Uso de fitoterápicos no controle das alterações bucais pós-tratamento oncológico: novas alternativas na odontologia / Use of Herbal Medicines to Control Oral Changes Post-Oncological Treatment: New Alternatives in Dentistry

O tratamento oncológico pode ocasionar diversas alterações orais durante e após o processo que podem acarretar déficit de mastigação, fonação, deglutição, além de dor e nutrição deficiente. Nesse contexto, ainda existe uma busca na comprovação do uso de fitoterápicos na oncologia com presença de lesões na cavidade oral ocasionadas pela oncoterapia, para tratamento destas. Assim, o trabalho em questão se trata de uma revisão de literatura, com objetivo de relatar, a partir da análise de periódicos, a observação de efeitos favoráveis para o tratamento das lesões orais por consequência da quimioterapia e radioterapia, através do uso dos fitoterápicos: Camomila (Matricaria chamomilla), Romã (Punica granatum) e extrato de Própolis (Apis mellifera L.). Realizou-se busca eletrônica de dados através do Scholar Google e PubMed, utilizando os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (Medicamentos Fitoterápicos, Neoplasias, Protocolos Antineoplásicos). Os estudos apresentados neste trabalho evidenciam que o uso destes fitoterápicos pode auxiliar no tratamento das lesões decorrentes da quimioterapia e radioterapia, por possuírem diversas ações anti-inflamatórias, antimicrobianos, antitumorais, entre outras. Por fim, os fitoterápicos apresentados podem ser considerados como uma nova alternativa sendo assim uma escolha favorável de tratamento em relação aos medicamentos convencionais (alopatia), tanto pelo fato de serem naturais e não reduzirem mais ainda a imunidade do paciente, como também pelo seu baixo custo.

The cancer treatment can cause several oral changes during and after the process that can lead to deficits in chewing, phonation, swallowing, in addition to pain and poor nutrition. In this context, there is still a search to prove the use of herbal medicines in oncology with lesions in the oral cavity caused by oncotherapy. Thus, the work in question is a literature review, with the objective of reporting, from the analysis of journals, the observation of favorable effects for the treatment of oral lesions as a result of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, through the use of herbal medicines: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Pomegranate (Punica granatum) and Propolis extract (Apis mellifera L.). Electronic data search was carried out through Scholar Google and PubMed, using the Health Sciences Descriptors (Phytotherapic Drugs, Neoplasms, Antineoplastic Protocols). The studies presented in this work show that the use of these herbal medicines can help in the treatment of injuries resulting from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as they have several anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-tumor actions, among others. Finally, the herbal medicines presented can be considered as a new alternative, thus being a favorable treatment choice in relation to conventional medicines (allopathy), both because they are natural and do not further reduce the patient's immunity, but also because of their low cost.

Eye Bird View on Natural Plants in the Management of Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis, also referred to as Zygomycosis, is chiefly caused by filamentous molds belonging to the Mucorales group. It can be acquired through inhaling spores, consuming contaminated food, or through injury to the skin. Currently, the second most prevalent fungal infection disease is mucormycosis. It gained greatest attention following the COVID-19 pandemic. The review mainly focuses on several outlines like its history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, types, diagnosis and treatment of mucormycosis. In treatment of mucormycosis, conventional therapy against mucormycosis and some antifungal agents has been discussed. Several diverse contagious ailments were conventionally cured utilizing a widespread series of medicinal plants. Given that India is at the forefront of the Ayurvedic and Siddha medical systems, traditional herbal medicine from India is highly well-known. Antifungal chemicals derived from plants can be a viable option for developing novel and enhanced alternative formulations in the field of antifungal medicine. The main focus of the review is to explore the potential plants having the antifungal activity used for the treatment of mucormycosis. Some of the plants with antifungal activity have been explained, which includes garlic, tea tree oil, aloe vera, thyme, turmeric, neem, eucalyptus, clove, goldenseal, calendula, lavender, guduchi, and oregano. Animal models for mucormycosis study have been explained in the review.

