Antimicrobial activity of intracanal dressings composed by natural products associated to chlorhexidine and its influence on dentinal colour change / Avaliação da ação antimicrobiana de medicações intracanais à base de produtos fitoterápicos associados à clorexidina e sua influência na alteração de cor da estrutura dentinária

Purpose: evaluate the antimicrobial activity of intracanal dressings and their influence on dentinal colour changes. Material and methods: eighty single-rooted human extracted teeth were decoronated and divided into eight groups (n=10) according to intracanal dressing protocols inserted into the root canals: G1­distilled water (DW); G2­2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX); G3­calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2)+DW; G4­grape seed extract (GSE)+DW; G5­ginger extract (GE)+DW; G6­Ca(OH)2+CHX; G7­GSE+CHX; and G8­GE+CHX. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by colony-forming units (CFUs) counting and dentinal colour changes was evaluated by digital spectrophotometry. Data were statistically analysed by One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey´s post hoc test (antimicrobial evaluation) and non-parametric Wilcoxon followed by the Mann- Whitney-U test (colour change evaluation) (α=0.05). Results: the highest bacterial reduction was observed in groups 4, 6, 7 and 8, with no significant difference between them (p<0.05). Groups 4 and 7 showed the highest medians of dentinal colour change (p<0.05). Conclusion: the addition of CHX improved the antimicrobial activity of GE-based intracanal dressing, with no effect in GSE-based intracanal dressing; moreover, these protocols induced significant dentinal colour changes. (AU)

Objetivo: avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de medicações intracanais e sua influência na alteração da cor dentinária. Materiais e métodos: oitenta dentes humanos extraídos unirradiculares foram seccionados e divididos em oito grupos (n = 10), de acordo com os protocolos de medicação intracanal inseridos nos canais radiculares: água destilada G1 (DW); G2-2% de gel de clorexidina (CHX); hidróxido de cálcio G3 ­ (Ca [OH] 2) + DW; extrato de semente de uva G4 (GSE) + DW; extrato de gengibre G5 (GE) + DW; G6- Ca (OH) 2 + CHX; G7 ­ GSE + CHX; e G8-GE + CHX. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada por contagem de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFCs) e as alterações de cor dentinária foram avaliadas por espectrofotometria digital. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por ANOVA one-way, seguida pelo teste post hoc de Tukey (avaliação antimicrobiana) e Wilcoxon não paramétrico, seguido pelo teste de Mann- Whitney-U (avaliação da mudança de cor) (α = 0,05). Resultados: a maior redução bacteriana foi observada nos grupos 4, 6, 7 e 8, sem diferença significativa entre eles (p < 0,05). Os grupos 4 e 7 apresentaram as maiores medianas da alteração da cor dentinária (p < 0,05). Conclusão: a adição de CHX melhorou a atividade antimicrobiana da medicação intracanal baseado em GE, sem efeito na medicação intracanal baseado em GSE; além disso, esses protocolos induziram alterações significativas na cor dentinária.(AU)

Protective Effects of Ginger Extract against the Toxicity of Cyclophosphamide on Testes: An Experimental Laboratory-Based Study

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used medication in chemotherapy and can cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can affect testicular functions by reducing the sperm motility and concentration, changing the sperm morphology, and increasing DNA fragmentation in sperm. Ginger is one of the most widely used spices in various foods and is used as an herbal medicine in many countries due to its antioxidant effects. We aim to study the protective effects of ginger against CP-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the role of ginger in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced adverse effects on the testicular histology of CP-treated male rats. Methods: The study was performed on 30 male albino rats with body weights of 300-350 g. The animals were divided into the following three groups (10/cage): Group 1 (control, untreated group), Group 2 (CP group, received a single dose of CP at 100 mg/kg-1 BW intraperitoneally), and Group 3 (CP+ginger, received ginger extract orally at 500 mg/kg for 35 days after CP injection). The morphological and histological structures of the testes were compared in the different groups of rats. Results: The CP-treated group showed a disorganized germinal epithelium compared with those of the controls. The CP+ginger-treated group showed a significant recovery of the organization of the germinal epithelium and the cellular attachments. Caspase-3-positive cells were significantly higher in the CP group and had remarkably lower levels in the CP+ginger-treated group. A reduction in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the destruction of connective tissue were observed in the CP-treated group; these changes were improved in the CP+ginger-treated group. Conclusion: Ginger extract can protect reproductive functions against CP-induced toxicity in rats.

