In vitro and in vivo efficacy of tea tree essential oil for bacterial and yeast ear infections in dogs / Uso in vitro e in vivo do óleo essencial de Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) em otites bacterianas e por leveduras

Otitis externa is a common complaint in dogs. Bacteria and yeasts are commonly involved and may perpetuate inflammatory reactions inside the ear canal. Otoscopy, cytological examination of secretion and microbiological culture embody forms of diagnosis. Cytology also has great use in accessing treatment evolution. Therapy usually consists of cleaning ear canals and subsequent use of antibiotics or antifungal products. As some of them may cause hypersensitivity and even ototoxicity, searching for new pharmacological bases is currently necessary and justifies this study, which aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo efficacy of tea tree essential oil for bacterial and yeast ear infections in dogs. Twenty-eight dogs from a particular shelter in Cuiabá (Mato Grosso, Brazil), presenting clinical signs of otitis externa, were enrolled in this clinical trial. In all of them, clinical and cytological evaluations, as well as culture and susceptibility testing of the affected ears were carried out. From each dog, one ear was treated with 5% tea tree essential oil lotion and the other with standard otic formulation, according to the type of infection (bacterial, yeast or both). In vitro susceptibility testings of all ear cultures, to the same drugs used in treatment, were also carried out. Culture results showed 62.5% bacterial and fungal infection, 33.9% bacterial infection and 3.6% fungal infection, from the 56 ear samples collected. The most common microorganisms isolated were Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Malassezia pachydermatis. Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to gentamycin in 60.5% and resistant in 16.3% of the samples. Five percent tea tree essential oil formulation produced a 5mm clear zone of inhibition around the disks in one of the 63 samples evaluated. Pure (100%) tea tree essential oil formulation produced a 10mm clear zone of inhibition around the disks in four of the 63 samples evaluated, a 9mm zone in three samples, an 8mm zone in 16 samples, a 7mm zone in seven samples, a 6mm zone in two samples and there was no clear zone in 31 samples. Inhibition zones were produced by strains of Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus hyicus, Corynebacterium sp., Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter sp. tea tree essential oil ear solution significantly induced remission of clinical signs both in bacterial and yeast ear infections. It also reduced as much Malassezia pachydermatis ear infection as the nystatin solution used in this study, while gentamycin solution showed better antibacterial effect. More studies should be conducted to evaluate in vitro diffusion properties of tea tree essential oil. Good antimicrobial spectrum and the absence of adverse reactions confirm the importance of developing a tea tree formulation as an alternative therapy for ear infections in dogs.(AU)

Otite externa é queixa frequente em cães. Bactérias e leveduras estão comumente envolvidas e podem perpetuar as reações inflamatórias dentro do canal auditivo. Dentre as formas de diagnóstico, encontram-se a otoscopia, o exame citológico da secreção e a cultura microbiológica. Citologia também tem grande utilidade no acesso à evolução do tratamento. A terapia consiste de limpeza dos canais auditivos e posterior utilização de antibióticos ou produtos antifúngicos. Como alguns antimicrobianos utilizados no tratamento podem causar hipersensibilidade e até mesmo ototoxicidade, a busca por novas bases farmacológicas justifica a existência deste estudo, que teve como objetivo avaliar in vitro e in vivo a eficiência do óleo de Melaleuca alternifolia em otites bacterianas e fúngicas de cães. Vinte e oito cães, de um abrigo particular, apresentando sinais clínicos de otite externa, foram incluídos neste estudo clínico. Todos passaram por avaliação clínica, citologia e cultura de material das orelhas afetadas. De cada animal, uma orelha foi tratada com óleo de Melaleuca 5% e a outra com formulação ótica padrão, de acordo com a afecção (bacteriana, fúngica ou mista). As culturas também foram submetidas a testes de susceptibilidade in vitro aos mesmos agentes utilizados no tratamento in vivo. Os resultados da cultura mostraram 62,5% de infecção mista (bacteriana e fúngica), 33,9% de infecção bacteriana e 3,6%, de infecção fúngica a partir das 56 orelhas. Os micro-organismos mais isolados foram Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis e Malassezia pachydermatis. As bactérias GRAM-positivas foram sensíveis à gentamicina em 60,5% e resistentes em 16,3% das amostras. A formulação com 5% de óleo essencial de Melaleuca produziu uma zona de inibição de 5mm em torno dos discos em uma das 63 amostras avaliadas. A formulação pura (100%) do mesmo produto produziu uma zona de 10mm de inibição em quatro das 63 amostras analisadas, uma zona de 9 mm em três amostras, uma zona de 8mm em 16 amostras, uma zona de 7mm em sete amostras, uma zona de 6mm em duas amostras e não havia nenhuma zona clara em 31 amostras. Zonas de inibição foram produzidas por estirpes de Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus hyicus, Corynebacterium sp., Proteus mirabilis e Enterobacter sp. Clinicamente, a formulação com o óleo essencial de melaleuca induziu significativamente uma melhora nas manifestações, tanto nas otites bacterianas quanto nas causadas por leveduras, sendo estatisticamente semelhante ao tratamento com nistatina (nas otites por levedura), mas menos eficaz que a solução de gentamicina nas otites bacterianas. Mais estudos devem ser realizados para avaliar as propriedades de difusão in vitro do óleo essencial de melaleuca. O bom espectro antimicrobiano, a boa resposta clínica e a ausência de reações adversas confirmam a possibilidade de desenvolvimento de formulação ótica com o óleo essencial de melaleuca, como uma alternativa para a terapia de infecções do ouvido em cães.(AU)

Medicinal plants profile used by the 3rd District population of Maceió-AL / Perfil de plantas medicinais utilizadas pela população do 3º Distrito Sanitário de Maceió-AL

Abstract Herein the use of medicinal plants by the population of the 3rd Sanitary District of Maceió-AL city is reported. Transversal description was conducted from February 2013 to January 2014, with a sample of 116 individuals of both Gender Genders aged over 18 years. The ethnobotanical information interviews ethnobotanical information were obtained through semi - structured questionnaire featuring the use of medicinal plants and social and economical data. Descriptive statistics was applied for quantitative variables as mean and standard deviation and proportions for qualitative variables in the frequency table format. The results showed that 85.34% of the interviewees used plants for medicinal purposes. As the majority of these were (73.28%) females in the age group between 30-60 years of old. Among a total of 45 identified plant species, the highest use frequency were for Boldus Peumus (bilberry), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), and Mentha piperita (mint). The most widely used plant foliage part was (53.53%) prepared as an infusion (55.5%). The use of medicinal plants in Maceió cityis widespread, highlighting the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge for the study of medicinal plants.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o perfil de utilização de plantas medicinais dos indivíduos residentes no 3º Distrito Sanitário do município de Maceió, Alagoas. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo de caráter transversal que foi realizado no período de fevereiro de 2013 a janeiro de 2014, com amostra de 116 indivíduos, maiores de 18 anos de ambos os gêneros. As informações etnobotânicas foram obtidas através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas realizadas por meio de questionário semiestruturado para traçar o perfil de utilização de plantas medicinais e dados socioeconômicos e demográficos dos entrevistados. A estatística descritiva foi aplicada para as variáveis quantitativas na forma de média e desvio padrão e proporções para variáveis qualitativas no formato de tabelas de frequência. Os resultados evidenciaram que 85,34% dos entrevistados utilizavam plantas para finalidades medicinais. Sendo a maioria destes, (73,28%) do Gênero feminino estando na faixa etária de 30 a 60 anos de idade. De um total de 45 espécies vegetais identificadas, as de maior frequência de utilização foram o Peumus boldus (boldo), a Melissa officinalis (erva-cidreira) e a Menta piperita (hortelã). A parte mais utilizada das plantas foi às folhas (53,53%) sendo ainda esta preparada sob forma de infusão (55,5%). A utilização de plantas medicinais no município de Maceió, Alagoas é bastante difundida, reforçando a importância de estudos etnobotânicos a fim de trabalhar com o resgate do conhecimento popular aliado a literatura científica.

Brazilian panorama about the registration and use of herbal medicines / Panorama brasileño en cuanto al registro y el uso de las hierbas medicinales

It was evaluated the Brazilian panorama regarding the registration and use of phytotherapics. A descriptive study about herbal medicines was carried out using the Pubmed and Portal Capes databases, and online data from the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Of the 114-plant species described in the list of Brazilian Common Denomination (CBD), 67 have at least one formulation registered by ANVISA, with emphasis on Ginkgo biloba L. Fifteen different pharmaceutical forms were observed, the most common being tablets. There are 22 different indications, laxative was the most cited. Publications in the field of herbal medicine have increased significantly in the last 2 decades.

Se evaluó el panorama brasileño sobre el registro y uso de fitoterápicos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de las hierbas medicinales utilizando las bases de datos Pubmed y Portal Capes, así como datos en línea de la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA). De las 114 especies de plantas descritas en la lista de Denominación Común Brasileña (CBD), 67 tienen al menos una formulación registrada por ANVISA, con énfasis en Ginkgo biloba L. Se observaron 15 formas farmacéuticas diferentes, siendo las más comunes las tabletas. Hay 22 indicaciones diferentes, laxante fue el más citado. Las publicaciones en el campo de la medicina herbal han aumentado significativamente en las últimas 2 décadas.

Disponibilidade de medicamentos fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais nas unidades de atenção básica do Estado de São Paulo: resultados do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ) / Availability of herbal medicines and medicinal plants in the primary health facilities of the state of São Paulo, Southeast Brazil: results from the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care

Resumo Este estudo objetiva descrever a utilização e a disponibilidade de medicamentos fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais nas unidades de atenção básica do estado de São Paulo, a partir dos resultados do primeiro Ciclo do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ). O PMAQ utiliza um desenho transversal e multicêntrico, de abrangência nacional, sendo utilizados no presente estudo os dados de 4.249 unidades de saúde, distribuídas entre os 645 municípios do estado de São Paulo. Dentre este total de unidades, em 467 (11%) foi constatada a disponibilidade de medicamentos fitoterápicos e/ou plantas medicinais. Dentre os 645 municípios paulistas, em 104 (16,1%) havia ao menos uma unidade de saúde que disponibilizava estes fármacos. Observou-se que a disponibilidade da fitoterapia é maior em municípios mais populosos e com melhores condições sociais e econômicas. Além disso, foi constatado que medicamento fitoterápico industrializado tem sido mais utilizado do que a droga vegetal ou medicamento fitoterápico manipulado.

