Effects at cellular level of epilation with various laser wavelengths applied simultaneously on different skins: two case reports.

This study evaluated the effects of laser application of diverse wavelengths applied simultaneously and on different skins. The sample included two participants, a woman with light skin with abdominal hair and a woman with dark skin and hair on the inner part of the lower limbs, who received a laser therapy session. After 45 days from laser application, abdominoplasty and thigh dermolipectomy surgery were performed. In the control sample, the hair follicles were in the anagen phase, showing the presence of Bcl-2 expression. In the treated areas, follicles were observed in an advanced phase (telogen), with the presence of CK-18 and negativity of Bcl-2, highlighting the phase of hair loss at that moment and the complete apoptosis of the investigated follicle. Significant difference was observed in the comparison of the anagen phase (p = .00) and it similarly occurred in the comparison of the telogen phase (p = .00). The presence of a greater amount of follicles in the anagen phase in the control area and follicles in the telogen phase in the treated area demonstrates the efficiency of the laser at different wavelengths when reaching different skin phototypes and hair thickness, being reinforced by apoptosis and cell proliferation markers. Therefore, the hair-removal process has been optimized with various laser wavelengths.

Abusive use of Zolpidem as a Result of COVID-19 and Perspectives of Continuity of the Problem in the Post-Pandemic Period.

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug that works as a positive modulator of Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid-A (GABA-A) receptors, with high selectivity for α1 subunits. Given this selective binding, the drug has a strong hypnotic activity. Social isolation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has contributed to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. As a result, studies have pointed to a possible increase in the indiscriminate use of drugs with sedative effects, such as Zolpidem, during the pandemic. The aim of this work was to present prospective evidence that warns of the possibility of the abusive use of Zolpidem even after the pandemic. High rates of addiction to this drug have been reported around the world after the emergence of the coronavirus. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and from Medicaid support the continuing growth in prescription and indiscriminate use of Zolpidem during the pandemic and afterward. Therefore, there is enough evidence to support the indiscriminate use of this drug since the beginning of the pandemic. Rates of indiscriminate use of sedatives may continue to increase in the post-pandemic period, especially if strict control measures are not taken by health authorities.

Vitamin E and Its Molecular Effects in Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

With the advancement of in vivo studies and clinical trials, the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases has been better understood. However, gaps still need to be better elucidated, which justifies the publication of reviews that explore the mechanisms related to the development of these diseases. Studies show that vitamin E supplementation can protect neurons from the damage caused by oxidative stress, with a positive impact on the prevention and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, this review aims to summarize the scientific evidence of the effects of vitamin E supplementation on neuroprotection and on neurodegeneration markers in experimental models. A search for studies published between 2000 and 2023 was carried out in the PubMed, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library (BVS), and Embase databases, in which the effects of vitamin E in experimental models of neurodegeneration were investigated. A total of 5669 potentially eligible studies were identified. After excluding the duplicates, 5373 remained, of which 5253 were excluded after checking the titles, 90 articles after reading the abstracts, and 11 after fully reviewing the manuscripts, leaving 19 publications to be included in this review. Experiments with in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases demonstrated that vitamin E supplementation significantly improved memory, cognition, learning, motor function, and brain markers associated with neuroregeneration and neuroprotection. Vitamin E supplementation reduced beta-amyloid (Aß) deposition and toxicity in experimental models of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, it decreased tau-protein hyperphosphorylation and increased superoxide dismutase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in rodents, which seems to indicate the potential use of vitamin E in preventing and delaying the progress of degenerative lesions in the central nervous system.

Neuroprotective Potential of Seed Extracts: Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by neuronal dysfunction and death. Studies suggest that some seed extracts have a neuroprotective effect. Considering the increased incidence of these diseases and the need for new effective therapies with fewer side effects, this review aimed to assess the evidence of the efficacy and safety of seed extracts in experimental models of neurodegeneration. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The search was carried out through studies published between 2000 and 2021 in Science Direct, PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Latin American Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) databases, in which the effects of seed extracts in in vitro and in vivo experimental models of neurodegeneration were investigated. Based on the eligibility criteria, 47 studies were selected for this review. RESULTS: In the in vitro models, the neuroprotection of the seed extracts was a result of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In the in vivo models, neuroprotection resulted from the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, a decrease in motor deficits, an improvement in learning and memory, as well as the increased release of neurotransmitters. The results show promise for the future of clinical research on new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the studies are still limited, which does not allow us to extrapolate the results to human beings with ND. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, clinical trials are needed in order to prove the results of the in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as to assess the ideal, safe, and effective dose of these seed extracts in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

