Most substances declared as active ingredients in eye creams lack scientific evidence of their effectiveness

The use of a plant as an ingredient in traditional medicine requires scientific evidence to determine its properties. Cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus) is one of the widely used traditional medicinal plants in various Asian and European countries. This study aimed to determine the pharmacognostic properties of purple and white varieties of O. aristatus. Aqueous and ethanolic extract of the stem and leaves of purple and white varieties of O. aristatus was prepared and investigated for the presence of active ingredients. The AlCl3 colorimetric method was used for the estimation of flavones and flavonols. The level of flavonoid was reported 13.06 ± 0.13 mg QE / 1g and 6.17 ± 0.049 mg QE / 1g for the leaves and stem extracts of purple varieties respectively while this value was reported 9.76 ± 0.15 mg QE / 1g and 3.79 ± 0.03 mg QE / 1g for the white variety. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the purple variety has a significantly higher amount of flavonoid then the white variety.

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Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction of Active Ingredients and Mechanisms of Tongxinluo Against Acute Myocardial Infarction

10.21203/rs.3.rs-673133/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Meng-Jin Hu ◽

Gui-Hao Chen ◽

Yue-Jin Yang

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Interaction Network ◽

Enrichment Analysis ◽

Venn Diagram ◽

Network Pharmacology ◽

Pathway Enrichment Analysis ◽

Overlapping Genes ◽

Active Ingredients

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this network pharmacology was to explore the potential active ingredients and mechanisms of Tongxinluo (TXL) against acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods: We selected active ingredients and targets of TXL according to TCMSP database and converted protein targets into gene symbol by UniProt database. Therapeutic gene targets on AMI were collected from DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. The overlapping genes between ingredients and AMI were identified using Venn diagram. Then, the interaction network between ingredients and overlapping genes was constructed, visualized, and analyzed by Cytoscape software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) was analyzed by String database. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of overlapping genes were carried out by metascape platform.Results: A total of 111 active ingredients, 184 ingredient-related genes, and 1020 AMI-related genes were retrieved using public databases. Eventually, 79 overlapping genes between TXL and AMI were identified. Cytoscape and PPI results suggested that the active ingredients and genes of TXL against AMI consisted of 66 active ingredients and 79 genes, among them beta-sitosterol and IL-6 were the uppermost active ingredient and hub gene, respectively. Metascape results exhibited that the key mechanism of TXL against AMI might be reducing oxidative stress in cell membrane by inactivating pathways in cancer.Conclusion: This network pharmacology study reveals potential mechanisms of multi-target and multi-component TXL in the treatment of AMI, providing scientific evidence for further expounding the active ingredients and mechanisms of TXL against AMI.

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Perspectives on Sustainable Pesticide Control in Brazil

World ◽

10.3390/world2020018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 295-301

Author(s):

Tomaz Langenbach ◽

Luiz Querino Caldas ◽

Tácio De Campos ◽

Fábio Correia ◽

Nelson Lorenz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Exposure ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Tropical Agriculture ◽

Current Policy ◽

Scientific Evaluation ◽

Active Ingredients ◽

Tolerance Limits ◽

Environmental Mobilization ◽

Evaluation Parameters ◽

Concentration Limits

If the current policy explores the utilization of active ingredients in use quickly and to the maximum, the same does not occur with the ban on the registration of products highly dangerous to both health and the environment. The current policy does not aim at reducing pesticide toxicity and ecotoxicity, required to reduce environmental contamination and human exposure. To this end, it is essential to adjust scientific evaluation parameters concerning lower concentration tolerance limits to modernity standards, in addition to banning products for which there is scientific evidence of carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic actions. In ecotoxicology, reducing the applicable concentration limits is paramount for preserving bees, birds, and other forms of domestic and wildlife. When evaluating active ingredients, it is imperative to prioritize more biodegradable molecules with low potential for environmental mobilization through volatilization and leaching, preserving both air and water quality. Another goal, among others, is a program for the generalized reduction of successfully implemented in several countries. Brazil, a tropical agriculture leader, should stand out by incorporating sustainability while preserving both health and the environment.

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Formulation and Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Polyherbal Lotion

Journal of Institute of Science and Technology ◽

10.3126/jist.v21i1.16067 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 148-156

Author(s):

Rajendra Gyawali ◽

Nira Paudel ◽

Sahana Shrestha ◽

Ashok Silwal

Keyword(s):

Stearic Acid ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Sensitivity Test ◽

Matricaria Chamomilla ◽

Stability Studies ◽

Active Ingredients ◽

Trigonella Foenum Graecum ◽

Oil In Water ◽

Different Types

There is increased scientific evidence that plants possess a vast and complex arsenal of active ingredients which have the ability to calm or smooth the skin as well as restore actively, heal and protect the skin. The present work deals with the development and evaluation of the poly herbal lotion containing Trigonella foenum-graecum, Citrus lemon, Matricaria chamomilla and Cymbopogon citrates. Different types of formulations oil in water (O/W) herbal lotions namely F1 to F13 were formulated by incorporating different concentrations of stearic acid and Triethanolamine. Formulation of Triethanolamine and stearic acid was optimized as 2.52:9.35. The prepared lotion was evaluated for its antimicrobial, antioxidant and pharmaceutical parameters. The lotion formulation showed no redness, edema, inflammation and irritation during sensitivity test indication that it is safe to use. Stability studies of the lotion showed that the lotion was stable after three months.Journal of Institute of Science and TechnologyVolume 21, Issue 1, August 2016, Page: 148-156

