Paula Viñas
José de Felippe Junior

Cuidado com as mistura de ervas com drogas não declaradas

Herbal mixtures with claimed slimming activity: determination by TLC and HPLC of illegally added drugs.

Pharmazie;48(9):678-81, 1993 Sep. Parodi B; Caviglioli G; Bachi A; Cafaggi S; Romussi G
Istituto di Analisi e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche ed Alimentari, Genoa University, Italy
Resumo: A method for the detection and quantitation of several undeclared drugs in herbal preparations with slimming activity is proposed. Samples containing various anorexics, hypoglycemics and antidepressants were prepared by addition of the drugs to a synthetic mixture containing the most commonly used plant powders for those preparations. Each sample was subjected to a treatment that permitted, after a simple ethanolic extraction, the identification of the drugs by TLC using three different solvent systems. A further purification of the ethanolic solution through a polyamide column allowed for quantitative analysis of the drugs by a RP-HPLC method. The analytical recovery was good (88-97%); the calibration curves were linear over a wide range of drug concentrations (30-500 micrograms/ml) (r > 0.9995); the precision was high (CV% = 0.4-2.8) as well as the accuracy (96-102%).

Cuidado : misturas proibidas

Appetoff: another diet fad.

Vet Hum Toxicol;31(6):540-3, 1989 Dec. Beckerich MJ
Resumo: Appetoff diet patches were diet aids introduced to the public in 1987 and removed from the market in 1988 by the FDA for reasons of fraud. The ingredients were supposedly homeopathic concentrations of plant and mineral products. Although 91.6% of persons in this study who used the product for at least 1 week reported weight loss and mild side effects, no active ingredients could be detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

A succulent cure to end obesity.

Drug Discov Today;7(5):280-1, 2002 Mar 1 Habeck M

Abacate

Defatted avocado pulp reduces body weight and total hepatic fat but increases plasma cholesterol in male rats fed diets with cholesterol.
J Nutr. 2002 Jul;132(7):2015-8.
Naveh E, Werman MJ, Sabo E, Neeman I.
Department of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Technion, Israel.

Abstract: The potential use of avocado as a fiber source was evaluated. The total dietary fiber content of fresh avocado fruit of the Ettinger variety was 5.2 g/100 g. Approximately 75% was insoluble, and 25% soluble. The water-holding capacity of dry defatted avocado pulp was similar to that of cellulose, and trypsin inhibitors were not detected. The dietary and metabolic consequences of the avocado pulp were studied in male rats fed normal and hypercholesterolemic diets. Rats consumed semipurified diets containing either avocado pulp as the dietary fiber source or cellulose (control) with or without 10 g/kg cholesterol and 5 g/kg cholic acid. Food consumption and body weight gain were lower in rats fed avocado compared with those fed cellulose. Relative cecum weight was higher in avocado-fed rats. Plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels did not differ in rats fed diets without cholesterol, but plasma cholesterol was greater in avocado-fed than in cellulose-fed rats that consumed cholesterol. Regardless of dietary cholesterol, hepatic total fat levels, as evaluated histologically, but not directly, were lower in avocado-fed rats. These data suggest the presence of an appetite depressant in avocado and that avocado pulp interferes with hepatic fat metabolism.

Garcinia cambogia

Safety and mechanism of appetite suppression by a novel hydroxycitric acid extract (HCA-SX).

Mol Cell Biochem;238(1-2):89-103, 2002 Sep Ohia SE; Opere CA; LeDay AM; Bagchi M; Bagchi D; Stohs SJ.
Resumo: A growing body of evidence demonstrates the efficacy of Garcinia cambogia-derived natural (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in weight management by curbing appetite and inhibiting body fat biosynthesis. However, the exact mechanism of action of this novel phytopharmaceutical has yet to be fully understood. In a previous study, we showed that in the rat brain cortex a novel HCA extract (HCA-SX, Super CitriMax) increases the release/availability of radiolabeled 5-hydroxytryptamine or serotonin ([3H]-5-HT), a neurotransmitter implicated in the regulation of eating behavior and appetite control. The aim of the present study was 2-fold: (a) to determine the effect of HCA-SX on 5-HT uptake in rat brain cortex in vitro; and (b) to evaluate the safety of HCA-SX in vivo. Isolated rat brain cortex slices were incubated in oxygenated Krebs solution for 20 min and transferred to buffer solutions containing [3H]-5-HT for different time intervals. In some experiments, tissues were exposed to HCA-SX (10 microM - 1 mM) and the serotonin receptor reuptake inhibitors (SRRI) fluoxetine (100 microM) plus clomipramine (10 microM). Uptake of [3H]-5-HT was expressed as d.p.m./mg wet weight. A time-dependent uptake of [3H]-5-HT occurred in cortical slices reaching a maximum at 60 min. HCA-SX, and fluoxetine plus clomipramine inhibited the time-dependent uptake of [3H]-5-HT. At 90 min, HCA-SX (300 microM) caused a 20% decrease, whereas fluoxetine plus clomipramine inhibited [3H]-5-HT uptake by 30%. In safety studies, acute oral toxicity, acute dermal toxicity, primary dermal irritation and primary eye irritation, were conducted in animals using various doses of HCA-SX. Results indicate that the LD50 of HCA-SX is greater than 5,000 mg/kg when administered once orally via gastric intubation to fasted male and female Albino rats. No gross toxicological findings were observed under the experimental conditions. Taken together, these in vivo toxicological studies demonstrate that HCA-SX is a safe, natural supplement under the conditions it was tested. Furthermore, HCA-SX can inhibit [3H]-5-HT uptake (and also increase 5-HT availability) in isolated rat brain cortical slices in a manner similar to that of SRRIs, and thus may prove beneficial in controlling appetite, as well as treatment of depression, insomnia, migraine headaches and other serotonin-deficient conditions.

