Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master in Technology, Department of Biomedical Technology and Clinical Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction In Africa, use of phytotherapy for treatment of diabetes mellitus is a common form of practice. Considering the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in South Africa efforts are directed at simple, cost effective, non-hazardous and efficient methods to treat cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The role of phytonanotherapy is an attractive proposition for advancing new therapies. Metal nanoparticles are a possible means for delivery of such therapies. However, this requires investigation on interactions, mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy upon co-administering ethnobotanicals with metal nanoparticles and existing drug therapy in human beings. Aim The primary aim of the study was to test the in vitro antidiabetic and antibacterial activity of Ocimum sanctum (leaf extracts and flower extracts), Ocimum basilicum (leaf extracts and flower extracts), and a combination of the leaf extracts of both, and to observe whether any antidiabetic and antibacterial activity was enhanced in due to phyto-synthesised bimetallic gold-silver (Au-Ag) nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles. Methods Aqueous and ethanol extracts of O. sanctum and O. basilicum leaf and flowers alone and combined (leaf + flower) were prepared using hot vs cold water extraction techniques and 60% and 70% ethanol as polar solvents. A simple, rapid, cost effective and reproducible green chemistry method synthesised alloyed bimetallic (Au-Ag) nanoparticles using O. basilicum leaf and flower aqueous extracts and prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNps) using O. basilicum and O. sanctum leaf aqueous extracts singly and in combination (O. sanctum + O. basilicum). The size, shape and elemental analysis of the nanoparticles was carried out using UV-Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) supported by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) identified the bio-capping agents. Antidiabetic carbohydrate metabolising enzymes, α-amylase (porcine) and Bacillus stearothermophilus α-glucosidase as models tested the in vitro inhibitory potential of the aqueous and ethanol plant extracts and the phyto-synthesised (Au-Ag) bimetallic and AgNps. In addition, the study investigated the antibacterial potential for the aqueous plant preparations and their respective phyto-synthesised bimetallic and AgNps against the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to gentamycin and vancomycin. Results Bimetallic nanoparticles (synthesised from leaf and flower aqueous extracts) displayed inhibitory activity that showed uncompetitive inhibition (leaf extract), and non-competitive inhibition (flower extract) of α-amylase and competitive (leaf extract) and uncompetitive inhibition (flower extract) of α-glucosidase. Bimetallic nanoparticles were higher in inhibitory activity than acarbose and the crude O. basilicum ethanol and aqueous leaf and flower extracts. In the antibacterial analysis, bimetallic nanoparticles derived from O. basilicum leaf showed inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and were greater in activity compared to the crude aqueous leaf extract from O. basilicum. The in vitro inhibitory effect of AgNps derived from O. sanctum and AgNps derived from O. basilicum on both enzymes was higher in activity than acarbose and their respective crude extracts. However, in combination (O. sanctum + O. basilicum), the derived AgNps appeared to be a less potent inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme and was lower than acarbose. AgNps synthesised from the combination of O. sanctum and O. basilicum showed the highest percentage inhibition against Bacillus stearothermophilus α-glucosidase, and AgNps derived from O. sanctum and AgNps derived from O. basilicum displayed competitive type of inhibition. In the antibacterial analysis, AgNps derived from the various extracts showed zones of inhibition against the Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial test strains. However, AgNps synthesised from the O. sanctum leaf extract showed higher inhibition against Escherichia coli than the positive control gentamycin and higher inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus compared to vancomycin. In addition, AgNps from O. sanctum leaf extract displayed inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella species, thus representing the highest antibacterial potential. Conclusion The results demonstrate the possibility of synthesis of stable silver and bimetallic nanoparticles of Ocimum sp. The synthesised silver nanoparticles and first time synthesis of bimetallic (Au-Ag) nanoparticles displayed enhanced antihyperglycaemic properties compared to their respective crude extracts and, therefore, show promising effects in lowering postprandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients with dual potential for antibacterial treatment. However, the antidiabetic and antibacterial effect will need to be further affirmed in a clinical context. Medicinal plants with therapeutic value may create a new platform for further research to explore the potential for herbal medicine and nanoscience as effective biomedical and industrial applications, and for improving existing drug delivery systems in diabetic patients. Investigations into the cytotoxicity of these extracts and phytosynthesised nanoparticles is recommended. / M

