In vitro Effect of Mouthrinse Containing Essential Oils on Proliferation and Migration of Gingival Epithelial Cells

We aimed to investigate in vitro the effects of mouthrinses containing essential oils (EOs) on proliferation and migration of gingival epithelial cells. Human gingival epithelial cells were treated with predetermined dilutions of commercially available EO mouthrinses with or without ethanol and a mouthrinse containing cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) for 60 s. Cell proliferation was evaluated using WST‐1 assay. Cell migration was assessed using a wound closure model. Within 10 s of exposure to EO mouthrinse without ethanol, the epithelial cells became aberrant and shrank. No statistically significant difference in cell migration or proliferation was observed among cells pretreated by the EO mouthrinse with ethanol, CPC mouthrinse and control (phosphate buffered saline). In contrast, the EO mouthrinse without ethanol significantly reduced cell proliferation (p < 0.001) to approximately 20% relative to control. As for the EO mouthrinse without ethanol, it was not possible to assess its effect on cell migration using this model, because treated cells could be easily detached from the culture plate upon scratch, possibly because of the surfactant ingredient in the formulation. Within the limitations of the study, the EO mouthrinse with ethanol exerted no inhibitory effect on proliferation and migration of the gingival epithelial cells. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Terminalia chebula Extract and Chlorhexidine on Salivary pH and Periodontal Health: 2 Weeks Randomized Control Trial

A double blind, randomized, controlled study with three parallel treatment groups was done to evaluate the efficacy of a Terminalia chebula 10% mouth rinse compared with chlorhexidine 0.12% mouth rinse, applied two times daily for 2 weeks, in the treatment of dental plaque and gingivitis. Seventy‐eight patients were included in the study. The efficacy variables were periodontal indices on days 0, 7 and 14 after commencement of therapy. Twenty six patients received chlorhexidine mouth rinse, twenty six Terminalia chebula mouth rinse and twenty six received saline solution. The clinical parameters were significantly reduced by both chlorhexidine and Terminalia chebula mouth rinse although no significant difference was seen between the two groups (P > 0.05). This study demonstrated that Terminalia chebula mouth rinse is effective in reducing microbial plaque, gingival inflammation and neutralizing salivary pH. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

木糖醇口香糖对妊娠期牙龈炎和牙菌斑作用的研究

目的评价木糖醇口香糖对妊娠期牙龈炎和牙菌斑的影响,为孕期使用口香糖提供科学依据。方法 选择60例患有妊娠期牙龈炎的患者,基线检查菌斑指数和牙龈指数后随机分为3组,即木糖醇口组、洗必泰组、对照组,均20例。木糖醇组:口腔卫生宣教+康齿宁乳膏刷牙+木糖醇;洗必泰组:口腔卫生宣教+康齿宁乳膏刷牙+洗必泰含漱;对照组:口腔卫生宣教+康齿宁乳膏刷牙。6、12周分别复查菌斑指数和牙龈指数。结果 3组试验前菌斑指数和牙龈指数差异均无统计学意义(P(0.05);6、12周3组菌斑指数、牙龈指数均呈下降趋势,木糖醇组和洗必泰组下降明显(P(0.05),对照组下降不明显(P(0.05);木糖醇组与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P(0.05),木糖醇组与洗必泰组比较差异无统计学意义(P(0.05)。结论在同等的口腔环境下,木糖醇口香糖和洗必泰对口腔卫生均有显著改善。     

Nanotechnology in Phytotherapy: Antiinflammatory Effect of a Nanostructured Thymol Gel from Lippia sidoides in Acute Periodontitis in Rats

