In vitro anticoagulant activity of selected medicinal plants: potential interactions with warfarin and development of new anticoagulants

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Mendonça Leite ◽  
Aline Freitas ◽  
Juliana Amorim ◽  
Rita Carolina Duarte Figueiredo ◽  
Suzan Bertolucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Anticoagulant Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
New Anticoagulants ◽  
Chemical Profiles ◽  
Ethanol Extracts ◽  
Mentha Crispa

Abstract Objectives Warfarin is the most widely used anticoagulant in the world, but it has several limitations including its narrow therapeutic range, need for dose adjustment and high potential for interactions. The simultaneous use of other drugs or even medicinal plants and certain foods could interfere with its therapeutic activity. In this context, this study aims to investigate the in vitro anticoagulant potential and phytochemical constitution of 17 plants selected from a previous clinical cross-sectional study (2014), that investigated the habits of plant utilization among patients taking warfarin. Methods Ethanol extracts and essential oils were evaluated, in vitro, as to their effect in the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) tests. Four species that presented aPTT >50 s were selected for phytochemical evaluation. Results Thirteen of the 17 plants selected demonstrated a significant anticoagulant effect in at least one of the evaluated parameters. Citrus sinensis (PT=14.75 and aPTT=53.15), Mentha crispa (aPTT=51.25), Mikania laevigata (PT=14.90 and aPTT=52.10), and Nasturtium officinale (aPTT=50.55) showed greater anticoagulant potential compared to normal plasma pool (PT=12.25 and aPTT=37.73). Chemical profiles of these four species were obtained, and certain compounds were identified: rosmarinic acid from M. crispa and isoorientin from N. officinale. Conclusions Thus, the results of this study could be a useful indicator for clinical practice towards the possibility of interaction between these plants and anticoagulants, although further clinical research is needed taking into consideration the limitations of in vitro studies. These findings also suggest that further research into the action of these plants could be of real clinical value in identifying potential alternative anticoagulant therapies.

Time to Positivity of Bacteria Cultures in Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid: Evaluation of Different Laboratory Techniques

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 342-344
Author(s):  
Roberta M. Katzap ◽  
Vany Elisa Pagnussatti ◽  
Ana Elizabeth Figueiredo ◽  
Julia Gabriela Motta ◽  
Domingos O. d'Avila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Peritoneal Fluid ◽  
Antibiotic Sensitivity ◽  
Positive Culture ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid

Patients with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis (PD) are susceptible to infections, with peritonitis being the primary cause of dropout. Peritoneal fluid culture is one of the essential elements for proper diagnosis and peritonitis treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the time required to obtain a positive culture using different laboratory methods. An in vitro cross-sectional study was conducted comparing different techniques for preparation and culture of bacteria in peritoneal fluid. The research was carried out with 21 sterile dialysis bags and 21 PD bags containing peritoneal fluid drained from patients without peritonitis. Fluids from the 42 PD bags were contaminated by injecting a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus suspension and then prepared for culture using 4 distinct techniques: A - direct culture; B - post-centrifugation culture; C - direct culture after 4 h sedimentation; and D - culture after 4 h sedimentation and centrifugation. This was followed by seeding. In the 21 contaminated sterile bags, mean times to obtain a positive culture with techniques D (19.6 h ± 2.6) and C (19.1 h ± 2.3) were longer than with technique A (15.8 h ± 3.0; p < 0.01), but not statistically different from group B (19.0 h ± 3.2). The same occurred in the 21 bags drained from patients, with mean times for techniques D (14.0 h ± 1.9) and C (14.5 h ± 1.7) being longer than technique A (12.22 h ± 1.94; p < 0.05) but not statistically different from technique B (13.2 h ± 1.3). The sedimentation and centrifugation steps seem to be unnecessary and may delay antibiotic sensitivity test results by approximately 8 hours.

Medicinal plants’ use among patients with dyslipidemia: an Iranian cross-sectional survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hashem Hashempur ◽  
Seyed Hamdollah Mosavat ◽  
Mojtaba Heydari ◽  
Mesbah Shams
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Zingiber Officinale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Herbal Preparations ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
High Prevalence

