Preliminary investigation of the central nervous system effects of 'Tira-capeta' (Removing the Devil), a cigarette used by some Quilombolas living in Pantanal Wetlands of Brazil

During an ethnopharmacological survey carried out among some Quilombolas living in Brazil, 48 plants with possible central nervous system (CNS) action were cited. A mixture of nine plants, known as 'Tira-capeta' (Removing the Devil) cigarette, has been utilized for years as a tonic for the brain. The effects observed after consuming this cigarette are: dizziness, lightness sensation, humor changes, yawns, heavy eyes, hunger, sleep and relaxation. This study aimed to verify the effects of a hydroalcohol extract of 'Tira-capeta' cigarette (ETC), as well as to evaluate the phytochemical profile. The phytochemical screening carried out through characterization reactions, thin layer chromatography and high efficiency liquid chromatography indicated the presence of tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids; tannins and phenolic acids being the principal constituents. The pharmacological tests showed that ETC induced a biphasic effect, with intense initial stimulation of the CNS, followed by a general depressor state; decreased the latency for sleeping and increased the total sleeping time (50, 100 and 500 mg/kg), without causing prejudice in motor coordination (doses up to 200 mg/kg); induced catalepsy in mice, verified 10 and 50 min after drug administration (500 mg/kg). Also, no anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects were verified in rats submitted to the elevated plus-maze.     

道地药材与方志和贡品

 目的：发掘历代方志和贡品记载中的道地药材内容。方法：查阅文献，对所涉及的道地药材进行分类统计。结果：《二十六史医学史料汇编》、《华阳国志》、《元和郡县志》、《元丰域志》和《大清一统志》记录道地药材分别为187，36，179，87，547种，其中一些不为本草医书所收录。结论：从方志和药材贡品记录中开发草药资源，择优使用，保证质量是一条重要的途径。     

Effects of Herbal vX on libido and sexual activity in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

This study investigated the possibility of an alternative to chemical medication in the treatment of sexual dysfunction in healthy women. The efficacy of a unique herbal formulation ofMuira puama andGinkgo biloba (Herbal vX) was assessed in 202 healthy women complaining of low sex drive. Various aspects of their sex life were rated before and after 1 month of treatment. Responses to self-assessment questionnaires showed significantly higher average total scores from baseline in 65% of the sample after taking the supplement. Statistically significant improvements occurred in frequency of sexual desires, sexual intercourse, and sexual fantasies, as well as in satisfaction with sex life, intensity of sexual desires, excitement of fantasies, ability to reach orgasm, and intensity of orgasm. Reported compliance and tolerability were good. These initial findings support the strong anecdotal evidence for the benefits of Herbal vX on the female sex drive. A double-blind study is planned to further research these results.     

The Genus Gentianella Moench: A Phytochemical and Ethno- pharmacological Review

The plants in genus Gentianella Moench (Gentianaceae) which comprised approximately 250 species, are mainly distributed in temperate regions of the world. Many Gentianella plants are intensely bitter and employed in traditional medicine to stimulate appetite, treat disorders of the gallbladder, and treat fever like the other bitter gentians in various regions of the world. Some species exhibit other remarkable therapeutic effects in the treatments of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. Eleven iridoids, twenty-eight xanthones, three C-glucoflavonoids, and eight other compounds have been isolated from the genus. Most of these compounds are associated with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, and antitumor activities, which provide an empirical base for the traditional utilization of the plants in genus Gentinella Moench.     

Phytochemistry and Ethnopharmacology of Epimedium L. Species

Epimedii Folium, a famous Chinese materia medica, is botanically originated from Epimedium L. species. Here Epimedium L. species were reviewed in phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), and processing. They have been proven to possess the efficacy on anti-osteoporosis, antitumor, and treating sexual dysfunction in traditional Chinese medicines. More than 270 compounds have been isolated from the plants of Epimedium L., some of which could be metabolized into a series of metabolites after oral absorption by the active enzymes and intestinal microflora leading to various bioactivities. Polyglucosides (epimendins A-C) and the coresponding oligoglycosides (icariin and baohuoside I) play important roles in clinical application.     

Dry Extract of Matricaria recutita L. (Chamomile) Prevents Ligature‐Induced Alveolar Bone Resorption in Rats via Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α and Interleukin‐1β

Background: Matricaria recutita L. (chamomile) has demonstrated anti‐inflammatory activity. Accordingly, the ability of the Matricaria recutita extract (MRE) to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines and its influence on alveolar bone resorption (ABR) in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to ABR by ligature with nylon thread in the second upper‐left molar, with contralateral hemiarcade as control. Rats received polysorbate TW₈₀ (vehicle) or MRE (10, 30, and 90 mg/kg) 1 hour before ligature and daily until day 11. The periodontium was analyzed by macroscopy, histometry, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry for the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The gingival tissue was used to quantify the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Blood samples were collected to evaluate bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), leukogram, and dosages of aspartate and alanine transaminases, urea, and creatinine. Aspects of liver, kidneys, spleen, and body mass variations were also evaluated. Results: The 11 days of ligature induced bone resorption, low levels of BALP, leukocyte infiltration; increase of MPO, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β; immunostaining increase for RANKL and TRAP; reduction of OPG and leukocytosis, which were significantly prevented by MRE, except for the low levels of BALP and the leukocytosis. Additionally, MRE did not alter organs or body weights of rats. Conclusion: MRE prevented the inflammation and ABR by reducing TNF‐α and IL‐1β, preventing the osteoclast activation via the RANKL–OPG axis, without interfering with bone anabolism.     

The Advantages of Traditional Chumash Healing

Chumash healing has been practiced in California for 13 000years. Chumash healers treat their patients with prayer, laughter,dreaming, phytotherapy, aromatherapy, healing ceremonies andother techniques. Healing involves first healing the spirit,then healing the body. Chumash people still maintain their uniqueidentity. Chumash Healers still practice the ancient healingarts in California. This lecture is a brief introduction toChumash Healing.