Physicochemical/photophysical characterization and angiogenic properties of Curcuma longa essential oil

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the physicochemical and photophysical properties of essential oil of Curcuma longa and its angiogenic potential. The results showed that curcumin is the main fluorescent component present in the oil, although the amount is relatively small. The experimental chorioallantoic membrane model was used to evaluate angiogenic activity, showing a significant increase in the vascular network of Curcuma longa and positive control groups when compared to the neutral and inhibitor controls (P <0.05), but no significant difference was found between Curcuma longa essential oil and the positive control (P >0.05). Histological analysis showed extensive neovascularization, hyperemia and inflammation in the positive control group and Curcuma longa when compared to other controls (P <0.05), characteristic factors of the angiogenesis process. In conclusion, Curcuma longa oil showed considerable proangiogenic activity and could be a potential compound in medical applications.

Download Full-text

Efficacy of a herbal toothpaste on patients with established gingivitis: a randomized controlled trial

Brazilian Oral Research ◽

10.1590/s1806-83242006000200015 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 172-177 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Fabiana Ozaki ◽

Claudio Mendes Pannuti ◽

Ana Vitória Imbronito ◽

Wellington Pessotti ◽

Luciana Saraiva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Reactions ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Test Group ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Positive Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Double Blind ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

The aim of this randomised, double blind controlled trial was to verify the efficacy of a herbal dentifrice on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Forty eight volunteers with established gingivitis were randomly assigned to either a test group (herbal dentifrice) or positive control group (dentifrice with triclosan and fluoride). The dentifrices were distributed in plain white tubes by an independent pharmacy, which revealed the contents of each tube only after the experimental period. Plaque and gingivitis assessments were carried out on baseline and after 28 days of product use. All examinations were conducted by the same calibrated investigator. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth three times daily using their assigned dentifrice for 28 days. There was a significant reduction in plaque levels in both the test and control groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. A significant reduction in gingivitis was observed in both groups, although there was no significant difference between them. No adverse reactions were reported. The authors concluded that both dentifrices were effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis in subjects with established gingivitis.

Download Full-text

INFLUENCE OF THE COMBINATION OF PASAK BUMI ROOT AND PROPOLIS EXTRACTS ON PARASITEMIA LEVELS IN MICE INFECTED WITH PLASMODIUM BERGHEI

International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics ◽

10.22159/ijap.2019.v11s1.015 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 268-271

Author(s):

NUR HASANAH ◽

HENDRI ASTUTY

Keyword(s):

Combination Therapy ◽

Plasmodium Berghei ◽

Malaria Infection ◽

Positive Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Propolis Extract ◽

Blood Smears ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Global Concern

Objective: Malaria infection remains a global concern due to increasing resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapy. This study examinedthe antimalarial effects of propolis extract alone and in combination with pasak bumi root extract.Methods: In the study, 30 mice were divided into six groups including two control groups, two groups of mice treated with propolis aloneat concentrations of 90 and 180 mg/kg body weight (BW), and two combination groups of mice treated with 90 or 180 mg/kg BW propolis incombination with 60 or 75 mg/kg BW pasak bumi, respectively. Plasmodium berghei 2% was injected into each mouse, and blood smears wereprepared after 8 days to assess parasitemia.Results: The results revealed no significant difference in parasitemia levels between the positive control and the two combination groups (p=0.136 and0.289, respectively). However, superior growth inhibition (GI) results were observed in the combination groups (97.97% and 97.83%, respectively)than in the propolis monotherapy groups, whereas better outcomes were observed in the positive control group (98.63% GI) than in the propolismonotherapy groups (23.88% and 51.66%, respectively).Conclusion: These results illustrate that combination therapy is superior to propolis monotherapy in inhibiting parasitemia.

