Biomedical subjects

J Reichling

Publications and source records attributed to J Reichling.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Reduction of behavioural disturbances in elderly dogs supplemented with a standardised Ginkgo leaf extract.

In this open clinical trial conducted in 10 veterinary practices, Ginkgo leaf extract was administered as a dietary supplement to 42 elderly dogs (mean age 11.4 years) at a daily dose of 40 mg/ 10 kg body weight for 8 weeks. The "severity of the geriatric condition" in dogs with a history of geriatric behavioural disturbances (mean duration 12 months), was significantly reduced after 8 weeks of treatment (P = 0.0002). The positive effect was already apparent after 4 weeks. Thirty-six % of the dogs were completely free of clinical signs at study end. Overall efficacy of treatment as judged by the investigator was good or very good in 79% of the dogs. Five of six clinical sign scores (disorientation, sleep/activity changes, behavioural changes, general behaviour and general physical condition/vitality) also showed a significant decrease over the treatment period. In conclusion, these findings provide promising results that could increase the quality of life in the elderly dog and, as a consequence, that of the pet owner. The Ginkgo leaf extract appears to be an efficacious agent that provides a safe dietary supplement for the elderly dog with age-related behavioural disturbances.

Aging↗

PubMed2005

A novel colorimetric broth microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics and essential oils against Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori infections have been associated with the pathogenesis of a number of stomach and gastroduodenal diseases. In order to find alternative drugs for their treatment the search is increasingly focused on new antimicrobial products. However, no standardized methods are available to test the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity in particular of natural substances. Therefore we developed a broth microdilution assay to investigate the susceptibility of this fastidious slow growing bacterium against 15 essential oils widely used to treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The MIC values were determined colorimetrically using p-iodonitrophenyltetrazolium violet (INT) as an indicator for bacterial cell viability. The test sytem was evaluated with three common antibiotics: amoxicillin, ampicillin and levofloxacin. The antibiotic MICs were controlled by Etest. The Helicobacter reference strain was remarkably susceptible to both the antibiotics (amoxicillin MIC: 0.02 microg/ml, ampicillin MIC: 0.064 microg/ml, levofloxacin MIC: 0.39 microg/ml) and the essential oils. Most of their MICs ranged from 0.015 to 0.064% (v/v) and about 140.0 to 280.0 microg/ml, respectively. Interestingly, chamomile oil, orange flower oil and ginger oil inhibited the bacterial growth in extraordinarily low concentrations of 0.0075% (v/v) and about 65 microg/ml, respectively. The bactericidal concentrations were generally one to two dilution steps higher. In conclusion, we could develop an innovative assay for the MIC determination of essential oils and antibiotics against Helicobacter pylori, which is simple to handle, accurate, reproducible and not as time- and material-consuming as traditional agar dilution techniques.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2004

Cimicifuga racemosa extract inhibits proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive and negative human breast carcinoma cell lines by induction of apoptosis.

Hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated in women with breast cancer. Extracts from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga racemosa, have gained acceptance as a natural alternative for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. In the present study we investigated the antiproliferative activity of C. racemosa extracts (isopropanolic and ethanolic) on the estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 and estrogen receptor negative MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells by WST-1 assay. Down regulation of the proliferative activity and cell killing by isopropanolic and ethanolic extracts occurred in a clear dose-dependent response with a 50% growth inhibitory concentration of 54.1 +/- 11.4 and 80.6 +/- 17.7 micro g/ml in MCF-7 cells and of 29.5 +/- 3.0 and 58.6 +/- 12.6 microg/ml in MDA-MB231 cells, respectively. Further, the mode of cell death was identified as apoptosis by microscopic inspection and confirmed by light scatter characteristics and by detection of Annexin V adherence to phosphatidylserine by flow cytometry. In addition, the involvement of activated caspases was supported by the cleavage of cytokeratin 18 detected with M30 antibody. Increases in the level of M30-antigen of about 4-fold and 2-fold over untreated controls were observed in C. racemosa -treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells. These results indicate that C. racemosa extract exerts no proliferative activity, but kills the estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 as well as estrogen receptor negative MDA-MB231 cells by activation of caspases and induction of apoptosis.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

PubMed2004

Dietary support with Boswellia resin in canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease.