碩士 / 台北醫學院 / 藥學研究所 / 90 / Abstract Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) karst ( polyporaceae ) is a well-known Chinese crude drug which has been widely used for promotion of health and longevity in East Asia. Current trend of phytotherapy research prevailing in Asia pacific country, Ganoderma lucidum is one of the focal point in the development of Chinese herbs. Ganoderma lucidum contains several chemical constituents, which have been investigated in relation to their physiological effects. The compounds can be used the standards in QC and the reference constituents in preparation of standards. Therefore, a chemical investigation of compounds in Ganoderma lucidum was performed. The fruit body of Ganoderma lucidum was extracted with MeOH at room temperature. By means of various chromatographic methods, nine compound were isolated and purified. On the basis of spectral analysis, the structure of this compound was determined to be Ganodermic acid G (1), Lucidone A (2), Pachymic acid (3), Polyporenic acid C (4), Stellasterol (5), Pterocarpin (6), Trifolirhizin (7), Kuraridinol (8), Kuraridin (9)。

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal hemp plant extracts to determine the antibacterial effects of indigenous Sansevieria species and exotic Cannabis sativa phytotherapy varieties. This study also assessed whether aqueous o

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / INTRODUCTION Dysmenorrhoea is defined as difficult menstrual flow or painful menstruation. Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecological complaint in younger women who present themselves to clinicians. Primary dysmenorrhoea is defined as painful menstrual cramps without any evident pathology present. It refers to any degree of perceived cramping pain experienced during menstruation. Around 50% of menstruating females suffer from primary dysmenorrhoea. Prevalence decreases with age, with prevalence being highest in the 20 to 24 year old age group. This trial intended to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytotherapeutic complex in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea compared to homoeopathic similimum in a 30 cH plussed potency. This study aimed to provide the safe and effective alternative therapy for primary dysmenorrhoea, especially for the population that is contradicted to use the readily available forms of treatments. TRIAL DESIGN This double-blind randomised parallel clinical trial, aimed to determine the effectiveness of a phytotherapeutic complex consisting of Angelica sinensis1:10, Dioscorea villosa1:10, Matricaria chamomilla 1:10, Viburnum opulus 1:10, and Zingiber officinalis 1:10 in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, compared to homoeopathic similimum in a 30cH plussed potency. METHODOLOGY A sample group of 26 participants were voluntarily selected for the study on the basis of an inclusion and exclusion criteria. These participants were then randomly divided into two groups, 17 in the group receiving the phytotherapeutic complex, 8 in the control group receiving the similimum and 1 drop-out. Each participant had to attend a total of four consultations with the researcher over a three month period, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Homoeopathic Day Clinic. At each consultation the participant completed the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) (Appendix B) as well as the Pain Rating Scale (PRS) (Appendix C). Intra-group analysis was performed using the non-parametric test for analysis of variance: Friedman’s test. Inter-group analysis was conducted using the Mann- Whitney U test for two independent samples. RESULTS Results from the intra-group analysis showed that in both groups most measured parameters relating to experience during the previous menstrual flow showed statistically significant reductions in intensity. This is to say that both the group receiving phytotherapy and the group receiving similimum experienced reductions in their symptoms as measured by both the MDQ and the PRS. Results from the inter-group analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the phytotherapy and similimum group in all symptoms except the water retention category, with regard to symptom perception during the last menstrual flow of the trial. CONCLUSION The conclusion reached in this study was that both the phytotherapeutic complex treatment and the homoeopathic similimum treatment were effective at reducing the clinical features of primary dysmenorrhea, but there was no significant difference between the phytotherapy and similimum group in all except the water retention category during the last menstrual period as measured by the MDQ Further, there was no statistically significant difference between groups treated with phytotherapy compared to similimum as measured by the PRS. / M

VYŠINSKÁ, Ľ.: A frequency of a purchase of herbal medicine in selected regions. Pharmacobotanical and phytopharmacological study. Diploma thesis, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Ecology. Hradec Králové, 2011, 89 p. Keywords: phytopharmaceuticals, parapharmaceuticals, herbal drugs, phytomedicines, questionary survey Background: To examine the most frequently used herbal products in Žilina region and to identify factors associated with herbal therapy usage (age, gender of patients), as well as the situations when the phytopharmaceuticals are added to therapy (basic/add on therapy, therapeutical indications etc.). Thesis also tried to resolve the relationship of pharmacists and doctors to the herbal medicine and it dealt with the issue of information resources concerning phytotherapy, trends in this area and perception of the risks of the therapy among professionals. Methods: A questionnaire was used to find out the data. Respondents were pharmacist, always one person per pharmacy from a village in Žilina region. Results: Totally, 101 questionnaires were collected from 28 villages in Žilina region. From the evaluation of respondent's answers is clear that the most frequently sold phytopharmaceutical is a product from...