Lippia sidoides Cham (Verbenaceae) is largely distributed in the northeastern region of Brazil. It is popularly known as ‘Alecrim‐pimenta’. Recent studies have shown that some species of Lippia have interesting pharmacological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nanostructured thymol gel (TG) 1.2 mg/g on acute phase of ligature‐induced periodontitis model [acute periodontal disease (APD)] in rats. APD was induced in 24 Wistar rats subjected to ligature placement on left molars in maxillae. Animals were treated with TG, immediately after APD induction. Saline‐based gel was utilized as negative control and diethylammonium diclofenac gel 10 mg/g was used as positive control. Animals were randomly assigned into the groups. The periodontium and the surrounding gingiva were examined at histopathology, as well as the neutrophil influx into the gingiva was assayed using myeloperoxidase activity levels by ELISA method. TG treatment reduced tissue lesion at histopathology coupled to decreased myeloperoxidase activity production in gingival tissue when compared with the saline gel control group (p < 0.05). The TG gel was able to provide a significant myeloperoxidase decreasing in gingiva tissue confirming to be effective in reducing gingival inflammation in this model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Topical Antiinflammatory Activity of Essential Oil of Lippia sidoides Cham: Possible Mechanism of Action

This work reports the chemical composition of the essential oil of Lippia sidoides (EOLS) and evaluation of the topical effect of EOLS and thymol against different irritant agents in vivo. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis identified the main constituents: thymol (84.9%) and p‐cymene (5.33%). The antiinflammatory activity was evaluated using the mouse models of acute ear inflammation induced by croton oil, arachidonic acid, phenol or histamine, and chronic inflammation induced by croton oil. The topical application of EOLS or thymol at a dose of 2 mg/ear significantly reduced (p < 0.001) ear edema induced with arachidonic acid by 45.1% and 47.4% and reduced ear edema induced with phenol by 33.2% (p < 0.05) and 54.7% (p < 0.01) in acute ear edema. However, a proinflammatory effect of EOLS and thymol was evidenced when it was applied for more than 1 day. There were no statistical differences in antiedematogenic activity between EOLS and thymol. In conclusion, the results indicate that thymol is the constituent responsible for the topical antiinflammatory activity of EOLS. Thus, these findings could justify the popular use of L. sidoides by alternative medicine, but chronic use has an inflammatory effect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil of Lippia gracilis leaves

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to investigate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of essential oil (EO) of Lippia gracilis Schauer (Verbenaceae) leaves to support the medicinal uses claimed by folklore practitioners in the caatinga region (semi-arid) of Northeastern Brazil.

Materials and methods

The chemical composition and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the EO of Lippia gracilis leaves (50–200 mg/kg) were investigated. Antinociceptive activity of the EO was evaluated by writhing test. Anti-inflammatory activity of the EO was evaluated using paw oedema and peritonitis methods.

Results

Oral treatment with the EO of Lippia gracilis leaves elicited inhibitory activity on acetic acid effect at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg (30.33 ± 2.36, 25.20 ± 1.48, and 21.00 ± 1.54 abdominal writhes, respectively, P < 0.05), as compared with the control group (36.73 ± 1.92 writhes). The compound acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 300 mg/kg) inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing (12.67 ± 0.50 abdominal writhes, P < 0.001). Carrageenan-induced oedema formation was reduced with the EO of Lippia gracilis leaves at 200 mg/kg (0.72 ± 0.06 mL h, P < 0.001) and by the reference compound ASA (300 mg/kg, 0.85 ± 0.04 mL h, P < 0.001), as compared with the control group (1.76 ± 0.06 mL h). Leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity induced by carrageenan was reduced with the EO of Lippia gracilis leaves at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg (13.81 ± 0.61, 11.77 ± 0.91, and 10.30 ± 0.60 leukocytes × 10⁶/mL, respectively, P < 0.01), and by the compound dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, 5.34 ± 0.33 leukocytes × 10⁶/mL, P < 0.001), as compared with the control group (16.71 ± 0.54 leukocytes × 10⁶/mL). The analyses of the essential oil allowed the identification of Lippia gracilis as a thymol-p-cymene chemotype (32.68% and 17.82%, respectively).

Conclusions

The EO of Lippia gracilis leaves shows antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.     

