Effect of an aqueous extract of Phaseolus vulgaris on the properties of tail tendon collagen of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Changes in the structural and functional properties of collagen caused by advanced glycation might be of importance for the etiology of late complications in diabetes. The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of oral administration of aqueous pod extract (200 mg/kg body weight) of Phaseolus vulgaris, an indigenous plant used in Ayurvedic Medicine in India, on collagen content and characteristics in the tail tendon of streptozotocin-diabetic rats. In diabetic rats, collagen content (117.01 ± 6.84 mg/100 mg tissue) as well as its degree of cross-linking was increased, as shown by increased extent of glycation (21.70 ± 0.90 µg glucose/mg collagen), collagen-linked fluorescence (52.8 ± 3.0 AU/µmol hydroxyproline), shrinkage temperature (71.50 ± 2.50ºC) and decreased acid (1.878 ± 0.062 mg hydroxyproline/100 mg tissue) and pepsin solubility (1.77 ± 0.080 mg hydroxyproline/100 mg tissue). The alpha/ß ratio of acid- (1.69) and pepsin-soluble (2.00) collagen was significantly decreased in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Administration of P. vulgaris for 45 days to streptozotocin-diabetic rats significantly reduced the accumulation and cross-linking of collagen. The effect of P. vulgaris was compared with that of glibenclamide, a reference drug administered to streptozotocin-diabetic rats at the dose of 600 µg/kg body weight for 45 days by gavage. The effects of P. vulgaris (collagen content, 64.18 ± 1.97; extent of glycation, 12.00 ± 0.53; collagen-linked fluorescence, 33.6 ± 1.9; shrinkage temperature, 57.0 ± 1.0; extent of cross-linking - acid-soluble collagen, 2.572 ± 0.080, and pepsin-soluble collagen, 2.28 ± 0.112) were comparable with those of glibenclamide (collagen content, 71.5 ± 2.04; extent of glycation, 13.00 ± 0.60; collagen-linked fluorescence, 38.9 ± 2.0; shrinkage temperature, 59.0 ± 1.5; extent of cross-linking - acid-soluble collagen, 2.463 ± 0.078, and pepsin-soluble collagen, 2.17 ± 0.104). In conclusion, administration of P. vulgaris pods had a positive influence on the content of collagen and its properties in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

Natural products as alternative treatments for metabolic bone disorders and for maintenance of bone health

Bone metabolism involves a complex balance between the deposition of matrix and mineralization and resorption. There is now good evidence that dietary components and herbal products can influence these processes, particularly by inhibiting bone resorption, thus having beneficial effects on the skeleton. For example, it has been reported that a number of common vegetables, including onion, garlic and parsley, can inhibit bone resorption in ovariectomized rats. Essential oils derived from sage, rosemary, thyme and other herbs inhibit osteoclast activity in vitro and in vitro and leading to an increase in bone mineral density. Soya, a rich source of isoflavones, has shown promising results and epidemiological evidence to support a use in maintaining bone health, and various traditional herbal formulae in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine also have demonstrable effects in pharmacological models of osteoporosis. Recently, cannabinoids have been described as having positive effects on osteoblast differentiation, and the presence of cannabinoid receptors in bone tissue indicates a more complex role in bone metabolism than previously thought. The first part of this review briefly discusses normal bone metabolism and disorders caused by its disruption, with particular reference to osteoporosis and current pharmacological treatments. The effects of natural products on bone and connective tissue are then discussed, to include items of diet, herbal extracts and food supplements, with evidence for their efficacy outlined. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cymbopogon martinii essential oil and geraniol at noncytotoxic concentrations exerted immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects in human monocytes

ObjectivesIn traditional medicine, plants have formed the basis of sophisticated systems that have been in existence for thousands of years and still provide mankind with new remedies. Cymbopogon martinii, known as palmarosa, has been used in aromatherapy as a skin tonic due to its antimicrobial properties. It has also used in Ayurvedic medicine for skin problems and to relieve nerve pain. The immunomodulatory action of C.martinii essential oil (EO) and geraniol was evaluated regarding the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- and IL-10, respectively) by human monocytes in vitro.MethodsMonocyte cultures were incubated with EO or geraniol. After 18h, cytotoxicity assays were performed using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method, and cytokine production was determined by ELISA.Key findingsThe variables showed no cytotoxic effects on monocytes. TNF- production was not affected by C.martinii and geraniol, and only the concentration of 5g/ml of C.martinii stimulated its production. On the other hand, all concentrations of C.martinii and geraniol increased IL-10 production by human monocytes.ConclusionsData showed that noncytotoxic concentrations of EO and geraniol exerted an anti-inflammatory action by increasing IL-10 production; moreover, geraniol seemed to be probably responsible for EO immunomodulatory activity in our assay condition.

