RESUMO
This review focuses on plant species traditionally used in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná states (southern Brazil) for the relief of digestive disorders. Fifty ethnobotanical studies were compiled, resulting in 384 species mentioned, of which those cited in common to every state were selected. The search retrieved 63 native species used to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders, distributed in 21 botanical fa milies, mainly Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae. The most cited species include Achyrocline satureioides (82%), Eugenia uniflora (70%), Baccharis crispa (46%), Psidium cattleyanum (36%), Solanum paniculatum (36%) and Monteverdia ilicifolia (34%). Scient ific studies have corroborated their popular use for the relief the gastrointestinal disorders, but most of them are preclinical and mainly exploratory. In conclusion, the folk use of medicinal species with therapeutic purposes is widespread in southern Br azil, but further studies are needed to guarantee their efficacy and safety.
Esta revisión presenta especies de plantas utilizadas en Rio Gra nde do Sul, Santa Catarina y Paraná (Sur de Brasil) con enfoque en el alivio de los trastornos digestivos. Se recopilaron 50 estudios etnobotánicos en los que se mencionaron un total de 384 especies, siendo seleccionadas las especies en común a todos los e stados. La búsqueda recuperó 63 especies nativas citadas como utilizadas para aliviar trastornos gastrointestinales, distribuidas en 21 familias botánicas, principalmente Asteraceae, Lamiaceae y Myrtaceae. Las especies con mayor frecuencia de citación fuer on: Achyrocline satureioides (82%), Eugenia uniflora (70%), Baccharis crispa (46%), Psidium cattleyanum (36%), Solanum paniculatum (36%) y Monteverdia ilicifolia (34%). Los estudios científicos han corroborado el uso de especies para el alivio de los trast ornos gastrointestinales, pero la mayoría de ellos son preclínicos y principalmente exploratorios. En conclusión, el uso popular de especies medicinales con fines digestivos está muy extendido en el sur de Brasil, pero aún se necesitan estudios científicos para garantizar la eficacia y seguridad de estas plantas.
Assuntos
Plantas Medicinais , Etnobotânica , Doenças do Sistema Digestório , Brasil , Medicina TradicionalRESUMO
Intestinal helminthiasis is a neglected disease that affects a significant portion of the global population, specifically in developing countries, where medicinal plants are widely used for therapeutic purposes. With the purpose to identify the native species used in traditional Brazilian medicine for the management of helminthiasis, ethnopharmacological books edited in Brazil documenting the folk use of medicinal plants were analyzed. The native species cited in at least three studies were selected, and bibliographic research was performed using electronic databases to identify their scientifically validated anthelmintic properties. The search retrieved 133 native species belonging to 88 genera and 43 families from all six Brazilian biomes. Fabaceae (14 Genera and 25 Species) and Asteraceae (7 Genera and 8 Species) were the most frequently cited families. The most reported native species were Baccharis crispa Spreng., Hymenaea courbaril L., Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Carapa guianensis Aubl., Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, Annona glabra L., Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne, Spigelia anthelmia L., Simarouba versicolor A.St.-Hil. and Anacardium occidentale L. Bark (19%) and leaves (17%) were the most commonly used plant parts, and decoction (27%) was the most preferred method of preparation. Evidence of the anthelmintic properties of most species was confirmed using in vitro assays for key human and animal parasites, including Haemonchus contortus, Hymenolepis diminuta, Schistosoma mansoni and Trichostrongylus spp. The species S. alata, S. occidentalis, A. occidentale, and S. anthelmia have been the subject of many biological studies, supporting their use as vermicides. The overall results obtained in this review revealed that Brazil is rich in traditional herbal medicines used to manage helminthiasis; however pharmacological investigations are lacking to confirm their therapeutic properties. Thus, this study could serve as a baseline to validate their use and encourage further clinical investigation of their vermifuge potential.
Assuntos
Anti-Helmínticos , Baccharis , Helmintíase , Plantas Medicinais , Animais , Humanos , Brasil , Fitoterapia/métodos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Etnobotânica , Helmintíase/tratamento farmacológico , Anti-Helmínticos/farmacologia , Anti-Helmínticos/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Snakebite envenoming is a potentially fatal disease categorized as a neglected public health issue for not receiving the appropriate attention from national and international health authorities. The most affected people by this problem usually live in poor rural communities, where medical resources are often sparse and, in some instances, there is even a scarcity of serum therapy. The administration of the appropriate antivenom is the only specific treatment available, however it has limited efficacy against venom-induced local effects. In this scenario, various plant species are used as local first aid for the treatment of snakebite accidents in Brazil, and some of them can effectively inhibit lethality, neurotoxicity, hemorrhage, and venom enzymes activities. This review compiles a list of plants used in the treatment of snakebites in Brazil, focusing on the native Brazilian species registered in the databases Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus and Google Scholar. All these searches were limited to peer-reviewed journals written in English, with the exception of a few articles written in Portuguese. The most cited native plant species were Casearia sylvestris Sw., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Mikania glomerata Spreng., Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S.F.Blake and Dipteryx alata Vogel, all used to decrease the severity of toxic signs, inhibit proteolytic and hemorrhagic activities, thus increasing survival time and neutralizing myotoxicity effects. Different active compounds showing important activity against the snake venoms and their toxins include flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins. Although some limitations to the experimental studies with medicinal plants were observed, including lack of comparison with control drugs and unknown active extracts compounds, species with anti-venom characteristics are effective and considered as candidates for the development of adjuvants in the treatment of snake envenomation. Further studies on the chemistry and pharmacology of traditionally used plant species will help to understand the role that snakebite herbal remedies may display in local medical health systems. It might also contribute to the development of alternative or complementary treatments to reduce the number of severe disabilities and deaths.