Download Full-text

Comparing the Effect of Aromatherapy with Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils on Fatigue of Cardiac Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/9925945 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Somayeh Mahdavikian ◽

Masoud Fallahi ◽

Alireza Khatony

Keyword(s):

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Cardiac Patients ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Control Groups ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Background and Objectives. There is limited and contradictory evidence about the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender essential oils on the fatigue of cardiac patients. Therefore, the present study was aimed to compare the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender essential oils on fatigue in cardiac patients. Methods. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 105 cardiac patients. They were randomly divided into three groups: peppermint essential oil (n = 35), lavender essential oil (n = 35), and control (n = 35). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to collect data. The intervention was performed for 7 nights. Before and after the intervention, the questionnaire was completed by all patients. In each intervention group, patients inhaled 3 drops of lavender or peppermint essential oils. In the control group, patients inhaled 3 drops of aromatic placebo. Results. The results showed the average fatigue decreased in the study groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of lavender and peppermint in terms of mean fatigue after the intervention. However, there was a statistically significant difference between lavender and control groups ( P < 0.001 ), as well as peppermint and control groups ( P < 0.001 ). Conclusion. Aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender essential oils can reduce the fatigue of cardiac patients, so the use of these fragrances is recommended.

Download Full-text

The effectiveness of Boiled figs leaf (FIcus Carica L) and Rosy Periwinkle (Catharantus roseus) on SGOT and SGPT levels of male wistar strain rats with hepatitis Model

Abstract Proceedings International Scholars Conference ◽

10.35974/isc.v7i1.2190 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 850-859

Author(s):

Debora Oktaviani

Keyword(s):

Treatment Group ◽

Negative Control Group ◽

Positive Control ◽

Negative Control ◽

Ficus Carica ◽

Positive Control Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Wistar Strain ◽

Significant Difference

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of liver cells that is contagious in the low category, the cause of it is bacteria, viruses, drugs and alcohol. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of boiled figs leaf (Ficus Carica L) and Rosy periwinkle (Catharantus roseus ) in reducing SGOT and SGPT levels. The subjects of this study were 30 male Wistar strain rats with age of 2-3 months, body weight 180-200 grams. Rats were divided into 3 groups; treatment groups, negative control groups and positive control groups. The treatment group and positive control group were induced paracetamol 120 mg / day orally for 7 days. The treatment group was given 0.4 grams boiled figs leaf (Ficus Carica L) and 2.6 grams boiled rosy periwinkle (Catharantus roseus) it given as much as 3.6 cc / day orally for 7 days. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 24, one way ANOVA test was performed to compare SGOT and SGPT levels. The results showed there were significant differences in SGOT levels between the treatment group, the positive control group, and the negative control group (p <0.05) and there was a significant difference in the SGPT value between the treatment group and the positive control group (p <0.05), while the negative control group and the treatment group there was no significant difference (p = 0.75). The conclusion of this study was the water extraction of figs leaf (Ficus Carica L), Rosy periwinkle (Catharantus roseus) had an effect in decreasing the SGOT and SGPT values of male wistar strain rats induced by paracetamol.

Download Full-text

Efficacy of Titanium Brush, 915 nm Diode Laser, Citric Acid for Eradication of Staphylococcus Aureus from Implant Surfaces

10.21203/rs.3.rs-408196/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Reza Karimi ◽

Behshad Farkhondemehr ◽

Motahare Ghaeni Najafi ◽

Ardavan Etemadi ◽

Nasim Chiniforush

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Citric Acid ◽

Diode Laser ◽

Positive Control ◽

Colony Count ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Mini Implants ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Post Hoc