Guang Dong kudingcha

Electron microscope observation on effect of kudingcha inspissation tea on small intestine villus in the adiposity rats

Zhong Yao Cai;22(12):641-2, 1999 Dec. Lu J; Liu H
País de publicação: China
Guangzhou Institute of TCM, Guangzhou 510130.

Resumo: OBJECTIVE: Experimental study on pharmacological action of Guang Dong kudingcha inspissation tea on small intestine villus in the adiposity rats (nutrition obesity). METHODS: By using electron microscope method, check on small intestine villus of 60 experiment rats of just wean and count and analyse and conclude. RESULTS: Under the scan electron imcroscope, the surface configuration on small intestine villus of model group and various kudingcha dosage groups is similar to the blank (P > 0.05), but fenfluramine group appear constriction on top end of small intestine villus. CONCLUSION: Compring with fenfluramine, Guang Dong kudingcha inspissation tea has not effect on configuration of small intestine of adiposity rats (nutrition obesity), but has more strong modulation function on fat tissue lipocyte hypertrophy and quantitative.

Jiang-Zhi Jian-Fei Yao

Effect of jiang-zhi jian-fei yao on gastro-intestinal movement and adipose cell of abdominal wall

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi;14(4):230-1, 198, 1994 Apr. Jin HM; Jiao DH Shanghai Medical University.
País de publicação: CHINA

Resumo: Jiang-Zhi Jian-Fei Yao (JZJFY), an obesity-reducing drug, its active principle is the refined Rhubarb, the mechanism of its obesity-reducing effect was studied. JZJFY was injected intragastrically. The results showed that there was no significant increased of body weight, but a reduction of food intake, prolongation of stomach evacuation time, acceleration of intestinal movement 6 days after medication in rats. Meanwhile the adipose cells in abdominal wall were varied in size, and with Sudan III stain the color of adipose cells was light. Authors suggest that the obesity-reducing effect of JZJFY was relevant to above-mentioned changes.

Panax ginseng

Ginsenoside-Rb1 as a suppressor in central modulation of feeding in the rat

Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi;91(1):9-15, 1988 Jan. Etou H; Sakata T; Fujimoto K; Terada K; Yoshimatsu H; Ookuma K; Hayashi T; Arichi S
First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
País de publicação: JAPAN

Resumo: Ginsenosides, the main component of Panax ginseng root, have been reported to show several pharmacological actions on the peripheral metabolism of glucose and lipid and on endocrine secretion. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of ginsenoside-Rb1 on feeding behavior and endogenous chemical substances. Rb1 infusion into the rat third cerebroventricle was started at 1930 hr, and ingestive behavior was recorded in a soundproof room illuminated daily from 0800 to 2000 hr. Rb1 at doses of 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 mumol potently decreased food intake dose-dependently during the first dark period after infusion. Analysis of meal patterns revealed that the suppressive effect was due to decreasing meal size, but not to postprandial intermeal interval and eating speed. Drinking episodes decreased concomitantly with feeding suppression only at the highest dose of 0.20 mumol. Ambulatory activity was not affected in the doses tested. Infusion of Rb1 increased plasma glucose, leaving insulin unaffected. Microinjection of 0.01 mumol Rb1 into the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMH) decreased food intake, but injection into the lateral hypothalamic area did not. Taking these data together, Rb1 was found to have a suppressive effect on feeding partly through the VMH.

Cocaina . Cuidado causa dependência física e psíquica. É droga ilícita

Anorexic activity of cocaine and coca extract in naive and cocaine tolerant rats.

Pharmacol Biochem Behav;18(4):515-7, 1983 Apr. Vee GL; Fink GB; Constantine GH
Resumo: Dose response curves for reducing limited access food consumption were determined for cocaine HCl IP, cocaine HCl PO, and whole Erythroxylum coca extract PO. The ED50's for cocaine HCl in drug naive rats were 19.6 mg/kg (IP) and 34.6 mg/kg (PO). When the dose of E. coca extract was expressed in terms of cocaine HCl content, the ED50 was 52.6 mg/kg (PO). When dose response curves were determined in rats that had received cocaine (45 mg/kg, PO) for 30 days, a shift to the right in the cocaine HCl curve (an ED50 of 98.4 mg/kg PO) indicated tolerance. However, the shift to the right was less for E. coca extract than for cocaine HCl. Although the anorexic activity of E. coca extract was less than that of an equivalent amount of cocaine in naive rats it was often more than that of equivalent doses of cocaine HCl in tolerant rats. Interaction with other constituents of E. coca extract appears to alter the potency of the cocaine content of the extract in different directions in naive and tolerant rats.