An open multi-centre veterinary clinical trial, comparing conditions before and after treatment with a herbal dietary supplement consisting of a natural resin extract of Boswellia serrata, was conducted by 10 practicing veterinarians in Switzerland. This traditional plant-based supplement is known for its anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties. 29 dogs with manifestations of chronic joint and spinal disease were enrolled. Osteoarthritis and degenerative conditions were confirmed radiologically in 25 of 29 cases. The resin extract (BSB108, product of Bogar AG) was administered with the regular food at a dose of 400 mg/10 kg body weight once daily for 6 weeks. Already after two weeks of treatment, an overall efficacy of the dietary supplement was evident in 71% of 24 eligible dogs. A statistically significant reduction of severity and resolution of typical clinical signs in individual animals, such as intermittent lameness, local pain and stiff gait, were reported after 6 weeks. Effects of external factors that aggravate lameness, such as "lameness when moving" and "lameness after a long rest" diminished gradually. In 5 dogs, reversible brief episodes of diarrhea and flatulence occurred, but only once was a relationship to the study preparation suspected. Because quality and stability of the resin extract were ensured, these data suggest that a standardized preparation can be recommended as a herbal dietary supplement providing symptomatic support in canine osteoarthritic disease.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Meta-analysis: phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (Iberogast).

BACKGROUND: Despite a long-standing use of herbal drugs with dyspeptic symptoms, little attention has been paid to their clinical evaluation. AIM: To assess efficacy and safety of the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (containing, e.g. Iberis, peppermint, chamomile) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Research in electronic databases, consultation of experts and of the producer identified STW 5 (Iberogast) as descriptor in six randomized-controlled trials. The raw data of three placebo-controlled studies which met the selection criteria, were reanalysed and pooled for meta-analysis; one reference-controlled study supported the safety analysis (STW 5: n = 199, control: n = 198). RESULTS: Pooled data showed verum (n = 138) to be more effective than placebo (n = 135) with regard to the severity of the most bothersome gastrointestinal symptom (P-value: 0.001, odds ratio: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.47). A fourth randomized-controlled trial showed no significant difference between STW 5 and cisapride. As to safety, adverse events were similar with verum and placebo; no serious adverse events occurred. DISCUSSIONS: From the point of view of efficacy and safety, the herbal medicinal product STW 5 appears to be a valid therapeutic option for patients seeking phytotherapy for their symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

Dyspepsia↗

PubMed2004

Topical tea tree oil effective in canine localised pruritic dermatitis--a multi-centre randomised double-blind controlled clinical trial in the veterinary practice.

Tea tree oil, a volatile oil, is well known for its broad antibacterial and antifungal activity. A standardised and stabilised 10% tea tree oil cream was tested against a commercial skin care cream (control cream) in the management of canine localised acute and chronic dermatitis. Fifty-seven dogs with clinical manifestations of mostly pruritic skin lesions or alterations, skin fold pyodermas and other forms of dermatitis, corroborated by predominantly positive fungal and bacterial skin isolates, were enrolled by seven practising veterinarians and randomly allocated to two study groups (28:29) and were treated twice daily with a blinded topical preparation. After 10 days of treatment, success rates of 71% for the tea tree oil cream and 41% for the control cream (over-all efficacy documented by the veterinary investigator) differed significantly (p = 0.04), favouring tea tree oil cream treatment. Accordingly on day 10, the tea tree oil cream caused significantly faster relief than the control cream (p = 0.04) for two common clinical dermatitis signs, pruritus (occurring in 84 % of dogs) and alopecia. Only one adverse event was reported in the tea tree oil group (suspected not to be causally related to the study drug) and none in the control cream group. The tested herbal cream appears to be a fast-acting safe alternative to conventional therapy for symptomatic treatment of canine localised dermatitis with pruritus.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2004

Iberis amara L. and Iberogast--results of a systematic review concerning functional dyspepsia.

