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Hesperozygis ringens is a plant of the Lamiaceae family which is restricted to the Southern region of Brazil. It is popularly used as an insecticide, but knowledge on it is very scarce. This study aimed to determine the chemical markers of H. ringens extracts obtained via ultrasound-assisted (UAE-EtOH) and supercritical fluid (SFE-CO2) extractions. UAE-EtOH and SFE-CO2 extracts were characterised by UPLC-MS and GC-MS, respectively. Both products had their antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity evaluated. Twelve compounds were found in the UAE-EtOH extract, including phenolic acids and flavonoids; the SFE-CO2 extract contained terpenes and phytosterols. The UAE-EtOH extract showed a greater antioxidant activity. Neither extract presented cytotoxicity or genotoxicity against human mononuclear blood cells.

The use of phytotherapy expands the possibility of therapeutic resources for the population, often offering reduced costs when compared to the pharmaceutical industry. In this perspective, the JACBIO® dermocosmetic ointment revealed, in non-clinical trials, its antibacterial and healing potential, with a great stimulating effect in increasing the production of images. This work aimed to carry out the clinical phase study on dermal toxicity, in serious humans, by applying JACBIO®, based on extracts from the leaves of Piptadenia gonoacantha (Pau Jacaré). The phase I randomized clinical trial was carried out with 28 clinically healthy patients at a public university in Minas Gerais, with no period from August to December 2018. The toxicological trial was developed with the intervention group that received a JACBIO® dermatological ointment and the Placebo group. From the experimental protocol, participants were followed for four weeks. An analysis between the ointment and placebo groups, without reference to anticholinergic and cardiovascular events, showed no statistically significant difference. Likewise, there was no difference in laboratory results performed before and after treatment, both for the placebo group and for the intervention group. A low toxicity of the product indicates that this adjustment is safe and serves as a basis for phase II clinical trials in patients with lesions.

Introduction: ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and, recently, its antidepressant properties has been described. Besides, its safety has been proven in the treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders. Objective: to evaluate the use of ketamine in the treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders (specially cocaine and its byproducts). Methods: patient's motivation for change was measured by URICA scale and psychiatric symptoms by EAS-40 score, both before and after the intervention. Results: it was verified, after the comparison between the Readiness Score means, an increase in the motivation for change after ketamine’s single administration, when compared to the moments before and after the intervention. Analyzing the Global Severity Index before and after ketamine administration, by EAS-40 score, we noticed a slight reduction of the psychiatric symptoms before and after the intervention. Conclusion: it was proven that ketamine's single administration led to a quick and lasting improvement on the user's motivation without worsening the mental health status.

This study investigated the ability of formulation containing Zingiber officinale (ginger) to reverse health changes promoted by unhealthy diet in Wistar rats. Five compounds from the gingerol family and three from the shogaol family were identified in the chromatographic analyzes of the extract. The animals were fed a combination of unhealthy foods, the cafeteria diet, which promoted increases in body weight, hepatocyte nucleus area, total hepatocyte area and liver fat accumulation, as well as reduced hepatic glutathione S-transferase concentration, compared to the control group, which received commercial chow. The treatment with ginger improved all these results, highlighting the reduction of 10% of body weight and 66% of the total area of lipid droplets deposited, compared to the group that received the cafeteria diet. Ginger treatments also attenuated lipid peroxidation, with a mean reduction of 41% in malondialdehyde levels and a mean increase of 222% in glutathione S-transferase activity in the liver. The cafeteria diet and ginger extract did not promote significant changes in glycemic and lipid profile, liver weight and liver enzymes compared to the control group. We suggest that ginger can have beneficial effects on health complications associated with unhealthy diet, such as excessive adiposity, oxidative stress and hepatic injury.