Compatibility Mechanism of Mineral Medicine Os Draconis in Bupleuri Radix-containing Tri-herbal Medicines Based on Supramolecular Systems / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBy starting with the combination of Os Draconis， Bupleuri Radix， and Ostreae Concha， the role of mineral medicine Os Draconis in the combination of the Bupleuri Radix-containing tri-herbal medicines was preliminarily explored from the perspective of supramolecular system formation. Method① The appearance and Tyndall phenomenon of single decoction of Os Draconis， Bupleuri Radix， and Ostreae Concha， as well as co-decoction of Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis， Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis-Ostreae Concha， and Bupleuri Radix-Ostreae Concha were observed， and the average particle size， dispersion coefficient， and Zeta potential of suspension particles in each decoction were determined. The micromorphology of supramolecular structures was observed by scanning electron microscope （SEM）. ② The pH of different compatibility systems， liquid viscosity coefficient， liquid surface tension， freeze-dried powder yield rate， and other physical properties were determined， and the interaction of different compatibility systems was detected by infrared absorption spectroscopy （FTIR） and UV-visible spectrophotometry （UV-Vis）. ③ The composition and content difference of different compatible systems were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF-MS）. ResultCompared with the single decoction， the co-decoction had more obvious turbidity and Tyndall phenomenon. The particles in the co-decoction suspension were smaller and more evenly distributed， and the Zeta potential was reduced， indicating a more stable system. Under SEM， Bupleuri Radix was irregularly lamellar， and Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis and Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis-Ostreae Concha were mainly spherical nanoparticles. Bupleuri Radix-Ostreae Concha was irregularly lamellar， with a small number of spherical nanoparticles. The pH of the single decoction of Bupleuri Radix and co-decoction increased， and the viscosity coefficient increased. The liquid surface tension decreased. The freeze-dried powder yield rate of the Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis co-decoction was the highest， followed by Bupleuri Radix-Ostreae Concha decoction and Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis-Ostreae Concha decoction， and the yield rate of Bupleuri Radix single decoction was the lowest. The main change of FTIR was the stretching vibration of -OH， and the co-decoction moved to the low-frequency direction obviously. UV-Vis showed that the maximum absorption occurred at 295.8 nm for all groups， and the absorption intensity was different （Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis>Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis-Ostreae Concha>Bupleuri Radix-Ostreae Concha>Bupleuri Radix）. The components of Bupleuri Radix were used as the indexes， and the content of methanol extract determined by HPLC was higher than that of water extract， and the components of Bupleuri Radix single decoction were mainly saikosaponin a （SSa） and saikosaponin c （SSc）， which were slightly higher after co-decoction compatibility. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS could identify 37 compounds in both single decoction and co-decoction. ConclusionThe combination of Bupleuri Radix， Os Draconis， and Ostreae Concha can form a smaller， more uniform， and stable nano-sized supramolecular system， which is conducive to the dissolution of the main components of Bupleuri Radix， and the Os Draconis contributes the most in this process.

Common diseases and drug use characteristics of Chinese herbal medicines and suggestions / 中国中药杂志

Based on the data of 56 kinds of diseases and drug use in 100 kinds of cultivated Chinese herbal medicines, this paper used frequency analysis method to count the types of diseases and their drug use characteristics, and systematically analyzed the status of drug registration and monitoring standards for disease prevention and control of Chinese herbal medicines. The results showed that 14 diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and drooping disease were common in the production of Chinese herbal medicines. Among the 99 pesticides reported, 67.68% were chemically synthesized, 23.23% were biological pesticides, and 9.09% were mineral pesticides. Among the reported pesticides, 92.93% of them were low toxic, with relative safety. However, 70% of the production drugs were not registered in Chinese herbal medicines, and the phenomenon of overdose was serious. The current pesticide residue monitoring standards does not match well with production drugs in China. Although the matching degree between Maximum Residue Limit of Pesticide in Food Safety National Standard(GB 2763-2021) and production drugs is more than 50%, there are few varieties of Chinese herbal medicines covered. The matching degree between Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition), Green Industry Standard of Medicinal Plants and Preparations(WM/T2-2004), and production drugs is only 1.28%. It is suggested to speed up the research and registration of Chinese herbal medicine production and further improve the pesticide residue limit standard combined with the actual production, so as to promote the high-quality development of Chinese herbal medicine industry.

Chinese herbal medicines for treating ulcerative colitis via regulating gut microbiota-intestinal immunity axis / 中草药·英文版

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of types of inflammatory bowel disease with high recurrence. Recent studies have highlighted that microbial dysbiosis as well as abnormal gut immunity are crucial factors that initiate a series of inflammatory responses in the UC. Modulating the gut microbiota-intestinal immunity loop has been suggested as one of key strategies for relieving UC. Many Chinese herbal medicines including some of single herb, herbal formulas and the derived constituents have been reported with protective effect against UC through modulating gut microbiome and intestinal immunity. Some clinical trials have shown promising results. This review thus focused on the current knowledge on using Chinese herbal medicines for treating UC from the mechanism aspects of regulating intestinal homeostasis involving microbiota and gut immunity. The existing clinical trials are also summarized.