A systematic review referring to efficacy and tolerability of the herbal combination Iberogast (Iberis amara planta totalis, Chelidonii herba, Cardui mariae fructus, Melissae folium, Carvi fructus, Liquiritiae radix, Angelicae radix, Matricariae flos, Menthae piperitae folium) was performed in patients with functional dyspepsia. Three placebo-controlled trials and a reference-controlled trial showed a statistical significant and therapeutical relevant reduction of the gastrointestinal symptom-scores in 595 patients. The therapeutic efficacy was also found in one observational study (2267 patients). In accordance with the available evidence Iberogast seems to be an effective phytotherapeutic preparation to reduce the symptoms of dyspepsia yet, without central nervous side effects.

Dyspepsia↗

PubMed2003

Echinacea powder: treatment for canine chronic and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections.

An open multi-centered veterinary clinical trial, comparing conditions before and after treatment with a herbal preparation, containing the powdered root of Echinacea purpurea, was conducted by 6 practicing veterinarians in Switzerland. The plant-based immune stimulant was administered to 41 dogs with manifestations of chronic and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis/tonsillitis, bronchitis and kennel cough. Each animal was at an individual stage of the disease, with various symptoms and different severity scores, at start of treatment. There was no control group. Echinacea powder (1:3) was administered with the food at a dose of 1.0 g/10 kg body weight once daily for 8 weeks. Overall efficacy showed significant improvement for 92% of 39 dogs after 4 weeks of treatment and this was confirmed after 8 weeks. Significant reductions of severity and resolution of typical clinical symptoms, of clear nasal secretions, enlargement of lymph nodes, dry cough, dyspnea and dry lung sounds, were evident after 4 weeks. Only two adverse effects, not suspected to be attributable to the study drug, were recorded. Because quality and stability of the Echinacea powder were defined, using an analytical standard and purity tests, these data suggest, that the Echinacea preparation can be recommended as a well tolerated alternative treatment of canine upper respiratory tract infections.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Virucidal effect of peppermint oil on the enveloped viruses herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro.

The virucidal effect of peppermint oil, the essential oil of Mentha piperita, against herpes simplex virus was examined. The inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was tested in vitro on RC-37 cells using a plaque reduction assay. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of peppermint oil for herpes simplex virus plaque formation was determined at 0.002% and 0.0008% for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Peppermint oil exhibited high levels of virucidal activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in viral suspension tests. At noncytotoxic concentrations of the oil, plaque formation was significantly reduced by 82% and 92% for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Higher concentrations of peppermint oil reduced viral titers of both herpesviruses by more than 90%. A clearly time-dependent activity could be demonstrated, after 3 h of incubation of herpes simplex virus with peppermint oil an antiviral activity of about 99% could be demonstrated. In order to determine the mode of antiviral action of the essential oil, peppermint oil was added at different times to the cells or viruses during infection. Both herpesviruses were significantly inhibited when herpes simplex virus was pretreated with the essential oil prior to adsorption. These results indicate that peppermint oil affected the virus before adsorption, but not after penetration into the host cell. Thus this essential oil is capable to exert a direct virucidal effect on HSV. Peppermint oil is also active against an acyclovir resistant strain of HSV-1 (HSV-1-ACV(res)), plaque formation was significantly reduced by 99%. Considering the lipophilic nature of the oil which enables it to penetrate the skin, peppermint oil might be suitable for topical therapeutic use as virucidal agent in recurrent herpes infection.

Acyclovir↗

PubMed2003

[St. John' Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)--multicompound preparations versus single substances].

