Role of micronize purified flavonoid fraction and ethanol Graptophyllum pictum extract on experimental anal ulcer healing. Study on Wistar rat / Papel da fração flavonoica purificada micronizada e do extrato etanólico de Graptophyllum Pictum em experimento de cicatrização de úlcera anal. Estudo com ratos Wistar

ABSTRACT Aim of the study To evaluate the role of micronized purified flavanoid fraction and ethanol Graptophyllum pictum extract in the treatment of anal ulcer. Method Twenty-eight Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Groups 2, 3 and 4 the anus were induced with croton oil, but was not induced on group 1. Groups 1 and 2 were treated with normal saline, while groups 3 and 4 were treated with micronized purified flavanoid fraction, and ethanol G. pictum extract, respectively. On 9th days blood sample were taken from the retro-orbital region, and Wistar was killed by cervical dislocation under ether anesthesia. The anal canal was resected up 2 cm from anal opening, weighted, photographically taken to measure the percentage of residual ulcer, and then prepared for microscopic examination. Elisa methods were done for superoxide dismutase and malondialdedhyde. The total leukocyte in the anal specimen was counted under 400 magnification power. superoxide dismutase, anal coefficient, and total leukocyte for statistical analysis were using ANOVA and LSD, while malondialdedhyde and percentage of ulcers were using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney. Result Treatment with ethanol G. pictum extract dose of 100 mg/kg BW significantly reduces the percentage of anal ulcer, the edema, leukocyte infiltration, and malondialdedhyde, and increase the superoxide dismutase in comparison without treatment. Treatment with micronized purified flavanoid fraction did not reduce the leukocyte, anal coefficient, and percentage of anal ulcer, only increase malondialdedhyde and decrease superoxide dismutase significantly.

RESUMO Objetivo do estudo Avaliar o papel da Fração Flavonoica Purificada Micronizada e do Extrato Etanólico de Graptophyllum pictum no tratamento de úlcera anal. Método Vinte e oito ratos Wistar foram randomicamente alocados em quatro grupos. Nos grupos 2, 3 e 4, indução com óleo de cróton foi realizada no ânus, excetuando-se o Grupo 1. Os grupos 1 e 2 foram tratados com solução salina normal, enquanto os grupos 3 e 4 foram tratados com fração flavonoica purificada micronizada e extrato etanólico de Graptophyllum pictum, respectivamente. No nono dia, amostras de sangue foram colhidas da região retroorbital, e o rato Wistar sofreu eutanásia por deslocamento cervical sob anestesia com éter. O canal anal foi ressecado até 2 cm da abertura anal, ponderado e fotografado para medir a porcentagem de úlcera residual e, em seguida, preparado para exame microscópico. Os métodos superoxide dismutase e malondialdedhyde do ensaio Elisa foram realizados. A contagem total de leucócitos foi realizada na amostra anal com ampliação de 400 vezes. ANOVA e LSD foram utilizados para a análise estatística de superoxide dismutase, coeficiente anal e número total de leucócitos, enquanto os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney foram utilizados para a análise de malondialdedhyde e porcentagem de úlceras. Resultado O tratamento com o extrato etanólico de Graptophyllum pictum (100 mg/kg de peso corporal) reduz de modo significativo a porcentagem de úlceras anais, o edema, a infiltração de leucócitos e o malondialdedhyde e aumenta a superoxide dismutase, comparado ao não tratamento. O tratamento com a fração flavonoica purificada micronizada não reduziu os leucócitos, o coeficiente anal e a porcentagem de úlceras anais, apenas aumentou o malondialdedhyde e diminuiu significativamente a superoxide dismutase.