As terapias integrativas e complementares têm sido utilizadas há tempos para o tratamento e prevenção de diversos males. A fitoterapia utiliza plantas para estes tratamentos e, dentre estas, destacamos a Chamomilla recutita (L.) rauschert, conhecida popularmente como camomila. Trata-se de uma planta muito utilizada popularmente com finalidades terapêuticas, que possui propriedades anti-inflamatórias, digestivas, calmantes e cicatrizantes. Frente a estas propriedades e em conjunto com a tecnologia farmacêutica para elaboração de micropartículas com liberação controlada, este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver uma formulação tópica de micropartículas de quitosana com camomila e realizar estudos preliminares de seu uso considerando aplicações futuras para prevenção de lesões de pele. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto, este trabalho foi realizado em três partes. A primeira parte consistiu no desenvolvimento da formulação tópica a ser testada. Para isso, foi realizada a caracterização farmacognóstica do material vegetal adquirido, a extração da planta, a microencapsulação deste extrato e o teste com incorporação destas em diversas formulações. Nesta etapa, o material vegetal apresentou características recomendadas pela Farmacopeia Brasileira, o extrato e a microencapsulação apresentaram resultados positivos e ao final foram selecionadas três formulações para testes preliminares. Estes testes consistiram em um ensaio de permeação em célula de Franz e estudos de estabilidade preliminar, acelerada e de longa duração. Nestes testes das três formulações previamente escolhidas, apenas uma foi eleita para as demais etapas. Na segunda parte do estudo as micropartículas desenvolvidas foram testadas quanto à sua citotoxicidade em fibroblastos e queratinócitos de pele humana e também quanto ao seu efeito frente à exposição à radiação ionizante. Nestes ensaios as micropartículas demonstraram citotoxicidade apenas nas maiores concentrações. Observa-se que a toxicidade celular do extrato é maior quando comparado as microcápsulas. Ainda neste estudo, o maior efeito protetor para a radiação nas três soluções em teste foi observado na faixa de dose entre 1:1000000 e 1:10000 nos queratinócitos e entre as concentrações 1:1000000 e 1:10000 nos fibroblastos. Na última parte deste estudo foi desenvolvido um ensaio clínico fase I para verificar a segurança e eficácia preliminar da formulação em voluntários saudáveis. Participaram deste ensaio 35 voluntários que utilizaram a formulação teste em um antebraço e uma formulação sem as micropartículas para controle no outro antebraço durante 28 dias. De acordo com os resultados a formulação não causou eritema, descamação, ardor, prurido ou dor dentro de um período de quatro semanas de uso. Houve um aumento do conteúdo aquoso no local de aplicação da formulação com as micropartículas e no controle do mesmo braço. Na avaliação da função barreira houve um aumento da perda transepidérmica de água após o uso do produto, mas este aumento também foi encontrado nos controles. Conclui-se que a formulação é estável e segura para o uso na pele íntegra e seus efeitos na hidratação da pele e na função barreira devem ser melhor estudados / Integrative and complementary therapies have long been used in treatment and prevention of diverse problems. Phytotherapy uses plants for these treatments and, among these, we highlight the Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert, popularly known as chamomile. This is a very commonly plant, which is used for therapeutic purposes and has anti-inflammatory, digestive, soothing and healing properties. Considering these properties and the pharmaceutical technology for preparation of microparticles, this study aimed to develop a topical formulation with chitosan-chamomile microparticles and conduct preliminary studies of their use, taking into account future applications for the prevention of skin lesions. To achieve the proposed objective, this study was performed in three parts. The first part was the development of topical formulation to be tested. To do so, a number of actions were carried out, namely pharmacognostic characterization of plant material, the extraction of the plant, the microencapsulation of the test extract and its incorporation in various formulations. In this step, the plant material showed characteristics recommended by the Brazilian Pharmacopeia: the extract microencapsulation showed positive results and three final formulations were selected for preliminary testing. These tests consisted of a permeation test using Franz cell; and preliminary, short-time and long-time stability studies. In these tests, only one of these three formulations was selected for the remaining steps. In the second part of the study, the microparticles were tested for both their cytotoxicity in fibroblasts and keratinocytes from human skin, and for the effect of being exposed to ionizing radiation. These tests revealed cytotoxicity only at higher concentrations. The cellular toxicity of the extract is higher when compared to the microcapsules. The best protective effect of tested formulations varies between 1:1000000 and 1:10000 in keratinocytes and between 1:1000000 and 1:10000 in fibroblasts. In the last part of this study, a clinical trial phase I was conducted to check the safety and preliminary efficacy of the formulation in healthy volunteers. Thirty-five volunteers participated by using the formulation in test on a forearm, and a formulation without the microparticles to control on the the other forearm for 28 days. According to results, the formulation did not cause erythema, peeling, burning, itching or pain within the aforementioned period. There was an improvement in aqueous content of stratum corneum in the application site with the microparticles and in the control of the same arm. When assessing the barrier function, there was an increase in transepidermal water loss after using the product, but this increase was also found in the controls. We concluded that the formulation is stable and safe for use in healthy skin, and its effects on skin hydration and barrier function should be better studied

