Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Aqueous extract'

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, is on the increase worldwide. Medicinal plants played an important role in the treatment of hypertension for centuries. Very few scientific studies have, however, been done to validate the use of these phytotherapies. O africana is on of the many phytotherapies that has been use indigenously for years to treat hypertension. The objectives of this study were to determine the most effective does of O africana aqueous extract which will reduce blood pressure
to determine whether chronic administration of O africana can be used to prevent and treat hypertension
to determine whether O africana exert its effects by modulation of the renin-angiotensin system.

Tobacco has long been considered as a host to produce large quantities of high-valued recombinant proteins. However, dealing with large quantities of biomass with a dilute concentration of product is a challenge for down-stream processing. Aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) has been used in purifying proteins from various sources. It is a protein-friendly process and can be scaled up easily. ATPE was studied for its applicability to recombinant protein purification from tobacco using egg white lysozyme as the model protein. Separate experiments with polyethyleneglycol(PEG)/salt/tobacco extract, and PEG/salt/lysozyme were carried out to determine the partition behavior of tobacco protein and lysozyme, respectively. Two level fractional factorial designs were used to study the effects of factors such as PEG molecular weight, PEG concentration, the concentration of phase forming salt, sodium chloride concentration, and pH on protein partitioning. The results showed that PEG/sodium sulfate system was most suitable for lysozyme purification. Detailed experiments were conducted by spiking lysozyme into the tobacco extract. The conditions with highest selectivity of lysozyme over native tobacco protein were determined using a response surface design. The purification factor was further improved by decreasing the phase ratio along the tie line corresponding to the phase compositions with the highest selectivity. Under selected conditions the lysozyme yield was predicted to be 87% with a purification factor of 4 and concentration factor of 14. The binodial curve and tie line corresponding to the optimal condition for lysozyme recovery for the PEG 3400/sodium sulfate system were developed. The selectivity at the optimal condition was experimentally determined to be 47 with a lysozyme yield of 79.6 % with a purification factor of 10 and a concentration factor of 20. From this study, ATPE was shown to be suitable for initial protein recovery and partial purification from transgenic tobacco.
Master of Science

Now when the interest is increasing to reach a sustainable infrastructure, one possibility SCA is experimenting with is the possibility to produce renewable hydrocarbons from black liquor which can be extracted from a Kraft process. However, when extracting the black liquor, a lot of sodium-based compounds are removed from the recovery process and when hydrocarbons are produced in SCA’s biorefinery, these compounds are caught in an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is received at 50°C, and the sodium-based compounds are mainly sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate, where the solution do also contain organic compounds and a solvent that is used in the biorefinery.  This thesis focused on building a concept to extract sodium sulfate from the aqueous solution. The thesis did also include if any additional preparatory work needs to be done to the solution before extracting sodium sulfate. Finally, a flow chart that maps the energy needed for the process was created.  The method that was used was crystallisation by cooling the solution. By cooling the solution, sodium sulfates solubility decreases which will result in that sodium sulfate falls out of the solution as crystals. It was determined that the solvent that the solution contains should be extracted if the solvents boiling temperature is below 100°C. Further, by cooling the solution under stirring to 15°C with a residence time of 3 hours, unwanted compounds can be extracted. By later cooling the solution under stirring to 5°C with a residence time of 1 hour, it gave sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na2SO4·10H2O) with small amounts of organic compounds. By removing the water, the dry product reached a purity of 94wt% sodium sulfate with a yield of 12% (mass of dry product/mass of aqueous solution). This result reached the specific objectives that were set at the start of this thesis, which was to reach a purity of 90wt% sodium sulfate with a yield of 5%.  The energy intensity for evaporating the solvent is expected to be high. It highly depends on which solvent is used. However, this process can use the lowest quality of steam that is available from the pulp mill. It is expected that the cooling will require high amounts of cooling water and a high investment cost for the heat exchanger. Yet, this is a vital part of the process to reduce the need for coolers which is powered by electricity.
Nu när intresset ökar, för att nå en hållbar infrastruktur, så experimenterat SCA med möjligheten att producera förnybara kolväten från svartlut som kan extraheras från en sulfatprocess. Vid extrahering av svartluten tas dock mycket natriumbaserade föreningar bort från återvinningsprocessen och när kolväten produceras i SCA:s bioraffinaderi fastnar dessa föreningar i en vattenlösning. Den lösningen tas emot vid 50°C och de natriumbaserade föreningarna är huvudsakligen natriumsulfat och natriumkarbonat, där lösningen också innehåller organiska föreningar och ett lösningsmedel som används i bioraffinaderiet. Denna avhandling fokuserade på att bygga ett koncept för att extrahera natriumsulfat från vattenlösningen. Avhandlingen omfattade också om ytterligare förberedande arbete måste göras av lösningen innan man extraherar natriumsulfat. Slutligen skapades ett flödesschema som kartlägger den energi som behövs för processen. Metoden som bestämde sig för att användas var kristallisering genom kylning av lösningen. Genom att kyla lösningen minskar lösligheten av natriumsulfater vilket leder till att natriumsulfat faller ut ur lösningen som kristaller. Det bestämdes att lösningsmedlet som lösningen innehåller skulle extraheras om lösningsmedlets koktemperatur är under 100°C. Vidare, genom att kyla lösningen under omrörning till 15°C med en uppehållstid på 3 timmar, kan oönskade ämnen extraheras. Genom att senare kyla lösningen under omrörning till 5°C med en uppehållstid på 1 timme gav natriumsulfatdekahydrat (Na2SO4·10H2O) med små mängder organiska föreningar. Genom att avlägsna vattnet nådde den torra produkten en renhet av 94 vikt% natriumsulfat med ett utbyte av 12% (massa torr produkt/massa vattenlösning). Detta resultat nådde de specifika mål som sattes i början av denna avhandling, vilket var att nå en renhet av 90 vikt% natriumsulfat med ett utbyte på 5%. Energiintensiteten för att förånga lösningsmedlet förväntas vara hög. Det beror mycket på vilket lösningsmedel som används. Denna process kan dock använda den lägsta ångkvaliteten som finns tillgänglig från massafabriken. Det förväntas att kylningen kommer att kräva stora mängder kylvatten och höga investeringskostnader för värmeväxlaren. Ändå är detta en viktig del av processen för att minska behovet av kylare som drivs av elektricitet.

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An aqueous extract prepared from the leaves and smaller stems of Leonotis leonorus was used to investigate the potential effects on certain cardiovascular parameters such as left ventricular systonic pressure, end-diastolic pressure, developed pressure, heart rate, cardiac work and coronary perfusion pressure in isolated rat hearts..."

Magister Scientiae (Medical Bioscience) - MSc(MBS)
Introduction: Mondia whitei commonly known as "White Ginger" is a highly acclaimed medicinal plant that is extensively used across Africa. M. whitei is used as treatment for sexual dysfunction and is considered to be an aphrodisiac by traditional medicine practitioners. Yet, scientific evidence to support these claims are minimal and those that are published possess ambiguity. To date, only one study reporting the in vitro effect of the aqueous rhizome extract of M. whitei on human sperm motility is available. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the in vitro effects of M. whitei in human sperm functions. Materials and Methods: Roots of Mondia whitei obtained from the tropical Kakamega rain forest, located in the Western Province of Kenya, were cleaned and chopped into smaller segments. These pieces were ovendried at 25℃ for 3 days and milled to form a powdery substance which was infused with hot (about 70℃) distilled water for 1 hour. After cooling and filtration, the extract was frozen at -20℃ and subsequently freeze-dried. The dried extract was then stored at 4℃ in a closed container until experimentation. A total of 60 semen samples were collected: 28 of them represented healthy sperm donors and 32 infertile patients. Among these subjects, oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic semen samples were identified and analysed separately. Sperm were washed using human tubular fluid medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin (HTF-BSA) and incubated for 1 hour at 37℃ with different concentrations of M. whitei (0.0185, 0.185, 1.85, 18.5 and 185 μg/ml). A sample without M. whitei served as control. Sperm cell motility, vitality, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), capacitation, acrosome reaction and DNA fragmentation were assessed. Results: Total motility and the percentage of sperm with intact MMP showed significant dose-dependent increases in both groups (patient and donor), while, the percentages of progressively motile sperm only revealed significant increases in the patient group. Besides, the percentage of ROS-positive spermatozoa showed significant trend towards higher concentrations in the patient group only. Conversely, a trend towards reduced sperm DNA-fragmentation could be observed in the patient, but not the donor group. Similar tendencies were noted in oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic, but not for normozoospermic subjects. Yet, sperm vitality, capacitation, acrosome reaction and kinematic parameters were not affected. Conclusions: Phytochemicals present in M. whitei root extract maintains spermatozoa total motility, progressive motility and intact-MMP and DNA integrity. However, at therapeutic concentration (<1.85 μg/ml) it does not trigger sperm intrinsic superoxide production nor increase ROS by causing oxidative stress, that leads to DNA fragmentation.
National Research Foundation (NRF)

