Antineoplastic potential of the Vitex species: an overview / Potencial antineoplásico de la especie Vitex: una visión general

Irrespective of progressive treatments, cancer remains to have the utmost rate of treatment failure due to numerous reasons associated. In recent years, the use of traditional medicine in cancer research has established considerable interest. Natural products represent an amazing source for cancer therapy and combating associated side-effects. More than thousand plants have been found to possess significant anticancer properties. Vitex is the largest genus in the family Lamiaceae which comprises 250 species distributed throughout world and several species have been reported to have anticancer properties. Despite a long tradition of use of some species, the genus has not been explored properly in terms of its anticancer profile. Here we are reporting the updated knowledge of the antineoplastic profile of this genus available so far. In the concluding part, the future scope of Vitex species has been emphasized with a view to explore its multifarious antineoplastic activities and mode of action.

Independientemente de los tratamientos progresivos, el cáncer sigue teniendo la mayor tasa de fracaso del tratamiento debido a numerosas razones asociadas. En los últimos años, el uso de la medicina tradicional en la investigación del cáncer ha despertado un gran interés. Los productos naturales representan una fuente increíble para la terapia contra el cáncer y la lucha contra los efectos secundarios asociados. Se han encontrado más de mil plantas que poseen propiedades anticancerígenas significativas. Vitex es el género más grande de la familia Lamiaceae, que comprende 250 especies distribuidas en todo el mundo y se ha informado que varias especies tienen propiedades anticancerígenas. A pesar de una larga tradición de uso de algunas especies, el género no ha sido explorado adecuadamente en términos de su perfil contra el cáncer. Aquí presentamos el conocimiento actualizado del perfil antineoplásico de este género disponible hasta el momento. En la parte final, se ha enfatizado el alcance futuro de las especies de Vitex con el objetivo de explorar sus múltiples actividades antineoplásicas y su modo de acción.

Phthalate contamination of some plants and herbal products / Contaminación de algunas plantas y productos herbales con ftalatos

Phthalate derivatives cause a number of risks to human health and the environment. Essential oil and volatile fractions of some vegetables and herbal products were extracted by hydrodistillation and percolation methods to analyze using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for evaluation of phthalate contaminations. The results revealed that four vegetables and all aromatic waters were contaminated by phthalate derivatives including di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (0.1-7.95%). Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a widely used synthetic antioxidant, was also found in the most of the aromatic waters in the range of 3.15-61.3%. In addition, three vegetable samples contained diazinon (0.36-4.61%), an organophosphorus insecticide. Plants and herbal preparations may be contaminated by the absorption of phthalates from contaminated water or soil or by the migration of phthalates from inexpensive recycled plastic. Regarding the widespread use and associated health risks of phthalates, effective quality and safety regulations for herbal products should be implemented with respect to their phthalate content.

Los derivados de ftalato causan una serie de riesgos para la salud humana y el medio ambiente. El aceite esencial y las fracciones volátiles de algunos vegetales y productos a base de hierbas fueron extraídos mediante hidrodestilación y métodos de percolación y luego fueron analizados mediante cromatografía de gases y espectrometría de masas (GC-MS) con el propósito de identificar contaminación con ftalatos. Los resultados revelaron que cuatro productos herbales y todas las aguas aromáticas analizadas estaban contaminadas con derivados de ftalato, incluyendo el ftalato de dibutulo (DBP), ftalato de diisobutilo y ftalato de bis(2-etilhexilo) (DEHP) (0.1-7.95%). El butilhidroxitolueno (BHT), un antioxidante sintético ampliamente utilizado, también se encontró en aguas aromáticas en el rango de 3.15- 61.3%. Además, tres muestras vegetales contenían diazinón (0.36-4.61%), un insecticida organofosforado. Las plantas y las preparaciones herbales pueden ser contaminadas a partir de absorción de ftalatos del agua o el suelo contaminados o por la migración de ftalatos desde plástico reciclado de bajo costo. Con respecto al uso generalizado y los riesgos asociados a la salud de los ftalatos, deben implementarse normas efectivas de calidad y seguridad para los productos a base de hierbas con respecto a su contenido de ftalato.

