iónicos. Igualmente, se evaluaron diferentes medios de soporte para inmovilizar las cepas seleccionadas. Las cepas con mejor capacidad de decoloración se combinaron para conformar cuatro consorcios (I, II, III, y IV) con el fin de potenciar el proceso de decoloración, considerando que la sinergia y el complemento de actividades metabólicas de cultivos mixtos dentro de una comunidad microbiana incrementan la eficiencia de remoción de carga orgánica. Los porcentajes de remoción que se alcanzaron fueron 64, 73, 76 y 59 %, respectivamente. Los cultivos individuales no presentaron porcentajes de remoción superiores a los reportados por los consorcios, lo que permite pensar en su utilización para la remoción de tintes índigos en aguas residuales.

The aim of this study was isolate six different bacterial strains from water discharges used in dyeing yarn with indigo, capable of degradation of organic compounds with indigo dye and three type nonionic surfactants. Similarly, various supporting media were evaluated for immobilizing the selected strains. Strains with better capacity were combined to form four consortia (I, II, III, and IV) in order to enhance the bleaching process, whereas synergy and complement metabolic activities of mixed cultures within a community increase microbial removal efficiency of organic load. Removal percentages were achieved which were 64, 73, 76 and 59%, respectively. Individual cultures showed no higher than rates reported by consortia removal, which suggests in its use for the removal of indigo dyes in wastewater.

Preparo e caracterização de tinturas das folhas de chá verde [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] Theaceae / Preparation and characterization of Theaceae green tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] leaf tinctures

Tinturas preparadas com as folhas de Camellia sinensis (chá verde), foram caracterizadas visando a obtenção de extratos enriquecidos em polifenóis. As tinturas foram obtidas por meio de maceração estática da droga pulverizada, com diferentes misturas de 60, 70, 80 e 94,5% de etanol em água. Em seguida foram filtradas e, após 8 dias de extração, realizaram-se as analises: organoléptica, pH, densidade, determinação do resíduo seco, perfil cromatográfico por camada delgada, e teor de polifenóis. Os resultados demonstraram que o solvente (mistura hidroalcoólica a 60 ou 70%) extraiu a maior quantidade de constituintes químicos do chá verde; também foi o mais seletivo ao extrair, especificamente os polifenóis. Estes dados sugerem que a utilização de álcool etílico a 60 ou 70% conduz à obtenção de tinturas mais ricas em polifenóis, a partir das folhas do chá verde (C. sinensis).

In this work, we prepared and characterized Camellia sinensis leaf tinctures aiming to obtain a polyphenol-enriched extract. The tinctures were prepared through the static maceration process of the powdered drug, at different mixtures 60, 70, 80 and 94.5% of ethanol in water. The tinctures were filtered, and after 8 days of extraction, submitted to organoleptic analysis, determination of pH, density analysis, dry residue analysis, thin layer chromatographic profile and polyphenol percentage analysis. The results showed that the 60 or 70% alcohol-water mixture has the best extraction of the constituents of green tea and it was more selective to extract, specifically, the polyphenols of the plant. These data suggest the use of 60 or 70% ethanol to carry out polyphenol-enriched tinctures from green tea leaves (C. sinensis).

Revisión química y homeopática de la Calendula officinalis / Chemistry and homeopathic Calendula officinalis Review

La caléndula es una planta originaria de Europa cuyas propiedades curativas seaprovechan desde épocas remotas, por lo que actualmente es cultivada en todoel mundo. Extractos y ungüentos elaborados con este vegetal han mostrado susvirtudes para cicatrizar heridas y atender afecciones de la piel, y este saber empíricoha sido comprobado a través de diversos estudios científicos, como los que serevisan a lo largo del presente artículo. En Homeopatía, su tintura se emplea como antiséptica, analgésica y cicatrizantede la piel y la mucosa bucal, mientras que sus dinamizaciones se prescriben aindividuos nerviosos, irritables, con marcada tendencia a los sobresaltos y muysensibles a los estímulos sensoriales. Además de esto, Caléndula officinalis tienela capacidad de ayudar en el tratamiento de problemas crónicos y agudos relacionadoscon lesiones externas o en diferentes sistemas, como las vías urinarias, lossistemas respiratorio y digestivo, y los órganos reproductivos femeninos.