Phytochemical analysis of both HEA1 and the crude plant extract showed the presence of phenolics, tannins and saponins. Saponins were the predominant secondary metabolites and were mostly abundant in the plant extract and to a lesser extent in the active compound. Steroidal saponins, tannins and phenolics were also detected in the plant extract, but only the phenolics were detected in the active compound. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that those compounds that were not present in the active compound could be removed from the crude extract during the TLC purification process. Investigation on the mechanism of action of the crude plant extract on the sterol production by A. flavus showed that the plant extract affected ergosterol biosynthesis by causing an accumulation of oxidosqualene in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway resulting in a decline in ergosterol production. An oscillatory response in lanosterol production was observed in the presence of the plant extract, which may be an adaptation mechanism of A. flavus to unfavourable conditions and compensation for the loss of enzyme activity which may have occurred as a result of the accumulation of oxidosqualene. The antifungal activity of the plant extract on ergosterol production by A. flavus may also be due to saponins which target the cell membrane and ergosterol production in fungi. The effect of the plant extract on the fungal cell wall of A. flavus also showed that the plant extract caused a decline in β-(1, 3) glucan production by inhibiting β-glucan synthase. The plant extract also affected the chitin synthesis pathway of A. flavus, by causing a decline in chitin production, which was due to the inhibition of chitin synthase. Investigation of chitinase production using 4MU substrates showed that the plant extract caused an accumulation of chitobioses, by activating chitobiosidases and endochitinases. A decline in N-acetylglucosaminidase activity in the presence of the plant extract was observed and this prevented the formation of N-acetylglucosamine. The accumulation of chitobiosidase and endochitinase may be as a result of autolysis that may be triggered by A. flavus as a survival mechanism in the presence of the plant extract and as a compensatory mechanism for the loss of β-glucans and chitin. The antifungal effect of the plant extract on various components of the cell wall of A. flavus, makes T. violacea aqueous plant extract an ideal chemotherapeutic agent against both human and plant pathogens of Aspergillus. The broad spectrum of antifungal activity of T. violacea against A. flavus also eliminates any chances of the fungus developing resistance towards it and would make it a candidate for use as a potential antifungal agent. Further identification and possible chemical synthesis is needed to shed light on the safety and efficacy of the active compound for further development as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Magister Pharmaceuticae - MPharm
Leonotis leonurus, a South African indigenous medicinal plant, is frequently used in the form of a tea. However, this dosage form has many disadvantages. Consequently three L. leonurus solid extract preparations were prepared and explored as possible replacements of the tea form, but very little was known about their physical and chemical stability during storage. The specific objectives were to: (i) prepare a freeze dried aqueous extract (FDAE), 20 % aqueous ethanol (Aq EtOH) extract and calcium alginate beads of the FDAE form of L. leonurus, (ii) characterize the extracts using parameters of select physical and chemical features and, (iii) determine the long-term stability of the extracts. It was hypothesised that the Aq EtOH extract would contain higher levels of chemical marker compounds (marrubiin and leonurine) than the FDAE and calcium alginate FDAE beads of L. leonurus and, that the calcium alginate FDAE beads would have greater stability (i.e. longer shelf-life) than the FDAE and the Aq EtOH extract. The three L. leonurus solid extracts were prepared using accepted published methods. For the physical characterization of the extracts, the organoleptic properties were determined using the natural senses (e.g. sight, smell, taste, etc.) and for chemical characterization, total phenol content (TPC; using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method), total flavonoid content (TFC; using aluminium chloride-methanol solution) and antioxidant activity (using the -diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay). To establish the long-term stability of the preparations, encapsulated L. leonurus solid extracts was stored in sealed standard plastic containers at four conditions: (A), room temperature of 24 ˚C ± 5 ˚C; (B), fixed temperature of 30˚C ± 5 ˚C and (C), elevated temperature of 40˚C ± 5 ˚C for 6 months, and (D), accelerated stability test conditions of 40˚C ± 5 ˚C / 75 % RH for 4 weeks. Samples of the stored encapsulated preparations were collected periodically and assessed for changes in organoleptic properties, TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity levels and marker compound (i.e. marrubiin and leonurine) levels. The latter was determined by validated HPLC assay. Yields of 19.9, 12.82 and 10.7 % of FDAE, Aq EtOH extract and calcium alginate FDAE beads were obtained, respectively. Physically the calcium alginate beads contained less moisture (1.86 %) than the FDAE (3.77 %) and Aq EtOH (2.91 %). Chemically the FDAE, Aq EtOH extract and calcium alginate FDAE beads respectively had appreciable and similar TPC (i.e.7.86, 7.52 &, 6.94 mg GAE/g; p > 0.05; Anova) and TFC (i.e. 4.30, 4.47 & 3.67 mg QE/g; p > 0.05; Anova) levels, but variable amounts of marrubiin (i.e. 22.5, 17.5, and 0.4 ug/mg plant extract) and leonurine (i.e. 2.0, 1.4 and 0.7 ug/mg plant extract), respectively. The antioxidant activity levels were also different i.e. EC50 values of 7.71, 6.66 and 11.53 mg/mL (student t-test p-value of < 0.0001; ANOVA-test; p< 0.05) for the FDAE, Aq EtOH extract and calcium alginate FDAE beads, respectively. During storage (i.e. stability study) the L. leonurus solid extracts generally remained physically unaffected by temperature (i.e. no significant change in organoleptic features), but when exposed to humidity the FDAE and Aq EtOH extracts showed clear signs of physical degradation i.e. changed from being flaky powders to sticky melted masses, while the calcium alginate beads remained unchanged. Within 1 month storage at RT, 30 °C, 40 °C and 1 week at 40 °C / 75 % RH the TPC of the encapsulated FDAE decreased significantly by 61, 60, 58 and 52 %, respectively, that for the encapsulated Aq EtOH extract by 61, 54, 46 and 50 %, respectively, and for calcium alginate FDAE beads by 66, 71, 59 and 57 %, respectively. Using TPC as a stability parameter all three encapsulated extracts had very short shelf-lives ranging from 1.24 weeks (0.31 months) to 3.72 weeks (0.93 months). Under the same conditions and storage periods (i.e. 1 month & 1 week) the TFC of the encapsulated FDAE decreased significantly by 25, 25, 29 and 66 %, respectively, for encapsulated Aq EtOH extract by 26, 26, 23 and 70 %, respectively, and the calcium alginate FDAE beads by 55, 55, 52 and 64 %, respectively. The results obtained for TFC was thus similar to that obtained for the TPC data. Based on the TFC data all three encapsulated extracts had very short shelf-lives ranging, from 1.56 weeks (0.39 months) to 6.76 weeks (1.69 months). Under the same conditions and storage periods (i.e. 1 month & 1 week) as that used to determine TPC and TFC, the antioxidant activity of the extracts changed little, i.e. decreased by 0.2, 0.1, 0.8 and 2 %, respectively for FDAE, by 0.7 %, 1 %, 0.1 % and 5.3 %, respectively for the Aq EtOH and by 2, 2, 1.4 and 0.8 %, respectively for the calcium alginate FDAE beads. Moreover, based on antioxidant activity, all three encapsulated extracts had relatively long shelf-lives ranging from 15.6 weeks (3.9 months) to 22.4 weeks (5.6 months). Finally, the determination of the stability of the encapsulated L. leonurus extracts stored under stress conditions (i.e. 40 °C / 75 % RH) and based on marker compound levels was unresolved. Between the time of extract preparation and characterisation until start of the stability study the marrubiin levels in the FDAE, Aq. ETOH and calcium beads had decreased from 22.5, 17.5, and 0.4 ug/mg plant extract, respectively, to 0.30, 0.11, 0.30 μg/mg, respectively, and the leonurine levels from 2.0, 1.4 and 0.7 to 0.46, 0.38 and 0.09 μg/mg, respectively and was too low to conduct a meaningful stability study with the developed validated assay. Overall, all three the encapsulated L. leonurus solid extracts studied were clearly very unstable and did not have suitable long-term storage stability. The modification of the freeze-dried aqueous extract of L. leonurus into a calcium alginate bead form seemed to combat physical instability but did not improve the chemical instability of the aqueous extract. It is therefore recommended that the addition of excipients or other post extract modification (e.g. production of phytosomes) be explored to combat the hygroscopicity of L. leonurus FDAE and ultimately improve its overall product stability.