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die Entwicklung, Optimierung und Validierung von phyto- und bioanalytischen Analysemethoden. Dabei wurden exemplarische Fragestellungen aus dem Themenkreis Phytotherapie bzw. Bioverfügbarkeit und Metabolismus von einfachen und Polyphenolen bearbeitet. Quercetin und seine Derivate: Zur qualitativen Analyse der Flavonoide und -derivate in einem Trockenextraktgemisch aus Birkenblättern, Goldrutenkraut und Orthosiphonblättern wurde eine HPLC- UV/VIS Methode entwickelt. Nach oraler Applikation dieses Trockenextraktgemisches als orale Arzneiform wurde die systemische Verfügbarkeit von Quercetin bzw. Quercetinglykosiden untersucht, welche für Quercetin bzw. -glykosiden 0 Prozent betrug (LOD ~ 25 pg Quercetin on column), da Quercetin als Phase-I- bzw. -II- Metabolite vorlag. Nach Hydrolyse der Phase-II-Konjugate wurden die höchsten Quercetinspiegel (101±107 ng·mL-1) nach ca. 4 Stunden (tmax) gemessen. Der Zeitpunkt der höchsten renalen Quercetinausscheidung lag im Intervall von 4?8 Stunden nach Verum-Gabe, wobei die über 24 Stunden ausgeschiedene Quercetinmenge 604±1037 µg·mL-1 betrug. Im Rahmen der studienbegleitenden bioanalytischen Methodenentwicklung wurde eine Extraktionsmethode für Plasma und Urin entwickelt und validiert. Durch Anwendung eines neuartigen Analyseverfahrens, der coulometrischen Array-Detektion, konnte eine HPLC-Methode entwickelt werden, die erstmals Quercetin und seine Metabolite simultan, selektiv und ausreichend sensitiv in biologischen Matrices detektieren konnte. Unter Verwendung des analytischen Verfahrens der HPLC-Tandemmassenspektrometrie konnten erstmals fünf Quercetinglucuronide als die Hauptmetabolite des Quercetins identifiziert werden. Um weitere Erkenntnisse über den Metabolismus der systemisch verfügbaren Quercetinglucuronide am Venenendothelgewebe zu gewinnen, wurde ein In-vitro-Modell unter Verwendung von HUVEC (human umbilical endothelial cells)- Monolayerkulturen entwickelt und orientierend validiert. Die Experimente zeigten, dass das Venenendothel Glucuronidaseaktivität aufweist und somit Quercetin in-situ am oder im Zielgewebe aus systemisch vorliegenden Glucuroniden freisetzen kann. Die frei vorliegenden Aglykone können dann in das Venenendothelgewebe aufgenommen werden. Das In-vitro-Modell gibt damit erstmals einen plausiblen Erklärungsansatz für die Wirksamkeit von Quercetinderivat-haltigen Präparaten in-vivo, z.B. beim varikösen Symptomen-Komplex. Procyanidine in Weißdorn: Zur Gruppenbestimmung der Procyanide in Weißdornpräparaten wurde ein Analysenprotokoll optimiert und validiert, welches den derzeit üblichen Protokollen bezüglich des Grades an Selektivität überlegen ist. Weiterführend wurde zur selektiven Analyse der mono- bis trimeren Procyanidine in Weißdornpräparaten eine HPLC-Methode unter Adaption eines Nachsäulenderivatisierungsverfahrens (NSD) entwickelt und validiert. Unter Kombination beider Verfahren konnte erstmals das Procyanidinspektrum in handelsüblichen Weißdornpräparaten durch Einbeziehung der mono- bis trimeren Procyanidine, näher beschrieben, und marktführende Weißdornpräparate vergleichend analysiert werden. In Zusammenhang mit publizierten pharmakologischen Arbeiten mit teilweise identischen Extrakten, leisten die in dieser Arbeit erlangten Kenntnisse über Gehalt und Polymerisationsgrad der in den untersuchten Phytopharmaka enthaltenen Procyanidine einen Beitrag zum besseren Verständnis der Wirkungen von Weißdorn-Zubereitungen insgesamt. Hydrochinon und seine Derivate: Die renale Verfügbarkeit von Hydrochinon nach oraler Gabe einer flüssigen und einer festen Bärentraubenblätterextrakt-Zubereitung wurde anhand einer Probandenstudie gezeigt. Das mit dem Bärentraubenblätter-Trockenextrakt applizierte Arbutin (210 mg, ≈ 771,3 µmol) wurde zu ca. 0,18 Prozent als freies Hydrochinon (≈ 1,38 ± 0,79 µmol) ausgeschieden. Der Zeitpunkt der maximalen Hydrochinon-Ausscheidung (0,3±0,1 µg) lag bei beiden Arzneiformen im 4-8 Stunden-Intervall nach Applikation. Zur Analyse des Hydrochinons bzw. seiner Konjugate in humanem Urin wurde eine Extraktionsmethode zur simultanen Extraktion entwickelt und für den Zielanalyten Hydrochinon validiert. Durch Anwendung der coulometrischen Array-Detektion, konnten in Probandenurin erstmals Substanz-Zeit-Kinetiken freien Hydrochinons detektiert werden. Die in der vorliegenden Arbeit erhobenen In-vivo-Daten erlauben damit eine Korrelation von einerseits In-vitro-Daten zur bakteriziden Aktivität von Hydrochinon und andererseits epidemiologischen Daten zur Wirksamkeit von Bärentraubenblätter-Zubereitungen. Damit konnte erstmals unter therapiekonformen Bedingungen das für Bärentraubenblätter postulierte Wirkprinzip - das Hydrochinon - in-vivo bestätigt werden. / The aim of the investigations presented here was the development, optimisation, and validation of procedures and methods for the analysis of biological and plant samples. It focused on exemplary questions in the main topics “phytotherapy” and “bioavailability and metabolism of phenols and polyphenols”. Quercetin and its derivatives: In order to analyse the components of a mixture of dry extracts from birch leaves, solidago herb, and orthosiphon leaves qualitatively, a HPLC-method with UV/VIS-detection was developed. After oral administration of a solid drug preparation containing dry extracts of birch leaves (1.31 g), solidago herb (1.63 g), and orthosiphon leaves (1.61 g) the systemic availability was investigated. The outcome of the study showed a systemic availability of quercetin and quercetin glucoside of zero per cent (LOD ~ 25 pg quercetin on column) and revealed phase-II-conjugates of quercetin as the main systemic metabolites. After the hydrolysis of these quercetin conjugates the highest quercetin levels (cmax = 101±107 ng·mL-1) in human plasma were determined four hours after medication intake. Maximum renal elimination of quercetin conjugates was determined within the four to eight hours interval, and after 24 hours about 604 ± 1037 µg quercetin was eliminated. In order to make