Utilização de plantas medicinais como remédio caseiro na Atenção Primária em Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brasil / Use of medicinal plants as home remedies in Primary Health Care in Blumenau - State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Resumo Na última década foi observado um aumento no uso de práticas terapêuticas alternativas apoiadas por políticas no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), em particular o uso de plantas medicinais e de fitoterápicos. Este estudo investigou o uso de remédios caseiros pelos usuários da Atenção Primária da Saúde do município de Blumenau, em Santa Catarina. Estudo epidemiológico observacional seccional, cujos dados foram obtidos através de questionário aplicado a 701 indivíduos. Utilizou-se um modelo de regressão logística não condicional para estimar a associação entre uso de remédios caseiros e variáveis sociodemográficas e médicoassistenciais. Observou-se que 21,9% dos entrevistados utilizaram remédios caseiros, sendo as plantas medicinais obtidas no quintal das casas a principal escolha. Como as mais citadas destacaram-se erva-cidreira, camomila, hortelã e limão. O uso de remédios caseiros se mostrou associado ao sexo feminino, à idade mais avançada e à modalidade de serviço, Estratégia Saúde da Família. Os resultados mostraram que as plantas medicinais são utilizadas como alternativa terapêutica. Entretanto, é necessário que os serviços de atenção primária garantam o acesso aos produtos naturais, bem como profissionais qualificados capazes de fornecer orientações sobre sua utilização.

Abstract An increase in the use of alternative therapeutic practices has been observed in the past decade, especially in medicinal plants, herbal and home remedies, which has been supported by policies within the scope of the Unified Health System (SUS). This study investigated the use of home remedies by users of Primary Health Care in Blumenau, State of Santa Catarina. It is a cross-sectional, observational and epidemiological study, the data for which were obtained via a questionnaire applied to 701 individuals. An unconditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between the use of home remedies and socio-demographic and medical care variables. It was observed that 21.9% of the sample use home remedies and medicinal plants grown in the back yard are the remedies of choice. Lemon balm, chamomile, peppermint and lime were the remedies most frequently mentioned. The use of home remedies was associated with the female gender, older age and the Family Health Strategy care model. The results supported that medicinal plants are used by the population as a therapeutic alternative option. However, it is necessary that primary care services ensure both access to natural products and supply qualified professionals to give instructions regarding the correct usage of home remedies.

Tamizaje fitoquímico de los extractos de Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (nabaco) / Phytochemical screening of e xtracts from F aramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (nabaco)

INTRODUCCIÓN: Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (Rubiaceae) se utiliza de forma tradicional como astringente, galactógeno y como antiséptico en el tratamiento de enfermedades de la piel, principalmente erupciones cutáneas, por lo que es frecuentemente empleada para baños en los recién nacidos con estas afecciones. Hasta el momento no existen reportes de estudios fitoquímicos sobre los metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y terapéutico presentes en los extractos de esta planta. OBJETIVO: determinar los metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y terapéutico presentes en la especie F. occidentalis. MÉTODOS: la planta fue colectada en la localidad de Cienaguilla, municipio Campechuela, provincia Granma, Cuba, e identificada por especialistas del Jardín Botánico Cupaynicú en el municipio Guisa. Fracciones de los órganos aéreos y subterráneos de la planta se lavaron, desinfectaron, secaron, pulverizaron y se sometieron a extracciones asistidas por ultrasonido con solventes de polaridad creciente. A los extractos se les realizó el tamizaje fitoquímico, cuyos resultados fueron corroborados por análisis cromatográfico mediante cromatografía de capa fina y espectroscopía ultravioleta-visible. RESULTADOS: el tamizaje fitoquímico, realizado a los extractos de raíces, tallos y hojas de la planta y la cromatografía de capa fina aplicada a la tintura de las hojas, permitió constatar la presencia de varias familias de metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y farmacológico, principalmente, alcaloides y coumarinas, siendo más abundantes en los extractos acuoso y etanólico. CONCLUSIONES: la presencia de abundantes alcaloides y coumarinas en F. occidentalis pudiera ser responsable de su actividad antiséptica.

INTRODUCTION: Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich.(Rubiaceae) is a plant traditionally used as astringent, galactogen and antiseptic in the treatment of skin disorders, mainly rash. Therefore, it is commonly used to bathe newborns suffering from these conditions. No reports are available of phytochemical studies about the secondary metabolites of biological and therapeutic interest contained in extracts from this plant. OBJECTIVE: determine the secondary metabolites of biological and therapeutic interest present in the species F. occidentalis. METHODS: plant samples were collected from the locality of Cienaguilla, municipality of Campechuela, in the province of Granma, Cuba, and identified by specialists from Cupaynicú Botanical Garden in the municipality of Guisa. Fractions of aerial and underground plant parts were washed, disinfected, dried and pulverized, and then subjected to ultrasound-assisted extraction with increasing polarity solvents. The extracts underwent phytochemical screening, and results were corroborated by thin layer chromatography and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. RESULTS: phytochemical screening of root, stem and leaf extracts, and thin layer chromatography of the leaf tincture allowed confirmation of the presence of several families of secondary metabolites of biological and pharmacological interest, mainly alkaloids and coumarins, which were more abundant in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. CONCLUSIONS: the presence of abundant alkaloids and coumarins in F. occidentalis could be the cause of its antiseptic activity.

