RESUMO
Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz is a perennial herbaceous climbing plant with tendrils and tuberous roots belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruits ("chayote"), stems, roots, and leaves are edible and are commonly ingested by humans. It has shown medicinal properties attributed to its bioactive compounds (vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenoids, polyphenolic compounds, phytosterols, and cucurbitacins), which together have been associated with the control and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases, highlighting its antibacterial, anti-cardiovascular/antihypertensive, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities. The objective of the study was to determine the antigenotoxic potential of two types of fresh chayote juice (filtered (FChJ) and unfiltered (UFChJ)) against DNA damage produced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using an in vivo mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay (MN). The juices were consumed freely for 2 weeks. A negative control, a control group of each juice, a positive batch [B[a]P], and two combined batches (B[a]P plus FChJ or UFChJ) were included. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope to quantify the number of micronucleated normochromic erythrocytes (MNNEs). The results indicate: (a) B[a]P increased the frequency of MNNEs and reduced the rate of PEs; and (b) no juice produced toxic effects or induced MN. On the contrary, both juices were genoprotective. However, the most significant effect was presented by UFChJ at the end of the experiment (70%). It is suggested that UFChJ has a greater amount of fiber and/or phytochemicals that favor the therapeutic effect. Possibly, the genoprotection is also related to its antioxidant capacity.
RESUMO
Plants of the genus Opuntia spp are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America. Specifically, Mexico has the largest number of wild species; mainly O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. albicarpa, O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. The latter being the most cultivated and domesticated species. Its main bioactive compounds include pigments (carotenoids, betalains and betacyanins), vitamins, flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds. Together, they favor the different plant parts and are considered phytochemically important and associated with control, progression and prevention of some chronic and infectious diseases. Part 1 collected information on its preventive actions against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, hepatoprotection, effects on human infertility and chemopreventive capacity. Now, this second review (Part 2), compiles the data from published research (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antimicrobial, antiviral potential and in the treatment of skin wounds. The aim of both reviews is to provide scientific evidences of its beneficial properties and to encourage health professionals and researchers to expand studies on the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Opuntia spp.
RESUMO
Asthma is a chronic disease whose main anatomical-functional alterations are grouped into obstruction, nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity, inflammation and airway remodeling. Currently, the Global Initiative of Asthma 2020 (GINA 2020) suggests classifying it into intermittent cases, slightly persistent, moderately persistent and severely persistent, thus determining the correct guidelines for its therapy. In general, the drugs used for its management are divided into two groups, those with a potential bronchodilator and the controlling agents of inflammation. However, asthmatic treatments continue to evolve, and notable advances have been made possible in biological therapy with monoclonal antibodies and in the relationship between this disease and oxidative stress. This opens a new path to dietary and herbal strategies and the use of antioxidants as a possible therapy that supports conventional pharmacological treatments and reduces their doses and/or adverse effects. This review compiles information from different published research on risk factors, pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis and the main treatments; likewise, it synthesizes the current evidence of herbal medicine for its control. Studies on integrative medicine (IM) therapies for asthmatic control are critically reviewed. An integrative approach to the prevention and management of asthma warrants consideration in clinical practice. The intention is to encourage health professionals and scientists to expand the horizons of basic and clinical research (preclinical, clinical and integrative medicine) on asthma control.