Importancia medicinal del género Croton (euphorbiaceae) / Medicinal importance of Croton genus (euphorbiaceae)

Introducción: el género Croton que pertenece a la familia Euphorbiaceae, se caracteriza porque sus especies poseen una gran cantidad de usos a nivel etnobotánico. Esta información ha sido validada por los relatos ancestrales y los reportes bibliográficos que se han encontrado en los últimos cuarenta años. Se ubican muy cerca de la región del trópico y se encuentran distribuidas en Centroamérica, Suramérica, Asía y norte de África, de allí que se pueden observar los innumerables usos que tiene y que han llevado a profundizar en el estudio de las especies del género en estudio. Objetivos: realizar una búsqueda organizada, que permita reconocer el valor etnobotánico de especies del género Croton a nivel mundial, con el fín de determinar su valor e importancia medicinal. Métodos: fueron revisadas varias bases de datos, libros especializados y demás reportes bibliográficos relacionados con el uso tradicional de especies del género Croton y composición química. Resultados: la información de esta revisión, puede servir como base preliminar y como justificación en investigaciones relacionadas con la búsqueda de compuestos químicos del tipo flavonoide y diterpeno. Conclusiones: se evidenció de acuerdo al análisis de los datos obtenidos y la información obtenida en la presente revisión, que las especies del género Croton se caracterizan porque poseen un sinnúmero de usos en la medicina tradicional y popular(AU)

Introduction: The genus Croton Euphorbiaceae belonging to the family, is characterized by its species have a lot of uses ethnobotanical level, this information has been validated by the ancestral stories and bibliographic reports have been found in the last forty years, these species are located very close to the tropics and are distributed mainly in Central America, South America, Asia and north Africa, from there you can observe the many uses it has and which have led to further study of the genus study. Objectives: Perform an organized search, which allows recognizing the value ethnobotanical species of Croton worldwide, in order to determine its value and medicinal importance. Methods: Were revised several databases, specialized books and other bibliographic reports related to the traditional uses of species of Croton and chemical composition. Results: The information presented in this review may serve as a preliminary basis and as justification in research related to the search for chemical compounds specifically flavonoids and diterpenes. Conclusions: The results obtained in this review showed the evidence according to the analysis of the data and total information presented, that the genus Croton are characterized by has a wide use in traditional and folk medicine(AU)

Chemical Composition of the Leaf Essential Oils of Croton zambesicus Müll.-Arg. Grown in Lagos, South-West Nigeria.

The chemical composition of the leaf essential oil of Croton zambesicus Müll.-Arg., collected from Agbara-Lagos, Nigeria, was analysed by means of Gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and Gas chromatography coupled with Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Sixty constituents accounting for 98.9% of the total oil contents were identified from the oil sample. The classes of compounds identified in the oil were monoterpene hydrocarbons (35.3%), oxygenated monoterpenes (22.9%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (32.4%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (5.6%). The oil was dominated by β-pinene (15.1%), β-caryophyllene (12.6%), germacrene D (10.9%), camphor (7.3%), linalool (7.0%), sabinene (6.4%) and α-pinene (5.2%). Aims: The aim of the research is to investigate the volatile constituents from C. zambesicus harvested in Lagos, Nigeria. Study Design: Extraction of essential oil from the air-dried leaf samples of C. zambesicus and investigation of its chemical constituents. Place and Duration of Study: Leaf samples of C. zambesicus were collected from Agbara, Lagos, on April 2011. Methodology: Air-dried and pulverized leaves were hydrodistilled in a Clevenger-type apparatus to obtained pale yellow volatile oil whose chemical constituents was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Results: A total of sixty compounds were identified, amounting to 98.9%of the total oil contents. The major were compounds β-pinene (15.1%), β-caryophyllene (12.6%), germacrene D (10.9%) and camphor (7.3%). Variations in compositional pattern were observed between this result and the previous studies. Conclusion: The literature about the C. zambesicus indicates a high variability in the chemical composition of the essential oils.

The sensitivity of bacterial foodborne pathogens to Croton blanchetianus Baill essential oil

The aim of this study was to assess the activity of essential oil extracted from the leaves of C. blanchetianus Baill, popularly known as "marmeleiro", in inhibiting the growth and survival of pathogenic microorganisms in food by determining their survival in vitro and by observing the behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated into a food model (meat cubes) that was stored at refrigeration temperature (7 ± 1 ºC) for 4 days. The results indicated a bactericidal effect against Aeromonas hydrophila and Listeria monocytogenes and bacteriostatic action against Salmonella Enteritidis. A bacteriostatic effect on meat contaminated with L. monocytogenes was found for all concentrations of essential oils tested. These results showed that essential oil from the leaves of C. blanchetianus Baill represents an alternative source of potentially natural antimicrobial agents that may be used as a food preservative.