Calendula is a plant native to Europe whose healing properties are used sinceancient times, so it is now cultivated worldwide. Extracts and ointments made fromthis plant have shown their strengths to heal wounds and treat skin conditions, andthis empirical knowledge has been proven through scientific studies, such as thosereviewed throughout this article. In Homeopathy, the tincture is used as antiseptic, analgesic and healingof the skin and oral mucosa, while their dynamizations are prescribed to irritable,with a marked tendency to shocks and very sensitive to sensory stimuli people.In addition, Calendula officinalis has the ability to help in the treatment of chronicand acute problems related to external injuries or different systems, like urinary,respiratory and digestive systems, and female reproductive organs.

Atividade elicitora de fitoalexinas em Soja e Sorgo por extratos e tinturas de espécies medicinais / Eliciting activity of phytoalexins in Soybean and Sorghum by extracts and tinctures of medicinal species

A verificação da capacidade indutora de fitoalexinas a partir de extratos e tinturas de espécies vegetais pode representar uma forma potencial de controle de doenças em plantas cultivadas. O objetivo foi verificar a capacidade de indução de fitoalexinas em cotilédones de Soja e mesocótilos de Sorgo a partir de extratos brutos aquosos (EBAs) e tinturas de espécies medicinais. As espécies utilizadas foram as plantas medicinais Arruda (Ruta graveolens), Manjerona (Origanum majorana) e Carqueja (Baccharis trimera). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que os EBAs são eficientes na indução de fitoalexinas em cotilédones de Soja. Em mesocótilos de Sorgo os EBAs das plantas medicinais Carqueja e Manjerona induzem a produção de fitoalexinas em concentrações elevadas (15, 20, 25 e 50%). As tinturas são capazes de induzir a produção de fitoalexinas em cotilédones de Soja nas concentrações de 10 e 15%, porém, não são capazes de induzir acúmulo de fitoalexinas em mesocótilos de Sorgo.

The verification of the capacity to induce phytoalexins from the biological activity of plant species may represent a potential way to control diseases in crops. This research studied the induction of phytoalexins in cotyledons of Soybean and Sorghum mesocotyles from crude aqueous extracts (CAEs) and tinctures of plants of medicinal and forest species. The species used were the medicinal plants Ruta graveolens, Baccharis trimera and Origanum majorana. The results showed that CAEs are efficient in the induction of phytoalexins in cotyledons of soybean. , while CAEs of medicinal plants Baccharis trimera and Origanum majorana induce phytoalexin production in high concentrations (15, 20, 25 and 50%). Tinctures are able of inducing the production of phytoalexin in concentrations of 10 and 15% in Soybean cotyledons; however, they are not able to induce the accumulation of phytoalexins in Sorghum mesocotyles.

Validação do método de análise capilar preconizado por hugo platz para o controle de qualidade de tinturas-mães / Validation of Hugo Platz´s method of capillary analysis for quality control of mother tinctures

Um dos insumos mais utilizados na manufatura de medicamentos homeopáticos é a tintura-mãe. Um método aparentemente útil para o controle de qualidade das tinturas-mães é a análise capilar. Este método analítico, tornado público no início do século passado por Hugo Platz, caiu em desuso após o advento de técnicas cromatográficas mais modernas. Embora empregue técnicas simples e de baixo custo, não há estudos de validação da análise capilar. O presente ensaio teve por objetivo validar o método de análise capilar utilizado no controle de qualidade de tinturas-mãe. Para tanto foram obtidos os espectros capilares das tinturas-mãe de Aconitum napellus L., Strychnos nux vomica L. e Anemone pulsatilla L. provenientes de fornecedores nacionais qualificados pela Associação Brasileira de Farmacêuticos Homeopatas. Os atributos avaliados foram precisão, reprodutibilidade e seletividade. Os resultados alcançados recomendam a utilização do método de análise capilar, conforme proposto por Platz, nas análises qualitativas de tinturas-mãe.

Mother tinctures are one of the most common starting materials used in the elaboration of homeopathic medicines. Capillary analysis seems a useful method for quality control of mother tinctures. This method was publicized in the beginning of the 20th century by Hugo Platz to fell into disuse following the development of the modern chromatographic techniques. Despite the simple techniques involved, and the low cost of the overall method, no studies of validation have yet been performed of Platz´s capillary analysis. The present study sought to validate capillary analysis for quality control of mother tinctures. The capillary spectra of mother tinctures of Aconitum napellus L., Strychos nux vomica L. e Anemone pulsatilla L. provided by Brazilian suppliers certified by the Brazilian Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists were obtained. The attributes evaluated were accuracy, reproducibility and selectivity. The results allow recommending the use of capillary analysis as formulated by Platz for qualitative analysis of mother tinctures.