Abstract Background Despite growing demand for medicinal plants, there is little data about their use by patients with dyslipidemia. We aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern, and associated factors for the use of medicinal plants among patients with dyslipidemia. Methods A 17-item semi-structured questionnaire was filled out by 195 patients with dyslipidemia in a cross-sectional study carried out in two academic endocrinology clinics in Shiraz, Iran. The questionnaire comprised of three main domains of demographic data (6 questions), clinical data (2 of them), and data related to the use of medicinal plants (totally 9 questions). Results A total of 77.4% of patients took medicinal plants. The most common medicinal herbs used by dyslipidemic patients were Zataria multiflora, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Zingiber officinale. Duration of dyslipidemia was significantly longer in herbal users than non-herbal users (p=0.04). Patients believing that concomitant use of conventional drugs and herbal preparations had synergic positive effects in addition to those persuaded that herbal preparations possessed less side effects, were significantly more likely to use medicinal plants (p=0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Additionally, most of the medicinal herb users (87.4%) changed neither the pattern nor the dosage of their medications all during herbal preparations use. Conclusions This study demonstrated a high prevalence of medicinal plants’ use among patients with dyslipidemia, which was associated with the duration of dyslipidemia, patients’ viewpoints about herbal preparations’ synergic positive effects, and their fewer side effects.

scholarly journals HIV infection is associated with reduced serum alpha-1-antitrypsin concentrations

2010 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney L Bryan ◽  
K Scott Beard ◽  
Gregory B Pott ◽  
Jeremy Rahkola ◽  
Edward M Gardner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Fluid Phase ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Infected Group ◽  
Cd4 T Cell ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin

Purpose: Several observations suggest the presence of HIV-suppressive factors in the fluid phase of blood. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), the most abundant serine protease inhibitor in the circulation, has potent anti-HIV activity in vitro, and may function as an endogenous HIV suppressor. Therefore, we assessed serum AAT concentrations for association with HIV infection. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, serum AAT concentrations were measured in 66 persons with HIV infection and in 45 healthy persons (Controls). In the HIV-infected group, antiretroviral therapy (ART) use was assessed and CD4+ T cell levels and plasma HIV RNA were quantified. Results: Median AAT concentration was significantly lower in the HIV-infected group (1.64 mg/mL) in comparison with Controls (1.94 mg/mL; p=0.001). AAT reduction was most pronounced in the HIV-infected subgroup with CD4+ T cell levels > 200 cells/µL in comparison with Controls (p < 0.01). Serum AAT concentrations < 1.0 mg/mL are clinically significant, and concentrations below this level were identified in 4.5% of the HIV-infected group and in no Control subjects. No association between AAT levels and viral load or use of ART was observed in HIV-infected subjects. Conclusion: The association between reduced serum AAT concentration and HIV infection is consistent with a role for AAT as an endogenous HIV suppressor.

Warfarin Safety: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Factors Associated with the Consumption of Medicinal Plants in a Brazilian Anticoagulation Clinic

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Mendonça Leite ◽  
Aline A. de Freitas ◽  
Aline de O. Magalhães Mourão ◽  
Maria A. P. Martins ◽  
Rachel O. Castilho
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anticoagulation Clinic ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

scholarly journals Transferrin and antioxidants partly prevented mouse oocyte oxidative damage induced by exposure of cumulus-oocyte complexes to endometrioma fluid

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi Ren ◽  
Jiana Huang ◽  
Chuanchuan Zhou ◽  
Lei Jia ◽  
Manchao Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Human Oocyte ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Good Quality Embryo ◽  
Damage Process ◽  
Human And Mouse

Abstract Background Exposure of oocytes to the endometrioma fluid has an adverse effect on embryonic quality. To determine whether adding transferrin and antioxidants to culture medium could counteract detrimental effects on mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) induced by exposure to endometrioma fluid or not, we conducted an in vitro cross-sectional study using human and mouse COCs. Methods Eighteen women who had their oocytes exposed to endometrioma fluid during oocyte retrieval were enrolled. COCs from superovulated ICR female mice were collected. They were first exposed to human endometrioma fluid and then treated by transferrin and/or antioxidants (cysteamine + cystine). Subsequently, COCs function was assessed by molecular methods. Results This study observed that human COCs inadvertently exposed to endometrioma fluid in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) group led to a lower good quality embryo rate compared to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) group. Exposure of mouse COCs to endometrioma fluid accelerated oocyte oxidative damage, evidenced by significantly reduced CCs viability, defective mitochondrial function, decreased GSH content and increased ROS level, associated with the significantly higher pro-portion of abnormal spindles and lower blastocyst formation (p < 0.05, respectively). This damage could be recovered partly by treating COCs with transferrin and antioxidants (cysteamine + cystine). Conclusions Transferrin and antioxidants could reduce the oxidative damage caused by COCs exposure to endometrioma fluid. This finding provides a promising new possibility for intervention in the human oocyte oxidative damage process induced by endometrioma fluid during oocyte pick-up.

