Several species of the genus Ceiba (Malvaceae) are ethnopharmacologically used. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro beneficial properties of the aqueous stem bark extract of Ceiba speciosa. The extract presented a great amount of phenolic compounds (117.4 ± 6.2 mg GAE/g). The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH (IC = 42.87 μg/mL), ORAC (2351.17 μmol TE/g) and FRAP (235.94 μM FeSO/g) methods. In addition, the extract reduced MCF-7 cell viability as assessed by MTT. However, it prevented mitochondrial membrane depolarization and reduced caspase-9 activity induced by hydrogen peroxide. In conclusion, these findings indicate the extract is an excellent source of natural antioxidants and is able to protect ROS-induced cell death. Therefore, C. speciosa extract may possess beneficial properties for application in pharmaceutical industry as an antioxidant. However, further studies to better elucidate its mechanisms and to isolate its active compounds are required.

Gastrointestinal diseases, such as peptic ulcers, are caused by a damage in the gastric mucosa provoked by several factors. This stomach injury is regulated by many inflammatory mediators and is commonly treated with proton-pump inhibitors, histamine H2 receptor blockers and antacids. However, various medicinal plants have demonstrated positive effects on gastric ulcer treatment, including plants of the Ceiba genus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiulcer and anti-inflammatory activities of the stem bark ethanolic extract of Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hil.) Ravenna. We performed a preliminary quantification of phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), followed by the prospection of other chemical groups through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A set of in vitro assays was used to evaluate the extract potential regarding its antioxidant activity (DPPH: 19.83 ± 0.34 µg/mL; TPC: 307.20 ± 6.20 mg GAE/g of extract), effects on cell viability and on the release of TNF-α in whole human blood. Additionally, in vivo assays were performed to evaluate the leukocyte accumulation and total protein quantification in carrageenan-induced air pouch, as well as the antiulcerogenic effect of the extract on an ethanol-induced ulcer in rats. The extract contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds, as well as sugars and quinic acid derivatives exhibiting potent antioxidant activity and low toxicity. The extract reduced the release of TNF-α in human blood and inhibited the activity of p38α (1.66 µg/mL), JAK3 (5.25 µg/mL), and JNK3 (8.34 µg/mL). Moreover, it reduced the leukocyte recruitment on the pouch exudate and the formation of edema, reverting the effects caused by carrageenan. The extract presented a significant prevention of ulcer formation and a higher reduction than the reference drug, Omeprazole. Therefore, C. speciosa extract has demonstrated relevant therapeutic potential for the treatment of gastric diseases, deserving the continuation of further studies to unveil the mechanisms of action of plant bioactive ingredients.

Therapeutic alternatives of natural origin have been arousing the interest of large research centers that are looking for new bioactive molecules to treat numerous diseases in the context of public health. Among them, infectious diseases, which present antimicrobial resistance, deserve attention. The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of lipid nanocarriers (CLN), as well as the healing activity, arising from the association of tucumã butter with grape seed oil and another one containing microalgae oil. Two formulations were prepared using the high-speed homogenization technique, which was evaluated for antimicrobial action for 10 strains of great clinical importance, including a multiresistant and healing activity. The formulation with Chlorella homosphaera oil showed growth inhibition for the 10 strains tested, in addition to antibiofilm activity for 8 strains, bactericidal action for 3 of 3 isolates, and satisfactory healing action in 48 hours.

O planejamento e a implementação de estratégias de atenção à saúde são imprescindíveis para o aprimoramento das políticas públicas, pois permitem a ampliação das ações desenvolvidas e efetivação de seus objetivos. A integração entre ensino, serviço e comunidade agrega forças e conhecimentos para este planejamento, resultando em benefícios para todos os atores envolvidos. O presente estudo busca relatar a experiência de atividades de uma extensão universitária sobre a construção ferramentas de organização dos serviços para diagnóstico gonorreia e clamídia desenvolvidas por estudantes do curso de Biomedicina, residentes da Residência Multiprofissional em Atenção Clínica Especializada com Ênfase em Infectologia e Neurologia e servidores do Serviço de Assistência Especializada (SAE) e Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA) para infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) da cidade de Santa Maria, RS. Esta extensão foi realizada no período de setembro a novembro de 2020, utilizando como ferramenta metodológica a "espiral construtivista", aliada reuniões de discussão e avaliação. Como resultados, destaca-se a produção do fluxograma de atendimento, um manual de procedimentos para os servidores e materiais de educação em saúde para os usuários do serviço. Com isso, evidenciou-se a importância dessa atividade, pois, através da integração dos diferentes atores se produziu novas metodologias de educação em saúde, organização do serviço e ampliação do conhecimento sobre o assunto, qualificando o processo de formação dos estudantes.

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With the growing need to develop effective and sustainable therapeutic alternatives, research has been focusing on the association of products of natural origin with nanotechnology, which besides enhancing the action, acts to protect the constituents from degradation. A fruit highlighted in research today is Astrocaryum vulgare (Tucumã), as well as natural fixed oils extracted from seeds, such as grape seed oil and microalgae biomass. The present study aimed to evaluate the parameters of pharmacological safety and in vitro hemocompatibility of lipid nanocarriers (CLN) from the association of tucumã butter with two oils (grape seed and microalgae). Hemocompatibility rates were assessed by analyzing hemolytic activity, in addition to clotting time and clot retraction, whereas pharmacological safety analyzed parameters such as cell viability, DNA damage, dichloride and nitric oxide production. The nanocarriers produced through the association of butter with oils showed a satisfactory pharmacological safety and hemocompatibility profile.

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