both phase-I and phase-II metabolites of quercetin accessible for HPLC analysis, a method for simultaneous extraction from human plasma and urine was developed. By employing a new coulometric array detection method an HPLC-method could be developed, which achieved the selective and sufficiently sensitive detection of quercetin and its metabolites in human body fluids for the first time. Furthermore five quercetin glucuronides could be detected in human plasma by the means of tandem mass spectrometry as the main systemic metabolites of quercetin in men. No quercetin glucosides could be detected in human plasma (LOD = 200 pg on column), which finally finished a controversial discussion about the bioavailability of quercetin glucosides. To increase the knowledge of the metabolism of the systemically available quercetin glucuronides, an in-vitro assay was developed and basically validated by using monolayers from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as a model tissue. In the experiments the HUVEC tissue showed glucuronidase activity. Quercetin glucuronides were deconjugated in-situ resulting in the free aglycone which was taken up by the endothelial cells. This metabolism step represents the "missing link" between systemic available conjugated quercetin and the more antioxidant active aglycone. Procyanidines in Hawthorn: For analysis of total procyanidines occurring in Hawthorn flowers and leaves a determination procedure was developed and validated which, is superior to other protocols by its degree of selectivity. Furthermore a HPLC method employing post column derivatisation (PCD) and VIS detection was developed and validated for the selective determination of monomere, dimere, and trimere procyanidines in Hawthorn. Both methods, the procedure for the determination of total procyanidines and the HPLC-PCD method for determination of mono-, di-, and trimere procyanidines were applied to the analysis of herbal medicinal products (HMP) containing hawthorn extracts. This enables to have a closer look on content and polymerisation degree of the procyanidins occurring in leading Hawthorn HMPs of the German market and is a considerable step forward to guarantee the pharmaceutical quality. Taken together with the pharmacological data published for HMP the knowledge of content and polymerisation degree of procyanidines contributes to a better understanding of the efficacy of Hawthorn containing preparations. Hydroquinone and its derivatives: For the analysis of hydroquinone in human urine a method for simultaneous extraction of hydroquinone and its conjugates was developed and validated. The renal availability of hydroquinone was established in a clinical study by application of a solid and a liquid HMP containing a dry extract of bearberry leaves to healthy volunteers. By using the coulometric array detection, selective and sufficiently sensitive determination of hydroquinone in human urine by HPLC was achieved and the collection of sufficient pharmacokinetic data was possible for the first time. About 0.18 per cent (≈ 1,38 ± 0,79 µmol) of the orally given hydroquinone glucoside (arbutin, 210 mg, ≈ 771,3 µmol) was excreted as free hydroquinone renally. The maximum renal hydroquinone excretion (0,3 ± 0,1 µg) lied within the 4-8 hours interval after application of both the solid and the liquid HMP. These results confirm the active principle hydroquinone postulated for bearberry leaves in-vivo under therapeutic conditions for the first time.

Bis heute wurden acht Handschriften der Wundarznei des Heinrich von Pfalzpaint entdeckt. Nach einer Revision der „Breslauer Handschrift“ wurde am Medizinhistorischen Institut der Universität Würzburg bereits mit einer textkritischen Gesamtedition aller bisher bekannten Pfalzpaint-Texte begonnen. Was nun die Konzeption und die Makrostruktur der vorliegenden Studie angeht, hat sich die Grobgliederung in einen allgemeinen Teil, einen Kommentar zur ‚Wündärznei‘ und einen pflanzenmonographischen Abschnitt bewährt. Somit kann sowohl über den Pfalzpaintschen Text ein schneller Zugriff auf den alphabetisch geordneten Pflanzenteil erfolgen. Aber auch der umgekehrte Weg ist möglich, da in den einzelnen Monographien stets sämtliche Synonymnamen sowie die Indikationsbereiche mit genauer Kapitelnummer angegeben wurden. Durch Erstellen eines Kommentars konnten zunächst zahlreiche wundärztliche Begriffe geklärt und der Textinhalt in eine heute verständliche Sprache gebracht werden. Dabei muß festgehalten werden, daß die am Ende der ‚Wündärznei‘ positionierten Pestrezepte mit großer Wahrscheinlichkeit nicht von Pfalzpaint stammen, sondern zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt angehängt wurden. Textaufbau, Schreibstil, verwendete Fachtermini und das Fehlen in Pfalzpaints Register sprechen für diese Annahme. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden alle arzneilich verwendeten Pflanzen registriert, auch wenn es nicht möglich war, jede mit absoluter Sicherheit zu identifizieren. Hier hat sich das bereits in der Einleitung erwähnte Differenzierungsschema bewährt. Es ermöglicht, daß man schon bei Betrachtung der Pflanzenkapitel anhand der Identifikationsklassen I-V sofort erkennen kann, ob es sich um eine eindeutig identifizierte Pflanze handelt. Bei unsicherer Zuordnung erfolgt in der Monographie jeweils eine argumentative Abwägung der konkurrierenden Identifikationsmöglichkeiten. Nun möchte ich, um hinsichtlich der Identifizierung der Statistik zu genügen, noch einige Prozentangaben bereitstellen: Bei der Auswertung der fünf erwähnten Identifikationsklassen konnte festgestellt werden, daß fast zwei Drittel der verwendeten Pflanzen (65%) bereits über den Namen zu identifizieren waren. Durch Pfalzpaints Nennung von Synonymen, botanischen Beschreibungen und Indikationen wurde es weiterhin möglich, weitere 18% sicher zuzuordnen. In 25 Fällen (15%) konkurrierten mehrere Lösungsansätze, und es mußte eine eindeutige Identifizierung unterbleiben. Von den 171 bearbeiteten Pflanzen sind heute noch 20% (34 Drogen) offizinell im Europäischen Arzneibuch, Nachtrag 2001, verzeichnet; hier seien