Background: Repositioning offers a cost‐effective approach to discovering new therapeutic applications for existing medications. Ambroxol, primarily used as a mucolytic for respiratory diseases, has demonstrated anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties, suggesting potential benefits in non‐pulmonary conditions. This study conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of ambroxol in experimental disease models unrelated to the respiratory system. Methods: Following registration in the Open Science Framework and adherence to the PICO strategy for formulating the guiding question, searches were performed in PUBMED/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS using the keywords: (Ambroxol) AND (Anti‐Inflammatory Agents OR Analgesics OR Antioxidants) AND (Animals OR in vivo). The SYRCLE tool assessed methodological quality. Among 353 identified records, eight articles met eligibility criteria. Results: These studies investigated ambroxol's effects in models of gastric lesions, neuropathic pain, psoriasis‐like skin inflammation, hemorrhagic cystitis, and ischemia/reperfusion injuries in the liver and kidneys. Ambroxol doses ranged from 5 to 1000 mg/kg, predominantly administered orally. Its antioxidant properties were demonstrated by reducing free radicals and increasing enzymatic activity (SOD, CAT, GSH). Anti‐inflammatory effects included a decrease in pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β) and histological improvements. Antinociceptive action was observed through inhibition of voltage‐gated sodium channels and reduction of oxidative stress, alleviating neuropathic pain. Conclusions: Despite ambroxol's widespread clinical use, limited research has explored its non‐respiratory applications. Existing studies suggest its promising therapeutic potential, reinforcing the need for further investigation into its role as an alternative treatment for various inflammatory and oxidative stress–related conditions beyond pulmonary diseases.

Ambroxol, also known as Trans-4-(2-amino-3,5-dibromobenzylamino)-cyclohexanol (ABX), is a chemical compound with mucolytic properties used to treat pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. It enhances mucus clearance in the respiratory tract. Recent studies have suggested its broad therapeutic potential, including analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in various clinical contexts. This study aimed to systematically identify research trends and critical points in the pharmacological activities of ambroxol hydrochloride in experimental models. A bibliometric review was conducted, retrieving 24 publications from the Web of Science and Scopus databases without temporal restrictions, using appropriate English keywords. The quality of the publications was assessed using impact metrics, productivity, term density mapping, and author network analysis. The average publication rate was 0.7 articles per year, with significant growth starting in the 2000s, a notable increase between 2016 and 2020, and a peak in 2021 with 5 articles published. China was the country with the highest number of publications. The primary field of publication was medicine (33.3%), and the journals with the best metrics were Intensive Care and Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified a complex network of 77 terms, divided into 4 clusters. Co-authorship analysis revealed 139 authors, divided into 21 clusters, with the largest cluster connecting 24 authors. A scarcity of publications addressing the pleiotropic effects of ambroxol in experimental models was observed. This bibliometric review highlights the need for further research in this field to explore new therapeutic approaches and possibilities, leveraging the potential effects of this drug.

Background and Aim: Treatment of endometriosis involves pain relief which is achieved through the administration of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with or without the addition of hormone therapy. At present, studies investigating endometriosis pain management using experimental rat models and the use of medications are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically evaluate research trends and critical points in the field of endometriosis pain management using experimental models. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 publications related to this topic that were published from 2012 to 2022 were retrieved from various databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL, using appropriate English keywords. The quality of the publications was evaluated using impact metrics, productivity, term density mapping, and author network. Results: The average publication rate was three articles per year, reaching its peak in 2021 at five articles per year. The United States and China were found to be the most productive countries, with 12 and 10 publications per year, respectively. The field of medicine (37.0%) was the most abundant, although the H-index was relatively low (13:13). Term density mapping involved the search of 542 keywords, of which 35 were selected, with only 8 exhibiting significant density. Conclusion: In the past decade, there has been a shortage of publications that have addressed pain in endometriosis in experimental models and, within this context the majority of the production and publication in this field has been performed by the United States and China. After performing this bibliometric review, it can be inferred that more research is required in this field, to develop new approaches and treatments for endometriotic pain. Keywords: animal model, animal science, endometriosis, rodents, treatments.