Pharmacological properties and related constituents of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae)

OBJECTIVE@#To screen methanol and dichloromethane extracts of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, in vitro antioxidant activities and phytochemical analysis.@*METHODS@#Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by using carrageenan induced-edema of mice paw and croton oil-induced edema of mice ear; analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing. Phytochemical screening of extracts was performed by thin layer chromatography. The chromatographic fractionation led to the isolation of main active components as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin. The structures were established by TLC and nuclear magnetic resonance studies.@*RESULTS@#Both methanol and dichloromethane extracts, friedelin, lupeol and epicatechin showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect using croton oil induced-ear edema. Furthermore, the action of dichloromethane extract was more important. At the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the methanol extract was able to reduce the carrageenan induced-hind paw edema, while at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, it showed an important analgesic effect against writhing induced by acetic acid injection of 38.8%, 68.0% and 74.3%, respectively. Antioxidative properties of methanol extract and its dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were assessed by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method. The methanol extract showed the stronger radical scavenging activity than dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, with an antiradical power of 5, 3.5 and 2 respectively. The main components isolated from these extracts as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin were responsible of these activities.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results suggest that the stem bark extracts of Pterocarpus erinaceus possessed important anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities and strong antioxidant properties, therefore, they could be used as potential natural ingredients in the pharmaceutical industry.

1.8 cineole decreases gastric compliance in anesthetized rats

PURPOSE: To study the effect of 1,8 cineoleee components of the essencial oil of Croton nepetaefolius - plant of North-East of Brasil, used in the popular medicine for riots of the gastrointestinal tract - on the motor behavior of the gut of Wistar rats. METHODS: Used 16 male animals under jejun of 24h weighing 300-350g. The effect of 1.8 cineoleee (1 or 3mg/Kg) on gastric compliance had been lead in anaesthetized rats. The variations of the gastric volume (GV), had been measured by plethysmography, while AP, HR and CVP had been monitored continuously by a digital system of data acquisition. RESULTS: Observe reduction of the GV, which was significant on 30, 40, 50 and 60min after treatment (2.0±0.1; 1.9±0.1; 1.8±0.1 and 1.7±0.1mL, versus 2.1±0.2mL). The AP presented significant fall after the administration of 1.8 cineoleee, remaining thus during 60min of monitorization (87.9±7.7; 87.6±7.1; 87.9±6.4; 87.8±5.7; 86.0±5.5 and 87.7±6.0mmHg, respectively versus 94.4±6.2 mmHg), as well as the HR (366.3±13.4; 361.7±11.5; 357.3±10.4; 353.0±10.4; 348.3±11.1 and 350.4±13.7bpm, respectively versus 395.2±11.1bpm). The CVP did not suffer significant variations after treatment. CONCLUSION: Observe the 1.8 cineoleee reduces the gastric compliance in anaesthetized rats besides presenting effect hipotensor and bradicardic; probably for direct action on the gastrointestinal and vascular smooth muscel and moduling the autonomic nervous system.

OBJETIVO: Estudar o efeito do 1.8 cineol, componente do Cróton nepetaefolius (planta do Nordeste) comumente usada na medicina popular para distúrbios do trato gastrintestinal (TGI), sobre o comportamento motor do TGI de ratos Wistar anestesiados. MÉTODOS: Utilizamos 16 animais machos, pesando entre 300 a 350g. Os estudos de complacência gástrica foram conduzidos em animais sob jejum de 24h. As variações do volume gástrico (VG), foram medidas por pletismografia, enquanto a PA, FC e PVC foram monitoradas continuamente por um sistema digital de aquisição de dados. RESULTADOS: Observamos diminuição do VG, o qual foi significativo aos 30, 40, 50 e 60min após o tratamento com 1.8 cineol quando comparado ao perído basal (2,0±0,1; 1,9±0,1; 1,8±0,1 e 1,7±0,1mL, vs 2,1±0,2mL). A PA apresentou queda significativa após a administração de 1.8 cineol, mantendo-se assim durante os 60min de monitoração (87,9±7,7; 87,6±7,1; 87,9±6,4; 87,8±5,7; 86,0±5,5 e 87,7±6,0mmHg, respectivamente vs 94,4±6,2; mmHg), bem como a FC (366,3±13,4; 361,7±11,5; 357,3±10,4; 353,0±10,4; 348,3±11,1 e 350,4±13,7bpm respectivamente vs 395,2±11,1bpm). Já a PVC não sofreu variações significativas durante após o tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: O 1.8 cineol diminui a complacência gástrica em ratos anestesiados além de apresentar efeitos hipotensor e bradicárdico; provavelmente por ação direta sobre a musculatura lisa gastrintestinal e vascular e modulação do sistema nervoso autônomo.

