Preclinical evaluation of Luffa operculata Cogn. and its main active principle in the treatment of bacterial rhinosinusitis

Leonardo Silva,Henrique Olival Costa,Flávia Coelho De Souza,Elaine Monteiro Cardoso Lopes,Suely Mitoi Ykko Ueda

doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2016.11.004

Abstract

IntroductionThe prevalence of rhinosinusitis is quite high. Despite the widespread use of antibiotics for rhinosinusitis, there are other forms of treatment, including phytotherapy. One of the most widely used herbal medicines for treatment of rhinosinusitis is Luffa operculata. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata, determining the toxicity to its use and identifying the active principles presented in the aqueous extract. The secondary objective was to evaluate the action of active principles on bacteria commonly involved in acute rhino sinusitis. MethodsThe study was conducted in experimental model of sinusitis. Three different concentrations of L. operculata were used as local treatment of rhino sinusitis. The results were compared with those observed in control groups that received nasal saline solution. Histological examination of the liver, kidney, spleen, myocardium, brain and lungs of all animals evaluated the toxicity of L. operculata. The aqueous extract used was subjected to chromatographic analysis and an active principle was isolated and tested for in vitro inhibition of bacterial colonies usually found in rhino sinusitis. ResultsIntranasal treatment of sinusitis with L. operculata showed better clinical evolution than control group. Statistically significant difference (p>0.10) between the treated group and the control group was observed in the histologic evaluation for inflammatory pattern. The aqueous extract of L. operculata used presented a predominance of 2,3-dicafeoilglicaric acid, a substance not yet described in the literature. There was a significant difference in bacterial growth of Streptococcus pyogenes on blood-agar plates when under the influence of both the aqueous extract and the active substance. ConclusionTopical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata is effective compared to the application of saline solution for the treatment of bacterial rhinosinusitis in an experimental model. L. operculata determined in vitro inhibition of growth of S. pyogenes.

Highlights

The prevalence of rhinosinusitis is quite high
Data obtained in 2002 indicate that RS account for 9% of the prescribed antibiotics to children and 21% of prescribed antibiotics for adults, what makes it the fifth most common disease for which this type of medication is prescribed in the USA.[4]
The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of topical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata, determining the toxicity to its use and identifying the active principles presented in the aqueous extract

Summary

Introduction

The prevalence of rhinosinusitis is quite high. Despite the widespread use of antibiotics for rhinosinusitis, there are other forms of treatment, including phytotherapy. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical nasal solution of the aqueous extract of L. operculata, determining the toxicity to its use and identifying the active principles presented in the aqueous extract. The secondary objective was to evaluate the action of active principles on bacteria commonly involved in acute rhino sinusitis. Three different concentrations of L. operculata were used as local treatment of rhino sinusitis. The aqueous extract used was subjected to chromatographic analysis and an active principle was isolated and tested for in vitro inhibition of bacterial colonies usually found in rhino sinusitis. Results: Intranasal treatment of sinusitis with L. operculata showed better clinical evolution than control group. The estimated frequency for adults is 2---5 episodes/year.[1] About 0.5%---2% of these common colds result in acute bacterial RS.[2] Sinusitis affects 1 in 7 adults in the United States; resulting in about 31 million individuals diagnosed each year.[3]. Data obtained in 2002 indicate that RS account for 9% of the prescribed antibiotics to children and 21% of prescribed antibiotics for adults, what makes it the fifth most common disease for which this type of medication is prescribed in the USA.[4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion