Efficacy of Norway Spruce Ointments and Bacterial and Fungal Alterations in the Treatment of Castration Wounds in Piglets

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Norway spruce ointments on wound healing of castration wounds in piglets. This study included 95 male pigs randomly divided into five treatment groups: Norway spruce balm (Vulpuran), Norway spruce resin (Abilar), pork lard (ointment base of Vulpuran), no treatment (negative control) and antibiotic blue spray (Cyclo spray, positive control). Wound healing parameters (such as healing time, wound size, reddening of wound edges and surrounding, swelling, secretion and wound contamination), microbiological status and the haptoglobin level as an inflammation parameter were investigated. In the Norway spruce groups, some positive effects on wound healing parameters were found. In the first 6 days of treatment, Abilar or Vulpuran showed the smallest means of wound areas, and at the end of the study (day 15 + 17), the highest rates of completely closed wounds compared to the other groups. Vulpuran treatment led to significantly lower wound secretion (p = 0.003) and wound contamination (p = 0.015) than the untreated control did. Furthermore, the microbiological status was determined using MALDI-TOF-MS and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing at different days of treatment. A comparison of the five treatment groups on day 3 revealed that Norway spruce led to the lowest rate of wounds colonised with fungi, mainly classified into genus Candida, (Abilar 77%, Vulpuran 70%) in comparison with blue spray (89%), lard (100%) and untreated control (100%). Fungi could only be detected in one of the 13 samples treated with Vulpuran on day 8, which nearly reached significance (p = 0.055).

Thymol in fattening rabbit diet, its bioavailability and effects on intestinal morphology, microbiota from caecal content and immunity

To our knowledge, no study has been carried out to evaluate the effects of thymol sustained administration on gut health and immune response in terms of its bioavailability in the rabbit organism. A total of 48 rabbits were randomly divided at 35 days of age into two dietary treatment groups (C/control or T/thymol at 0.025% addition). Thymol was added for 21 days and then withdrawn for 7 days. Thymol content in faeces (p < 0.001) and caecal content (p < 0.05) was significantly higher than in plasma during the thymol addition and withdrawal (2442 ± 451.4, 881.9 ± 231.3 ng/g DM and 46.2 ± 28.4 ng/ml, respectively; 149.5 ± 40.54, 45.76 ± 12.44 ng/g DM and 2.73 ± 0.45 ng/ml, respectively). Increasing of villi height to crypt depth ratio in small intestinal wall (p < 0.01), phagocytic activity in blood (p < 0.0001) and lactic acid bacteria in caecal appendix (p < 0.01) and faeces (p < 0.05) was still presented after withdrawn of thymol. The thymol at this concentration demonstrated its biological properties and was able to positively affect gut health and immune response of rabbits.

Antiviral Medicinal Plants of Veterinary Importance: A Literature Review

Viruses have a high mutation rate, and, thus, there is a continual emergence of new antiviral-resistant strains. Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore and develop new antiviral compounds continually. The search for pharmacological substances of plant origin that are effective against animal viruses, which have a high mortality rate or cause large economic losses, has garnered interest in the last few decades. This systematic review compiles 130 plant species that exhibit antiviral activity on 37 different virus species causing serious diseases in animals. The kind of extract, fraction, or compound exhibiting the antiviral activity and the design of the trial were particularly considered for review. The literature revealed details regarding plant species exhibiting antiviral activities against pathogenic animal virus species of the following families-Herpesviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae, Poxviridae, Nimaviridae, Coronaviridae, Reoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae-that cause infections, among others, in poultry, cattle, pigs, horses, shrimps, and fish. Overall, 30 plant species exhibited activity against various influenza viruses, most of them causing avian influenza. Furthermore, 30 plant species were noted to be active against Newcastle disease virus. In addition, regarding the pathogens most frequently investigated, this review provides a compilation of 20 plant species active against bovine herpesvirus, 16 against fowlpox virus, 12 against white spot syndrome virus in marine shrimps, and 10 against suide herpesvirus. Nevertheless, some plant extracts, particularly their compounds, are promising candidates for the development of new antiviral remedies, which are urgently required.