Confirmación de dexametasona y diclofenaco por LC-MS-MS como adulterantes en un producto herbolario / Dexamethasone and diclofenac by LC-MS-MS as herbal product adulterants

Objetivo. Confirmar la presencia de dexametasona y diclofenaco como adulterantes de un producto comercializado como de origen natural. Material y métodos. Para la identificación y confirmación de la presencia de los fármacos se utilizó un método de análisis instrumental por cromatografía de líquidos de alta presión acoplado a espectrometría de masas en tándem. Resultados. En el análisis de 11 frascos de Reumofan Plus obtenidos de pacientes y médicos de la localidad se confirmó la presencia de dexametasona y diclofenaco. La metodología utilizada permitió separar los esteroisómeros dexametasona y betametasona, las abundancias relativas de iones productos 237.2 y 279.2 m/z permiten diferenciar espectralmente un compuesto de otro. Conclusiones. Se confirmó la presencia de dexametasona y diclofenaco en muestras de un producto comercializado como "100% natural" obtenidas de diferentes pacientes o médicos en el periodo enero a diciembre de 2011.

Objective. To confirm the presence of dexamethasone and diclofenac as adulterants of an herbal product. Materials and methods. For identificaction and confirmation of drugs a method of instrumental analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with high pressure tandem mass spectrometry was used. Results. The presence of dexamethasone and diclofenac was confirmed in samples of 11 bottles of Reumofan Plus obtained from patients and/or physicians. The methodology used, allowed separation of stereoisomers dexamethasone and betamethasone, the relative abundances of product ions 237.2 and 279.2 m / z spectrally differentiate the compounds. Conclusions. The presence of dexamethasone and diclofenac was confirmed in samples of a product marketed as "100% natural" obtained from patients and / or physicians in a period from January to December, 2011.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg (Guavira) / Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas (CG-EM) e avaliação da atividade antioxidante e antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg (guavira)

The essential oils from Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg leaves, collected in the reproductive (flowering and fruit-bearing) and vegetative stages, were characterized by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). A total of 95 compounds of the essential oils were identified. In the reproductive stage (flowering) the major constituents were monoterpenes (limonene, α-pinene and β-pinene) while during the vegetative stage the major constituents were the sesquiterpenes (bicyclogermacrene and globulol). The essential oil of the reproductive stage shows high antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, and all show moderate activity against Escherichia coli. The essential oils were also evaluated for their radical-scavenging activity by DPPH. The chemogeographical variations of the oil composition from the four distinct localities studied all contained α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, linalool, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene, however the samples from Jardim city contained neither limonene nor linalool.

Os óleos essenciais obtidos das folhas de Campomanesia adamantium foram caracterizados através da combinação de CG-EM e índice de retenção, sendo identificado um total de 95 compostos. Na floração as substâncias majoritárias foram monoterpenos (limoneno, α-pineno e β-pineno) e durante o estágio vegetativo as substâncias majoritárias foram sesquiterpenos (biciclogermacreno e globulol). Os óleos essenciais obtidos da floração e frutificação mostraram alta atividade contra Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Candida albicans e moderada contra Escherichia coli em todos os estágios. Foi avaliada a atividade antioxidante dos óleos essenciais usando o método do DPPH. O óleo essencial das 4 cidades mostrou a presença de α-pineno, β-pineno, limoneno, linalol, β-cariofileno, germacreno D e biciclogermacreno, mas a amostra da cidade de Jardim não apresentou limoneno e linalol.

Pharmacokinetic-interaction of Vitex negundo Linn. & paracetamol.