Thesis (PhD (Biomedical Sciences))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.
The use of medicinal plants in the management of various health problems date back to the ancient times. However, only in recent years, researchers are starting to focus on the use of natural plant products as alternative treatment in disease control. Basella alba (Ba), commonly called Ceylon or Indian spinach is one of such medicinal plants, wildly cultivated and consumed mostly as vegetable. Studies have established many beneficial effects of Ba, including androgenic effects as well as antidiabetic effects which have been described in rats following oral administration of the leave extract. However, the actual mechanisms underlying the antihyperglyceamic effect of Ba have not been reported in any study and little or no research details are yet available on the potential beneficial effects of Ba in reproductive dysfunction resulting from diabetes mellitus. This study was aimed at investigating the mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic effect of Ba and the possibility of a role for the plant in correcting diabetic-induced reproductive dysfunctions in male Wistar rats. The first part of the study involved comparing of three different solvent extracts of Ba leaves namely ethyl acetate, methanolic and aqueous extracts for their antioxidant potentials, after which the aqueous extract was selected for further use in the experiments. Animal experimentation involved male rats (n=40) aged 8-10 weeks, randomly divided into four equal groups as follows: Healthy Control, Diabetic Control, Healthy Treatment and Diabetic Treatment. Diabetes was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55mg/kg) and all animals subsequently received treatment via gavage (Rats in Control groups received 0.5ml/100g normal saline daily and treatment groups received 200mg/kg plant extract daily) for a period of four weeks. Fasting blood sugar and body weights were recorded weekly throughout the study. Animals were sacrificed upon completion of the treatment and blood samples and tissues collected for further analysis which included computer aided sperm analysis, Luminex® technology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent hormonal assays, inflammatory cytokine assays, analysis of oxidative stress markers and Histopathological analysis. The single intraperitoneal injection of a high streptozotocin dose resulted in hyperglycaemia, weight loss, subnormal sperm parameters, negative balance of inflammatory cytokines and endogenous antioxidants and degenerative changes in the pancreas, testes and epididymis as observed in the diabetic control rats. Oral administration with the aqueous extract of Ba for four weeks in diabetic treatment rats led to a significant reduction in blood sugar and improvement of sperm parameters by modulating the production of gonadal hormones, in vivo antioxidants and inflammatory cytokines. There was also significant recovery of normal islet histology and reduction in testicular and epididymal degeneration in the diabetic treatment rats when compared to their diabetic control counterparts. It was concluded from the findings of this study that the antidiabetic and profertility effects of Ba are largely dependent on the modulation of in vivo production of antioxidants, gonadal hormones and inflammatory cytokines, probably stimulated by one or more phytochemical component(s) that can be isolated in the aqueous extract of the plant.

Orientador: Marineide Rosa Vieira
Resumo: O ácaro rajado, Tetranychus urticae Koch, é uma praga que ataca várias culturas em todo o mundo. Seu controle é feito basicamente por acaricidas químicos sintéticos. O uso inadequado de defensivos agrícolas, além de acarretar problemas ao meio ambiente, ao trabalhador e ao consumidor, pode levar ao desenvolvimento de populações de pragas resistentes aos seus princípios ativos. Extratos vegetais têm sido estudados na busca de novos princípios ativos que causem menos problemas ambientais, ocupacionais e de saúde humana, e que possam fazer parte de programa de manejo integrado de pragas e doenças. As florestas brasileiras são constituídas por uma grande diversidade de plantas que podem apresentar metabólitos secundários interessantes com propriedades biocidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar extratos aquosos e hidroetanólicos de folhas e cascas de doze espécies vegetais nativas do Cerrado brasileiro quanto à atividade acaricida e ao efeito sobre a fecundidade de fêmeas do ácaro-rajado, T. urticae. De cada espécie vegetal foram avaliados dois órgãos (folhas e cascas), duas épocas de coletas (primavera/verão e outono/inverno) além de dois tipos de solventes (água e etanol 70%). Os extratos foram aplicados por pulverização em torre de Potter, avaliando-se mortalidade, repelência e oviposição após 120 horas. Todas as doze espécies apresentaram atividade acaricida significativa sobre T. urticae, dependendo da época de coleta, do material vegetal e do solvente utilizado. Em nove e... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a pest that attacks various crops throughout the world. The mites control is basically made by synthetic chemical acaricides. The inappropriate use of pesticides, besides causing problems to the environment, to the workers and the consumers, can lead to the development of populations of pests resistant to its active ingredient. Some pesticides such as neonicotinoids and pyrethroids have their origin in secondary plant metabolites such as tobacco and chrysanthemum, respectively. Plant extracts have been studied in the search for new active ingredients that cause less environmental, occupacional and human health problems, and that can be part of an integrated pest and disease management program. The Brazilian forests are constituted by a great plant diversity that can have interesting secondary metabolites with biocide properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mitecide activity of the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of leaves and bark of twelve native species from the Brazilian Cerrado and their effect on the fecundity of T. urticae mite females. Two plant organs (leaves and barks), two collection seasons (spring/summer and autumn/winter) were evaluated from each plant species, besides two types of solvents (70% ethanol and water). The extracts were applied by Potter tower spray, evaluating mortality, repellency and oviposition after 120 hours. All twelve species showed significant miticide activity... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

Le basilic Ocimum basilicum L est une plante herbacée, aromatique et alimentaire, il est utilisé sous forme fraiche ou bien transformé dans certaines préparations culinaires, ainsi que dans la médecine traditionnelle. Les différentes parties de cette plante présentent des propriétés biologiques très importantes pour la santé humaine grâce à leur richesse en composés bioactifs. L’objectif de ce travail est basé sur la caractérisation différentielles entre les tiges et les feuilles d’Ocimum basilicum sur le profil phytochimique et l’évaluation de leurs propriétés antioxydantes, anti-inflammatoires et antispasmodiques. Les extraits de basilic ont présenté des profils phytochimique différents, et l’évaluation de leurs effets antioxydants par le test DPPH et ORAC ont montré que les extraits éthanoliques ont une activité plus importante en comparaison avec les extraits aqueux. L’étude des effets anti-inflammatoires des extraits éthanoliques de tiges et de feuilles de basilic in vitro dans un modèle cellulaire de macrophages J774 stimulés par le LPS/IFNγ a montré que les deux extraits ont un effet inhibiteur sur la production des médiateurs inflammatoires (oxide nitrique, interlukine-6, prostaglandine E2, monocyte chemoattractante protein-1). Par contre ces extraits ont augmenté la production de la cytokine pro-inflammatoire TNFα (Facteur de nécrose tumorale alpha). Par la suite les extraits aqueux ont montré un effet relaxant sur le muscle lisse intestinal de rat. Les résultats de cette étude ont indiqué que les deux parties de basilic feuilles et tiges ont des effets biologiques intéressants qui peuvent être valorisés sur le plan nutrition- santé
Basil Ocimum basilicum L is an herbaceous, aromatic, and food crop, which is used fresh or processed in some culinary preparations, thus in traditional medicine. The different parts of this plant present very important biological properties for human health due to their richness in bioactive compounds. The objective of this work is based on the differential characterization of the phytochemical profile of the stems and leaves of Ocimum basilicum and the evaluation of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. The basil extracts showed different phytochemical profiles, and the evaluation of these antioxidant effects by DPPH and ORAC assay showed that the ethanolic extracts had a higher activity compared to the aqueous extracts. The study of the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extracts of basil stems and leaves in vitro in a macrophage J774 cell model stimulated by LPS/IFNγ showed that both extracts had an inhibitory effect on the production of inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, interlukin-6, prostaglandin E2, Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), but increased the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα (Tumour necrosis factor-alpha). Subsequently, the aqueous extracts showed a relaxing effect on rat intestinal smooth muscle. The results of this study indicated that both parts of basil leaves and stems have interesting biological effects that can be valorized in terms of nutrition and health

