In vitro antifungal activity of Morinda citrifolia (noni) extract against Candida albicans.

Introduction: Candida albicans is the main agent of the most common fungal infection, Candidiasis. It is an opportunistic and dangerous pathogen, especially in immunosuppressed patients. The biological properties of Morinda citrifolia (noni) make it a potent antifungal.

Chronic treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of Plathymenia reticulata promotes islet hyperplasia and improves glycemic control in diabetic rats.

Objective: To investigate the anti-hyperglycemic effects of Plathymenia reticulata hydroalcoholic extract and related changes in body weight, lipid profile and the pancreas.

Methods: Diabetes was induced in 75 adult male Wistar rats via oral gavage of 65mg/Kg of streptozotocin. Rats were allocated to one of 8 groups, as follows: diabetic and control rats treated with water, diabetic and control rats treated with 100mg/kg or 200mg/kg of plant extract, and diabetic and control rats treated with glyburide.

(Noni) Fruit Juice Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines Expression and Contributes to the Maintenance of Intestinal Mucosal Integrity in DSS Experimental Colitis.

L. (noni) has been shown to treat different disorders. However, data concerning its role in the treatment of intestinal inflammation still require clarification.

Effects of a Mikania laevigata extract on bone resorption and RANKL expression during experimental periodontitis in rats.

Objectives: The Mikania laevigata extract (MLE) (popularly known in Brazil as "guaco") possesses anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study we tested the effects of MLE in a periodontitis experimental model in rats. We also investigated possible mechanisms underlying such effects.

Anti-inflammatory activity and possible mechanism of extract from Mikania laevigata in carrageenan-induced peritonitis.

Objectives: The aim was to test the potential use of an extract of Mikania laevigata (popularly known in Brazil as guaco), made from leaves harvested in different months of the year, on neutrophil migration after an inflammatory stimulus and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods: We examined the effect of guaco on vascular permeability and leucocyte function in carrageenan-induced peritonitis in mice.

Key Findings: Our results demonstrated that guaco extract administered subcutaneously (3 mg/kg) decreased the vascular permeability and also leucocyte rolling and adhesion to the inflamed tissues by a mechanism dependent on nitric oxide.