Antileishmanial effects, cellular mechanisms, and cytotoxicity of Elettaria cardamomum essential oil against Leishmania major infection

@#Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease with various clinical manifestations. We studied the therapeutic effects of Elettaria cardamomum essential oil (ECEO) against Leishmania major infection. In vitro effects of ECEO against L. major were examined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and macrophage assays. Nitric oxide (NO) production, infection inhibition in macrophages, and the apoptotic activity of ECEO in treated parasites were also measured. By calculating the 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC50), we studied the cytotoxicity effects of ECEO on human macrophage cells (THP-1). The efficacy of ECEO for improving cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions in mice (BALB/c) was determined by evaluating the size of lesions and the number of amastigotes before and after four weeks of treatment. The effects of ECEO on liver and kidney function in the tested mice were also evaluated. ECEO dose-dependently (p<0.001) inhibited the viability and the mean number of promastigotes and amastigote forms of L. tropica. Four weeks of treatment with ECEO at the doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/ day significantly (p<0.001) improved the CL lesions and reduced the number of parasites in the infected mice. ECEO significantly increased NO production, apoptosis induction, and infection rate in parasites. The CC50 value for ECEO and MA was 303.4 µg/mL and 835.2 µg/mL, respectively. In the mice receiving ECEO at the doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day for 28 days, no significant change was reported between the serum level of liver enzymes and kidney factors when compared with the control group. ECEO displayed promising efficacy in parasite reduction in vitro and in the animal model. ECEO can thus be used as an alternative medicine to treat CL.

Chinese herbal medicines for prostate cancer therapy: From experimental research to clinical practice / 中草药·英文版

Prostate cancer remains the second most common malignancy in men worldwide, is a global health issue, and poses a huge health burden. Precision medicine provides more treatment options for prostate cancer patients, but its popularity, drug resistance, and adverse reactions still need to be focused on. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely accepted as an alternative therapy for cancer, with the advantages of multiple targets, multiple pathways, and low toxicity. We searched the experimental research and clinical practice of CHMs for prostate cancer treatment published in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science in the last five years. We found five CHM formulas and six single CHM extracts as well as 12 CHM-derived compounds, which showed induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest, suppression of angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration of prostate cancer cells, reversal of drug resistance, and enhancement of anti-tumor immunity. The mechanisms of action include the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, AR, EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, which are commonly implicated in the development of prostate cancer. We also summarized the advantages of CHMs in patients with hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer and provided ideas for their further experimental design and application.

Therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of urolithiasis: A review / 中草药·英文版

Urolithiasis is a common and complex disease of the urinary system, which can cause urinary tract blockage, urinary tract infection, and even damage to urinary system-related tissues. Although urolithiasis can be cured, its high recurrence rate and the development of chronic kidney disease in some patients have drawn the attention of nephrologists. Although the application of extracorporeal lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and other minimally invasive techniques have made the treatment of urolithiasis more efficient, pharmacotherapy plays an indispensable role in reducing their morbidity and recurrence rates. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for treatment and prevention of urolithiasis in developing countries for centuries, known for its unquestionable efficacy and safety. This article reviews the progress of clinical trials and pharmacological studies on the treatment of urolithiasis with Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). The mechanism of CHMs in the treatment of urolithiasis mainly involve preventing further growth and aggregation of urolithiasis, reducing the PH of urine, promoting calculus dissolution. Furthermore, some CHMs can increase urine output, relax smooth muscles, and promote the removal of calculus. These findings provide new treatment strategies and options for urolithiasis and secondary kidney damage.

Inhibitory Effects of 41 Common Chinese Herbal Medicines on α-glucosidase and α-amylase in Meizhou Hakka / 医药导报

Objective Taking 41 kinds of Chinese herbal medicines commonly used in Meizhou Hakka as the research object,their inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase were screened and the enzyme inhibition types of the species with the strongest activities were explored.Methods The inhibitory activities of 41 commonly used Hakka herbs in Meizhou against α-glucosidase and α-amylase were evaluated by the p-Nitrophenyl a-D-mannopyranoside(pNPG)method and the 3,5-Dinitrosalicylic acid(DNS)method,using the inhibitory rate of half(IC50)as an index.The inhibitory activity of 95%ethanol extracts of 41 Chinese herbal medicines commonly used in Meizhou Hakka on α-glucosidase and α-amylase were analysed.The enzymatic kinetics method and Lineweaver-Burk curve were used to analyze the inhibitory type of the most active species.Results The results showed that 40 Chinese herbal medicines commonly used in Meizhou Hakka had α-glucosidase inhibitory activity,and 23 medicines had α-amylase inhibitory activity,among which Psychotria asiatica Wall.showed the strongest inhibitory activity with the IC50 values aganist α-glucosidase and α-amylase of 0.17±0.001 mg·mL-1 and 0.09±0.001 mg·mL-1,respectively.The inhibition types were reversible competitive inhibition and reversible non-competitive inhibition,respectively.Conclusion The Psychotria asiatica Wall.Chinese herbal medicines commonly used in Meizhou Hakka has significant inhibitory effect on the activity of glucose metabolism enzymes,which has potential value for further research and development on the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Acute and subacute oral toxicity characterization and safety assessment of COVID organics® (Madagascar's Anti­COVID Herbal Tea) in animal models