Background & objectives: Currently, herbal preparations are clinically used as functional food, food supplements or as add on therapy, which affects the bioavailability and also the net therapeutic potential of co-administered allopathic drugs. Therefore, it is important to assess the interaction among these two classes of drugs. Here we studied the interaction between orally-administered ethanolic extract of leaves of Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) (VN extract) and paracetamol in albino rats. Method: Solvent free dried extract of VN leaves was orally given to experimental rats in different doses (62.5-1000 mg/kg/b.wt.), daily for six consecutive days. On days 3 and 6, paracetamol (100 mg/kg/b.wt.) was orally administered to these extract treated rats and control rats (drug vector). At various time intervals (5 min - 120 min), blood was collected from each animal and paracetamol concentration was determined in plasma by using HPLC with UV detector at 249 nm. Various pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non compartmental model. Results: A significant decline in plasma concentration of paracetamol with time-gap was recorded with the increasing dose of VN extract, without affecting its Tmax (maximum time to achieve peak plasma concentration). There was a significant decrease in the extent of absorption and decline in intensity of therapeutic response (as evidenced by reduced AUC value and decline in Cmax). Further, compared to control, the relative bioavailability of paracetamol, in presence of VN extract, decreased significantly. Interpretation & conclusions: VN extract or its ayurvedic formulation if co-administered with allopathic drug like paracetamol, the dose of allopathic drug needs to be adjusted in order to achieve desired therapeutic response of paracetamol.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of essential oil of Soqotran Pulicaria stephanocarpa Balf. f

Chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of the endemic Soqotraen Pulicaria stephanocarpa Balf. Fil. was analyzed by GC-MS. Sesquiterpenes are the predominant portion of both essential oils. Major compounds of Pulicaria stephanocarpa oil were a-cadinol [42.5%], spathulenol [22.%], caryophyllene [10.8%], 8-cadinene [5.4%], cis-[-]-2,4a,5,6,9,9a-hexahydro-3,5,5,9-tetramethyi-1H-Benzocyclohepterie [4.6%], and oc-muurolene [4.1%]. The essential oils were screened for their antifungal activity against the phytopathogenic fungus [Cladosporium cucumerinum] by using a microbioassay on TLC plates at concentrations of 400, 200 and 100 microg. At the concentration of 400 micro g, the oil showed marked antifungal activity with an inhibition zone of 18.6.mm

Using natural herbal extracts for improving the lipid oxidation and sensory attributes of beef burger manufactured with mechanically deboned chicken meat

The main objective of the present study was to examine the visibility of using natural herbal extracts to help meat industry to minimize lipid oxidation, improve sensory characteristics and extend the shelf life of meat products manufactured with mechanically deboned chicken meat [MDCM]. A base batter was prepared by using a simple traditional formulation as follows: 50% lean beef meat, 35% beef fat, 2% [w/w]sodium chloride, 5% [w/w] water, 8% Hydrated Soya R 50 [1:2 water]. This mixture was divided into batches to which the different antioxidants [BHT, marjoram and rosemary] were added at a rate of 0.02% for each one while 1[st] group left as control without addition of any antioxidant. Another five batches were prepared by using 20% of the meat material as MDCM [percentage of lean beef] and the antioxidants were added at the same level with 1[st] batch was left as control and the combination of marjoram and rosemary [0.02% each] was used for the 5[th] batch. Addition of 20% MDCM into burger patties caused significant reduction in protein content and significant increase in fat content. Burger patties formulated with 20% MDCM showed significantly higher TBARs values. Addition of herbal extracts [marjoram or rosemary] significantly [P<0.05] reduced the TBARs in burger patties formulated with or without MDCM. Treatments of burger patties contain 20% MDCM with combination of marjoram and rosemary resulted in more reduction in TBARs [synergistic effect]. The addition of natural antioxidants to burger patties formulated with MDCM significantly reduced the pH values. Addition of antioxidants to the burger patties significantly increased the sensory scores during the frozen storage period. Natural herbal extracts specially when combined together offered the most efficient protection against lipid oxidation with improving the sensory attributes at levels applied during frozen storage of burger patties formulated with 20% MDCM

Anti-head lice effect of Annona squamosa seeds.

The present study focused on the separation and identification of the active compounds against head lice from the hexane extract of Annona squamosa L seed. Chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques revealed that two major compounds of the hexane seed extract were oleic acid and triglyceride with one oleate ester. The yields of these compounds were 13.25% and 7.74% dry weight, respectively. The compounds were tested in vitro against head lice, comparing to the crude hexane extract of the seed. The triglyceride with one oleate ester and the crude hexane extract diluted with coconut oil 1:1. These compounds were found to kill all tested head lice in 49, 11 and 30 minutes, respectively. The triglyceride ester can be used as a marker for quantitative analysis of the active compound for quality control of the raw material A. squamosa seed and its extract. This first finding will be useful for quality assessment and the chemical stability of the antihead lice preparation from this plant.