Pharmacokinetics of harpagoside in horses after intragastric administration of a Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) extract

Devil's claw is used for the treatment of inflammatory symptoms and degenerative disorders in horses since many years, but without the substantive pharmacokinetic data. The pharmacokinetic parameters of harpagoside, the main active constituent of Harpagophytum procumbens DC ex Meisn., were evaluated in equine plasma after administration of Harpagophytum extract FB 8858 in an open, single‐dose, two‐treatment, two‐period, randomized cross‐over design. Six horses received a single dose of Harpagophytum extract, corresponding to 5 mg/kg BM harpagoside, and after 7 days washout period, 10 mg/kg BM harpagoside via nasogastric tube. Plasma samples at certain time points (before and 0–24 hr after administration) were collected, cleaned up by solid‐phase extraction, and harpagoside concentrations were determined by LC‐MS/MS using apigenin‐7‐glucoside as internal standard. Plasma concentration‐time data and relevant parameters were described by noncompartmental model through PKSolver software. Harpagoside could be detected up to 9 hr after administration. C_max was found at 25.59 and 55.46 ng/ml, t_1/2 at 2.53 and 2.32 hr, respectively, and t_max at 1 hr in both trials. AUC_0–inf was 70.46 and 117.85 ng hr ml⁻¹, respectively. A proportional relationship between dose, C_max and AUC was observed. Distribution (V_z/F) was 259.04 and 283.83 L/kg and clearance (CL/F) 70.96 and 84.86 L hr⁻¹ kg⁻¹, respectively. Treatment of horses with Harpagophytum extract did not cause any clinically detectable side effects.

In vitro inhibitory effects of plant-derived by-products against Cryptosporidium parvum

Disposal of organic plant wastes and by-products from the food or pharmaceutical industries usually involves high costs. In the present study, 42 samples derived from such by-products were screened in vitro against Cryptosporidium parvum, a protozoan parasite that may contaminate drinking water and cause diarrhoea. The novel bioassay was previously established in the microtitre plate format. Human ileocaecal adenocarcinoma (HCT-8) cell cultures were seeded with C. parvum oocysts and parasite development was monitored by an indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) and microscopic assessment for clusters of secondary infection (CSI). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and potential detrimental effects on the host cells were determined. An ethanolic extract from olive (Olea europaea) pomace, after oil pressing and phenol recovery, reproducibly inhibited C. parvum development (MIC = 250-500 μg mL(-1), IC50 = 361 (279-438) μg mL(-1), IC90 = 467 (398-615) μg mL(-1)). Accordingly, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, trans-coniferyl alcohol and oleuropein were selected as reference test compounds, but their contributions to the observed activity of the olive pomace extract were insignificant. The established test system proved to be a fast and efficient assay for identifying anti-cryptosporidial activities in biological waste material and comparison with selected reference compounds.

Root colonization by symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increases sesquiterpenic acid concentrations in Valeriana officinalis L

In some medicinal plants a specific plant-fungus association, known as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, increases the levels of secondary plant metabolites and/or plant growth. In this study, the effects of three different AM treatments on biomass and sesquiterpenic acid concentrations in two IN VITRO propagated genotypes of valerian ( VALERIANA OFFICINALIS L., Valerianaceae) were investigated. Valerenic, acetoxyvalerenic and hydroxyvalerenic acid levels were analyzed in the rhizome and in two root fractions. Two of the AM treatments significantly increased the levels of sesquiterpenic acids in the underground parts of valerian. These treatments, however, influenced the biomass of rhizomes and roots negatively. Therefore this observed increase was not accompanied by an increase in yield of sesquiterpenic acids per plant. Furthermore, one of the two genotypes had remarkably high hydroxyvalerenic acid contents and can be regarded as a hydroxyvalerenic acid chemotype.