Este estudo buscou investigar a aplicabilidade da talidomida no manejo da dor na endometriose induzida em animais. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo confeccionada e organizada seguindo o método Joanna Briggs Institute, além de seguir os padrões do PRISMA – ScR. Foram feitas pesquisas em seis bases de dados eletrônicas associando descritores e as palavras chaves, por meio de busca booleana correspondente aos blocos conceituais voltados para recuperação de estudos sobre endometriose, dor, manejo da dor e talidomida. Os países dos estudos foram: Irã (n =1, 50%) e Turquia (n = 1, 50%). Todos os artigos (n = 2; 100%) foram publicados em inglês. Quanto ao ano de publicação, observa-se que todos foram publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Nos estudos onde há comparação entre talidomida e placebo observa-se que há uma alta resposta associada com a redução de fatores inflamatórios impactando diretamente na melhora clínica dos quadros álgicos com benefícios que levam até a redução de fatores de crescimento e controle do ciclo das metaloproteinases (MPP). A busca dos estudos mostrou a atividade antiangiogênica e anti-inflamatória do fármaco, o que sugere uma opção para ser utilizada como tratamento de dor, contudo poucas literaturas estão disponíveis com talidomida.

Background/Objectives: Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases; however, evidence in the literature indicates anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting potential for therapeutic repositioning. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of ambroxol in an experimental model of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Adult male Wistar rats underwent OA induction on day zero (D0) by sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA) injection and were allocated into the following groups: Healthy, negative control (CTRL−), and groups treated with meloxicam (2 mg/kg) or ambroxol (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally (gavage) once daily for 28 days. Behavioral tests were performed, including rotarod, walkway gait analysis, weight-bearing, Von Frey, and Rat Grimace Scale assessments, along with radiographic and histopathological analyses and quantification of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Results: Ambroxol treatment improved nociceptive parameters and motor function, reduced radiographic and histopathological scores, and showed performance comparable to meloxicam in several tests. There was a marked reduction in IL-1β and IL-6 levels, while IL-10 levels were lower in ambroxol-treated groups, suggesting early control of the inflammatory response. Conclusions: The results indicate that ambroxol exhibits antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions and suggest a potential chondroprotective effect, reinforcing its viability as a candidate for therapeutic repositioning in osteoarthritis. Further studies are required to more precisely elucidate its mechanisms of action, define optimal dosing and treatment duration, and support translation to clinical models.

Background/Objective: This study evaluated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of ambroxol in an experimental model of endometriosis. Methods: Ambroxol was administered at doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg (Abx 10, Abx 50, and Abx 100) by daily gavage for 21 days. A medroxyprogesterone-treated group (Progesterone) was included as a positive control. Pain was assessed using validated behavioral tests, including the Rat Grimace Scale (RGS), the von Frey test, and the rotarod test. Additionally, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels and total leukocyte counts were measured in peritoneal lavage fluid. The volumetric reduction in endometriotic implants was evaluated by ultrasonography, while histopathological analysis characterized inflammatory infiltrate and epithelial layer integrity using a standardized scoring system. Results: All ambroxol doses reduced spontaneous pain manifestations throughout the treatment. The mechanical withdrawal threshold significantly increased from the second week onward, and motor quality improved over the course of the study. A significant reduction in IL-1β levels compared with the negative control (Control(−)) was observed on day 21. Abx 50 and Abx 100 significantly reduced implant volumes (48.2% and 56.2%, respectively) and promoted marked disruption of the endometriotic epithelial layer. When compared with Progesterone, higher doses—particularly 100 mg/kg—demonstrated comparable efficacy. Conclusions: Taken together, these pleiotropic effects support the potential for drug repurposing in endometriosis.