HPLC测定醋酸洗必泰溶液和滴鼻乳的含量

 目的 为醋酸洗必泰溶液和醋酸洗必泰滴鼻乳建立一种快速准确的分析方法。方法 采用HP1050色谱系统,ZY1104型C₁₈柱,以磷酸盐缓冲液（0.02 mol·L^-1,内含0.1%三乙胺,pH3.5）-乙腈（70∶30）为流动相,甲磺酸酚妥拉明为内标,检测波长254 nm。结果 醋酸洗必泰线性范围40～200 μg·ml^-1（r=0.9992）,最低检测浓度为50 ng·ml^-1,醋酸洗必泰滴鼻乳回收率为100.38%,精密度考查日内RSD≤1.86%,日间RSD≤3.21%。结论 本方法快速准确,重现性好,可作为醋酸洗必泰制剂的质量控制方法,更适合洗必泰制剂在贮存和使用过程中的稳定性考察。     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Caesalpinia ferrea Martius fruits against oral pathogens

Aim

In the Amazon region of Brazil, the fruits of Caesalpinia ferrea Martius (Brazilian ironwood) are widely used as an antimicrobial and healing medicine in many situations including oral infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Caesalpinia ferrea Martius fruit extract against oral pathogens.

Materials and methods

Polyphenols estimation and spectral analysis (¹H NMR) of the methanol extract were carried out. The microorganisms Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis and Lactobacillus casei were tested using the microdilution method for planktonic cells (MIC) and a multispecies biofilm model. Chlorhexidine was used as positive control.

Results

Polyphenols in the extract were estimated at 7.3% and ¹H NMR analysis revealed hydroxy phenols and methoxilated compounds. MIC values for Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis and Lactobacillus casei were 25.0, 40.0, 66.0, 100.0, 66.0 μg/mL, respectively. For the biofilm assay, chlorhexidine and plant extract showed no growth at 10⁻⁴ and 10⁻⁵ microbial dilution, respectively. At 10⁻⁴ and 10⁻⁵ the growth values (mean ± SD) of the negative controls (DMSO and saline solution) for Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sp. and Candida albicans were 8.1 ± 0.7, 7.0 ± 0.6 and 5.9 ± 0.9 × 10⁶ CFU, respectively.

Conclusion

Caesalpinia ferrea fruit extract can inhibit in vitro growth of oral pathogens in planktonic and biofilm models supporting its use for oral infections.     

Pharmacokinetic Herb–Drug Interaction between Essential Oil of Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L., Apiaceae) and Acetaminophen and Caffeine: A Potential Risk for Clinical Practice

Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L., Apiaceae) and its essential oil (EO) have been widely used. Because there are some data about the impact of aniseed EO on drug effects, this survey aimed to assess the potential of pharmacokinetic herb–drug interaction between aniseed EO and acetaminophen and caffeine in mice. The chemical analysis (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) of aniseed EO has confirmed trans‐anethole (87.96%) as the main component. The pharmacokinetic studies of intraperitoneally (i.p.) and orally applied acetaminophen (200 mg/kg) and caffeine (20 mg/kg) were performed in mice after 5 days of oral treatment with human equivalent dose of aniseed EO (0.3 mg/kg/day). The analysis of pharmacokinetic data showed that in the group treated by aniseed EO, the significant decrease in the peak plasma concentration of acetaminophen after oral application (p = 0.024) was revealed when compared with control group and the reduction of systemic exposure to the drug after oral application (74 ± 32% vs. 85 ± 35% in the control) was noted. The bioavailability of orally applied caffeine was also significantly decreased (p = 0.022) after the EO treatment in comparison with the control (57 ± 24% vs. 101 ± 29%). Therefore, the compromised therapeutic efficacy of acetaminophen and caffeine during the usage of aniseed EO preparations should be considered. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Preliminary Investigation on the Antimicrobial Activity of Listerine®, Its Components,and of Mixtures Thereof

Listerine® is one of the most popular mouthwashes worldwide and claims to combat harmful bacteria. In the past century, its recipe was changed from an essential oil mouthwash to a five‐component mixture (thymol, menthol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate dissolved in 27% ethanol). The aim of this study was to get preliminary information about the antimicrobial activities of individual Listerine® components and their mixtures. We tested the bacterial strains Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Eikenella corrodens and the yeast Candida albicans. The established minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) assay were applied. None of the combinations of two phenols at the concentrations contained within Listerine® were associated with either an additive or synergistic effect. Thymol had lower MIC and MBC/MFC values than the other Listerine® components and Listerine® against E. corrodens and C. albicans. The mixtures consisting of eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, and thymol were the most effective against S. mutans and E. faecalis and more effective than Listerine®. Our results demonstrate that the phenols and their concentrations as contained within Listerine® could be further optimized in terms of selecting those which increase their general effectiveness, at concentrations that do not induce harm. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

