Ng, Chun Fai. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 176-197). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Cao Hui. / Publication date from spine. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 180-194). / Acknowledgments --- p.v / Abstract --- p.vii / List of Tables --- p.xv / List of Figures --- p.xvii / Abbreviations and symbols --- p.xx / Chapter Chapter 1. --- General introduction / Chapter 1.1. --- Historical background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2. --- Pharmacognostical development --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3. --- Importance of herb authentication --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4. --- Objective of study --- p.5 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- Literature review / Chapter 2.1. --- Botanical and taxonomic aspects --- p.9 / Chapter 2.1.1. --- Morphology --- p.9 / Chapter 2.1.2. --- Scientific names --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2. --- Chemical aspects --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3. --- Pharmacological aspects --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3.1. --- Antibacterial effect --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3.2. --- Antiphlogistic effect --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3.3. --- Antipyretic effect --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.4. --- Effect in gastrointestinal propulsion --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.5. --- Antineoplastic activity --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.6. --- Hepatoprotective effect --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.7. --- Inhibitory activity on enzymes --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3.8. --- Cardiovascular effect --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3.9. --- Acute toxicity (LD50) --- p.18 / Chapter 2.4. --- Pharmacognostical aspects --- p.18 / Chapter Chapter 3. --- Kudidan in Ben-cao literature / Chapter 3.1. --- Introduction --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2. --- Name evolution --- p.23 / Chapter 3.3. --- Natural distribution --- p.24 / Chapter 3.4. --- Characteristics --- p.25 / Chapter 3.5. --- Substitutions investigation --- p.26 / Chapter 3.6. --- Summary --- p.29 / Chapter Chapter 4. --- Morphological differences / Chapter 4.1. --- Plant identification --- p.36 / Chapter 4.1.1. --- Introduction --- p.36 / Chapter 4.1.2. --- Collection of voucher materials --- p.36 / Chapter 4.1.3. --- Plant morphology --- p.36 / Chapter 4.2. --- Macroscopical identification --- p.46 / Chapter 4.2.1. --- Introduction --- p.46 / Chapter 4.2.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.46 / Chapter 4.2.2.1. --- Commercial samples --- p.46 / Chapter 4.2.2.2. --- Macroscopical characteristics --- p.46 / Chapter 4.2.3. --- Results --- p.49 / Chapter Chapter 5. --- Histological identification / Chapter 5.1. --- Introduction --- p.58 / Chapter 5.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.59 / Chapter 5.2.1. --- Commercial samples --- p.59 / Chapter 5.2.1.1. --- Kudidan --- p.59 / Chapter 5.2.1.2. --- Pugongying --- p.59 / Chapter 5.2.1.3. --- Substitutes --- p.59 / Chapter 5.2.2. --- Authentic plant materials for comparison --- p.60 / Chapter 5.2.3. --- Methods --- p.60 / Chapter 5.2.3.1. --- Paraffin method --- p.60 / Chapter 5.2.3.2. --- Light microscopy --- p.62 / Chapter 5.2.3.3. --- Quantitative microscopy --- p.63 / Chapter 5.2.3.4. --- Scanning electron microscopy --- p.64 / Chapter 5.3. --- Results --- p.64 / Chapter 5.3.1. --- Microscopical characters of comparative plants --- p.64 / Chapter 5.3.2. --- Internal structures of herbs --- p.83 / Chapter 5.4. --- Discussion --- p.83 / Chapter Chapter 6. --- Chemical analysis / Chapter 6.1. --- Introduction --- p.99 / Chapter 6.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.100 / Chapter 6.2.1. --- Authentic samples --- p.100 / Chapter 6.2.2. --- Commercial samples --- p.100 / Chapter 6.2.3. --- Methods --- p.100 / Chapter 6.2.3.1. --- Isolation and characterization of standard substances --- p.100 / Chapter 6.2.3.2. --- Extraction of plant materials --- p.102 / Chapter 6.2.3.3. --- Thin layer chromatography --- p.102 / Chapter 6.3. --- Results and discussion --- p.104 / Chapter 6.3.1. --- TLC synopsis --- p.104 / Chapter 6.3.2. --- TLC analysis --- p.105 / Chapter 6.3.2.1. --- Qualitative evaluation of authentic plants --- p.105 / Chapter 6.3.2.2. --- Qualitative evaluation of commercial samples --- p.107 / Chapter 6.4. --- Summary --- p.107 / Chapter Chapter 7. --- Molecular fingerprinting / Chapter 7.1. --- Introduction --- p.115 / Chapter 7.