The therapeutic value of coca in contemporary medicine.

J Ethnopharmacol;3(2-3):367-76, 1981 Mar-May. Weil AT
País de publicação: SWITZERLAND
Resumo: Coca appears to be a useful treatment for various gastrointestinal ailments, motion sickness, and laryngeal fatigue. It can be an adjunct in programs of weight reduction and physical fitness and may be a fast-acting antidepressant. It is of value in treating dependence on stronger stimulants. Coca regulates carbohydrate metabolism in a unique way and may provide a new therapeutic approach to hypoglycemia and diabetes mellitus. With low-dose, chronic administration it appears to normalize body functions. In leaf form coca does not produce toxicity or dependence. Coca can be administered as a chewing gum or lozenge containing a whole extract of the leaf, including alkaloids, natural flavors, and nutrients.

The anorexic and actometric effects of cocaine and two coca extracts.

Pharmacol Biochem Behav;13(3):403-8, 1980 Sep.Bedford JA;Lovell DK;Turner CE;Elsohly MA;Wilson MC
Resumo: The effects of cocaine and two extracts of the coca leaf were compared using locomotor activity and limited access food consumption paradigms. The three treatments were tested using both IP and PO routes of administration. The extracts were prepared by first extracting the powdered leaves with 95% ethanol, evaporating the ethanol and then partitioning the residue between water and chloroform. The doses of the extracts studied were 60, 120, 240, and 480 mg/kg. The doses of cocaine studied were 3.45, 6.9, 13.8 and 27.6 mg/kg. These doses corresponded to the amount of cocaine contained in the four doses of the chloroform layer. Cocaine and the chloroform layer (via both routes) produced dose related increases in locomotor activity and dose related decreases in food consumption. The water layer (containing only trace amounts of cocaine) produced no changes in locomotor activity; however, the highest IP dose did significantly reduce food consumption. Furthermore two of the doses (one IP, one PO) of the chloroform layer produced significantly greater effects than an equivalent amount of cocaine. These data suggest that plant constitutents other than cocaine may contribute to the overall effect achieved by chewing the leaf.

Mucilagem

Effect of a hydrophilic mucilage in the treatment of obese patients.

Pharmatherapeutica;2(7):421-8, 1980. Enzi G; Inelmen EM; Crepaldi G
Resumo: A crossover study was carried out in 22 obese patients to evaluate the effect of a hydrophilic mucilage associated with a 800 calorie hypoglucidic diet, as compared to diet alone, on body weight and on plasma lipid levels. The administration of mucilage resulted in a weight loss greater than that obtained with diet alone. Moreover, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride level reduction was more pronounced in the patients on mucilage treatment. While reduction in plasma triglyceride levels was correlated to variations in body weight, reduction in cholesterol levels was not. This fact may be explained by reduced intestinal absorption of bile acids, as suggested by the significant reduction in plasma bilirubin levels observed in patients on mucilage treatment. During the first period of treatment with mucilage, a slight reduction in plasma levels of iron and calcium was observed, without modifications in red blood cell counts, haematocrit values and haemoglobin concentration. In 6 patients on protracted treatment (6 months), no further modifications in serum iron and calcium levels were observed.

Catha edulis Forsk

Anorexigenic effects of two amines obtained from Catha edulis Forsk. (Khat) in rats.

Pharmacol Biochem Behav;12(5):701-5, 1980 May. Zelger JL; Carlini EA
Resumo: The anorexigenic effects of cathine (phenylpropanolamine) and cathinone (alpha-aminopropiophenone), both amines obtained from Catha edulis Forsk. (Khat) were investigated by acute and chronic experiments in rats. Amphetamine was included for comparison purposes. Both khat amines reduced food intake when administered acutely and body weight when given chronically. Cathinone was more effective than cathine, and both were less active than amphetamine. Partial or total cross-tolerance was observed among the 3 drugs.

Dioscorea bulbifera

The anorexient activity of Kalio-kund (Dioscorea bulbifera Linn.), methylphenidate and cocaine in rats: a preliminary study.

Indian J Med Res;57(6):1075-80, 1969 Jun. Jindal MN; Kelkar VV; Doctor RB
País de publicação: INDIA

Eugenia jambolana

Anorexigenic power of a principle extracted from the rotra of Madagascar (Eugenia jambolana Lamarck)

C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D;264(10):1350-2, 1967 Mar 6. Krikorian-Manoukian A; Ratsimamanga AR
País de publicação: FRANCE