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior
The oral mucosa is one of the human body areas most frequently traumatized and usually presents traumatic ulcers. There are different treatment choices among which both professionals and patients may follow in order to treat oral ulcerations, for instance, formulations from plants extract among other natural products. The use of phytotherapics has a long history of success, however the associated use of substances still has poor scientific background. The aroeira-do-sertÃo (Myracrondruon urundeva AllemÃo) and Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) have anti-ulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory proven activity when used as isolated substances and have been largely prescribed by health care professionals. The goal of this study was to evaluate the combined use of the aqueous extract of aroeira (10%) with the dry extract of aloe vera (40%) on the treatment of traumatic ulcers, as well as its toxicity. Traumatic ulcers were surgically created on the oral mucosa of Wistar rats and further exposed to the test solution containing both aroeira e aloe vera, twice a day. The animals from test and control grups were sacrificed by euthanasia after 01, 05 and 10 days. The oral ulcers were measured and histologically evaluated. Their corporeal mass were compared and a hematological analysis performed. Stomach, kidneys, liver and spleen were removed and microscopically investigated for signs of toxicity. According to the results, the combined solution of aroeira and aloe vera did not present systemic toxicity, neither had any influence on the ulcers healing performance, despite having reduced its initial growth.
A mucosa bucal à uma das Ãreas mais traumatizadas do organismo, podendo apresentar Ãlceras traumÃticas com frequÃncia. SÃo muitos os diferentes tipos de tratamento aos quais ambos profissionais e pacientes recorrem para tratar as lesÃes ulceradas, como por exemplo, as formulaÃÃes à base de extratos de plantas e produtos naturais. A utilizaÃÃo de fitoterÃpicos tem uma longa histÃria de sucessos, porÃm, o uso combinado de substÃncias ainda apresenta escassa referÃncia cientÃfica. A aroeira-do-sertÃo (Myracrodruon urundeuva AllemÃo) e a Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) tÃm comprovada aÃÃo antiulcerogÃnica e anti-inflamatÃria quando usados isoladamente e sÃo amplamente indicados por profissionais da saÃde. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a aÃÃo conjugada do extrato aquoso de aroeira (10%) e extrato seco de Aloe vera (40%) no tratamento de Ãlceras traumÃticas e sua toxicidade. Ãlceras traumÃticas foram realizadas cirurgicamente em mucosa de ratos Wistar e expostas a uma soluÃÃo teste contendo aroeira e aloe, aplicadas duas vezes ao dia. Os animais dos grupos controle e teste sofreram eutanÃsia em 01, 05 e 10 dias e tiveram suas Ãlceras medidas e avaliadas histopatologicamente. Foi tambÃm realizada uma comparaÃÃo da massa corpÃrea e uma anÃlise hematolÃgica em todos os animais. EstÃmago, rins, fÃgado e baÃo foram analisados por microscopia Ãtica para avaliaÃÃo de parÃmetros de toxicidade. De acordo com os resultados, a soluÃÃo conjugada dos dois fitoterÃpicos nÃo apresentou toxicidade sistÃmica, nem influenciou na cicatrizaÃÃo das Ãlceras, apesar de ter reduzido o seu crescimento inicial.

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This work was developed in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology of the Institute of Veterinary Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Serop?dica-RJ. We evaluated the antifungal activity plant Cymbopogon citratus (lemon-grass), Peumus boldus (boldo) and Shinus terebinthifolia (aroeira), inhibition of growth of species of the genus Aspergillus (A. flavus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. Parasiticus and A. carbonarius. Using the method of minimum inhibitory concentration in agar, with the technique of dilution plate (Pour-Plate), were held dilutions of different extracts, resulting in the final concentrations of 5%, 2.5% and 1.25%. Testing of commercial sensitivity to antifungal - ketoconazole were made in a final concentration of 1933.18 ? g /mL, as recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). The results obtained in the experiments have shown that aqueous extracts of C. citratus and S. terebinthifolia, after 24 hours of incubation, were able to inhibit the growth of A. flavus and A. carbonarius, respectively. The other extracts being studied and tested in the concentrations were not able to inhibit the growth of mycelial species of the genus Aspergillus.
Este trabalho foi desenvolvido no Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia do Instituto de Veterin?ria da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, em Serop?dica-RJ. Foram avaliadas a atividade antif?ngica das plantas Cymbopogon citratus (capim-lim?o), Peumus boldus (boldo) e Shinus terebinthifolia (aroeira), na inibi??o do crescimento de esp?cies do g?nero Aspergillus (A. flavus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus e A. carbonarius). Utilizando o m?todo da concentra??o inibit?ria m?nima em ?gar, com a t?cnica de dilui??o em placa (Pour-Plate), foram realizadas dilui??es dos diferentes extratos, obtendo-se as concentra??es finais de 5%, 2,5% e 1,25%. Testes de sensibilidade ao antif?ngico comercial - cetoconazol foram realizados numa concentra??o final de 1933,18 ?g/mL, conforme recomendada pelo National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). Os resultados obtidos nos experimentos demonstraram que os extratos aquosos de C. citratus e S. terebinthifolia, ap?s 24 horas de incuba??o, foram capazes de inibir o crescimento de A. flavus e A. carbonarius, respectivamente. Os demais extratos em estudo e nas concentra??es testadas, n?o foram capazes de inibir o crescimento micelial das esp?cies do g?nero Aspergillus.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Visando ampliar o aproveitamento nutricional e tecnológico do amendoim realizou-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de elaborar extrato aquoso, com diferentes processamentos, e verificar a aceitação do extrato fermentado com Streptococcus thermophilus e Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp bulgaricus e com adição de leite em pó desnatado. O procedimento para obtenção do extrato consistiu no aquecimento dos grãos em solução de bicarbonato de sódio a 0,5% (1:4, p/v) até ebulição, com posterior drenagem, lavagem, desintegração e filtração. Foram avaliadas duas temperaturas (75 ºC e 97 ºC) e duas proporções de grão: água (1:5 e 1:8, p/v) para a desintegração dos grãos. Os produtos fermentados, com 0%, 2% e 4% de leite em pó, foram avaliados sensorialmente. Água a 75 ºC produziu extrato com o menor conteúdo de lipídeos (5,87%) e maior de carboidratos (2,31%). Os componentes dos extratos foram significativamente diluídos com a maior proporção de água (1:8 p/v), que permitiu o maior rendimento (1:6,92 kg), a maior extração de sólidos totais e proteína e a menor perda de sólidos no resíduo, sendo este procedimento selecionado para elaboração do extrato fermentado. O aquecimento dos grãos a 97 ºC propiciou proteína com maior digestibilidade (80,6%). Os resultados mostraram a possibilidade de se elaborar um produto adequado, fermentando-se o extrato de amendoim adicionado de leite em pó. Apresentou pH 4,5, 0,5% de ácido lático, 4,86% proteína e 2,36% de lipídeos e características sensoriais aceitáveis. A adição de leite em pó desnatado favoreceu a fermentação (4 horas e meia), melhorou a consistência e a aceitação geral do produto fermentado. O extrato aquoso fermentado de grãos de amendoim é uma alternativa tecnológica viável à elaboração de alimentos para a população, pela qualidade nutricional de seus componentes e a sua fácil disponibilidade.
Aiming to increase nutritional and technological utilization of the peanut, this research was realized to produce an aqueous extract, with variations in processing, and to check the acceptance of the fermented extract with Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp bulgaricus and with the addition of powder milk. The procedure to obtain the extract consisted of heating the beans until boiling (1:4 w/v) 0.5% of sodium bicarbonate, draining, washing, disintegration and filtration. It was evaluated two temperatures (75 ºC and 97 ºC) and two amounts of grain: water (1:5 and 1:8, w/v) in disintegration of the grains. Fermented products, with 0%, 2% and 4% of powder milk, were evaluated. Water at 75 ºC produced extract with lower content of lipids (5.87%), and higher of carbohydrates (2.31%). The extracts components of the were significantly diluted with the proportion 1:8 w/v, that permited the highest yield of process (1:6.92 kg) and better total solids and protein extraction and lower loss of solids in the waste. It was therefore selected for preparation of the fermented extract. The heating of the grains at 97 ºC, due to better digestibility of protein (80.6%). The results showed that is possible to obtain a fermented product with peanut extract added at milk powder. It presented pH 4.5, 0.5% lactic acid, 4.86% protein and 2.36% lipids and sensorial quality. The addition of powder milk favored fermentation (4 hours) and improved the consistency and general acceptance of the fermented product. The aqueous extract fermented of peanut grains represents a viable technological alternative in the preparation of food for population, due to nutritional quality of its components and its easy availability.