通阳宽胸颗粒对冠状动脉硬化大鼠血脂及IL-17A,VCAM-1和ICAM-1表达的影响

目的:通过观察通阳宽胸颗粒对动脉硬化大鼠的冠脉微循环障碍改善作用,探讨中西医结合治疗心血管疾病的疗效。方法:Wistar大鼠50只,随机分为通阳宽胸颗粒组(50 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)),辛伐他汀组(5 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)),通阳宽胸颗粒+辛伐他汀组,模型组和正常组,除正常组外,制备动脉硬化大鼠模型,正常组常规饲养,模型组和治疗组大鼠给予高脂饮食和维生素D3ip,喂饲4周后,灌胃给药8周,处死后取血清酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测血清总胆固醇(TC),甘油三酯(TG),低密度脂蛋白(LDL-C),分析动脉斑块面积,另取主动脉行免疫组化及蛋白质免疫印迹(Western blot),观察白细胞介素-17A(IL~(-1)7A),血管间细胞黏附分子(VCAM-1)和白细胞间黏附分子(ICAM-1)的表达。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清动脉斑块面积,TC,TG,LDL-C明显升高(P0.05);与模型组比较,治疗组血清TC,TG,LDL-C明显下降,动脉斑块面积明显缩小(P0.05,P0.01),与单独使用通阳宽胸颗粒治疗相比,中西医结合治疗组改善更明显(P0.05);与模型组比较,治疗组冠状动脉粥样硬化组织IL~(-1)7A,VCAM-1和ICAM-1的表达显著下降(P0.01),且中西医结合治疗效果优于单独使用中药。结论:通阳宽胸颗粒可通过改善血脂指标,降低动脉斑块面积,降低IL~(-1)7A,VCAM-1和ICAM-1的表达,缓解组织炎症,治疗冠状动脉粥样硬化性疾病,中西医结合治疗值得临床进一步推广。     

Miconazole gel compared with Zataria multiflora Boiss. gel in the treatment of denture stomatitis

An open, randomized, controlled study with two parallel treatment groups was done to evaluate the efficacy of a miconazole 2% gel compared with Zataria multiflora 0.1% gel applied four times daily for 2 weeks, in the treatment of Candida-associated denture stomatitis. Twenty four patients were included in the study. The efficacy variables were the colony count of Candida from the palatal mucosa and the denture surface and the erythema surface of the palatal mucosa on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after commencement of therapy. Twelve patients received miconazole gel and twelve Z. multiflora gel. The erythema surface was significantly reduced by both gels. No significant difference was seen between the two groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the colony count of the palatal mucosa in both groups (except on days 21 and 28 in the Zataria group p = 0.07 and 0.08). Miconazole treatment reduced the number of denture colonies more efficiently than Z. multiflora except for day 21 when the efficacy of both groups was similar (p = 0.17). The results indicate that Z. multiflora gel reduced the surface erythema of the palate more efficiently than miconazole gel but did not reduce the colony count of the denture surface as efficiently as miconazole.     

醋酸洗必泰溶液的稳定性及抗菌活性

 目的：研究醋酸洗必泰溶液的稳定性及抗菌活性。方法：用紫外分光光度法于波长260 nm处测定醋酸洗必泰溶液的含量，采用经典恒温加速实验法作其稳定性实验，在常温下和80℃加热恒温下分别加入Ca²⁺,Mg²⁺使含量达100 mg/L,96 h后测定含量同时用金黄色葡萄球菌作抑菌试验，并加对照。结果：醋酸洗必泰溶液的有效期τ25℃0.9=5.24。加入微量金属离子(Ca²⁺，Mg²⁺)化合物后，其稳定性和抗菌活性均降低。结论：醋酸洗必泰溶液的热稳定性好，微量的金属离子能使其稳定性下降、抗菌活性降低，应避免接触。     