Pathophysiology and possible treatments for olfactory-gustatory disorders in patients affected by COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells mainly through the interaction between the virus's Spike protein and the viral receptors namely Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Both are highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, in the nasal and bronchial epithelium, as well as in the type II alveolar epithelial cells. The aim of this review is to report the evidences from the scientific literature on the pathophysiology and the available treatments for olfactory-gustatory disorders in patients with COVID-19. The mechanisms involved in these disorders are still unclear and studies on specific therapies are scarce. However, it has been hypothesized that a decrease in the sensitivity of the sensory neurons as well as the co-expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the alveolar epithelial cells are the main causes of olfactory-gustatory disorders. The possible mechanisms described in the literature for changes in taste perception in patients with COVID-19 include olfactory disorders and a competitive activity of COVID-19 on ACE2 receptors in the taste buds. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 can bind to sialic acid receptors in the taste buds. In general, evidences show that there is no specific treatment for olfactory-taste disorders induced by SARS-CoV-2, even though some treatments have been used and have shown some promising results, such as olfactory training, intranasal application of sodium citrate and vitamin A, as well as systemic use of omega-3 and zinc. Corticosteroids have also been used as a pharmacological approach to treat patients with olfactory dysfunction with some contradictory results. The knowledge of the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 influences the sensory systems and how effective therapies can treat the loss of smell and taste will have important implications on the understanding and clinical management of olfactory-taste disorders.

Susceptibility to COVID-19 in Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum Period: Immune System, Vertical Transmission, and Breastfeeding.

The new coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) was first identified in late 2019 as the new RNA virus in the coronaviridae family responsible for causing COVID-19 in the residents of China's Hubei province. In mid-March 2020 WHO declared the pandemic caused by this virus as a result of thousands of people infected all over the world. Epidemiological evidence obtained from other pandemics, such as influenza and ebola, suggest that pregnant women are more susceptible to serious complications and death from viral infection. Physiological changes in the anatomical structure of the respiratory system as well as in the immune system during the pregnancy-puerperal period seem to contribute to this greater risk. Thus, pregnant women are more susceptible to be infected by the SARS-COV-2 or other viruses and to have serious COVID-19 disease. In fact, COVID-19 can alter immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface, affecting the well-being of both mother and her fetus. There is still no sufficient evidence in the literature to support the occurrence of vertical transmission and through breastfeeding, but the prevalence of prematurity was high among pregnant women infected by SARS-Cov-2. In this review, the changes in the immune system that may increase susceptibility to SARS-Cov-2 are discussed as well as the possible mechanisms involved in the transmission of the virus to the fetus by vertical transmission and during breastfeeding.

N-acylhydrazone Derivative-Loaded Cellulose Acetate Films: Thermoanalytical, Spectroscopic, Mechanical and Morphological Characterization.

Cellulose acetate (ACT) is one of the most important cellulose derivatives due to its biodegradability and low toxicity, presenting itself as one of the main substitutes for synthetic materials in the development of wound dressing films. The incorporation of a N-acylhydrazonic derivative (JR19), with its promising anti-inflammatory activity, may represent an alternative for the treatment of skin wounds. This work aims to develop and to physicochemically and mechanically characterize ACT films containing JR19. The films were prepared using the 'casting' method and further characterized by thermoanalytical and spectroscopic techniques. In addition, mechanical tests and morphological analysis were performed. Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed that the thermal events attributed to excipients and films were similar, indicating the absence of physical incompatibilities between ACT and JR19. Infrared spectroscopy showed that JR19 was incorporated into ACT films. The characteristic band attributed to C≡N (2279 to 2264 cm-1) was observed in the spectra of JR19, in that of the physical mixture of JR19/ACT, and, to a lesser extent, in the spectra of JR19 incorporated into the ACT film, suggesting some interaction between JR19 and ACT. X-ray diffraction (XRD) evidenced the suppression of the crystallinity of JR19 (diffraction peaks at 8.54°, 12.80°, 14.09°, 16.08°, 18.19°, 22.65°, 23.59°, 24.53°, 25.70°, 28.16° and 30.27°2θ) after incorporation into ACT films. The mechanical tests indicated the adequate integrity of the films and their resistance to bending. The morphological characterization showed JR19 crystals along with a homogeneously distributed porous structure throughout the surface of the films with an average diameter of 21.34 µm and 22.65 µm of the films alone and of those incorporating JR19F, respectively. This study was able to characterize the ACT films incorporating JR19, showing their potential to be further developed as wound healing dressings.

