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The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of celecoxib compared to non-opioid drugs after third molar surgery. A search in PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to identify clinical trials, and then, the Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias for all clinical trials. Studies without any high-risk of bias were included in the statistical analysis. The data extraction included the pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), the number of patients using rescue analgesics and adverse effects of gastric (nausea and vomiting), and nervous (dizziness and headache) systems. Data were analyzed using the Review Manager Software 5.3 for Windows and the Risk Reduction Calculator. The visual analog scale, total pain relief, and the number of patients who needed rescue analgesics showed statistical significance. Moreover, celecoxib had a lower frequency of nausea and vomiting compared with ibuprofen. In conclusion, celecoxib was more effective than acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain control after third molar surgery.

This study aims to assess the prevalence of herbal medicine (HM) use and factors influencing HM usage including the identification of the main plants consumed by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in central-western Mexico.A total of 1862 patients with diabetes were surveyed in public and private hospitals in four states (Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, and San Luis Potosi) of the central-western region of Mexico. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between HM use and demographic characteristics, such as glucose levels, presence of complications and comorbidities, as well as the selected therapy to treat T2DM.The prevalence of HM use (59.2%) in patients with T2DM was mainly associated with education level (p = 0.001), time of diagnosis of T2DM (p = 0.004), presence of complications (p0.001) and comorbidities (p = 0.018) and the use of insulin (p0.001). These patients report a higher consumption of herbal medicine compared to those on glycemic control (p0.001). The most frequently used medicinal plants to treat T2DM were nopal (54.9%), moringa (26.7%), and aloe (22.1%).The prevalence of HM use to treat T2DM in west-central Mexico is high (59.2%) and its consumption is mostly carried out without the recommendation of a health professional (91.9%). The use of HM increases mainly when the patient uses insulin, during complications of the disease or in patients with an inadequate glycemic control.

Background The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of allopathic and complementary medicine use for preventing the infection with SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire among general adult population (n = 16,724) of the 32 Mexican states from March to November 2020. Methods The factors associated with the use, self-medication practice, and adverse reactions due the consumption of allopathic and complementary medicine to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus were assessed using a structured questionnaire. The suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of drugs or complementary medicine were reported. Results The prevalence (42.9%) of allopathic and/or complementary medicine use for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection was mainly associated with unemployment [OR:2.026 (1.722–2.283)]. Acetaminophen (n = 2272) and vitamin C (n = 3252) were the main allopathic and complementary medicine products used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. The prevalence of self-medication and adverse reactions was 35.3% and 4.8%, respectively. Self-medication [OR:1.930 (1.633–2.282)] and adverse reactions [OR:2.603 (2.015–3.363)] were mainly associated with individuals of low socioeconomic status. Hydroxychloroquine (21.2%) and chloroquine (15.2%) showed the highest prevalence of adverse reactions, which were mainly related to gastrointestinal disorders. Conclusion The use of medications and complementary medicine to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection is prevalent (almost one-half of the respondents) among Mexican population, and it is mainly associated with unemployment. Self-medication and the adverse reactions derived from self-medication are also prevalent and seem to be influenced by low socioeconomic status.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety profile of ropivacaine in comparison with other dental anesthetics in different clinical conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This meta-analysis was registered in the National Institute for Health Research PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020205580). PubMed and Scholar Google were consulted to identify clinical trials using ropivacaine in comparison with other local anesthetic drugs for any dental procedure. Articles comparing ropivacaine and other dental anesthetics were assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Data from reports without a high risk of bias were extracted (anesthetic and adverse effects) and analyzed using the Review Manager Software 5.3. for Windows and the Risk Reduction Calculator.Ropivacaine produces a longer anesthetic time when compared with lidocaine/adrenaline (n = 260; p = 0.00001) and similar anesthesia than bupivacaine (n = 190).Data of this study indicate that ropivacaine infiltration produces a longer anesthetic time when compared with lidocaine and articaine but not when compared to bupivacaine in dental procedures.Ropivacaine was more effective than lidocaine for dental anesthesia. For this reason, the manufacture of a ropivacaine dental cartridge with a suitable concentration could be an important advancement for clinical practice.