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Usage of Synthetic Peptides in Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin

Pharmaceuticals ◽

10.3390/ph14080702 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 702

Author(s):

Diana I. S. P. Resende ◽

Marta Salvador Ferreira ◽

José Manuel Sousa-Lobo ◽

Emília Sousa ◽

Isabel Filipa Almeida

Keyword(s):

Clinical Study ◽

Synthetic Peptides ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Signal Peptides ◽

Active Ingredients ◽

High Potency ◽

Sensitive Skin ◽

Present Evidence ◽

Skin Cells ◽

Low Dosage

Sensitive skin is characterized by symptoms of discomfort when exposed to environmental factors. Peptides are used in cosmetics for sensitive skin and stand out as active ingredients for their ability to interact with skin cells by multiple mechanisms, high potency at low dosage and the ability to penetrate the stratum corneum. This study aimed to analyze the composition of 88 facial cosmetics for sensitive skin from multinational brands regarding usage of peptides, reviewing their synthetic pathways and the scientific evidence that supports their efficacy. Peptides were found in 17% of the products analyzed, namely: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, palmitoyl tripeptide-8, acetyl tetrapeptide-15, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, acetyl hexapeptide-49, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl oligopeptide. Three out of seven peptides have a neurotransmitter-inhibiting mechanism of action, while another three are signal peptides. Only five peptides present evidence supporting their use in sensitive skin, with only one clinical study including volunteers having this condition. Noteworthy, the available data is mostly found in patents and supplier brochures, and not in randomized placebo-controlled studies. Peptides are useful active ingredients in cosmetics for sensitive skin. Knowing their efficacy and synthetic pathways provides meaningful insight for the development of new and more effective ingredients.

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Food Supplements in the Treatment of Male Infertility: A Critical Review on Their Formulations and Use

10.20944/preprints202004.0322.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Garolla ◽

Gabriel Cosmin Petre ◽

Francesco Francini-Pesenti ◽

Luca De Toni ◽

Amerigo Vitagliano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Male Infertility ◽

Male Fertility ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Coenzyme Q ◽

Lower Class ◽

Active Ingredients ◽

Italian Market ◽

Wide Range ◽

Daily Dose ◽

Proven Efficacy

Background: Dietary supplements (DS) represent a possible approach to improve sperm parameters and male fertility. A wide range of DS containing different nutrients is now available. Although many authors demonstrated benefits from some nutrients in male infertility, their real effectiveness is still under debate. The aim of this study was to critically review the composition of DS using the Italian market as sample. Materials & Methods: Active ingredients and their minimal effective daily dose (mFED) were identified through literature search. Thereafter, we created a formula to classify the expected efficacy of each DS. Considering active ingredients, their concentration and the recommended daily dose, DS were scored into three classes of expected efficacy: higher, lower and none. Results: Twenty-one DS were identified. Most of them had a large number of ingredients, frequently at doses below mFED or with unproven efficacy. Zinc was the most common ingredient of DS (70% of products), followed by selenium, arginine, coenzyme Q and folic acid. By applying our scoring system, 9.5% of DS fell in higher class, 71.4% in lower class and 19.1% in the class with no expected efficacy. Conclusions: DS marketed in Italy for male infertility frequently include effective ingredients but also a large number of substances at insufficient dose or with no proven efficacy. Manufacturers and physicians should better consider the scientific evidence on effective ingredients and their doses before formulating and prescribing these products.

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Dietary Supplements for Male Infertility: A Critical Evaluation of Their Composition

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12051472 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 1472

Author(s):

Andrea Garolla ◽

Gabriel Cosmin Petre ◽

Francesco Francini-Pesenti ◽

Luca De Toni ◽

Amerigo Vitagliano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Male Infertility ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Coenzyme Q ◽

Critical Evaluation ◽

Lower Class ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Active Ingredients ◽

Wide Range ◽

Daily Dose

Dietary supplements (DS) represent a possible approach to improve sperm parameters and male fertility. A wide range of DS containing different nutrients is now available. Although many authors demonstrated benefits from some nutrients in the improvement of sperm parameters, their real effectiveness is still under debate. The aim of this study was to critically review the composition of DS using the Italian market as a sample. Active ingredients and their minimal effective daily dose (mED) on sperm parameters were identified through a literature search. Thereafter, we created a formula to classify the expected efficacy of each DS. Considering active ingredients, their concentration and the recommended daily dose, DS were scored into three classes of expected efficacy: higher, lower and none. Twenty-one DS were identified. Most of them had a large number of ingredients, frequently at doses below mED or with undemonstrated efficacy. Zinc was the most common ingredient of DS (70% of products), followed by selenium, arginine, coenzyme Q and folic acid. By applying our scoring system, 9.5% of DS fell in a higher class, 71.4% in a lower class and 19.1% in the class with no expected efficacy. DS marketed in Italy for male infertility frequently includes effective ingredients but also a large number of substances at insufficient doses or with no reported efficacy. Manufacturers and physicians should better consider the scientific evidence on effective ingredients and their doses before formulating and prescribing these products.