beispielhaft die Enzianwurzel, der Tormentillwurzelstock, die Gewürznelken und die Salbeiblätter genannt. Beim Vergleich mit dem „Leitfaden Phytotherapie“ von Schilcher/Kammerer fällt auf, daß etwa 40% des Pfalzpaint-Repertoires heute noch verwendet werden und daß weitere 17% zwar erwähnt, aber mit einer Negativmonographie belegt sind. Bei etwa 15% der Arzneipflanzen handelt es sich um importierte Drogen (z.B. Mastix, Zitwer, Ingwer), die stets eindeutig identifiziert werden konnten. In diesem Zusammenhang vermute ich - gestützt auf das ‚Circa instans‘ -, daß durch den Import und die damit verbundenen Handelsgeschäfte die Identifizierung bereits beim Kauf erfolgte (auch wenn es sich möglicherweise um Fälschungen wie z.B. beim Safran handeln konnte). Was machte die Bearbeitung der ‚Wündarznei‘ des Heinrich von Pfalzpaint so interessant und einmalig? Zum einen enthält der Text einen überraschenden Reichtum an wundchirurgischen Arbeitsweisen - angefangen mit der Versorgung einer einfachen Schnittwunde bis hin zu progressiven operativen Verfahren: ich erinnere an die Nasenersatzplastik, an die Hasenschartenoperation oder an das Vorgehen bei Darmoperationen. Bei der Nasenersatzplastik handelt es sich um eine Erstbeschreibung eines hochkomplexen Verfahrens, was erkennen läßt, daß Pfalzpaint ein Meister im Umgang mit der Sprache ist und erstmals solch schwierige Techniken zu erklären vermag. Auch auf dem Gebiet der Arzneistoffkenntnis und der galenischen Herstellungstechnik von Salben, Pflastern und anderen Arzneiformen kennt sich Pfalzpaint sehr gut aus. Auch durch die politische Situation bedingt, nämlich durch die Belagerung der Marienburg, erhält man Einblick in die medizinische und arzneiliche Versorgung von Kranken in Notzeiten. Alle diese Aspekt machen die ‚Wündärznei‘ Heinrich von Pfalzpaints zu einem wichtigen Dokument des medizinischen Systems des Spätmittelalters. / Today we know of eight manuscripts of ‚Heinrich von Pfalzpaint‘. Let’s now turn to the concept and macrostructure of the study at hand. The following method proved to be most rewarding: a division into a general part, a comment on ‚Wündärznei‘ and a section on botanical monographs. Hence, the Pfalzpaint text provides quick access to the alphabetically arranged section on plants. Nevertheless, the reverse method is also possible because the single monographs specify all synonyms and the indication fields with the exact chapter numbers. In creating a commentary one could identify numerous terms in the area of medicinal wound treatment and translate their respective meanings into an easily comprehensible present-day language. While doing so, it has to be kept in mind, however, that in all probability the prescriptions on plague treatment situated at the end of the ‚Wündärznei‘ do not go back to Pfalzpaint. They were added at a later time. Text structure, writing style, used terminology and the lack of a Pfalzpaint index support this presumption. The study at hand registers all medicinally used plants although it was not possible to classify all of them with absolute certainty. The system of differentiation mentioned in the introduction, proved to be very useful in that regard. Consequently, using the categories of identification no. I-V for a closer inspection of the chapters on plants, one is able to find out immediately if the respective plant is clearly identifiable or not. In case of uncertain classification, the monograph uses an argumentative approach to deal with the various competing possibilities of identification. I would like to meet the requirements of statistical identification methods and provide some proportional data. The examination of the five given possibilities of identification revealed that almost two thirds of the used plants (65 %) could be identified by their names. In addition, Pfalzpaint‘s naming of synonyms, botanical descriptions and indications made it possible to clearly categorize an additional 18 % of the plants. In 25 cases (15 %), however, several suggested solutions compete with each other which makes an absolute classification impossible. 20 % (34 drugs) of the 171 plants dealt with in this study are still listed in the European drugs register (supplement 2001); for example „Gentianae radix“, „Tormentillae rhizoma“, „Caryophylli flos“ and „Salviae folium“. A comparison with the „Phytotherapy Guide“ reveals, that about 40 % of the Pfalzpaint repertoire is still used today. In addition, about 17 % are mentioned there; however, they are listed with a negative monograph. About 15 % of the medicinal plants are imported drugs and therefore clearly identifiable (e.g. „Mastix resina“, „Zedoaria rhizoma“, „Zingiberis rhizoma“). Using the „Circa Instans“ as basis for my argument, I suppose that in cases of import and respective trade business the identification of medicinal plants happened at the time of purchase (although fake identification was likely to take place here as well, as in the case of saffron). Now, why is it that work on the ‚Heinrich von Pfalzpaint’s‘ ‚Wündärznei‘ appears to be that interesting and unique? On the one hand, this document lists an astonishing variety of methods in the area of wound surgery: from the treatment of ordinary cuts to progressive surgery methods. Let’s just recall the nose spare part surgery, the hare lip surgery, or the intestinal surgery in that regard. The nose spare part surgery, for example, is considered to be the first description of a very complex scientific method. It shows Pfalzpaint’s excellency in handling the language and his ability to explain such highly difficult techniques. Pfalzpaint is also very well-informed in the area of drug knowledge and familiar with the Galenic method of producing ointments, plasters and other types of medicine. Besides, the political situation of the time, namely the siege of the fortress Marienburg, provides further insight into the medical and medicinal treatment of ill people in times of need. All these fore-mentioned aspects illustrate why the ‚Heinrich von Pfalzpaint’s‘ ‚Wündärznei‘ is such an important document of the medical system in the Late Medieval Age.