Diencephalic serotonin transporter availability predicts both transporter occupancy and treatment response to sertraline in obsessive-compulsive checkers

BACKGROUND

To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the predictive value of central serotonin transporter (SERT) availability for treatment response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study used brain imaging to examine the relationship between pretreatment SERT availability and transporter occupancy as well as treatment response by sertraline in patients displaying prominent behavioral checking compulsions (OC checkers).

METHODS

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to measure thalamic-hypothalamic SERT availability with [(123)I]-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl)-tropane in 28 nondepressed OC checkers at baseline and after 14 weeks of treatment with sertraline (175 mg daily). SERT availability was correlated with OC severity and treatment response as assessed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Associations between individual transporter occupancies and clinical parameters were investigated.

RESULTS

1) Correlation analyses between thalamic-hypothalamic SERT availability and OC severity showed significant negative associations at baseline and after treatment with sertraline. 2) Pretreatment SERT availability correlated significantly with both transporter occupancy and treatment response; in addition, a positive association was found between transporter occupancy and treatment response directly. 3) Using multivariate statistical models, the data demonstrated that higher pretreatment SERT availability significantly predicted higher occupancy rates as well as better treatment response 14 weeks later.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher pretreatment thalamic-hypothalamic SERT availability may predict both higher occupancy rates and better treatment response to sertraline. The data suggest a strong connection between transporter occupancy and treatment response.

Traceability of Secondary Metabolites in Eucalyptus and Fagus Wood derived Pulp and Fiber

Industrial pulp and fiber of Eucalyptus and Fagus were investigated for possible identification of secondary metabolites, using chloroform, ethanol and methanol/HCl extracts. The total phenolics test was positive with all the samples and some phenolic compounds like vanillin, vanillic acid and syringic acid were identified by HPLC analysis in the ethanol and methanol-HCl extracts. The extracts had also DPPH radical scavenging activity. Fatty acids like palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid, cholestane and its derivatives were found in the different extracts by GC/MS analysis. Squalene was also identified and quantified by GC/FID in the dichloromethane extracts. The results showed that the industrial pulp and fibers still contain some secondary plant products comparable to those of the original woods, which confirm the ‘botanical origin’ of the fibers and enables the natural fibers to possess some biological properties, like DPPH antioxidant activity.

[123I]-beta-CIT SPECT imaging shows reduced thalamus-hypothalamus serotonin transporter availability in 24 drug-free obsessive-compulsive checkers

Numerous findings indicate alterations in brain serotonin systems in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We investigated the in vivo availability of thalamus-hypothalamus serotonin transporters (SERT) in patients with DSM-IV OCD who displayed prominent behavioral checking compulsions (OC-checkers). Four hours after injection of [(123)I]-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane ([(123)I]-beta-CIT), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans were performed in 24 medication-free non-depressed OC-checkers and 24 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. For quantification of brain serotonin transporter availability, a ratio of specific to non-displaceable [(123)I]-beta-CIT brain binding was used (V''(3)=(thalamus and hypothalamus-cerebellum)/cerebellum). Drug-free non-depressed OC-checkers showed an 18% reduced brain serotonin transporter availability in the thalamus and hypothalamus, as compared with healthy control subjects (1.38+/-0.19 vs 1.69+/-0.21; p<0.001). There was a strong negative correlation between severity of OC symptomatology (Y-BOCS scores) and SERT availability (r=-0.80; p<0.001). Moreover, we found a significant positive correlation between illness duration and serotonin transporter availability (r=0.43; p<0.05). This first report of significantly reduced [(123)I]-beta-CIT binding in the thalamus-hypothalamus region in OC-checkers suggests reduced brain serotonin transporter availability, which is more pronounced with increased severity of OC symptomatology and short duration of illness. The results provide direct evidence for an involvement of the serotonergic system in the pathophysiology of OCD.

Arbuscular mycorrhiza alter the concentration of essential oils in oregano (Origanum sp., Lamiaceae)

The effect of root colonization by Glomus mosseae on the qualitative and quantitative pattern of essential oils (EO) was determined in three oregano genotypes (Origanum sp.). To exclude a simple P-mediated effect through mycorrhization the effect of P application to plants on the EO accumulation was also tested. In two genotypes the leaf biomass was increased through mycorrhization. Root colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) did not have any significant effect on the EO composition in oregano; however, in two genotypes the EO concentration significantly increased. As EO levels in P-treated plants were not enhanced, we conclude that the EO increase observed in mycorrhizal oregano plants is not due to an improved P status in mycorrhizal plants, but depends directly on the AMF-oregano plant association.