Magister Pharmaceuticae - MPharm
Leonotis leonurus (L. leonurus) and Artemisia afra (A. afra) are two of the most commonly used medicinal plants in South Africa traditionally advocated for use in asthma. However, proper scientific studies to validate these claimed uses are lacking and little is known about the mechanisms for this effect. These plants contain flavonoids, which are reported to have smooth muscle relaxant activity and may be responsible for the activity of these two plants. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine and compare the flavonoid profiles and levels in A. afra and L. leonurus, (2) compare the respiratory smooth muscle relaxant effects of freeze-dried aqueous extracts of A. afra and L. leonurus and (3) investigate whether K⁺ - channel activation (i.e. KATP channel) is one possible mechanism of action that can explain the effect obtained in traditional use of these two plants. It was hypothesized that: (1) the flavonoid levels and profile of A. afra would be greater than the flavonoid levels and profile of L. leonurus, (2) A. afra would have a more potent respiratory muscle relaxant effect than L. leonurus and (3) A. afra and L. leonurus will inhibit K⁺ - induced contractions in a superior manner than carbachol and histamine - induced contractions. To realize these objectives, freeze-dried aqueous extracts (FDAE) of the dried leaves of the two plants were prepared. A validated HPLC assay was developed and used to identify and determine the levels of luteolin in the plant preparations. Solutions of the plant extracts were studied in the isolated guinea-pig trachea tissue preparation in the presence of carbachol, histamine and KCL. The possible mechanism of action of the two plants was determined by cumulative log dose-response curves (LDRC) for carbachol, histamine and KCL in the absence and presence of 1, 30 and 100 mg/ml solutions of the plant extracts. The flavonoid profile of un-hydrolyzed and hydrolyzed L. leonurus was greater than that of un-hydrolyzed and hydrolyzed A. afra. The levels of free and total luteolin in A. afra FDAE (8.977 ± 0.73 μg/ml and 16.394 ± 0.884 μg/ml, respectively) were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that in L. leonurus FDAE (0.929 ± 0.066 μg/ml and 3.093 ± 0.531 μg/ml, respectively). L. leonurus and A. afra relaxed tracheal smooth muscles contracted with histamine, KCL and carbachol in a dose dependent manner. The degree of relaxant activity of L. leonurus versus the three inducers of contraction (agonists) could be classified as KCL > carbachol > histamine, with EC₅₀ values of 9.87, 29.34 and 94.76 mg/ml, respectively. The A. afra tracheal smooth muscle relaxant activity was categorized as carbachol > histamine > KCL, with EC₅₀ values of 13.93, 15.47 and 19.88 mg/ml, respectively. Overall, A. afra which contained the higher levels of luteolin, was more potent at relaxing the guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle than L. leonurus. Collectively, the results confirm that aqueous solutions of A. afra and L. leonurus as used in local traditional practice have potent but different degrees of bronchodilator activities that could be useful in the treatment of asthma, and that these actions may be related to each plant's luteolin (or flavonoid) levels. Moreover it is very unlikely that KATP channels are primarily responsible for the actions of A. afra and L. leonurus, but rather that more than one mechanism of action is involved in the tracheal smooth muscle relaxant effects of these two plants.
National Research Foundation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect the plant matrix and the structure of the flavonoid (i.e. whether aglycone or glycoside) may have on the gastrointestinal uptake and metabolism of luteolin derivatives from Artemisia afra traditional plant medicine. Specifically, how these two factors influenced the intestinal uptake and disposition of luteolin derivatives in pure and in Artemisia afra plant extract forms were to be assessed by investigating the uptake and metabolism of the luteolin derivatives in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and the perfused rat intestinal loop. To realize this aim, the following were determined: (1) identification and characterization of major luteolin derivatives found in Artemisia afra, (2) the effect of the plant matrix on the uptake of luteolin derivatives in Artemisia afra aqueous-extract forms across the Caco-2 cell monolayer, (3) the effect of the plant matrix on the absorption and metabolism of luteolin derivatives in Artemisia afra aqueous-extract forms in the perfused rat small intestine, (4) the effect of gut contents on the uptake and metabolism of luteolin derivatives in intestinal loop and (5) the metabolic profiles of luteolin derivatives obtained for the pure solutions versus plant aqueous extract solutions in Caco-2 cells and the rat intestine.

Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali
TA) is a Malaysian shrub used to treat various illnesses including male infertility. Considering that TA is also used to improve male fertility and no report 
regarding its safety has been published, this study investigated the effects of a patented, aqueous TA extract on various sperm and testicular functions. Materials and Methods This study 
encompasses two parts (part 1: on spermatozoa
part 2: on TM3-Leydig and TM4-Sertoli cells). Part 1: Semen samples of 27 patients and 13 fertile donors were divided into two groups, 
washed and swim-up prepared spermatozoa, and incubated with different concentrations of TA (1, 10, 20, 100, 2000 &mu
g/ml) for 1 hour at 37°
C. A sample without addition of TA served as control. After incubation with TA, 
the following parameters were evaluated: viability (Eosin-Nigrosin test), total and progressive motility (CASA), acrosome reaction (triple stain technique), sperm production of reactive oxygen 
species (ROS
dihydroethidium test
DHE), sperm DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay) and mitochondrial membrane potential (&Delta
&psi
m) (Depsipher kit). Part 2: TM3-Leydig and TM4-Sertoli cells 
incubated with different concentrations of TA (0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 &mu
g/ml) and control (without extract) for 48 and 96 hours. After incubation with TA, the following parameters were 
evaluated: viability (XTT), cell proliferation (protein assay), testosterone (testosterone ELISA test) and pyruvate (pyruvate assay). Results Part 1: For washed spermatozoa, significant 
dose-dependent trends were found 
for viability, total motility, acrosome reaction and sperm ROS production. However, these trends were only significant if the highest concentrations were included in the calculation. In the swim-up spermatozoa, ROS production of spermatozoa showed a biphasic relationship with its lowest percentage at 10 &mu
g/ml, yet, no significance could be 
observed (P=0.9505). No influence of TA could be observed for sperm DNA fragmentation nor &Delta
&psi
m.

Thesis (MScMedSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Athrixia phylicoides is an aromatic, indigenous shrub with high antioxidant content and numerous indigenous medicinal properties inferred by ingestion of an herbal brew of the plant. Commercialization of “bush tea” (derived from A. phylicoides) holds economic and developmental potential for indigenous communities provided the safety and efficacy of the herbal tea is established. Recently A. phylicoides has been shown by McGaw et al. (2007) to have similar antioxidant activity to Rooibos tea, and a unique, new flavonol (i.e. a polyphenolic antioxidant plant metabolite) 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,3′,4′,5′-hexamethoxyflavon-3-ol, unique to A. phylicoides, was isolated by Mashimbye et al. in 2006. With changes in the socio-economic climate and a new trend in merging Western lifestyle with traditional practices, new interest has been shown in herbal/natural remedies. Study Aim: The aim of this study was to firstly, determine the in vitro effect of A. phylicoides aqueous extract on glucose metabolism in cell lines that mimic the three key organs implicated in glucose homeostasis. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the potential ex vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of the extract in pancreatic β-cells and peripheral mononuclear cells respectively. Methods: Leaves and fine twigs of A. phylicoides were processed into an aqueous extract. C2C12, Chang and 3T3-L1 cells were cultured under standard conditions and acutely exposed to increasing concentrations of extract and water vehicle, as well as 1 μM insulin and metformin as positive controls. Glucose uptake from 8 mM glucose culture media was determined using a fluorimetric oxidase method. Radioactive 14C-glucose oxidation to 14CO2 and determination of glycogen content of cells were used to assess the fate of intracellular glucose. RT-PCR was used to assess the extract effect on insulin-signalling gene expression. The antioxidative effect of A. phylicoides extract in pancreatic β-cells isolated from Wistar rats was determined by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production in response to hyperglycemic conditions. NO was labelled with diaminofluorocein diacetate and fluorescence was measured using flow cytometry. Insulin secretion of pancreatic β- cells was measured using radio-immuno assay. The anti-oxidative effect of the extract in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral mononuclear cells isolated from Wistar rats was determined by measuring the production of TNF-α using an ELISA kit. Results: C2C12 myocytes showed maximal increased glucose uptake at the 0.05 μg/μl extract concentration (228.3% ± 66.2, p<0.001). In Chang cells, A. phylicoides extract maximally increased the amount of glucose taken up at the 0.05 μg/μl concentration (134.5% ± 2.5, p<0.05). In 3T3-L1 cells, the extract maximally increased the amount of glucose taken up at the 0.025 μg/μl concentration (143.5% ± 10.3, p<0.001). An extract-induced increase in insulin receptor and glucose transporter four expression was seen in C2C12 myocytes. The oxidation of 14C-glucose to 14CO2 by C2C12 myocytes was maximally increased following acute exposure to the extract at 0.1 μg/μl (2919.3 fmol/1x10^6 cells ± 428, p<0.01). The oxidation of 14C-glucose to 14CO2 by Chang cells was maximally increased following acute exposure to extract at 0.1 μg/μl (4476.7 fmol/1x10^6 cells ± 1620, p<0.05); as seen in the C2C12 cells. A. phylicoides extract increased glycogen storage at all three concentrations tested in Chang cells, but maximally at the 0.025 μg/μl concentration (13.6 μg/1x10^6 cells ± 0.7, p<0.05). A. phylicoides extract did not have any measurable effect on the oxidative status of β-cells or the anti-inflammatory status of peripheral mononuclear cells. The extract did show an increase in first phase insulin secretion of β-cells in hyperglycemic conditions, although it was not significant. Conclusion: Athrixia phylicoides aqueous extract stimulates in vitro glucose uptake and metabolism in an insulin-mimetic manner, suggesting that this extract could potentially be beneficial to type two diabetics as an adjunct therapy.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Athrixia phylicoides is 'n aromatiese, inheemse struik met 'n hoë antioksidant inhoud. Vele tradisionele medisinale eienskappe is gekoppel aan die ingestie van 'n kruie brousel van die plant, wat ook bekend as “bostee” is. Kommersialisering van “bostee” hou ekonomiese en ontwikkelings potensiaal in vir inheemse gemeenskappe mits die veiligheid en effektiwiteit van die kruietee bevestig kan word. McGaw et al. (2007) het onlangs bevind dat A. phylicoides se antioksidant aktiwiteit vergelykbaar is met die van rooibostee. 'n Unieke nuwe flavonol ('n polifenoliese antioksidant plant metaboliet) 5-hydroksie-6,7,8,3′,4′,5′-hexamethoksieflavon-3-ol, eie aan A. phylicoides, is deur Mashimbye et al. in 2006 geïsoleer. Met veranderings in die sosio-ekonomiese klimaat en 'n nuwe tendens om die westerse lewenstyl met tradisionele gebruike aan te vul word nuwe belangstelling in kruie/natuurlike rate ondervind. Studie Doelwitte: Die doelwitte van hierdie studie was eerstens om die in vitro effek van A. phylicoides waterekstrak op die glukosemetabolisme van drie sellyne wat die sleutel organe naboots wat glukosehomeostase beheer, te bepaal. Tweedens, is die potensiële ex vivo antioksidant en anti-inflammatoriese effek van die ekstrak op pankreatiese β-selle en perifere mononuklêere-selle onderskeidelik ondersoek. Metodes: n Waterige ekstrak is van die blare en fyn takkies van A. phylicoides berei. C2C12, Chang and 3T3-L1 selle is gekultuur onder standaard kondisies en akuut blootgestel aan stygende ekstrakkonsentrasies. Water het as kontrole gedien, met 1 μM insulien en metformien as positiewe kontroles. Glukose opname vanuit 8 mM glukose kultuurmedia is bepaal deur 'n fluorimetriese oksidase metode. Radioaktiewe 14C-glukose-oksidasie na 14CO2 en die bepaling van die glukogeen inhoud van selle is gebruik om die lot van intrasellulêre glukose te bepaal. RT-PKR is gebruik om die effek van die ekstrak op die insulien-seinpad geen-uitdrukking te ondersoek. Die antioksidant effek van A. phylicoides ekstrak in pankreatiese β-selle geïsoleer van Wistar rotte, is bepaal deur stikstofoksied (NO) produksie na aanleiding van hiperglukemiese kondisies. NO is met diaminofluorosien diasetaat gemerk en die fluoresensie gemeet deur vloeisitometrie. Insulien afskeiding deur die pankreatiese β-selle is deur radio-immuno metode bepaal. Die anti-oksidatiewe effek van die ekstrak op lipopolisakkaried-gestimuleerde perifere mononuklêere-selle afkomstig van Wistar rotte is bepaal deur die meting van TNF-α produksie met 'n ELISA kit. Resultate: C2C12 miosiete het 'n maksimale toename in glukoseopname by 'n 0.05 μg/μl ekstrakkonsentrasie (228.3% ± 66.2, p<0.001) gehad. Dieselfde ekstrakkonsentrasie het maksimale toename in glukoseopname in Chang selle (134.5% ± 2.5, p<0.05 getoon. In 3T3-L1 selle is maksimale toename in die glukoseopname by 'n konsentrasie van 0.025 μg/μl (143.5% ± 10.3, p<0.001) bereik. 'n Ekstrak-geinduseerde verhoging in die insulienreseptor en glukosetransporter vier ekspressie is in C2C12 miosiete waargeneem. Die oksidasie van 14C-glukose na 14CO2 deur C2C12 miosiete is maksimaal verhoog deur akute blootstelling aan die ekstrak by 'n konsentrasie van 0.1 μg/μl (2919.3 fmol/1x10^6 cells ± 428, p<0.01). Die oksidasie van 14C-glukose na 14CO2 deur Chang selle was maksimaal verhoog deur akute blootstelling aan die ekstrak by 'n konsentrasie van 0.1 μg/μl (4476.7 fmol/1x10^6 cells ± 1620, p<0.05) soos gevind in die C2C12 selle. Die ekstrak het glukogeenstoring verhoog teen al drie die konsentrasies waarteen getoets is in Chang selle, maar 'n maksimale effek is gevind by 'n konsentrasie van 0.025 (13.6 μg/1x10^6 cells ± 0.7, p<0.05). A. phylicoides ekstrak het nie 'n meetbare effek op die oksidatiewe status van β-selle of die anti-inflammatoriese status van perifere mononuklêere-selle gehad nie. Die ekstrak het wel 'n verhoging in die eerstefase insuliensekresie van β-selle in hyperglukemiese kondisies gehad, alhoewel die verhoging nie statisties betekenisvol was nie. Afleiding: Athrixia phylicoides waterekstrak stimuleer in vitro glukoseopname en metabolisme in 'n insulin-mimetiese manier, wat beteken dat die ekstrak potensiëel voordele vir tipe twee diabete kan inhou as aanvullingsterapie.