Background Drugs used for the treatment of diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis have the potential to cause undesirable side-effects, which might result in patients ending treatment prematurely. However, plants are a viable option for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we assessed the in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, and the antitumor effects of the chloroform extract of Salvia ballotiflora (ECL). The pro-apoptotic effects of ECL in CT26 cells were also determined. Methods The chloroform extract of Salvia ballotiflora (ECL) was standardized using 19-deoxyicetexone (DEOX) as a phytochemical marker. The anti-inflammatory activity of ECL was determined on acute and chronic inflammatory models using the TPA-induced mouse ear edema assay. The antitumor activity of ECL was evaluated by the subcutaneous inoculation of CT26 cells on the back of Balb/c mice. In vitro CT26 cell death induced by ECL was determined by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining assay using flow cytometry. ECL and the diterpenes isolated from the chloroform extract included 19-deoxyicetexone (DEOX), icetexone (ICT), and 7,20-dihydroanastomosine (DAM), which were tested in LPS-stimulated J774A.1 macrophages to quantify pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. The in vitro anti-arthritic activity of ECL was determined using the bovine serum protein (BSP) denaturation assay. Results ECL exerted anti-inflammatory activities in acute (84% of inhibition, 2 mg/ear) and chronic models (62.71%, at 100 mg/kg). ECL showed antitumor activity at 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, reducing tumor volume by 30 and 40%, respectively. ECL (9.5 μg/mL) induced in vitro apoptosis in CT26 cells by 29.1% (48 h of treatment) and 93.9% (72 h of treatment). ECL (10 μg/ml) decreased levels of NO (53.7%), pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (44.9%), IL-1β (71.9%), and TNF-α (40.1%), but increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (44%). The diterpenes DEOX, ICT, and DAM decreased levels of NO (38.34, 47.63, 67.15%), IL-6 (57.84, 60.45, 44.26%), and TNF-α (38.90, 31.30, 32.83%), respectively. ECL showed in vitro antiarthritic activity (IC50 = 482.65 μg/mL). Conclusions ECL exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. Furthermore, the diterpenes DEOX, DAM, and ICT showed anti-inflammatory activity by reducing levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive interaction between dexketoprofen and tapentadol in three different dose ratios, as well as the ulcerogenic activity of this combination. Dose-response curves were carried out for dexketoprofen, tapentadol, and dexketoprofen-tapentadol combinations in the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. On the other hand, the gastric damage of all treatments was assessed after the surgical extraction of the stomachs. Intraperitoneal administration of dexketoprofen and tapentadol induced a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect, reaching a maximal effect of about 58% and 99%, respectively. Isobolographic analysis and the interaction index showed that the three proportions produced an analgesic potentiation (synergistic interaction). Interestingly, the 1:1 and 1:3 ratios of the drugs combination produced minor gastric injury in comparison with the 3:1 proportion. Our data suggest that all proportions of the dexketoprofen-tapentadol combination produced a synergistic interaction in the acetic acid-induced visceral pain model in mice with a low incidence of gastric injury.

Mansoa hymenaea (DC.) A.H. Gentry is used in traditional medicine to treat pain, arthritis, and rheumatoid disease. It has also been demonstrated that species belonging to the Mansoa genus exert cy...

The 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay is a valid and commonly test used to measure the total antioxidant capacity in natural extracts. The results of this assay are frequently expressed as IC50 values. Nevertheless, the reported IC50 value is influenced by the concentration of the DPPH solution used in the methodology. Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine an IC50 value free of the influence of the DPPH concentration to evaluate correctly the antioxidant capacity of natural compounds. We have established a standardized unit for the antioxidant concentration (ng antioxidant agent/ nmol DPPH) in the concentration–response curves. Then, these curves were used to calculate the IC50 values. The natural antioxidants assessed in this study were ascorbic acid, quercetin and an ethanolic extract of Justicia spicigera. The IC50 values were estimated from nonlinear and linear regression analyses. The use of standardized units resulted in similar curves and IC50 values for the same natural antioxidant (P values from 0.0931 to 0.5512), under different concentrations of the DPPH radical. The lack of usage of standardized units resulted in different curves and IC50 values (P values from 0.0002 to 0.0022). In conclusion, our practical standardization provides a correct interpretation of the antioxidant capacities of natural products under the DPPH scavenging assay.

