Toxicity assessment of saline extract and lectin-rich fraction from Microgramma vacciniifolia rhizome.

Microgramma vacciniifolia is broadly used in folk medicine but safety information is unavailable. Therefore, we evaluated the toxicity of a saline extract and a lectin-rich fraction of M. vacciniifolia rhizome.

Assessment of 28-day oral toxicity and antipyretic activity of the saline extract from Pilosocereus gounellei (Cactaceae) stem in mice.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Pilosocereus gounellei is a plant found in the Brazilian Caatinga and is popular due to its traditional uses in the treatment of inflammation. The present study was conducted to investigate the sub-acute toxicity of the saline extract from the stem of P. gounellei.

Saline extract of Pilosocereus gounellei stem has antinociceptive effect in mice without showing acute toxicity and altering motor coordination.

People broadly use medicinal plants although their safety and efficacy are often neglected. Several Cactaceae plants are used for medicinal purposes, but Pilosocereus gounellei (xique-xique) has been little studied for their pharmacological properties. In this study, a saline extract from Pilosocereus gounellei stem was evaluated for acute toxicity, effects on motor function, and antinociceptive activity in mice.

Evaluation of acute toxicity, genotoxicity and inhibitory effect on acute inflammation of an ethanol extract of Morus alba L. (Moraceae) in mice.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Morus alba L. (white mulberry) is used in traditional medicine worldwide, including Brazil. The leaves of this plant are used to treat inflammatory disorders.

Evaluation of Toxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of an Ethanolic Extract from Leaves of Morus alba L. (Moraceae).

This work evaluated an ethanolic extract from Morus alba leaves for toxicity to Artemia salina, oral toxicity to mice, and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenes in the extract, which did not show toxicity to A. salina nauplii.

Lectin from Crataeva tapia Bark Improves Tissue Damages and Plasma Hyperglycemia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Crataeva tapia is a plant popularly used for diabetes treatment, in Brazil. Progressive decline in renal and hepatic functions has been described in patients with diabetes mellitus, and mortality rate is increased in patients with chronic liver and renal disease. This study aimed to evaluate whether Crataeva tapia bark lectin (CrataBL) improves hyperglycemia and renal and hepatic damage in diabetic mice.

Effect of semisolid formulation of persea americana mill (avocado) oil on wound healing in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the wound-healing activity of a semisolid formulation of avocado oil, SSFAO 50%, or avocado oil in natura, on incisional and excisional cutaneous wound models in Wistar rats. An additional objective was to quantify the fatty acids present in avocado oil. On the 14th day, a significant increase was observed in percentage wound contraction and reepithelialization in the groups treated with 50% SSFAO or avocado oil compared to the petroleum jelly control.

Study of the activity of 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one against Schistosomiasis mansoni in mice.

Previous studies conducted with the imidazolidinic derivative 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one (LPSF-PT05) show outstanding activity against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms in vitro. In the first phase of this study, S. mansoni-infected mice were treated, orally, with 100 mg/Kg of the LPSF-PT05 in three formulations: Tween 80 and saline solution, oil/water (70 : 30) emulsion, and solid dispersion with polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Effects of controlled and pressure support mechanical ventilation on rat diaphragm muscle.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of Pressure Controlled Ventilation mode (PCV-C) and PSV mode in diaphragm muscle of rats.

Methods: Wistar rats (n=18) were randomly assigned to the control group or to receive 6 hours of PCV and PSV. After this period, animals were euthanized and their diaphragms were excised, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in at -80º C for further histomorphometric analysis.

Effect of a Semisolid Formulation of Linum usitatissimum L. (Linseed) Oil on the Repair of Skin Wounds.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a semisolid formulation of linseed oil, SSFLO (1%, 5%, or 10%) or in natura linseed oil on skin wounds of rats. We used wound models, incisional and excisional, to evaluate, respectively, the contraction/reepithelialization of the wound and resistance to mechanical traction. The groups (n = 6) treated with SSFLO (1% or 5%) began the process of reepithelialization, to a significant extent (P < .

Atypical glandular cells and cervical cancer: systematic review.

Atypical glandular cells are a common finding in cervical cytology in cervical cancer screening and its occurrence has increased in the last decades. The identification of these cells is clinically very important due to its association with cervical and endometrial dysplasic lesions and cancer. Using a systematic approach, this article reviewed studies investigating cervical lesions that are characteristic in patients previously diagnosed as having atypical glandular cells.

Antimicrobial Activity of Indigofera suffruticosa.

Various organic and aqueous extracts of leaves of Indigofera suffruticosa Mill (Fabaceae) obtained by infusion and maceration were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The extracts were tested against 5 different species of human pathogenic bacteria and 17 fungal strains by the agar-solid diffusion method. Most of the extracts were devoid of antifungal and antibacterial activities, except the aqueous extract of leaves of I.

Embryotoxicity in vitro with extract of Indigofera suffruticosa leaves.

Aqueous extract of leaves of Indigofera suffruticosa (AELIs) were studied for adverse effects in preimplantation mouse embryos. Two-cell mouse embryos were cultured for 94 h in human tubal fluid medium (HTF), and AELIs at a concentration of 5 or 10 mg/ml. On Day 4 of culture, morulae and blastocysts were collected for morphological analysis of blastomeres.