Matricaria chamomilla CH12 decreases handling stress in Nelore calves

Matricaria chamomilla CH12 is a phytotherapeutic or homeopathic product, which has been used to reduce stress. Here, we examined its effect on preventing handling stress in bovines. Sixty Nelore calves were randomly distributed into two equal groups. One group was administered Matricaria chamomilla CH12 in diet and the other the 'control' was not. Animals in both groups were maintained unstressed for 30 days to adjust to the feeding system and pasture, and were then stressed by constraint on the 31th, 38th, 45th and 60th experimental days. Blood samples were taken on these days after animals had been immobilization in a trunk contention for 5 min. Stress was followed by analyzing serum cortisol levels. These peaked on the 45th day and then decreased, but not to baseline, on the 60th day. On the 45th day cortisol levels were significantly lower in animals fed Matricaria chamomilla CH12, suggesting that this product reduces stress. These effects may be a consequence of its inhibiting cortisol production and its calming and anxiolytic effects.

El Aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) como componente de alimentos funcionales / Aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) as a component of functional foods

Debido a la preocupación e interés actual de la población por las condiciones de salud y calidad de vida, es que ha aumentado la demanda de productos naturales, lo cual hace que las industrias farmacéuticas y de los alimentos centren sus esfuerzos en investigaciones relacionadas con su utilización. Una de las materias primas de gran demanda, tanto en el mercado externo como en el nacional, es el Aloe vera, vegetal del cual se pueden obtener productos con fines cosmetológicos, farmacéuticos y alimenticios. Desde el punto de vista de la nutrición humana, los científicos han identificado más de 75 compuestos en el Aloe vera; principalmente vitaminas, minerales, enzimas y aminoácidos, además de otras sustancias de interés para nuestro organismo con acción emoliente, cicatrizante, coagulante, hidratante, antialérgica, desinfectante, antiinflamatoria, astringente, colerética y laxante. Por lo tanto, esta planta puede aportar componentes nutricionales como materia prima para la elaboración de alimentos funcionales, considerados en la actualidad como los alimentos del futuro. Así, el Aloe vera puede convertirse en una excelente fuente de productos químicos nutricionales para el desarrollo y comercialización de nuevos productos para la industria de alimentos chilena.

Because of the current population concern and interest about health conditions and life quality, the demand for natural products has increased, inducing the pharmaceutical and food industries to focus its efforts in researches related to their use. One of the most demanding raw materials both in foreign and national markets is Aloe Vera, a vegetable which can be obtained for cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food purposes. From the point of view of human nutrition, scientists have identified more than 75 components in Aloe Vera, mainly vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids, besides other substances of interest to our organism with emollient, healing, clotting, moisturizing, antiallergenic, antiseptic, antinflammatory, astringent, choleretic and laxative action. Thus this plant can provide nutritional components as raw material to elaborate functional foods, considered as future food nowadays. Aloe vera can become an excellent source of chemical nutritional products for the development of new products for the Chilean food industry.

Influence of Yoga and Ayurveda on self-rated sleep in a geriatric population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sleep in older persons is characterized by decreased ability to stay asleep, resulting in fragmented sleep and reduced daytime alertness. Pharmacological treatment of insomnia in older persons is associated with hazardous side effects. Hence, the present study was designed to compare the effects of Yoga and Ayurveda on the self rated sleep in a geriatric population. METHODS: Of the 120 residents from a home for the aged, 69 were stratified based on age (five year intervals) and randomly allocated to three groups i.e., Yoga (physical postures, relaxation techniques, voluntarily regulated breathing and lectures on yoga philosophy), Ayurveda (a herbal preparation), and Wait-list control (no intervention). The groups were evaluated for self-assessment of sleep over a one week period at baseline, and after three and six months of the respective interventions. RESULTS: The Yoga group showed a significant decrease in the time taken to fall asleep (approximate group average decrease: 10 min, P<0.05), an increase in the total number of hours slept (approximate group average increase: 60 min, P< 0.05) and in the feeling of being rested in the morning based on a rating scale (P<0.05) after six months. The other groups showed no significant change. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Yoga practice improved different aspects of sleep in a geriatric population.

Determination of cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in Yemeni khat by anodic stripping voltammetry

Trace element concentrations in khat were investigated as they can disturb trace element levels in the body. Cadmium [Cd], lead [Pb], copper [Cu] and zinc [Zn] levels in khat and 6 leafy vegetables commonly consumed in the Republic of Yemen were determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry after wet digestion of the organic matter. Khat had significantly higher concentrations of Cu and Zn than did the leafy vegetables, but similar amounts of Cd and Pb. The average daily intake of khat consumers of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn from khat only was estimated to be 2.0-10.2 micro g/day, 23.6-118.0 micro g/day, 530-2654 microg/day and 662-3311 micro g/day respectively. Although high, these values were within Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization tolerance limits