Selenium in Human Health and Gut Microflora: Bioavailability of Selenocompounds and Relationship With Diseases.

This review covers current knowledge of selenium in the dietary intake, its bioavailability, metabolism, functions, biomarkers, supplementation and toxicity, as well as its relationship with diseases and gut microbiota specifically on the symbiotic relationship between gut microflora and selenium status. Selenium is essential for the maintenance of the immune system, conversion of thyroid hormones, protection against the harmful action of heavy metals and xenobiotics as well as for the reduction of the risk of chronic diseases. Selenium is able to balance the microbial flora avoiding health damage associated with dysbiosis. Experimental studies have shown that inorganic and organic selenocompounds are metabolized to selenomethionine and incorporated by bacteria from the gut microflora, therefore highlighting their role in improving the bioavailability of selenocompounds. Dietary selenium can affect the gut microbial colonization, which in turn influences the host's selenium status and expression of selenoproteoma. Selenium deficiency may result in a phenotype of gut microbiota that is more susceptible to cancer, thyroid dysfunctions, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disorders. Although the host and gut microbiota benefit each other from their symbiotic relationship, they may become competitors if the supply of micronutrients is limited. Intestinal bacteria can remove selenium from the host resulting in two to three times lower levels of host's selenoproteins under selenium-limiting conditions. There are still gaps in whether these consequences are unfavorable to humans and animals or whether the daily intake of selenium is also adapted to meet the needs of the bacteria.

Essential Oils in Experimental Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Neural cells undergo functional or sensory loss due to neurological disorders. In addition to environmental or genetic factors, oxidative stress is a major contributor to neurodegeneration. In this context, there has been a growing interest in investigating the effects of EOs (EOs) in recent years, especially in the treatment of neuropathologies. The chemical and biological effects of EOs have led to important treatment tools for the management of various neurological disorders. OBJECTIVE: In the present study we performed a systematic review that sought to comprehend the neuroprotective effects of different EOs. METHOD: This work is a systematic review where an electronic search was performed on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) databases, covering the last 10 years, using "Essential oil" and "Neuroprotective effect" as reference terms. RESULTS: A total of 9 articles were identified, in which the efficacy of EOs was described in experimental models of anxiety, dementia, oxidative stress, cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and oxidative toxicity. CONCLUSION: EOs from different species of medicinal plants have shown positive responses in neurological disorders such as anxiety, dementia, oxidative stress, cerebral ischemia, and oxidative toxicity. Thus, EOs emerges with the potential to be used as alternative agents in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Therapeutic Options Against the New Coronavirus: Updated Clinical and Laboratory Evidences.

The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) has encouraged numerous in vitro studies and clinical trials around the world, with research groups testing existing drugs, novel drug candidates and vaccines that can prevent or treat infection caused by this virus. The urgency for an effective therapy is justified by the easy and fast viral transmission and the high number of patients with severe respiratory distress syndrome who have increasingly occupied intensive care hospital beds, leading to a collapse in health systems in several countries. However, to date, there is no sufficient evidence of the effectiveness of any researched therapy. The off-label or compassionate use of some drugs by health professionals is a reality in all continents, whose permission by regulatory agencies has been based on the results of some clinical trials. In order to guide decision-making for the treatment of COVID-19, this review aims to present studies and guidelines on the main therapies that have been and are currently being tested against SARS-CoV-2 and to critically analyze the reported evidences.

Supramolecular aggregates of cyclodextrins with co-solvent modulate drug dispersion and release behavior of poorly soluble corticosteroid from chitosan membranes.