Abstract This study aims to describe the availability of herbal medicines and medicinal plants in the primary care facilities in the state of São Paulo, Southeast Brazil, from the results of the first cycle of the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care (PMAQ). The PMAQ uses a national cross-sectional multicenter design, with data from 4,249 health facilities distributed among 645 municipalities of the state of São Paulo. Of these facilities, 467 (11%) had herbal medicines and/or medicinal plants. Among the 645 municipalities, 104 (16.1%) had at least one health facility that provided these drugs. We observed that the availability of herbal medicines is greater in larger cities with better social and economic conditions. Furthermore, we found that use of industrialized herbal medicines prevailed over that of vegetal drugs or compounded herbal medicines.

Reports on in vivo and in vitro contribution of medicinal plants to improve the female reproductive function / Relatos sobre a contribuição in vivo e in vitro de plantas medicinais na melhora da função reprodutiva feminina

Medicinal plants are known as a prolific source of secondary metabolites which have important function both in vivo and in vitro during the ovarian folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis in many animal species. Some secondary metabolites can act as antioxidants generally through their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) or can regulate ovarian hormonal production. In general, these properties are responsible for the medicinal functions to treat woman infertility disorder. Some plants are constituted of biological actives substances which have been used to treat reproductive dysfunction. However, until recently, little was known about the implication of plants and/or their secondary metabolites on in vitro folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. With the development of the technology, there is an increase implication of those substances in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The present review highlights some medicinal plants used in the treatment of woman disorders related to infertility. In addition, it provides an in vivo and in vitro overview of herbs and their active compounds with claims for improvement of ovarian activity thus showing their implication in female reproductive health care.(AU)

Sabe-se que as plantas medicinais são uma fonte abundante de metabólitos secundários que têm função importante tanto in vivo quanto in vitro durante a foliculogênese e a esteroidogênese ovarianas em muitas espécies animais. Alguns metabólitos secundários podem atuar como antioxidantes, geralmente através de sua capacidade de eliminar espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) ou podem regular a produção hormonal ovariana. Em geral, essas propriedades são responsáveis pelas funções medicinais usadas para tratar distúrbios da infertilidade feminina. Algumas plantas contêm substâncias biológicas ativas que têm sido utilizadas para tratar a disfunção reprodutiva. No entanto, até recentemente, pouco se sabia sobre o efeito das plantas e/ou seus metabólitos secundários na foliculogênese e na esteroidogênese in vitro. Com o desenvolvimento da tecnologia, há uma implicação crescente dessas substâncias na tecnologia de reprodução assistida (TRA). A presente revisão destaca algumas plantas medicinais utilizadas no tratamento de distúrbios femininos relacionados à infertilidade. Além disso, fornece uma visão in vivo e in vitro de ervas e seus compostos ativos com alegações de melhora da atividade ovariana, mostrando assim seu envolvimento nos cuidados de saúde reprodutiva feminina.(AU)

O uso das plantas medicinais e o papel da fé no cuidado familiar / El uso de las plantas medicinales y el papel de la fe en el cuidado de la familia / The use of medicinal plants and the role of faith in family care

RESUMO Objetivo Compreender o uso das plantas medicinais e o papel da fé no sistema de cuidado familiar. Método Pesquisa qualitativa, realizada em abril e julho de 2015, em um município do Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil, com três informantes conhecedores de práticas de cuidado. A interpretação dos dados seguiu referencial antropológico interpretativo. Resultados Emergiram duas categorias: Plantas medicinais no cuidado à saúde e Cuidado com o uso das plantas no ritual de benzer. Identificou-se que o uso das plantas e a cura pela fé constituem uma forma de autoatenção peculiar, própria do território, que resgata o ser humano da perspectiva biológica e íntegra corpo, alma, espírito e ambiente. Conclusão A investigação permitiu compreender que as plantas medicinais, além da relação biológica estabelecida, atuam no sistema de cuidado familiar, sendo que a sua utilização não opera conforme os princípios de compra e venda, mas da troca, do dar, receber e retribuir.

RESUMEN Objetivo Comprender el uso de plantas medicinales y el papel de la fe en el sistema de cuidado de la familia. Método La investigación cualitativa llevada a cabo en abril y julio de 2015, en una localidad de Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil, a partir de tres empleados con conocimientos en las prácticas de cuidado. La interpretación de los datos siguió la referencia antropológica interpretativa. Resultados Emergieron dos categorías: Las plantas medicinales en el cuidado de la salud y el cuidado con el uso de las plantas en el ritual de la bendición. Se identificó que el uso de plantas y curación por la fe es una forma de autoatención que rescata el ser humano desde el punto de vista puramente biológico y el cuerpo, alma, espíritu y medio ambiente. Conclusión La investigación hizo entender que las plantas medicinales actúan más allá de la relación biológica en el sistema de cuidado de la familia. No funciona de acuerdo con los principios de compra y venta, sino de intercambio, de dar, recibir y dar vuelta.

ABSTRACT Objective To understand the use of medicinal plants and the role of faith in the family care system. Method The adopted methodology is qualitative research, conducted in April and July 2015, in a municipality of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Brazil, with three informants who have knowledge of the healthcare practices. The data were interpreted using interpretive anthropology. Results Data interpretation led to two categories: Medicinal plants in health care and Care with the use of plants in the blessing ritual. It was identified that the use of plants and faith healing is a particular form of self-care in that given community. The purpose of this practice is to cure people from a biological and comprehensive perspective, involving the body, soul, spirit, and environment. Conclusion The research revealed that medicinal plants go beyond the merely biological relationship in the family care system. Use of these plants is not based on the principle of buying and selling, but rather on the act of exchanging, giving, receiving, and reciprocating.