A Thesis submitted to The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Medicine.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The wild basil Clinopodium vulgare L. is commonly used in Bulgarian folk medicine for treatment of irritated skin, mastitis- and prostatitis-related swelling, as well as for some disorders accompanied with significant degree of inflammation (e.g. gastric ulcers, diabetes, and cancer). AIM OF STUDY: To determine the effect of aqueous extract of Clinopodium vulgare L. on LPS-induced inflammatory responses of murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Protein expression levels were monitored by Western blot analysis. Production of NO and PGE(2) was measured by the Griess colorimetric method and enzyme immunoassay, respectively. Activation of MMP-9 was visualized by gelatin zymography. Cytokine levels were determined by BioPlex assay. Intracellular ROS and free radical scavenging potential were measured by DCFH-DA and DPPH method, respectively. Xanthine oxidase activity was evaluated spectrophotometrically.

As plantas para fins medicinais são amplamente utilizadas no Brasil, porém existem poucos estudos que comprovam a eficácia como também a segurança do uso. Piper aduncum usada por muitas comunidades como planta medicinal para tratar e curar diferentes doenças, dentre estas, desordens gastrointestinais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano e toxicológico do extrato bruto aquoso das folhas Piper aduncum e aproximar os efeitos em testes laboratoriais aos possíveis efeitos observados no consumo das infusões. Folhas saudáveis de Piper aduncum foram utilizadas para preparar os extratos brutos aquosos em três concentrações (20 g/L, 10 g/L e 5 g/L). Foram realizados testes de ágar difusão em poço contra as bactérias enteropatogênicas Sthaphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 1402 e Shigella flexneri ATCC 12022. Testes de fragilidade osmótica eritrocitária humana e o teste citotóxico da avaliação do crescimento da raiz de Allium cepa foram realizados para avaliar a toxicidade dos extratos. A triagem fitoquímica foi realizada para determinar os compostos presentes nas infusões. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as infusões de P. aduncum não apresentaram efeitos antimicrobianos e não tiveram efeitos tóxicos sobre células sanguíneas, mas apresentaram potencial tóxico no desenvolvimento celular.
Plants for medicinal purposes are widely used in Brazil, but there are few studies that demonstrate the efficacy and the safety use. Piper aduncum is used for many communities as medicinal plant to treat and cure different diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-microbial and toxic potential of aqueous crude extract from leaves of Piper aduncum, and approximate the effect in laboratory tests to what is possibly observed with the tea use. Healthy leaves of Piper aduncum were used to prepare the aqueous crude extract in three concentrations (20g/L, 10g/L and 5g/L). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the agar wells diffusion against entropathogenic bacteria Sthaphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 1402 e Shigella flexneri ATCC 12022. Human erythrocyte osmotic fragility and cytotoxic evaluation of Allium cepa roots growth were performed to evaluate the toxicity of the extracts. The phytochemical screening determined the present compound in infusions. The obtained results showed that P. aduncum infusions has no effect as antimicrobial, and it did not have any toxic effect against blood cells, but potential toxic effect on cell development.