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Lessons Learned From Coaching Postsecondary Students With Traumatic Brain Injury

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2019_persp-19-00092 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 88-96

Author(s):

Mary R. T. Kennedy

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Sense Of Self ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Sudden Onset ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Speech Language Pathologists ◽

The Brain ◽

Exhaustive List

Purpose The purpose of this clinical focus article is to provide speech-language pathologists with a brief update of the evidence that provides possible explanations for our experiences while coaching college students with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Method The narrative text provides readers with lessons we learned as speech-language pathologists functioning as cognitive coaches to college students with TBI. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather to consider the recent scientific evidence that will help our understanding of how best to coach these college students. Conclusion Four lessons are described. Lesson 1 focuses on the value of self-reported responses to surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. Lesson 2 addresses the use of immediate/proximal goals as leverage for students to update their sense of self and how their abilities and disabilities may alter their more distal goals. Lesson 3 reminds us that teamwork is necessary to address the complex issues facing these students, which include their developmental stage, the sudden onset of trauma to the brain, and having to navigate going to college with a TBI. Lesson 4 focuses on the need for college students with TBI to learn how to self-advocate with instructors, family, and peers.

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Medical and Legal Issues Raised by the Protz Decision Issued by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court

Guides Newsletter ◽

10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2017.julaug03 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 12-13

Author(s):

LuAnn Haley ◽

Marjorie Eskay-Auerbach

Keyword(s):

Supreme Court ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Workers Compensation ◽

Sixth Edition ◽

Complex Concept ◽

The Supreme Court ◽

Compensation Claims ◽

Recent Edition ◽

Impairment Ratings ◽

Definition Of

Abstract Pennsylvania adopted the impairment rating provisions described in the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) in 1996 as an exposure cap for employers seeking predictability and cost control in workers’ compensation claims. In 2017, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania handed down the Protz decision, which held that requiring physicians to apply the methodology set forth in the most recent edition of the AMA Guides reflected an unconstitutional delegation of legislative power to the American Medical Association. The decision eliminates the impairment-rating evaluation (IRE) mechanism under which claimants were assigned an impairment rating under the most recent edition of the AMA Guides. The AMA Guides periodically are revised to include the most recent scientific evidence regarding impairment ratings, and the AMA Guides, Sixth Edition, acknowledges that impairment is a complex concept that is not yet defined in a way that readily permits an evidence-based definition of assessment. The AMA Guides should not be considered standards frozen in time simply to withstand future scrutiny by the courts; instead, workers’ compensation acts could state that when a new edition of the AMA Guides is published, the legislature shall review and consider adopting the new edition. It appears unlikely that the Protz decision will be followed in other jurisdictions: Challenges to using the AMA Guides in assessing workers’ compensation claims have been attempted in three states, and all attempts failed.

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Comparative Analysis: The State of Colorado Study, Part II

Guides Newsletter ◽

10.1001/amaguidesnewsletters.2004.marapr01 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Christopher R. Brigham ◽

Kathryn Mueller ◽

Douglas Van Zet ◽

Debra J. Northrup ◽

Edward B. Whitney ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Daily Living ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Pain Syndrome ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Clinical Assessments ◽

Physician Judgment ◽

History Of ◽

Key Terms ◽

Causation Analysis ◽

Work Interference

Abstract [Continued from the January/February 2004 issue of The Guides Newsletter.] To understand discrepancies in reviewers’ ratings of impairments based on different editions of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides), users can usefully study the history of the revisions as successive editions attempted to provide a comprehensive, valid, reliable, unbiased, and evidence-based system. Some shortcomings of earlier editions have been addressed in the AMA Guides, Fifth Edition, but problems remain with each edition, largely because of the limited scientific evidence available. In the context of the history of the different editions of the AMA Guides and their development, the authors discuss and contextualize a number of key terms and principles including the following: definitions of impairment and normal; activities of daily living; maximum medical improvement; impairment percentages; conversion of regional impairments; combining impairments; pain and other subjective complaints; physician judgment; and causation analysis; finally, the authors note that impairment is not synonymous with disability or work interference. The AMA Guides, Fifth Edition, contrasts impairment evaluations and independent medical evaluations (this was not done in previous editions) and discusses impairment evaluations, rules for evaluations, and report standards. Upper extremity and lower extremity impairment evaluations are discussed in terms of clinical assessments and rating processes, analyzing important changes between editions and problematic areas (eg, complex regional pain syndrome).

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