Bacteriostatic effect of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis) against Streptococcus mutans

This study evaluated the inhibitory activity of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis against the cariogenic microorganism, Streptococcus mutans. For such purpose, a minimum inhibition concentration test of copaiba oil against S. mutans was performed, using the serial dilution in broth technique, with a negative control, a positive control (0.12% chlorhexidine) and a 10% copaíba oil solution as a test. A minimum bactericidal concentration test with tubes presenting microbial inhibition was also conduced. In the minimum inhibitory concentration test, copaiba oil showed inhibition of bacterial growth at all concentrations tested up to 0.78 µL/mL of the 10% copaiba oil solution in the broth. In addition, the negative control had no inhibition, and the 0.12% chlorhexidine solution was effective up to 6.25 µL/mL in the broth. Copaiba oil showed a bacteriostatic activity against S. mutans at low concentrations, and could be a an option of phytotherapic agent to be used against cariogenic bacteria in the prevention of caries disease

Evaluation Of The Mutagenicity And Antimutagenicity Of Ziziphus Joazeiro Mart. Bark In The Micronucleus Assay.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutagenicity (clastogenicity/aneugenicity) of a glycolic extract of Ziziphus joazeiro bark (GEZJ) by the micronucleus assay in mice bone marrow. Antimutagenic activity was also assessed using treatments associated with GEZJ and doxorubicin (DXR). Mice were evaluated 24-48 h after exposure to positive (N-nitroso-N-ethylurea, NEU - 50 mg.kg(-1) and DXR - 5 mg.kg(-1)) and negative (150 mM NaCl) controls, as well as treatment with GEZJ (0.5-2 g.kg(-1)), GEZJ (2 g.kg(-1)) + NEU and GEZJ (2 g.kg(-1)) + DXR. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in mice treated with GEJZ and GEJZ + DXR compared to the negative controls, indicating that GEZJ was not mutagenic. Analysis of the polychromatic:normochromatic erythrocyte ratio revealed significant differences in the responses to doses of 0.5 g.kg(-1) and 1-2 g.kg(-1) and the positive control (NEU). These results indicated no systemic toxicity and moderate toxicity at lower and higher doses of GEZJ. The lack of mutagenicity and systemic toxicity in the antimutagenic assays, especially for treatment with GEZJ + DXR, suggested that phytochemical compounds in Z. joazeiro bark attenuated DXR-induced mutagenicity and the moderate systemic toxicity of a high dose of Z. joazeiro bark (2 g.kg(-1)). Further studies on the genotoxicity of Z. joazeiro extracts are necessary to establish the possible health risk in humans and to determine the potential as a chemopreventive agent for therapeutic use.37428-3

Nongenotoxic effects and a reduction of the DXR-induced genotoxic effects of Helianthus annuus Linné (sunflower) seeds revealed by micronucleus assays in mouse bone marrow

BACKGROUND: This research evaluated the genotoxicity of oil and tincture of H. annuus L. seeds using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between these preparations and the genotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DXR) was also analysed (antigenotoxicity test). METHODS: Experimental groups were evaluated at 24-48 h post treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (positive control – NEU), DXR (chemotherapeutic), NaCl (negative control), a sunflower tincture (THALS) and two sources of sunflower oils (POHALS and FOHALS). Antigenotoxic assays were carried out using the sunflower tincture and oils separately and in combination with NUE or DXR. RESULTS: For THALS, analysis of the MNPCEs showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250–2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) and NaCl. A significant reduction in MNPCE was observed when THALS (2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) was administered in combination with DXR (5 mg.Kg(-1)). For POHALS or FOHALS, analysis of the MNPCEs also showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250–2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) and NaCl. However, the combination DXR + POHALS (2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) or DXR + FOHALS (2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) not contributed to the MNPCEs reduction. CONCLUSIONS: This research suggests absence of genotoxicity of THALS, dose-, time- and sex-independent, and its combination with DXR can reduce the genotoxic effects of DXR. POHALS and FOHALS also showed absence of genotoxicity, but their association with DXR showed no antigenotoxic effects

Efecto del extracto de las hojas de Gingko biloba en el crecimiento y la morfología de tripanosomátidos