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.120 / Chapter 7.2.1. --- Plant materials --- p.121 / Chapter 7.2.2. --- Herbal materials --- p.121 / Chapter 7.2.3. --- Total genomic DNA preparation --- p.121 / Chapter 7.2.3.1. --- CsCl/EtBr gradient method --- p.121 / Chapter 7.2.3.2. --- CTAB/CsCl gradient method --- p.123 / Chapter 7.2.3.3. --- CTAB miniprep method --- p.124 / Chapter 7.2.4. --- Qualitative analysis of genomic DNA --- p.125 / Chapter 7.2.5. --- Quantitative analysis of genomic DNA --- p.126 / Chapter 7.2.6. --- Genomic DNA fingerprinting --- p.126 / Chapter 7.2.6.1. --- DNA amplification --- p.126 / Chapter 7.2.6.1.1. --- AP-PCR --- p.127 / Chapter 7.2.1.1.2. --- RAPD --- p.128 / Chapter 7.2.6.2. --- Data analysis --- p.129 / Chapter 7.3. --- Results --- p.129 / Chapter 7.3.1. --- Studies on extraction of genomic DNA --- p.129 / Chapter 7.3.2. --- Genomic DNA fingerprinting by AP-PCR --- p.130 / Chapter 7.3.3. --- Genomic DNA fingerprinting by RAPD --- p.131 / Chapter 7.4. --- Discussion --- p.131 / Chapter 7.4.1. --- DNA extraction --- p.132 / Chapter 7.4.2. --- DNA fingerprinting of Kudidan --- p.136 / Chapter 7.4.3. --- Phylogenetic relationship between two genera Elephantopus and Pseudo-elephantopus of by DNA fingerprinting --- p.141 / Chapter Chapter 8. --- General summary and conclusion / Chapter 8.1. --- General summary --- p.165 / Chapter 8.1.1. --- Ben-cao investigation --- p.166 / Chapter 8.1.2. --- Investigation of commercial samples --- p.166 / Chapter 8.1.3. --- Histological characteristics --- p.167 / Chapter 8.1.4. --- Chemical analysis --- p.168 / Chapter 8.1.5. --- DNA fingerprinting --- p.168 / Chapter 8.2. --- Conclusion --- p.169 / Appendices / Chapter A) --- Solutions --- p.171 / Chapter B) --- Chinese characters cited in this Thesis --- p.173 / Chapter a) --- Herbal names --- p.173 / Chapter b) --- Book names --- p.175 / Chapter c) --- Personal names --- p.176 / Chapter d) --- Place names --- p.177 / Chapter e) --- Miscellaneous names --- p.179 / Bibliography --- p.180

Throughout the eighteenth century the majority of the population of Scotland were dependent on their own home remedies for treating illnesses. Early in the century doctors were scarce and the difficulties of travel plus the high fees they charged put their services beyond the reach of most people. Even later in the century when roads improved and an increasing number of medical graduates were trained, in rural Scotland domestic medicine was still the only form of treatment available to many. The sources of eighteenth century domestic remedies were largely the same as the sources of orthodox medicine, namely traditional herbal recipes derived from the ancients, and from the mediaeval herbals. Such remedies were perpetuated by word of mouth, in ballads and songs, and in diaries, letters and kitchen books, as well as in printed books. The present thesis aims to illustrate the type of home remedy used, drawing mainly on primary sources, and using as examples various common eighteenth century ailments, such as scurvy, smallpox, consumption, etc. Home remedies changed little in the course of the century, but orthodox medicine underwent considerable changes meanwhile, with the reform of the Pharmacopoeia and the so-called "rationalisation" of medicine. The result was that home and orthodox remedies diverged and many traditional herbal recipes were discarded by the orthodox medical men, some of which may have been of real therapeutic value. Contrary to expectations, it has been found that home remedies were often less complicated than their contemporary medical counterparts. An attempt has been made to identify botanically the numerous plants mentioned, and to give some indication, in the light of present pharmacological knowledge, of their possible therapeutic value. Future analyses may even show that some of the eighteenth century herbal remedies could prove of clinical value in the future.

