This study reports a pharmacological evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activities of carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene constituent of essential oils produced by oregano and other several aromatic plants and spices, in experimental models of edema induced by different phlogistic agents and gastric lesions induced by acetic acid. In models of paw edema induced by dextran or histamine, carvacrol was effective at 50 mg/kg (46% and 35%, respectively); in these models, cyproheptadine reduced edema formation (61% and 43%, respectively). In edema induced by substance P, carvacrol (100 mg/kg) and ruthenium red (3 mg/kg) also decreased the edema formation (46% and 40%, respectively). Carvacrol significantly reduced the ear edema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate and arachidonic acid at 0.1 mg per ear (43% and 33%, respectively), similar to indomethacin at 0.5 mg per ear or 2.0 mg per ear (55% and 57%, respectively). Carvacrol (at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) showed a healing capacity on gastric lesions induced by acid acetic (60%, 91%, and 81%, respectively) after 14 days of treatment. These results suggest that carvacrol acts on different pharmacological targets, probably interfering in release and/or synthesis of inflammatory mediators, such as the prostanoids, and thus favoring the healing process for gastric ulcers.

Silver nanoparticles have been shown to possess considerable antibacterial activity, but in vivo applications have been limited due to the inherent, but low, toxicity of silver. On the other hand, silver nanoparticles could provide cutaneous protection against infection, due to their ability to liberate silver ions via a slow release mechanism, and their broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. Thus, in this work, we describe the development of a carboxymethyl cellulose-based hydrogel containing silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were prepared in the hydrogel in situ, utilizing two variants of cashew gum as a capping agent, and sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. This gum is non-toxic and comes from a renewable natural source. The particles and gel were thoroughly characterized through using rheological measurements, UV-vis spectroscopy, nanoparticles tracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy analysis (TEM). Antibacterial tests were carried out, confirming antimicrobial action of the silver nanoparticle-loaded gels. Furthermore, rat wound-healing models were used and demonstrated that the gels exhibited improved wound healing when compared to the base hydrogel as a control. Thus, these gels are proposed as excellent candidates for use as wound-healing treatments.

Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of infant death in the world accounting for high child mortality rate. It is also present in different pathophysiologies related to several etiological agents. The aim of this study is to investigate the antidiarrheal effect of α -Terpineol (α-TPN) in different diarrhea models in rodents. The antidiarrheal effect of α-TPN in the treatment of acute diarrhea and enteropooling induced by castor oil or PGE2 in Swiss mice pretreated orally with saline (NaCl 0.9%), Loperamide (5 mg/kg) and α-TPN (6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) was analyzed. Additionally, parameters of severity, total weight of faeces and post-treatment for 4 h were evaluated. Modulation of the opioid and cholinergic pathways was performed and intestinal transit model using activated charcoal as marker was also used. The effect of α-TPN on secretory diarrhea was investigated using the model of fluid secretion in intestinal loops isolated from cholera toxin-treated mice. α-TPN showed antidiarrheal effect (*p < 0.05), reducing the total stool amount (*55%, *48%, *44%, *24%) and diarrheal (*47%, *66%; *56%, 10%) respectively for the doses tested. All doses investigated in the enteropooling test presented significant changes (*46%, *78%, *66%, *41% respectively) in relation to the control. α-TPN through the muscarinic pathway reduced the gastrointestinal transit (*31%), besides inhibiting PGE2-induced diarrhea (*39%). α-TPN also reduced fluid formation and loss of Cl- ions, by interacting directly with GM1 receptors and cholera toxin, thus increasing the uptake of intestinal fluids. The results suggest an anti-diarrheal activity of α-TPN due to its anticholinergic action, ability to block PGE2 and GM1 receptors and interaction with cholera toxin in secretory diarrhea, making it a promising candidate drug for the treatment of diarrheal diseases.

O. basilicum leaves produce essential oils (LEO) rich in monoterpenes. The short half-life and water insolubility are limitations for LEO medical uses. β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) has been employed to improve the pharmacological properties of LEO. We assessed the antihyperalgesic profile of LEO, isolated or complexed in β-CD (LEO/β-CD), on an animal model for fibromyalgia. Behavioral tests: mice were treated every day with either LEO/β-CD (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.), LEO (25 mg/kg, p.o.), tramadol (TRM 4 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (saline), and 60 min after treatment behavioral parameters were assessed. Therefore, mice were evaluated for mechanical hyperalgesia (von Frey), motor coordination (Rota-rod) and muscle strength (Grip Strength Metter) in a mice fibromyalgia model. After 27 days, we evaluated the central nervous system (CNS) pathways involved in the effect induced by experimental drugs through immunofluorescence protocol to Fos protein. The differential scanning analysis (DSC), thermogravimetry/derivate thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR) curves indicated that the products prepared were able to incorporate the LEO efficiently. Oral treatment with LEO or LEO-βCD, at all doses tested, produced a significant reduction of mechanical hyperalgesia and we were able to significantly increase Fos protein expression. Together, our results provide evidence that LEO, isolated or complexed with β-CD, produces analgesic effects on chronic non-inflammatory pain as fibromyalgia.