Anti-inflammatory activity of two diterpenes of Hyptis suaveolens from El Salvador

Separation and isolation of the two main compounds suaveolol and methyl suaveolate from leaves of chichinguaste (Hyptis suaveolens Poit., Lamiaceae) could be achieved by means of repeated column chromatography and repeated preparative thin layer chromatography. Their chemical structures were approved by MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D-NMR experiments. The anti-inflammatory activity of the two compounds was tested for the first time as inhibition of croton oil-induced dermatitis of the mouse ear. Suaveolol and methyl suaveolate showed nearly the same dose-dependent topical anti-inflammatory activity, only two to three times lower than that of the reference drug indomethacin. The anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds could contribute to the antiphlogistic activity of extracts of Hyptis species and confirm the rational use of Hyptis suaveolens extracts in dermatological diseases.

Testing of the palatability of Thymus vulgaris L. and Origanum vulgare L. as flavouring feed additive for weaner pigs on the basis of a choice experiment

The objective of the study at hand was to investigate within the framework of a pilot project the preference of weaner pigs for either an ad libitum standard feed with thyme or oregano herb as flavouring additive or an ad libitum standard feed without any herbal additive. Thyme or oregano herbs or a combination of both were offered in two different concentrations each (1% and 0.1%) as additive (experimental diets) in standard diet in comparison to the latter without herbal additive (control diet) free of choice. The dosage of the two herbs in terms of total essential oil(s) in the feeds used in the study was 0.02% or 0.002% (v/w), which was equivalent to 1% or 0.1% herbs in the mixture, respectively. A Latin square according to Williams (1949) was used with 6 groups in order to record possible differences in feed intake. All experimental diets aside from that mixed with 0.1% thyme herb were, in comparison to the control diet, significantly less ingested. Where the weanling was given the choice, it did not choose feed with any flavouring additive. Further studies aimed at assessing the use of herbs as aroma additive in the form of a choice experiment are recommended.

The use of Thymi Herba as feed additive (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%) in weanling piglets with assessment of the shedding of haemolysing E. coli and the detection of thymol in the blood plasma

Thymi Herba (Thymus vulgaris, rubbed) was given as feed additive to weanling piglets. 3 concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%) were tested against a control group. Rectal swabs were collected weekly and were sent in for bacterial testing. The shedding of haemolysing E. coli was evaluated. There was no significant difference in the shedding of haemolysing E. coli between the 4 groups. Neither was there a difference in the distribution of the various serotypes. Thymol was detected in the blood plasma in all thyme groups. The increase in thymol level with greater amounts of thyme herb was significant. Three days after withdrawal of the feed additive no thymol levels were detected. The study results did not reveal any effects on haemolysing E. coli in the gut.

Effects of Thymus vulgaris L. as feed additive in piglets and against haemolytic E. coli in vitro

The aim of the study was to test Thymi herba (1.66% v/w essential oil with 39% p-cymene and 32% thymol) in the rearing period of piglets as feed additive. Therefore, two feeding trials were performed with piglet groups ranging from 17 to 22 animals each. Either 10 g of Thymi herba/kg feed (Thymi herba group), 10 mg flavophospholipol/kg feed (flavophospholipol group) or nothing (control group) was added to the animals' feed. No significant differences in the performance parameter daily weight gain among any groups were recorded. No differences concerning feed efficiency or isolation of haemolytic E. coli serotypes were shown. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Thymi herba against 39 haemolytic E. coli isolates from the same weaners was investigated in vitro by disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration testing. In contrast to the feeding results, the essential oil of the thyme batch fed showed antibacterial activity against all haemolytic E. coli investigated. This interesting antibacterial potential of Thymi herba prompts further investigations as to its value as feed additive.