O uso das plantas medicinais confunde-se com a história do ser vivente. Desde a idade da pedra até meados do século XX elas constituíram a principal fonte medicamentosa para a nossa sociedade. Hoje o mercado de fitoterápicos e fitocosméticos vem movimentando bilhões de dólares a cada ano. Apesar de possuir representantes de cerca de 70% de toda a flora mundial, historicamente o Brasil não apresenta tradição cientifica no uso de medicamentos vegetais, sendo a fitoterapia praticada principalmente por caboclos, curandeiros e xamãs. Apenas recentemente, com a \"biopirataria\" e com o crescimento constante do interesse de grandes multinacionais na Amazônia e Mata Atlântica é que está se observando uma movimentação nacional no sentido da legalização e controle de fitoterápicos e da flora Nacional. Neste contexto o Governo Brasileiro formulou uma Resolução em Fevereiro de 2000, regulamentando a produção de fitoterápicos no País, a qual preconiza o controle de qualidade, tanto da matéria-prima quanto do produto acabado. O presente trabalho propõe metodologias para análise de compostos fenólicos (cumarinas, fenilpropanóides e f1avonóides) em extratos metanólico, glicólico e hidroalcoólico de camomila (Matricaria recutita L.) através das técnicas de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC), cromatografia líquida capilar (µHPLC), eletroforese capilar de zona livre (FSCE), cromatografia eletrocinética micelar (MEKC) e eletrocromatografia capilar (CEC). O desempenho de cada técnica foi avaliado comparativamente em termos de disponibilidade e tipo de coluna, número de pratos, fator de retenção, seletividade, resolução, tempo e custo de análise. Um estudo de pré-purificação dos extratos foi feito utilizando extração em fase sólida (ODS e HLB) e RMN 1H para acompanhamento das substâncias invisíveis no UV. Propõe-se ainda um protocolo para empacotamento de colunas capilares para µHPLC e CEC. Os extratos foram doseados quanto ao teor de apigenina livre e total, utilizando metodologia validada segundo a USP 24. / The use of medicinal plants for the cure of ailments is as old as mankind. From the Stone Ages throughout the first part of last century, they were the main sources of medicines for our society. Today, the commercial markets are investing billions of dollars every year into the research and development of medicinal plants. Despite having about 70% of the whole world flora, historically Brazil does not have a scientific tradition in the use of herbal medicines. Until very recently, mainly mestizos, healers and xamãs have practiced phytotherapy. But now, with the growth of the interest of pharmaceutical companies in the Amazonian and Atlantic rain forests, there has been a national movement in the way of legalization and control of the National flora. In this context, the Brazilian Government formulated a resolution in February 2000, regulating the production of phytomedicines in this country, which requires the quality control of such products. The present work proposes methodologies for the analysis of the phenolic substances (coumarins, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids) present in methanolic, glycolic and ethanolic extracts of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) by the use of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), micro Liquid Chromatography (&#181HPLC). Free Solution Capillary Electrophoresis (FSCE), Micellar Electroknetic Chromatography (MEKC) and Capillary Electrochromatography (CEC). These techniques were evaluated comparatively in terms of column performance, plate number, retention factor, selectivity, resolution, time and analysis cost. Pre-purification studies using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges (ODS and HLB Oassis) were also carried out and the collected fractions were analyzed by FSCE and RMN 1H. This fatter technique was applied in order to monitor the presence of fat acids on the eluates. A packing procedure for micro columns to use in µHPLC and in CEC is also proposed. Methanolic, glycolic and ethanolic extracts of Matricaria recutita L. were standardized relatively to the total apigenin contents and the CE methodology was thoroughly validated following the United States Pharmacopoea 24 protocol.