Aqueous alcoholic extracts of St. John s wort are used for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Recently, Hypericum extracts were also shown to inhibit the growth of various human malignant cells. We promote the hypothesis that the various biological activities of aqueous Hypericum extracts are based on synergistic interactions of all compounds present therein and not on the pharmacological activities of single compounds.

Antidepressive Agents↗

PubMed2003

[St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): a plurivalent raw material for traditional and modern therapies].

St. John's Wort is one of the oldest and one of the best experimentally and clinically examined herbal remedies. In various medical cultures and medical systems--that is to say the regions of origin of Hypericum perforatum, like Europe, West Asia and North Africa--St. John's Wort has been used as a remedy for centuries. Preparations from St. John's Wort not only represent medical traditions but also ways of thinking, ideas and experiences from naturopathic healers (non-physicians) as well as patients. The complex multicompound with its evolutionary and coevolutionary developed composition and structure acts as a varied raw material for the production of quantitative and qualitative dissimilar remedies, which are multicompounds themselves. They differ not only analytically but also quite often in their effects. The certain and potential spectrum of internal and external uses includes gastrointestinal complaint and illness, skin disease, mucosal lesion, superficial injury, depressive upset and depression, somatoform disorders, restlessness, nervosity, convalescence, exhaustion, sleep disturbance and nursing treatment. The plurivalent character of the multicompound even enables a broad spectrum of activity. This might justify to prefer St. John's Wort to other drugs in a wide range of treatments: In tumor patients with depression the antioxidative effect and the experimentally documented induction of apoptosis could mean an additional advantage, and in depressive patients with coronary heart disease the same applies to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2003

Review of laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery in the "Zitha" Hospital (Luxembourg) in the year 2002.

BACKGROUND: A review and outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the visceral surgery unit in the Zitha Hospital for the year 2002. METHODS: All patients, presenting with benign or malignant disease of the colon or rectum were evaluated. Depending on the tumour size, a laparoscopic approach is advocated whenever possible. Operation and patient specific factors (age, duration of the procedure and duration of hospital stay, diagnosis of malignant tumour versus benign disease, conversion and complication rate) are presented. Patients who had to be converted are classified under the open surgery group. RESULTS: A total of 103 laparoscopic or open procedures on the colon/rectum were performed between the 1st of January 2002 and the 31st of December 2002. 74% were treated by a laparoscopic and 26% by an open approach. 10 out of 103 patients did not undergo a colonic resection but instead an emergency colostomy/ ileostomy or oversewing of a bowel leak, in 8 cases performed laparoscopically. 44 patients have been operated for a benign disease (36 laparoscopic and 8 open procedures) and 59 patients have been treated for a malignant disease (40 laparoscopic and 19 open procedures). The average operating time for the laparoscopic resection was 160 minutes in comparison to 182 minutes for the open resection. The conversion rate (inclusive of non-resection procedures) was 5% for a benign disease and 11% for colorectal cancer. The minor complication rate was 16% in laparoscopic surgery and 30% in open surgery. We saw two major complications in both the open and laparoscopic groups (4%). Reoperation was necessary in one patient out of 103. The average postoperative hospital stay was 7.78 days for the laparoscopic and 16.6 days for the open group. The hospital mortality was 2.9%. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic colorectal resection is a safe and beneficial procedure for the patient when used in experienced hands.

Colonic Neoplasms↗

PubMed2002

Antifungal effect of Australian tea tree oil on Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from canines suffering from cutaneous skin disease.

The lipophilic yeast Malassezia pachydermatis is part of the normal skin flora of most warm-blooded organisms. In a number of surveys it could be demonstrated that this yeast species might be involved in different skin diseases like seborrhoeic dermatitis, especially in dogs and cats. In order to look for an alternative therapeutic agent to the commonly used antimycotic and antiseptic synthetic substances the in vitro activity of Australian tea tree oil, the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, against several strains of Malassezia pachydermatis was examined. All tested strains showed remarkably high susceptibility to tea tree oil. With these results the excellent antibacterial activity of tea tree oil is extended to a new group of fungal pathogens colonizing mainly mammals' skin. During the last ten years there was an increasing popularity of tea tree oil containing human health care products. The presented data open up new horizons for this essential oil as a promising alternative agent for topical use in veterinary medicine as well.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Phytotherapy of chronic dermatitis and pruritus of dogs with a topical preparation containing tea tree oil (Bogaskin).

