Evaluation of a root extract gel from Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) as analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy in rheumatoid arthritis in mice

Purpose: To develop and characterize an herbal gel prepared from methanol root extract of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) (Stinging nettle) for the treatment of arthritis in mice.Methods: A methanol root extract from Urtica dioica was prepared, and a gel was then prepared using Carbopol 934. The prepared gel was subjected to various physical tests (color, appearance, pH, texture, viscosity) and in vivo evaluation, including primary skin irritation, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory tests, in arthritic mice and compared with 2 % indomethacin gel, which was used as standard.Results: The prepared herbal gel was of light gray color with a smooth texture. It showed a pH of 7.1 and a viscosity of 21.2 cps. The gel exhibited pseudoplastic rheology, as evidenced by shear thinning with increased shear rate. It was non-irritating to the skin in primary skin irritation test in mice and showed 55.05 % inhibition of paw edema in a carrageenan-induced hind rat paw edema model, comparable to that of the standard gel (53.93 %), after 24 h. The gel showed 58.21 % analgesia, versus 61.19 % analgesia for the indomethacin gel standard in writhing test.Conclusion: The topical gel from methanol root extract of U. dioica may be an efficacious and safe alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but this requires further investigations to ascertain its safety and clinical efficacy.Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, Urtica dioica, Stinging nettle, Anti-inflammatory activity, Analgesic activity, Herbal therap

The application of daily interruption in the treatment of analgesia and sedation in general ICU

目的  探讨在综合ICU镇痛镇静患者护理方面实施每日唤醒疗法护理的方法和效果。方法  选择在ICU进行持续镇痛镇静治疗>24h的患者共90例，实施每日唤醒和相应护理计划并观察记录。结果  实施每日唤醒后，镇痛镇静药物用量减少，机械通气时间减少，与镇静相关的躁动、谵妄事件减少，住ICU时间缩短。结论  ICU镇痛镇静患者实施每日唤醒可有利于其疾病恢复，减少镇静相关不良事件，值得临床关注，但必须加强病情监测和安全护理。Objective: To explore method and effect of daily interruption therapy in the treatment of analgesia and sedation in general ICU. Methods: 90 patients in ICU, who had been treated with continuous analgesia therapy within 24 hours, were selected and would receive daily interruption therapy and corresponding nursing. Results: Analgesic dosage of sedative drugs was reduced, together with mechanical ventilation time, and delirium events associated with calm restless, ICU stay was shortened after the implement of daily interruption therapy and nursing. Conclusion: The application of daily interruption in general ICU is beneficial to their disease recovery, reduce adverse events related with calmness, worthy of clinical attention, but it is imperative to improve the security of condition monitoring and nursing