Studies on bioassay-guided anti-inflammatory fraction in bark of Albizia julibrissin combined determination with LC-MS-MS / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To search the anti-inflammatory fraction of Albizia julibrissin.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Inflammatory model of Kunming mice ear edema induced by croton oil and determination combined with the LC-MS-MS-guided fractionation and isolation were used.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The n-butanol fraction (AJ-B) obtained from the ethanolic extract of the Cortex albiziae was the major active fraction. The lignan glycosides fraction (AJ-B-1), which was further isolated from AJ-B, showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and exhibited dose-dependent relationship in the dose of 5 to 20 mg x kg(-1).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method of bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation combined with the LC-MS-MS determination may be of benefit to the logical studies on the bioactive fractions or constituents of traditional Chinese materia medica.</p>

Phenol peeling for treatment of deep wrinkle in leprosy patient / 나학회지

The untreated leprosy skin takes on a waxy appearance & feel full. Thickening is most marked over the face, which starts to devolp into folds, hanging down to produce the classical lion-like facies. The deep folds in disease state change to the numerous compacted shallow wrinkle with less elasticity of the skin. To correct these wrinkles of the patients healed from the leprosy, we tried the stone-VK formula application to the 14 patients, who are men 10 & women 4 in the age distribution of 55~78 years old. The use of the phenol & croton oil chemical peeling this method is more effective than other chemical & conventional surgical method to remove facial wrinkle. We need more experience of this peeling. In preliminaxy report, our superior results in removing facial wrinkle is presented.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the apolar extract from the seaweed Galaxaura marginata (Rhodophyta, Nemaliales)

The red seaweed Galaxaura marginata (Ellis & Solander) Lamouroux, well known by the antibacterial activity of its polar extract and the cytotoxic activity of its oxygenated desmosterol, showed anti-inflammatory action in its apolar fraction. Topical anti-inflammatory activity was observed in samples collected at São Sebastião channel, northern littoral of São Paulo State, Brazil. The apolar extract and its fractions obtained through Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) reduced the topical inflammation produced by croton oil in mouse ear. Such data indicated that the apolar extract from the marine red alga G. marginata displayed anti-inflammatory activity (since 1mg/ear extract reduced 95±0.5 percent inflammation), which could be the result of the synergic activity of the four fractions present in the apolar extract.

Effect of stalk and leaf extracts from Euphorbiaceae species on Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) larvae / Efeito dos extratos de caule e folha de espécies de Euphorbiaceae sobre larvas de Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal activity of essential oil aqueous solutions (hydrolates) obtained by steam distillation of stalks and leaves of Croton argyrophylloides, Croton nepetaefolius, Croton sonderianus and Croton zehntneri against Aedes aegypti larvae. Twenty-five larvae of third instar were placed in plastic beckers, containing the hydrolates (50 mL), in a four repetitions scheme. Water was used as control and the number of dead larvae was counted after 24 hours. The data obtained were submitted to Variance Analysis and Tukey test. Significant differences were observed among the hydrolates from different species and from different parts of each plant (p < 0.001). The hydrolates of stalk and leaf from C. nepetaefolius and C. zehntneri and leaf hydrolate of C. argyrophylloides presented 100 percent mortality against larvae. The compounds present in C. zenhtneri and C. nepetaefolius are oxygenated phenylpropanoids that are more soluble in water than the monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes detected in the oils of C. argyrophylloides and C. sonderianus. This study showed that all species analyzed presented compounds with larvicidal properties, with differences between each plant parts.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade larvicida dos hidrolatos obtidos por destilação à vapor de caule e folha das espécies de Croton argyrophylloides, Croton nepetaefolius, Croton sonderianus e Croton zehntneri contra Aedes aegypti. Em cada bioensaio foram utilizadas 25 larvas de 3° estádio juntamente com 50 mL de cada hidrolato, dispostos em recipientes plásticos, num esquema de quatro repetições, utilizando-se como controle a água e avaliando-se a mortalidade com 24 horas de tratamento. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey. Verificou-se que houve diferença significativa tanto em relação aos hidrolatos das diferentes espécies vegetais, quanto em relação às diferentes partes de cada planta (p < 0,001). Os hidrolatos referentes ao caule e folha de C. nepetaefolius e C. zehntneri causaram 100 por cento de mortalidade das larvas e diferiram das demais espécies, exceto da folha do C. argyrophylloides que apresentou o mesmo resultado. Os compostos presentes em C. zehntneri e C. nepetaefolius são fenil propanóides mais solúveis em água que os monoterpenos e sesquiterpenos detectados em C. argyrophylloides e C. sonderianus. Esta pesquisa evidenciou que todas as espécies testadas possuem compostos com propriedades larvicidas, com diferenças entre as partes da planta analisadas.