Localised dermatitis, for example unspecific eczema or skinfold pyoderma, is a very common diagnosis in dogs. Typical and impressive complaints are pruritus, erythema, erosion and oozing surface. With respect to the underlying disease dermatological treatment is indicated, usually based on antimicrobial and antipruriginous active substances, it can include transient glucocorticoids. An effective and safe alternative might be a phytotherapeutic topical preparation containing tea tree oil. Tea tree oil exerts both antimicrobial and antipruriginous effects. In an open multicenter study efficacy and safety of a standardized 10% tea tree oil cream applied thinly and twice daily for 4 weeks was tested in 53 dogs with chronic dermatitis, particularly non-specific eczema, allergic dermatitis, interdigital pyoderma, acral lick dermatitis and skinfold pyoderma. Analysis of efficacy assessed by investigating veterinarians showed a good or very good response to treatment for 82% of the dogs, significant at a 5% level (p = 0.05). At the end of the study a strong and significant reduction (p = 0.001) as well as disappearance of major symptoms were observed. Only two adverse events (local reactions) possibly related to tea tree oil occurred during therapy. Consequently the tested study medication (Bogaskin) can be considered an alternative for uncomplicated and localised dermatitis in dogs. Bogaskin might allow reduction of other pharmaceutical products, perhaps even replace standard therapy.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2002

[Adverse effects and interactions of phytotherapeutic drugs].

The significantly increased sales figures many phytopharmaceuticals have achieved during the last years prove the confidence that a great part of the population has in herbal remedies. This is primarily due to the wide-spread opinion that herbal remedies are free from side-effects. The long tradition and presumed 'natural' origin are no guarantee for safety in the treatment with herbal remedies. Even if a large proportion of the undesirable events is traceable to falsifications, impurities and lacking quality controls, herbal drugs with controlled quality should not be generally classified as harmless. In the meantime it has been possible to prove the presence of active substances with toxic and cancerogenic properties in various phytopharmaceuticals. Interactions with other drugs have been documented in a number of notes, where phytopharmaceuticals could influence the blood plasma level of various drugs, presumably by activating or inhibiting the cytochrom-P450-system. At present, especially data about adverse effects during long-term administration of herbal remedies are under-represented. Particularly because of their presumed harmlessness they often are prescribed in the case of chronic diseases and then taken over a longer period of time. The frequency of undesirable effects of phytopharmaceuticals is remarkably low, even if the present lack of data about side-effects is considered.

Drug Contamination↗

PubMed2002

Antiseptic effect of a topical dermatological formulation that contains Hamamelis distillate and urea.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the antimicrobial activity of a distillate of Hamamelis (Aqua Hamamelidis ), United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) 23, and urea formulated as a topical dermatological preparation that contains both active ingredients. METHODS: Using the simple occlusion test and expanded flora test, we conducted in vivo studies in 15 healthy volunteers. We also performed in vitro studies using the agar diffusion test. RESULTS: The occlusion test and expanded flora test demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity for a product containing the Hamamelis distillate (90%) and urea (5%) among other ingredients. The expanded flora test demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity for both Hamamelis distillate and urea. The simple occlusion test showed the same tendency, but results were not significant. The agar diffusion test showed inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, among other organisms. Comparison with earlier studies of chlorhexidine digluconate and fuchsine using the same method showed that the antimicrobial activities of Hamamelis distillate and urea were relatively weak. This finding is supported by the weak inhibitory activity observed in the agar diffusion test (using 100% of the finished dosage form). CONCLUSION: Formulations of Hamamelis distillate and urea are mainly used for their antiinflammatory, hydrating, and barrier-stabilizing effects in dermatitis maintenance therapy. As bacterial colonization has a central role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and intertrigo, the antimicrobial activity of such products is considered a welcome, added benefit.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2002

[Iberogast: a modern phytotherapeutic combined herbal drug for the treatment of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome)--from phytomedicine to "evidence based phytotherapy." A systematic review].

