Synthesis and preliminary characterization of polyurethane nanoparticles with ginger extract as a possible cardiovascular protector.

The extract of ginger, obtained from the rhizome of , contains 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol. It has many therapeutic effects such as being chemopreventive against stroke and heart diseases, malabsorption, bacterial infections, indigestion, and nausea, which have been observed since ancient times. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the polyurethane (PU) as a proper material for the hollow nanoparticles' preparation.

Synthesis and characterization of a polyurethane carrier used for a prolonged transmembrane transfer of a chili pepper extract.

Purpose: Red chili peppers have been highly valued in gastronomy and traditional medicine since ancient times; it seems that it is not just an ingredient for food but also a good remedy for various medical conditions such as increased blood pressure and high levels of serum triglycerides and cholesterol, myocardial infarction, arthritis, and migraines. The objective of this study is the characterization of a new carrier used for encapsulated extract.

Methods: Chili pepper extract was obtained and was physically entrapped inside polyurethane microparticles in order to diminish the irritative potential of this extract.

Mistletoe and Garlic Extracts as Polyurethane Carriers - A Possible Remedy for Choroidal Melanoma.

Background: Melanoma is known as the most dangerous form of skin cancer; whereas the malignant choroidal melanoma is an orphan disease known as the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Literature suggests that the consumption of garlic and mistletoe leads to a reduced risk of developing cancer.

Objective: The aim of this study was the obtaining and the characterization of polymer structures containing mistletoe or garlic extract.

Advanced Structure-activity Relationships Applied to Mentha spicata L. Subsp. spicata Essential Oil Compounds as AChE and NMDA Ligands, in Comparison with Donepezil, Galantamine and Memantine - New Approach in Brain Disorders Pharmacology.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy is based on several natural and synthetic compounds that act as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) ligands that have limited efficiency in relieving AD symptoms. Recent studies show that inhibitors isolated from Mentha spicata L. subsp.

QSAR Approaches Applied to Antidepressants Induced Neurogenesis--in vivo and in silico Applications.

Brain presents very complex advanced protective mechanisms. However, these mechanisms occasionally fail due to risk factors represented by genetic, environmental or social stress and consequently, severe psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia or psychotic depression are induced. Under such circumstances, latest strategies in experimental and in silico neuroscience consider essential to identify new applications of already clinically-approved drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders but also as promoters of neurogenesis and neurites outgrowth.

Calcium Channel Blockers--Benefits Upon Vascular Biology in Hypertensive Patients.

Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are widely used in cardiovascular medicine expressing high hopes upon decreasing cardiovascular risk, morbidity and mortality. Here, the potency of CCBs on 58 Romanian asymptomatic hypertensive patients, with no atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease, was studied by clinical and in silico methods. In our study, arterial elasticity/stiffness was assessed; anthropometric, metabolic (lipidic) parameters were quantified.