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Fernando Antônio De ,medeiros - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Estudo fitoquímico e biológico de espécies amazônicas: Pradosia huberi (Ducke) Ducke (Sapotaceae) e Licania macrophylla Bent. (Chrysobalanaceae)
Universidade Federal da Paraíba, 2008Co-Authors: Fernando Antônio De ,medeirosAbstract:O uso das plantas como recurso terapêutico tem ganhado destaque e tornado modismo no mundo. No Brasil não é diferente, e nos últimos anos alguns estados da federação vem implantando a fitoterapia como alternativa terapêutica para o sistema único de saúde. Porém algumas dificuldades são encontradas, entre elas a falta de informações científicas que subsidie o conhecimento tradicional de determinadas espécies. A espécie Licania macrophylla Benth pertence a família Chrysobalanaceae e é conhecida popularmente por anauera ou anuera . As cascas do caule dessa espécie é usada no estado do Amapá como antidiarréica e amebicida. A espécie Pradosiahuberi Ducke, pertence à família Sapotaceae, e é designada popularmente de casca doce ou pau doce , suas cascas do caule são usadas pelos povos amazônicos como auxiliar no tratamento de problemas gástricos e má digestão. No entanto o uso das cascas do caule dessas espécies na preparação de fitoterápico ou mesmo em preparações caseiras é uma prática predatória, pois a recuperação do dano causado pela retirada das cascas leva anos para sua reconstituição, quando não elimina o espécime. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar o estudo fitoquímico e biológico das espécies Licania macrophylla Benth e Pradosia huberi (Ducke) Ducke e comparar a composição química entre folhas e cascas do caule das duas espécies, de forma a sugerir se é possível substituir o uso das cascas do caule pelas folhas, e assim contribuir com a conservação das espécies em discussão. As espécies estudadas foram coletadas no município de Porto Grande Amapá Brasil e exsicatas estão depositadas no Herbário Amapaense HAMAB do IEPA. O estudo fitoquímico das cascas do caule da espécie L. macrophyla Benth (Chrysobalanaceae) levou ao isolamento de (-)- 4 -O-metil-epigalocatequina-3 -O-α-L-raminosídeo (Lm-1), (-)-4 -metil-epigalocatequina (Lm-2), enquanto das folhas foram isoladas feofitina A (Lm-3), 132-hidroxi-(132-S)- feofitinaA (Lm-4), feofitina B (Lm-5), β-sitosterol (Lm-6a), estigmasterol (Lm-6b), β-Oglicosídeo- sitosterol (Lm-7), álcool betulínco (Lm-8) e ácido oleanólico (Lm-9), sendo o primeiro não relatado na literatura. Da espécie Pradosiahuberi foi isolado 2,3- dihidromiricetina-3-α-L-O-raminosídeo (Ph-1) e das folhas éster graxo do eritrodiol (Ph- 2), éster graxo do ácido oleanólico (Ph-3), éster graxo do ácido betulínco (Ph-4) e espinasterol (Ph-5), todas identificadas através de técnicas de RMN de 1H e 13C uni e bidimensionais e comparações com a literatura. A avaliação da atividade antidiarréica do extrato metanólico das cascas do caule (EMC) de L. macrophylla mostrou que esse não interfere nos parâmetros intestinais: modulação da defecação normal; diarréia induzida por Agente catártico e trânsito intestinal estimulado. Porém EMC apresentou-se ativo frente à Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25928, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25853 e Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, resultado semelhante ao obtido com Lm-1. O extrato metanólico das folhas (EMF) de L. macrophylla mostrou-se ativo frente as doze cepas bactérianas testadas, resultado semelhante ao observado com Lm-4 e Lm-9. No que se refere aos constituintes químicos isolados das cascas do caule e folhas nas duas espécies pode-se afirmar que não são semelhantes. Já em relação a atividade antimicrobiana do EMC e EMF esses apresentaram-se semelhantes, sugerindo que se a atividade antidiarréica fica comprovada que se deve apenas a ação antimicrobiana pode-se haver substituição do uso das cascas do caule pela folhas.The use of plants as a treatment method has gained prominence and became fashionable in the world. In Brazil is not different. In recent years some brazilian states has been implementing phytotherapy as an alternative therapy for the public health. However there are some drawbacks as the lack of