Comparative effects of eugenol to bis-eugenol on oral mucous membranes

The Nutraceutical Dehydrozingerone and Its Dimer Counteract Inflammation- and Oxidative Stress-Induced Dysfunction of In Vitro Cultured Human Endothelial Cells: A Novel Perspective for the Prevention and Therapy of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, mainly induced by inflammation and oxidative stress. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production together with increased adhesion molecules and thrombogenic tissue factor (TF) expression on endothelial cells has a key role in proatherogenic mechanisms. Therefore downmodulation of these molecules could be useful for reducing the severity of inflammation and atherosclerosis progression. Dehydrozingerone (DHZ) is a nutraceutical compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In this study we evaluated the ability of DHZ and its symmetric dimer to modulate hydrogen peroxide- (H₂O₂-) induced ROS production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). We also evaluated intercellular adhesion molecule- (ICAM-) 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule- (VCAM-) 1, and TF expression in HUVEC activated by tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α. HUVEC pretreatment with DHZ and DHZ dimer reduced H₂O₂-induced ROS production and inhibited adhesion molecule expression and secretion. Of note, only DHZ dimer was able to reduce TF expression. DHZ effects were in part mediated by the inhibition of the nuclear factor- (NF-) κB activation. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the DHZ dimer exerts a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antithrombotic activity on endothelial cells and suggest potential usefulness of this compound to contrast the pathogenic mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis progression.

4-Substituted-2-Methoxyphenol: Suitable Building Block to Prepare New Bioactive Natural-like Hydroxylated Biphenyls

A small collection of eugenol- and curcumin-analog hydroxylated biphenyls was prepared by straightforward methods starting from natural 4-substituted-2-methoxyphenols and their antitumoral activity was evaluated in vitro. Two curcumin-biphenyl derivatives showed interesting growth inhibitory activities on different malignant melanoma cell lines with IC₅₀ ranging from 13 to 1 µM. Preliminary molecular modeling studies were carried out to evaluate conformations and dihedral angles suitable for antiproliferative activity in hydroxylated biphenyls bearing a side aliphatic chain.

Effects of visible light-irradiated camphorquinone and 9-fluorenone on murine oral mucosa

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histopathological effects of camphorquinone (CQ) and 9-fluorenone (9F) with or without visible light (VL) irradiation on the oral mucous membranes of mice. VL irradiation resulted in a higher degree of tissue damage after CQ or 9F application, particularly the latter. Necrosis and apoptosis were responsible for the tissue damage after application of either agent in the presence of VL irradiation.

The effect of clove and benzocaine versus placebo as topical anesthetics

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the natural herb clove can replace benzocaine as a topical anesthetic.

METHODS

Topical agents were applied to the maxillary canine buccal mucosa of 73 adult volunteers. Four substances were tested in the study: (1) homemade clove gel, (2) benzocaine 20% gel, (3) placebo that resembles clove and (4) a placebo that resembled benzocaine. After 5 min of material application in a randomized, subject-blinded manner, each participant received two needle sticks. Pain response was registered using a 100 mm visual analogue pain scale.

RESULTS

Both clove and benzocaine gels had significantly lower mean pain scores than placebos (p=0.005). No significant difference was observed between clove and benzocaine regarding pain scores.

CONCLUSION

Clove gel might possess a potential to replace benzocaine as a topical agent before needle insertion.