Angry posture.

Postural abnormalities can affect the emotions and vice-versa. The aim of the present study was to investigate the existence of a relationship between subjective anger and body posture in 28 women, aged between 20 and 39 years, with a normal body mass index (or underweight) and an absence of neurological, psychiatric or musculoskeletal disorders. The postural parameters photographed were the inclination of the shoulders, protrusion of the head, hyperextension of the knees and shoulder elevation. The degree of anger was rated by analogue scales representing current and usual anger. The results indicated that a relationship exists between current anger and the inclination of the shoulders (p = 0.03), protrusion of the head (p = 0.05) and hyperextension of the knees (p = 0.05). Correlations were found between usual anger, shoulder elevation (p = 0.05) and hyperextension of the knees (p = 0.05). In conclusion, posture is associated with emotions, and usual anger can lead to shoulder protraction.

Redox Status and Neuro Inflammation Indexes in Cerebellum and Motor Cortex of Wistar Rats Supplemented with Natural Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Astaxanthin: Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Biomass.

Health authorities worldwide have consistently recommended the regular consumption of marine fishes and seafood to preserve memory, sustain cognitive functions, and prevent neurodegenerative processes in humans. Shrimp, crabs, lobster, and salmon are of particular interest in the human diet due to their substantial provision of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3/PUFAs) and the antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin (ASTA). However, the optimal ratio between these nutraceuticals in natural sources is apparently the key factor for maximum protection against most neuro-motor disorders. Therefore, we aimed here to investigate the effects of a long-term supplementation with (n-3)/PUFAs-rich fish oil, ASTA-rich algal biomass, the combination of them, or krill oil (a natural combination of both nutrients) on baseline redox balance and neuro-inflammation indexes in cerebellum and motor cortex of Wistar rats. Significant changes in redox metabolism were only observed upon ASTA supplementation, which reinforce its antioxidant properties with a putative mitochondrial-centered action in rat brain. Krill oil imposed mild astrocyte activation in motor cortex of Wistar rats, although no redox or inflammatory index was concomitantly altered. In summary, there is no experimental evidence that krill oil, fish oil, oralgal biomass (minor variation), drastically change the baseline oxidative conditions or the neuro-inflammatory scenario in neuromotor-associated rat brain regions.

Differences and similarities in postural alterations caused by sadness and depression.

The present study investigated the existence of a relationship between depression and body posture in 40 women, aged between 20 and 30 years, who had normal body mass indices (or were underweight) and absence of neurological, psychiatric, or musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the existence of a relationship between sadness, depression and the posture represented by the angle of Tales, head inclination, shoulder inclination, and forward head and shoulder protrusion. The degree of depression was rated on analogue scales representing current and usual depression and current and usual sadness and by the Beck Depression Inventory. The results indicated that a relationship exists between: Beck depression and the angle of Tales (p = 0.01), current depression and inclination of the head (p = 0.05) and inclination of the shoulders (p = 0.006), and usual depression and protrusion of the shoulder (p = 0.02). Inclination of the shoulders is associated with current sadness (p = 0.03; r = 0.443) and usual sadness (p = 0.04; r = 0.401). Usual sadness is also associated with protrusion of the shoulder (p = 0.05; r = 0.492). No associations were found with protrusion of the head and the emotional variables assessed. The conclusion was that depression and sadness might possibly change posture. Consequently, postural assessment and treatment may assist in diagnosing and treating depression.

Antinociceptive activity of the HPLC- and MS-standardized hydroethanolic extract of Pterodon emarginatus Vogel leaves.

Several studies have demonstrated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of fruit and seed extracts from Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (Fabaceae). The objective of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the hydroethanolic extract of P. emarginatus leaves in mice and characterize its chemical composition using HPLC coupled to UV-vis diode array detection and mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. Our results showed that the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg produced an antinociceptive effect, as observed in the hot plate test and writhing induced by acetic acid. The chromatographic profile and spectral mass data suggest the presence of di-C-glycosylflavones (e.g., vicenin-2 and schaftoside), C,O-glycosylflavones (e.g., chrysoeriol-8-C-glucosyl-2″-O-glucuronide-6-C-arabinoside) and luteolin-7-O-rutinoside as the main constituents. Lower levels of oleanane-type saponins, such as soyasaponin Bb and Be, and the saponin derivatives hederagenin and aglycone B, which are typical of Fabaceae family, were also found. From this study, it is suggested that the analgesic effect observed is not due to the terpenoids previously reported from fruit and seed extracts, but could be attributed to flavones and the hederagenin derivatives that were identified as main constituents of the hydroethanolic extract from the leaves.

Can sadness alter posture?

The present study investigated the existence of a relationship between subjective sadness and body posture in 28 women, aged between 20 and 39 years, who had a normal body mass indices (or were underweight) and an absence of neurological, psychiatric or musculoskeletal disorders. The postural parameter photographed was protraction of the shoulder. The degree of sadness was rated by analog scales representing current and usual sadness. The results indicated that a relationship exists between protraction of the shoulder and usual sadness (p = 0.05). However, there was no relationship between current sadness and the shoulder position. In conclusion, the usual sadness can lead to shoulder protraction.

Combined astaxanthin and fish oil supplementation improves glutathione-based redox balance in rat plasma and neutrophils.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of daily (45 days) intake of fish oil (FO; 10mg EPA/kg body weight (BW) and 7 mg DHA/kg BW) and/or natural ASTA (1mg ASTA/kg BW) on oxidative stress and functional indexes of neutrophils isolated from Wistar rats by monitoring superoxide (O(2)(-)), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and nitric oxide (NO()) production compared to the progression of auto-induced lipid peroxidation and Ca(2+) release in activated neutrophils. Furthermore, phagocytic capacity, antioxidant enzyme activities, glutathione-recycling system, and biomarkers of lipid and protein oxidation in neutrophils were compared to the redox status. Our results show evidence of the beneficial effects of FO+ASTA supplementation for immune competence based on the redox balance in plasma (significant increase in GSH-dependent reducing power), non-activated neutrophils (increased activity of the glutathione-recycling enzymes GPx and GR) and PMA-activated neutrophils (lower O(2)(-), H(2)O(2), and NO() generation, reduced membrane oxidation, but higher phagocytic activity). Combined application of ASTA and FO promoted hypolipidemic/hypocholesterolemic effects in plasma and resulted in increased phagocytic activity of activated neutrophils when compared with ASTA or FO applied alone. In PMA-activated neutrophils, ASTA was superior to FO in exerting antioxidant effects. The bulk of data reinforces the hypothesis that habitual consumption of marine fish (e.g. salmon, which is a natural source of both astaxanthin and fish oil) is beneficial to human health, in particular by improving immune response and lowering the risk of vascular and infectious diseases.

Combined fish oil and astaxanthin supplementation modulates rat lymphocyte function.

PURPOSE: Higher intakes of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are abundant in marine fishes have been long described as a "good nutritional intervention" with increasing clinical benefits to cardiovascular health, inflammation, mental, and neurodegenerative diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of daily fish oil (FO-10 mg EPA/kg body weight (BW) and 7 mg DHA/kg BW) intake by oral gavage associated with the antioxidant astaxanthin (ASTA-1 mg/kg BW) on the redox metabolism and the functional properties of lymphocytes from rat lymph nodes. METHODS: This study was conducted by measurements of lymphocyte proliferation capacity, ROS production [superoxide (O2(•-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)], nitric oxide (NO(•)) generation, intracellular calcium release, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, activities of major antioxidant enzymes, GSH/GSSG content, and cytokines release. RESULTS: After 45 days of FO + ASTA supplementation, the proliferation capacity of activated T- and B-lymphocytes was significantly diminished followed by lower levels of O2(•-), H2O2 and NO(•) production, and increased activities of total/SOD, GR and GPx, and calcium release in cytosol. ASTA was able to prevent oxidative modification in cell structures through the suppression of the oxidative stress condition imposed by FO. L: -selectin was increased by FO, and IL-1ß was decreased only by ASTA supplementation. CONCLUSION: We can propose that association of ASTA with FO could be a good strategy to prevent oxidative stress induced by polyunsaturated fatty acids and also to potentiate immuno-modulatory effects of FO.