Iberogast is a complex herbal preparation. As a fixed drug combination (9 constituents) it is composed of a fresh plant extract of Iberis amara and of extracts of 8 other dried herbal drugs ( Chelidonii herba, Cardui mariae fructus, Melissae folium, Carvi fructus, Liquiritiae radix, Angelicae radix, Matricariae flos, Menthae piperitae folium). The pharmacological effects as well as the therapeutic effectiveness, tolerability, and toxicity of Iberogast were experimentally and clinically recorded and documented using modern investigation tools. Both the experimental as well as the clinical studies indicated a regulatory influence of Iberogast on the whole gastrointestinal tract by a special dual action. While the included extracts of the dried herbal drugs have mainly spasmolytic properties, the fresh plant extract of Iberis amara has a tonic effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the predistension of the gastric or intestinal wall, the tonic or the spasmolytic effects of Iberogast prevail. Both the fresh plant extract of Iberis amara and the combined preparation of Iberogast were found to be toxicologically safe in therapeutically effective doses. For the estimation of the clinical effectiveness a systematic review was performed (data research: January 1970 to September 2002). As shown in controlled (according GCP standard) as well as supportive and uncontrolled clinical studies, the symptoms of functional dyspepsia and of irritable bowel syndrome (one controlled study and one observational study) could be significantly reduced by these herbal preparation in comparison to placebo. Two trials comparing Iberogast with the prokinetics metoclopramide and cisapride demonstrated a comparable therapeutic effectiveness of the herbal preparation and the prokinetics in the treatment of dyspepsia. Adverse events were rare and, with respect to frequency and spectrum, partly the same as found with placebo. Another advantage of Iberogast is that it targets only the gastrointestinal tract and the enteral nervous system, but not the central nervous system. Because of its special dual action, its clinically proven effectiveness, and its good tolerability, Iberogast may be a drug of first choice in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal diseases and their corresponding symptoms.

Brassicaceae↗

PubMed2002

[Iberis amara L. (bitter candytuft)--profile of a medicinal plant].

Iberis amara L (Brassicaceae) is wide-spread in Europe and grows preferably in grain fields, in warm, sunny and dry, mainly loamy and loessial soil which is high in calcium. The plants contain amines, cucurbitacines, flavonoglycosides, and mustard oil glycosides. A fixed combination of the whole, blooming, fresh plant with clear seed formation ( Iberis amara totalis) is used in a phytotherapeutical product (Iberogast). In pharmacological studies both in vitro (e.g., in guinea pig ileum) and in vivo (e.g., in Wistar rats) the fresh plant extract of Iberis amara (IF) exhibited a tonicising effect on the smooth muscles of the stomach and small intestine. In the rat IF produced a dose-dependent antiulcerogenic effect (indomethacin-induced ulcer) comparable to that of cimetidine (reference substance). The stomach acid release and the leucotriene-concentration, increased by indomethacin, were reduced by IF, whereas the prostaglandin E2 content, reduced by indomethacin, was increased. In patients with irritable bowel syndrome as a subtypological symptom associated with diarrhea and in patients with alternating diarrhea and obstipation, clear differences were found between drug and placebo in a multicenter, prospective, double-blind, randomized parallel group comparison. Toxological studies conducted with various cell lines in vitro and in rats and mice have shown that the fresh plant extract of Iberis amara in therapeutical relevant doses has no cytotoxic and no acute toxic action. In mutagenicity investigations there were no indications of genotoxic or mutagenic potential.

Animals↗