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. No drug has been generally approved as safe and effective for the treatment of COVID 19. Several therapeutic agents such as COVID Organics® (CVO) have been explored as treatment options. CVO is an herbal tea composed of 62% of Artemisia annua and 38% of other plants. There is presently no existing scientific report and data on the safety and efficacy of CVO herbal drug. Thus, acute and subacute toxicity studies were undertaken to evaluate the safety and toxicity of CVO on short and long term usage in animal models. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical and nutritional compositions of CVO were determined using standard methods. Acute oral toxicity was investigated using female Swiss albino mice (three per group). While subacute oral toxicity was done using female and male Swiss albino rats (five per group). The animals were administered 2000 mg/kg, 5000 mg/kg, therapeutic dose; 5500 mg/kg and supratherapeutic dose; 11,000 mg/kg of CVO herbal product. The control group received water ad libitum. The oral toxicity studies were done in accordance with Organization for Economic Corporation and Development guidelines. The experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (Ethics No. IRB/17/043). Results: CVO is rich in antioxidants: flavonoids(10.3%), tannins(29.1%), and phenolics(434.4 mg). It contains proteins (33.8%), carbohydrates (34.5%), fat (6.8%), and fiber (0.5%). In the acute toxicity study, no mortality was recorded in all the treated and untreated groups. The lethal dose of CVO is >5000 mg/kg body weight. The hematological, biochemical, lipid profile, and histologic parameters were all normal at therapeutic doses when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The acute and subacute oral toxicity studies revealed that CVO is not toxic. The specific organ toxicity evaluations also indicated that CVO has no toxic effects on blood parameters and vital organs structure and function at therapeutic dose. Thus, CVO is safe for short and long term usage. We recommend that CVO should be subjected to efficacy studies to investigate whether it is effective for COVID 19 treatment as claimed by the manufacturer.

Hipertiroidismo facticio por ingesta de suplementos herbales para reducción de peso / Factitious hyperthyroidism due to intake of herbal supplements for weight reduction

Resumen La tirotoxicosis facticia se caracteriza por la ingesta de un exceso de hormonas tiroideas o derivados de las mismas de forma intencional o accidental. Describimos 6 casos clínicos de pacientes que desarrollaron tirotoxicosis y efectos adversos con la ingesta de suplementos de herbales de venta libre para descenso de peso. Actualmente existe mucha publicidad sobre suplementos que "ayudan al descenso de peso", los cuales son de venta libre y distribuidos ampliamente en tiendas de dietéticas o por internet por lo cual es habitual tener pacientes que los consumen, sin que muchos reparen en sus posibles riesgos. En caso de sospechar un hipertiroidismo facticio debemos solicitar tiroglobulina y anticuerpos anti tiroglobulina así como centellograma tiroideo o curva de captación. Para realizar el diagnóstico diferencial entre ingesta de tiroxina (T4) o triiodotironina (T3) o sus derivados debemos solicitar medición de T4 y T3. En caso de ingesta de T4, la T4 y T3 se encontrarán elevadas, pero en caso de ingesta de triodotironina o sus derivados la T4 se encontrará descendida con una T3 elevada.

Abstract Factitious thyrotoxicosis is characterized by the intentional or accidental intake of excess thyroid hormones or their derivatives. We describe 6 cases of patients who developed thyrotoxicosis and adverse effects by weight-reducing herbal medicines. Currently there is a lot of publicity about supplements that "help to lose weight", which are over-the-counter and widely distributed in health food stores or online, which is why it is com mon to have patients who consume them, without many noticing their possible risks. If factitious hyperthyroidism is suspected, we should request thyroglobulin and anti-thyroglobulin tests, as well as a thyroid scan or uptake curve. To make the differential diagnosis between intake of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) or its deriva tives, we must request the measurement of T4 and T3. In case of ingestion of T4, T4 and T3 will be elevated, but in case of ingestion of triodothyronine or its derivatives, T4 will be decreased with elevated T3.

