Edvaldo Rodrigues de Almeida

Toxicological evaluation of the hydro-alcohol extract of the dry leaves of Peumus boldus and boldine in rats

The hydro‐alcohol extract of the dry leaves of Peumus boldus and boldine, showed abortive and teratogenic action and changes in the blood levels of bilirubin, cholesterol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea in rats. The long term administration of the extract and boldine did not cause histological modification during a period of 90 days. Copyright

Anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects on mice of flavonoids, linalool, and α-tocopherol presents in the extract of leaves of Cissus sicyoides L. (Vitaceae).

The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the aerial parts of Cissus sicyoides L. (CS) (Vitaceae) on male and female mice using several behavioral assays. Groups of males and females treated via intraperitoneal (IP) with doses of 300, 600, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract showed significant action in the elevated plus-maze (EPM), time spent in the open arms, and number of entries in the open arms. The board-hole test also showed a significant increase in the time spent in head-dipping and in marble-burying test of the number of marbles buried. The same treatment increased the duration of sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital and also showed a significant increase in protection against pentylenotetrazole-induced convulsions. These results indicate an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant-like action from C. sicyoides L. extract on mice, probably due to the action of flavonoid(s), Linalool, and α-tocopherol present in the C. sicyoides leaves.

Toxicological assessment of beta-lapachone on organs from pregnant and non-pregnant rats

Naphthoquinones have been studied extensively due to their activity as topoisomerase inhibitors. These enzymes are critical to DNA replication in cells. β‐Lapachone (beta‐lap) is an o‐naphthoquinone chemically obtained from lapachol. This work results in a toxicological evaluation of beta‐lap in Wistar rats observing the following parameters: teratology, histology, hematology and serum biochemistry. The data demonstrate teratogenic action at the doses used, as well as hematological alterations in the total leukocytes, monocytes and segmented. The biochemical data demonstrated an increase in gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase levels. Histological study showed significant alterations in the spleen, however, the liver and kidney did not present significant alterations. Copyright

Central Antinociceptive Effects of Cissus sicyoides. on Mice

Abstract The acute and chronic treatment of mice with a hydroalcohol extract from the leaves of Cissus sicyoides. L. (Vitaceae) (CS) at doses of 300, 600, and 1000 mg/kg, by intraperitoneal administration, produced a significant central antinociceptive effect on the hot plate, tail immersion, and acetic acid–induced writhing, tests, and the effect was inhibited by naloxone. CS was given to mice daily for 30 days at a dose of 600 mg/kg, causing an effect similar to that of drugs with typical action on opioid receptors. The effective dose (ED50) was approximately 600 mg/kg in mice.

In vivo assessment of possible probiotic properties of Zymomonas mobilis in a Wistar rat model

In recent years the incorporation of probiotic bacteria into foods has received increasing scientific interest for health promotion and disease prevention. The safety and probiotic properties of Zymomonas mobilis CP4 (UFPEDA-202) was studied in a Wistar rat model fed the 109 colony forming units (cfu)/mL-1 of the assayed strain for 30 days. No abnormal clinical signs were noted in the group receiving viable cells of Z. mobilis and water (control) during the period of the experiment. There were no significant difference (p > 0.05) in feed intake and weight gain among mice fed the Z. mobilis in comparison to the control group. No bacteria were found in blood, liver and spleen of any animals. Mice receiving Z. mobilis showed significantly differences (p ; Z. mobilis caused no signs of adverse effects on gut, liver and spleen. From these results, Z. mobilis CP4 (UFEPEDA-202) is likely to be nonpathogenic and safe for consumption, and could have a slight modulating effect on immunological performance in mice.