Astaxanthin limits fish oil-related oxidative insult in the anterior forebrain of Wistar rats: putative anxiolytic effects?

The habitual consumption of marine fish is largely associated to human mental health. Fish oil is particularly rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are known to play a role in several neuronal and cognitive functions. In parallel, the orange-pinkish carotenoid astaxanthin (ASTA) is found in salmon and displays important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many neuronal dysfunctions and anomalous psychotic behavior (such as anxiety, depression, etc.) have been strongly related to the higher sensitivity of cathecolaminergic brain regions to oxidative stress. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the combined effect of ASTA and fish oil on the redox status in plasma and in the monoaminergic-rich anterior forebrain region of Wistar rats with possible correlations with the anxiolytic behavior. Upon fish oil supplementation, the downregulation of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities combined to increased "free" iron content resulted in higher levels of lipid and protein oxidation in the anterior forebrain of animals. Such harmful oxidative modifications were hindered by concomitant supplementation with ASTA despite ASTA-related antioxidant protection was mainly observed in plasma. Although it is clear that ASTA properly crosses the brain-blood barrier, our data also address a possible indirect role of ASTA in restoring basal oxidative conditions in anterior forebrain of animals: by improving GSH-based antioxidant capacity of plasma. Preliminary anxiolytic tests performed in the elevated plus maze are in alignment with our biochemical observations.

Memory retrieval improvement by Heteropterys aphrodisiaca in aging rats

Few data exists about the pharmacological properties of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca O. Mach. (Malpighiaceae), which is native to the scrubland regions of Brazil. The present study investigated the effects of oral treatment with H. aphrodisiaca extract (BST0298) on the learning and memory of young (3-6 months) and aged (21-23 months) rats, and compared the in vitro antioxidant activity of three lots collected in different years. An improvement in the number of sessions to learn the task was observed in the left/right discrimination test in aged rats treated for 45 days with 25 mg/kg (7.0 ± 0.5; p=0.005) or 50 mg/kg (7.6 ± 0.6; p=0.012) compared with control old rats (11.0 ± 1.6). On the other hand, pre-treatment did not improve the performance of scopolamine-treated mice in the passive avoidance test. The in vitro malondialdehyde test showed that all three different extracts presented similar antioxidant activity. The flavonoids astilbin, isoastilbin and neoastilbin were isolated from the extract and may contribute to the biological activity. These results suggest that repeated treatment with H. aphrodisiaca improves learning and memory, probably by a non-muscarinic mechanism.

Existem poucos dados disponíveis sobre as propriedades farmacológicas da Heteropterys aphrodisiaca O. Mach. (Malpighiaceae), nativa da região do pantanal brasileiro. O presente estudo investigou o efeito do tratamento oral com um extrato de H. aphrodisiaca (BST0298) sobre a memória e aprendizagem de ratos jovens (3-6 meses) e idosos (21-23 meses) e comparou a atividade antioxidante in vitro de três lotes, coletados em diferentes anos. Melhora quanto ao número de sessões necessárias para aprender a tarefa foi observada no teste de discriminação direita/esquerda em ratos idosos tratados por 45 dias com doses de 25 mg/kg (7,0 ± 0,5; p=0,005) e 50 mg/kg (7,6 ± 0,6; p=0,012) comparados com ratos idosos controle (11,0 ± 1,6). Por outro lado, o pré-tratamento com o extrato não melhorou o desempenho de camundongos tratados com escopolamina no teste da esquiva passiva. Em relação à avaliação da atividade antioxidante in vitro pelo teste do malonodialdeído, os três lotes analisados apresentaram atividade antioxidante semelhante. Os flavonóides astilbina, isoastilbina e neoastilbina foram isolados do extrato e podem contribuir para a atividade biológica. Estes resultados sugerem que a administração repetida de H. aphrodisiaca melhora a memória e aprendizagem provavelmente por um mecanismo não muscarínico.