Chemopreventive action of emblica officinalis on skin carcinogenesis in mice.

Chemoprevention with food phytochemicals is currently regarded as one of the most important strategies for cancer control. Emblica officinalis (Family: Euphorbiaceae) indigenous to India, is valued for its unique tannins and flavanoids, which contain very powerful antioxidant properties. The inhibition of tumor incidences by fruit extract of this plant has been evaluated on two-stage process of skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice, induced by a single application of 7, 12-dimethyabenz(a)anthrecene (100 microg / 100 microl acetone), and two weeks later, promoted by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone/thrice a week) till the end of the experiment (16 weeks). The tumor incidence, tumor yield, tumor burdon and cumulative number of papillomas were found to be higher in the control (without EO treatment) as compared to experimental animals (EO treated). The differences in the values of the results of experimental groups were statistically analysed and found to be significant in comparison to the control group (p< 0.05). The present study demonstrates the chemopreventive potential of Emblica officinalis fruit extract on DMBA induced skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice.

Anti-tumour promoting activity of diphenylmethyl selenocyanate against two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis.

Epidemiological, clinical and experimental evidence collectively suggests that Se in different inorganic and organic forms provides a potential cancer chemopreventive agent, active against several types of cancer. It can exert preventive activity in all the three stages of cancer: initiation, promotion and progression. Literature reports revealed that organoselenocyanates have more potential as chemopreventive agents than inorganic forms due to their lower toxicity. In our previous report we showed chemopreventive efficacy of diphenylmethyl selenocyanate during the initiation and pre- plus post-initiation phases of skin and colon carcinogenesis process. The present study was undertaken to explore the anti-tumour promoting activity of diphenylmethyl selenocyanate in a 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA)-croton oil two-stage skin carcinogenesis model. The results obtained showed significant (p<0.01) reduction of the incidence and number of skin papillomas, precancerous skin lesions, along with significant (p<0.01) elevation of phase II detoxifying enzymes (GST, Catalase and SOD) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in liver and skin. Thus, the present data strongly suggest that diphenylmethyl selenocyanate also has the potential to act as anti-tumour promoter agent in a two-stage skin carcinogenesis mouse model, pointing to possible general efficacy.

Inhibition of DMBA-croton oil two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis by diphenylmethyl selenocyanate through modulation of cutaneous oxidative stress and inhibition of nitric oxide production.

Selenium, an essential micronutrient, plays important roles against different diseases, including several types of cancer. In the present study, antioxidative and chemopreventive properties of a synthetic organoselenium compound, diphenylmethyl selenocyanate, were evaluated with a 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene - croton oil induced two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model. The compound was administered orally to carcinogen-treated mice at two different non-toxic doses, 2mg/kg. b.w. and 3mg/kg. b.w. Significant inhibition in the incidence of papilloma formation (53-80%) as well as in the cumulative numbers of papillomas per papilloma bearing mouse were observed in the treated groups as compared to the carcinogen control group. The compound was also found to upregulate significantly different phase II detoxifying enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase (p<0.01) and superoxide dismutase (p<0.01) in skin cytosol when measured after 15 days and also after 12 weeks of the first 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene treatment. Lipid peroxidation measured with reference to thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in skin microsomes was significantly inhibited (p<0.05) in a dose dependent manner by diphenylmethyl selenocyanate. Considerable inhibition of the level of nitric oxide production in peritoneal macrophages was observed after 12 weeks (p<0.05). Thus the compound appears to exert chemopreventive activity in terms of papilloma formation, which may be through modulation of cutaneous lipid peroxidation, the phase II detoxifying enzyme system and nitric oxide production.