Eficácia de Chenopodium ambrosioides (erva-de-santa-maria) no controle de endoparasitos de Coturnix japônica (codorna japonesa) / Effectiveness of Chenopodium ambrosioides (santa maria herb) for controlling Coturnix japonica (japanese quail) endoparasites

O objetivo foi testar in vitro e in vivo a eficácia da planta medicinal Chenopodium ambrosioidesLinnaeus, 1786 (erva-de-santa-maria), nas formas fitoterápica e homeopática, como meios alternativos para o controle de endoparasitos de Coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1849 (codorna japonesa), um sério problema que afeta a criação e desempenho de aves domésticas, ocasionando morte quando muito intenso, retardo de crescimento, redução de índice de conversão alimentar e aumento na suscetibilidade às doenças infecciosas. As metodologias utilizadas foram preconizadas por Coles et al. (1992), creditada pela World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). A pesquisa evidenciou a presença dos gêneros Ascaridiae Eimeria. O ensaio in vitro demonstrou alta taxa de redução na inibição de eclosão de ovos de Ascaridiasp. (100,00%) e significativa taxa de redução na destruição de oocistos de Eimeriasp. (47,06%). O ensaio in vivodemonstrou alta taxa de redução na contagem de ovos de Ascaridiasp. nas fezes (100,00%) e expressiva taxa de redução na contagem de oocistos de Eimeriasp. nas fezes (60,33%). Chenopodium ambrosioides mostrou em certos momentos superioridade frente ao produto tradicional (Thiabendazole/Mebendazole) e índices superiores aos preconizados pelo Ministério da Agricultura do Brasil e Organização Mundial da Saúde como indicativos de eficácia.

The aim was in vitro and in vivo to test the effectiveness of Chenopodium ambrosioides Linnaeus, 1786 (santa maria herb) medicinal plant, in regard to phytotherapeutic and homeopathic forms as alternative methods to control Coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1849 (japanese quail) endoparasites. The parasitosis is a serious problem affecting domestic poultry raising and performance causing death, delay in grow, food conversion rate reduction and increase of susceptibility to infectious diseases. Methodologies were advocated by Coles et al. (1992), corroborated by World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). Presence of the genera Ascaridia and Eimeria was displayed by this survey. In vitro essay demonstrated high reduction rate on eggs eclosion inhibition of Ascaridia sp. (100.00%) and significant reduction rate on oocyst destruction of Eimeria sp. (47.06%). In vivo essay demonstrated high fecal egg counting reduction rate of Ascaridia sp. (100.00%) and expressive fecal oocyst counting reduction rate of Eimeriasp. (60.33%). C. ambrosioides showed upper rates front traditional product (Thiabendalol/Mebendazol) as well as to those ones advocated by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculturel and the World Health Organization as effectiveness indicative.

O uso de plantas medicinais por moradores de Quixadá­Ceará / The use of medicinal plants to habitants from Quixada-Ceara

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve por objetivo observar o uso de plantas medicinais por moradores de Quixadá-Ceará. A amostragem adotada foi 5% da população urbana adulta na sede do município, o que resultou em 263 domicílios visitados, onde foi aplicado um questionário semi-estruturado. De acordo com os resultados ainda temos um número expressivo de pessoas que fazem uso de plantas medicinais na cidade de Quixadá-Ceará (57,41%), e que a maioria dos entrevistados (97%) considera que o uso indiscriminado de plantas medicinais não causa nenhum problema à saúde. A maioria dos entrevistados foram mulheres (63,57%) e o maior número de informações e conhecimentos sobre plantas medicinais concentrou-se na faixa de 51-60 anos (24,71%). Com relação ao nível de escolaridade, 34,22% dos entrevistados afirmou ter ensino médio completo. A família botânica mais representativa foi a Lamiaceae (21,05%) e a espécie mais citada foi a erva-cidreira. Dos entrevistados 93,37% consideraram utilizar o chá como medicamento e 6,63% alegaram fazer a utilização do mesmo como alimento. Quanto à frequência do uso de plantas medicinais de forma contínua, 27% alegaram fazer o uso diariamente.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to observe the use of medicinal plants by residents from Quixada-Ceara. The sample used was 5% of the adult urban population in the county seat, which resulted in 263 households visited, where we applied a semi-structured questionnaire. According to the results, there is still a significant number of people who uses medicinal plants in the city of Quixada-Ceara (57.41%), and the majority of participants (97%) consider that the indiscriminate employment of medicinal plants do not cause any health problem. Most respondents were female (63.57%) and the highest number of information and knowledge about medicinal plants were concentrated among 51-60 years old individuals (24.71%). In regard of the educational level, 34.22% of the participants claimed to have completed high school. The botanical family Lamiaceae was the most representative (21.05%) and the most cited specie was the lemongrass. 93.37% of the respondents pledged to use tea as medicine and 6.63% claimed to use it as food. Regarding the employment frequency of the medicinal plants, 27% claimed to take them daily.

