RESUMO
Seven commercial essential oils extracted from the plant species Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., Citrus hystrix DC., Curcuma longa L., Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., Piper nigrum L., Psidium guajava L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and naphthalene as a control, were evaluated for repellent activity against the three cockroach species Periplaneta americana (L.), Blattella germanica (L.) and Neostylopyga rhombifolia (Stoll) under laboratory conditions. The essential oil derived from Citrus hystrix showed the best repellency over other candidate essential oils and naphthalene. The essential oil of Citrus hystrix exhibited complete repellency (100%) against P. americana and B. germanica, and also showed the highest repellency (among the essential oils tested) of about 87.5% against N. rhombifolia under laboratory conditions. In the field, Citrus hystrix essential oil formulated as a 20% active ingredient in ethanol and some additives provided satisfactory repellency of up to 86% reduction in cockroaches, mostly P. americana and N. rhombifolia with a residual effect lasting a week after treatment. Citrus hystrix essential oil has good potential for being used as a cockroach repellent. Further improvements in efficacy and residual activity may be realized with appropriate formulations.
Assuntos
Animais , Citrus/química , Baratas/efeitos dos fármacos , Curcuma/química , Zingiber officinale/química , Repelentes de Insetos/química , Litsea/química , Óleos Voláteis/química , Piper nigrum/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Óleos de Plantas/química , Psidium/química , Tailândia , Zingiberaceae/químicaRESUMO
A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of Gymnostemma pentaphyllum in patients with hyperlipidemia. Twenty-three patients were allocated to receive Gymnostemma pentaphyllum powder in capsule at the dosage of 5 grams thrice a day for 3 months. Twenty-one patients received placebo in identical capsules thrice a day for 3 months. Lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein) were determined prior to taking medication and every month thereafter. Lipid profiles of all patients at entry were not significantly different from those after therapy. Lipid profiles of the patients in both groups at month 1, 2 and 3 were not significantly different. Oxidative stress & anti-oxidant activity and anti-platelet activity in the serum samples taken from patients in both groups were not significantly different. Adverse events and abnormal laboratory tests were not observed in patients receiving Gymnostemma pentaphyllum. Most of the patients were satisfied with the treatment they received. It is concluded that Gymnostemma pentaphyllum powder in capsules prepared by Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health at the dosage of 5 grams thrice a day for 3 months is safe but not efficacious in reducing lipids in patients with hyperlipidemia.