Introdução: Estima-se que 300 milhões de pessoas no mundo possuam asma e há expectativa de aumentar o número de mortes pela doença nos próximos 10 anos. Parte disto deve-se à limitação na eficácia dos tratamentos atuais e à heterogeneidade da doença. Erythrina mulungu Benth. (Leguminosae, mulungu) é uma planta nativa brasileira de interesse do Sistema Único de Saúde para ser estudada e que apresenta potenciais efeitos antiinflamatórios. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da administração do extrato etanólico das flores de E. mulungu no tratamento da asma em um modelo experimental, e os mecanismos envolvidos. Métodos: Camundongos Balb/c sensibilizados com ovalbumina (OVA) foram tratados por via intraperitoneal com 4 doses (200, 400, 600 e 800 mg/kg) do extrato de E. mulungu, ou dexametasona (2 mg/kg) - controle positivo - durante 7 dias consecutivos e foram paralelamente desafiados com ovalbumina intranasal. A hiper-responsividade brônquica foi avaliada in vivo, 24 h após o último desafio; o lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) foi coletado para avaliação do número de células totais e diferencial por citômetro e contagem microscópica, respectivamente. O sangue foi coletado para dosagem de anconticorpos IgE para ovalbumina. Níveis de citocinas IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 e INF-? foram dosados no homogenato pulmonar através do ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática (ELISA); e o recrutamento de células inflamatórias no tecido foi avaliado coloração Hematoxilina-Eosina (H&E). O perfil cromatográfico da planta foi analisado por cromatografia líquida de alta pressão (HPLC), seguido de espectrofotometria de massas (MS). Resultados: O tratamento com E. mulungu diminuiu significativamente o aumento da hiper-responsividade brônquica nos animais em todas as doses testadas. Diminuiu o número de células totais, eosinófilos e linfócitos no LBA, significativamente na dose de 600 mg/kg e suprimiu significativamente a concentração de IL- 4 e IL-5. Além disso, E. mulungu diminuiu significativamente o recrutamento de células inflamatórias no tecido dos animais asmáticos. Erisotrina, N-óxido-erisotrina e hipaforina foram os constituintes majoritários encontrados. Conclusão: Coletivamente esses resultados sugerem que E. mulungu tem potencial para uso no tratamento da asma, através da modulação da resposta inflamatória, apresentando efeitos imunomodulador e anti-inflamatório. / Background: Asthma affects 300 million people worldwide and the number of victims of the disease is expected to increase in the next 10 years. Part of this may be a result of the limited efficacy of current treatments and disease heterogeneity. Erythrina mulungu Benth. (Leguminosae, mulungu) is a Brazilian native species which is listed by the Brazilian National Program of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines to be studied and that has potential anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: To evaluate the effects of E. mulungu flowers ethanolic extract in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice, and to study the mechanisms involved. Methods: OVA-sensitized mice were intraperitoneally treated with four doses (200, 400, 600 e 800 mg/kg) of the E. mulungu extract or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) - positive control - during seven consecutive days and simultaneously challenged with intranasal ovalbumin. Airway hyperresponsiveness was evaluated in vivo, 24 h after the last OVA challenge; broncoalveolar lavage fluids (BAL) was collected for counting the number of total and differential inflammatory cells. Blood was collected for measurement of anti-OVA IgE levels. Levels of cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 IL-13 and INF-? were measured in pulmonary homogenate by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); and the inflammatory cells recruitment to the lung tissue were determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). The species\' chromatographic profile was evaluated by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometer. Results: The treatment with E. mulungu extract significantilly reduced the airway hyperresponsiveness in all doses evaluated. It significantly reduced the number of total cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes in BAL, at 600 mg/kg and significantly decresead the levels of IL-4 and IL-5. In addition, E. mulungu significantly decreased the cellular inflammatory infiltration in the lung tissue of allergic mice. Erysothrine, erysothrine-N-oxide and hypaphorine were the major constituents in the extract. Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggest the potential of E. mulungu for asthma treatment, through modulation of inflammatory response.