Phytotherapy in primary health care / Fitoterapia na atenção primária à saúde

OBJECTIVE To characterize the integration of phytotherapy in primary health care in Brazil. METHODS Journal articles and theses and dissertations were searched for in the following databases: SciELO, Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Theses Portal Capes, between January 1988 and March 2013. We analyzed 53 original studies on actions, programs, acceptance and use of phytotherapy and medicinal plants in the Brazilian Unified Health System. Bibliometric data, characteristics of the actions/programs, places and subjects involved and type and focus of the selected studies were analyzed. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2013, there was an increase in publications in different areas of knowledge, compared with the 1990-2002 period. The objectives and actions of programs involving the integration of phytotherapy into primary health care varied: including other treatment options, reduce costs, reviving traditional knowledge, preserving biodiversity, promoting social development and stimulating inter-sectorial actions. CONCLUSIONS Over the past 25 years, there was a small increase in scientific production on actions/programs developed in primary care. Including phytotherapy in primary care services encourages interaction between health care users and professionals. It also contributes to the socialization of scientific research and the development of a critical vision about the use of phytotherapy and plant medicine, not only on the part of professionals but also of the population. .

OBJETIVO Caracterizar a inserção da fitoterapia em ações e programas na atenção primária à saúde no Brasil. MÉTODOS Realizou-se levantamento bibliográfico de artigos de periódicos e teses e dissertações nacionais. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados: SciELO, Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e Portal de Teses Capes no período entre janeiro de 1988 e março de 2013. Foram analisados 53 estudos originais sobre ações, programas e aceitação de uso de fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais na atenção primária à saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde. Foram analisados dados bibliométricos, características das ações e programas, local e sujeitos envolvidos na pesquisa, tipo e objetivo dos estudos selecionados. RESULTADOS Entre 2003 e 2013 houve aumento das publicações em diferentes áreas de conhecimento, comparado ao período de 1990-2002. As ações e programas de fitoterapia inseridos nos serviços de atenção primária à saúde variaram em objetivos e ações: inserir outras opções terapêuticas, reduzir custos, resgatar saberes tradicionais, preservar a biodiversidade, promover o desenvolvimento social, estimular ações intersetoriais, interdisciplinares, de educação em saúde e a participação comunitária. CONCLUSÕES Nos últimos 25 anos houve aumento pequeno da produção científica sobre ações/programas de fitoterapia desenvolvidos na atenção primária à saúde. A inserção da fitoterapia nos serviços de atenção primária estimulou a interação entre usuários e profissionais de saúde. Também contribui para socialização da pesquisa científica e desenvolvimento ...

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas del uso de fitofármacos por usuarios del Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Medicina Oriental (IESMO) Managua en el mes de noviembre del año 2013 / Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the use of phytodrugs by users of the Institute of Higher Studies of Oriental Medicine (IESMO) Managua in the month of november of the year 2013

El presente estudio ha permitido explorar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de las personas que acuden al Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Medicina Oriental (IESMO) que pueden incidir en la salud, determinando en este sentido, las características socio demográficas de la población, las principales fuentes de información, usos y efectividad de la fitoterapia de acuerdo a su propia experiencia Es un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con una muestra constituida por 93 usuarios y 5 trabajadores de la salud que diariamente brindan atención en el área de consulta externa del instituto. Los instrumentos utilizados en el estudio fueron: Una encuesta aplicada a los usuarios y una encuesta dirigida al personal de salud del servicio. Entre los principales hallazgos se destaca que la mayoría de usuarios que demandaban servicios de fitoterapia eran procedentes de Managua, prevaleciendo el género femenino. Con respecto a la edad, la mitad de la población encuestada se concentró en el grupo de mayores de 50 años de edad. La mayor parte de usuarias/os del servicio refieren como fuente de conocimientos sobre fitofármacos la lectura de libros, la referencia de amigos o familiares, la consulta médica y otros medios como internet, revistas o publicidad.

Histological study of adult male rat seminiferous tubules following triclosan administation and the possible protective role of pomegranate juice

Triclosan [TCS] is an antimicrobial agent, widely incorporated in a variety of personal care products, household items, medical devices, and clinical settings. Recently, concern has been raised over TCS's potential for endocrine and reproductive disruption. The study aimed to elucidate the impact of TCS on the histological structure of the seminiferous tubules [STs] in adult male albino rats, as well as the possible protective role of pomegranate juice [PJ] coadministration. A total of 32 adult male albino rats [140-160 g] were randomly categorized into four equal groups. Group I [the control group]: rats in this group received PBS [1 ml/kg/day] orally. Group II: rats in this group received PJ orally at a dose of 10 ml/kg/day. Group III: rats in this group received TCS orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day. Group IV: rats in this group received TCS at the same dose as group III in conjunction with PJ daily. The experiment continued for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital venous plexus of all rats for estimation of serum testosterone level. The animals were then euthanized. The testes of all rats were harvested for both light and transmission electron microscopic examination of the STs. The germinal epithelial height and the number of germ cells/high-power field [HPF] were estimated morphometrically in H and E-stained sections and statistically analyzed. The study revealed that PJ administration was safe as it did not alter serum testosterone levels as compared with the control group. Histologically, the STs of these animals exhibited normal appearance similar to that of the control group. TCS administration was associated with significantly lowered serum testosterone levels as compared with the control group. Histologically, the STs were lined with relatively few spermatogenic cells with deeply stained nuclei. Cytoplasmic vacuolation of the lining cells and exfoliation of germ cells in the tubular lumina were seen as well. Ultrastructurally, vacuolar degenerative changes involving all types of spermatogenic cells as well as Sertoli cells were revealed. Moreover, the germinal epithelial height and the number of germ cells/HPF were significantly reduced compared with the control group. Coadministration of PJ with TCS resulted in a significant increase in serum testosterone level as compared with the TCS group. Histologically, most of the STs retained normal appearance and epithelial stratification. Only some tubules revealed vacuolation of germ cells in the basal compartment with deeply stained nuclei. Mild ultrastructural alterations of germ cells were evidenced as well. These results were confirmed histomorphometrically by the significant increase in the germinal epithelial height and number of germ cells/HPF as compared with the TCS group. The study clearly indicates that TCS has the potential to adversely impact the testicular structure and function, and that PJ is able to ameliorate such adverse effects