Alternativas fitoterápicas no controle da obesidade / Phytotherapy alternatives in obesity control / Alternativas herbales en el control de la obesidad

Nos últimos anos, a obesidade vem aumentando consideravelmente entre adultos e crianças e, segundo a OMS, estima-se que em 2025 o número de obesos ultrapasse a 2,3 milhões em todo o mundo. O indivíduo obeso apresenta maiores riscos de desenvolver doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, como diabetes, doenças cardiovasculares, dislipidemias e ainda alguns tipos de cânceres. O tratamento para a obesidade é variado e inclui mudanças no estilo de vida como: hábitos alimentares e prática de atividade física, tratamento medicamentoso, cirurgia bariátrica e fitoterápicos com o potencial de auxiliar no tratamento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica a fim de avaliar os benefícios da utilização de medicamentos fitoterápicos como auxiliar no tratamento da obesidade, seus principais ativos, mecanismos de ação e sua utilização popular. Dentre as plantas pesquisadas e que demonstraram potencial para atuar no tratamento da obesidade encontram-se Camelia sinensis, Citrus aurantium, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Coffea arabica, Ephedra sinica, Zingiber oficinale e Senna alexandrina. Os principais mecanismos de ação envolvidos no potencial anti-obesidade das plantas medicinais são a capacidade de controle do apetite e ingestão de energia, estímulo da termogênese, inibição da lipase pancreática e redução da absorção de gordura, diminuição da lipogênese e aumento da lipólise. Desta forma, conclui-se que as plantas selecionadas neste estudo apresentaram efeitos positivos nos parâmetros bioquímicos e físicos, podendo ser incluídas nos protocolos como coadjuvantes nos tratamentos de emagrecimento.

In recent years, obesity has increased considerably among adults and children and according to the WHO, it is estimated that in 2025 the number of obese people will exceed 2.3 million worldwide. The obese individual is at greater risk of developing non-communicable chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia and even some types of cancer. The treatment for obesity is varied, including changes in lifestyle such as eating habits and physical activity, drug treatment, bariatric surgery and phytotherapy with the potential to aid in the treatment. The objective of this work was to carry out a literature review, evaluating the benefits of using herbal medicines as an aid in the treatment of obesity, their main assets, mechanisms of action and their popular use. Among the plants researched and that have shown potential to act in the treatment of obesity are Camelia sinensis, Citrus aurantium, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Coffea arabica, Ephedra sinica, Zingiber officiale and Senna alexandrina. The main mechanisms of action involved in the antiobesity potential of medicinal plants are the ability to control appetite and energy intake, thermogenesis stimulation, pancreatic lipase inhibition and reduction of fat absorption, lipogenesis decrease and lipolysis increase. Thus, it is concluded that the plants selected in this study showed positive effects on biochemical and physical parameters, and can be included in the protocols as adjuvants in weight loss treatments.

En los últimos años, la obesidad ha aumentado considerablemente entre adultos y niños y, según la OMS, se estima que en 2025 el número de obesos superará los 2,3 millones en todo el mundo. Los individuos obesos tienen un mayor riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, como la diabetes, las enfermedades cardiovasculares, las dislipidemias e incluso algunos tipos de cáncer. El tratamiento de la obesidad es variado e incluye cambios en el estilo de vida como: hábitos alimenticios y práctica de actividad física, tratamiento farmacológico, cirugía bariátrica y medicamentos a base de hierbas con potencial para ayudar en el tratamiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica para evaluar los beneficios del uso de las hierbas medicinales como ayuda en el tratamiento de la obesidad, sus principales activos, mecanismos de acción y su uso popular. Entre las plantas investigadas y que mostraron potencial para actuar en el tratamiento de la obesidad están Camelia sinensis, Citrus aurantium, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Coffea arabica, Ephedra sinica, Zingiber oficinale y Senna alexandrina. Los principales mecanismos de acción implicados en el potencial antiobesidad de las plantas medicinales son la capacidad de controlar el apetito y la ingesta de energía, estimular la termogénesis, inhibir la lipasa pancreática y reducir la absorción de grasas, disminuir la lipogénesis y aumentar la lipólisis. Por lo tanto, se concluye que las plantas seleccionadas en este estudio mostraron efectos positivos sobre los parámetros bioquímicos y físicos, y pueden ser incluidas en los protocolos como coadyuvantes en los tratamientos de pérdida de peso.

Fitovigilância: avaliação das interações e reações adversas de fitoterápicos no mercado / Phytosurveillance: evaluation of interactions and adverse reactions of herbal medicines on the market