Introdução: O Reiki está entre as terapias baseadas em energia mais frequentes. Estudar terapias com bases em mecanismos holísticos complexos e dinâmicos, influenciados por diferentes fatores individuais e ambientais exige uma série de avaliações em diferentes modelos experimentais. Neste contexto, o estudo in vitro permite o controle dos fatores externos às células, evita a alta variabilidade individual, propiciando resultados em menor tempo. Dentre os leucócitos, os neutrófilos são aqueles que estão presentes em maior quantidade no sangue periférico, atuando de maneira importante nas fases iniciais das reações inflamatórias, como mecanismo de defesa, estando no rol das primeiras células do sistema imune que se deslocam dos vasos para os tecidos. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do Reiki sobre a viabilidade celular e a atividade da enzima mieloperoxidase de neutrófilos humanos in vitro. Método: É um estudo laboratorial, experimental, duplo cego, com abordagem quantitativa. Foi realizado no Laboratório de Fisiologia Celular e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul - Campus Anália Franco São Paulo SP. A amostra de sangue humano foi obtida de cinco voluntários saudáveis. O ensaio necessitou de 20mL de sangue obtido por punção venosa periférica. Critério de inclusão: adulto, do sexo masculino, saudável na faixa dos 20 aos 40 anos. Critérios de exclusão: problema de saúde referido, uso de medicamentos, uso de terapia complementar (como terapias energéticas, fitoterapia, meditação e outras). O grupo experimental recebeu aplicação de Reiki, em temperatura ambiente, por meio da imposição de mãos, a 15 cm de distância por 15 minutos. A aplicação de Reiki foi realizada uma vez ao dia, durante três dias consecutivos, em sessões a cada 24 horas. O grupo controle permaneceu pelo mesmo tempo e nas mesmas condições ambientais do grupo de intervenção, sem a aplicação da técnica de biocampo. As células foram avaliadas pela técnica de exclusão do corante azul de Tripan, que permite diferenciar células vivas e mortas, pela exclusão do corante pelas células viáveis, e contadas em câmara de Neubauer. A atividade da enzima mieloperoxidase (MPO) foi avaliada por meio do ensaio de quimiluminescência. A análise da viabilidade celular foi feita em triplicata utilizando-se como resultado a média. Análise de dados. Medidas de variabilidade e tendência central, modelo de equações de estimação generalizadas para distribuição binomial nos dados de viabilidade para comparar os grupos longitudinalmente e um modelo de ANOVA para medidas repetidas não paramétrico para o MPO, ao nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: As médias da viabilidade celular foram superiores no grupo experimental, quando observadas a média dos cinco ensaios para cada momento de aferição segundo o grupo estudado, com diferença estatisticamente significante (p = 0,0040). A atividade da MPO, expressa em Unidades Relativas de Luminescência foi superior no grupo experimental (p = 0,0020). Conclusão: Houve aumento tanto da viabilidade celular, quanto da atividade da enzima mieloperoxidase dos neutrófilos in vitro pertencentes ao grupo experimental quando comparados ao grupo controle. / Introduction: Reiki is within as more frequent energy-based therapies. Studying therapies based on complex and dynamic holistic mechanisms, influenced by different individuals and environmental factors, requires a series of assessments in different experimental models. In this context, in vitro studies allow the control of cells external factors, avoiding the high individual variability, providing results in a shorter time. Among leukocytes, neutrophils are those present in greater amounts in the peripheral blood, acting in the main role in the early stages of inflammatory reactions, as a defense mechanism, being in the rank of the first cells of the immune system that move from the vessels to the tissues. Objective: Evaluate the effect of Reiki on cell viability and myeloperoxidase activity of human neutrophils in vitro. Method: It is an experimental, double-blind, laboratory study with a quantitative approach. It was done at Laboratory of Cellular Physiology and Molecular Biology of Cruzeiro do Sul University - Anália Franco Campus - São Paulo - SP. The human blood samples were obtained from five healthy volunteers. The test required 20mL of blood obtained by peripheral venous puncture. Inclusion criteria: adult, male, between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Exclusion criteria: volunteers reporting health problems, use of medications and use of complementary therapy (as energy therapies, phytotherapy, meditation and others). The experimental group received the Reiki application, at room temperature, by means of the laying on of hands to 15 cm of distance by 15 minutes. A Reiki application was performed once a day, for three consecutive days, in sessions every 24 hours. The control group remained at the same period and at the same environmental conditions as the intervention group, but without any application of the biofield technique. The cells were evaluated through the technique of the Trypan blue exclusion test, that allows to differentiate alive and dead cells, through dye exclusion by viable cells, and counted in Neubauers chamber. The activity of the myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme was evaluated by chemiluminescence assay. The analysis of cell viability was done in triplicate using as the result the measures average. Data analysis. Measurements of variability and central tendency, generalized estimation equation model equations for binomial distribution of cell viability data for a longitudinal comparison of groups and ANOVA model for non-parametric repeated measures for MPO, at a significance level of 5%. Results: The cellular viability means were higher in the experimental group when evaluated the mean of the five experimental assays in each measurement moment according to the group studied, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0040). MPO activity, expressed in Relative Luminescence Units, was higher in the experimental group, except in the fifth assay, and with an exacerbation of enzyme activity in the third assay, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0020). Conclusion: There was an increase in both cell viability and myeloperoxidase enzyme in vitro neutrophils from experimental group when compared to the control group, both with statistically significant differences.