scientific information that supporting traditional knowledge of some species. The Licania macrophylla Benth species belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family and is known popularly as "anauera" or "anuera." The stem bark of this species is used in the state of Amapá like amebicide as antidiarrheal. The Pradosia huberi Ducke species belongs to the Sapotaceae family, and is popularly called "fresh bark" or "stick candy ' and its stem bark is used by Amazonian peoples to assist in the treatment of stomach problems and indigestion. However the use of the stem bark of these species in the preparation of herbal formulation or even home preparation is a predatory practice, because recovery of the damage caused by removal of the bark takes years to rebuild, if not eliminates the specimen. The aim of this work was the phytochemical and biological study of the Licania macrophylla Benth and Pradosia huberi (Ducke) Ducke species and compare the chemical composition of leaves and stem bark of both species, so as to suggest that you can replace the use of shells stem by the leaves, and thus contribute to the conservation of the species under discussion. The species studied were collected at Porto Grande - Amapá - Brazil and specimens are deposited in the Herbarium Amapaense HAMAB IEPA. The phytochemical study of the stem bark of the L. macrophyla Benth (Chrysobalanaceae) species led to the isolation of (-)-4'-O-methyl-epigallocatechin-3'-O-α- L-raminosídeo (LM-1), (-)-4'-methyl-epigallocatechin (Lm -2), while the leaves were isolated pheophytin A (Lm-3), 132-hydroxy-(132-S) pheophytin A (Lm-4), pheophytin B (Lm-5), β-sitosterol (Lm-6a ), stigmasterol (Lm-6b), β-sitosterol-O-glycoside (Lm-7), alcohol betulínco (Lm-8) and oleanolic acid (Lm-9), the first not reported in the literature. From species was isolated Pradosia huberi 2,3-dihidromiricetina-3-α-LO-raminosídeo (Ph-1) and leaves the fatty ester erythrodiol (Ph-2), ester of fatty oleanolic acid (Ph-3) fatty ester betulínco acid (Ph-4) and espinasterol (Ph-5), all identified by techniques 1H NMR and 13C single and two-dimensional and comparisons with published literature. Evaluation of antidiarrhoeal activity of the methanol extract of the stem bark (EMC) of L. macrophylla showed that this does not interfere with intestinal parameters: modulation of normal defecation, Cathartic Agent-induced diarrhea and intestinal transit stimulated. But EMC had to be active against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25928, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, a result similar to that seen with Lm-1. The methanol extract of leaves (EMF) of L. macrophylla was active against the twelve bacterial strains tested, a result similar to that observed with Lm-4 and Lm-9. Regarding the chemical constituents isolated from the stem bark and leaves in two species can state that are not similar. Regarding the antimicrobial activity of EMC and EMF were similar, suggesting that the activity is antidiarrhoeal proven that one should only antimicrobial can be no substitution of the stem bark of the leaves
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Estudo fitoquímico e biológico de espécies amazônicas: Pradosia huberi (Ducke) Ducke (Sapotaceae) e Licania macrophylla Bent. (Chrysobalanaceae)
'Portal de Periodicos UFPB', 2008Co-Authors: Fernando Antônio De ,medeirosAbstract:The use of plants as a treatment method has gained prominence and became fashionable in the world. In Brazil is not different. In recent years some brazilian states has been implementing phytotherapy as an alternative therapy for the public health. However there are some drawbacks as the lack of scientific information that supporting traditional knowledge of some species. The Licania macrophylla Benth species belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family and is known popularly as "anauera" or "anuera." The stem bark of this species is used in the state of Amapá like amebicide as antidiarrheal. The Pradosia huberi Ducke species belongs to the Sapotaceae family, and is popularly called "fresh bark" or "stick candy ' and its stem bark is used by Amazonian peoples to assist in the treatment of stomach problems and indigestion. However the use of