Introdução: O uso de plantas medicinais como insumos farmacêuticos ativos vegetais (IFAV), bem como o uso de fitoterápicos e suas associações com outros medicamentos fitoterápicos e os insumos farmacêuticos ativos (IFA) sintéticos, pode resultar em interações que afetem a eficácia e o uso seguro desses. O principal meio de notificações de reação adversa a medicamento (RAM) é a voluntária, o que dificulta a identificação e o monitoramento dessas RAM e retrata a importância da farmacovigilância em nosso país, realçando a necessidade de fortalecimento da cultura de notificação de eventos adversos a medicamentos (EAM). Objetivo: Analisar a ocorrência de RAM relacionada ao uso simultâneo de cinco fitoterápicos a outros sintéticos, descrevendo as possíveis interações IFAV-IFA sintéticos. Método: Foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica sobre as interações IFAV-IFA sintéticos e suas notificações de RAM pelos principais sistemas de farmacovigilância do mundo. Resultados: Os principais mecanismos de interação entre IFAV-IFA sintéticos envolvem a metabolização pelas enzimas da família CYP450 ou a ação de transportadores de efluxo como a gp-P. Além disso, grande parte dos EAM fitoterápicos podem não estar sendo notificados, gerando possível subnotificação dessas informações no mundo. Conclusões: Sobre RAM contendo IFAV de Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Matricaria recutita, Allium sativum e Zingiber officinale, foram relatados 7.571 no mundo, classificados por continente, no período de 1971 a agosto de 2021, bem como lista de espécies vegetais da lista do Renisus que apresentam efeitos relatados nas enzimas CYP (1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 e 3A4), níveis de GSH, UGT e atividade da gp-P.

Introduction: The use of medicinal plants as active plant pharmaceutical ingredients (APPIs) as well as the use of herbal medicines and their associations with other herbal medicines and synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) can result in interactions that affect the efficacy and safe use of these. The main means of reporting adverse drug reactions (ADR) is voluntary, which makes the identification and monitoring of these ADRs difficult and portrays the importance of pharmacovigilance in our country, highlighting the need to strengthen the culture of reporting adverse drug events (ADE). Objective: To analyze the occurrence of ADR related to the simultaneous use of five herbal medicines with other synthetics, describing possible synthetic APPI-API interactions. Method: A literature search was carried out on synthetic APPI-API interactions and their notifications of ADR by the main pharmacovigilance systems in the world. Results: The main interaction mechanisms between synthetic APPI-API involve the metabolism by enzymes of the CYP450 family or the action of efflux transporters such as P-gp. In addition, a large part of phytotherapeutic AEM may not be being notified, generating possible underreporting of this information in the world. Conclusions: On ADR containing APPI from Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Matricaria recutita, Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale, 7,571 were reported worldwide, classified by continent, in the period 1971 to August 2021, as well as the list of plant species on the list of RENISUS that have reported effects on CYP enzymes (1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4), levels of GSH, UGT and P-gp activity.

Conhecimento etnobotânico sobre plantas medicinais utilizadas por moradores de um município ribeirinho no interior do estado do Amazonas, Brasil / Ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants used by residents of a riverside city in the Amazonas state, Brazil

Mesmo com a evolução do conhecimento científico, a utilização de plantas medicinais é uma das práticas mais antigas ainda realizadas pelo homem, especialmente pelos habitantes de comunidades e municípios do interior do Brasil, principalmente em regiões com baixos índices de desenvolvimento humano. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um estudo etnobotânico sobre as plantas medicinais utilizadas pelos moradores de um bairro localizado em um município ribeirinho do interior do estado do Amazonas. Participaram do estudo cem indivíduos, e os dados obtidos pela pesquisa foram compilados por meio de um formulário, contendo 14 questões (objetivas e discursivas). Os resultados demonstraram que 95% dos moradores faziam uso de plantas medicinais. Foram citadas 89 espécies, pertencentes a 48 famílias botânicas, com destaque para a Lamiaceae. As plantas mais citadas foram: Plectranthus barbatus (boldo) ­ 6,1%, Citrus sinensis (laranjeira) ­ 5,8% e Allium sativum (alho) ­ 4,7%. No entanto, quando analisado o índice de concordância (porcentagem de uso principal = CUP), a Citrus sinensis (laranjeira) apresentou um CUP de 80,9%, seguida por Plectranthus barbatus (boldo) e Disphania ambrosioides (mastruz), com 68,1% e 61,5%, respectivamente. Com relação ao modo de preparo, 61,1% citaram infusão, e as principais enfermidades tratadas foram as dores de estômago, com 13,1%. É importante enfatizar a necessidade de mais estudos acerca dos reais benefícios dessas ervas, a fim de que a divulgação de tais informações possa complementar o conhecimento empírico já difundido entre a população local. Dessa forma, será possível ampliar o conhecimento etnobotânico como um todo e, consequentemente, promover saúde e bem-estar.