Orientador: Maria Regina Barbieri de Carvalho
Banca: José Fernando Durigan
Banca: José Paschoal Batistuti
Resumo: Visando ampliar o aproveitamento nutricional e tecnológico do amendoim realizou-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de elaborar extrato aquoso, com diferentes processamentos, e verificar a aceitação do extrato fermentado com Streptococcus thermophilus e Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp bulgaricus e com adição de leite em pó desnatado. O procedimento para obtenção do extrato consistiu no aquecimento dos grãos em solução de bicarbonato de sódio a 0,5% (1:4, p/v) até ebulição, com posterior drenagem, lavagem, desintegração e filtração. Foram avaliadas duas temperaturas (75 ºC e 97 ºC) e duas proporções de grão: água (1:5 e 1:8, p/v) para a desintegração dos grãos. Os produtos fermentados, com 0%, 2% e 4% de leite em pó, foram avaliados sensorialmente. Água a 75 ºC produziu extrato com o menor conteúdo de lipídeos (5,87%) e maior de carboidratos (2,31%). Os componentes dos extratos foram significativamente diluídos com a maior proporção de água (1:8 p/v), que permitiu o maior rendimento (1:6,92 kg), a maior extração de sólidos totais e proteína e a menor perda de sólidos no resíduo, sendo este procedimento selecionado para elaboração do extrato fermentado. O aquecimento dos grãos a 97 ºC propiciou proteína com maior digestibilidade (80,6%). Os resultados mostraram a possibilidade de se elaborar um produto adequado, fermentando-se o extrato de amendoim adicionado de leite em pó. Apresentou pH 4,5, 0,5% de ácido lático, 4,86% proteína e 2,36% de lipídeos e características sensoriais aceitáveis. A adição de leite em pó desnatado favoreceu a fermentação (4 horas e meia), melhorou a consistência e a aceitação geral do produto fermentado. O extrato aquoso fermentado de grãos de amendoim é uma alternativa tecnológica viável à elaboração de alimentos para a população, pela qualidade nutricional de seus componentes e a sua fácil disponibilidade.
Abstract: Aiming to increase nutritional and technological utilization of the peanut, this research was realized to produce an aqueous extract, with variations in processing, and to check the acceptance of the fermented extract with Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp bulgaricus and with the addition of powder milk. The procedure to obtain the extract consisted of heating the beans until boiling (1:4 w/v) 0.5% of sodium bicarbonate, draining, washing, disintegration and filtration. It was evaluated two temperatures (75 ºC and 97 ºC) and two amounts of grain: water (1:5 and 1:8, w/v) in disintegration of the grains. Fermented products, with 0%, 2% and 4% of powder milk, were evaluated. Water at 75 ºC produced extract with lower content of lipids (5.87%), and higher of carbohydrates (2.31%). The extracts components of the were significantly diluted with the proportion 1:8 w/v, that permited the highest yield of process (1:6.92 kg) and better total solids and protein extraction and lower loss of solids in the waste. It was therefore selected for preparation of the fermented extract. The heating of the grains at 97 ºC, due to better digestibility of protein (80.6%). The results showed that is possible to obtain a fermented product with peanut extract added at milk powder. It presented pH 4.5, 0.5% lactic acid, 4.86% protein and 2.36% lipids and sensorial quality. The addition of powder milk favored fermentation (4 hours) and improved the consistency and general acceptance of the fermented product. The aqueous extract fermented of peanut grains represents a viable technological alternative in the preparation of food for population, due to nutritional quality of its components and its easy availability.
Mestre

Soils represent an important terrestrial carbon (C) sink, storing up to three times the amount of atmospheric C, however climate and land use changes may transform soils into C sources. River corridor (RC) soils and associated C are at risk to become mobilized by erosion such as bank failure and scour events. Once soil-derived organic C is transferred into the stream, microbial processes and photodegradation of the dissolved, labile (or bioavailable) fractions can lead to the production of CO2, which can evade and increase atmospheric CO2 levels. Because predicted increases in heavy precipitation will likely increase this type of riverine erosion, it is important to better understand the potential for the release of bioavailable C from RCs. One objective of this thesis was therefore to identify and characterize representative samples of soils from a typical Vermont RC for common land covers and simulate the production of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during riverine soil erosion. Field sites representative of typical agricultural and forested land uses were selected based on the analysis of 106 existing samples and resampled multiple times over the summer of 2015. Production of DOM from riverine erosion was simulated using aqueous soil extracts (ASE), where soil and water were shaken at fixed ratios followed by the separation of the extract. To study the characteristics of these extracts (which serve as analogue of stream water after erosion), water extractable C (WEOC) concentrations, water extractable nitrogen, fluorescence properties of DOM, and bioavailability were determined. Results indicated a common, dominantly terrestrial source material for all land covers, but C concentrations and fluorescence properties differed. High but variable amounts of soil organic C and WEOC were observed in agricultural riparian and agricultural stream bank samples, and lower concentrations in agricultural field, forest, forest riparian, and forest stream banks. WEOC bioavailability was high in all agricultural land covers and low in forested land covers. Because this study is the first in which ASE are used as analogues for stream water after riverine erosion, a second objective was to test laboratory methods used in this study for their effect on WEOC, fluorescence properties, and bioavailability. Specifically, the effects of soil drying, soil storage, and the effects of the extraction solution were tested. For this, ASE were prepared from soils that were field moist, dried, and after two years of storage. In addition, dried soils were extracted using different solutions including a salt solution, river water, and double deionized (DDI) water. Results indicated WEOC concentration and microbial humic-like fluorescence from extracts of dried soils were higher than those in extracts of field moist soils, while WEOC concentration and microbial humic-like fluorescence was highest in extracts of soils stored long term. In addition, the bioavailability of WEOC was higher in dried soils than field moist soils. The extraction solutions of DDI water and river water produced DOM with similar fluorescence properties, while the salt solution extracted a different, less humified pool of C. Overall, the ASE methods used in this study are effective in simulating stream bank erosion and subsequent C release into stream water, however the effects of drying the soils need to be considered when assessing DOM.

The effects of aqueous root extracts of Senna italica subsp. arachoides on the feeding performance of adults of Hyalomma marginatum rufipes in three consecutive infestations of rabbits were studied under laboratory conditions. Rabbits were divided into treatment group (n = 3), fed aqueous root extracts and rabbit pellets while the control group (n = 3) was fed with rabbit pellets and given distilled water only. Ticks that infested the treatment rabbits fed poorly, taking significantly longer feeding periods (P < 0.05) to acquire the bloodmeal, and having significantly reduced engorgement weights (P < 0.05) compared to those that fed on the control rabbits during the first and second infestations. These results suggest that aqueous root extracts of S. italica subsp. arachoides reduced the feeding performance of H. marginatum rufipes adults.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Inflammation is involved in many diseases affecting much of the world's population. Ketoprofen is a widely used drug in the treatment of these inflammatory processes. However, despite its efficacy, this drug has significant side effects. The mechanism by which these undesired effects occur are not fully known. Research indicates the involvement of inhibition of some enzymes in this process. But nowadays other targets have been identified as corroboradores of the clinical complications by use ketoprofen, such as the oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a deleterious condition for the organism that may be softened by the action of antioxidants such as catechins, tannins and other polyphenols. The relationship between oxidative stress, ketoprofen and the contribution of antioxidant molecules in this process need to be clarified and may be a future therapeutic target when it comes to improving the pharmacologic action and/or decreased side effects caused by use of ketoprofen. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the action of ketoprofen and the aqueous extract of guarana alone and associates in oxidation in vitro and in vivo models of renal and hepatic toxicity studies evaluating biochemical and hematological laboratory parameters systems. Among the models used are direct action on ABTS•+, DPPH•, HOCl, O2•-, inhibition of peroxidase and hemolysis by AAPH radical. For the in vivo study, were used rats (female) (Wistar), which were divided into groups (n=10 or 11 animals): control group (saline), ketoprofen group (20 mg/kg/ day), aqueous extract guarana group 0,1 (0,1 mg/g/day), aqueous extract guarana group 1 (1 mg/g/day), association group 0,1 (ketoprofen (20mg/kg/day + water extract of guarana 0.1 mg/ g/day) and association group 1 (ketoprofen (20mg/kg/day + water extract of guarana 1 mg/g/ day), the administration of the samples was given by oral route (gavage) for 7 days. The results show that the aqueous extract of guarana show significant antioxidant activity in all in vitro tests. The ketoprofen virtually showed no activity in in vitro assays used in this study. The combination of these substances been shown to be potentially beneficial for action against free radicals and oxidizing agents, as well as in the inhibition of peroxidase . In in vivo assays, the ketoprofen caused significant changes in renal parameters: urea, creatinine and uric acid, and the association with the aqueous extract of guarana reversed this change. In hematological parameters, the ketoprofen caused anemia was not reversed by treatment with the extract. On markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense we observed variability in results, according to the indicator analyzed. In general, ketoprofen causes a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity and catalase levels of treated animals, and the aqueous extract of guarana contributed to re-establishment of this defense. On markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense we observed variability in results, according to the indicator analyzed. In general, the ketoprofen causes a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity and of the catalase levels of treated animals, and the aqueous extract of guarana contributed to re-establishment of this defense. The results are promising and indicate that the association between ketoprofen and the aqueous extract of guarana can be an alternative to reduce the potential damage linked to the use of this drug and considering the perspective addressed in this study. It is important to emphasize the importance of conducting studies to assess the maintenance of ketoprofen anti-inflammatory efficacy when used in combination with other substances.
A inflamação está envolvida com diversas doenças que acometem grande parte da população mundial. O cetoprofeno é um medicamento amplamente utilizado no tratamento dos processos inflamatórios. Apesar de sua eficácia, este fármaco apresenta importantes efeitos colaterais. O mecanismo pelo qual tais efeitos indesejados acontecem não são totalmente conhecidos. Pesquisas indicam o envolvimento da inibição de algumas enzimas. Porém, outros alvos têm sido apontados como corroboradores das complicações clínicas do cetoprofeno, como é o caso do estresse oxidativo. O estresse oxidativo é uma condição deletéria para o organismo que pode ser amenizada pela ação de agentes antioxidantes, tais como: catequinas, taninos e outros polifenóis. A relação entre o estresse oxidativo, cetoprofeno e a contribuição de moléculas antioxidantes neste processo precisa ser melhor esclarecida e pode ser um futuro alvo terapêutico quando se trata da melhoria da ação farmacológica e/ou diminuição de efeitos colaterais provocados pelo uso do cetoprofeno.Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ação do cetoprofeno e do extrato aquoso de guaraná, isoladamente e associados, em sistemas oxidativos in vitro e modelos in vivo de estudos de toxicidade renal e hepática avaliando-se parâmetros laboratoriais bioquímicos e hematológicos. Dentre os modelos utilizados estão: ABTS+, DPPH, HOCl, O2 -, inibição de peroxidase e hemólise provocada pelo radical AAPH. Para o estudo in vivo foram utilizadas ratas (Wistar), que foram assim divididas (n=10 ou 11 animais): grupo controle (salina), grupo cetoprofeno (20mg/kg/dia), grupo extrato aquoso de guaraná 0,1 (0,1mg/g/dia), grupo extrato aquoso de guaraná 1 (1mg/g/dia), grupo associação 0,1 (cetoprofeno 20mg/kg/dia +extrato aquoso de guaraná 0,1mg/g/dia) e grupo associação 1 (cetoprofeno 20mg/kg/dia + extrato aquoso de guaraná 1mg/g/dia), a administração das amostras se deu por via oral (gavagem) durante 7 dias. Os resultados demonstraram que o extrato aquoso de guaraná apresentou significativa atividade antioxidante em todos os testes in vitro. O cetoprofeno apresentou baixa atividade na maioria dos ensaios in vitro. A associação destas substâncias demonstrou-se potencialmente benéfica sobre a ação contra radicais livres e agentes oxidantes, assim como na inibição da peroxidase. Nos ensaios in vivo, o cetoprofeno provocou alterações significativas nos parâmetros renais: ureia, creatinina e ácido úrico, e a associação com o extrato aquoso de guaraná reverteu esta alteração. Nos parâmetros hematológicos, o cetoprofeno causou anemia que não foi revertida pelo tratamento com o extrato. Sobre os marcadores de estresse oxidativo e defesa antioxidante observou-se variabilidade nos resultados, de acordo com o indicador analisado. De uma maneira geral, o cetoprofeno provoca a diminuição da capacidade antioxidante total bem como dos níveis de catalase dos animais tratados, e o extrato aquoso de guaraná contribuiu para o reestabelecimento desta defesa. Os resultados são promissores e indicam que a associação entre o cetoprofeno e o extrato aquoso de guaraná pode ser uma alternativa para a diminuição dos possíveis danos vinculados ao uso deste fármaco e sob a perspectiva abordada neste estudo. E ainda,é importante a realização de estudos para a avaliação da manutenção da eficácia anti-inflamatória do cetoprofeno quando utilizado associado à outras substâncias.