Introdução: Estima-se que 300 milhões de pessoas no mundo possuam asma e há expectativa de aumentar o número de mortes pela doença nos próximos 10 anos. Parte disto deve-se à limitação na eficácia dos tratamentos atuais e à heterogeneidade da doença. Erythrina mulungu Benth. (Leguminosae, mulungu) é uma planta nativa brasileira de interesse do Sistema Único de Saúde para ser estudada e que apresenta potenciais efeitos antiinflamatórios. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da administração do extrato etanólico das flores de E. mulungu no tratamento da asma em um modelo experimental, e os mecanismos envolvidos. Métodos: Camundongos Balb/c sensibilizados com ovalbumina (OVA) foram tratados por via intraperitoneal com 4 doses (200, 400, 600 e 800 mg/kg) do extrato de E. mulungu, ou dexametasona (2 mg/kg) - controle positivo - durante 7 dias consecutivos e foram paralelamente desafiados com ovalbumina intranasal. A hiper-responsividade brônquica foi avaliada in vivo, 24 h após o último desafio; o lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) foi coletado para avaliação do número de células totais e diferencial por citômetro e contagem microscópica, respectivamente. O sangue foi coletado para dosagem de anconticorpos IgE para ovalbumina. Níveis de citocinas IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 e INF-? foram dosados no homogenato pulmonar através do ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática (ELISA); e o recrutamento de células inflamatórias no tecido foi avaliado coloração Hematoxilina-Eosina (H&E). O perfil cromatográfico da planta foi analisado por cromatografia líquida de alta pressão (HPLC), seguido de espectrofotometria de massas (MS). Resultados: O tratamento com E. mulungu diminuiu significativamente o aumento da hiper-responsividade brônquica nos animais em todas as doses testadas. Diminuiu o número de células totais, eosinófilos e linfócitos no LBA, significativamente na dose de 600 mg/kg e suprimiu significativamente a concentração de IL- 4 e IL-5. Além disso, E. mulungu diminuiu significativamente o recrutamento de células inflamatórias no tecido dos animais asmáticos. Erisotrina, N-óxido-erisotrina e hipaforina foram os constituintes majoritários encontrados. Conclusão: Coletivamente esses resultados sugerem que E. mulungu tem potencial para uso no tratamento da asma, através da modulação da resposta inflamatória, apresentando efeitos imunomodulador e anti-inflamatório. / Background: Asthma affects 300 million people worldwide and the number of victims of the disease is expected to increase in the next 10 years. Part of this may be a result of the limited efficacy of current treatments and disease heterogeneity. Erythrina mulungu Benth. (Leguminosae, mulungu) is a Brazilian native species which is listed by the Brazilian National Program of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines to be studied and that has potential anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: To evaluate the effects of E. mulungu flowers ethanolic extract in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice, and to study the mechanisms involved. Methods: OVA-sensitized mice were intraperitoneally treated with four doses (200, 400, 600 e 800 mg/kg) of the E. mulungu extract or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) - positive control - during seven consecutive days and simultaneously challenged with intranasal ovalbumin. Airway hyperresponsiveness was evaluated in vivo, 24 h after the last OVA challenge; broncoalveolar lavage fluids (BAL) was collected for counting the number of total and differential inflammatory cells. Blood was collected for measurement of anti-OVA IgE levels. Levels of cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 IL-13 and INF-? were measured in pulmonary homogenate by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); and the inflammatory cells recruitment to the lung tissue were determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). The species\' chromatographic profile was evaluated by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometer. Results: The treatment with E. mulungu extract significantilly reduced the airway hyperresponsiveness in all doses evaluated. It significantly reduced the number of total cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes in BAL, at 600 mg/kg and significantly decresead the levels of IL-4 and IL-5. In addition, E. mulungu significantly decreased the cellular inflammatory infiltration in the lung tissue of allergic mice. Erysothrine, erysothrine-N-oxide and hypaphorine were the major constituents in the extract. Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggest the potential of E. mulungu for asthma treatment, through modulation of inflammatory response.

