A Validated Reverse-phase HPLC Analytical Method for the Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in Baccharis dracunculifolia

Introduction - Baccharis dracunculifolia, which has great potential for the development of new phytotherapeutic medicines, is the most important botanical source of the southeastern Brazilian propolis, known as green propolis on account of its color. Objective - To develop a reliable reverse-phase HPLC chromatographic method for the analysis of phenolic compounds in both B. dracunculifolia raw material and its hydroalcoholic extracts. Methodology - The method utilised a C(18) CLC-ODS (M) (4.6 x 250 mm) column with nonlinear gradient elution and UV detection at 280 nm. A procedure for the extraction of phenolic compounds using aqueous ethanol 90%, with the addition of veratraldehyde as the internal standard, was developed allowing the quantification of 10 compounds: caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, aromadendrin-4`-methyl ether, isosakuranetin, drupanin, artepillin C, baccharin and 2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxyethenyl-2H-1-benzopyran acid. Results - The developed method gave a good detection response with linearity in the range 20.83-800 mu g/mL and recovery in the range 81.25-93.20%, allowing the quantification of the analysed standards. Conclusion - The method presented good results for the following parameters: selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, as well as limit of detection and limit of quantitation. Therefore, this method could be considered as an analytical tool for the quality control of B. dracunculifolia raw material and its products in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Medicines and other Resources Utilized in Order to Cope Infants Diseases in the Family Daily Life: a qualitative study

Medicines and other Resources Utilized in Order to Cope Infants Diseases in the Family Daily Life: a qualitative study. The study proposes to investigate the use of medications, medicinal plants and other therapeutic resources to cope infants diseases in the domestic realm in an urban area. The ethnographic research method was utilized as referential, guiding the study for 10 months with 20 fortnight meetings in the domicile of 15 families. The study followed up 180 episodes of disease, 74,5% were treated, in a first instance, at home, resulting in the use of 212 therapeutic resources. The main type of therapeutic resource utilized was industrialized medicines, differing considerably from its clinic recommendations. The realm of the health services was more mobilized as a second treatment option. In the community realm, treatment of diseases known from the popular culture was performed via blessings and prayers. The families use medicines as cultural practices and the acceptance of some type of treatment depends on the expectations and experiences of the family.

Automedicação em adultos de baixa renda no município de São Paulo

OBJETIVO: Estimar a proporção de automedicação em adultos de baixa renda e identificar fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados de inquérito populacional realizado no município de São Paulo em 2005, cujo plano amostral incluiu dois domínios, favela e não favela, com amostragem por conglomerados em dois estágios, totalizando 3.226 indivíduos elegíveis. Além de características sociodemográficas e econômicas, foram analisados: uso de medicamentos nos 15 dias anteriores à entrevista, tipo de acesso (gratuito, comprado ou outra) aos medicamentos e os tipos de morbidades (crônicas ou agudas) tratadas, em análise de regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: A proporção de automedicação foi de 27% a 32%. Automedicação esteve fortemente associada à morbidade aguda, ao acesso ao medicamento por compra, à idade menor que 47 anos e medicamentos do grupo terapêutico que atuam no sistema nervoso central. O grupo que atua no sistema nervoso central foi o mais utilizado na automedicação. CONCLUSÕES: O acesso gratuito aos medicamentos mostrou-se fator de proteção para a automedicação. A distribuição de medicamentos e o atendimento adequado devem ser considerados para orientação e redução dos riscos que o uso irracional de medicamentos pode gerar à saúde.

Diferenças na adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose em relação ao sexo no distrito de saúde da Freguesia do Ó/Brasilândia - São Paulo

Os motivos para as diferenças epidemiológicas e para a adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose em relação a homens e mulheres são desconhecidos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo verificar diferenças na adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose em relação ao sexo; identificar aspectos facilitadores e dificultadores para a adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose em relação ao sexo; analisar as crenças consideradas importantes para a adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose. Foi utilizado o referencial teórico do Modelo de Crenças em Saúde de Rosenstock e a técnica da Análise de Conteúdos de Bardin. Foram realizadas 28 entrevistas semiestruturadas com homens e mulheres em tratamento supervisionado de tuberculose do Distrito de Saúde da Freguesia do Ó/Brasilândia. Os resultados mostraram que o perfil daqueles que falharam na terapêutica da tuberculose em relação ao sexo foi: mulher - solteira e separada, com atividade remunerada não comprovada, nível de escolaridade entre fundamental I completo e ensino médio completo; homem - casado, com atividade remunerada comprovada, nível de escolaridade entre ensino fundamental II completo e ensino médio completo. Os aspectos facilitadores encontrados para a boa adesão residem no bom atendimento dos profissionais de saúde e na percepção, por parte do paciente, da sua melhora de saúde. As crenças para a boa adesão ao tratamento no sexo masculino e feminino foram: bom atendimento do serviço de saúde e bom tratamento (em relação aos medicamentos).