possible protective role of ginseng on the sciatic nerve neuropathy induced experimentally by acrylamide in adult male albino rat: a histological and morphometric study

Ginseng's active compounds exert beneficial effects on central and peripheral nervous system disorders. The sciatic nerve was used as a model to study the possible protective effect of ginseng on peripheral neuropathy induced by acrylamide. The study was carried out on 35 adult male albino rats. The animals were divided into three groups: group I [control], group II treated daily with acrylamide [30 mg/kg body weight] orally for 4 weeks, and group III [protective] treated with acrylamide at same dose, route, and duration as in group II concomitantly with ginseng [20 mg/kg body weight]. After 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed. Samples from sciatic nerve were taken and processed for light and electron microscopic and morphometric studies. Light and electron microscopic observations of group II revealed infoldings, splitting, and degeneration of myelin. Changes in axons included degeneration, compression, irregularity, and shrinkage with swollen mitochondria. Large vacuoles and swollen mitochondria were seen inside the Schwann cells. Changes in the myelin and axons in group III were much less frequent than those observed in group II. Only mild splitting and irregular thickening of the myelin with few swollen mitochondria were observed in some axons and Schwann cells. Morphometric study revealed a highly significant reduction [89.6%] in the mean g-ratio [axon/fiber ratio] and body weight in group II compared with the control and group III. Ginseng protected the sciatic nerve from the harmful effect of acrylamide to a great extent

Protective effect of orange and grapefruit peel extracts against testicular toxicity induced by sulfasalazine in male albino rats

Sulfasalazine is a drug commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. However, the histological changes in the testes are not well defined. Also, orange and grapefruit peels are powerful antioxidants that have come into use recently for the treatment of infertility. This study aimed to elucidate the histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural changes in the testes after sulfasalazine treatment and evaluate the possible protective role of orange and grapefruit peel extracts. This study included 48 adult male albino rats divided into six equal groups: the control group [group I]; the orange peel extract group [group II]; the grapefruit peel extract group [group III]; the sulfasalazine group [group IV]; the sulfasalazine and orange peel extract group [group V]; and the sulfasalazine and grapefruit peel extract group [group VI]. At the end of the experiment [2 weeks], all animals were sacrificed and their testes were excised. Paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H and E and immunohistochemical staining was performed for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Other pieces of the testis were used for ultrastructural study. Sulfasalazine was shown to affect the testes. The changes were in the form of irregular degenerated seminiferous tubules, germ cells, decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen, ultrastructural alterations of spermatogenic cells, and thickened basement membranes. These changes were present in some tubules in the testes. Treatment with orange or grapefruit peel extracts proved to improve these changes. Sulfasalazine has deleterious effects on the structure of the testes and supplementation with orange or grapefruit peel extracts with sulfasalazine can overcome the toxicity of sulfasalazine on the testis and protect testicular tissue from the detrimental effects of sulfasalazine

Empleo de plantas medicinales en usuarios de dos hospitales referenciales del Cusco, Perú / Use of medicinal plants among people attending two reference hospitals in Cusco, Peru

Con el fin de determinar la frecuencia de empleo de plantas medicinales y describir las características de su uso en pacientes de dos hospitales referenciales de la ciudad de Cusco, se realizó un estudio transversal entre agosto y septiembre de 2011. Para el recojo de datos se construyó un instrumento, validado por juicio de expertos. El tamaño de la muestra fue de 250 personas seleccionadas no probabilísticamente. El 83,2 y 75,3% informaron haber empleado plantas medicinales alguna vez en su vida y en el último mes, respectivamente; además, el 85,7 señaló que desearía que su médico le recete plantas medicinales. Sus usos más frecuentes son para problemas digestivos (62,4%); urinarios (42,4%), y respiratorios (40,4%). Se concluye que el empleo de plantas medicinales se encuentra bastante difundido entre los usuarios de dos hospitales referenciales de la ciudad de Cusco. Los patrones de empleo revelan que los pacientes desean que los médicos del sistema de salud prescriban plantas medicinales en su acto médico.

In order to determine the frequency and characteristics of the use of medicinal plants in patients from two third-level hospitals in the city of Cusco, a cross-sectional study was conducted between August and September 2011. For data collection, an instrument was built and validated through experts’ judgment. The sample included 250 people selected in a non-probabilistic way. 83.2 and 75.3% informed having had used medicinal plants sometime during their lives and in the last month, respectively; additionally, 85.7 indicated that they wished their doctor would have prescribed them medicinal plants. Their most frequent uses include digestive problems (62.4%) as well as urinary (42.4%) and respiratory problems (40.4%). We conclude that the use of medicinal plants is widely spread among users of two hospitals in the city of Cusco. Utilization patterns show that patients wished the physicians of the health system prescribed medicinal plants in their consults.