Guava is cultivated in many parts of the world, but the high perishability and the incidence of diseases such as anthracnose limits its commercialization. The challenge to the method used to attempt to solve these problems, the use of chemicals, has instigated the conduct of research with products. Thus, plantas have been studied mant times have active substances with antimicrobial properties, among them aroeira that is widely used in folk medicine and its potencial for the use in agricultura are being targeted studies. Another alternative is the use of coatings based on polymers such as chitosan that in addition to prolonging the shelf-life also presents potencial antifungal. This study to determine the yeld of aqueous extract and hydrolate mastic and the main chemical compounds contained, to evaluate the antifungal effect of hydrodistillation byproducts on in vitro development of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and test biofilm-base chitosan for promote increased service life and control the attack of anthracnose in guavas Paluma . The aqueous extract end hydrolate were obtained by hydrodistillation of leaves and seeds at different times. For the in vitro antifungical power of aroeira in C. gloeosporioides concentrations used were 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% aqueous extraxt, 10, 15, 20 and 25% hydrolate and 2μL fungicide. In vivo test, guavas were inoculated with the pathogen were for 1 minute in chitosan solutions 2, 3 and 4% and subjected to chemical and physical assessments every 4 days storage totaling 12. It was observed that the time of hydrodistillation did not influence the yeld of the aqueous extract and hydrolate, indicating 2,5h for extraction. Larger amounts of hidrolact were obtained from levaes of aroeira, while the yield of the extract was not influenced by the plant. Unable to determine the compounds existing in the hydrolate aroeira. The fungus developed in all treatments with respect cotonoso except in fungicide Captan® (2μL). The aqueous extract and hydrolate aroeira showed no fungicidal properties of inhibiting the development of in vitro concentrations used in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is not recommended to control of this fungus. The guavas coated with chitosan 3 and 4% had delayed ripening being evidenced by the high firmness, color maintenance from the pulp and peel, slight increase of soluble solids and vitamin C in addition to having constant pH. A 2% chitosan was not as efficient when compared to other concentrations. The fruits control and fungicide were not fit for consumption for 12 days due to the rapid maruration and incidence of anthracnose. All concentrations of chitosan were efficient in controlling the fungus.
A goiaba é cultivada em várias partes do mundo, porém a alta perecibilidade e a incidência de doenças como a antracnose limitam a sua comercialização. A contestação do método mais utilizado para tentar solucionar tais problemas, o uso de produtos químicos, tem instigado a realização de pesquisas com produtos naturais. Assim, as plantas vêm sendo estudadas por muitas vezes possuírem substâncias ativas com propriedades antimicrobianas, dentre elas a aroeira que é amplamente utilizada na medicina popular e suas potencialidades quanto ao uso na agricultura estão sendo alvo de estudos. Outra alternativa é o uso de revestimentos a base de biopolímeros como a quitosana que além de prolongar a vida pós-colheita também apresenta potencial fungitóxico. Este trabalho teve como objetivos determinar o rendimento do extrato aquoso e hidrolato de aroeira e os principais compostos químicos contidos, avaliar o efeito fungitóxico destes subprodutos da hidrodestilação no desenvolvimento in vitro do fungo Colletotrichum gloeosporioides e testar biofilmes a base de quitosana para promover o aumento da vida útil e controlar o ataque da antracnose em goiabas Paluma . O extrato aquoso e o hidrolato foram obtidos por hidrodestilação de folhas e sementes em diferentes tempos. Para o ensaio in vitro do poder fungitóxico da aroeira em C. gloeosporioides foram utilizadas as concentrações 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30% de extrato aquoso; 10, 15, 20 e 25% de hidrolato e 2μL de fungicida. No ensaio in vivo as goiabas foram inoculadas com o patógeno, imersas por 1 minuto em soluções de quitosana a 2, 3 e 4% e submetidas a avaliações físicas e químicas a cada 4 dias totalizando 12 de armazenamento. Observou-se que os tempos de hidrodestilação não influenciaram o rendimento do extrato aquoso e do hidrolato, indicando-se 2,5h para extração. Maiores quantidades de hidrolato foram obtidas a partir de folhas de aroeira, enquanto que o rendimento do extrato também não foi influenciado pela parte da planta. Não foi possível determinar os compostos existentes no hidrolato da aroeira. Os fungos desenvolveram-se em todos os tratamentos com aspecto cotonoso exceto no fungicida Captan® (2μL). O extrato aquoso e hidrolato de aroeira não apresentaram propriedade fungicida para a inibição do desenvolvimento do in vitro do Colletotrichum gloeosporioides nas concentrações utilizadas não sendo recomendados para controle deste fungo. As goiabas revestidas com quitosana 3 e 4% tiveram seu amadurecimento retardado sendo evidenciado pela alta firmeza, manutenção da coloração tanto da polpa quanto da casca, leve incremento de sólidos solúveis e vitamina C além de apresentarem pH constante. Os frutos controle e fungicida não se encontravam aptos para o consumo aos 12 dias em função do rápido amadurecimento e incidência de antracnose. Todas as concentrações de quitosana foram eficientes no controle do fungo.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the microenvironment of the ear canal of dogs and determine the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) and Triticum vulgare (wheat) in healthy ears and in the treatment of experimental noninfectious external otitis of Wistar rats. For analysis of the microenvironment of the ear canal 141 healthy dogs were used, 30 to evaluate the ear canal pH and 111 to measure the ear temperature. Dog ears with absent to mild, moderate or intense cerumen were studied, and the auditory canal was washed for pH measurements. The rectal temperature (TR) was measured with a mercury thermometer and the ear temperature with an infrared thermometer. The difference between TR and TAM (average ear temperature), was classified in the following scores: A=TAMObjetivou-se avaliar o microclima do canal auditivo de cães e determinar o efeito do Rosmarinus officinalis L. (alecrim) e do Triticum vulgare (trigo) em orelhas hígidas e no tratamento da otite externa experimental não infecciosa de ratos Wistar. Para análise do microclima do canal auditivo foram considerados 141 cães hígidos, destes 30 utilizados para avaliação do pH do canal auditivo e 111 para aferição das temperaturas auditivas. Os cães foram distribuídos em dois grupos de acordo com a quantidade de cerúmem ausente a leve e moderado a intenso e o canal auditivo foi lavado para aferição do pH. A diferença entre a temperatura retal (TR), aferida com termômetro coluna de mercúrio e a temperatura auditiva média (TAM), aferida com termômetro infravermelho, foi avaliada para classificação em escores: A=TAM