This work describes the neuropharmacological (sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant) actions of Gardenin A (GA) (0.1-25 mg/kg p.o.), a flavonoid found in medicinal plants. The sedative effects of GA were assessed with the pentobarbital-induced sleep test. The anxiolytic actions of GA were evaluated with the elevated plus-maze, the light-dark box test, the exploratory cylinder assay, and the open field test. Motor coordination was evaluated with the rotarod test and the open field test. The antidepressant-like actions of GA were evaluated with the tail suspension test and forced swimming test. The mechanisms of the anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effects of GA were assessed using inhibitors of neurotransmission pathways. The anticonvulsant activity of GA was evaluated with the strychnine-induced seizure test. The sedative effects of GA were evident only at a dose of 25 mg/kg, which increased the duration of sleep but did not alter sleep onset. GA showed anxiolytic-like actions with activity comparable to that of clonazepam in all experimental tests. The GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline reversed the anxiolytic-like effects of GA. Furthermore, GA showed significant antidepressant-like actions in both models with activity comparable to that of fluoxetine. Yohimbine, an α2-adrenoceptor blocker, inhibited the antidepressant-like actions of GA. In addition, GA (1-10 mg/kg) did not affect locomotor coordination in mice and delayed the onset of convulsions. These findings suggest that GA induces anxiolytic-like effects and has anticonvulsant actions by the possible involvement of the GABAergic system. The antidepressant-like actions of GA may be mediated by noradrenergic neurotransmission.

In recent decades, there has been an increase in anthropogenic activities such as industrialization, urbanization, energy generation, agricultural practices, and the burning of fossil fuels, which has resulted in an increase of heavy metals (HM) concentrations in soils and waters to amounts that are harmful to plants, animals, and humans. An alternative is the use of plants with ability to produce large amounts of biomass and with active mechanisms for the phytoextraction of pollutants, that is, the application of green technologies such as phytoremediation. However, there are plants with great capacity to remove pollutants, but they produce little biomass. In that sense, the genetic transformation of plants is an alternative. This chapter summarizes the work that has been carried out so far where plant engineering is used to improve tolerance and removal of HM in contaminated areas. The information here described will be useful for to design strategies of phytoremediation of contaminated sites.

Bidens odorata Cav (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant employed for the treatment of pain, anxiety, and depression. This study aimed to evaluate some neuropharmacological effects of an ethanol extract of B. odorata (BOE) and assess its antinociceptive interaction with naproxen and paracetamol. The following neuropharmacological effects were evaluated with the ethanolic extract of B. odorata leaves (BOE) (10–200 mg/kg p.o.): the strychnine-induced-convulsion assay (anticonvulsant effect), rotarod test (locomotor activity), tail suspension test (anti-depressant-like activity), cylinder exploratory test (anxiolytic-like actions), and pentobarbital-induced sleep test (sedative effect). The interaction of the BOE-paracetamol and BOE-naproxen combinations were evaluated with the acetic acid-induced writhing test. The ED50 value of each drug was estimated and the combinations of paracetamol and naproxen with BOE were calculated. BOE (100–200 mg/kg) showed anti-convulsant activity by increasing the latency to occurrence of strychnine-induced convulsions, antidepressant-like effects by 28% and 33%, respectively, exerted anxiolytic actions (ED50 = 125 mg/kg), but did not affect motor locomotion. The pre-treatment with 2 mg/kg flumazenil or 20 mg/kg pentylenetetrazol partially reverted the anxiolytic activity shown by BOE alone. BOE (200 mg/kg) prolonged the duration of sleep with similar effect in comparison to clonazepam (1.5 mg/kg). The combinations of BOE-paracetamol (1:1) and BOE-naproxen (1:1) showed antinociceptive synergism. BOE induces sedative and anticonvulsant effects. The anxiolytic actions shown by BOE are probably induced by the participation of the GABAergic system. BOE exerts antinociceptive synergistic interaction with paracetamol and naproxen probably by the participation of nitric oxide and ATP-sensitive K+ channels, respectively.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a great concern worldwide. There is a great need to develop new drugs with the potential to attack target cells that show MDR phenotype. The purpose of this study was to assess the reversing effect of new N-alkyl-3,4-diarylmaleimides on Bacillus subtilis resistant to rhodamine 6G as an indicator of its activity as modulators of efflux pumps and their additional potential as new antimicrobials. The efflux pump modulator effects of N-alkyl-3-4-diarylmaleimides were tested using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) method on B. subtilis wild type and B. subtilis resistant to R6G, as well as on MDR bacteria isolated from clinical samples (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium, and Acinetobacter baumannii). In addition, their antimicrobial activity was evaluated on clinical isolates. Five N-alkyl-3,4-diarylmaleimides showed the highest reversing activity on the resistance in the Bacillus model as well as with the bacteria isolated from clinical samples. Antimicrobial activity was observed in N-alkyl-3,4-diarylmaleimides against bacteria isolated from clinical samples. The results suggest that N-alkyl-3,4-diarylmaleimides have a potential activity in reversing MDR phenotype and as antimicrobials and may be considered as a potentially molecules to improve chemotherapy on resistant cells.