Preclinical study of an antiobesity herbal medicine, PholiaNegra (X´Tract Vetorized)TM, in male and female rats fed with high-fat diet: comparison with sibutramine / Estudo pré-clínico de um medicamento antiobesidade de ervas, PholiaNegra (X'Tract Vetorized)TM, em ratos machos e fêmeas alimentados com dieta hipercalórica: comparação com sibutramina

Objective - To assess, in this preclinical study, the effectiveness of a herbal medicine developed from a group of plants of the genus Ilexin the adjuvant treatment of obesity in rats fed with a high-fat diet. Phytotherapy is becoming increasingly popular both for the results it yields in several pathologies and because they are growing herbal medicine studies showing its effectiveness. Methods - Male and female rats were fed with a high-fat diet for one month. The diet was then replaced by a chow diet. All male and female rats received the PholiaNegra(X´Tract Vetorized)TM or water. The treatment was orally administered twice a day over 30 days. Body weight gain was assessed weekly and, at the end of treatment, the total body weight gain was calculated. A positive control with sibutramine (7.5 mg/kg, twice a day, orally, over 30 day was also included. Results - A significant reduction in weekly body weight gain, as well as in total weight gain, in both male and female rats after the herbal medicine administration. The index of body weight loss showed that PholiaNegra (X´TractVetorized)TM was more effective in reducing body weight in female than in male rats. The sibutramine treatment showed the same profile as PholiaNegra (X´Tract Vetorized)TM treatment. Conclusion - The present data indicate that PholiaNegra (X´Tract Vetorized)TM herbal medicine was effective in decreasing body weight in male and female rats submitted to a high-fat diet, and showed a similar profile to that of sibutramine.

Objetivo - Avaliar, neste estudo pré-clínico, a eficácia de um medicamento desenvolvido a partir de um grupo de plantas do gênero Ilex no tratamento adjuvante da obesidade em ratos alimentados com uma dieta hipercalórica. A fitoterapia está se tornando cada vez mais popular, tanto pelos resultados positivos em diversas doenças e porque estão crescendo estudos de medicina de ervas que mostram a sua eficácia. Métodos - Ratos machos e fêmeas foram alimentados com uma dieta rica em gordura durante um mês. A dieta foi então substituída por uma ração normal do biotério. Todos ratos e ratas foram tratado com PholiaNegra (X´Tract Vetorized)TM ou água. O tratamento foi administrado por via oral, duas vezes por dia durante 30 dias. O ganho de peso corporal foi avaliado semanalmente e, no final do tratamento, o ganho de peso total foi calculado. Como controle positivo empregou-se a sibutramina (7,5 mg/kg, duas vezes por dia, por via oral, durante 30 dias. Resultados - Observou-se redução significativa no ganho de peso corporal semanal, bem como do ganho de peso total, tanto nos ratos machos e fêmeas, após a administração do medicamento à base de plantas. O índice de perda de peso corporal mostrou que Pholia-Negra (X´Tract Vetorized)TM foi mais eficaz na redução do peso corporal nas fêmeas do que em ratos machos. O tratamento com sibutramina mostrou o mesmo perfil obtido com o tratamento com PholiaNegra (X´Tract Vetorized)TM. Conclusão - Os presentes dados indicam que PholiaNegra (X´Tract Vetorized)TM foi eficaz em diminuir o peso corporal em ratos machos e fêmeas submetidos a uma dieta rica em gordura,e mostrou um perfil semelhante ao da sibutramina.

Terapêutica com plantas medicinais: percepção de profissionais da Estratégia de Saúde da Família de um município do agreste pernambucano / Medicinal plants in therapy: perception of professionals of the Strategyof Health of the Family in the agreste region of Pernambuco

Objetivo: verificar a percepção de médicos, cirurgiões-dentistas e enfermeiros da Estratégia de Saúde da Família do Município de Caruaru, PE, Brasil, sobre a importância, utilização e indicações de plantas medicinais. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo transversal e exploratório com 82 profissionais de saúde (médicos, cirurgiões-dentistas e enfermeiros), locados em 45 unidades básicas de Saúde do Município de Caruaru. Os profissionais foram entrevistados, utilizando-se um formulário estruturado e validado pelo método da face. Os dados foram analisados por técnicas estatísticas descritivas por meio de distribuições absolutas, percentuais de medidas e pelo teste do Qui-quadrado de Pearson ou Exato de Fisher. Resultados: a maioria dos participantes tinha acima de 41 anos de idade (37,8%), era do sexo feminino (86,6%), graduados há menos de 10 anos (37,8%), em instituição particular (54,9%). O Curso com maior frequência de participação foi Enfermagem (41,5%). Os profissionais de Odontologia foram os que menos prescrevem fitoterápicos na ESF em queatuam (19,4%) e os que menos sabem orientar os pacientes sobre a forma de utilização das ervas medicinais (41,9%), com diferença significativa (p<0,05). A prescrição de plantas medicinais nas unidades de saúde é feita por poucos profissionais (47,6%) sendo as mais citadas: hortelã (Mentha spicata) (51,3%) e camomila (Matricaria chamomilla) (46,1%) comas respectivas indicações de expectorante (54,3%) e ansiolítico (42,8%).Conclusão: de maneira geral, os profissionais da ESF do Município de Caruaru não utilizam com frequência os fitoterápicos na rede pública, porém, acreditam na importância da implantação de medicamentos alternativos na atenção básica, tendo em vista seu baixo custo, eficácia e fácil acesso da população.