Rosewood oil induces sedation and inhibits compound action potential in rodents.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Aniba rosaeodora is an aromatic plant which has been used in Brazil folk medicine due to its sedative effect. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the sedative effect of linalool-rich rosewood oil in mice. In addition we sought to investigate the linalool-rich oil effects on the isolated nerve using the single sucrose-gap technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sedative effect was determined by measuring the potentiation of the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. The compound action potential amplitude was evaluated as a way to detect changes in excitability of the isolated nerve. RESULTS: The results showed that administration of rosewood oil at the doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly decreased latency and increased the duration of sleeping time. On the other hand, the dose of 100 mg/kg potentiated significantly the pentobarbital action decreasing pentobarbital latency time and increasing pentobarbital sleeping time. In addition, the effect of linalool-rich rosewood oil on the isolated nerve of the rat was also investigated through the single sucrose-gap technique. The amplitude of the action potential decreased almost 100% when it was incubated for 30 min at 100 microg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, it is suggested a sedative effect of linalool-rich rosewood oil that could, at least in part, be explained by the reduction in action potential amplitude that provokes a decrease in neuronal excitability.

Pharmacological evaluation of a phytotherapeutic product - CPV (dry extract of Crataegus oxyacantha L., Passiflora incarnata L. and Valeriana officinalis L.) in laboratory animals / Avaliação farmacológica do produto fitoterápico - CPV (extrato seco de Crataegus oxyacantha L., Passiflora incarnata L. e Valeriana officinalis L.) em animais de laboratório

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar em modelos animais, os possíveis efeitos do produto fitoterápico CPV (extrato seco de Crataegus oxyacantha, Passiflora incarnata e Valeriana officinalis) quanto à sua ação ansiolítica avaliada no modelo do labirinto em cruz elevado (LCE). Outros efeitos como neuroléptico (bloqueio da estereotipia por apomorfina), analgésico (testes: placa quente; retirada da cauda e contorções abdominais), bem como sobre a memória (esquiva passiva) também foram considerados. O extrato CPV (430 e 860 mg/kg) apresentou um efeito ansiolítico (aumento do número de entradas nos braços abertos do LCE) em ratos e uma tendência de efeito amnésico para ambas as doses (430 e 860 mg/kg), embora menos intenso quando comparado com o diazepam (1,5 mg/kg). O extrato não apresentou efeitos neuroléptico ou analgésico.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the central effects of the phytotherapeutic product-CPV (dry extract of Crataegus oxyacantha, Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis) in animals models. In order to investigate the psychopharmacological profile of CPV extract, an evaluation toward anxiolytic effect of this extract on the elevated plus-maze (EPM) was carried out. Other effects such as neuroleptic (blockade of the stereotyped behavior induced by apomorphine), analgesic (hot plate; acetic acid writhing and tail-flick tests) and on the memory (passive avoidance test) were also analyzed. CPV extract (430 and 860 mg/ kg) presented an anxiolytic effect on rats (increased the number of entries into the open arms in the EPM) and, furthermore, a tendency of slight amnesic effect for the doses (430 and 860 mg/kg), but less intense when compared to diazepam (1.5 mg/kg). The extract did not show neuroleptic or analgesic effects.

Behavioral effects of essential oil of Citrus aurantium L. inhalation in rats / Efeitos comportamentais em ratos após inalação do óleo essencial de Citrus aurantium L.