the stem bark of these species in the preparation of herbal formulation or even home preparation is a predatory practice, because recovery of the damage caused by removal of the bark takes years to rebuild, if not eliminates the specimen. The aim of this work was the phytochemical and biological study of the Licania macrophylla Benth and Pradosia huberi (Ducke) Ducke species and compare the chemical composition of leaves and stem bark of both species, so as to suggest that you can replace the use of shells stem by the leaves, and thus contribute to the conservation of the species under discussion. The species studied were collected at Porto Grande - Amapá - Brazil and specimens are deposited in the Herbarium Amapaense HAMAB IEPA. The phytochemical study of the stem bark of the L. macrophyla Benth (Chrysobalanaceae) species led to the isolation of (-)-4'-O-methyl-epigallocatechin-3'-O-α- L-raminosídeo (LM-1), (-)-4'-methyl-epigallocatechin (Lm -2), while the leaves were isolated pheophytin A (Lm-3), 132-hydroxy-(132-S) pheophytin A (Lm-4), pheophytin B (Lm-5), β-sitosterol (Lm-6a ), stigmasterol (Lm-6b), β-sitosterol-O-glycoside (Lm-7), alcohol betulínco (Lm-8) and oleanolic acid (Lm-9), the first not reported in the literature. From species was isolated Pradosia huberi 2,3-dihidromiricetina-3-α-LO-raminosídeo (Ph-1) and leaves the fatty ester erythrodiol (Ph-2), ester of fatty oleanolic acid (Ph-3) fatty ester betulínco acid (Ph-4) and espinasterol (Ph-5), all identified by techniques 1H NMR and 13C single and two-dimensional and comparisons with published literature. Evaluation of antidiarrhoeal activity of the methanol extract of the stem bark (EMC) of L. macrophylla showed that this does not interfere with intestinal parameters: modulation of normal defecation, Cathartic Agent-induced diarrhea and intestinal transit stimulated. But EMC had to be active against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25928, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, a result similar to that seen with Lm-1. The methanol extract of leaves (EMF) of L. macrophylla was active against the twelve bacterial strains tested, a result similar to that observed with Lm-4 and Lm-9. Regarding the chemical constituents isolated from the stem bark and leaves in two species can state that are not similar. Regarding the antimicrobial activity of EMC and EMF were similar, suggesting that the activity is antidiarrhoeal proven that one should only antimicrobial can be no substitution of the stem bark of the leaves.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPESO uso das plantas como recurso terapêutico tem ganhado destaque e tornado modismo no mundo. No Brasil não é diferente, e nos últimos anos alguns estados da federação vem implantando a fitoterapia como alternativa terapêutica para o sistema único de saúde. Porém algumas dificuldades são encontradas, entre elas a falta de informações científicas que subsidie o conhecimento tradicional de determinadas espécies. A espécie Licania macrophylla Benth pertence a família Chrysobalanaceae e é conhecida popularmente por anauera ou anuera . As cascas do caule dessa espécie é usada no estado do Amapá como antidiarréica e amebicida. A espécie Pradosiahuberi Ducke, pertence à família Sapotaceae, e é designada popularmente de casca doce ou pau doce , suas cascas do caule são usadas pelos povos amazônicos como auxiliar no tratamento de problemas gástricos e má digestão. No entanto o uso das cascas do caule dessas espécies na preparação de fitoterápico ou mesmo em preparações caseiras é uma prática predatória, pois a recuperação do dano causado pela retirada das cascas leva anos para sua reconstituição, quando não elimina o espécime. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar o estudo fitoquímico e biológico das espécies Licania macrophylla Benth e Pradosia huberi (Ducke) Ducke e comparar a composição química entre folhas e cascas do caule das duas espécies, de forma a sugerir se é possível substituir o uso das cascas do caule pelas folhas, e assim contribuir com a conservação das espécies em discussão. As espécies estudadas foram coletadas no município de Porto Grande Amapá Brasil e exsicatas estão depositadas no Herbário Amapaense HAMAB do IEPA. O estudo fitoquímico das cascas do caule da espécie L. macrophyla Benth (Chrysobalanaceae) levou ao isolamento de (-)- 4 -O-metil-epigalocatequina-3 -O-α-L-raminosídeo (Lm-1), (-)-4 -metil-epigalocatequina (Lm-2), enquanto das folhas foram isoladas feofitina A (Lm-3), 132-hidroxi-(132-S)- feofitinaA (Lm-4), feofitina B (Lm-5), β-sitosterol (Lm-6a), estigmasterol (Lm-6b), β-Oglicosídeo- sitosterol (Lm-7), álcool betulínco (Lm-8) e ácido oleanólico (Lm-9), sendo o primeiro não relatado na literatura. Da espécie Pradosiahuberi foi isolado 2,3- dihidromiricetina-3-α-L-O-raminosídeo (Ph-1) e das folhas éster graxo do eritrodiol (Ph- 2), éster graxo do ácido oleanólico (Ph-3), éster graxo do ácido betulínco (Ph-4) e espinasterol (Ph-5), todas identificadas através de técnicas de RMN de 1H e 13C uni e bidimensionais e comparações com a literatura. A avaliação da atividade antidiarréica do extrato metanólico das cascas do caule (EMC) de L. macrophylla mostrou que esse não interfere nos parâmetros intestinais: modulação da defecação normal; diarréia induzida por Agente catártico e trânsito intestinal estimulado. Porém EMC apresentou-se ativo frente à Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25928, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25853 e Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, resultado semelhante ao obtido com Lm-1. O extrato metanólico das folhas (EMF) de L. macrophylla mostrou-se ativo frente as doze cepas bactérianas testadas, resultado semelhante ao observado com Lm-4 e Lm-9. No que se refere aos constituintes químicos isolados das cascas do caule e folhas nas duas espécies pode-se afirmar que não são semelhantes. Já em relação a atividade antimicrobiana do EMC e EMF esses apresentaram-se semelhantes, sugerindo que se a atividade antidiarréica fica comprovada que se deve apenas a ação antimicrobiana pode-se haver substituição do uso das cascas do caule pela folhas
Abhijit Dey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Comparative HPTLC analysis of bioactive marker barbaloin from in vitro and naturally grown Aloe vera
Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 2016Co-Authors: Devendra Kumar Pandey, Sidharth Parida, Abhijit DeyAbstract:Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., Xanthorrhoeaceae, a succulent, produces barbaloin, a bioactive compounds used in various pharmaceutical products. Extracts prepared from the leaves have been widely used as bittering Agents, taste modifiers and also as Cathartic Agent against severe constipation. Barbaloin is reported for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral and anticancer activities and these properties are mostly mediated by its antioxidative capacity. Presently, a study has been conducted on the comparative High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography analysis of barbaloin from the dried leaf skin powder of in vivo and in vitro grown A vera. Shoot tips of A vera were cultured in Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with different combination of 6-benzylaminopurine and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. [Best multiplication response was noted in benzylaminopurine (2.0 mg/l) +1 -naphthaleneacetic acid (0.1 mg/l) supplemented Murashige and Skoog media]. The quantitative determination of barbaloin was performed on silica gel 60 F_254 HPTLC plates as stationary phase. The linear ascending development was carried out in a twin trough glass chamber saturated with a mobile phase consisting of ethyl acetate: methanol: water ( 100:16.5:13.5) at room temperature (22±2°C). CAMAG Thin Layer Chromatography scanner-3 equipped with CATS software (version: 1.4.4.6337) was used for spectrodensitometric scanning and analysis in the ultraviolet region at X = 366 nm. The method was validated for linearity, precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient, limit of detection, limit of quantification as well as recovery values were found to be satisfactory. Out of the five populations studied, the leaf skin of A vera collected from Jodhpur (Rajasthan, India) and raised in vitro was found to contain higher amount of barbaloin (2.78%) when compared to its naturally growing counterparts (2.46%) and other plant populations.