Aim: to verify the perception of doctors, dentists and nurses of the Strategy of Health of the Family of the city of Caruaru, PE, Brasil, on the importance, use and indications of medicinal plants. Methodology: transversal study was done with 82 professionals of health had participated (doctors, dentists and nurses), leased in 45 basic units of Health of the city of Caruaru. The professionals had been interviewed, using a form structuralized and validated for the method of the face. The data had been analyzed by descriptive statistical techniques through absolute, percentile distributions of measures and for the test of the Qui-square of Pearson or Exato de Fisher. Results: the majority of the participants had above of 41 years of age (37.8%), was of the feminine sex (86.6%), and graduated has less than 10 years (37.8%), in particular institution (54.9%). The course with bigger frequency of participation was nursing (41.5%). The dentists had been the ones that less prescribe herbal medicines in the ESF where the ones act (19.4%) and that less they know to guide the patients on the form of use of the medicinal grass (41.9%) with significant difference (p<0,05). The lapsing of medicinal plants in the units of health is made by few professionals (47.6%) being the most cited the mint(Mentha spicata) (51,3%) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) (46.1%) and its respective indications as expectorants (54.3%) and anxiolytic (42.8%).Conclusion: the professionals of the ESF of the Caruaru city frequently do not use the herbal medicines in the public net, however they believe the importance of the alternative medicine implantation in the basic attention, in view of its low cost, effectiveness and easy access of the population.

Effect of induction of meconium evacuation using per rectal laxatives on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in term infants: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To study the efficacy of early meconium evacuation using per rectal laxatives on the level of serum bilirubin and the need for phototherapy in healthy term infants. Materials and Methods: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing per rectal laxatives versus no intervention was conducted using English language articles identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Ovid, and CINAHL databases and bibliographies of selected articles. Eligible studies were assessed for the risk of bias in conduct and reporting. Results: A total of three trials (n = 469) mostly with "unclear risk" were eligible for inclusion. Two trials used glycerin suppository whereas one used glycerin enema for meconium evacuation. Meta-analysis was not possible due to clinical heterogeneity in the choice of laxatives and frequency of intervention. In all the three studies, serum bilirubin levels at 48 h and the need for phototherapy was not significantly different between the two groups. Passage of first meconium and the transitional stools occurred significantly early in the intervention group compared to controls. Conclusion: Early evacuation of meconium using per rectal laxatives does not offer any significant clinical advantage for neonatal jaundice.

Total phenolic content and versatile biological activity of some selected widely consumed Egyptian vegetables'extract

Ethanolic extract as well as essential oils of parsley [Petroselinum crispum], Coriander [Coriander sativum] and dill [Anethum graveolens L.] were subjected for biological evaluation. Thus, these extracts and vegetables oils were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against different types of microorganisms using the agar diffusion technique. The ethanolic extracts as well as the essential oils were tested against two Gram-positive bacterial strains [Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus], two Gram-negative bacterial strains [Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli], one yeast strain [Candida albicans] and three fungal strains [Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium italicum and Syncephalastrum racemosum]. Furthermore, the previous extracts and essential oils were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using 1, 1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] scavenging techaque

Comportamiento de las reacciones adversas reportadas por productos naturales: Matanzas 2003-2008 / Behavior of adverse reactions caused by natural products: Matanzas 2003-2008

El uso de medicamentos naturales es fundamental dentro del procedimiento médico-farmacológico de la sociedad actual. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar el comportamiento del reporte de reacciones adversas a medicamentos naturales en la provincia Matanzas durante el período 2003-2008. Se realizó un estudio longitudinal, retrospectivo, observacional. Se consideró como elegible para el estudio el universo conformado por el conjunto de los reportes de sospecha de reacciones adversas a fitofármacos recogidos durante el período referido. Hubo un predominio en la frecuencia de aparición de las reacciones adversas a los medicamentos derivados de Ajo ( Allium sativum L. ), Eucalipto ( Eucalyptus sp. div. ) y Naranja Agria ( Citrus aurantium L. ), siendo estas reacciones de tipo leves y moderadas con afectación fundamental del sistema digestivo y la piel. Se reportaron reacciones adversas con el empleo de productos naturales en el período estudiado, siendo más frecuentes las reacciones clasificadas como moderadas según su gravedad y como probables según su relación de causalidad, con una mayor afectación del sistema digestivo y piel.

The usage of natural medicines is essential in the medico-pharmacological treatment nowadays. Our objective was evaluating behavior of the adverse reactions reports to natural medicines at the province of Matanzas during the period between 2003 and 2008. We carried out a longitudinal, retrospective, observational study. We considered as eligible to this study a universe formed by all the reports of suspected adverse reactions to phytomedicines recorded during the referred period. There was predominance in the frequency of adverse reactions to medicines prepared with Garlic ( Allium sativum L. ), Eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus sp. div. ) and Sour Orange ( Citrus aurantium L.); being these reactions light or moderated, and affecting mainly digestive system and skin. There were reported adverse reactions with the usage of natural products in the studied period, being more frequent the reactions classified as light according to their seriousness, and as probable according to the causality relation, highly affecting the digestive system and skin.