Chemopreventive action of Phyllanthus urinaria Linn on DMBA-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice.

The inhibition of tumor incidence by hydro-alcoholic extract of the whole plant of P. urinaria was evaluated in 6-7 weeks old female albino mice on two-stage process of skin carcinogenesis induced by a single application of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (50 microg/50 microl of acetone), and 2 weeks later, promoted by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone/three times a week) till the end of the experiment (15 weeks). Topical application of the extract at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight/day for 15 weeks at the peri-initiational stage (i.e., 7 days before and 7 days after DMBA application), promotional stage (i.e., from the time of croton oil application) and both peri and post-initiational stages (i.e., 7 days prior to DMBA application and continued till the end of the experiment) on the shaven backs of the mice recorded a significant reduction in tumor incidence to 50, 33.3 and 16.7% respectively in comparison to the control (i.e., the mice treated with DMBA and croton oil only) where tumor incidence was found to be 81.8%. The average number of papillomas per mouse was also significantly reduced. The results suggest a possible chemopreventive property of P. urinaria against DMBA-induced skin papillomagenesis in mice.

Inhibition of dexamethasone, indomethacin and resveratrol on matrix metalloproteinase-9 and the mechanism of inhibition / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in mouse ears induced with croton oil and the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone, indomethacin and resveratrol on MMP-9 expression, and further explore the relationship between anti-inflammation and MMP-9 inhibition of these three medicines.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immuno-histochemistry was used to detect the expression of MMP-9 in mouse ears. Expression of MMP-9 in U937 cells was analyzed by gelatin zymography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Mouse ear edema induced with croton oil was inhibited significantly by dexamethasone and indomethacin at the dose of 10 mg.kg-1 and resveratrol at 50 mg.kg-1 administered subcutaneously. The inhibitory rate was 76.2% (P < 0.001), 56.7% (P < 0.001) and 36.9% (P < 0.001) respectively. The MMP-9 expression increased in mouse ears induced with croton oil and inhibited by dexamethasone, indomethacin and resveratrol at above doses. Gelatin zymography results showed that MMP-9 expression in U937 cells increased significantly after exposed to PMA at 1 x 10(-8) mol.L-1 (P < 0.001); MMP-9 expression induced with phorbol myristate acetate(PMA) was inhibited by dexamethasone at 1 x 10(-9), 1 x 10(-7) and 1 x 10(-5) mol.L-1, indomethacin at 1 x 10(-6) and 1 x 10(-5) mol.L-1 and resveratrol at 1 x 10(-6) and 1 x 10(-5) mol.L-1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The inhibition of MMP-9 expression may be one of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of dexamethasone, indomethacin and resveratrol.</p>

Inhibitory effect of tannic acid from nutgall on iron-dextran augmented 7, 12-dimethyl benz [A] anthracene-initiated and croton oil-promoted skin carcinogenesis

Tannic acid [TA] is naturally occurring polyphenols present in fruits and vegetables. In this study, inhibition of the carcinogenic potential of croton oil in normal and iron overloaded mice skin by TA is reported. Albino Swiss mice were given iron-dextran for two weeks and were pretreated with a single topical application of tannic acid. After one hour tumors were initiated by a single dose of 7,12- dimethylbenz[a]anthracene [DMBA] the promoting agent croton oil was applied twice a week for 30 weeks. The appearance, number and% tumor incidences were recorded. When compared to control groups, the pretreated groups showed a significant high inhibition of tumors incidences. Biochemical studies in mice skin tissues were based on the measurement of lipid peroxidation [LPO]. TA diminished cutaneous LPO level in mice skin as compared to the untreated groups. This study showed that TA inhibits the augmentation potentials of croton oil and iron dextran significantly. A depletion in LPO levels in TA pretreated groups indicates that excessive generated oxidants in the mice skin tissues may be quenched by TA because of chelation of redox active iron and its faster elimination from the body. It is supposed that inhibition of iron mediated oxidative stress by TA may be responsible for diminishment of cutaneous tumorigenesis