A asma é uma doença inflamatória crônica com alta prevalência e caracterizada por hiperresponsividade da via aérea, inflamação, e remodelamento brônquico, e é responsável por considerável morbimortalidade em todo mundo. Os tratamentos disponíveis para a asma podem apresentar diferentes respostas e vários efeitos colaterais. Por isso, o desenvolvimento de novas drogas para o tratamento da asma é muito importante. A Uncaria guianensis (Aubl.) J. F. Gmel. (\"unha de gato\", Rubiaceae) (UG), é uma planta encontrada principalmente na Amazônia e na América Central, e apresenta atividade anti-inflamatória e antioxidante. Até o momento, não há relato de estudos da U. guianensis no tratamento da asma. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração de dois extratos das folhas da U. guianensis no tratamento da asma em um modelo animal, e os mecanismos envolvidos. Camundongons Balb/c foram sensibilizados duas vezes com ovalbumina (OVA) por via interperitoneal (ip) com uma semana de intervalo entre as sensibilizações, após uma semana, os camundongos foram desafiados com OVA via intranasal por três dias consecutivos e tratados com os extratos aquoso ou hidroetanólico da U. guianensis (100 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal por três dias consecutivos, durante os desafios com OVA. Os camundongos controles receberam solução salina nos mesmos dias. Após a sensibilização e desafios, os animais foram ventilados e medidas in vivo da hiper-responsividade brônquica foram realizadas com a administração de aerossois com concentrações crescentes de metacolina. Após, o lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) foi coletado para contagem de células totais e diferenciais. Sangue foi colhido para dosagem de IgE específica para OVA e os pulmões foram retirados para quantificação de citocinas inflamatórias no homogenato, além de determinação da capacidade antioxidante total e análise histológica. A administração do extrato hidroetanólico diminuiu significativamente o número de células totais e diferenciais no LBA e a hiper-responsividade brônquica, quando comparados ao grupo que não recebeu o tratamento. O extrato aquoso não foi capaz de diminuir a contagem de células totais e diferenciais e mostrou uma pequena diminuição na hiper-reatividade brônquica. Tanto o extrato aquoso quanto o hidroetanólico diminuíram as concentrações de interleucina (IL)-13 no homogenato pulmonar, mas não foram capazes de diminuir os níveis de IgE no soro, o número de células inflamatórias no tecido pulmonar, nem foram capazes de aumentar a capacidade antioxidante total. Com isso, concluímos que a administração dos dois extratos (aquoso e hidroetanólico) das folhas da espécie U. guianensis foi efetiva no tratamento da asma em um modelo animal, tanto em termos de mecânica pulmonar quanto em marcadores inflamatórios, com superioridade terapêutica do extrato hidroetanólico. / Asthma is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling, with considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Available asthma treatments can elicit different responses and numerous side effects. Therefore, the development of new drugs for asthma treatment is highly desirable. Uncaria guianensis (Aubl.) J. F. Gmel. (\"cat\'s claw\", Rubiaceae) (UG), a plant found mainly in the Amazon and the Central America, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. To date, there is no study of U. guianensis in the treatment of asthma The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the administration of two extracts from leaves of U. guianensis in the treatment of asthma in an animal model and the mechanisms involved. Balb/c mice were sensitized twice with ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneally (ip) one week apart. After one week, mice were challenged with intranasal OVA for three consecutive days and treated with either aqueous or hydroethanolic extract of U. guianensis (100 mg/kg) ip for three consecutive days, during OVA challenges. Control mice received saline solution on the same days. After sensitization and challenge, the animals were ventilated and in vivo measurement of bronchial hyperresponsiveness was performed with increasing concentrations of aerosolized methacholine. After, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was collected for total and differential cell count. The blood was collected to measure OVA specific IgE, and the lungs were removed for measurement of cytokine levels and total antioxidant capacity in the pulmonary homogenate, and for histological analysis. The hidroethanolic extract administration significantly reduced total and differential cells number and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, compared to the group that received no treatment. The aqueous extract did not decrease the total and differential cell count and showed a small decrease in bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Both extracts decreased interleukin (IL)-13 levels in the pulmonary homogenate, but did not decrease serum IgE levels nor the number of inflammatory cells in lung tissue, nor were they able to increase total antioxidant capacity. We concluded that the administration of two extracts (aqueous and hydroethanolic) from leaves of U. guianensis was effective in the treatment of asthma in animal models, both in pulmonary mechanics and in inflammatory markers, with therapeutic superiority of the hydroethanolic extract.