O óleo essencial de laranja (OEL) e seus constituintes obtidos da Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) têm despertado interesse pela sua ação sedativa e relaxante. No presente estudo, ratos previamente expostos à inalação do OEL nas concentrações de 1,0%; 2,5% e 5,0%, p/v, durante 7 minutos em caixas de acrílico, foram avaliados em dois modelos de ansiedade: labirinto em cruz elevado (LCE) e campo aberto. O OEL na concentração de 2,5% aumentou tanto o tempo de permanência dos animais nos braços abertos do LCE, como o tempo de interação social ativano campo aberto, tendo sido superior ao grupo padrão diazepam (1,5 mg/kg) ip. A diminuição do grau de emocionalidade dos animais observada nos dois modelos experimentais sugere uma possível ação central, o que está de acordo com o perfi l fi toquímico do óleo em estudo o qualmostrou a presença de limoneno (96,24%) e mirceno (2,24%), constituintes com comprovada atividade depressora sobre o sistema nervoso central.

O óleo essencial de laranja (OEL) e seus constituintes obtidos da Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) têm despertado interesse pela sua ação sedativa e relaxante. No presente estudo, ratos previamente expostos à inalação do OEL nas concentrações de 1,0%; 2,5% e 5,0%, p/v, durante 7 minutos em caixas de acrílico, foram avaliados em dois modelos de ansiedade: labirinto em cruz elevado (LCE) e campo aberto. O OEL na concentração de 2,5% aumentou tanto o tempo de permanência dos animais nos braços abertos do LCE, como o tempo de interação social ativano campo aberto, tendo sido superior ao grupo padrão diazepam (1,5 mg/kg) ip. A diminuição do grau de emocionalidade dos animais observada nos dois modelos experimentais sugere uma possível ação central, o que está de acordo com o perfi l fi toquímico do óleo em estudo o qualmostrou a presença de limoneno (96,24%) e mirceno (2,24%), constituintes com comprovada atividade depressora sobre o sistema nervoso central.

Anticonvulsant effect of a natural compound alpha,beta-epoxy-carvone and its action on the nerve excitability.

The anticonvulsant effect of alpha,beta-epoxy-carvone (EC), a monoterpene monocyclic, was investigated in three animal models. EC at 300 or 400 mg/kg promoted protection of 75% and 87.5%, respectively, against convulsions induced chemically by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and it was efficient in prevents the tonic convulsions induced by maximal electroshock (MES) in doses of 200, 300 or 400 mg/kg, resulting in 25%, 25% and 100% of protection, respectively. This monoterpene was also capable to promote an increase of latency for development of convulsions induced by picrotoxin (PIC) at 300 or 400 mg/kg and presented a significant protection against convulsions at doses of 200, 300 or 400 mg/kg, resulting in 12.5%, 12.5% and 100% of protection, respectively. On the other hand, the anticonvulsant effect of EC, was not affected by pretreatment with flumazenil (FLU), a selective antagonist of benzodiazepine site of GABA(A) receptor. Additionally was observed that EC treatment reduced the levels of in vitro lipoperoxidation and decreased (21.2%) the amplitude of compound action potential after 30 min of incubation. The present results clearly indicate the ability of EC to modulate the anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects. However, our data suggests that the action mechanisms are not due a direct activation of the GABA(A) benzodiazepine receptors, but could be associated with the reduction of isolated nerve excitability, possibly involving a voltage-gated Na(+) channels blockade.

Pharmacological effects of the monoterpene alpha, beta-epoxy-carvone in mice

The monoterpene alpha,beta-epoxy-carvone (EC) in doses of 200, 300 or 400 mg/kg injected by i.p. route in mice caused a significant decrease in the motor activity of animals when compared with the control group, up to 120 minutes after the administration. The doses of 300 or 400 mg/kg had induced a significant increase of in the sleeping time of animals not having modified, however, the latency. The EC in the dose of 400 mg/kg reduced the remaining time of the animals on the rotating rod (Rotarod test). These results suggest a possible central effect.