A clinical study: Melaleuca, Manuka, Calendula and green tea mouth rinse

A novel mouthrinse (IND 61,164) containing essential oils and extracts from four plant species (Melaleuca alternifolia, Leptospermum scoparium, Calendula officinalis and Camellia sinensis) were tested. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, palatability and preliminary efficacy of the rinse. Fifteen subjects completed the Phase I safety study. Seventeen subjects completed the Phase II randomized placebo-controlled study. Plaque was collected, gingival and plaque indices were recorded (baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks). The relative abundance of two periodontal pathogens (Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Tanerella forsythensis) was determined utilizing digoxigenin-labeled DNA probes. ANCOVA was used at the p = 0.05 level of significance. Two subjects reported a minor adverse event. One subject withdrew from the study. Several subjects objected to the taste of the test rinse but continued treatment. Differences between gingival index, plaque index or relative abundance of either bacterial species did not reach statistical significance when comparing nine placebo subjects with eight test rinse subjects. Subjects exposed to the test rinse experienced no abnormal oral lesions, altered vital signs, changes in liver, kidney, or bone marrow function. Larger scale studies would be necessary to determine the efficacy and oral health benefits of the test rinse.     

Effect of CYSTUS052® and green tea on subjective symptoms in patients with infection of the upper respiratory tract

Examples of medicinal herbs that have been perpetuated along several generations based simply on a folk tradition are Cistus and green tea. The principal active constituents of the genus Cistus and green tea are polyphenolic compounds. Polyphenols exhibit a wide range of antibacterial, antifungal and antiinflammatory effects. The present work aimed to investigate the clinical effect of a Cistus extract (CYSTUS052^®) in comparison with green tea on 300 patients with infections of the upper respiratory tract. Due to the lack of clinical study data on their efficacy in patients, this is a report of the findings of our study on the clinical efficacy of CYSTUS052^® in patients with the upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). This study observed a total of 300 patients (277 completers) treated with CYSTUS052^® given in lozenges compared with treatment with an extract of green tea. The patients scored the subjective severity of target symptoms using a predefined scale. The score of subjective symptoms decreased over the course of treatment with CYSTUS052^®, whereas treatment with green tea resulted in a less significant decrease of symptoms. CYSTUS052^® therefore proved to be an effective adjuvant for the treatment of respiratory infections. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

Objective. The safe and efficacious use of Pycnogenol^® (French maritime pine bark extract) in other inflammatory diseases prompted this study of its antiinflammatory effects in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the study was to evaluate whether Pycnogenol^® reduces the symptoms of OA in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomly allocated trial with patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis stages I and II. Methods. 100 patients were treated for 3 months either by 150 mg Pycnogenol^® per day at meals or by placebo. Patients had to report any change of use of previously prescribed antiinflammatory medication during the study period. Patients filled the Western Ontario and Mc Masters University (WOMAC) questionnaire for osteoarthritis every 2 weeks and evaluated weekly pain symptoms using a visual analogue scale for pain intensity. Results. Following treatment with Pycnogenol^® patients reported an improvement of WOMAC index (p < 0.05), and a significant alleviation of pain by visual analogue scale (p < 0.04), the placebo had no effect. The use of analgesics diminished in the verum group but increased under the placebo. Treatment with Pycnogenol^® was well tolerated. Conclusion. Results show that Pycnogenol^® in patients with mild to moderate OA improves symptoms and is able to spare NSAIDs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Short term clinical effect of active and inactive Salvadora persica miswak on dental plaque and gingivitis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Salvadora persica shrub has been used traditionally in folk medicine for different medical condition treatments. The habitual use of Salvadora persica roots (chewing sticks) for dental hygiene is still wildly spread throughout parts of Asia, Africa, and Middle. It is one of the most important species with its reported strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. Mechanical removal of dental plaque is regarded as an effective mean of controlling progression of periodontal disease.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the effect of active and inactive miswak on dental plaque, subgingival microbiota and gingival inflammation in patients with gingivitis.