Gingko biloba has been one of the most used medicinal plants all over the world in the past years. In this study, our group has studied the effect of a hydroethanolic extract from the aerial parts of this plant on the growth and morphological differentiation of trypanosomatids. Herpetomonas samuelpessoai and Herpetomonas sp were used in this study. The extract was obtained in a Soxhlet apparatus (50 oC, 2 hours). This extract was aseptically added to Roitman’s medium in different concentrations (4, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/ml). The growth rate was determined using a Newbauer chamber to count numbers of cells after the extract inoculation (24 and 72 hours later). Smears stained by the Panotic method was used to determine the percentages of pro, para and opisthomastigote forms. The extract inhibited Herpetomonas sp growth in concentrations higher than 20 mg/ml. H. samuelpessoai has been inhibited in doses higher than 40 mg/ml. No morphological differentiation was observed in Herpetomonas sp cell. However, morphological differentiations could be noticed in H. samuelpessoai cell using doses higher than 40 mg/ml. These alterations are probably related to the cell division process, since cells with 3 or 4 nucleus were observed. Also, cytoplasmatic expansions, representing unsuccessful process of cell division were frequently found out. Further ultrastructural analysis using a transmission electron microscope showed cells with homogeneous nucleus or the absence of it. Protozoan protein profile was also analyzed. It was possible to notice changes in both trypanosomatids used in this study. H. samuelpessoai has shown over expression and accumulation of proteins which its degradation is essential to continue the cell differentiation. Also, it is possible to suggest that this extract acts through the modulation of the genetic expression and may be harmful to human cells if not purified.Gingko biloba es una de las plantas medicinales más utilizadas en todo el mundo en los últimos años. En este estudio, nuestro grupo ha estudiado el efecto de un extracto hidroetanólico de la parte aérea de esta planta sobre el crecimiento y la diferenciación morfológica de tripanosomátidos. Herpetomonas samuelpessoai y Herpetomonas sp se utilizaron en este estudio. El extracto se obtuvo en un aparato Soxhlet (50° C/2 horas). Este extracto se agregó asépticamente a medio Roitman en diferentes concentraciones (4, 20, 40, 60, 80 y 100 mg /ml). La tasa de crecimiento se determinó utilizando una cámara de Newbauer para contar el número de células después de la inoculación de extracto (24 y 72 horas más tarde). Frotis teñidos por el método Panotic se utilizó para determinar los porcentajes de pro, para y las formas opistomastigota. El extracto inhibió el crecimiento Herpetomonas sp en concentraciones superiores a 20 mg /ml. H. samuelpessoai se ha inhibido en dosis superiores a 40 mg /ml. No se observó diferenciación morfológica en la celda Herpetomonas sp. Sin embargo, las diferenciaciones morfológicas se pudo observar en la celda H. samuelpessoai con dosis superiores a 40 mg /ml. Estas alteraciones son probablemente relacionado con el proceso de división celular, ya que las células con 3 o 4 núcleos se observaron. Además, las expansiones citoplasmáticas, lo que representa el proceso fallido de la división celular se encontraron con frecuencia hacia fuera. Un análisis más detallado ultraestructural usando microscopio electrónico de transmisión mostró células con núcleo homogéneo o la ausencia de ella. El perfil de proteínas por Protozoarios también se ha analizado. Fue posible notar cambios tanto en tripanosomátidos utilizados en este estudio. H. samuelpessoai ha demostrado a lo largo de expresión y la acumulación de proteínas que su degradación es esencial para continuar con la diferenciación celular. Además, es posible sugerir que este extracto actúa a través de la modulación de la expresión genética