O monoterpeno alfa,beta-epóxi-carvona (EC) nas doses de 200, 300 e 400 mg/kg administrado por via i.p. em camundongos diminuiu significativamente a atividade motora dos animais, quando comparado aos controles, até 120 minutos após a administração. As doses de 300 e 400 mg/kg induziram um aumento significativo do tempo de sono dos animais não alterando, no entanto, a sua latência. O EC na dose de 400 mg/kg induziu uma redução no tempo de permanência dos animais na barra giratória (teste do rotarod). Os resultados sugerem um possível efeito central.

Psychopharmacological assessment of Pfaffia glomerata roots (extract BNT-08) in rodents.

A pharmacological assessment of the standardized extract (BNT-08) of Pfaffia glomerata roots was performed in young mice submitted to acute treatment with several doses (i.p.), in young and old mice submitted to chronic oral treatment for 150 days or with water (control groups) and in old mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg of extract. Acute tests involved an initial screening, spontaneous movements, rota-rod, barbiturate sleeping time and passive avoidance were carried out. The chronic test involved mortality assessment, body weight and learning and memory in a T-maze left/right discrimination test and in the passive avoidance model. Of the acute tests only the sleeping time test showed relevant differences between the groups. With the chronic treatment, a relevant decrease of the number of sessions necessary for learning in the group of old mice treated with the extract was evident. A partial reversal of the memory de fi cit induced by age in the old mice treated with the extract was found in the passive avoidance test. The results suggest that the standardized extract from Pfaffia glomerata roots promoted an increase in both learning and memory of old mice treated in the chronic test.

Activity of Hypericum brasiliense and Hypericum cordatum on the central nervous system in rodents.

Hydroalcoholic extracts from species Hypericum brasiliense Choisy (HB) and Hypericum cordatum (Vell. Conc.) N. Robson (HC), were evaluated on the central nervous system (CNS) in some pharmacological tests. Signs of toxicity were observed for both species during the initial screening when high doses of up to 100 mg/kg (i.p.) and 1000 mg/kg (oral) were utilized. HC presented greater toxicity, with LD(50) of 269 mg/kg, as compared to HB (537 mg/kg). Alterations in sleeping time and in motor coordination were not observed both for HB and for HC. On the other hand, both species showed signs of general depressant action on the CNS, verified by decreased motor activity. Furthermore, animals treated with HB presented an increase in response time to thermal stimulus with doses of 50 mg/kg (i.p.) and 500 mg/kg (oral) suggesting possible analgesic action. Both HB and HC were tested in animal models to verify antidepressant action (forced swimming and hypothermy induced by apomorphine). In these tests, neither of the plants inhibited hypothermy, nor did they reduce immobility time in forced swimming.

A study of the pharmacological actions of Dioclea grandiflora martius ex bentham

Objetivo: A Dioclea grandiflora Mart. ex Bent., também conhecida como Mucunä ou Mucunä de caroço, é uma espécie da família Leguminosae que tem sido usada popularmente em decorrência de seus possíveis efeitos no SNC. Os relatos populares atribuem à planta açäo tônica, calmante e possivelmente antiepilética. Com o objetivo de comprovar essas propriedades, procurou-se deteminar com estudos em animais, em açöes psicofarmacológicas utilizando-se para tanto, as sementes da planta. Material e Métodos: Foram realizados testes preliminares:medida de atividade e coordenaçäo motora, e avaliadas as açöes anticonvulsivante, neuroléptica, ansiolítica e hipnótica. Resultados e Conclusäo: Os resultados sugerem que a Dioclea grandiflora Mart. ex Bent.. possui um perfil de droga depressora, näo apresentando entretanto, as açöes psicofarmacológicas esperadas. Os nossos dados sugerem ainda, um possível efeito tóxico o que representa um sinal de alerta quanto ao uso popular