Antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant influences of the spice cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylanicumon ) in experimental rats

ABSTRACT The present study investigates the effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicumon) powder supplementation on glucose levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult male Wistar rats via a single subcutaneous alloxan injection (15 mg/kg). Cinnamon powder was mixed with the standard feed of the rats in an amount of 5% for 28 consecutive days. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were assayed at the end of the experimental period in all investigated groups. Anti-oxidative enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were sought in the serum and pancreas. Alloxan caused the fasting blood sugar level to increase. The administration of cinnamon blocked the increase of blood glucose. There was also a significant difference in the TG and TC levels between control and treated diabetic rats. In diabetic rats, cinnamon treatment restored the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx. These findings suggested that cinnamon has an anti-hyperglycemic effect, improves lipid profiles, and protect against damage induced by oxidative stress in the diabetic state.

Atividade antifúngica de produtos naturais indicados por raizeiros para tratamento de candidíase oral / Actividad antifúngica de productos naturales indicados por vendedores de hierbas (raizeiros) para el tratamiento de la candidiasis oral / Antifungal activity of natural products indicated by herb sellers (raizeiros) for the treatment of oral candidiasis

A crescente resistência das leveduras pertencentes ao gênero Candida frente aos antifúngicos sintéticos, atualmente disponíveis no comércio, impulsiona a busca por novos compostos antifúngicos de origem vegetal. Assim, o propósito do presente estudo foi avaliar in vitro a atividade antifúngica dos decoctos de Schinus terebenthifolius Raddi (aroeira) Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breym (canela) e Punica granatum Linn (romã), vendidos por raizeiros em três feiras livres distintas (A, B e C), frente a três espécies de microorganismos do gênero Candida (C. albicans, C. tropicalis e C. krusei). O ensaio para determinação da atividade antifúngica dos produtos naturais foi realizado pelo método da difusão em meio sólido, em triplicata, onde discos de papel de filtro estéreis embebidos em 50 µL dos extratos foram colocados sobre o meio de cultura. Os resultados foram avaliados a partir da mensuração dos diâmetros dos halos de inibição de crescimento fúngico em milímetros (mm), sendo considerada a moda dos valores obtidos. Foi observada atividade antifúngica de S. terebenthifolius Raddi e de C. zeylanicum Breym sobre C. krusei. No entanto, diferenças foram identificadas entre os produtos obtidos nos diferentes locais. O decocto de Punica granatum Linn apresentou atividade antifúngica sobre as três cepas fúngicas utilizadas no estudo. Também foram verificadas diferenças entres os produtos obtidos nas feiras livres, sendo que apenas as amostras de Punica granatum Linn provenientes da feira A foram capazes de inibir o crescimento fúngico de todas as cepas analisadas. Desta forma, conclui-se que todos os produtos avaliados apresentam atividade antifúngica, havendo diferenças relacionadas aos locais de sua obtenção e sensibilidade das cepas ensaiadas(AU)

La resistencia cada vez mayor de levaduras del género candida a los antifúngicos sintéticos disponibles en la actualidad ha llevado a la búsqueda de nuevos compuestos antifúngicos de origen vegetal. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad antifúngica in vitro de decocciones de Schinus terebenthifolius Raddi (pimentero brasileño),Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breym (canela) y Punica granatum Linn (granada) sobre tres especies del género Candida (C. albicans, C . tropicalis y C. krusei). Este material vegetal fue vendido por vendedores de hierbas (raizeiros) en tres ferias callejeras distintas (A, B y C). El ensayo para determinar la actividad antifúngica de los productos se realizó por triplicado. Se empleó el método de difusión en medio sólido, en el que discos de papel de filtro estériles fueron empapados en 50 µL de los extractos y colocados en medio de cultivo. Los datos fueron evaluados mediante la medición de los diámetros de los halos de inhibición del crecimiento fúngico, en milímetros, y se consideró la moda de los valores encontrados. Se observó actividad antifúngica de S. terebinthifolius Raddi y C. zeylanicum Breym contra C. krusei, pero fueron identificadas diferencias entre los productos obtenidos en diferentes lugares. La decocción de Punica granatum Linn presentó actividad antifúngica sobre las tres levaduras en estudio. Además, se encontraron diferencias entre los productos adquiridos en las ferias callejeras, pero sólo las muestras de Punica granatum Linn de la feria A fueron capaces de inhibir el crecimiento de hongos de todas las levaduras analizadas. Todos los productos evaluados mostraron actividad antifúngica, pero hubo diferencias en función de la localidad donde los productos fueron obtenidos y de la sensibilidad a las cepas ensayadas(AU)