Um enfoque sanitário sobre a demanda judicial de medicamentos

No Brasil, apesar dos avanços da assistência farmacêutica, permanecem falhas na garantia do acesso dos cidadãos aos medicamentos pelo Estado. Nos últimos anos, vem crescendo a reivindicação de medicamentos por parte do cidadão via sistema judiciário. Os objetos dessas solicitações são tanto os medicamentos em falta na rede pública como aqueles ainda não incorporados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Este fenômeno pode ser analisado sob diferentes perspectivas, inclusive a sanitária, entendida aqui como os desfechos sobre a saúde dos indivíduos que demandam estes medicamentos. O presente texto busca discutir as principais características das demandas judiciais frente aos seguintes aspectos: o uso racional de medicamentos, o uso de evidências científicas para a indicação terapêutica proposta e o quanto as demandas se justificam diante do conceito de acesso adotado pelo campo da assistência farmacêutica. Ponderações podem ser feitas no sentido de minimizar os riscos à saúde dos demandantes de medicamentos por via judicial, sobretudo quando o objeto da ação são medicamentos não pertencentes às listas de fornecimento público, ou com uso off label, ou desprovidos de registro no país. Considera-se que o Judiciário, a partir do fornecimento de medicamentos, busca garantir a saúde dos demandantes, e assim a dignidade da pessoa humana. Cabe ressaltar que este objetivo só será atingido quando a garantia da saúde estiver associada aos aspectos que certificam a segurança do paciente, inclusive no uso de medicamentos.

Pharmacist professionals in the prevention of drug abuse: updating roles, and opportunities

The objective of this paper was to prepare and provide resources to pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, enabling them to carry out a critical analysis on drug abuse, acquiring knowledge in several areas that effectively contribute to their personal development in this professional field. Professionals play a crucial role in the reduction and prevention of substances abuse, since they are able to advise patient about illicit drugs, psychotropic medicines and alcohol abuse. There is an urgent need to specialize pharmacists to act in the national public health service and contribute to actions aimed at the surrounding community.

Uso de medicamentos por pessoas com deficiências em áreas do estado de São Paulo

OBJETIVO: Analisar o consumo de medicamentos e os principais grupos terapêuticos consumidos por pessoas com deficiências físicas, auditivas ou visuais. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em que foram analisados dados do Inquérito Multicêntrico de Saúde no Estado de São Paulo (ISA-SP) em 2002 e do Inquérito de Saúde no Município de São Paulo (ISA-Capital), realizado em 2003. Os entrevistados que referiram deficiências foram estudados segundo as variáveis que compõem o banco de dados: área, sexo, renda, faixa etária, raça, consumo de medicamentos e tipos de medicamentos consumidos. RESULTADOS: A percentagem de consumo entre as pessoas com deficiência foi de: 62,8 por cento entre os visuais; 60,2 por cento entre os auditivos e 70,1 por cento entre os físicos. As pessoas com deficiência física consumiram 20 por cento mais medicamentos que os não-deficientes. Entre as pessoas com deficiência visual, os medicamentos mais consumidos foram os diuréticos, agentes do sistema renina-angiotensina e analgésicos. Pessoas com deficiência auditiva utilizaram mais analgésicos e agentes do sistema renina-angiotensina. Entre indivíduos com deficiência física, analgésicos, antitrombóticos e agentes do sistema renina-angiotensina foram os medicamentos mais consumidos. CONCLUSÕES: Houve maior consumo de medicamentos entre as pessoas com deficiências quando comparados com os não-deficientes, sendo os indivíduos com deficiência física os que mais consumiram fármacos, seguidos de deficientes visuais e auditivos