Despite the evolution of scientific knowledge, the use of medicinal plants is one of the oldest practices still used by men and, especially by the inhabitants of communities and municipalities of the interior of Brazil, mainly in regions with low human development rates. The purpose of this work was to perform an ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used by residents of a neighborhood located in a riverside city in the interior of the state of Amazonas. A total of 100 individuals participated in the study, with data being obtained through the use of a form containing 14 open and closed-ended questions. The results showed that 95% of the residents used medicinal plants. A total of 89 species, belonging to 48 botanical families were mentioned, with emphasis to Lamiaceae. The plants that were most frequently mentioned were Plectranthus barbatus (locally known as boldo) ­ 6.1%; Citrus sinensis (orange tree) ­ 5.8%; and Allium sativum (garlic) ­ 4.7%. However, when analyzing the agreement index (percentage of main use = CUP), Citrus sinensis (orange tree) presented a CUP of 80.9%, followed by Plectranthus barbatus (boldo) and Disphania ambrosioides (Mexican tea), with 68.1 and 61.5%, respectively. In relation to the method of preparation, 61.1% cited infusion, with the main disorder treated being stomachache, with 13.1%. It is important to emphasize the need for further studies on the actual benefits of these herbs so that the dissemination of the information can complement the already widespread empirical knowledge among the local population. Thus, it will be possible to expand the ethnobotanical knowledge as a whole and, consequently, promote health and well-being.

Luminosity, temperature, and substrates on the germination of Solanum capsicoides

Solanum capsicoides, commonly known as red soda apple, is a little-studied species with phytotherapeutic characteristics of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. However, little is known about its agronomic characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of light, different temperatures, and substrates on the germination of S. capsicoides seeds. The study consisted of two experiments: Experiment I - Germination of S. capsicoides seeds under different wavelengths. The seeds were kept on Petri dishes covered with Germitest™ paper moistened with distilled water and exposed to the monochromatic, red, far-red, and dark wavelengths. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with four replications of 25 seeds. Experiment II - Germination of S. capsicoides seeds on different substrates and at different temperatures. The seeds were distributed according to six substrates: paper roll, on paper, between sand, on sand, on soil + sand + manure, and between soil + sand + manure. The seeds were also subjected to the constant temperatures of 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C and the alternate temperatures of 20-30, 20-35, 25-30, and 25-35 °C, characterizing a 6 x 8 factorial arrangement. Germination rate, germination speed index, and mean germination time were evaluated. Red soda apple seeds are classified as positive photoblastic, with the highest germination rate occurring at the temperature of 20-35 °C combined with on paper, paper roll, on sand, and between sand substrates.

Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. exhibits promising in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major infection

@#This study aimed to consider the in vitro and in vivo effects of the Stachys lavandulifolia methanolic extract (SLME) (2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 µg/mL) against Leishmania major infection. The in vitro antileishmanial effects of SLME was studies on promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major. The effect of SLME on the nitric oxide (NO) and apoptosis, secretion of Th1/2 cytokines, and infectivity rate in macrophages cells were also studies. The cytotoxicity of SLME on human (THP-1) and murine (J774-A1 cell) macrophage cells was investigated through the measuring the 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC50). Moreover, the in vivo effects of SLME for healing the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions in infected BALB/c mice studied by assessing the lesions size and the parasite load during four weeks of treatment. The calculated 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) valuesfor SLME and meglumine antimoniate (MA) against the promastigote stage were 23.4 and 71.1 µg/mL, respectively. For amastigote stage, the IC50 values for SLME and MA were 39.3 µg/mL and 44.3 µg/mL, respectively. Followed by 28 days’ topically therapy with SLME at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, the CL lesions size as well as parasite load were significantly (p<0.001) reduced; such that the recovery percentage of the infected mice was 80% and 97% after treatment with SLME at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. SLME also markedly induced the NO production and apoptosis; whereas decreased infection rate in macrophage cells. After incubation of infected macrophages with SLME, the level interferon gamma was meaningfully (p<0.001) elevated as a dose-dependent response; in contrast, release of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-4 markedly (p<0.001) decreased. The CC50 value for SLME against THP-1 and J774-A1 cell was 996.4 µg/mL and 741.3 µg/mL, respectively. The calculated selectivity index of >10 for SLME and MA confirmed their specificity to amastigotes and the low toxicity for macrophages. Our results showed the potent effects of SLME in eliminating and controlling Leishmania parasites in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Based on the current experimental study, SLME can be suggested as an alternative medicine for the isolation and production of a new agent for treating CL caused by L. major. Although, we found some cellular mechanisms of SLME against Leishmania parasites, but, additional surveys are necessary to specify the accurate mechanisms of action, toxicity, and its efficacy mainly in human subjects.

Monomer Components of Chinese Herbal Medicines Regulate PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Bladder Cancer： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Bladder cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor in the urinary tract in China. Western medical treatments， including long-term regular endoscopy， intravesical chemotherapy， immunotherapy， and radical cystectomy， are effective， whereas the high recurrence rate still plagues both doctors and patients. Among the classical signaling pathways involved in the formation and progression of bladder cancer， the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway is a key one. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Chinese herbal medicines and their monomer components can alleviate the discomfort， prolong the survival， and improve the quality of life of the patients undergoing tumor treatment. The relevant literature in the past decade has revealed that flavonoids， terpenoids， polysaccharides， gambogic acids， bibenzyls， and alkaloids from Chinese herbal medicines regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to play a role in the proliferation， apoptosis， invasion， migration， drug resistance， and autophagy of bladder cancer cells， thereby exerting the activity against bladder cancer. Although some targets and the potential mechanisms of the monomer components in the treatment of bladder cancer have been clarified， the research on the monomer components is limited to in vitro cellular experiments and animal experiments. Researchers face the great challenge in the application of the monomer components from Chinese herbal medicines into clinical practice. We summarized the recent studies about the regulatory effects of monomer components from Chinese herbal medicines on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in bladder cancer， aiming to give insights into the research on the drug therapy of bladder cancer and the underlying mechanism.