Laelia anceps subsp. anceps es una especie de la familia Orchidaceae que presenta altas tasas de extracción y comercio ilegal en diversos estados de la República Mexicana, además requiere de condiciones nutricionales específicas debido a sus características de desarrollo y distribución. Por lo cual, el objetivo de la presente investigación fue establecer un protocolo de micropropagación in vitro comparando el efecto de la citocinina 6-bencilaminopurina (BAP) y el nitrato de potasio (KNO3). Para ello, se cultivaron semillas estériles en medio MS sin reguladores de crecimiento vegetal. Posterior a la germinación, se indujo en las vitroplantas la formación de brotes y raíces en medio MS, suplementado con 0, 2.5, 5.0 y 10 mg L-1 de BAP o 0, 2.5, 5.0 y 10 mg L-1 de KNO3. Los resultados mostraron que la adición de BAP mejoró el proceso de propagación en todos los tratamientos analizados, en tanto que, la adición de 10 mg L-1 de KNO3 indujo los mejores resultados al producir 11.4 ± 0.6 raíces las cuales desarrollaron velamen, una estructura radicular que favorece la absorción de agua. Estos resultados sugieren que a mayor concentración de KNO3 podrían mejorar los resultados de propagación en esta orquídea.ABSTRACTLaelia anceps subsp. anceps is a species of the Orchidaceae family that presents high rates of illegal extraction and trade in several states of the Mexican Republic, and also requires specific nutritional conditions due to its development and distribution characteristics. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to establish an in vitro micropropagation protocol comparing the effect of the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and potassium nitrate (KNO3). For this, sterile seeds were grown in MS medium without plant growth regulators. After germination, formation of shoots and roots in MS medium was induced in vitroplants supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg L-1 of BAP or 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg L-1 of KNO3. The results showed that the addition of BAP improved the propagation process in all the treatments analyzed, while the addition of 10 mg L-1 of KNO3 induced the best results by producing 11.4 ± 0.6 roots with the developed of sail, a structure root that favors the water absorption. These results suggest that higher concentration of KNO3 could improve the propagation results in this orchid.

Background Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is considered an important regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism. However, the role of FGF21 in macronutrient intake and metabolic disease, particularly in pediatric population, still needs further clarification. This study aimed to evaluate the association of rs11665896 in the FGF21 gene with metabolic status and macronutrient intake in a cohort of Mexican children with obesity. Methods Eighty-four lean children and 113 children with obesity, from 8 to 11 years of age, were recruited. FGF21 rs11665896 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Somatometric evaluations, nutrient intake, glucose, lipids, insulin and FGF21 serum levels were measured in the obesity group. Results The T allele of rs11665896 in the FGF21 gene was associated with obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–3.46; p = 0.0151). Subjects with obesity carrying the TT genotype consumed less lipids and more carbohydrates compared to other genotypes. Circulating FGF21 levels correlated negatively with carbohydrate intake (r = −0.232, p = 0.022) and positively with body weight (r = 0.269, p = 0.007), waist (r = 0.242, p = 0.016) and hip girth (r = 0.204, p = 0.042). FGF21 levels were lower in carriers of at least one T allele. Conclusions Genetic variants in FGF21 could influence metabolic status, food preferences and qualitative changes in nutritional behavior in children.