O papel das selenoproteínas no câncer

Evidências têm demonstrado que distúrbios do metabolismo são comuns em células tumorais, levando ao aumento do estresse oxidativo. A elevação na produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) associada à baixa atividade antioxidante tem sido relacionada a vários tipos de câncer. O selênio, micronutriente antioxidante, pode funcionar como um agente antimutagênico, prevenindo transformações malignas de células normais. Realizou-se um levantamento bibliográfico no período 2000 a 2009 mediante consulta à base de dados PubMed (National Library of Medicine´s Medline Biomedical Literature, USA), selecionando-se 39 artigos que avaliaram a relação entre câncer, estresse oxidativo e suplementação com selênio. O efeito protetor desse mineral é especialmente associado à sua presença na glutationa peroxidase e na tioredoxina redutase, enzimas protetoras do DNA e outros componentes celulares contra o dano oxidativo causado pelas EROs. Vários estudos têm demonstrado a expressão reduzida destas enzimas em diversos tipos de câncer, principalmente quando associados a uma baixa ingestão de selênio, que pode acentuar os danos causados. A suplementação de selênio parece ocasionar redução do risco de alguns tipos de câncer diminuindo o estresse oxidativo e o dano ao DNA. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para esclarecer as doses de selênio adequadas para cada situação (sexo, localização geográfica e tipo de câncer)

Medicamentos e outros recursos utilizados no enfrentamento das doenças infantis no cotidiano familiar: estudo qualitativo

O estudo propõe analisar o consumo de medicamentos, plantas medicinais e outros recursos terapêuticos na construção de itinerários terapêuticos, em resposta aos agravos à saúde de crianças com menos de cinco anos de idade no âmbito doméstico, em área urbana. Pesquisa qualitativa, etnográfica, com 15 famílias, ao longo de 10 meses com 20 encontros quinzenais com as responsáveis pelas crianças no cotidiano familiar. Foram constatados 180 eventos de doenças, 74,5 por cento foram tratados, em primeira instância, em casa, resultando no uso de 212 recursos terapêuticos. O principal tipo de recurso terapêutico utilizado neste âmbito foi medicamentos industrializados, utilizados para prevenir e tratar doenças, diferenciando consideravelmente de suas indicações clínicas. Os serviços de saúde aparecem como segunda opção de tratamento. Na comunidade foram tratadas doenças conhecidas pela experiência popular, benzimentos e orações. As famílias usam medicamentos como práticas culturais e a aceitação de qualquer tipo de tratamento depende de suas expectativas e experiências

Evaluation of pharmacotherapy on elderly residents of nursing homes in the north-east of Brazil

Data related to medication order and the use of medications was collected from 94 elderly medical records of two nursing homes of Aracaju (SE), The mean age was 83.2 (SD = 10.1), with most belonging to the females (63.8%). The prevalence of the use of drugs was 87.2% and the average of medicines consumed was equal to 2.7 (SD = 1.8), mainly with action in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. In this Study, the elderly population studied presented polypharmacy (18.1%), inappropriate use of drugs (28.7%) and double therapy (11.7%). Data showed the need for improvement and evaluation of the quality of pharmacotherapy to promote rational drug use in the elderly population.

Inhibitory effects of Solidago chilensis Meyen hydroalcoholic extract on acute inflammation

Aim of the study: Alcoholic or hydroalcoholic preparations of the plant Solidago chilensis Meyen (Asteraceae) are employed in popular medicines to treat inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of the plant (93% ethanol) were investigated and the main components of the extract were identified. Materials and methods: Ear oedema was induced in male Wistar rats by topical application of the chloroform fraction of latex-extract from Euphorbia milii. Leukocyte mobilisation was quantified after air-pouch inflammation evoked by oyster glycogen. Leukocyte-endothelial interactions and mast cell degranulation were quantified by intravital microscopy. The extract itself was characterised via HPLC-DAD-MS and HPLC-MS/MS. Results: Topical (12.5-50 mg/kg) or intraperitoneal (25 or 50 mg/kg) administrations of the extract reduced ear oedema formation (>25% reduction). Intraperitoneal applications of 25 mg/kg of extract inhibited the migration of polymorphonuclear cells into the inflamed cavity (about 50%). In addition, the rolling behaviour and adherence of circulating leukocytes to postcapillary venules of the mesentery network was diminished (50%), but the mast cell degranulation in the perivascular area was not affected. The major components of the extract were identified as caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and the flavonoid rutin. Conclusions: The data presented herein show local and systemic anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Solidago chilensis, and implicate the inhibition of leukocyte-endothelial interactions as an important mechanism of the extract`s action. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of physico-chemical and phytochemical characteristics of different tinctures of barbatimao (Stryphnodendron barbatiman)

As a consequence of the large distribution and use of medicinal plants, the industries are producing products based on plant species in various pharmaceutical forms, which have been commercialized in pharmacies and natural products homes. However, there is no guarantee for the vast majority of these products, as to their effctiveness, safety, and quality, which may cause risks to the health of consumers. There it is important the establishment of standardized protocols of quality control for phytotherapeutic products. Tinctures of barbatimao are available in the Brazilian market proceeding from diverse manufacturers. With the purpose to evaluate the difference between the quality of tinctures of barbatimao proceeding from four manufactures, a comparative study of ph ysico-chenfical andphylocheinical characteristics was carried out. For physico-chemical analysis, the pH, density, dry residue and tannins content were evaluated. The phytochemical analysis was made using thin layer chromatography. The differences observed in physico-chemical and phytochemical characteristics had evidenced the lack of standardization in the production of these tinctures.