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:54:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PATRICIA LIMA MERCES.pdf: 1291852 bytes, checksum: 8680fab655ce1b8b3f1410b572872b4c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-05-14 / Objective: To evaluate the influence of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) in angiogenesis and scar activity Methods: experimental study used 120 fertile eggs of chicken (Gallus domesticus) of Rhoss lineage. The eggs were incubated, and the end of the 13 °, filter paper discs, conveying 3 uL of the solution to be tested (glycolic extract of aloe vera 10%) and the proper controls were deposited directly on the Chorioallantoic Membrane-MCA so carefully to evaluate the angiogenic activity of Aloe vera. The healing activity was evaluated using 15 healthy rats of the species Rattus norvegicus albinus by creating a lesion on the dorsum of each mouse using a rectangular size 2,0x3,0cm mold, after making the injuries were applied the solution to be tested, Aloe vera and the positive and negative controls Results: regarding angiogenic activity observed If through the images that 80% of MCAs which was used Aloe vera was the formation of thicker blood vessels and in greater quantities, but there was no difference significant when compared to the positive control. Regarding scar activity results in macroscopic evaluation showed that 100% of the test group mice showed a complete closure of the lesions on the 21st day of the experiment while only 40% of the control group had complete closure. But when the Tukey test (p> 0.05), there was no statistical difference. Demonstrating how the scar activity of Aloe vera is the same as Regederm® you already have scientific evidence in wound healing. Conclusion: Aloe vera presented healing activity equal to the positive control, the MCA presented angiogenic activity equal to the positive control, with formation of new vessels, it was easy to apply and handling, conclusion themselves with what the Aloe vera extract or pro components -angiogênicos isolates may have potential pharmaceutical applications for wound treatment. / Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) na atividade angiogênica e cicatricial Métodos: estudo experimental onde se utilizou 120 ovos férteis de galinha (Gallus domesticus) da linhagem Rhoss. Os ovos foram incubados e ao final do 13°, discos de papel de filtro, veiculando 3 µL da solução a ser testada (extrato glicólico de aloe vera a 10%), e os devidos controles, foram depositadas diretamente sobre a Membrana Corioalantóide-MCA de forma cuidadosa para avaliação da atividade angiogênica do Aloe vera. A atividade cicatricial foi avaliada utilizando 15 ratos saudáveis, da espécie Rattus norvegicus albinus, através da criação de uma lesão no dorsos de cada rato utilizando um molde do tamanho retangular 2,0x3,0cm, após a confecção da lesão eram aplicadas a solução a ser testada, Aloe vera e os controles positivo e negativo Resultados: com relação a atividade angiogênica observou se através das imagens que 80% das MCAs onde se utilizou o Aloe vera houve formação de vasos sanguíneos mais grossos e em maior quantidade, porém não apresentou diferenças significativas quando comparada ao controle positivo. Com relação a atividade cicatricial os resultados na avaliação macroscópica demonstraram que 100% dos ratos do grupo teste apresentaram um fechamento completo das lesões no 21º dia do experimento enquanto que apenas 40% do grupo controle apresentavam fechamento completo. Porém quando aplicado o teste de Tukey, (p>0,05), não houve diferença estatística. Demostrando assim que a atividade cicatricial do Aloe vera é igual à do Regederm® que já possui comprovação cientifica na cicatrização de feridas. Conclusão: o Aloe vera apresentou atividade cicatrização igual ao controle positivo, na MCA apresentou atividade angiogênica igual ao controle positivo, com formação de novos vasos, foi de fácil aplicação e manuseio, Concluindo -se com isso que o extrato de Aloe vera ou componentes pró-angiogênicos isolados podem ter potencial para aplicações farmacêuticas para o tratamento de feridas.

A asma é uma doença inflamatória crônica com alta prevalência e caracterizada por hiperresponsividade da via aérea, inflamação, e remodelamento brônquico, e é responsável por considerável morbimortalidade em todo mundo. Os tratamentos disponíveis para a asma podem apresentar diferentes respostas e vários efeitos colaterais. Por isso, o desenvolvimento de novas drogas para o tratamento da asma é muito importante. A Uncaria guianensis (Aubl.) J. F. Gmel. (\"unha de gato\", Rubiaceae) (UG), é uma planta encontrada principalmente na Amazônia e na América Central, e apresenta atividade anti-inflamatória e antioxidante. Até o momento, não há relato de estudos da U. guianensis no tratamento da asma. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração de dois extratos das folhas da U. guianensis no tratamento da asma em um modelo animal, e os mecanismos envolvidos. Camundongons Balb/c foram sensibilizados duas vezes com ovalbumina (OVA) por via interperitoneal (ip) com uma semana de intervalo entre as sensibilizações, após uma semana, os camundongos foram desafiados com OVA via intranasal por três dias consecutivos e tratados com os extratos aquoso ou hidroetanólico da U. guianensis (100 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal por três dias consecutivos, durante os desafios com OVA. Os camundongos controles receberam solução salina nos mesmos dias. Após a sensibilização e desafios, os animais foram ventilados e medidas in vivo da hiper-responsividade brônquica foram realizadas com a administração de aerossois com concentrações crescentes de metacolina. Após, o lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) foi coletado para contagem de células totais e diferenciais. Sangue foi colhido para dosagem de IgE específica para OVA e os pulmões foram retirados para quantificação de citocinas inflamatórias no homogenato, além de determinação da capacidade antioxidante total e análise histológica. A administração do extrato hidroetanólico diminuiu significativamente o número de células totais e diferenciais no LBA e a hiper-responsividade