Luffa operculata effects on the epithelium of frog palate: histological features

Revista Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia

Oliveira, Regiani Carvalho de¹  Ferreira, Marcelo Alves¹  Laboratório de Poluição Ambiental Experimental¹  Lorenzi-Filho, Geraldo¹  Menon-Miyake, Mônica Aidar¹  FMUSP¹  Saldiva, Paulo Hilário Nascimento¹  Laboratório de Biologia Celular¹  Instituto do Coração¹  Butugan, Ossamu¹ 

关键词: luffa operculata;    rhinitis;    sinusitis;    mucociliary clearance;    tight junctions;    herbal medicine.;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0034-72992005000200003

学科分类：医学（综合）

来源: Associacao Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cervicofacial

【 摘 要 】

Luffa operculata is the botanical name of buchinha-do-norte or cabacinha, which is a medicinal plant widely used for the treatment of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. In Europe and USA, it is available in homeopathic medicines. In Brazil, Luffa operculata dry fruit infusion is inhaled or instilled into the nose releasing profuse mucous secretion, thus relieving nasal symptoms. Nevertheless, this often may cause irritation, epistaxis or anosmia.STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The effects of Luffa operculata were evaluated in different concentration infusions, in isolated frog palate preparation, testing 46 palates after immersion. Four groups (n = 10) were tested with the infusion prepared with frog Ringer (isotonic): control; 60 mg/L; 600 mg/L; and 1200 mg/L. An additional group was tested using the infusion with water (600 mg/L H2O, n = 6). Epithelial samples were harvested to be studied under light microscopy and electron transmission microscopy.RESULTS: In treated palates, light microscopy findings were dose-dependent standard toxic changes. Electron transmission microscopy showed enlargement of intercellular spaces and tight junctions disruption, pointing to ion-fluid transport abnormalities.CONCLUSIONS: Luffa operculata infusion in currently used doses can promote significant structural and ultrastructural changes in the epithelium of this ex vivo model of respiratory mucosa.

【 授权许可】

Unknown