An increasing resistance of Candida yeasts to the synthetic antifungals currently available has driven the search for new plant-derived antifungal compounds. In this respect, the present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of decoctions from Schinus terebenthifolius Raddi (Brazilian pepper tree), Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breym (cinnamon) and Punica granatum Linn (pomegranate) against three species of Candida genus (C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. krusei). Such plant material was sold by herb sellers in three distinct street fairs (A, B and C). The test to determine the products antifungal activity was performed in triplicate by means of the diffusion method on solid medium, in which sterile filter paper discs were soaked in 50 µL of the extracts and then placed on culture medium. Data were assessed by measuring the diameters of halos of fungal growth inhibition, in millimeters (mm), and it was considered the mode of the values found. Antifungal activity of S. terebinthifolius Raddi and C. zeylanicum Breym was observed against C. krusei, but were identified differences among the products obtained in different locations. Punica granatum Linn decoction presented antifungal activity on the three yeasts under study. Also, were found differences among the products acquired in the street fairs, but only the samples of Punica granatum Linn from fair A were able to inhibit fungal growth of all yeasts analyzed. Thus, it is concluded that all the products assessed showed antifungal activity, but differences were found depending on the location where these were obtained and on the sensitivity to the strains assayed(AU)

Efecto combinado del aceite esencial de Cinnamomum zeylanicum blume y nistatina sobre cepas de Candida no-albicans / Combined effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum blume essential oil and nystatin on strains of non-albicans Candida

Introduction: considering the emergence of resistant species of albicans and non-albicans Candida to agents therapeutically available as a result of the increased number of immunocompromised population and of the increasingly frequent use of prophylaxis and empirical treatment with antifungals, it's verified that there is a clear and emerging need to introduce new antimicrobials agents in the therapeutic arsenal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume alone and combined with Nystatin on strains of C. tropicalis and C. krusei. Methods: this was an experimental research in laboratory. It was determined the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, using the microdilution method, as well as the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration to determine the possible synergistic effects of the association. Strains of C. tropicalis ATCC 40147 and C. krusei ATCC 40042 were used in the tests. When assessed separately, C. zeylanicum essential oil and Nystatin presented Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 312,5 µg/mL and 64 µg/mL, respectively, on both tested strains. Results: When combined, were found Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 39 µg/mL and 32 µg/mL for the essential oil and for Nystatin, respectively. The Fractional Inhibitory Concentration value was 0,6024 for both tested strains, indicating additivity of the inhibitory effect on fungal growth. Conclusions: the results indicate that C. zeylanicum essential oil has antifungal activity against the strains of non-albicans Candida evaluated and that its association with Nystatin potentiates this effect(AU)