Nowadays, consumers, food industries, and researchers have a great interest in evaluating the total antioxidant value of foodstuffs and plasma samples. The 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging assay is one of the most common antioxidant evaluations. However, this assay shows a great variability in its methodology, e.g., the use of a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) matrix. Moreover, all prior assays did not describe a complete validation procedure. This study demonstrated that the matrix of calibration standards had a significant effect on the accuracy of antioxidant measurements, under the ABTS radical cation scavenging assay. A PBS matrix should only be used in this assay during plasma analysis due to a negative matrix effect on calibration curves. Meanwhile, a PBS-free matrix should be used during analyses of water-based beverages. Our analytical validation showed that the current assay had an inverse lineal relationship, acceptable range, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, short and long-term stability, selectivity, identity, and short time of analysis. Additionally, this study showed that a traditional Southern Mexico beverage (tejate) had antioxidant properties (inhibition of the ABTS radical cation and ability to reduce the ferric ion) due to the presence of polyphenol compounds. The biological relevance was supported by a high plasma antioxidant activity in rats after a 7-day period of tejate consumption.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Mexico ranks second in the world for obesity prevalence. In Mexico, obese and overweight subjects commonly seek alternative treatments for weight-loss, including the use of herbal products. Aim of the study The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication with herbal products for weight-loss among overweight and obese subjects residing in four states (Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, State of Mexico, and Mexico City) from central Mexico. In addition, the factors related to self-medication among patients were studied. Materials and methods A total of 1404 overweight and obese subjects were interviewed. A chi-square test examined associations between socio-demographic and socio-economic information, and self-medication with herbal products for weight-loss. Results The prevalence of self-medication was 42.9% among the participants who used herbal products for weight-loss. The female gender was the strongest factor (OR: 2.20 (1.75–2.77) associated with self-medication for weight-loss, followed by a low educational level (elementary and middle school) [OR: 1.80 (1.31–2.44)], and a middle-socioeconomic status [OR: 1.75 (1.21–2.52)]. The main herbal products used for weight-loss were based on: i) green tea, Camellia sinensis (12.7% of frequency), ii) aceitilla, Bidens odorata (6.6%), and iii) soybean, Glycine max (5.3%). In addition, 65% of the respondents considered herbal products ineffective for weight-loss after 6 months of use. Conclusion Due to the high incidence of overweight and obesity in Mexico, there is a high prevalence (42.9%) of self-medication using natural products for weight-loss, particularly in women from Central Mexico. This study indicates the important need to educate patients about the harmful effects of consuming these products.

A straightforward, concise, and building block-scalable, seven-step total synthesis of the unnatural 3-methylated regioisomer analog of the marine alkaloid kealiiquinone is described. The construction by a regioselective way of the 4-anisyl-3-methylbenzimidazolone core of this analog, as well as the homologation of the aromatic π-system through a 4π ring opening/6π ring closure sequence for the 1,4-quinoid ring construction by using the squaric acid chemistry, are the key features of this procedure. In light that only one total synthesis of this 3-methyl-iso-kealiiquinone has been described by using a Friedel−Crafts reaction as the key step, herein, we present our pericyclic-based strategy which was successfully concluded with the aforementioned alkaloid synthesis. The biological evaluation of these unnatural derivatives was carried out on MDA-MB231 human cancer cell lines of breast. The cis-platin (CDDP) was used as a positive control of activity.