Processing of Rosmarinus officinalis Linne extract on spray and spouted bed dryers

This article presents an investigation of the potential of spray and spouted bed technology for the production of dried extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis Linne, popularly known as rosemary. The extractive solution was characterized by loss on drying, extractable matter and total phenolic and flavonoid compounds (chemical markers). The product was characterized by determination of loss on drying, size distribution, morphology, flow properties and thermal degradation and thermal behavior. The spray and spouted bed dryer performance were assessed through estimation of thermal efficiency, product accumulation and product recovery. The parameters studied were the inlet temperature of the spouting gas (80 and 150 degrees C) and the feed mass flow rate of concentrated extract relative to the evaporation capacity of the dryer, W-s/W-max (15 to 75%). The atomizing air flow rate was maintained at 20 l/min with a pressure of 196.1 kPa. The spouting gas flow rate used in the drying runs was 40% higher than the gas flow under the condition of minimum spouting. The spray drying gas flow rate was fixed at 0.0118 kg/s. Under the conditions studied, performance in the spray and spouted bed drying of rosemary extract was poor, causing high degradation of the marker compounds (mainly the phenolic compounds). Thus, process improvements are required before use on an industrial scale.

Evaluation of the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of crude extracts of Cordia ecalyculata and Echinodorus grandiflorus

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cordia ecalyculata Veil. and Echinodorus grandiflorus (Cham. & Schltdl) Micheli are extensively used in Brazil as therapeutic preparations for indigenous groups and the general population. These plants have been used in the folk medicine as: tonic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressants, for the treatment of snake bites, and weight loss. Aim of the study: In this study, it was verified the possible cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the crude extracts of. Cordia ecalyculata and Echinodorus grandiflorus, as well as their effectiveness in treating obesity. Materials and methods: The Micronucleus Test was used for the evaluation of possible clastogenic and aneugenic effects, and the Comet Assay was used for the evaluation of single-strand and double-strand DNA breaks. The cytotoxic effects of the crude extracts were verified by PCE/NCE ratio. Swiss mice (Mus musculus) were used as the experimental model. Results: It was observed a significant (P < 0.05) increase, dose-independent, in the average frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes in peripheral blood in mice treated with either the Cordia ecalyculata or Echinodorus grandiflorus extracts, in comparison with the negative control. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes for both extract treatment. We observed that treatment with the Cordia ecalyculata extract at concentrations of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw resulted in a PCE/NCE ratio that was larger (P < 0.05) than the negative control. After 15 days of daily treatment. a dose of 2000 mg/kg bw of either phytotherapeutic did not reduce body mass gain or the amount of food consumed by Swiss mice when compared with the negative control (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study allowed us to infer that the crude extracts of Cordia ecalyculata and Echinodorus grandiflorus do not display cytotoxic or genotoxic activities. However, they do possess weak clastogenic activity (without significance) on peripheral blood cells. Contrary to commonly held beliefs it was also found in this study that the extracts are not effective for obesity treatments. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antiulcerogenic Activity of the Essential Oil of Baccharis dracunculifolia on Different Experimental Models in Rats

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae), a native plant from Brazil, commonly known as `Alecrim-do-campo` is widely used in folk medicine to treat inflammation, hepatic disorders and stomach ulcers, and it is the most important botanical source of Southeastern Brazilian propolis, known as green propolis. Its essential oil is composed of non-oxygenated and oxygenated terpenes. In this work, the effects of the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of R dracunculifolia on gastric ulcers were evaluated. The antiulcer assays were undertaken using the following protocols in rats: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced ulcer, ethanol-induced ulcer, stress-induced ulcer, and determination of gastric secretion using ligated pylorus. The treatment in the doses of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg of R dracunculifolia essential oil significantly diminished the lesion index, the total lesion area and the percentage of lesions in comparison with both positive and negative control groups. With regard to the model of gastric secretion a reduction of gastric juice volume and total acidity was observed, as well as an increase in the gastric pH. No sign of toxicity was observed in the acute toxicity study. Considering the results, it is suggested that the essential oil of B. dracunculifolia could probably be a good therapeutic agent for the development of new phytotherapeutic medicine for the treatment of gastric ulcer. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.