scholarly journals Ethnodirigid study of Medicinal plants used by the population assisted by the “Programa de Saúde da Família” (Family Health Program) in Marechal Deodoro - AL, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 410-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Lima Melro ◽  
S. A. Fonseca ◽  
J. M. Silva Júnior ◽  
S. P. B. Franco ◽  
M. A. Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lemon Balm ◽  
Family Health Program ◽  
Socioeconomic Data ◽  
The City

Abstract This study aimed to assess diagnosis of Unique Health System (SUS) users profile with regard to herbal medicine. This is a cross-sectional study with observational data collection conducted in the city of Marechal Deodoro, through a semi-structured questionnaire with questions related to socioeconomic data, use, and knowledge of medicinal plants and herbal medicines and satisfaction with the use of medicinal herbs (MH) and interactions of phytotherapeutic drugs (PD). Among the topics, 86.89% of users used herbal medicines often, especially lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). It was also observed that the plants are generally used as a sedative (21.74%) and as tea (87.84%). 82.32% of respondents claim to have acquired the knowledge of herbal medicine through a family member and 85.36% make use of medicinal plants without having received any information on the use of MH and PD. 61% of the plants described that coincided with the form of use and therapeutic properties found in the literature. With regard to satisfaction by treatment with MH and PD, it was found that 56.67% are satisfied. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this aspect of usage, in order to avoid possible drug interactions or adverse reactions resulting from the incorrect use.

scholarly journals Placenta growth factor in sickle cell disease: association with hemolysis and inflammation

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 115 (10) ◽  
pp. 2014-2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia E. Brittain ◽  
Ben Hulkower ◽  
Susan K. Jones ◽  
Dell Strayhorn ◽  
Laura De Castro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Predictive Accuracy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Acute Chest Syndrome ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Placenta Growth Factor ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Placenta growth factor (PlGF) is released by immature erythrocytes and is elevated in sickle cell disease (SCD). Previous data generated in vitro suggest that PlGF may play a role in the pathophysiology of SCD-associated pulmonary hypertension (PHT) by inducing the release of the vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1. In this cross-sectional study of 74 patients with SCD, we confirm that PlGF is significantly elevated in SCD compared with healthy control subjects. We found significantly higher levels of PlGF in SCD patients with PHT but observed no association of PlGF with the frequency of acute pain episodes or history of acute chest syndrome. The observed correlation between PlGF and various measures of red cell destruction suggests that hemolysis, and the resultant erythropoietic response, results in the up-regulation of PlGF. Although relatively specific, PlGF, as well as N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, has low predictive accuracy for the presence of PHT. Prospective studies are required to conclusively define the contribution of PlGF to the pathogenesis of PHT and other hemolytic complications in SCD.

Orientierung in der medizinischen Forschung

2020 ◽  
Vol 145 (01) ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Christian Jassoy
Keyword(s):  
Medical Research ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Study ◽  
Study Case ◽  
Study Type ◽  
Control Study

AbstractEducation of medical students requires teaching students how to navigate in the broad field of medical research. The objective of this article is to provide an overview about medical research and to show how to denote a medical study in a concise fashion. Medical research can be classified into categories according to the object of investigation. Examples for medical research categories are therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic studies, epidemiological studies, animal and in vitro studies etc. Each research category uses a specific set of study types with names such as cross-sectional study, case-control study etc. The article describes the principles of the study types. Together, research category and study type briefly describe the design of a medical study.

scholarly journals In-vitro Control of Oral Thrush Causal Organisms Using Medicinal Plants Extracts

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 376-382
Author(s):  
Abosede M. EBABHI ◽  
Adedotun A. ADEKUNLE ◽  
Yoma I. OGHENERHABOKE
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Jatropha Curcas ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Ethanol Extract ◽  
Zone Of Inhibition ◽  
Test Organisms ◽  
Zones Of Inhibition ◽  
Oral Thrush ◽  
Ethanol Extracts

Oral hygiene is important to the generality of the human healthcare system. For this, the antifungal activities of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of four medicinal plants of Jatropha curcas (stem), Eucaluptus golbulus (leaves), Vernonia amygdalina (stem) and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (root) were carried out in vitro against three species of Candida associated with oral thrush namely C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis using the disc diffusion agar assay. The zones of inhibition varied with the test organisms as well as the extracts. The ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas showed the highest zone of inhibition of 10.88 ± 0.22 mm against C. albicans while the least zone of inhibition (6.13 ± 0.13 mm) was exhibited by the ethanol extract of Z. zanthoxyloides on C. glabrata. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannin, saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids and reducing sugar in all plant samples. This study can be further used as a foundation for the screening of phytochemical constituents by pharmaceuticals for the control and eradication of oral thrush.

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