Ginger extract ameliorates renal damage in high fat diet-induced obesity in rats: biochemical and ultrastructural study / El extracto de jengibre mejora el daño renal en la obesidad inducida por la dieta alta en grasas en ratas: estudio bioquímico y ultraestructural

Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of kidney disease. Obesity may harm kidneys in individuals without hypertension, diabetes, or pre-existing renal disease. Ginger, Zingiber officinale, has many beneficial pharmaceutical benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the Zingiber officinale protective effect against obesity complications which induced by high fat diet and caused renal dysfunctions. The study period was two months, and the experimental animals' groups were four, 80 Wistar rats were appropriated similarly 20 animals/group: control group; ginger extract group (GE); high-fat diet (HFD); and GE+HFD group. Body and fat weight, creatinine, leptin, TNF-α, total antioxidants, renal histopathological and ultrastructure were investigated. Rats in group of HFD showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the body and fat weights, creatinine, leptin and TNF-α, and significant decrease (P<0.05) in total antioxidants (TAS). Ginger administration significantly showed the protective restoring the altered parameters. Furthermore, rats co-treated with ginger extract improved the histopathological and ultrastructural renal injury induced by obesity. The study concluded that the ginger extract used could suppress and decrease the renal damage induced by high-fat diet as it possesses potential medicinal values.

La obesidad es un factor de riesgo modificable para el desarrollo y la progresión de la enfermedad renal. La obesidad puede dañar los riñones en personas sin hipertensión, diabetes o enfermedad renal preexistente. El jengibre, Zingiber officinale, tiene muchos beneficios farmacéuticos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto protector de Zingiber officinale en las complicaciones de la obesidad inducida por una dieta alta en grasas y las enfermedad renal. El período de estudio fue de dos meses, y los grupos de animales experimentales fueron cuatro, se asignaron 80 ratas Wistar de manera similar, 20 animales por grupo: grupo de control; grupo de extracto de jengibre (GE); dieta alta en grasas (DAG); y el grupo GE + DAG. Se evaluó el peso corporal y la grasa, creatinina, leptina, TNF-α, antioxidantes totales, histopatología renal y ultraestructura. Las ratas en el grupo de DAG mostraron un aumento significativo (P<0,05) en el peso corporal y de grasa, creatinina, leptina y TNF-a, y una disminución significativa (P<0,05) en los antioxidantes totales. La administración de jengibre mostró una protección significativa restaurando los parámetros alterados. Además, las ratas tratadas conjuntamente con extracto de jengibre mejoraron la lesión renal histopatológica y ultraestructural inducida por la obesidad. El estudio concluyó que el extracto de jengibre podría suprimir y disminuir el daño renal inducido por la dieta alta en grasas, ya que posee potenciales valores medicinales.

Quality Characteristics of Ginger Extract Candy with Salicornia herbacea L. for Calming Effect on Morning Sickness

The primary objective of this study was to develop an optimal composite recipe for ginger extract candy with Salicornia herbacea L., for consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy. The secondary objective was to examine quality characteristics of the candy. The physical and mechanical properties and sensory properties for pregnant women in were measured, and these values were applied to mathematical models. Time of stirring water solution, saltiness, pH, and redness of the candy increased as concentrations of ginger juice did, but variations in pH were not significant. The hardness values of the candy ranged from 3,063.90 to 5,681.65 dyne/cm³. The average values of sweetness and time stirring the water solution were 5.36% and 14.1 minutes, respectively. However, hardness and sweetness stirring water solution were not significant. The range of sensory values of color (P < 0.01), flavor (P < 0.05), sweetness, saltiness, spiciness, and overall quality (P < 0.05) ranged from were 3.73~5.32, 4.05~5.05, 3.67~5.14, 3.59~5.09, 3.55~5.15, and 3.32~5.45, respectively. Results suggest that ginger extract candy with Salicornia herbacea L. should be comprised of 7.37 g of ginger juice and 1.77 g of salt. Consequently, it could be a functional candy for pregnant women.

The antioxidant activity of steamed ginger and its protective effects on obesity induced by high-fat diet in C57BL/6J mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ginger, a root vegetable, is known to have antioxidant and antiobesity effects. Preparation, such as by steaming, can affect the chemical composition of prepared root vegetables or herbs and can change their functional activities. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of steamed ginger against oxidative stress and steatosis in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. MATERIALS/METHODS: The levels of polyphenols and flavonoids in two different extracts of steamed ginger, i.e., water extract (SGW) and ethanolic extract (SGE); as well, their antioxidant activities were examined. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, n = 10), high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat, w/w, n = 10), HFD supplemented with 200 mg/kg of SGE or garcinia (GAR) by weight (SGED or GARD, respectively, n = 10) for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was examined, and the expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined in the liver. Histological analysis was performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads and liver. RESULTS: The SGE had higher contents of polyphenols and flavonoids and higher DPPH and ABTS⁺ free radical scavenging activities compared to those of SGW. Treatment with SGE or GAR significantly decreased the HFD-induced weight gain. Both SGE and GAR significantly reduced the high serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein levels induced by HFD. Compared to ND, HFD significantly increased hepatic TC and TG levels. SGE or GAR supplementation significantly decreased the increase of hepatic lipids by HFD. Interestingly, SGE had a more significant effect in reducing hepatic TC and TG levels than GAR. Furthermore, hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis were altered in both the SGED and GARD groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that steamed ginger supplementation can decrease plasma TC and TG and can inhibit liver steatosis by regulating the expressions of hepatic genes.