brônquica, quando comparados ao grupo que não recebeu o tratamento. O extrato aquoso não foi capaz de diminuir a contagem de células totais e diferenciais e mostrou uma pequena diminuição na hiper-reatividade brônquica. Tanto o extrato aquoso quanto o hidroetanólico diminuíram as concentrações de interleucina (IL)-13 no homogenato pulmonar, mas não foram capazes de diminuir os níveis de IgE no soro, o número de células inflamatórias no tecido pulmonar, nem foram capazes de aumentar a capacidade antioxidante total. Com isso, concluímos que a administração dos dois extratos (aquoso e hidroetanólico) das folhas da espécie U. guianensis foi efetiva no tratamento da asma em um modelo animal, tanto em termos de mecânica pulmonar quanto em marcadores inflamatórios, com superioridade terapêutica do extrato hidroetanólico. / Asthma is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling, with considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Available asthma treatments can elicit different responses and numerous side effects. Therefore, the development of new drugs for asthma treatment is highly desirable. Uncaria guianensis (Aubl.) J. F. Gmel. (\"cat\'s claw\", Rubiaceae) (UG), a plant found mainly in the Amazon and the Central America, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. To date, there is no study of U. guianensis in the treatment of asthma The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the administration of two extracts from leaves of U. guianensis in the treatment of asthma in an animal model and the mechanisms involved. Balb/c mice were sensitized twice with ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneally (ip) one week apart. After one week, mice were challenged with intranasal OVA for three consecutive days and treated with either aqueous or hydroethanolic extract of U. guianensis (100 mg/kg) ip for three consecutive days, during OVA challenges. Control mice received saline solution on the same days. After sensitization and challenge, the animals were ventilated and in vivo measurement of bronchial hyperresponsiveness was performed with increasing concentrations of aerosolized methacholine. After, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was collected for total and differential cell count. The blood was collected to measure OVA specific IgE, and the lungs were removed for measurement of cytokine levels and total antioxidant capacity in the pulmonary homogenate, and for histological analysis. The hidroethanolic extract administration significantly reduced total and differential cells number and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, compared to the group that received no treatment. The aqueous extract did not decrease the total and differential cell count and showed a small decrease in bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Both extracts decreased interleukin (IL)-13 levels in the pulmonary homogenate, but did not decrease serum IgE levels nor the number of inflammatory cells in lung tissue, nor were they able to increase total antioxidant capacity. We concluded that the administration of two extracts (aqueous and hydroethanolic) from leaves of U. guianensis was effective in the treatment of asthma in animal models, both in pulmonary mechanics and in inflammatory markers, with therapeutic superiority of the hydroethanolic extract.

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / In recent decades, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has gradually assumed a growing popularity and economic importance in the health care systems of Western nations including Australia. Personal expenditure on CAM now represents a significant investment by the Australian general population. During this period, various CAM professions have steadily emerged as popular, if unofficial, healthcare providers. Despite the growing popularity of CAM, little is known outside of special interest groups about most CAM practices or about the professionals who provide them. In Australia one of the most well known and popular forms of CAM is herbal medicine. The focus of this thesis is on the professional practice of herbal medicine in Australia, specifically Western Herbal Medicine (WHM). It is estimated that practitioners of WHM conduct almost two million consultations a year representing an investment of $AUS 85 million (excluding the cost of medicines)in the Australian health economy. Typically described as a complete system of medicine, WHM boasts a comprehensive philosophy and claims to offer a unique approach to treatment, diagnosis and prescription. WHM practitioners reputedly operate within a broad range of autonomy, including some acting as primary health care professionals. Nevertheless, little is known about the Australian WHM profession: their approach to clinical practice; their use of herbal medicines; the patients and problems seen in WHM practice; or the nature of the WHM profession’s relationship with the mainstream healthcare sector. This thesis presents a pragmatic health services inquiry that aims to provide empirical data for the purpose of stimulating reflective practice within the WHM profession and seeks to inform discussion about the role of WHM in the Australian healthcare system. The analysis employs the concept of 'mainstreaming' (the increasing popularity, acceptance and legitimacy of CAM within the dominant healthcare structures) to explore the response of WHM to the changing role of CAM within mainstream healthcare. Mainstreaming is interpreted as an active social process in which the boundaries between CAM and mainstream healthcare are shifting, and is a concept that implies the dominance of the mainstream medical paradigm. The investigation triangulates quantitative and qualitative methods to provide an in-depth account of WHM practice from