Laelia anceps and Cyrtopodium macrobulbon are two orchids used in Mexican traditional medicine for treating pain.The individual antinociceptive activity of ethanol extracts from the roots of Laelia anceps (LAE) and Cyrtopodium macrobulbon (CME) was evaluated, and their metabolomic profiles were comparatively evaluated. The antinociceptive activity of CME and naproxen combination (1:1) was also addressed.The antinociceptive actions of LAE and CME were examined using three nociceptive tests. The combination of CME with naproxen was evaluated in the acetic acid test using isobologram analysis. Metabolomic analysis was performed using capillary reversed phase liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry and the MS-DIAL 4.70 software was used for data analysis and statistics.LAE (EDLAE and CME induced antinociceptive activity with the possible participation of the nitric oxide pathway. CME in combination with naproxen synergistically produces antinociceptive effects in the acetic acid test. The untargeted metabolomic analysis allowed for annotation of several compounds potentially involved in the therapeutic potential of two plants; among them, three phenanthrene derivatives might contribute to the observed antinociceptive activity.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Asclepias curassavica L. (Apocynaceae) is a perennial shrub used in the folk treatment of parasitism, pain, and inflammation. Aim of the study This work assessed the antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and sedative effects of an ethanol extract from the aerial parts of Asclepias curassavica (ACE). Materials and methods The antiparasitic activity against Trichomonas vaginalis was evaluated using the trypan blue exclusion test. The in vitro anti-inflammatory actions of ACE (1–200 μg/ml) were analyzed using LPS-stimulated primary murine macrophages. The in vivo pharmacological activity of ACE (50–200 mg/kg p.o.) was evaluated using animal models of inflammation (TPA-induced ear edema test and carrageenan-induced paw edema test) and nociception (acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin-induced licking test, and hot plate test). Results ACE showed poor antiparasitic effects against Trichomonas vaginalis (IC50 = 302 μg/ml). ACE increased the production of IL-10 in both in vitro assays (EC50 = 3.2 pg/ml) and in vivo assays (ED50 = 111 mg/kg). ACE showed good antinociceptive actions (ED50 = 158 mg/kg in phase 1 and ED50 = 83 mg/kg in phase 2) in the formalin test. Pre-treatment with naloxone blocked the antinociceptive response induced by ACE. In addition, ACE did not induce sedative effects or motor coordination deficits in mice. Conclusion Findings showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of ACE is associated with increasing levels of IL-10 in both in vitro and in vivo assays, whereas the antinociceptive effect is associated with the participation of the opioidergic system, without inducing sedation or motor coordination impairment.

Medicinal plants are an indispensable resource. However, many medicinal plants are disappearing at an accelerated rate. This chapter shows evidence on the diversity and mass extraction of medicinal plants around the world. The information emphasizes that conservation strategies must be considered for the sustainable use of medicinal plants. Biotechnological approaches, such as plant tissue culture, can be used for biodiversity conservation.

Ethnopharmacological relevance There are plant species used in the Mexican traditional medicine for the empirical treatment of anxiety and depression. Aim of the study This work assessed the prevalence of self-medication with medicinal plants and the prevalence of the concomitant use of prescribed psychiatric drugs and medicinal plants for treating symptoms associated with anxiety and depression during the Covid-19 lockdown in Mexico. Materials and methods The suspected adverse reactions associated with drug-herb interactions were assessed. The factors associated with self-medication, the concomitant use of herb-drug combinations, and the presence of adverse reactions due their combined use is also reported. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional using an online questionnaire conducted among population with symptoms associated with anxiety and depression (n = 2100) from seven states of central-western Mexico. Results The prevalence of the use of herbs (61.9%) and the concomitant use of drug-herb combinations (25.3%) were associated with being diagnosed with mental illness [OR:2.195 (1.655–2.912)] and the use of psychiatric medications [OR:307.994 (178.609–531.107)], respectively. The presence of adverse reactions (n = 104) by the concomitant use of drug-herb combinations was associated with being unemployed [p = 0.004, OR: 3.017 (1.404–6.486)]. Conclusion Health professionals should be aware if their patients concomitantly use medicinal plants and psychiatric drugs. Public health campaigns should promote the possible adverse reactions that might produce the concomitant use of drug-herb combinations for mental illnesses.

Background: Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) serum levels are associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in HIV patients. Objective: To quantify FGF21 levels in HIV patients using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to analyze a possible association between serum FGF21 levels and lipid profile, levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and atherogenic risk factors. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with HIV infection, who received ART in a scheme consisting of Tenofovir/Emtricitabine+Lopinavir/Ritonavir, were enrolled in this study. The serum levels of FGF21, inflammatory parameters (IL-6 and IL-1β), glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin were determined at baseline and after 36 weeks of treatment. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the atherogenic risk factor were also calculated. Results: After 36 weeks, serum FGF21 levels decreased significantly (p=0.011), whereas IL-6 levels (r=0.821, p=0.0001) and the CD4+ T cell count (r=0.446, p=0.048), showed a positive correlation with the decrease in FGF21 levels. There was an increase in total cholesterol (r=-0.483, p=0.031), LDL (r=-0.496, p=0.026), VLDL (r=-0.320, p=0.045), and the atherogenic index factor (r=-0.539, p=0.014), these values showed a negative correlation with FGF21 levels. Conclusions: The decrease of serum FGF21 levels due to ART is associated with the alteration in lipid profile and an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. These variations are predictors of inflammatory status in HIV patients using antiretroviral therapy.