Efeito das tinturas de café torrado e moído nos níveis séricos de colesterol, triglicerídeos e glicose em ratos diabéticos / Effect of tincture of ground roasted coffee on plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose in diabetic rats

O consumo de café tem sido associado ao menor risco de diabetes tipo 2 (DM2). Evidências epidemiológicas sugerem que o alto consumo de café pode reduzir o risco de diabetes mellitus. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de tinturas de café torrado e moído nos níveis plasmáticos de colesterol, trigliceróis e glicose em ratos diabéticos. A indução do diabetes foi realizada através da administração intraperitoneal de aloxano e as tinturas foram elaboradas utilizando café torrado e moído. Após 30 dias de tratamento, foram realizadas determinações bioquímicas. As tinturas de café solúvel promoveram aumento nos níveis de colesterol e as percentagens de redução das concentrações de glicose e triacilglicerídeo variaram entre 20 e 24% e entre 51 a 57%, respectivamente. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que os tratamentos com o café solúvel sustentam a hipótese de que o café está associado ao menor risco de DM2.

The consumption of coffee has been associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (DM). Epidemiological evidence suggests that high consumption of coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a tincture (hydroethanolic extract) of roasted and ground coffee on plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose in diabetic rats. The diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan. The induced diabetic rats were then treated for 30 days by gavage with various doses of the coffee tincture. After the treatment, biochemical blood tests were carried out on the rats. The coffee tincture provoked moderately increased levels of cholesterol, but the concentrations of glucose and triglycerides were reduced by 20-24% and 51-57%, respectively. From these results, it was concluded that the treatment with coffee extract supports the hypothesis that coffee is associated with a lower risk of type 2 DM.

Influência de tinturas de fruto cereja e verde de café no tratamento do Diabetes / Influences of teinturerie of fruits cherry and green the coffee trait the Diabetes

O consumo de café tem sido associado a menor risco de diabetes. Entretanto, os compostos específicos e os mecanismos responsáveis por este efeito ainda não estão claros. Realizou-se um experimento para avaliar o efeito das tinturas de casca de cereja, fruto verde e fruto cereja da planta café (Coffea arabica L.) da variedade Catuai Vermelho em ratos com Diabetes induzido por aloxano. Após 30 dias de tratamento, foram coletados amostras de sangue dos animais para dosagens séricas de glicose, colesterol e triglicerídeos. As tinturas de casca cereja (1,0 mL), fruto verde (0,5 mL e 2,0 mL) e fruto cereja (1,0 mL e 2,0 mL) promoveram aumento significativo nos níveis de colesterol quando comparado ao grupo doente não tratado. Com relação aos níveis de glicose e triglicérideos, observou-se que todas as tinturas reduziram significativamente os valores séricos destes parâmetros. As percentagens de redução das concentrações de glicose e triglicérides variaram entre -28% a -49% e -27% a -47%, respectivamente. A diminuição dos níveis de glicose e triglicerídeos se sobrepõe ao aumento observado do colesterol, indicando que estas tinturas podem ser promissoras como adjuvantes no tratamento da diabetes.

Efecto sedante de extractos de las hojas de Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L) Poit / Sedative effect of extracts from Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L) Poit leaves

Introducción: Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L) Poit es comúnmente conocido como ítamo real, se le han atribuido numerosas aplicaciones terapéuticas. Objetivos: evaluar el efecto neurosedante de diferentes fracciones obtenidas de extractos de hojas de P. tithymaloides. Métodos: se realizaron sucesivas extracciones a partir de hojas secas trituradas, con el objetivo de obtener diversas fracciones mediante el empleo de solventes como tolueno, cloroformo y solvente hidroalcohólico (1:1); se evaluó su actividad neurosedante con el empleo del modelo de conducta exploratoria en ratones como indicativo de este efecto y los datos se procesaron con la prueba estadística de Duncan y un nivel de significación de p< 0,05. Resultados: de las fracciones obtenidas por cristalización fraccionada a partir del extracto toluénico, el To (triterpeno) mostró efecto sedante a dosis superiores a 100 mg/kg, la fracción que contenía el resto del extracto toluénico no mostró actividad. Por otra parte, el extracto clorofórmico también mostró efecto neurosedante, mientras que a partir del extracto hidroalcohólico se obtuvieron 2 fracciones por cambio de la polaridad del disolvente, las fracciones obtenidas resultaron tener una ligera actividad sedante; el crudo de fenoles redujo la conducta exploratoria a dosis de 200 mg/kg, mientras que la fracción remanente mostró actividad a dosis de 450 mg/kg. Conclusiones: el P. tithymaloides posee compuestos que le confieren efecto sedante.