Regulation of Flavonoid Monomers on Signaling Pathways in Ovarian Cancer： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor of female reproductive system with high morbidity and mortality. Currently， ovarian cancer patients are mainly treated by primary debulking surgery combined with taxotere/cyclophosphamide （TC） chemotherapy， with the five-year survival rate of 36%-46%. Chinese medicinal materials play a positive role in preventing the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer via multiple targets. The flavonoid monomers in representative Chinese herbal medicines， such as Epimedii Folium， Scutellariae Radix， Curcumae Longae Rhizoma， Ginkgo Folium， Bupleuri Radix， and Longicerae Japonicae Flos， have been proved to have significant anti-tumor activity and been widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors. We reviewed the relevant literature and summarized that flavonoid monomers can regulate multiple signaling pathways to inhibit cell proliferation， block tumor cell cycle， induce apoptosis and autophagy， reduce the ability of cell invasion and migration， inhibit tumor angiogenesis， and reverse platinum resistance， thereby inhibiting the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer. Such pathways include phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway， Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） signaling pathway， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， secreted glycoprotein （Wnt）/β-catenin signaling pathway， Notch signaling pathway， and nuclear factor kappaB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. By reviewing the regulatory effect of flavonoid monomers on the signaling pathways of ovarian cancer， we aim to provide a theoretical basis for the research on the roles of flavonoid monomers in inhibiting the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer.

Regulation of Flavonoid Monomers on Signaling Pathways in Ovarian Cancer： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor of female reproductive system with high morbidity and mortality. Currently， ovarian cancer patients are mainly treated by primary debulking surgery combined with taxotere/cyclophosphamide （TC） chemotherapy， with the five-year survival rate of 36%-46%. Chinese medicinal materials play a positive role in preventing the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer via multiple targets. The flavonoid monomers in representative Chinese herbal medicines， such as Epimedii Folium， Scutellariae Radix， Curcumae Longae Rhizoma， Ginkgo Folium， Bupleuri Radix， and Longicerae Japonicae Flos， have been proved to have significant anti-tumor activity and been widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors. We reviewed the relevant literature and summarized that flavonoid monomers can regulate multiple signaling pathways to inhibit cell proliferation， block tumor cell cycle， induce apoptosis and autophagy， reduce the ability of cell invasion and migration， inhibit tumor angiogenesis， and reverse platinum resistance， thereby inhibiting the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer. Such pathways include phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway， Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） signaling pathway， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， secreted glycoprotein （Wnt）/β-catenin signaling pathway， Notch signaling pathway， and nuclear factor kappaB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. By reviewing the regulatory effect of flavonoid monomers on the signaling pathways of ovarian cancer， we aim to provide a theoretical basis for the research on the roles of flavonoid monomers in inhibiting the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer.

Monomer Components of Chinese Herbal Medicines Regulate PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Bladder Cancer： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Bladder cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor in the urinary tract in China. Western medical treatments， including long-term regular endoscopy， intravesical chemotherapy， immunotherapy， and radical cystectomy， are effective， whereas the high recurrence rate still plagues both doctors and patients. Among the classical signaling pathways involved in the formation and progression of bladder cancer， the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway is a key one. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Chinese herbal medicines and their monomer components can alleviate the discomfort， prolong the survival， and improve the quality of life of the patients undergoing tumor treatment. The relevant literature in the past decade has revealed that flavonoids， terpenoids， polysaccharides， gambogic acids， bibenzyls， and alkaloids from Chinese herbal medicines regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to play a role in the proliferation， apoptosis， invasion， migration， drug resistance， and autophagy of bladder cancer cells， thereby exerting the activity against bladder cancer. Although some targets and the potential mechanisms of the monomer components in the treatment of bladder cancer have been clarified， the research on the monomer components is limited to in vitro cellular experiments and animal experiments. Researchers face the great challenge in the application of the monomer components from Chinese herbal medicines into clinical practice. We summarized the recent studies about the regulatory effects of monomer components from Chinese herbal medicines on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in bladder cancer， aiming to give insights into the research on the drug therapy of bladder cancer and the underlying mechanism.