Antinociceptive effects of the essential oil of Croton zehntneri in mice

Croton zehntneri is an aromatic plant native to Northeastern Brazil, where it is often used in folk medicine. In the present study the antinociceptive effects of the essential oil of Croton zehntneri (EOCz) were evaluated in mice. EOCz administered orally at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg reduced paw licking time in the second phase of the formalin test from the control value of 41.61 + or - 8.62 to 12.01 + or - 7.97 and 6.57 + or - 3.42 s, respectively. During the first phase of the formalin test only 300 mg/kg induced a significant alteration (from 58.2 + or - 7.02, control, to 28.7 + or - 4.73 s). The number of contortions in response to intraperitoneal injections of acetic acid did not differ significantly between controls (80.6 + or - 9.01) and experimental (300 mg/kg body weight) animals (89.1 + or - 9.53 percent of the control numbers; P > or = 0.05, Student t-test). In the hot-plate test, EOCz at doses > or = 100 mg/kg significantly increased the latency time with respect to controls (11.2 + or - 0.80). At 100 and 300 mg/kg this increase persisted for 180 and 240 min, respectively. The data show that EOCz is effective as an antinociceptive agent

Atividade antiinflamatória, toxicidade e fitoquímica do óleo-resina de copaíba, proveniente de diferentes espécies, e de suas respectivas frações / Anti-inflammatory activity, toxicity and phytochemistry of copaiba oil-resin, originating from different species, and their respective fractions

Espécies do gênero Copaifera (Leguminosae) são nativas de regiões tropicais da América Latina e África. No Brasil, seu óleo-resina é amplamente utilizado em medicina popular como antiinflamatório, antisséptico e cicatrizante. No presente trabalho, avaliou-se, em uma primeira fase, a atividade antiinflamatória em modelo experimental agudo das seguintes amostras de óleo-resina: comercial, gentilmente cedida pela empresa Pronatus, Copaifera reticulata, C. multijuga e C. paupera. As amostras foram administradas pela via oral, sendo selecionada, das amostras identificadas botanicamente, a C. reticulata por apresentarem maior atividade. A amostra comercial também foi ensaiada no modelo experimental acima...

Topical antiedematous activity of the organic extract of Liagora farinosa algae (Rhodophyta, Nemaliales)

Liagora farinosa is a red alga found in tropical around the world. The topical antiedematous activity of its organic extract was studied by means of two experimental models: the in vivo mouse ear edema and the in vitro inhibition of bee venom-derived PLA2. The results showed that the polar and apolar fractions of L. farinosa extract were able to inhibir respectively 52.53 and 63.61 percent of the ear edema induced by croton oil. In vitro tests showed thath both fractions also inhibited the activity of PLA2, indicating that the possible machanism of action for the topical antiedematous activity is through the inactivation of this enzyme that releases arachidonic acid during the beginning of the infalmatory mediator cascade.

Estudo da variaçäo ontogenética de princípios ativos de Leonurus sibiricus L. e suas ações farmacológicas / Ontogenetic variation study of active principles of Leonurus sibiricus L. and your pharmacological actions

A espécie Leonurus sibiricus L. (família Lamiaceae) é originária da Ásia, porém está tão bem adaptada ao Brasil que podemos considerá-la brasileira. Seu uso em disfunções ginecológicas é conhecido há séculos na China; no Brasil, seus usos descritos são como antiespasmódico, anti-reumático, antpaludismo, contra coqueluche, sendo seu uso popular, no estado de São Paulo, como antiinflamatório tópico. Neste trabalho fizemos o acompanhamento do teor de flavonóides, tanto em diferentes épocas do ano, como em diferentes etapas do crescimento da planta. Pudemos constatar que, em condições adequadas de cultivo, a espécie produz uma maior quantidade de massa verde e portanto uma maior quantidade de flavonóides...