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Comparative HPTLC analysis of bioactive marker barbaloin from in vitro and naturally grown Aloe vera
Elsevier, 2016Co-Authors: Devendra Kumar Pandey, Sidharth Parida, Abhijit DeyAbstract:Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., Xanthorrhoeaceae, a succulent, produces barbaloin, a bioactive compounds used in various pharmaceutical products. Extracts prepared from the leaves have been widely used as bittering Agents, taste modifiers and also as Cathartic Agent against severe constipation. Barbaloin is reported for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral and anticancer activities and these properties are mostly mediated by its antioxidative capacity. Presently, a study has been conducted on the comparative High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography analysis of barbaloin from the dried leaf skin powder of in vivo and in vitro grown A. vera. Shoot tips of A. vera were cultured in Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with different combination of 6-benzylaminopurine and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. [Best multiplication response was noted in benzylaminopurine (2.0 mg/l) + 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (0.1 mg/l) supplemented Murashige and Skoog media]. The quantitative determination of barbaloin was performed on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates as stationary phase. The linear ascending development was carried out in a twin trough glass chamber saturated with a mobile phase consisting of ethyl acetate: methanol: water (100:16.5:13.5) at room temperature (22 ± 2 °C). CAMAG Thin Layer Chromatography scanner-3 equipped with CATS software (version: 1.4.4.6337) was used for spectrodensitometric scanning and analysis in the ultraviolet region at λ = 366 nm. The method was validated for linearity, precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient, limit of detection, limit of quantification as well as recovery values were found to be satisfactory. Out of the five populations studied, the leaf skin of A. vera collected from Jodhpur (Rajasthan, India) and raised in vitro was found to contain higher amount of barbaloin (2.78%) when compared to its naturally growing counterparts (2.46%) and other plant populations. Keywords: Aloe vera, Barbaloin, In vitro, HPTLC, Densitometr
T Macmath - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a comparison of the effectiveness and patient tolerance of oral sodium phosphate castor oil and standard electrolyte lavage for colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy preparation
The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 1993Co-Authors: B E Kolts, W E Lyles, S R Achem, L Burton, A J Geller, T MacmathAbstract:: One hundred thirteen patients were randomized to receive either oral sodium phosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda), lemon-flavored castor oil (Purge), or standard polyethylene glycol-based lavage solution (GoLYTELY) before elective colonoscopy. The study purpose was to confirm the efficacy of oral sodium phosphate and extend observations to include castor oil. Overall, patients reported that sodium phosphate and castor oil were easier to complete (p < 0.05). Scores for cleansing the entire colon as determined by endoscopists who were blinded to the Cathartic Agent were highest in patients receiving sodium phosphate (p < 0.02). Scores of left-colon cleansing for flexible sigmoidoscopy were equally high for the three methods. Scores for taste and symptom side effects were similar for each preparation. There were no recognized signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia in the sodium phosphate group. Because of the low cost of oral sodium phosphate combined with the lowest repeat endoscopy rate for inadequate cleansing, patient savings were projected to be $5000 per 100 patients at this center. Oral sodium phosphate is a cost-effective colonoscopy preparation that is better tolerated and more effective than the polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution or castor oil.
Devendra Kumar Pandey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Comparative HPTLC analysis of bioactive marker barbaloin from in vitro and naturally grown Aloe vera
Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 2016Co-Authors: Devendra Kumar Pandey, Sidharth Parida, Abhijit DeyAbstract:Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., Xanthorrhoeaceae, a succulent, produces barbaloin, a bioactive compounds used in various pharmaceutical products. Extracts prepared from the leaves have been widely used as bittering Agents, taste modifiers and also as Cathartic Agent against severe constipation. Barbaloin is reported for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral and anticancer activities and these properties are mostly mediated by its antioxidative capacity. Presently, a study has been conducted on the comparative High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography analysis of barbaloin from the dried leaf skin powder of in vivo and in vitro grown A vera. Shoot tips of A vera were cultured in Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with different combination of 6-benzylaminopurine and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. [Best multiplication response was noted in benzylaminopurine (2.0 mg/l) +1 -naphthaleneacetic acid (0.1 mg/l) supplemented Murashige and Skoog media]. The quantitative determination of barbaloin was performed on silica gel 60 F_254 HPTLC plates as stationary phase. The linear ascending development was carried out in a twin trough glass chamber saturated with a mobile phase consisting of ethyl acetate: methanol: water ( 100:16.5:13.5) at room temperature (22±2°C). CAMAG Thin Layer Chromatography scanner-3 equipped with CATS software (version: 1.4.4.6337) was used for spectrodensitometric scanning and analysis in the ultraviolet region at X = 366 nm. The method was validated for linearity, precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient, limit of detection, limit of quantification as well as recovery values were found to be satisfactory. Out of the five populations studied, the leaf skin of A vera collected from Jodhpur (Rajasthan, India) and raised in vitro was found to contain higher amount of barbaloin (2.78%) when compared to its naturally growing counterparts (2.46%) and other plant populations.