Abstract Background: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of titanium brush, 915 nm diode laser, citric acid and the combination of latter two with titanium brush for decontamination of SLA surface mini-implants.Materials and Methods: Seventy-five mini-implants contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n=12) of titanium brush (TiB), laser, citric acid (CA), brush-laser, and brush-acid, positive [n=12; chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX)] and negative [n=2; phosphate buffered saline (PBS)] control groups and one no-treatment group (n=1). After counting the colony forming units (CFUs), data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post-hoc tests.Results: Regardless of the no-treatment and negative control groups, maximum and minimum CFUs were noted in the titanium brush and positive control groups. After CHX, minimum CFUs were noted in brush-acid group followed by brush-laser, laser, and acid groups. Generally, the Kruskal-Walli test revealed a significant difference between the groups regarding the colony count (P<0.001). Dunn post-hoc test showed that the difference between the titanium brush and acid-brush group was significant (P<0.001) while the differences between the brush and laser groups with the brush-laser group were not significant (P>0.077).Conclusions: Maximum reduction in colony count was noted in the positive control group. Combination of titanium brush and laser was also effective for decreasing the colony count; however, combined use of titanium brush and citric acid yielded superior results compared to other groups.

Download Full-text

Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunct Therapy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences ◽

10.24191/jchs.v1i1.5850 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 22

Author(s):

Nazli Zainuddin ◽

Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽

Rosdan Salim

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Side Effects ◽

Coconut Oil ◽

Test Group ◽

Nasal Symptom ◽

Control Group ◽

Virgin Coconut Oil ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.

Download Full-text

Impact of intrawound vancomycin powder on prevention of surgical site infection after posterior spinal surgery

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2020.8.spine20992 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Hiroki Ushirozako ◽

Tomohiko Hasegawa ◽

Yu Yamato ◽

Go Yoshida ◽

Tatsuya Yasuda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Propensity Score ◽

Spinal Surgery ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Propensity Score Model ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Surgical Data ◽

Vancomycin Powder ◽

Vancomycin Group ◽

And Control

OBJECTIVESurgical site infection (SSI) after posterior spinal surgery is one of the severe complications that may occur despite administration of prophylactic antibiotics and the use of intraoperative aseptic precautions. The use of intrawound vancomycin powder for SSI prevention is still controversial, with a lack of high-quality and large-scale studies. The purpose of this retrospective study using a propensity score–matched analysis was to clarify whether intrawound vancomycin powder prevents SSI occurrence after spinal surgery.METHODSThe authors analyzed 1261 adult patients who underwent posterior spinal surgery between 2010 and 2018 (mean age 62.3 years; 506 men, 755 women; follow-up period at least 1 year). Baseline and surgical data were assessed. After a preliminary analysis, a propensity score model was established with adjustments for age, sex, type of disease, and previously reported risk factors for SSI. The SSI rates were compared between patients with intrawound vancomycin powder treatment (vancomycin group) and those without (control group).RESULTSIn a preliminary analysis of 1261 unmatched patients (623 patients in the vancomycin group and 638 patients in the control group), there were significant differences between the groups in age (p = 0.041), body mass index (p = 0.013), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (p < 0.001), malnutrition (p = 0.001), revision status (p < 0.001), use of steroids (p = 0.019), use of anticoagulation (p = 0.033), length of surgery (p = 0.003), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and use of instrumentation (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SSI rates between the vancomycin and control groups (21 SSIs [3.4%] vs 33 SSIs [5.2%]; OR 0.640, 95% CI 0.368–1.111; p = 0.114). Using a one-to-one propensity score–matched analysis, 444 pairs of patients from the vancomycin and control groups were selected. There was no significant difference in the baseline and surgical data, except for height (p = 0.046), between both groups. The C-statistic for the propensity score model was 0.702. In the score-matched analysis, 12 (2.7%) and 24 (5.4%) patients in the vancomycin and control groups, respectively, developed SSIs (OR 0.486, 95% CI 0.243–0.972; p = 0.041). There were no systemic complications related to the use of vancomycin.CONCLUSIONSThe current study showed that intrawound vancomycin powder was useful in reducing the risk of SSI after posterior spinal surgery by half, without adverse events. Intrawound vancomycin powder use is a safe and effective procedure for SSI prevention.