the perspective of the WHM practitioner. The study population is the membership of the National Herbalists’ Association of Australia (NHAA), and the unit of analysis is the individual WHM practitioner. The research describes the clinical practice of WHM and explores the WHM profession’s developing relationship with the mainstream – including the Australian public and the mainstream healthcare professions, particularly medical practice. A social theoretical framework is employed to examine WHM practice within its social context. The conceptual framework directs the examination of the evolving relationship between WHM and mainstreaming towards three core areas of intersection: (1) the inter-professional; (2) the intra-professional; and (3) the professional/non-professional. The inquiry consists of a mixed methods design in which an initial survey study is followed by a qualitative in-depth interview study. The rationale of adopting a mixed methods approach was threefold: firstly, to increase the scope of inquiry by selecting methods most appropriate for each inquiry component; secondly, to better understand the research problem by converging both types of data; and finally, to increase the validity of constructs and inquiry results by triangulation of data sources. The survey study consisted of a postal questionnaire that was distributed to the membership of the NHAA. The survey was specifically designed for this study in consultation with the NHAA. A preliminary pilot study of the draft questionnaire was conducted consisting of both a formal and informal stage of testing. The questionnaire was distributed with the association’s quarterly professional journal (The Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism) in December 2003 and again in March 2004. Achieving a response rate of 58% (n=378), the survey data described key aspects of the WHM profession; its approach to clinical practice, herbal prescribing and aspects of its professional relationships. The survey results demonstrated an increased influence of medical science on WHM principles and practices including the incorporation of medical concepts,clinical procedures, technologies and language into clinical practice. Although the survey provided strong evidence of a trend towards the rationalisation of WHM clinical practice, the results showed how the prescription of herbal medicines remains a predominantly traditional practice. In terms of the WHM profession, the survey results indicate that WHM practitioners are not assuming a primary healthcare role in Australia but are predominantly providing treatments for chronic conditions. The data indicated high levels of concurrent patient care, including concurrent use of pharmaceutical and herbal medicines;thus, suggesting that WHM clientele consider WHM a complementary rather than an alternative form of medicine. The survey also showed that WHM practitioners would welcome improved inter-professional and intra-professional relationships. The second phase of the mixed methods study consisted of a series of qualitative in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of survey respondents (n=18)resident in NSW, Australia. The objectives of the in-depth interview study were twofold: firstly, to add depth and meaning to survey data; and secondly, to understand the practice of WHM from the perspective of the WHM practitioner.To ensure flexibility and to uncover novel data from the participants the in-depth interviews were carried out on a semi-structured basis. Building upon the survey findings, the qualitative study explored the WHM practitioners���� conceptualisations, explanations and rationalisations of their approach to WHM practice. The interview participants represented a broad range of WHM practitioners who commonly shared a holistic worldview, but who also offered a range of interpretations of the philosophical and theoretical basis of WHM. The investigation described how mainstream conceptualisations of healthcare have impacted upon the traditional model of WHM practice. The analysis identifies a number of competing sub-groups within WHM who each advocate particular approaches to WHM practice. In particular, the analysis highlights a significant degree of internal tension operating within WHM about the salience of medical science within WHM. The analysis also revealed how the perceived subordination to, and thus distinction from, mainstream medicine is a dominant issue within the WHM practitioner’s discourse. The explanation for this emerged from the perception amongst the in-depth interview participants of the widespread appropriation of herbal medicine by the mainstream, as well as systematic discrimination towards the WHM profession. Furthermore, there was evidence of not only poor intra-professional cohesion but significant intra-professional differences regarding the apposite location of WHM in relation to mainstream healthcare. This research provides new understandings about the clinical practice of WHM practice, but also about the role of the WHM practitioner in Australian healthcare. The thesis reveals a story of irony. Despite the increasing popularity of herbal medicines and significant concessions within WHM to the medicalparadigm, the WHM profession is struggling to achieve legitimate participation within the mainstream and continues to operate on the fringe of Australian healthcare. The thesis concludes that the process of mainstreaming is challenging the authenticity of WHM herbal tradition and challenging the future viability of the WHM profession, the implications of which suggest that the WHM practitioner will continue to experience financial insecurity unless the WHM profession can collectively move to demarcate its scope of practice and legitimate its professional role.

Includes bibliographical references and index.