In this study, the ability of different beta-cyclodextrins to facilitate homogeneous dispersion of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) into chitosan membranes is assessed. Drug loading was assessed through atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (MEV-FEG), and X-ray diffraction analyses. Drug interactions with the co-polymer were investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analyses. Swelling assay, and in vitro drug release experiment were used to assess TA release behavior. Undispersed particles of drug were observed to remain in the simple chitosan membranes. Hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin enabled the dispersion of TA into chitosan membranes and subsequent sustained drug release. In addition, the membrane performance as a drug delivery device is improved by adding specified amounts of the co-solvent triethanolamine. The experimental data presented in this study confirm the utility of our novel and alternative approach for obtaining a promising device for slow and controlled release of glucocorticoids, such as triamcinolone acetonide, for topical ulcerations.

In Vivo Antidepressant Effect of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa into Cationic Nanoparticles: Improving Bioactivity and Safety.

A variety of neuroactive flavonoids can be found in the species of the Passiflora genus; however, their difficulty in crossing the blood-brain barrier limits their in vivo neuropharmacological activity. In this study, cationic nanoparticles were developed as a novel nanocarrier for improving the antidepressant activity of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa leaf extract. Formulations obtained using Eudragit E PO polymethylmethacrylate copolymer, as polymeric matrix had their physicochemical properties investigated. The analytical content of the flavonoids vicenin-2, orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, and isovitexin was determined in the plant extract. Small-sized and spherical nanoparticles loaded with Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa were obtained with positive zeta potential and high encapsulation efficiency. In addition, the nanosystems were shown to be stable for at least 6 months. The antidepressant activity of P. edulis extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) as well as the extract-loaded nanoparticles (5 mg/kg) were investigated in mice using the forced swimming test, where the latter increased the potency of the former by 10-fold. In addition, histopathological and biochemical analysis confirmed the biocompatibility of the extract-loaded nanoparticles. This study demonstrated that the Eudragit cationic nanoparticles were able to improve the antidepressant activity of P. edulis in the central nervous system of mice.

Kalanchoe laciniata and Bryophyllum pinnatum: an updated review about ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

Abstract The species Kalanchoe laciniata (L.) DC. and Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Pers. are native from Brazil and Madagascar, respectively. Both belonging to the Crassulaceae family and being widely used by population as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. These species have similar leaf morphology and for this reason, they are known by the same popular name as " saião " or " coirama ". Several studies have been published involving different parts and preparations of these species. Therefore, this review aims to provide an update overview about the traditional uses, chemical constitution, pharmacology and toxicology of K. laciniata and B. pinnatum species. An extensive literature review was conducted in different scientific databases. Various chemical constituents have been identified in extracts from different parts of K. laciniata and B. pinnatum , being flavonoids the major compounds. They have been traditionally used to treat inflammation, microbial infection, pain, respiratory diseases, gastritis, ulcers, diabetes and cancer tumors. Non-clinical in vitro assays evaluated mainly the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, while in vivo assays evaluated the leishmanicide, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Regarding toxicity, few studies have been conducted for the two species. The information reported in this work might contribute to the recognition of the importance of K. laciniata and B. pinnatum species, as well as to direct further studies. (AU)

Opuntia Ficus-Indica L. Miller (Palma Forrageira) as an Alternative Source of Cellulose for Production of Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Biomaterials: Extraction and Characterization.

Cellulose is among the top 5 excipients used in the pharmaceutical industry. It has been considered one of the main diluents used in conventional and modern dosage forms. Therefore, different raw materials of plant origin have been evaluated as potential alternative sources of cellulose. In this context, Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller (palma forrageira), a plant of the cactus family that has physiological mechanisms that provide greater productivity with reduced water requirements, is an interesting and unexplored alternative for extracting cellulose. By using this source, we aim to decrease the extraction stages and increase the yields, which might result in a decreased cost for the industry and consequently for the consumer. The aim of this work was to investigate the use of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller as a new source for cellulose extraction, therefore providing an efficient, straight forward and low-cost method of cellulose II production. The extraction method is based on the oxidation of the lignins. The obtained cellulose was identified and characterized by spectroscopic methods (FTIR and NMR), X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (TGA-DTG and DSC) and scanning electron microscopy. The results confirmed the identity of cellulose and its fibrous nature, which are promising characteristics for its use in the industry and a reasonable substrate for chemical modifications for the synthesis of cellulose II derivatives with different physicochemical properties that might be used in the production of drug delivery systems and biomaterials.