Assuntos
Plantas Medicinais , Mordeduras de Serpentes , Antivenenos/farmacologia , Brasil , Humanos , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Mordeduras de Serpentes/tratamento farmacológico , Venenos de Serpentes/química , Venenos de Serpentes/toxicidadeRESUMO
The native flora of Brazil covers a large biodiversity of plants, some of which have important pharmacological properties. Ethnobotanical studies have established that the folk use of plants for hepatobiliary disorders is very common in Brazil. This review aimed to compile, describe and discuss the main native Brazilian medicinal plants used as hepatoprotective agents listed on 25 books by authors from various regions in the country. Based on the 153 species found, a comprehensive analysis of the most relevant scientific studies is presented, including Piper umbellatum, Echinodorus macrophyllus, Fevillea trilobata and Achyrocline satureioides. Some medicinal plants share both a large number of citations and scientific evidence to corroborate their hepatoprotective effects, including Solanum paniculatum, Baccharis crispa and Phyllanthus niruri, which could be of interest to develop new phytomedicines. Additionally, some active ingredients are indicated as being responsible for the liver protective effects described, particularly phenolic compounds (flavonoids, coumestans and lignans).
Assuntos
Fitoterapia , Plantas Medicinais , Brasil , Medicina Tradicional , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologiaRESUMO
The disruption of redox homeostasis and neuroinflammation are key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of brain hypoxia-ischemia (HI); medicinal plants have been studied as a therapeutic strategy, generally associated with the prevention of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. This study evaluates the neuroprotective role of the Plinia trunciflora fruit extract (PTE) in neonatal rats submitted to experimental HI. The HI insult provoked a marked increase in the lipoperoxidation levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, accompanied by a decrease in the brain concentration of glutathione (GSH). Interestingly, PTE was able to prevent most of the HI-induced pro-oxidant effects. It was also observed that HI increased the levels of interleukin-1ß in the hippocampus, and that PTE-treatment prevented this effect. Furthermore, PTE was able to prevent neuronal loss and astrocyte reactivity induced by HI, as demonstrated by NeuN and GFAP staining, respectively. PTE also attenuated the anxiety-like behavior and prevented the spatial memory impairment caused by HI. Finally, PTE prevented neural tissue loss in the brain hemisphere, the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and the striatum ipsilateral to the HI. Taken together our results provide good evidence that the PTE extract has the potential to be investigated as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of brain insult caused by neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.
Assuntos
Hipóxia-Isquemia Encefálica/tratamento farmacológico , Myrtaceae/química , Doenças Neuroinflamatórias/prevenção & controle , Fármacos Neuroprotetores , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Comportamento Animal/efeitos dos fármacos , Encéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Encéfalo/patologia , Encéfalo/fisiopatologia , Frutas/química , Glutationa Peroxidase/metabolismo , Hipóxia-Isquemia Encefálica/complicações , Hipóxia-Isquemia Encefálica/fisiopatologia , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Neurônios/patologia , Oxirredução/efeitos dos fármacos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Ratos WistarAssuntos
Asteraceae , COVID-19 , Plantas Medicinais , Quimases , Humanos , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológico , Estresse Oxidativo , Extratos Vegetais , SARS-CoV-2RESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The presence of biofilm in oral cavity is associated with dental plaque and related diseases, including gingivitis, periodontitis and inflammatory responses. Some medicinal plants traditionally used for biofilm-associated pathologies such as Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Punica granatum L. and Lippia sidoides Cham. are currently incorporated into dosage forms as antiplaque agents. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To present the current application of medicinal plant extracts associated in drug dosages to control microbial biofilms, with emphasis on those present in the oral cavity, especially to treat dental plaque. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PRISMA-compliant systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. After the abstract and full-text analysis, the Cochrane Collaboration's tools for clinical studies was applied to assess the methodological quality of randomized clinical trials. RESULTS: Of 964 potentially eligible studies, 47 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Camellia sinensis was the most commonly used species (8 studies), with positive results in reducing both the PI and GI in the form of mouthwash, toothpaste and gel. The Melaleuca alternifolia oil (5 studies) demonstrated low reduction in PI but important effects on GI scores. Azadirachta indica (4 studies) extracts presented efficacy similar to CHX to improve the periodontal parameters, including PI and GI. Ricinus communis oil (3 studies), despite reducing microbiological counts and GI, did not prove to be better than the hypochlorite solution, used as an alternative treatment for dentures. The main bioactive compounds described for the plant species are polyphenols, essential oils and alkaloids, most of them with identified antibiofilm activities. CONCLUSIONS: These active species could lead to future development of safer and newer treatments for oral biofilm-associated infections. However, more studies are needed to further understand the clinical relevance of their application.
