Inhibitory Effect of Helicteres gardneriana Ethanol Extract on Acute Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory effect of an ethanol extract of Helicteres gardneriana (Nees) Castiglioni was assayed in experimental models of pleurisy and microcirculation in situ. Treatment of animals with 500 mg/kg body weight reduced the exudate volume (35% reduction) induced by intrapleural injection of carrageenan and the migration of polymorphonuclear cells into the inflamed pleural cavity of rats (40%). Additionally, rolling and adhesion of leukocytes and the number of leukocytes that migrated toward the perivascular space in response to the carrageenan injection were decreased by the extract (500 mg/kg). These data demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanol extract of Helicteres gardneriana and imply that inhibition of leukocyte-endothelial interactions is important in the extract's mechanism of action

Antiinflammatory activity of Cayaponia podantha crude extract and fractions

The effects of the crude extract and fractions of Cayaponia podantha (Cp) on experimental inflammation models were investigated. Paw edema induced by carrageenan (Cg) and peritonitis induced by Cg, LPS, and LTB4 were evaluated in rats treated orally with different doses of extract. Croton oil (CO) induced ear edema and the determination of MPO activity were evaluated in mice. Crude Cp extract and hexane (HF), ethyl-acetate (AF) and hidromethanol (MF) fractions were topically applied immediately after the application of the CO. Four hours after Cg injection, animals treated with crude extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) displayed significantly decreased paw edema. The Cp extract (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg) decreased vascular permeability and leukocyte migration in the peritonitis model in the 3rd h after induction of the inflammatory reaction. Furthermore, the 500 mg/kg dose of Cp extract also reduced LPS- and LTB4-induced migration. Crude extract and hexane and ethyl-acetate fractions (5.0 mg) significantly inhibited ear edema and MPO activity. Our results showed that Cp crude extract and fractions exhibited anti-inflammatory effects when they are administered orally or topically in animals.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Effect of crude extracts of leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon) on glycemia in diabetic rats

O presente estudo investigou o efeito do extrato bruto das folhas de yacon, obtido por extração a frio (Y C) ou a quente (Y H), ou por extração hidro-alcoólica (Y E), na glicemia de ratos diabéticos (induzidos por estreptozocina, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) e não diabéticos. Os animais foram tratados por via oral com os extratos (400 mg/kg) ou água por um período de 3, 7, 10 e 14 dias. Após o tratamento, os animais foram anestesiados e amostras de sangue foram coletadas para determinações dos níveis de glicose e creatinina plasmática e da atividade de enzimas (AST, ALT, ALP). Também foi avaliado o consumo de ração, água, volume de urina, peso corporal dos animais e a DL50 do Y E. O tratamento dos animais com Y E, por 14 dias, reduziu a glicemia de ratos diabéticos e não diabéticos. Adicionalmente, o Y E restaurou a atividade das enzimas que estavam alteradas, e melhorou o ganho de peso dos animais diabéticos. Estes resultados demonstraram que a efetividade do extrato de yacon está relacionada ao método de preparação do extrato e ao tempo de tratamento dos animais. O efeito do Y E na glicemia de ratos diabéticos não está relacionado à redução da ingesta ou a interferência do extrato na absorção intestinal de carboidratos.The present study investigated the effect of crude extracts from yacon leaves, obtained by aqueous cold (Y C) or hot (Y H) extraction, or hydro-ethanolic extraction (Y E), on glycemia of the diabetic (induced by streptozotocine, 50 mg/kg, ip) and nondiabetic rats. The animals were treated orally with the extracts (400 mg/kg) or water for 3, 7, 10, and 14 days. After this period, the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were collected for measurement of plasmatic glucose and creatinine and activity of the enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP). Also were evaluated the consumption of food, water, urine volume, body weight of the animals and LD50 of Y E. Treatment with Y E for 14 days reduced glycemia in diabetic and nondiabetic animals. No similar reduction was observed in animals treated with Y C or Y H. Additionally, Y E restored the activity of the plasmatic enzymes that were altered, and improved weight gain in the diabetic animals. These results showed that the effectiveness of the yacon extracts is related to the method of preparation and to the time of treatment. The effect of Y E on glycemia in diabetic rats is not related to reduction of food intake or to interference of the extract with intestinal absorption of carbohydrates

Diagnosis and management of a fatal case of sepsis caused by Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto in a neonate with omphalocele

We present a fatal case of persistent neonatal candidemia by Candida parapsilosis following omphalocele, without other anomalies. Despite an encouraging initial prognosis, after surgical correction and closure of the abdominal wall the case became difficult to treat, as in addition to the exposure of the patient to multiple risk factors for candidemia, antifungal therapy apparently was not adequate. Keywords: Candidemia, Congenital malformations, Antifungal treatment, Neonatal surger