In this work, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Brassica oleracea var. capitata extracts obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction are evaluated. The extracts obtained using the best extraction conditions were subjected to different hydrolysis conditions before their use in the biological tests. The crude and hydrolysed extracts were characterized using gas chromatography coupled with a mass detector. The use of ultrasound at 30 °C with 60 % (by volume) solvent enabled obtaining a richer extract. All extracts had antioxidant activities against DPPH (13.0–80.0 %), superoxide (35.2–63.2 %) and peroxyl (89.3–99.5 %) radicals, but the use of hydrolysed extracts considerably improved the antioxidant activities. Antimicrobial activities only of the hydrolysed extracts of Brassica oleracea var. capitata were detected. It was confirmed that antioxidant activity of vegetable extracts can be considerably increased when hydrolysis is applied as a pretreatment to their extraction.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of physical training on the liver morphology and morphometry after chronic use of alcohol in rats. Methods: Twenty-four Wistar rats were housed in cages with controlled environment and randomly divided into four groups according to treatment received. In the initial treatment, alcohol was administered to SA (sedentary alcohol) and EA (exercise alcohol) groups. After four weeks, physical training program was held on a treadmill with EA and EC (exercise control) groups. Area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameter and form factor of nucleus and cytoplasm of hepatocytes were analyzed. Key findings: Micro-vesicular fatty degeneration, predominantly pericentrolobular, of mild to moderate intensity, was found especially in animals treated with alcohol. EC group showed nucleus area greater than the nucleus area of EA and SA groups. The form factor was lower in the EC group than in the EA group. EA group showed maximum cytoplasm diameter is smaller than in SC (sedentary control) group. Conclusions: Physical training for two weeks was not enough to suppress histopathologic changes in the liver caused by chronic use of alcohol in rats. Chronic use of alcohol seems to have minimized the beneficial effect of physical training in the nucleus area of hepatocytes.

Introduction: Scar is defined as a process of tissue regeneration characterized by fibroblasts and a disorganized extracellular matrix, formed mainly by collagen. Thus it is understood that regeneration capacity is a phenomenon that occurs in order to repair an injured tissue. However, science has been looking for alternatives to assist in the repair process, and thus phytotherapy has been used as a therapeutic resource in medicine, and scientifically proven its efficiency. The plant Sonchus oleraceus is known, among other names, as “serralha” or sowthistle. It is a cosmopolitan species, found in several agricultural regions infesting crops. In Brazil, it is more frequent to grow in the winter and its seeds can be kept viable for eight years in the soil. This plant can be used as a popular drug for diuretic proposals, in cases of anemia, liver diseases and in cases of treatment of vitiligo in the eastern region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The objective of this research was to evaluate two different products (ointment and balsam) composed by S. oleraceus in the healing of surgical wounds in rats (Rattus novergicus).Materials, Methods & Results: Sonchus oleraceus specimens were obtained at the beginning of May, during the autumnwinter season, in which there is already a flowering of this plant. The leaves and stem of S. oleraceus were selected, cleaned and dried under study at 40°C of circulating air for four days for complete dehydration, and then ground in a knife mill. The constituents were prepared in 80% alcohol (v / v) and subjected to ultrasonic extraction for 60 min. The hydroalcoholic extract of S. oleraceus was concentrated on a rotary evaporator until all alcohol evaporated and the aqueous extract was obtained. The extracts were produced at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% and sent for manipulation of the pharmaceutical formulations of ointment and salve. Forty Wistar rats were divided into eight groups for evaluation of different products (salve and ointment). The wounds were created on the back of the animals and the products were applied daily; for analysis, clinical evaluations and wound measurement were performed daily. After 15 days, a biopsy was performed for histopathological analysis and quantification of type I and III collagen fibers. Measurement of the wound in rats treated with ointment containing 15% of extract presented better tissue retraction, with complete retraction observed after 10 days of treatment. Type I collagen was predominant in all samples; however, the healing properties of the balsam containing 5% extract and ointment containing 5% and 15% extract were significantly different.Discussion: As a conclusion, Sonchus oleraceus influenced the healing process of the skin. This pharmacological action is probably directly related to the amount of flavonoids present in its composition, that is, the higher the extract concentration, the better its efficacy. However, a better efficacy in the ointment is emphasized by better adhesion to the skin. Studies have shown that the flavonoids present in most plants have relevant healing activity, stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts and the production of collagen, acting on the inhibition of metalloproteinase, thus increasing the rate of synthesized collagen. Other researchers reported a high concentration of flavonoids (anthocyanins and tannins) that act as mediators of inflammation, stimulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor, observed in this species.