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Comparative HPTLC analysis of bioactive marker barbaloin from in vitro and naturally grown Aloe vera
Elsevier, 2016Co-Authors: Devendra Kumar Pandey, Sidharth Parida, Abhijit DeyAbstract:Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., Xanthorrhoeaceae, a succulent, produces barbaloin, a bioactive compounds used in various pharmaceutical products. Extracts prepared from the leaves have been widely used as bittering Agents, taste modifiers and also as Cathartic Agent against severe constipation. Barbaloin is reported for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral and anticancer activities and these properties are mostly mediated by its antioxidative capacity. Presently, a study has been conducted on the comparative High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography analysis of barbaloin from the dried leaf skin powder of in vivo and in vitro grown A. vera. Shoot tips of A. vera were cultured in Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with different combination of 6-benzylaminopurine and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. [Best multiplication response was noted in benzylaminopurine (2.0 mg/l) + 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (0.1 mg/l) supplemented Murashige and Skoog media]. The quantitative determination of barbaloin was performed on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates as stationary phase. The linear ascending development was carried out in a twin trough glass chamber saturated with a mobile phase consisting of ethyl acetate: methanol: water (100:16.5:13.5) at room temperature (22 ± 2 °C). CAMAG Thin Layer Chromatography scanner-3 equipped with CATS software (version: 1.4.4.6337) was used for spectrodensitometric scanning and analysis in the ultraviolet region at λ = 366 nm. The method was validated for linearity, precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient, limit of detection, limit of quantification as well as recovery values were found to be satisfactory. Out of the five populations studied, the leaf skin of A. vera collected from Jodhpur (Rajasthan, India) and raised in vitro was found to contain higher amount of barbaloin (2.78%) when compared to its naturally growing counterparts (2.46%) and other plant populations. Keywords: Aloe vera, Barbaloin, In vitro, HPTLC, Densitometr
B E Kolts - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a comparison of the effectiveness and patient tolerance of oral sodium phosphate castor oil and standard electrolyte lavage for colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy preparation
The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 1993Co-Authors: B E Kolts, W E Lyles, S R Achem, L Burton, A J Geller, T MacmathAbstract:: One hundred thirteen patients were randomized to receive either oral sodium phosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda), lemon-flavored castor oil (Purge), or standard polyethylene glycol-based lavage solution (GoLYTELY) before elective colonoscopy. The study purpose was to confirm the efficacy of oral sodium phosphate and extend observations to include castor oil. Overall, patients reported that sodium phosphate and castor oil were easier to complete (p < 0.05). Scores for cleansing the entire colon as determined by endoscopists who were blinded to the Cathartic Agent were highest in patients receiving sodium phosphate (p < 0.02). Scores of left-colon cleansing for flexible sigmoidoscopy were equally high for the three methods. Scores for taste and symptom side effects were similar for each preparation. There were no recognized signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia in the sodium phosphate group. Because of the low cost of oral sodium phosphate combined with the lowest repeat endoscopy rate for inadequate cleansing, patient savings were projected to be $5000 per 100 patients at this center. Oral sodium phosphate is a cost-effective colonoscopy preparation that is better tolerated and more effective than the polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution or castor oil.