Introduction: Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L) Poit is widely known as itamo real and numerous therapeutical applications have been attributed to it. Objetives: to evaluate the neurosedative effect of different fractions of extracts from P. tithymaloides leaves. Methods: succesives extractions were made from smashed dry leaves, with the purpose of obtaining several fractions using toluene, chloroform and hydroalcohol solvents (1:1); the neurosedative activity was also evaluated with an exploratory behaviour model in mice as an indication of this effect and data were processed with Duncan´s statistical test, with a level of significance of p< 0.05. Results: out of the fractions obtained by fractioned crystallization of toluene extract, triterpene showed sedative effect at a dose over 100 mg/kg. The fraction containing the rest of toluene extract revealed no activity. On the other hand, the chloroform extract also showed neurosedative effect whereas two other fractions were obtained from hydroalcoholic extract because of change of solvent polarity; these fractions exhibited slight sedative activity; the phenol crude reduced the exploratory behaviours at 200 mg/kg dose whereas the remaining fraction showed this kind of action at 450 mg/kg. Conclusions: P. tithymaloides possesses some compounds that provide it with a sedative effect.

Avaliação das características físico-químicas e fitoquímicas de diferentes tinturas de barbatimão (Stryphnodendron barbatiman) / Evaluation of physico-chemical and phytochemical characteristics of different tinctures of barbatimão (Stryphnodendron barbatiman)

Como conseqüência da grande difusão e utilização de plantas medicinais, as indústrias vêm fabricando produtos a base de espécies vegetais, de diversas formas farmacêuticas, que têm sido comercializados em farmácias e casas de produtos naturais. No entanto, não há garantia para a grande maioria destes produtos, quanto à sua eficácia, segurança e qualidade, podendo trazer riscos à saúde do consumidor. Assim, torna-se importante o estabelecimento de protocolos padronizados de controle de qualidade para produtos fitoterápicos. Encontram-se disponíveis no mercado brasileiro tinturas de barbatimão provenientes de diversos fabricantes. Com a finalidade de avaliar a diferença entre a qualidade destas tinturas, foi realizado um estudo comparativo das características físico-químicas e fitoquímicas de tinturas de barbatimão provenientes de quatro fabricantes. Para a avaliação físico-química foram realizados ensaios de pH, densidade, resíduo seco e doseamento de taninos. A análise fitoquímica foi feita empregando cromatografia em camada delgada. As diferenças físico-químicas e fitoquímicas observadas evidenciaram a falta de padronização na produção destas tinturas.

As a consequence of the large distribution and use of medicinal plants, the industries are producing products based on plant species in various pharmaceutical forms, which have been commercialized in pharmacies and natural products homes. However, there is no guarantee for the vast majority of these products, as to their effectiveness, safety and quality, which may cause risks to the health of consumers. Therefore it is important the establishment of standardized protocols of quality control for phytotherapeutic products. Tinctures of barbatimão are available in the Brazilian market proceeding from diverse manufacturers. With the purpose to evaluate the difference between the quality of tinctures of barbatimão proceeding from four manufacturers, a comparative study of physico-chemical and phytochemical characteristics was carried out. For physico-chemical analysis, the pH, density, dry residue and tannins content were evaluated. The phytochemical analysis was made using thin layer chromatography. The differences observed in physico-chemical and phytochemical characteristics had evidenced the lack of standardization in the production of these tinctures.

Atividade antioxidante de tinturas vegetais, vendidas em farmácias com manipulação e indicadas para diversos tipos de doenças pela metodologia do DPPH / Antioxidant activity of plant tinctures, commonly sold in pharmacies and indicated for several types of diseases, using the DPPH methodology

O presente trabalho descreve a avaliação da atividade antioxidante pela metodologia do radical livre DPPH de tinturas comerciais obtidas de farmácias com manipulação indicadas para os mais variados tipos de doença que apresentam em maior ou menor grau, alguma etiologia fundamentada em excesso de radicais livres. Foi interessante notar uma sincronia entre a família a que a planta de determinada tintura pertence, com suas substâncias químicas e a atividade antioxidante esperada. Para os casos em que isso não ocorreu, pode-se verificar através de métodos cromatográficos que as tinturas não haviam sido preparadas de forma adequada ou se tratava de falsificações.

This work describes the antioxidant evaluation through the DPPH free radical methodology of commercial available tinctures indicated for different diseases and purchased in commercial pharmacies. All of those diseases have always being caused by excess or accumulation of free radicals. It was noteworthy the coherence between the botany family in which the plant of each tincture is inserted as well as its chemical composition with the antioxidant activity observed. In the cases where this statement could not be shown, it was proved by chromatographic methods that the tinctures were not properly prepared or even it constituted a case of adulteration.