Inclusion Complexes of ß and HPß-Cyclodextrin with α, ß Amyrin and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

α, ß amyrin (ABAM) is a natural mixture of pentacyclic triterpenes that has a wide range of biological activities. ABAM is isolated from the species of the Burseraceae family, in which the species Protium is commonly found in the Amazon region of Brazil. The aim of this work was to develop inclusion complexes (ICs) of ABAM and ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD) and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) by physical mixing (PM) and kneading (KN) methods. Interactions between ABAM and the CD's as well as the formation of ICs were confirmed by physicochemical characterization in the solid state by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Physicochemical characterization indicated the formation of ICs with both ßCD and HPßCD. Such ICs were able to induce changes in the physicochemical properties of ABAM. In addition, the formation of ICs with cyclodextrins showed to be an effective and promising alternative to enhance the anti-inflammatory activity and safety of ABAM.

Protective effect of aqueous extract, fractions and phenolic compounds of Hancornia speciosa fruits on the inflammatory damage in the lungs of mice induced by Tityus serrulatus envenomation.

Scorpion envenomation has been considered a public health issue around the world. Tityus serrulatus represents a specie of major medical importance in Brazil due to mortality rates of approximately 1% among children and elderly populations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract from Hancornia speciosa fruits, its fractions and its phenolic compounds against T. serrulatus envenomation. After receiving the T. serrulatus venom (TsV, 0.8 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, the animals were treated intravenously with the aqueous extract (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg), the arachnid antivenom (50 µL/animal), the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions (20 mg/kg) as well as rutin and chlorogenic acid (2, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg). The treatment with the aqueous extract, fractions and phenolic compounds decreased the migration of leukocytes to the peritoneal cavity and reduced the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-12. Moreover, the pulmonary histopathologic analysis showed a reduction in both interstitial and alveolar edema, as well as in the leukocytes infiltration and vascular ectasia in the mice's lungs, which evidences a protective effect attributed to H. speciosa. This is the first study that demonstrates the inhibitory potential of the aqueous extract from H. speciosa fruits against inflammation induced by TsV. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds from the aqueous extract, especially chlorogenic acid and rutin, are responsible for the reported anti-inflammatory activity of H. speciosa.

Supplementation with Curcuma longa Reverses Neurotoxic and Behavioral Damage in Models of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of the tau protein are the main pathological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Current therapies for AD offer discrete benefits to the clinical symptoms and do not prevent the continuing degeneration of neuronal cells. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies have long been investigated, where curcumin (Curcuma longa) has shown some properties that can prevent the deleterious processes involved in neurodegenerative diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work is to review studies that addressed the effects of curcumin in experimental models (in vivo and in vitro) for AD. METHOD: This study is a systematic review conducted between January and June 2017, in which a consultation of scientific articles from indexed periodicals was carried out in Science Direct, United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Cochrane Library and Scielo databases, using the following descriptors: "Curcuma longa", "Curcumin" and "Alzheimer's disease". RESULTS: A total of 32 studies were analyzed, which indicated that curcumin supplementation reverses neurotoxic and behavioral damages in both in vivo and in vitro models of AD. CONCLUSION: The administration of curcumin in experimental models seems to be a promising approach in AD, even though it is suggested that additional studies must be conducted using distinct doses and through other routes of administration.

Characterization and Antiproliferative Activity of a Novel 2-Aminothiophene Derivative-ß-Cyclodextrin Binary System.

The novel 2-aminothiophene derivative 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carbonitrile (6CN) has shown potential anti-proliferative activity in human cancer cell lines. However, the poor aqueous solubility of 6CN impairs its clinical use. This work aimed to develop binary 6CN-ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD) systems with the purpose of increasing 6CN solubility in water and therefore, to improve its pharmacological activity. The 6CN-ßCD binary systems were prepared by physical mixing, kneading and rotary evaporation methods and further characterized by FTIR, XRD, DSC, TG and SEM. In addition, molecular modeling and phase solubility studies were performed. Finally, MTT assays were performed to investigate the cytostatic and anti-proliferative effects of 6CN-ßCD binary systems. The characterization results show evident changes in the physicochemical properties of 6CN after the formation of the binary systems with ßCD. In addition, 6CN was associated with ßCD in aqueous solution and the solid state, which was confirmed by molecular modeling and the aforementioned characterization techniques. Phase solubility studies indicated that ßCD forms stable 1:1 complexes with 6CN. The MTT assay demonstrated the cytostatic and anti-proliferative activities of 6CN-ßCD binary systems and therefore, these might be considered as promising candidates for new anticancer drugs.