Molecole bioattive naturali e sintetiche per la terapia di malattie da aumentato riassorbimento osseo

Le terapie convenzionali per le malattie da aumentato riassorbimento osseo sono limitate dalla tossicità sistemica, bassa biodisponibilità farmacologica e scarsa aderenza alle terapie. In questo studio sono stati considerati approcci terapeutici innovativi basati su composti naturali e sintetici. I) Valutazione dell'attività biologica di composti naturali. Evidenze sperimentali hanno dimostrato l’attività antiproliferativa ed antiapoptotica di piante della Medicina ayurvedica. Queste proprietà sono sfruttabili nel trattamento di malattie da aumentato riassorbimento osseo, come l'osteoporosi. Per chiarire i possibili effetti terapeutici di questi composti, sono stati studiati i decotti di Rubia cordifolia, Hemidesmus indicus, Emblica officinalis, ed Asparagus racemosus. Hemidesmis indicus si è dimostrato il più efficace. II) Valutazione dell'attività biologica di composti sintetici. I bisfosfonati (BP) sono farmaci capaci di legarsi alle superfici minerali ossee e all’idrossiapatite, nei siti di rimodellamento osseo. Poiché i BP inibiscono la funzione degli osteoclasti, sono convenzionalmente impiegati nel trattamento di malattie da aumentato riassorbimento osseo, come l'osteoporosi. Tuttavia, gli elevati costi e gli effetti collaterali legati alla somministrazione determinano una scarsa aderenza al trattamento condizionandone l’efficacia. Scopo di questo studio è stato quello di valutare l'attività biologica di BP chimicamente innovativi, meno tossici e sintetizzati con strategie catalitiche semplificate ed ecocompatibili, in modo da ridurre i costi di produzione. È stato valutato l’effetto citotossico e antiosteoclastico dei composti e confrontato con quello dei BP comunemente impiegati in clinica (neridronato, pamidronato e alendronato). I risultati sono stati considerati raggiunti qualora fossero identificati BP di nuova sintesi non citotossici e capaci di conservare almeno il 90% della capacità dei substrati di base di inibire il riassorbimento osseo. Tutti i composti di nuova sintesi sono risultati meno tossici del BP convenzionale, anche a concentrazioni più elevate ed i più efficaci sono stati un BP coniugato con acido biliare, un BP aromatico contenente azoto ed un BP alifatico contenente zolfo.

Role of Ashwangandha (Withania Somnifera) in Immune Modulation: Proposed Influence in Immune-Regulation

The immune system evolved to protect organisms from an infinite variety of disease-causing agents but to avoid harmful responses to self. However, such a powerf~dl efense mechanism requires regulation. Immune regulation includes homeostatic and cellmediated targeted mechanisms to the activation, differentiation and function of antigen-triggered immuno-competent cells and irnmunoregulatory cells. The regulation of the immune system has been a major challenge for the management of autoimmune disorders, tumor immunity, infectious diseases and organ transplants. However, irnmuno-modulatory procedures used by modern medicine to induce immunoregulatory function have deleterious side effects. Ashwangandha (Withania somnifera), an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine is being tested and used in experimental and clinical cases with potential immuno-modulatory functions without any side effects. Here we propose future usages of Ashwangandha for immuno-regulatory function in translational research.