[Phytomedicine in dogs and cats: web-based survey among veterinarians in Austria, Germany and Switzerland]

In the last decades phytopharmaceuticals have stabilized their significance in human medicine. The aim of this study was to obtain information about the present situation of phytomedicine in three German-speaking countries. For that purpose questionnaires were sent via internet to 2675 veterinarians in Austria, Germany and Switzerland and the collected 189 answers were statistically evaluated. As shown in this paper, there is an increasing interest in veterinary phytotherapy. Presently three-quarters of the veterinarians are using phytoproducts in clinical practice. Herbal medicinal products are only seldom used in eye and ear infections as well as in endo- and ectoparasitoses but more often in diseases of the liver, joints, kidneys, heart and skin. Generally, phytodrugs are more frequently applied in chronic diseases as well as secondary medication, whereas the time of treatment usually exceeds one month. Basic advantages of medicinal phytoproducts have been shown to be the low side effects and the acceptance of the pet-owners and the only disadventage has been reported to be the lack of information. This study clearly shows the upward trend in using herbal drugs by veterinarians but the results also point to the lack of scientific knowledge about phytotherapeuticals in animal health.

The effect of two different blends of essential oil components on the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens in the intestines of broiler chickens

The effect of 2 different blends of essential oils on Clostridium perfringens (Cp) in the intestine and feces of broiler chickens was tested in 6 field trials for each blend. One hundred parts per million of the blends were mixed in a commercial corn-based diet throughout the entire growing period for experimental flocks. Samples from the jejunum, cecum, cloaca, and feces were taken on d 14, 21, and 30 from experimental and control flocks and tested quantitatively for Cp via blood agar plate, litmus milk medium, and ELISA. Blend A reduced (P < or = 0.05) the average Cp concentration in the feces on all sampling days, in the jejunum and cecum on d 14 and 21, and in the cloaca on d 14. Blend B effected a significant reduction of Cp concentration in the jejunum on d 14 and 30 and in the cloaca on d 14. The percentages of specimens from the control group that tested positive for Cp were 83.3% for feces, 88.0% for jejunum and cloaca, and 82.6% for cecum. Specimens from the feces and 3 sections of the intestine were Cp positive in groups treated with blend A (60.8, 64.6, 47.9, and 70.8%) and with blend B (65.9, 63.6, 63.6, and 72.7%). Our results indicate that specific blends of essential oil components can control Cp colonization and proliferation in the gut of broilers and therefore may be of help to prevent problems with Cp and necrotic enteritis.

Untersuchungen zur Wirkung von Galakturoniden als Futtermittelzusatz im Vergleich zum Leistungsförderer Flavophospholipol und einer Kontrollgruppe bei Absetzferkeln

Gegenstand und Fragestellung: Untersuchungen zur Wirkung von Galakturoniden als Futtermittelzusatz im Vergleich zum Leistungsförderer Flavophospholipol und einer Kontrollgruppe bei Absetzferkeln. Material und Methoden: In einer Fütterungsstudie wurden Galakturonide als Futterzusatz im Vergleich zu Flavophospholipol in der Ferkelaufzucht getestet (Galakturonide: 10 g bzw. 5 g/kg Futter, Flavophospholipol: 10 mg/kg Futter). Die Ferkel erhielten drei Tage vor bis 27 Tage nach dem Absetzen die verschiedenen Futterzusätze oder keinerlei Futterzusatz. Den Futterrationen der Gruppe 1 (n = 42) wurden Galakturonide, der Gruppe 3 (n = 42) Flavophospholipol und der Gruppe 2 (n = 40) kein derartiger Futterzusatz beigefügt. Von allen Ferkeln wurden rektale Kottupferproben in drei- bis siebentägigen Intervallen genommen und einer mikrobiologischen Untersuchung unterzogen. Ergebnisse: Bezüglich bakteriologischer Untersuchungsergebnisse (Inzidenz von hämolysierenden pathogenen E. coli, Serotypen, Antibiogramme), der Lebendmassezunahme und des Futteraufwandes ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den verschiedenen Gruppen. Ein- bis mehrfach resistente hämolysierende E. coli wurden von Absetzferkeln aller Gruppen ausgeschieden. Schlussfolgerung: Die weitere Untersuchung von aus Pflanzen gewonnenen Futterzusätzen ist sinnvoll.