Uso de drogas lícitas e ilícitas no meio universitário de Alfenas

This paper reports the study of drug consumption carried out within the population of undergraduate students from 2 colleges of Alfenas, in the state of Minas Gerais state. Both licit and illicit drugs were studied, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, crack, inhalants, glue, tranquilizers, stimulants, and others. METHODOLOGY: The research included a wide bibliographical search and the application of a questionnaire to approximately 23% of the students (total of 6500 students). RESULTS: A total of 1500 students participated in this investigation. The results demonstrated that there was a significant consumption of both licit and illicit drugs. The pattern of drug consumption in the research sample was similar to other investigations conducted in Brazil and in other countries. DISCUSSION: It was observed that 55% of the university students use drugs. However, the most surprising finding was that most of the students (88%) answered "yes" to the inquiry, "Have you already tried any type of drug, including alcohol and cigarettes?" The students revealed that they had taken drugs even prior to the admission to the university. The results suggest clearly that the university environment does not necessarily represent the starting point for student drug consumption.Este trabalho relata um estudo sobre o consumo de drogas realizado em uma população de estudantes em duas universidades na cidade de Alfenas, no estado de Minas Gerais. Tanto drogas lícitas como ilícitas foram consideradas, incluindo álcool, tabaco, maconha, cocaína, heroína, crack, inalantes, cola, tranquilizantes, estimulantes, entre outras. METODOLOGIA: A pesquisa incluiu uma vasta revisão bibliográfica e a aplicação de um questionário em cerca de 23% dos acadêmicos (total 6.500). RESULTADOS: Um total de 1.500 estudantes participaram desta investigação. Os resultados demonstram que há um consumo significativo de tais drogas. Entretanto, o padrão do consumo de drogas na amostra foi semelhante a outras investigações realizadas no Brasil e em outros países. DISCUSSÃO: Foi verificado que 55% dos universitários realmente utilizam drogas. Entretanto, o achado mais surpreendente foi que a maioria dos estudantes (88%) que responderam "sim" à indagação "Você já experimentou algum tipo de droga, incluindo álcool e cigarros?" espontaneamente eles revelaram que consumiam tais drogas, porém antes da admissão na Universidade. Este resultado sugere claramente que o ambiente universitário não representa necessariamente o ponto de partida para o consumo de drogas

Três novas espécies de tripanosomatídeos de insetos isolados em Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brasil Three new species of trypanosomatidae isolated in Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Três novas espécies de tripanosomatídeos foram isoladas em Alfenas, MG, Brasil: Herpetomonas anglusteri sp. n., do intestino posterior de Liopygia ruficorins (Diptera: Sarcophagidae); Crithidia roitmani sp. e.e Crithidia de souzai sp. n., do intestino médio e o posterior de Ornidia obesa (Diptera: Syrphidae). O isolamento foi feito em meio complexo de roitmanmas os três isolados cresceram bem no meio definido do mesmo Autor. Os clones foram obtidos em ágar-sangue de carneiro, desfibrinado, em placas de Petri, a 28ºC, por 2-7 dias. Um único clone de cada espécie foi utilizado neste trabalho. Dados morfológicos e morfométricos foram obtidos em câmara clara após coloração dos flagelados. H. anglusteri cresceu em meio complexo tanto a 28 como a 37ºC e, em meio definido, apenas a 28ºC. Não exige treonina e biotina para seu crescimento. C. roitmani apresenta tamanho médio maior que C. desouzai, não cresce em água de coco e seu crescimento é mais lento comparativamente a C. desouzai, apesar de terem sido isoladas critídias exige hemina e adenina para seu crescimento. Alguns ácidos aminados e vitaminas componentes do meio definido utilizado no ensaio, também não são exigidos, o que sugere serem estes tripanosomatídeos portadores de endossimbiontes.<br>Three new species of trypanosomatids were isolated from two species of flies: Herpetomonas anglusteri n. ap., from Liopygia ruficomis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae); Crithidia roitmani n. sp. and Crithidia desouzai n. s.p., from Ornidia obesa (Diptera: Syrphidae). All were axenically cultivated in both complex and defined media and cloned. Giemsa stained preparations showed typical choanomastigotes for Crithidia and promastigotes, paramastigotes, and opisthomastigotes for Herpetomonas. H. anglusteri did grow in a complex medium at 28 and 37ºC, but in a defiend mkedium only at 28ºC. c. roitmani does not grow in coconut's water but C. desouzai grow. Both Crithidia do not require hemin, adenine, and any vitamins and amino acids of the defined medium used in the assay, which suggests that these trypanosomatids may bear endosymbionts