In vitro evaluation of anti-Alzheimer effects of dry ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) extract.

As the disease modifying therapies against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continue to exist as a major challenge of this century, the search for newer drug leads with lesser side effects is on the rise. A large number of plant extracts and phytocompounds are being actively pursued for their anti-Alzheimer effects. In the present study, the antioxidant activity, cholinesterase inhibition, anti-amyloidogenic potential and neuroprotective properties of methanolic extract of dry ginger (GE) have been evaluated. The extract contained 18±0.6 mg/g gallic acid equivalents of total phenolic content and 4.18±0.69 mg quercetin equivalents/g of dry material. GE expressed high antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 70±0.304 µg/mL in DPPH assay and 845.4±56.62 μM Fe(II) equivalents/g dry weight in FRAP assay respectively. In Ellman’s assay for the cholinesterase inhibitory activity, GE had an IC50 value of 41±1.2 µg/mL and 52±2 µg/mL for inhibition of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase respectively. Also, GE increased the cell survival against amyloid β (Aβ) induced toxicity in primary adult rat hippocampal cell culture. Aggregation experiments with the thioflavin T binding studies showed that GE effectively prevented the formation of Aβ oligomers and dissociated the preformed oligomers. These findings suggest that methanolic GE influences multiple therapeutic molecular targets of AD and can be considered as an effective nontoxic neutraceutical supplement for AD.

Assessment of antimicrobial potential of 10% ginger extract against Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study.

Background: Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis are the three oral microorganisms most commonly implicated in the causation of oral infections. All these oral microorganisms have shown resistant to routinely used antimicrobials. There is a need for an antimicrobial agent which is effective, safe, and economical. Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger is one such plant product which has been used from ancient time. It has been shown to possess promising inhibitory effect on many of the oral microorganisms. On review of dental literature, there was scarcity of studies which had tried to assess antimicrobial potential of ginger extract against S. mutans, E. faecalis, and C. albicans; hence, the present study was designed. Aim: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of 10% ginger extract against S. mutans, E. faecalis, and C. albicans. Settings and Design: Laboratory setting and experimental design. Materials and Methods: In the first part of the study, 10% ethanolic ginger extract was prepared in the laboratory of Pharmacy College. It was then subjected to microbiological assay to determine its zone of inhibition using Agar disk diffusion test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using serial broth dilution method against S. mutans, C. albicans, and E. faecalis. Results: 10% ethanolic ginger extract showed: (a) Maximum zone of inhibition of 8 mm, 14 mm, and 11 mm against S. mutans, C. albicans, and E. faecalis respectively. (b) MIC of 1.25%, 2.5%, and 2.5% against S. mutans, C. albicans, and E. faecalis respectively. Conclusion: 10% ethanolic ginger extract was found to possess antimicrobial potential against all the three pathogens used in the study.

Ginger Extract (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Triggers Apoptosis in Hepatocarcinogenesis Induced Rats

Ginger extract has been reported previously by our group to exhibit anticancer and antioxidant effects by reducing tumour burden and lipid peroxidation respectively in he-patocarcinogenesis induced rats. The current study examined the expression of pro-apoptotic protein caspase-8 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in hepatocarcinogenesis treated rats. Thirty normal male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups based on the diet given: i) control (normal rat chow), ii) olive oil, iii) ginger extract (100mg/kg body weight), iv) choline deficient diet + ethionine, CDE (to induce liver cancer) and v) CDE+ginger extract. Rats were killed at week 8, and liver tissues were excised for immuno-histochemical study to identify pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, caspase-8 and Bcl-2. The observation on H&E staining confirmed the CDE diet induced liver can-cer as indicated by the presence of numerous oval cells. Identification of Bcl-2 expres-sion showed that 91.6% (11/12) of the samples from the CDE group revealed positive staining while treatment with ginger extract however inhibited the expression with only 8.4% (1/12) samples showing positive staining for Bcl-2. As for caspase-8 protein, 41.7% (5/12) of the samples from CDE group showed positive staining, which in-creased to 100% (12/12) with ginger extract treatment. Our findings suggest that gin-ger extract has an anticancer effect by inducing apoptosis in liver cancer cells via up-regulation of the expression of pro-apoptotic protein, caspase-8 and down-regulation of the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2.