Nature as a source of drugs for ophthalmology / Natureza como fonte de drogas para oftalmologia

ABSTRACT Nature has always provided an unlimited source of biologically-active compounds. Since the beginning of mankind, humans have sought resources in fauna and flora to treat eye diseases. However, it was only after the Industrial Revolution that extracts of plants and substances of animal origin could be used safely, as has been determined by controlled interventional studies. Two major challenges faced by ocular pharmacology are the following: developing drugs that are able to reduce blindness due to glaucoma; and controlling the pain associated with eye surgery. The search for a drug that effectively lowers intraocular pressure and controls the progression of glaucoma has led to the development of various ocular hypotensive agents, such as physostigmine from the Physostigma venenosum plant. The anesthetic properties of cocaine, extracted from Erythroxylon coca, finally enabled surgical procedures in the eye. Several new natural compounds have been investigated in an attempt to identify substances with the potential to provide additional benefits to eye tissue and vision. Emerging evidence of anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiangiogenic properties attributed to plant extracts and animal tissues has encouraged more investment in research in this area. Despite technological advances in synthesizing drugs, the pharmaceutical industry still seeks new active compounds from natural sources as well as from revisiting already-established naturally derived compounds. Although a large number of naturally-occurring compounds is known, this review article focuses on the bioactive substances with scientifically-proven benefits for ocular tissues.

RESUMO A natureza sempre se forneceu uma fonte inesgotável compostos biologicamente ativos. Desde o início da humanidade, os homens buscaram recursos na fauna e flora para tratar as doenças oculares. Porém, foi somente após a Revolução Industrial que extratos de plantas e substâncias de origem animal puderam ser utilizados com segurança, como foi determinado por estudos controlados de intervenção. Dois grandes desafios enfrentados pela farmacologia foram: desenvolver drogas capazes de reduzir a cegueira pelo glaucoma; e controlar a dor associada à cirurgia ocular. A busca por uma droga que efetivamente reduza a pressão intraocular e controle a progressão do glaucoma levou ao desenvolvimento de diversos hipotensores oculares, como a physostigmine da planta Physostigma venenosum. As propriedades anestésicas da cocaína, extraídas da Erythroxylon coca, finalmente permitiram procedimentos cirúrgicos no olho. Vários novos compostos naturais foram investigados na tentativa de identificar substâncias com potencial para fornecer benefícios adicionais ao tecido ocular e à visão. Evidências emergentes de propriedades anti-inflamatórias, de cicatrização de feridas, antimicrobianas, antioxidantes, antitumorais e antiangiogênicas atribuídas a extratos de plantas e tecidos animais estimularam mais investimentos em pesquisas nessa área. Apesar dos avanços tecnológicos na síntese de drogas, a indústria farmacêutica ainda busca novos princípios ativos a partir de fontes naturais, bem como revisita drogas derivadas já estabelecidas. Embora um grande número de compostos que ocorrem naturalmente seja conhecido, este artigo de revisão concentra-se nas substâncias bioativas com benefícios cientificamente comprovados para os tecidos oculares.

Nature as a source of drugs for ophthalmology.

Nature has always provided an unlimited source of biologically-active compounds. Since the beginning of mankind, humans have sought resources in fauna and flora to treat eye diseases. However, it was only after the Industrial Revolution that extracts of plants and substances of animal origin could be used safely, as has been determined by controlled interventional studies. Two major challenges faced by ocular pharmacology are the following: developing drugs that are able to reduce blindness due to glaucoma; and controlling the pain associated with eye surgery. The search for a drug that effectively lowers intraocular pressure and controls the progression of glaucoma has led to the development of various ocular hypotensive agents, such as physostigmine from the Physostigma venenosum plant. The anesthetic properties of cocaine, extracted from Erythroxylon coca, finally enabled surgical procedures in the eye. Several new natural compounds have been investigated in an attempt to identify substances with the potential to provide additional benefits to eye tissue and vision. Emerging evidence of anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiangiogenic properties attributed to plant extracts and animal tissues has encouraged more investment in research in this area. Despite technological advances in synthesizing drugs, the pharmaceutical industry still seeks new active compounds from natural sources as well as from revisiting already-established naturally derived compounds. Although a large number of naturally-occurring compounds is known, this review article focuses on the bioactive substances with scientifically-proven benefits for ocular tissues.