Quantitative determination of the faradiol esters in marigold flowers and extracts

An HPLC method is introduced for the precise quantitative determination of the anti-inflammatory active faradiol esters from marigold flowers and extracts. After a prepurification the HPLC analysis allows the proof of the quality of marigold flowers or C02-extracts used for pharmaceutical preparations.

Study of the effect of Bronchipret on the lung function of five Austrian saddle horses suffering recurrent airway obstruction (heaves)

The effects of an oral preparation containing an extract of thyme and primula (Bronchipret; Bionorica) on the lung function of five horses suffering heaves were determined in a longitudinal study. The horses accepted the product well. The plasma concentrations of the marker substance, thymol, indicated that at least one of the substances in the extract had been absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The compliance, pulmonary pressure and airway resistance of the horses' lungs were all significantly improved after one month of treatment However, the severity of their clinical signs and their arterial oxygen partial pressure had not improved significantly.

Morphogenetic variability of faradiol monoesters in marigold Calendula officinalis L

The main compounds of lipophilic extracts of flower heads of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) are triterpendiol esters, mainly faradiol laurate, faradiol myristate and faradiol palmitate. These faradiol-3-O-monoesters have been quantified for the first time by means of reversed phase HPLC with internal standardisation in different parts of C. officinalis plants, namely ray florets, disk florests, involucral bracts, receptacles, levaes and seeds. The amounts of the esters were highest in ray florets, approximately 10 times lower in disk florets than in the ray florets, and approximately 10 times lower in involucral bracts than in the disk florets. In the leaves only traces of the esters could be detected, and in the receptacles no esters could be detected at all. Quantification in the seed was not possible using this method because of interfering fatty compounds. Concerning the faradiol esters, the dried ray and disk florets only should be preferred as primary products for remedies as demanded in the recently published supplement of the Pharmacopoiea Europaea (1999). Breeding work should focus on varieties with a greater number of ray florets in order to improve the quality of herbal medicinal products derived from marigoid.

Memory deficits in patients with DSM-IV obsessive-compulsive disorder

Neuropsychological testing provides increasing evidence that certain memory deficits might play an essential role in the emergence of doubts and, as a result, in perpetuating checkers' rituals. Another account of doubting implicates meta-cognitive factors, such as confidence in memory. The present study examined mnestic functioning and self-perception of memory ability in a group of 27 nondepressed patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and 27 normal controls. All patients met DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria for OCD, displayed prominent behavioral checking rituals and had to show a score on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) of at least 16. Significant deficits in intermediate (Lern- und Gedächtnistest; LGT-3) and immediate (Corsi Block-Tapping Test) nonverbal memory were identified in the patients with OCD compared to normal controls. Contrary to predictions, OCD patients also showed a significant deficit in general memory and verbal memory (LGT-3). With respect to meta-cognition, OCD patients reported less confidence in their memories than controls. These findings suggest that obsessional doubt reflects a deficit in memory as well as a deficit in memory confidence. Depending on which dysfunction predominates, different therapeutic procedures seem to be required.

Determination of the presence of antioxidants deriving from sage and oregano extracts added to animal fat by means of assessment of the radical scavenging capacity by photochemiluminescence analysis

Herbs and their extracts with antioxidant capacity could be used directly as stabilisers of fat and indirectly as feed additives, in order to improve quality and shelf-life of meat and fat-containing food. In this work a sensitive analytical method is proposed for determination of the antioxidant activity measured by photochemiluminescence (PCL) in lard stabilised with extracts of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) or oreganum (Origanum vulgare L.). A prior step of purification of fat samples is required, in order to separate and concentrate the phenolics from lipidic substances. The method was validated by determination of recovery rate and repeatability. In addition fat samples originating from pigs fed with feed additives of Salviae folium or Origani herba were analysed to investigate the supposed antioxidative effects, that could increase the shelf-life of meat products. In contrast with lard mixed with extracts of sage or oregano, back fat samples originating from pigs fed with feed additives of the same herbs didn't show a higher antioxidant activity than the control group. On the one hand it seems possible to keep perishable fat-containing food longer by an addition of an extract of sage or oregano due to their antioxidative properties, on the other hand administration of feed additives of dried herbs to pigs had no effect on quality and shelf-life of fat obtained from these animals.