Download Full-text

Thyroid Functions in Children on Levetiracetam or Valproic Acid Therapy

Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1716916 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elif Karatoprak ◽

Samet Paksoy

Keyword(s):

Valproic Acid ◽

Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽

Control Group ◽

Thyroid Function Tests ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Control Groups ◽

Acid Therapy ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control ◽

Tsh Levels

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the thyroid functions in children receiving levetiracetam or valproate monotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed the records of children with controlled epilepsy receiving valproic acid (VPA group) or levetiracetam monotherapy (LEV group) for at least 6 months. Free thyroxine 4 levels (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were compared between VPA group, LEV group, and age- and gender-matched healthy children (control group). A total of 190 children were included in the study: 63 were in the VPA, 60 in the LEV, and 67 in the control group. Although there was no significant difference regarding average fT4 levels, higher TSH levels were found in the VPA group when compared with the LEV and control groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of fT4 and TSH values in the LEV group when compared with the control group (p = 0.56 and p = 0.61, respectively). Subclinical hypothyroidism (defined as a TSH level above 5 uIU/mL with a normal fT4 level was detected in 16% of patients in the VPA group, none in the LEV and control groups. Our study found that VPA therapy is associated with an increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism while LEV had no effect on thyroid function tests.

Download Full-text

Clinical and Immunological Efficacy of Mangosteen and Propolis Extracted Complex in Patients with Gingivitis: A Multi-Centered Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082604 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2604

Author(s):

Jin-Young Park ◽

Kyung-A Ko ◽

Ji-Yeong Lee ◽

Jae-Woon Oh ◽

Hyun-Chang Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Test Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Control Groups ◽

Immunological Parameters ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported ◽

And Control

Background: Mangosteen and propolis extracts (MAEC) have been potential therapeutic agents known to exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological efficacy of MAEC as well as safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) on gingivitis and incipient periodontitis. Methods: This study was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with gingivitis or incipient periodontitis. At baseline, the participants were randomly allocated to either the test group, with daily intake of a single capsule containing 194 mg of MAEC for eight weeks, or control group, with placebo. Clinical periodontal evaluation and immunological parameters from saliva and gingival sulcular fluid were assessed at baseline, four, and eight weeks. Individual PROMs were assessed by OHIP-14 questionnaires. Results: There was a significant difference of modified gingival index at four and eight weeks between the test and control groups. In the test group, crevicular interleukin (IL)-6 was reduced, and the salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 was increased after eight weeks. PROMs were improved up to four weeks compared to placebo. Conclusion: Oral administration of MAEC would have a potential to reduce gingival inflammation clinically and immunologically in the patients with gingivitis and incipient periodontitis.

Download Full-text

The Baby Shark (Songs Heard Affecting Resuscitation Kinetics) study

BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning ◽

10.1136/bmjstel-2020-000657 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. bmjstel-2020-000657

Author(s):

Rebecca Singer ◽

Grace Leo ◽

Tessa Davis ◽

Ben Lawton ◽

Henry Goldstein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Target Zone ◽

Compression Depth ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Overall Performance ◽

The Mean ◽

Training Exercises ◽

And Control ◽

Musical Cues

Previous research has examined the utilisation of musical cues to improve the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) delivered in training environments. We postulated a musical cue that is both contemporary and transcends cultures may improve CPR performance. Our aim was to establish whether chest compressions are performed with improved rate and depth if a song of a fixed beat (PinkFong’s ‘Baby Shark’ with a tempo of 115 beats per minute (bpm) and 15 beats in each verse) is played to a healthcare professional immediately before undertaking CPR compared to whale noises (a non-metronomic rhythm). 58 Participants of a paediatric conference (majority doctors) were randomly assigned to listen to a minute of Baby Shark (28) or whale song (30) and then undertake a minute of CPR. There was no significant difference in the mean compression rate between the Baby Shark and control groups, with the groups achieving 121 and 125 bpm, respectively (p=0.18). In relation to compression depth within the target zone, the Baby Shark group had more compressions completed within the target zone (55%) than the control group (39%) although this difference was not significant (p=0.08). Listening to Baby Shark prior to undertaking simulated CPR does not improve overall performance, but there is a potential tendency to improve adequate compression depth which may be beneficial in training exercises.

Download Full-text