Introducción: es necesaria la introducción de nuevos agentes antimicrobianos por el surgimiento de especies de Candida albicans y no albicans resistentes a los agentes terapéuticos disponibles .El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la actividad antifúngica del aceite esencial de Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume aislado y asociado con nistatina sobre cepas Candida tropicalis y Candida krusei. Métodos: se realizó una investigación experimental de laboratorio. La concentración mínima inhibitoria fue determinada utilizando el método de microdilución, y la concentración inhibitoria fraccionada se usó para determinar los posibles efectos sinérgicos de la asociación. Para las pruebas fueron utilizadas las cepas de C. tropicalis ATCC 40147 y C. krusei ATCC 40042. Se usaron el aceite esencial de C. zeylanicum y nistatina. Cuando fueron evaluados por separado presentaron la concentración mínima inhibitoria de 312,5 µg/mL y de 64 µg/mL, respectivamente, sobre ambas cepas ensayadas. Resultados: una vez asociados, la concentración mínima inhibitoria fue de 39 µg/mL para el aceite esencial y de 32 µg/mL para la nistatina. El valor de la concentración inhibitoria fraccionada para ambas cepas probadas fue de 0,6024, lo que indica adicción del efecto inhibidor sobre el crecimiento de hongos. Conclusiones: los resultados indican que el aceite esencial de C. zeylanicum tiene actividad antifúngica frente a las cepas de Candida no albicans y que la asociación del mismo con la nistatina promueve la potenciación de este efecto(AU)

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

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

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

Improving the two types of diabetes mellitus using cinnamon infusion

The present work was conducted to study the effect of cinnamon extract as traditional infusion on improving the both of type I and II diabetes mellitus. Fifty male albino rats [Sprague Dawley Strain] divided into four main experimental |roups, the first and second main groups used as a negative control groups, the third main group was subjected to type I diabetes and the fourth for type II]. Type I was induced by using streptozotocin [STZ] at dose of 60mg/kg body weight. Type II was induced by feeding rats high fructose diet [HFD] for 15 days. After one week of [STZ] and two week of [HFD] administration blood glucose was determined and the animals of 250-500 mg/dl glucose levels were considered diabetic rats. Then, the third main group of rats divided into the following subgroups [n=5] for type I diabetes: 1[st] subgroup fed basal diet [diabetic control], 2[nd] group fed basal diet + cinnamon infusion [1.5 ml/kg b.w. one time], 3[rd] group fed basal diet + cinnamon infusion [1.5 ml/kg b.w. two times], 4[th] group fed basal diet + cinnamon infusion [1.5 ml/kg b.w. three times]. Concerning type II diabetes, similar scheme was designed. All treatments with cinnamon infusion for10 weeks resulted in highly significant differences in blood glucose, AST and ALT compared with diabetic control for type I diabetes. Concerning type II diabetes, after treatment by cinnamon infusion, the blood glucose, ALT, AST decreased significantly by infusion [1.5 ml/Kg, 10%w/v] for one, two, three times compared with diabetic control. Triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-c were decreased due to one, two, three of administration, respectively compared to diabetic control, except HDL-c increased and reached to the control value due to the three times of cinnamon infusion. Regarding Type11 diabetes, a similar trend to type I was found due to cinnamon infusion with a slight variation. The insulin levels increased due to the treatment with cinnamon infusion one, two, three times, respectively for type I diabetes. Meanwhile, it decreased due to the above mentioned treatments for type II diabetes. It could be concluded that cinnamon infusion [10%w/v] about [l00ml/day] may be improved the two types of diabetes

Antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants

The FOLLOWING study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial activity of some medicinal plants. Ethanol extracts of different medicinal plants including Curcuma longa [Turmeric], Zingiber officinal [Ginger], Piper nigrum [Black Pepper], Cinnamomum cassia [Cinnamon], Thymus vulgaris [Thyme], Laurus nobilis [Bay leaf], and Syzgium aromaticum [Clove] were tested using the disc diffusion method for their antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. typhimurium, E. faecium, and E. faecalis. Cinnamon extract [CE], at 130 micro g/disk, exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. typhimunium, and E. faecalis. Thyme extract [TE], at 30 micro g/disk, exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli, E. faecium, and E. faecalis while the remaining medicinal plants extracts showed no activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of the cinnamon and thyme ranged from 31.25 to 250 micro g/ml by the dilution method. These results suggest that cinnamon and thyme have antibacterial activity in vitro