Naturalistic course of obsessive compulsive disorder and comorbid depression. Longitudinal results of a prospective follow-up study of 74 actively treated patients

Seventy-four patients who met DSM-III-R criteria for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) were studied in a prospective follow-up study in order to investigate course and prognosis of OCD with or without comorbid depressive symptomatology. Subjects were examined three times: at admission (baseline), 6 months later (follow-up 1) and 12 months after follow-up 1 (follow-up 2). At admission, 51 (72.9%) OCD patients were assessed as depressive by the Hamilton Depression Scale score. Between admission and follow-up 1, all patients received behavior therapy and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, between follow-up 1 and follow-up 2 they received different kinds of treatment in order to maximize therapeutic effects. A 25% Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score reduction from admission to follow-up 2 and in addition, a total Y-BOCS score of below 16 at follow-up 2 was defined as 'good prognosis course'. The results obtained showed that OCD patients who followed a good prognosis course, showed no significant depressive symptomatology at follow-up 2 (p = 0.001). These results imply that patients with a diagnosis of OCD may present depression at admission and/or follow-up 1; however, if OC symptomatology decreases longitudinally, depressive symptoms disappear too. We may assume that OCD is dominant over depression, and it seems that a comorbid depression does not have any major influence on the prognosis of OCD.

Efficacy of fluoxetine in Austrian patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

In an 8-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial we studied the efficacy of fluoxetine (FLX) in 53 Austrian patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) diagnosed according to DSM-III-R. The dosage of FLX was fixed at either 20, 40, or 60 mg per day. Response was prospectively defined as an at least 25% reduction on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and an improvement on Clinical Global Impression (CGI) rating to at least "much improved" at the endpoint. Patients treated with at least 40 mg FLX per day showed significantly higher response rates than did those receiving either placebo or FLX 20 mg/day. Compulsions were more reduced than obsessions and we also observed a strong placebo effect which is largely attributable to an improvement in the Y-BOCS compulsion subscore.

Anti-oedematous activities of the main triterpendiol esters of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)

Separation and isolation of the genuine faradiol esters (1, 2) from flower heads of Marigold (Calendula (officinalis L., Asteraceae) could be achieved by means of repeated column chromatography (CC) and HPLC for the first time. Structure elucidation of faradiol-3-myristic acid ester 1, faradiol-3-palmitic acid ester 2 and psi-taraxasterol 3 has been also performed, without any previous degradation by means of MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and 2D-NMR experiments. The anti-oedematous activities of these three compounds were tested by means of inhibition of Croton oil-induced oedema of the mouse ear. Both faradiol esters showed nearly the same dose dependent anti-oedematous activity and no significant synergism appeared with their mixture. The free monol, psi-taraxasterol, had a slightly lower effect. Furthermore, faradiol was more active than its esters and than psi-taraxasterol and showed the same effect as an equimolar dose of indomethacin.

Obsessive compulsive disorder and depression--first results of a prospective study on 74 patients

1. Seventy-four patients who met DSM-III-R criteria for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder received a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and cognitive behavior therapy for 6 months (baseline to follow-up I). 2. In order to maximize therapeutic effects, different kinds of treatment were applied between follow-up I and follow-up II (12 months). 3. Patients were followed-up twice with respect to long-term outcome of obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Forty % of the sample showed marked improvement at follow-up. No specific variant of treatment could be identified to be significantly more effective. 4. Cross-sectional investigations showed significant correlations between extent of depressive and obsessive compulsive symptomatology (admission, follow-up I and II).