Determinação da atividade antimicrobiana do extrato hidroalcoólico da planta Plectranthus ornatus codd (Boldo chinês)

A planta Plectranthus ornatus Codd é originária dos países do Mediterrâneo e Oriente Próximo. Na medicina popular é indicada para males do fígado e problemas da digestão. É utilizada no tratamento para o controle da gastrite, na dispepsia, azia, mal estar gástrico e ressaca. Este trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação antimicrobiana do extrato de P. ornatus, utilizando-se 15 microrganismos padronizados. Os testes antimicrobianos foram realizados em ágar Mueller Hinton pela técnica de poços. Foram utilizados os testes de microdiluição em caldo, para a determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e semeadura, em placas contendo ágar Mueller Hinton para a Concentração Microbicida Mínima (CMM). Os testes de microdiluição em caldo demonstraram que o extrato nas concentrações de 20,31; 325 e 650 mg/mL inibiu o crescimento bacteriano de Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes e Enterococcus faecalis, respectivamente. Para o fungo Saccharomyces cerevisiae os testes de microdiluição demonstraram inibição do crescimento na concentração de 1300 mg/mL. Para as demais cepas testadas o extrato não demonstra atividade. Em decorrência da crescente resistência múltipla microbiana aos antibióticos as pesquisas para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos que sejam economicamente viáveis e com margem de segurança efetiva têm ganhado espaço na comunidade científica

Avaliação microbiológica de um processo de sanificação de galões de água com a utilização do ozônio

O Brasil é o sétimo maior consumidor mundial de águas engarrafadas. Os recipientes mais utilizados, galões plásticos de 20 litros, devem ser submetidos à inspeção individual e posteriormente a sanificação. Recentemente, enfermidades associadas a microrganismos emergentes têm despertado o interesse por novos sanitizantes. Entre estes, o gás ozônio é um dos mais atraentes em virtude da sua segurança e eficácia superiores aos desinfetantes convencionais, não gerando resíduos tóxicos. Neste trabalho, o ozônio foi avaliado como método alternativo na sanificação de galões de água de 20 litros, na cidade de Alfenas, MG. Trinta galões foram avaliados sem tratamento e trinta após a sanificação com água ozonizada (4mg/L/2minutos) quanto à contagem total de microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos heterotróficos, número mais provável (NMP) de coliformes totais e Escherichia coli, Staphyloccocus aureus e Pseudomonas spp. em 100mL de solução enxaguatória. A contagem média de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) de microrganismos heterotróficos no estágio de pré-lavagem foi de 5,7/cm² enquanto que o tratamento com a água ozonizada reduziu este valor para 0,003/cm², além de promover a negativação das análises para coliformes Pseudomonas ssp. e somente 13,3% das amostras apresentaram-se positivas para Staphylococcus aureus após a sanificação. Concluiu-se que o tratamento com utilização de ozônio foi eficiente, nas condições testadas.Brazil is ranked as the seventh in worldwide consumer of bottled mineral water. The mineral water bottles should be inspected regarding the physical integrity and then submitted to sanitization, using specific wash machines. Recently diseases associated with new microbial strains have increased interest in exploring different disinfectants in food sanitizing processing. Ozone is particularly attractive because of its high security and effectiveness than conventional disinfectants, without risk of toxic residues generating. The current work evaluated the ozone as an alternative method for sanitizing 20 liters mineral water gallons in Alfenas-MG (Brazil). Thirty gallons were analyzed before (pre-wash) and thirty after washing with ozonated water (4mg/L, 2 min.) (post-wash). The samples were evaluated regarding the number of aerobic mesophiles, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas spp. The data about the aerobic mesophiles at pre-wash was 5,7 colony forming units/cm² and post-wash was 0,003CFU/cm². The post-wash samples showed negative of total coliforms, E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. and only 13,3% samples presented grow of S. aureus. In comparison, all the pre-wash showed presence of total coliforms and S. aureus. E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. were present in 80% and 50% of the samples, respectively. Therefore, the sanitizing processing with ozone (4mg/L) was demonstrated in this study was an adequate alternative method for washing mineral water gallons in tested condition