Efecto bactericida de las tinturas; Calendula off, y Echinacea angustifolia en el Streptococcus mutans / Bactericidal effect of the dyes; off Calendula and Echinacea angustifolia in Streptococcus mutans

Como sabemos, la placa dentobacteriana (PDB) contiene diversos microorganismos que son factores predisponentes de diversas patologías bucales como la enfermedad periodontal y la caries, sta última relacionada con el aumento principalmente de uno de los tres estreptococos considerados como cariogénicos; Streptococcus mutans [..] El objetivo de este proyecto es evaluar el efecto de las tinturas madres Calendula officinallis y Echinacea angustifolia, para que inhiban el desarrollo del Streptococcus mutans. La investigación es prospectiva, experimental, comparativa y longitudinal. Se estudia "in vitro" la cepa de Streptococcus mutans G536, obtenida en medios de cultivo como son: Gelosa Sangre (GS), KF con TTC al 1% con tinturas y diluciones homeopáticas a 1:1; 1:3, 1:6; A los medios de cultivo se les agregó la tintura madre substituyendo el agua en forma proporcional. El medio de cultivo con Calendula officinalis mostró un mayor efecto inhibitorio que el medio de cultivo de Echinacea angustifolia, sin embargo, ambas presentaron mayor inhibición en las diluciones 1/1 y 1/3 como se ha reportado en investigaciones anteriores con Streptococcus de la Placa Dentobacteriana y tinturas homeopáticas.

Algo más sobre tintura madre: supresión y repertorización / Homeopathic tincture: suppression and patient interview

Se dilucida si la TM es una preparación homeopática o es alopática. Se precisa que las TM, pueden tener acción primaria y que siempre tienen acción secundaria. Cuando tienen acción primaria, conocida por la toxicología, es aprovechada por los alópatas. La acción secundaria o reacción, conocida por la experimentación Pura, es aprovechada por los homeópatas cuando la aplican según la ley de la semejanza. Se detalla sobre la posibilidad de que los remedios homeopáticos ocasionen supresión mórbida cuando son administrados sin cubrir la totalidad de la sintomatología del enfermo. Se explica que el proceso de repertorización homeopática puede ser engañoso si se le toma como una deducción matemática. La repertorización sólo serviría para pensar en menos remedios. La escogencia del simillimum debe estar guiada por el conocimiento de la Materia Médica por parte del homeópata y siempre cubriendo los síntomas del miasma dominante

Caracterización farmacognóstica de Pedilanthus tithymaloides L. Poit / Pharmacognostic characterization of Pedilanthus tithymaloides L. Poit

Se realizó la caracterización farmacognóstica de Pedilanthus tithymaloides L. Poit. obtenida en las condiciones de cultivo orgánico sobre un suelo ferralítico rojo hidratado. Se trabajó para lograr la droga seca con la calidad requerida para su utilización como materia prima o medicamento herbario. Para ello se determinaron los índices numéricos según las normas nacionales e internacionales vigentes para las drogas vegetales. Se estableció un período óptimo de conservación de 10 meses en frascos de polipropileno y en frascos de vidrio color ámbar

Ahorro de energía en el secado de plantas medicinales / Energy saving in the medicinal plants drying

Se realizó un estudio de secado de plantas medicinales con el empleo de un secador solar multipropósito ubicado en la Estación Experimental de Plantas Medicinales "Dr. Juan Tomás Roig" entre cuyas ventajas, según el fabricante, está el gasto energético mínimo, el 30 por ciento de la energía total que se utiliza. Para los experimentos se seleccionaron aquellas especies que por su gran demanda se cultivan en mayores cantidades: flores de Calendula officinalis L. y de Matricaria recutita L., hojas de Plantago lanceolata L. y follaje de Parthenium hysterophorus L. Todo el material se recogió en areales silvestres de la citada estación. La investigación se desarrolló entre el 10 febrero y el 13 marzo de 2003, período obligado para realizarla pues por sus requerimientos estas especies se cultivan en la época invernal en Cuba. Paralelamente a la desecación en el equipo, se secaron muestras al aire y a la sombra, al sol directamente y en estufa de aire recirculado. Se determinó el tiempo de secado y el gasto energético, las características organolépticas, color y aroma, para evaluar la calidad de la droga seca y los índices farmacognósticos humedad, cenizas totales y principios activos que se compararon con los de las Normas Ramales establecidas en cada una de las especies estudiadas excepto en P. hysterophorus en que se utilizaron datos experimentales. Los resultados demostraron que con el empleo del secador solar multipropósito se obtiene una droga de alta calidad y se produce un ahorro energético considerable