Materials and methods

In this double blinded randomized controlled trial 68 gingivitis patients were randomly assigned to either active or inactive miswak group, and were instructed to use only issued miswaks for oral hygiene during 3 weeks experimental period. Registration of plaque, gingival inflammation, and plaque samples were taken at baseline and on completion of the study. Plaque samples were analyzed by DNA-DNA hybridization technique.

Results

Active miswak significantly reduced dental plaque (p = 0.007). There were no differences between active and inactive miswak in reduction of approximal plaque and composition of subgingival microbiota.

Conclusions

Miswak has an overall effect on dental plaque and gingival inflammation scores. Similar results were achieved by active and inactive miswak in difficult to reach areas, indicating miswak has limited chemical effects on this study population. Therefore, miswak can be used as a dental hygiene method in conjunction with interproximal cleaning aides.     

Antimicrobial activity of terpenoids from Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. against cariogenic bacteria

In the present work, the anticariogenic activities of nine labdane type‐diterpenes and four sesquiterpenes were investigated. Among these metabolites, (‐)‐copalic acid (CA) was the most active compound displaying MIC values very promising (ranging from 2.0 to 6.0 µg/mL) against the main microorganisms responsible for dental caries: Streptococcus salivarius, S. sobrinus, S. mutans, S. mitis, S. sanguinis and Lactobacillus casei. Time kill assays performed with CA against the primary causative agent (S. mutans) revealed that, in the first 12 h, this compound only inhibits the growth of the inoculum (bacteriostatic effect). However, its bactericidal effect is clearly noted thereafter (between 12 and 24 h). Also, CA did not show a synergistic effect when combined with the anticariogenic gold standard (chlorhexidine, CHD) in the checkerboard assays against S. mutans. In conclusion, the results points out CA as an important metabolite in the search for new effective anticariogenic agents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemical Characterization,Antileishmanial Activity,and Cytotoxicity Effects of the Essential Oil from Leaves of Pluchea carolinensis (Jacq.) G. Don. (Asteraceae)

Current strategies to control leishmaniasis are mainly based on chemotherapy. However, none of the available drugs can be considered to be ideal to treat this disease. Because of the hydrophobic nature and bioactivities of their components, essential oils (EOs) can be considered as important sources for developing agents against intracellular pathogens, such as Leishmania parasites. In this study, we report the chemical characterization, antileishmanial activities, and cytotoxicity effect of the EO from Pluchea carolinensis (Jacq.) G. Don. (Asteraceae). Chemical analysis revealed that EO from aerial part from P. carolinensis is composed of 44 compounds. The main component was selin‐11‐en‐4α‐ol, which made up 51.0%. In vitro antileishmanial studies showed that P. carolinensis EO inhibited the growth of promastigotes (IC₅₀ = 24.7 ± 7.1 μg/mL) and amastigotes (IC₅₀ = 6.2 ± 0.1 μg/mL) of Leishmania amazonensis, while cytotoxicity evaluation revealed fivefold higher values than those for the parasites. In a model of experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice, five doses of EO at 30 mg/kg by intralesional route demonstrated smaller lesion size and parasite burden (p < 0.05) compared with animals treated with Glucantime® and untreated mice. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo results showed the potentialities of EO from P. carolinensis with the future possibility of a new alternative in the treatment for leishmaniasis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pomegranate extract mouth rinsing effects on saliva measures relevant to gingivitis risk

Pomegranate components have properties that could promote oral health, including reducing the risk of gingivitis. The present study examined young adults (n = 32, split evenly among both genders), for the effects of 4 weeks of thrice daily mouth rinsing with the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract PomElla^® dissolved in water. This treatment changed salivary measures relevant to oral health including gingivitis. The changes were: reduced total protein (which can correlate with plaque forming bacteria readings), reduced activities of aspartate aminotransferase (an indicator of cell injury), reduced alpha‐glucosidase activity (a sucrose degrading enzyme), increased activities of the antioxidant enzyme ceruloplasmin (which could give better protection against oral oxidant stress) and increased radical scavenging capacity (though this increase was significant only by nonparametric statistical analysis). A placebo of cornstarch in water did not affect these measures. These data raise the possibility of using pomegranate extracts in oral health products such as toothpaste and mouthwashes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.