Estudio transversal, de carácter descriptivoexploratorio, cuyo objetivo fue analizar la presenciade hipertensión arterial en pacientes con enfermedadrenal crónica en tratamiento hemodialítico y sus factoresasociados. Fueron entrevistados 140 pacientes de uninstituto de nefrología ubicado en el interior del estadode Minas Gerais, en el periodo de agosto a octubrede 2013. La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en lospacientes con enfermedad renal crónica fue de 78,8%.Se constató relación entre diabetes mellitus, dislipidemiasy desconocimiento acerca de la insuficiencia renal conla hipertensión arterial. Se identificó que 72,2% de losparticipantes excedieron al peso ideal y, de estes, 63,3%presentaron crisis hipertensiva en el periodo interdialítico.Se concluye que la hipertensión arterial está presentede modo significativo en los individuos y los factoresasociados son: adhesión efectiva al tratamiento dialíticoy medicamentoso; control de ingesta hídrica y alimentar;y actividad física. This transversal study, with a descriptive-exploratory character, aimed to analyze the presenceof arterial hypertension in patients with chronic kidneydisease undergoing hemodialysis treatment, and itsassociated factors. Interviews were held with 140 patientsof an institute of nephrology located in the rural area ofthe state of Minas Gerais, in August – October 2013. Theprevalence of arterial hypertension in patients with chronickidney disease was 78.8%. A relationship was observedbetween diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemias and ignoranceregarding renal failure with arterial hypertension. It wasidentified that 72.2% of the participants were abovetheir ideal weight, and that of these, 63.3% presentedhypertensive crisis in the interdialytic period. It isconcluded that arterial hypertension is significantly presentin individuals, and that the associated factors are: effectiveadherence to the dialysis and drug treatment; control offluid and food intake; and physical activity. Estudo transversal, de caráter descritivo-exploratório. Objetivou analisar a presença de hipertensãoarterial em pacientes portadores de doença renal crônica em tratamento hemodialítico e seus fatores associados.Foram entrevistados 140 pacientes de um instituto de nefrologia localizado no interior do estado de Minas Gerais,no período de agosto a outubro de 2013. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial nos pacientes portadores dedoença renal crônica foi de 78,8%. Constatou-se relação entre diabetes mellitus, dislipidemias e desconhecimentoacerca da insuficiência renal com a hipertensão arterial. Identificou-se que 72,2% dos participantes excederamao peso ideal, e destes, 63,3% apresentaram crise hipertensiva no período interdialítico. Conclui-se que ahipertensão arterial está presente significativamente nos indivíduos e os fatores associados são: adesão efetivaao tratamento dialítico e medicamentoso; controle de ingesta hídrica e alimentar; e atividade física.

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of hydroalcoholic extract of P.gonoacantha leaves (EPG). The toxic effect of the EPG was tested against A.salina in order to determine a secure dose for subsequent assays. The antinociception was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests in Wistar rats. The anti-inflammatory effect of EPG was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema tests in rats. The bioassay with A.salina showed low toxicity of EPG (LC50=1,508mg/L). Oral administration of EPG (50, 100 and 150mg/kg) significantly decreased the number of acetic acid-induced writhes, around 61.3%, 71.8% and 64.9% respectively. However, EPG failed to prolong the latency time in the hot plate test, suggesting that EPG predominantly inhibits peripheral pain mechanisms. The oral administration of EPG at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg significantly inhibited paw edema at 3rd h after the injection of the phlogistic agent by 34.5% and 37.5%, respectively. These data suggest that EPG has both antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, and these effects may be attributed to inhibition of COX-2 and prostaglandin release.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in all age groups and both sexes in worldwide. It can be argued that public spending for the tr...

The Ethnobotany listing was realized from July to August 2006, in which 205 residents of Vicosa in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil were interview. The interview was realized using a semi-structured questionnaire containing a socioeconomic profile and questions related to the use of medical plants, in which the plants cited by the interview people were organized in 78 species with a total of 518 citations. Among the accounted plants the most cited were Hortela (Mentha sp.) (17,4%), Boldo (Plectranthus barbatus Andrews) (7,9%), Erva cidreira (Melissa officinalis L.) (7,3%), Camomila (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.), (5,8%) and Macae (Leonurus sibiricus L.), (5,8%). The most used part of the plants was the leaf (69, 1%), being infusion the most common way of administration cited (61, 9%). The Ethnobotany listing permitted verify that the traditional use of medicinal plants in the municipal of Vicosa-MG has traditionalism and its use is related with scientific knowledge, once its therapeutics recommendation are known by science and valid by traditional knowledge. 10.5216/ref.v8i4.16648

A busca de novos fármacos e o uso de experimentação animal tem contribuído sobremaneira para o desenvolvimento da saúde, da ciência e tecnologia, promovendo ao longo dos anos a descoberta de medidas profiláticas e tratamentos de enfermidades que acometem os seres humanos. Animais de várias espécies têm sido utilizados desde os primórdios da civilização para o desenvolvimento científico, mas dentre todos os modelos experimentais aos quais podem ser induzidas úlceras gástricas, o rato Wistar, inquestionavelmente, é o mais utilizado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma descrição anatômica e histológica do estômago de ratos Wistar os quais foram descritos. Anatomicamente, o estômago do rato Wistar (Rattus norvergicus) está localizado na cavidade abdominal sob a linha mediana ventral, na porção esquerda, caudal ao fígado. Este órgão pode ser dividido em duas regiões glandular e aglandular. Estas regiões estão separadas pela margem pregueada que faz divisão entre o epitélio estratificado pavimentoso queratinizado que reveste a porção aglandular e o epitélio simples cúbico de revestimento da região glandular. A porção aglandular se estende do esôfago até a margem pregueada, já a região glandular encontra-se com o corpo e antro pilórico. A descrição anatômica e histológica, aliada a dados bioquímicos e fisiológicos, são de suma importância na pesquisa científica e na busca de novos fármacos. Deste modo, este trabalho poderá contribuir para o aprimoramento de estudos que visam a utilização de ratos Wistar como modelo experimental de úlceras gástricas.

CONTEXT: The cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var. capitata) is an herbaceous and leafy plant which belongs to the Brassicaceae family, native to coastal southern and Western Europe. Used in cooking for its nutritional value also has known anti-inflammatory activity. OBJECTIVE We studied the antiulcerogenic activity of aqueous extract of Brassica oleracea var. capitata (AEB) in order to validate ethnobotanical claims regarding the plant use in the gastric disorders. METHOD: Acute gastric ulcers were induced in rats by the oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid. The gastroprotective potential of the AEB (0.250, 0.500 and 1.000 mg.kg-1/body weight) was compared with omeprazole (20 mg.kg-1/body weight). RESULTS: The stomach analysis indicated that treatment with AEB inhibited the gastric damage. The gastroprotective activity as evidenced by its significant inhibition in the formation of ulcers induced by chemical agent with a maximum of 99.44% curation (250 mg.kg-1 body weight) in acetylsalicylic acid-induced ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: The AEB demonstrated good antiulcerogenic activities which justify the inclusion of this plant in the management of gastric disorders. Further experiments are underway to determine which antiulcer mechanisms involved in gastroprotection. CONTEXTO: O repolho (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) é uma planta de folhas herbáceas pertencente à família Brassicaceae, nativa na costa sul e oeste da Europa. Usado na culinária por seu valor nutritivo, possui conhecida atividade anti-inflamatória. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade antiulcerogênica do extrato aquoso de Brassica oleracea var. capitata (AEB), a fim de validar os conhecimentos etnobotânico do uso da espécie em distúrbios gástricos. MÉTODO: Úlceras gástricas foram induzidas em ratos pela administração oral de ácido acetilsalicílico. O potencial gastroprotetor de AEB (0,250, 0,500 e 1,000 mg.kg-1/peso) foram comparados com omeprazol (20 mg.kg-1/peso). RESULTADOS: As análises dos estômagos indicaram que o tratamento com AEB inibiu a progressão da lesão gástrica. A atividade gastroprotetora foi evidenciada por sua significativa inibição da progressão da úlcera induzida por agentes químicos, com o máximo de 99,44% eficácia (250 mg.kg-1/peso) frente a úlceras gástricas induzidas por ácido acetilsalicílico. CONCLUSÕES: O AEB demonstrou atividade cicatrizante de úlceras gástricas, o que justifica a inclusão da espécie em tratamentos de distúrbios gástricos. Estudos futuros estão em andamento para determinar quais os mecanismos antiulcerogêncios estão envolvidos com a gastroproteção.