Assuntos
Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Doenças da Boca/microbiologia , Doenças da Boca/prevenção & controle , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Plantas Medicinais/química , HumanosRESUMO
Drug addiction is prevalent among individuals of modern society, being a major cause of disability and premature loss of life. Although the drug addiction have profound social, economical and health impact in the world population, its management remains a challenge as available pharmacological treatments remains ineffective for most people. The limited efficacy and adverse effects have led to a search for alternative therapies to treat drug addiction. In this context, natural products are an important source for new chemical substances with a potential therapeutic applicability. Therefore, this chapter will present data obtained after an extensive literature search regarding the use of medicinal plants as a pharmacological alternative for drug addiction treatment.
Assuntos
Comportamento Aditivo , Plantas Medicinais , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias , Comportamento Aditivo/tratamento farmacológico , Humanos , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
Chronic opioid use changes brain chemistry in areas related to reward processes, memory, decision-making, and addiction. Both neurons and astrocytes are affected, ultimately leading to dependence. Passiflora incarnata L. (Passifloraceae) is the basis of frequently used herbals to manage anxiety and insomnia, with proven central nervous system depressant effects. Anti-addiction properties of P. incarnata have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a commercial extract of Passiflora incarnata (Sintocalmy®, Aché Laboratory) in the naloxone-induced jumping mice model of morphine withdrawal. In addition, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) levels were assessed in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, and DNA damage was verified on blood cells. In order to improve solubilization a Sintocalmy methanol extract (SME) was used. SME is mainly composed by flavonoids isovitexin and vitexin. The effects of SME 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg (i.p.) were evaluated in the naloxone-induced withdrawal syndrome in mice. SME 50 and SME 100 mg/kg decreased naloxone-induced jumping in morphine-dependent mice without reducing locomotor activity. No alterations were found in GFAP levels, however SME 50 mg/kg prevented the S100B increase in the frontal cortex and DNA damage. This study shows anti-addiction effects for a commercial standardized extract of P. incarnata and suggests the relevance of proper clinical assessment.
Assuntos
Ansiolíticos/uso terapêutico , Morfina/efeitos adversos , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Síndrome de Abstinência a Substâncias/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Dano ao DNA/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteína Glial Fibrilar Ácida/metabolismo , Locomoção/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Camundongos , Dependência de Morfina/tratamento farmacológico , Naloxona/uso terapêutico , Passiflora , Subunidade beta da Proteína Ligante de Cálcio S100/metabolismoRESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen (Asteraceae), known as jambú in Brazil, is used in traditional medicine as analgesic and for inflammatory conditions, characterized by the presence of N-alkylamides, mainly spilanthol. This bioactive compound is responsible for the above-described pharmacological properties, including sialagogue and anesthetic. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to characterize the anti-inflammatory effects of A. oleracea leaves (AOEE-L) and flowers (AOEE-F) extracts, including an isolated alkylamide (spilanthol), using in vitro and in vivo models. The mechanism underlying this effect was also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in order to characterize the N-alkylamides content. AOEE-L, AOEE-F (25-100 µg/mL) and spilanthol (50-200 µM) were tested in vitro on VSMC after stimulation with hyperglycemic medium (25 mM glucose). Their effects over nitric oxide (NO) generation, chymase inhibition and expression, catalase (CAT), superoxide anion (SOD) radical activity were evaluated. After an acute administration of extracts (10-100 mg/mL) and spilanthol (6.2 mg/mL), the anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by applying the formalin test in rats. Blood was collected to measure serum aminotransferases activities, NO activity, creatinine and urea. RESULTS: A number of distinct N-alkylamides were detected and quantified in AOEE-L and AOEE-F. Spilanthol was identified in both extracts and selected for experimental tests. Hyperglycemic stimulation in VSMC promoted the expression of inflammatory parameters, including chymase, NO, CAT and SOD activity and chymase expression, all of them attenuated by the presence of the extracts and spilanthol. The administration of extracts or spilanthol significantly inhibited edema formation, NO production and cell tissue infiltration in the formalin test, without causing kidney and liver toxicity. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results provide evidence for the anti-inflammatory activity of leaves and flowers extracts of jambú associated distinctly with their chemical profile. The effects appear to be associated with the inhibition of chymase activity, suppression of the proinflammatory cytokine NO and antioxidant activities.