A Model to quantify Disease state based on the ayurvedic concept of Tridosa

The ancient Indian system of Ayurveda revolves around the concept of tridosha namely vata, pitta and kapha. The disturbance in the steady state of these three factors is said to be the starting point of the development of diseases. Even though the diseases and their associated symptoms are well- described in the medical system, no mention is directly made in the basic texts about the quantification. We offer here a specific protocol to quantify a disease in terms of ayurvedic principles

Ayurvedic Approach to Rheumatologic Disorders

In Ayurvedic texts rheumatologic diseases are described under 'Sandhgat Roga", the diseases of joints. Although many of the diseases under this category resemble rheurnatologic diseases classified under western medicine, the approach to differential diagnosis may be different. For greater understanding of Ayurvedic concept of rheurnatologic diseases only few diseases are discussed here. The case presentation of Amavafa provides greater understanding of how Ayurvedic differential diagnosis is made in context of its western counterpart, the rheumatoid arthritis.

Ayurvedic Concept of Food and Nutrition

Ayurveda places special emphasis on Ahar (diet) and Anna (food) and believes that healthy nutrition nourishes the mind, body and soul. Ayurveda does not discriminate food to be good, or bad, instead it emphasizes various factors that influence food, such as its biological properties, origin, environmental factors, seasons, preparation, freshness, and provides a logical explanation of how to balance food according to one's dosha and physical needs.

An essay on the antiquity of Hindoo medicine : including an introductory lecture to the course of materia medica and therapeutics delivered at King's College /

"Addendum": p. [1] (last group).

The Suśruta-samhitá : the Hindú system of medicine according to Suśruta /

No more published. Superseded by the translation by A.F.R. Hoernle.

Five Years Of Implementation Of Guidelines In Hematology And Transfusion Medicine In Brazil.

36

Juan César García: Social Medicine As Project And Endeavor.

This paper analyses some aspects of the trajectory of the Argentinian physician and sociologist Juan César García (1932-1984) in the field of Latin American Social Medicine. Three dimensions constituting his basic orientations are highlighted: the elaboration of systematic and reflective social thought; a critical attitude in questioning teaching and professional practices; a commitment to the institutionalization and dissemination of health knowledge.

Highlights from the I international symposium of thrombosis and anticoagulation in internal medicine, October 23–25, 2008, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract The importance of thrombosis and anticoagulation in clinical practice is rooted firmly in several fundamental constructs that can be applied both broadly and globally. Awareness and the appropriate use of anticoagulant therapy remain the keys to prevention and treatment. However, to assure maximal efficacy and safety, the clinician must, according to the available evidence, choose the right drug, at the right dose, for the right patient, under the right indication, and for the right duration of time. The first International Symposium of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation in Internal Medicine was a scientific program developed by clinicians for clinicians. The primary objective of the meeting was to educate, motivate and inspire internists, cardiologists and hematologists by convening national and international visionaries, thought-leaders and dedicated clinician-scientists in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This article is a focused summary of the symposium proceedings

Five-year follow-up of angiographic disease progression after medicine, angioplasty, or surgery

Background: Progression of atherosclerosis in coronary artery disease is observed through consecutive angiograms. Prognosis of this progression in patients randomized to different treatments has not been established. This study compared progression of coronary artery disease in native coronary arteries in patients undergoing surgery, angioplasty, or medical treatment. Methods: Patients (611) with stable multivessel coronary artery disease and preserved ventricular function were randomly assigned to CABG, PCI, or medical treatment alone (MT). After 5-year follow-up, 392 patients (64%) underwent new angiography. Progression was considered a new stenosis of >= 50% in an arterial segment previously considered normal or an increased grade of previous stenosis > 20% in nontreated vessels. Results: Of the 392 patients, 136 underwent CABG, 146 PCI, and 110 MT. Baseline characteristics were similar among treatment groups, except for more smokers and statin users in the MT group, more hypertensives and lower LDL-cholesterol levels in the CABG group, and more angina in the PCI group at study entry. Analysis showed greater progression in at least one native vessel in PCI patients (84%) compared with CABG (57%) and MT (74%) patients (p < 0.001). LAD coronary territory had higher progression compared with LCX and RCA (P < 0.001). PCI treatment, hypertension, male sex, and previous MI were independent risk factors for progression. No statistical difference existed between coronary events and the development of progression. Conclusion: The angioplasty treatment conferred greater progression in native coronary arteries, especially in the left anterior descending territories and treated vessels. The progression was independently associated with hypertension, male sex, and previous myocardial infarction.