title: Luffa operculata effects on the epithelium of frog palate: histological features.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Experimental.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: University of Sao Paulo. monica.menon@br2001.com.br
authors.forename: Mônica Aidar
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Menon-Miyake
authors.forename: Paulo Hilário Nascimento
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Saldiva
authors.forename: Geraldo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lorenzi-Filho
authors.forename: Marcelo Alves
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Ossamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Butugan
authors.forename: Regiani Carvalho de
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Oliveira
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D029776:Luffa / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D010159:Palate / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects; D011892:Rana catesbeiana; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations